So Now There's a ....'SNITCH LINE'!!

I just read about the new Rhode Island State Police Crush Covid Unit 'snitch' line. Sadly, they probably have similar 'services' in other states. What's a 'snitch' line, you might ask? See below....

I don't know about you but, this is something I never dreamed I'd see in this country. Why does this remind me of the people in the old Soviet Union who used to turn in their neighbors...or 'errant' family members? Excuse me folks...but this is how they do it in China...and North Korea. They get neighbors to 'snitch' on neighbors. 

Some may not realize that we had a pandemic in 1969...the year we had WOODSTOCK... the legendary non-social distancing music festival. Thanks to the media...which I worked in for my entire adult life...we've become afraid of our own shadows. What happened to our freedom? We're adult Americans...we can be 'responsible'...we can wear masks...social distance and avoid those who don't. But we mustn't be so quick to give up our freedoms...freedoms earned with the sweat and blood of our forefathers. 

And we have to remember that... sometimes... even if we take all the precautions...do everything Doctors Fauci and Birx ask us to do...we may still  get Covid 19. It's a virus...it's minuscule...it can hide in places we can't imagine. But the good news is...the overwhelming majority of those who get it will completely recover. 

We must not turn in to a country of frightened sheep. I don't know about you but, this is not the America I grew up in. This is not the American way. Be smart...be careful...don't be reckless. But for Heavens sake...don't stop living. Life is for living...let's live. Oh...and nobody likes a 'snitch'.

BOY....It's Been A Long Time.....

I don't know why I've been away so long. Life really does get away from you....especially when you're older. A lot has happened since last we communicated. The world has changed publicly...and, for me, privately too. 

I'm still writing...albeit not as much as I did in the past. It's a frustrating passion. You put your heart and soul into a project and, if you're not in the 'right place', it's hard to get it read. It would be one thing if your work were read and then rejected...you expect that, as a writer. You can deal with that. You can't please everyone. You could be Shakespeare and someone's not going to like what you do. But it's nearly impossible to get an agent to look at your work, if you're not 'introduced' by someone they already know or you don't live in New York or Los Angeles. It's a closed club. I've often wondered how many talented writers go undiscovered because they 'can't break through'. How many best sellers are sitting in a desk drawer, destined to be lost to time?

These days, there are other options. You can self publish. It's similar to the old 'vanity publishing' from decades past, the difference being, now you can do it yourself, on your own computer and in the privacy of your own home. It gives you a 'finished product'...a 'book' with a nice fancy cover...and all the accoutrements.  It strokes the ego. You feel like you're out there. But you're really not. Marketing and publicity make a successful book. It's like in the old days when recording artists would produce a demo record...but couldn't find a label to distribute their song. They had a physical product....they could touch it...play it on their record players...crank up the volume and shake the walls...but other then their closest friends...and maybe their next door neighbors...no one knew it existed.

Ever wonder how all the cable news 'stars' become best selling authors? It's not because they're all gifted writers. Quite the contrary. Most need a 'co-writer' (ghost writer) to create their works. And often, that co-writer is the real 'gifted' author. What makes their books massive New York Times bestsellers is the constant publicity on their networks....the mentions...the on-camera stills of their book covers...the discussion that includes talk of their 'new book'.  Admittedly, there is the occasional exception...when an unknown author breaks through...although I'll be damned if I can think of one, off hand.

My script...'The Forward Observer' would be a great film. It's got it all...and then some. I'm not saying it because I wrote it. I'm saying it because, after a lifetime of film watching, I know what type of story makes a great film. And I've had some 'Hollywood' interest. One producer, who you would know, said that it's a 'great script'. He said that he couldn't put it down. It was one of the few scripts he'd read that felt like a great book. But...he couldn't find the 'money' people. They were too busy funding 'Super Hero' movies...the pulp fiction of the film business....the same senseless drivel you've seen a hundred times, in only slightly different iterations. It's been 'optioned'...only to have the option lapse. I believe that one of the biggest problems many writers have is their physical location. If you're not in greater Hollywood...well you might as well be on the Moon. So my living in Western PA is a non-starter. But...I keep trying...with the hope that the right producer accidentally finds 'The Forward Observer'...and their next big hit film.

I'm also several years older since my last post. The young man that I used to greet every morning in the mirror has been replaced by the image of someone who resembles my late grandfather. I'm not sure how that happened! But I guess it beats the alternative. I'm still here. And that statement has more meaning to me than ever before. I've lost close relatives in recent years...my mom...two younger brothers...a first cousin...friends...they've all slipped away. It makes you think about your own mortality. It makes you wonder how many more mornings await you.

In the last year, I've had two total knee replacements. It's an incredible medical advancement...to remove tired, pain filled, arthritic joints and replace them with titanium artificial knees. And they really work. Most of the terrible pain is gone. Suddenly...I feel like 50 again. I may not look like 50...but I feel like 50 and that's good enough for me.

This pandemic thing has been a first for me...and everyone else too. It's a terrible inconvenience, but if you've got to live through something like this, there could be no better time. Groceries can be ordered online and ready at the curb...people can Zoom, Skype, Facetime and more...entertainment is plentiful and as close as a keystroke. We're heated and cooled so our home space is comfortable. We're so lucky. Can you imagine how terrible it must have been in 1918...when the flu wiped out millions. I remember my father telling me of the stories he heard from his parents. The almost daily ritual of wagons rumbling down the cobblestone streets, in front of their homes, collecting the most recent victims, who had passed overnight in their homes. And 'yes', they wore masks. But there was no working from home...no 'social distancing'. There's so much we should be thankful for.

I've gone on too long so I'm going to sign off for now. But I'm going to try to make this a more regular part of my day. Hopefully we'll reconnect. 

Please stay well and do come back. 

My New Script "THE FORWARD OBSERVER"

Sorry for the long period between posts. It's been a busy few months. Just finished a new screenplay called "THE FORWARD OBSERVER". In the movie business, most times they read the script based upon a 'logline'...which is one or two lines that sum up the 'flavor' of the story. Thought you'd be interested in reading the logline I created for "THE FORWARD OBSERVER"....

"An injured soldier returns from the Afghan War and finds that his family, the house he grew up in and his life pre-deployment don’t exist and never have." 

I thought some of you might enjoy a 'preview/trailer' I put together a little while ago. Hollywood is a visual town and this has actually garnered script attention from some influential producers. Let me know what you think. Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/dmRjiEg4-1w

Lastly, "The Forward Observer-The Film Script" is now available as an e-book. It can be downloaded at: http://the-authors-club.com/index.php/fiction/product/242-the-forward-observer

Life Gets In The Way

Funny how life seems to get in the way of your plans. I was certain, back in 2009, that I was going to diligently return to regular blogging. But, as you can see, I failed miserably. Sorry. A lot of things happened between my last entry and today. But every time I was 'sure' that I was going to write about them, something interfered and it didn't happen. Since the last post and today... I can tell you that I 'retired'...sort of. I'm tentative about it because...well...I'm not certain this retirement is permanent. I'm a media veteran...I've worked in radio and television for years...and I must admit that if the right opportunity availed itself, I'd have to give it very serious consideration. I loved my work. And, after all, it's hard to stop a race horse from running. I'll admit that I'm very fortunate. I don't need the job...I've had a good career and I did something that, unfortunately, many of my radio peers didn't do. I saved. So...I don't need to 'get' that next job. But...I'm still looking.
And you know what happens to some people in retirement? They gain weight! Really. It happened to me. Suddenly I was the Pillsbury Dough Boy. Sheesshh. It's one of the problems with unplanned retirement. You have plenty of time to 'eat junk'. And you don't realize how big you're getting. It's like, one day you go to bed your old trim self and the next day you're the 'Round Mound of Sound'. It's like you're a human Chia Pet. Just add food and puuff! I mean, when I realized what had happened, I honestly thought that I was having an allergic reaction to something. And I was....to FOOD! I avoided mirrors like Dracula and when there was a group picture, I got in the back...the WAY BACK....like maybe Cleveland. I convinced myself that all my cloths were shrinking. Maybe it was the detergent I was using. Finally, this past Christmas, my younger daughter, Jill, decided that my weight problem had to be brought to my attention. She was afraid that it was becoming a dangerous health issue...and she was right. And how did she do that? She made sure that she snapped the most honest...the most unflattering pictures of yours truly, opening his Christmas gifts. I couldn't believe the shots she got! It looked like she had captured images of a hairless Sasquatch and he was in our living room, opening gifts! Yikes! What happened? What had caused me to gain so much weight? Was it depression. Maybe just a little. I didn't like having so much time on my hands. And I guess I was a little bummed. But anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm not a 'depressed' kind of guy. When I'm down, I work my way through it. I mean, sometimes you have to fight your way out of depression. We all get down...every one of us. I've always pulled myself out of it. It's what I do. But there I was....one gas bag short of a blimp!
Suddenly, this past holiday season, I was faced with some pretty 'heady' decisions. I had to take back my life...while I had it. I was no longer the young man who could 'whip' himself back into shape...or at least so I thought. I searched for the right diet...and I settled on Weight Watchers Online for Men. It was right for me. I'm not a 'meetings' kind of guy. I can't relate to a roomful of ladies effervescing over being down a dress...or bra size. With this diet, it was all me and the online program. I've always made my life 'course corrections' myself. I left college in 1969 for a career in radio and as I matured, I realized that, even though I didn't need the degree...I missed not having it. So in 2004 I went back to school online (trust me, it's harder then attending classes) and worked my gluteus maximus off. I earned three years of college credit in less than two years. And in 2006 I received my Bachelor's degree (with honors, I might add) from Thomas Edison State College of New Jersey...a wonderful, fully accredited, institution designed to give adult students a 'second chance' at the apple. I wrestled through those two years and I did it. Now I had to do the same thing with my weight...and my health.
On January 2nd 2012 I did something that I hadn't done in YEARS...literally. I stepped on to a scale...and damned near broke it. From that point on, things were going to change. I learned the diet and followed it religiously. I carry the little Weight Watcher's computer with me where ever I go and use it constantly. And on January 9th, I started exercising...7.5 miles in 35 minute, every day, on the recumbent stationary bicycle...at Level 4, I might add. I figured that if I lived through it, I'd start to lose. And I did and continue to do so. As of yesterday, March 23rd, I've lost 43 pounds. How much do I want to lose. Try 100 pounds, so I've a way to go. But, the good news is that I haven't been that thin since 1977. Most of my adult life, I've been around 30 pounds lighter than I am now, so...I'm getting closer. And it feels good. I love the fact that I've taken control of my life again. I was careening down the road of life, headed for disaster. Now, I've got things under control...sort of. I mean, life's always throwing you curve balls. Surprises are to be expected. Am I still retired? Well, I'm writing my books ('Squeeze Play' and 'Strike at the Giant')...and returning to this blog. I do voice-over commercial work and I'm open to new broadcasting opportunities. Oh and I'm rediscovering my old trimmer self and some neat clothes that have been 'hiding' in the back of my closet.
The piece de resistance came when I told my 9 year old grand-daughter and 7 year old grandson that I was starting the diet . They were ecstatic. I didn't realize that my weight gain was even noticed by them. I mean, they still loved me and never said a word while I was ballooning. But they were as happy as can be when I told them what I was doing. And it has given me more impetus to continue.
Well...that's about it...for now. I'm glad to be back. And I look forward to adding more entries in he near future. And thank you for taking the time to read this little tome.

Exciting New Project

This will be a short post, my friends. I just wanted to let you know what I've been up to. My book...'Squeeze Play-A Jack Kane Mystery'...was just published to Kindle. If you're not sure what a Kindle is, check out Amazon.com. It truly is the future of publishing. Newspapers like the New York Times have now made their daily editions available on the Kindle. If you have one...you might want to check out my book. It's a good, quick, summer read. Oh...and it won't break your bank account.
Additionally, I've started a new business and my plans are to utilize this blog space in that venture. So please keep checking back...and tell your friends that a new media company is on it's way.
I said that this would be short....but I'll be back again soon.
Thanks for visiting.

A Few Words On Memorial Day.

I wrote the following on Memorial Day 2007. It's worth a read today.
I think you'll find that my words were a bit prophetic!
------------------------

It's Memorial Day Weekend, here in the United States, and it's a time to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much, so that the people of this great land can live in peace and freedom. It's a time for parades, patriotic concerts and pontificating politicians.

And it's a time to think about where we are right now as a people...and as a nation.

I just finished watching what can only be described as a 'hit piece' aimed at the current United States administration and it's policy regarding Iraq. It aired on 60 Minutes and was supposed to be an impartial look at the Iowa National Guard...a fine group of patriots who have been serving in that war torn land for a year and who have had their tour of duty extended through August.

I hate seeing the media use our fighting men and women, and their family's, to sell it's own political agenda. That's what 60 Minutes did tonight. No one wants to see these fine men and women spend one unnecessary day in that country. But that's where the bad guys are right now. Sworn enemies of our way of life are waging an on going battle against our troops and their allies. No matter how we got there, we're there now and so is our enemy.

If 60 Minutes and television news coverage was around after the Battle of Gettysburg, what would have been their position? If they had correspondents on the beaches at Normandy, would we have pulled our troops in the summer of '44 and would that have given Hitler and his cohorts a second wind and the opportunity to win that war?

Do we pack up and leave because it's difficult? Have we as a country lost our backbone? Are we such a 'fast food' society that we no longer have the stamina to withstand a long fight? If that's what we've become then we're doomed as a nation.

No decent human being wants war. War is obscene. War is mankind at it's worse...and it's best. The butchers who set off car bombs, decapitate innocents and who fly airplanes into buildings are the worst. Men and women like the the Iowa National Guard and their families are the best. They deserve our thanks, our prayers and our support as a nation. They don't deserve to be exploited for political purposes by an agenda driven news media.

Are your listening CBS?

This war can't go on forever. But wars aren't scripted. They end when one side gives up. For the sake of our country's future, we can't allow that to be us.

And to the service men and women past and present...thank you.

I'M BACCKKKK!!!

I promise to begin updating CHP on a regular basis...beginning in the not too distant future.
I've been away...doing a morning show on a new radio network that was based in Green Bay WI.
Everything was great until the economy tanked and management decided to...abruptly...cut their losses...and shut down the venture.
Alas...life goes on. I met some great people...and I added another chapter to my book of life...and now I'm back home with family...anxiously awaiting my next adventure.
And I rediscovered my blog. I had forgotten my password and I figured CHP was gone forever. But...like that odd sock that you thought you lost forever...it resurfaced...and it's back to blogging.
We'll talk some more again...soon.

A Few Words On Memorial Day.

I wrote the following last Memorial Day and I think that it's still worth a read today.
See if you agree...
------------------------

It's Memorial Day Weekend, here in the United States, and it's a time to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much, so that the people of this great land can live in peace and freedom. It's a time for parades, patriotic concerts and pontificating politicians.

And it's a time to think about where we are right now as a people...and as a nation.

I just finished watching what can only be described as a 'hit piece' aimed at the current United States administration and it's policy regarding Iraq. It aired on 60 Minutes and was supposed to be an impartial look at the Iowa National Guard...a fine group of patriots who have been serving in that war torn land for a year and who have had their tour of duty extended through August.

I hate seeing the media use our fighting men and women, and their family's, to sell it's own political agenda. That's what 60 Minutes did tonight. No one wants to see these fine men and women spend one unnecessary day in that country. But that's where the bad guys are right now. Sworn enemies of our way of life are waging an on going battle against our troops and their allies. No matter how we got there, we're there now and so is our enemy.

If 60 Minutes and television news coverage was around after the Battle of Gettysburg, what would have been their position? If they had correspondents on the beaches at Normandy, would we have pulled our troops in the summer of '44 and would that have given Hitler and his cohorts a second wind and the opportunity to win that war?

Do we pack up and leave because it's difficult? Have we as a country lost our backbone? Are we such a 'fast food' society that we no longer have the stamina to withstand a long fight? If that's what we've become then we're doomed as a nation.

No decent human being wants war. War is obscene. War is mankind at it's worse...and it's best. The butchers who set off car bombs, decapitate innocents and who fly airplanes into buildings are the worst. Men and women like the the Iowa National Guard and their families are the best. They deserve our thanks, our prayers and our support as a nation. They don't deserve to be exploited for political purposes by an agenda driven news media.

Are your listening CBS?

This war can't go on forever. But wars aren't scripted. They end when one side gives up. For the sake of our country's future, we can't allow that to be us.

And to the service men and women past and present...thank you.

The Media's Moral Responsibilty...

Do you remember the old days....when broadcasting 'cared' about what was said and shown on their programs?

Do you remember when the FCC actually monitored radio and TV station's language and content?

It was a time when management strictly prohibited vulgarity and even frowned upon double-entendre.

Today....you can hear and see just about anything over the air and on the tube.

Now...anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm not a prude...but I do think that our business was better off when it had standards. And I think that it's audience held it in higher regard.

The other night around 8pm, I heard language that, not too long ago, was relegated to the cable premium channels. And it was on one of the major 'over the air' networks!

8pm!!

My four year old grandson is still up at 8pm.

What's next?

Instead of Sex and the City...Sex and Sesame Street!

When radio (and TV) had a moral compass, Howard Stern would never have been allowed to do what he does, MTV would never have sunk to the level of soft core porn and our society might have been a little better place.

I know...I've heard it too...

"Hey...it's a lot worse in Europe. You should see the stuff they broadcast over there."

What's that suppose to mean? If they broadcast vile oversees then it's okay to do it here?

That never made any sense to me.

Some say...."Oh...but censorship is wrong."

Look...dust and dirt are everywhere...but we clean our homes.

Why?

Because we don't want to live in dust and dirt.

Ah...and some of my friends in the business wonder why radio and TV aren't the respected industries that they once were.

It's because they've allowed 'their house' to be filled with 'dust and dirt' and like I said, no one want to live there.

I can remember hearing former FCC Chairman Newton Minow describe TV as the 'vast wasteland'. If my memory serves me well, that was in 1964, when there were three networks and a handful of independent stations.

It was a time when his Commission would have fined me for saying....well...I'm not even comfortable writing it in this blog...but suffice it to say that it was one of the 'kinder'...'gentler' blue words.

Come to think of it...it was what I heard the other night in the 8pm hour.

I wonder what Mr. Minow would have to say about our business today?

Is it too late to clean up our act?

Has the horse left the barn?

Some will say 'yes'...but I don't think so.

If radio and TV were to clean up their homes...I think the company that it's constantly inviting over would definitely appreciate it.

If Only My Dad Had Been President...

Is anyone else sick of this political season?

Or is it just me?

What really bothers me is that we lack a dynamic choice! It's like having to decide between McDonald's, Burger King or Hardees! Not matter what you pick...you're still getting a hamburger with mustard, ketchup and a pickle.

Have you ever wondered why all the people who should run for the presidency never do?

I've known people, in my life, who would have been incredible presidents.

Heck, my late dad had more intelligence, common sense and love for this country than any president we've had in the last twenty years.

You're laughing.

You think that I'm saying that because he was my dad.

No.

I said it because he was a poor Irish kid from Fall River Massachusetts who lost his mom when he was a child and was raised by his hard working father. Most times life was a struggle. There were no hand-outs. Every success was earned.

He was never satisfied with 'good' grades. They had to be the 'best' grades.

A scholastic scholarship took him through Brown University where he was All-New England in Soccer, President of his Class and Phi Beta Kappa.

He worked his way through Boston University law school and graduated with honors.

Then he passed the bar on his first try.

The war was raging and before he had a chance to frame his law degree he was drafted.

These days lawyers are made officers and placed in the Judge Advocate Generals office. That wasn't the case in 1944...at least not for him. With all of his talents and achievements, they made him a Private.

But for dad, it was just another challenge. Within months he was in OCS and by the time they were shipping him to off to France, he was an Artillery officer.

He and his men followed the fighting through Normandy, Belgium and into Germany. And he didn't have the luxury of firing his Howitzers from a safe distance behind the front lines.

You see, dad was a forward observer.

His job was to go behind enemy lines and to call in 'fire missions'.

Trust me, it was not a job to be envied.

He left the service with the rank of Captain, married the prettiest girl in Massachusetts and, like every good Irish Catholic man, had a large family.

He dabbled in politics and was even invited by then Senator John Kennedy to work in his presidential campaign. But he preferred being with his family and building his successful law practice.

I can remember asking him why he didn't run for higher office and he said that it was too corrupt...that politics was filled with the wrong kind of people.

And his opinion didn't change.

Until the day he died, I'm sure that there wasn't a politician in the world who impressed him.

So...we never had a President John J. Harrington and that was our loss.

And I'm sure that there are other John Harrington's out there, past and present, who felt or feel the same way.

So what are we left with?

The opportunists...the snake oil salesmen...the charlatan's.

You don't believe me?

Take a real good look at the three choices that we have for president this year...I mean... A REAL GOOD LOOK.

Then tell me I'm wrong.

If Only My Dad Had Been President...

Is anyone else sick of this political season?

Or is it just me?

What really bothers me is that we lack a dynamic choice! It's like having to decide between McDonald's, Burger King or Hardees! Not matter what you pick...you're still getting a hamburger with mustard, ketchup and a pickle.

Have you ever wondered why all the people who should run for the presidency never do?

I've known people, in my life, who would have been incredible presidents.

Heck, my late dad had more intelligence, common sense and love for this country than any president we've had in the last twenty years.

You're laughing.

You think that I'm saying that because he was my dad.

No.

I said it because he was a poor Irish kid from Fall River Massachusetts who lost his mom when he was a child and was raised by his hard working father. Most times life was a struggle. There were no hand-outs. Every success was earned.

He was never satisfied with 'good' grades. They had to be the 'best' grades.

A scholastic scholarship took him through Brown University where he was All-New England in Soccer, President of his Class and Phi Beta Kappa.

He worked his way through Boston University law school and graduated with honors.

Then he passed the bar on his first try.

The war was raging and before he had a chance to frame his law degree he was drafted.

These days lawyers are made officers and placed in the Judge Advocate Generals office. That wasn't the case in 1944...at least not for him. With all of his talents and achievements, they made him a Private.

But for dad, it was just another challenge. Within months he was in OCS and by the time they were shipping him to off to France, he was an Artillery officer.

He and his men followed the fighting through Normandy, Belgium and into Germany. And he didn't have the luxury of firing his Howitzers from a safe distance behind the front lines.

You see, dad was a forward observer.

His job was to go behind enemy lines and to call in 'fire missions'.

Trust me, it was not a job to be envied.

He left the service with the rank of Captain, married the prettiest girl in Massachusetts and, like every good Irish Catholic man, had a large family.

He dabbled in politics and was even invited by then Senator John Kennedy to work in his presidential campaign. But he preferred being with his family and building his successful law practice.

I can remember asking him why he didn't run for higher office and he said that it was too corrupt...that politics was filled with the wrong kind of people.

And his opinion didn't change.

Until the day he died, I'm sure that there wasn't a politician in the world who impressed him.

So...we never had a President John J. Harrington and that was our loss.

And I'm sure that there are other John Harrington's out there, past and present, who felt or feel the same way.

So what are we left with?

The opportunists...the snake oil salesmen...the charlatan's.

You don't believe me?

Take a real good look at the three choices that we have for president this year...I mean... A REAL GOOD LOOK.

Then tell me I'm wrong.

Does Radio Have a Future?

There was a time, not too long ago, when creativity was encouraged; when programming ingenuity was valued. It was a time when there was a balance between sales and programming. Radio air talent were admired for their originality. I can assure you that that time has passed. These days radio stations are run like fast food franchises. Air talent are considered a necessary nuisance and their numbers are kept to a minimum.


Many management types are wondering what is happening to the business? Audiences are shrinking!

Why?

Maybe it's because, for at least a decade, radio has ignored the 'product'. Back in 'the day' cutting edge programming was essential...now it's hard to find. Conglomerates have sterilized the system and curtailed creative growth. Once there were places where fresh young talent could go to make their mistakes, hone their skills and move on. Once there was a time when struggling stations took creative chances.

Radio has lost a lot of it's 'fire' and it sounds like it. Back in the seventies, when I had the good fortune to work at great stations such as WDRC, WBZ and WCBS-FM, the industry was 'alive' with new ideas. Stations took pride in their 'product'. Today the environment is different and radio has no one to blame but itself.

Back in the fifties, radio blamed TV for an industry wide depression. It's doing the same thing today when it points the finger at New Media. Trust me, New Media isn't the culprit. If you must blame someone, then blame many of the high level corporate leaders...the decision makers. They've eliminated air staff and cut back on the product for years. They underestimated their audience; figuring that the listeners would settle for what they give them and never catch on. Local programming became bland and predictable.

Imagine, if you will, a car company that is run by people who don't know what it takes to actually make a car; run by a management team top heavy with sales types and lacking in automotive engineers. Chrysler was that way, and it almost disappeared from the automotive landscape, until a former engineer named Lee Iaccoca took control of the company. Japan made it's biggest inroads in the US car market during the eighties when General Motors was more concerned with quantity than quality; more interested in sales than service. All Honda, Toyota and Nissan had to do was fill that void. New Media is giving listeners creative programming options. It's a hard thing to have to say but there are very few truly creative people in radio today. Most programmers follow the tail of some other programmer who, in turn follows the tail of the programmer in front of him. An original thought or idea is a rare thing in today's radio.

There was a time when radio was filled with creative people. And I'm not referring to simply the air talent. There was creativity in sales and in support too. Today stations are run like a bank and it sounds it. They've been homogenized and pasteurized to the point where they are void of anything worth listening to. The old creatives have been swept aside and the young creatives have seen the light and moved on to other opportunities outside of the business. Radio has a future but it's a dim one if it stays on it present course. It can't continue to do what it's always done. It has to think outside of the box and to attract bright, imaginative people. It has to embrace new technologies. It has to think, not just of tomorrow but, about it's long term future. It has to reinvest in PEOPLE. The company with the BEST PEOPLE will ultimately be the most successful. That isn't a prediction based simply on 'hope' but rather historical fact. The best armies, the pioneering businesses, the strongest nations all succeeded on the strength of their people.

The good news is that radio recovered back in the late fifties and early sixties; it rolled up its sleeves and went to work and by the mid-sixties it was in the midst of the 'second' golden age of radio. It can do it again, but it has to think outside of it's self imposed and very limited box; it has to stop thinking like bankers and get back to thinking like 'creative' broadcasters.

And the strange thing is...if you return creativity to radio, it's bottom line will grow.

"60 The New 40-Yah, Right"

Who was it that came up with the saying...."60 is the new 40"? I hear it everywhere. We baby-boomers are desperate to keep our youth, aren't we?

Now, I have to tell you that it was only yesterday that we were the future...the 'new generation'. Suddenly....we're our grandparents! Sheesshh! The old adage...'time flys'...was really true. It does! My parents used to tell me to 'take care of your body'. Of course I did what every kid does....I laughed and ignored their advice. I was thinking about that just this morning as I was going into Physical Therapy.

I didn't know that I could hurt in some of the places where I hurt! Sometimes I think that if I were a horse...they'd take me outside and shoot me....or maybe ship me off to the glue factory. And all the aches and pain cut into the much talked about and needed physical activity. Try running...jogging...or even walking with bad knees (thank you football). Now, your physician may tell you to "get out and walk"...but he's not the one walking. Plus I think that it's part of the script that they have to read...it's required doctor dialog.

And when you're not as active as you were 'way back when'...the gut seems to grow. Ah...the 'gut'. My late father used to refer to it as 'an appending avalanche of lard." It was funny, when I was a youthful little brat...but now...not so much.

But, then again, I'm lucky. I can still look down and see my feet...although I must admit that they're slowly disappearing over the horizon.

Don't get me wrong. I'll take growing older, with all of the aches and pains...the girth (in the waist :) ...the limitations...over the alternative of not being here.

But "60 being the new 40"...I don't think so. It had to be a line created by someone who's 75.

A Toast....

It's hard to believe that another year has passed. The old adage is true...the older you are, the faster they come and go. I didn't want to let this year end without wishing all of my friends who visit this blog a Merry Christmas (yes...I said it! How politically incorrect...but who cares) and a Happy New Year to you all. If, by chance, you're not a Christian then a Happy Holiday Season to you too.
It's sad that we have to be so 'careful'. We're all people...sharing the same sphere...traveling this uncharted course together. It's so unfortunate that we can't all be there for each other. Instead...we argue and fight over the silliest of things...race, religion, societal status...power. You have to wonder what God thinks of all this.
Let's hope that 2008 will be better.

As a matter of fact...I propose a toast....(You may now raise a glass filled with your beverage of choice..)

...To 2008...

...may it bring peace, health and prosperity to us all...

...may enemies become friends....

....may evil be overcome by good....

....may God find a permanent place in everyone's heart...and life...

....may only good things come to those that you love....

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR.

See you in 2008...God Willing.

Radio Is Out of Sync!!

Many of you know that my background is radio broadcasting. I spent years working at some of the greatest radio stations in the country. It's been an incredible ride. I'll never forget the first time I slid behind the microphone at the 50,000 watt flame thrower, WBZ in Boston. My heart was in my throat.
I kept thinking....
"Can I do this? Am I going to choke and destroy this amazing radio station?"
Well...I didn't. I rose to the occasion and the rest is history.
And how about my first night on WCBS-FM...talking to the number one radio market in the country...on the number one oldies station in the world. What a trip.
I love radio. It's been good to me and my family.
The sad thing is that many in today's radio don't seem to have these types of unforgettable memories. The stories that I hear or read in the trades are about people who 'want out'. They've been burned and abused by the industry and they just want to move on.
Radio shouldn't be that way and it doesn't have to be.
Over the past fifteen years or so, the business has cast creativity aside in favor of the quick and easy buck.
Management has invested millions in technology and little in people.
Usually the first thing to go, after stations technically upgraded, were the people and that should never have happened.
Don't get me wrong. I'm all in favor making money and I love technology. Heck...I have three computers in my studio and two in my office. I'd be lost without them.
But, in my opinion, the industry went too far and now it's 'out of whack'... unbalanced and out of sync.
Radio can't achieve it's full potential until it regains that balance.
And when it does, there will be no holding it back.
Industry pundents talk of radio's dim future...
"The internet and ipods are going to kill it."
I disagree.
They said the same thing about the business when television debuted...and after an adjustment, it grew even stronger.
Radio can and will do the same again, once it regains that balance that I was talking about.
Radio can go only so far when it's emphasis is simply technology and dollars. When all is said and done it's still people and their input that make the 'difference'...that make it 'work'.

So...Where Was I?

Time flies when you're having fun. I didn't mean to be away from my blog for as long as I've been...but there's this thing called 'life' and, well...you know how it goes.

But I'm back and there's much to talk about.

First...is anyone sick of the presidential campaign yet?

I know I am. And we're not even into the 'meat' of the race yet. Yikes!! Do we ever really get what we're promised by these people? I mean think about it. Since the days of Washington we've been pledged one thing or another and usually we get bupkus!

"Vote for me and there will be a Chicken in every pot." Yah....right. Their motto should be

"Vote for me and when I'm elected I'll forget that you exist!"

You would think that 'no brainer' things would be taken care of right away.

Border protection....done.

Revision of the tax system and maybe a flat tax...implemented.

A fair and fully functional health care system....in place.

A revamp of the immigration system so that it streamlines legal immigration and discourages illegal immigration....no problem.

A "Manhattan Project" approach to the national fuel problem so that the problem is fixed in two years and not twenty...absolutely.

Become the world leader and example for a cleaner and healthier environment....why not.?

A full frontal assault on the worlds deadliest diseases...we're on it.

I could go on and on. These seem to make so much sense. Don't you ever wonder why a man becomes the President of the United States and then turns his back on these common sense issues? Would any of the current Presidential contenders be any different or are they all full of hot air?

I guess I've become cynical in my old age. I've been around the block and I've seen the neighborhood. I've been promised so much by contenders and winners alike and I've received so little for my support. Taxes are as they were when I was a kid, inflation has devalued my dollar, health care is a devastating problem, we're fighting the same diseases and my car still relies on oil from people who would rather see me dead!

And the Congress is useless. I mean they spend more time rebuking a talk show host then they do addressing the real issues; the ones that affect us all. It's so frustrating. What kind of world will my grand-children inherit? Isn't it our job to improve our world before we pass it on?

Forget complaining about all the things that George Bush did or didn't do. Basically he's history. What was done can't be changed. What can be addressed is who will sit in the Oval Office when George is an ex-President. And for Heavens sake don't elect a president because he or she would be 'neat' to have in office. Really examine the issues and their positions on areas of concern that affect you.

Our greatest Presidents would never have been elected today. I mean do you really think that Abe Lincoln would have been TV friendly....I don't think so. Franklin Roosevelt hid his paralysis for most of his political career. You couldn't do that today. We seem to vote for our President based on how they look on the boob tube...isn't that rather superficial? I think so.

We have got to wake up as a society and vote for honest and true people who will 'wage the good fight'. If we don't...then we'll have no one to blame but ourselves for what we get.

The Randomness of Life!!

In my last post, I talked about my incredible adventure in France. It truly was an amazing trip. But something happened yesterday that has left me in a bit of a daze. I think that you'll find this incredible too.

The first part of our 'tour de France' was spent visiting one of the most amazing places I've ever seen...the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette. It's a religious site that is nestled high in the French Alps. It's so high up that you're sure that it's Heaven's next door neighbor. It's beautiful... picturesque...breathtaking. It's a place of solitude...serenity and peace. The road to this holy place is narrow and winding. At some points along the way you find yourself wondering why you would risk your life to see this place. But then you remind yourself that your driver and guide are experienced and that they've done this many times before.

What could possibly happen?

What happened yesterday, on that very same road...coming from that very same place...was disastrous. Twenty-six Polish tourist were killed and many others were injured when their bus...which might have been the same one I traveled on...missed a hard ninety degree turn and careened off the road; bursting into flames and dropping nearly one hundred feet to a river bed below. I remember that turn because, on the way down the mountain, I sat behind the driver and marveled at how nonchalantly he maneuvered the vehicle down the steep grade and around the many twists and turns. And the one where the accident took place stood out because, in a ride filled with extremes, it was the most extreme. It was a turn that was unforgiving...you handle it the wrong way and you're done for. It's that simple. But yet, on our trip it was just another twist in the road. We slowed, turned and continued on our way. For yesterday's victims...well...it was the end of the road.

You can't help but wonder 'why them'? We made it...others made it...why didn't they make it? We'll never get an answer to that question...not in this world. But it makes you realize just how unpredictable life really is. When you think that you have it all figured out and you've planned for every possibility...life throws you a curve ball.

I don't know if it was our tour bus. It could have been our driver and guide. I do know that if it was them then they're gone now...part of the twenty-six who perished. I pray for them all. They were only doing what I did a few days earlier.

You have to wonder about the randomness of life.

I'M BACK!!!

My apologies for being gone so long. I have never been to Europe...but I can no longer say that. I had the good fortune to spend the better part of two weeks in, of all places, France. And it was not a trip that was limited to one part of the country. I traveled to Lyon and then on to the glorious French Alps. There we visited the shrine of La Salette, which is situated near the very top of a mountain. We moved on to Paray Le Monial, which is a stereotypical French village. If I were shooting a World War II movie, I would use this town as a location.

Our adventure continued to another quaint village called Ars, then back to Lyon on then on to Toulouse. From there we traveled by bus to the Holy Shrine of Lourdes. This is an amazing place. If you find that you've lost your faith, whatever faith that is, then you should visit Lourdes. Without going into a long dissertation let me simply say that something wonderful happens in this town. Every day there are tens of thousands of people visiting the grotto of Lourdes and many, like myself, bath in it's miraculous waters. I sat next to Mohammed...a Muslim from Algeria. He too bathed in the cool mountain waters that believers will tell you were sanctified by the Blessed Mother (or as my Muslim friend called her, St. Mary). You don't have to believe this but I will tell you this as fact...something wonderful happens to your soul when you immerse your body in that water and it affects you for the rest of your life.

After spending three days there, we flew back to Paris and spent several days investigating the city and the neighboring area of Normandy (an area my dad got to know intimately during the Second World War as a forward observer...not one of your safer Army specialties). I was a lecturer at the Basilica of St. Theresa, in a town called Lisieux. St Theresa was also known as The Little Flower and a truly wonderful soul. I sailed the Seine, saw the Arc de Triumph, the sparkling Eiffel Tower (they light it up at night), drove down the Champs-Élysées and touched the pillars of Notre Dame Cathedral.

And, to my amazement, I loved the French people. They were warm and considerate....the complete opposite of what I had expected. I could go on...and I probably will in another blog...but I will tell you that it was a fabulous trip...one that I would recommend to everyone.

So...that's where I've been. I hope you'll forgive me for not blogging while I was away...but I was a bit preoccupied...and I think that you would have been too.

The Suits Have Trashed The Business....

I found myself daydreaming over my cup of coffee this morning; thinking back on my roller-coaster career. What put me in this melancholy mood was a blog that I had just read, which talked about the current condition of radio and Top 40, in particular. The author had suggested that maybe Top 40 programmers should consider eliminating the announcer from the programming mix altogether, because Gen Y could care less about the human element. I found myself feeling bad for those young listeners.

He did go on to say that today's Oldies formatted stations are, for the most part, missing the boat. Instead of attempting to be contemporary in their presentation, they should offer programming that mirrors the music era, which was more personality intensive. I agree with his premise. Today's Oldies stations stink. They've minimized everything. They offer a ridiculously short music list and they bind and gag their announcers. And they'll put just about anybody in the studio. Once you had to grow you skills to advance to a bigger, better market. Today...you have to be breathing...and it goes without saying that you have to work for minimum. The suits have trashed the business.

Personality radio gave us more than music. It offered companionship. The guy on the air became your buddy and he went with you everywhere. When he left the station, you felt the loss. Today...announcers come and go and the audience never knows. Being a talent on the air back then was something to be proud off...a true career accomplishment. Today...not so much.

Unfortunately, Generation Y will never experience the great radio of the sixties and seventies. They'll never get a chance to hear the legendary sounds of WABC, WRKO, WLS, WCBS-FM, WFIL, KHJ, CKLW, WDRC, WKBW. They'll never know who the "Good Guys' were or what a "Million Dollar Weekend" was all about. They'll never enjoy fun radio...and I feel bad for them.

I need another cup of coffee.

Hey radio...'carpe diem'!

Have you noticed that there's a lot of talk about new media versus traditional media? It's causing some consternation in the radio business. Let's face it, many people simply don't know what to make of this thing called 'new media'. It's an interloper; an uninvited guest at the media table. First it was ignored; maybe it would go away. Then there was a rudimentary acknowledgment; stations started building simple, almost obligatory websites (some were pretty bad...some still are), now...many think that they've 'arrived' because they're streaming their station. I think they're kidding themselves.

Why is new media so attractive?
Why has it become the golden boy of the marketing industry?

I think it's because it gives the user the feeling that they're getting something valuable for free. Of course it's an illusion but a well executed one? Look at Google...what a story they have to tell. That company has truly partnered with their patrons. Every time you go to their search engine you feel like they're giving you something; be it quick and easy answers, information at you fingertips, marketing opportunities and even powerful free software. The average Joe is so enamored with Google, the brand name has become a part of our lexicon...like Kleenex. How many times have you heard someone say..."Well then why don't you 'Google' it and see what you find"?

But wait...they're a company...they're worth billions...how can they give away all of this 'free' stuff? Like I said before...it's an illusion. Google is one gigantic advertising machine. There are paid announcements all over their site. And the good thing about the Internet is that they get paid up front. They've got your credit card and you've given then authorization to charge their fees to that piece of plastic. There's no waiting thirty to ninety days for their money. Their cash flow is excellent.

So what is radio to do? How does it compete against this attractive newcomer? You don't fight it...you embrace it. It's not an adversary, it's an opportunity. You can incorporate and blend the two medias. Instead of your station's website being an afterthought, it can be an integral part of your operation. And make it immediate and alive, just like your radio station. Include cross-promotional contests; sometimes they can win by going to your site and other times to the station. Make your radio clients want to be a part of your web presence. Give your listeners a chance to download, for free, certain station promotions and features; work out a licensing deal with a software company and give it away on your site. Stick a camera in your studio and 'and make your talent TV stars'.

And don't charge 'club' membership fees. Maybe certain programs and personalities can get away with this, but you want to make it as easy as possible for your listeners to access and use your site...fees are an obstacle and a turn-0ff. However, make it attractive for advertisers and potential advertisers to use their credit cards to buy advertising packages and opportunities online; get in on some of that instant cash flow. Right now you make your money by having your salespeople market advertising opportunities on the air; you can do the same here. And you can track your growth almost instantly; the more people who visit your website, the more you can charge.

Hey radio...'carpe diem'! 'Seize the day!' You have a terrific opportunity here.