Happy New Year! Of course, by this time tomorrow, the actual first day of 2009,most of us will have broken half of our precious “New Year’s Resolutions”!
There is something magic about a new year- a fresh start to make changes, improvements and generally increase the quality of life. Maybe That's why so many people dive right in!
I Googled “Top New Years Resolutions” to find out what other people say is a priority. The two top results offer different lists, with some common items, of course. I will supply the links here so you can see for yourself, but here is the list from our top Google site, About.com:Pittsburgh:
1) Spend More Time With Family
2) Fit In Fitness
3) Tame The Bulge (lose weight)
4) Quit Smoking
5) Enjoy Life More (whatever THAT means)
6) Quit Drinking
7) Get Out of Debt
8) Learn Something New
9) Help Others
10) Get Organized!
Here is the link: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm
The second most popular site was USA.gov-here is their Top 13:
1) Lose Weight
2) Manage Debt
3) Save Money
4) Get A Better Job
5) Get Fit
6) Eat Right
7) Get A Better Education
8) Drink Less Alcohol
9) Quit Smoking Now
10) Reduce Stress Overall
11) Reduce Stress At Work
12) Take A Trip
13) Volunteer to Help Others
Here is that link: http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml
Both lists have a lot of commonality-and a lot of common sense! We’d all do well to focus on the even 2-3 of these—AND MAKE’EM STICK!!
Good luck…but I love you just the way you are!
If you’d like to receive my daily blog as an E-MAIL in your in-box (it would come directly and personally from me, so there is no “list-selling” or passing along your e-mail to anyone else), just e-mail me at the address below-just state somewhere in the e-mail that you’d like to receive the Tim Moore blog! (it’s FREE!)
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Again…Happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The 94.9 WHOM Community
As 2008 winds down, it’s amazing to look back at all the changes that have occurred in the past year!
Aside from the historic election and all the news events of the year, there have been quite a few changes here at WHOM. My return to the airwaves fulltime is one of those changes and doing this daily blog is another.
As I think about it, there is a common bond among WHOM listeners, no matter where they may reside. It used to be that our audience was “confined” to 5 states and Canada—not bad, since WHOM is the largest FM station (coverage-wise) in North America. Obviously, the bulk of that audience is still in Northern New England. However, the emergence of the internet and streaming has expanded WHOM’s audience worldwide! (We got a nice e-mail from Croatia the other day-amazing!)
What we have discovered is that regardless of where a WHOM listener lives, there are some common features that make the WHOM “profile”. At the risk of making us (or you!) appear a snob, here are a few:
1) WHOM listeners are generally better educated than the population at large. They tend to be either owners of businesses, upper-level management in business, writers, teachers, doctors , lawyers, professionals and the like. Even those whose occupations are more mundane seem to have a higher level of intellect and curiosity than the average person. Those who are in what I call “regular” jobs tend to see their work as a means to an end (paycheck), but do not “define” themselves by their job. These people are often VERY active in some OTHER area outside of work-where they have an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and passion.
2) WHOM listeners are diverse in their music tastes. They want to hear everything from “My Girl” by the Temptations to “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson. Aside from an aversion to “rap” and screaming, WHOM listeners have a wide appreciation for music-which explains the scope of tunes we play.
3) WHOM Listeners tend to be rather spiritual. Not necessarily “religious” (although many are), but spiritual in the sense that WHOM listeners tend to see the “bigger picture”, whatever their personal definition of that may be.
4) WHOM listeners are not hugely into radio contests, but will play ones that are easy to enter-and where the prizes are decent enough to make the effort! Many of our listeners will never call to PLAY the 5 Second Song or “Wicked Hard Morning Trivia”, but they nonetheless “play along” in the car or wherever.
5) WHOM listeners come to us to ESCAPE! While morning headlines may need to include distressing stories that you need to be aware of, we try to filter out as much of the negativity as we can.
6) WHOM listeners are friendly! OK, so now it sounds like I’m sucking up, but it is true that our listeners are some of the sweetest, kindest people on earth! After many thousands of you have made contact with the station over the years, I can present myself as an authority in this matter!
In about a week, I will celebrate my 18th anniversary of being with WHOM, so the above list is gleaned from a deep and long association with you, the WHOM listener!
Starting today, I will be making my blog available to you as an E-MAIL, sent directly to you! All you have to do is e-mail me below and let me know you’d like to receive the blog in your in-box!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
I will personally send it to you daily!
Aside from the historic election and all the news events of the year, there have been quite a few changes here at WHOM. My return to the airwaves fulltime is one of those changes and doing this daily blog is another.
As I think about it, there is a common bond among WHOM listeners, no matter where they may reside. It used to be that our audience was “confined” to 5 states and Canada—not bad, since WHOM is the largest FM station (coverage-wise) in North America. Obviously, the bulk of that audience is still in Northern New England. However, the emergence of the internet and streaming has expanded WHOM’s audience worldwide! (We got a nice e-mail from Croatia the other day-amazing!)
What we have discovered is that regardless of where a WHOM listener lives, there are some common features that make the WHOM “profile”. At the risk of making us (or you!) appear a snob, here are a few:
1) WHOM listeners are generally better educated than the population at large. They tend to be either owners of businesses, upper-level management in business, writers, teachers, doctors , lawyers, professionals and the like. Even those whose occupations are more mundane seem to have a higher level of intellect and curiosity than the average person. Those who are in what I call “regular” jobs tend to see their work as a means to an end (paycheck), but do not “define” themselves by their job. These people are often VERY active in some OTHER area outside of work-where they have an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and passion.
2) WHOM listeners are diverse in their music tastes. They want to hear everything from “My Girl” by the Temptations to “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson. Aside from an aversion to “rap” and screaming, WHOM listeners have a wide appreciation for music-which explains the scope of tunes we play.
3) WHOM Listeners tend to be rather spiritual. Not necessarily “religious” (although many are), but spiritual in the sense that WHOM listeners tend to see the “bigger picture”, whatever their personal definition of that may be.
4) WHOM listeners are not hugely into radio contests, but will play ones that are easy to enter-and where the prizes are decent enough to make the effort! Many of our listeners will never call to PLAY the 5 Second Song or “Wicked Hard Morning Trivia”, but they nonetheless “play along” in the car or wherever.
5) WHOM listeners come to us to ESCAPE! While morning headlines may need to include distressing stories that you need to be aware of, we try to filter out as much of the negativity as we can.
6) WHOM listeners are friendly! OK, so now it sounds like I’m sucking up, but it is true that our listeners are some of the sweetest, kindest people on earth! After many thousands of you have made contact with the station over the years, I can present myself as an authority in this matter!
In about a week, I will celebrate my 18th anniversary of being with WHOM, so the above list is gleaned from a deep and long association with you, the WHOM listener!
Starting today, I will be making my blog available to you as an E-MAIL, sent directly to you! All you have to do is e-mail me below and let me know you’d like to receive the blog in your in-box!
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
I will personally send it to you daily!
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Week In Between
Ah, back to the grind this week! Many people will take this week off….others will “go” to work without really getting much accomplished (see my blog re: the holidays)
This is actually one of my favorites weeks of the year. The phones are relatively slow, the e-mail torrent is a trickle-and there are just plain fewer folks in the office.
That means a fresh start to the new year. Some of the things you can accomplish this week include:
1) Cleaning your office/cubicle/workspace, tossing out all the crap that has been piling up
2) Install you new daytimer or calendar programs for 2009
3) Close out 2008 files and start ones for the new year
4) Catch up on your correspondence from the hectic holidays
5) THINK about what you would like to accomplish in the new year
Number 5 is especially important. Divide your life into it’s various component parts-as you have distinctively different “roles”. There is WORK, FAMILY, PERSONAL-and maybe you can come up with others.
Assess how effective you were in 2008 in each of your roles. Then, make your list of GOALS for 2009.
It’s a cliché, but it’s true: “Failure to plan is actually planning to fail!”
Here’s hoping this week is productive for you as you wrap up ’08!
This is actually one of my favorites weeks of the year. The phones are relatively slow, the e-mail torrent is a trickle-and there are just plain fewer folks in the office.
That means a fresh start to the new year. Some of the things you can accomplish this week include:
1) Cleaning your office/cubicle/workspace, tossing out all the crap that has been piling up
2) Install you new daytimer or calendar programs for 2009
3) Close out 2008 files and start ones for the new year
4) Catch up on your correspondence from the hectic holidays
5) THINK about what you would like to accomplish in the new year
Number 5 is especially important. Divide your life into it’s various component parts-as you have distinctively different “roles”. There is WORK, FAMILY, PERSONAL-and maybe you can come up with others.
Assess how effective you were in 2008 in each of your roles. Then, make your list of GOALS for 2009.
It’s a cliché, but it’s true: “Failure to plan is actually planning to fail!”
Here’s hoping this week is productive for you as you wrap up ’08!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Deception At The Point Of Giving
Here’s hoping you had a Merry Christmas!
After logging MANY hours on the air, I am back to playing our regular format of Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM—not that I don’t love the Christmas tunes….it was just time(at midnight last night) to move on!
Many of us are fresh from our Academy Award-winning performances of unwrapping horrible gifts in front of the people who gave them to us. When revealing an ugly shirt or cheap gadget, you must disguise the look of disgust on your face. In fact, you need to act as if you have just received a winning Powerball ticket:
“Oh, my goodness! What an AWESOME gift! How on earth have I SURVIVED without the Clapper?”
“Wow! How clever are those Chinese! Who else would of thought of McCain/Obama salt and pepper shakers?!”
“I’m certain that doubleknit Nehru jackets are coming back into style! I’ll be the FIRST in my neighborhood to have one!”
“A lawn ornament of Daffy Duck with wind-propelled crazy spinning legs was on my list last year, but nobody got it for me!”
Of course, the challenge is to:
a) Not run into the person who bestowed upon you said crappy gift at the exchange/return counter.
b) Find a way to (at least ONCE in the near future) actually wear or display the offending item in front of the gifter.
This, of course, means inviting that person of extreme bad taste into your home. This is convenient for clothing, since that way you won’t be seen leaving the house wearing the plaid leisure suit. Only your other family members and pets will be subjected to the pain of having to withhold either uproarious laughter or vomit while entertaining the offender in your living room.
Displaying those hideous items in your home can be a one-and-only-one time event too:
“Say, could you please pass the Obama? My steak needs a bit of seasoning!”
My feeling is that after ONE “sighting”, the giftee and gifter never have to uphold the pretense that the item was ever valued.
Future questions can be answered using the little white lies we employ to spare other people’s feelings. For instance, if the giver asks why he/she hasn’t seen in you that wide-lapel turquoise smoking jacket, you can answer with a rueful laugh about how ironic it is that a smoking jacket somehow itself caught fire and was completely burned to a cinder.
How unfortunate.
I was VERY fortunate to have received all winners from my family-no acting needed!
My wish is that Santa (in all of his various forms) gave you EXACTLY what you wanted this year. If you got a real bummer of a present, feel free to share it with me as a comment or right to my e-mail at: tim.moore@citcomm.com
After logging MANY hours on the air, I am back to playing our regular format of Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM—not that I don’t love the Christmas tunes….it was just time(at midnight last night) to move on!
Many of us are fresh from our Academy Award-winning performances of unwrapping horrible gifts in front of the people who gave them to us. When revealing an ugly shirt or cheap gadget, you must disguise the look of disgust on your face. In fact, you need to act as if you have just received a winning Powerball ticket:
“Oh, my goodness! What an AWESOME gift! How on earth have I SURVIVED without the Clapper?”
“Wow! How clever are those Chinese! Who else would of thought of McCain/Obama salt and pepper shakers?!”
“I’m certain that doubleknit Nehru jackets are coming back into style! I’ll be the FIRST in my neighborhood to have one!”
“A lawn ornament of Daffy Duck with wind-propelled crazy spinning legs was on my list last year, but nobody got it for me!”
Of course, the challenge is to:
a) Not run into the person who bestowed upon you said crappy gift at the exchange/return counter.
b) Find a way to (at least ONCE in the near future) actually wear or display the offending item in front of the gifter.
This, of course, means inviting that person of extreme bad taste into your home. This is convenient for clothing, since that way you won’t be seen leaving the house wearing the plaid leisure suit. Only your other family members and pets will be subjected to the pain of having to withhold either uproarious laughter or vomit while entertaining the offender in your living room.
Displaying those hideous items in your home can be a one-and-only-one time event too:
“Say, could you please pass the Obama? My steak needs a bit of seasoning!”
My feeling is that after ONE “sighting”, the giftee and gifter never have to uphold the pretense that the item was ever valued.
Future questions can be answered using the little white lies we employ to spare other people’s feelings. For instance, if the giver asks why he/she hasn’t seen in you that wide-lapel turquoise smoking jacket, you can answer with a rueful laugh about how ironic it is that a smoking jacket somehow itself caught fire and was completely burned to a cinder.
How unfortunate.
I was VERY fortunate to have received all winners from my family-no acting needed!
My wish is that Santa (in all of his various forms) gave you EXACTLY what you wanted this year. If you got a real bummer of a present, feel free to share it with me as a comment or right to my e-mail at: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas!
We’ve just kicked off our “Home For The Holidays” 36 hours of commercial-free Christmas music!
I’ll be on the air A LOT from now through the weekend, so I’ll dispense with my usual RANT to simply wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! It has been a challenging year-and yet there is so much to be grateful for.
The “attitude of gratitude” will keep you healthy and happy (just ask John Tesh!) My wishes for a restful and blessed Christmas..remember the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas!
I’ll be on the air A LOT from now through the weekend, so I’ll dispense with my usual RANT to simply wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! It has been a challenging year-and yet there is so much to be grateful for.
The “attitude of gratitude” will keep you healthy and happy (just ask John Tesh!) My wishes for a restful and blessed Christmas..remember the reason for the season!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Deserted Office
One of the byproducts of the holiday season is a pronounced decrease in personnel around workplaces across America.
People are simply out shopping. Offices are virtual ghost towns.
They may be calling in sick, calling in with phantom car trouble or childcare issues, but the truth is that they are all at the Mall.
Contrast this with the legitimate “late lunch”-turning an hour into two or so—all with the prior knowledge and approval of the boss, who is hoping said employee is shopping for THEM.
Part of the problem stems from the idea that no one wants to actually DO anything because it’s the “holidays”…… Huh?
“Sorry, we won’t be able to get to that until after the New Year”. Hey, it’s OCTOBER! OK, maybe that’s exaggerating things a bit, but----not much! The holidays are a built-in excuse for failing to get the job done. No matter that no one wants to conduct normal business. For salespeople, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is horrid for getting decision-makers to make a commitment.
“See me after the holidays”, they say.
“OK”, you say, forgetting to add that you may STARVE before you get to call on them again.
For those of us on the air, the holidays are anything but. You’ll hear me on 94.9 WHOM (I hope) for a good chunk of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s…you get the picture. Not that I don’t love it…after all, most people would never consider what I do WORK. Digging ditches, rearing children, brain surgeon….all tough work. Disc Jockey?
Hardly.
“Hey, can you play me a song?”
See me after the holidays.
People are simply out shopping. Offices are virtual ghost towns.
They may be calling in sick, calling in with phantom car trouble or childcare issues, but the truth is that they are all at the Mall.
Contrast this with the legitimate “late lunch”-turning an hour into two or so—all with the prior knowledge and approval of the boss, who is hoping said employee is shopping for THEM.
Part of the problem stems from the idea that no one wants to actually DO anything because it’s the “holidays”…… Huh?
“Sorry, we won’t be able to get to that until after the New Year”. Hey, it’s OCTOBER! OK, maybe that’s exaggerating things a bit, but----not much! The holidays are a built-in excuse for failing to get the job done. No matter that no one wants to conduct normal business. For salespeople, the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is horrid for getting decision-makers to make a commitment.
“See me after the holidays”, they say.
“OK”, you say, forgetting to add that you may STARVE before you get to call on them again.
For those of us on the air, the holidays are anything but. You’ll hear me on 94.9 WHOM (I hope) for a good chunk of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s…you get the picture. Not that I don’t love it…after all, most people would never consider what I do WORK. Digging ditches, rearing children, brain surgeon….all tough work. Disc Jockey?
Hardly.
“Hey, can you play me a song?”
See me after the holidays.
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Zombie Walk
As the days slip away and my Christmas gift list DOESN’T shrink, I take on a demeanor that maybe you’ve seen in the Mall before.
It’s the “Zombie Walk”—and you will most certainly witness it even if you don’t experience it yourself. The Zombie Walk usually afflicts men trying to buy something for the wives. The hallmarks include a shuffling of the feet as the eyes are almost completely glazed over. Victims are not only those personally afflicted, but also the sales clerks they come in contact with. These unfortunate souls are saddled with the weighty problem of making a sale to an idiot for someone who is even more unfortunate to have married said idiot.
The Zombie Walk is simply aimless shopping in a catatonic state. You don’t know what to purchase-and this haphazard wandering (sometimes followed by babbling in the corner of the store) manifests itself most acutely on Christmas Eve, when gift items that never would have passed muster a week prior-all of a sudden start to look appealing.
Imagine her delight when she unwraps the nosehair clipper!
See you in the doghouse! (here’s that link again)
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
It’s the “Zombie Walk”—and you will most certainly witness it even if you don’t experience it yourself. The Zombie Walk usually afflicts men trying to buy something for the wives. The hallmarks include a shuffling of the feet as the eyes are almost completely glazed over. Victims are not only those personally afflicted, but also the sales clerks they come in contact with. These unfortunate souls are saddled with the weighty problem of making a sale to an idiot for someone who is even more unfortunate to have married said idiot.
The Zombie Walk is simply aimless shopping in a catatonic state. You don’t know what to purchase-and this haphazard wandering (sometimes followed by babbling in the corner of the store) manifests itself most acutely on Christmas Eve, when gift items that never would have passed muster a week prior-all of a sudden start to look appealing.
Imagine her delight when she unwraps the nosehair clipper!
See you in the doghouse! (here’s that link again)
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
Friday, December 19, 2008
Batten Down The Hatches!
Here we go! Winter is happening big time out there right now…..this is a sorry excuse for a blog, as I need to go fetch my coat, my gloves…..and CAN SOMEONE FIND ME A SHOVEL!!!!!!!!!!???????
I deferred on buying a snowblower again this season and I haven’t arranged for someone to plow me out…so it’s yours truly with a wooden dowel supporting a cheap plastic blade to clear out my driveway, my sidewalk, my deck, etc.
My back hurts already.
Anybody want to join me in buying timeshare in Florida until, say……JUNE?
I deferred on buying a snowblower again this season and I haven’t arranged for someone to plow me out…so it’s yours truly with a wooden dowel supporting a cheap plastic blade to clear out my driveway, my sidewalk, my deck, etc.
My back hurts already.
Anybody want to join me in buying timeshare in Florida until, say……JUNE?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Parking Etiquette
As the holiday season heads into the final week—and shoppers become more frantic, you’ll see an increase in PLR, which, of course, is more commonly known as Parking Lot Rage.
PLR increases after Thanksgiving and reaches a crescendo on Christmas Eve at around 5pm. The source of PLR is naturally: too many cars and not enough parking spaces in any given parking lot. The culprits are not always behind the wheel.
Here are some scenarios you may recognize:
1) THE INTERLOPER- In this situation, you see someone pulling out of a space. While you are patiently waiting for the exiting car to leave- someone else comes from the OTHER side and charges into the space that you were there first for. I don’t throw “justifiable homicide” around lightly, but there isn’t a jury anywhere within shouting distance of a Mall that would convict you.
2) THE DAWDLER- Yes, these shoppers returning to their car SEE you waiting there, but they have to take their sweet time in unloading their packages into the car. Some will finish their coffee, apply makeup or sit around talking on their cell phone instead of being considerate and GETTING THE HELL OUT OF THE SPACE!!!!!! Ahem….sorry.
3) THE SPACE HOG-This idiot usually is driving a really fine set of wheels. He or she believes that such a nice ride deserves to be protected from scratches and dents. The best way to do this, of course, to take MORE THAN ONE SPACE. Sometimes, this is done overtly (parking diagonally across two or more spaces)-other times, it is crossing “over the line” just enough to keep anyone driving anything other than a Mini Cooper from using the adjacent space. Unfortunately for them, they are often the targets of vandalism from those afflicted with PLR (serves them right)
4) CAR STALKER-After a few rounds up and down every lane-with no open spaces in sight, PLR victims will begin stalking their prey (you) as you stroll through the parking lot on the way to your car. If you are making your way to your vehicle, nonchalantly glance over your shoulder to see if you are being followed by one or more cars. Yes, they are following you to your vehicle, where a fresh space appears imminent. This may incite PLR in you, but will definitely trigger rage amongst the following caravan of drivers if it appears-even for a minute—that you have forgotten where you have left your SUV. Any backtracking at all could elicit profanity directed your way. Of course, you can have your own fun by darting quickly across three lines of cars, thus thwarting the car stalker. If you decide to do this, I suggest that you refer to #2 above and EXIT YOUR SPACE QUICKLY.
Good luck—be careful out there—and don’t BE/DO any of the above
PLR increases after Thanksgiving and reaches a crescendo on Christmas Eve at around 5pm. The source of PLR is naturally: too many cars and not enough parking spaces in any given parking lot. The culprits are not always behind the wheel.
Here are some scenarios you may recognize:
1) THE INTERLOPER- In this situation, you see someone pulling out of a space. While you are patiently waiting for the exiting car to leave- someone else comes from the OTHER side and charges into the space that you were there first for. I don’t throw “justifiable homicide” around lightly, but there isn’t a jury anywhere within shouting distance of a Mall that would convict you.
2) THE DAWDLER- Yes, these shoppers returning to their car SEE you waiting there, but they have to take their sweet time in unloading their packages into the car. Some will finish their coffee, apply makeup or sit around talking on their cell phone instead of being considerate and GETTING THE HELL OUT OF THE SPACE!!!!!! Ahem….sorry.
3) THE SPACE HOG-This idiot usually is driving a really fine set of wheels. He or she believes that such a nice ride deserves to be protected from scratches and dents. The best way to do this, of course, to take MORE THAN ONE SPACE. Sometimes, this is done overtly (parking diagonally across two or more spaces)-other times, it is crossing “over the line” just enough to keep anyone driving anything other than a Mini Cooper from using the adjacent space. Unfortunately for them, they are often the targets of vandalism from those afflicted with PLR (serves them right)
4) CAR STALKER-After a few rounds up and down every lane-with no open spaces in sight, PLR victims will begin stalking their prey (you) as you stroll through the parking lot on the way to your car. If you are making your way to your vehicle, nonchalantly glance over your shoulder to see if you are being followed by one or more cars. Yes, they are following you to your vehicle, where a fresh space appears imminent. This may incite PLR in you, but will definitely trigger rage amongst the following caravan of drivers if it appears-even for a minute—that you have forgotten where you have left your SUV. Any backtracking at all could elicit profanity directed your way. Of course, you can have your own fun by darting quickly across three lines of cars, thus thwarting the car stalker. If you decide to do this, I suggest that you refer to #2 above and EXIT YOUR SPACE QUICKLY.
Good luck—be careful out there—and don’t BE/DO any of the above
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Santa Needs Help Sometimes
Completely unbeknownst to my daily afternoon audience yesterday, I did a good part of the show as Santa Claus, complete with jolly red suit, beard and boots.
Why, you ask?
Well, it was the Citadel Broadcasting of Portland Holiday Party (see YESTERDAY’S blog on office Christmas parties)-and unlike years past, when it was strictly an adult affair with lots of cocktails, this year, we decided to make it a family affair, right down to the kiddies. And what is a kids Christmas party without a visit from Santa?
The trick of course, was to not miss a break on the radio while fulfilling my Clausly Duties in the WHOM Conference Room, the scene of the mayhem
I must say up front that the REAL Santa is busy right now, assembling Nintendos and plasma screen TVs at the North Pole. My job was to be a reasonable facsimile for the sake of the little ones. My 8 year old Kevin was made aware of this-and enthusiastically volunteered to be Santa’s helper. Of course, he was indispensable, from helping old Santa climb into his Deluxe Santa Suit from Marden’s to basically leading the Jolly Elf from one place to another..once the beard and wig and glasses are on, Santa is blind as a bat.
Luckily, no disasters yesterday. I “Ho-Ho-Ho’ed” my way through a sack of goodies-and perhaps because the kids had a not-so-healthy sugar headstart with snacks, there was none of the Santa-phobia that anyone who has ever stuffed himself into the felt suit has experienced. In fact, the kids nearly tackled me. Between the gentle “Santa loves you” greetings directed at the youngsters to the “slightly PG-13” comments made for the benefit of the adults, it was clear that Santa didn’t frighten anyone. Whew!
Aside from having my Santa laugh compared to that of Herman Munster (which, as it turns out was 100% accurate), my guess is that most of the grownups were too busy eating, drinking and making sure their kids didn’t get stiffed by Saint Nick in the gift department to take much notice of the many imperfections of the appearance.
There really is something that happens once that suit goes on…truly. I can’t explain it, but it SO real that you have to experience it to appreciate it fully. If transporting yourself into the “Christmas mood” is difficult-and 94.9 WHOM’s continuous holiday music doesn’t do the trick…I suggest playing Santa.
Guaranteed to work.
Hurry, there’s ONE Santa Suit left at Marden’s---an absolute STEAL at $69.95!
Why, you ask?
Well, it was the Citadel Broadcasting of Portland Holiday Party (see YESTERDAY’S blog on office Christmas parties)-and unlike years past, when it was strictly an adult affair with lots of cocktails, this year, we decided to make it a family affair, right down to the kiddies. And what is a kids Christmas party without a visit from Santa?
The trick of course, was to not miss a break on the radio while fulfilling my Clausly Duties in the WHOM Conference Room, the scene of the mayhem
I must say up front that the REAL Santa is busy right now, assembling Nintendos and plasma screen TVs at the North Pole. My job was to be a reasonable facsimile for the sake of the little ones. My 8 year old Kevin was made aware of this-and enthusiastically volunteered to be Santa’s helper. Of course, he was indispensable, from helping old Santa climb into his Deluxe Santa Suit from Marden’s to basically leading the Jolly Elf from one place to another..once the beard and wig and glasses are on, Santa is blind as a bat.
Luckily, no disasters yesterday. I “Ho-Ho-Ho’ed” my way through a sack of goodies-and perhaps because the kids had a not-so-healthy sugar headstart with snacks, there was none of the Santa-phobia that anyone who has ever stuffed himself into the felt suit has experienced. In fact, the kids nearly tackled me. Between the gentle “Santa loves you” greetings directed at the youngsters to the “slightly PG-13” comments made for the benefit of the adults, it was clear that Santa didn’t frighten anyone. Whew!
Aside from having my Santa laugh compared to that of Herman Munster (which, as it turns out was 100% accurate), my guess is that most of the grownups were too busy eating, drinking and making sure their kids didn’t get stiffed by Saint Nick in the gift department to take much notice of the many imperfections of the appearance.
There really is something that happens once that suit goes on…truly. I can’t explain it, but it SO real that you have to experience it to appreciate it fully. If transporting yourself into the “Christmas mood” is difficult-and 94.9 WHOM’s continuous holiday music doesn’t do the trick…I suggest playing Santa.
Guaranteed to work.
Hurry, there’s ONE Santa Suit left at Marden’s---an absolute STEAL at $69.95!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Office Christmas Parties
There should be a book written about office Christmas parties. Nowhere else are your co-workers so defined forever in the minds of their colleagues than at the annual festive gathering. More careers are lost here than even the summer company picnic.
Eggnog is the culprit. So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved coworkers into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice to give is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Merry Christmas!
Eggnog is the culprit. So, too, are all of its alcoholic cousins, turning what we all thought were well-behaved coworkers into rear-end pinching, dirty joke telling, lampshade wearing fools.
What better time to tell the boss what a jerk he or she is than at the company Christmas party? Of course, it isn’t done OVERTLY. It comes in the form of alcohol-induced sarcasm and “humor” aimed at the group in general. Only problem is that the only person laughing is the boss’s spouse (and that REALLY isn’t good)-and you-until you see the blank stares returned following your “killer” punchline.
God help you if there is a “Yankee Swap” or other lame excuse for gift giving. It doesn’t matter that you purchased a nice desk set for someone else’s delight. The lingering memory will be the one of YOU unwrapping the gigantic vibrator-or other adult sex toy (“hey, it’s just a JOKE!”)
Some parties are compulsory. If a bonus is given at your holiday party, it might as well be. People show up to grab the goodies and then scram. Of course, if your company has a reputation for giving you, say, a HAM for Christmas…you might decide to insure your career by NOT attending and just get your own ham.
The only advice to give is….DON’T DRINK…and if you must drink, have ONE….and nurse it all night. Staying employed is tough enough in this economy without you contributing to your own demise by acting like an imbecile!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ice Storm Aftermath
Well, it got into the 50’s in Portland today…hard to believe that Friday was a complete freakshow. The ice storm toppled trees, utility poles and caused widespread damage across the northeast.
I am still talking with people who still have no power- and haven’t been able to take a shower. Employers in the area have to balance their company’s staffing needs with some measure of compassion over the plight of their employees. Some bosses have been great—we’ve heard about them….and of course, some others have been heartless jerks.
Naturally, though, it’s a two-way street. I spoke to at least one boss who said that several of her employees “used” the ice storm to take a day or two off. She predicted ahead of time just who on her staff would be opportunistic…and she was dead-on right.
Unless you CANNOT get to work, why would the power being off cause you to completely miss the day (child care issues excluded)? When an employee says, “I can’t come in, there’s no heat in my house”, I would be tempted to reply, “Well, that’s fine, because there IS heat here in the office! Come on down and warm up!” Obviously, a lot of businesses were among those without the juice. Going to work wasn’t an option.
Inch by inch, we will drag ourselves out of this latest storm, as we have with those in the past. Again, my salute to the CMP and Public Service of New Hampshire crews-as well as their counterparts in all states affected!
WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU? (cold & dirty with a fridge full of spoiled food, that’s where..)
I am still talking with people who still have no power- and haven’t been able to take a shower. Employers in the area have to balance their company’s staffing needs with some measure of compassion over the plight of their employees. Some bosses have been great—we’ve heard about them….and of course, some others have been heartless jerks.
Naturally, though, it’s a two-way street. I spoke to at least one boss who said that several of her employees “used” the ice storm to take a day or two off. She predicted ahead of time just who on her staff would be opportunistic…and she was dead-on right.
Unless you CANNOT get to work, why would the power being off cause you to completely miss the day (child care issues excluded)? When an employee says, “I can’t come in, there’s no heat in my house”, I would be tempted to reply, “Well, that’s fine, because there IS heat here in the office! Come on down and warm up!” Obviously, a lot of businesses were among those without the juice. Going to work wasn’t an option.
Inch by inch, we will drag ourselves out of this latest storm, as we have with those in the past. Again, my salute to the CMP and Public Service of New Hampshire crews-as well as their counterparts in all states affected!
WHERE WOULD WE BE WITHOUT YOU? (cold & dirty with a fridge full of spoiled food, that’s where..)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Ice Storm! Here We Go Again..
Not much of a blog today……dealing with the aftermath of the big ice storm last night..so many of our listeners are without power..some tuning in on battery-operated radios.
The important thing is to be SAFE! With power lines down, it is important when walking to know where you are stepping! Keep dogs on a SHORT leash, not letting them get too far ahead of you!
If you are without electricity, keep the opening and closing of the fridge to an absolute minimum. Milk and other perishable products will last a few hours, but they’ll be a lot better off if you keep the unit closed! The freezer should be OK for a much longer period of time!
Lots of candles will light the way, but they are among the highest causes of house fires-never leave them unattended—or close to combustibles!
If you can, visit the elderly neighbors to see if they are OK-make sure they are eating-and although we are all watching our “dining out costs”, resign yourself to the fact that expenses will rise a bit…keep it all in perspective!
Let’s ride this one out! Good luck!
The important thing is to be SAFE! With power lines down, it is important when walking to know where you are stepping! Keep dogs on a SHORT leash, not letting them get too far ahead of you!
If you are without electricity, keep the opening and closing of the fridge to an absolute minimum. Milk and other perishable products will last a few hours, but they’ll be a lot better off if you keep the unit closed! The freezer should be OK for a much longer period of time!
Lots of candles will light the way, but they are among the highest causes of house fires-never leave them unattended—or close to combustibles!
If you can, visit the elderly neighbors to see if they are OK-make sure they are eating-and although we are all watching our “dining out costs”, resign yourself to the fact that expenses will rise a bit…keep it all in perspective!
Let’s ride this one out! Good luck!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Christmas Music Favorites...And Duds
Tomorrow will mark the two-week “anniversary” of 94.9 WHOM switching over to All Holiday/Christmas music.
Since then, we have had hundreds, maybe thousands of requests! Of course, I’m interested in YOUR favorites, but I am also intrigued by the songs that appear at the top of the list:
Dominic The Donkey- By Lou Monte….again this year, out most requested song! Hard to believe. I grew up in Washington, D.C. and NEVER heard this song until just a few years ago. While mentioning it on-air one morning, we were flooded with calls from people who said it was part of their childhood growing up-and thus had tremendous sentimental value.
The Maine Christmas Song-By Melinda Liberty. Never a fan myself ( I consider the song a little on the SAPPY side), we nonetheless get a lot of requests for it. I just aired it this afternoon after a call from a “displaced” Mainer living in Reading, California-who was listening to the internet stream. I was happy to play it for her…
The Christmas Shoes-By Newsong. This song made me cry the first time I heard it-and about the next ten times. Now, it just depresses me….and the fact that I no longer cry at the lyrics about a small boy buying shoes for his dying mother makes me feel doubly depressed because now I believe I am heartless for NOT getting emotional!
A lot of the traditional songs I am personally tired of. “Feliz Navided”, “White Christmas”, “Wonderful Christmastime”, “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)”, “Blue Christmas”…they remain HUGE with the audience, but I’m a bit fatigued. I still love Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” and The Carpenters “Merry Christmas Darling”, even though I have heard them THOUSANDS of times, too!
Would love to hear from you—which are your favorites and which ones would you like to see us DEEP-SIX? (in a jolly holiday sort of way, of course)
Either comment below—or send me an e-mail!
And, as always….THANKS FOR LISTENING TO 94.9 WHOM!tim.moore@citcomm.com
Since then, we have had hundreds, maybe thousands of requests! Of course, I’m interested in YOUR favorites, but I am also intrigued by the songs that appear at the top of the list:
Dominic The Donkey- By Lou Monte….again this year, out most requested song! Hard to believe. I grew up in Washington, D.C. and NEVER heard this song until just a few years ago. While mentioning it on-air one morning, we were flooded with calls from people who said it was part of their childhood growing up-and thus had tremendous sentimental value.
The Maine Christmas Song-By Melinda Liberty. Never a fan myself ( I consider the song a little on the SAPPY side), we nonetheless get a lot of requests for it. I just aired it this afternoon after a call from a “displaced” Mainer living in Reading, California-who was listening to the internet stream. I was happy to play it for her…
The Christmas Shoes-By Newsong. This song made me cry the first time I heard it-and about the next ten times. Now, it just depresses me….and the fact that I no longer cry at the lyrics about a small boy buying shoes for his dying mother makes me feel doubly depressed because now I believe I am heartless for NOT getting emotional!
A lot of the traditional songs I am personally tired of. “Feliz Navided”, “White Christmas”, “Wonderful Christmastime”, “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)”, “Blue Christmas”…they remain HUGE with the audience, but I’m a bit fatigued. I still love Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” and The Carpenters “Merry Christmas Darling”, even though I have heard them THOUSANDS of times, too!
Would love to hear from you—which are your favorites and which ones would you like to see us DEEP-SIX? (in a jolly holiday sort of way, of course)
Either comment below—or send me an e-mail!
And, as always….THANKS FOR LISTENING TO 94.9 WHOM!tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Streaming Across The World
I am constantly amazed by the footprint of WHOM! Across 5 states and Canada, 94.9 WHOM has the largest geographic coverage of any commercial radio station in North America. Getting calls and/or e-mails from Massachusetts, Canada and places like Rhode Island and even New York state have become commonplace.
Technology and the web have now extended the WHOM platform to THE WORLD via the website: http://www.949whom.com/
With the analytical tools we now have for the internet stream, we can tell EXACTLY how many people are listening-below is a list of listening locations in just the first 10 days of this month!
Portland-Auburn, ME
Boston, MA,
Canada
Bangor, ME
Burlington, VT
New York, NY
NO DMA, USA
Washington, DC
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Providence, RI
Hartford, CT
Augusta, GA
Philadelphia, PA
United Kingdom
Atlanta, GA
Norfolk-Portsmouth, VA
Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Rochester, NY
Singapore
Indianapolis, IN
Paducah, KY
Mexico
Portland, OR
Albuquerque, NM
Orlando, FL
Dayton, OH
Baltimore, MD
Springfield-Holyoke, MA
Cleveland, OH
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
India
Germany
Hong Kong
Denver, CO
Nashville, TN
Switzerland
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Hungary
Jacksonville, FL
Columbus, OH
Tampa, FL
Japan
Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA
Italy
Detroit, MI
Spain
Czech Republic
Knoxville, TN
Pittsburgh, PA
Gainesville, FL
Salt Lake City, UT
Syracuse, NY
Miami, FL
Minneapolis-St Paul, MN
Raleigh-Durham, NC
(Undetermined)
Madison, WI
Presque Isle, ME
Europe
Greensboro, NC
Puerto Rico
La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI
Colorado Springs, CO
Houston, TX
Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA
Panama City, FL
Great Falls, MT
Cincinnati, OH
Mongolia
Johnstown-Altoona, PA
Honolulu, HI
New Orleans, LA
Sioux City, IA
San Diego, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Greenville-Spartenburg, SC
Sweden
Savannah, GA
South Bend, IN
Virgin Islands, British
Utica-Rome, NY
Oklahoma City, OK
Buffalo, NY
Brazil
Israel
Colombia
West Palm Beach, FL
France
Sherman, TX
Watertown, NY
Belgium
Lansing, MI
Youngstown-Warren, OH
Cedar Rapids-Waterloo, IA
Sacramento, CA
Korea, Republic of
Montgomery, AL
Bowling Green, KY
Peoria-Bloomington, IL
Traverse City-Cadillac, MI
Chico-Redding, CA
Huntsville, AL
Nepal
Elmira, NY
Green Bay-Appleton, WI
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
Columbia, SC
Columbia-Jefferson City, MO
Hey...WORLD!!!!!! Thanks for listening to 94.9 WHOM!
Technology and the web have now extended the WHOM platform to THE WORLD via the website: http://www.949whom.com/
With the analytical tools we now have for the internet stream, we can tell EXACTLY how many people are listening-below is a list of listening locations in just the first 10 days of this month!
Portland-Auburn, ME
Boston, MA,
Canada
Bangor, ME
Burlington, VT
New York, NY
NO DMA, USA
Washington, DC
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Providence, RI
Hartford, CT
Augusta, GA
Philadelphia, PA
United Kingdom
Atlanta, GA
Norfolk-Portsmouth, VA
Chicago, IL
Phoenix, AZ
Rochester, NY
Singapore
Indianapolis, IN
Paducah, KY
Mexico
Portland, OR
Albuquerque, NM
Orlando, FL
Dayton, OH
Baltimore, MD
Springfield-Holyoke, MA
Cleveland, OH
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
India
Germany
Hong Kong
Denver, CO
Nashville, TN
Switzerland
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Hungary
Jacksonville, FL
Columbus, OH
Tampa, FL
Japan
Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA
Italy
Detroit, MI
Spain
Czech Republic
Knoxville, TN
Pittsburgh, PA
Gainesville, FL
Salt Lake City, UT
Syracuse, NY
Miami, FL
Minneapolis-St Paul, MN
Raleigh-Durham, NC
(Undetermined)
Madison, WI
Presque Isle, ME
Europe
Greensboro, NC
Puerto Rico
La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI
Colorado Springs, CO
Houston, TX
Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA
Panama City, FL
Great Falls, MT
Cincinnati, OH
Mongolia
Johnstown-Altoona, PA
Honolulu, HI
New Orleans, LA
Sioux City, IA
San Diego, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Greenville-Spartenburg, SC
Sweden
Savannah, GA
South Bend, IN
Virgin Islands, British
Utica-Rome, NY
Oklahoma City, OK
Buffalo, NY
Brazil
Israel
Colombia
West Palm Beach, FL
France
Sherman, TX
Watertown, NY
Belgium
Lansing, MI
Youngstown-Warren, OH
Cedar Rapids-Waterloo, IA
Sacramento, CA
Korea, Republic of
Montgomery, AL
Bowling Green, KY
Peoria-Bloomington, IL
Traverse City-Cadillac, MI
Chico-Redding, CA
Huntsville, AL
Nepal
Elmira, NY
Green Bay-Appleton, WI
Seattle-Tacoma, WA
Columbia, SC
Columbia-Jefferson City, MO
Hey...WORLD!!!!!! Thanks for listening to 94.9 WHOM!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Ghost Of Christmas Presents
With 16 days left until Christmas (which translates to 14 “shopping days” assuming no Sundays which of course is no longer relevant, but I digress), it is HIGH TIME to start thinking about what to get for the ones I love.
My kids are not too much of a problem. They make their preferences known, especially the youngest, who also happens to have the longest list.
It’s my wife who is my challenge. First of all, she wants to CUT BACK this year (something about an economic turndown-I have yet to hear of it)—I simply told her that there wouldn’t be a Christmas in my lifetime where she didn’t have SOMETHING to open from me…of course, it could be something TOTALLY inappropriate, which would land me in the DOGHOUSE!!!
Which reminds me of a VERY funny video-watch this and LAUGH!
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
My kids are not too much of a problem. They make their preferences known, especially the youngest, who also happens to have the longest list.
It’s my wife who is my challenge. First of all, she wants to CUT BACK this year (something about an economic turndown-I have yet to hear of it)—I simply told her that there wouldn’t be a Christmas in my lifetime where she didn’t have SOMETHING to open from me…of course, it could be something TOTALLY inappropriate, which would land me in the DOGHOUSE!!!
Which reminds me of a VERY funny video-watch this and LAUGH!
http://bewareofthedoghouse.com/videoPage.aspx
Monday, December 8, 2008
Handyman Tim...What A Laugher!
Someone should have installed a video camera in my bathroom this weekend to capture my antics in trying to replace the bathroom overhead fan/light. It could have become a viral hit on You Tube!
So, the existing fan got real noisy real fast…..OK, time for a diagnosis! A failing bearing (any Time-Life book worth its salt will tell ya that!) and this meant a hasty trip to the local big-box hardware store. Thirty-eight dollars later, I was off with another do-it-yourself project for Sunday.
Who wants to watch football and drink beer when you can curse and swear and nearly kill yourself?
First, my all-inclusive kit is missing all the necessary hardware bolts and screws. So what? We’ll find them around the house. Sure. A quick look at the directions told me I would need a LONG look at the directions. I can’t read Spanish, but those directions looked about as useful to me as the ones in English.
Of course, Step One is to TURN THE POWER OFF. This was relatively easy, but why my basement was wired on the same circuit as my upstairs bathroom (plunging me into darkness at the circuit panel) leads me to believe the workers who built my house were on CRACK at the time.
This feeling only grew as I removed the existing fan. It was jury-rigged to a ceiling beam. The duct exiting to the outside was actually a gutter drain pipe that I don’t believe exited anywhere but into my attic. Nice.
I’m sure it must have been humorous to see me pounding and yanking at the blasted old fan. Finally, what was left of it came loose after I literally hack-sawed through nails used to fasten it. Of course, the ceiling (sprayed to look like stucco) suffered more damage than the new face plate would cover. It was fortuitous that my eight year old was at a friend’s house, as the air inside the bathroom was blue.
To make a long story longer, I finally got the new one in and working, only after slicing my finger open with a utility knife while wiring the darn thing. My lingering memory will be standing on the edge of the tub, simultaneously holding the unit while trying to twist wire screws onto misbehaving wires with my other hand. It’s a miracle that I didn’t break my neck.
After it was all done and the bathroom cleaned up, my family admired my handiwork and asked, “Was it difficult to install?”
“No, not at all…it was a breeze”
Then I had to turn the fan on to remove the odor of BS.
So, the existing fan got real noisy real fast…..OK, time for a diagnosis! A failing bearing (any Time-Life book worth its salt will tell ya that!) and this meant a hasty trip to the local big-box hardware store. Thirty-eight dollars later, I was off with another do-it-yourself project for Sunday.
Who wants to watch football and drink beer when you can curse and swear and nearly kill yourself?
First, my all-inclusive kit is missing all the necessary hardware bolts and screws. So what? We’ll find them around the house. Sure. A quick look at the directions told me I would need a LONG look at the directions. I can’t read Spanish, but those directions looked about as useful to me as the ones in English.
Of course, Step One is to TURN THE POWER OFF. This was relatively easy, but why my basement was wired on the same circuit as my upstairs bathroom (plunging me into darkness at the circuit panel) leads me to believe the workers who built my house were on CRACK at the time.
This feeling only grew as I removed the existing fan. It was jury-rigged to a ceiling beam. The duct exiting to the outside was actually a gutter drain pipe that I don’t believe exited anywhere but into my attic. Nice.
I’m sure it must have been humorous to see me pounding and yanking at the blasted old fan. Finally, what was left of it came loose after I literally hack-sawed through nails used to fasten it. Of course, the ceiling (sprayed to look like stucco) suffered more damage than the new face plate would cover. It was fortuitous that my eight year old was at a friend’s house, as the air inside the bathroom was blue.
To make a long story longer, I finally got the new one in and working, only after slicing my finger open with a utility knife while wiring the darn thing. My lingering memory will be standing on the edge of the tub, simultaneously holding the unit while trying to twist wire screws onto misbehaving wires with my other hand. It’s a miracle that I didn’t break my neck.
After it was all done and the bathroom cleaned up, my family admired my handiwork and asked, “Was it difficult to install?”
“No, not at all…it was a breeze”
Then I had to turn the fan on to remove the odor of BS.
Friday, December 5, 2008
O.J. Finally Gets The Justice He Deserves
O.J. Simpson today received a 15-year sentence for his role in the Las Vegas/memorabilia raid with a group of his cronies. A minimum of 9 years and a maximum of 33 may end up making this a veritable life sentence.
Finally….justice.
A murderer who got off with an acquittal-and of course vowed to spend his days “searching for the real killer” (he never did find the culprit, no matter how many golf courses he scoured) has finally received a jail term that may end up being the life sentence he should have gotten years ago. The verdict was delivered 13 years to the day from the moment he walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom a free man.
Nothing will bring back his wife or her friend, but at least this sentence drives home that O.J.’s insane mocking of the U.S. Legal system has come to an end.
Karma is real-and it was only a matter of time before O.J. would see the pendulum swing back. Of course, no one takes any joy from the misfortune of another, but there was a deeply satisfying feeling that a dangerous man will now spend at least 6-9 years in a maximum security prison—no “country club incarceration” for him. Better yet, he will no longer be able to literally profit from the murders he committed so many years ago.
The tragedy of O.J. has yet to see a final chapter, but our culture’s saturation with the original crime tends to hide the chapters in Simpson’s life before that fateful act. Namely, that a gifted athlete, who parlayed his ability into that of a multi-millionaire sportscaster, actor, commercial spokesman and celebrity—was able to sink so far so fast. He had everything—and his own ego and sense of “no rules apply to me” attitude led to the behavior and rage that destroyed his life-and the lives of so many others.
Hopefully, we will be spared hearing about O.J. for at least 9 years. Just as hopefully, the families of Nicole and of Ron Goldman will be able to experience some sense of peace or closure.
Finally….justice.
A murderer who got off with an acquittal-and of course vowed to spend his days “searching for the real killer” (he never did find the culprit, no matter how many golf courses he scoured) has finally received a jail term that may end up being the life sentence he should have gotten years ago. The verdict was delivered 13 years to the day from the moment he walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom a free man.
Nothing will bring back his wife or her friend, but at least this sentence drives home that O.J.’s insane mocking of the U.S. Legal system has come to an end.
Karma is real-and it was only a matter of time before O.J. would see the pendulum swing back. Of course, no one takes any joy from the misfortune of another, but there was a deeply satisfying feeling that a dangerous man will now spend at least 6-9 years in a maximum security prison—no “country club incarceration” for him. Better yet, he will no longer be able to literally profit from the murders he committed so many years ago.
The tragedy of O.J. has yet to see a final chapter, but our culture’s saturation with the original crime tends to hide the chapters in Simpson’s life before that fateful act. Namely, that a gifted athlete, who parlayed his ability into that of a multi-millionaire sportscaster, actor, commercial spokesman and celebrity—was able to sink so far so fast. He had everything—and his own ego and sense of “no rules apply to me” attitude led to the behavior and rage that destroyed his life-and the lives of so many others.
Hopefully, we will be spared hearing about O.J. for at least 9 years. Just as hopefully, the families of Nicole and of Ron Goldman will be able to experience some sense of peace or closure.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Where Are The "New" Christmas TV Specials?
Last night, I had the pleasure of sitting in front of the TV with my 8 year old son Kevin and watching the “Rudolph The Reindeer TV Special” on CBS.
First of all, hats off to CBS for airing this classic TV special in prime time for a new generation of viewers. They said it was “digitally re-mastered”—frankly, I didn’t notice an improvement in picture quality, but then again, I don’t really care.
As I was careening down memory lane and re-living my childhood, I was anxious to see how my youngest would assess the program. Today’s kids have high-tech graphics on handheld devices (like Nintendo DS) that make the “visual effects” of the 1960’s seem like crude craving on the wall of a cave. Of course, the story and the music is the thing. Kevin was familiar with the music (since I play virtually the entire soundtrack on 94.9 WHOM during the holidays!) As for the story, he was engaged and delighted! It was a special experience to share, as I did with my other two kids, who are in college and high school now.
What struck me is how there really are no new “classics” being made. When we were young, we also had a “Charlie Brown Christmas”, “The Grinch”-and relative newcomer “Frosty The Snowman”. All of these are still shown today-and yet, I can’t think of a contemporary holiday cartoon special that kids today are excited about.
Maybe it’s the fragmentation into cable and a thousand channels. Maybe it’s just the Pokemon generation that views these holiday specials as “lame”. Certainly, the good old fashioned “messages” of good will, forgiveness and even the religious associations that are so prevalent in the Charlie Brown special seem to be dangerous territory for today’s TV producers to approach. Too bad.
Am I missing something here? If there is a “new” classic out there, I’m all ears!
First of all, hats off to CBS for airing this classic TV special in prime time for a new generation of viewers. They said it was “digitally re-mastered”—frankly, I didn’t notice an improvement in picture quality, but then again, I don’t really care.
As I was careening down memory lane and re-living my childhood, I was anxious to see how my youngest would assess the program. Today’s kids have high-tech graphics on handheld devices (like Nintendo DS) that make the “visual effects” of the 1960’s seem like crude craving on the wall of a cave. Of course, the story and the music is the thing. Kevin was familiar with the music (since I play virtually the entire soundtrack on 94.9 WHOM during the holidays!) As for the story, he was engaged and delighted! It was a special experience to share, as I did with my other two kids, who are in college and high school now.
What struck me is how there really are no new “classics” being made. When we were young, we also had a “Charlie Brown Christmas”, “The Grinch”-and relative newcomer “Frosty The Snowman”. All of these are still shown today-and yet, I can’t think of a contemporary holiday cartoon special that kids today are excited about.
Maybe it’s the fragmentation into cable and a thousand channels. Maybe it’s just the Pokemon generation that views these holiday specials as “lame”. Certainly, the good old fashioned “messages” of good will, forgiveness and even the religious associations that are so prevalent in the Charlie Brown special seem to be dangerous territory for today’s TV producers to approach. Too bad.
Am I missing something here? If there is a “new” classic out there, I’m all ears!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Making my List...And Checking It Only Once
It’s that special time of year. The time when family and friends-even my kids-ask the eternal holiday question: “What do YOU want for Christmas?”
Should I respond with a long stream of items-or simply answer that “world peace” would be sufficient?
The more I think about it, I have no real “needs”. I have my health, a wonderful wife and three incredible kids, all of them healthy as well. I still have a job (as of this writing anyway) and a roof over my head. The car works, so does the furnace and I never go to bed hungry. In short, what do I have to ask for?
OK!
Hybrid Golf Club(s)
iPod
GPS
Books
And..oh yeah,
Underwear
There you have it..aside from the last item, none of it is essential, important, required or a life-changer.
I’ll be overjoyed when my 8 year old makes a picture for me. It will be better than anything from a store. Making a donation to a worthy cause in my name (or not) is better than a gift for me. A happy holiday will be defined in far more expansive terms than mere STUFF! We all have enough STUFF!
Happy Holidays!
Should I respond with a long stream of items-or simply answer that “world peace” would be sufficient?
The more I think about it, I have no real “needs”. I have my health, a wonderful wife and three incredible kids, all of them healthy as well. I still have a job (as of this writing anyway) and a roof over my head. The car works, so does the furnace and I never go to bed hungry. In short, what do I have to ask for?
OK!
Hybrid Golf Club(s)
iPod
GPS
Books
And..oh yeah,
Underwear
There you have it..aside from the last item, none of it is essential, important, required or a life-changer.
I’ll be overjoyed when my 8 year old makes a picture for me. It will be better than anything from a store. Making a donation to a worthy cause in my name (or not) is better than a gift for me. A happy holiday will be defined in far more expansive terms than mere STUFF! We all have enough STUFF!
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cyber Monday
Yesterday marked a day that has become as well known as “Black Friday”-the Friday after Thanksgiving. “Cyber Monday” has traditionally been the largest ONLINE shopping day of the year, as web bargain hunters raid the online retailers for great deals.
According to Comscore, a research company, sales of 29.2 BILLION were expected. That would be about flat with last year—saying something since internet sales have grown about 20% each year. There are conflicting reports, however…according to Nielson, traffic at the top 120 retailers was up 10%.
Overall, 85 million Americans were expected to make a purchase online this holiday season, which would be the record for the most ever.
Most intriguing of all (to me) is the growth in CONFIDENCE that we now have about punching our credit card numbers into a computer. Of course, identity theft is at an all-time high---and much of that crime originates from just these kinds of transactions-cyber travel of personal information through servers all over the world. Just a few short years ago, the very thought of plugging your credit card number—or God forbid, your Social Security number into an inanimate object that could be viewed by goodness knows who—would send a shiver up your spine! Now, we happily type away, sending this info across the cyber-universe! Thankfully, most sites are secure (or that little pop-up assuring us that they are makes us feel all warm and cozy!) Once we get the “all systems go”, we’re off to the races!
Shopping for virtually everything—with shipping and even the card and optional gift-wrapping possible-makes the “hassle” over holiday shopping confined to those with carpal tunnel syndrome.
The only thing we CAN’T do is to complain to the recipient that we “drove EVERYWHERE to find that special gift!”
They know better.
And if you run into them at the exchange counter returning YOUR gift, maybe you won’t take it as personally!
According to Comscore, a research company, sales of 29.2 BILLION were expected. That would be about flat with last year—saying something since internet sales have grown about 20% each year. There are conflicting reports, however…according to Nielson, traffic at the top 120 retailers was up 10%.
Overall, 85 million Americans were expected to make a purchase online this holiday season, which would be the record for the most ever.
Most intriguing of all (to me) is the growth in CONFIDENCE that we now have about punching our credit card numbers into a computer. Of course, identity theft is at an all-time high---and much of that crime originates from just these kinds of transactions-cyber travel of personal information through servers all over the world. Just a few short years ago, the very thought of plugging your credit card number—or God forbid, your Social Security number into an inanimate object that could be viewed by goodness knows who—would send a shiver up your spine! Now, we happily type away, sending this info across the cyber-universe! Thankfully, most sites are secure (or that little pop-up assuring us that they are makes us feel all warm and cozy!) Once we get the “all systems go”, we’re off to the races!
Shopping for virtually everything—with shipping and even the card and optional gift-wrapping possible-makes the “hassle” over holiday shopping confined to those with carpal tunnel syndrome.
The only thing we CAN’T do is to complain to the recipient that we “drove EVERYWHERE to find that special gift!”
They know better.
And if you run into them at the exchange counter returning YOUR gift, maybe you won’t take it as personally!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Overeating...Part One
What is it about the holiday season that says…”OK, go ahead and eat enough for a family of four”? I mean, why is it that our common sense is overridden by statements like, “ I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have ANOTHER serving of mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce…and oh, yeah…when are we having DESSERT?”
We tend to dismiss our overindulgence by saying things like, “Well, it’s the holidays”.
Huh?
That’s like saying, “Well, after all, it IS Wednesday!” The fact that people the world over are stuffing themselves wildly does not excuse our own individual behavior! Cookies, pies, cakes and other treats are displayed EVERYWHERE…..you can’t turn around without having a plate of SOMETHING shoved into your face.
If there is a happy medium, I haven’t found it yet. Somewhere between “That’s about the amount I usually eat” and “can someone rent a forklift to get me off the couch?”
Reminds me of comedian Jim Gaffigan’s line about his obsession with home delivery: “It combines two of my favorites things: eating..and not moving”
So, go for it! Enjoy the baked goodies. Try to be good, but promise yourself an HOUR on the treadmill for every treat above your usual limit.
After all, the only thing better than breaking your diet is breaking your New Year’s resolution to take off those extra pounds!
We tend to dismiss our overindulgence by saying things like, “Well, it’s the holidays”.
Huh?
That’s like saying, “Well, after all, it IS Wednesday!” The fact that people the world over are stuffing themselves wildly does not excuse our own individual behavior! Cookies, pies, cakes and other treats are displayed EVERYWHERE…..you can’t turn around without having a plate of SOMETHING shoved into your face.
If there is a happy medium, I haven’t found it yet. Somewhere between “That’s about the amount I usually eat” and “can someone rent a forklift to get me off the couch?”
Reminds me of comedian Jim Gaffigan’s line about his obsession with home delivery: “It combines two of my favorites things: eating..and not moving”
So, go for it! Enjoy the baked goodies. Try to be good, but promise yourself an HOUR on the treadmill for every treat above your usual limit.
After all, the only thing better than breaking your diet is breaking your New Year’s resolution to take off those extra pounds!
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