The Twestival Celebration at MidTown Loft was a huge success. On September 10, tweeple in DC and in cities around the world got together to support local causes.
Proceeds from the DC Twestival went to Miriam’s Kitchen– an organization that feeds the homeless. Altogether, we raised enough money for 10,000 meals– that’s a fifth of the meals they serve a year.
The event was also chance to see people I normally only get to talk to on Twitter. Here are just a few of the tweeple I met up with (in alphabetical order. I’m not playin’ favorites here!):
@cheeky_geeky
Posted on : 30-08-2009 | By : Lindsey Mastis | In : WUSA
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I expected to see crowds of people holding American flags. I didn’t expect to be so moved by the family’s reaction.
I first saw the Hearst carrying Ted Kennedy’s body. A large oval window in the back made it easy to see the flag-draped coffin. Then, limo after limo of family members. I could barely see through some of the dark-tinted windows, but I imagine his wife, kids, and close friends quietly watched the crowds as they made their way in Arlington National Cemetery.
Then, there were limos and SUVs with windows rolled down. I saw arms and hands waving to the crowds. People shouted “thank you” and family members shouted “thank you” back. Then, there were bus loads– more family. The kids were crowded near the front of the buses, waving. You could see their lips moving. Again, the words “thank you.”
I interviewed a woman who– I guess you could say– grew up on the Kennedys. She always felt they were a part of her life. She decided to stand at the entrance to Arlington Cemetery that morning. She simply wanted to say “thank you,” and she knows the family heard her. Here’s the story:
Posted on : 16-07-2009 | By : Lindsey Mastis | In : Featured, WUSA
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A couple weeks ago I did a story about the cast moving into the new Real World DC house near Dupont Circle. I wanted to talk to neighbors about their reaction. As I tried to interview people on the sidewalk, some of MTV’s production crew tried to block my camera. One cameraman kept getting in my lens. Yesterday afternoon, I received an e-mail from that cameraman– Ryan Romkema. Here’s his apology:
Dear Lindsey Mastis,
I would like to extend an apology for my conduct on July 2. My actions on that day were ill advised and an overreaction to the pressures of the moment. Many people were and are excited for “The Real World DC” and the opportunities that lay ahead. A camera instruction was given to document the situation and it was too much. The nation’s capital has given a warm welcome to “The Real World DC” and it is our desire to present this great city in the best light possible. I regret my actions that day and hope you will accept this apology.
Ryan Romkema
Here is my response:
Dear Ryan Romkema,
Thank you for reaching out to me to apologize and explain your actions. I accept your apology.
Posted on : 09-07-2009 | By : Lindsey Mastis | In : Featured, WUSA
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Reality shows love DC– but does DC love reality shows? I went to the Real World DC House (on S and 20th NW) to find out.
When I arrived, there were a handful of people. I began getting some exterior shots and worked my way up to the sidewalk. Then, I saw some cast members. I shot some video and did my best to stay out of the crew’s shots. I even fought the urge to ask the cast members how they liked DC.
When the cast members finally left, I began interviewing some fans. That’s when the photographers got in my lens. There were actually two MTV photographers doing this, a male and a female.
I couldn’t stop laughing– it was just ridiculous. Instead of making a scene, I just relaxed and focused on getting good sound (although it was a bit difficult to concentrate with all the “distractions.”)
When I was pretty much done, the MTV producers came out and asked fans and bloggers to sign release forms. They even asked me to sign a release. I did not.
People keep asking me, why did the MTV photographers do this? I don’t know. They didn’t say a word. My pure speculation is that they wanted to mark their territory. I also believe they were hoping to provoke me. I’m sure MTV would have wanted me to make a scene so they could use it in an episode, or some type of Behind the Scenes special.
Instead– I just put it all on air. Later, the story was picked up by a host of newspapers, blogs, and magazines. Here are some screenshots:
Posted on : 19-04-2009 | By : Lindsey Mastis | In : WUSA
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Tuesday, April 14 – The Obama Family finally got a dog. It’s a 6-month old Portuguese Water Dog named Bo. Of course, families everywhere will want one too. But these dogs are a bit high maintenence. So, I did a story to shed some light on how to take care of the dog. (yes– pun intended). It’s called “Want a Portuguese Water Dog? Find Out if it’s Right for You.”
Wednesday, April 15 – It’s tax day. What a better time to become a millionaire! Okay– not a real millionaire. But 28 game enthusiasts gathered at Union Station to compete for $20,580 during a game of Monopoly. Domenic Murgo of Arlington is obsessed with the game. You’ve got to hear his take on Monopoly and the economy. Story: “Monopoly National Championship at Union Station.”
Thursday, April 16 – It’s common sense. Don’t leave your keys in the car. Don’t leave your keys in the ignition. Don’t leave your car running. And don’t leave your 5-year-old child alone in a running van. That’s exactly what some parents did this morning in Wheaton. What happened? The child was abducted when the car was stolen. Luckily, some good sumaritains tracked the suspect down and the child is safe. Here’s the story: “Police Recover Stolen Minivan with Child Inside.”
Friday, April 17 – The Summitt of the Americas started today and on top of that Raul Castro has said he wants to open talks with the US and that EVERYTHING is on the table. Cuba will also be brought up. Any time there’s talk like this, it’s easy to start wondering what would happen if the embargo is lifted. Story: “Could US Talks With Cuba Lead to Lifting the Embargo with Cuba?”
Saturday, April 18 – Five people were found dead in a Middletown home. The cause is an apparent murder-suicide. The husband may have suffered from psychiatric and financial problems. He killed his five and four year old sons, his two-year-old daughter and his wife before killing himself. Story: “Three Children and Their Parents Found Dead in Murder-Suicide“.
The Twestival Celebration at MidTown Loft was a huge success. On September 10, tweeple in DC and in cities around the world got together to support local causes.
Reality shows love DC– but does DC love reality shows? I went to the Real World DC House (on S and 20th NW) to find out.
