FAREWELL BILLY MAYS!

"HEY BILLY MAYS HERE FOR MARK & WALT IN THE MORNING!"

From the two loudmouths in the morning, we would like to say goodbye to the King of the Pitchmen, Billy Mays!  He was a true legend in direct marketing and realy knew how to sell a product.  Was he loud? Yes.  Was he confident? Yes.  Was he annoying?  Oh, yes.  But he had the skill of verbal communication and good old-fashioned snake oil showmanship that made you trust him enough that he was not selling you junk for .95, but the answer to all of your problems.  And of course, where would we be without the “But wait! There’s more!” angle that made the purchase just too unbelieveable!  Rest in Peace, King of Shop!   HHMMMMM…wait a minute…where was Shamwow/Slap Chop Vince on Saturday Night?  No…really….where was that little weasely guy?  Huh?  SOMEBODY ANSWER ME!!!

ON TODAY’S SHOW, HIS HONOR THE MAYOR OF MARQUETTE.

MARQUETTE MAYOR JOHN KIVELA.

Thanks to Marquette Mayor John Kivela for joining us this morning for an update on business ventures and a public hearing tonight on paving of city streets on the city’s north side.  He also recapped a successful Superior Bikefest in the Downtown area and looked ahead to the upcoming International Food Fest in Mattson Lower Harbor Park, The Fourth of July Parade through the downtown and the evening’s fireworks over the harbor.  To listen to the mayor’s interview, click “HERE“.

MORE ON AN ANATOMY OF A MURDER.

THE BEAUMIER'S DAN TRUCKEY.

Thanks to Dan Truckey with the Beaumier Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University for letting us know about a symposium on campus today looking at the history and lasting legacy of the film, “Anatomy of a Murder”, filmed here in Marquette County fifty years ago.  He also told us about other events and activities planned at the Beaumier Center through December commemorating the film and the book.  Click “HERE” for the interview and “HERE” for more about the Beaumier Center at NMU.

MAIN STREET MONDAY WAS A SUPER-SMASH!!

Over 60 correct Classic Cartoon Trivia entries received in about 35 minutes!  What a stack and what a mess! Congratulations to Pam K. of Marquette who knew we were looking for “Mighty Mouse”.  She picked up two 14″, 3-topping pizzas from Main Street Pizza for her effort!  By the way, I understand she may have been a first-time listener who ended up winning on her first try!  Good for her!

ANOTHER WEEK IS UNDERWAY!

We’ll catch you all later.  Enjoy the week!

-Walt

Wow, a fun afternoon at the local “2009 Family Car Show” yesterday June 28th, 2009 at Good News Assembly of God next to the Ishpeming Armory!

Sixty some local car owners brought their Vintage Autos and Hot Rods over for an afternoon of family fun! There was live music for the afternoon by 41 West, Modern Day Ruin and Classic Old Fashion Piano by local artist, Bob Buchkoe!

Good News Assembly of God had the big grill goin’ out back and they were piling on the burgers, brats and all the favorite fixin’s to go around! Not to mention my sweet tooth which was happy there were awesome brownies for dessert! (thanks MOM!)

Big thanks to the following Sponsors for making this event possible:
Good News Assembly of God, Sunny 101.9fm WKQS, Saints Auto, St. Onge Insurance, Koski’s Konvenience Korner, Ishpeming Auto Repair Harsila & Sons, Build Construction & Meyer Family Vision!

I love the blue NOVA! That’s gotta be one of my favorites even though the really Vintage Model-A named Catherine was also quite an eye catcher! If you’d like to see all my pictures from the event, CLICK HERE!

Congratulations to Jeff Jennings, local winner at the first Colgate Country Showdown in the U.P. during the 2009 summer!

Thanks for everyone who came out to support the singers this past Saturday (June 27, 2009) at the Ojibwa Casino in Harvey Michigan!

Each of the Eight Contestants performed two songs for the judges at the event: Rusty Bowers, Bobby Glen Brown & Rob Shirlen. Big Thanks to all talented judges for making this event possible! Second Place went to Original Frank and Third Place went to a duo, Jason & Lee.

Click HERE for More Pics from the Event!

If you missed out, there are FOUR more events to get involved in:

• July 2nd 2009 at 4pm at the International Food Festival Marquette
• July 4th 2009 at 1pm at the Ishpeming Fourth of July Celebration
• July 25th 2009 at 2pm at the Ojibwa Casino Harvey
• August 15th 2009 at the Marquette Country Fair Grounds

Call FOX 103 WFXD at 906-228-6800 for More Info and to SIGN UP!

American Legion Baseball 2009 – Tri Star Celebrations – Marquette Reds vs Marquette Blues – 06-19-09

See more of Great Lakes Radio Coverage at WFXD Sports Photos

Photos licensed from Jarvinen Photos

American Legion Baseball 2009 – Tri Star Celebrations – Marquette Reds vs Ishpeming Seniors – 06-17-09

See more of Great Lakes Radio Coverage at WFXD Sports Photos

Photos licensed from Jarvinen Photos

Michael Jackson the King of Pop has Died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. It is confirmed the he has passed away after being found in his home in a coma after a cardiac arrest. There was a 911 call placed from his residence at 12:21 PM PST he was transferred to UCLA Medical Center where it is confirmed that he has passed away.

We have lost a legend. He will be leaving behind a legacy!!!

You will be missed!!!! He made great music and the industry will never be the same!!!

American Legion Baseball 2009 – Negaunee Diamonds vs Marquette Blues – 06-24-09

See more of Great Lakes Radio Coverage at WFXD Sports Photos

Photos licensed from Jarvinen Photos

YES, WE KNOW MICHAEL JACKSON HAS PASSED ON, BUT LET’S NOT FORGET FARRAH!!

THE INSCRUTABLE FARRAH FAWCETT.

Perhaps it’s the fact that Michael Jackson’s star power eclipses Farrah Fawcett’s star power.  Maybe it’s because Michael’s fame became truly universal and Farrah’s did not.  Maybe Michael and all of his cosmetic and personal eccentricities resonated with the celebrity-hungry mass market more than Farrah’s valiant fight against cancer.  Who knows?  But Mark and I both wanted to make sure that today’s blog reflected our true sentiments about Farrah and we wanted to make sure that she did not become simply a footnote in the celebrity news of yesterday’s date.  So, over the next few moments, here’s a few thoughts about Michael Jackson, The King of Pop and Farrah Fawcett, the Queen of the Wall!

DUDE!!  DID YOU SEE THAT POSTER??!??!!??

HMMMM! AIN'T THAT SOMETHING?

For a couple of guys growing up in the late ’70’s and the ’80’s, it was impossible to ignore the Michael Jackson phenomenon, but he never did for us what Farrah did…if you know what we mean!  A key moment in that personal journey for us was the famous poster of Farrah that was put out in the late ’70’s.  It was truly a star making move.  She used that poster to create her entire persona and style and take her star power to the next level.  Of course there was “Charlie’s Angels”, but she only did that show for a year before she walked away from it!  That’s kind of hard to believe in it’s own way, isn’t it?  She certainly had an impact on a generation of fans, that’s for sure!

NOW THEY’RE BOTH GONE.

Not to get overly maudlin about the whole situation, but now the world has lost two entertainment icons…after losing a third with Ed McMahon earlier in this week.  The passing of people, both famous and not, is a part of life, and it’s always sad to see someone go, but the harder part for me is this:  You know you are starting to get up in years when the icons of your youth are starting to pass on.  It was bad enough when I heard years ago that Eddie Van Halen needed hip replacement surgery and had cancer from all of his smoking.  Now Farrah and MJ have passed.  Boy, that Father Time sure likes to march on!

REMEMBER AND REJOICE!

Hey, don’t get down about all of this!  Get outside and enjoy the beautiful Marquette County weather we’re having this weekend!  Have a cold one with friends, run barefoot through the grass, or if you feel like it, try to moonwalk when you hear a Michael Jackson song on the radio!  And if you’re a guy and you happen to catch sight of a beautiful blonde woman with flashy teeth and great hair in a red swimsuit this weekend, take a moment and wish Farrah well!

Catch you all next week!

-Walt

Local Radio Listeners and Residents of Marquette County and surrounding Upper Peninsula, have you ever seen the 1959 film, “Anatomy of a Murder”?

There will be a screening this evening on Friday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Marquette County Courthouse, 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette.

Key scenes from the movie were filmed at the local upper peninsula courthouse. Foster Hirsch, noted biographer of Otto Preminger, the film’s director, will introduce the film. Pat Manley, register of deeds, will conduct a behind the scenes tour of the courthouse during intermission. How exciting! This local feature is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary this summer with many festivities planned. There is a donation requested for this evenings screening and remember, seating is limited. Call for more info at 906-228-9510

American Legion Baseball 2009 – Negaunee Diamonds vs Ishpeming Blue Storm – 06-11-09

See more of Great Lakes Radio Coverage at WFXD Sports Photos

Photos licensed from Jarvinen Photos