tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22279763247772994182024-02-20T15:34:01.267-05:00Rachel EriksonA girl, her cool job and a few things in between!Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-62254956882627136782009-10-01T22:22:00.003-04:002009-10-01T23:22:15.431-04:00Sports Connection Trivia Update. . .<div align="center">I just wanted to spread the word that Bright House Sports Network has decided to temporarily forgo taping new trivia segments for the Toyota Sports Connection. We are working on a totally new look and presence for the segment which we hope to launch by the end of the year. So, if you're used to seeing me on there every night and wonder where I ran off to, don't worry. . . I'll be back. . .<p></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><em>Rachel</em></span></div><div align="center"></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-81557522902052785832009-09-29T23:51:00.004-04:002009-09-30T00:31:26.185-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ Bellini's & O'Maddy's<div align="center">If you've never hit up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gulfport</span> for a night out, grab a cab and just do it. The whole downtown area of Beach and Shore <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blvds</span> is lined with super cool nightspots. One's like <a href="http://www.omaddys.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'Maddy's</span></a>, that you've probably heard of and one's like <a href="http://www.bellinisonline.com/">Bellini's</a>, that are hidden gems. We decided to do two shoots in one night so you could get the real feel of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gulfport</span>. If you wanna dress up? Cool. If not, well, that's cool too.
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfSkdg_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/l5zhhgxFvrA/s1600-h/Gulfport+shoot+001+(Medium).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387103937337590770" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfSkdg_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/l5zhhgxFvrA/s320/Gulfport+shoot+001+(Medium).jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">First off, <a href="http://www.omaddys.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'Maddy's</span></a> stole my heart. So much so, that my friends and I are heading there this weekend to celebrate my birthday. Yeah, it's that kind of place. I dig it big time. The atmosphere is laid back, the staff is cool, drinks are cheap (and stiff!), and the food is off the charts. . . "I'll have the Roast Beef on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kummelweck</span>, please." Oh, and the view of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boca</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ciega</span> Bay isn't bad either. So many people have been telling me about this place for so long and yes, I WAS missing out. . . but, not anymore.</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfmWVGII/AAAAAAAAAWI/Z8mK-vb-UTY/s1600-h/Gulfport+shoot+032+(Medium).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387103942647027842" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfmWVGII/AAAAAAAAAWI/Z8mK-vb-UTY/s320/Gulfport+shoot+032+(Medium).jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">After having my fill of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'Maddy's</span> fine grub, we headed a couple of blocks North to <a href="http://www.bellinisonline.com/">Bellini's</a> <a href="http://www.bellinisonline.com/">Tapas y Mas</a> for some of the best drinks in the Bay Area. Yeah, this was a GREAT night out! They're located right behind the <a href="http://www.lafogataonline.com/">La <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fogata</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Churrascaria</span> </a>(same owners) and the Brazilian feel carries over into this hip little lounge. In fact, their specialty is the <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">caipirinha</span></em>, the national drink of Brazil, which I knew I just had to try. And yep, it was fantastic. Full of fruit and yummy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">cachaca</span> (watch the show!). They also have <em>out of this world</em> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">mojitos, </span>martinis, and a world class beer and wine selection. A perfect end to this night out!</p><p align="center">Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340!</p><p align="center">Until our next night out. . . <span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><em>Rachel</em></span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfmWVGII/AAAAAAAAAWI/Z8mK-vb-UTY/s1600-h/Gulfport+shoot+032+(Medium).jpg"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfSkdg_I/AAAAAAAAAWA/l5zhhgxFvrA/s1600-h/Gulfport+shoot+001+(Medium).jpg"></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SsLWfmWVGII/AAAAAAAAAWI/Z8mK-vb-UTY/s1600-h/Gulfport+shoot+032+(Medium).jpg"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-67736220004598984302009-08-22T00:16:00.013-04:002009-08-22T01:08:15.508-04:00I'm Back in Fashion!!!<div align="center"><em>Well, kind of. . .</em></div><div align="center">See, back in the day I used to do a little modeling here and there and one of my most favorite things in the world to do was fashion shows. Never anything crazy, just super fun local events here and there and mostly for the most rad fashion designer in the area, Paul Raymond. <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">For those of you that don't know Paul, you will. He designs one-of-a-kind dresses and status apparel, guaranteed head-turners! Because I love his dresses so much and enjoy being his living Barbie doll, I was honored to accept the invitation to walk for him once again. </div><div align="center"><p>So, now that I've plugged Paul and his stellar dresses, check 'em @ The Blue Martini for the "Culture Clash" event. . .</p></div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yusrBRWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/oWDv22KlnJg/s1600-h/5370_138526793097_136797973097_3300848_6844458_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 276px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372639027067438434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yusrBRWI/AAAAAAAAAVg/oWDv22KlnJg/s400/5370_138526793097_136797973097_3300848_6844458_n.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yJBePF_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/gu46zkxyopE/s1600-h/5370_142757193097_136797973097_3370186_2366291_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372638379815933938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yJBePF_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/gu46zkxyopE/s400/5370_142757193097_136797973097_3370186_2366291_n.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yIqCLrQI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/3pWxdueHX7o/s1600-h/5370_142757063097_136797973097_3370167_86932_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372638373524253954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yIqCLrQI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/3pWxdueHX7o/s400/5370_142757063097_136797973097_3370167_86932_n.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yIGrwxrI/AAAAAAAAAVI/GcNXIfxPmsw/s1600-h/5370_142756873097_136797973097_3370142_4994835_n.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 267px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372638364034975410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yIGrwxrI/AAAAAAAAAVI/GcNXIfxPmsw/s400/5370_142756873097_136797973097_3370142_4994835_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yJBePF_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/gu46zkxyopE/s1600-h/5370_142757193097_136797973097_3370186_2366291_n.jpg"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yHRpn7RI/AAAAAAAAAU4/MA5oZv_QV-E/s1600-h/DSC04103+(Large).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372638349798927634" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yHRpn7RI/AAAAAAAAAU4/MA5oZv_QV-E/s400/DSC04103+(Large).JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yJBePF_I/AAAAAAAAAVY/gu46zkxyopE/s1600-h/5370_142757193097_136797973097_3370186_2366291_n.jpg"></a></p><p align="center">Me and the one and only, Paul Raymond! </p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So94wIEnh3I/AAAAAAAAAVo/LE8pFkmhx5k/s1600-h/paul.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 224px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372645648672196466" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So94wIEnh3I/AAAAAAAAAVo/LE8pFkmhx5k/s400/paul.jpg" /></a></p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/So9yHRpn7RI/AAAAAAAAAU4/MA5oZv_QV-E/s1600-h/DSC04103+(Large).JPG"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-69680678327545185972009-07-22T23:01:00.001-04:002009-07-29T14:41:20.499-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ Tommy Bahama Cafe<em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em>
<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6B9bUrZI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qEwjKCpvQBE/s1600-h/shoots+004+(Medium).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359276993170156946" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6B9bUrZI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qEwjKCpvQBE/s400/shoots+004+(Medium).jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Tommy Bahama is no longer just about the clothing! The famous retailer is going foodie by opening up <a href="httphttp://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Cafes.jsp">Tommy Bahama Cafes</a> nationwide and we just happen to have one right here in our neighborhood! St. Armand's Circle, in Sarasota, houses this super chill bar and eatery with <em><span style="color:#66ff99;"><a href="http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Cafes/Recipes.jsp#/RecipeAnchor/">THE BEST MOJITO</a></span></em> I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! It's called the "pineapple yuzu" and you MUST order it if you go (and if you like mojitos!). What's super cool is that Tommy Bahama has their own brand of rums that they use in their signature drinks, a silver called "White Sand" and a gold called "Golden Sunset." Definitely give them a shot. The food is also outstanding! I didn't have dinner there, but certainly drooled over the menu. I was lucky enough to sample some of the "island time" appetizers (Tommy's happy hour) and was blown away by the flavors, especially the goat cheese plate and the mango bbq chicken lollipops!</p><p align="center">I could go on, but suffice it to say that the place was really cool and congrats to Tommy Bahama for a very successful new venture!</p><p align="center">Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340!</p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6IsZKZsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/heeTYOEYXog/s1600-h/shoots+001+(Medium).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359277108856776386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6IsZKZsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/heeTYOEYXog/s400/shoots+001+(Medium).jpg" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Me and Mike Reeves, TBOD's "On Dining" host and sporting a sig TB shirt, doing a dual shoot @ Tommy's!</em></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6B9bUrZI/AAAAAAAAAUo/qEwjKCpvQBE/s1600-h/shoots+004+(Medium).jpg"></a></p><p align="center">
Until our next night out. . . <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel
</span></em></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_6IsZKZsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/heeTYOEYXog/s1600-h/shoots+001+(Medium).jpg"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-29931571823649835222009-07-16T23:52:00.004-04:002009-07-17T00:10:35.785-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ The Undertow<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_2HlA43zI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PQsIsJnH9zc/s1600-h/shoots+006+(Medium).jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359272691649535794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sl_2HlA43zI/AAAAAAAAAUg/PQsIsJnH9zc/s400/shoots+006+(Medium).jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center">What would summer in St. Pete be without a visit to <a href="http://undertowbeachbar.com/">The Undertow</a>? If you're a local, chances are you've taken in the many "sights" at this popular beachfront spot! The drinks are cheap, stiff, and delicious (just be careful not to lose yours in the "moat" circling the bar!) and they always have great live music. Oh, and the sunsets don't hurt either! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Until our next night out. . .<span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel
</span></em></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-52399909235135083022009-06-16T00:05:00.002-04:002009-06-16T00:38:15.905-04:00Hooray!!! My first journalism award!!!<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SjcfYKejqsI/AAAAAAAAAUY/JyNBy5aYFZE/s1600-h/shoots+010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347777582515595970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SjcfYKejqsI/AAAAAAAAAUY/JyNBy5aYFZE/s400/shoots+010.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Yeah!!! Roger and I won!!! </p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">The Florida Associated Press Award</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">"Best Photo Essay"</span></strong></p><p align="center">We didn't win first, but we came in second! We won for our "Dean Guitar Factory" segment and I couldn't be happier because we had so much fun filming and writing it, but at the same time, it was also A LOT of hard work. <a href="http://rachelerikson.blogspot.com/2008/09/tbods-big-boys-toys-dean-guitars.html">Here's a link to my Dean Guitar blog post.</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SjcfXuj_opI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/PhedMPNBox4/s1600-h/DSC04025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 300px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347777575022207634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SjcfXuj_opI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/PhedMPNBox4/s400/DSC04025.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">They did spell my name wrong, but I'll get over it!</p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-1572450290030196202009-06-10T00:34:00.012-04:002009-06-11T23:53:23.210-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Big Boys' Toys" ~ Kiteboarding!!!<div align="center">Last Fall, while I was enjoying a day at Pass-A-Grille beach, I saw two guys doing this in the water . . .</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si87wcAVY0I/AAAAAAAAATw/wfaGSd9KDqo/s1600-h/kiteboarding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345556986049422146" style="WIDTH: 359px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si87wcAVY0I/AAAAAAAAATw/wfaGSd9KDqo/s400/kiteboarding.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">Needless to say, I was totally impressed! So much so in fact, that <em>as soon</em> as I got home, I started doing research to find out what this was all about. I quickly learned that "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">kiteboarding</span>" or "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">kitesurfing</span>" as it's called, is the newest & hottest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">watersport</span> sweeping Florida's beaches. Sounded like a job for Big Boys' Toys to me!!! <p>
</p></div><div align="center">So, we hooked up with <a href="http://www.watersportswest.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Watersports</span> West</a> in Largo to get the lowdown on all things <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kiteboarding</span>. . . the history, the lessons, and the gear. Steve "Steve-O" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Visnage</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">kiteboarding</span> instructor <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">extraordinaire</span>, took me under his wing taught me how to take flight (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aww</span>. . . me so corny!). Although it was a little tough at first, once you get the hang of it, you know <em>exactly</em> why surfers and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">wakeboarders</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">diggin</span>' it so much!
</div><p></p><div align="center">Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340!!!
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<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si84bWCJdbI/AAAAAAAAATg/Hdy2bPA_zb8/s1600-h/Kiteboarding+002b+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345553325134280114" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si84bWCJdbI/AAAAAAAAATg/Hdy2bPA_zb8/s400/Kiteboarding+002b+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Extra special thanks to Steve-O and <a href="http://www.watersportswest.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Watersports</span> West</a> and for hooking me up with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">rockin</span>' board shorts harness!</em></span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.watersportswest.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346281805041741058" style="WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SjHO-dKlrQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/kJnJsl6rS68/s400/WSW%2520Sun%2520Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
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<div align="center"></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-9063887735441480292009-06-10T00:08:00.003-04:002009-06-10T00:32:35.619-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ The Fox Jazz Club<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si8yD-41nSI/AAAAAAAAATY/LKn6JNfigBM/s1600-h/jazzclub+002b+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345546326714457378" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Si8yD-41nSI/AAAAAAAAATY/LKn6JNfigBM/s400/jazzclub+002b+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">For decades, Tampa's <a href="http://www.foxjazzclub.com/">Fox Jazz Club</a> has been <strong>the only </strong>place to hear the area's best live jazz bands. Cool cats and sexy kittens gather nightly to dance the night away and sip some highly creative cocktails! In fact, the place just oozes sexiness, so much so that you almost expect James Bond or the Rat Pack to walk in and take a seat. It's just one of those special places that can take you back, even if for just one night, to a time of glitz and glamour. If you enjoy jazz, the music here is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eargasmic</span> and I won't get into the food, but oh my. . . the pork chop was otherworldly!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><p>Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Until our next night out. . . <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel</span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-53992119842331680122009-05-28T22:24:00.004-04:002009-05-28T22:41:38.924-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ Sam's On The Beach<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sh9HoUXwkUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/RbJzCJdVjdM/s1600-h/Sam%27s+On+the+Beach+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341066441073398082" style="WIDTH: 328px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Sh9HoUXwkUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/RbJzCJdVjdM/s400/Sam%27s+On+the+Beach+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a>
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Since the Tampa Bay On Demand viewing area encompasses 7 counties (oh, my!), we've set out to shoot Bars & Clubs in <em>all of them</em>. We know Pinellas and Hillsborough are loaded with options, but here comes Pasco sneaking one in on us! <strong>Sam's On the Beach</strong>, in Hudson Beach (yes, Hudson has a beach folks and it's mighty pretty too!), is a super cool, laid back beach bar with all the crazy drinks (ie: see the fish bowl beside me?) and live bands you can handle. The night we came, this place was <strong><em>PACKED</em></strong> to the rafters with people having a good time. If you are ever in their neck of the woods, check 'em out! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Now airing on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, channel 340! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Until our next night out. . . <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel</span></em></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-86968597572034049612009-05-23T00:08:00.009-04:002009-05-28T22:41:55.613-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Big Boys' Toys" ~ Hacker Craft Boats<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Shd_IZ20zXI/AAAAAAAAATI/eHuzavyPouI/s1600-h/Hacker+Boat+(10)+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338875665627532658" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Shd_IZ20zXI/AAAAAAAAATI/eHuzavyPouI/s400/Hacker+Boat+(10)+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a>
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</div><p align="center">Sometimes an opportunity for a shoot arises that you didn't even know existed. Take <a href="http://www.hackerboats.com/">Hacker</a> <a href="http://www.hackerboats.com/">Craft Boats </a>for instance. These handcrafted mahogany speedboats and runarounds were the pleasure boats of the rich and famous in the early 1900's, but went out of production shortly after the Great Depression. The only way to enjoy them as of late, was to restore an antique. But, we got a tip that the Hacker Boat is back in production and we have a proud owner right here in Tampa! They are keeping to tradition by building these boats with the original Hacker blueprints. The only difference??? Added modern technologies like nav and stereo surround systems, turbo engines and infrared devices!!!
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I was sooooooo excited to take part in this shoot and even got to drive the boat around myself, which I have to say was the smoothest boat ride I've ever experienced. These boats are indescribably cool and I hope you all enjoy the bit of nostalgia that goes along with it as well. I must mention that Roger (photojournalist extraordinaire!) did a bang up job putting the piece together! Enjoy!!!</p><div align="center">
</div><p align="center">Now airing on Tampa Bay On Demand, channel 340!</p><div align="center">
</div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Shd8u1dn2yI/AAAAAAAAAS4/qQ-ppgKwmw4/s1600-h/Hacker+Boat+(4)b+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338873027338165026" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/Shd8u1dn2yI/AAAAAAAAAS4/qQ-ppgKwmw4/s400/Hacker+Boat+(4)b+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">
</div><p align="center">Happy Memorial Day!</p><div align="center">
</div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel</span></em></p><div align="center">
</div><p align="center"></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-15521235278032174272009-05-14T22:59:00.006-04:002009-05-14T23:19:36.090-04:00NEW on TBOD's "Bars & Clubs" ~ Ferg's Sports Bar<div align="center">When it came to chosing our first sports bar to feature, the answer was simple. <a href="http://www.fergsonline.com/">Ferg's</a> !!! </div><p></p><div align="center">Where else can you be so close to all the Tampa Bay Rays action before, during and after a game??? We showed up to film just before an away game was about to get underway and the place was packed even then! In all honesty, I really just wanted to wear my Rays gear for a shoot and have an exuse to order Rays Punch. . . but beware, it turns your mouth blue! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Check out the full feature on Tampa Bay On Demand, channel 340! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Here are some candids of me and CJ doing our thang'. . .</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"></p><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbYjPKSfI/AAAAAAAAASQ/EomE65qx6FM/s1600-h/Ferg%27s+(2)+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335880873349368306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbYjPKSfI/AAAAAAAAASQ/EomE65qx6FM/s320/Ferg%27s+(2)+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbYg8MsBI/AAAAAAAAASY/xiQE-8C7Pi4/s1600-h/Ferg%27s+(3)+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335880872732962834" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbYg8MsBI/AAAAAAAAASY/xiQE-8C7Pi4/s320/Ferg%27s+(3)+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbY62SYBI/AAAAAAAAASg/8nq_9rskliI/s1600-h/Ferg%27s+(4)+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335880879687491602" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SgzbY62SYBI/AAAAAAAAASg/8nq_9rskliI/s320/Ferg%27s+(4)+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Until our next night out. . . <span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><em>Rachel</em></span></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-89004987605948553262009-05-06T23:47:00.011-04:002009-05-14T22:58:16.155-04:00Official Launch of NEW Tampa Bay On Demand "Bars/Clubs" !!!<div align="center">Yep, it's official!!!</div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div align="center">I'm now Tampa Bay On Demand's nightlife host! I'll be bringing you the lowdown on all the hottest nightspots in the area and I am super stoked to have been given this opportunity! </div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div align="center">The new "Bars/Clubs" section can be found under the <strong>Bay Area Guide </strong>category on</div><div align="center">Tampa Bay On Demand (channel 340 on Bright House Networks) and we will be adding new segments weekly. It's basically going to be a "library" of the coolest places to go, so we will only keep adding titles, not taking them down. . . unless the place closes for some reason!</div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div align="center">These are the titles that are already up:</div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.jacksonsbistro.com/">Jackson's </a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Harbour Island, Tampa)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/ciderhousesaintpete">The Cider House</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Downtown St. Pete)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/">Coyote Ugly</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Ybor City)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.thevenueclub.com/">The Venue</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(St. Pete)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.howlatthemoon.com/">Howl at the Moon</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Tampa)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.mollymchughs.com/">Molly McHugh's</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Lakeland)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/85604992">Hurricane Alley</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Lakeland)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330099;"><a href="http://www.shephards.com/">Shephard's</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Clearwater Beach)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><p></span></p></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center">And coming soon. . . PUSH Ultra Lounge and Sam's on the Beach!</div><div align="center"><p></p></div><div align="center">Until our next night out. . . <em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;">Rachel</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><p></span></em></p></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">P.S. I'm still doing "Big Boys' Toys" features as well! Next up? Hacker Craft Boats and KITEBOARDING!!!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-53530643817596264272008-10-16T01:45:00.013-04:002008-10-17T15:18:33.665-04:00My Birthday with the Stanton Warriors!!!<div align="center">I've been told on several occasions that I'm absolutely nuts because I actually look forward to my birthday each year. And this year was no exception. In fact, it couldn't get here fast enough<strong><em> </em></strong>because one of my biggest dreams was going to come true. I was going to see Dominic B and Mark Yardley of the <strong><a href="http://www.myspace.com/stantonwarriors"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Stanton Warriors</span></a></strong>, <em>my</em> <em>absolute favorite dj's in the world</em>, play LIVE at <a href="http://www.clubfirestone.com/">Club Firestone</a> in Orlando that very weekend.</div>
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<div align="center">Now, I know this doesn't really mean much to most people, but just understand that I live on their beats and music. In the car, at home, everyday, I listen to something with the "Stanton sound." </div><div align="center">Stanton Warriors = a happy Rachel.</div>
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<div align="center">So, how was it??? Lookie here:</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4YLDVZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/1m3DQCt5bTY/s1600-h/DSC03264b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257633575632852370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4YLDVZI/AAAAAAAAAOo/1m3DQCt5bTY/s320/DSC03264b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Birthday weekend in Orlando to see the Stanton Warriors @ Club Firestone: $200</span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4hrJI0I/AAAAAAAAAOw/JGjHr6URpAk/s1600-h/DSC03267b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257633578183369538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4hrJI0I/AAAAAAAAAOw/JGjHr6URpAk/s320/DSC03267b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Mackin' on Dominic B after the show: free!</span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4pn-STI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Ubag5xdNVMQ/s1600-h/DSC03270c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257633580317559090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbd4pn-STI/AAAAAAAAAO4/Ubag5xdNVMQ/s320/DSC03270c.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Being invited to sit on stage and hang with my favorite dj in the world: priceless!</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~~~</span></p><p align="center">My pics of Dom & Mark didn't turn out, but here's a couple of photos of them really setting Firestone on fire! Love you guys!!!</p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbh4DdvgaI/AAAAAAAAAPA/zW2BqO7LpWE/s1600-h/ABC_7937.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257637968120611234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbh4DdvgaI/AAAAAAAAAPA/zW2BqO7LpWE/s320/ABC_7937.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbh4W6AEqI/AAAAAAAAAPI/4kBjM8ca8UA/s1600-h/ABC_7954.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257637973339411106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SPbh4W6AEqI/AAAAAAAAAPI/4kBjM8ca8UA/s320/ABC_7954.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Photos taken from <a href="http://ww.s1mg.com/">s1mg.com</a>.</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/stantonwarriors"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Listen to the STANTON SOUND!!!</span></a></p>
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<p align="center"></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-75746685298142693342008-09-18T13:40:00.027-04:002008-10-16T12:22:18.572-04:00TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "DEAN Guitars"<div align="center">For a day, Rachel Erikson became Rachel E"rock"son.
</div><p align="center">Our shoot with the legendary <a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/">DEAN Guitars</a> in Tampa, let me unleash my inner groupie and revive that headbangin' rocker chick that's been hiding deep inside since the heydays of Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. Now, if there's one thing I learned about DEAN guitars, it's that they rock. . . . hard! </p><div align="center">Their artist list of metal and rock guitarists will make your head spin! Here's just a sample. . . Dimebag Darrell of Pantera, Dave Mustaine of Megadeath, Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, John Connolly of Sevendust, Leslie West of Mountain and oh, don't forget the spinning white fur guitars of ZZTop! </div><div align="center">
</div><p align="center">We met up with Josh Maloney from <a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/">DEAN Guitars</a> at their factory/warehouse in Tampa to do a shoot focusing on how they make these bad boys from start to finish. It was such a cool process to watch and I think you'll dig it too! And don't miss Pat, DEAN's on-site guitar bad ass and me in our jam session finale. . . let's just say, it gets a little wild!</p><div align="center">Here I am with the guitar I fell in love with, a DEAN Razorback 255 DIMESLIME!
</div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrX438-FI/AAAAAAAAANQ/92EhHCjeEPc/s1600-h/DSC03064b+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247444942732458066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrX438-FI/AAAAAAAAANQ/92EhHCjeEPc/s320/DSC03064b+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
<div align="center">I'm telling ya. . . don't miss the jam session!
</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNK1EeaxMcI/AAAAAAAAAN4/iqIould1l5g/s1600-h/DSC03066d+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247455604329492930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNK1EeaxMcI/AAAAAAAAAN4/iqIould1l5g/s320/DSC03066d+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The official photo of this unbelievable Razorback, click it to learn more!</div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/dean_winter_08/Razorback255_Dime_Slime.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247455598995836178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNK1EKjIDRI/AAAAAAAAANw/W52iz8O_pto/s320/r255ds.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">Here's a pic of me and Josh Maloney. I gotta send out big thanks to him and all the guys at DEAN for treating us so awesome! You guys ROCK!
</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrYH6SlsI/AAAAAAAAANY/copTsTekmMg/s1600-h/DSC03069b+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247444946768795330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrYH6SlsI/AAAAAAAAANY/copTsTekmMg/s320/DSC03069b+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center">
</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">To visit DEAN's website or to find a dealer near you, click the banner below!
</div><p align="left"><a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/"><img height="60" alt="deanguitars.com" src="http://www.deanguitars.com/links/images/deanguitars_468x60_05.gif" width="468" border="0" /></a></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Airing now on Tampa Bay On Demand, channel 340!</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrYH6SlsI/AAAAAAAAANY/copTsTekmMg/s1600-h/DSC03069b+(Large).jpg"></a></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKrX438-FI/AAAAAAAAANQ/92EhHCjeEPc/s1600-h/DSC03064b+(Large).jpg"></a>
<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKr5fpVSII/AAAAAAAAANo/1iR-GyfNYTA/s1600-h/r255ds.jpg"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/"></a></p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://www.deanguitars.com/"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-6407951686999587152008-09-18T13:40:00.013-04:002008-09-18T14:33:52.416-04:00Are you ready for some "Lingerie" Football???<div align="center">With Tampa playing host to <a href="http://www.nfl.com/superbowl">Super Bowl IVIII</a>, along with it comes the world famous "alternative" half-time show, the <a href="http://www.lflus.com/">Lingerie Bowl</a>. Yep, hot bodies in sexy skivvies will once again invade the gridiron to play 7 on 7 tackle football for the enjoyment of red-blooded dudes everywhere (and maybe a few dudettes too!). The <a href="http://www.lflus.com/">Lingerie Bowl</a> will be held in downtown Tampa, LIVE during half-time. </div><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTwQHGTmI/AAAAAAAAAMw/uyuE5YVU0mw/s1600-h/DSC03029+(Medium).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247418973007793762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTwQHGTmI/AAAAAAAAAMw/uyuE5YVU0mw/s320/DSC03029+(Medium).JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">The ladies of the <a href="http://www.lflus.com/tampabreeze/index.html">Tampa Breeze</a> (one of the 12 <a href="http://www.lflus.com/">Lingerie Football League</a> franchise teams competing to play in the Lingerie Bowl), just held their official kick-off party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and I was there to cover the action. Hmmm. . . jealous? <em>In</em> <em>fact</em>, I've been designated to cover the ladies all season, so be on the lookout for more features, including practice sessions, leading all the way up to Bowl time! </p><p align="center">Look for footage and interviews on <a href="http://www.bhsn.com/">Bright House Sports Network</a>(ch. 47) and <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>(ch. 340). <u><span style="color:#0000ff;"><a href="http://www.lflus.com/tampabreeze/index.html">Click here</a></span></u> to meet the team! <p align="center">Happy viewing!
</p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTvyFHnaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/w3_ncb5KekE/s1600-h/DSC03045b+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247418964946427298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTvyFHnaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/w3_ncb5KekE/s320/DSC03045b+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTwQHGTmI/AAAAAAAAAMw/uyuE5YVU0mw/s1600-h/DSC03029+(Medium).JPG"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTwOL7yKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ykjSQF8JgAY/s1600-h/DSC03050b+(Medium).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247418972491204770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTwOL7yKI/AAAAAAAAAMo/ykjSQF8JgAY/s320/DSC03050b+(Medium).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">CJ's one lucky cameraman!!!</p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SNKTvyFHnaI/AAAAAAAAAMg/w3_ncb5KekE/s1600-h/DSC03045b+(Medium).jpg"></a><p align="center">For more photos, visit my Flickr page <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelerikson/">here</a>!</p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-32872719829349073992008-08-16T15:11:00.007-04:002008-08-16T18:35:37.482-04:00TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "ZENN Electric Car & Vespa Scooters"<p align="center">With the onset of rising fuel and energy costs, <strong><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/content/91/2005/9/21/289558.html">Big Boys' Toys</a></strong> decided to go <span style="color:#009900;">"<strong>GREEN"</strong></span> for the month of August! Our goal is to show you new methods of transportation that are super cool, eco-friendly, and easy on the wallet!</p><p align="center"><a title="Meez 3D avatars and free games." href="http://www.meez.com/rerikson"><img alt="Meez 3D avatar avatars games" src="http://images.meez.com/user/5/6/1/5/1/0/0/5615100_bodyshot_300x400.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">
<span style="font-size:78%;">(my "Save The Earth" <a href="http://www.meez.com/">Meez</a> cartoon!)</span></p><p align="center">We visited the Transportation Station in Clearwater to test drive the 100% electric <a href="http://www.zennfl.com/">ZENN</a> car and <a href="http://www.vespatampa.com/">Vespa Tampa</a> to check out the latest in ultra fuel efficient scooters! </p><p align="center">The ZENN (Zero Emissons No Noise) car was super cool and so much fun to drive! It's hard to believe that with a vehicle of that size, all you have to do is plug it in, charge up, and go!</p><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxF7_7TI/AAAAAAAAALw/H8ZVQtEF_MM/s1600-h/PDVD_018.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235199015225650482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxF7_7TI/AAAAAAAAALw/H8ZVQtEF_MM/s320/PDVD_018.BMP" border="0" /></a></p><p align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxJLheuI/AAAAAAAAAL4/poMb3jRIjJk/s1600-h/PDVD_020.BMP"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxJLheuI/AAAAAAAAAL4/poMb3jRIjJk/s1600-h/PDVD_020.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235199016096070370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxJLheuI/AAAAAAAAAL4/poMb3jRIjJk/s320/PDVD_020.BMP" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center">At <a href="http://www.vespatampa.com/">Vespa Tampa</a> (which is actually in downtown St. Pete), I met up with the owner Michael Wolf and he showed off three scooters that get between 60-90 mpg!!! Hard to believe, but true! He took me for a ride on the MP3 400, a bad to the bone, looks more like a motorcycle than a scooter, 3-wheeled, goes up to 90 mph. . . "scooter." You can tell from these photos that, number one, I'm a dork and two, that I had a good time. . . <p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxQhIb2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/FEmLQZHBBSI/s1600-h/PDVD_016.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235199018065751906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxQhIb2I/AAAAAAAAAMA/FEmLQZHBBSI/s320/PDVD_016.BMP" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxfuzisI/AAAAAAAAAMI/EJ7f4We7cxc/s1600-h/PDVD_017.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235199022149634754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SKcpxfuzisI/AAAAAAAAAMI/EJ7f4We7cxc/s320/PDVD_017.BMP" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Airing now on Tampa Bay On Demand, channel 340!</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(video stills Copyright: Bay News 9)</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><p>
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<div align="center"></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-1382143849985034942008-07-16T22:37:00.009-04:002008-07-16T23:59:40.883-04:00TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "Home Gym Equipment"<p align="center">Who would have thought that doing a shoot about home gym equipment could be so much fun! Maybe it was the super cool state-of-the-art machines, or the endorphine rush I got from <em>actually</em> working out on camera, or maybe it was gleefully watching Roger (our camera guru) do push-ups on the <a href="http://www.powerplate.com/">Power Plate</a>. All in all, good times.
</p><p align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SH6xZk-02dI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/0IXFCYydlmA/s1600-h/DSC02835.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223807670778386898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SH6xZk-02dI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/0IXFCYydlmA/s320/DSC02835.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">We decided to do the shoot at <a href="http://www.gymsource.com/">Gym Source</a> in Tampa mainly because they specialize in the newest, hottest equipment on the market. Hey, the show is Big Boys' Toys. . . no free weights here! We featured the <a href="http://www,powerplate.com/">Power Plate</a>, the <a href="http://www.expresso.com/">Expresso Fitness Bike</a> and the <a href="http://www.cybexintl.com/">Cybex Arc Trainer</a>. I must admit that of the three, the Power Plate absolutely kicked my butt! I vow to never again laugh at "vibration" workouts. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SH6xaLOmaRI/AAAAAAAAAKA/ZgwSTUj3Umw/s1600-h/DSC02840b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223807681045096722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SH6xaLOmaRI/AAAAAAAAAKA/ZgwSTUj3Umw/s320/DSC02840b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">So, to see me break a sweat, head on over to Tampa Bay On Demand, channel 340!
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</p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-58821315364163916922008-07-14T17:05:00.013-04:002008-07-20T15:36:58.762-04:00Co-hosting Red Bull Flugtag 2008 for Catch 47<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tampa Bay, are you ready for an afternoon of <strong><em>absolute craziness</em></strong>??? </span>
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<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Well, get your fix at the <strong>2008</strong> </span><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Red Bull</strong></span><strong> Flugtag!!!</strong></span></div>
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Glen Pla and I will be hosting the event LIVE on <strong><a href="http://www.catch47.com/">Catch 47</a></strong>, so don't miss it!!!</p></div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222986903379071970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SHvG6oJtU-I/AAAAAAAAAII/d6h-nyqYsHo/s320/6a00d8352fd43969e200e551796a5d8833-800wi.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
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When: Saturday, July 19th 2008</div>
<div align="center">Where: City Park @ the Tampa Convention Center</div>
<div align="center">FREE to the public</div>
<div align="center">Airing on: Catch 47 @12:30pm (channel 47 on Bright House Networks)
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Come and watch teams launch their "human-powered" flying machines from a 30-foot platform right into Tampa Bay!</div>
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<a href="http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/">Visit the Red Bull Flugtag 2008 website for more details!</a></p>
<p>~*~*~*~</p>
<p>Updated: 7-20-08</p>
<p>Two words for Flugtag Tampa Bay. . . CRAZY AWESOME!!!</p>
<p>Despite the grueling heat and the <em>exceptionally</em> long day (4 hours of LIVE coverage!), Glen and I had an absolute blast! Fueled by nothing but Red Bull and Power Bars, we laughed, cracked corny jokes, and laughed some more. How could you not?! The crowd was great, the teams were hilarious, and overall, Tampa Bay's support of this event was just remarkable. Can you believe that over <strong>100,000</strong> people showed up to witness this crazy excuse for a good time! That is a record for Red Bull Flugtag events in the U. S. The most they ever had before was around 80,000. WOW! </p>
<p>Here are some photos of Glen and I in action!</p><p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSeF_SfXI/AAAAAAAAALA/jJw_43ar6K4/s1600-h/flugtag26+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181038381268338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSeF_SfXI/AAAAAAAAALA/jJw_43ar6K4/s320/flugtag26+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSd2KVsaI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KjL5e1NA6d8/s1600-h/flugtag16+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181034132648354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSd2KVsaI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KjL5e1NA6d8/s320/flugtag16+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a>
<p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSeB1n1II/AAAAAAAAALI/HTDrfIk_5Lg/s1600-h/flugtag22+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181037266982018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSeB1n1II/AAAAAAAAALI/HTDrfIk_5Lg/s320/flugtag22+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSd5zsYKI/AAAAAAAAAK4/rDqHwENUsBw/s1600-h/flugtag23+(Large).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225181035111407778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSd5zsYKI/AAAAAAAAAK4/rDqHwENUsBw/s320/flugtag23+(Large).jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSd5zsYKI/AAAAAAAAAK4/rDqHwENUsBw/s1600-h/flugtag23+(Large).jpg"></a> </p><p> </p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIOSeF_SfXI/AAAAAAAAALA/jJw_43ar6K4/s1600-h/flugtag26+(Large).jpg"></a></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-24697348769601104862008-06-23T23:59:00.013-04:002008-06-24T23:31:56.739-04:00TBOD'S Big Boys' Toys "Gator Paintball" segment<p align="center">Fear this: Black and army green body armour, electronic marker spitting out 30 hard hitting balls per second, 1 hour of experience in open field combat and let's not forget. . . the blonde ponytail.</p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGBxb3z8XrI/AAAAAAAAAGg/OTjj4B1Hm5g/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_01+Jun.+23+23.46.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215293092147257010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGBxb3z8XrI/AAAAAAAAAGg/OTjj4B1Hm5g/s320/ScreenHunter_01+Jun.+23+23.46.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Ok, I'll admit it. I'm not fooling anyone. I didn't strike a single drop of fear in the hearts of any of the pros I was up against. But, that's fine by me. My first paintball experience was totally memorable and totally AWESOME!</p><p align="center">The guys at <a href="http://www.gatorpaintball.com/">Gator Paintball</a>, in Hudson, FL, set me up with the latest baller gear, let me borrow the best marker $$$ can buy, gave me some important safety instructions (so I wouldn't "shoot my eye out"), and then sent me out to battle. They also invited some of their tournament paintballers to come and play a game for us. These guys (and gal!) were serious pros and a little more intimidating than I had expected. All I kept thinking was how they probably couldn't wait to unload those paintballs and blast me into next week.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGBxcAxhJ9I/AAAAAAAAAGo/QUBwu329vF0/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_03+Jun.+23+23.50.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215293094553003986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGBxcAxhJ9I/AAAAAAAAAGo/QUBwu329vF0/s320/ScreenHunter_03+Jun.+23+23.50.gif" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">But, alas, I survived. I hit several times and got hit several times. . . with green paint instead of pink or orange, so fortunately, my favorite camo pants that I wear <em>everywhere</em> will live to see another day. If you are looking for a great stress reliever, a cool day out with friends, or are just super competitive by nature, I <em>highly</em> recommend a joyous day of paint splattering, welt inducing debauchery.</p><p align="center">Airing now on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>!</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(video stills courtesy of BayNews9.com)</span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGBxcAxhJ9I/AAAAAAAAAGo/QUBwu329vF0/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_03+Jun.+23+23.50.gif"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-72913722155815477782008-06-20T22:54:00.014-04:002008-07-23T19:21:08.539-04:00My "Virtual Euro-Trip" Xtra Point Trivia Segments!<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFxyH572ZtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/YuWnRtmymHM/s1600-h/PDVD_012.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214167948724692690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFxyH572ZtI/AAAAAAAAAFw/YuWnRtmymHM/s320/PDVD_012.BMP" border="0" /></a></p>
<p align="center">So, Tom, my producer for the <strong><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/Xtra_Point.html">Xtra Point</a></strong> show on <a href="http://www.catch47.com/"><strong>Catch 47</strong></a><strong>, </strong>thought it would be really cool to spice up some of our weekly trivia segments. The idea was to have 5 weeks of questions about the now defunct NFL Europe and I was asked to create "costumes" based on each country or city we were presenting. . . Amsterdam, Scotland, Barcelona, London, & Germany. He would then make European landmarks "magically" appear behind me, as if I was right there!</p>
<p align="center">To some, coming up with 5 costumes in less than a week might have been pretty tricky. . .but for me??? It was almost too easy. I am not ashamed to admit that I did not have to buy one thing. I love Halloween, I love costumes and if you need it, I got it! </p>
<div align="center">Here are some screen captures from those segments that should be good for a couple laughs!</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFxyTKs5zCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/1hixf5AIitU/s1600-h/PDVD_004.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214168142203964450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFxyTKs5zCI/AAAAAAAAAF4/1hixf5AIitU/s320/PDVD_004.BMP" border="0" /></a>
<p align="center">. . .as a Dutch girl in Amsterdam!
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<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGRc9V6bYEI/AAAAAAAAAGw/HIyMKDwQmVU/s1600-h/PDVD_011.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216396477325860930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SGRc9V6bYEI/AAAAAAAAAGw/HIyMKDwQmVU/s320/PDVD_011.BMP" border="0" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">. . . as a matador in Barcelona!</div>
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<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SG_SNuZ49zI/AAAAAAAAAH4/IFKGhAaEYT4/s1600-h/PDVD_010.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219621626382448434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SG_SNuZ49zI/AAAAAAAAAH4/IFKGhAaEYT4/s320/PDVD_010.BMP" border="0" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">. . . as a tourist in jolly ol' England!
</div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIe8O3qS64I/AAAAAAAAALQ/z2Q4iN_q5Ig/s1600-h/PDVD_012.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226352856232291202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SIe8O3qS64I/AAAAAAAAALQ/z2Q4iN_q5Ig/s320/PDVD_012.BMP" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">and finally, as a Scottish lassie!
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(video stills copyright: Catch 47)</p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-17809323410467690552008-06-12T14:30:00.006-04:002008-06-12T15:26:00.756-04:00TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "Classic Cars" segment<div align="center">Our segment on classic cars just launched and I felt inclined to divulge a story about my life long love affair with a man named Shelby, last name GT500. He was born in '67, has Brittany Blue eyes and sexiest muscles I've ever seen. He likes it fast, demands attention wherever he goes, and is the envy of all who lay eyes on him. Long ago, I would often stare longingly at the photo of him on my bedroom wall that I ripped so carefully out of my Classic Mustang calendar. . . none of the other 11 would do. I dreamed of the day we would be together. Sadly, our paths have yet to cross, but one day. . .</div><p>
<div align="center">. . .he will be mine, oh yes, he will be mine.
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFsVEo8lxI/AAAAAAAAAEw/eDshHkyM5a4/s1600-h/shelbygt50067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211065353122912018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFsVEo8lxI/AAAAAAAAAEw/eDshHkyM5a4/s320/shelbygt50067.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">For our shoot, we visited <a href="http://www.americanmuscle4u.com/">American Muscle</a>, a classic car dealer in Homosassa, Florida. They had a little bit of everything, including the "star" of our show, a Chevelle SuperSport. I absolutely loved driving it. . . thanks for letting me guys! Also, thanks to Paul at </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.bigboytoyz.net/">Big Boy Toyz</a>, for setting it all up! </div><div align="center">Now airing on <a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/">Tampa Bay On Demand</a>, Channel 340!</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFz-n0OLoI/AAAAAAAAAE4/qHFMBTSkQAY/s1600-h/DSC02645b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211073763521474178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFz-n0OLoI/AAAAAAAAAE4/qHFMBTSkQAY/s320/DSC02645b.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFsU1-QItI/AAAAAAAAAEo/MjITfn2NktI/s1600-h/DSC02645c.jpg"></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SFFz-n0OLoI/AAAAAAAAAE4/qHFMBTSkQAY/s1600-h/DSC02645b.jpg"></a></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-15971738519588776592008-06-02T01:04:00.002-04:002008-06-12T15:25:01.026-04:00TBOD's Big Boys' Toys "SCUBA Diving" segment<div align="center"><span >When my producers and I decided to do a SCUBA segment for <strong><a href="http://www.baynews9.com/content/91/2005/9/21/289558.html">Big Boys' Toys</a></strong>, I was beyond ecstatic. The kind of ecstatic like a kid getting ready to go to Disney World for the first time. . . it keeps you up at night because you can't stop thinking about how much fun you are about to have! </span><p></p></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >I had never tried it before, mostly because, in all honesty, I prefer to be "on top" of the ocean! That's why I've always stuck to snorkeling and skin diving where I feel I'm in total control of my breathing. I've been snorkeling since I was a teen and have seen my share of pretty awesome sights! </span><p></p></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >In Ambergris Caye, Belize, we hired a guy named Ramon to take us in his boat to some of the best snorkel sites, including a visit to "Shark/Ray Alley." Yes, just as it sounds. This is a spot where local fisherman dump their chum on the way back to the island, so naturally there is<em> a lot</em> of underwater activity. It was absolutely <em>unreal</em> swimming with a sea of nurse sharks and rays as big as me! Ramon also took us out again at night to see things from a different perspective. Just like on land, boy do the freaks come out at night! Armed with an underwater flashlight, I saw moray eels, porcupine fish and even made friends with an enormous Goliath Grouper that followed me around the entire swim! </span><p></p></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >In Tulum, Mexico, the water of the Gulf was as crystal clear as I have ever seen it. They also have "cenotes" which are sinkholes, of sorts. They formed over thousands of years from the cave systems which are so abundant in Mexico. You can dive or snorkel them and check out all of the crazy underwater rock formations. Unreal! </span><p></p></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >Finally, I have to mention the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, where the addiction began! It all started when a tiny seahorse floated right into my palm. It was one of those life changing moments when you realize how small -<em>you- </em>really are. </span><p></p></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >So, a great big thank you to </span><a href="http://www.billjacksons.com/"><span >Bill Jackson's Adventure Store</span></a><span > and Rocky, my instructor, for teaching me a new way to "sea" life! I know it's cheesy, but I couldn't resist! It took me a little while to get comfortable breathing through the tank, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Next vacation, you bet I'm putting SCUBA diving on the menu!</span></div><div align="center"><span ></span></div><div align="center"><span >Enjoy the show! </span></div><div align="center"><span >Airing now on </span><a href="http://www.tampabayondemand.com/"><span >Tampa Bay On Demand</span></a><span >, Channel 340</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5VxNLLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/3eDxn77pN8k/s1600-h/DSC02618+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207146217243225266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5VxNLLI/AAAAAAAAAC8/3eDxn77pN8k/s320/DSC02618+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Gearing Up! <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5lxNLMI/AAAAAAAAADE/LRG7QGCY0cg/s1600-h/DSC02626+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207146221538192578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5lxNLMI/AAAAAAAAADE/LRG7QGCY0cg/s320/DSC02626+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Am I having fun, or what? <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5lxNLNI/AAAAAAAAADM/5sUPGRJYt1M/s1600-h/DSC02640+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207146221538192594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_5lxNLNI/AAAAAAAAADM/5sUPGRJYt1M/s320/DSC02640+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_51xNLOI/AAAAAAAAADU/mIcOxsLgnl4/s1600-h/DSC02643+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207146225833159906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN_51xNLOI/AAAAAAAAADU/mIcOxsLgnl4/s320/DSC02643+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Shooting underwater footage <p></p></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEOAhlxNLPI/AAAAAAAAADc/ekiP5C6Aifk/s1600-h/DSC02620+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207146908732959986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEOAhlxNLPI/AAAAAAAAADc/ekiP5C6Aifk/s320/DSC02620+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">5 hour shoot is over!
</div><div align="center"></div>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227976324777299418.post-38172827086464126062008-05-30T23:44:00.013-04:002008-06-22T01:34:13.742-04:00Tampa Bay Rays Promos!<div align="center">First Post: 5/30/08
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<div align="center">Updated: 6/02/08 </div>
<div align="center">Updated: 6/22/08
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<div align="center">Ok, so anyone who <em>really</em> knows me, knows that I LOVE BASEBALL, specifically. . . the Tampa Bay Rays! I try to go to as many games as I possibly can and, admittedly, spend many evenings glued to the television to see Carl Crawford's diving catches, </div><div align="center">Longoria--> Iwamura--> Pena triple plays and Scott Kazmir's "baby face" strikeout guys who look like they could be his father. </div>
<div align="center">This team rocks my socks!!!</div>
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<div align="center">Working for Catch 47 and Bay News 9's Toyota Sports Connection has afforded me the <strong><em>awesome</em></strong> opportunity to play host during some of the Rays home games this year. Here are some of the photos and I will be adding a lot more as they happen!</div>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.professionalanimations.com/"><img height="72" alt="Animations - baseball-01" src="http://www.professionalanimations.com/GAimage/animations/sports/baseball/baseball-01.gif" width="108" border="0" /></a></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDdt1xNLCI/AAAAAAAAABs/AUDTpUWSZiI/s1600-h/Rachel%40Rays4~26~08+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206404948837608482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDdt1xNLCI/AAAAAAAAABs/AUDTpUWSZiI/s320/Rachel%40Rays4~26~08+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Tampa Bays Rays Home Game Opening Announcements</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>With honorary Ball Boy @ Rays vs. Red Sox 4-26-08, Tropicana Field. </p></em></span>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDduFxNLDI/AAAAAAAAAB0/bAVKD8AkcJE/s1600-h/Rachel%40Rays4~26~08b+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206404953132575794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDduFxNLDI/AAAAAAAAAB0/bAVKD8AkcJE/s320/Rachel%40Rays4~26~08b+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Tampa Bay Rays Home Game MLB 2K8 </strong><strong>Trivia Segment</strong></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><em></em></span>
<div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>With</em> t<em>rivia winner @ Rays vs. Red Sox 4-26-08, Tropicana Field.
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<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDduVxNLEI/AAAAAAAAAB8/yynToTozG60/s1600-h/DSC02617b.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206404957427543106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEDduVxNLEI/AAAAAAAAAB8/yynToTozG60/s320/DSC02617b.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Representing my Tampa Bay Rays & Catch 47!
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<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEF6JlxNLHI/AAAAAAAAACU/vJxjLEeQkHY/s1600-h/raysrock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206576949392911474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEF6JlxNLHI/AAAAAAAAACU/vJxjLEeQkHY/s320/raysrock.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong></strong></p>
<p align="center"><strong>The Team!</strong></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://www.raysbaseball.com/">http://www.raysbaseball.com/</a></p>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*
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<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN6dlxNLII/AAAAAAAAACk/BwHbrfeQ1uQ/s1600-h/DSC02804+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207140242943716482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN6dlxNLII/AAAAAAAAACk/BwHbrfeQ1uQ/s320/DSC02804+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN6xVxNLJI/AAAAAAAAACs/ZxefZIA36RE/s1600-h/DSC02802+(Large).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207140582246132882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SEN6xVxNLJI/AAAAAAAAACs/ZxefZIA36RE/s320/DSC02802+(Large).JPG" border="0" /></a></span></strong></div>
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<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></div>
<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Tampa Bay Rays Home Game MLB 2K8 Trivia Segment</span></strong></div>
<div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">
<p>With trivia winner @ Rays vs. White Sox "Country Night!" 5-31-08, Tropicana Field.</span></em> </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*</span>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SF3dsmIEa7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/0Hir22UuQRg/s1600-h/PDVD_000.BMP"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214567701783276466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SF3dsmIEa7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/0Hir22UuQRg/s320/PDVD_000.BMP" border="0" /></a></p>
<div align="center"><strong>Post Game Highlights w/ Rusty
<p></strong></p></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Rays vs. Astros "80's Night!" 6-21-08, Tropicana Field.</span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><p>
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</p><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SF3jI72cXRI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zY8N_ObMtdg/s1600-h/DSC02915+(Medium).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214573686209404178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SF3jI72cXRI/AAAAAAAAAGY/zY8N_ObMtdg/s320/DSC02915+(Medium).JPG" border="0" /></a>
<p><strong>My best 80's, peace out, stunna' shade look!</strong></p></div>
<p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Courtesy of the Rays free sunglasses promotion! Rays vs. Astros, 6-21-08, Tropicana Field.</span></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XQkjh8jfYqU/SF3dsmIEa7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/0Hir22UuQRg/s1600-h/PDVD_000.BMP"></a></p>
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<p align="center"><a href="http://www.professionalanimations.com/"></a></p>
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<p align="center"></p>Rachel Eriksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11189868578945069814noreply@blogger.com0