ANSWER: Weekend Morning Trivia: Jeff Maynor edition

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What is Jeff Maynor's nickname?

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*The answer was C: Skip

Backstage with Jeff Maynor--Les Paul Tribute

What a music weekend in Cleveland!

It's the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Annual American Music Masters Tribute, this year honoring legendary guitar inventor and player Les Paul.

Saturday at Case Western Reserve University musicians, writers and academics will be discussing the extraordinary career of Les Paul. The day also includes a guitar clinic and discussion with Les Paul himself.

Les Paul is one of the inventors of the solid-body electric guitar, and for over 50 years the Gibson Les Paul guitar has been standard-issue for guitar players.

The Saturday night tribute concert at the State Theater is sold out. It will feature performances by leading guitar players Richie Sambora, Slash, Duane Eddy, James Burton, and many more.

Duane Eddy, 1994 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was a live guest on Channel 3's Weekend Morning News Saturday.

He told he he grew up idolizing Les Paul, who had his peak recording success in the early-to-mid fifties, pre-rock and roll.

Eddy has played several electric guitars over his career. He currently plays his own Duane Eddy Signature Gibson model.

Longtime viewers may remember one of my country favorites, singer-songwriter Dale Watson. Dale has a Duane Eddy autograph across the front of one of his guitars. I asked Duane if he remembers Dale and he said, "Sure do. Saw him perform at a wedding. He's great. Reminds me of myself when I was starting out."

More on the Les Paul Tribute Concert to follow.

--Jeff Maynor
jeffmaynor@wkyc.com


You can watch Jeff's entire interview with Duane Eddy below...

Behind The Scenes: Jeff and Kim and other stuff

Here are Jeff and Kim having a discussion during one of the breaks during this morning's show.

Show Promo: Saturday, August, 16th (Is it cold in here?)

Rock Fantasy Camp Hits Cleveland

By Jeff Maynor

Anyone who's even picked up an air guitar has had fantasies of being with the band.

This past week a dozen Clevelanders got that chance at Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp.

Fantasy Camp originated in California where rock wannabees pay $10-thousand dollars to attend a five day camp with players in the industry. This summer the promoters decided to do a road tour, taking the Fantasy Camp to fifteen major cities for one-day camps. The day campers pay $2-thousand dollars for a full day of music classes and jams with top rock musicians.

The Cleveland camp was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Arcade. It started at 8 in the morning and went well into the night as the campers and counsellors took to the stage at the House of Blues to open for Extreme.

The lineup of counsellors at the camp included Mark Hudson, formerly of the Hudson Brothers, producer for Aerosmith and Ringo Starr, among others, and bandleader for Joan Rivers' latenight show on the Fox Network. Hudson was joined by band members from AC-DC, Megadeth, The Cars and others.

Campers I interviewed ranged from a 45-year-old guitar player who'd been in bands locally to a 15-year-old from Salem who'd never even been near a band but, after Fantasy Camp, is reevaluating his intended career path that had pointed toward architecture.

After Cleveland the Fantasy Camp moves on to Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Los Angeles and other major U.S. cities.

CLICK HERE for dates and locations.

You can learn more about the Fantasy Camps at http://www.rockcamp.com/.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

By Jeff Maynor--Regular viewers will know my wife and I travel to Arizona several times a year to visit our daughter, son-in-law and now, five grand children.

This summer, in what was a dream come true for my wife Patsy and me, our daughter Beth came here, with all five munchkins, Chloe Autumn, 10; Jade Summer, 7; Cooper Blue, 5; Juniper Spring, 23 months and Juliet Winter 9 months.

On the front steps at our house, left to right,Beth holding Juliet, Jade holding Junebug,me holding Lulu, Chloe and Coop.

They came for two weeks in July. It was the first airplane trip for all but Beth. Don't know how mom managed five young ones on a four-hour flight, but as we met them at the gate at Hopkins several fellow travelers told Gram and Granddad the kids behaved beautifully.

Ever since Beth and her husband Bobby moved to Arizona eight years ago I've dreamed of having my grandchildren here for this special event or that one, and here we had two weeks to enjoy as much as we could of all that northeast Ohio has to offer.

Patsy and I filled a file folder of activities we wanted to consider. We managed to get to about half of the list.

I wanted to show the kids Channel 3 because I think how we do what we do behind-the-scenes is, in its way, more interesting than what we put on the air. Bruce was great letting the kids stand in the chromakey area and point to his weather maps that "exist" only in a computer.

Cedar Point was a full day. Chloe and her mom rode the Magnum, but I think Chloe may have regretted it. But now she can tell everyone in Phoenix that she rode one of the big coasters. Cedar Point really is the outstanding amusement on the planet. Many of Chloe's young friends know about it, would like to visit, and they even know people in Arizona who've planned vacations here to experience Cedar Point.

Cooper and Jade on a ride in Planet Snoopy--the hit of the day with the young kids and "chicken" grownups.

The Museum of Art expansion is so beautiful. "World Class" as they would say. Armor court was the big hit with the youngsters. That afternoon we went to the Natural History Museum, bones were the big hit here.

One evening I took Jade and Cooper to a Lake County Captains game. What a great family experience that is capped off by fireworks after the game.

We were able to catch Kelly Miller Circus, an old fashioned circus under canvas, in Chesterland. Even granddad climbed aboard an elephant for a ride after the very good show. Both performances were sold out.





Ever ride an elephant? We did at the circus, (left to right) Jade, Coop, Bug, Granddad and Johnny.












Kelly Miller Circus Ringmaster John Moss, III, third generation of an outdoor show business family, with l-r, Johnny, a family friend, Cooper and Jade.






We only ate at McDonald's one day, quite a withdrawl for me, and the big dinner out was at Benihana Japanese Steak House. Nice remodeling since we were there last, but too bad they've done away with the big flame at the tableside grille for immolation concerns.




Umbrellas that come with the Shirley Temples at Benihana were, as they were when our kids were young, a big hit. Chloe and Jade.




Our family's grown so we now get our own table at Benihana now. (left to right) our daughter Beth and Juliet, Buggy, Granddad, Coop, our son Justin, Chloe, Jade and Patsy.






We were not able to get to the Lake County Heritage Festival, a boat ride on the Goodtime and an ice cream cone by the falls in Chagrin Falls but, all things considered, we crammed a year's worth of special events into two weeks.

I know the grandparents were tired, but the grandkids may have even been a little more exausted by the end of their visit.

I think we'd all agree it was a summer vacation we'll never forget.

Behind The Scenes: Control Room

Here is a little behind the scenes video from the control room that I shot this morning as the show was wrapping up. This was during Jeff's last update from Twinsburg at around 10:25am.

Starr Sightings: Inside Studio A - "A Somber Sunday"

Following the unfortunate fatal shooting of an officer over night, we decided to send Jeff out to cover a press conference to find out more details. Kim held down the fort in Studio A. With Dawn directing the last hour of the show, director Matt was able to post video to the web and stream the press conference live with the help of Julie at the desk. Producer Caitlin did a nice job of pulling together the changes for the show at the last minute. Great job to the weekend morning show team for pulling together to get the coverage on the air and web so our viewers were able to find out the latest information.

During the show, we had our live webchat up and running, as well as a live stream of the press conference. Jeff and Kim did a great job with covering the story in a respectful and professional way, as WKYC always does. The mood in Studio A was somber and serious today. Some of you may have been watching the live video from Studio A and could see all was calm here. Anytime we have a fallen officer, the newsroom is aware of the impact on the community and the atmosphere here shows this. We stay busy and bring you the latest coverage, but we all keeping the situation in perspective.

Although we didn't have too much time to chat here at WKYC with all of the breaking coverage, we appreciate all of you who logged on to share your thoughts and feelings on this tragedy, especially the family and friends of this fallen hero.

Stay Tuned,

Jess Starr
jstarr@wkyc.com

The "Re-Birth" of the Webchat

Hey Folks! Sorry for the lack of content on the blog, but I have been off for the last couple of weeks welcoming my new daughter into the world. Mackenzie Grace was born just over 2 weeks ago and since then I've been adjusting to life at home as "Dad".

This weekend however, I return to the weekend morning show for the first time in a long time and I'm hoping for a large turnout for our live webchat. I heard that over the last couple of weeks the live chat numbers have been down across the board. That's not what we're striving for. We need more chatters! Tell your friends, family, and anyone you can think who might be interested in participating in this rare opportunity to speak directly with the anchors during a live broadcast.

We will also once again have the live streaming camera up and running so that you never lose sight of what is going on in Studio A.

Join us every Saturday and Sunday morning starting at 9am right here on WKYC.com and the Weekend Morning Show blog for Live Webchatting and a live streaming camera while you enjoy the show with Jeff, Kim and Bruce.

I'll talk to you in the chat on Saturday!
Matt

Our debut live web chat was a success. I hope you had a chance to log on and chat it up with Kim, Jeff, Bruce and the rest of our crew this past weekend.

If you didn't however, you will have plenty of chances. We are planning on keeping the live chat up and running during the weekend morning show for the foreseeable future. We also plan to keep up the live studio camera stream so you can keep your eyes on what's going on behind the scenes.

If you have any questions or comments about our live web chat, live studio stream, or whatever... feel free to email them to us at weekendmorningshow@wkyc.com

Jeff & AJ: Together Again...briefly

OK, Kim wasn't available as promised to talk with AJ, she was out on a story. However, Jeff was in the building and stepped in to find out what AJ has been up to since leaving the weekend morning shift for the weekend night shift.

Gadget Guy vs. Jeff

I am writing this, because my buddy Jeff is still recovering from his live interview with Mr. Gadget. Timing is so critical in live interviews, and Jeff had to wrap up the interview...they were out of time. But, Gadget Guy being passionate about what he does, wanted to show another item for Father's Day. I think Jeff simmered about it most of the show. It all turned out fine, but sometimes guests would like extra time for interviews and we can't always do that. Jeff has now had a doughnut...and I think he'll be fine tomorrow.

As usual, some other unexpected things happened...Bruce's mic fell off as he was doing weather. It was down around his feet! You never know, when you'll have to adjust to technical problems...and we usually recover just fine.

Tomorrow, should be interesting to see what happened in Washington with Michigan and Florida delegates and the Democratic candidates. It's been quite a primary season. I've loved watching politics since I was in 7th grade, so this is so exciting for me.
We'll have the Teddy Bear Ride Sunday, motorcycle riders take stuffed animals to area children in the hospital. We have such giving people in our community. Have a great Saturday, Kim

Show Promo: Saturday, May 31st

Watch as anchor Jeff Maynor and floor director Jess Starr talk about what's coming up on today's broadcast.

Jeff Out Front and Backstage at "Barefoot in the Park"

If you missed Geauga Lyric Theater's production of "Barefoot in the Park" you missed non-stop laughter. Neil Simon writes that way, but this cast brought it to life at a level I've seldom seen.

I've never watched the entire movie which starred Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, but when I do I'll be comparing them to the standard set by the local company's talented actors.

On Mother's Day I arrived at the theater about five minutes late. Five minutes later I was in a tiny walkup apartment in Manhattan, nowhere near the former movie theater on Chardon Square.

Mary Britta Shirring, who is on stage every moment of every scene, makes the ditzy newlywed Corie her very own. She jumps on the couch, bounces off the walls and is wholly engaging as the nutziest of a group of nutsy New Yorkers.

David Malinowski, as her lawyer husband Paul, won my sympathy as Oliver Hardy has--poor fellow, a good sort who is bound at the hip to a train wreck.

Yvonne Pilarrczyk as Corie's mother is a wonderful character actress, a veteran of area stages, and I hope to see her again.

Tim Coles, as the eccentric Hungarian Victor Velasko who lives in an upstairs closet, looked like he wrote, acted and lived the part.

The stage set was simple, about what I would have expected at a community theater, but this cast and this production was as good as any I've seen anywhere. It soared.

Credit to director Ann Hedger for leading this very talented group in knocking it out of the park.

To see the Geauga Lyric Theater and get more information on "Barefoot in the Park"
CLICK HERE

Promo for Sunday, May 18th

On location out in front of the Channel 3 studios, Jeff lets you know what is coming up on Channel 3 News starting at 9am.

What I Did On My Spring Vacation, Part Deux

We are back from a week in the Arizona desert, the East Valley of Phoenix, actually, and wanted to share with friends pictures of our tribe of grandkids. People enjoy hearing the names chosen by our daughter Beth and son-in-law Bobby. Chloe Autumn is 9, Jade Summer is 7, Cooper Blue is 5, Juniper Spring is 20 months and her little sister Juliet Winter is six months old. Unfortunately Chloe was on a field trip to the Grand Canyon when the pictures were taken so we'll have to get pictures of her next visit.

Here's Juniper, Junebug, "Bug" for short, watering the plants.

Jade, Cooper and June at the playground.

Beth feeding Juliet when we went out for dinner.

Juliet who is almost always smiling.

Email: jeffmaynor@wkyc.com

Laptops: No problems...today

Well, as you can see, Jeff and Kim were finally able to log on to the laptops today, after a few minor hiccups, but we failed to really tie them into the show today. Tomorrow we will again pose a question to you, the viewer and blog reader, like we did last weekend to try and better incorporate your input into our broadcast. We'll probably ask something about your favorite Mother's Day memory, what you're doing for Mother's Day, that sort of thing, and then share some of them on the air with you tomorrow morning starting at 9am.

You can send your comments now to... weekendmorningshow@wkyc.com

Rob Parissi: Web Only Interview

What a show tonight at Public Hall. Kim Carnes, Lou Gramm, and Rob Parissi of Wild Cherry. Here is a web only interview with Rob Parissi, known for the song "Play That Funky Music".

Please disregard the "Dann Exclusive" graphic in the monitor. This extra feature was shot during a commercial break and the graphic in the monitor is for the upcoming segment.

You can check out Rob Parissi's website by clicking here... http://www.robparissi.com/

Promo for Saturday, May 10th

Jeff Maynor gives you an inside look, from "Room 1", at what is coming up on today's show.

Promo for Sunday, May 4th

Jeff's High School Graduating Class Tours WKYC

The "May 3rd Shoe Incident"

To the right, you can see the shoe in question that was causing Kim all of the problems on this morning's show.

Below you can watch the aftermath that took place in the studio immediately after Jeff exposed that Kim was in fact NOT wearing shoes during today's show.



Below you can watch an exclusive follow up with Kim after the show went off the air.



It's never boring behind the scenes at any television station, but only here on the new WKYC Weekend Morning Show Blog will we bring you this kind of in depth behind the scenes coverage of such a ridiculous event.

What I Did On My Spring Vacation

Just back from a week in the Valley of the Sun, the Phoenix area, visiting our daughter Beth, son-in-law Bobby and five grandchildren.

People often ask me their names, and say they like them, so here goes, Chloe Autumn, age 9; Jade Summer, age 7; Cooper Blue, age 5; Juniper Spring, age 19 months and Juliet Winter, 5 months.

Spring is a great time to visit the desert--wall-to-wall sunshine and high temperatures in the 80's. In a month or two it will turn into Hades with daily highs of 110 or higher. It takes some getting used to for those of us from northeast Ohio's climate.

We've been visiting our family in Phoenix for eight years now.

Activities we've enjoyed include the Phoenix Zoo; Rawhide, the western theme park; Mesa Children's Museum; shopping in Tempe and Scotsdale and road trips to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. Prescott is an enjoyable small town to the north, I think because it reminds us of small towns back home.

All these side trips are north of Phoenix. We've never driven south to Tucson or to Mexico. Probably because we're always there in summer and that time of year valley residents always drive north to get away from the heat.

During our visit Chloe had her first overnight school field trip--all the fourth grade classes at her school left late at night on chartered busses and woke up the next morning at the Grand Canyon. After spending the day at "that great big hole", they returned the next night.

My wife stayed an extra week. She has the pictures which I'll post next weekend so those interested can see how these youngins' are growing up.

-Jeff Maynor
Email: jeffmaynor@wkyc.com

Here he goes again!

This is why Jeff is so much fun to work with, you never know what he's going to say or do for that matter! We did a story on a guy in West Virginia riding his horse to work, instead of driving a car. I thought we might talk about the latest gas prices we saw on the way to work, but no....Jeff got hung up on the plural of hoof! So, we had to discuss it on the show. I thought it was "hooves." So, I had to look it up after the show, and here's the answer...for anyone who cares! You can either say "hoofs" or "hooves." It is kind of a running joke with him. For instance, every year we have parachutists probably in Nashville, dressed up like Elvis. So....after 12 years sitting next to Jeff...every time he ponders...the plural of Elvis!!! That one I don't think I can find in the dictionary. Have a great weekend, Kim

Email: kimwheeler@wkyc.com

Meet The Team: Kim Wheeler and Jeff Maynor

Kim Wheeler joined WKYC in 1995. She is currently the weekend morning anchor and education reporter for Channel 3 News. In 2006, she received an Emmy for her anchoring.

Kim came to WKYC from WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia where she served as reporter and anchor for six years. Prior to that, she was an anchor/reporter in Bluefield, West Virginia. Kim is a native of Smithville, Ohio. She graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor's degree in Journalism.

During Kim's years at WKYC, she received a first place award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists in 2000 for her series on Ritalin and children. She was named one of Cleveland Magazine's "most interesting people" in 1999. Kim was also featured in Cleveland Magazine as one of Cleveland's working moms in the media.

Channel 3 News followed Kim and her husband, Tracy on their journey to Thailand to adopt their two sons. They brought Terry Pitak home in February of 2000 and Max Arun in October of 2005. Kim and Tracy worked with Holt International Children's Services in Eugene, Oregon. For more information on adoption contact Holt at http://www.holtinternational.org/

Kim has volunteered in the Cleveland Schools and at her son's school. In addition, through her news stories, she worked with John Carroll University students to build a new playground for Margaret Ireland Elementary students.She also stays involved with education and adoption issues.

E-mail: kimwheeler@wkyc.com

Channel 3 Weekend News Anchor Jeff Maynor joined WKYC-TV3 in February of 1993 as weekend morning and noon co-anchor. Maynor also serves as general assignment reporter contributing to Channel 3 News throughout the week.

Previously, Maynor worked as a news anchor for seven years at WEWS-TV in Cleveland and in a similar capacity at WJW for eight years. Prior to joining Channel 3 News, Maynor did communications work for several years at Lakeland Community College. During that time, he also served as a spokesman for corporate industrial video projects.

A native of Warren, Ohio, Maynor attended Ohio University. He resides in Concord with his wife, Patricia.

E-mail: jeffmaynor@wkyc.com