Missing Guests
I don't know what's going on, but this is the second day in a row that our guest didn't show up. I can't get people to call in and now they've stopped coming in. What the heck?!

Actually my guest Monday, Melinda Gilpin from the Harding Home called later yesterday to explain she had a family thing come up which got her all turned around. I understand how that is.

Today's guest though...haven't heard from her yet. So I guess we'll see if she comes through with a good excuse.

Your Pet Talks To You
Although you may not know it, you and your beloved pet share many of the same abilities, like smiling when you feel good and dreaming when you sleep.

Warren Eckstein, author of "How to Get Your Dog to Do What You Want," and other experts have discovered these and more amazing facts about your dog or cat that will lead to great happiness for both of you.

Here are a few secrets your pet would love to share with you if only he could talk:

• Happy faces -- When dogs and cats are in a good mood, they use the same facial muscles we do to crack a smile. Golden retrievers and Dobermans are well known for beaming when they're happy.
• Don't forget -- Just watch your puppy or kitty balk because he or she fears a ride in the car will end at the vet's office and you'll realize that animals remember loads of information by association.
• I'm so lonesome -- Your pet doesn't camp out on your bed or nestle in the dirty clothes hamper to make you angry. They miss you so much that they need the comfort of your scent when left home alone.
• Dream on -- When your pet sleeps, he or she often has dreams that trigger jerky foot movements or a wiggly nose. But should a nightmare disturb Spot's slumber, you can clam him with a gentle touch.
• Brain Power -- Parrots are especially bright and have the capacity to catalog as much information as a 5 year old child. Keep your feathered pal happy with an array of colorful toys and loving attention.
• Now ear this -- Dogs and cats experience sounds twice as loudly as humans do. That's why they often on completely bonkers during a thunderstorm or when a screaming siren goes by the house.

Real Men Hug...But Quickly
Real men hug each other, and they're doing it more often than ever, say experts on social customs and good manners.

"If you are greeting someone in a casual scenario, I don't think a hug is out of place," says Jason Tesauro, the author of The Modern Gentleman. "Saying goodbye is always safer because you've built up a fellowship."

Men often hug at emotional moments during sports events, weddings and funerals, says professor Mark Mormon of Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

"But if you are in the office, hugging generally doesn't work because there isn't a lot of emotion there," says Mormon. And most men aren't comfortable hugging for more than a second or two.

If you're thinking of joining the group hug, consider these options:

• The quickie -- Two men shake hands and then use the free hand to clasp the other's shoulder or gently pat near the shoulder blade.
• The shoulder-pad bump -- Two men shake hands, then, without letting go, lean into each other and bump chests while their free hands pound each other heartily on the back.
• The slip and slide -- Two men stand side-by-side and briefly drape closer arms over the other's shoulder or behind the other's back while they tap each other's chests with the farther hands.
• The rapper hit -- Two guys meet with a fancy handshake, then step in to briefly bump their inside shoulders.

Weather Kid
Today's Weather Kid from Epworth Preschool & Daycare was Zachary. He says he doesn't mind if you call him Zack, but his mom prefers Zachary. If you want to hear the Weather Kids, click here.

Coming Up
Wednesday's guest, hopefully she'll break the trend and show up, is Diane Watson of the Visitor's Bureau. We'll also announce where we are broadcasting from on Thursday as our Summer Tour 2007 heads to Kirkpatrick and Martel.