OTTO MASHUN

Six Ways Alcohol May Be Good For You

#1.)  ALOCHOL CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT.  In a study of 37,000 people, the ones who had a few drinks a week were thinner than people who didn't drink at all.  Not surprisingly, BINGE drinkers were the chubbiest.

#2.)  ALCOHOL IS AN ANTIDOTE.  The ingredient in antifreeze that makes it work is called ethylene glycol (--pronounced eth-a-leen GLY-call.  And it's EXTREMELY poisonous.

If you drink it, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, paranoia, dementia, and hallucinations.  And eventually, it forms little, needle-shaped crystals inside your body that shred your kidneys and kill you.

But if you call Poison Control, they'll tell you to drink a few shots of vodka, THEN go to the hospital. Here's why:  Your body digests ethanol quickly, and vodka is basically just ethanol and water.  So if you drink enough vodka, you should be able to pass the ethylene glycol in your urine before it crystallizes and kills you. The method is so reliable, it's used in hospitals all over the world.

#3.)  ALCOHOL IMPROVES YOUR LIBIDO.  But only if you drink a little.  Studies have shown that men who drink in moderation are 20 to 30 percent less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction.

#4.)  ALCOHOL MAKES YOU SMARTER.  In a study that was published in the "British Medical Journal," people who had 30 drinks per week performed better on logic and reasoning tests than people who drank very little or didn't drink at all.And they even scored better on short-term MEMORY tests.

#5.)  ALCOHOL HELPS IF YOU TAKE A SHOT TO THE HEAD.  Researchers studied almost 40,000 cases of people with head injuries.  And patients had less swelling in their brains if they were DRUNK when the injury occurred.

The reason alcohol keeps your brain from swelling is because it's an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen.

#6.)  ALCOHOL CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE.  When you fall down, your body usually tenses up and braces for impact.But when you're drunk, your central nervous system is basically numb, so your body stays relaxed, and not as much of the force is transferred to your bones and vital organs.

Here's an example, but don't try this at home:  A Russian guy drank THREE BOTTLES OF VODKA, then jumped out of his kitchen window.  He fell FIVE STORIES, then he got up, walked upstairs, and jumped AGAIN. And he survived with just a few cuts and bruises.

(CRACKED.COM) 

SO DRINK UP HUMANS!

OTTO MASHUN

NUKE

It’s Hot!

Yes, the summer is a great time of year, trips to the lake, warm nights on the back porch with a cold one, and longer days with endless outdoor projects. One thing that I am going to try and refrain from this year though, is the one saying that you hear way too often in this part of the country, “…it’s not the heat, it’s the humid***…..”. There, I almost said it, but not this year! I am determined to single-handedly remove this cliché from our collective summer conversations.  I have probably heard it said thousands of times in my lifetime, and I am sick of it.  Let’s face it, it’s just plain HOT. No amount of humidity will change the fact, sweat will pour out of us, and we’ll suffer through another southern summer. So leave your moisture ridden saying at home this year, when talking about the weather, I’ll just tell it like it is, it’s hot….just plain hot!

I like tacos!

NUKE

TOM

NASCAR in Transformers 3 Movie?

Reports that I’ve read, indicate that the filming of Michael Bay’s “Transformers 3” movie, will include NASCAR.  This photo was taken in Chicago, where filming is underway for the new Transformers movie.

We’ve seen enough tow-trucks and 18-wheelers transform , and now we will likely see NASCAR race cars transform?

Transformers 3 is currently being shot in 3D, and is promising to be more exciting than ever.  I wonder what the NASCAR transformer characters will sound like, when they speak?

Tom Michaels 

BOBBY COOK

Random Meanderings from Cook....

Cook is easing into the new hours on the job. Body still wants to be awake at dawn sometimes, otherwise all is good.

The only thing I miss about coming to work before 5am was the lack of traffic! Also kinda weird being in the office when everyone is going home now, as opposedto arriving. Different perspective for sure! At 8am people came through the door ready to take on the world, now I see them leaving, looking like they've been through a Cage-Kings match.

Counting down the days to my vacation next month...family road-trip to Florida to see the folks. Man I hope the oil doesn't reach the East Coast of Fla...

Captains are back for a long home-stand this week, and tied with Grand Prarie at the top of their division. Keep your ears open and you'll probably hear my big mouth heckling an opposing player from the beer garden. Or hell, I might be heckling a fellow fan!
(Especially if they like fruit in their beer) I never miss the opportunity to win friends and influence people, huh?

Lastly, what's with people that still write PAPER checks?? I spent ten minutes at the grocery check-out last week behind a woman fishing through her pocketbook to find the check-book, then meticulously filling it in, then writing the amount in her register, then fishing for the pertinent forms of I.D.! Yeesh. Get a debit card already, it's 2010!!! (plus my beer was getting warm)

Keep Rockin'
-Cook

 

TOM

Tom Michaels Returns to Texas Motor Speedway!

Hey race fans!  I’ll be set up in my Texas Motor Speedway RV spots on Wednesday night, in time for my Thursday 10am to noon broadcast from the Texas Motor Speedway infield broadcast center.  Captain Robbie Kneviel will do his “Above The Law” jump over police vehicles on the front straighaway before Saturday’s IndyCar race!  It’s Robbie’s longest jump!  The stars of the Indy Car Series will be leaving the Indianapolis 500 and will be racing here at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday night under the lights.    The NASCAR Truck Series will be racing Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway.  If you’re close to home on Thursday and Friday, listen to Tom on the radio, but if you’re among the thousands of ArkLatTex race fans at the track on those days, listen online by clicking “Listen Live” at www.98Rocks.fm .  Tom will broadcast from Texas Motor Speedway, Thursday and Friday, 10am – noon.  Our broadcast sponsors include Orr Nissan (Shreveport & Bossier City), McAlister’s Deli, Action Central Cabaret & ABC Auto Parts.  For tickets and track RV camping information, visit www.TexasMotorSpeedway.com

 -‘Ol Tom

 

 

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes...

Lot of graduation ceremonies this past weekend.   Here's the obligatory "Cap & Gown" shot of our oldest, Jessica, just after Magnet High's event at the Convention Center.   Now she turns the page and begins the next chapter of her life...good luck and much success to the Class of 2010!

Speaking of beginning another chapter, the winds of change are blowing into Cook's life as well.  After many months of careful consideration & soul-searching (and more than a few meetings with management) I've decided to slip out from behind the morning show mic.  Rollin' outta the sack before 4am day after day begins to wear you thin.   I have the opportunity to sleep-in and work some normal hours, and I'm sincerely looking forward to the change.

Oh I'm not stepping away from 98 Rocks, not a chance!  Starting June 1st, I'll be Rockin' you from 4-7...PM, and lemme tell you, the "PM" part sure sounds sweet to me.   Stay tuned for more....

-Cook

 

Okay, now this is funny!

-NUKE

 

Tom's Facebook view from AOL News story.

This is one of today's lead stories on AOL's home page news headlines.  Interesting article.  I've never been a facebook fan, because of their privacy policy, and now the new stuff Zuck is doing with the site.  I thought about submitting a post for this subject, but I suspect our business has been, and are,  pro-Facebook, and I think it's okay for a company, or someone looking for work, networking, showing off, cliques or whatever (soliciting, or getting people selling something through your "friends" info), but it would be a good idea to carefully read the LONG policy (longer than the body of the( U.S. Constitution) if it's used on just a personal level.   Personally, even though many of my family and friends have Facebook accounts, I choose not to.  Really, I don't care to spend the time fooling with it, and there are some issues that I noticed in the beginning, that kept me away.  Check out this article from AOL Tech.

Link here:. Switch.com

Paradise Lost: Tracing Facebook's Fall From Grace The site doesn't make it easy to quit, but we have the steps to follow if you're serious about saying goodbye.
What to check before you deactivate

-TOM

 

Congratulations to Our Military Appreciation Steve Miller Band Ticket Winner

Below you will find the touching email from William Murray, the winner of our Military Appreciation Package. William and a guest will get to join the 98 Rocks staff at our private cabana for the Steve Miller concert at La Downs. Good luck William, you might need it to hang with our group!

To 98 Rocks, 

I come from a family steeped in Air Force military tradition. My father, two brothers, and two brothers-in-law have all served. It was a no-brainer for me to join right out of high school in July of '75 and I have been serving ever since. Currently at Barksdale AFB with the 917th, I'm happy to say that 98 Rocks is still rockin' and so am I. In October of 1978, while I was stationed at Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath England, I heard that the Steve Miller band was co-headlining with the Eagles at the Hammersmith Odeon in London and me and some buddies decided we couldn't pass up that opportunity.   When it came time to go, the base was put on victor alert and we were not allowed to leave and missed the concert . Although I've enjoyed many great bands live in my lifetime, the opportunity to see the Steve Miller Band has never presented itself again.  Until now! I would be thrilled to win the Steve Miller Band tickets and I thank 98 Rocks for celebrating military appreciation month. 

// SIGNED //

William Murray, Msgt., (WG-11) USAFR Weapons Quality Assurance Inspector

-Nuke

 

Driving While Distracted

I was driving down the Bossier Teague Parkway the other night.  In front of me was a white car that was going slow, then fast, then slow, and… weaving from side-to-side.  I finally decided to hit the gas, and hurry around it.  At first, I thought the person was a drunk driver, but as I got up beside them, I could see that the lady was texting on her cell phone.  C’MON people!!!!  It was one of those cases, where I thought “where’s one of those cops that I see on the Teague all of the time, NOW?”  But, they (the police) can’t be everywhere at once.  I know that you’ve encountered unattentive drivers, who were talking on their cell phones, or texting, haven’t you?  They’re driving TERRIBLE, too, aren’t they?  I’ve been around some people that, as soon as they get into their car, they feel a strong urge to immediately get on their cell phone.  If it’s absolutely necessary, I have been known to talk on my cell phone while driving, but most of the time, I try to stay off of the phone, while I’m behind the wheel.  AND, I certainly do NOT text back-and-forth with someone, while I’m behind the wheel.   Why do people immediately feel an urge to get on their cell phones, or text, as soon as they get behind the steering wheel in their vehicles?  I guess there are arguments about talking on the cell phone and driving.  I understand the different views.  BUT, you’ll never convince me that texting while driving, is safe, because EVERY person that decides to text and drive, is putting others in danger.  If you feel a strong urge to text while you’re behind the wheel, how about pulling over out of the way, stop and text, instead of being an inconsiderate jerk, and driving like a drunk, and endangering the rest of us?

“In 2008 almost 6,000 people died and more than half a million people were injured on U.S. roads, in crashes that involved distracted drivers.  Distracted driving is anything that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, or eyes off of the road, for more than 2 seconds, or INTERUPTS CONCENTRATION”.  – taken from an article in June 2010 issue of Consumer Reports

-Tom Michaels

 

Up to my…..

Okay, so it’s Monday and I need to Blog…..Hmmmm What to say, what to say. It’s a shame, but I’ve got nothing. Monday, and I have tons of things to do, and due, probably just like you (omg now I am rhyming everything). Tiger dropped out of the Players, a perfect game in MLB, and Vancouver is trying to mount a comeback in the NHL, that covers sports….The big dome over the oil spill failed, and somebody was nominated for the Supreme Court, that covers national stuff….I did manage to mow my yard Saturday! Some days the muse is there, and some days you just can’t think of anything.

Well my friends, today is one of those days, so I’ll leave you with this, my quote of the week; “If you want to know how to do things, you can’t be afraid to ‘poke around’ a little bit.” 

-Nuke

 

From the Nuke Man’s Mind!

Just a few things lighting my fires today. 

Bossier City’s 6 mil property tax passed over the weekend. I was glad to see this not only because I live in Bossier, but because I have several Family and friends that are Firefighters and Police Officers. The one thing that got me though, were the signs that popped up urging a NO vote on the issue because we are “taxed enough already.” While I do agree that we are taxed enough, I think the effort to vote this one down could be considered “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” Vote no on taxes that continue to fund trivial things, not ones that provide essential services like police and fire!

Graduations, graduations, graduations! My niece, Britney is graduating from Airline High School this month, it seems like only a short time ago she was starting her freshman year, oh well, when you get as old as I am, the years really seem to fly by! Is it just me, or do the graduation announcements seem to multiply every year? I may have to take out a second mortgage just to pay for all of the gifts.

Congratulations to B.P and all the “Seniors of ’10.”

 We are all watching the oil spill off the coast closely. Get your fresh Louisiana seafood while it lasts, oysters and shrimp may soon be out of everyone’s financial reach.

-Nuke

 

Prom Time!

Hard to believe my firstborn Jessica is readying for Magnet High’s Senior Prom Saturday.

Well, I suppose the “readying” has been going on for weeks…the dresses and stresses, alterations and hair colorings, spray-on tans, dinner plans, pimple fears and boutonnieres.

18 year old girls, their friends and mothers, have a different approach to prom than the average guy, who only needs to ask Dad for the car-keys, a couple extra bucks and “Hey do ya have anything in your closet that kinda looks like a tux and isn’t too small for me?” Most Pops at that point will break down and spot the boy the tux rental…another “parental loan” you never expect to get back.

But the Prom thing brings back some great memories. First, just thinking about all of the years that have flown by.  From assisting in the delivery room, being a part of the very first moments of life outside the womb, and the apprehension of being a new parent, to the breaks and bruises of the mind and body that come and go. You are part of their development in every way; emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual and then… off they go; young adults ready to be self-sufficient and create their own way in the world. Or so we hope. In any event, they’re individuals, yet still a part of your very heart.

Thinking back on my own Senior Prom brings sweet memories.  Memories of what the future might hold, achievements that lay ahead, dreams to be fulfilled, and a date with the most wonderful woman a guy could ever hope to share his life with. Earlier this year, I celebrated 26 years of marriage to my “Prom Queen.” Tells me it might have been a more important “date” than I thought.

So rent the tux, guys, and Congratulations Graduates!

-Cook

 

Good Wine, Good Friends, Good Times

On one Wednesday night every month, Boomtown Casino hosts “A Winemaker’s Dinner,” Wednesday April 21st, the 98 Rocks Crew, Tom, Bobby and Yours Truly, had our

“Taste of Spain” at the 1800 Prime Steakhouse. The offering is a four course meal with an appetizer, featuring a different wine to compliment each course.

Each winemaker’s dinner is themed from a different wine producing region of the world, and hosted by an expert in the wines that are served. John McAdams from Republic National Distributing, was our host, and did a great job of describing each wine and its history,  along with interesting facts about how it was made.

Chef did an excellent job with the food, from the Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio appetizer, to the Spaniard Veal Roulade, every course was tasty and paired well with the wines.

This package is not only a great way to experience some different foods and learn about new wines, but an excellent value at only $79 per person. It’s definitely not a wine snob type of outing, we can be a rowdy bunch, especially when we get a little wine in us, but makes for a fine night out with your significant other. We are all looking forward to next month as they will be featuring “A Taste of France” and hope to see you there!

Tickets are available for purchase at 1800 Prime Steakhouse or the Boomtown Gift Shop. For more information please call 318.841.2030 or 866.GO.2TOWN.  

-Nuke

 

Great Weather for Golf

This past Monday, Bobby Cook, Larry Ryan, Larry’s friend Jim (sorry Jim but I forgot your last name), and I played in the 20th annual Joe Delaney Golf Tournament at Olde Oaks In Haughton. It was a great day for golf with Bobby and I providing comic relief, while Larry and Jim kept us under par, our four man team shot a 3 under 69. For those of you who don’t remember, or know who Joe Delaney was,

Here is a brief snip from the NSU website:

“One of Northwestern's most recognizable alumni, Joe Delaney was a dual sport athlete. Delaney became the first Northwestern player to rush for more than 3,000 yards in his career, was named an All-American in 1979 and 1980, and his jersey, No. 44, was retired at halftime of his final football game.  He was a 1981 second-round NFL Draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs and broke four Chiefs single season rushing records in his rookie season, winning AFC Rookie of the Year honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl. As a record-setting sprinter for the Demons track and field team, Delaney was a two-time All-American. Five weeks after being selected in the NFL Draft, Delaney helped Northwestern win the 1981 NCAA Division I Championship in the 4x100 meter relay. As much as Delaney's legacy of athletic achievement means to his alma mater, it was his legacy of heroism and compassion that truly left a lasting mark.  On June 23, 1983, Delaney saw three young boys drowning in a pond and jumped in to save them.  Tragically, he died in the process.  One of the boys was saved.”

The tournament raised money for Northwestern State Athletics, and made for a relaxing day out of the office. I would personally like to thank everyone who participated to make this a spectacular day of golf for a great cause!

-Nuke