It was on this date in 1953 that Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the summit of the world’s tallest peak—Mount Everest.
On the crest of the Himalayas, between Nepal and Tibet, Everest sits 29,035 feet above sea level, making it almost FIVE TIMES as tall as Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast---and home to 94.9 WHOM’s transmitter!
I’m scared enough of heights, especially precarious cliff-type heights where one false step is rewarded with instant death. As such, I could never understand the rationale for risking your life in order to plant a flag on an icy rock where even a mountain goat would call you crazy.
Nevertheless, you have to admire the courage of people who make these attempts…why? “Because they are there” is the standard answer.
Why did I watch sports from my couch all weekend? Because it too, was there. When I “head to the mountains”, it may a Coors I retrieve from the icy terrain of my refrigerator. I don’t need to plant a flag anywhere. Instead, I plant MYSELF in front of the TV.
Chips, anyone?
Below is a clip of an Everest climb, to give you a sense of crazy-in-action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlITgWcJMSM
If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Retail & Service-Help Bullies--Let's Stop It
My son John and daughter Christina are both cashiers at a large supermarket in Falmouth. Almost every day they work, I am in store for an interesting story when they arrive home.
Sometimes the stories are humorous-tales of eccentric customers who micro-manage the packing of their bags, underage teens trying to pass off fake ID for the purchase of liquor, you name it-the list is almost endless!
Of course, sometimes the stories are not so funny. It is common for customers to berate and bully the cashiers for mistakes, imagined or real. People having a tough day will often “take it out” on a defenseless service employee. We have all witnessed it in a retail situation, in a restaurant directed at a waitress, in an airport or other similar scenario. Perhaps we have been guilty of going too far with an employee who cannot fight back.
All of the elements are there for a bullying situation. The customer is always in the position of control solely because he or she is the desired person in the transaction-from the business point of view. After all, the customer is always right…right? The employee is the victim in many cases. He or she is trained to be polite and helpful. If a customer is complaining about a business policy, they are directing their venom at someone who neither created the policy nor is in a position to override it.
Now there are certainly plenty of cases where the customer has a legitimate beef. And also there are cases where the clerk is surly, a wiseass or worse. This blog is directed at the instances where the customer has clearly stepped “over the line”—but in particular, those cases where other customers witnessing such abhorrent behavior do…NOTHING.
I have been guilty of this-but following my daughter’s recent run-in with a customer who became unglued following her own mistake for which she blamed my daughter—I am now vowing to selectively step in whenever I see clerk-abuse!
Following these instances in the grocery store, my kids report that the next customer in line almost invariably consoles the cashier and displays support for the injustice they just witnessed.
Wouldn’t it be better if said customer came to the defense of the employee when it mattered most—when the abusive customer is in the middle of their tirade? An employee who talks back to a customer may be summarily fired-even if he/she is in the right. Another customer stepping in to defend the employee would be a welcome sight. Yes, it may be “none of your business”, but I’d like to think we’d all chase after the purse-snatcher who grabs Granny’s handbag. Wouldn’t we all take action here?
Let’s do it everywhere. Young employees who are in a defenseless position should not be subjected to verbal abuse by bullies who are used to getting away with it-BECAUSE THEY CAN.
We can make sure they don’t.
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Sometimes the stories are humorous-tales of eccentric customers who micro-manage the packing of their bags, underage teens trying to pass off fake ID for the purchase of liquor, you name it-the list is almost endless!
Of course, sometimes the stories are not so funny. It is common for customers to berate and bully the cashiers for mistakes, imagined or real. People having a tough day will often “take it out” on a defenseless service employee. We have all witnessed it in a retail situation, in a restaurant directed at a waitress, in an airport or other similar scenario. Perhaps we have been guilty of going too far with an employee who cannot fight back.
All of the elements are there for a bullying situation. The customer is always in the position of control solely because he or she is the desired person in the transaction-from the business point of view. After all, the customer is always right…right? The employee is the victim in many cases. He or she is trained to be polite and helpful. If a customer is complaining about a business policy, they are directing their venom at someone who neither created the policy nor is in a position to override it.
Now there are certainly plenty of cases where the customer has a legitimate beef. And also there are cases where the clerk is surly, a wiseass or worse. This blog is directed at the instances where the customer has clearly stepped “over the line”—but in particular, those cases where other customers witnessing such abhorrent behavior do…NOTHING.
I have been guilty of this-but following my daughter’s recent run-in with a customer who became unglued following her own mistake for which she blamed my daughter—I am now vowing to selectively step in whenever I see clerk-abuse!
Following these instances in the grocery store, my kids report that the next customer in line almost invariably consoles the cashier and displays support for the injustice they just witnessed.
Wouldn’t it be better if said customer came to the defense of the employee when it mattered most—when the abusive customer is in the middle of their tirade? An employee who talks back to a customer may be summarily fired-even if he/she is in the right. Another customer stepping in to defend the employee would be a welcome sight. Yes, it may be “none of your business”, but I’d like to think we’d all chase after the purse-snatcher who grabs Granny’s handbag. Wouldn’t we all take action here?
Let’s do it everywhere. Young employees who are in a defenseless position should not be subjected to verbal abuse by bullies who are used to getting away with it-BECAUSE THEY CAN.
We can make sure they don’t.
If you’d like my blog in your e-mail box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Milestones
Today was a momentous day.
The birth of a little girl-to 94.9 WHOM Promotion Director and DJ on WJBQ (“Q97.9”). Mike Adams and wife Carla welcomed little MacKenzie Marie to the world via the good doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital! Weighing in at 7lbs, 4 oz and 19.5 inches, she is a livin’ doll!
The journey that Mike and Carla are just beginning is a tad further along for me. Today will be a momentous one for my family and me as well. My beautiful daughter Christina will receive some kind of recognition tonight in the Portland High School Senior Scholarship Assembly. Eighteen years ago, we were also at Mercy Hospital (albeit the old location), welcoming our little girl into the world. Next week, she graduates and heads off to college in Nebraska in the Fall.
I joked with Mike in advance that time FLIES. It really does, as the birth of even my oldest son (now 20) seems like YESTERDAY.
Cherish every day. Relish every moment.
There’s my advice for the day.
The birth of a little girl-to 94.9 WHOM Promotion Director and DJ on WJBQ (“Q97.9”). Mike Adams and wife Carla welcomed little MacKenzie Marie to the world via the good doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital! Weighing in at 7lbs, 4 oz and 19.5 inches, she is a livin’ doll!
The journey that Mike and Carla are just beginning is a tad further along for me. Today will be a momentous one for my family and me as well. My beautiful daughter Christina will receive some kind of recognition tonight in the Portland High School Senior Scholarship Assembly. Eighteen years ago, we were also at Mercy Hospital (albeit the old location), welcoming our little girl into the world. Next week, she graduates and heads off to college in Nebraska in the Fall.
I joked with Mike in advance that time FLIES. It really does, as the birth of even my oldest son (now 20) seems like YESTERDAY.
Cherish every day. Relish every moment.
There’s my advice for the day.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial Day NOT For Self Promotion
I received a call from a listener who complained that they were disappointed because the 94.9 WHOM vehicle was NOT in the Portland Memorial Day Parade yesterday. One of our competitors did place their van in the procession and this listener-apparently a fan of BOTH stations (maybe now only ONE!) was upset that we “didn’t care” enough to be there.
On the off chance that there are others who also feel this way, I thought that I would offer an explanation.
To put it plainly, we made the conscious decision to NOT put the WHOM Tahoe into the parade—because we felt it was not right to “promote” the station during a parade that was meant to honor those who have fallen in the line of service. We do MANY parades-and are very promotionally active throughout the year-and although we cannot be at EVERYTHING, we try to show up to those events we can.
With studios in downtown Portland, it was not a hardship to show up-in fact, my family and I witnessed the parade—but in my view, this is not a forum for clowns, Shriner go-karts or jugglers on stilts—or radio stations to troll for new listeners.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I thought it was more respectful to NOT place a commercial vehicle in amongst the police cars, fire trucks and veterans who are deserving of our applause.
Of course, maybe you could say that showing up would be our way of saluting those whom we remember on Memorial Day. Would love to get YOUR opinion:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks for considering a response.
On the off chance that there are others who also feel this way, I thought that I would offer an explanation.
To put it plainly, we made the conscious decision to NOT put the WHOM Tahoe into the parade—because we felt it was not right to “promote” the station during a parade that was meant to honor those who have fallen in the line of service. We do MANY parades-and are very promotionally active throughout the year-and although we cannot be at EVERYTHING, we try to show up to those events we can.
With studios in downtown Portland, it was not a hardship to show up-in fact, my family and I witnessed the parade—but in my view, this is not a forum for clowns, Shriner go-karts or jugglers on stilts—or radio stations to troll for new listeners.
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I thought it was more respectful to NOT place a commercial vehicle in amongst the police cars, fire trucks and veterans who are deserving of our applause.
Of course, maybe you could say that showing up would be our way of saluting those whom we remember on Memorial Day. Would love to get YOUR opinion:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks for considering a response.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Memorial Day Is More Than Just A Day Off
Each Memorial Day, I think about how the REASON for the holiday is largely lost in the chaos of cookouts with hamburgers and hotdogs, going to the beach, drinking and watching sports-either in person or on TV. The same thing happens on the Fourth of July.
Freedom is not free-and never has been. From the start of the United States “grand experiment”, untold tens of thousands (millions perhaps?) have given their lives to defend that freedom, almost all of the time on foreign shores. Many more have been scarred, either physically, emotionally-or both.
Most of them were kids at the time. My oldest son is 20—and I cannot imagine him going off to fight in Iraq, Afganistan, the beaches of Normandy or the South Pacific. Yet, fathers and mothers throughout our history have sent their sons and daughters off to war---many to never see them again.
I will refrain from a blog on Monday, but will honor our fallen heroes TODAY—in advance of the “holiday”—in hopes that all who read this will rekindle an appreciation for the sacrifices made by our sons and daughters throughout our history.
Take a moment to quietly thank them for making what was often the ultimate sacrifice. Our country has many flaws-and many challenges. Despite it all, we still are priviliged to live in a country where true freedom exists—no where else on the planet are human beings so free to choose their own destiny.
Watch the Memorial Day clip below—and give honor and remembrance to our fallen heroes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MznL42r9-c
God Bless The U.S.A!
Freedom is not free-and never has been. From the start of the United States “grand experiment”, untold tens of thousands (millions perhaps?) have given their lives to defend that freedom, almost all of the time on foreign shores. Many more have been scarred, either physically, emotionally-or both.
Most of them were kids at the time. My oldest son is 20—and I cannot imagine him going off to fight in Iraq, Afganistan, the beaches of Normandy or the South Pacific. Yet, fathers and mothers throughout our history have sent their sons and daughters off to war---many to never see them again.
I will refrain from a blog on Monday, but will honor our fallen heroes TODAY—in advance of the “holiday”—in hopes that all who read this will rekindle an appreciation for the sacrifices made by our sons and daughters throughout our history.
Take a moment to quietly thank them for making what was often the ultimate sacrifice. Our country has many flaws-and many challenges. Despite it all, we still are priviliged to live in a country where true freedom exists—no where else on the planet are human beings so free to choose their own destiny.
Watch the Memorial Day clip below—and give honor and remembrance to our fallen heroes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MznL42r9-c
God Bless The U.S.A!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hail To The Red Cross!
As we approach Memorial Day-a day of remembrance for those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom, it is also important to recognize the organization that has been on the scene of wars large and small since the Civil War-the American Red Cross!
It was on this date in 1881 that the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons. Clara Barton’s name is synonymous with the Red Cross. As a nurse during the Civil War, she was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1865, President Lincoln commissioned her to search for lost prisoners of war.
Since those days, the men and women of the Red Cross have constantly put themselves in harms way to help those in need. The courage to go into a war zone-unarmed-to help others is unmatched. Of course, this only begins to define the scope of services that the Red Cross has involved itself in.
Below is a quirky “ad” for the Red Cross-that gets the basic message across—in an interesting way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBNZZE3698
American Red Cross—we salute you!
It was on this date in 1881 that the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons. Clara Barton’s name is synonymous with the Red Cross. As a nurse during the Civil War, she was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”. In 1865, President Lincoln commissioned her to search for lost prisoners of war.
Since those days, the men and women of the Red Cross have constantly put themselves in harms way to help those in need. The courage to go into a war zone-unarmed-to help others is unmatched. Of course, this only begins to define the scope of services that the Red Cross has involved itself in.
Below is a quirky “ad” for the Red Cross-that gets the basic message across—in an interesting way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWBNZZE3698
American Red Cross—we salute you!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Birth Of Jeans
It was on this date in 1873 that blue jeans got their start! A man named Levi Strauss from San Francisco teamed up with a tailor in Reno, Nevada—Jacob Davis—and the two were given a patent for their work pants reinforced with metal rivets!
Of course, Jacob Davis’ name was lost over the years—but Levi’s are known the world over for their comfort, their look-and their rugged durability. What was manufactured to address the workers out west who needed a long-lasting pant-has turned into a fashion statement since.
The originals had a button fly—which, after exiting for the zipper—made a comeback. Personally, I don’t care for the button fly—and have never owned a pair—but I still love my Levi’s! Wrangler jeans never looked the same-or fit the same. Same goes for all the other brands out there. Designer jeans?---ugh! You can have them (they look nice on the ladies, but not on MY body!)
After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than slipping into a worn pair of jeans and t-shirt and kickin’ back! Here is an old Levi’s TV commercial that I thought you’d enjoy—not THAT old, but a vintage feel nonetheless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj6G1C6c0uw
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Of course, Jacob Davis’ name was lost over the years—but Levi’s are known the world over for their comfort, their look-and their rugged durability. What was manufactured to address the workers out west who needed a long-lasting pant-has turned into a fashion statement since.
The originals had a button fly—which, after exiting for the zipper—made a comeback. Personally, I don’t care for the button fly—and have never owned a pair—but I still love my Levi’s! Wrangler jeans never looked the same-or fit the same. Same goes for all the other brands out there. Designer jeans?---ugh! You can have them (they look nice on the ladies, but not on MY body!)
After a long day at work, there’s nothing better than slipping into a worn pair of jeans and t-shirt and kickin’ back! Here is an old Levi’s TV commercial that I thought you’d enjoy—not THAT old, but a vintage feel nonetheless!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uj6G1C6c0uw
If you’d like to receive my blog in your inbox daily, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
DJ Gets Arrested!
It was a dark day for those in my profession on this day in 1960. That’s the day that DJ Alan Freed-who coined the term “rock ‘n roll” was arrested along with seven others on suspicion of commercial bribery—in this case, “payola”.
Interestingly, “payola”-accepting bribes of cash and/or good and services in exchange for playing certain records-was NOT against the law at the time. Freed refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted cash for airplay. Although originally charged with 26 counts, he got off with just a fine.
The effect on his career was a tad more severe. He was never the same-and demand for his services declined. Another DJ and fledgling TV personality also admitted a link between himself and financial interests in the songs he was promoting. A guy by the name of Dick Clark.
One could say he handled the situation a tad better.
Here is a vintage rock and roll video clip featuring Alan Freed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTD9kU3q2Qs
Ah, those were the days! By the way, in case you’re wondering…no one is playing ME to play anything! You, the 94.9 WHOM listener decide what airs, not the record labels…that’s the way it SHOULD be!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Interestingly, “payola”-accepting bribes of cash and/or good and services in exchange for playing certain records-was NOT against the law at the time. Freed refused to sign an affidavit in 1959 denying he had accepted cash for airplay. Although originally charged with 26 counts, he got off with just a fine.
The effect on his career was a tad more severe. He was never the same-and demand for his services declined. Another DJ and fledgling TV personality also admitted a link between himself and financial interests in the songs he was promoting. A guy by the name of Dick Clark.
One could say he handled the situation a tad better.
Here is a vintage rock and roll video clip featuring Alan Freed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTD9kU3q2Qs
Ah, those were the days! By the way, in case you’re wondering…no one is playing ME to play anything! You, the 94.9 WHOM listener decide what airs, not the record labels…that’s the way it SHOULD be!
If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
Go Celtics!.....And Take The Bruins With You!
It was hard to watch the Celtics drop the seventh and deciding game against Orlando last night, ending their season, a campaign complete with an uneasy feeling in the final third of the schedule. This season was supposed to create a new Celtics dynasty-the defense of a World Championship just a year ago is now relegated to a long off-season of “what-ifs” and “if onlys”. What if Kevin Garnett had been healthy? What if Ray Allen or Paul Pierce had played even 10% better than they actually did down the stretch?
Of course, what made it almost unbearable to watch was the fact that the drubbing occurred at HOME! Yeah, the vaulted Garden parquet never quite held the “magic” (pardon the pun) that it was supposed to. I happen to believe that the rocky road ahead seriously affected the collective team psyche. I do believe that the Celtics knew that their next opponent was the Cleveland Cavaliers—currently 8-0 in postseason play. No one is going to stop LeBron James this year-not Kobe and the Lakers, not the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic—and most certainly not the Celtics! We knew it--and so did they.
The Bruins were another matter. There was a widely held belief that Boston deserved to be there-and that this really could be “their year”. Another Game 7, another shot at home in the Garden. Result?
Bruins in ruins.
Didn’t help that the Red Sox also dropped a tough one to Seattle after Nick Greene dropped a routine one in the bottom of the ninth by firing a direct strike to the hot dog man in the fourth row of the stands.
Oh well…..what was Boston Sports “heaven” just a few days ago has turned into Sports H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
Ya gotta love New England sports-never a dull moment-below is a short of the Celtics—depicting some old glory days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJr2d2Nllg
Ah….maybe NEXT year!! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, you don’t have to wait until next year—your free subscription will start immediately: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Of course, what made it almost unbearable to watch was the fact that the drubbing occurred at HOME! Yeah, the vaulted Garden parquet never quite held the “magic” (pardon the pun) that it was supposed to. I happen to believe that the rocky road ahead seriously affected the collective team psyche. I do believe that the Celtics knew that their next opponent was the Cleveland Cavaliers—currently 8-0 in postseason play. No one is going to stop LeBron James this year-not Kobe and the Lakers, not the Houston Rockets, the Orlando Magic—and most certainly not the Celtics! We knew it--and so did they.
The Bruins were another matter. There was a widely held belief that Boston deserved to be there-and that this really could be “their year”. Another Game 7, another shot at home in the Garden. Result?
Bruins in ruins.
Didn’t help that the Red Sox also dropped a tough one to Seattle after Nick Greene dropped a routine one in the bottom of the ninth by firing a direct strike to the hot dog man in the fourth row of the stands.
Oh well…..what was Boston Sports “heaven” just a few days ago has turned into Sports H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.
Ya gotta love New England sports-never a dull moment-below is a short of the Celtics—depicting some old glory days:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkJr2d2Nllg
Ah….maybe NEXT year!! If you’d like my blog in your e-mail daily, you don’t have to wait until next year—your free subscription will start immediately: tim.moore@citcomm.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Smothers Brothers-Comedy Meets Politics
It was on this date in 1964 that the Smothers Brothers-Tom and Dick-made their debut at Carnegie Hall. Their combination of folk music and satire with cutting edge wit was an immediate hit!
Born in New York, the duo moved to California and began appearing in San Francisco nightclubs in 1959. By 1961, they were guest stars on the immensely popular Jack Paar Show (Jack used to own 94.9 WHOM!)
In 1965, the brothers got their TV stardom underway with a sitcom called The Smothers Brothers Show. That show lasted only one season, but the next version became the most popular TV show for two years: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in February of 1967. Contrary to his “airhead” persona onstage, Tom was really the brains behind the duo’s success-as Dick was the sensible one (whom “Mom always like best”)
The show featured guests who would reach stardom themselves-Steve Martin, Sally Struthers and Nelson Riddle.
In 1969, CBS abruptly cancelled the show after the brothers lost a censorship battle with the network. The duo’s anti-war sentiments were displayed on the show-culminating with Pete Seeger, who sang a Vietnam protest song on the air. Cancellation of the show provoked outrage among proponents of free speech.
After several attempts at resurrecting the concept at other networks, the duo’s edge was lost-or the audience had moved on—or both.
Check out this video-showcasing the Smothers Brothers considerable talent in SINGING-and making people laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRxs8p8Is0
If you’d like my blog in your box-just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
Born in New York, the duo moved to California and began appearing in San Francisco nightclubs in 1959. By 1961, they were guest stars on the immensely popular Jack Paar Show (Jack used to own 94.9 WHOM!)
In 1965, the brothers got their TV stardom underway with a sitcom called The Smothers Brothers Show. That show lasted only one season, but the next version became the most popular TV show for two years: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which debuted in February of 1967. Contrary to his “airhead” persona onstage, Tom was really the brains behind the duo’s success-as Dick was the sensible one (whom “Mom always like best”)
The show featured guests who would reach stardom themselves-Steve Martin, Sally Struthers and Nelson Riddle.
In 1969, CBS abruptly cancelled the show after the brothers lost a censorship battle with the network. The duo’s anti-war sentiments were displayed on the show-culminating with Pete Seeger, who sang a Vietnam protest song on the air. Cancellation of the show provoked outrage among proponents of free speech.
After several attempts at resurrecting the concept at other networks, the duo’s edge was lost-or the audience had moved on—or both.
Check out this video-showcasing the Smothers Brothers considerable talent in SINGING-and making people laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rRxs8p8Is0
If you’d like my blog in your box-just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Have a great weekend!
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