For the first time EVER, Google Reader is EMPTY. Read, shared, deleted in preparation for the New Year. Sorry if I overshared today.

St. Louis Moves Closer To Second Class City Status

Please let me make it perfectly clear that this, uh, rant is my PERSONAL opinion only and has no connection to my employment or employer.


On November 4th, voters in St. Louis County voted down a half cent sales tax that, among other things, would fund public transit in the region, called Metro. Prop M was defeated because St. Louis is simply not a "mass transit" town, and the people behind the measure had no clue how to get it sold to the electorate. I have to share my thoughts on this, both because I am deeply concerned about the economic future of the St. Louis region and because I rely on public transportation due to my visual handicap.

The failure of Prop M will hurt not only the riders of Metro, but the region as a whole. Businesses in places like the Chesterfield Valley (near where I live) and the Hospital Corridor (St. John's, MoBap, St. Luke's) will be unable to hire employees who have had no other way to get to work than public transit. Business in the city will even have problems getting people to work for them when applicants have no other means to get to work than public transit. Let's face it, some of these people are the ones who need (and will take) jobs the most. Frequency of service throughout what's left of the MetroBus and MetroLink system, will be reduced, and in the end fares will go up.

Nothing good has come out of this service reduction manifesto. The campaign to get the measure passed was a joke, filled with touchy feely claims about air quality and oversized postcards delivered every day (one day I got THREE different ones) that said NOTHING of substance about the measure. Despite what was said by others, it was almost impossible for a reasonably intelligent St. Louis County resident to get the full details of the proposition within the context of the campaign to pass it. This was mishandled by Metro, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley's office, and stakeholders in Metro's continued viability. In short, it was one of the most ill conceived and poorly executed campaigns in modern history.

We can't change what's going to happen in March, but we should hold those responsible for this fiasco accountable for their actions. How many Bi-State Board members ride the bus on a regular basis? I'm guessing not many. When's the last time Mr. Dooley (pictured) or his lackeys stood out in the cold waiting for a bus that is woefully behind schedule or simply never comes? The smart money says NEVER. These people were charged with getting this measure passed, and they failed in grand style. Now hundreds of thousands of people in the region will pay for their folly, both the people who depended on Metro to get around and the business owners who needed public transit to get their employees to and from work.

Can the system be fixed? Probably not. Our region has had substandard mass transit for years, and its gotten worse. Good luck attracting new business to the area once they find out their workers pretty much have no option but to drive to work if they live in the suburbs. Fat chance attracting major conventions and athletic events when there's no viable public transit in St. Louis.

Can the people who made the measure fail because they weren't men (or women) enough to tell St. Louisians what would REALLY happen if the measure failed be held accountable? ABSOLUTELY. And once employees and employers see what a disservice their elected officials and Metro have done for them, opposition will come forward.

Hey Charlie, what time will your driver pick me up to take me to work on March 30th? Since you and your stooges, along with the completely disconnected Bi-State Board have made my bus vanish, I'm sure you'll want to make sure that I, as someone who can help vote you and your henchmen out of office when the time comes, will want to make sure I can keep working and paying taxes.

Or do you even care?

All I Want for Christmas Is... Jews

Happy Hanukah! I think this song says it all.

40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes

A tip of the Cubs hat to Chris Kennedy at Joint Communications for passing this along. These days, we need a little "sumptin sumptin" to help get us motivated.


40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes @ Yahoo! Video

Receiving the Gift of Giving

The great Chris Pirillo has a wonderful blog post about sharing the Christmas spirit of giving, and a chance to win a toy package to give to your family or a deserving charity like Toys For Tots. Please check it out by clicking on the headline of this post.

Thank you on behalf of your pal, Santa Jew. Yes, that's me up there. Guess its time for a shave.

Its About Freakin' Time

After my long relationship with the Walt Disney Company, they've finally decided to give me the recognition I deserve.



Seriously, great marketing plan from the people at Disney Parks. Click Here if you want to make your own.

Johnny Cash Christmas Special

A classic Christmas nugget worth sharing and watching!

Dancing Boyz

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A tip o'the Santa Hat to the Elves at http://www,jibjab.com/ and http://www.officemax.com/ for the Holiday fun!

Follow my St Louis radio stations on Twitter! @Y98 and @KEZK are up and running, and they will be updated often with contest and music info!

Straight No Chaser Reunited

This is a fascinating story about a group of guys who were last year's YouTube sensation and now have gotten back together after 10 years to create a Christmas CD. The song is an instant hit on KEZK.

I guess it proves that you CAN realize your dreams, even if its ten years later. Enjoy this video and check out the song "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" on kezk.com or YouTube.

CrisisWire: Your Aggregate Source for a Catastrophe (http://ping.fm/2S4NJ)

I must say the Blackberry Curve I have from Verizon is a complete piece of garbage and I've been on with BAD tech support for 45 min. Now the browser has stopped working. FAIL

Special Comment on Gay Marriage ~ Keith Olbermann

Yes, he's sometimes over the top, but KO nails it when he speaks out about the passing of California's Prop 8, one of the most shameful votes in our recent history. Let's hope that less selfish people can get things right in California and across the country.

New Yorker Cover: 'Reflection' (Barack Obama Victory)

The cover of the next New Yorker in animated form. Check their website for a spectacular piece on the Obama campaign or find it at my delicious.com account, conveniently linked just to your right.

35+ Sites Made for Web Savvy Families

35+ Sites Made for Web Savvy Families

Studs Terkel dies

Chicago legend Studs Terkel dies at 96. The Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan wrote an incredible obit.

read more digg story

Hollywood Declares Themselves - Part 2

A followup to the first star studded video. Mad props to Steven Spielberg and Hollywood's finest for an important message.

Election Madness

As Election Day nears, an analysis of what could tip the vote in either direction.


Why, oh why, do Cubs fans get beaten down? Why can't you love? Isn't there enough hate in the world?

Let's NOT Repeat Election Night 2000

From the archives. What went wrong on Election Night 2000. Must read for all journalists and political junkies. http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/stories/02/02/cnn.report/cnn.pdf

Are you better off?

With the election days away, this ad will start airing in Ohio and Florida. The Gipper's own words have come back to haunt what's left of his political party.

CONGRATS to Amy Poehler on the birth of a baby boy! If TMZ has the story, it must be true. http://ping.fm/yHMwa

Wassup 2008

Classic viral video, and it is indeed the ORIGINAL CAST of the famous Bud spot!

Ron Howard's Call to Action

If ever there was MUST SEE TV, this is it! Please take the time to watch this.

LINK OF THE DAY, WEEK, MONTH. http://ping.fm/vBQn3 Great Flash site. Click on everything for quotes from Sarah the P.

KEZK In Time Magazine

So I'm minding my own business reading the new issue of Time magazine. There's an article in it about race and the upcoming election focusing on Lincoln County, Missouri, an area not far from St. Louis. Imagine my surprise when I took a good look at the photo. If you have the print edition, its easier to see, but a close inspection of the picture on the web site (try clicking the "enlarge" button next to the photo) shows that the man on the right is wearing a KEZK t-shirt! For those who don't know, KEZK is one of the radio stations I program in St. Louis.

Here's the link to the story online from the Time website Its in the October 20 issue of Time, available on newsstands now.

It takes so little to make me happy.

DESTROYED my BlackBerry. The new STORM (VZW's offering) won't be out for 4 weeks so I had to buy a Curve to tide me over. VZW, RIM-HELP ME!

Arrrrgh. DROPPED and DESTROYED my BlackBerry. The new 9000 won't be out for 4 weeks so I have to buy a Curve to tide me over. HELP ME RIM!

Cubs LOSE. Dream season OVER. 101 years without a World Series win. I'm not sure its possible to be more sad and despondent than I am now.

TWO Posts In One Day?

I couldn't resist.

As we near the beginning of the 2008 CUBS CENTENNIAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON PLAYOFF DRIVE, an incredible piece from the New York Times showing the history of the Cubs in the playoffs. Truly amazing!

HAPPY CUBTOBER

Anyone who's been around me for any length of time knows about my rabid devotion to the Chicago Cubs. My Grandfather was a Cubs fan. My Father was a Cubs fan. I am proud to say I'm a Cubs fan. A photo of me at one of my first Cubs games, when I was 4 years old, hangs on my office wall, with the program I was holding in the picture hung next to it. I proudly carry the cards of the early 1980's "Die Hard Cubs Fan Club" and the new "Cubs Club" in my Chicago Cubs wallet and I'm happy to flaunt them, even in the "enemy territory" of St. Louis.

The Cubs have had a miraculous season, winning 97 games and the National League Central championship for the second year in a row. They start the playoffs this afternoon against the Dodgers at my favorite place on the planet, Wrigley Field. I was at the one game the Cubs played in the postseason last year, a rout by the DBacks, and in the dozens, maybe hundreds of games I've seen in that ballpark, I've never seen it be such a sad place. I'm counting on the results and spirits to be better this year. Of course, I've yet to score tickets to any games, although I was offered the chance to go to this afternoon's first game, which I can't do due to work. That pesky work getting in the way of baseball again....

There's a tremendous song this year that has become the unofficial rally song for the Cubs. Its not "Hey Hey Holy Mackerel" from the 1969 season, its called "All The Way" by Chicago's very own Eddie Vedder. Some very enterprising fan made a nice video out of the song, which is available for purchase at www.pearljam.com. Its worth a peek even if you aren't a Cubs fan.

Add to the incredible Cubs run the fact that the Chicago White Sox made it into the postseason and there is the possibility, however rare, that there could (and I say COULD) be a "Red Line Series" with the two Chicago teams meeting in the Fall Classic. For those unfamiliar with the public transit system in Chicago, the Red Line serves both Wrigley and "The Cell".

Picture this. Wednesday, Cubtober 22nd, 7:20PM. World Series game one at US Cellular Field. Cubs ace Ryan Dempster is on the mound to throw the first pitch. He winds up and lets loose with a 98 mile an hour fastball. Between the time the pitch leaves his hand and lands in catcher Geovany Soto's glove, the ground opens up and the entire ballpark is swallowed into the earth. Yes, the first pitch in a Cubs/Sox World Series would be THE END OF THE WORLD.

What can I say? No matter how joyful a Cubs fan is, there is always a black cloud with that silver lining.

Wednesday is the start of the 2008 CENTENNIAL CHAMPION CHICAGO CUBS march to glory. Get all the official MLB scoop here: http://ping.fm/qHFsG

Cuban In Chicago Today To Meet With Cubs Ownership

As you read this, Mark Cuban will be in Chicago, doing his thing one more time for the purchase. People may have thought the brash and eager Cuban was out of the running, but that's not so.

read more | digg story

Cubs fans know Eddie Vedder has done a song to salute the team. Here's what would happen if Eddie and Lee Elia morphed. http://ping.fm/ZNt3f

NatEnq names Palin's secret lover. http://ping.fm/6mS5v

For those who are planning on climbing on the 2008 CUBS CENTENNIAL CHAMPION SEASON bandwagon, here is the MLB Postseason Schedule: http://ping.fm/q6Toh

Sweet Lou asks Cub fans to simmer down... http://ping.fm/tzgqJ

All hail the NL Central and future World Series Champion Chicago Cubs!

Returned from Austin to see that AT&T UVerse WHOLE HOUSE DVR is active. Can watch recorded items on ANY TV in the house. Wow!

Celebrating KEZK's win as Radio & Records magazine's AC Radio Station Of The Year!

Your Data With Destiny

Bob Garfield Points the Way for Marketers in a Post-Advertising Age
This is a MUST READ for anyone in the marketing world.

A Fashion Dilema

I'm conflicted as to which Hurricane Ike Reporter-In-The-Path-Of-Danger raingear I'd choose. The yellow NBC, red CNN, or blue Weather Channel/LL Bean ($) garb. And don't get me started on the vast choices and styles of headgear I can choose from...”

I'm conflicted as to which Hurricane Ike Reporter-In-The-Path-Of-Danger raingear I'd choose. The yellow NBC, red CNN, or Weather Channel/LL Bean ($) garb. And don't get me started on the vast choices and styles of headgear I can choose from...

As we get ready to remember 9/11, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann delivers a powerful special comment. http://ping.fm/we6PH

CNN blog worth reading. http://ping.fm/JLYu3

Great story on Lee Abrams, one of the smartest people I know, and his quest to reinvent the newspaper industry. http://ping.fm/8cZ5k

Free eBook on Personal Branding

Free eBook on Personal Branding

Posted using ShareThis

http://ping.fm/cIoRF

Paul Harvey turns 90

Radio Icon Paul Harvey celebrates his 90th birthday. Great piece from the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal.

read more digg story

The Passing of a legend

Thanks to Beau Weaver for sharing. Voiceover Master DON LaFONTAINE died Monday afternoon at 2:10 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles at the age of 68. Don’s agent, Vanessa Gilbert, tells Entertainment Tonight that he passed away following complications from Pneumothorax, the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, the result of a collapsed lung. The official cause of death has not yet been released. Over the past 25 years, LaFontaine cemented his position as the "King of Voice-overs." Aside from being the preeminent voice in the movie trailer industry…Don has also been the voice of Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, CBS, NBC ABC, Fox and UPN, in addition to TNT, TBS and the Cartoon Network. By conservative estimates, he has voiced hundreds of thousands of television and radio spots, including commercials for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Ford, Budweiser, McDonalds, Coke, and many other corporate sponsors. He recently parodied himself on a series of national television commercials for Geico. At last count, he has worked on nearly 5000 films, including appearances as the in-show announcer for the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards. Based on contracts signed, he has the distinction of being perhaps the single busiest actor in the history of SAG. Don is survived by his wife Singer/Actress Nita Whitaker, and three children Christine, Skye and Elyse.

Spending quality time with the family and planning on burning some meat later.

Fascinating story about the youngest child of Sarah Palin...or is it? http://ping.fm/g7hfL

Website of the day...and its REAL! http://www.vpilf.com/

Talk about a tough night Thursday. Had to constantly switch between ObamaFest and a huge come from behind Cubs win. Big night for peeps from Chicago!

ObamaFest lineup

With all of my new social networks and status sites, I wasn't sure where the best place to post this was. So, I defaulted to the blog.

Here's the schedule for Thursday's (8/28/08) activities at the Democratic National Convention. Amazing lineup!

Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)

Live Performances (before gavel)
Yonder Mountain String Band Performance
Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston

Voter Registration Presentation

Remarks
The Honorable Luis Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

David Plouffe
Obama Campaign Manager

Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado

Call to Order
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Member and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, California

Invocation
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism – Washington, DC

Presentation of Colors
Disabled American Veterans

Pledge of Allegiance
Shawn Johnson
US Olympic Gymnast

National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson
Academy award-winning singer and Broadway performer

Welcome
Elbra Wedgeworth
President/Chair, Denver Host Committee

Presentation of Resolutions
Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairs
Mark Brewer
The Honorable Linda Chavez-Thompson
The Honorable Mike Honda
The Honorable Lottie Shackelford
Susan Turnbull

Remarks
Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado

The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable John Salazar
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)

Video & Remarks
The Honorable Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont
Chair of the Democratic Party

Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
The Honorable John Lewis
Member of the US House of Representatives, Georgia
Rev. Bernice King
Daughter of the late Dr. King
Martin Luther King III
Oldest son of the late Dr. King

Remarks
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor, New Mexico

Live Performances
will.i.am
Accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band

Sheryl Crow
Singer/songwriter

Remarks
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

The Honorable Mark Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of Virginia

Live Performance
Stevie Wonder

Remarks
The Honorable Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
John Kuniholm
Wounded Iraq veteran

Live Performance
Michael McDonald
Singer/songwriter

Remarks
Susan Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Retired Generals Tribute
Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)
Accompanied by additional generals

American Voices Program
Roy Gross
Monica Early
Wes Moore
Janet Lynn Monacco
Nate Fick
Teresa Asenap
Pamela Cash-Roper
Barney Smith

Remarks
The Honorable Dick Durbin
US Senator, Illinois

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)

Video/Remarks
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Benediction
Pastor Joel Hunter
Senior Pastor of Northland in Central Florida

Adjournment
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Noting that the 2008 Centennial Champion Chicago Cubs again have the best record in baseball.

This might be bigger than any news coming out of Denver tonight. http://ping.fm/zA5l5

Out of the office in heavy heavy meetings Tuesday. Back in the saddle Wednesday.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mark Edwards

I'm honored to be the subject of this week's Chicago Radio Spotlight. Thanks to Rick Kaempfer for the writeup!

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mark Edwards

Boy Named After Ballpark to Throw First Pitch

Even years before 7-year-old Wrigley was born, his father Jerry Fields says he'd already decided what he'd do. Coming from a family of Cubs fans and with his particular last name, he decided to name his first son after the Friendly Confines.

read more | digg story

PRESS LEAK-CUBS ALL STAR UPDATE

I have been known on occasion to write for the radio industry's publication Radio and Records Street Talk Daily. With the baseball All Star Break upon us, I've written an article for that fine publication's Tuesday issue. However, circumstances beyond my control make me think the piece won't be published, so here it is for your reading pleasure. Its a brag on the runaway success of the 2008 Chicago Cubs, known as my heroes.

Tonight is the night of the Midseason Classic, the All Star Game in the soon to be demolished Yankee Stadium. As part of my plan to appear in these pages less often in hopes of garnering more votes in the upcoming R&R Awards polling, I’ve saved my tales of the glory of the 2008 CENTENNIAL CHAMPION CHICAGO CUBS. However, I cannot resist sharing the joy of this year’s Cubosity with your three (now four because you’ve added a reporter) readers.

At this, the 2008 All Star Break, the Cubs have THE BEST RECORD IN ALL OF BASEBALL and are in firm control of the National League Central. Eight, count ‘em, EIGHT Cub players are on the field at Yankee Stadium tonight for the All Star Game. You will see more Cubs starting the All Star Game than you ever have, and the exhibition of finesse and power they will put on will stun you more than the success of the Katy Perry record.

Enjoy tonight’s performances from members of the TEAM OF DESTINY, and remember, there is still time to find yourself a place on the Cubs Championship Bandwagon. I’m holding the seating charts, so please contact me if you’d like a place before we have to use the overflow cars, which are repurposed diaper transport vehicles from the Pitt/Jolie household.

So Many Thoughts, So Little Time

Much to comment on, and that will happen this week.

• The First Place Chicago Cubs, featuring the best record in baseball at the All Star break.
• The Song Of The Summer
• Why I haven't posted here in forever
• The joy of FriendFeed

But perhaps the most important and disturbing thing is that it now sees that I will never get to realize one of my professional dreams. Being the voice on the end of a commercial that says "Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, Missouri".

Oh the humanity...

A Bigger Than Life Loss

There was a time when young broadcasters learned their craft from those who preceded them and would drink in every word, nuance, and gram of subtext. That was the way I learned from WIBC Indianapolis newsman Lou Palmer.


Before I was fortunate enough to work at WIBC, I was a huge fan of Lou's phrasing, writing, and on-air personality. After starting at WIBC, I was able to work near Lou, too afraid to get too close to such a titan (at least in my view) lest I get told to get lost. But with time I was able to befriend him, learning about radio and life at the same time. The afternoons spent in the WIBC newsroom on North Meridian in Indianapolis were every bit as valuable and enjoyable as any other education I ever had, and I'll always treasure them.


Lou was bigger than life and once he decided he liked you, would talk for hours in his unique way, literally mesmerizing the people in the newsroom at the Two Story Brick On North Illinois, in the press room at the old Speedway control tower, or at 9292. His "Lou Palmer And Friends" show in the 70's was one of the most entertaining and inspiring shows this young broadcaster listened to. I feel fortunate to have shared time with him and to have learned at his feet.


His descriptive terms and news opens were legendary. Whether it was time to "hit the money button" or my favorite news open "Tenerife Island, two 747's, crunch", he had a way with words, a way with life, and a way of leaving a truly lasting impression.

Its odd, I was thinking of Lou on Saturday, the day he died. I guess I waited too long to look him up and let him know what I was up to.

RIP Lou. Give my best to Riley.

Click on the headline to see the Indianapolis Star's story on the life and times of Lou Palmer.

Fear The Cubs. THIS Is The Year Of The Cubs

Now that the record people are calling me incessantly, I can only assume the new year has begun. And what a year it will be. This year, we’ll see history made in early November. After a long and grueling campaign, the ultimate payoff will be made. What so many said would never happen will indeed happen. The pundits will be proven wrong, Americans will be either shocked or jubilant, and things in this country will never be the same.

Of course, I’m speaking of the upcoming World Series victory of the Chicago Cubs. It’s now been 100 years since the Northsiders have won the Fall classic, and they will commemorate the anniversary by playing the 2008 Cubs Centennial Celebration Season®. After coming oh so close last year, the ultimate prize will be won by Chicago’s Team Of Destiny.

I invite you to join me on the Cubs Bandwagon while there is still room. You don’t want to join up in September and be placed in the third trailer, the one that used to haul horses to the glue factory. You want to be right up front with me and other lifelong Cubs fans who know why we’ve waited so long to taste the cheap champagne and hold the World Series trophy over our booze soaked heads. You know you want the Cubs to win. You know its their year of DESTINY.

Please watch this space for updates on the Cubs Centennial Celebration Season. I have to go visit Britney now. Please pray for her.

Happy 2008!

I sent this quote to many friends on New Year's Eve. It deserves to be shared here for those I may have missed or those who aren't friends yet.

I wish you Health...So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...That you so well deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

Here's to nothing but the best in the year ahead. I know it sounds geeky, but I'm looking forward to a GREAT 2008.