tomorrow.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Last live show for the day
tomorrow.
Pre-Cotton Bowl Productions and Slideshow
It's been a great experience so far and being able to see so many Missouri fans and KOMU staffers down here in Dallas is really something special. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at all of the Cotton Bowl activities and want to wish all of the Countdown to the Cotton Bowl blog readers a very happy New Year.
I hope you've enjoyed all of the posts by KOMU personalities and behind the scenes folks, they really do give an inside look into what it takes to put on such a huge production for everyone back in Missouri. There are dedicated KOMU people who are running on only a couple hours of sleep down here in Dallas, and more people back in Missouri making sure all of the content being beamed back is coming through in a clear and informative manner.
I won't be awake to ring in the new year but I will be up bright and early to try to bring some of the pre-game tailgate (it'll be the earliest tailgate I've ever been to with a 10:30 game start!) to you. I'll also be at the game bringing you more pictures and audio as events unfold. If you'll be away from the computer or TV screen during the game, or even if you won't be, you are welcome to 'follow' me on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jdcoffman it's a free service that will text-message your cellphone when someone you 'follow' updates. You can also view the feed on the Internet at that address. Tomorrow morning I'll be updating my Twitter account with score and play information whenever possible.
If you have comments or questions for us don't hesitate to post them in the comments section on any of the posts on the blog.
Here's a little slideshow of the photos I've taken so far in Dallas, TX for the Cotton Bowl.
Newscasts are wrapped up
fun. Then we'll be back at work for the ten.
We're Live!
A good question
I just had someone ask me over the instant message box over there on the right side how many people we have here in Dallas. In total, we have 22 people in front of the camera and behind the scenes. It's quite a production. Check out some of the slideshows on here or go to KOMU's Flickr page to see some of the people working here. It's a blast. We're all exhausted, but enjoying it all.
The 5pm show is just minutes away!
Cotton Bowl Parade Ends
As my closing parade picture I present you with the Golden Girls! If they havent posted yet you'll soon see two audio posts as Marching Mizzou passed by my section of the parade route.
Pardon if its a little loud and crazy I know several of the band members and also was juggling picture taking with recording the Utter.
Have a wonderful afternoon and I'll post again later this evening. I dont have a ticket to the Mizzou new years eve bash so unfortunately I won't be blogging from there.
Marching MIZ-ZOU at the Cotton Bowl Parade
Listen to this short clip as Marching Mizzou passed by my position on the parade route this afternoon in Dallas. I was fortunate to be standing in an area strife with lots of Mizzou fans cheering on their beloved Tigers. Some of the audio may be loud and distorted as I was right there on top of the band as they walked by.
Tiger Cheers!
Listen to this short clip as Mizzou fans in Dallas cheer on the Tigers as Chancellor Deaton and his wife, the Truman the tiger, the Mizzou Spirit Squads, and Marching Mizzou approach an area of the parade route with hundreds of crazed Mizzou fans!
Learnin' the Real Texas
To put it plainly.... we showed up in tennis shoes. When you're in Texas - the real Texas, you don't show up anywhere in tennis shoes!! Everyone at Billy Bob's Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards was kickin' it in their boots. Boy... it was certainly obvious where we were from.
Our morning started in the rodeo - definitely the first time I've anchored a show knee-deep in rodeo dirt. We cooked burgers and steaks with a chef that once won an Iron Chef America Challenge. Seems like a natural progression - Food Network to KOMU News Today! Tim Love was a natural on television... the lights went on, and he went on. Unbelievably charismatic, and so genuinely kind. You'd have to be to get up and do a Missouri morning show on 3 hours of sleep. Chef and rock star!
The thing I am most impressed with concerning the real Texas is the hospitality. The people we worked with today would literally give you the shirt off your back if you asked. So cliche, but so true. After we did our morning show, we had a few hours to kill so the management at Billy Bob's Texas opened up their back room and let us crash on their couches. Like I said... amazingly hospitable. Definitely the real Texas.
Morning and Noon Shows LIVE from Ft. Worth
We had a good day at Billy Bob's Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards area. Our guests included Mark Dunlap, who makes gazillion dollar boots at Leddy's and Tim Love, of Love Shack and Dirty Love Burger fame. He has another restaurant called Lonesome Dove, a cookbook, and has appeared on Iron Chef.
Pam Minick, the boss lady at Billy Bob's, gave us the royal treatment. She even let me print out scripts on her office computer. She is a class act who ropes steer in her spare time.
The noon show was equally eclectic, with two champion bull riders, Marty Travis (a manager at Billy Bob's), and the "unofficial mayor of Fort Worth" -- with handlebar 'stache and all.
We saw about 30 Mizzou fans at Billy Bob's, including some folks from Fulton who were excited to see Megan and Lauren! That was a real treat. For the record, more Mizzou fans showed up at Billy Bob's than fans of that other team. ;)
By the way, I noticed that most of the cowboys around Ft. Worth iron their jeans with creases down the front and back!
We did some shopping in the Billy Bob's store when all was said and done and grabbed a burger at Tim Love's Love Shack restaurant around the corner from Billy Bob's. Chef Tim gave us a tour of his Lonesome Dove restaurant nearby, from the wine cellar to the swanky private rooms where celebrities are known to hang out.
After spending most of Sunday in the hotel, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed our day in Ft. Worth.
Miss Missouri - Candice Crawford
High school bands performing
Hello Dallas!
After some technical issues (causing about an hour and a half delay at the Detroit airport), screaming kids, and an extremely obnoxious talking woman....my dad and I have finally settled in our hotel room. We are staying at the Prava Suites, across from the Galleria (awesome if I enjoyed shopping...instead I think I'll be napping soon).
I ran into my first Razorbacks fans...it was a family complete with pig nose-wearing children (cute, I guess, if you're into the whole snout thing). There's a reception at the hotel in a couple of hours...about 400-500 MU fans expected (now that's a party).
Since I'm running on no sleep right now, I think I'm going to try to catch some ZZZ's. No worries, I'll return with lots of pictures!!!
[Note from Jen Reeves: I hear there is a fantastic display of Christmas trees at the Galleria. Tomorrow is the last day those trees will decorate the mall]
...Z-O-U!
Along the parade route
start. The route goes through the West end to the American Airlines
Center.
Breaking bread before parade
I'm currently in the West end sharing a loaf of bread with my family
before walking outside to watch the new years parade which starts at
two.
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com/
Mobile post sent by jdcoffman using Utterz.
Inside the Pyramid
There is a pyramid that is near the West End Dart station... On Griffin and Elm streets. If you've never been here, you may not know
there us a massive food court and shopping area here. There is also a
maze of tunnels under the city. It is a way fills can walk through
parts of town without burning up in the Summer heat.
I just ate lunch under the pyramid. Most folks here are local. There
aren't many fans around. I figure most people don't know about it.
Its worth a quick visit.
West End pals
We're in the West End again and there is a feeling of Tiger spirit
everywhere you go. We talked to a group from Jefferson City who saw
all kinds of people they know. Its a happy-cheerful feeling.
Randy and I just parked our station car in a spot so we can park our
satellite truck for tonight's shows. It's going to be fun!
American Girl Dallas
The Dallas Galleria has an American Girl botique and store. There are
only a few of them in the nation.
There were a LOT of Mizzou fans buying and having a good time.
I'll be at the parade later today and will check in again then.
I am proud to be a Mizzou fan though, last night at dinner the
Arkansas fans started calling the hogs home. Why would you want to
yell "here sueeey" to your fellow fans?? MIZ-ZOU wins any day of the week.
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com/
Mobile post sent by jdcoffman using Utterz.
Emily the American Girl
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com/
Mobile post sent by jdcoffman using Utterz.
Heading to KC!
My roommate, Sarah, and I are about to head out of the door to Kansas City. We are decked out in Mizzou gear and can't wait to make friends in the airport and on the flight!
I made us a mini road trip CD because we still have 2 hours in the car. I googled songs with Missouri and downloaded them for the CD!
Well we have to go, but I'll update you again when we're checked in and waiting to get on the plane! GO TIGERS!
Cotton Bowl Media
I have worked in the broadcast news business since 1995... But I've never actually covered a sports event outside of the town where I work. So this has been an interesting experience. Most of the KOMU staff is staying at the media hotel where all of the people who are reporting the game are staying. There is a media spot to hand out, snack and mingle. Last night there were a few groups who were pretty loud. After a long day of travel and work, my group was much happier to just sit.
I just got off the phone with our morning show crew -- They had an amazing experience at Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk. You'll have a chance to see it again today on KOMU News at Noon.
Passing the Time
Hi everyone. It's about 6:05 (eastern time)...we've made it to the airport and have even had some time to grab some breakfast. Yum, yum. I've captured one of the finest moments on this trip and we haven't even left Pittsburgh...the "Abominable Hoeman," himself, singing his theme song.
Yes, I'm proud to call that man my father. You know why? Because if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't have chosen Mizzou (he graduated from there in the 1970s and always wanted one of his two daughters to go). I have to board the plane now. Go Tigers!
Good Morning Sunshine!
It's approximately 4:20 (eastern time) and I never went to bed. I ended up watching the Border Showdown game, which in turn got me so excited that I simply couldn't fall asleep. I had forgotten how badly the Tigers had exposed the Jayhoax and am still in shock that the BCS could pick Kansas over Missouri. Go VA TECH, by the way.
My dad and I are about to head to Pittsburgh International. I will be rolling on our 40 minute car ride and will blog again as soon as I can.
I'm super excited for the Cotton Bowl. Dallas here I come!
M-I-Z...
Up with the lark
Why I am awake at 3 am and hanging out in the hotel lobby? The KOMU Today Show, of course! We're getting ready to head out the Billy Bob's in Fort Worth (about 45 minutes from hotel) for what should be a Texas-style good ol' time. Later on we'll do the noon show live from the same place, then I am hoping for a nap! Later on many of us will have a new year's eve dinner a Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, then it's back to bed for a few hours before another morning show. After that, we'll do a pre-game show and a post-game wrap-up, plus our usual complement of KOMU News at 5, 6, and 10.
Watch this space for photos from Billy Bob's!
[Note from Jen Reeves: Holly Edgell is KOMU's Executive Producer]
The media reception room is loud
media are loudly enjoying the evening. We are a little calmer after a
long day. But they do have Mizzou-themed Krispy Kreme doughnuts!
The Greatest 20th Birthday!!
Well folks, It's officially my birthday, and what better gift than tickets to the Cotton Bowl! Daddy checked the air in my tires, all the other fluids in my car, and even bought me a tank of gas! Now I just have to settle down enough to get a few hours of sleep. I have a long drive ahead of me and need to be well rested! On the way to Dallas, I'm stopping to pick up an old friend in Fayetteville, AR. It should be a fun road trip although I know the two of us will be heckling each other the entire way about who has the better team! Shouldn't be a hard fight to win but I'll keep you posted on the road! Until next time!
KW
Sunday, December 30, 2007
PACKED AND READY!!
Like Ashley, I'm packed and ready to get on the plane tomorrow. I'm flying out of KC in the afternoon, and I'll be making friends with every Mizzou fan that crosses my path!
All those diehard Mizzou fans keep telling us college students that we're so lucky to be at Mizzou right now... witnessing one of the best seasons ever in Mizzou football history. I can't lie, though... It hasn't hit me because I'm still in so much shock of how amazing our school is! Ever since I watched the Independence Bowl on TV 2 years ago, I vowed that I would go to one of our bowl games before I graduated... I just couldn't miss out on the excitement.
Well, in 2 days I get to experience what a lot of college students won't get the chance to do. I will be able to say that I went to a bowl game and went to school with a team that was #1 in the nation.
I've been to Dallas before, but I'm ready to do it up Mizzou style this time. I know the Tigers will be taking over the city!!
Happy Days are here to stay!
We are currently in McAlester, Oklahoma, and staying in the James Dean room in the Happy Days Hotel. It’s this really cute hotel with pictures of James Dean all over our room. There’s even a parking spot reserved for Elvis! To recap, this morning we left Columbia and decided to take our time as we made our way in the general direction of Dallas. Instead of listening to road trip music, we’ve been watching movies. We’ve made our way through Gone With the Wind and The Man Who Would Be King, although most of my time was spent looking at the pretty Missouri scenery. Illinois doesn’t look like that! We made our way slowly through Missouri, making a long stop at the lake for lunch and using our GPS navigation system to explore areas around the lake. We spent about 12 hours in the car and are definitely ready to sleep. Tomorrow we will have only 2 hours until we make it to Plano where we will be spending the night before the game- I can’t wait to see what Texas has to offer!
Southfork!
Sarah Hill had a chance to visit Southfork... You know it as the home of the long-running show "Dallas."
If you're interested in seeing more about the ranch, visit its website.
Closing In on Gametime
Kickoff for the Cotton Bowl is less than two days away.
The number of Tiger fans and level of excitement in Dallas is increasing.
Missouri and Arkansas will meet in what could be one of the more exciting bowl games.
The Cotton Bowl features Heisman Trophy finalists Chase Daniel and Darren McFadden.
Packin' Up, Movin' Out
Hi everyone! I just got finished packing for Dallas. My dad and I are leaving my house around 4:30 tomorrow morning to catch our quarter til seven flight. We'll be flying from Pittsburgh to Detroit and then on to Dallas.
I'm hoping I'll have time to blog in between flights, but if not...I will definitely get the chance to do so once we get to our hotel room. I'm not sure where we're staying, but I know we'll be with a lot of Tiger fans! 
I've got my black and gold beads and my tiger head tattoo ready to cheer on the Tigers.
Santa gave me a new digital camera for Christmas, so I'll definitely be capturing every moment of this trip...I'm afraid it just won't be the same experience as travelling 15 hours in one car with Josh Fowler to San Antonio, but I'm sure I'll still have a blast.
Can I get a M-I-Z...Z-O-U from all the Tiger fans out there? 
Behind the Scenes: Sunday
We have a big crew on the West End preparing for our live coverage tonight. Managing Editor Randy Reeves is juggling all of the reporters, anchors and production crew. Very exciting stuff.
Parade Talk
I have a bunch of people asking about tomorrow's parade. So here's the route:
Click on that image and you'll see a bigger version.
The West End is picking up with activity. I'm seeing a lot more Mizzou fans out here compared to Arkansas.
Tourist information
If you are in Dallas, you may be looking for tourist information. I'm hanging out with an old friend who works at a local station. He's giving us all kinds of tips on hanging out in the city. The best tip: The old red courthouse on the west side on Main Street has all the tourist information you need.
I'm hanging out on the West End where there are all kinds of bars and restaurants. What's fun is since we're by the KOMU satellite truck, many alumni are stopping by saying hi. Some are asking for tips on best restaurants. That's why its great to have a local hanging with us.
View from the hotel
We're in Texas!
Hilton Anatole
I've just arrived and am very happy to see all the mizzou fans already
here!
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com/
Mobile post sent by jdcoffman using Utterz.
Rally begins in 30 minutes
I think the Mizzou pep rally starts at 3, if everything goes as
planned I should be there by 3:09 according to the GPS.
I'm going to try to bring you some of the sights and sounds via an
Utterz post once there.
The Dallas skyline is just now coming into view so I'm getting pretty
close.
I've seen one additional Arkansas decorated vehicle and no more Mizzou
fans on my trip from the South side.
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com
Sent from my iPhone
Hog sighting
We saw our first Razorback-decorated vehicle in McAlester, OK. My Tiger tail count is up to 12 or so. I have been typing a bunch so I haven't peeked at every gas station along the way. But so far, I'm seeing a lot more tiger spirit than hog spirit on Highway 69.
Not as exciting Home Of... Entry
to snap a picture of her billboard but I did get one of the exit to
get there. It appears to be a very small town!
Its now t-minus two hours until I hit Dallas. I haven't seen any
Mizzou fans yet but did pass by a carfull of razorback fans.
On a nature note, we've moved from the palm treed south Houston area
to the piney woods north of Houston to a more central Missouri-esque
mix of oaks and walnuts.
That's Texas for you!
Houston along I-45 is no exception.
Maybe Missouri should consider putting our state symbol on all of the
bridges like they do down here!
Sleeping siblings
I'm now on the north side of Houston, traffic is busy but what would
you expect in such a big city?
I'm sure my siblings won't be happy but they're asleep right now.
It feels funny packing actual winter clothes after being in the 60s
and 70s for the last couple of weeks. It looks like Dallas is going to
be fairly cold for the game. Uck!
The Garmin is showing about two hours and 45 minutes left on the
journey. I'll do another audio post once I get closer to Dallas.
Something is happening on the first that my little sister is pretty
excited about. The American Girl doll for 2008 is being released at
10:30am at the Dallas Galleria location. we'll be at the game but I
know we'll stop afterwards.
- Jonathan Coffman
http://jonathancoffman.com/
Mobile post sent by jdcoffman using Utterz.
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