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.

Lovely Weather. Wish You Were Here.

Wow, what a week. I think most people would agree that this was one of the worst winter storms they have ever seen. I grew up in Northern Illinois, and I'm sick of the snow (my mother said the snow was so deep back home, that the snowplow guy couldn't plow it with his truck). What makes it seem crazier to me is that we set a record high of 73 degrees on Saturday, only to be followed by 1 1/2 feet of snow and temperatures dropping to -11 Thursday morning.
I left the house Tuesday morning as the sleet was ending and the snow was starting. That was the last time my vehicle saw the inside of my garage. In fact, until late Wednesday afternoon, the only tracks down our lane were my footprints from the house leading to the road. I'm sure most people found themselves walking through a snow drift at some point during the storm. It would be nice to have a day when I'm not cold and wet. Love the frozen pant legs.
However, the show must go on as I found myself living at the station Tuesday night. Tiffany Alaniz also turned the station into a temporary home, and thankfully filled in for Shannon, who got stranded at home. I took over the sports office, she got the lobby.
KODE/KSN had several departments working together, as anyone with a snow-worthy vehicle played taxi service for employees. And yet, I don't think a single person avoided getting stuck, regardless of the vehicle. I believe my number was four.
So now the weekend is here. I've got a path shoveled from my driveway to the front door and most of the driveway is cleared. Still can't get into the garage, so my weekend project is obvious. And yet, more snow in the forecast this week. Who said weather in the Four States is boring?

Business Expo

A big thanks to everyone we talked to at the Business Expo. It's a good opportunity for us to get out in the public and visit. I have to admit that we wandered away from the KODE booth as we had to see what the other booths were offering. With the theme being "game shows", it also gave us the chance to test our skills and maybe win a few prizes. Shannon got into a cash cube, with a chance to win as money was blowing around her head (obviously, the above photo). She won $1. However, she was disappointed when she discovered that I found a booth with a trivia contest and I walked away with $10. Of course, we got our yearly supply of pens and other goodies (some new golf balls). Hope to see everyone at next years event.

Alan vs. A Basketball

While the segment hasn't aired yet, I will go ahead and apologize now. Having Hot Shot Branch from the Harlem Globetrotters on the show... good idea. We had a chance to talk about the team and the new 4 point shot that the Globetrotters have added to the game. Unfortunately, part of the segment consists of Hot Shot trying to teach me a few basketball tricks... bad idea. And for that, I apologize.
I am not good at most athletic endeavors. You'll get a spirited effort from me, but my skills just aren't there. In softball, I may get a hit or two, but I'll usually a butcher in the field. In football, maybe I'll catch a pass and throw a lucky block. But in basketball, my skills are brutal. Most people believe that I'm joking about my basketball ability, but I am truly awful at the sport. It's like the Seinfeld episode, where they refer to George as a "chucker." That's me. If I get the ball, it's going up in the air. Maybe to another player, but more likely at the basket. No guarantee it's going to the intended location, either.
So while I try to mimic the moves, I'm sure Matt has put together a montage of my basketball skills. Enjoy, and remember kids, don't try this at home. To see the video, click here.

Coughing and Inventions

Every once in a while, it will happen. An anchor will be reading a news story and a coughing fit will occur. To make it worse, the coughing doesn't happen at the end of a news block, but rather in the middle. That was the case this morning for Shannon. And as you saw, it doesn't always lead to a graceful exchange. Admittedly, it cause me off guard. I had just walked back into the studio for the coughing. Good timing, except my scripts were a little out of order and the prompter operator got slightly ahead of me. The first story after the switch... not so good. Thankfully, I got my bearings and finished the news. Shannon was okay, but had water nearby for the rest of the show.

Our ABC Tech Bytes segment had a story that peaked our curiosity this morning, and we had to figure out how a gadget worked. In case you missed it, it was the Bottoms Up Draft Beer Dispenser. As the name implies, it's a beer dispenser, but it fills the cup from the bottom. Naturally, we had to find out how. Apparently, there's a magnetic valve at the bottom of the glass. Beer enters through the valve, and when the glass is full, the pump shuts off. The pressure of the beer pushes down on the valve, keeping it closed. And how do they disguise the valve? As an advertisement for beer. Oh technology, you never cease to amaze us.

Christmas Cookies

I know it seems a little late to be talking about Christmas cookies. But my family was just in town to celebrate Christmas and the multiple cookie containers play a big part of the event.
I've tried to explain it on the show, but Christmas cookies are a huge tradition in my family. My mother would start baking in the middle of December, and the kitchen was a non-stop cookie factory. Trips were made to visit other members of the family and the cookies were not just a welcome addition: for some relatives it was a required part of the holidays. The creativity that flowed through the kitchen was amazing, especially when it came to the sugar cookies. Reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and angels were baked, iced, then carefully decorated with frosting and other sugar treats. Of course, when my sister and I were old enough, we became part of the cookie making process.
Now the years have passed. The cookies aren't as ornate and the variety may be smaller (I think fruitcake was a part of the holidays, but mom stopped that years ago), but we always get a few containers of our favorites. It just wouldn't be the holidays without a taste of home. And yes, I'll be sharing a few with Shannon this year.

Grayson's Accessories

Ok, so I like the hats. It all started when he was born, and the doctor told us to keep his head covered. I got tired of looking at the same three hats over and over, so I went shopping.

It started with his little "aviator" hat, then to a stocking cap, a Santa hat, a party hat.... his next one will be a fedora.

Hats, hats and more hats...

Grayson has a lot of hats. I've been giving Shannon a hard time about the amount of hats Grayson owns. I realize it's winter and as someone who doesn't have much hair, I understand the importance of a warm hat. Shannon has several photos of Grayson wearing a hat (I'd guess 60% of his photos are with hat), and I don't think I've ever seen the same hat twice. Now I know that she has a thing for shoes. Maybe she's trying to get Grayson to develop a similar obsession, only with hats. I'm hoping to find Grayson a pith helmet or a fez. How about a beanie... with propeller? Now that's stylish.

Maybe Next Year, Chiefs

I have to blame my wife. When I moved to Joplin, I wasn't a Chiefs fan. Even though I've always lived in the Midwest, I was somehow a Seattle Seahawks fan. And at the time, the two teams were rivals, residing in the same division. Heated discussions would occur on the GMFS set, as our producer Kevin and myself would taunt each other on the merits of our team. But then, I married a Chiefs fan, the Seahawks moved to the NFC and slowly I became a Chiefs fan through osmosis. A trip to Arrowhead didn't hurt, with the smell of barbecue and a Chiefs victory.
So naturally on Sunday, I watched with excitement as Kansas City made its first playoff appearance since 2006. As you know, the excitement didn't last long. Baltimore moved the ball at will and the Chiefs seemed more than willing to give the Ravens back the ball when Kansas City's offense was on the field. Sure the halftime score was close, but outside of one big play, the Chiefs were struggling.
Two awful games to close out the season after such a great start. But on the bright side, this was a team that only won 4 games last season. Vaulting into the playoffs was a huge step in the right direction. And that should give Chiefs fans a ray of sunshine for the 2011 season. The schedule will be tougher and teams won't take them for granted, but we've seen improvement on both sides of the ball. I can only hope that one Sunday afternoon, I'll be among the sea of red at Arrowhead.

Song Stuck In Your Head

Food is a favorite topic on the show as I mentioned, but so is the world of entertainment. Movies and music are often discussed during the breaks, although obviously our tastes are very different (Shannon loves her New Kids). However, one of our favorite games involves getting a random song stuck in the other persons head. A catchy tune helps, but sometimes the randomness is the amusing part. Some of the songs that have worked in the past include "Barbie Girl", "Oh Yeah" (the song from Ferris Bueller), "Song of the South"(yes, Alabama) and the theme song from "The Smurfs." I have no idea how the last one cobbled its way into my brain, but it lodged itself there for a couple days. Right now, I've got "Oh Yeah" going through my mind. Any ideas?

Mac & Cheese & Other Thoughts

We love to talk about food on the show, and this morning had another example. Shannon mentioned adding split cherry tomatoes to her mac & cheese, something that I have not tried. In college, I used to make a casserole using mac & cheese, tuna and cream of mushroom soup. It was cheap, filling and didn't taste bad either. Anybody have any other recipe ideas for mac & cheese?

Like I mentioned this morning, I am a shopper that will occasionally read labels. The product I put down last week while shopping... Ramon noodles. Always looking for cheap ideas for lunch, and the thought of the noodles appealed to me. Of course the sodium content scared me away. But really, it's hard to find a soup that doesn't get crazy with the sodium.

Hello Blog!

Hello blog. Sorry, it's been a while. With all the electronic and social media available, we kind of ignored you. While I can't guarantee it won't happen again, we'll try harder in 2011. We apologize.

Okay, so we've decided to revive the blog for the New Year. I realize that we offer show updates on Facebook, but those short blurbs only give us a limited amount of characters. It's not like we're going to rewrite "War and Peace" on this site. It just gives us a platform to explain things you've seen on the show in a bit more detail.

One of the things Good Morning Four States would like to know are your ideas. We've already heard a few in the last week, but we're always interested. When you do a show as long as Shannon and myself, you can sometimes get caught in a rut. So feel free to drop us a line here, on Facebook, or email us.

Speaking of changes, we've made a few in the show and will continue to play with the format. The changes weren't sweeping, but enough to "mix it up." We feel the moves have improved the flow of the show and quickened the pace. Hopefully we'll be able to bring you more news and stories that interest you without losing the personality of the show. Trust us, we have plenty to say.

Hopefully we can stick to our guns and update the blog on a consistent basis. Maybe not daily... baby steps, please.