Hey, I’m the “new guy” here at 100.5 The River. We’ll get to hang out for part of your workday and the drive home while you’re listening to Today’s Best Mix without the rap. Some people asked “why would you move HERE?” when I started. I answer that question with disbelief and realize that people in GR simply don’t realize what a great city they have. Grand Rapids is just a fantastic city. The people, the downtown, the festivals, the philanthropy of our ‘famous families’ … the list goes on and on. The VIBE of this city is just incredible. Those who say “why would you move HERE?” clearly don’t realize how crappy most other similar sized cities are compared to GR. We moved here from the vibrant and clean city (#sarcasm) of Toledo, OH where I was the Operations Manager for six radio stations. Before that, I was on-air or programming stations in Philadelphia, New York City, Milwaukee, Madison, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) and Waterloo (Iowa). My wife and I met in Madison and were married four days after 9/11. We have two “furry kids” named Ollie (yellow lab/bassett/corgi) and Chester (bassett). I’m also the Program Director for Channel 95-7 and 100.5 The River, so if you have any comments, suggestions or complaints (I welcome compliments, too), just email or call me!
Tom Cook
Expect Mother Nature to Play Some Tricks with Halloween Weather on Friday
Mother Nature may have tricks of her own to play, with high winds, rain and snow being forecast by the National Weather Service's Grand Rapids Office for Friday.
That's going to make for some possibly challenging conditions for trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Meijer Announces Dates for the 2015 Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft
After a successful inaugural tournament that generated $600,000 for Midwest food pantries, the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft will return to Grand Rapids in 2015 for another week of community events and the best women golfers in the world.
The tournament is slated July 20-26, 2015, at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, and will again benefit the Walker-based retailer Meijer's Simply Give
RECALL ALERT: Meijer Recalls Halloween Projector Flashlights
Meijer has issued a recall for a novelty Halloween projector flashlight because it poses a burn hazard.
This recall involves a Signature Designs Halloween image projector. The projector is a flashlight with cap that holds special lenses to project messages and images onto a wall or other surfaces.
RECALL: Toys R Us Toasters
Mom and Dad, heads up! There's another recall to tell you about. This one applies if you've bought items from Toys R Us.
The "Just Like Home Toy Toaster Set" is being recalled by Toys R Us out of concerns that the plastic toast slices will crack, break and create a choke hazard...
Grand Rapids’ People’s Law School
Last night was the first installment of the "People's Law School" in Grand Rapids. It's something that has been done in Lansing for several years that attorneys and firms are now bringing to GR.
I signed up for it because I've always been fascinated by the legal system and the law...
New Taylor Swift Song and KITTENS Featured In Diet Coke Commercial
Taylor Swift is giving fans a snippet of her newest song "1989" in a new Diet Coke commercial.
And if you love cats and kittens, you and TSwift have something in common! She loves kitties so much, that there are several really stinkin' cute kitties featured in this Diet Coke ad...
Michigan Redesigns License Plates After Complaints From Law Enforcement
Michigan officials recently released a redesigned version of the license plate that was once voted the world's best. Why? Police complained it wasn't easy enough to read.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Announces 2015 Induction Nominees
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced the nominees for induction in 2015.
The nominees include The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Chic, Green Day, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Kraftwerk, The Marvelettes, N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed, The Smiths, The Spinners, Sting, Stevie Ray Vaughan, War and Bill Withers.
ArtPrize 2014: More Images in ‘ArtPrize 2014′ [Video]
ArtPrize 2014 has been a cornucopia of images in its first two weeks.
Pure Michigan is highlighting those images in a video it just published about ArtPrize.
Voting Deadline for November’s General Elections Is Today
There are a ton of things to be voted on this November and today is the last day you can register to vote.
RECALL ALERT — GM Recalls 117,000 More Vehicles
General Motors is recalling 117,000 vehicles for a problem that could in the vehicle stalling or not starting. GM said that it is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities connected to this issue.
The issue only actually affects a small number of the 117,000 cars and trucks being recalled, according to GM.
Officials Warn Michigan Drivers: ‘Don’t Veer for Deer’
With the start of bow hunting season Wednesday, deer are on the move here in West Michigan. October and November are the riskiest months for deer-related vehicle accidents in Michigan.
Because of this, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other organizations are coming up with new ways to bring the number of deer-related accidents down.
The Traffic Safety Coalition is trying to increas