NOT JUST A SPORTS ICON TO ME

You may have read in the local papers (or seen on ESPN), the passing of George Michael, a Washington DC sports icon whose "Sports Machine" was a precursor to what Sportscenter is today. He was a huge in the DC area for years but, what alot of folks may have forgotten, or did not know, for that matter, is that George Michael was one of the hottest DJ's in Philadelphia in the 60's and early 70's. And I'm sure none of you know that, had it not been for George Michael, I probably would not have taken the path in radio broadcasting that I have.
My interest in this business started at a young age (as is the case for most if us in radio). I had my own "radio station" in my room and did a "show" every day for no audience....it was just something I realy enjoyed. When I entered high school, this new radio station, WFIL, was emerging in Philadelphia (my home town) and I was attracted to one particular show that ran from 6 to 10pm every weeknight (including Sunday nights, by the way). The DJ's name was George Michael and I listened and learned. He talked about the music; the stories behind the music and he always managed to talk alot about the area high school sports scene. Being a football player, of course, that also piqued my interest. I wouldn't go a day without listening to the man.
But - it wasn't until I got into the business at a local Philly suburban station that Mr. Michael's influence really took hold for me. Truth be told, I switched to communications in my junior year of college because I had decided that I wanted to be a sports announcer. I managed to get a job at a local radio station, literally, 2 miles from my home. The station played old standards but I didn't care - my foot was in the door. It just so happened that the news director for that station also did some promotional work for WFIL on the side. He and I became fast friends and one night he took me to that radio station to see and meet the DJ who was - you guessed it - George Michael. I watched this man work. I watched the energy; the enthusiasm; the passion and I decided, at that point, that I wanted to be DJ in music radio. Sports would have to move to the sidelines, so to speak.
I, then, used the extra time I had at my radio station to go into a vacant studio and do a mock music show as often as possible using what I would hear on the George Michael show. While at this station, I, also, managed to talk the station's program director into increasing local high school sports coverage so I became the station's (self-appointed, mind you!) sports director. I would go to Friday night and Saturday afternoon games and file reports back to the station. It was at one of these games that I ran into George Michael on the sidelines and struck up a very short, but very constructive, conversation. In that short 5 minutes, Mr. Michael took the time to tell me what I would need to do to, someday, be in his position. This was a man who was considered a god by our age group at he time and he took that little bit of time to offer advice to a rookie.
I will tell you that, what you hear from me on the radio today, is a direct result of what I learned from this man - from that day on the sidelines and the many nights I listened and studied his style. If there was any one man who happened to be a direct influence on who I am in this business today, it would have to be George Michael - "King" George as we knew him.
George, you hardly knew me, if at all, but I thank you for showing me the way in this business. Thank you for being my "King" of radio.

ENJOY THE TIME WITH THOSE YOU LOVE

It's not often enough that you get to enjoy the company of family and close friends. Take the time and spend the time this Christmas season. Forget about your reports. Forget about your ratings. Forget about it all and just enjoy.
Best way I know how is to experience the excitement of an 11-year old on Christmas Eve. The anticipation of Santa; the preparations for his arrival; the details of the night. After that, I'll spend some time with the people who helped shape my value system - Dad, brother and sister. Lots of food, laughing and memories. It won't get any better than that for me!
It is my wish that you get to experience the same and even more through the holiday week. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

'Tis the Season

Great time of year, of course. It's also a great time of year for country music. Lots of good music is available for gift giving (or receiving). So, I thought I'd give you my recommendations for either giving or receiving.
There are the usual biggies from Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift (especially the deluxe edition with DVD), Brad Paisley, Reba and Tim McGraw. Take a good listen to Jason Aldean's "Wide Open". You won't be disappointed. Miranda Lambert's "Revolution" is another good one. If you like Southern Rock with a sprinkling of Jimmy Buffet, there's the Zac Brown Band's The Foundation". Jamey Johnson' "That Lonesome Song" should not be ignored and the same applies to Luke Bryan's "Doin' My Thing". Darius Rucker's "Learn to Live" CD is loaded with hits and, if you'd like a real treat, take a listen to Eric Church's "Carolina". Really good! Justin Moore ("Smalltown USA" and "Backwoods") mixes Skynyrd and Hank and comes up with a interesting sound and Jake Owen's "Easy Does It" is one of the most underrated CD's of the year.
Lots to choose from so make someone happy (or yourself), musically, this holiday season! Hope Santa is good to you!

ARE THEY FRIENDS....REALLY????

Okay....someone calls you their friend......and, when they need something from you, or some help, they remind you of all the times they have helped you or been on your side. Is that really a friend?
A TRUE friend is there for you no matter what. It has nothing to do with anyone needing something. A friend is there to pick you up when you're down; to give you assistance when you could use a helping hand; to be there to celebrate your victories with you. There are no alterior motives. No needs on this friend's part. It's a simple bond of mutual love and respect that brings you together. There are no stipulations, rules, regulations or guidelines. It's unconditional and honest.
So....if that person who always expects something in return, calls you his/her friend, maybe, just maybe, they are only an acquaintance or "business associate" and nothing more. Think about it.

IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH HAVING AN OPINION?

Just need to get something off my chest this morning. I happen to work with some opinionated folks. For those who listen to 97.3 The Eagle, you know that one of them is Jimmy Ray on the Eagle morning show. Very opinionated, yes......nasty? No! He's all about hearing the other side. He may disagree with you but he encorages discussion from you. It has become hard for me to understand the venom that comes from some folks who disagree with him or anyone else with an opposing opinion.
Mark McKay, our Eagle afternoon personality, usually keeps his opinions and personal thoughts to himself. One day, on the air, he mentioned that he was keeping an eye on the Ft. Hood tragedy with MSNBC. Don't you know someone called him and berated him for watching that "liberal" channel and said they would never listen to him again! Amazing!!!!
Since when have opinions and various media preferences been off limits? Last I checked, we lived in one of the few free countries in the world where you can say what you want, when you want, how you want. We all support our troops who are deployed to protect us but do we realize what they are protecting? Of course, our basic right to be free. Without that, we lose everything for which we live. So, the next time you hear an opinion that you disagree with, by all means, disagree but respect that person's right to disagree with you and express his or her opinion. If we have no respect for our fellow Americans, we might as well be a Third World country.

THE CMA AWARDS SHOW;POST-AWARDS PARTIES AND THE RETURN HOME

I don't know if you had a chance to watch Wednesday night's CMA Awards show but I thought it's the best I've seen. It, honestly, didn't seem like a 3-hour show. It moved along very well. Best performance? Carrie Underwood with Lady Antebellum a close second. Worst? I'm afraid to say Taylor Swift's opening number. That was just a tad weird. As far as the awards, we had predicted on our broadcast that Lady A would beat Rascal Flatts for vocal group. I was surprised by their win for "I Run To You". Wasn't surprised by Taylor winning Entertainer of the Year but her female vocalist award was a big shocker to me. I thought Carrie Underwood had a stronghold on that one. I picked Darius Rucker to win the new artist award. 3 #1's will do that for you.
After the show, we hit the Capitol party and ran into Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Emily West and, of course, the big stars - Keith Urban (with wife Nicole Kidman), Charles, Hillary and Dave from Lady A and Darius who was most gracious to the Eagle as where the folks from Lady A. At the Big Machine party Reba and Taylor were hanging out when we got there. Taylor's eye caught me and she came over to give me a huge hug and thank the Eagle for being in her corner since day one. She is now bona-fide star and you wouldn't know it. One of the most well-grounded teens I have ever met.
Now for the trip home......of course, we watched from afar, what the Weather Channel called the "Atlantic Assault". I had no idea when, or if, we would get home. We left Nashville Thursday morning in bright sunshine and arrived in the rain in Baltimore. Our flight to Norfolk?....they tried twice.....up.....no good...and then back to Baltimore....we land...we wait...we take off again.....try to land in Norfolk again.....no good....then back to Baltimore. 4 hours in the air in part of what felt like a bad amusement park ride. Pretty scary in spots. So, we spent the night in Baltimore finally got in here this morning. The drive home was surreal. Looked like Isabel all over again. It was good to be home but , in just a few days, we'll really find out how bad this 3-day "assault" was. I do hope you are safe and dry.

Day 2 at the CMA Awards in Nashville

Well, things were fast and furious a the live broadcast. Taylor Swift came by in early in the day. She was supposed to be on vocal rest but she wanted to talk to her "radio family" as she told us. She's still the same Taylor, recognizing us by name right away and she's still somewhat that innocent, yet savvy, teen we had in our conference room 3 years ago almost to the day.
The other big highlight of the day was having the chance to talk with Reba McEntire. With all of the accolades, awards and years in this business, she still took the time to talk with us and was as gracious and friendly as ever.
We did find out from the Zac Brown Band that they won't be playing any of their hits for their show performance but they will be play a concert crowd favorite - The Devil Went Down To Georgia. If you've ever seen them perform this, you know how good this is.
The day was capped off by a special, private acoustic performance by, now, red-headed, Kellie Pickler. Just as scattered and funny as ever but you can hear the improvement in her voice. She did an outstanding version of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man". After that, a few of us had the opportunity to have dinner with Kellie. Believe me, what you see on camera is what you get off camera. Funny, thoughtful, scattered and very friendly. She told us that she still isn't sure if she likes her new hair color. Interesting side note - the outfit she had on had a rhinestone barcode on the backside. Interesting to say the least.
Tonight is awards' night and the parties afterward. I'll be sure to fill you in right here.

Day One at the CMA Awards Week

What a first day! Check out all the videos on the Eagle web site (www.eagle97.com) and the interviews plus we've got some pictures we are putting up today and I'll post some on our Facebook page.
Got to see a bunch of people yesterday but the biggest and best of the day was literally "hanging" with Martina McBride and her husband at a local neighborhood pub watching the football game. There were only about 8 of us so I felt extremely honored to be there. What a great lady!! And her husband, John, is a funny guy and also one of the best sound men in the country. Martina told us that she was going to do a special tribute to a legend on the CMA Awards and that she sings it with a surprise guest.
She also mentioned that, with the tour with Trace Adkins, the show will feature her flying....over the crowd.....and she'll be here in mid-Spring so there's something to look forward to. She is a class act, totally!
Today, lots of big artists dropping by (check for the videos and interviews) and tonight we have a couple of neat places to go and I'll fill you in on those tomorrow.

IN NASHVILLE FOR CMA AWARDS WEEK

Arrived here in Nashville yesterday (Sunday) for CMA Awards week. We are here for the Mark McKay live broadcast (3-7pm) today through Wednesday at Awards Headquarters. Lots of artists scheduled to come by today including Justin Moore, Love and Theft, Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan and lots more, of course. I'll be there with camera AND Flip Video camera in hand so we hope to bring as much of this back to you as quickly as possible on our Facebook page and our web site (www.eagle97.com). I'll also be at some of the parties, showcases and events throughout the week PLUS I'll be filling you in on who we saw where and with whom. Tis video camera may come in very handy...:)
Last night, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood showed up at our orientation meeting for the broadcast. We were there to find out tha Brad's "Welcome to the Future" was knocked out of the #1 spot by Carrie's "Cowboy Casanova". Also found out that Carrie thinks she'll have NINE costum changes before, during and after the awards. Brad planned on wearing the same thing all night, of course.
Shoul be a fun week. Hopefully, we'll be able to get you closer than you have been in the past.

They Grow Up Too Fast So Take Advantage Of Your Time With Them

Each year, our little one's school has a special event for fathers called "Doughnuts for Dads". No, our children do not swap us for a dozen of their favorite doughnuts. What does happen is a nice little event to honor fathers and their children. In the 4 years, I've been with this little one, I've been to each one. Wouldn't miss it for the world because it means so much to her. My wife, especially, remembers when there was no Dad for her and the little one would be at this event by herself, I'm sure, wishing the day would go by fast. Today, as I left the event, I realized that this would be our last "Dads for Doughnuts", Next year - it's middle school and those things just don't happen there. I think of the country song by Darius Rucker "It Won't Be Like This For Long". That was what I was thinking at the first "Dads" event but for the wrong reasons. As each year passed, though, I began to regret that there was so few of these left. And here I was at the last one, today. Another sign that this little girl of mine is growing up. Another sign that her priorities will be changing. BUT - I am glad that I have been a part of this segment of her life.
As some of you know, I have a grown daughter - a wonderful young lady with the best husband a woman can have and three great children. I missed way too much of my first "little girls" life. I was an upwardly mobile professional and what happened at work determined my time and most of my life. I wish I would have heard that Darius Rucker song back then because I still remember my feeling when I walked her down the aisle on her wedding day. I wasn't there as much as I should have been....as much as I could've been and I wished I had been!
Take my advice, I am one of the few who received a "do over". Good chance you may not. Take advantage of your time with them. Use it....be there for them. It won't be like this for long!

WHY DON'T PEOPLE LIKE TO REALLY COMMUNICATE

I've ALWAYS been the communicative type. I'll strike up a conversation with anyone. Imagine the problems my parents had when I was a child. I would talk to anyone and , I mean, anyone (except for a girl, of course). Anyhow.....I guess this is why I can't understand those who don't (or won't)communicate or, if they do, they do it with their own double talk that makes you wish they wouldn't ever "communicate" again. Now if I send a text or an e-mail...oh, then the communication just flows. Whatever happened to looking a person in the eye and telling them just how you feel? Heck, I'm even guilty of it right now with this blog. The written word has now surpassed the spoken word as the most commn form of "communication". No wonder we don't know how to get along. We stopped trying and are hiding behind keyboards - both large and small.
I was at a conference this weekend that prohibited the use of cell phones, Blackberry's, etc. Any violation and you would be removed from the event. I have to tell you that it was a welcome change (my wife called it my 12-step program to stop smart phone use). I found myself talking more and I noticed folks listening more in this group. Since they weren't buried in their IPhones or Blackberry's (as most people I know are when anyone is talking to them), they were free to really communicate and that they did. I got to know these folks better than I know most of my co-workers - in TWO DAYS TIME! Let me challenge you to do this same excercise and see how it affects your relationships. I'll bet they get better! Let me know if you try.

WHAT'S YOUR "BRASS RING"?

I will tell you (and some of you do know this, I'm sure) that, as the years pass, priorities change - sometimes, drastically. In my earlier years in my profession, I was always the guy who opted for the "brass ring"; always looking for that possible move up or expansion of responsibilities. If I didn't achieve it at my current place of employment, I would look for another venue that could help me reach my goals.
My, how times have changed!!!! I've had those "opportunities" for that "brass ring" again but, now, it just doesn't look as shiny to me as in the past. My new "brass ring" is something I know will last until I'm long gone from this earth. Inside this "ring" are my family, friends and he best of group of co-workers anyone could imagine. Give me a night around the dinner table hearing the world according to a 10-year old over any front row seats, backstage passes, sideline views, etc. Give me that greeting you get from your wife and child when they see you after a long day. Give me a weekend with the little ones who know you just as "Papa". Give me a night of fun and frivolity with special friends. Give me that special few hours you can spend with an aging parent and just listen. That, my friends, I have realized is the "brass ring" I've been searching for my whole life. What's your "brass ring"?

WHERE HAVE THE "LEGENDS" GONE?

Most who know me know that I am a DIEHARD Philadelphia Phillies fan. I mean, I like the Red Sox....I like the Texas Rangers (lived in both cities for a time) BUT I'm Philly born and bred - through and through. I grew up with this team....watching them blow a pennant in the 60's; win a World Series in '80 and then, of course, what they did last year. Needless to say, I was very excited to see that they are back in the playoffs after clinching the National League East last night. What I didn't see until this morning was what they did after they won the game. This group of highly paid pro athletes went out on to the field and celebrated with their fans like a bunch of Little Leaguers who won for the first time. There was one act, during all of this, that got my attention and I'm sure had you seen it (maybe you have), would have gotten yours. The entire team went out to a certain area of their stadium's outfield wall where a poster memorial to their long-time broadcaster, Harry Kalas (who passed away on the job earlier in the season), was located. With champagne (and numerous other beverages) in hand, they showered the board, pounded on it, pointed to it and then toasted it. This was someone from the dreaded "media" that these players were honoring. This particular action made me wonder where those "legends" are these days in our business. Now we have hundreds of sportscasters, air personalities and disc jockies who do their best to be cool and creative but lack that "legendary" quality - that quality that creates an unbreakable bond with the entire audience including players, artists, listeners and viewers.
These legends had a distinct personality. Think about them - in sports with Mr. Kalas, there was Mel Allen, Ernie Harwell, Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell, just to name a few. On the radio, I'm sure you have someone you remember as a close friend even though you never met him or her. Today we have Ryan Seacrest!!! Compare Dick Clark to Mr. Seacrest and there is no comparison.
So where am I going with this? I blame me...I blame my peers in this business. We have gotten away from really developing the next "legends". We have "developed" a generation of fast-talking, cliche-ridden personalities and I use that term loosely. We've forgotten that "live and local" means something, especially to those who listen! We've gotten lost in pages of research but haven't read between the lines of that research. Think about what happened last night. A broadcaster had such a bond with his audience that even the players on whom he reported, felt enough of a bond to honor him in their time of celebration. That's what legends are made of.
I got into this business because I enjoy all forms of ENTERTAINMENT! Let's remember that it is just that - entertainment. It's time for us, who remember, to TEACH entertainment. Before it's too late, let's make sure there IS a next generation of legends.

Since When Is Age a Problem?

Yesterday I happened across an article in of our industry trade magazines from a well-know industry researcher who said that we need younger people in our business and need tom move out the "old guard", so to speak. Of course, being a part of the supposed "old guard", this article got my attention. First thing I thought (a colleague of mine recognized this, too) was that I wonder if someone, in any other business, had mentioned this, there would be lawsuits flying all over the place.
After I got past that, I began to think of my younger days and how I was told I didn't have enough experience; that I was too young to be in a responsible position in the industry. "Get more experience!" - that was the mantra.
Well, I have plenty of it these days and now there is someone out there saying that I have too much and that I can't relate to anyone under 30. Maybe this is a case of "what goes around, comes around", since it was our generation that told everyone not to trust anyone over 30. In reality, I think it's an excuse. Fresh ideas come from all ages not just anyone UNDER 30. The excuse is being made for those large, highly-leverage companies who, in some ways, have homogenized our industry.....and not all of these folks are from my generation - as a matter of fact, a good percentage of them of are from the generation after me. They have been too careful, too calculating and too conservative with a medium that has thrived on creativity.
So, instead of calling for a youth movement, how about a CREATIVE movement? Let's be entertainers, not bean counters. That takes creativity and fresh ideas and has NOTHING to do with age.

CAN WE NOW GO BACK TO JUST WATCHING THE GAME?

It is fairly well-known that I am a native Philadelphian AND that I am a strong supporter of the city's sports teams (along with Tastykakes and REAL cheesteaks, of course - but you can HAVE scrapple!). So - I was excited about the fact the pro football Eagles were on TV this past Sunday (no - I don't have the subscription for 8,000 games a week on my TV!). Lost on me was the fact that this would be Michael Vick's first game back after 2 years. I really wouldn't have known.....ya think? Wow...the hype about that was unreal before, during AND after the game. The Eagles won big and the guy was in for just 11 plays - none of which were even close to highlight reel material but, nevertheless, I saw every play over and over and over again. AND - the only player interview we get to see? Of course! Will Dante Stallworth get this same attention when he comes back next season? I bet some of you don't even know who he is. (Google him and you'll be educated!)
I have nothing against Michael Vick at this point. The man did his time....is doing his part to reform and now is trying to get back into his chosen profession. Can't fault him for that. It just makes me crazy how my media brethren make some things bigger than they really are. There were some real stars in that game (especially backup Quatreback Kevin Kolb) and they were pretty much neglected. I look forward to the day that a game is reported as just that - a game. Who won...who lost and who were the stars. Maybe that'll happen when Dante Stallworth returns.

A LITTLE JOURNEY BACK WITH A DASH OF ADRENALINE

Had the opportunity this past week and weekend to head up to Central Pennsylvania for some business and pleasure. The business part brought me back to my roots in this business - a small community and an even smaller staff. All those folks on that staff just really enjoyed each other and what they had to do at their radio stations. You can just see it AND feel it.
The "pleasure" part REALLY tugged at my memory banks. I had the fortune of being offered to join some folks to see my Alma mater (Penn State) play Saturday against Syracuse on the campus I hadn't seen since 1988 (and only one other time since I had graduated a while back from that). The seats, by the way, would be in the press box!!! What a vantage point! Seeing the stadium; the fans/students coming into the game and then the band getting things started reminded of my younger days there. At one point, when the players hit the filed and the band played the fight song, it really got to me. Very glad that I could experience this because who know if I every would again.
The came the very BEST part of the trip when someone tapped me on my shoulder and asked if I would mind seeing the game from the sidelines in the 3rd quarter? I don't think I have moved that fast since high school. What a rush that was! (Check some of the shots on my Facebook page). I'm in the largest college football stadium in the country (108,000-plus capacity) and I'm ON the field!!!! Hearing the crowd exhort the team during a particular goal line stand right in front of me was amazing AND awesome. I can now understand how this affects players. It is SO different when you are on the field - so much louder. I was ready to suit up!!!
On the ride home, I thought about all that I had experience and I thought about the folks who wouldn't ever get the opportunity which, of course, made me feel even more fortunate. Enjoy those special moments. Savor them...and be thankful you have them!

WHICH DOOR WILL YOU OPEN?

I've been reading a book by a man named John C. Maxwell called "Talent Is Never Enough" recommended, actually, by the Pastor at the church I attend. Excellent reading and I see examples of it every day - in my life and in other's lives. Yesterday, I witnessed a gentleman talking about two "doors" he faces two open every day. Going through door #1 makes him feel very comfortable. No surprises. Everything runs as he expects it. He feels very much in control. BUT - then there's door #2. Going through this door, he has no idea what is in store. It could be the best thing that ever happened to him or the worst. He's never sure what to expect. Is there danger? Is there a reward? He never knows.
After hearing this and, after getting through half of this book, I see where a good portion of us have a tendency to gravitate to door #1. Things just roll along effortlessly. Door #2 contains intrigue, adventure, surprise. All of it. We are afraid of change and wary of unknown challenges. We try to make it on what we are known for (our talents) more often than not. Now - think of this! Door #1 holds no surprises and no distinct rewards. You already have what you need and you get no more. Door #2 holds some of the biggest rewards you'll ever receive but you'll have an adventurous, sometimes dangerous, road to get to them. Which door will you open?

KEPP THE LITTLE LEAGUES LITTLE!!!!

With my two ladies of the house out for a while early last night, I decided to get my ESPN "Sportscenter" fix and sit back and relax and get caught up and on the sports news of the day. When I tuned into ESPN, they were in the middle of another Little League baseball tournament game. I figured I'd watch a little of that. The more I watched, the more disturbed I got. Here I was watching 10, 11 and 12-year old children....CHILDREN!!......being analyzed with respect to their hitting with runners on base (or lack thereof); there repertoire of pitches and their hitting statistics for the year and the tournament. I'll repeat - I was watching 10, 11 and 12-year old CHILDREN play baseball. Two of the plays in the game were referred by announcers as "ESPN highlight reels" plays. These are kids, guys!!! Why must we make adults out of these kids so early in their short athletic careers (for most of them!)? Two of the pitchers were throwing fastballs, curves, sliders and spilt-fingered fastballs. Heck, at that age, my friends and I threw two pitches..fast and slow. No wonder pitchers arms are shot early in most careers!!! This didn't look like the GAME I remembered. Now there are national sponsors and every tournament game is televised. Can we not let these kids have some fun playing the GAME of baseball. Yes, competition is good but what business does ESPN have of televising every tournament game. I remember when the final game of the Little League World Series was televised and that was it. Now, it rivals ESPN's Major League Baseball coverage. And you know what I noticed most? None of these kids ever smiled. This DIDN'T look at all like fun to them. It's already a business to these kids. The game? The game is for the adults - even these! I doubt if there is anything we can do to stop it but, maybe, just maybe, if enough of us let our kids start being kids every once in a while, we can see associations like the Little League become "little" again.

Does Anyone Know 5th Grade Math?

Our 10-year old enters the 5th grade as of tomorrow. Her school gives each student over-the-summer assignments in various subjects so that he/she can stay sharp and have an inkling as to what's ahead in the next grade level.
Our little one kept up with her assignments and, of course, we are the ones who need to check her work and sign to acknowledge that we have sen and that the work has been completed correctly.......well, maybe , not necessarily, CORRECTLY but, at least, the work has been completed - especially when it came to her math assignments this summer. Of course, mom defers to dad when it comes to math which shows how much "on her own" our child is. I don't remember 5th grade math being this complicated. (The again, I can say the same for some of 4TH GRADE MATH!). One problem with multiple questions dealing with "expressions" not "answers". I was lost. Fortunately, our new 5th grader was able to teach me so I guess I'll be learning a lot of 5th grade math this year. Good luck if you're in the same boat.

Let Me Tell You About Somebody I Know

In the course of our lives, some friends, and even family, come and go but there are some who have a lasting effect; they helped shape who you are today. Let me tell you about one of those people in my life. This person was there from my first days on this earth. As a child, he showed me how when it came to just about anything. I was not the most talented but he made sure I was the most prepared. God knows I wasn't that good of a shortstop but he took the time hit me thousands of ground balls. I wasn't that talented a football player but he was there showing me the finer points of the game -over and over until I understood. When bigger "kids" were a threat, he was there to ease it. Saturday matinee movies; taking the subway to a baseball game; playing with his friends in the park - he made sure I was there and a part of it. Believe me, when I messed up, he was the first one in my face making sure I wouldn't make the same mistake again. He was my safety net, my confidante, my mentor. I was the straight man for his limited comedic talents. He, reluctantly, would serve the straight role, occasionally, for my attempted foibles. And, if you ask, who was the person who really got me interested in this business? - well, he was the one. Music was a big part of his life thus it became a big part of mine. Radio was a big part of his (he always was listening to one - no matter what time of day)therefore my interest in radio grew. He instilled a confidence in me that nothing was impossible as long as you worked at it. He was a joy to "hang" with, especially, on those rainy days at home. His creativity on those days slowly wore off on me. I can count on one hand the bumps in our relationship. It has weathered lots of family (and marriage) storms.
As I've grown older, he has now become my best friend. The first person I will call with good or bad news. The first person I want to see when family gets together. This "somebody I know" is my big brother and he is celebrating a milestone birthday this weekend and I can't think of any better way to wish him the best, and many more, than with this note of eternal thanks. Thank YOU, Big Brother, and have a great birthday!
I know you have someone in your life who makes you feel this way. take the time this weekend to let them know how much you appreciate them. Thanks for letting me tell you about my life's "hero".

Let Me Be Honest With You

I love some of the phrases we have come up with in the English language. Think of "Let Me Be Honest With You". Does that mean you've been lying other than what's to come in the next statement. Other derivatives include "Let me perfectly honest with you" or just the simple "To be honest". Of course, there is also the "I'll give you my honest opinion". So, you were thinking of giving me an opinion that isn't the truth? I, also, love the phrase "this is a very difficult thing for me to do" when someone is about to give you bad news of some kind. What if they said "this is so easy for me, you wouldn't believe it"? How would you feel about that?
We put the words same and identical together ("It's the same, identical thing) which means we are talking the same same thing, actually!! How crazy is that?
I also like how we say we are "live" from a place when we are there in person. I'd hate to think of the alternative to that! Imagine someone just learning English reacts to this stuff. Must be interesting to witness.
Do you have any phrases/word combinations that strike you as these strike me? Let me know.

DOES A HUMAN BEING ONLY GET ONE CHANCE?

This morning I received an e-mail from a listener who mentioned that her boss decided to switch the station because he was promised a CD by us several months ago and we never came through. I was given no names, no dates, nothing. as a matter of fact, I remember no complaint being sent about something like this. I will tell you that one of the things I try to do EVERY day is make sure I can get to you and solve any problems, answer and complaints or questions or listen to any opinions you may have. We are all busy...doing more for less these days, of course, but there is always time to help someone or, at least, listen. We all try to be this way in our building. I guess we are missing the mark, in some respects, judging from this morning's decision by that one boss so all I can say now is that we are committed to making sure your experience with Eagle is a good and memorable one.

The Innocence of Youth, for sure.

My wife and I had the pleasure of working as volunteers at our church yesterday, during one of the services, watching over one the children's groups. We happened to be assigned the 2 and 3 year olds. Of course, I probably should have foregone my usual morning workout because I did get one during this 90 minutes. Above all, there is something easily noticeable about these little men and women. They were all about fun, games and smiling. No relationship issues to deal with. No worries about what they were wearing (more than half though their shoes/sandals were way too cumbersome!). They just enjoyed every minute and, used every minute they could to enjoy. Something for all of us "grown ups" to learn.

THE YEAR IS ALREADY HALF OVER

Has it hit you yet that we are already halfway through 2009????? Two-thousand-freakin' NINE!!! We're all so wrapped up that, when you stop and actually think about it, this year has zoomed by. With the holiday weekend upon us, use the time you have NOW to spend a little more of it with family and friends. The job will still be there Monday. And, you know what?...it'll be there whether you're there or not. You never know how long friends and family will be around. Just look at all the prominent folks who left this earth in the past two weeks alone. Here's to a happy safe 4th weekend for you AND your family and friends!

Hard Evidence For The Power Of Prayer

Some of you may know promo guy, Jim, form 97.3 The Eagle. He's the tall, thin gentleman with his signature backward baseball cap. Jim is one the most efficient, caring individuals with whom I have ever worked. He always was there to help listeners, clients, staff.....anyone who needed help at a concert, event, etc. On a personal level, every time (and I mean EVERY TIME!), Jim would come back from a trip with the Disney Kids to Orlando with a little gift for our little one. Never failed. Always put himself before everyone else.
Well, this past Thursday, Jim suffered a sudden heart attack a few hours after our in studio event with The Trailer Choir. The first 24 hours were very touch and go. Just about anyone who had some contact with Jim was being kept posted and everyone, to a person, said he would be in their prayers.
Well, Friday night, things began to turn positive and by Saturday afternoon, Jim was awake and doctors were extremely optimistic. I saw the power of prayer at its best. When everyone started praying for Jim, you could feel things change for him. What a feeling! So, if you ever had doubts in your own mind, let this serve as an example!

Day One at the CMA Music Fest

I'm here in Nashville with the Eagle morning show, Jimmy Ray and Jen, who are broadcasting live from the festivities. Lots of artists visited our area this morning. Jimmy Wayne mentioned that he and Dierks Bentley join Brad Paisley on stage for a special song during his concert. Julianne Hough is feeling LOTS better and is looking forward to the show with George Strait and Blake Shelton Friday night. Speaking of Blake, he told us how much he loves to come to Virginia Beach. Tonight, we had a chance to see Alan Jackson perform at the Cadillac Ranch in honor of his 20th year in the business and Jimmy Ray had the opportunity to interview him. LOTS of neat things.
On a personal level, although this is work, it isn't for me. It's always a huge thrill to see these artists and experience how real they actually are. I've only been a part of country music for 6 and a half years. Most of my career was in rock and Top 40 and, I have to tell you, some of those artists need to come to Music Fest to see how it should be done...and IS done for the country audience. There is nothing like it.

The 3-D Ripoff!

This past weekend, we went, with an excited little one, to see the new Pixar-animated film "Up". Heard lots of good things about it and, for the most part, the movie lived up to its advance reviews by our friends.
One thing I made sure that we avoided was the lure of the 3-D showing. It can really be awesome and exciting and EXPENSIVE! The last time I wasn't as aware and wound up laying out twice as much cash than the regular movie. TWICE AS MUCH!!!! And you know what? You don't even get to keep the 3-D glasses. Of course, why would you want to?
Anyhow, about the cost....not only do you play about $3-4 extra for the privilege of watching 3-D but there is also $3 service charge PER TICKET!!! Since that last outlay of big money,we thought it would be better to wait for the 3-D DVD.

Goodbye To An Old, OLD FRiend!

To some of you....actually, most of you, this may not mean anything but I just have to say something about an icon in our industry closing its doors today. Our top industry magazine, Radio & Records, announced that their last printed edition will be coming out Friday and their web presence will cease today - after 36 years of operation. This, to me, is like losing an old friend.....someone who was there, when you first got into the business, to help you get started; someone who was there to help you move in that upward direction you had hoped for; someone who let the industry know your name and your talent as often as possible and, mostly, someone who kept you informed, up-to-date and entertained. I learned more from various special articles in this publication than in any time NY Times business best-seller. The writers had a passion for the business and all facets of it. Their original publisher, Bob Wilson, was just a regular guy who wanted to help the industry grow and he did. Unfortunately, Corporate America took over the publication and things began to happen - less people , less articles, less conferences and conventions. A lot of good people are out of work today because of this announcement. I guess it's another sign that a "change has come to America". My heart goes out to all of the R&R alumni. A big thank you for helping me be what I am today.

Is a World Series of Spelling next????

Being an ex-Spelling bee champ(6th grade Metro DC - 3rd place), I always have an interest in the National Spelling Bee each year. But - here's my question: Since when has Spelling become a sport?
Not only does ESPN report the winner (with highlights, of course) on Sportscenter, but ABC treats the event as if the participants were some sort of athletes complete with the height and weight of each contestant (as if that would matter when it comes to spelling a word) and what their various hobbies and interests may be.
Don't get me wrong. It's neat to see these kids participating in something that is a little more meaningful than a Little League baseball game but why must we "athleticize" the affair?
I can see it now in future years. Spelling Bee Selection Night where contestants are "seeded" in various regions which then, of course, would spawn Regional Championships. Then we have our Final 4 kids and they hype could last for a week. Appearances on numerous TV shows. Analysts discussing which part of the English language would be the weakest or strongest for that contestant. What a financial bonanza!!!!!
Once again, we have taken the fun out what was, when I participated, a pretty neat, educational event. Bring on the World Series of Spelling. I can't wait!

NO MORE 'FINALE'S" - THANK GOD!!!

I noticed in checking my local TV listings, that the series/season finales are over for the year. Don't have to worry about the old DVR....or sticking around to watch a 2-hour event that could have been about 30 minutes. Our family may actually have something else to do like, maybe, take a walk or ride, watch a family movie...or better yet....read something. I'm not complaining.....I get just as hooked as some of you do on this stuff. I'm just glad it's over.

HAVE YOU MISSED THE RISING PRICE OF GAS

Okay, so there are reports that our economy may actually be making a positive turn. Did you notice that since that has been reported that the price of gasoline has risen almost 50 cents a gallon? No reports of a shortage of any kind. Only thing I've heard and read is the anticipation of summer driving has driven up the price. Give me a break!!! Does the price of cranberry sauce go up when we approach Thanksgiving? No.....does it cost more to buy hot dogs and hot dog buns on July 2nd?....Again, No!
What irks me most is that we sit and take it. No complaints. We just let the oil companies do it. Through all of these reports of downsizing and lost profits, have you seen an oil company as a part of that? I challenge you to name one for me because I can't.
I wish we could all just thumb our noses at them and stop using our vehicles altogether....but, we can't.....and they know it!!! Heck, when the price was $4.99 a gallon, we paid it. How does it feel to be a slave to the oil companies?

LET THE KIDS DO THEIR OWN THING!!

For the past two months, our 10-year old daughter has been agonizing over her MAJOR
4th grade project which entailed picking a specific deceased character from American history who, she thinks, made an impact historically and spiritually. Her selection was Helen Keller. Of course, we were impressed with the choice. She went on to do some web research, watched a version of The Miracle Worker, read a book about Helen Keller and did some library research, also. The project was to be in a presentation form as if the character were a wax figure at a museum and when someone would walk up the display, the character would come alive with a simple press of a button and deliver a one-minute soliloquy on his/her place in history. Parents and students alike were invited to this presentation. For our little one, our involvement in the project comprised of reading over her various "papers" associated with the project and purchasing a Helen Keller costume and Braille book as props. The rest we left up to her.
As my wife and I walked into the presentation, we were met with an unbelievable amount of "props" from each student. One actually had 10-foot paper mache nose to depict Mt. Rushmore. Another had a $2000 flat screen TV to show videos of the character. There were lots more. One of the teachers, jokingly, remarked to me that there should be two grades for this project - one for the students and one for the PARENTS. as I viewed each presentation, I found myself feeling bad for our little one because we didn't do enough for her. I began to wonder if we should have had a display or something else to help her but then I realized that this was HER project and HER grade and she was happy with what she presented. It conjured up memories of my days as a Little League baseball coach and how "involved" parents would get. I walked away feeling a lot better about our little one because I knew that was her work and no one else has any hand in it.
My point is that, if you are a parent, PLEASE guide your children but don't do the work for them. Give them a chance to experience failure so they can learn from it and experience their own success. It doesn't get any better than seeing the elation from a child who has failed and, then, succeeded. Maybe we'll all be better for it.

Something To Think About NOT Just Today

I am writing this on the designated National Day of Prayer and playing on 97.3 The Eagle right now is Trace Adkins new song "All I Ask For Anymore". This is a day DESIGNATED for all of us to pray and I'm listening to a song that lets us know what really matters every day of our lives. Trace sings about praying every night, not for his possible accomplishments but for his wife, his children, his friends......what really matters. After this past weekend visiting my grown daughter and her family, I was, for the first time in a long time, with my entire immediate family....my wife, two daughters, son-in-law and three grandchildren. It doesn't, and will never, get any better than that. Makes me realize that EVERY DAY should be a National Day of Prayer.....not just one day a year. Maybe, if we all prayed about what really matters every day....just maybe.....we can turn this whole thing around. I am a dreamer, you know....BUT, I'm also a believer. Lets give it a shot.

HAS OUR BUSINESS LOST ITS HEART?

Just yesterday, a big radio broadcast company eliminated 3% of their work force just like that. Over 500 people. Counting the 1800-plus they dropped back in January, it adds up to a total of 12%!!!! I have alot of friends in that group who were doing their job and doing it quite well but just became a number on someone's "books" that needed to be erased. Now, even more than ever, we have national DJ's on local stations. One of the legendary Top 40 stations, just north of here, now has only ONE, LOCAL, LIVE personality on the air. The message being sent to aspiring jocks is "stay away, we don't need you". So, what happens to the talent of the future? And what is happening NOW to radio? I am proud to say that we, here at Max media, have more live and local personalities than any other group in this and a bunch of other markets. I'm not selling our company at all. I am saying how sad it is when we have to brag about something like that. Your thoughts?

A DAY FOR PERSPECTIVE

Occasionally, as with anyone, I get all caught up in the minutiae of my life. Lots of thoughts about work, of course. This past Saturday, I had the privilege of being involved with something that gave me a fresh perspective - something that God has His way of giving me, periodically.
I was there, with 97.3 The Eagle, at Pier 14 at the Norfolk Naval Station, with 10,000 other folks, to greet the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group coming home after a seven and a half month deployment. I saw parents, wives with their children in tow, excited girlfriends, etc. When the actually carrier pulled in, the Eagle was playing, very loud and proud, Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA". That scene, with the sailors manning the rails, was amazing. What came after that, though, is there the perspective showed up.
As the sailors left the carrier, I saw hundreds of them racing to the arms of loved ones but 3 scenes especially struck me. I watched a Chief Petty Officer greet his family - his wife and toddler daughter and, for the first time, he got to see and hold his new baby who arrived while he was deployed. The smile...the pride..was something I'll always remember.
The second scene was seeing a sailor rush into young lady's arms with family surrounding them and then seeing him drop to his knees and propose marriage there on the spot. The elation from everyone involved after that was priceless!
The final scene was the one that struck my heart the most. As we were packing up the Eagle Big Blue Truck, a female sailor, alone, with her bags came by to ask us if there a cab company near by and that this was her first time in Virginia. We called the company for her and arranged for a cab to pick her up. After she thanked us and walked away, we couldn't stop talking and thinking about this young lady. As we began our drive off of the base, we saw the young sailor standing waiting for the cab looking so lost so we decided to give her the ride she needed. We found out that she went from basic training right to the carrier and had never been outside of her native Texas prior to this. She was going to rent a car and "hang out" in a mall until her friend, whom she was to meet a day later, would contact her. Turns out that she was going to spend the night herself somewhere at a hotel in Virginia Beach. She was a little afraid but alot excited. Couldn't have been a day over 20. She really wanted to explore the area on her own. We, of course, made sure that she had our contact numbers just in case she needed anything.
I can't stop thinking about this young lady. Hoping that she's okay and that she was able to stay where she wanted and do some of the things she talked about. She had no friends...the only people she knew outside of her unit, was our group. The whole thing made me realize, once again, the importance of relationships, friends and family. When we have our final meeting with God, he will never ask how many hours we spent on the job.....he will ask how many lives we may have touched. So, today, work doesn't seem as crucial as it did yesterday. It's a livelihood, yes, but it's something I know I won't take with me.

Change Is Definitely Here

The times they are a changin'. Bob Dylan sang it way back in the 60's but it might as well apply today. I'm not talking about the "change" promised by our new President. We won't know if that even will happen for another two or three years. I'm talking about how our lives are changing right now and I think for the better. With less money in our pockets (and less jobs for some of us), we are finding alternate means of entertainment and recreation and it's getting us closer to our loved ones - family and friends. I also notice that people seem to have a genuine concern about each other's well-being. I've seen more generosity over the past 6 months than I had witnessed in the 6 years before that. We're all going through this patch of roughness together so everyone can empathize. Let's not EVER forget this period in our lives for that reason alone!

MY TEN-YEAR OLD TECHNOLOGICAL GENIUS

I'm in the radio broadcasting business which means I have access to, and use, a number of technical "items" every day from operating a control board to using digital editing equipment. You would think I would be strong on the technical side BUT, when it comes to the home TV system, my little 10-year old daughter rules the roost, for sure. Her latest technological find is something I had no idea we had. She showed me last night how I can go right to a specific channel on my digital cable and get weather for Virginia Beach and any fairly large city in our country. Then, she showed how I can see all the news channels at once and all the sports channels at once!!! A veritable plethora of information at my fingertips and I had no idea it was there. NOTE: we have had this cable setup for close to 3 years....she was the one who showed me how to use the DVR. Again, I had no idea. Is it me or are we learning more from the young ones these days than our parents learned from us?

What Was That Loud Boom?

It was about 9:45PM EDT last night (Sunday March 30th). Suddently, my wife and I were startled by a loud boom/explosion that, literally, shook the house. I looked around and saw no damage. I heard no sirens so I thought it must have been something at one of the bases or just alot of wind. Then I came in here this morning and Jimmy Ray and Jen are talking about it - wondering what it was. Supposedly, the National Weather Service is checking into it. There were reports of sightings of a flash, then a fireball and THEN, a few minutes later, the boom/explosion sound. That tells me, whatever it was, that it was fairly distant from us. Regardless, THAT was rather unnerving. Are there aliens among us? What do you think?

If You Get The Flu, Listen to the Right people

After being bed-ridden for the first time in over 8 years with what our doctor called "Influenza B" over the weekend, I would suggest you follow whatever program your doctor says. Don't deviate. First of all, knowing that there is an actual WORSE flu called Influenza "A" is scary enough. How do I know all of this? Well, I thought I was out of the woods after a day's rest. Got hungry and sent someone to get me some of those great onion rings from a local fast food institution. BIG mistake. Need I go further. I was told to follow a strict bland diet (known as the "BRAT" diet - Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). I learned the hard way. Don't you.......Never did a slice of dry toast taste so good after that!
Here's to the beginning of Spring and the end of flu season!

NOW I'M INTERESTED IN BASKETBALL

Suddenly, this past weekend, I got VERY interested in college basketball. How can you not be? And this year may be the most competitive in a long time. How many bracket contests are you in? I'm now in 4. Of course, I study the teams....see who may have the best matchups, etc. My wife also gets involved. Her method? Color and location. She favors blue and red and any team in the Southeast. Last year she picked Davidson to make it to the Final 4 and, you know what?....she almost won a bracket contest because of that pick alone when they almost made it there. So, does all the studying matter? Not really. It IS fun for me. For my wife, it's all about how you look and where you live. Go figure!

ONLY THE COMMON FOLK SACRIFICE?

I can say now that I have LOTS of friends out of work and alot more who have endured one or more pay cuts already at their current job. None of them work in Congress or none of them is a professional athlete.
Who made up these rules? A defensive lineman is signed for the highest amount of any player, edver.....in this economy, no less. I'm sure we'll see that reflected in the ticket prices. Congress votes to NOT give themselves a raise until 2011.....but no cut....no travel cutbacks, etc. How nice!!! The two groups that should be leading the way as examples for cutting back are shining examples as to why our economy is in its current predicament.

FAREWELL GOOD FRIEND

I had known the man 9 years. I didn't meet him face-to-face until last year but he's been a close work associate for that 9 year period. Whatever I asked him to do, he would do and always in record time - of course, done exactly the way I had wanted. He was as much a part of the staff of 97.3 The Eagle as Jimmy Ray or Jen. You never heard his name but you heard him more than Jimmy Ray, Karen West, Mark McKay or Stephanie Taylor. You just knew him as the Eagle "Big Voice Guy". His name- Brian James. Last Friday morning, Brian suffered a massive heart attack at the young age of 48 and passed away, just a day after he and I had a little Facebook exchange. He leaves behind a wife, a son and a stepdaughter - and thousands - and I do mean thousands - of radio friends. Brian, we will miss that booming voice but, most of all, your friendship. You treated us all like family. You will always be the best!

Bonding With My Daughter

Dad's have some interesting times with children, especially daughters. My grown daughter and I found lots of ways to "bond" through the years - music being the primary source, although she is somewhat a political junkie these days, too. So here I am, doing it over again with my current 10-year old daughter, who is as "girly" and pink as one can get. Plus she has virtually no interest in sports. But - we found a way to bond at this early age and it's on TV. No, not Hannah Montana....no, not Sponge Bob......would you believe two shows on Discovery? Destroyed In Seconds and Road Rampage!!! For some reason, we are both mesmerized by all of these crashes and destruction. We spend hours together watching and enjoying. Makes her mother feel so proud....:)....I am confident, though, that the UFC is not the next step.

The Shomby Economic Stimulus Plan

There are billions, upon billions, of dollars on the table for the government's economic stimulus plan. Are you sure, EXACTLY, how it's helping you? The goal is to create jobs and give us enough spending income so that we have the confidence to buy those goods and services we haven't been lately. Are you sure, EXACTLY, that this current plan achieves that? If you can answer a resounding YES than I need you to explain it to me.
Otherwise, I have a thought, or better yet, my own thought for a stimulus plan. How about, first of all, everyone in Congress gets a work a week without pay. They serve us yet we are the ones doing most of the suffering. They need to feel it. That should save a few billion dollars, don't you think? Now, I think the rest of the money should go to two places - employers and US! Distribute $400 billion to any and all SMALL business owners in the country. Make them qualify, as if they were qualifying for a loan, but they wouldn't have to pay it back. Then get the rest of the money and distribute it among the population. Depending on your income, depends on what you get. The more you make, the less you get and vice versa. If you're not working and just getting unemployment, you get the highest amount. Again , the application is used here also. Have Warren Buffet oversee the distribution - not someone in Congress. We need someone who knows business and has done it well - not a politician.
The distribution is tax-free BUT normal taxes with jobs, purchasing, gains, etc., would apply after. Imagine all that money being put right back into the system. It's possible, that we may pay back alot of what was distributed. Maybe I'm being way too idealistic but I think it's worth a shot, don't you?

Here I Go Again

Now that all the conversation about the Super Bowl is pretty much over, it's now back to how bad things are and how nad they are going to get. I do understand the severity of the situation. I do know that alot of our jobs hang in the balance. Of all that, what can we control. Can we control the direction of the entire economy? Of course, not. We can only have an affect on what we do and only what we do. So why not approach it with a feeling of anticipation? These are uncharted waters for lots of us so let's treat it like an adventure - an adventure, of course, that will be a definite rollercoaster ride. Along the way, let's help whoever we can.Those who have less whan we do, give them more. Those need a break, give them one. Along the way, let's ask for help FROM whoever we can. Put aside pride. Most of all, get as involved in this as you can. Be a part of the solution. That's what you can control. Here's to the future!

THANKS!!!

I can't tell you how thankful I am for your generosity for the Eagle/St. Jude Country Cares Radiothon. The economy is in the tubes but yet you still found the time and the money to help the kids at St. Jude. What a great way to start a weekend and a year, for that matter. I will bet that, when I go back to visit the hospital in Memphis next year, I will see some new piece of equipment or protocol or addition in a building that was, most probably, due to you becoming an Eagle/St. Jude Partner in Hope. Thank you again!

The Best Two days Of The Year

And so we begin the Eagle's annual (#18 to be exact)St. Jude/Country Cares radiothon. Every year, you come through for the kids of St. Jude and I know this year will be no exception. After visiting the hospital again a few weeks ago, I am even more determined to get that survival rate up above 96%. Let's get it to 100%!!! The one child I described in my last blog is still etched in my mind. I want to help him and others like him and prevent others from getting to be like him. That little fellow is my inspiration this year plus my little, HEALTHY ten-year old daughter and my three VERY healthy grandchildren. Join me, please, in becoming an Eagle/St.Jude Partner in Hope. 1-888-270-HOPE. Thank you again for your help!

Hug Your Child EVERYDAY

I am here in Memphis, Tennessee for the annual Country Cares, St. Jude Radiothon Seminar. Every year I come to see what new things have been developed at the hospital and, of course, to exchange radiothon ideas with other radio folk. The first day of the seminar always includes a tour of the hospital facilities. This year was no exception. Also, no exception, was the fact that, once again, as I walked through the main hospital, I saw child after child, family after family, with the look of hope. Every year, without exception, one child always strikes my heart harder than any other. This year it was a boy, I would say about 9 or 10, whom I noticed coming into the hospital lobby in crutches. He had the shaved head from radiation and/or chemotherapy. He was on crutches because it appeared the bottom portion of his right leg had been amputated. His parents were right behind him with that look of hope on their face. His eyes met mine just for about 2 or 3 seconds, when he walked by, but long enough for me to notice his look. From that look, I could see that he wanted help...he wanted some assurance tha he would be okay. I could tell that this amputation was fairly recent. Who knows what caused it or what is wrong with him (confidentiality keeps us from asking and the hospital from telling). All I know is that little fellow is confused about his future which strengthened my resolve, more than ever, to ask for your help again this year during our St. Jude Country Cares Radiothon later this month. It also, once again, made me so thankful for two healthy daughters and three healthy, strong grandchildren. If I could hug my grown daughter and those 3 grandchildren right now, I would and would never let go. If I could hug my 10-year old daughter right now, I would and would never let go. I'm in Memphis right now and I plan to do that the minute I see all of them. Do me a favor...if your children are near you right now, just give them a hug for me and thank God for their health and happiness every day.

A Lesson in Salesmanship

I bet you thought this blog would be about my Philadelphia Eagles beating the New York Giants. Well, even though I am ecstatic about that, I have to share something you concerning my always-surprising 10-year old. Last Saturday was the first official day she was permitted to sell Girl Scout Cookies. So, she got her mother going at around 9am and was ready to hit the neighborhood and go door-to-door. No nervousness, no qualms....and a goal, that she set, of 100 boxes sold by the end of the day. Now, understand that she only knows, maybe 5 or 6 of the neighbors in this very large neighborhood. After the first hour, she hadn't done much and was a bit disappointed but pressed on. (Through all of this, she would not let her mother approach any door. Mom had to stay at the end of each driveaway or sidewalk. She was doing the "cold calling" all by herself.) The two of them came back to eat lunch a little after noon and then went out again for another two and a half hours. After it was all said and done, she had sold 101 boxes. 101 BOXES!!! Two people, who had turned her down earlier in the day, actually went out looking for her (and found her) because they were so impressed by her politeness and knowledge of the products. Think about that - 101 boxes in 5 hours. I'm not just being a proud father. This little one showed me that we each should always set higher expectations for our own accomplishments. She did and SHE DID!
Should be a lesson to all of us.

Let's Look Forward

Every day now, I hear from more than several folks how bad it is "out there". I think we all know how bad this economy is these days without being reminded on a daily basis. What I'd like all of us to do is look forward. That's right - LOOK FORWARD!!!! Some of us are not working...some of us are. If you're not working, look at it as an opportunity to find a change of scenery or a different skill. If you are working, go in each day eager to make it all work and rip up any personal agenda you may have.
We all are holding on to our money a bit more. Not going out as much...not spending as much. The opportunity? More family time at home. More time with friends just talking in a living room or on a patio, etc. More time getting to know who we are!
I really believe this is the beginning of something extraordinary in our society and it won't happen until we actually believe it will. So - let's believe....let's LOOK FORWARD. You with me?

Ringing In The New Year

We usually stay in (or very close) for New Year's Eve and this year was no exception. Went to a neighbor's house to enjoy some good food, conversation and another year of Dick Clark's Rockin New Years' Eve. Did you get a chance to watch any of that? Were you feeling as bad as I was about Dick Clark? I grew up with American Bandstand and Dick Clark as the music icon of my generation. You have to cheer him on for getting on TV and doing the best he can considering his condition following his stroke. It still gets to me, though. I'd like to remember him in his younger days when we all thought he was ageless.
The strangest part of the show occurred when Ryan Seacrest had some folks on stage in Times Square for a countdown to Midnight. There were the Jonas Brothers and, then, just two people away, there she was - Taylor Swift - just a few feet from the Jonas brother who so, unceremoniously, dumped her on the telephone. Would have loved to see how that all ended.
The weirdest part of the night happened during our 50-yard walk home. We arrived at our house to find a very old, beat-up, 70's-or-so, Plymouth station wagon parked in front of the house. Talk about giving you the creeps!! Of course, my wife's first thought was that someone was in the house so I did my best "James Bond" and snuck in and checked the place out. All was clear. After looking closer at the car, I could see that this was thing was a literal clunker and now it's parked at my house. I called the police and they finally got out there around 6 in the morning to tow it away. Turns out that the car died and the driver decided that was it so he'd just leave it. Happy New Year to the Shomby's.
Would love your thoughts on all of this. That being said, I do hope the best for you in 2009. No matter how gloomy it may seem, stay positive and we can all knock this out together.