Bahama Breeze

Hello, Dear Readers, Andrew here. I just got back from a 5 day 4 night trip to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. Miss USA traveled to the sunny local of Paradise Island to work and pal around with kids from the islands who were benefiting from the Butch Kersner Foundation charity which helps at risk youth in the Bahamas…Oh and Michael Jordan was having a golf tournament as well. The Michael Jordan charity golf tournament invites sports and entertainment celebrities to come down to the Bahamas to raise money for foundations like The Make A Wish Foundation and the Butch Kersner Foundation. Oversized checks were dropped like dollar bills on good causes. The weeks events included a Versace Fashion Show, Jerry Seinfeld stand up, Michaels eponymous gold tournament, and a celebrity softball game pitting two teams of well known’s against each other with coaches A-Rod and Jeter calling the shots. Yes, I saw Spike Lee round second and slide into third only to be tagged out by Jerome Bettis and yes, it might be the most ridiculous I have ever seen in my life.

The Atlantis resort is a Vegas hotel located in the Bahamas instead of a desert. It is supposed to be the uncovered city of Atlantis featuring artifacts, sculptures and ancient paintings. They even have Casino’s and rocks that have speakers in them so you can listen to Jimmy Buffet, just like the ancient Atlanteans. We were treated to an exceptional stay overseen by our most gracious host Cecile. Alas, there was video work to be done so the dolphins will have to wait until the next time I’m back to swim with me. I’ll miss you guys.

Look for the Bahamas video to be up within the next couple weeks at www.missusa.com. The pictures from the trip should be up within the next day or so.

-Andrew

Links!

Where I was Wednesday night:

SPiN

Hearts for Haiti

Also, here are a couple of videos we have been working on.  Much more coming soon!

The Pose Off

Miss Teen USA's Music Video

Fun at MUO!

Everything is going well at the Miss Universe Organization! Andrew and I have had fun over the past two weeks shooting and editing videos for the website and are very excited for them to be posted soon. We also have been working heavily on a promotional video for the Miss Universe pageant that has taken up most of our time. There is plenty of work to do, which is great because I love to stay busy! Some exciting trips are coming up in the next month! Andrew is leaving Thursday for the Bahamas with Miss USA and a trip to Venezuela could also happen very soon. I'm looking forward to shooting a web video next week at a photo shoot that Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA all have with Fadil Berisha. Here are some pictures we took in the office today.


Andrew and I with our boss Colin


The view from the office on the 16th floor

Talk to you again soon!

First Week

Nicole and I have tackled our first week working for the Miss Universe Organization. All in all, I have nothing but good things to say about our experience thus far. Our boss, Colin, is an outgoing lover of life who, above all things considered concerning this internship, trusts Nicole and I to deliver professional work. There is no looking over shoulders or handholding--a true work environment. We have creative freedom to pursue what we think will work for the company and our youthful outlooks on the changing media landscape are appreciated.

The MUO staff is nothing but jolly and friendly as Nicole and I were accepted into the ranks with a nice large carryout Chinese lunch on our first day. So large, in fact, that leftovers are still floating around in the kitchen's fridge. I had the opportunity to shoot one of Miss Universe’s English lessons and have spent the week creating a video from the footage and brainstorming for videos to do in the coming weeks. The freedom and trust we are given are amazing, and I truly feel like a part of the organization.

More on the New York experience in future posts. Trust me, there will be pictures next time.

So, dear readers, till another day. Stay Healthy.

-Andrew Betsch

First Week with MUO

I have worked three days and so far love it at Miss Universe! Everyone in the office has been so friendly and helpful, which has made Andrew and I feel very welcome. On the first day I got up so early that I arrived at work 40 minutes early and waited in a coffee shop across the street until it was time to go in, haha. MUO has been so much fun! We have already met Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Miss Teen USA who are all very beautiful. Colin, our boss, is fun to work with. He encourages us to be creative and think of new story ideas for videos to make for the Miss Universe website. We have already been given a lot of responsibility, which is great! Today I started editing a promo video for the Miss Universe pageant and worked on schedules for upcoming shoots. Living in New York City is fun too! Last night I went out with a few friends from my dorm and walked around Times Square. The cold weather is the only downside, but at least we do not have snow right now like in Athens. I am going to bed now because I am so tired from the past few days.

Can't wait for another exciting day tomorrow at the MUO office!

Day 1 in NYC!

Hello Readers!

Today I flew into New York City. It is my first time in NYC, and I love it already! I am staying in a women's dormitory in Manhattan where I get a small room and two meals a day. There are also other OU students here which makes me almost feel like I am back in Athens. Living here for 6 months is going to be a blast, though right now it sounds like a very long time.

Tomorrow is my and Andy's first day of work with the Miss Universe Organization and I am very excited to get started. I spent hours tonight deciding what to wear just in case tomorrow is the day that we meet Miss USA or Miss Universe. I am looking forward to meeting all of our new co-workers including OU alumna and president of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart. I also hope to find out where Miss USA will be traveling soon. In case you missed it, Andy and I will be following with Miss USA as she travels around the world raising awareness for her chosen causes. I cannot wait to see more of New York, but I am also ready for some international travel!

Being new to New York, I am a little nervous about getting lost. I walked around the city today looking for the building where we will be working and found it eventually. Along the way, I passed through Times Square and detoured over to Rockefeller Center. To my surprise, the Christmas tree was still standing there, which is something I have always wanted to see. I cannot wait to see what else the city has to offer!

Wish us luck for tomorrow!