http://www.country1071.com

Well, this morning I announced that this will be my last week at Country 107.1.  I have taken a new gig with a radio station in Vancouver.  The station is Country 107.1′s sister station.  I know I have only been here for a little over a year but I wanted you to know how much I have appreciated being the morning guy at your radio station.  It has been a blast.  With this new job I will also be leaving the country music format.  I have been a country jock for the past 11 years.  It is going to be strange. 

Over the last month, I have thought about my time in country radio.  I think I have come up with my top 5 moments.

In no particular order…….

1. Interviewing Rascal Flatts and having Joe Don get mad at me because I asked how they felt about being referred to as country music’s boy band.

2. Receiving a phone call from Aaron Lines (from a recording studio in Nashville) just moments after the birth of my first child.

3. Emceeing to an empty club. (Literally, there was nobody there)   I was shocked when the road manager wanted me to still go onstage.  Do you know how strange it was to say, “Ladies and Gentlemen, how are you tonight?……” to the bartender and a few waitresses?

4. Emceeing to ten thousand people after ripping my pants stepping onto the stage.

5. Having George Canyon whisper in my ear, at the side of the stage moments before introducing him, “Find my manager and a bottle of Pepto Bismol!”

If I was to offer suggestions to anyone going into country radio I would say this:

If you interview Corb Lund, plan on him dropping an F-Bomb. Never bring up Brad Johner’s mullet. (from back in the day) Kenny Chesney is super short. No matter how hard you have tried, pleaded or begged, George Strait will never come on your show. Gord Bamford will always be late for his interviews but he will always say sorry. Don’t ever ask Rick Tippe about Napster. Never play Brad Paisley’s Whiskey Lullaby into Carrie Underwood’s Temporary Home.  That’s just too much of a downer. Meet Curtis Pope.  He is the best Country Music Director in Canada. Just because you get cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, it doesn’t make you a cowboy. You need to live it. Never play Gary Allan’s Tough Little Boys after having a kid.  You will cry! Never make a wise crack about Tim McGraw’s baldness.  Women love that dude! Don’t ever talk during a George Strait concert when sitting next to a drunk, hardcore cowboy after he paid 150 bucks. In his words, “I didn’t pay to listen to you talk.  I hear you enough.” Always, and I mean always, listen to every word in every country music song.  It will make you think.

I also wanted to take a second to thank those that were behind the show.  First and foremost, Melanie Green.  Mel is the General Manager, head coach, cheerleader, friend, and the voice of reason.  Mel brought me here and was instrumental in getting me to a life long dream.  Teresa Laynes and her Promotional Staff… Teresa is the queen of brainstorming.  She secured prizes, content, and was always there for a push in the right direction.  For 10 years I have been trying to get the Wheel of Winter going and “T” made it happen.  The Boss, Curtis Pope…Like I have said, Curtis is the best Music Director in Canada.  He believes in music.  He lives, breaths and eats music. Curtis is putting artists on the map. He is a hell of a dude and funny as hell.  I want to say thank you to my Country 107.1 family.  It has been an amazing year!

Of course, we cannot forget the numerous cast and characters on the show … Studio Bob and the Third Round Blogger (You know who you are), Paul the Farmer, Chef Dez, Trucker Pete, Cranky Pants Keith, The Johnson Brothers, Mayor Peary, Mayor James, and every single person who has ever called in to chat.

And then there is Grant … Love you man, nuff said!

I do want to say that Mission has become our home so I am not leaving.  I am going to battle the Portman every day and make the commute.  Any suggestions????  So I will still see you around. Most likely in the Tim Horton’s (on 1st Ave) line up or at an Abby Heat game.

Thank you so much.  It has been an honor and a privilege to wake up with you.

Your Friend,
Kenny

Bonus Code: mullet

Facebook announced even more changes yesterday with the hopes of turning the social network into an entertainment hub, making it easier for their users to share even more music, news and movies with their friends in cyberspace.

Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the changes during a flashy presentation reminiscent of Steve Jobs‘s Apple reveals. Zuckerberg hopes that users will spend even more time on the site by listening to music, watching movies and reading articles without leaving Facebook. He’s hoping to accomplish that with a new profile page called a “Timeline,” which will compile different media into a one-stop destination on the Internet.

OK so lets put it all on the table……how much time do you spend on Facebook kenny.jones@rci.rogers.com

Morning show bonus code is “more more more”

I found a great artical on line last night….It was all about “The Dream Job” some cool stuff

No job is perfect. So, while some dream jobs sound great in theory, actually having to do them is another matter altogether.

Here’s a rundown of some dream jobs that really are not as glamorous as they look:

• Travel Writer – Sure you get to travel to beautiful locations and eat awesome meals, all expenses paid (sometimes), but you’re always on the road and even the best writers don’t get paid very much.

• Celebrity Assistant – You get behind-the-scenes access to the world of Hollywood … at a cost. You work 75 to 100 hours per week doing mostly boring, administrative work. And, the sad fact is many celebrities are out of their minds.

• Private Investigator – You work very long hours and not every hour is paid. And, your life schedule revolves around the cases you’re on.

• Bed and Breakfast Owner – While many people think being an innkeeper is about entertaining guests and having fun, the truth is a lot of time is spent cleaning and doing laundry.

What was your dream job….Me….. I wanted to be 2 things growing up 1…A DJ on the radio or 2…A Bull Pen Catcher….Best job ever!! You get to play catch and no pressure to win the big game!!! the only downfall a 100mph fastball!!!

How about you kenny.jones@rci.rogers.com

Your morning show bonus code is “Glamorous”

CHARLIE, ASHTON BOTH MAKE RATINGS HISTORY

Charlie Sheen‘s roast and Ashton Kutcher‘s Two and a Half Men debut both saw record ratings Monday night.

Men, which killed off Charlie’s character and introduced Ashton, earned its most-watched episode ever with 28.7 million viewers. Meanwhile, Charlie gave Comedy Central its most-watched roast ever with 6.4 million viewers. The roast aired shortly after Two and a Half Men.

Your morning show bonus code is “winning one more time”

So my blog on last nights Two and a Half Men….is gone it’s been lost in cyber space never to be read???

Your bonus code is “lost”

So the emmys went last night! and the winner is….

Drama Series
Mad Men

Comedy Series
Modern Family

Outstanding Reality Program
Deadliest Catch|

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Jeff Probst of Survivor

Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler of Friday Night Lights

Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Julianna Marguiles of The Good Wife

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Melissa McCarthy ofMike and Molly

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter DinklageofGame of Thrones

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Margo MartindaleofJustified

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell of Modern Family

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen of Modern Family

Your morning show bonus code is “great television”

Vegas predicts a good night for Mad Men and Steve Carell at Sunday’s Emmys…

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Favorite: Jon Hamm for Mad Men. Long shot: Hugh Laurie for House.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Favorite: Julianna Margulies for The Good Wife. Long shot: Mariska Hargitay for Law & Order: SVU.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Favorite: Steve Carell for The Office. Long shot: Matt LeBlanc for Episodes.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Favorite: Laura Linney for The Big C. Long shot: Martha Plimpton for Raising Hope.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Favorite: Modern Family. Long shot: The Big Bang Theory tied with Parks and Recreation.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

Favorite: Mad Men. Long shot: Dexter.

Your morning show bonus code is “Emmys”

The restaurant guide Zagat recently did a survey of more than 6,000 fast food–rated everything from burgers to fries to breakfast sandwiches.

Here are some of the big winners:

Best Burger

1. Five Guys
2. In-N-Out Burger
3. Wendy’s
4. Burger King
5. McDonald’s

Best French Fries

1. McDonald’s
2. Five Guys
3. Wendy’s
4. In-N-Out Burger
5. Chick-fil-A

Best Value Menu

1. McDonald’s
2. Wendy’s
3. Taco Bell
4. Burger King
5. Sonic Drive-In

Best Breakfast Sandwiches

1. McDonald’s
2. Panera Bread
3. Chick-fil-A
4. Einstein Bros.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts

Do you have a fav??? Your morning show bonus code is “Fries”

Paul Brandt and guests High Valley play the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre

On Wednesday, December 14^th

 Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY at 10AM from livenation.com, charge by phone 1-866-977-AESC, the AESC box office and through Rogers Wireless Box Office

 Tickets are $34.50 and $47.50 plus service charges and facility fees

2011 CCMA WINNERS LIST:

FANS’ CHOICE AWARD

Johnny Reid

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

Trail in Life — Dean Brody

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Trail in Life — Dean Brody

SONGWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR

Trail In Life (written by Dean Brody; recorded by Dean Brody)

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Terri Clark

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Johnny Reid

CMT VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World — Johnny Reid

GROUP OR DUO OF THE YEAR

Hey Romeo

ROOTS ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

Jimmy Rankin

RISING STAR

Chad Brownlee

 Your morning show bonus code is “Dean”