Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The "Queen of Mean!"

Helmsley Dog Gets $12 Million, but Real Estate Billionaire Leaves Nothing to 2 Grandchildren!

Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.

Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund, according to her will, which was made public Tuesday in surrogate court.

She also left millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son Jay Panzirer -- so long as they visit their father's grave site once each calendar year.

Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for each.

Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay Panzirer's other children -- Craig and Meegan Panzirer -- for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.

But no one made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to her name by biting a housekeeper.
"I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum," Helmsley wrote in her will.
The mausoleum, she ordered, must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $3 million for the upkeep of her final resting place in Westchester County, where she is buried with her husband, Harry Helmsley.
She also left her chauffeur, Nicholas Celea, $100,000.

She ordered that cash from sales of the Helmsley's residences and belongings, reported to be worth billions, be sold and that the money be given to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Her longtime spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, had no comment.

Helmsley died earlier this month at her Connecticut home. She became known as a symbol of 1980s greed and earned the nickname "the Queen of Mean" after her 1988 indictment and subsequent conviction for tax evasion. One employee had quoted her as snarling, "Only the little people pay taxes."

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

"American Idol" Star in Town

It's been a busy week at the station. We had the group Shinedown in concert on Monday night. Tuesday it was Daughtry. Here's a picture with me and Chris Daughtry from the sound check Tuesday afternoon. It shocked America when we was not picked as the "American Idol" a couple seasons back. It went to Taylor Hicks. Who? Exactly!
Chris was a great guy. He has the same favorite band as me, Live. We talked for awhile about Live and the Daughtry show that I caught in Dallas a couple weeks back. They are going to be in Kansas City this weekend. He said that we oughta head up and check out the show again. We might. Kris hasn't seen them before. They are going to be in K.C. with Nickelback and Puddle of Mudd. That's the show I saw in Dallas. It was AWESOME!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Michael Vick Pleads Guilty.

I got this picture e-mailed to me from my sister-in-law (SISTER) Darla. It's pretty funny. It's poking fun at Michael Vick's stupidity. On a serious note, here's the latest with Michael Vick's situation.

Michael Vick apologized to the NFL and his Atlanta Falcons teammates Monday for "using bad judgment and making bad decisions" and vowed to redeem himself of charges in a dogfighting case.
Shortly before making his first public statements, the star quarterback pleaded guilty to a federal dogfighting charge and awaited a Dec. 10 sentencing date that likely will send him to prison.
"First I want to apologize for all the things that I've done and that I have allowed to happen," Vick said at a news conference following his appearance in U.S. District Court.
"I made a mistake in using bad judgment and making bad decisions," he said. "Dogfighting is a terrible thing."
He concluded by saying, "I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to."

Reality Show Star in Serious Condition.

I am a big "Reality T.V." fan. I like the show "Hogan Knows Best." It's the show about Wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family. Something bad happened to Hulk's son, Nick on Sunday night. Here's the official release:

CLEARWATER, Fla. - The son of professional wrestler Hulk Hogan was seriously injured in a car crash Sunday night, police said. A Toyota Supra driven by Nick Bollea was traveling at a high rate of speed at approximately 7:30 p.m., Clearwater Police spokesman Wayne Shelor said. Bollea, which is Hogan's real name, lost control and hit a raised median. The car flipped around, and the back end hit a palm tree. "The car was destroyed," Shelor said.

Bollea and an unidentified male passenger were extricated from the car by paramedics, Shelor said. Then they were airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Their official conditions were not immediately available, but Shelor described the injuries of both men as serious.

The crash occurred on State Route 60, a main drag through downtown Clearwater. The road had to be shut down in both directions for several hours, Shelor said. Alcohol is not believed to have played a part in the crash. The crash seems to have been caused by excessive speed, Shelor said.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Ready For Kindergarten!

Zach had his "official" first day of school today. Here he is with his teacher, Ms. Stevens. He seemed to like it. I hope that he's not a class clown like his father was. That would not be good at all.



Monday, August 20, 2007

Back Home.

We got back to Wichita about 4 a.m. on Monday. Here's a picture that Scott took of me at Texas Stadium on Saturday night while the Broncos were warming up. Yes. That's sweat! It was nasty hot that night.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Congrats to Tami and Keith.

Congrats to my cousin Tami and her new husband, Keith. They were hitched Saturday night in Las Vegas. I was hoping to make it to the big event, but was unable to do so. My brother, mother, grandma, aunts, uncle cousin and other family and friends made it out there.
It is so weird to think of my little cousin Tami as a married woman now. I wish you both the best of luck and congrats on marriage!

Happy Birthday Bub!

Happy Birthday Jeremy! Today is his 35th Birthday. He was born on August 19, 1972 in Glenwood Springs, CO. He's celebrating the big day in Vegas! He is there for my cousin Tami's wedding that happened on Saturday night. Have a great time on the strip and have a Happy Birthday bub! Love you!

Broncos lose 31-20 in Dallas.

It was a long, hot night at Texas Stadium on Saturday night. We got to the stadium a couple of hours before the game. We paid $20 to park about a mile or two away. It was very hot and sticky. We got into the stadium and found our seats. There's only one thing I can say about Texas Stadium. It's a dump! The seats are so close together. I have bruises on both hips from them being smashed into the seats. There is no ventilation in there, either. It's about 3/4 of a dome and all of the heat stays in the stadium.
The game was also not that good, either. The Broncos got beat 31-20. It was funny sitting near some of the Cowboys fans. You would think that they were winning a Super Bowl as serious as they were taking it. It was pretty funny. I can honestly say that the Cowboys fans were pretty nice and not near as obnoxious as those Chiefs fans.
After the game we went to the place where the Broncos get on the bus. Austin bought a football that he wanted to get signed. The late Darrent Williams was from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has family and kids down here. They were at the game and it was neat to see the players spend some time with them. Darrent was killed after the Broncos final game of the 2006 season. He was in a limo and shot to death. Javon Walker was in the limo with him. Javon spent a lot of time with Darrent's family after the game, then he came over and signed autographs. He was very nice. Austin was also able to get Tony Scheffler, Steve Cargile and Brian Clark's autograph. Chris got Matt Lepsis' autograph. That was cool. Austin asked Champ Bailey for his autograph, but he was playing stupid and got into a limo. The rest of the guys got onto the bus. This is the second time that I have seen Champ in an autograph situation and he was been an ass to the fans. That was disappointing.
Overall it was a good time.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Cubs In 1st Place!!!

Gotta love the internet. I am in Dallas, but still follow my Cubbies. They beat the Cards 2-1 today and the Brewers got their butts kicked by the Reds today. That means the Cubs are in 1st place! Rock On!

Thanks Chris!

OK. We're still in Dallas and having a good time. I am excited to get home and see the kids. I miss them. I talked to Zach on the phone this morning. I can't wait to see them!
We went to Six Flags over Texas today. I won a big stuffed Bugs Bunny for Madison and bought a Texas Rangers shirt for Zach at the game on Thursday night.
We were at Six Flags from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. It was a fun time. We were beat. The hotel we are at has a free shuttle to the park. That saved us $15 Thursday night at the baseball game and $15 at Six Flags. We got back to the hotel about 5:15 and the next thing I know, it's 7:30 p.m. and I had fallen asleep. The other guys were still sleeping. Scott was the only one awake. He was chatting online with one of his friends from Fort Scott.
Chris treated us to Rafain Brazilian Steakhouse tonight. That place is wonderful! It is probably the best food that I have ever had. He took me there once after a hockey game in Dallas. It is so good! You can see for yourself at www.rafain.com.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Headed to Texas!!!

We're headed South! I am off for a couple of days and headed to Texas! I got free media tickets to the Rangers and Royals game tonight, Six Flags tomorrow, the Broncos and Cowboys game on Saturday and the Nickelback, Puddle Of Mudd and Daughtry concert on Sunday. I am going down with Scott, Chris and Austin. It's a guys trip. I am planning on Zach joining us next year. He just got back from a Texas vacation with his mother. I will keep you all updated on the trip!

Zach's First Day Of School!

Today was Zach's first day of school. He is officially in Kindergarten at Kensler Elementary. Madison started yesterday. Zach goes today and then starts on a daily basis August 21st. Wichita Kindergarten goes all day.
I had tears in my eyes when I kissed him and watched him walk into the classroom. He's not a baby anymore. They grow so fast! I love that little guy!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Back To School! Amen!

It's Back To School time! Here's a picture of Tiana and Madison getting ready for school on Wednesday morning. Tiana starts 3rd Grade in Goddard and Madison is starting 2nd Grade at Kensler Elementary in Wichita. Zach starts school tomorrow. He will be in Kindergarten. Man! They grow so fast!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

That's my little brother!!!

My brother, Jeremy was on ABC National News this morning. He is working out of Washington D.C. this week. This morning he did a report on the status of the Space Shuttle that has a messed up underside. He did a great job. I am proud of you, bub! Keep up the awesome work!!!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Broncos Win In Preseason Opener

The Broncos won their first preseason game Monday night. They beat the 49ers 17-13. Jay Cutler looked pretty good. He just played a short time. I was also very impressed with Travis Henry. I think that he is going to be a stud for the Broncos this year. I LOVE THE BRONCOS!!!

Van Halen is Back!!!

I got an e-mail from Live Nation Promotions this morning. Van Halen is back with original lead-singer, David Lee Roth. They also have a new bass player. It's Eddie Van Halen's son, Wolfgang. Yes, Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar are no longer with Van Halen. I am one of the few that liked Van Halen better with Sammy. They are going to be in K.C. on October 26th. I am working on a bus trip for winners on a couple of our stations. I am planning on going, too. Should be cool!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Well, it's official. Yuck!

Well, he did it. Barry Bonds hit Home Run #756 on Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals. He is the new "Home Run King." I am not too happy about this. I am not a Bonds fan at all. He has been a jerk to fans for years. The only fond memory I have of Bonds was being at a Colorado Rockies game against the Giants with my friends Scott, Chris and Mike on one of our "guys only" trips to Colorado. My Aunt Kris hooked us up with great seats at the game and we were withing yelling distance of Bonds when he was in the on-deck circle. My friend Mike started razzing him and got everyone in our area laughing and joining in. Bonds looked up and gave us a weird look. That was cool, because Mike was trying all night to get him to look, and he finally did. Very funny.

I can only now hope that someone beats Bonds for the Home Run record. Oh yeah, I think that this record is now tainted.

Monday, August 6, 2007

Happy B-Day To Peg!

August 7th is a great day! It's my Aunt Peg's B-Day. She's had a busy summer. Her son just got hitched a couple of weeks back in Wisconsin and I believe that her and Uncle Ken have spent some time at the condo at Lake of the Ozarks. They haven't made it through Wichita lately, though! We miss you guys.
Happy Birthday Aunt Peg! I love ya!

Thursday, August 2, 2007

I have been on this bridge a few times.

I am sure that everyone has heard the news about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. I got a call from my brother and he has been up there covering the story for ABC News. He said that it was terrible.
I had driven over that bridge numerous times. I used to go to Minneapolis every summer for the Conclave Radio Convention. I have also been on the River under that bridge. A few years ago one of the record labels took a bunch of us on a Mississippi cruise for a night. We went up and down the river. It's very weird to think that something like that can happen. What is very weird is the video that was supplied by the Army Corps of Engineers. You can see it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y29LMymfCY

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

One member of the family is Vegas bound!

As I had mentioned awhile back, I am not going to make it to Vegas for Tami's wedding. I would love to get out there and see everyone, and the city, but can't make it. Kristi Hubbard will be in Sin City, though!

Kristi will be in Vegas in Mid-August with her friend, Debbie. Debbie and her husband were scheduled to go out there, but he's stuck working. So, she called and invited Kris to go. Debbie's son does sound and lights for different concerts, tours and shows nationally. He recently did some work at some different places in Vegas and was able to get one heck a hook-up for Debbie. Those lucky gals!!! What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Just kidding!

Within 1 Game of First Place, Baby!!!

The Cubbies are almost there! They are 1 game out of first place in the National League Central division. I am so excited. They have a great chance this year! All my friends are saying, "they're the cubs, they'll screw something up!" I hope that's not the case. We'll see what happens. GO CUBS GO!!!