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State of the Union fast facts
By CNN's Jen Buesinger [twitter-follow screen_name='jenbuesinger']
We’re a small staff here at State of the Union and Reliable Sources. Our team of 15 includes people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and skill sets. Here are 10 things you need to know about us.
1. We come from all parts of the United States: Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. One staffer is from the UK.
"I love cemeteries"
By Jen Buesinger, CNN [twitter-follow screen_name='jenbuesinger']
It's a macabre fascination, I know, but I have a secret to share… I love cemeteries. People are mostly horrified when they hear this. “Creepy” and “Weird” are two common words. I prefer “fascinating”.
It’s a walk through history where I can daydream about the historical events that coincided with average people’s lives. I imagine someone seeing electricity for the first time, or indoor plumbing, or cars. If they served in war, what must that have been like? What sort of horrors did these people witnesses that have been lost to time? FULL POST
Vacationing alongside the First family
By Elizabeth Cherneff
It’s August, which means many Washingtonians are venturing outside the beltway for that last summer vacation- including the Obamas.
Next Saturday, the first family heads to Martha’s Vineyard, one of several islands off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This will be the Obama family’s fourth summer on the Vineyard, having visited the island previously in August of 2009, 2010 & 2011. The Vineyard’s low-key, easygoing vibe makes it a popular vacation choice for celebrities and politicians – but it’s also a place where plenty of regular New Englanders go to unwind & relax. The author of this blog post falls under the latter category, and as she packs her bags for a 23rd summer on the island, she’s compiled an informal list of tips based on past Presidential trips to make the most of your Vineyard vacation:
It’s more than just the cone
Before National Ice Cream Month melts away into August – a look at the iconic American frozen custard stand. While a few classic shops remain, many have been lost to time and the wrecking ball – or modernized as part of national chains. But across the country, cool neon and bright lights still welcome.
[twitter-follow screen_name='MikeRoselli1']
American Royalty
By Jamie Gray
If the wall-to-wall media coverage of the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge proves anything, it is the American people’s unending fascination with royalty. On this side of the pond, no family has come closer to attaining regal status in the eyes of the public than the Kennedys.
For those interested in an afternoon of immersion in the Kennedy mystique, Washington’s Newseum has put together an exhibit that captures the highs and lows of John F Kennedy’s public and private life, his presidency and his untimely death in Dallas.
Beating the heat
How “SOTU” is beating this week’s hot and sticky summer weather…
1. We’re wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing on the off-chance we’re desperate enough to grab lunch outside the office. However, when we’re inside the office, we’re wearing a sweater, fleece or blanket because it’s a chilly 60 degrees. ***Please note: no one is complaining about the office temperature. FULL POST
Advice for the Royal Baby’s Parents
As our staff huddled around the conference table in our weekly meeting to discuss our upcoming show, one topic stood out among the others. The Royal Baby is due. As a first time new mom, I wanted to share and tiny bit of advice for the expecting couple—royal or not—this stuff is universal.
1. Take a shower. Of course you want to, but finding time will be harder than you think.
FULL POST
Stars and Stripes
The colors red, white and blue have always captured the American spirit. After September 11, 2001, flag sales increased dramatically. Now more than a decade later, the Stars and Stripes are still proudly displayed.
Team SOTU: Celebrations 'r us
We at State of the Union work really hard to put on the best Sunday morning talk show each week. We think through program topics, book guests, do research, pull together sound, write scripts, as well as attend to dozens of other tasks. Even with our busy work week, we never miss a chance to celebrate. Weddings, newborns, show anniversaries, intern sendoffs and birthdays are always feted with treats (usually cake).
Ten-and-a-half secrets of the control room
A tiny peek into what goes on behind the scenes in our control room during our broadcasts.
10. There’s a special phrase we use to alert show staff to the presence of non-show staff/guests so we tone down our salty and often foul language.
9. Always use your headset but keep in mind if you mutter something mean about someone under your breath, that person will likely hear you because everyone is on headset.
About This Show
From the country’s major political and policy issues to diplomacy on the global stage, State of the Union with Candy Crowley brings in the world’s top newsmakers and analysts to deliver the smartest, most comprehensive look at what matters most to you. Sundays at 9am and Noon ET.
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