I've said it before and it becomes even truer as time passes: one of the best advantages of owning the Dome of a Home is the opportunity to meet wonderful and fascinating people. The Dome's unusual nature is a catalyst for unusual situations arising. Our guests include a world class musician from Wales who just wanted to play his guitar in the dome; fellow hurricane survivors looking for hope; politicians curious about the dome's survivability; and numerous media personnel telling the Dome's story.



This weekend we were blessed with Jessica and Dan from KPI TV. They were here filming a segment for HGTV's new program Extreme Buildings airing in March 2007. What lovely people they are! I was very impressed with how easily the shoot went. The days start early and Mark and I are usually exhausted by the end of the day. Before a shoot, we always have to prepare the house and lawn. This time we were returning from Montana and only had three days to ready everything. Even so, Jessica and Dan stayed on task and kept us on a schedule, but miraculously, they managed to do it without getting uptight and anxious. This, in turn, allowed us to tell our story in a relaxed manner and reduce our anxiety in front of the camera. They kept us laughing and I felt no animosity if we needed to shoot another take. I think because we were actually having fun, it made the days go by faster and we were not as wiped out as usual.

When you think about what those involved in the media manage to accomplish, it is mind boggling. They take average people who are not actors and are not familiar with filming procedures and put them in front of a camera. Amazingly, there is actually footage that can be used in the program. On average, for every hour filmed, one minute is usable.
It's one thing to direct people who have experience in the acting field, but to convey what they need to a lay person and accomplish their goals shows how skilled they truly are.
Jessica and Dan were amazing professionals and wonderful people. We are fortunate to have crossed paths with them.



Because we have participated in several programs about the Dome of a Home in the past three years, I have come to have the utmost respect for those in the media industry. Their hours are Draconian, they are literally up before the sun and work late, late. When we called Jessica, she was always at work. The Weather Channel crews were like watching a well orchestrated ant colony: organized, capable, and focused. Whether filming live or readying a segment, they were constantly busy. Whenever I watch any type of TV, I am conscious of the immense effort and skill it took to create the finished product I am enjoying. Many times, the behind the scenes personnel do not receive the credit due, so we just wanted to say, "Thanks for all of the hard work!"


PITTSBURGH CORNING GLASS BLOCK

http://www.pittsburghcorning.com 800.624.2120

Mark always intended the decks to have glass block railing and now it has come to pass.
One visitor commented that it was like the Dome’s jewelry or bling. I have to agree.

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