Wii Wii Wah Wah

I hope you are enjoying the holidays - and that Santa has been good to you. He was good to us - placing a Nintendo Wii under the tree on Christmas morning.

After plenty of Christmas/Christmas weekend visiting - I decided to hook it up today before my wife came home. Thought it may be a nice surprise.

It took about an hour to unpack and install. As my wife came home from a long day's work - I was down to the final step - inserting a disc. Foiled again! The game discs wouldn't load. The console is supposed to pull the discs in - but wouldn't.

So - we're sending the defective part back to Santa and his Wii Elves - and should have something back shortly.

No sense starting Wii Fit yet anyway - there's far too many Christmas leftovers, chocolates and cookies - so it's a little counter-productive.

Happy Holidays and New Year everyone!

Testing 1 2 3

Just logged in to see if I even REMEMBERED my password. It's been too long. I guess I know what ONE of my New Year's Resolutions will be.

While I'm here - let me offer best wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!!!

STAYCATION!

Despite my morning doctor's appointment (a check-up) being cancelled - and I didn't know until I got there - today was a good day.

We took our fourteen (almost fifteen) year old niece for lunch at Thai Thai in Wilkes-Barre and she enjoyed it. Then, went over to the Blue Chip Cafe where she got Dennis Bonvie's autograph and some cookies for dessert.

While my wife then took our niece shopping for a birthday present (jewelry store - no thanks - "have fun girls"), I played 18 holes at Four Seasons in Exeter with a good friend (the course and staff are recovering from a burglary and a chase last night. They caught the suspects). Finally found my swing for the back nine and had a good dinner at the Avenue Diner in Wyoming (The Thanksgiving Sandwich - with turkey, stuffing and cranberry mayo).

Still had enough time to get home and water in the Turf Builder in the backyard before sunset. Maybe we'll now pop in a movie - or whatever. Who cares because IT'S STAYCATION!

Sometimes it's good to just stay around home and do the things you usually don't have the time to do.

Rain likely tomorrow - and we have some cleaning to do --but yes, today was a good day.

News in the Neighborhood

Times Leader Photo



"Did you hear it? It felt like an earthquake." My dad called me just after 2pm yesterday. The house on Penn Ave. next to the school blew up".

My parents live half a block away. They have since 1969. Fortunately, their home doesn't have any damage - but others more distant do. I saw dozens of houses with broken windows, bucked porches/frames. It's a major mess. I know this neighborhood well. These are good people who really shouldn't have to deal with something like this.

Invesigators say this was deliberate - and stories were buzzing around the neighborhood as to how and why. Update 8/3: While I hate gossip, this story is developing many more twist and turns than originally thought. I'm eliminating a few words from my original post because I am no longer comfortable with them.

Thank God this happened during Summer Break - as the John F. Kennedy Elementary School is next door. The windows in the cafeteria were shattered. School resumes at the end of the month - and it's unsure whether they'll be able to open on time. This is my old school and bus stop. I've walked past the home tens of thousands of times. My mom walks her dog around that corner twice every day. Thank God she wasn't out. Thank God more people weren't outside at the time of the blast - and those that were had a good inkling to get back in or drive away.

Bad Day!

Filling in for Frankie - I told you about the comedy of errors morning I had. There was another later in the day - and it was the most expensive. I'll tell you about it in the morning. If I survive the night! Thank God it will be Friday - and a new day!

Hot Dog!

The Times Leader has ranked Jimmy's Quick Lunch as the # 1 Hot Dog in Northeast PA. I've been to Hazleton about half a dozen times over the past three or four years - and have had lunch at Jimmy's on about half of those visits. At first I found myself drawn to the great atmosphere - a classic lunch hall with a great 30's/40's feel - but you know - the dogs and the chili are quite good too. So stop in, have a couple of dogs and then pick up a box of pitza ("pitz") at Senape's. That's good eatin'!

The best burgers were awarded to The White Haven Family Diner. They are giant and delicious. (I'd also recommend it for breakfast - and they always play Magic 93).

Photo: Times Leader. Check out their food best of columns each Sunday.

Michael

What a sad day---first Farrah---one of the first women (not girl) this nine-year old wanted to marry---and now, Michael.

Michael was an icon. Michael was a genius. Michael was a pure talent. Yes, Michael had issues---some silly, others to have been taken very seriously---but we have to let the courts write that chapter of history. Remember him as someone who broke the color barrier at MTV. Remember him for the music---four amazing debut # 1 singles for the Jackson Five ("I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There"). Remember him as a great album artist ("Off the Wall", "Thriller" and my pick, "Dangerous"). Remember him as a great dancer and a great entertainer. Remember his compassion. Remember that he did change the world as its biggest star. Remember.

VACATION!

We just returned from a nice four-day getaway to Cape May, NJ. If you’ve never been to Cape May, it’s a bit like a coastal New England town which somehow lies at the bottom of New Jersey. There are hundreds of Victorian Homes, great restaurants and antique shopping. In other words, Cape May is a beach town for grown-ups.

My wife and her family have been going there since the 1980’s. I am not a beach person. After a few hours of lying in the sun, I am bored and usually thinking about all of the other things I’d rather be doing. That’s why I’ve really warmed to Cape May, especially in the off-season. There are plenty of other things to be doing! We antiqued, rode bikes, walked the beach and the town, visited the Cape May Lighthouse, did a little shopping, some great dining and just some hanging out with some really nice people at the inn---including a couple from Scranton!

Last week, Cape May was especially quiet. We were able to get in every restaurant we wanted without reservations and we had a much wider choice than usual for our bed and breakfast. Yes, it’s economy related---and family related---most school summer vacations have yet to begin. For the first time ever, we had a repeat stay at an inn---The Bacchus Inn on Columbia. We chose the Bacchus again because we really liked John and Lisa---attentive, down-to-earth, younger (30’s) innkeepers. We loved the amenities (free bike rentals, wireless, afternoon wine and cheese, great breakfasts). A repeat stay got us an extra 10% off and that made it the best option for us pricewise.

Cape May is filled with great restaurants---lots of fine dining---but this season, we did it on the cheap. As regulars (we usually make a trip or two each year---in or out-of-season), here are a few recommendations:

George’s Place (Known for their breakfasts, we’ve had our first meals free at the inns, but love their lunches and dinners. Great Greek Food! Bargain priced, but small with only ten tables. Make your reservations each night at 5pm).

Louisa’s (Another tiny place. Dinner Only. Fresh seafood and mostly healthy fare with a slight New American lean. Don’t miss the Chocolate Pie with Orange and Apricot Glaze. It’s one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten).

Hot Dog Tommy’s (A walk-up stand right across the street from the beach. I don’t care much for the bigger dogs, they take too much away from the inventive toppings, but the leaner wieners work well in the Black Russian---Russian Dressing/Black Pepper Rub/Pickle and Chippy Dog---Red Pepper Relish/Onions/Potato Chips. Tommy and his wife “Miss Mary” are both Pennsylvanians).

The best Special Occasion dining: 410 Bank Street (Cajun/Seafood) / Tisha’s (on the ocean) / Washington Inn and The Ebbitt Room (both are a bit more formal).

The Summer Vacation season has begun! I hope you can get away this season. Sometimes, getting a break is all you need.

86 and Sunny

Well, the PERFECT weather couldn't wait for the weekend. So try to get out of work early today and tomorrow to enjoy the sunshine. Let's hope the rain is brief this weekend---and preferrably when we are sleeping.

Make it a great holiday weekend...and please take a moment out on Monday to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom today.

Separated At Birth?

Doesn't Kris Allen look quite a bit like Hal Sparks?

Kris has been an underdog all season long and tonight I think he bested Adam. Both singers did best with Song One, but I liked Kris' "Ain't No Sunshine" a little better. Round two was close, but Kris seemed more comfortable singing the yucky winners' song in Round Three.

Overall Winner: Kris Allen

I always rooted for the Red Sox and Cubs when they did manage to make the playoffs and I'm a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan (Super Bowl record 0 and 4). So, not only did Kris get my internal vote, but I actually called and voted for him a few times---and that's the first I've done anything like that all year. I "like" him a little better, and with a contest this close sometimes it is more about who you like. Either way, this year's champ has earned it.

Remembering Paul

I'm saddened to report that a former Magic 93 DJ has passed away


Paul Grimes worked weekends and fill-ins for us in the late 90's and early 00's. He was part of the foundation at WMJW back in the 70's and 80's. I recall listening to him on that station frequently, as it played on our Cable Channel 10---with the weather, time and temp on the screen.


He got out of the radio business after decades and was working for the state, but he wanted to come back. He contacted me to see if we had any openings. Obviously, I knew who he was and wanted to get him on the air, but I had to tell him that our existing part-time staff already wanted more hours than they were getting---and that the only openings we had were occasional weekend overnight hours. Paul's reply: "OK, whatever you need". So, Paul worked those early morning Saturday and Sunday shifts for awhile and then, naturally, the prime fill-in shifts. He was very dedicated and we were able to count on him in a pinch. He loved being on the radio, and we were happy to have him.


Paul then fell ill. I ran into him at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Picnic in Lake Silkworth a few summers ago for a live broadcast. It was great seeing him and meeting his wife. He was making a strong recovery from surgery. We talked radio through nearly the entire remote broadcast. He still knew everything that was going on and had lots of nice things to say about the station.
Though I wish I saw him afterward, I'm happy that this is my final memory of Paul---a radio talent, friend and all around good guy.


To his wife, mom and family (including nephew Tommy, who also worked for us around the same period), my sympathies.

Frankie's On TV Tonight

WNEP at 6pm to be precise. They are doing a piece on long-time morning DJ's...and since Frankie has been here 20 years...he fits the bill. Don't miss it!

By the way, in the photo above, Frankie is on the left.

I'm Betting On Danny

...to win American Idol this season.

He was my predicted favorite early on, until Adam picked up steam.

Yes, Idol is a singing competition, but it's also a likability contest.

Adam is technically a "great' singer, but now we simply expect to hear the perfect high notes and drama. The emotional connection hits us some weeks, but other times (like this week) it doesn't.

This is what will make or break him on the show.

Adam shouldn't have been in the bottom three last night, but the audience clearly heard what I did---someone with a great gift simply hitting their marks. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm not going to short him though---as several of Adam's performances rank among the very best in show history. However, he's raised the bar so high early on that he'll need to slay us in each of the next three weeks---and that's becoming more difficult for him to accomplish as our expectations have been raised.

Danny was terrific Tuesday night. If he holds his own through the finals, he'll win. The tie always goes to the underdog.

Where Have I Been?

Still on the air, but otherwise busy. Or at least that is my excuse. I was:

• Working on my yard. It needs a little extra TLC this Spring.
• Recovering from preparing my own taxes. It's back to the accountant next year, or I'll do 'em in January. Don't like the last minute pressure. However, since I filed online we did get our refund within a week!
• Preparing a family estate for an upcoming sale. It's amazing how much stuff one person can accumulate.
• Answering questions as to when our sister station WARM would be back on the air. It's back---by the way.
• Beating another cold. I never get sick and have had four bouts with the cold and flu since September. I feel better now.
• Hanging out at our Bo Brothers Happy Hour Friday Nights 5pm-7pm. I hope to see you this Friday as it is my turn to host. (Bo Brothers, Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming).
• Working on my garbage man tan. (Short sleeve shirts, shorts). Well, I was anyway. Hope you enjoyed the sunshine.

A Taxing Situation

It is Tuesday April 14th...and I am finally done with my taxes!

For the first time ever I did them myself. (Thanks to online software).

While I feel pretty good about being finished, I don't know if I'd ever put myself through it again.

We had a little extra income from something on the side...and we decided to be honest and claim our profits. We'll sleep better for doing that. Another (new) deduction ultimately gave us our biggest refund ever---and this is a year we can use it!

A word of advice for anyone who files online for the first time---have all of the paperwork ready BEFORE you start. It'll make things a lot easier. I was skipping around and then running upstairs to the office trying to find papers. That's NOT the way to do it.

Next year, I may just take my list of deductions and throw 'em at the accountant---maybe even before April 10th.

Hope your taxes are done and that you are getting a big chunk back!

Where Did Adam Go?

If like us, you were away from your set last night and TiVo'ed American Idol, and may have had the same frustration. The show ran eight full minutes over, so Adam Lambert's ENTIRE performance was missed by many DVR'ers.

When Simon gives a standing ovation, it's got to be pretty special, so just in case you missed (or want to see it again), here's Adam doing "Mad World" from last night's show (for as long as the link holds up).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRNpPSUMqKA&feature=related

I predicted Danny as the champ early on with Adam as runner-up, but obviously at this point Adam is the clear winner. I also said Lil would end up in the top three. She could be going home as early as tonight---though I think Anoop may have that fate first.

A Long Time Ago

It was SO LONG AGO that I couldn't even remember what the exact date was, so I asked our Business Manager to check my file, and yes it's today...MY 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORKING HERE! (Boy, am I old!)

On Sunday April 2nd 1989, I began my employment with Susquehanna Broadcasting (the former owners of WARM and Magic 93). I was a senior at King's College, about a month away from graduation. I had been working at WILK Radio, but decided to leave because WARM and Magic seemed more promising at the time. Plus, my previous boss---someone named Frankie---had just begun the morning show on Magic 93 and said it was a good place to work.

So, I was initially hired to work part-time on WARM 590. WARM was the station I grew up with. I was nervous, but at least pulled it off enough not to be fired!

My first shift on Magic came suddenly a few weeks later. Chris Norton, our program director at the time (a great guy) called me at home around 8pm and asked if I would fill in on the overnight shift. You see, the night DJ (Kelly Reed) was sick and called off just before her shift. So, Fran Pantuso (then the overnight DJ) came in quickly to cover 7pm-Midnight and I would follow her. To this day, I believe it's been the only time I've seen Fran dressed VERY casual. She came in wearing sweats. Yes, they were nice sweats. I arrived around 11:00pm and did some quick training with Fran, in between her recording and playing back the love song requests and by midnight I was ready to go...if not entirely awake.

My first full-time shift on Magic came in 1991 or so. I was working for both WARM and Magic. I believe my schedule was this:

11am-2pm Music Director for WARM (we were re-doing the library and it was an extensive project)/Office Work and Production

2pm-2:30pm Lunch

2:30pm-5:00 Traffic (yes, we did traffic reports from the road---driving one of the WARM NewsCruisers in traffic! Reports aired on WARM and Magic.)

5:00pm-7:00pm Live on Magic 93

After that, I went back to WARM exclusively for a short time and by 1993 was full-time on Magic, first doing the full afternoon shift, then nights (as Chris went back on the air) and then all sorts of shifts between 9am and 7pm...and I've been bopping back and forth between middays and afternoons since late 1996.

To be honest, I'm actually surpised I can remember anything! Twenty years is a long time! Almost half of my life. Thanks for being there with me.

Best Moment of the Month!

It's April...time for yardwork, filing tax returns, Easter, baseball and (we hope) more outdoor fun. We already have a jump on those April showers, so don't forget your umbrella today. I always have one in the car---but never use it. There would have to be a monsoon. I'm a man---we're stubborn.

The highlight of my March (during vacation) was celebrating my dad's 80th birthday. Dad's in good health, and yes I know we're very lucky for that. We threw him a surprise party for his 70th, but he just wanted a nice quiet dinner for the big 8-Oh and we honored his request with a nice night out at Amici in Clarks Summit.

Each and every day I realize how much I am becoming more and more like Dad. We have many of the same mannerisms, personality traits and a good deal of the same interests. (Except for the snappy dresser part---Dad even owned a clothing store back in the 60's. I'm a bit of a slob).

I hope to be 80 and in as good shape as Dad---of course I though will know how to program the VCR...or whatever we watch then. :)

Love you Dad!

Dreary Day---Nothing To Say! So, Let's Just Look at Some Spectacular Photos

Thanks Michael. Great pics!

Less Blogging

Well, for those of you who actually check in each day to read this blog, my apologies. I thought it would be easy to come up with something to write each day---and the truth is sometimes it is, but sometimes it isn't.

This blog got off to a strong start with more than one post a day in February, but lately I've been more sporadic. Partly due to lack of content, but other times I've just been too busy.

So, we'll progress in this fashion. I'll write, not for the sake of writing---but when I have something "blog-worthy".

If I were paid by the blog, I'd get something up every day, but I think these are more reasonable expectations.

OK?

Unhappy Almost Monday!

Quick American Idol Recap

Certainly a great night of music. You couldn't miss with these songs! Well, um...Scott, Megan and Michael did. All appear to be in danger of going home soon if not Thursday.

I've not been very kind to Matt, but he and Kris got the show off to a pretty good start with "Let's Get It On" and "How Sweet It Is", but the highlights were a little later:

Adam's "Tracks of My Tears" and Anoop's "Ooh Baby Baby". Smokey Robinson is a genius. If you can't pour your heart into these tunes---give it up. I think the song carried Anoop, but Adam is a strong talent and made a great restrained yet inventive move tonight.

Danny's "Get Ready". I really like the slight rasp to his voice. Not his best, but he's always at least very good, and still a favorite.

Allison's "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". That finish was amazing! At sixteen she sure grew up fast. If she doesn't go too wild, she may end up in the top three.

"There's People Out There Turnin' Gold Into Cash"

Paraphrasing John Stewart (not The Daily Show, you young bucks) from a song I never much cared for--- but it's true---the price of gold is bouncing around from an all-time high near $1000 an ounce!

We've been advertising several places on Magic 93 that will buy your gold, and in these tough economic times---it may be a opportune time to sell.

My mom and sister both sold some of the jewelry they didn't want and made close to $2000!

Well, they then used some of the cash to buy new pieces---but what I'm trying to say is you may have some gold around the house you don't want anymore...or don't need.

The only gold jewelry I believe I have other than my wedding ring (which ain't goin' nowhere), would be my class ring. I wore it for a couple of weeks back in high school, and that was it. Don't know how much I'd get for it---if anything---but I'd gladly trade it in for a new grill...or even a steak! Now, where did I put it? May take me another 23 years to find.

DVD Recommendations

Two DVD recommendations:

"Milk". Sean Penn is mighty good here (Oscar noticed) as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man in America to hold public office. You can feel the optimism break through the fear of thousands gathered together in San Francisco's Castro District, simply because they had nowhere else to go to be themselves. Milk wasn't an egotist, just part of a movement. While the film drags a little bit once it leaves the streets, this is modern history not to be neglected.

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Jason Segal (Marshall from "How I Met Your Mother") wrote and stars in this comedy as a TV composer just dumped by his longtime actress girlfriend---who apparently was out of his league in the first place. While they both get away to "forget" each other, they end up in the same place and cross paths every day and every night. The humor is crude ("40 Year Old Virgin and "Knocked Up" director Judd Apatow produced), but somehow heartfelt staying plausible in an Access Hollywood kind of way. Better than "Knocked Up" and certainly in a league with "The 40 Year Old Virgin".

Both films are Rated R and for grown-ups.

Number Crunching

Who does the bills in your house? I do, and I'm usually pretty good about it. Everything gets paid on time...and I keep good records. Or so I thought! Switching to online Billpay was easy and I save a bunch of $$$ on stamps annually. Plus, you then have another day or two to hold on to your money.

About once a week, I check the registry, matching the totals in our checking account (joint---and that can be a subject for another blog). Usually I do this late in the evening, around 9:30 or 10. I log all of the past week's check card purchases, MAC withdrawals/check card purchases to the big legal pad...and add our direct deposit funds.

So tonight, I'm plugging along and it finally hit me. There was a large difference between what our online banking account said we had and what was on my ledger. A big gap---around $ 300! The good news was that my ledger had the smaller amount---so if there was an error, I probably shorted ourselves, not the bank.

After an hour, I caught two mistakes. The first was a purchase I wrote down twice tonight. (Yes, I'm a little drowsy and was watching TV while working, but that's not a good excuse). The other was a math mistake of nearly $200 in November. I use a calculator and even then re-check my math each time I begin a new page, so I have no idea how this happened, but I subtracted too much! Fortunately I caught it, and now my legal pad is at least close enough to the online banking amount that I can go to sleep without panic.

That's all the excitement from here. Hope your night was more eventful. Let's hope it's a great PARADE weekend!

Idol Finals (Finally) Underway

Last night, the top 13 squared off on American idol.

I've been pretty bored with it this year, but the show got off to a great start---with the first seven contestants proving they all belong in the finals.

Then, Anoop came along and did a ho-hum version of “Beat It”. Yes, it was Michael Jackson night. Fortunately, because Michael’s vocals are so unique, no one really tried to sing like him---and the performances were stronger than expected.

How about Adam’s “Black Or White”? Talented for sure...and way over the top indeed, but that’s his ticket. This guy is a natural performer. He may scare the crap out of Mid-America, so I won’t predict him as the winner this year, but I think he is certainly top three material---as long as he doesn’t go too wild.

I’d also put Danny and Lil in that top three, so there’s a prediction for you.

Two contestants are going home tonight, supposedly…and I’d say these folks are in danger:

Anoop
Megan Joy (lousy “Rockin’ Robin”)
Matt (I don’t get him, but the judges love him)
Jorge (who was both good and kind of bad in the same song).

Now, Simon eluded to the judges having some sort of say, so maybe America will eliminate two contestants…and the judges will save one of ‘em.

So, I’ll say Megan Joy and Anoop are voted as the bottom two. Megan Joy will go home and they’ll save Anoop (again).

We’ll see.

Oh…and this season’s winner will be Danny (pictured above). No contest! At least as of today.

Eye Doesn't Need Help, or Does Eye?

The other morning I was shopping and an older person asked me to read some fine print on an item. The print was small and I was able to read it---only after squinting.

My eyes are unusual to say the least. Prior to my Lasik surgery (done only on my left about ten years ago) I was near-sighted AND far-sighted! Somehow I found a way to correct my vision the best I could without lenses (glasses--which I only wore in 3rd and 4th grade), but obviously it wasn't perfect. Still, I lived with it.

The Lasik has enabled me to see better than ever---my depth perception has impoved, so has my golf game...and driving. The doctor did tell me the one drawback of the surgery would be needing reading glasses sometime around age 40. I'm fifteen months over 40, and I may need them.

I spend lots of hours each day staring at computer screens. My "view" setting is "medium", and that's not a problem. Our news computer which I consult for the show has smaller text and to me, sometimes the lines run together. They can be difficult to read on air. I find that reading magazines and newspapers, especially in poor light has become more challenging.

Again, I see very well---except for the definition of tiny objects up close---and I'm going to try and put off the reading glasses for a little while longer. I'll keep you posted.

One Hour and One Month Ahead

After I finish this blog I am going to take a nap. The time change has gotten to me. I was up early this morning---around 7:15---which was actually 6:15. It was a very productive morning, but now I'm pooped. It's great to be "an hour ahead" as we'll be able to actually go outside and do things after work. I won't even mind cutting the grass---the first half dozen times or so.

Even better than the sunlight is the weather. Yesterday at our Shoppes at Montage broadcast it was actually, dare I say it? OK---It was WARM! It felt like April! I was wearing a sweater and nearly broke out in a small sweat. It felt good. I'm not complaining. Once the sun went in and the breeze kicked up it was cool---but not cold.

We're going to see (I'm sure) some fluctuations in the weather this month. Don't forget to put your jacket back on before you leave work...and don't forget where that ice scraper is. You never know.

Recommended Restaurant: Fire And Ice On Toby Creek

Just a quick recommendation for a great restaurant---Fire and Ice on Toby Creek (111 S. Main Street, Trucksville aka Route 309 aka aka Formerly "Yesterdays").

Gary Edwards, former chef of the Radission Lackawanna Station is a co-owner (along with the Fasula family) and the food is excellent. Wonderful breads (fresh baked in the hearth oven), hearty soups, fresh seafood and my favorite to date---the Yesterday's Bar Burger, topped with Cooper Cheese. My wife ordered the Cedar Plank Moroccan Salmon and it was exceptional.

I'd write more, but it's very early.

Anyway, we don't put very many restaurants in heavy rotation, but after going "five for five", it's now a favorite.

We've felt very comfortable dressed up/dressed down---in the dining room/in the bar. Service is friendly. You can order full meals, or appetizers/sandwiches---and prices are quite reasonable (including the desserts!!!).

To S**k Or Not To S**k?? THAT Is The Question.

"

Earlier this week, we added the new Kelly Clarkson song to the Magic 93 playlist. It's title is "My Life Would Suck Without You", but our DJ's will simply call it "My Life".

"Suck" is one of those words that no longer seems to be offensive. My parents would yell at me for using it back in my high school days, but now---even some four year olds say..."That sucks".

Frankie even used the word "sucks" once or twice on the air, though he simply may have been quoting someone. I generally stay away from saying it on the mic, but use it in daily conversation.

So, since Kelly is a very popular Magic artist and because we believe that our listeners would not find the song offensive, it's on the station. Also, the sentiment isn't crude, as her life would "suck" without him. He's apparently a good thing for her.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

American Idol Recap

I'd do a little Idol Recap this morning, but between 8pm and 10pm, I was babysitting my nephews and watching Spongebob Squarepants. The same cartoon several times in a row.

By 10pm, we were all asleep.

Now, I understand why Frankie doesn't blog everyday. Kids can take a lot out of you, but it's most certainly worth it.

UPDATE: I'm zipping through the show on TiVo between 7pm and 8pm.

Some thoughts:

1. Von got the show off to a good start. He's not my favorite style of singer, but he was strong.

2. Alex was pretty lousy. Bending those notes, I thought he was auditioning to be the next Jonas Brother.

3. Jorge has a very good voice, but at times I couldn't understand a word he was singing...and we all know every word of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me".

4. Everyone told me how incredible Lil was. I'd call her very good, but was a little disappointed in her song choice. She didn't really shine until the final line.

5. What does Nathanial have tattooed on his neck? That's what I noticed most during his performance.

6. Ju'not's "Hey There Delilah" was nice. Didn't some else do a somewhat similar version in Hollywood?

Best group of 12 this season by miles.

Prediction time.

Going Through: Scott, Jorge, Lil
I'd be cool with any of these: Von, Ju'not, Felicia, Kendall

Actually, all seven should be in the top twelve.

WHA?

Being married changes everything. If I was single I'm sure I would NEVER watch certain TV shows, like "The Bachelor"---but since my better half has been watching it all season, I've been ignoring it mostly---but picked up just enough passing interest to watch last night's season finale on ABC.

So...Jason (The Bachelor) has narrowed his future hopeful bride-to-be down to Melissa OR Molly. To be honest, in my limited viewing, both girls seemed like pretty good choices. I liked Melissa, a little bit better---but I'm not sure why. Jason did too---by bidding Molly goodbye. Molly retorted by telling Jason that he was making "a mistake". Jason then began weeping like a baby. Could he have made the wrong choice? You wouldn't think so in his PROPOSAL to Melissa. It was one of the most tender, seemingly genuine moments in the show's history. The End. Happily Ever After.

Nope.

The follow-up show shows Jason in a closed set (no audience). He comes out and says that since the proposal there has been no "chemistry" between him and Melissa. Melissa is backstage. She is then brought out. Even though they've been together many times, he decides to break up with her on TV. So not only does he do this, he then tells Melissa that he has feelings for the other girl (Molly) and wants to pursue her. Molly then comes out and is floored by the fact that Jason has feelings for her. At first she seems unsure, but they are smooching away by the end of the hour.

A former Bachelorette finalist, Jason was chosen because America had fallen for him---a good guy---a single dad with an adorable son. Now, America sees him as an opportunistic schmuck. There was no reason for him to break up with Melissa on TV. I hope Molly sees through this.

The Bachelor is good Monday night fluff, I suppose, but fluff is what it is even for the contestants involved. Some contestants are there for the screen time. Others may think they are falling in love, but THIS IS A TV SHOW---not real life. Yes, I may sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but this does cheapen the prospects of "marriage". Once the cameras go off, people do act differently. It's just human nature.

Melissa was strong. She'll be better off...and more-than-likely the next Bachelorette.

Perhaps they are all just following the script?

How LOW Can It Go?

As I write, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is below 7000 for the first time since 1997. For those of us who have another fifteen plus years of work, conventional wisdom says we'll eventually get this money back---and buying low now should help---but for those months to years away from retirement, it's a whole 'nother world.

Imagine having, say $ 500,000 put aside for retirement---money you've been saving, while others have been living it up---yet all of a sudden the poor market conditions reduce your retirement savings to $200,000. Maybe you should've taken that around-the-world cruise instead? I say that half jokingly, but many older Americans are in this situation. Do they continue to work years past their planned retirement? Those already retired are looking for work...and there are not many new jobs to be found. Hard working people are doing the right thing and still getting shafted while many CEO's don't even know how much money they have. Something is way off kilter. This is not the American dream.

I'm not an economic expert by any means, but it appears to me that we have become a nation of reckless spenders---from the government to the people. Our national debt is ridiculous. Yes, consumer spending drives the economy---but when we are constantly spending way more than we actually have---and piling on the debt---we have truly dug our own holes. I have several friends in credit card debt. The irony is those friends with the HIGHEST debt couldn't even tell me what they originally spent that money on. My sympathies lie with those who are in debt for hardships.

A co-worker of our is a big day-trader. A few months ago, I asked him "How low could the Dow go"? His guess: "6700". That answer seemed very scary then, but at this point, I think that's a bottom we could all live with.

Hang in there.

MARCH IS HERE!

...but Mother Nature didn't get the memo. We didn't get the snow this morning, but there's some in the forecast for early Monday---and boy is it cold!!

We were out of coffee this morning, so I went to get some and stopped at (an outdoor) flea market along the way. I was looking through a box of old records (which I collect), and my hands got so cold I had to stop. My fingers would barely move. This is March...the month of Spring. It's not supposed to be this cold...

...but it often is. I remember bitterly cold St. Patrick's Day Parades, leaving minor league baseball games early, nearly chattering on the mic at our Magic Easter Egg Hunt.

It has been warmer lately (on the whole), and yes---we can probably handle another small (please let it be small!) storm or two. Remember, March comes in like a lion, but out like a lamb. So, enjoy the month...and don't forget to turn those clocks ahead next Saturday Night/ Sunday Morning.

---

Nice seeing so many listeners and brides-to-be at our Wedding Show today at Mohegan Sun. Yes, I did hit the slots on the way out---playing for about ten minutes. I lost two dollars.

Good night.

DVD Pick: Man on Wire

The power of the dream. It's the late 1960's. A French wire-walker sits in a dentist's waiting room and sees a newspaper article about the planned construction of The World Trade Center. He draws a wire across the image of the Twin Towers. So captivated and so eager, he rips out the page---and leaves before his appointment---with a toothache. He knows what he has to do.

Phillipe Petit does realize this dream. It will take proper planning, patience and deception---for him--the most difficult aspects. The simple part will be walking across the two towers a quarter mile in the air.

Yes, it did happen on August 7, 1974---the same week President Nixon resigned---and this is the story.

How did Petit's crew fool everyone? How did they get all of that equipment up to the top? How did they initially get the cable across the two towers?

Even better than the conflicts are the mind-blowing photos and footage of the walk--which lasted nearly an hour!

Rightfully so, "Man On Wire" was named Best Documentary at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was given the Audience Award. Petit and his crew tell the story all over again. Their lives have never been the same.

I can't stop thinking about this film.

Busy Afternoon

Yesterday, I had three appointments in three hours. That may not be too unusual for a working mom, but for me, that's very busy.

1. First, a photo shoot. Not exactly my thing---but I know even I will look good with a little help from John at KDP Studios in Kingston. They've been kind enough to do shoots of our staff, and you'll see them soon at Magic93fm.com.

2. Then, I drove over to Sarno and Son for my measurements. Yes, I will be wearing a tux in the Magic 93 Wedding Show on Sunday at Mohegan Sun. If anyone can make me look good, it'll be Sarno and Son! (They did the tuxes for our wedding. I'd recommend them wholeheartedly).

3. Finally, my final Ear, Nose, and Throat apointment with Dr. R. I had a nasty upper respiratory infection Christmas week (vacation week, naturally) and was so wiped out that I didn't leave the house for a week. Doc found a lot of blockage, but we've been able to get back on track.

Then, my wife and I went over to La Tolteca in Wilkes-Barre for dinner. Couldn't have meat on Wednesday, didn't have it for lunch on Thursday, shouldn't have it Friday---so I loaded up on ground beef.

Nice weather (so far) today. It feels like April!

Enjoy the weekend!!

Ew!!!!

The world's most pierced woman has added more punctures to her body, bringing the grand total to 6,005.

Elaine Davidson, born in Brazil, made the Guinness World Record official in 2000 when she had a mere 462 piercings - 192 of which were in her face.

Nine years later, Davidson has thousands of piercings including more than 1,500 that she says are 'internal.'

"I don't enjoy getting pierced, but to break the record you have to get to a high level. I wanted to break the record," the Telegraph quoted her, as saying.
"My family don't even like tattoos or piercings. But I am happy. I decided to change myself and be me," she added.

Idoled Out

Season Eight of American Idol is making me grumpy. The show is sputtering this year, and if these are the 36 best available contestants this year---Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara are clearly to blame.

Round 2 of the Top 36, was a little better than Round 1, but Round 1 was (let's use a Simon term) "ghastly".

I've begun to "watch" the show from the "other room", doing computer work (bills, radio stuff, anything) ---only looking up occasionally and mostly just "listening" to the show.

Last night, five contestants made me look up.

First, Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle. Yes, I have a sense of humor, but his act is already played out. He's not a horrible singer---but what's the difference between his act and an Elvis impersonator? Part of me wanted to vote for him to bring this show to its knees, but the logical part that takes over says---if he goes through tonight---I'm done watching. Maybe I'm just looking for a boycott excuse., but after eight years of my life and a declining show---I'll take one.

So, the good singers...

16 year old Allison Iraheta, who brought out "Alone" by Heart.

Megan Joy Corkery--"Put Your Records On". What's up with these arm-length tattoos?

Kai Kalama's straightforward "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted". The judges called it safe, but to me just "listening", it sounded pretty strong.

Adam Lambert's wild "Satisfaction". He could turn into an annoyance, but I'd call that the best of the night.

Predictions to Advance:

Boy: Adam

Girl: Allison

#3: Megan Joy.

Remember, if Nick gets through I'm out. Anyone know where I can join a Tuesday or Wednesday Night Bowling League?

I Got Nothin'

Just getting ready for bed and remembered that I forgot (can those words go together?) to blog today.

My excuse: no eating between meals, and a lack of sugar to the brain.

Well, I'm a good Catholic boy, right?

Um...Pretty good?

Fair?

I'll stop now.

FAT TUESDAY!

I've been a bad boy lately, eating everything that's not nailed down---burgers, chocolate, ice cream, Chinese buffet. I don't drink much (maybe one glass of wine and/or a beer a week), but I am an obsessed foodie. I'll travel an hour out of the way for a great meal.

Yes, food is my sin.

With Lent tomorrow, this is a perfect opportunity for me to get my act together. I should think about that today---in between bites.

Photo above: Dottie's Diner in Woodbury, CT--one of the best donuts I've ever had!

(By the way, for AMAZING Travel Tips bookmark Roadfood.com . It's an incredible website for casual, regional food).

GREASE Revisited

On Saturday Night, my wife and I stumbled on ABC Family. They were just getting ready to start "Grease".

Normally, I'm not one to re-watch ANYTHING. It drives my wife crazy, but I generally don't watch reruns, movies twice, etc. There's just too much else that I'll never get to see, but "Grease" was a childhood fave, and I hadn't seen it in at least twenty-five years, so what the heck!

Back in 1978, my Uncle Gene, mom, sister and I went to see it at the General Cinemas in the Wyoming Valley Mall. The grown-ups loved it, because well---they lived it. It was a trip back to high school for them---though admittedly a little different. I loved it for the whole 50's vibe and the high school story. We then saw it at least two more times as the film moved to the other local theaters---Wyoming and then Forty-Fort, if I'm not mistaken. To this day, I don't think I've ever seen any other film in the cinema three times.

So, anyway---thirty years later, here are some thoughts:

1. Most of the leads look far too old to be teenagers.

2. The music during the car race sounded a whole lot more 70's than 50's.

3. My wife noticed this when she saw it as a child---How did Sandy not know where Danny went to school? If they spent the summer together you think she would have asked him that.

4. The songs/sections I didn't like then ("Beauty School Dropout", "Worse Things I Could Do") still didn't cut it.

5. While the content was edited for TV, there were a few bawdy comments that I'm sure I didn't "get" back in 1978.

6. Sandy is still cuter as a good girl.

Also, I just read that...

---Henry Winkler (Fonzie) was considered as Danny, but turned it down because he didn't want to be typecast as a greaser.

---Marie Osmond was considered as Sandy, but turned it down because she didn't want to convey to an audience that you had to be "bad" to get a man.

Would've been a whole different movie, huh?

Still, it's a lot of fun and today's teens seem to love it too.

Oscar!

Tonight's the night for the Academy Awards.

Make some popcorn and try to stay away for at least the first hour or two.

OK, some predictions and thoughts.

Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, Batman Forever. This has to be a lock, right? I hear the movie is strong, and he steals the show. A Netflix DVD copy has been sitting atop my TV for a couple of weeks. Almost watched it last night, but then we decided to watch "Grease" on ABC Family.

Supporting Actress: Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler. She shocked everyone winning this same award for My Cousin Vinny back in 1992. I walked right past her on a NYC sidewalk a few years ago. Didn't recognize who she was until I was a step away. She's even prettier in person. Haven't seen the movie, but I'd like to.

Lead Actor: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler. Oscar loves a comeback. This is it. Plus, Sean Penn won a few years back

Lead Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader. Though you can't count Meryl Streep out.

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire. Finally something I saw. I did like the film, but could think of a half dozen better---and I've only seen about fifteen 2008 films. Oh well. I don't see how this one could lose.

"The Junk Drawer, Part Two"

Last Sunday, as posted here, I spent HOURS cleaning out our "junk drawer". It's still very organized. Normally, I mess it up in the weeks that follow...but it took me SO LONG this time, and was SO frustrating that I promise to forever keep it tidy.

Why did it take so many hours? Because of all of the change. We had two small bowls filled with change, but then the change overflowed all over the drawer. It was a disaster, several years in the making!

I wrote that I was saving the best part for last...and here it is! My wife gave me a Change Counter Jug for Christmas...and boy did we fill it up! $ 275.72. The darn thing was SO HEAVY it almost broke a folding table!

Now, the coins have been rolled and deposited...and the Mrs. bought already bought herself a pair of Ugg boots. Well, there's $75.72 left for me---about 28%. I can't believe she even let me keep that much. I'll hang on to it for something, eventually. Thank God the economy doesn't depend on me, because it would come to a screeching halt. Oh, wait a minute...

Going, Going, Gone

Wow! What a quick sell-out this morning for our Half Price Friday offer. 100 Gift Certificates to Cafe Rinaldi in Old Forge sold out in about three minutes. That's one of our quickest to date. It's a great restaurant...and we'll have some very happy diners, for sure.

Many of you wanted them, but didn't get them. I'm sorry about that. We only have 100 certificates per week. So, I'm offering a few tips to get your certificates before they sell out.

1. Just before 9am (say 8:55 or so), go to Magic93fm.com and then click on the Half Price Friday page .

2. Have a credit card handy.

3. Then click on the restaurant you want. Keep refreshing (the F5 key) until you see "Buy Now" on your left side.

4. Once you do, select how many you want (most have a limit of two certificates)...and then type away. Do not answer the phone. Do not take a sip of coffee. Victory can be yours! :)

Hope that helps.

--

Enjoy your weekend and keep warm!

Magic 93 Music Panel

We get a fair amount of email when it comes to the music we play on Magic 93. While we can't play every song requested, we try our best to play our audience's favorite music. The best way to help us pick the music is to join the Magic 93 Music Panel. Click here to sign up.

http://wmgs-fm.fimc.net/goout.asp?u=http://ratethemusic.com/wmgs

This week our panel is rating songs from the 1970's. Early results have Lynyrd Skynyrd next to Barry Manilow?!?! Both are in the top ten. We'll look at the results and add some songs to our weekday music mix, Flashback Weekend or 70's at 7. If we're playing some of the most disliked songs, they may get a rest.

Again, you really do help us build the radio station, so join the Magic 93 Music Panel Today. It's Free and Fun.

CD Review: Lily Allen

"It's Not Me, It's You" - Lily Allen

The second album from the English MySpace breakout (with a title that plays on George Costanza?) is smoother than her first, “Alright, Still”, perhaps due to a healthy dose of 80’s inspired production. While it may not peak as often, it’s still very sharp and clever---a little more mature , you could say.

Allen had been splattered all over the covers of the British dailies for her off-stage antics. They may pale next to Amy Winehouse, but still aren’t much for her mum to be proud of. Hopefully, she’s beyond that now, even acknowledging that we all have addictions (well, there's a start) in the album’s opening cut.

A hip-hop fan, Allen has no fear in being frank, from a boyfriend who doesn’t take care of her, shall we say, romantic needs, to a big buh-bye for George W. Bush. I can't even print the title of that one, but as nasty as the words are---the melody couldn't be any more "nice". At this point, I should mention that an Edited Version of the CD is available.

Highlights include “The Fear”, a dancy tongue-in-cheek self-assessment and a jab at new millennium consumerism, the kiss-offs “Not Fair” and “Never Gonna Happen”, and the gorgeous new love in blossom “Who’d Have Known”.

Lily's a big star back home, but I'm not sure if she'll conquer America. She sounds VERY British---and that may be a turn-off, but at just 23, she's also a very gifted songwriter and social critic with two excellent albums in her arsenal.

Just watch her, but don't get too close...or you may end up in a song.

Click here to watch "The Fear" (courtesy of You Tube, etc.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD-c6cx98ls

80's Fashion Returns?

They may be a couple of decades old, but if you still have your 80's clothes (whether or not they still fit), don't toss 'em out.

Shoulder pads, acid-wash jeans, and even legwarmers are back. Well, at least among the ultra-hip at New York's Fashion Week. Dark lipstick too!

Men's fashions may not necessarily be as in vogue. Don't think I still have those parachute pants or Docksiders around.

See story here.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090217/ten-fashion-week-day4-5e343d7.html

Of course, this could be a quick trend, perfect for a recession.

So, if you got 'em, slip 'em on and strut---or sell them on Ebay. It might be the perfect time to cash in?

A New TV Era OR Why Is There Snow on My Screen?

Today is the day that all of our area TV stations will be making the transition from "analog" to "digital". You've been seeing this on the crawls for months now.

WSWB (Channel 38) and WOLF (56) made the switch weeks ago. At 12:30pm today, WNEP (16) will change and at 11:59pm, WYOU (22), WBRE (28) and WVIA (44) will follow suit.

This means that if you DON'T have cable or satellite, and you don't have a "digital tuner", you will need to add a Digital Converter (around $50) to watch the local stations on your set.

Retailers reported heavy converter sales over the past few days, but not every TV set is going to be paired up. If you've watched the Classifieds lately, or have been to any Estate Sales or Secondhand shops, you've seen lots of older TV's for sale. Remember, you may be able to buy a set for $ 5 or $10, but then you also have to purchase the digital converter ($ 50 plus). Most older TV's will be useless without upgrading the tuners---except, I suppose, to only serious collectors and musuems.

I guess this officially means the end for my 1973 Toshiba Black and White TV. My folks bought it for me after a good first grade report card. (Or perhaps partly due to the fact that they were getting tired of Sesame Street?) This was our second TV. It was before cable, and I remember carrying it all over the house with a special antenna in an effort to pull in WICZ (Channel 40) from Binghamton to watch "Superman" each day at 4pm. It was fuzzy, but watchable. Hey, we only had four local channels in those days! Soon, cable would change the way we watch TV, but still---about once a year or so, for old time's sake, I'd plug a set in just to flip through the dial and see which channels I could pull in "off the air". Now to do so, it would cost me $ 50...and even though I am sentimental, I am also CHEAP!

Digital TV may be an improvement with better reception and additional channels, but it's sad to see all those TV's headed for the scrap heap.

Goodbye old friend.

--

Just remember, it's still free to listen to Magic 93. While we do broadcast in HD, we have no intention on giving up our analog signal. So don't throw any of your old radios out!

HAPPY PREZ DAY!

I hope you are enjoying the long weekend. For us at Magic 93, it's sort of a long weekend. We're all here today---but we are just (supposed to be) working on the air and going home. So, you could call it a half day. Plus, we then get to take another day off. I'm saving mine for the summer!!

There are very few people in here today, so our lobby area is not open for prize pick-up (sorry).

Those who are here are dressed down---even more so than usual (and that's a scary thought)! I'm wearing my PJ's (just kidding).

If you are working today, I hope you have an easy stress-free day.

--

Who was our greatest Commander-In-Chief? According to historians, it's Honest Abe, then George! Abraham Lincoln topped the Annual C-Span Historians Presidential Leadership Survey, he's followed by George Washington---the two men whose birthdays give us President's Day. Go figure!

BEST PRESIDENTIAL LEADERS
1. Abraham Lincoln
2. George Washington
3. Franklin D. Roosevelt
4. Theodore Roosevelt
5. Harry Truman

WORST PRESIDENTIAL LEADERS
1. James Buchanan (our only PA President)
2. Andrew Johnson
3. Franklin Pierce
4. William Henry Harrison
5. Warren G. Harding

Ronald Reagan was rated #10. Bill Clinton #14. George W. Bush finished # 36.

You can see the whole list here.

http://www.c-span.org/PresidentialSurvey/Overall-Ranking.aspx