93.3 WMMR Mini Masters (2008-07-19)

The 2nd annual 93.3 WMMR Mini Masters contest took place at Cavanaughs' River Deck on Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia on Saturday the 19th of July, 2008. Competitors from all around gathered for festivities and a most serious round of miniature golf. This nine hole course was intense and included the dreaded loop-de-loop and windmill giving contestants the ultimate challenge in miniature golf competition. This year the grand prize was the Harley Sportster that was supplied by Barb's Harley Davidson. (www.barbshd.com) Most of the WMMR staff was out for the event. (minus the lovely Kathy Romano who was on vacation and I didn't see Nick???) Pierre Robert and Jaxon started the contest and by the end Preston, Steve, Casey, Man about town Bill Weston, Marissa and members of the WMMR Bod Squad were on hand to wrap up the finale. Unbelievably the same guy, Robert Grasso, that won last years event won this year with a hole-in-one to win the Harley.

I was not able to capture all the action that day as there were restrictions about being on the course if you were not competing. I did not have the luck of the draw to become one of the competitors that day but Dann was so lucky. He did a really good job and even sank a hole-in-one during competition but unfortunately it wasn't his day. He was not one of the six finalists but he definitely had a lot of fun. He plans on becoming a mini golf expert by next years competition in order to make it to that final round and hopefully shut down the "Tiger Woods of mini golf" that is Robert Grasso.

All the WMMR personalities were very nice and didn't mind shaking hands when greeted. Being 5ft tall I definitely felt dwarfed by their height and their muscles. Preston is a massive man and Steve is definitely part bear!! Steve had the best T-shirt....Grand Theft Auto IV...Dann was jealous.

Here are a handful of pictures capturing the action of the day...enjoy....and WMMR Rocks and Preston and Steve in the morning is Office!! Thanks for a fun event!

Dann eyeing up his competition at the door...

The Prize!!The Harley Sportster from Barb's Harley DavidsonDann visualizing a win (and riding away on his new bike)

The Competition Begins!!!

This was Dann's hole-in-one shot!

Intern Joe hard at work getting some video of the days events

Pierre Robert, great day in the morning good citizen!!!

The Preston and Steve Morning Show Crew
(www.wmmr.com/jock_preston_and_steve.shtml)

Visiting with Dustin in D.C.

My bro, Dustin, stuck around in D.C. for an extra weekend so Dann and I took a trip down to hang out before he headed out. Saturday we decided to venture out to the Washington D.C. Zoo. We hopped on the Metro to avoid driving around such a busy area.


Our older bro, Lance, and his kids Logan, Bianca, and Isabella came out to join us for the day as well. Unfortunately all the big cats and more exotic animals were not out as it was a pretty hot day to be in the sun if you have a permanent fur coat on.

the lone panda

Duck {i wish i had legs like that}
Flamingo {she wishes she had legs like this}

We stayed until the sun began to set and then took a scenic ride to Georgetown to get some good food.


The choice was Mexican and the only one around was a Chipoltle. I wasn't expecting it to be that good as a chain but surprisingly it was awesome food. We decided to head back to Dustin's hotel but had no clue where the Metro was so we took a little walk around Georgetown and we had to ask three people how to finally get there.


The weekend went too fast and it was sad to have to leave. I miss my bro and can't wait to see him along with the family again this Christmas down in Texas.

My Boys

me and big little bro
(Photo by Dann Vennard)

The Two Furry members of our family, Hueco and Henry Black

Henry Black

Birthday: Unknown but sometime between July and August of 2005

Breed: Unknown but guessing he is a Tom Cat

I was about to start my first semester at the University of Delaware and had moved in with my Aunt Martha and family in Lititz, PA. Henry was a stray found by two joggers near the Besecker Estate. They thought he was ours and had wondered his way off the property. He wasn't ours but I wanted him to be. My cousin Liam Besecker (about 2 and a half years old) was nice enough to help me name him. I liked the name Henry but Liam said that wasn't good enough. A proper name would contain a last name and so Henry became Henry Black. As a kitten he had the biggest feet and was rather awkward and clumsy. To this day he has yet to grow out of his awkward and clumsiness. Dann and I also refer to him as "Pancake." He has a big belly that seems to flatten out just like the batter does on the pan.

Do you see the pancake resemblance?

Hueco
(too much frisbee toss)

Birthday: April 1st, 2006
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog; Blue Heeler

One of Dann's many dreams in life was to own an Australian Cattle Dog. This breed of dog is not common for this part of the country as they are mostly found in the Southwest United States. They are primarily work dogs due to their incessant drive to herd anything and everything. The funny thing was that less than 10 min away from the Vennard household in Smyrna, Delaware, a pair of nice gentlemen breed these cattle dogs. If you are ever on Rt. 13 headed to the beaches of Delaware you will pass their place on the right...just look for the big sign that says "Hubcap Barn." Twice a year they have a litter of pups.
Hueco was one of a litter of seven. We knew we wanted the Blue Heeler as opposed to the Red Dog and we also knew we wanted a little girl. There were two little girl Blue Heelers. One had two black eyes and we almost picked her except that she seemed to beat up on the other little girl who was minding her own business. She looked like a little white puff ball with one black eye and could just about fit in the palm of your hand.
We named our pup after one of the best rock climbing places in the world, Hueco Tanks National Park, El Paso, Texas. Dann and I were lucky enough to take some time over winter break 2006 to visit this extraordinary land. We thought it fitting to give our first pup the name Hueco. The trip to Hueco Tanks brought Dann and I closer and so our pup will always represent our bond together.

Farewell Cyril Brunner (June 21st, 2008)

A good friend of mine, Cyril Brunner, is traveling back to his home country of Switzerland. He was only in the U.S. for a year with his job but he soon became a good friend, naturally with his personality. He is the kind of person that once you meet him you probably won't ever forget him. He is also a very talented photographer. His work can be seen on his foto community pages:

http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/600666
http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1122375

He is always eager to teach me how to become a better photographer. He will always be an inspiration for me and my work. Thanks Cyril!!

Aimee Tetreault was kind enough to throw a going away bash for Cyril and I did my best to capture the moments of the evening....enjoy!

Aimee Tetreault and the man of the hour, Cyril Brunner

Finally I was able to get a great shot of Cyril....he is just like me...we like to be behind the camera


Dann talkin' shop with Cyril


Jason Prezant and Peter Ipnar indulging in a game of Poor Man's Horseshoes


Bob Curtin, master chef at work


What is a party without watermelon?


and chocolate covered strawberries!!


Angela Ipnar enjoying the scrumptious strawberries (Photography by Cyril Brunner)


Kat where is your beverage? (Photography by Cyril Brunner)


Party shot


Jason and his snazzy plaids


Excellent Bowling form Matt (Photograph by Cyril Brunner)


Time out from photographing to show them how its done (Photograph by Cyril Brunner)


Chris Denney being resourceful in making a black and tan


The mood lighting


For he's a jolly good fellow...


Taking in the moment


Matthias "Flash" Hippen


The patriotic pin


Johnny enjoying the evening