Monthly Archives: February 2008

Where is the innovation in radio?

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“Where are the new formats? Where is the new talent? Why is Talk Radio pretty much the only form of radio that isn’t music-intensive? Why are most Talkers late-middle-aged conservative white dudes? Our non-music format options are ridiculously thin – why?” — Mark Ramsey

I’ve wondered the same thing. It’s not uncommon for an owner to have five or six stations in a market, running some safe format on everyone of them. As Mr. Ramsey points out in his post, to try something innovative would require imagination, talent and guts. Short supply these days.

LA Times reviews Sheryl Crow’s ‘Detours’

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"Sheryl Crow has proven her mettle so many times that her unique position is now taken for granted. She may be the most successful woman rocker ever, with the most consistently auspicious career. But she’s still often dismissed as merely competent."

"Crow’s progressive lyrics hit like rubber-band pings fired by some joker in the back row at school. No one is likely to sing her verses at a march on Washington. But by addressing serious issues in the language of pop, they remind us that political speech and casual breeze-shooting can and do often intersect." [Full review]

Balloon man visits nursing home

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Balloon artist Addi Somekh creates balloon art at a nursing home. I have nothing but admiration for people who give their time and talent in this way. I spent some time in a nursing home with my pop and there’s precious little to smile about. If the Balloon Man ever comes to visit me at the Home for Retired Bloggers, I would like a huge pink penis hat.

Enough with the politics already

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Hey, nobody is more surprised than I by my political awakening. My fear simply overcame my cynicism. But hang on, it’s almost over and I see four possible outcomes:

  1. Hillary gets the nomination and wins the White House. We’ve already seen what a Clinton administration looks like.
  2. McClain wins in November and gives us four more years of Bush.
  3. Obama gets the nomination and wins in November (long shot). But turns out to be like every other politician to plop his ass down in the Oval Office.
  4. Obama gets the nomination, wins in November and delivers on some of his promise of change. (Long, long shot)

If any of the first three occurs, I’m done. We missed our chance. Maybe the last one for good long while. If #4 comes in… I’ll rent Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Dave and then shut the fuck up.

Spooky phone call

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Tracfone100My friend George and I get together most Saturday mornings for coffee and conversation. While chatting this morning, George gets a call and he unholsters his iPhone. He gets a funny look on his face and says, “It’s from Steve Mays.”

I’m thinking it’s from Barb. She couldn’t call me for some reason, so she rings up George.

“No,” he says, “It’s from your cell phone.”

I pull my Tracfone from my coat pocket and, sure enough, it’s calling George.

If you are unfamiliar with Tracfones, I should tell you it doesn’t have a “redial” feature. And while I have George’s number in my phone, it’s about six down in the list. So how could this have happened?

I would have had to bump (against my chair) the down arrow six times… and then bump the “dial” button. Now, I ask you… what are the chances of that happening and the recipient of the call be the person I’m talking to? Hmmm?

TV will never be the same

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Gave the Apple TV (Take 2) a good test drive last night by watching Ratatouille. I don’t think I rented the high def version but this was still as sharp and clear as anything I’ve watched since getting this TV.

Just to be sure, I rented The Brave One in high def and could see by the progress bar that it was going to take a while to download. But within a minute or two, a message came on that said we could start watching the movie. Once enough of the file has downloaded to buffer, you’re good to go.

I’ve also been sampling more video podcasts. The Apple TV makes this so easy it didn’t dawn on me right away, but I don’t have to subscribe to these podcasts. I can, but it’s not necessary. I can just hit play. On the latest episode or previous ones.

When I try to describe Apple TV, people say, "How is that different than Tivo?" Tivo is great for recording network or cable shows, but there’s a world of stuff online that will never make it to network or cable. And Apple TV has made it drop-dead easy to watch these programs on the big screen. Think plugging your TV into the Internet.

TajTunes: Singing Valentine

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I got a call from India this afternoon. It was a singing telegram from Barb. A charming lady (with some backup by Mr. Baboo) sang the tune below. The story behind the website it equally entertaining. That they can do this for just $5 is pretty amazing.

“I’m So Happy”

I love it when you call me… (ring-a-ling-a-ling)
I love it when you sing… (lah lah lah lah LAH)
I love it when you hold my hand… (Awwwwww…)
And even when you cry… (wah wah wah)

I’m so happy. I’m so happy.
I’m so happy when I’m with you.
I’m so happy. I’m so happy.
I hope I make you happy too.

I love it when we spend time… (tick tock, tick tock)
I love it when we laugh… (hah hah hah)
I love it when we hug and kiss… (smooch)
And even when we fight…. (you jerk!)

I’m so happy. I’m so happy.
I’m so happy when I’m with you.
I’m so happy. I’m so happy.
I hope I make you happy too.

Oh yeah… I hope I make you happy too…
Oh yeah… I hope I make you happy too!

$300K grant for “Dream City” Kennett

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According to the news release that just hit my in-box, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has selected my home town as one of his DREAM (Downtown Revitalization and Economic Enhancement for Missouri) which comes with a $300,000 grant to make structural improvements to its downtown area. The money will be used for things like awning and façade improvements to buildings in downtown Kennett to make them more attractive to potential employers and job creators.

Kennett500

When I was growing up in Kennett, the downtown area was thriving. When the big discounters came to down, “downtown” dried up and the last time I was home it was a pretty sad sight. I don’t know if new awnings will turn the tide. In memory of brighter days for Kennett… and hopes for brighter days to come, “Kennett, My Home Town.” [Photo by Charles Jolliff]

Apple TV. Take Two.

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Appletv2I think they got it right this time. My Apple TV brings the net to my living room. I can rent movies, buy TV shows and music, watch podcasts and YouTube videos and view photos from Flickr (mine or anyone else’s).

I can Tivo all my favorite shows and watch them when I want but the new Apple TV feels like a very different viewing experience. Give me a week or two to get familiar with it. I’m looking forward to watching more video podcasts. This might be the future of TV. Smarter folk than I seem to agree.