You may have noticed that during Oklahoma's most recent winter weather catastrophe that our local media was missing a certain, uhm, voice. It was a voice of guidance. It was a voice of reason. And it was a voice that hated gardening clogs. Yes, it was the voice of Jonathan Conder. And during the spring snowstorm of 2010, it literally couldn't save everyone. Why??? That voice now resides in Minnesota.
In this Lost Ogle Q&A, discover why Jonathan "JC" Conder has left the Sooner state, get a few of his winter weather driving tips (so that you never find yourself ashamed), and find out if Mike Morgan dresses up as Dracula for Halloween. It's all after the jump.
Q: First of all, thanks for taking the time for this Q&A. You had a 74% approval rating on this site. Why did you leave?!?
A: That last blizzard really wore me out, I just couldn't take the stress knowing that people were driving around in flip-flops in the middle of a blizzard. But honestly, OKC and KFOR was my home away from home and I got payed to do something I love, but it was not Minnesota. There is a lot to be said about being close to your family and it was just time to move back to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
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Q: What are you going to miss the most about Oklahoma City?
A: Having tornado alley out my front door and the cobb salad at the Iron Star. I have traveled the world looking for the best cobb salad, from Okinawa to Austria..... and the Iron Star has it. Don't forget the side order of corn bread too.
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Q: Oklahoma was recently hit by another winter weather catastrophe. Can you give me a mini- JC crash course on how to drive in the snow?
A: Ha! Good question, I think I could write a book on this, but let's keep it simple....1. If you don't have tread on your tires, stay home. When I was out on the Western Bridge pushing people out, the first thing I did was look at their tires, if they had no tread, I knew there was no hope for them and I just went to the next motorist. 2. Don't stop for anything! Unless you see some sorry news reporter out there... then stop and give them a hot coco or coffee or something. Actually, the best thing to do is just stay home and snuggle up with someone you love.
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Q: How many motorists would you estimate that you've saved over the past few years?
A: I lost track after the first few. Honestly, that was the best part of the live shots. It was a good way to stay warm.
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Q: Out of curiosity, do you own a pair of gardening clogs?
A: Nope, I do not. I have been told they are comfortable, but I would not be caught dead in them, I would rather be barefoot in a middle of a blizzard then have to sport them garden clogs or whatever you call them.
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Q: Did you ever have a blog on Blogilicious?
A: Yes, but I had no choice, it was mandatory. We had a contest to see who could get the most hits... Kent Ogle took the cake with his "Man Salad" recipe... I followed his lead and posted my "Bread Pudding" recipe, but I had no chance going against hot links on a salad.
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Q: According to your old KFOR bio, your favorite show is "Burn Notice." What?
A: That was another mandatory thing, we had to fill out a questionere to update our bio. My sister thinks I look like Michael Westen from Burn Notice when I sport my sunglasses. So, I started watching the series. Actually, blizzards and tornadoes have gotten boring over the years, being a spy sounds more exciting. What do you think I am doing now in MN?
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Q: Your bio also mentions that you like to run Marathons. Why would you want to run 27 miles when you can drive 27 miles?
A: Because I can.
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Q: Does Mike Morgan dress up for Halloween?
A: I think he does the green cape thing and tries to do the floating head bit on the green weather wall. I did that my first year in the biz, but I laughed so hard, I did not make to the end of my weathercast... so I gave it up.
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Q: Is David Payne really as cool as he thinks he is?
A: Actually, he is funnier in person.
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Q: When Emily Sutton joined the 4-Warn Weather Team, did you all have to keep the weather studios more tidy?
A: No, we kept everything ship shape prior to Emily's arrival......we held dust bunny hunting trips every 3rd Monday of the month..... have you ever seen the dust at a TV Weather Center? Those bunnies are huge, they have teeth.
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Q: We heard that Grant Johnston once gave Matt Reese an insane wedgie. Any truth?
A: Urban Legend. Honestly, would you mess with Matt? The guy plays rugby and likes to noodle for catfish! I would rather go toe to toe with a grizzly bear.
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Q: Thanks a bunch for the Q&A. Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Just a shout out to all the people that appreciated my style of telling the weather story. Thanks for all your kind comments and positive feedback. JC.
