Thursday, January 28, 2010

Rain, Wind, Ice, Wind, Snow, Cold

...
Today, it's rain, overnight it's ice, and Friday, it's snow! I'm not looking at a ton of rain today, maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 inch total, and it won't be getting here until much later today, but with temps dropping overnight, we need to be ready for an icy mess in the morning. Winds will be gusting 20-30mph. Winter Storm Watches and Winter Storm Warnings are up.

We've got some serious coverage planned for this potential major winter event on Daybreak Friday morning. You need to know about school closings and road closings and we are going to have them, along with live reports from the field to show you where the worst of the weather is happening. Don't forget, you can share your photos with us: "photos@wreg.com" I am going to work extra hard in getting the pictures that you have taken the time to send in, "on the air."

Todd Demers will be hosting a little "web chat" on www.wreg.com at 10:30 this morning, feel free to log in, and ask your weather related questions!

Storms like these tend to have a serious "Trickle down" effect. Travel slows on the highways, and at airports, causing delays system wide.

Today is a good day to finish up your "worst case scenario" plans, with plenty of supplies, full tank of gas, flash lights and candles. Remember, it's going to COLD this weekend, too.




Rock 103's "radio a thon" to raise money for the Ronald McDonald house is about to get underway, they have an "on line" auction for you to check out as well. This year our friend John "Bad Dog" McCormick has experienced first hand, what many of the children are dealing with, and speaks from the heart in asking for your help. Be sure to look him up on Facebook.

Here's a story that won't make the front page of the paper, but still worthy of your time.


A love story, that runs deep. Who was this woman's husband?

I think this is the beginning, of a new wave of future technology.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Get ready

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This is going to be one of the "nicer" days as we approach the weekend and winter storm possibilities. A "Winter Storm Watch" is up, rain Thursday will become icy overnight early Friday, and eventually change over to snow. Another big concern, strong winds associated with the LOW pressure that is bringing us this mess. IF we get icing on tree limbs, those winds could help blow them down, in turn, causing some power outages.

Here's the breakdown, click on the pictures to learn more.

Florida's recent cold snap hurt more than just the orange crop. You may not of hear about this.

Be watching this morning for your chance to win tickets to "The Jersey Boys" at the Orpheum. Two tickets up for grabs between 6:30 and 7 this morning. These tickets would be for tonights "opening performance."

The "Apple Tablet" will be unveiled today, it's supposed to be big big big.

ATT and has made it official, they are no longer a sponsor for the worlds top golfer. It's believed that Tiger is in "rehab" in a clinic in southern Mississippi.

NASA says it's official. The Spirit is stuck. So stuck, they've stopped trying to get it "un-stuck."



It's dubbed the "World's Ugliest Rolex" and it will set you back 46K.




In DAYBREAK TRIVIA: There's a "Space Treaty" that says what we can and more importantly "cannot" send into space. AND... On this day, Elvis had his first hit with RCA records, what was it!?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Ice ahead?

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Today will be breezy and cool, but all eyes are focused on the end of the week as another winter storm is offering up ice/sleet and snow early Friday morning. A special weather statement has already been issued, and we'll be watching it carefully.



For more on the evolution of this storm, click on the pictures.

A local company is getting some national attention for it's big paydays! Congrats Baker-Donelson.




How about them Grizzlies... at home last night against the Orlando Magic.

Lost a member of "Bonanza" over the weekend. You may remember him better from Trapper John, MD.

Economics of NFL football, what's happening in New Orleans.

Closer to home, the Mississippi Riverkings are playing early today, I mean, really early.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has big plans in efforts to cure cancer.

What does John Travolta do in his "off time?"

In DAYBREAK TRIVIA: Before Nancy, former president Ronald Reagan had an actress wife, what was her name? AND... fans of "Dukes of Hazzard" will know this! What number was painted on the side of the General Lee.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Wild week ahead

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What a windy weekend! While things may settle down early this week, Mother Nature will more than make up for it by the end of the week, with another mention of snow. Superbowl match up, Bullock wins again, Cruise to Haiti?

Congrats to a "Two time" champion speller in DeSoto County!

There's been quite the buzz in the Mid-South about the "New Madrid" fault, following that massive quake in Haiti. Some think, our fault line, no longer as volatile as it once was. Can we afford, though, to not be prepared?


Well, are you happy with the teams heading off to the Superbowl? You know it's on News Channel 3 this year. I wonder if the pregame show will start at 10am this year?

Fans of Aerosmith, this is almost unbelieve-able!

In local sports, here's the latest on the Memphis Tigers, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Sandra Bullock has done it again. She won the "SAG" (Screen Actors Guild) "best female in a drama" award, for her work in "The Blind Side," and that almost assures an "Academy Award" nomination. Go Sandra! It's been a while since a "Memphis Connection" picked up a statue, I'm thinking "Kathy Bates" in Misery, some 20 years ago. I enjoyed the tribute to 88 year old Betty White who took home (deservedly so) the lifetime achievement award following a lengthy and heartfelt standing ovation.

So, who do you think "re-paints" all those Northwest Airplanes, so they have the "Delta" feel to them? It's a company just a "stone's throw" from Memphis.

One "Cruise Line" is already docking in Haiti again. BUT, before you think this is out rageous in this time of catastrophy, keep in mind "cruise ships" are the life blood for the economy on many parts of that small island.

DAYBREAK TRIVIA: in the "101 Dalmations" what are the names of the two main dogs, and what was the original intended use for "bubble wrap?"

Friday, January 22, 2010

It's COOL

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It's Friday, and the weather is finally cooperating. Hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy.

Those 2 of you who regularly read this blog, may notice that I (Todd) am out, and Austen is in. I know he'll take good care of you. I'll be up with you at 4am, staring at the ceiling.

The "Hope for Haiti" telethon is tonight, it'll be on all channels, and there is a pretty powerful line up of stars hoping you will be watching. The images and stories coming out of Haiti are just horrific. Unimagine-able. I don't know how the rescue workers do it. They have my upmost respect.

Saw this article, and thought it was a nice one to pass along for a Friday. I'm a big fan of "Random Acts of Kindness," this one is a great example.

I'm reminded of the scene in "Evan Almighty" you know the one where he builds the Ark? Toward the end, God (played by Morgan Freeman) writes in the sand A R K .... Acts of Random Kindness. One at a time, do what you can.


Thinking about grabbing that new Google cell phone, "Nexus one"? Be sure to read the fine print about early cancellation policies before you sign on the bottom line.

Not sure if I shared this with you yesterday, certainly "caught my eye" being the Shuttle, NASA, Apollo fan I am. It's for museums and the like. 30 years worth of stuff, they don't want to throw it out, so they will give it away to places that can "show case" it.

You INTO gold? May want to be careful.




Tonight will be Conan's last night on NBC. The "45-million" dollar divorce included severence for his staff of 200. (How can you have 200 people on your staff, I just don't get it) Conan is said to be giving part of his share,which is 32 million, to bolster the compensation plans for those who worked for him. I'm sure he'll be off for a while, before re-surfacing on another network. FOX is said to be the "odds on" favorite.

It's going to be a good weekend for NFL football fans. Colts and Jets, and Vikings and Saints. You're not asking, but I see Colts and Vikings in the Superbowl. Maybe it's wishful thinking, anyone who has watched Daybreak knows that Peyton Manning and Brett Favre are my favorite quarterbacks. With that match up, I wouldn't care who won, I would simply enjoy the battle (secretly, and don't tell anyone) I think I'd pull for Vikings, cuz I think Peyton will end up with a trophy case full of Superbowls down the road, this is Bretts last chance.

Ever wanted the link to all those T-DOT Smartway cams around the loop here in Memphis? Your welcome.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

More Rain?

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Weather continues to be a major concern in the Mid-South this morning. Pockets of heavy rain from overnight have let up, but a "Flash Flood Watch" continues for the region, the ground is saturated, additional heavy rain could cause some localized flooding, let's be careful out there.


The worst of the weather appears to be taking aim on the Southeast.

Did you see who's been added to the list of entertainers for the big "Hope for Haiti" telethon tomorrow night?

Were you in the running? Did you have a bid in? Looks like this guy has just won the bet in Vegas.

This "done deal" apparently is "not done" just yet.

Talk about taking it "down to the wire." Why wait?!?

Not a good day in sports for the TIGERS or the GRIZZLIES.

Yesterday in "Daybreak Birthdays" we wished Moonwalker Buzz Aldrin a "Happy 80th" Birthday, he had a request for his special day. Maybe you can help.

If the skies clear for us, some good "viewing opportunities" of the Int'l Space Station over the next couple of days.

THE FOLLOWING ISS SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM WED JAN 20 TO THU FEB 04

SATELLITE
LOCAL
DURATION
MAX ELEV
APPROACH
DEPARTURE

DATE/TIME
(MIN)
(DEG)
(DEG-DIR)
(DEG-DIR)






ISS
Thu Jan 21/06:12 PM
3
21
10 above NNW 21 above NE
ISS
Fri Jan 22/06:33 PM
3
76
10 above NW 49 above ESE
ISS
Sat Jan 23/06:57 PM
2
23
23 above WSW 15 above S
ISS
Sun Jan 24/05:43 PM
5
71
10 above NW 12 above SE
ISS
Mon Jan 25/06:09 PM
2
24
24 above SW 11 above S
ISS
Mon Feb 01/06:29 AM
2
20
10 above S 20 above SSE
ISS
Wed Feb 03/05:41 AM
2
21
11 above S 21 above SE
ISS
Thu Feb 04/06:03 AM
5
85
11 above SW 12 above NE


Because of the time needed to address weather and traffic concerns, we were un able to have "Daybreak Trivia" this morning, it'll be back tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Thunder

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Rain is moving across the Mid-South this morning, with continued chances for rain and thunder over the next 36 hours. Big trouble on the "Fly over" out east this morning, Corie Ventura is helping to get you around that major intersection.


There has been ANOTHER big earthquake in Haiti. This morning at 6.1 magnitude just west of the capital.


California is getting hammered by a series of storms, bringing lots of rain. You've likely seen the video from the most recent down pour.








In case you missed this last night, the big news in the world of politics.

Hollywood writers would not have been able to bring a story like this together. Who do you have going to the Superbowl?


The JAL bankruptcy... we told you about this possibility last week.

I'll be the first to admit, visiting Walgreens a couple of times a week is normal for me. NOW, they may be giving us another reason to stop in.

National "Pie Day" is just around the corner... are you ready?

In Daybreak Trivia: What political drama played out just as President Ronald Reagan was sworn into office?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rain returns

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Mostly cloudy skies today, with rain or thunder rolling back in to the forecast for the next couple of days. Temperatures will remain well above normal. Highs near 60. Grizzlies, Hawaii 5-0 remake? Aniston in love? Daybreak Trivia.

For those with questions about "giving blood" see the new "Lifeblood" web site.

The Grizz were in the "spot light" Monday, and shone brightest.

Now, see, this is one time where maybe they should just leave well enough alone. I hope it turns out okay, it is on MY network.

From another network, Jay Leno gets serious.

When it comes to "Taco Bell," the man who started it all, has quietly passed.

Why would a company bring change to one of the most popular and well know slogans of all time?

If someone is going to "Have your back" it doesn't get any better than this. Especially if you are Tiger Woods.

Did you know our "JT" has his own clothing line?

They have people talking ... but are the rumors true!?

In DAYBREAK TRIVIA this morning, Why did President Reagan pardon George Steinbrenner? AND in 1953, more than 70 percent of all televisions were tuned to this show, why was that? (See question #9)

Do you think the JETS have a chance against the COLTS?

Monday, January 18, 2010

MLK Monday

...

Finally, a return to sunshine, (after dense fog this morning) good looking day ahead. NFL Playoffs, Tigers, Grizzlies, EP and Nixon, MLK day. Golden Globes, Darkside of Facebook, Help for Haiti.




Martin Luther King Day information, check our "Big Red Box" to the left. Great article in USA TODAY.

The Grizzlies play today at 4:30 with a special tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.




How to help the Earthquake victims in Haiti: 800 SAL ARMY or
from "Salvationarmyusa.org."

The American Red Cross makes it easy for you, text the word " Haiti " to 90999 for a quick $10 donations. Go to the link to learn more. What a great, quick, immediate way to be a part of the rescue efforts.

One families nightmare

If you are interested in earthquakes here in the Mid-South, this is a good link to bookmark for future reference. Just click on the map, or one of the dots on the map to learn more about them. Many many earthquakes happen in the region every year, the vast majority just too light to be felt.

Looking for a bargain on a used "Space Orbiter?" Apparently there's a 25% off sale going on right now.
How did your team fair in the NFL play offs over the weekend. How will Todd and Markova react to the Cowboys/Vikings game? What will Todd do if the Colt face the Vikings in the SuperBowl!??





Did you watch the "Golden Globes" last night? Did Sandra Bullock win for her role in "The Blindside?" What about for her work in "The Proposal?" Did you know Sandra wasn't the first choice for the role in Blind Side, but ended upbeing one of her biggest paychecks ever. Great read here.


Not sure if she'll be in this mornings' birthdays (It was actually yesterday) but I think she deserves a mention.

Locally, both the Grizzlies and the Tigers had a good weekend.



If you listen to the Sirius Radio network, be listening to the "Elvis Channel" tonight, 7-8pm, let me know what you think of George Kleins guest tonight. I found an interesting article on Elvis and his trip to the White House to meet the president, that you may find amusing.

When it comes to the changes in FACEBOOK, who ya' gonna believe?

On the local "Entertainment scene" I really enjoy Mitchs' writing. Tell me if you agree.

DAYBREAK TRIVIA: Today a very famous recording artist recorded a song in tribute to MLK, who was it? And... Lisa Marie Presley has been married a couple of times, who was her first husband?

A HUGE "Thank you!" to all of you who "stepped up" and made a visit to your local "Lifeblood" center. Last week I told you how the extreme cold weather altered many schedules and plans, and that Lifeblood needed you. I was at the DeSoto Lifeblood center Saturday morning early giving blood and they told me many people had stopped by, a few even said "Todd sent me!" My heart swells with pride. Thank you so much.

Those we lost in 2009, how many of these names do you recognize?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Warmer weather

...
Temps are recovering nicely across the region, still looking at a chance for rain over the weekend. Teddy P, Tucker, Daybreak Trivia. Helping HAITI.

How to help the Earthquake victims in Haiti: 800 SAL ARMY or
from "Salvationarmyusa.org."

The American Red Cross makes it easy for you, text the word " Haiti " to 90999 for a quick $10 donations. Go to the link to learn more. What a great, quick, immediate way to be a part of the rescue efforts.


A passing of note, this one was not on the radar.

Another musician, this one local, also has died.





I am a big fan of the "Tucker" automobile. There were a limited number built, one even floated around Memphis way back when. But many doubt "This version" of the vehicle exists.

From Daybreak this morning: The POTHOLE Hotline: 901 528 2911.

Top 10 Celebrity owned hotels.

The Letterman, Leno, Conan saga continues...

Crew onboard the ISS are performing a "Space Walk" this morning.

In DAYBREAK TRIVIA, do you remember the name of Marilyn Monroe's "first husband?" and..you see him on 60 minutes, Andy Rooney, what is his segment called?

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Warming back up

...
After a "Chili " Tuesday, Wednesday is looking much nicer "weather wise," Not so hot for those in China, looking for a bride, SUPERBOWL! Folsom Prison.

How much misery can this small nation take. Haiti, already dirt poor has been hammered by Hurricanes in recent years, and now the most powerful earthquake to hit in 200 years.

The "Music Cares" program is about to honor it's "Man of the year" and stars are lining up to honor him.

Fresh from the recent 75th birthday celebration of Elvis here in Memphis, TUPELO is making plans to expand their visibility, and "you know who" will be at the center of this multi-million dollar project.



Space Shuttle Endeavour is on the pad, about 3 weeks out for launch, learn more about this mission. It will be an "early morning" launch, (about 3:40am Memphis time) on Feb 7th.




UT's coach is off to CA. Do you care?

Got kids? Go out to eat much? You need to book mark this page.

If you are a man, in China, your chances for finding a bride are decreasing rapidly.

Did you see the "Bear Cam?" The link is in the "Big Red Box" that you see just to the left.

Are you ready for the "Superbowl?" Get ready for the commercials too.

It's on WREG TV News Channel 3 this year, Feb 7th.

From South Florida. Superbowl 44.

Do you know "WHO" is going to be performing at halftime this year? Huh, do you know "WHO?"

I personally would have voted to have "U-2" but their stage is a bit too complicated to set up!

Without Simon, will you still watch AI?

Conan says "not going to do it" if the late night talk shows are re-shuffled.

In Daybreak Trivia: Which "Sun Records Star" joined Johnny Cash on stage during his "Folsom Prison" concert? And what is the minor earthquake before a main earthquake called?

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Chili or Chilly

...
With temps in the 30's today, a good day to make some Chili. (or stop by Wendy's!) Our "Big" warm up begins tomorrow, check out those temps on the 7-day.



We will warm up nicely for the rest of the week, then watch for rain on Saturday.

Paul and Ringo, (you know immediately who I'm talking about) are getting together for a project.

Mid-South Fair, DCCC for 2010. No surprise here.

For years I have wondered why no one has tapped this as an energy source, apparently, times are a changing.

There are some crazy advertisements out there for car commercials, this may have been ground zero, but it's about to go out of business.

Dead at 104. Friends say he should have lived a lot longer.


What a mess. Rival network NBC has work to do, in fixing their late night line up. David Letterman has been number one in the ratings ever since the switch.

Suggestion on a "wager" between Markova and I. She likes the Cowboys, I like the Vikings, what do we do? Who do you think is going to win?


iPod Touch. Yes or no. Users/Owners, what do you think? ( todd.demers@wreg.com )

TWO VERY DIFFICULT Daybreak Trivia questions for you this morning: Who played "Robin" in the television version of "Batman," AND which leader was "Qubilah Shabazz" (Malcolm X's daughter) accused of trying to assassinate.


Thanks to our director Ed Randle, who shared with me the simple phrase, Stars twinkle, Planets Shine. I learn something new every day! See yesterday's post to understand.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Back to normal?

...
After about 100 hours "way below" freezing, we are watching the temps climbing back to near normal this week. Most of the week will be mild, slight chance for flurries overnight, rain by the end of the week and weekend . After 5 days of "Sub-Freezing" temps, we finally climb back above 32 this morning around 10am. Here's a great link to book mark so you can check our "Weather Net 3" sites any time you'd like!


Just remember, we were not the only ones "out of our comfort zone." Folks in Florida were shivering as well. This could be painful for those of you that love "Orange Juice." The crops are being threatened by this cold. They even had to take extra precautions with the shuttle "roll out," as they prepare for launch in about a month.



In case you missed the NFL Playoff action over the weekend... here are the teams advancing. Wow, Arizona/Green Bay turned out to be an entertaining "Shoot out." Anyone really surprised at the league's MVP for the year? Not me or Corie.

LIFEBLOOD NEEDS YOU! Lifeblood even opened a couple of locations over the weekend, THANK YOU to those that braved the elements and made it to your local center. The "Very Cold" weather has kept us from our appointed rounds, please don't forget to visit when you can this week.

The uproar over the "Nexus One" cell phone from Google. Why it's such a big deal.

It is not looking good for one of the world's largest airlines. Chances are, you've never flown them. So what does the "Future of Flying" hold in store... here's what Boeing thinks.

A little "Shake, Rattle and roll" in northern CA over the weekend. In "Southern California" (Read Hollywood) it was pretty much "back to normal" for ONE of the "Two and a half."

In DAYBREAK TRIVIA: Name that River (that created the Grand Canyon) and Name that Earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in the US. (The one YOU thought of first is actually number 7)

What was in the sky this morning close to the moon? No, it wasn't the planet Venus like I suggested.