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March 5, 2010
Posted: 1738 GMT
Hello everyone, First of all, I'm wondering if I should be worried that I reacted with slight panic at the realization my desktop television wasn't working this morning. My TV is my lifeline to broadcast news all over the world. It's the first thing I switch on when I come in every day. Of course I immediately called "maintenance" or "facilities" – I'm not exactly sure what they're called at the CNN Center. I was told there was a "TV person" who deals only in television issues. After calling for help, I should have been reassured. Still, I kept staring longingly at a flat screen with the words "NO SIGNAL" blinking at me defiantly. Meantime, I peeked at Executive Producer Ryan Cooper's screen here and there to get a sense of what was on our air. I suppose if anyone should be addicted to TV, it's a television news anchor. Still, I'm not sure it's the healthiest of dependencies. Anyway, back to the show. We have a packed rundown, as usual. We'll kick things off in Chile where our Sara Sidner will bring us the latest on the desperation of residents of several coastal cities in the earthquake zone. We are also live in Iraq, for more on the last day of campaigning ahead of Sunday's crucial parliamentary vote. We will take you live to Rome for what could be an explosive sex scandal at the very heart of the Vatican. There are allegations that Vatican insiders have been involved in a gay prostitution ring. Italian newspapers published transcripts of alleged phone conversations detailing sex for hire requests. Plus, we are live in Istanbul for the latest on the Turkey-US diplomat row after the American Congress recommended passing a resolution declaring that the mass killing of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915 was an act of genocide. The U.S. needs Turkey in the region for many of its military operations. Will the White House try to patch things up with Ankara? Ivan Watson will bring us the newest developments. We will also go over the Oscar nominees ahead of Sunday's Academy Awards in Hollywood. One of the top contenders – "The Hurt Locker" – was directed by a woman, Katheryn Bigelow. As much as we like to say we've made huge strides in terms of gender equality in Western countries, it hasn't applied to Hollywood: only four women directors have ever been nominated for an Oscar. No woman has ever been awarded the best director Academy award. Oh, by the way, my TV magically started working again. On its own. Maybe it was testing my commitment. Either way, I think I'll just read a book this week-end. See you at the IDesk! Hala Posted by: CNN Anchor, Hala Gorani |
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