Holy Post Batman!

Yes...I know it's been WAY too long since I last posted. I've been extremely busy like the rest of the world. I've been covering for many different people here at the station.

But...I'm BACK! Just in time to leave! HA!

My wife Annie and I are taking that "Christmas Vacation" we've always wanted...you know the one to some really warm place. That place that makes you never want to return to work. Yeah...we're going there. I'll be back after the New Year.

I just thought that since I'll be gone for a while I would post something...a Christmas Greeting! Here you go!



I'll try and bring some sunshine back with me...if I could only figure out how to get it. Hmm.

Merry Christmas!!

~jeremy

New favorite Christmas Song...

Alright...so it looks like I'm not persistent enough to keep up with the Music Video Monday...plus, I think that you all like regular posts if anything.

However...today's a special day. I found a new Favorite Christmas Song. Jars of Clay: Love Came Down at Christmas. Great song, with great lyrics, beats, and all that.

Well...I found the music video. It's really cool! Kind of like if a group of kids drew out the Christmas Story, seeing that I'm not sure that Mary and Joseph traveled by a "Pink Polka-Doted Unicorned Giraffe".

Anyway...watch the video...it's really cool and so is the song. Thanks!

~jeremy

Back 2 School

That's me...well...not really...but it's what I think I might look like if I were young and going back to school. Wait...

You don't have to be young to go back to school. See...that's what I'm doing today. Later on this afternoon, I'm signing up for classes. This makes absolutely no sense. While I was in school, I couldn't wait to get out...now I'm going back...and even excited about going back? Huh...okay.

Well...class starts in January...keep checking back where I'll keep you up-to-date on my adventures of going "Back 2 School".

~jeremy

Owen & Sheldon

So...my last post was about the friendship between my wife's cat and my turtle. Well...upon much thought, I wonder what it is they do while we're at work. You know the saying, "When the cats away, the mice will play."

What I'm going to try and do is come up with an amature comic strip about the two of them and their antics while we're not around. So...here you go, the first "Owen & Sheldon".

Sorry if it's terrible...I'm only a funny guy...sometimes.



Thanks!

~jeremy

Caught!...or...Best Friends? You decide.

So my wife and I have two pets...there's: Owen...The Cat, and Sheldon...The Turtle.

Every morning before I leave for work, it's my job to stick Sheldon in the bathtub for his morning bath. Well this morning, I come around the corner through the doorway and low and behold...Owen is perched on the ledge watching his aquatic roommate.

I just can't tell if they're buddy's or if Owen was getting ready to pounce on poor, slow, Sheldon.

If it were my guess...I'd say they're friends. Thought this was a cool picture to post, so there you go...smile at the fact that Owen and Sheldon are Best Friends Forever.

~jeremy

I've been avoiding this...but...

Alright...so as much as I didn't really ever want to talk about it, I guess I just can't help it any more.

What am I referring to? The writers strike in Hollywood. Here's the deal, I don't watch a whole lot of television, I have it on a lot, but I'm usually doing something else and I have a few shows that I really like to watch and don't want to miss.

2 of those shows would be "The Office" and "Lost". Now...right now "The Office" is well into it's newest season and it's pretty good so far. However, I ran across an article yesterday that delivered some bad news...until the strike is over, the episode of "The Office" that will air this Thursday, tomorrow...is the last one they have done. Great! Now I can get outside and do all those fun yard work things I've been putting off! Wait...that's not cool.

Then...in February...the new season of "Lost" starts up...well, they don't have all of the episode written...but they have 7 or 8 of them. Now here's how their going to handle it..."Lost" will air what they have done and apparently the last of the finished episodes will end on a cliffhanger. This will seem all to familiar, as it's what we experienced last season when they took a 2/3 month break over December/January/February time frame. The whole idea for starting it in February was to have a non-stop season...we'll see if that happens.

So anyway...there's my rant. Maybe we'll see a new era of television...7-8 episodes every couple of months, that way all year long we'll get new and fresh episodes! Well, I guess it's time to spend time with the family, pick up a new hobby, and get outside until this is all over...wait...maybe this strike will be the healthiest thing to ever hit the nation. Hmmm.

~jeremy

Music Video Monday! (Nov. 12th)

Alright...it's time for another Music Video Monday installation now that our internet is back up.

Today's music video comes from a group coming to concert this Sunday, November 18th. It's the NEWSBOYS! They wrap up their "Go Tour" right here in West Michigan at the Van Andel Arena and I can't wait to go!

So to get ready...here's one of my favorite songs from the Newsboys, "Entertaining Angels"...Enjoy!



~jeremy

Music Video Monday! (November 5th)

Today's Music video comes from a group that has never before been played on JQ99. I also don't see it hitting the airwaves any time soon either. (Just doesn't fit our format)

Now...it's a little older video, but I wanted to share it because I think it holds some interesting discussion. Today's video features Christian rap artist, "Grits" and the song is called, "Hittin' Curves".

I find it interesting to combine rap and Christianity...and originally at first, I felt it was disrespectful...but after some thought and discussion I now think of it as a tool.

A tool? Yes..a tool. Imagine a young teen who spends their time listening to the terrible messages of mainstream rap music because for some reason that's what they've grown up on. One day that young teen hears a song like the following and realizes that music doesn't need to consist of garbage and negative messages. That they can still get the sound, groove, feel, beat, and music, but with a much more positive message.
I present to you..."Grits: Hittin' Curves" (Click the link for the lyrics)

Music Video Monday! (October 29th)

I've got a special treat for you today...a group that I'm going to guess many of you have never heard of. Their a group I picked up on about 5-6 years ago...(maybe)...there sound...very catchy...the lyrics/meaning...great and very insightful.

So...here you go...today's "Music Video Monday" is:

Seven Places: Landslide

Thanks!

~jeremy

Oops.

Alright...it's official...I'm a dork.

Last night...my wife, Annie, was giving me a hug before she left the house and looked at me funny. I looked back at her...said, "What?"

She told me to go look in the mirror. I thought I had spilled something on my shirt...or something like that.

Well...after being dressed all day...doing what I normally do...work, meetings, etc. I realized that my undershirt had been inside-out ALL day long.

I guess it could have been worse...it could have been on backwards too!

Oh well.

~jeremy

What are we doing to our kids?

Okay...right off the bat...let me tell you that this post is kind of a rant. I was in the FM studio today and ran across a magazine and found the following advertisement...

Wow..."Tums" for kids...not only kids...but children TWO YEARS OLD to ELEVEN!!

(The age range is printed on the bottle)

You've got to be kidding me! Now...I'm not 100% sure how "Tums" or "Rolaids", and the like work...but I can't imagine that they'd have a positive impact on a 2 year old's tummy!

Another glance at the ad and I realize what's happening in the picture...the older sister in the ad is encouraging her brother to help build a "dessert" that would destroy even the toughest stomach.

Look closely and you'll notice the following items:

Gumdrops
Cheese Puffs
Whip Cream
Ice Cream
Cherries
Potato Chips
Chocolate Syrup
Fruit Loops
Sprinkles
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Chip Cookies
and Marshmallows!
(and probably more that I can't see!)

Now...I don't have kids...but I've spent lots of time with kids...and I'm all for having fun and making a mess...but after some thought...maybe these children don't need a "Tums" to help their tummies feel better...but maybe someone needs to inform their parent of what they're doing while they're not around!

Just a thought!

~jeremy

Music Video Monday! (October 22nd)

Here's another after last weeks delayed video featuring Relient K and John Reuben.

This week I bring you a group that was found at Unity 2007...Leeland.

In all his redheaded goodness...Leeland brings us "Sound of Melodies."

A unique sound with some catchy grooves and a great message take a listen.

Also...to all the "Lost" fans...is that Hurley on drums?

Thanks!

~jeremy

Music Video Monday! (October 15th)

Hey hey hey...kind of a special music video today. Since we've got the Switchfoot and Relient K concert coming up on Thursday...I'd like to offer up a song featuring Matt Theissen.

Today's video is from a gentleman by the name of John Reuben. Coming from his, "The Boy vs. The Cynic" cd...comes..."Nuisance"

Very cool video and AWESOME song!

Thanks!

~jeremy

Wow...

Alright...so there I was flipping channels last night when all of the sudden I come up on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Now I don't typically watch these types of programs but the story I caught was an amazing story.

The story was about this program being implimented in schools across the nation called, "Blessings in a Backpack"

Check on the news story here!

Amazing.

~jeremy

Music Video Monday! (October 8th)

Got another one for you...now...kind of my reason for posting these videos is because...although the words of a song can enter the heart and mind very quickly and evoke an emotion...I know for me...a visual element, heightens that experience.

Today's Music Video Monday is from a little known group: Hawk Nelson.

I don't think it got any radio play on JQ99...unless it was on Total Axxess. However, it's a very catch song, with a great message, and good visuals...take a look.

Thanks for watching!

~jeremy

Fall Countdown

So...I think according to the calendar...it's already Fall, or Autumn, whatever YOU call it!

However...with temps in the 80's for the next several days and plenty of green on the trees...when is West Michigan going to fully dive into fall?

Well...check out this elaborate graphic from Weather.com



So...there you have it...as of 10.3.7 we're Patchy in our Fall Foliage. However by the looks of it Near Peak should be here quickly. I'm going to call it and say that within the next couple of weeks...at the latest...end of October...we'll be hanging out in the Peak territory.

So there you have it...now you can plan your color tours accordingly!

~jeremy

Music Video Monday!

Alright...looks like we made it through the first installment just fine. Here's the second installment of Music Video Monday.

Today I'll be featuring:

Brandon Heath: I'm not Who I Was

First off this song is built beautifully and is tied together wonderfully in a nice package with the video. The video brings more to the meaning that the song itself!

Click play and take a look!

Music Video Monday.

Okay...so it's Tuesday...and I wanted to start something new. And since the term "Music Video" starts with an "M"...without question...I had to do it on a "Monday".

So every Monday (I'll try my best to do it each week) I'm going to provide you with a Music Video...hence the term "Music Video Monday".

So without further ado...here's this week's Music Video Monday:

Jars of Clay: Work

This video has a lot going for it...GREAT song...awesome concept...and...unless my eyes deceived me...is all done in 1 take. (Not always the easiest thing to do.)

Click the Play Button and Check it out!

Need a Healthy Snack...or Meal?

So who says that television ads aren't effective? Well, I've been effected by one recently. Let me lay it out for you...

There I was watching television...sitting on the couch...not doing any sort of activity to make me any little bit healthier when this commercial pops up on t.v. about this company that provides you with healthy snacks and meal and that I could log on to their website for a FREE snack.

Wait...FREE snack. Side note...it's really amazing how that little work "FREE" gets people moving. What happened? I jump up from the couch and immediately went to: www.kashi.com

Once there...I was treated with healthy information and the opportunity for a FREE snack, which I'm still eagerly awaiting for. I'll give you a review of my snack once I receive it.

*Although at this point I'm fairly convinced that it will taste like twigs, bark, swamp muck and the like...we shall see.* (Totally kidding by the way)

Anyway...the only reason I mention it is if you are looking for a healthy snack source check out www.kashi.com and while your there don't forget to sign up for your FREE snack. Let me say it again...FREE snack!

Enjoy!

~jeremy

I'm a National TV Superstar...Kind of

Alright...so last night I was watching ABC News...actually a program called: "i-Caught". There I am watching when all of the sudden they start talking about toy recalls and BAM!

The "Dora the Explorer Recall" Video I made a couple weeks back pops onto the TV. Don't believe me...or want to see...click here for the news report. "i-Caught Report with My Video"

(My clip pops up at about the 5 minute mark)

So yeah...there you have it...I'm a superstar! Nah...not really, but it sure feels great!

You can watch the full video here: "Youtube Link to Video"

**By the way...I made this video as mere satire and entertainment...not to attack corporations.**

Thanks

~jeremy

Awesome Wedding Pics!

So it's been an official week (and a couple of days) after the wedding and our pictures are ready and they are AMAZING!

We went with Rachel Henderson Photography and she did a fabulous job! This is one of my favorites, take a look.

Rachel comes highly recommended by us! Check out her website, she does Weddings, Engagements, Graduates, and Kid pictures. rachelhendersonphotography.com

Also, if you'd like to view a quick slide show of our exciting day, click HERE!

Married...When's the Anniversary

Alright...so this past weekend I got married! How awesome is that! I have a wife now! Wow...kind of weird to say...a wife! Life is great so far and we have taken a couple of days to relax and have a few more on the way, but today and tomorrow (Wednesday and Thursday) we have to work...so, here's a new post.

Now that we're married...an Anniversary is a year away. However, today I received a credit card size card that has the 2007 calendar on it, a list of all the holidays, and a list of...get this...Wedding Anniversary Gifts. So...if you have an anniversary coming up and want to be old fashion about it, here is the official list of gifts. Where are you?

1st - Clocks
2nd - China
3rd - Crystal/Glass
4th - Appliances
5th - Silverware
6th - Wood
7th - Desk Sets
8th - Linen/Lace
9th - Leather
10th - Diamond Jewelry
11th - Fashion Jewelry
12th - Pearls
13th - Textiles/Furs
14th - Gold Jewelry
15th - Watches
20th - Platinum
25th - Silver
30th - Diamond
35th - Jade
40th - Ruby
45th - Sapphire
50th - Gold
55th - Emerald
60th - Diamond

Alright...so I have a full year to plan for a clock...I think I can do this!

~jeremy

Coolest NEW Timewaster on the Web!

Alright...I've got another Time Waster that not only educates but is really cool! If you haven't heard by now, well you'll have to investigate. Google has this program called...Google Earth. It's a very cool...it gives viewers an opportunity to view any area of the Earth and zoom in pretty far!

Well...now, this week Google has added "Sky". This gives Google Earth viewers the option to take to the skies and view the stars, galaxies, constellations, and MORE!

You have to check it out...within minutes of searching the vastness of the Universe, I ran across this little nebula...any guesses to what it's name is?

(Click for larger image.)

Know the name? Try...North America Nebula. Yeah...look again...looks a little like the United States/North America! Pretty Cool.

It's a free service and does require you to download the software, but I was up and running in about 5 minutes! Enjoy!

~jeremy

Dora the Explorer Public Service Announcement

So with the recent recall of millions of Mattel toys...it seemed necessary to bring out the good old "Public Service Announcement."

However...this one is done straight from someone who is effected even more than you and I...Dora the Explorer. She'll give you the information you need to spot the issues and even give tell you how to handle the recall.

Take a look!



**Just in case you were really fooled...this was done as a bit for the station. It's my voice and I ran across some video footage and spliced it together with my audio to make this. It is all in fun and I hope you laughed...feel free to submit a comment or 2 and let me know what you thought!

Thanks!

~jeremy

After Unity 2007 - Who's Who?

Alright...so...Unity 2007 is over and as I recall the events of Unity, I'm left thinking about some key moments.

A few of these moments include:

My favorites...ie. Kutless, Newsboys, Leelane, downhere, and Jars of Clay ALL did extremely well.

I picked up a new favorite...Burlap to Cashmere, who by the way rocked it too!

The new JQ99 Prize Wheel is a very popular toy and will be a big hit!

and Finally...one of the last key moments I've been thinking about...

How much Steven Delopoulos (Lead singer from Burlap to Cashmere) looks like Mark Ruffalo. Didn't catch that? Take a look.

Do you know who's who?



Leave a comment and I'll share the answer in the next day or so.

Good luck guess...unless you have an eagle-eye, or it's really easier than I thought.

~jeremy

A new hobbie?

So recently I had the exciting opportunity to participate in an activity that I've been wanting to try for a very long time...Golf.



Now...before you say negative things about this...it's one thing to watch Golf on T.V. (which can be as exciting as watching grass grow), however...it's another to actually play the game.

My friends took me out and I was the only one who had never played a day in his life. Long story short, I had a great time, it wasn't over and done with too quickly, and they said I did fairly well for my first time and that I could actually make contact with the ball!

I'm excited for my next opportunity...whenever that might be. But now I need some clubs and shoes. However...these things will have to wait, there's been a lot of spending going on for the wedding that is...2 weeks away...and I'll have to save up.

Not to mention that my finacee, Annie and I want to get a pair of Kayaks, which need to be purchased before the clubs. :)

Anyway...it was a great time and I can't wait to go again. If you have any tips, please feel free to leave a comment. I could use the help!

[More]

Remember these Guys?

Alright...for you "older" people out there, what I'm about to say will probably be funny...for you "younger" people out there, don't laugh, because soon you'll be saying the same thing.

It's official...I'm old. I recently found out that there is a movie coming out this December...Christmas time to be exact that features and unbelievable trio of boys that can sing like no-one you've ever heard.

Who is it? Take a look.



Yeah...I'm old. I remember watching these guys on t.v., I remember that it wasn't Christmas time until I heard those guys sing my favorite Christmas songs, I remember watching the animated movies.

Now...a live action movie is coming out featuring Jason Lee...(Earl, from "My name is Earl") as Dave Seville.

I caught the trailer and wanted to share.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER!

Ah...the 80's/early 90's...welcome back.

~jeremy

Evan Almighty Review

Alright...I know...I know...this is probably way later than it should be, however...time is very hard to come by, these days before the wedding.

I caught "Evan Almighty" in the theaters this week and I have to share my opinion, because it's a great movie and there have been many people out there that are skeptical, concerned, maybe even closed-minded about this movie. Their reasoning stems from many different views, ie. "God promised to never flood the earth again and this movie clearly goes against the Bible on this." or, "It has so-and-so in it and they were in some Non-Positive/Non-Christian movie and that's wrong!", or, as horrible as it sounds..."God isn't black/African-American."

(By the way...these are quotes from individuals that I have read first-hand and if anyone can tell me of a program on mainstream television that DOESN'T have someone who can be tied to a less than positive/Christian movie or television show, I'd like to know, as well as if whoever feels they know the color of God's skin...if He even has skin, would share with the rest of us, that'd be great too!)

Take or leave this review...but know that the opinions of this column are that of me...the individual...and do NOT reflect the views of anyone else. Also...I did used to work for a video store...for 5 years and watched lots of movies...took video production classes in college...therefore I feel I have a little bit of "street cred."

So...without further ado...here's my review on "Evan Almighty."This movie picks up "some time" after the 1st one..."Bruce Almighty." Evan who, in the first movie was successful in becoming a head anchor...now in the 2nd film successfully becomes a congressman.

He and his family pick up and move to a fancy house in a ritzy housing development. Although the fanciness of the house and the new lifestyle don't seem to be enough for the wife, Joan, and kids to forget what they left behind...friends, etc. Something that is reinforced throughout most of the movie.

The successful Congressman Evan Baxter quickly makes connections and is ask to co-sponsor a bill, thus creating lots of work, inevitably causing Evan to pick work over family.

One night after most of the family prays...it is clear the wife picks up on this and prays that the family will be able to grow closer. This along with Evan's positioning statement while running to be a congressmen, "Change the World" gives God His in, into the Baxter family.

Without giving away the what's and how's...let's just say that, much like the first movie, God...after much persuasion is able to get Evan's attention and even his service into building him an Ark.

At first Evan tries to build the Ark while still doing the congressman thing...but that eventually falls apart and he then decides to focus full-time on the Ark...which then sends the wife and kids headed to her mother's house.

As Evan continues the Ark with the aid of many...MANY animals. Evan's wife and kids are at lunch and Joan, without knowing who she's talking to, has a GREAT conversation with God. This to me is a very strong part of the movie and ultimately where the message of the movie lies.

After her conversation with God, Joan and the kids go back home to Evan and help in his efforts to finish the Ark before the deadline of the "flood."

Eventually the Ark is finished and it's the day that Evan was told the flood would come and there are news reporters, neighbors, and the like, surrounding the Ark, only to make fun and be skeptical. Not to mention that John Goodman's character shows up to destroy the Ark.

Now...I'm not going to share what happens next because you'll just have to have faith that this movie DOES uphold God's promise that he will NOT flood the earth again.

Throughout the movie there is another storyline tying in John Goodman's character and the bill which does get resolved in the end and everyone lives happily ever after.

Now that I've given you the basic storyline of the movie let me say that this movie has a GREAT message. It also had many...MANY opportunities to stray from the positive...but doesn't! This movie is...in my opinion acceptable for any age. The movie does an amazing job of walking the line between entertainment and Faith and is NOT blasphemous. Lastly...this movie is very funny!

The one thing I will reveal is something that I know most of us already know and believe that if it were to catch on...that the world would be a better place.

One of the many good morals of the story is that, God tells Evan that, "Changing the world starts with one Act of Random Kindness." Much like the theory of "Pay it Forward", "Evan Almighty" gets the message across that with one Act of Random Kindness you can change the world. Think about what the world would be like if every single person did one Act of Random Kindness...pretty awesome huh?

There you go...my review and thoughts. If you're one of those people who like the thumbs up/thumbs down, or star scale. I give "Evan Almighty" - Thumbs Up and 4 out of 5 stars.

Thanks!

An Educational Time Waster!

So as much as we would all probably NOT admit that we do it...we all waste time. At home...at work...wherever. Well...I've run across I time waster that is very educational! That way you don't have to feel so bad when you're wasting time!

It's called:

"Click on the above image to be taken to the game."

Yes..."StateTris". It is a combination of the United States and Tetris. Pretty simple concept. The pieces...or States...float down from the top of the screen and you put them where they need to go...thus building the U.S. from the bottom to the top.

There are difficulties...

Easy - State shapes have names attached to them and pieces DON'T need to be rotated.

Medium - State shapes have names attached to them and pieces DO need to be rotated.

Hard - State shapes have NO names attached to them and NEED to be rotated.

I issue you a challenge today...see what your fastest time can be on HARD. Mine is 2:55.2

Good luck...leave a comment with your score!

It's Coming...

So...yeah...

Sorry. That's really all I have to say at this point. It's been almost 3 weeks since my last post. I very much apologize and I hope...that you can forgive me.

However...in my defense...life has been CRAZY!

Crazy in a good way though. Which brings me to my next post.

Coming up on Wednesday, July 25th, not only are we 6 months from Christmas...yes I said Christmas, but I am 1 month from "W-day"...or Wedding Day!



It's no lie that it feels like time has flown by. It really seems like only a few months ago, Annie and I were even talking about getting married. Yet here we are...a month and 2 days away!

A month and 2 days away...
from the wedding.
from marrying my best friend.
from starting the next stage in life.
from starting a family.

All the months leading to our special day has been filled with excitement and lots and lots of advice from EVERYONE! Which is great...but...wow...everyone has different advice. One thing I do with advice is listen to it all then form my own way.

So...since our special day is nearing, I'd like to invite anyone who has advice to please, feel free to share it. Leave a comment and leave some words of wisdom.

Thanks!

~jeremy

Could You Be a Citizen?

Alright...so today is the 4th of July. A very special day for the U.S. It's even a special day for some "out-of-town" folk who have studied their hearts out and would like to become a citizen of the United States of America.

I was thinking...I'm a citizen...but only because I was born here. I wonder how many of the questions I could answer.

Well, I ran across some of the questions (with answers available)...and the results put me in the C/B+ range...so not bad.

Why don't you give it a shot and see if you can stay in the country. :)

Click here for 100 questions to prove your citizenship!

Back from Biloxi

Well...I'm back from Biloxi and boy am I tired. Seriously...

Anyway...time for some facial hair fun!

During the week I was down there leading the Youth in their Summer Mission Trip, I didn't shave...take a look at what 1 week did for me.



Some might say, "Teen Wolf"...others..."Abe Lincoln"...I say, "Wait until tomorrow!" That's right. I've been challenged to shave just enough to leave me with some large sideburns, you know...Wolverine style.

We'll have to see if I can leave the house like that or not.

Now that I'm back...I'll have more time to post, so check back!

~jeremy

Cicada Nastiness!!

Alright...so I'm not usually someone who needs to "see it, before I believe it". But in the case of the Cicadas, I needed to.

See...apparently ever 17 years, in certain areas where the climate is right and the trees are old, the Cicadas hatch. And boy do they!

My fiancee, Annie, told me that her mom lives in an area where they are really bad. And by really bad, she means quantity and annoyance. We here in Michigan have at least heard their annoying buzzing, but we have been fortunate to never experience what my future Mother-in-Law has experienced.

To give you a quick overview, during this month that they're out and about, the make tons of noise, due to the sheer number of them. The crawl all over everything. They're in the grass, in the trees, on your house, all over your sidewalk (leaving some people to shovel them, like on might shovel SNOW!) Above all...the worst sounding part is the fact that they...FLY! Umbrellas become a much needed asset during this event.

Now...since I've lived in the West Michigan area my whole entire life, I've never heard of (until a few weeks ago) or experienced this horrific event. So...this past weekend, Annie had to go home for a friends Baby shower and I sent her with my camera...take a look. Photos not recommended for the squeemish.

*(These pictures were taken the weekend of June 9 & 10, so these were NOT taken during the peak of their lovely appearance)*

(Click to enlarge - If you want to)

(Click to enlarge - If you want to)

(Click to enlarge - If you want to)

And finally one more. I really liked the composition of this one. My fiancee did a very nice job snapping pics for me! This next one, doesn't make them look as nasty as they are.

(Click to enlarge - If you want to)

There you have it! Have a good day...and Thank GOD if you don't live in an area that has this going on!

~jeremy

Talk about a "Free Ride"!

Alright...so amongst me trying to find some cool things to talk about this afternoon on the show, I found a story that's really...well...hard to believe. And by the way, for those of you who may be feel like God doesn't help us in times of need, read on. This situation had God all over it!

Here is the news article: (Continue down for pictures)

Man in wheelchair takes ride on semi's grill

PAW PAW -- The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post and Van Buren County Central Dispatch began receiving strange reports of a man in a wheelchair being pushed by a semi truck on Wednesday afternoon.

As the truck was leaving a gas station, the 21-year-old man wheeled his chair in front the vehicle and the wheelchair became lodged by its handles in the front grill of the truck. The unwitting truck driver then proceeded to travel west on Red Arrow Highway at speeds of approximately 50 mph.

Police initially thought the report might have been a prank until they started receiving more reports of the situation.

The truck traveled for an estimated four miles unknowingly pushing the man in the wheelchair. The driver then pulled into the Ralph Moyle Trucking Company with wheelchair and occupant still attached. When troopers arrived, they discovered the man was unharmed and unfazed by the incident.

Police approached the driver and advised him of the man in the wheelchair. The driver did not believe them until he stepped out of the truck and saw the man still sitting in the chair.

The young man said it was quite a ride.

One trooper on the scene said it would be possible to work another 90 years in law enforcement and never see an incident such as this one.

Everybody said they are just glad no one was injured.

This is eye opening...

I don't eat fast food on a regular basis, and to be honest, I really only go "out" to eat once a week, maybe twice if the occasion arises. After what I'm about to share with you, you may be cutting that fast food intake back a little.

Imagine your sitting at home on your couch...catching the latest episode of your favorite television program when it's time for the commercials. You think about getting up to grab a snack and then you hear it...the ever popular McDonald's music, or the karaoke version of "Sweet Home Alabama" and realize a KFC advertisement is on. So...you watch.

You watch as the fast food scrolls across the screen tempting you with it's crispy glow and delicious allure. You cave. Eventually.

Later on you find yourself at Burger King, McDonald's, Arby's, Taco Bell, whatever you've been craving since the fast food graced your television screen. You receive your food, make sure it's all there, then being eating it as you drive away. Now, occasionally some of us tend to notice our food.

What do we notice? Well some of us notice that the order is wrong, but a select few actually notice that the once deliciously looking meal that was displayed on your television set, no longer looks delicious, in fact it looks like someone sat on it, or worse.

Don't believe this is true. Take a look. I ran across a website that shows a side-by-side comparison of food in ads to reality. Prepare to be frightened. Here's a sample just in case it'd be too much for you.



*(Disclaimer) Sorry if anything on this site offends you, it's intention is to entertain and make you aware of a scary situation. Without further ado...

CLICK HERE!!

Thanks for looking!

Jeremy

Sheldon!

Well my birthday isn't until early September, however my lovely fiancee decided she knew exactly what I would like...a turtle!

She grew up with box turtles and decided that she would like to get one for me. The only thing is they aren't available at the pet store until spring and early summer!

Well...over the weekend we headed out and got one. His name...(although I think he's actually a girl) is "Sheldon". It was the first name that came to me. Take a look what do you think?



I haven't had my own pet since I was in middle school. I hope I remember how to take care of him. :)

He's doing great so far and spends a lot of time with his head out of his shell which is nice. It means he doesn't spend all his time in his shell. He even lets me pet the top of his head!

Just thought I would share a picture of my exciting friend. Thanks for looking!

Jeremy

Where has all the Mello Yello Gone?!

Alright...so here's the deal.

The other day I was mowing my fiancee's lawn and it was fairly warm outside, somewhere around the 80-85 degree mark. I was a little more than half way and decided to go grab a drink of water.

Well at the same time I had been mowing, Annie's neighbor was mowing his lawn. He's 87, and it was hot, and he was taking a break too. So I decided to walk over with an extra bottle of water and share in a drink and some conversation.

Then he mentions that he prefers "Mello Yello". "Mello Yello?" I say. "Yep" he said, "Haven't had it in a very long time, can't seem to find it anywhere."

As this conversation took place in my head, my mind was reeling with places I could go to track down some of that delicious citrius soda, but you know what...I don't know where to look or where to find it.

I'd like to pick some up for him and bring it over to his house as a surprise. SO...

I'm looking for your help. If you know where I can find "Mello Yello" in can, bottle, 2 liter, whatever kind of form in the Holland area, leave a comment and let me know!!

Thanks!

~jeremy

Meez.com

Ran across a websit that let me make...well...me, check it out! Meez.com!

Baby Ducks!!

That's right...our beloved JQ pond ducks have production Baby JQ Pond ducks!

I noticed them from across the pond, ran out and grabbed my camera and snapped a couple of pics. Can't say that I've really ever seen baby ducks up close. Thought it might bring a smile to you all today!













Oh yeah...I did a double take on this one. But this little guy must have JQ running through his veins. Not sure where you get a tiny little flag like that. Good job Doogan...I named him...he's easy to spot with the flag on his backside! :)



~jeremy

Keyboard Waffle Iron!

Because breakfast isn't nerdy enough, I present to you the Keyboard Waffle Iron.



There's really nothing else to be said about this wonder of modern technology, but I invite you to make your best keyboard/waffle puns in comments. Come on, let's see what you've got.

JQ99's Move for Life...My Part

So the radio station is doing this "Move for Life" deal. It's something that anyone can be a part of.

Essentially what the deal is, is that you sign up to be a part of the team. Do some movin' and do some losin' and record it through the JQ99 website, and we'll keep totals of everyone and see how healthy we can become by the end of the summer.

So...what I plan to do is...Next week I plan to ride my bike to work. Now, normally it's like a 6-10 minute drive on Chicago Drive. However, I had to plan a safer route and it's about 5.55 miles, at least according to Mapquest, and would take 15 minutes by car. We'll see how long it'll take by bike.

Check out the map below. And stay tuned to JQ99 as I recap my fun ride next week! Don't forget, you can listen live at JQ99.com.

Engagement Photos!

So...April 21st my fiance and I had our engagment pictures taken and let me tell, I'm completely blown away! They're amazing and turning out great!

Due to a bad memory I can't really recall exactly remember how we ran across her, except that she was the photographer at the wedding of a friends sister. And I think Annie, my fiance, knows this photographer from Church.

Her name is Rachel Henderson and I can't praise her enough, I can't wait to see what the wedding photos look like come August!!

So, without further ado, here are a few samples, and don't worry, I'll spare your the agony of seeing the ones of us smooching! :)

Here you go!







And finally...My favorite...This one has a little bit of a story behind it. After a passionate smooch, I realized I couldn't see out of my glasses because they had smudges from my lovely Annie's cheeks! So I had to clean them off and Rachel pulled off this lovely shot.



Thanks for looking!

~jeremy

More Microsoft World Domination?

I guess this would be another move in Microsoft's plan to take over the world. They have their hand in everything it seems; Computers, PDA's, Video Games, Software, etc.

Now, I read online today that they plan to come up with their own "barcode" system. Right now we're used to those UPC codes that are just a bunch of black lines. Well, Microsoft plans to design one that looks like this:



They say that this new design can hold a lot more information than regular barcodes and can be read by equipment we may already have, ie. Cell phones, PDA's, ect.

Could help make their software more secure I guess. We'll have to see. I wonder if it'll crash as often as the rest of their products? Just kidding. :)

~jeremy

Switchfoot Music Video!

Switchfoot is by far one of my favorite bands and when I ran across this music video, I had to post it on my blog. It looked fun and it's a great song! I just picked up a copy of Guitar Hero II for my Xbox 360, no I look forward to letting loose and rocking out in my living room!



~jeremy

Easter's Over...What to do with those Peeps...

I'm a huge fan of Peep's. They're probably my favorite Easter candy and I look forward to them every year. In fact...during my time at the video store we even carried them and we would have Peep eating contests.

Now...I don't suggest this because there is a high choking hazard, but those Peep eating contest's consisted of a couple of us seeing who could eat a box of Peep's the fastest. Let's just say that in the end...everyone was a winner, since 6 Peep's that fast will give anyone an instant sugar buzz.

In any case...Easter is now over and you may be all Peep'ed out. I ran across some images of what some people did with their Peep's. It's looks as thought there was some sort of Peep diorama contest for the Washington Post. These were some of my favorites:

Batman & Robin Peeps

Star Wars Peeps

For a look at all of the submissions, hear HERE!

~jeremy