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
There’s A New Video of Chicago’s Rescued Baby Sea Otter [Video]
My new obsession is this baby sea otter from Chicago.
The Shedd Aquarium put up a new video of its newest star, known only as Pup 681, yesterday, after its first round of pictures and footage started going viral.
College Application Week For Grand Rapids’ High School Seniors
While Grand Rapids' high school seniors won't be graduating for another seven months, the time to complete applications for college is now.
High schools across the state are participating in Michigan’s third annual College Application Week which runs from November 3-7.
Baby Sea Otter Learns New Things [Video]
Prepare to see the cutest thing you have seen in a very long time.
This unnamed five-week-old sea otter pup was discovered in September off the coast of central California and is starting a new life at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
RECALL ALERT: Ford Recalls 202,000 Vehicles
Ford is recalling more vehicles in North America to fix gas leaks, air bag sensors, stalling and other issues. The five recalls cover over 202,000 vehicles.
Baby Elephant Blowing Bubbles [Video]
I'm on a bit of a baby elephant kick these days. Honestly, I guess I never realized just how adorable they are. But when they do things like play in the mud and play with ribbon, you just can't deny their cuteness any longer!
Now, I bring you a video of a baby elephant blowing bubbles in a pool. It's just as cute as it sounds.
U.S. Postal Service Releases Holiday Shipping Deadlines
Are you planning to ship gifts to friends and loved ones this holiday season through the United States Postal Service? Well, the U.S. Postal Service has some deadlines that it would like for you to remember.
To ensure packages are delivered in time for Christmas, USPS recommends shipping by the following dates:
Two West Michigan Women Sought In Baby Formula Thefts
Norton Shores Police are asking for help in finding two women who are suspected of stealing over $1,000 worth of baby formula.
The thefts have happened at several different stores in the Muskegon area.
General Rules For Tuesday’s General Election
If you're thinking of taking a "selfie" at the polls on Tuesday morning, you better reconsider. Taking photos of yourself while voting is prohibited.
Didn't know that? Well, the Detroit Free Press has given us a list of other rules that you may be unaware of.
Baby Elephants Really Love Playing In The Mud [Video]
I know that human kids love playing in mud (for the most part), but I had no idea that young animals from all across the animal kingdom enjoyed getting dirty in the same way.
Turns out that baby elephants LOVE mud! And playing in it.
Christmas On The River
We've gotten so many emails, calls and Facebook posts asking about Christmas music!
Well, it has started! It's CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER!
All season, your favorite Christmas songs will be playing on 100.5 FM, on your computer at RiverGrandRapids.com or on your smart phone with the RadioPup app.
Second Grader Totally Livens Up Weather Report [Video]
I don't know if this kid has a future as a meteorologist, but he definitely has a future as an entertainer!
Meet Charlie Hale, a second grader from Chicago. He went on WGN-TV to help with the weather forecast Friday morning, and it's pretty fantastic.
This Baby Dressed As Ruth Bader Ginsburg Just Made My Whole Halloween [Photo]
Halloween has been pretty fun here around the office, but I just came across a photo that made my day one million times better.
Someone dressed up their baby as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and it's perfect!