104.1 KRBE's Roula and Ryan's secrets revealed by Mike McGuff (AUDIO)

Roula and Ryan switch seats with Mike McGuff and their secrets start flowing


Happy Halloween! Let's hope it is a dry one. Just in time for trick or treating, I got to dress up like a radio talk show host thanks to The Roula and Ryan Show on 104.1 KRBE (more on that below).

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I was a guest on the longtime 104.1 morning show yesterday. It was cool to get a behind the scenes look of how the radio magic goes down. The show uses two studios with a bunch of staffers running in and out of both through the show.



After the show, Roula, Ryan and Producer Eric took me into a production studio where I got to interview the trio about their radio careers for their unedited, unrated and uncut after show podcast the Roula and Ryan's Raw Feed.

Hear how R&R first met, the secret to their show's success, when Ryan played alternative music on 104.1, how Roula got into radio and waaayyy  more!

If you are a Roula and Ryan fan or just a really into radio, you won't want to miss this!

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Houston TV Halloween flashback videos

Watch Houston Halloweens from the past through old TV news clips

KTRK





KNWS



KHOU



Turns out this one wasn't really Halloween, but it is spooky.

PBS’ NOVA Features University of Houston Exploring Innovation and Cold Temperatures

Episode to Air on PBS Stations Nationwide, Wednesday, October 30, 2013 (9pm EST/8pm Central)

Researchers and staff at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TcSUH) recently contributed to an upcoming installment of the award-winning PBS television series, “NOVA.”

In June, a “NOVA” production team, including host and New York Times technology columnist David Pogue, visited TcSUH and interviewed TcSUH researchers and staff, shot video of cutting-edge technology and documented scientific demonstrations and experiments in support of a four-part “NOVA” special airing this fall, “Making More Stuff with David Pogue.”

TcSUH was selected for an episode entitled, “Making Stuff Colder.” It focuses on innovative inventions and scientific ideas, including how lowering temperatures can improve efficiency and combat global warming.

“Cold is the new hot in this brave new world. For centuries we've fought it, shunned it, and huddled against it. Cold has always been the enemy of life, but now it may hold the key to a new generation of science and technology that will improve our lives,” said producers. “In ‘Making Stuff Colder,’ David Pogue explores the frontiers of cold science from saving the lives of severe trauma patients to ultra-cold physics, where bizarre new properties of matter are the norm and the basis of new technologies like levitating trains and quantum computers.”

At TcSUH, Pogue and his team talked with the center’s founder, superconductivity pioneer and UH physics Professor Paul Chu. They interviewed Melissa Gooch, a research associate with Chu’s group who appears in the episode, and worked with Alan Lauder, executive director of the national Coalition for the Commercial Application of Superconductors. Lauder is also TcSUH’s associate director of business development.

“In this four-part special, technology columnist and best-selling author David Pogue takes a wild ride through the cutting-edge science that is powering a next wave of technological innovation,” said producers. “Pogue meets the scientists and engineers who are plunging to the bottom of the temperature scale, finding design inspiration in nature, and breaking every speed limit to make tomorrow's ‘stuff’ ‘Colder,’ ‘Faster,’ ‘Safer,’ and ‘Wilder.’”

The episode, “Making Stuff Colder,” featuring the University of Houston is set to air on PBS stations, Wednesday, October 30. It will air locally on HoustonPBS (KUHT-TV Channel 8) at 8pm.

LINKS:
Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston: http://www.tcsuh.com/
PBS’ “NOVA”: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/
“NOVA” series video: http://video.pbs.org/widget/partnerplayer/2365016541/?w=768
“NOVA” episode video: http://video.pbs.org/widget/partnerplayer/2365090098/?w=768


(This post was taken from a release sent to me by UH)

Patricia Lopez moves to KTRK abc13 mornings

Patricia Lopez moves Stretch Your Dollar and 'much more' to KTRK abc13 mornings

KTRK abc13 Stretch Your Dollar reporter Patricia Lopez is packing it up from the station's 4pm newscast and moving to the morning news she announced tonight:

Hey, friends, I'm moving to the #1 morning show in Houston. I'm really excited about my newest opportunity at Ch. 13, taking Stretch Your Dollar and much more to the mornings. I'll join Tom, Sharron, Casey and Don every morning starting tomorrow (Tues). Can't wait!! See you bright and early.

Patricia Lopez

According to her LinkedIn profile, Lopez has, "become one of the lead consumer experts on the Gulf Coast" in the last five years.

She came to KTRK in 2007 from WPIX New York where she was a reporter for almost two years.

Before that she worked as a reporter at KCNC-TV Denver and KOKI-TV Tulsa.

Outside of local television news, Lopez has also made guest host appearances on ABC's The View. That means Lopez could be tapped if things don't work out for Jenny McCarthy on the Barbara Walters led show...hey, you never know.

Lopez is a Kingwood High and University of Oklahoma graduate.

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Clanton recovering
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Jessica Savitch remembered
NBC News correspondent Jessica Savitch died 30 years ago this week. She was a pioneer in the male-dominated television news business of the 1970s, becoming the first female anchor in the south at KHOU-TV in Houston.

Our Favorite Items From Maxine Mesinger's Estate Sale
A dozen years after her death, Maxine Mesinger's life is for sale. This Saturday Morton and Associates is auctioning off a half-century's worth of the legendary Houston Chronicle celeb/gossip reporter's furniture, home decor, celebrity swag, books, and many other items.

Radio chain works to build its local all-news station
When Radio One founder Cathy Hughes was 8, she said during a recent Houston visit, "I imagined I had a radio show in our bathroom."

Astros say they and Rockets have different needs in CSN Houston bankruptcy case
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Jim Nantz annoys Phil Simms with his Case Keenum love: Behind the scenes in the CBS Sports TV booth
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The Houston Press Moves to New Digs, From Downtown to Midtown
The Houston Press is moving offices this weekend. We've been located at 1621 Milam Suite #100 for the past 15 years and a lot has certainly changed.

KSAT anchors thrilled about new TV digs
KSAT-TV's newscasters have been looking even more chipper of late — and it isn't just because of continued strong ratings. Everyone from Isis Romero to Ursula Pari to Mark Austin to Leslie Mouton raved about their upcoming move into TV digs that finally will take them into the 21st century.

Former KEYE anchor Ron Oliveira launches public communications firm
Ron Oliveira, who spent more than three decades anchoring Austin TV newscasts, has launched a new public relations firm.

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KVUE's "The Pulse" redefines mobile news reporting
The KVUE NEWS mobile app now offers a whole new way to get the news: a series of fresh, out of the box video reports called THE PULSE.

REMEMBERING

Alan Hemberger has died
Houston, San Antonio and Austin TV anchor Alan Hemberger has died

Don Harris, longtime WBAP/820 AM personality, dies at 75
Don Harris, whose deep, resonant voice captivated WBAP/820 AM listeners for more than 30 years, died Monday in Waco. He was 75.

MOVING

KTVX-TV Salt Lake City assignment editor Jay Reynolds will become KMID Midland news director.

50th anniversary of the assassination of JFK (Nov. 22)
The Saturday Evening Post is issuing a commemorative reprint of the John F. Kennedy In-Memoriam issue in its original-as-published format. The Post attempts to re-assemble this idealistic, complicated man from a reputation that has become dominated by hidden scandals and conspiracy theories. Essays are based on Post articles that reported on Kennedy’s campaigns, his presidency, and his character. The Post also presents articles in their full length, written between 1953 and 1966, which cover his campaigning style, popular support, Cold War strategy, and his victories and blunders over Cuba, as well as his family, his wit, and his legacy.

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- Houston Restaurant Weeks 2013 Donation

Houston Restaurant Weeks 2013 Donation

Commitment to Houston Food Bank Breaks Record - Over $4.1 million raised since 2003


Houston Restaurant Weeks (HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com) announced record-breaking results achieved during their 2013 month-long event. Founder Cleverley Stone was joined by Houston Food Bank’s president/CEO Brian Greene and board chair John Ragan, participating chefs, and restaurateurs in revealing the $1,285,260 donation commitment to benefit Houston Food Bank.

Founded in 2003 by Houston radio and TV personality Cleverley Stone, Houston Restaurant Weeks has raised more than $4 million for the Houston Food Bank, making it the largest single annual fundraiser benefiting Houston Food Bank and the largest restaurant weeks of its kind in the United States.

Houston Restaurant Weeks is run by volunteers, and 100 percent of the donations raised by area restaurants and sponsors go directly to Houston Food Bank. From August 1 – September 2, 2013, diners enjoyed prix-fixe menus specially priced at $20 for lunch, $20 and $35 for brunch, and $35 and $45 for dinner. HRW’s 2013 donation commitment will generate 187,575 more meals than their 2012 donation. See donation structure below:


“The success of Houston Restaurant Weeks is a testimony not only to our city’s wonderful restaurant scene, but to our city’s charitable heart,” said Cleverley Stone. “The generosity and enthusiasm of our participating restaurants, volunteers, diners, sponsors and media were the keys to generating our largest donation to the Houston Food Bank to date. It is truly an honor to work alongside you to fight hunger in our community.”

“Our economy has been improving, although people working low-income jobs are still struggling to put food on their tables,” said Brian Greene. “Given the approaching SNAP cut in November and holidays in December, there will be an increase in need. We are so grateful to Houston Restaurant Weeks, Cleverley Stone, participating restaurants, and dining patrons that ensured a successful event to enable the Houston Food Bank to provide more nutritious food and produce to our neighbors in need. We could not improve lives without your help.”

About Houston Restaurant Weeks; www.HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com Houston Restaurant Weeks was established in 2003 by restaurant correspondent and philanthropist Cleverley Stone, host of “The Cleverley Show,” a talk show about food, wine and dining on Houston’s CBS Sports Radio 650/KIKK-AM and five year contributor to Fox 26/KRIV Morning News in Houston. To date, the event has raised more than $4.1 million to fight hunger in Houston. Visit www.HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com for more information.

Follow HRW at www.Twitter.com/HouRestaurantWk
About the Houston Food Bank, www.HoustonFoodBank.org

(This post taken from a release sent to me by Houston Restaurant Weeks)

Casey Curry vs Chita Johnson: Who is the better artist?

Houston media and mikemcguff.com use a paintbrush for charity

My Samson painted pet food bowl

I was lucky enough to be asked to paint a food bowl for the 2nd Annual “First We Feed Them™” Artsy Pet Food Bowl and Art Auction and Happy Hour Party benefiting Rescue Bank® Houston.

Clearly I was the pity blogger entrant. I'm up against top Houston media personalities and I haven't even painted ceramic since I was in middle school!

Here are the media big-wigs little ol' me will up against in the auction tonight (stop by and you might be able to meet the following):

Casey Curry (abc13 KTRK)
Chita Johnson (KHOU 11)
Anthony Yanez (KPRC 2)
Caitilin Espinosa (Fox 26 KRIV)
Lana Hughes and Martha Martinez (News 92 FM KROI)

My bowl is honoring my cat Samson who I had to put to sleep last year.

Samson was actually my mom's cat first. He was just a little fluff ball with a spotted tummy when I first saw him during a visit home from college. My mom rescued him from the bushes after he was born at TH Rogers School where she worked.

He grew up to be a big cat who would actually spit when playing. Until Samson, I always thought that was just a joke when Sylvester the Cat did the same in Looney Toons episodes.

My mom developed early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 53. Eventually she had to move to an assisted living facility. Samson moved in with my wife and I along with my mother's other cats, Jenny and Sarah. We had just gotten married, so we all became a new family together.

In late 2012, Samson developed kidney disease and had to be put to sleep.

What: 2nd Annual “First We Feed Them™” Artsy Pet Food Bowl and Art Auction and Happy Hour Party – More details to follow!
When: Thursday, October 24th, 2013
What Time: 5:30PM to 8:00PM
Where: McCormick and Schmick’s, 1151 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77056

rescuebankhouston.org/

Dominique Sachse & Gina Gaston: The Party Pics!

KPRC 2's Dominique Sachse and KTRK's Gina Gaston were among group who raised nearly $900,000 for The Children’s Museum of Houston

Photo Credit:  Michelle Watson

Some main Houston TV anchors were out last Saturday night to help raise money for The Children’s Museum of Houston. KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse with husband Nick Florescu and KTRK abc13 anchor Gina Gaston with husband Mario Elie partied it up with Liza Minnelli and Village People look-a-likes.

By the way, Elie, who won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, started assistant coaching with the New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) in 2011.

The "A Night at Studio 54 gala" held at The Corinthian raised $890,000 from underwriting, big board and live auction.

Event chairs, Kathryn and Ian Fay and Liz and Tom Glanville invited Houston’s most generous leaders and supporters to turn the beat around and boost the Museum’s educational and outreach programs.

Photo Credit:  Michelle Watson

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The next Marvin Zindler of Houston TV is...

A Marvin Zindler look-alike on PBS inspires me


We were watching the PBS documentary Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle when my wife noticed a KTRK abc13 Marvin Zindler doppelgänger.

Marvin Zindler

Former Marvel Comics' artist Jim Steranko popped up on the screen and no doubt he has a striking resemblance to Houston's beloved White Knight in Blue Shades of Action 13 fame.

Zindler still lives on Houston TV in a way since Jeff Ehling does a restaurant report, in place of Marvin, at KTRK abc13 and Amy Davis also does one at KPRC 2.

 I think the only reason Houston TV viewers cared about a restaurant report was because of Zindler's showbiz antics and his famous "Slime in the Ice Machine" chant. KTRK should at least play the old clip of Marvin yelling his famous phrase at the end of Ehling's report.

This got me thinking - who is the next Marvin Zindler of Houston TV? Who in Houston television news right now can captivate, inform, offer help and entertain audiences? I've been wanting to write this for a year now, so thanks to Mr. Steranko, here it is.

In my opinion, the closest thing we have to a new Marvin Zindler...drum roll please...

Elissa Rivas and Chris Stipes get a baby girl

KTRK abc13's Elissa Rivas and Fox 26 KRIV's Chris Stipes deliver

Elissa Rivas

We are winding down the Houston TV baby wave of 2013. KTRK abc13 weekend morning anchor Elissa Rivas and Fox 26 KRIV morning anchor Chris Stipes report they have had another baby girl.

"I'm in LOVE," Stipes posted to Facebook Monday. "I'm happy to report my second daughter, Sophia, was born last night! I'm going to take some time off from work to take care of her and my wife... wish me luck!

Click here to see a photo.

Baby Sophia weighed seven pounds and 13 ounces according to the Houston Chronicle.

The couple already have a daughter named Vanessa.

According to my Houston TV baby watch page, we have two more couples with child:
- Casey Curry is pregnant
- KPRC's Amy Davis & Joel Eisenbaum expecting a baby girl

Alan Hemberger has died

Houston, San Antonio and Austin TV anchor Alan Hemberger has died

I just got the sad news that my former co-anchor passed away. Rest in Peace Alan Hemberger. pic.twitter.com/k1Qxo3RFF1
— Sherry The Wise (@SherryKHOU) October 21, 2013

KHOU 11 anchor Sherry Williams just tweeted the news that former Houston anchor Alan Hemberger has died.

Friend Mason Turner told me he had just talked with Hemberger Saturday evening about the Red Sox win.

"When his sons couldn't reach him [Sunday], they had a welfare check made and that's when his body was discovered," Turner told me.

The Houston Chronicle said the anchor, 65, died of an apparent heart attack.

Hemberger worked at KTRK through the 90s as its Live at 5 anchor with Melanie Lawson, a brief stint at KEYE Austin weekends and then last at KIAH 39 (with Sherry Williams) as the main anchor. The Houston Press awarded him best local TV anchor while at KHWB (now KIAH). He also worked at Entertainment Tonight as Alan Arthur and KMOL San Antonio (now WOAI).

Alan Hemberger

The last time I talked with Hemberger was almost a year ago. He was retired in Laguna, California and doing a weekly radio show at 93.5 KXRN a non-commercial station. His show was called 'The Laguna Beach Blues Boy.'

"The Pacific Coast Highway is out one window, the ocean out the other," Hemberger told me last November. "I'm returning to my first love and roots. Hope to do some high school play by play too."

As I've written before, Hemberger was very nice to me when I interned at KTRK in the mid 1990s. I never forgot that and I think it is an important lesson for today's broadcasters.

He will be missed.

Here is a cached bio I found online for him:

Alan earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He began his career in television at KFDA-TV in Amarillo as News/Public Affairs Director and the 6pm & 10pm anchor.

Alan went on to co-anchor with Dixie Whatley on "Entertainment This Week" for Paramount Television in Hollywood, California. For two years he covered Hollywood movie premieres, and high profile events for "Entertainment Tonight," including the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammy awards programs.

Alan came to Houston in 1989 as the midday and 5pm news anchor at ABC's KTRK-TV. For 9 years, he anchored for KTRK-TV's midday news and Live at Five. While at Channel 13, Alan covered many high profile news events including the Luby's mass murder, the ATF raid on the Branch Davidian Compound, US forces in Somalia and the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Alan joins 39 News from the CBS affiliate KEYE-TV in Austin, Texas where he was the primary weekend anchor.

*updated

Adam Wexler joins CSN Houston's Rockets Coverage

Veteran Houston Sports Radio Host Adam Wexler Joins Network as Rockets Digital Reporter

After being let go from SportsTalk 790 KBME's morning show, Adam Wexler shows up over at Comcast SportsNet Houston:

Comcast SportsNet Houston (CSN) today announced that longtime Houston sports radio host Adam Wexler will serve as the network's Rockets digital reporter.

Wexler will contribute to the network's Rockets coverage by providing enhanced coverage on CSN Houston's digital platforms, including CSNHouston.com and social media outlets.

In addition to live Tweets from practices and games, Wexler will contribute insight with written content and video reports on CSNHouston.com. He will also appear on CSN Houston's signature news and talk programs, SportsNet Central and SportsTalk Live, in addition to contributing to enhanced interaction with fans via social media and live web chats.

Wexler performed in on-air roles at both SportsRadio 610 and SportsTalk 790 in Houston starting in 1995, and has previously been a part of the Rockets radio broadcast team as a studio host and color analyst. He also worked as a sports producer at KPRC-TV in Houston. He has been covering Houston sports for nearly 20 years on all media platforms, in print, on radio, on television and online.

"With more than 3 million unique visits, close to 4 million video views, and 5 million page views, the insight Adam brings to our Rockets reporting strengthens CSNHouston.com as the go-to place for in-depth Rockets coverage," CSN Houston Senior News Director Doug Brown said.

Wexler's duties with CSN Houston begin with Monday's Rockets/Dallas Mavericks preseason game starting with Rockets Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m.

CSN is available in both standard and high definition to all local cable, satellite and telco TV providers. For channel locations, visit www.csnhouston.com/channel-finder.

Lance Zierlein and Adam Clanton replaced Wexler and Matt Jackson on 790 KBME's morning broadcast.

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Sports anchor Bob Allen pays tribute to Bum Phillips
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Two Houston reporters tie the knot
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Hall opts not to attend Houston Chronicle screening with Parker
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CSN Houston ‘will not’ survive without bankruptcy, Comcast says
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The Paper Celebrates Five Years Of Coverage for The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe and North Houston Areas
The Paper is five-years-old (We launched the first issue of our site way back on October 15, 2008), and we are proud to now be able to brag that our readership has grown in leaps and bounds each and every year of our operation.

Houston Firefighter on reality show
The A.R.K.N. Group is proud to announce the second episode of "Extreme Cheapskates" a reality show staring Marlin Thomas and his family. "Extreme Cheapskates" is a reality series produced by Sharp Entertainment about a family who struggles with their family member that is frugal. This episodes explores a frugal firefighter who goes through great lengths to save money. This is not Marlin Thomas first time on television; he was an extra on NBC Television Series "Chicago Fire" and he and his family are in talks with a television network for another reality series. Marlin is currently a Houston Firefighter and is pursuing a career as an actor. First episodes begin October 30th on the TLC Network
Channel 63 at 9pm.

Join Deborah Duncan, Diane Schurr for a night of music, comedy
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Beamer’s Rant’: New WOAI news segment gives anchor a podium
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San Antonio: Border Media Deals To Larry Wilson
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Fox 7 hires new reporter
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Leno goes for a spin at Circuit of the Americas
A special visitor stopped by Austin's Circuit Of The Americas on Thursday. Tonight Show host and car enthusiast Jay Leno took a spin out on the track ahead of NBC's coverage at the U.S. Grand Prix in November.

Texas’ Killen Daily Herald names business editor
Mason Canales has been named business editor of the Killeen Daily Herald.

REMEMBERING

Former KTRH NewsRadio 740 host dies
Radio host Tara Howard Knauff has passed away after a long battle with cancer, friends say.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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KPRC's Ruben Galvan slimed on live TV

KPRC morning feature reporter Ruben Galvan slimed at the Children’s Museum of Houston


KPRC 2's new morning features reporter Ruben Galvan got slimed at the Children’s Museum of Houston this morning. It was all part of our Monsters’ Museum Halloween celebration. Did he say "I don't know" or something?

HERE IS MORE ABOUT WHAT THE CMH IS DOING FOR HALLOWEEN:

Monstrous mayhem will be unleashed when the Children’s Museum of Houston is transmogrified into the Monsters’ Museum of Houston for three weeks of Halloween. From Oct. 12 to 31, we dare you to witness how monsters have rummaged, scoured, combed, and turned upside down the Museum
to make room for their monster lairs. This hair-raising experience will allow you to “catch monsters” in the act, interact with their pals, observe and comprehend their behavior, participate in monster hobbies, and discover why monsters may be just simply misunderstood!

• Find the hidden monster clues to go on a trick-or-treat hunt, 4 – 6 p.m. every day.
• Examine deposits of slime left by slobbering monsters at the Crazed Chemist Lab, Oct. 21 – 31.
• Make Drippy Monsters appear or disappear.
• Give monsters feelings by mixing and matching features and expressions in Monster Mix Match.
• Master the monster language by making shrieking Monster Calls.
• Take a bite out of hydraulics by making moving clenching jaws at Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, Oct. 12 – 23.
• Prevent monsters from feeding on pumpkins by painting pumpkins, Oct. 26.
• Use iPads to catch monsters in action or strike a monster pose, Oct. 19.
• Party with a DJ during Moe’s Monster Mash Bash on Oct. 31!

credit: Children’s Museum of Houston and Elaine Mut

The Museum’s beloved Moe Monster will guide you through a gnarling Halloween adventure complete with daring dragons, ghastly ghosts, rotten mummies, otherworldly aliens, man-eating plants, flying books and more, with the intention of learning from the best and brightest in Monsterdom!

We encourage you to drop your human disguise, dress in a menacing monster costume and release your inner monster to avoid raising suspicion from other monsters and their pals (let’s not provoke them). If you don’t have a costume, stop by Halloween Street to disguise yourself with a Monster Mask or carry your own mini Moe Monster figurine to blend in. Uncover the “terribly gone wrong” experiments concealed in the Crazed Chemist Lab where Polymer Orbs will magically appear, Wriggly Worms will ooze at the touch of your hands, and sensory overload will unravel when you try to figure out What’s in the Box?

Get caught in a web of mystery at the Spider Lair where some of the most sinister spiders reside and mysterious monster hobbies will be untangled every week, like deciphering Hidden Monsters and Messages or concocting Ghost Bubbles (Oct. 12), hypnotizing humans with Spooky Glow Eyes (Oct. 19), or shopping for designer Monster Feet (Oct. 26 & 27). Even monsters like to look good while they spook!

The Bat Colony’s “infestation” will make you wish you were blind as a bat. This shuddery sight will get you using your sense of smell to “locate Baby Bats,” but it may also change your perspective to even make you want to take home an Origami Bat. Test if Monster Symmetry exists. Before you depart though, take a Halloween Pattern Bracelet souvenir as a good luck charm. You’ll need it for when you head over to the Maze!

Head outside and take a turn at the Maze where sneering Gargoyles and zoned out zombies will test your nerves. Then finally, reach the Pumpkin Patch for a well-deserved photo opp. Bring your camera! Abominable stories about terrible, giant and hungry monsters await you at the Haunted Library. Don’t forget there’s trick-or-treating 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, 4 – 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and all day weekends and Halloween Day! You can also learn to Make Your Own Lock, (Oct. 24 – 31) to protect your Halloween stash from ravenous

MOE’S MONSTER MASH BASH, OCT. 31
Howl at the moon while you bask in Houston’s ultimate Halloween party for kids. Let the ghoul time’s roll as you boogie to the hauntingly hip tunes of an undead DJ during Moe’s Monster Mash Bash. The event will feature Monster Feet making (4 – 7 p.m.), dancing and trick-or-treating from 4 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31! Be sure to come dressed in your most boo-tiful or frightfully freaky monster costume!

ABOUT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON
“America’s No. 1 Children’s Museum” by Parents Magazine, listed among Forbes’ “Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.,” winner of Houston A-List “Best Museum 2012 & 2013” and Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks “Best Museum in Houston 2009 & 2010,” the Children’s Museum of Houston is a Citysearch.com’s nationwide 5-star children’s museum. It is dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning with a vision to spark a passion for lifelong learning in all children. Founded in 1980 and housed in a whimsical building designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Venturi, the Children’s Museum of Houston offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Museum serves more than 1,100,000 people annually and operates as a 501(c)(3) under the direction of a Board of Directors. It is located at 1500 Binz in Houston’s Museum District. Admission is $9 per person and $8 for seniors 65 years and older and for members of the military. Children under one and Museum Members receive free Free Family Nights are offered Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. courtesy of Laura and John Arnold, Houston Endowment, The Junior League of Houston, Inc., John P. McGovern Foundation, Pi Beta Phi Foundation, and The Wortham Foundation, Inc.
Business Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m. The Museum is open at 9 a.m. on the Second Saturday of every month for Museum Members. The Museum is closed Mondays but open on Federal Holidays, during Houston Independent School District’s Spring Break and during the summer months from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138. The Children’s Museum of Houston is A Playground for Your Mind™ Can your mind come out to play?™

Ericka Miller joins KEYE Austin

Ericka Miller becomes KEYE Austin weekend anchor after WXII 12 in Winston-Salem, NC

Ericka Miller

Ericka Miller has joined KEYE Austin as a weekend anchor and reporter. She started last week.

Miller came from WXII 12 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she worked as a weekend news and sports anchor since 2011. She left WXII in May.

According to her bio, Miller started out at KAAL-TV in Rochester, Minnesota where she worked for six years - eventually becoming the main anchor.

She's from Iowa but attended the University of Miami.

Miller replaces Katherine Stolp who left KEYE after six years to work for an Austin semiconductor company.

Fox 26's Sally MacDonald delivers

Fox 26 KRIV weekend anchor Sally MacDonald has baby girl

Sally MacDonald

Fox 26 KRIV weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald took off on maternity leave Sunday and already has a new baby in her arms.

 Here is her post on Facebook:

"Another sweet smile to brighten our day, another small hand to hold along the way. MJ came today! We're excited to welcome Megan Joy into our family. Big sister Jenna can't wait for her to come home and play."

Click here to see a photo of the baby.

MacDonald is married to former KPRC 2 photographer Brandon Martin who now works as a video producer at Rice University.

As MacDonald mentioned, Megan Joy has a big sister Jenna. Jenna was born in February of 2011.

UPDATE WITH PHOTO:

Bundled up! "Thanks for keeping me warm, mom, I guess." #chillytemps #houwx pic.twitter.com/7kL8SB0X9d
— Sally MacDonald (@SallyMacFox26) October 17, 2013

Looks like I have to make some changes to my Houston TV baby wave of 2013 page now.

This means we still have the following Houston TV pregnancies with married anchors Elissa Rivas & Chris Stipes due any day now supposedly.

- Fox 26's Chris Stipes and wife abc13's Elissa Rivas expecting second child
- Casey Curry is pregnant
- KPRC's Amy Davis & Joel Eisenbaum expecting a baby girl

November TV sweeps story ideas 2013

Don't waste time surfing for November TV sweeps story ideas, just come to mikemcguff.com


As a former television news special projects producer, I can't turn off sweeps month ideas. I still see them everywhere.

So, as I have done in the past, here are some quick sweeps stories ideas I jotted down for you.  Some may make my non-TV blog readers roll their eyes, but a TV manager might not be able to resist them.

Some of these stories will be unique to Houston or Texas, while others can be used anywhere. And some can be used anytime. In fact, you can probably pull some of 'em out for years!

Toxic clothes
A friend of mine bought new socks, put them on and went running without washing them. This happened for a week until all the new socks were out. He then got a fever and a rash. A doctor had to prescribe him something to get over it. Turns out, the doctor thought it could be the chemicals in the clothes that are in there to keep them looking nice for the sales rack. Here is a post another blog wrote about this topic. If you need more, go with this angle too. Cue scary voice over...

Facebook finding you
TV stations always jump on social networks and privacy or some other issue during sweeps stories because they can make it all sound scary. Facebook just made an announcement it will stop profiles from being unsearchable in its graph. Maybe Zuck should have waited until after November TV sweeps. You can use creepy music and graphics, shoot monitors and hands in dark rooms, MOS interviews...etc. to really freak out the viewers. Then you can offer these tips to help viewers be safe. It doesn't even matter this will be weeks old by the time the story could hit the air.

New kind of meth in Texas
On a really serious note...Some middle school girls were just caught with a new kind of liquid methamphetamines in Texas City. This can totally be expanded on. Then add in some stuff about the flesh eating Krokodil drug.

Vampire Face lift
Enough said. If there is a TV sweeps period without beauty news, was there really ever a sweeps period to begin with? Here is a Houston place that is offering the vampire face lift - just giving you a chance to use Twilight clips.

Freezing fat off
I did this story back in 2010 when I was freelancing at KIAH 39. Fox 26 KRIV did it again in 2013. I'm sure some other station did it in between those times too. Time to pull it out again. TV sweeps are like the environment...keep on recycling my friends and freezing the fat.

Feral hogs
KENS San Antonio nailed it with this headline: Bubba's Bacon Station promoting wild boar as feral hog solution. Do something in your DMA about feral hogs. Go to a trapper for some scary night vision video of them...the hogs, not the trappers (although you might have an editor check that video for good trapper footage - you never know).

Then you could ask me about my Bolivar Peninsula story, but that could require open records requests and would be a better May sweeps story anyway.

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New KXAS studio photos, Sinclair wanted Belo and more

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Peacock crows over new palace for NBC5/Telemundo39
In TV terms, NBC5 staffers soon will be the Jeffersons movin’ on up or the Clampetts loadin’ up the truck for a move to Beverly -- Hills, that is.

Sinclair Losing Belo Leaves Gray as Deal Option: Real M&A
Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. (SBGI) tried and failed to steal Belo Corp. (BLC) from the clutches of Gannett Co., leaving Gray Television Inc. and Lin LLC as targets for the largest U.S. TV station owner.

Consumer reporter Steve Noviello marks 10 years with Fox 4
To illustrate what he’s like in his offscreen life, KDFW/Channel 4 consumer reporter Steve Noviello is telling a story about his recent purchase of some patio furniture.

Chasing The Next Big Thing In Local TV News
Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy explains his vision for transforming local TV news.

Former Houston radio financial advisor charged with felony
In court paperwork, the man is accused of shorting a client approximately $75,000 in a gold transaction

Comcast opts not to get in war of words with Astros before hearing
A day after Astros owner Jim Crane met with reporters to discuss the team’s stance in the Comcast SportsNet Houston bankruptcy case, Comcast opted Wednesday for slightly barbed silence.

National magazine's overblown restaurant critic snubs Houston: Here's why you shouldn't care
As soon as CultureMap saw that Esquire restaurant critic John Mariani didn't include any Houston spots on his list of 2013's best new restaurants, they knew that someone would write the inevitable "Houston got snubbed" piece.

Gifts from Sinatra and Tommy Tune among treasured items at Maxine Mesinger estate sale
Slow down for the lowdown: A dozen years after her death from complications associated with multiple sclerosis, famed gossip columnist Maxine Mesinger's name is once again in the headlines, this time with an auction of furnishings, decorative arts and celebrity memorabilia that she and husband Emil Mesinger collected over half a century of schmoozing with social headliners and stars.

Fans fretted, but S.A. weatherman vows to return
As KSAT-TV meteorologist Steve Browne put it, he “stirred up a storm” — a humongous and howling one — causing everyone from his myriad fans to yours truly to run screaming for answers.

It’s raining babies! S.A. TV forecasters celebrate fatherhood
Expectant anchorwoman Sarah Lucero may not be welcoming her fourth child –- a boy — until Thanksgiving Day, but another KENS-TV staple celebrated a similar blessed event this week.

Sharing her story of survival
KTVT-TV (CBS 11)'s Karen Borta hosted the Pink Luncheon where KSAT 12 anchor Leslie Mouton and breast cancer survivor was the guest of honor.

KXAN anchor Leslie Rhode plans to sign off
Leslie Rhode, who has co-anchored KXAN's newscasts for a total of 14 years, has decided to step down by the end of the year.
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Appreciation of BOOTED NEWS WOMEN Blog
- Bellacosa's In Brown
- Loriana Hernandez Makes Her Blog Debut on Fox 7 In Austin, Texas

96X Tyler Stunts And Shifts To Classic Rock
After three hours of stunting with the song snippets, KKTX-FM relaunched at 5pm CDT as “Classic Rock 96.1“.

Kitty Pilgrim, former CNN anchor-turned-author blurs the lines between reality and fiction, taking the characters in her new book around the globe, just as her career at CNN took her to locations like Russia, China, Cuba, the Middle East and South Africa. She will discuss the evolution of news on Oct. 22 as a speaker for SHSU's Global Center for Journalism and Democracy. Pilgrim's lecture is free and open to the public.
WHAT: Kitty Pilgrim presentation, “That’s Entertainment: The Reshaping of News”
WHEN: 7pm, Oct. 22, 2013
WHERE: Gaertner Performing Arts Center, Sam Houston State University (815 17th Street, Huntsville TX 77340)
More info at: http://www.shsu.edu/~pin_www/T%40S/2013/pilgrim.html

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Chau Nguyen's post Houston TV news life
- Jane Slater lands at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21
- Ex-KETK anchor Jennifer Kielman headin to KOLR 10 in Springfield, MO

Ex-KETK anchor Jennifer Kielman heading to KOLR 10 in Springfield, MO

Jennifer Kielman is hitched and ready to move to KOLR 10 in Springfield, Missouri

Last time we heard from Jennifer Kielman she was leaving KETK in East Texas. And you might remember back then, she clearly told me she was not leaving television.

Like in the old TV days of tape, cue the next job announcement on her Facebook page:

Jennifer Kielman

October is going to be my favorite month this year! I am getting married next weekend, it'll be 3 years since I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on October 18th, and I am happy to announce, that in a little more than three weeks, I will start my new job at KOLR 10 in Springfield, Missouri. I will be their new 5, 6 & 10 o'clock Anchor alongside David Oliver! God is so good!

According to her former bio, before KETK, Kielman previously worked at WAOW in Wausau, Wisconsin. She graduated from Northern Illinois University.

Jane Slater lands at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21

After leaving 105.3 The Fan KRLD, Jane Slater tweets she lands at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21

@andyeshane landed at cbs11/txa21 for now :) tune in tomorrow for the debut
— Jane Slater (@Slatersnews) October 8, 2013

Jane Slater

Less than a month after losing her 105.3 The Fan KRLD mid-day show with Mark Elfenbein on the “Elf & Slater” show up in Dallas-Fort Worth, Jane Slater tweets she has landed at CBS 11 KTVT & TXA 21. She posted that news yesterday.

This could be to fill the empty KTVT slot left by Gina Miller.

No surprise Slater is back on TV since she'd been there before. According LinkedIn, Slater has worked at WFAA, CBS 11 KTVT, KMGH Denver and KYTX CBS19 Tyler.

The tweet makes it sound like this is in addition to her current KTXA 21 work on Inside the Huddle Sundays at 10:30am.

Chau Nguyen's post Houston TV news life

Former KHOU 11 anchor Chau Nguyen has a new calling after television news

Chau Nguyen

Life is much quieter for former KHOU 11 anchor/reporter Chau Nguyen these days.

"I am working in my first huge office, whereas in a newsroom, we reporters all sat in cubicles," Nguyen told mikemcguff.com. "Although I love the buzz, and at times miss the frantic rush of a newsroom, I cherish the ability to sit at my desk, plan my day and know my deadlines are not so quite immediate!"

Nguyen hasn't been on TV since 2007, but still gets looked up on my blog by former viewers to this very day wondering her whereabouts. She doesn't appear to be looking back and has avoided television news' siren song that calls to those looking to change course.

"I really would say to walk away from the fear of what ifs and to walk through the courage of what can happen," Nguyen explained to me. "I can say life after TV news may not be as lucrative or public, but it is so much more fulfilling. I am happy, content and I am so much full of purpose. Which is ironically what so many of us went into TV news for...the search for truth and purpose."

That search for truth and purpose sent Nguyen on a journey to help others.

Post television news, Nguyen, earned a masters degree in social work, married former Houston City Council member Rob Todd, had two kids (ages 1 and 3), and became a psychotherapist.

She is now Manager of Community Involvement at The Women’s Home in Montrose.

According to its website, The Women’s Home, which has been in existence for more than 50 years, helps women who struggle with addiction, mental illness, homelessness, past abuse and a lack of job skills or education.

"TV has been about true purpose and connection and helping others in times of need," Nguyen added. "I absolutely believe as a former reporter, how can one not be a natural social worker? In other words, when one covers other's crisis, how can you not want to help effect change? To treat others as individuals and to seek justice and equality among humans? How can you not be compassionate in the face of what a reporter has seen or witnessed?"

Nguyen will still be using her journalistic knowledge, but in a new way. Part of her job will be helping members of the media with story ideas and providing experts to interview concerning women in recovery.

"Going from a journalist to a social worker is a natural transition," Nguyen explained. "We seek truth, we treat humans as individuals and we demand justice for all.

Gina Miller exits KTVT, Houston anchor leaving us? plus more

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Veteran sports anchor-reporter Gina Miller is leaving CBS11/TXA21 after an eight-year run to “pursue new entrepreneurial projects that I will share with you in the near future.”

‘SportsRadio 1310 the Ticket’ to also air on 96.7 FM
At almost the same time that Randy Galloway signed off on his final radio show on KESN/103.3 FM, another longtime DFW broadcaster, Mark Davis, tweeted this: “DFW radio bulletin: WBAP to lose 96.7 simulcast as Cumulus hands it to SportsRadio 1310 The Ticket. I'll always remember the March '10 debut.” (Davis, whose show now airs on KSKY/660 AM, formerly aired on WBAP.)

After decades on air, Randy Galloway signs off DFW sports radio
Galloway, 70, is retiring from ESPN Radio after he signs off his show Monday, a couple of months earlier than a previously announced year-end date.

At Dallas Morning News, digital is a complement to print, not a substitute
There’s definitely something different about The Dallas Morning News’ new premium website: Unlike the Boston Globe’s two-website strategy, for instance, people who subscribe aren’t getting exclusive articles, but they are getting more photos and fewer ads.
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DFW station cuts ribbon on new facility
KXAS-TV, the NBC O&O in Dallas/Ft. Worth held a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a new facility in metroplex’s CentrePort Business Park, built on the site of the former Greater Southwest International Airport.
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- Channel 5 moving from Broadcast Hill, but still tied to Fort Worth

Wichita Station Hires News Director from Dallas
Denise Killian has been named news director for LIN Media’s Wichita NBC affiliate KSNW, according to Rick Gevers.

Could Houston Hottie Become South Florida’s Next Star Anchorwoman?
South Florida's Gossip Extra reports that KPRC 2 weekend anchor Irika Sargent could be WFOR-Channel 4‘s next star anchorwoman.
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Comcast SportsNet Houston president resigns
Matt Hutchings resigned as president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet Houston.
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Houston’s Most Social TV Newsdesks
Social Media is the new frontier, yet many traditional news outlets have yet to have fully accepted Social. Houston is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US, we have the second-largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies, and many great news sources.

Dayna Steele speaking at TEDxHouston 2013
Dayna Steele will be speaking at the TEDxHouston event at Rice University on October 12. The theme of 2013 TEDxHouston is “The Other Things.” This is based on another speech made at Rice University over fifty years ago by President John F. Kennedy in which he declared that we would put a man on the moon within the decade and do “the other things, not because they are easy but because they are hard.”

Sports radio ratings slump continues
We apparently have a new all-sports station in town. It has call letters KGOW and it shows up in the monthly Arbitron ratings for…What’s that? Oh, yeah. Now I remember.

Morning co-host resigns at S.A. Fox station
Sassy, easy-on-the-eyes local morning show co-host Cassandra Lazenby has turned in her KABB-TV mike after less than two years at the station.

Leadership Changes at KWTX and KBTX as Robert Bunch Announces Retirement
KWTX general manager Robert Bunch has announced he will retire from Gray Television’s CBS affiliate in Waco. Mike Wright, the general manager at sister station KBTX in College Station, will take over.

KBTX gets new ND
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102.1 THE EDGE ANNOUNCES 12TH ANNUAL HOW THE EDGE STOLE CHRISTMAS SHOW
102.1 The Edge (KDGE-FM) today announced the lineup for its 12th annual How The Edge Stole Christmas show on December 5, 2013 at Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie. 102.1's How The Edge Stole Christmas show will feature Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington and Thirty Seconds to Mars as the co-headliners, plus a strong bill of alternative artists including Blue October, Panic! at the Disco, Capital Cities and New Politics. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 11, at 10 a.m. Fans can listen to 102.1 The Edge to 'Win It Before You Can Buy It' beginning Friday, October 4, through Friday, October 11. For information or ticket purchase please visit kdge.com.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Michael Garfield joins WFAA 8 Dallas as tech contributor
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- Karla Barguiarena joins KTRK abc13 as reporter
- FOX 26 KRIV makes some anchor changes
- KTRK abc13's Jessica Willey has her baby
- Houston TV & radio job moves plus more from around Texas
- Houston TV baby wave of 2013
- KTRK abc13 newscasts cancelled by 'maintenance work'
- KUHT 8 to broadcast 2013 Houston Mayoral Debate

KUHT 8 to broadcast 2013 Houston Mayoral Debate

Election Season 2013: City of Houston Mayoral Debate Live Broadcast Details


The League of Women Voters of Houston Education Fund and Houston Public Media are pleased to announce that we will sponsor a special debate telecast covering the City of Houston Mayoral Election. All candidates were invited to participate. Don Cook, Eric Dick, Keryl Burgess
Douglas, Charyl L. Drab, Michael J. Fitzsimmons, Benjamin L. Hall, III and Annise D. Parker have accepted our invitation.

The 2013 Houston Mayoral Debate will be broadcast live from the studios of HoustonPBS / Channel 8 on Tuesday, October 8 starting at 7:00 p.m. The debate will also be streamed live as well as made available for simulcast or rebroadcast at a later date on any Houston media station that chooses to broadcast the debate. Univision Channel 45 will also rebroadcast the debate at a later date with Spanish translation.

The format of the program is designed to be fair, informative and engaging. We wish to allow each candidate the unique opportunity to explain his or her philosophy of governance and positions on selected issues. Questions on selected topics will be presented by a panel of journalists in a response/rebuttal debate format. Candidates will be asked questions in rounds on particular topics. Each candidate will be asked a specific question on the topic and given 90 seconds to respond. The candidates will be given an additional 45 seconds for rebuttal after all candidates have responded to their particular question.

Linda Lorelle will serve as moderator for the debate. Linda is an Emmy award winning journalist and longtime anchor of the evening news in Houston. Linda now hosts the political show, 'Red, White and Blue' on HoustonPBS. Our journalist panel is Laurie Johnson - KUHF, Mike Morris - Houston Chronicle, Doug Miller - KHOU and Pedro Rojas - Univision.

The League of Women Voters of Houston Education Fund is committed to providing our community with helpful resources that will encourage an informed choice on Election Day. We believe that this telecast is an important element of this outreach.

(This post taken from a release by the The League of Women Voters of Houston)