Frozen squirrel food
So I’m watching the weekend clips as they convert for posting. Poor Michael was so cold outside the stadium before Friday’s game that he was “freezing off what squirrels gather for winter.” I nearly choked laughing. What an absolute joy it has been to see him relaxed and having fun for these past couple of weeks. It’s a side of him that you always knew was there — that devilish gleam in his eye can’t stay hidden all the time! — but that we just normally never have the opportunity to see. As much as I miss the “real” reporting he does in Baghdad, this gig in France has been a delightful treat. I only hope it’s been even half as much fun for him as it has been for us!
(BTW, Michael Holmes’ response about “taking care of the Niagaras” is rhyming slang. Use the full name and you can work it out.)
And although I don’t have the clip yet (and won’t until the final versions are done) Saturday he actually used the phrase “has them by the short and curlies” on live TV. Now don’t we wish that CNN Domestic could be as relaxed as International is?
(And I must add that it was used in an accurate context: he was describing the union position regarding the government while talking about the transit strike underway during Finals weekend.)
So now, presumably, a few days off before that event in DC at the end of the month, and then back to Baghdad and the serious side of life. It will be great to see him back to doing the investigative, intense stuff he really loves to do, but… well, we’ll always have Paris!
Cheers!
October 21st, 2007 at 14:08
OMG! These clips have been the most fun! Thank you, Cyn, Mavis and Delie!
Finally, he really starts “letting loose” … hopefully burning off some of the stress from Baghdad. He’s more uninhibited than we’ve seen him before - which is great! Plus, I love how Michael Holmes eggs him on. I think it’s an Australian thing. Yeah, Cyn - I wish we incorporated more of that stateside.
It (oddly enough) reminds me how Mick has chosen to compete in two highly meritocratic fields. In sports, you can do it, or you can’t. You can handle the stress, or you can’t. No fudging, no favoritism … you achieve through merit.
War Correspondent is much the same; though, perhaps not all journalism is so. You can brave it, or you can’t. You can get the facts, or you can’t. Michael always, almost compulsively, throws himself into the hottest most dangerous competition. He puts himself forward to be judged on his real effort … his real accomplishments. He seems to have an enormous appetite for life. No shrinking violet, our Michael.
I truly hope this rugby gig has afforded him a much needed balance. I hope he can envision a life, in future, that isn’t just about mayhem. He spoke previously about how he likes living in a situation with an inherent heightened sense of things. Will he be able to ever live again in an environment without threat? The thrill of danger can be as addictive as anything. Adrenaline - breakfast of champions.
Guess we’ll have to rely on his judgement. Heaven knows we need him out there on the front line. In between, party hearty, Mick!
October 21st, 2007 at 20:50
And here I thought we southerners were the best users of colloquialisms like “country mile” or “short curleys” but I guess the Aussies have us beat, Y’all!
Is CNNI that much more liberal or is Michael the first one that has enough “things squirrels gather for winter” to say those things on any network?
October 22nd, 2007 at 04:55
We are in kind of Rugby-nostalgia in France. All is so quiet after the RWC! Glad to see that everybody has enjoyed Mick’s coverage. I think the International Rugby Board should hire him, in a “next life”, to promote this sport. He was so passionate for each match, always enthusiastic. He has always tried to share with the viewers his vision of the game and the values that Rugby conveys. I hope he will keep good memories of these few weeks spent in my country.
But I have to admit I am starting to miss his other field’s investigations…
October 27th, 2007 at 15:08
Thank you Sharon and Cyn! Very interesting, though I had lots of trouble with CBS’s video. Wonder how Michael liked Lara Logan?
October 27th, 2007 at 16:22
Jodi, were you able to access the clip from the direct link? Those freaking clips are giving me fits… I have emails out to the writers of two programs I use to see if I can get a workable version.
Lara also did an interview with him for a 60 Minutes piece last year. I imagine he thinks highly of her, she’s a pretty kick-ass reporter. She and Arwa are definitely representing our gender well!
October 27th, 2007 at 17:16
I used the link to CBS that you provided. It took a couple of tries because the video feed wanted to play new stuff - weird. Plus, the stream was choppy. I had to nurse it through more than once before I could play it uninterrupted. Nice to see footage that shows a little more about how video is made or handled in that environment.
Yeah, I kind of thought Mick would see a bit of himself in Lara … in so far as being serious, committed, ambitious and bold. I like her work very much - she’s no Michael Ware, mind you … but. as you say, she represents our gender rather well. And I like how she maintains her femininity while not compromising her directness and strength. She’s strong and smart - not bitchy. Too often, bitchy is used as a substitute for strength, and as a distraction for a lack of competence. IMHO
October 28th, 2007 at 15:11
I *think* I finally got the CBS clip. If you had problems with it, go ahead and try again…
October 28th, 2007 at 18:10
Thanks Cyn, for working out the problem with the CBS clips. I know it was driving you crazy.
October 28th, 2007 at 20:41
Link worked like a charm. Good on ya!
October 28th, 2007 at 20:54
Awesome! I can’t tell you how much work that thing was… *shaking fist in the general direction of the Paley Building* (The trials and tribulations of a Webmistress… LOL) I think I could recite the entire thing from memory by now!