Reaction to international credit rating agency Moody’s downgrade of the Bahamas’ credit rating, and stating that the country’s economic outlook remains negative.

Also, the always animated Kirk “KB” Bodie joins us to discuss his band, “Stinkin Ways”, and their impressive third place showing at the Global Battle of the Bands competition last week in London. KB even shares his views on the state of the country.

And we learn more about Friday’s (Dec.14) tribute contest to music legend Ronnie Butler, which will feature 23 Bahamian artists and bands. Organizers Dillon “D-Mac” McKenzie and Rudy Grant give us all the details.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out out Guardian Radio 96.9 FM Facebook page. Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

With so many of the country’s leaders having been athletes, many wonder why it appears we are still nowhere near realizing the true potential of sports in the country. We discuss the many benefits sports can have on our society with our contributor Fred Sturrup, and with guest Ray McKenzie, an engineer who believes had it not been for his involvement in sports, he would not have been able to achieve the success he’s had in his career.

Also, Janet Johnson with the Ministry of Tourism gives us details about the 3rd annual “Festival of Lights” Boat Parade, slated for Saturday evening in Nassau Harbour.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out out Guardian Radio 96.9 FM Facebook page. Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

Lease-to-own properties, offering in-house financing, are apparently growing in popularity and becoming more attractive to both sellers and buyers in The Bahamas. Ethan Quant of Progressive Consumer Services, and Matt Sweeting of Bahama Islands Realty, discuss the pros and cons of these arrangements.

Also, Colina Insurance’s new calendar for 2013 is “Celebrating 40 years of Bahamian Independence & Expression”. Colina’s Melanie Hutcheson and Amanda Coulson, Director of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, tell us how they commissioned local artists like Kachelle Knowles to illustrate popular Bahamian sayings like “Mudda Sick” and “Divin’ for Conch”.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out out Guardian Radio 96.9 FM Facebook page. Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

The education system in Finland is generally regarded as one of the best, if not THE BEST, in the world. The Finnish system focuses on equality and excellence, with no tuition fees, free meals and free transportation for all students, among many other benefits.

Few students attend private schools, and even then, tuition fees are prohibited.

Makia Gibson, Founder and Director of the local non-proft “Yes to Education Foundation”, recently led a group of education stakeholders (including Education Minister Jerome Fitzgerald) to Finland on a “what works study-visit”. He tells us some of the surprising findings.

Also, “Love and Responsibility” is the new book examining the amazing art collection of Dawn Davies. She has been collecting Bahamian art for the last 40 years, and has amassed a collection of more that 1,600 pieces. Davies worked with former Erica James, former Director at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, on the 548 page book. Davies and James tell us about their labour of “Love”.

And it’s the official start (although technically Day 2) of Morning Blend’s “12 Weekdays til Christmas”. We’ll be adding more and more Christmas music to our playlist each day through Christmas Eve. We only have 10 more shows before Christmas Day!

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out out Guardian Radio 96.9 FM Facebook page. Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.

After a fire destroyed their facility this week, we talk with Seahorse Institute’s Dr. Michelle Major about the impact the blaze will have on their work with children with autism and with other learning and development disorders. We also talk with Olivia Jorjani and Samantha Adderley about how the closure of the school is affecting their children, and about the challenges raising children with autism-spectrum disorders.

Seahorse has set up an Amazon Wish List called “DONATE to Seahorse Institue” and populated it with toys and school supplies needed to get the special needs students back on their feet. Toys start at just $4 and shipping is significantly discounted.

Donors can use the following address to purchase a toy or supply for Seahorse kids:

DONATE to Seahorse Institute permalink: http://amzn.com/w/1LQ3R6J8CQZK9
We also discuss the shocking fuel spill in Eleuthera in which 70,000 gallons leaked from a BEC power station in Rock Sound.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @MorningBlend969 and check out out Guardian Radio 96.9 FM Facebook page. Also contact us via email at morningblend@nasguard.com and call in to the studio 323-6232 | 323-8160.