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
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.
Paralyzed Woman Walks Down The Aisle With Her Dad At Her Wedding [Video]
27-year-old Gina Giaffoglione of McClelland, Iowa was in a car crash six years ago, and ended has been paralyzed from the bellybutton down ever since.
After her boyfriend proposed to her in 2012, she decided she wanted to walk down the aisle with her dad, Gary, at her wedding. That doesn't mean she expected to recover from her injury, though .She was just determined to make it happen.
Stars Unite for Charity Remake of Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’ [Video]
The video features Lorde in angel wings, Elton John covered in butterflies, and Stevie Wonder surrounded by diamonds and it's pretty spectacular. More than 20 superstars from the music world came together with the BBC for a remake of the Beach Boys' hit, "God Only Knows," and original Beach Boy Brian Wilson got in on the action, too.
Tom Cook’s Workday Dog Break – Dog Dances In A Fountain [Video]
Martha Bellingham, like most of us, has a lot on her mind when she makes her way back to work every afternoon and usually doesn't pay any attention to distractions. Recently, though, she learned a great life lesson, to slow down and enjoy how awesome life can be. Who managed to teach her such a profound thing? A dog. Named Sasha.
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.
Wednesday Morning’s Lunar Eclipse Will Create ‘Blood Moon’
The second (and last) total lunar eclipse of 2014 will be happening early Wednesday morning, just before sunrise here in the Eastern Time Zone. During the eclipse, the moon will appear a coppery red color, which is referred to as a "blood moon". The moon will appear red because of all the sunsets and sunrises from the Earth that will reflect onto the moon's surface.
Leggings and Yoga Pants Now Banned At Michigan High School
A new school policy is in place at a Berrien County high school and it’s being met with mixed reviews.
According to WSBT, officials at Niles High School and New Tech High School have instated a rule that says that students are no longer allowed to wear leggings or yoga pants unless they’re covered up by a long shirt or skirt.
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.
Baby Elephant Falls At Zoo – Herd Rescues Him [Video]
Baby Omysha, who lives at the Zurich Zoo's Krachan Elephant Park, is still learning the finer points of walking. Luckily for the tiny elephant tot, when she does fall, she has an entire herd of friends to help her back up.
Amazon & iTunes Add Racism Disclaimer To ‘Tom & Jerry’ Cartoons
Amazon and Apple have placed disclaimers on Tom and Jerry cartoons, warning viewers that they may contain racist content.
Baby Flexes Muscles With Dad [Video]
It's pretty adorable when you look at a kid and their dad and you can tell that the kid wants to be exactly like dear old dad. It's even cuter when that kid is a tiny baby. It's pretty much the cutest when the way that the kid is trying to emulate their father is by flexing in the mirror. All of those things are included in this video.