One Sad Observation

My 11-year old is not into sports. She claims if she has to sweat, that isn't good. So, our definite "girly-girl" has become a cheerleader. (Between you and I, I won't tell her that you sweat twice as much and work twice as hard doing this!). Because of her decision, my wife and I get to see her cheering at weekly basketball games and we get to see the games from a very different perspective. We get to see how some parents really can be an encouraging force in a young child's life and how some can be a definite negative influence, too. It's the latter that makes me write this today. Last night, we had the "misfortune" of sitting next to a man who thought he was Dean Smith and John Wooden all rolled into one. (For those who don't know, they are Hall of Fame, retired college basketball coaches.) This man had two 11-year olds playing in this game and, throughout the game, he persisted in chastising each of the boys for not "going to to ball" or "hustling down the court". At one point, when one of the boys had an open shot as the ref blew his whistle for a foul on the other side of the court, he turned and said. "He wouldn't have made it anyhow". We withstood his frustrating grunts and groans throughout the game and I watched as the boys would look over at him on the court with both fear and embarrassment. I watched two other sets of parents constantly encourage their children whether it be for something good or for some on court mistake. It didn't matter to them. They were just happy to see their sons having fun playing a game. The man next to us, though, was treating this game as if it were the NCAA Championship. Little did I know that the worst was yet to come. After the game had ended and everyone was filing out to their respective transportation, here was this man berating the two boys for their play on the court. The boys were tired, frustrated and, you can tell, once again, embarrassed by his display. As they walked away, I could hear him say that this was "constructive criticism". I did all I could to stay away. All I could do was leave with a sad feeling as to how this night will affect those boys in future games and in the future, in general.
Let this be a lesson to all of us who are parents. Let's remember to allow our children to make mistakes and learn from them. Let's allow our children to be what they are, children. Let 'em have some fun before they really grow up.

HOW PROMINENT WAS THIS STORY?

Okay, so we hear, day in and day out, about this athlete or that athlete blatantly breaking the law or doing something else that sheds a negative light on them. Of course, those stories are PLASTERED all over the paper and our TV screens. Well, here's a story that merited 3 paragraphs in the paper and not ONE mention on ESPN News this morning.
Did you see what Hampton Roads' native (and former NBA Star) Alonzo Mourning has done to help the Haitians? He and current NBA star Dewayne Wade established The Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund and, with the help of a number of athletes, raised $800,000 in a matter of a weekend. NBA stars Lebron James, Chris Paul and Wade all donated $100,000 or more. They, along with Alonzo are known for their philanthropy, but now check out the other names on the list: Gilbert Arenas of the NBA's Washington Wizards (for those who don't know, he's the NBA player who brought unloaded guns into his team's locker room recently); Donte Stallworth (Remember him? The NFL suspended him for the year for a DUI accident that killed a pedestrian); Michael Vick (Need I say more here!); Patriots' Receiver Randy Moss (Never considered a saint by anyone), Buffalo Bills' receiver Terrell Owens (he's the one who has a habit of wearing out his welcome everywhere he plays)and many more from both the NBA and the NFL. Okay, so some of the athletes, I have mentioned, are not angels BUT here's living proof that they are actual human beings who believe in improving the human condition but, since it wasn't negative news, we'll have to search to find it and that, to me, speaks volumes. So, let's cut these athletes a break and give them SOME credit for having a heart. This is one media guy who wants the world to know.

IS THIS REALLY A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME?

Texas and Alabama tonight for the BCS Division 1 college football championship. Strart time? 8:37pm! 8:37PM!!!!!!!!!!! You and I both know that , by the time they kick off, it'll be close to 9 so you're talking a game that won't end until around Midnight. Last I checked most of us have school or work tomorrow. Heck, even the NFL takes our workday into consideration, at least, for the Super Bowl with a 6:20pm start. This is THE college football version of the Super Bowl. What are they thinking? Or is this just me? Well, I guess I'll see the highlights tomorrow morning because there is NO way I'm up for the end of this one....not to mention any youngsters who just might be football fans. Nice to see that college football has followed the lead of Major League Baseball's World Series.

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.