Shannon's Top Cute Baby Animals

Okay, it's been a while. Yes, we've been slacking and haven't paid much attention to this blog over the last several months. We're sorry. It's a New Year. I know we've made this promise before, but we'll try harder in 2012.

At the end of our program on Friday, I challenged Shannon to list, in order, her favorite cute baby animals. Surprisingly she came up with 15. Here they are, although she did say they are subject to change.

15. Ducks
14. Puppies
13. Cows
12. Penguins
11. Goats
10. Giraffes
9. Elephants
8. Procupines
7. Polar Bears
6. Kittens
5. Pandas
4. Bunnies
3. Lions
2. Leopards
1. Tigers

Pawz Fest

Congratulations to Rich and Kathi on the success of Pawz Fest. For a first event, they had a nice crowd, beautiful weather and a good number of pets. The toughest part of our day was the judging as most of the pet owners entered their animals in "The Best Looking" category. Sure, there were several categories, but I think everyone entered "Best Looking" (no entries for "Oldest"). That includes the pets entered in the "Not-So-Good Looking" category. Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate and hopefully we'll see you next year.

Twitter... or not?

I've got the Twitter question as our poll question, and I'm interested in what people think about this form of social networking. I know a few people that use Twitter, but I don't know of many people that actually follow tweets. So that brings me to the question of whether GMFS should join the Twitter Nation.
I'm split on my thoughts. On the plus side, it's a an easy way to communicate with the viewers of our program and we can get an instant response. However, between two Facebook pages, this blog and the actual show itself, I really don't know what more you could want to know about the show. And as evidenced by this blog, I'm not someone who is consistent with postings. The show is the number one focus and we post when there is available time. Thoughts?

Bowling Round Up

A big thanks to everyone that participated in the Bowling Round Up to benefit Magic Moments as they were able to raise almost $12,500. I was going to take photos of the event, but Shannon and I got so wrapped up in giving prizes away, my camera never left my pocket. However, I know that several other people snapped pictures.
The funny thing about hosting an event like the Bowling Round Up is that most people are surprised by the energy we possess. I really can't explain it, but we're able to maintain the same amount of cheer that we also have during the show. I'm not a morning person and neither is Shannon. Yet for some reason, the adrenaline kicks in when the red light goes on. Hopefully our energy doesn't scare anyone, especially at an event.
Again, thanks to everyone that took time on Saturday to help. Hope to see you next year and maybe the weather won't interfere.

Random Thoughts: March 9

As luck would have it, a major snowstorm happened on my 13th anniversary at Good Morning Four States. With all the concentration on the incoming snow, I didn't mention the occasion and put it out of mind with the second storm and then my illness. So a month after the fact, I reference it now.
It's just been over 13 years since I first set foot at KODE. Coming from Jefferson City, I didn't know very much about Joplin, but was looking forward to the new challenge of a morning show. I realize that my early appearances weren't good and that it took some time to grow into the job. With all the changes in technology, I still find myself learning. And after six co-hosts, various fill-in anchors and countless production co-workers, I look forward to another 13 years. Hopefully you can handle it Joplin.



Many times throughout the show, we'll make a comment about members of a production crew. It's usually directed at our director Matt, or one of our camera operators. The camera ops get the "special" treatment because they happen to be in the studio with us. The above photo is Steve. I can't explain the hat. For some reason, the crew decided the dress up and Matt brought in the hat. Judging by Steve's expression, he wasn't expecting the photo. Surprise Steve.

The Magic Moments Bowling Round-Up is Saturday, March 12. They still have a few spaces for individual bowlers. Shannon and I will be co-hosting the event. Bowling and plenty of prizes. They ask that you raise at least $30. It's taking place at Carl Richards Bowl East. Please arrive by 12:30 p.m.

Louise and the Liverpool Legends

We had a treat in the studio on Friday, as Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison, appeared on the show. She was here to promote the Liverpool Legends, a Beatles tribute band that she formed. Along with her was Marty Scott, who takes on the role of George in the band.
Our on-air interview was a lengthy one, clocking in at just over nine minutes (it can be found on the website), but I could have talked about music with them for hours. Louise had several great stories about the early days of the band, some of which she shared on the show and a few she told me off camera. She came to America ahead of the Beatles and tried, with little luck, to get their music played on the radio. Oddly enough, one of the stations that turned her down would later have her provide Beatles Reports several times a week. Another story involved George coming to America before they found fame here. Ringo was supposedly going to join him. So Louise booked an appearance on a local television show. Ringo's response: if he had to work, he wasn't coming.
I also talked with Marty about assuming the role of George and he recently took it to the next level by adding sitar to the performance. He said it wasn't easy as instructor wouldn't teach him any Beatles songs. The instructor knew the songs, he just wouldn't share the knowledge.
Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to see the Liverpool Legends yet. I hope to get the chance sometime this summer. But a big thanks to Louise and Marty for appearing on the show.

Plenty of Chili

There is something interesting about going to a chili competition with someone who doesn't like beans, and yet Shannon and myself took part in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Chili Contest. We've judged at this contest over the last couple years and it's always a challenge. Not just for myself, but for Shannon, the person who hates beans. How does she judge? She normally has a designated taster while she concentrates on aroma and color. Unfortunately, no taster this year, so it was all based on the other senses.
The competition has definitely grown because this year, there were 21 different chili recipes to sample. Some had a kick, some were bland and one had the distinct smell of beer (the other judges were trying to figure out the brand). I even think one chili had tofu in it. But after all the tasting, with 10 different judges, there was still a tie. Back to the conference room for another round. However, my favorite did not win.
A big thanks to everyone at Sacred Heart. My stomach also thanks you, especially those at the dessert table.