Democratic National Convention, Denver 2008
by David Barth, written August 30, 2008
Preface
I was honored when I was selected to fill a support role for CBS, the great media conglomerate,
at the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colorado, USA. The previous DNC held in Denver was in 1908,
a century ago.
The photos were made with an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera, without using flash or a tripod.
I elected not to use flash in order to prevent the subjects from being distracted or
temporarily blinded by it. Most of the photos taken inside the Pepsi Center are blurry. Questions, comments,
and corrections may be directed to me at dvbarth@aol.com.
I dedicate this web page to all of you who were part of this effort. This was a memorable
experience for me.
Dave Barth
Denver
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Standing at the right is Harry Smith, the most important morning on-air personality at CBS.
This is former President Jimmy Carter on the CNN platform, in a jocular mood.
The three men standing near the CNN platform are Secret Service agents protecting the area around former
President Jimmy Carter. At this time of the morning, there was little going on in the Pepsi Center, and crowd
control was not an issue. Security to enter the Pepsi Center was very tightly controlled.
These are Three Secret Service agents comparing notes and ready for assignment following the departure of
Jimmy Carter from the floor of the Pepsi Center. The other people in the Center were either workers or
other security people.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for
Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Standing at the right is Harry Smith, the most important morning on-air personality at CBS.
This is former President Jimmy Carter on the CNN platform, in a jocular mood.
The three men standing near the CNN platform are Secret Service agents protecting the area around former
President Jimmy Carter. At this time of the morning, there was little going on in the Pepsi Center, and crowd
control was not an issue. Security to enter the Pepsi Center was very tightly controlled.
These are Three Secret Service agents comparing notes and ready for assignment following the departure of
Jimmy Carter from the floor of the Pepsi Center. The other people in the Center were either workers or
other security people.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for
Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Taken inside the Pepsi Center in the morning, before the delegates arrived.
Standing at the right is Harry Smith, the most important morning on-air personality at CBS.
This is former President Jimmy Carter on the CNN platform, in a jocular mood.
The three men standing near the CNN platform are Secret Service agents protecting the area around former
President Jimmy Carter. At this time of the morning, there was little going on in the Pepsi Center, and crowd
control was not an issue. Security to enter the Pepsi Center was very tightly controlled.
These are Three Secret Service agents comparing notes and ready for assignment following the departure of
Jimmy Carter from the floor of the Pepsi Center. The other people in the Center were either workers or
other security people.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for
Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Standing at the right is Harry Smith, the most important morning on-air personality at CBS.
This is former President Jimmy Carter on the CNN platform, in a jocular mood.
The three men standing near the CNN platform are Secret Service agents protecting the area around former
President Jimmy Carter. At this time of the morning, there was little going on in the Pepsi Center, and crowd
control was not an issue. Security to enter the Pepsi Center was very tightly controlled.
These are Three Secret Service agents comparing notes and ready for assignment following the departure of
Jimmy Carter from the floor of the Pepsi Center. The other people in the Center were either workers or
other security people.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for
Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
The three men standing near the CNN platform are Secret Service agents protecting the area around former President Jimmy Carter. At this time of the morning, there was little going on in the Pepsi Center, and crowd control was not an issue. Security to enter the Pepsi Center was very tightly controlled.
These are Three Secret Service agents comparing notes and ready for assignment following the departure of
Jimmy Carter from the floor of the Pepsi Center. The other people in the Center were either workers or
other security people.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for
Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
A TV crew had a group of people hold the sign and clap and yell. The video may have been used as a promo for Wolf Blitzer.
Chelsea Clinton arrived at the Pepsi Center for a sound check. Here she speaks a few words to check the volume.
The two men at the right are Secret Service agents.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
During her short sound check, Chelsea was joined by her mother, Hillary Clinton.
This shows some of the CBS crew at the platform on the floor of the Pepsi Center. Only CBS and CNN
had their own platforms on the floor, and the CBS platform was in the best position, closer to the front
of the speaker's podium. CBS provided pool services for CBS affiliates and other media companies.
The man to the right of the man in the yellow shirt is Stan and the lady to the right of him is Lindsley, Katie
Couric's assistant. Stan is a very congenial person. He sets up the nearly invisible headsets for on-air personnel,
does sound checks, and monitors headset performance. Prior to Katie's arrival, Lindsley ensures that the platform is
ready for her.
The two high-definition TV cameras at the right are aimed at the two chairs. The chair on the right is for the
on-air personality such as Katie Couric, Harry Smith, Bob Scheffer, and others. If Katie is interviewing
someone, that person will sit in the left chair. However, Katie did several interviews sitting off-platform in
folding chairs on the floor of the Center in a very unassuming manner, reducing the stress for an interviewee
and allowing him or her to relax.
From my perspective of having been present during several of her interviews, I believe Katie is the best
interviewer on TV. She is also the most attractive on-air personality.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick
Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment
of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates
were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a
white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can
print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government
(2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
Kaplan is the recipient of scores of awards, including the following:
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
CBS Executive Producer at DNC, Rick Kaplan, is in the center of the picture. This was taken during an adjustment of the seating positions around the outside of the platform due to extreme crowding on the floor when delegates were present. Jen, Rick's assistant, is sitting on a sandbag atop a metal shipping box to the right of Rick, wearing a white jacket. Jen's laptop is on an orange shipping box on the chair. A printer is beneath the chair so that Jen can print scripts, take them from the printer, and hand them to Rick.
Synopsis of Kaplan's career:
- Currently, executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric
- President of MSNBC (2004-06)
- Senior vice president for ABC News (2003-04)
- Teaching fellow at the Shorenstein Center of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (2001-03)
- Adjunct fellow at the Shorenstein Center (2003-present)
- Adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Illinois (1998-present)
- President of CNN-US (1997-2000)
- Executive Producer at ABC News during an 18-year career (1979-97)
- Executive producer of "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings" (1994-96)
- Creator and executive producer of "Primetime Live" (1989-94)
- Executive producer of "World News This Morning" and "Good Morning America" news
- Senior producer of "World News Tonight" (1979-84)
- Associate producer of the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite (1974-79)
- Associate producer of the CBS Morning News (1971-74)
- Producer at WBBM-TV, the CBS-owned station in Chicago (1969-71)
- 34 Emmy Awards
- four Overseas Press Club Awards
- three George Foster Peabody Awards
- two George Polk Awards
- four Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Awards
- two Gold Batons
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Changing the area around the platform.
Changing the area around the platform.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box
and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Jen gives her approval to the CBS crew of the adjustments they have made which include a sand bag on the metal box and her laptop on top of an orange shipping box on the chair. Her printer is beneath the chair.
This is a shot of the Pepsi Center taken at dusk from the Auraria Parkway which runs on the south side of the Pepsi
Center. It is deserted because it was closed to vehicle traffic during the convention as a security measure. The large,
white tent is for media personnel.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center,
perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
This is downtown Denver at night. The traffic is on Speer Blvd. which runs on the east side of the Pepsi Center, perpendicular to the Auraria Parkway. It was closed during the daytime for security reasons.
This is a night view just outside of the secure (red) zone around the Pepsi Center. The zone was about a mile in
diameter. Security was very tight and there were zones of progressively higher security within the red
zone. In this mix of people there are probably demonstrators, onlookers, and undercover security people.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th.
Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Larimer Square is a block-long street of shops and eating places on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th. Because it is relatively close to the Pepsi Center, it was a very popular area during the Convention.
This photo appears to be of a working dog. My imagination leads me to believe it may be a bomb-sniffing dog.
This is for Rachel, a CBS Intern, who loves animals.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to
appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
The Colorado Convention Center is at the south side of downtown Denver. An artist designed a large, blue bear to appear to be peaking in the high windows. The bear's nose and paws do not actually touch the glass.
This is a cart in front of the Colorado Convention Center that was for selling Hillary pens.
I didn't buy one, but wish I had.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera
as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have
heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask
people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very
quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
I only got two photos of Katie, and both are very blurry. I guess I got so excited to see her that I bounced the camera as I pushed the button. In person, she is extremely attractive. She is also very nice to everyone, although I have heard that she will let a person know when they have messed up. On two different occasions, I did hear her ask people near her to please be quiet because she was giving an interview. After she said it, those persons got very quiet. In fact, it got very quiet in the whole area around her. Katie gets a lot of well-deserved respect.
Katie has a world-class make-up artist, but I don't believe that person has to use much of her make-up talent
with Katie because Katie is a natural beauty.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment
for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check in which she sang several songs, beginning to end. It was great entertainment for those of us working the floor of the Convention Center before it was opened to delegates.
Melissa Etheridge doing a sound check.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this
"Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
There were several people dressed in costumes on the Convention floor. I have no idea what the meaning was for this "Devil and Angel" couple, but I liked their costumes and makeup.
Security at the DNC was extreme. It was a place in which I felt very safe. Not only were there heavily armed
police walking around, like this officer, but Secret Service agents drove around in golf carts. When demonstrators
pushed toward the entrance gate just outside of the main entrance to the Pepsi Center at 9th and Auraria Parkway,
the Convention Center access was closed until the demonstrators could be removed. After that, the red (security)
zone was expanded outward.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward
Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi
Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks.
In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night
to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the
Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
The CBS compound in the Pepsi Center parking lot is to the left of the black SUV. The photo looks west toward Invesco Field at Mile High where Obama made his acceptance speech on Thursday, August 28. The split venue, Pepsi Center on August 25, 26, and 27, followed by Invesco Field on the 28th, was a challenge for the networks. In the Pepsi Center parking lot we had 28 trailers. For Invesco, our CBS technicians and CBS Interns worked all night to load equipment into trucks and recreational vehicles to position them at Invesco. For the week before the Convention and during the Convention, most CBS people suffered from sleep deprevation.
This is the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The Center is to the right, outside the photo.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies,
including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone,
near the Gates Company, in Lower
Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's
Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Space in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center, inside the red zone, was limited to only the top TV media companies, including CBS. For example, MSNBC had to reserve a parking lot a quarter of a mile away, outside the red zone, near the Gates Company, in Lower Downtown (LODO). Just inside the entrance to the Pepsi Center, CNN rented the building where Brooklyn's Bar resided and called it the CNN Grill.
The Pepsi Center.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
The Pepsi Center.
This is looking past a couple of CNN satellite communication trucks toward the CBS tower where interviews were held
by CBS, its affiliates, and other media companies. The CBS tower provided an unobstructed view of the Pepsi
Center. Beyond the CBS compound is Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park which was shut down the week of the Convention
for security reasons. The black tower in the background in the left of the photo is in Six Flags.
When in operation, seats are lifted to the top of the tower and then dropped, resulting in much screaming from
the participants. The black line in the center of the photo is of a tall parking lot light pole.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Another view of the CBS tower with a CBS satellite truck parked to the left.
An early morning cup of coffee is sipped by this CBS technician to try to thwart the effects of sleep
deprevation. The hours these guys spent keeping everything running was brutal, but they did a great
job and treated me very well.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS
television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower
where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the
end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long
FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were
quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard
work and long hours spent moving all
sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and
from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what
had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the
younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course,
CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late
teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other
complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend.
He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up.
All of the Interns reported to him.
He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched
in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
I like this photo because it pretty much sizes up the CBS compound. In the background to the right is the CBS television tower, to the left of that is one of the CBS satellite trucks, and to the left is the CBS Radio tower where radio interviews were given. A few of the 28 trailers are seen in this photo, with the Coke cooler at the end of the trailer on the right.
At the middle left is a gray, component shipping box in which electronic devices were shipped in 53 foot long FedEx Custom Critical trucks that rolled from CBS in New York City to Denver in two days. The FedEx trucks were quickly unloaded by the CBS Interns, four of whom can be seen in this picture. They are very tired from the hard work and long hours spent moving all sorts of equipment and furniture to get the physical infrastructure in place. They also drove executives to and from the Convention Center and other places in the golf carts. I admire these young people because they did what had to be done, and they did it immediately and without complaint. Sometimes we older folks tend to think that the younger generation consists of a bunch of slackers, but these guys renewed my faith. Slackers not. Of course, CBS only hires the best people, and these Interns qualified as the best. The girls and boys, mostly in their late teens and early twenties, worked side by side, lifting and carrying all sorts of equipment, and helping each other complete tasks. They were an effective team.
Last, but of great importance to the CBS mission, is the black gentleman, Larry, whom I consider a good friend. He is a graduate of LSU and a former Marine. His job was logistics for unloading trucks and setting up. All of the Interns reported to him. He made things happen, but he did it in a quiet, firm way. In many cases, Larry pitched in to get things done. Everyone likes and respects him.
The CBS TV Tower.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
This is Stan at the CBS compound.
This photo of Stan and me was taken by a CBS TV camerman.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
The previous photo was taken by the CBS cameraman at the left. Stan is on the right.
Invesco Field replaced Mile High Stadium a few years ago. Most fans of the Denver Broncos didn't want the stadium
called by any name other than "Mile High Stadium." However, the large mutual fund company, Invesco Funds, out bid other
companies to have the stadium name changed to "Invesco Field." The outrage was palpable, and the name was changed to
"Invesco Field at Mile High." Unfortunately, Invesco, as a company, no longer exists, but we're stuck with the name
because it paid to have that name on the stadium for a certain number of years. I guess there are other names that
could have been worse.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside,
supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field,
were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
This is the mobile CBS site at Invesco Field. As with the Pepsi Center, where cameras and equipment were also inside, supported by equipment in the parking lot, this was the parking lot assembly. In the stadium, on the football field, were the cameras. To protect the grass, plastic panels were laid out to cover the field.
Jay Fishkin was top dog at the parking lot compounds. I guess a portion of his mandate was making sure the
equipment was delivered and in place. But his job was much more than that. He was an interface for CBS New York and
CBS in the compound. If something wasn't right or needed to be done, Jay was on the phone to New York, getting things
straigtened out. At least this was my perception. In any case, when questions or problems came up
in the compound, everyone asked Jay, and he always had the answer.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard
and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water
bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing
challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often
exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
These are two Interns at Invesco Field, sitting in a golf cart, waiting for an assignment. These guys worked hard and rested whenever they could. The Intern on the left is holding a water bottle and there is another bottle in the cup holder of the cart. Maintaining sufficient hydration was an ongoing challenge for these kids who worked in the hot sun. During the Convention, day time temperatures in Denver often exceeded 90 degrees Farenheit.
Personnel at Invesco Field.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street
layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a
lot of great stories.
If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
This is Ruben, a Senior Driver for Carey International. He was very professional. Not only does he know the street layout for the Denver metropolitan area, he knows where the major public establishments are located, and he has a lot of great stories. If I ever needed a driver, I'd ask for him.
This CBS Intern is trying to keep cool while waiting for his next assignment.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
A CBS Intern and Dodger fan hands the keys for a golf cart to Jay Fishkin.
The Intern standing, Rachel, had to be admonished from time to time by Larry for working too hard.
She carried heavy items just like the guys. I saw her carrying large, wooden pallets, and she carried 8-foot
folding tables. She was always helpful, and if something in the compound was needed, she would locate and
bring it. Rachel is very outgoing and has an engaging personality.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and
in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant
that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before
Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Ren Burke is Director of Voice Communications for CBS. I never saw him stressed out. He was always friendly and in good spirits. Very likable. He has a lot of friends in Denver who work for Qwest, the communications giant that serves most of the states in the western U.S. In this picture he is relaxing on a golf cart before Obama makes his acceptance speech.
These CBS Interns are trying to keep cool while waiting for assignments.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Jay Fishkin jokes with the Interns.
These are three of the CBS technical gurus. Assignment to the CBS crew to do the Democratic Convention in Denver
was offered only to the best technicians at CBS.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
CBS Technical wizards.
This is Michelle, a CBS Intern. She was a very nice lady and the best golf cart driver. In the background,
Jay Fishkin is probably giving a status report to a CBS executive in New York.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize
that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background,
until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
This picture of me was taken by Ren Burke. Ren told me to stand in this place for the shoot. I didn't realize that he was placing the iconic symbol of the Denver Broncos, the white horse at Invesco Field, in the background, until I had downloaded the photos from the camera to the computer.
Jessica went to work as a CBS Support person and was given a field upgrade to supervisor within a few days.
She is very intelligent and will begin college soon. Someone gave her a VIP pass to see Obama's acceptance speech,
and when her shift ended she passed by the CBS lot, excitedly heading to the stadium, when this photo was
taken.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
Following Obama's acceptance speech, the DNC put on a great fireworks display.
Lou Walker, a technical wizard for CBS Radio, sits exhausted on the executive bus from Invesco Field to
the Pepsi Center where he will begin dismanteling radio gear for shipment to the site of the
Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 20-hour days were not uncommon for the technical
staff.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these
treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong],
Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig
if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention
Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an
interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of
everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the
August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.
CBS hats are a rare commodity, even within the ranks of CBS employees. I never asked for a hat, but I got two of these treasured items. The one on the left, "CBS Radio News," was given to me by Craig Swegle [I may have the spelling wrong], Executive Producer of CBS Radio, at the suggestion of Lou Walker a CBS Radio technical expert. In fact, I asked Craig if he would autograph it for me, and he delayed his departure from the CBS compound to do so. Thanks, Craig!
The other hat, "CBS News," was tossed to me by Dave McCoy, a true gentleman, when I was on the floor of the Convention Center trying to prevent well-wishers and autograph seekers from storming the platform where Katie was giving an interview. Thanks, Dave!
Finally, I wish I could have taken more and better photos. In fact, I would have liked to have a photo placed here of everyone who wanted one. And I wish I had learned everyone's name. Thanks to all of you for your kindness during the August 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is a high point in my life that I won't forget.