OUT WITH "THE GIRLS" ALREADY

I have to share this with you - another classic involving my, now, 10-year old daughter.
Yesterday, she, and her neighborhood friend, asked if they could go out and ride bikes around the neighborhood. Sounded pretty harmless to us (and to the neighbor's parents) so we all said okay. The neighborhood child's mom gave her little girl a cell phone so they could "check in" with us, periodically.
First call came in and they were in another part of the neighborhood - about a half mile away - and acquired two more of their "girlfriend" companions on bicycle. Second call and they were over one of the companion's houses. Third call - over at another companion's house. Now here comes the 4th call - the one from our daughter - and I quote - "Just wanted to let you know we are at the Mexican restaurant at the end of the neighborhood having lunch". WHAT?????.....Do you have money? Yes.....Are there any adults with you? "NO". Now the restaurant is about, maybe a half mile away. We, then, come to find out that our neighbor child called her house and told her Dad that she was out "with the girls having a few drinks" at the Mexican restaurant. ("Drinks" being a Shirley Temple, Iced Tea, Sprite and water). Then, maybe about 10 minutes after that, our daughter and the neighborhood child show up at our house as if nothing special had happened. My daughter told me that it was just the 4 girls and the employees at the Mexican restaurant thought nothing of it. My daughter always has some money with her, just in case. Turns out - the big order was cheese dip, chips and a couple of cheese quesadillas. I did ask her if she left a tip and the answer was "What's that?". That was a whole other conversation about that.
We all had a good laugh about the little "adventure" and, of course, told the kids to check with us BEFORE they do something like that again (chuckling under our breath the whole time). Fun story.
The moral of this is that this was business as usual when I was ten years old. Gone from 8am to dinner time, with my friends on my bike. No fear of anything from mom or dad or me, for that matter. Yesterday, after it was all over, we wished those days were here again but realized they never will be. Sadly that is probably the last adventure of that kind for my daughter and her friend until they grow up.

THE CASE OF THE FLYING SHOES

I'm sure, by now, you've seen the video clip of that Iraqi newsman hurling his size ten shoes at President Bush during a news conference in Baghdad over the weekend. First of all, watch out, the New York Yankees may want to sign the guy as another pitcher. (They've signed just about everyone else!). Secondly, and really, the most troubling thought - how did the second shoe even get out of that man's hand? Here is our President in the city where we have been fighting for close to 5 years. Lots of folks in that city have their ideas as to what they would like to do to Mr. Bush. So - you would think security would be pretty tight. Look at the clip again when you can on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8GOrc0-Ygg). Note how long it took anyone to react, let alone the Secret Service agents. Have they (the agents) mentally checked out already? Let's hope not!

THE GRAND ILLUMINATION AT THE SHOMBY'S

Can someone please tell me who invented the "icicle" outdoor lights? Had to be someone with a sense of humor. On top of that, I found out, the hard way, that you can only light 3 sets of connected lights. We have a long house.....okay so I had 6 sets of 3 spanning the house, garage and the side. By my calculation, I would have had 6 extension chords hanging down from the house. My wife was so no NOT into that decorative idea. So - what I thought would take an hour or two...took two days. I had to take the lights over the garage and the side of the house down. Considering the landscaping we have in the front of the house, my neighbors must have had their camcorders out watching me go up and down that ladder.
Ok - finally yesterday, I finished the job......then one set of lights didn't work....had to go back up and take down that set and move another one (and, yes, I did check them before I hung them). Then I finished....using only two extension chords and finally past the wife inspection last night. She likes them. Merry Christmas everyone!

Putting Up Christmas Decorations

How much I've learned since my bride and I got together 3 years ago!!!! Especially around Christmas time.........especially, when it comes to decorations and pictures. We, of course, wanted to put together our usual picture of the little one for our Christmas card. The little one is about over getting dressed up (as she puts it "in a scratchy dress") and posing in front of a tree. So, I had this idea that we take a picture outside with the little one and our dog - and, hey, put Santa hats on them. After that suggestion, I get the "um" answer. (For you single guys, "um" translates to "no way"). Then, of course, the pictures were all bad (I thought some were good but, again, the "um" answer to my suggestions).
What did I learn from this? Step away. Be an "employee' and do what you're told. I did and the second set of pictures were perfect........to the right person, of course! Next comes putting up outside lights. That will be a whole 'nother blog, of course.
Merry Christmas!

Ways to Save Money

We are all working on ways to make our dollar go alot further. Thank you to the oil companies for lowering those prices. At $1.79 a gallon in one place, I don't think that's an issue right now. With the holidays coming up, we have lots to think about when it comes to spending....and saving money. Things like turning off our computer when it's not in use. Turning lights out when a room isn't in use. Keeping the heater about 5 degrees lower than last year. Buying generic items rather than brand names at the grocery store (look at the ingredients - about 95% of the time, they are the same). I'd love for you to share some of your ideas with me. That's the start for us. I know there are lots more so help us all out. Look forward to hearing from you.

An Interesting CMA Night

No real surprises at the CMA Awards. It appears the Vocal Duo torch has officially passed to Sugarland. The award now belongs to them. Nice to see that everyone still thinks Kenny is still the best entertainer. Of course, no Toby but I guess going there would be to no avail.
Best performances of the night? #1 by far - Kid Rock's All Summer Long followed by Taylor Swift's Love Story. Great moment also with the lead-in for Carrie Underwood and Just a Dream.
Now - to "after parties"......Big Machine Records party was packed. The most interesting guest aside from Taylor Swift was new signee Reba McEntire who was walking around shaking hands as if she were running for political office. Didn't have to but she did - lots of class.
Went to Curb's party and talked with Rodney Atkins who was headed home for the holidays to spend it with his family. His first real trip out will be Feb. 21st here at Little Creek NAB and he's real excited about that. Ran into Lee Brice who talked about a new song he wrote about Dads and kids. Heidi Newfield was decked out as usual and very pumped about Friday's "Live From The Eagles' Nest".
The Universal Music Group party was the best of the night perched high atop the Sun Trust Building downtown. Ran into Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough who, honestly, look as if they are really comfortable with each other. Great couple. Jamey Johnson told me that when he accepts a CMA Award, if he ever gets one, he wants the band to play the "Sanford and Son" theme. Shania Twain looked awesome and very confident and smiling alot. Word I heard is that we'll be hearing some new Shania stuff in early '09. George Strait was there, gracious as ever, saying hello to everyone and anyone who passed by. Another HUGE class act.
We had a good time but look forward to coming home tomorrow. Let me know your thoughts about the show.

Day 2 at the CMA Awards in Nashville

Don't know if we could ever top all the folks we ran into Monday night but yesterday turned out to be pretty cool, too. We had lunch with Gretchen Wilson who is very concerned as to what the next single from her forthcoming album will be. She played 5 cuts (three of which were very "Redneck Woman-like") and was really interested in what we thought. She has grown alot more comfortable with these meetings and now really understands that it's going to take alot of communication to get to the level she had been several years back.
Hung out with Taylor Swift for a short time. Proving that she's still a teenager, through all of the pictures and people chasing after her, she compliments my wife on her eye makeup and asks if she (my wife) can teach her how to do her (Taylor's) eyes that way. She is still VERY grounded considering all this attention, especially this week.
Spoke with Keith Anderson and he is VERY excited about headlining our Winterblast on January 24th. Phil Vassar was his usual energetic self. It was good to see Jessica Andrews getting back into the swing. Danielle Peck has a new label deal and she told us that she was going to be coming back our way for an acoustic lunch sometime soon.
Tonight - it's the awards show AND all the "after-parties"...you can be sure you'll hear about them here tomorow.

All In One Restaurant

We had just arrived last night in Nashville and received an invite to meet Mark McKay and a few of our friends for a late dinner. The restaurant is right across from the arena where the CMA Awards will be held. Little did we know we would see a preview of who would be at the show. In a matter of minutes, in walks Kid Rock with his entourage......then Darius Rucker comes by (talked a little footballl with us - We he LOVES sports!..after that my wife spots Kevin Costner (he has a new country CD out with his band "Modern West") and our buddy Clay Walker (he and Kevin are very good friends). Clay comes over and shows us pictures of his new baby boy and we say a quick hi and he moves on (Kevin C., of course, has already ducked into a private room). Right after that, Tanya Tucker comes and sits in the booth across from us...then Jessica Andrews in front of her. Whew!! Right afer that, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland stops by to say hi real quick as does Jay DeMarcus from Rascal Flatts. Neat to see these folks in somewhat comfortable surroundings. They are all excited for Wednesday night. Of course, I had to keep my wife chained down when she saw Kevin Costner. Great night....more to come from today.

Off to Nashville

I have to tell you that one of the highlights of my year begins tonight with a trip to Nashville for the CMA Awards coming up Wednesday night (simulcast on 97.3 The Eagle, of course). I'll update this each day to let you know who we've seen and talked to and what possible scoops we've picked up. It's a fun time but also a busy time so I'll do my best to get you the info from all of this that you would like. Until tomorrow.........

Felt Like A Kid Again

I have never hidden the fact that I am a diehard Philadelphia Phillies' baseball fan. Grew up with them. All the heartache of all the losses and the one year of fun in 1980 when they won the World Series.
Well, here we are again, celebrating a second World Series championship 28 years later. The minute that last out occurred, I was in contact with my Dad, then my brother and then my sister. My wife even said that she was happy for me and the rest of the folks in and from Philadelphia. She could see that i was a happy guy! I thank the Phillies for making me feel like a kid again back when I talked Phillies' baseball, incessantly, with my dad and my brother. When I watched those box scores every day hoping. not only for a victory, but to see if some of my favorite players (this year they are Chase Utley and Ryan Howard - as a kid - Richie Ashburn and Robin Roberts) hit a homerun or two. Did it all again this year. Did it with the family and did it with some of my old friends. I'll tell you what - it doesn't get any better than that. How about you? Ever get that feeling to come back?

Gas Prices

All of a sudden, do you notice gas dropping below $3 a gallon in some areas of Hampton Roads? We are being told that it's because of less consumption due to the financial crisis right now in our country/world. You have GOT to be kidding me. We are still going to work/school....doing the grocery shopping...taking the kids to various practices/games/events. Less consumption??? Do you honestly believe that? Maybe the oil companies started feeling guilty about the high prices and the high profits. That's what I'm thinking! How about you?

Caught By The Boss!

Okay, so have you ever been caught by your boss , sort of, sneaking into work when you were late? Let me relay this funny story to you. Being an old morning DJ, I still come in to work very early (around 5:30-5:45). The morning show on 97.3 The Eagle starts at 5am Monday through Friday. So there is your set up.
So, this morning (Tuesday the 30th), I'm heading into work taking my usual route. I stop at a light about, maybe, 5 minutes from the station. I look to my left and see a pair of lights meaning a car was pulling out of that intesection with the green light to turn left and onto the road in front of me. I hear a beep as the car turns and notice that is a Corvette with vanity license plates that do belong to one half of the morning show, Jimmy Ray. I think, nonchalantly,..."well there goes Jimmy Ray"......and then, about 10 seconds later, I realize, SURPRISINGLY,"THERE GOES JIMMY RAY !!!!...it's 5:25!!!!!! He was supposed to be there 25 minutes ago!!!" Now, put yourself in Jimmy's shoes. He oversleeps and rushes out of the house to get to work and, lo and behold, who does he run into? His Boss!!!! So, all he could do was beep and act as if were the natural thing. Since he is rarely ever late, this made it even funnier that we crossed paths.

Ever been caught by your boss when you were late for work? Share with the class , if you like....:)

Maybe It's a Crisis But We Can Get Through It

I've been reading, hearing and viewing all the crazy stuff going on with our financial institutions. I don't know about you but it makes me a bit nervous. That being said........check history...we've been through this before.....early 1900's...of course, the Depression.......the energy crisis of the 70's...and, hey, we are still here. Let's stop comparing our economy to our own economy of the past! I have a friend who travels to all corners of the world and, in particular, the Middle East and eastern Europe and he tells me that, if we lived under those economic conditions, we would be rioting in the streets.......$6-7 a gallon for gas, milk at $5-6 a gallon......just to name a few we can relate to. Let's recognize that , if we all work together on this...and I mean as families.....we'll get through it. We hear the rhetoric from both sides of the political coin. Everyone has the answer but do you know who has the real answer? We do as individuals. Remember how our parents lived and take a page from that. Save a little more and spend a little less. Sounds too easy, doesn't it??...Try it for a while. No quick fix but a long term one, for sure.

Finding a Prime Parking Spot

So one of my challenges, when I get to a large parking area for an event, shopping, a restaurant...whatever,is to, of course, find the space that is as close as possible. One day I must have been driving around for about 15 minutes looking for a better spot and my wife finally wonders out loud why I can run an average of 3 miles a day but yet I try to avoid walking more than 100 yards to a particular destination. I admit it...she's right, but it's all about getting the best space. Just like it's all about "making good time" when we drive a long distance. If they had drive-thru bathrooms on the road, that would make me a happy guy with the family. We'd make better time, wouldn't we? And who needs a GPS? I can find my way to where we need to go. I have a great sense of direction so why ask anyone or use a device that could help me? As Brad Paisley sings, "I'm Still A Guy".

You've Got To Love The Fall

Football craziness has begun!!! College on Saturdays. NFL on Sunday and Monday (and sometimes Thursday). This is the best time of the year, without a doubt. I live and die with my alma mater, the Penn State Nittany Lions and I, of course, have to be an Eagles' fan in the NFL(being associated with 97.3 The Eagle!). I'll be rootin' for them BUT I see the Cowboys and the Patriots in the Super Bowl and USC playing Missouri for the BCS trophy. Cowboys win the Lombardi trophy and Missouri takes the BCS in an upset. I'm not a betting man so don't go dropping any "dough" on what I pick. Just give me your thoughts.

Be ready - just in case

So, now, we see Tropical Storm Hanna may be headed , somewhat, in this direction. Regardless of what you hear, don't take it lightly. It's better to prepare for the worst - even though that it appears highly unlikely. Consider it good practice, just in case, Ike, Josephine or any other heads this way with a lot more punch. Do know that 97.3 The Eagle will be there for you throughout and, since we are the emergency station for the area, we will get the info before anyone else and pass it on immediately. Count on it.

Listen to them all. Don't make a decision until you have!

So, now it's pretty much official. We have an African-American Presidential candidate on one side and a mother of 5 as a VP candidate on the other side. We have two seasoned veterans along aside them. Should be an interesting couple of months. I urge you to avoid leaning one way or another until you have listened to everyone....and then some. Wait to draw your conclusions. See who gets into actual plans for action - not just rhetoric and promises. (Both sides are guilty of that type of hype). Take your time and make a CALCULATED decision. There's something I like (and don't like) about both sides so, for me, it will be an eleventh hour decision. Do your homework. Let's get as close to the right person in the White House as we can. Good luck!

Millionaires acting like kids!!!

Wasn't it great to see the USA Basketball team win the gold medal??? Wasn't it even better to see a bunch of guys, who average making about 10 million dollars a year, get as excited as little leagers? Hats have to go off to Kobe Bryant! He has made the turnaround in my mind. Not only did he and Lebron James lead the players to the gold but he also led them to other events to cheer for other stars like Michael Phelps, the womens' beach volleyball team and lots more. These guys didn't have to do any of this and, in previous Olympics, they didn't. But this is a different team with a very different coach - all exuded class from day one. Sure, Michael Phelps and the women of beach volleyball made us proud but I'm telling you that MY proudest Olympic moment was seeing that USA Hoops team on the podium as our National Anthem played. Total class!!!

Olympic events

Okay, so, maybe I'm just a sucker for anything that's sports. I have watched more than my share of NBC's Olympic coverage over the past few days BUT there is a place where I draw the line. What is synchronized diving doing in there? We spend more time watching these people take showers, first of all, then actually competing and, then, every dive looks the same to me. Is this really a sport? Now, if they were doing cannonballs, might be more of an event, don't you think? Of course, when they switch to women's beach volleyball, I'm all eyes and my wife is all eyes rolling. I love this time of year....:)

Everyone should be my daughter for a day

Okay it's summer.....and my little one is having, what I would call, an amazingly fun summer. For her? It's Thursday.......This is what she did the past 24 hours. Yesterday she was in a training video for a high school that lasted about an hour. The reward? Lots of ice cream and running through the halls of the school playing to her heart's content. Last night, while at a sleepover, gets to go to one of her favorite Mexican restaurants and then out on a boat with the friend's family for the remainder of the evening. Ths morning she wakes up and is wisked away for a day at Water Country USA. The comes up and wants to know what we are "going to do " next!
This is a typical summer day and night for the little one. Everyone should be my daughter for one day. What a life!

A Vacation Reality

Okay, so your planning a family vacation.....and debating as to whether to drive or fly. From personal experience, I can tell you, that driving is the way to go. No delays or cancellations to worry about....no luggage to be lost......you are in charge of the itinerary and YOU can change it anytime you want. BUT, the most important factor, believe it or not, is the price. We took a week-long vacation...driving...staying in hotels for 7 nights.....factored in the high cost of gas.....the cost of meals....the cost of the amusement park where we would take the little one...AND...we rented a car.....and it was HUNDREDS less than a flying and staying in a hotel for 3 nights (the same one at the same price). Just something to consider. Would be interested to know your thoughts?

Definitely More Important Than Fireworks and Cookouts

I want all of us to remember why we celebrate our nation's independence. Has nothing to do with cookouts and fireworks but everything to do with our freedom to that or any darn thing we want. Remember those who came before us to fight for our right to be and stay independent. They fought for our right to choose the church we would attend...the town/city where we would live and the right to disagree with one another...even Jimmy Ray...:)When you do whatever you plan to do this weekend, give special thanks and be proud that you are an American! Have a happy and safe 4th weekend.

The Busiest Summer In a Long Time

Okay, so gas prices have gone up...........prices, in general, are up everywhere. With all of that, this HAS to be the busiest concert summer I have ever experienced and I've been doing this a long time. The good news is most of these shows are free or priced fairly reasonably. I will tell you....if you like LIVE country music, you'll be getting it all summer. Look how jam-packed our Miller Lite Concert Calendar is at www.eagle97.com. Let me know what show this summer excites you the most.....and the one you feel is way too overpriced to even consider. I'm just curious. Plus if there is someone you would like to see come through here, let me know. We do have some connections , you know...:) Look forward to hearing from you.

Spring and Summer Sports On TV

When was the last time you watched a spring or summer sports event on TV with your kids? I'll bet you can count on one hand...maybe one finger. Here we have a classic pro basketball championship matchup, with TONS of history, and the game doesn't start until close to 9pm.....no weekend day games at all....no early starts....the World Series ...same thing...and now the Super Bowl starts at 6pm and doesn't end until close to 10pm.....and we wonder why our kids aren't into baseball or basketball.....thankfully, the NFL still has some day games!!! I'd like, myself, to see this classic Celtics/Lakers' series but I have to work, just like you, and I have to get up early, just like you.....I'm not up for staying up until Midnight to see the game. I'll catch Sportscenter the next morning and that's unfortunate. And the kids? Why should they care when professional sports has no feeling for them?

Let's Remember Them ALL!!

When we honor our military veterans, we sometimes forget ALL wars and conflicts involving our country. This weekend, while you spend time with your family and/or friends, please remember ALL of those who fought for our freedom from the days of George Washington to what is going on now in the Middle East. Let's put away, for this weekend, how we feel about any war and just honor those who, without argument, gave their lives so we can be free to express our opinions. Make it a REAL Memorial Day Weekend!

Getting The Story Straight

About a week ago, someone wrote something about The Eagle that wasn't very flattering or complimentary. They did it with only a smattering of the facts and only information that would benefit the theme of the article. Had they used all of the facts given to them, the story would have been....well, a non-story. So - to set the story totally straight, The Eagle is not "wounded". We are alive, kicking and very happy to be of service to you! 97.3 The Eagle is your radio station and always will be, no matter who tries to shoot us down. You can count on us to be there for you no matter what.

A BIg Thanks!

It is just amazing how everyone in Hampton Roads (and beyond) has gotten together to help the Suffolk and Driver tornado victims. My voice mail was loaded with messages from various organizations either planning events, or actually doing them, to raise money. In additon to that, the radio station was flooded with calls from folks who wanted to volunteer.
You can say what you want about the selfishness in America these days BUT, I will tell you, when the chips are down, we are there for each other. Thank YOU for all that you're doing to help get these folks back to some form of normalcy.

Help Someone In Our Own Backyard

We've all seen the devastation from the tornadoes in Suffolk, Driver, etc. Now it's time to act. It's time to help. After living in Texas, Alabama, and Georgia for about 20 years of my life, I've seen, first-hand, what a storm like this can do. It leaves you feeling lost and empty. Let's help alleviate that feeling. Do what you can to help. The Suffolk Red Cross Disaster Relief number is 757-539-6645. Volunteer, give....HELP!!!! This is family!!!



Thanks!

What Happened to the News?

I do realize that we will be voting for the most important office in the land but, is it my imagination, or has it been nothing but campaigns and candidates on the big cable news networks??? Realize that this is only April and the primaries are being treated, on TV, at least, as seperate elections -projected winners and everything. We still have two conventions ahead in August and September! If we were getting information on the candidates, that would be one thing, but all this rhetoric is driving me nuts. I'd rather watch the NBA playoffs even knowing they have almost two months to go. What do you think?

Ever talked to a 9-year old?

This past weekend, my wife and 9-year old daughter decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go out for lunch. I should have known what was ahead when the little one was doing, what I call, "The World According to Meredith" which, invariably, includes lots of laughing and silliness. So, at lunch, I decide to let the her in on a new, personal thing that Daddy is doing for her that will really affect her future, positively.
What was I thinking???? The conversation with her focused, primarily, not on the benefit of the fact that she would be taken care of in the future, but what would constitute that situation. Her little mind, of course, mentioned broken arms, the flu, a pulled muscle from running.....and, of course, it went downhill from there when I realized that there was no way this would be a serious discussion. So, it ended with either my wife or I having bubble gum stuck in our hair being a criteria for her benefits. Oh, the joy of youth!!!!!....I think I'll wait until she's about 16!!!

Is It Me Or Is Customer Service a Thing of the Past?

I have had two situations occur over the past two days - one personal and one with business. Both had to do with subscriptions, deliveries, etc. On the business side, our company subscribes to a trade magazine for 4 of our 5 radio stations. This company requires that each of the four subscriptions be separate with each station's name. Well, that's an accident waiting to happen...and it did. That wasn't the issue, though. The issue was how they credited two payments to one station and none to another. From there, it went downhill! Trying to get someone to really take the time to figure out what happened was the biggest issue plus , all along, they made us feel as if we were the culprits, not them. The issue STILL hasn't been resolved and we have had to initiate every contact. You would think this magazine would be concerned about losing a customer!
On the personal side, I get a morning newspaper delivered every day to my home - usually very early......and I'm usually up very early. Well, for two consecutive days this week, we didn't get a paper. I called to register my complaint the first day. You would think that the message would have made it for the second day but, no, it didn't - no paper again! That second day it took me three phone calls to get to these folks, after being disconnected twice. Once I got to a human being, that experience turned sour pretty quick. No apologies for the inconvenience or the mistake. All I did receive was a "I'll get a manager on it and we'll try to get this taken care of for tomorrow" Try?????......amazing! I did get my paper the next day but the process just fried me.

Please , if you are listener, tell me when we neglect our customer service. I need to know. I really believe that every experience with a business should be a good one, no matter what, so , please help make me and the rest of us here better. Last thing I want is for you to feel the way I do right now!

Let me know what you think.

What's Really Important

Okay, so did I mention I went on a family vacation.......lately???? It's been a week since we returned from the "wiles" of the Northeast but, I will tell you, I feel a bit different than before I left. It was the longest vacation I had taken in about 30 years (a Friday to a following Sunday) and I spent it entirely with family. No concerts......no radio.......no Jimmy Ray......:).......just me, the wife and the little one. We visited my Dad, my grown daughter and her family (see blog of March 29th) and then, New York City. Not once did I worry about my job, the Eagle, the rest of the radio stations.......anything like that! Instead I found myself immersed in family. I got to see two little boys experience the of joy of discovery each new day brings. I got to spend a little time with a man in the twilight of his life who still embraces each day as he did when I was growing up. I saw two people work the hardest they ever have but enjoy every minute of it. Most of all, I got to know, just a little bit more, the two women with whom I live. My wife, who sees the best in everyone and everything...EVERYDAY!!!.....and my little 9-year old daughter, who learned all she could during our latest "adventure". On top of that, after a visit to "Ground Zero", I saw a country embracing the future by learning from the past. So......why do I mention all of this???.....because it has all stuck with me. I see myself looking more for the best in everyone, no matter what they do. I find that little things that used to bother me...suddenly don't. Most of all, I see , now, that the best part of the day is the time spent with those two women with whom I live. It's never too late. Enjoy your friends and family every day. Stay in touch. CARE!!!! Remember - when it's all over, no one judges....and I mean NO ONE.....the time you spent at work.

Got Gas?

I have to tell you about something from my vacation that hit me after the news I heard yesterday about the amount of money our oil companies , and Iraq, are making. We actually drove up the eastern seaboard hitting Philly, Boston, then back to Northern Jersey and New York. The oddest thing - in case you didn't know - is that it is a New Jersey state law that drivers are not permitted to pump their own gas. So, you've got to figure that the price of gas there would be astronomical. Not so, Exxon breath!!! Gas in New Jersey is, at least, 10 cents a gallon cheaper than most places here and, in some cases, 15 cents cheaper. Once again, getting us closer to proving that this "oil crisis" is nothing but hype. Why, in the shadow of the nation's largest city (with VERY expensive real estate) would gas be the cheapest in the northeast......with attendants pumping the gas to boot???? Go figure!!!!

What do you think?

Music You Should Check Out

So, today, I have spent some of my time listening to some of the new music that has hit my desk (Okay, it's the part of my job that is really hard to call "work"). Do yourself a favor and check out some of the music of Lady Antebellum - not just their single. Some real good stuff. Now - if you want to head to the other end of the country spectrum, there's Ashton Shepard. Her new full-length CD "Sounds So Good" is very appropriately titled. This lady has it going for her. Check out the title cut, the single "Takin' Off This Pain" and "I Ain't Dead Yet". This girl was, literally, a pea picker in South Alabama a year ago. We got to see her perform (and, hopefully, you did) at Eagle's first Winterblast in January. It was her first full band show. (Ironically, we were also the first radio station she ever visited.) She knows how to entertain, for sure.
A couple of other tunes I heard that may wind up being something: Heidi Neufield (former lead singer for Trick Pony) has a strong love song called "Johnny and June"; Jimmy Wayne is finally back with something pretty good called "Do You Believe Me Now". Finally, another Winterblast performer, Emily West has a good one called "Rocks in Your Shoes". She's another one who puts on a heck of a show.
Each of these folks have MySpace pages to check out their music so I suggest you do that when you have a minute and let me know what you think. If you've heard anything else that you want me (or us) to know about, let me know, too!

Back from Vacation

Just got back from a week long family vacation to see family and then take the little one to see New York City. That city is fascinating. Just walk the streets of New York for one day and you can realy feel how insignificant you are to everyone else - of course, it also puts things in perspective. You see how many other folks have bigger problems......speaking of which......some of you may know that I have a grown daughter, a terrific son-in-law and three fabulous grandchildren (they just added twin boys - see my MySpace phot section). Although my wife and I helped a bit, those two (my daughter and son-in-law) spend every waking hour, and then some, taking care of those 7-month old boys...plus my son-in-law works all day and my daughter works the Chanel counter at a local Macy's at night. They, hardly, see each other, yet they are always smiling.....they are struggling financially, yet they say they wouldn't trade lives with anyone because of those kids (who are just adorable!!!). They sleep an average of about 2-3 hours per day/night...yet they are alert and awake tackling each day as if it were their last.. After spending three days with them during this vacation, I now have two new heroes at the top of my list - Nick and Chrissy, my son-in-law and daughter. For those of us who complain about the traffic....the weather...or even how often a song plays on the radio......put yourself in these two kids' shoes for one day....you'll never complain again. Believe me, that's how I feel right now and will for quite some time. If I had a million dollars, I would give them the bulk of it. They deserve better than they are getting but to see them you'd think they already have it. Thus - my vacation was one of the most rewarding I've taken in quite some time. Two new heroes of whom I couldn't be prouder.

March Madness Begins!

Okay, how many NCAA tournament brackets do you have in your possession right now? Are you playing a pool at work? With family? Do you want to know the secret of getting the winners right?.....THERE IS NONE? Heck, my wife is picking according to the team's colors and their region and I'll bet she'll probably do better than me.
What IS neat about this time of year is that a college sport actually transcends generations, genders, music formats, etc. It's one of the most exciting times of the year because EVERYONE just about is interested....for various reasons, of course. (In my wife's case - colors!).

What do you think?

Finally YOU get a say!

For the first time in its 43-year history, the Academy of Country Music Awards will want to know who YOU think should be the Entertainer of the Year. Do you believe that???? The FIRST time???? It should have been that way all along but it's better late than never. It's about time an awards show of this stature does something like this. Did you snooze through the Oscars as I did? Did the Grammy's bore you? Well, the ratings of these shows are falling and now awards' show producers are realizing how much power you really do have. Details will be coming out in about a week or two as to how you can vote. Believe me, we'll be all over it at the Eagle and we'll let you know the minute we find out. Who would you vote for right now even without any specific choices? Let me know.

We'll talk again, for sure!