CLOSER TO THE FOURTH OF JULY, BUT STILL THE WEATHER’S IN THE DUMPER!!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DRESS! TOO BAD ABOUT THE GUY!

Alright, Marquette County, I know we are close to the Fourth, but why doesn’t it seem like it?  It’s supposed to get nice for the weekend, but for this time of year, what they are calling “nice” is a bit of relative terminology.  Acording to the weather reports, “70 and partly cloudy” is “nice”.  I have to say that that would be nice in early June, but not Independence Day.  The weather of late has felt more like fall weather.  We were joking around the office the other day that it felt like a High School game was on thew docket that night, or a Green Bay Packer game that weekend.  On top of it all, Mark produced this gem of a photo of him from his Homecoming Dance in 1984.  That’s from October!  Not very spring-like at all…but he does cut a nice figure in a three-pice suit. LOL!

BUT ALL IS NOT LOST!!  THE SHERIFF IS-A NEAR!!

MARQUETTE COUNTY SHERIFF MIKE LOVELACE.

I must say, though, that 70 degrees and a few clouds won’t be too bad for the celbrations going on around the Fourth of July here in Marquette County.  In fact, that’s what today’s show was all about.  We wanted to make sure that you took the time to have a fun and safe holiday weekend.  Thanks to Marquette County Sheriff Mike Lovelace for coming in to talk with us about common-sense tips to keep you and your family safe during all of the holiday revelry.  Sheriff Lovelace is always good for a bit of humor to be mixed in with his message.  To listen to his interview, you can click “HERE“.

FOURTH OF JULY FUN AND FRIVOLITY IN MARQUETTE!

FOURTH MAVEN DEB NANCE!

Thanks to Deborah Nance, with the Marquette Area 4th of July Committee for stopping by this morning with an update on events and activities going on in and around the city of Marquette for Independence Day and how you can participate and find out more info about the schedule of events.  Click “HERE” for the interview with Deborah and click “HERE” to go to their website with more information.  Be sure to get out and take in some of all of the events and activities going on around Marquette County this fourth of July!!

WELL, THAT’S THAT!

Some of you have the day off tomorrow, some of you don’t.   Enjoy if you do, and dont if you do!!

SEE YA ALL SOON!

-Walt

HAPPY CANADA DAY, EH??!!??

OH, CANADA!!

Today is Canada Day.  The opportunity for us to embrace an commemorate our defenseless neighbors to the North.  And, hey, before you pummel me with hockey pucks and curling stones, I don’t mean “defenseless” in the usual way, I mean Canadians don’t really need a massive national defense, except on the ice hockey rink.  So, like Mark said on the show this morning, find yourself a Canadian and “HUG IT!!”  O CANADA!!

“Y” WEDNESDAY TODAY.

THE "Y"'s LISA COOMBS-GEROU

Thanks to Lisa Coombs-Gerou (The Director of the Y) for coming in to talk about the upcoming triathalon that The YMCA of Marquette County is hosting for entrants of all ages.  It’s coming up very soon in Negaunee and registrations will be taken right up to the start of the race.  “HERE’s” an excerpt if the interview with more information about the triathalon, and “HERE’s” a link to the YMCA website.

CRAPPY JULY FIRST, GREAT JULY FOURTH IN ISHPEMING!!

SMILIN' ANNE!

Here’s Ann Geroux with the Ishpeming Fourth of July Committee with more about the upcoming festivities planned in Ishpeming.  According to Ann,  included in all of the fun events and activities, there will be an F-18 flyover on the night of the Community Picnic at the Al Quall Recreation Area.  Click “HERE” for Anne’s  interview and “HERE” for a link to the group’s website.

WELL,  THAT’S IT!

Stay Warm, everybody!  Happy July!

- Walt

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 $19.95, 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

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

THE SUMMERTIME KEEPS A’ROLLIN’ ON!

Hey! I am a-gettin’ while the gettin’s good!  Hope you can get outside and take in this magnificent weather.  While I am sure the weather will be nice for a few more months, I am going out to enjoy it now.  Thusly, today’s a short blog, but an effective one!

As a matter of fact, don’t forget the sunscreen…you’re gonna need it!

NEGAUNEE’S PIONEER DAYS ARE ALMOST HERE!

THE ONE AND ONLY DON GLADWELL!

Thanks to Don Gladwell for stopping in this morning to tell us about the upcoming Pioneer Days events and activities going on in Negaunee very soon!  You can listen to Don’s interview “HERE”.  Or log on to the Negaunee Irontown Association website “HERE” for all of the schedule of Pioneer Days events.

ENJOY THE WEATHER!

GET OUTSIDE!!

We’ll see you out there!

-Walt

SOME DAYS IT’S ABOUT THE JOKES, SOME DAYS IT’S ABOUT THE ANECDOTES, TODAY IT’S ALL ABOUT THE INFORMATION!!

YOUR HOME FOR INFORMATION!

Hey all you blog followers!!  Today is a bit of an interview “catch up” day here on the big ol’ Morning Show blog.  Since it’s been so busy around the radio ranch over the past few days, I have not had the chance to post all of the recent guest interviews here to the blog.  Today, I am working to correct that oversight by posting up the following four interviews to get caught up on the show content.  There’s some important information in all of the interviews, so take the time and give them all a listen,  From “Anatomy of a Murder” events and activities to a special golf outing fundraiser to youth summer activities at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette, the interviews are packed full of the local information you need!

“ANATOMY OF A MURDER” ACTIVITIES IN ISHPEMING AND THE WEST END.

STACEY AND A COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT!

Thanks to Stacey Willey from Globe Printing for coming by this week to let us know about events and activities planned for the 50-th Anniversary celebration of the film classic, “Anatomy of a Murder” that are going on in the Ishpeming area and the West End of Marquette County over the next couple of weeks.  To hear Stacey’s interview, click “HERE.”

“ANATOMY” ACTIVITIES IN THE MARQUETTE AREA.

SMILIN' PAM C. FROM THE LIBRARY!

Thanks to Pam Christiansen with the Peter White Public Library in Marquette for stopping in this week as well to fill us in on all of the events in the Marquette area planned for the anniversary of “Anatomy of a Murder”.  The events include displays, symposiums and documentary film showings at the library and on the NMU campus.  To listen to Pam’s interview, click “HERE.”  To get the full listings of all “Anatomy”-related events and activities, please click “HERE.”

DON’T LIKE THE MOVIE??  HOW ABOUT GOLFING FOR HOCKEY?!!

HOCKEY MAN TIM MCINTOSH!

Tim McIntosh, with Marquette Junior Hockey, stopped in at the Sunny Studios to get the word out about a golf outing this Saturday the the Marquette Golf & Country Club Heritage Course that will benefit Marquette Junior Hockey and the students involved in the program.  To listen in on Tim’s comments, please click “HERE.”  For more information on the golf outing and how to register before it’s too late, click “HERE.”

MESSIAH LUTHERAN’S GOT THINGS GOIN’ ON!

Thanks to Marcia Parkkonen for coming by this week to update us on summer activities at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette.  She outlined two specific youth-oriented activites and events and you can hear her comments in her interview by clicking “HERE.”

SO THAT’S THAT…A LOT OF INFO TO KEEP YOU GUYS BUSY!

See you all next time out here on the internets!

-Walt

SAD DAY IN THE WORLD OF SECOND BANANAS.

HHHIIIIIOOOO

As the #2 guy on the Mark & Walt show, it is with a heavy heart I have to say that Ed McMahon has died.  His death was reported this morning at the age of 86.  Ed was known to the world as Johnny Carson’s sidekick and co-host for decades.  Ed’s style and turn of the word was the perfect foil for Johnny’s dandy approach to both comedy and late-night entertainment.  The world has lost the number one “number two” guy and so it goes.  By the way, the following excerpt is from USAToday.com back in 2006:

ED’S THE TOPS!!

Greatest sidekick of all time?  According to Entertainment Weekly, in the issue hitting newsstands Monday, it’s Johnny Carson’s longtime couch-warmer, Ed McMahon.  The magazine picked what it deemed an all-time top-50 of second bananas.  Want to guess?  Rounding out the top five, in order: Robin (Batman’s boy wonder), Jerry Seinfeld’s pal George Costanza, Han Solo’s buddy Chewbacca and Lucy Ricardo’s partner-in-crime and sometimes slime, Ethel Mertz.

SO AS I SAID, ED’S DEAD AND MARK’S GOT A BIG HEAD.

ONLY FROM THE MIND OF MARK EVANS.

I turn now to the “HEAD” of the Mark & Walt program.  (Notice, though, I am not saying the brains of the outfit!)  According to double secret top-level meetings with the production team of Marquette county’s favorite morning show, there are some changes on the horizon for Mark & Walt in the Morning.  What they are cannot be revealed at this time, but suffice to say, when they happen, you’ll know it!!  All you have to do, though, is just keep listening, and WE’LL BRING THE CHANGES DIRECTLY TO YOU!!  Now THAT’S service!

MORE TO COME TOMORROW!

We’ll see you guys tomorrow when I have the time to catch up with some of the recent interviews we have conducted on the show in the Sunny Studios and get those bits posted accordingly.

See you all then!

-Walt

BUSY MONDAY.

If I am just updating the Morning Show blog at 2:35 in the afternoon, you know it’s been a busy day!  It all started with a good anf un show to start your week off right.  That was followed by me having to run over to WNMU-TV on Campus at Northern to tape an episode of Media Meet, followed by getting back in time to update the news copy for noon and then doe the newscast.  After that, a ton of spot production…a show promo, a promo for the International Food Fest in Marquette, spots for Big Valley Ford, Biolife, etc., etc.,  SHEEESH!  This successful radio thing can be quite a burden!  (Of course, I am kidding!)  We love it busy around here and that’s all there is to it!

MAIN STREET MONDAY AND MORE!

THE MSM WIND-UP.

Thanks to everyone who took part in Main Street Monday today, The answer was “Quick Draw McGraw”.  A lot of you knew it, but only one entrant was on the winning end of the MSM Victory Toss, and we congratulate Dave L. from Negaunee for his exceptional win!  There was also another bunch of info on the show, but due to time constraints today, it will have to wait until tomorrow!

AND THE MSM VICTORY TOSS!

THAT WILL DO FOR TODAY!

Brief, direct, and to the point.  That’s today’s blog update in a nutshell.  Hope you had a great weekend and a great Father’s Day as well!

See ya!

-Walt

THIS WEEKEND IS WHAT WE WAIT FOR IN THE WINTERTIME!!

WOW!  This is one of those classic Marquette County weekends that we alsways talk about on the shiow.  There is SO MUCH going on this weekend that it almost hard to keep track of it all!  Over the next two days or so, you can take in the Relay for Life in Ishpeming, The Great Lakes Rodeo out at the Marquette County Fairgrounds, The UP All-Star Football Classic at the Superior Dome in Marquette, The Iron, Steel and the Automobile Show at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township, to however you may want to spen Father’s Day on Sunday!  That’s jam-packed if I do say so myself, or even “chock-full”!  And of course, you heard about all of these Marquette County activities and more on “Mark & Walt in the Morning!”   I love it!

IRON, STEEL AND THE AUTOMOBILE THIS WEEKEND!

BIG, BAD BARRY JAMES!

Thanks to Barry James from the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township for stopping in this morningto talk about the annual Father’s Day Car Show put on at the museum.  This year’s show is the 20th annual and featuresover 60 cars, trucks and vintage bikes.  It’s a great way to spend Father’s day with dad.  Click “HERE” to listen to Barry’s interview, and click “HERE” to go to the Iron Industry Museum’s website.

RELAY FOR LIFE RUNS IN ISHPEMING!

SMILIN' CARL FULSHER!

Special thanks to Carl Fulsher with the American Cancer Society for coming in to update us on the Relay for Life being held this weekend at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming.  The event has a record number of teams this year and is looking to break a fundraising record as well!  To hear Carl’s interview, click “HERE.”

IT’S A BIG WEEKEND…DON’T LET IT SLIP BY!

Like I always say, with everything going on this weekend in Marquette County, don’t take it for granted, just TAKE IT IN!

Catch ya all next week!

-Walt

DO YOU FEEL THE POWER OF THE MORNING SHOW!!??!!

A bigger sound with a bigger signal and a jam-packed morning show!  Can you feel the new chapter of Mark & Walt in the Morning beginning to unfold?  While television remains mired in the post-digital conversion mess and the newspaper doesn’t show up ’til the afternoon, WKQS has upgraded the signal and it’s reach to better serve the central U.P. with locally connected, high information programming like Mark & Walt in the Morning!  It’s made life difficult for some of the other radio guys in the market and they’ve had to hide their shortcomings with more music, satellite programming or on-air cheap shots from corpulent windbags who run their mouths at random!

You know Mark & Walt in the Morning has always worked to serve the community by bringing the information you need to know in a pleasant, professional and listenable manner.  You know we keep you informed and entertained.  We know you listen because you’ll get the music and info you need to start your day off right every weekday.   Since we hit the airwaves in 1998 to today, Mark & Walt in the Morning will continue to bring you a family-friendly, highly connected local morning radio show.    Can you say that about the other morning shows on the dial?

SO LET’S GET ON WITH IT THEN!!  LET’S GO TO THE RODEO!!

YEEE HAAH!!!!

Thanks to Jesse Melchori with the Great Lakes Rodeo for coming in this morning to talk about the upcoming Great Lakes Rodeo at the Marquette County Fairgrounds this weekend.  Now in it’s fourth year, the event is a great family-friendly way of getting out and enjoying the Father’s Day Weekend in Marquette County.  To listen to Jesse’s interview, click “HERE“.  For more information about the rodeo including schedule, ticket outlets and prices, click “HERE“.

THE GOOD SENATOR, AUNT DEB!

AUNT DEB CALLS IN TO TALK “GREEN”!

Thanks to United States Senator Debbie Stabenow for calling in this morning to discuss a Green Jobs Summit that was held in Washington D.C. this week.  The Senator outlined what the summit was about and also praised the involvement of Michigan and the U.P. with representation by Michigan Technological University gaining a particular amount of recognition by the senator.  To listen to the complete interview with Senator Stabenow, click “HERE“.

PICKING UP FROM YESTERDAY, A “Y” WEDNESDAY.

STACEY & RICK FROM THE YMCA OF MARQUETTE COUNTY.

Also included here today is a conversation with Stacey O’Neill and Rick Potes with the YMCA of Marquette County.  They came by the studios as part of the regular “Y” Wednesday feature and discussed the upcoming YMCA Triathalon and how people could get involved.  They also discussed the need for volunteers and how to become one.  To listen to the interview with Stacey and Rick, click “HERE“.  For more information about the triathalon and other programs and services provided by the YMCA of Marquette County, click “HERE“.

THAT FILLS THE BOAT FOR ANOTHER DAY!

See y’all soon here on the internetz!

-Walt