Hello! Thanks for stopping by my page. I'm a native Cedar Rapidian and a graduate of the University of Iowa. When I’m not at the station, I can be found hanging out with my rough collie, Velvet, and a cat named Coop. I love exploring NewBo and going to concerts and shows of all kinds. Aside from the Hawks, I love the Bulls, Bears, and White Sox. I also have a soft spot for the Los Angeles Dodgers. (I’ve even been to a game at Dodger Stadium!)
Chad Cooper
Dear Cedar Rapids, Get Over the Casino
The City Council approved plans this week to clear the remaining buildings on the site originally intended for a casino in the Kingston Village neighborhood. Mayor Ron Corbett has said that the city isn't in any rush to redevelop the property in the event that a casino could still wind up on the site...
Brainy Breaking Benjamin [VIDEO]
A few weeks back, we posted a blog about a study on the intelligence of lyrics in popular music. The results weren't good: the average song scored between a second and third grade reading level.
That got me to thinking: what are some of the smartest lyrics (at least from a "big word" perspective) on the airwaves of KRNA...
Vintage is “in”
Sometimes, when you're required to post a set number of blogs each week, you get a little low on material. That's where I'm at right now. So I'll just talk about my love for antiques.
Vintage is definitely "in." From vinyl records to thrift shop clothes, people are lining up, cash-in-hand, to buy the throwback goods...
I Prefer to Cruise
I'll be broadcasting live this Saturday from 4-6 at the Sag Wagon in Cedar Rapids for the second annual Tour de Shock Top bicycle ride.
Bicycling has gotten really big in Cedar Rapids. Cedar Rapidians love breaking out their two-wheelers and hitting the trails and streets...
Now We Can’t Smoke While Golfing?
What the hell, Cedar Rapids?
I just read an article that said last week, the city's Parks, Waterways and Recreation Commission voted to ban smoking (both traditional and electronic) in the city's parks, trails, and golf courses.
Now I don't smoke cigarettes, but I do enjoy the occasional cigar...
Is “The Mayor” Leaving?
Cyclone fans are freaking out. The city of Ames may be on the verge of total collapse. Iowa State University could be done for.
Why?
Fred Hoiberg is likely leaving to coach in the NBA.
All reports indicate that the current Iowa State coach will soon be the former Iowa State coach -- Hoiberg is probably taking the Chicago Bulls job...
Great Iowa Ambassadors: Mike Wolfe & Frank Fritz
They travel across the country. They're in search of "rusty gold." They're representing Iowa.
I'm talking about Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz. Their show, American Pickers, is one of the highest rated on cable television. Millions of people tune in to watch Wolfe and Fritz travel across America to look for junk that they see as treasure...
Iowa Baseball Makes NCAA Tournament
If you can remember back to 1990, then you might remember the last time the Iowa baseball team made the NCAA Tournament. It's been 25 years without a tourney appearance. Consider that terrible streak over:
Iowa earned a #2 seed and will play in a regional game against #3 Oregon this Friday in Springfield, MO...
We Have Soggy Skywalks
I was greeted by this on my way to the studio this morning:
That's the ceiling of the skywalk leading into our building, Plaza 425. If it looks bad in that picture, it looks even worse in person.
This isn't the only skywalk in this condition in downtown Cedar Rapids...
Aaron Hernandez Already Living the Prison Life
It sounds like Aaron Hernandez is fitting in well in prison. The former New England Patriots tight end has already been disciplined for his involvement in a gang-related prison fight that occurred this past Monday. Authorities allege that Hernandez served as the lookout for one inmate as he attacked another...