Alright, so you want to know a little more about me besides being on the air hosting Memphis Morning News from 5am-8am Monday through Friday. I'm originally from New York, thus being a BIG New York Yankees fan since being  5 years old. In fact, my grandmother was a die-hard fan in the days of Mantle and Maris and I'd go to her house to watch the games because her reception to the New York channels was clearer (remember a time when there wasn't cable?).
 
I moved to Memphis in 1987 and have been here ever since. My wonderful wife Sue, who is the only other person in the world who's able to put up with me, does public education for the Memphis and Shelby County 9-1-1 system and was one of the first testers of the system in Memphis before 9-1-1 started up. She's been there since before day 1.

Being a pet lover, I have 8 kids.. all pets. Baz, Shaggy and Daphne are our dogs; Mets, Gabby, Faire, Woo, and Calico are the cats. And all were saved from shelters except Gabby who came via the House of Mews.

In addition to the Yankees, I'm a big fan of Tigers basketball and football and of course, the Redbirds. I love movies, theater, and just about any kind of music.

I also work as the public address announcer each year for the annual ATP Tennis Tournament at the Racquet Cub ( 11 years and counting); was the stadium announcer for 2 years for the old Memphis Chicks at Chicks Stadium; volunteer as an allocations committee chair for the United Way of the Mid-South (21 years and counting); was a member of and chaired the Memphis-Shelby County Health Department's Adolescent Teen Pregnancy Council; and am always available to work with other groups such as the Alzheimer's Association, SRVS and others trying to benefit our city and area.
Memphis Morning News starts its day each weekday morning at 5am for you. If you missed any of our interviews or need information on a topic or guest, just visit here and find the day you're looking for.
If you're a pet lover like me, you have to check out the Pet Patrol. It's a listing of animal shelters, rescue groups and information on upcoming adoptions and events. My 8 indoor pets (3 dogs and 5 cats) were all rescues.
8-22  Discover Memphis
Old Millington Winery

Get ready to listen to some music, sip a little wine and tour a vineyard.. right here. This week, we're with Perry Welch at the Old Millington Winery .
Let's take the tourClick Here

8-15 Discover Memphis
Beale St.

While Beale Street may mean bars and restaurants to many, it's more than that. Ozzie Horne is head of the Beale Street Merchants Association and takes us on a walking tour of one of America's most famous streetsClick Here .

8-8 Discover Memphis
Biblical Resource Center

You may not even know there's a Bible Museum in Collierville. It's the Biblical Resource Center at 140 E. Mulberry in the town square. Chairman Don Bassett takes us on the tourClick Here .

8-1 Discover Memphis
Belz Museum

The Belz Museum is fascinating to tour, especially to see art pieces and artifacts from the private collection of Jack Belz. Take the tour with me and Melanie MillerClick Here

7-25 Discover Memphis
Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum

Slavery has long been a part of our history and on this trip you're going to learn about a brave white man in Memphis who risked his life to set people free. Elaine Turner is with the Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum at 826 N. Second Street. Let's go on audio tourClick Here .

7-16 Discover Memphis
Memphis Cotton Museum

Cotton is big business in Memphis and the Mid-South. Now, learn the history of cotton by taking a tour of the Memphis Cotton Museum downtown at 65 Union Ave. at Front St. Audrey Langham is the Executive DirectorClick Here .

7-11 Discover Memphis
Lichterman Nature Center

This paradise of walking trails, lotus in bloom and animals in their natural habitat can be found in the city limits on Quince at Lichterman Nature Center. Director Andy Williams takes us on a tour..both indoors and outside at LichtermanClick Here .

6-27 Discover Memphis
Center for Southern Folklore

This downtown center, housed in the old Goldsmith's building at 123 S. Main is a treasure chest of history. The Center for Southern Folklore executive producer Judy Peiser takes me on a tourClick Here .

6-20 Discover Memphis
National Ornamental Metal Museum

This museum features the most well-known entrance gates probably outside of Graceland. It's located at 374 Metal Museum Drive off I-55 downtown. Carissa Hussong takes me for a tourClick Here .

6-13 Discover Memphis
Downtown Memphis Farmers Market

Looking for something toi do this weekend downtown? Take the family Saturday to the Memphis Farmers Market. Not only can you find the freshest produce, home-grown tomatoes to stay away from the salmonella scare, but for Dads they've got registered dieticians to help you shop. In addition, Father's Day weekend honors Dads with a Flag Honor Day with Boy Scout Troop 64 of Germantown. The market's Sharon Leicham takes the tour with CraigClick Here .

6-6 Discover Memphis
Chucalissa

If gas prices are a concern to you this summer.. why not vacation around here and "Discover Memphis". Your first stop could be Chucalissa Archaeological Site in Memphis. I spoke with Director Dr. Robert Connolly at ChucalissaClick Here . And check out their latest Newsletter.
The Shelby County GOP isn't happy with turnout and the media after the August Primary. I caught wth S.C. Republican Party Chairman Bill GianinniClick Here .

Need to know where the presidential candidates stand on the issues? The latest polls? Schedules?  Just check it out here.

Deal or No Deal?  I'm talking about whether Bass Pro is coming to Memphis to set up
TV entertainer and the host of the old TV Show "People Are Funny", Art Linkletter turned 96 years old on July 17. I had a chance to talk with him while he was on a book tour about a year ago. His book is linked up here and here's his interviewClick Here . I hope I sound that spry at 95.. Hell, I hope I make it to 95!!

Meet the new Memphis City School Superintendent Dr. Kriner CashClick Here .

Hey guys.. listen up. I've got a special 4-part series you need to hear from Dr. Arie Szatkowski from Stern Cardiovascular Center. Arie outlines the "Top Ten Health Threats Men Face" and here's what you need to know about them.
Monday Part 1- The Top 10 list and Heart DiseaseClick Here .
Tuesday Part 2- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol risksClick Here .
Wednesday Part 3- Diabetes and CancerClick Here
Thursday Part 4- Lung cancer and dealing with doctorsClick Here

Last week, we all remember the tragic home invasion story in Germantown. 6 suspects were arrested after breaking into a home and holding a gun to the face of the homeowner. I've got the past arrest records of those suspects. 38 arrests for one, 44 for another, 32 for another.. the list goes on. This is today's.  Listen hereClick Here . And yet these people were all free and on the streets last week. What's wrong with our system and is anyone protecting us?

Enjoy..relive the University of Memphis Tigers season.

She's known as #14.. the hot sexy April Scott from NBC's "Deal or No Deal" show. April's written a tell-all book called "Behind the Briefcase". If you're fan of the show, April spills her secrets from the show to me and one BIG secret involves the banker and HowieClick Here .

The BarKays, Larry Dotson and James Alexander on their return to Memphis from a concert in IraqClick Here .

Meet the Stars of Yesterday- Today. Part 1 of our 3-part series this week features Dickie Jones, the voice of Disney's PinocchioClick Here .

 Meet the Stars of Yesterday- Today. Pt, 2 of our three-part series features that classic '50's film Old YellerClick Here .

Beverly Washburn played Lisbeth Searcy and says even today, she'll cry, like I do, when she sees the movieClick Here .

Relive the story with this synopsis.

Meet the Stars of Yesterday- Today.  Part 3.

She is the original Lois Lane from SupermanClick Here .

Meet Noel Neill. We started our conversation as we talked
about the show's popularity and if she ever felt in the
'50s the show would be popular yet todayClick Here
 





Check out the latest movies and the box office with our resident Friday morning movie critic Kevin Carr. You can hear Kevin with Stave each Friday morning at 7:50am on Memphis Morning News.

Do you follow the CBS Show, The Greatest American Dog? You can now.

Vote on how to fund schools here.

Here's an easy way to get the latest amber alerts as they happen. Be notified on your cell phone.

Remember the old Etch-a-Sketch games? Here's lots of Etch-a-Sketch artwork.

I think you're gonna love this old TV clip of Jerry Lee Lewis skirting an interview question about marrying his 13-year old cousin. Watch him kiss her too.

If you miss former senator Fred Thompson, catch his latest rants and others now on Townhall.com.

8-27 Craig's Take
Wednesday 08-27-2008 8:22am CT
Going to Denver and the Tigers with the MMN After Show w/ CraigClick Here

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was in the spotlight last night at the Democratic National Convention. Clinton says Barack Obama is getting her support and she urged all Democrats to follow suitClick Here .
And while Hillary is expected to be there tomorrow night when Obama accepts the nomination, it doesn't look as if hubby Bill will.

If you had a flight to the East Coast Tuesday, you most likely experienced massive delays after a glitch in the FAA computer system out of Atlanta occured.

The good news is she was wearing a bra. The bad news is she was wearing a bra. Her mama may be glad but she didn't get to see her mama on time when she got stopped boarding a flight and wearing an underwire bra.

Speaking of bras.. this Memphis woman isn't wearing any here and that's got her in some hot water. She's taking it off in a public park. Thanks to the hard work of our sister station Action News 5.

Here's the earliest picture we could find of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.


8-26 Craig's Take
Tuesday 08-26-2008 8:18am CT
Obama, Bass Pro and Cop Rock.. all on today's MMN After Show w/ CraigClick Here .

It's still not a done deal.. and skeptics will say "it never will be".. but reps from Bass Pro finally used the GPS and found Memphis on Monday. They outlined their $100 million project to develop the Pyramid which includes about $30 million in local funding efforts. The plans call from a massive hotel on the site, restaurants, retail shops and conservation exhibits.

Tonight's night two of the Democratic National Convention. Last night, Michelle Obama took center stage. Tonight's it's Hillary's turn.

Here's the new list of stars on the next season of the ABC hit "Dancing With The Stars".

There's a phony sweepstakes circulating that's becoming more creative to take your hard-earned dollars. Randy Hutchinson with the Mid-South Better Business Bureau outlined what you need to watch out forClick Here .

Baseball's Barry Bonds says since he's not been found guilty of anything.. he wants the charges against him dropped. Charges stem back to 2003 following a grand jury probe regarding alleged steroid use.
8-25 Craig's Take
Monday 08-25-2008 8:39am CT
Say it ain't so Joe? You gotta be kidding me? Is someone pulling my leg or are we really expected to believe that Bass Pro is coming to Memphis today to finally agree on a deal to develop the aging Pyramid? It's been years since we've beren talking about this.. Greg Erickson wanted it.. A South Memphis Church wanted it.. a new group involving some former Tigers and sports officials wanted it. But it looks like the city's Robert Lipscomb and the mayor are intent on hadning the deal over to BassPro. We'll see how much they open their arms today when they pay us a visit.

Here's the new list of stars on the next season of the ABC hit "Dancing With The Stars".

If you run a restaurant or bar.. watch out. Someone may want your stainless steel beer kegs. They're becoming big bucks and hot items to be stolen.

Guess who's in the news again? Madonna. It's being called her "sticky" Tour throughout the United Kingdom.
8-22 Craig's Take
Saturday 08-23-2008 2:50pm CT
Poor, poor Joseph Lee. Doesn't get severance and benefits..only his half-million dollar legal fees paid. See how I really feel on today's MMN After ShowClick Here .

It's one of my favorite events and fundraisers of the year. Saturday night, August 23 from 6pm to 9pm at the Hilton Hotel out East, SRVS will hold its' annual "Spirit of SRVS". Get tickets here. And join me in the event as Donna Palmer, Melinda Johnson and me discuss this partyClick Here .

It's nice to see people giving back. Example- Penny Hardaway giving a million bucks back to the University of Memphis.  Speaking of the University, don't forget tomorrow's Fan Fest from 3-5pm at the Murphy Complex. It's free..yes, I said FREE and you'll get a chance to meet the football team and Coach Tommy West.

You never know who's going to pull up to a drive-thru? Just ask these baristas who were just trying to serve some coffee when a man wearing just a bra and panties pulled up. These are bikini-clad baristas as well..so enjoy.

It would be nice to hit the lottery just once.. but four times? This Wisconsin couple is indeed on a winning streak.

I guess iit's never too old to have children. Here's a story of a 61-year old who gave birth to her own grandchild.

A dog elected Mayor? yes. Rabbithash is the city. Take a look at the pooch and all about this very historic town.
8-21 Craig's Take
Thursday 08-21-2008 6:26am CT
Tonight starts the 3-day special Hank Aaron Celebrity Sports Weekend at LeMoyne-Owen College. Roger Brown tells me how important this is and how much fun you can haveClick Here . To get information or tickets, check this out.

It's one of my favorite events and fundraisers of the year. Saturday night, August 23 from 6pm to 9pm at the Hilton Hotel out East, SRVS will hold its' annual "Spirit of SRVS". Get tickets here. And join me in the event as we discuss this partyClick Here .

You never know who's going to pull up to a drive-thru? Just ask these baristas who were just trying to serve some coffee when a man wearing just a bra and panties pulled up. These are bikini-clad baristas as well..so enjoy.

Have you ever watched Criss Angel Mindfreak? He has a show on A&E. Check out these card tricks. Master them and impress your friends.

If you don't feel comfortable attending funerals.. here's a way to pay your respect and still attaned. How about Funerals on the Web?

As you know, I'm a big Yankees fan (sorry, R.C. Johnson).. but I'm welcoming the decision to allow instant replays in some plays during regular baseball games. Too many umps are getting the calls wrong lately. And rather than prolong a heated argument via Lou Pinella style.. watching an instant replay for the umps will take less time than letting a ticked-off manager rip up a few bases and kick dirt around.

Are you watching the Olympics because you love the sport and competition or because you like watching the women play Beach Volleyball? If the answer is watching the gals.. here's something that may satisfy you.
8-20 Craig's Take
Wednesday 08-20-2008 8:28am CT
Mayoral apppintees and you.. all on today's MMN After Show w/ CraigClick Here .

This is VERY important. It concerns your health and hospital treatments. To see the death rate in hospitals when treating heart attacks and other ailments, click here and see how our area hospitals rank. The figures have been gathered and published for the first time ever using medicare and medicaid reporting.

Have you ever watched Criss Angel Mindfreak? He has a show on A&E. Check out these card tricks. Master them and impress your friends.

This is bizarre. An agency responsible for helping older Americans is being sued over age discrimination. And that agency is AARP.

Did you ever get spanked or paddled in school? That's a big area of controversy in recent years but a new survey out today claims minorities and the disadvantaged are being punished more than others.

If you don't feel comfortable attending funerals.. here's a way to pay your respect and still attaned. How about Funerals on the Web?
8-19 Craig's Take
Tuesday 08-19-2008 8:20am CT
Catch today's MMN After Show w/ CraigClick Here .

Should 18-year old college students be allowed, by law, to drink? Well, most of them do it anyway, why not make it legal? That's what some local university leaders are saying needs to be done.College presidents, inlcuing the head of Rhoes, are calling on lawmakers to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 to lessen binge drinking on campus.

He's one of the most widely read authors with many books topping the New York Times best seller list over the years. Author David Baldacci discusses the craft of writing, his books like "THe Camel Club" and political thrillers that his readers loveClick Here .

The Olympics are rolling along in China.. The U.S. Olympic basketbal team had a good day putting away Germany and moving to a quarterfinal match against Australia on Wednesday. And if you're just in the Olympics to watch the women playing beach volleyball.. here's a shot I think you'll enjoy.
8-18 Craig's Back
Monday 08-18-2008 8:36am CT
It's Monday August 18th and I'm back. Reality set it about 2am when my alarm went off this morning. Vacation is officially over. It's back to work (at least for 3 more weeks when I take another week off). It took me all last week to catch up my shows on my DVR. Going tO bed weeknights at 8pm means anything that starts after 8pm gets recorded. You'd be surprised how many shows you automatically record to watch later. But I caught up. Now I finally know who shot J.R.

And back is also the MMN After Show. Take a listenClick Here .

This could be bad news for John McCain. It apears as if the TV networks are courting young voters.

The government's getting into the fitness business, of sorts.  Personal Trainer Tommy Gerber says we all remember those school fitness tests in the past, but now you can take one onlineClick Here . You can write Tommy at Tgerber@comcast.net

It's the final week for the Olympics in China. Congrats to THE story of the games so far. and that's to Michael Phelps.  And did you hear this.. China is confiscating bibles now? And many who had their books taken away are now refusing to leave the country.
8/11-17 Craig's Take
Monday 08-11-2008 2:36pm CT
Vacation is my take.. be back on Monday August 18th. Treat Forrest with kindness and respect or he'll never fill in for me again.
8-8 Craig's Take
Friday 08-08-2008 8:19am CT
Friday's MMN After Show w/ CraigClick Here

Incumbent 9th District Congrressman Steve Cohen beat his opponent Nikki Tinker is Thursday's democratic primary, 79% to 19%. And incumbent 7th District Congressman Marsha Blackburn easily defeated her GOP challenger, Tom Leatherwood, 62% to 38% of the vote. Blackburn's spralwing district that covers 15-counties from East Shelby County to Clarksville through Middle Tennessee, proved too much for the local Leatherwood to compete with. Cohen says he ran on his record and apparently claims by Tinker of Cohen's involvement with KKK and Cohen's tirade going off on a California reporter at Cohens home this week, didn't bother voters at all.

And the winner is.. "thank ya very much".. Carlie Goins from Texas Tech. She won the MySpace Elvis Karaoke Contest and will perfom at Graceland next Tuesday night. Her rendition of "If I Can Dream" gave her top honors and the right to sing next week here during Elvis Week.

Brett Favre is jet "Jet Favre".. the long-time Green Bay Packer was traded yesetrday to the New York Jets. It follows a falling out after Favre announced his retirement then changed his mind and the Pack told him they were going in a different direction. He'll have his work cut out for himself.. age and a new team he's very unfamiliar with. But he's a steady pro and will make this work for the Jets.


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