12 Pounds and Counting
6-4-08

While I continue to lose weight as a "shadow participant" in the "Lose weight in 08" challenge, I can`t say I am overly happy with my results.

I lost another three pounds last week, and while I know I have set the bar pretty high for myself, I was hoping for more. Many people have told me I am "doing great", but I have always been my most critical critic in personal and professional aspects of my life, and this challenge is no different.

Since the "Lose weight in 08" began five weeks ago, I have dropped twelve pounds, but have twenty to go. So I am not even at the half way point of attaining my goal as we approach the half way point of the challenge.

This week I plan on increasing the length and frequency of my workouts and hope to be even more vigilante when it comes to eating healthy.

Cliff Naylor



On the Right Track
6-02-08

Last week was an unexpectedly good week for me as a shadow participant in the "Lose Weight in 08" challenge.

I attended some graduation parties over the weekend and did not do a very good job of eating healthy or moderate portions of food from various buffets.

Last week I did run at the bark park for two miles as my dogs ran wild with the rest of the pack, and I also ran several times for 45-minutes on my elliptical running machine to try to make up for my lack of party food willpower.

However, despite my less than stellar week of dieting, I did lose four pounds and have already started making up for my food choice mistakes, by running for 2 1/2 hours on my elliptical running machine on Sunday and making healthy choices at mealtime this week.

Cliff Naylor



There`s Always Next Week
5-14-08

I would give myself a "D" for the first week of the "Lose Weight in 08" challenge.

I ran on my elliptical running machine for an hour twice, and ran two-miles around the Bark Park once last week. I would like to run five times a week and only found time for three runs.

Excuses, excuses. This week and last week have been very busy for me, my son Clifford Junior is graduating from St. Mary`s this Sunday, so open house preparations and everything that goes into a graduation have cut into my workout time.

I lost only two pounds, which is below what I was hoping for, but probably the best result based on the effort and time I put into the get fit challenge. I hope to drop 32 pounds, so I have a long way to go.

I won`t be able to find more time to workout until after Sunday, then I really hope to catch up to my Country Morning co-anchors.

Cliff Naylor



Feeling a Little Breezy
3-20-08

A big transformation took place this past week on Country Morning Today. If you aren`t a regular viewer or haven`t tuned in for a couple of days, you might not have noticed something is missing. It has nothing to do with the format of the show or any of my co-anchors. I`m talking about my hair.

This past Tuesday, my dear friend Alison picked up the hair trimmer and stripped my head of hair, one row of a time, live on TV. It was all to raise awareness and money for Childhood Cancer Research through the St. Baldrick`s Foundation.

So, for the next couple of weeks, I am going to be "that bald guy" on TV. It`s going to take some time to get used to, but eventually it will all grow back. There`s only a few downfalls to having hair this short. Your shirt gets stuck when pulling it over your head, it`s kind of cold and, then there`s the glare of the lights in the studio. But all of that pales in comparison when you consider why it was done.

We here on the morning show would like to express a huge thank you to all of those who donated and supported this great cause. We would like to send an even bigger thanks to a very special donor who helped push our particular team to our goal of $1500. If it weren`t for that selfless act, we would have fallen short of that goal.

Chris Gallegos



Where the Heart Is
2-7-08

If you would have asked me two years ago where I would be today, I probably would have told you, "Absolutely nowhere near North Dakota."

I took this job two years ago thinking of it as a residency... I would put in my two years and move on. Little did I know I would come to love living here so much. Momma Gump probably said it best when she told Forrest, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you`re going to get."

I didn`t know what I was going to get when it came to my great friends in Bismarck. I was out on the town one night with five of my friends and it will forever be a night I will remember. When in your life can you say you can step back, take a breath, and really enjoy the situation you are in? I stopped, saw my friends laughing and giggling and just truly enjoying each other`s company.

I know some people may have had a tight group of friends that have been with them their whole life, but growing up I never had such a large group of friends, maybe just one or two. So it was really something special to me to have these girls all together.

The best part is, they aren`t the only great friends I have met while living here. It`s no secret that we don`t make millions of dollars doing this job, but for once in my life I can truly say I`m rich.

Life is good. I love my job, I love my friends and I love the city where I live. Now my only problem is convincing my parents to move here from Iowa!

Alison Adair



A New Experience
1-04-08

If you`re an avid watcher of Country Morning Today, you may have noticed a new face waking up with you every morning...mine!

I`ve only done three shows and it`s been an interesting process so far. With the departure of long-time anchors Brenda Scholten and Joanna Small, I will be taking on a new role here at KFYR... One as morning show anchor.

It`s been quite a switch from going to bed at 2:30 in the morning, to now getting to work at that time. It`s also different being strictly news! When the sports scoreboards run in the morning, it`s hard not to ad-lib right along with them.

Even though I`m not quite sure yet if it`s a permanent switch I would like to make, I look forward to the new challenges the morning show provides. I`m lucky enough to have wonderful bosses who are giving me the chance to really make sure this is a jump I want to take.

Growing up a sports girl, it`s a tough decision to not be involved in the sports department on a daily basis. Especially when I get to work with such great guys like L.T. And Bill. Not to mention all the wonderful coaches and players I got to interact with everyday.

I hope you, the viewers can hang with me as I go through this learning process. And know that no matter what decision I make, I will continue to want to bring you the best news and or sports coverage I can. It`s my job and it`s what I love.

Thanks,
Alison Adair

Christmas Trip Home
December 26, 2007

Two weekends ago, I took my Christmas vacation and went home to see my family. I haven`t been back to Denver since the middle of the summer, so it was nice to get back to the Mile High city. There I ate way to much and, like most vacations, didn`t get enough sleep.

Visiting my friends and family, I got to thinking about how much I missed them. Yes, we all joke about how crazy our family is, whether we like spending time with them or how much they annoy us. But without them there to do just that, there is nothing to keep you grounded.

So, I got together with my parents, brother, aunt and uncle to have our pre-Christmas dinner with all the fixings. I told them not to make too much, because, like any family, there is a tendency to make too much. And, in grand style, there was too much food. We exchanged gifts and had a great time.

I left feeling much better than I had in the past couple of months. Yes, it could have been the slow-cooked roast my aunt made or the couple of glasses of wine I drank, but this was something more. You see, I tend to get a little sad around the holidays. As I`ve gotten older, I`ve had to grow up and that alone is hard to deal with. Seeing my family, hanging out with friends and being back home gave me a glimpse of what life was like, but also encouraged me to grow even more from my travels now.

So as the New Year approaches, I`ve made it my goal to live life like there`s no tomorrow. I will, of course, remember the past, but continue to look forward toward the future.

Chris Gallegos



The Four Seasons
11-15-07

Ok, so we`ve survived the first round of somewhat winter-like weather. Not so bad! The wind was whipping things around, like the snow we saw yesterday morning. Walking in and out of the newsroom that day made me realize why I love places with four seasons.

North Dakota, even though extreme, has plenty of seasonal weather. That was one of the many appeals to me when I was deciding to move here. Don`t get me wrong. I love sunny weather with temperatures in the 70s, but there is something special being able to say you`ve seen snow, rain, heat and everything in between.

So here`s to more winter weather. It not only makes the day interesting, but it also makes for good stories.

Chris Gallegos


A Sad Reality

Horse Wins Hearts of Many

Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

The British orator and Prime Minister during WWII wouldn’t have been surprised in the least by the joy and excitement one horse brought to The Baptist Home in Bismarck on Friday.

Miss Rodeo Mandan Princess, Emily Carson, and Junior Miss Rodeo Prairie Rose, Jessica Schneider, brought the rodeo to elderly residents who might not otherwise be able to participate in these fun events. The rodeo queens helped make it a truly hands-on experience by bringing Jessica’s 7-year-old horse, Badger, along for the ride.

Badger was the perfect horse for this particular venue. He was incredibly gentle and patient, as the residents came along, one by one, via walkers or wheelchairs. The residents reached out to Badger to stroke his forehead or neck. Occasionally, one of the residents would lean in for a hug.

I knew the horse would be a big hit, but I was surprised by the volume and the detail of the memories that he helped stir up. Many of The Baptist Home residents had stories about raising and riding horses in their younger years.

Take Mary Privratsky, for example. After cozying up to Badger’s shoulder, her eyes started to water, and she said two words which really communicated so much more -- “thank you.” She explained that it had been a very long time since she had even seen a horse. But her memories of growing up with horses run deep, especially the days competing in barrel races with her mare, Taffy.

Then there was Arvin Auch, who farmed south of Hebron for 20 years. His eyes sparkled as he shared poignant memories of working the land with his team of horses. Elaine Savenko grew up on a farm near Regan and had plenty of stories to share about her years in the saddle and the various personalities of the horses she helped care for.

A former horse owner myself, I was in reporter heaven. I was touched by the scene that was unfolding before me. I saw the eagerness on the faces of residents, as they waiting in line for a chance to meet the guest of honor. Badger got rock star treatment, as he munched contently on the carrots that were lovingly bestowed on him. He was so gentle with them all that it was almost as if he also sensed the importance of the occasion.

Every experience we have in life shapes us, for better or for worse. Friday’s story left a positive and powerful impression on me as a journalist. I will always remember the impact that one horse had last week, as he helped the residents of The Baptist Home take a blissful trip down memory lane.

Brenda Scholten



World Series Fever

The World Series will be underway in a little more than 24 hours and I can`t wait! As some of you may know, I am a Colorado Native and, because I grew up in Denver, I just so happen to be a hard-core fan of any Colorado team, including the Colorado Rockies.

Talk about a run of all ages. It was just weeks ago that no one expected the team to make it into the playoffs. They were in the middle of the pack, even though they were winning. Thanks to winning 21 out of 22 games, the right teams losing and the ball landing on their side of the decision, the Rockies have made it to the World Series for the very first time in their 15 year history.

For the Rockies, and the fans, this is a tremendous feat. For years, they`ve been known as a team would start the season strong and end the season as a dud. No one really looked at them as a serious contender. Even now, the odds are against them winning the series.

So I say good luck to the Mile High team. I wish them well in the hopes another upset is in their future.

Chris Gallegos



Adios Antenna
10-15-07

I just may have the largest ears on the block. "Rabbit ears," that is.

I realize that my television set and I are in the minority these days (19 percent of the country). I don`t have cable or satellite service and rely on my rather bulky analog TV and antenna signals to get my entertainment and information.

In a way, I enjoy the challenge of wrestling with the antenna every time I change the channel. The quest to get the perfect picture sometimes seems endless. But when you finally achieve it, it`s an enormous feeling of accomplishment. Sometimes, you have to stand in a certain area of the room to keep the picture that way, but at least you can burn more calories that way!!

My friends and family haven`t made fun of me for not having the latest and greatest in television-watching technology (to my face, anyway). They understand that I am surrounded by video all day at work, and when I get home, I tend to not watch a whole lot of television.

The clock is ticking, and I realize that my current arrangement is only good for about another year and a half. On February 18, 2009, broadcasters will drop the analog signals and move to all-digital programming. Millions of sets, including mine, will show nothing but snow.

And we get to see enough blizzards in this neck of the woods.

I know I`ll need to get either a digital-to-analog converter box or a new television. Until the change-over, I`ll enjoy being in the minority, and watching television the same way I have for the last thirty years.

Brenda Scholten


A Sad Reality
10-05-2007

North Dakota is one of the safest places in the country to live, work and raise a family. Yet behind some closed doors, the scene is not a safe or a peaceful one.

Domestic violence is not just a couple’s problem or a family problem. Victims carry the hurt and pain into the workplace. The youngest of victims take the fear and pain with them to school. Its effects can be felt throughout an entire community.

The Abused Adult Resource Center reported 1,091 new incidents of domestic violence in 2006. In 705 of those cases, there were children affected. Weapons were involved in 173 of those incidents.

The courage of survivors never ceases to amaze me. Reporter Brandi Powell interviewed a woman on Monday night participating in the 15th Annual Take Back the Night in Bismarck. Dianne Susag was among those walking, chanting and urging the community to be more aware of domestic violence. Susag has a firsthand experience of the harsh realities. She says she was a victim of sexual, physical and verbal abuse for more than thirty years. She finally got away and urges other women in similar situations to do the same.

Our guests this morning on Country Morning Today spoke about efforts underway to spread awareness, help the victims, and help prevent further hurting and heartache. You can watch that interview by clicking on the link “Stopping Domestic Violence” on the “As Seen on CMT” page.

Brenda Scholten


Flashback to Summer
10-05-2007

Two weekends ago, Photographer Matt Olsen and I borrowed my roommates Jeep Wrangler and headed south. We made our way South of Bismarck to `the desert.` It was a gorgeous day. It ended up mostly sunny, warm and just an all around great day for some off-roading fun.

When we got down there, we saw the river level was fairly low, which made it nice to trek our way to a few of the higher river beds. It was a great time, full of driving through the streams flowing adjacent to the river. We also found a few muddy puddles, drove the Jeep through, and made huge message, both on the outside and the inside of the 4-wheeler. Needless to say, we felt just like a kid again.

The reason I bring this up so much after the fact is because now it`s cold outside. The recent change in weather has Brenda and myself wishing we could either rewind to two weeks ago or store some good weather in a jar, just for days like today. But, in the end, the start of the colder weather does mean one thing. We now have warmer weather to look forward to.

Chris Gallegos


A Blast From the Past
9-20-07

It is Wednesday, and if you are a frequent viewer of the morning show, you`ll know that means we are live from the Heritage Center. This morning, I had the honors of diving into the past and figuring out the importance of 1977 in correlation to North Dakota history.

First, if you are wondering why we are looking at the year 1977, there is a reason. We are highlighting different years in North Dakota history that end in seven (all because the current year is 2007).

Now to why 1977 is important. We talked this morning about the handing over of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian Government and the completion of the interstate system in North Dakota. Another topic we looked at was pop culture, including all the favorites from vinyl records to one of the first Texas Instrument calculators. It was very interesting because while we saw changes in the way governments were run, there were major changes in culture.

If you get a chance, watch that live shot. It is posted here in our web page. You might want to dust off those old records and take a walk down memory lane.

Chris Gallegos


It`s Your Turn
9-12-07

Fall is in the air and that means it`s soon time for area students to experience what it`s like to be "on the air."

KFYR-TV`s Students do the News is just around the corner. The event is happening Saturday, October 13th at Bismarck`s Kirkwood Mall. Grades 4 through 9 are eligible to participate.

This is a rare opportunity for students to get a firsthand look at what it`s like to be a news, weather or sports anchor. It`s a fun and memorable experience for those who have taken part over the years. Students choose a topic, research and write a story about it, rehearse it at home, and then deliver it before a panel of judges on October 13th at Kirkwood Mall.

As a KFYR-TV anchor, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping with this event in the past. I am always impressed to see how well the students have prepared, how poised and articulate they are, how creative their stories are, and how much fun they seem to be having! Some of the participants may be inspired to go on to pursue careers in television news. All of the participants will benefit from the opportunity to express themselves creatively, in front of television news cameras and lights. The students may not realize what an inspiration they are to the KFYR-TV employees who help out with the event. We love to see so many smiling faces, and so many young people with exceptional communication skills!

You can find the registration form at this website...www.kfyrtv.com. The registration deadline is September 27. It is a great learning experience for all involved. Plus, each student receives a videotaped copy of his or her story and there are all kinds of fun prizes that get handed out later that day. To top it off, the first place winners will get to be on TV!

I hope to see you there!

Brenda Scholten



No Reservations
August 28, 2007

Have you seen the romantic comedy No Reservations? If so, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. In my mind, you can’t go wrong when you combine my favorite movie genre and one my favorite topics – food!

The movie stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as an ambitious, short-tempered chef (Kate) at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. When her sister is killed in a car accident, she becomes the guardian of her sister’s adorable nine-year-old daughter (Zoe) played by Abigail Breslin. It’s a sudden change in Kate’s life that she feels totally unprepared and unqualified for. At about the same time, a different event upsets Kate’s professional life. A talented and eccentric chef joins the staff in her kitchen. Nick, played superbly by Aaron Eckhart, loves to sing opera while working, and his co-workers immediately fall in love with him. Although Kate resists his charms at first, he is able to – with precocious Zoe’s assistance -- slowly peel back the layers to reveal Kate’s vulnerable, softer side.

The movie is charming, heartfelt and very well-acted. Be warned: Don’t go to this film on an empty stomach!! Naturally, there are quite a few detailed discussions about food. Now I really want to try quail and saffron sauce. Not only does the film make you hungry for upscale restaurant fare, it will give you a new appreciation for the hard work, focus and multitasking abilities demanded in kitchens that are usually hot, noisy and seemingly chaotic.

There are some predictable moments in the movie, but what romantic comedy isn’t at least a little predictable?! Overall, I thought the movie was sweet, funny and intelligent. All in all, it has all the ingredients needed for an enjoyable night at the movies!

Brenda Scholten



Cooler Temperatures
8-24-07

If you`ve been watching the show over the past few days, you may have noticed the temperatures slowly dropping everyday and night. You may have also noticed me mentioning snow. Now, I am a big fan of snow, just not the cold. One of those situations where I would like the best of both worlds. Snow and a temperature around 30.

I love the summer, don`t get me wrong. I love being able to be out late and in shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. But there are those days where I would love a good snow storm. My criteria for a good snow storm is 3 to 5 feet of snow. Crazy, I know!

And I know, once it snows and it stays covering the ground, you`ll see me on here once again saying how much I`d love to see summer weather, so I can be out late in shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops.

Chris Gallegos



Just Like a Kid Again
07-31-2007

Over the weekend, I had a chance to see a movie I`d been looking forward to seeing for years. I saw `The Simpson`s` make their big-screen debut and, let me tell you, it was AWESOME!

This is the must see movie of the summer. They captured everything from the TV show and made it bigger and better. Now, even if you haven`t seen the show or aren`t too familiar with it, that`s alright. You don`t need to know to much of the background to get the point of the movie.

`The Simpson`s` always have some sort of message they`re getting across through their storyline. The movie is no different. The writers touch on different issues like environmentalism, government issues and even everyday family issues. Even if you have never experienced any of these issues, you`ll still understand where they are going with the story.

So, if you get a chance, even if you don`t know much about the show or never really liked the show, buy a ticket and enjoy.

Chris Gallegos




The Finest, Furry Friends
7-30-07

My parents` first child was a dog. Peppy preceded me by about a year and was a loveable mutt (a poodle and terrier cross) who had a personality all her own. Losing her to cancer when I was 10 years old was very difficult.

I grew up with dogs and have always considered myself to be a dog lover, even though I currently am not a pet owner (sniff, sniff). So I was delighted when the Bismarck Kennel Club asked to be on the show today to talk about their upcoming AKC show. The group is American Kennel Club affiliated and serves dog enthusiasts throughout the region...from Watford City to Glendive, MT.

This morning, Bill Niehlan, Bismarck Kennel Club president, and Christine Becker, a board member, appeared on the show. They brought with them three beautiful dogs: a poodle, a Doberman, and a beagle. You may have noticed that the beagle joined us at the very end of the show at the news desk. She was so adorable...and very well-behaved!!!

The show this weekend should be educational and entertaining for dog enthusiasts of all ages. The Bismarck Kennel Club Show will be held this Friday through Sunday, August 3 - 5, at the Bismarck Civic Center. Tickets will be available at the door. Friday will feature Best Puppy in Show, Saturday will be Best Bred by Exhibitor, and Sunday is Best Veteran. To learn more, click on the "The Finest, Furry Friends Compete in Bismarck" story on the Country Morning web page.

You can also learn more about Bismarck Kennel Club and the upcoming dog show by going to bismarckkennelclub.com and you can get grooming tips, health warnings, and events information from American Kennel Club at www.akc.org. In September, there will be a variety of events nationwide to promote responsible dog ownership.

Brenda Scholten



I Don`t Tan
7-16-07

Well, today I entered a foreign world (to me) in a series of live reports on Country Morning Today. I am - without a doubt - one of the palest individuals on the face of the earth. I don`t tan, but I can easily master a whopper of a burn, cooking to a crisp in mere minutes. I`ve never experimented with the host of self-tanners on the market. Until today. Leslie Eckert at Escape on Third shared some fascinating info with me and the viewers about the variety of bronzers and self-tanners (lotions and sprays) on the market. They are incredibly easy to apply and amazingly natural looking. And as much fun as it is to play in the sun during the summer months, the damaging rays of the sun can really take a toll over time! So I`ll enjoy my "fake" tan for about another five days. However, I`ll be communicating with you via this "chit chat" for much, much longer! Keep checking here for more updates on CM Today stories and events and a variety of interesting tid-bits.

Brenda Scholten



Welcome To CMT
7-16-07

Well, if you`ve made it this far into the Country Morning Today page, welcome! As you can see, we are launching a page dedicated especially to the morning show here at NBC North Dakota News. I am really excited to be able to communicate with you all and share ideas and stories with you, our viewer.

First, let me start off by telling you a little about myself. I am from Denver, Colorado and went to school at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I started here a year ago the 19th and since then have worn many hats along the way. I started as the education reporter and then was moved to the morning show. I started producing the show back in January and then slowly made my way back on the air.

It`s interesting when I explain what Brenda and I do on the morning show. We both get here around 2 in the morning and produce the show. That means we put everything you see on the show together that morning. It can be a stressful process, but the end result of seeing it play out live on television, to me, is the absolute best feeling.

Well, I hope you enjoy the new CMT web page. Be sure to venture around and click on anything and everything you find interesting. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to write to us here at the station.



Chris Gallegos