Nefertiti_Jaquez's Blog

It's a difficult thing to talk about, and devastating when a parent has to face the loss of a child. But a group is giving grieving parents a priceless gift by capturing the final moments and memories.



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Hey guys,

I know, I know...I haven't blogged in a while. ((I'm terrible @ this stuff - just ask the web team! They're always yelling at me!))

I guess my life isn't that interesting. I mean I try to come up with things to blog about...but really... c'mon...I'm just a regular gal!!! Nothing I do is any different than what you guys do! PROMISE. LOL. ;)

Whatever the case....here are some of things that are happening in my life:

- I don't know WHO ((because my girl J.Armstrong over @ the Daily News won't tell me, lol)) but I got nominated as one of Philadelphia's SEXY SINGLES for 2008?!?!  GET THIS...I'm not the only one to make the list this year...apparently the men and women of Philly also think my boy JB (John Bolaris) and my gal Shawnette are SEXY! 3 of us from FOX29 were chosen this year. (FOX is FULL OF SEXies -- in the past, Sheinelle and John Atwater have also graced the Daily News for being single and sexy!) *Atwater PLEASE don't kill me when you read this! ((He's shy about it! So I like messing with him))

The Sexy Singles Issue is expected out at the end of July. I'll blog about it when it comes out because I'm gonna want to make fun of JB!

- MY BFF and I are planning a trip to India! I'm really excited about it because I love to travel. I hear India is such an amazing place. If you've been there and you're ACTUALLY reading this...please send me some information. Places to visit...places to volunteer...stuff like that.

- I need a good gift idea for my parents wedding anniversary. I've still got time...it's not until August...but I like to have things planned. ANY IDEAS?!?!

Okay...for now that's all I've got.

I'll be back for more.

Nef

 

 

I did this story last night about a 21-month-old girl who was struck and nearly killed by a hit and run driver Friday night -- and my heart simply sank.

Am I the only who thinks there have been way too many hit and run accidents/and/killings these days?

I mean c'mon who does that? Who strikes someone and leaves them behind without ever looking back? Why not stop and render aid?

--
The 21-month-old girl, Autumn Vang, is expected to fully recover from her injuries, but police say say nearly died. The little girl suffered a broken jaw, fractured eye-socket, amid other bruises. Young Vang is lucky, but many more are not.

What is your take on hit and run accidents?

nj

 

Megan Sulock used to make up excuses for the bald spot on top of her head. Sometimes she said the headbands or pony tail holders she had to wear were too tight. She knew people doubted her stories, especially her mom and dad. But she couldn't face telling them what was really happening...she'd been pulling her hair out since she was 9.

Megan had no idea why she pulled her hair. She just knew that she couldn't stop! Many times, she did it without even thinking. Megan's mom noticed her doing once and took her to the dermatologist. They learned about a condition called: Trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania (pronounced: trik-oh-till-oh-may-nee-ah), "trich" for short: is a type of psychological condition that involves strong urges to pull hair.

People (both men and women) with "trich" pull hair out at the root from places like the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Some folks pull large handfuls of hair, which can leave bald patches on the scalp or eyebrows. Other people pull out their hair one strand at a time. Whatever the case, experts say...there is NO CURE.

So most "trich" sufferers live in shame...they hide...

That is until now... until a group of women, like Megan, decided to open up and share their story with me. Their reason for sharing: they don't want other sufferers to live with guilt or in fear!

Click here to watch my report.

nj

So I was in Miami all of last week celebrating my bday -- and had a blast. Today, I was back at work...and luckily for me...I was given a heartwarming story to tell. nj

Nearly 2 years ago, Chinika Perez was shot and barely spared from death. The gunman – a man she had been dating- shot her in the leg. The bullet pierced a main artery which left her permanently disabled. The shooting robbed the 28-year-old of her mobility. She spends her days in a wheelchair, because her left leg is gone at the hip and her right one is missing below the knee. But on Monday, NBA star Kobe Bryant teamed up with Conicelli Honda and gave her a gift that will give her back some independence. They donated handicap accessible mini-van. Now Chinika can move around... get places... hang out with her 2 kids.

 

 

Today is one of those days where I'm particularly happy that I'm a vegetarian.

Why you ask? Because I just met up with a Whitehall man that claims he found an unwelcome surprise in his hot dog.

What you ask? RUBBER! Yes, rubber!
--
Frank Mastropieri says he was looking for something simple to serve his boys, 3-year-old Tyler, and 1-year-old Alex, Wednesday, so he dropped some frozen Hatfield hotdogs into boiling water.

After serving up a plateful of chopped-up franks to his sons, he slapped one into a bun for himself and took a bite.

Only to find he was in for a huge surprise:

“I took a bite out of one and there was a piece of rubber in it…I just thought ahhh that’s disgusting. It made me feel like I had to throw up,” says Frank.
---

Now I called the makers of the hot dog and Eric Haman, a spokesperson, with Hatfield released this statement to FOX29:

“We unfortunately cannot comment on this incident at this time until we complete a thorough investigation. The first step is to get the product back to us so we can investigate whether or not the object came from our production facility.”

---

But I still want to know what you think about this whole thing? What would you do if you found a piece of rubber in your hot dog or meal? Would you think twice about where you bought it? Would you continue to buy products from that particular maker/brand? Would you sue the makers?

Let's BLOG!!! nj

Hey guys,

I did this story tonight on how the FDA is expected to clear the way for milk and meat from cloned animals to be sold in supermarkets nationwide, as early as next week.

The decision is expected to generate intense opposition from several consumer groups...especially because of safety issues/concerns.

I've got to say...by far, it's one of the most "interesting" topics I've ever covered.

Cloned meat and milk!?!? What?!?!

I've got to ask- Would you buy cloned meat and milk?

Nef

From the moment the story broke -- my heart sank.

Now, after having covered it from the start (to the story's sad ending), and meeting the family -- it's been even tougher to digest. On a story like this, it's hard for me to put up a wall and block out my emotions. After a story like this, it's hard for me to sleep at night...

Ebony Dorsey was a well-liked honor student, a frequent caregiver, a dancer on her school's dance team, and an aspiring model who had BIG DREAMS, says her dad, Evan Dorsey.   Dreams that were taken away from the teen by a man, who police say, was WIRED on crack cocaine when he allegedly beat, raped, and killed the 14-year-old.

I never got the chance to meet Ebony, but her face and pictures haunt my thoughts. Why? Cause' Ebony Dorsey is an example of a life lost too early.

--- Read more and the latest on the story--- as of: 12.12.07---
A Plymouth Meeting man is now charged with homicide in the case of missing ninth-grade honors student Ebony Dorsey.

Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Risa said  that 48-year-old Mark O'Donnell confessed overnight to Whitpain Police.

Ferman said autopsy results showed Ebony Dorsey was beaten and strangled, and her pajamas were found wrapped around her neck.

Police gave the following account in court papers, according to the Associated Press.

O'Donnell drove Dorsey to his apartment after 10 p.m. Thursday  and had her stay with his 4-year-old daughter so that he could spend the night with Dorsey's mother in Ambler.
Dorsey's mother, Danielle Cattie, returned home from work around midnight and told investigators that O'Donnell spent the next five hours smoking a significant amount crack.

O'Donnell left Cattie's house early Friday morning -- she described him as being "wired" -- and returned to his apartment at about 5:30 a.m.

When he came home, he said he found Dorsey changing his daughter's pull-up-style diapers and became angry. He said he started hitting Dorsey and eventually realized her pants were wrapped around her neck. He recalled the 4-year-old calling out, "Daddy," and he realized the teenager was dead.

O'Donnell then moved Dorsey's lifeless body to a relative's house in a plastic container and went to the airport to pick up his wife a few hours later. O'Donnell returned to the relative's home Saturday to cover the container in leaves and sticks.

He was caught Sunday night hiding under a comforter at a different relative's house.

O'Donnell is expected to be arraigned later on Monday.

Crews searched much of Saturday and Sunday for Dorsey until police received information leading them to a wooded area behind a house.

On Sunday afternoon, police covered a blue storage tub with a sheet and closed off the area around the house which belongs to a relative of O' Donnell.
 
 "What I knew of him I did not like," says Evan Dorsey. He says he warned his daughter of O'Donnell and had his suspicions even before police found the body. "'Trust your father. If I tell you someone's no good, it's because I know. Not everybody who claims to be your friend or be trustworthy is such."

So here's the deal: I LOVE THAI FOOD!

In the two months I've been in Philly, I've gone to Aqua (Center City), Banana Leaf (Chinatown), and Pattiaya (University City).

I really like ALL of 3, but I'm looking for a new place to eat Thai...ANY SUGGESTIONS?

...Or just a new place to try?!?! I'm open to just about anything?!?!

nj

PS. If you haven't tried the places I mentioned above... GO! They're great!

So here's the deal --

It's been a month! I'm here and I'm super excited! Love work, love FOX29!

However, my home ....that's another subject.

I haven't really gotten a chance to decorate. I NEED HELP!

Ideas on places, shoppes, and stores that sell modern/retro chic furniture.

I like solid lines, bold colors, and interesting patterns.

SO, ANY IDEAS?

If so, SEND THEM MY WAY! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE INCLUDE the address/intersection. I'm still trying to learn how to get from point A to Point B. :)

THANKS guys,
Nef

Last night, I did a story that was difficult to do. A story about a baby boy who never got a chance to experience life, love, and the things we tend to take for granted, as human beings. These are the stories that make it difficult for me to sleep at night. Cause’ no matter what I do … or no matter what anyone does… Corey Henry has passed on.

I’m not a mother, but children are my world.

The investigation into the death of 2-month old Corey Henry takes a new turn and has opened up new wounds for his family.

It was September 24th, when Corey's Aunt walked into the Ribbons & Bows Daycare Center, in Wilmington, Delaware, to pick him up.

The aunt found Corey in his crib, unresponsive. 

The 2-month-old was rushed to the hospital, but Corey was pronounced dead on arrival.

Back then, detectives found no foul play involved, and the daycare owners were freed from any criminal charges.

Now, the Medical Examiner's investigation reveals baby Corey had too much Diphenhydramine in his system.

That's a chemical usually found in Benadryl and other over-the-counter products.

Essentially, the coroners believe Corey was either drugged or accidentally given too much of the medicine.

Whatever the case, investigators are now left to piece together what exactly led to baby Corey's death …as his mother deals with the pain, of a life lost too early.

The feeling of coming home from Iraq today couldn’t have been any better for Sgt. Jeffrey Jayne. The 23-year-old Combat Logistics soldier with the Battalion 6-unit, received hugs, kisses, and a whole lot of love. So much love – from friends and family – the soldier’s Marlton, NJ neighborhood was all decked out. From yellow ribbons, to an enormous American flag, even a digital “welcome home sign.”

Let’s just say it was a hero’s welcome not even a little rain could stop.

And there was one person, in particular who was extremely happy… Jeffrey's mom.

The story, touching. The mood, intense. The feeling, heartwarming.

((I'm glad I was picked to do the story! it’s not every day, we get to do gratifying stories…but this one tops the list – so far-- for me.))

Jeffrey served overseas in the war, 3 times. Surprised and feeling quite fortunate, this soldier can now get back to what he left behind: a loving family, great friends, and a life that was put on “pause” when he decided to serve his country.

((I mean, I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to leave my hometown and serve overseas. risk getting killed and never seeing my parents, siblings, or friends, ever again!?!? I just couldn’t do it. Could you?))

Honestly, I believe Sgt. Jeffrey Jayne is a true hero. A soldier who didn’t and still doesn’t take his life for granted. He says, he realizes even though he gets to come home in one piece…and have a good “home-cooked” meal. There are still thousands of fighters overseas at various battle lines still fighting for our nation.

Some of those men and women will get to come back home, one day.

Others will not.

The story, touching. The mood, intense. The feeling, heartwarming.

nj

I was asked to emcee and host my “first” big corporate-sponsored event.

New girl. New town. First public speaking event…

Needless, to say, I was nervous.

Tomorrow marks my 3rd week here in Philly, PA, and I’m being thrown out to the wolves. ((Just hope I make it out alive!))

But the nerves didn’t last too long, after I started munching, like everyone else. Yes, you heard me, "munching!" ((A girl's gotta eat!))

The event, The Taste of Philly, was held at The Academy of Natural Sciences, and it was beyond my expectations. The event was a “showcase” for local restaurants and bars. Folks with several local businesses showed up to display their many culinary talents, and expertise on various wines and liquor.

Think: all you can eat buffet, without chairs (you walk/and eat). Just at “this” buffet everything was fresh, classic, and purely delicious. I mean nowhere else could you eat GREAT FOOD and drink GREAT WINE from over 30-something restaurants for $15 bucks!

Did I mention they built two makeshift lounges inside the museum, and played great songs from the 70s, 80s, and the 90s?

I’m telling you if you weren’t there, you NEED to go NEXT year! $15 bucks people! You have no excuse.

I MEAN I’ll DEFINITELY BE THERE! This time, I just won’t be nervous.

This time: it’ll be old girl, old town, and old event!
--
A list of places that were there:

Public House • Mission Grill • Five Guys • Nineteen • Cascamorto • Palace at the Ben Sole Food • Little Fish • Siam Lotus • Brasserie Perrier • Deuce • Fork • Abbaye •JNA • Ruby Buffet • World Café Live • Posh Bistro • Phillips Seafood • Philadelphia Park Casino • City Tavern • Old Original Bookbinders • Konak • Grady David’s • Doc Magrogan’s • Kildare’s • Abbraccio Restaurant • Amtrak's 30th Street Station • Eulogy • Misconduct Tavern • Yellow Bar • Bubble House • Goji Tokyo Cuisine • Happy Rooster•Alfa • Zocalo • Elephant and Castle • Rose Tattoo Café • Eulogy Belgian Tavern • Snockey's • Smiths Restaurant • Sidecar • Marmont • Tavern 17 • Little Candy Shoppe

PS. I'll try to post photos from the event, once the event photographer from 'Philadelphia Weekly' sends them to me.

Let me start off by saying that I’VE NEVER BLOGGED BEFORE. So… don’t be too hard on me guys!
-----
I’ve only been here for 2.5 weeks, but I’m enjoying every minute of it! The folks at FOX 29 are extremely nice, Philly is a great town to live, and Philadelphians have welcomed me in with open arms. ((At least the ones I’ve met anyway.)) So no complaints! ;)

What else? I did an interesting story about “Mummers” last night. What can I say; I’ve never met a “Mummer” before. Being the new girl in town I was definitely taken aback. They’re a group of really cool people – colorful, loud, and flashy people—but cool people, nonetheless.

FUN FACT:
As a part of yesterday’s story they adopted me, as their new “Mummer girl” and let me wear one of their costumes for my live shot.

Mind you, I was at the Mummers’ clubhouse, in Tacony, PA, because they were having a fundraiser to recoup everything they lost in a warehouse fire, 3 weeks ago. Fire investigators say the 19th century warehouse, which stored all of the props of the Greater Kensington String Band, was set ablaze by arsonists. So yesterday’s mission was about raising enough funds to buy props…so they can continue on…and be ready for the big annual New Year’s parade. What’s a New Year’s parade without the Mummers? Right?

nj
p.s. i may make an appearance at the parade with a costume on! so, you'll just have to stay tuned and show up! 2008 baby!