Monster Cables

Occasionally on the show, we'll make a reference to the cords and cables that can be found in our studio. These aren't your average-sized extension cords, but rather the monster-sized cords you see below. Not only are these cords huge, they are also relatively slick. When you enter our studio through the control booth, there is a sign warning you of the slickness of the cables (it's handwritten, which makes it kind of funny). And yet it never fails that someone on the crew (or Shannon or Alan) will step on a cable and almost fall on their rear. Maybe a couple times a month and usually during the show (bad timing). Of course, that in turn, will generate a response from us, usually a laugh. If it happens during the news portion of the show, Shannon will try to pass off the laughter as a cough (usually doesn't work). Thankfully (or not, depending on how you look at it) no one has fully hit the ground yet, because Alan would have to finish the show and Shannon would still be laughing.

Why the 11:00 a.m. deadline?

Admittedly, 11:00 a.m. seems to be an odd part of the day to have a deadline. And yet, in the course of our abnormal day, it makes sense.
You have to understand that our day starts very early. Contrary to popular belief, we don't walk in the door 15 minutes before showtime. We have a lot of responsibilities to perform before the show even hits the air. Editing and rewriting stories, putting together weather forecasts and graphics, editing video, corralling the monkeys... you get the idea. It's a fairly lengthy process crafting a 90-minute show. And that doesn't include the material we put together the day before, like the birthday/anniversary list.
The birthday/anniversary segment can sometimes be the longest and most time consuming portion of the show to put together. It honestly varies from day-to-day. Today took a matter of 15 minutes, but last Friday, it was just over 75 minutes. And that's not including the time required for the on-air graphic (another 10-25 minutes). Obviously the volume of birthday/anniversary announcements is the main factor. Phone calls and alien sightings are also factors.
We try to conclude our day around Noon, so with the 11:00 a.m. deadline, that gives us a safety net time to get the birthday/anniversary organized before we leave. Otherwise, we'd be here even earlier in the morning, and we honestly don't get enough sleep as it is.
The 11:00 a.m. deadline is not new as Good Morning Four States has had it in place for at least five years. Just remember, if you get your birthday/anniversary in late, it will just air on the following day. And for Monday birthdays/anniversaries, get it to us by 11:00 a.m. Friday morning. We try not to work weekends. That's the only time we sleep.

February Barbecue Winner

Congratulations to the Carthage Police Department for winning the barbecue from Richard's Hawgwild. Originally we were supposed to feed about 25 people, but I guess when the rest of the department found out, it had to be doubled. As you can tell, Richard did not leave anyone hungry, bringing plenty of beef brisket, ribs, beans and more. And this time around, he added barbecue chicken to the mix. Hopefully the evening crew got some of the leftovers. Now about those parking tickets...

Following The Rules For Valentine's Day

After last year's Valentine's Day serenade, Matt was a little anxious about what I had planned for this year. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out Matt Bruffett: Macho Baby.

So, after the Singing Valentine's from Missouri Southern made an appearance on the show, I spent a good portion of the morning assuring him that I did NOT hire them for this year. I promised to NOT go inside the UPS building.

As you can see by the first picture taken from inside his truck, I didn't even go on the property.

Instead, I only visited his truck, leaving a cab-full of hot air and love.

See??? I followed the rules!!!

Mmmmm.... Pizza

Help Alan and Shannon through the maze to get to the pizza. Print this page now! We're hungry!!!

Food Phobia Word Search

WORD BANK

BEANS
BEETS
BANANAS
DOUBLEDIPPING
MILKINCEREAL
MUSTARD
PEANUTBUTTER
PEAS
PICKLES
PICNICFOOD
PUMPKINPIE
SAUERKRAUT
SEAFOOD
SIZZLINGFAJITAS
SWEETPOTATOES
WHITECASTLE

Stains the Dog

Shannon and Alan first saw this video on "The Soup" and have made a few references to it on GMFS. They have watched it repeatedly, and still laugh. Just give the dog a cupcake...really.

And The 12th Caller Is...

Okay, one of the biggest questions we get from viewers has to do with our 12th caller contests. Some people will call the contest line, then get kicked into our "phone system purgatory" or PSP. There are worse places to be, although it depends on which level of PSP you land (stay away from level 7).
Winning phone contests requires a fair amount of luck, a few four-leaf clovers and a handful or two of salt. I've had friends that were quite good at it, but they would never share their secret... or their prizes for that matter.
Now keep in mind, we have one operator trying to handle several calls coming in. If the operator doesn't get to your call in time, then WHAM!... you're in PSP (remember, phone system purgatory). When that happens, simply hang-up and try again. Often times, callers assume there is an extension number to dial. There isn't, but it is interesting when a contestant leaves a message in an unsuspecting KODE employees voice-mail.
It's great to hear from callers that win for the first time. It's almost total euphoria (total euphoria would require cash). We wish everyone could win, but watching Good Morning Four States is a prize to itself... isn't it?

We Want Free Stuff!!!

Since every picture Alan and I take together, even the single shots fused into one, make us look like we're engaged, we've decided to go ahead and register. We've got pots and pans and coffee mugs, so we're only going after cool stuff.

I've done a little shopping, and have found the first item to add to the registry. His and Hers life-size Lego sculptures!!! You can find it through the Neiman Marcus Dream Christmas book. At a mere $60,000 each, we feel the Shannon and Alan Legos would add just a "touch" of color to the set.

Good Morning Four States: The Blog

Hello and welcome to Good Morning Four States: The Blog. A lot of things happen during the course of the show and sometimes within those 90 minutes, we just can't explain everything. So with this blog, we hope to answer questions, take you behind the scenes and talk about the craziness that can be Good Morning Four States. Shannon and Alan will be blogging when the opportunity hits, so you might find posts right after the show or well after the fact. Hey, we're busy people and can't blog all the time. Enjoy!