Stay Tuned with Kirk Baird: Laura Emerson

11/15/2010

First job: My first work experience was for my father on the family dairy farm. I fed calves, drove tractors, milked cows. My first broadcasting job was at a local radio station at the age of 16. I did everything from cover school board and city council meetings to driving the contest sign-up Jeep.

First salary: Dad paid us according to the job we were doing and our age. Later, minimum wage at the radio station.

My idol is: My mom, she's always helping people.

Most embarrassing TV moment: I've done live TV news updates with a forgotten pencil behind one ear, had an earring fall off on air, had words that just wouldn't come out, and once did a live shot with my face caked with snow. I was so cold and numb I couldn't feel it. The snow live-shot tape did land me a job in

Colorado.

Highlight of my career: Most recently the Crystal Bowersox coverage that was used as a clip on American Idol and the national attention Fox Toledo got with our Marcy Kaptur/Rich Iott debate.

My favorite thing to do outside of work: Cooking, often without a recipe; art including ceramics, glass and watercolors; gardening; reading, travel.

I think Toledo's best-kept secret is: The Metroparks system. I live near Oak Openings and am always surprised how many people I talk to have never been there. Great horse, biking, and walking trails.

People may be surprised to know that I: Can do a handstand. I lift weights two days a week to stay in shape.

In five years, I see myself: Probably here, probably still doing television, but I've learned that sometimes life holds surprises you never imagined.

My dream job is: Something that allows me to do some of my favorite things outside of work like working in art, food, or travel but wouldn't take the fun

out of them.

Contact Kirk Baird at: kbaird@theblade.com or 419-724- 6734.