I grew up a HUGE fan of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I watched it all the time and thought it was a big deal to go on the trolley ride through the neighborhood at Idlewild Park in Pennsylvania!

Late Sautrday night, I was scrolling through Netflix and found the documentary "Won't You be my Neighbor?" about Fred Rogers. It mostly covered how he got into television, how his work expanded into the show we all know, and how he fought to save funding for children's programming. There are interviews with a few cast members of his show, some crew members, and even his wife.

The documentary also delves into the struggles he had trying to decide how to cover tough topics of the 60s and 70s with kids. This was a very interesting documentary. If you grew up with Fred Rogers or have kids that grew up with him, I'd watch it!

2023 is a big year for me. I graduated college, I'm in the process of getting my very own puppy (a bloodhound by the name of Hank), I'm working to buy a house, got my first full time job, etc.

Not long ago, I took motorcycle classes through the state of Ohio and am so happy to be out on the bike whenever I get a chance to do so. Whether it's a leisurely ride on a Sunday morning or I'm headed here to the station, there's a smile on my face whenever I'm behind those handlebars. My new license just recently came in the mail and I'm grinning ear to ear!

I also got my boating license to take my old 1958 Magnolia 2-Stroke motorboat around the portage lakes, and it's been an incredible experience for me to learn about the intricacies of operating a vessel. That's kind of my thing when it comes to mechanical stuff; I'm always wanting to know more and learn!

Up next, I'd really like to go through a firearm safety course and get a hunting license and some tags to bring home a deer and munch on my favorite snack-venison jerky! It's great mixed with beef and in tacos, also. I'm just really stoked to be making goals and striving to meet them. There're endless opportunities to try something new and expand your knowledge, so whether big or small, set goals for yourself and don't let anything stand in your way of self-improvement and growth. You got it!

Today is National Chocolate Chip cookie Day! I don't know about you, but they are BY FAR my favorite kind of cookies. Some like them crunchy, some like them soft and gooey. I belong to the latter group...what about you?

I can' think of many things that make a better dessert than some of these cookies and a glass of milk. I really try to not indulge myself nearly as often as I did when I was younger for obvious reasons ;) LOL. Interesting fact - the Chocolate Chip cookie was invented in Massachusetts in 1938.

Have a couple for me today to celebrate!

Clouds are nice....

Sometimes life moves fast, and we miss opportunities to stop and smell the roses. Something I often fail to appreciate is how pretty our Northeast Ohio skies are in the summertime. Whether it's those long warm nights beneath the moon and stars shining through the fog, or some crazy cumulonimbus formations before a storm hits, taking a moment to look up and appreciate the world we live in is refreshing. It brings me back to my youth, pointing to some fluffy white puffs against a baby blue backdrop and playfully arguing with my brother about what they "are" when either opinion was equally valid.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all, and the best relief I have found is in the forests and fields of Northeast Ohio. Some of the my favorite places to take it all in include the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Towpath, Firestone Metro Park, the Portage Lakes State Park, or simply just my back yard. Whether it's the grass beneath your feet or a cloud in the sky, try to take a moment today to ground yourself and appreciate all the beautiful nature we are so fortunate to have in our great state!

Stop by the First Down Fest happening at the ForeverLawn Sports Complex next to the Hall of Fame in Canton for a good time! Live music, food, fun activities for the whole family and more leading up to the Induction Ceremony. Not only that, Cherise will be there tomorrow (Friday) from 3-5. See her for your chance to win some great swag from WQMX!

Now that the Hall of Fame Village is up and running, this should really turn this week of festivities in Canton up a notch or two! All the 4-1-1 about the First Down Fest can be found here.

If you don't know me already, let me introduce myself. My name is Joe and I'm the new overnight host for Your Country 94.9 WQMX! I began as a weekend part-timer, and we may have encountered at an event with me behind the table working the street team. I am a huge fan of country music and could not be happier with this new position. Some of my favorite artists include Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, Hardy, Jake Owen, and Toby Keith. 

I ride a motorcycle and love getting muddy on my beat up old quad. On my days off, I enjoy wrenching and riding most of all, and I am also a big fan of fishing off of my vintage two-stroke motorboat. Bass and perch are what I go for primarily, or really whatever's biting. Needless to say, country speaks to me on a personal level. 

I'd like to end this with a huge thanks to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to chase my dreams in radio. I really enjoy writing, and hope you'll enjoy what I have to say in blogs to follow this!

The Wednesday before the WWE's Premium Events... I weigh in with my thoughts on the card.  
Remember these are only my thoughts and would not wager any money because of them...

This Saturday Night is WWE Summer Slam:

There is a Battle Royal on the card as well... just not sure the whole line-up involved with it...

Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

As for one having a country band's name and the other being from Ohio.  I would like to see Ricochet win as a baby face.  The new persona suits him. Although with the up-and-coming Logan Paul, I think the YouTuber walks out with the win after a couple of losses.  It will be one of the most entertaining matches at least athletically of the night.  

Ronda Rousey vs Shayna Baisler

This will be a weird match in my eyes.  Technically, both are great but in a WWE setting they have some flaws in my eyes.  Breaking up this Tag Team was needed and Shayna started the break and I think Ronda will go back to moving up the singles ladder with a victory.

Gunther vs Drew McIntyre

I wish Gunther would lose the belt but at this point with all his croney's outside interfering there will be a little too much for Drew.  Although I could see Drew as a great Intercontinental Champion and he deserves a push.

The WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka, Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair

I think Charlotte Flair picks up gold but there is something going on with this one.  Someone will get involved that will weigh on the result.  Maybe an Iyo Sky cash-in of her Money In The Bank Case...

Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor

Judgement Day is annoying to me but they are collecting belts like no one else and Finn is the only one without gold or a Money in the Bank Case...  I think he will still be missing a belt after this one.  (I hope...)

Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar

They have built this match for a while and the 2 need a new storyline with other opponents...  I think Cody is walking out the winner but then Brock will probably not let him walk out.

Tribal Combat Match: Roman Reigns vs Jey Uso

So a no-DQ match does not look like Jey Uso will be getting one over Roman Reigns... But I think the match will be great.  Solo, Heyman and others will make is so Jey gets a rematch later....

Last night on America's Got Talent featured two local talents. Summer Rios from Brunswick wowed the judges with her performance of "Something in the Orange" by Zach Bryan, and got a standing ovation from the audience!

Judge Simon Cowell said Zion Clark of Canton defines the word "inspiration". Zion received a 'yes' from all four of the judges after his audition!

America's Got Talent airs on Tuesday's at 8pm on NBC. Let's go Northeast Ohio!

If you play the lottery but have yet to experience the joy of winning...listen up! Krispy Kreme will take away your blues :).

Monday and Tuesday August 1st and 2nd, you can take a Mega Millions ticket or a losing ticket to any lottery game to a Krispy Kreme and get a free Glazed Donut while supplies last! If you like Krispy Kreme as much as I do...this is the deal of a lifetime almost!!! haha

Here is the link to the full story.

It's Tonight!!!! National Night Out, the City of Akron will have plenty locations to meet your neighbors and community members.  The community building initiative is to strengthen participation in local programs that prevent and deter crime, in an effort to make neighborhoods safer.  Events and activities will vary by location but most will have snacks and refreshments, music, games, and activities for kids and all will be free to attend.  It's National Night Out in Akron, tonight!