dcrtv.com - Mailbag - November 23 to November 29, 2009

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DCRTV Mailbag - November 23 to November 29, 2009

Latest messages listed first.....
\/ November 29 Messages \/

What happened to the turkey contest???? Larry>>>>Warrenton Va (11/29/09)

Dave's response: We had a batch of votes on Thanksgiving and the day after but it wasn't really any formal kind of thing. I'll name a winner - who ever is programming WVRX, 105.9.....

"I know it's not nice to wish ill happenings on anyone, but I hope the Secret Service nails those two party crashing attention whores to the wall. Maybe it's just me, but if I'd just done something that stupid, the LAST thing I'd be doing, while charges are still being considered, is trying to sell the story. May their "mid six figure range" payment go up in legal fees, and may they wind up telling their story to a jury. (Not signed because I have nothing to do with the broadcast industry except watch/listen, so my name would be meaningless to any of you)" I wish ill on the person who wrote that. Not lupus, necessarily (are you listening, Girl Publisher?), but maybe shingles. And a big, oozing stye, big enough to keep you from driving. You had a chance to sign, even with a made-up name. I dub youze Johnnie Douche, and I'm going to assign that name to anyone I want to associate with you. That was not your first post. And this is not the work of a cook. Shoutout to Sally Jenkins!!! Keep hammering home the message that Dan Snyder sucks and Vinnie Cerrato doesn't have the brains/balls (pick one, Vinnie... hint: your balls are already in the jar) to tell him so. No one is saying it as clearly as the Sallinator, the Sallady, the Gal from Salstinia. You ma lady, S 2 tha J!!! --- ThePenIsMightier (11/29/09)

(Seriously Dave, how much longer you going to allow this back and forth horse&%4# -- come on, it’s Sunday -- to go on? Fucking end it already.) Even more seriously Dave: let freedom ring. If you don’t like DCRTV’s Mailbag, don’t read it: that simple. Oh, yeah, I’ll sign this post: “John Doe”. (11/29/09)

Here's that holiday blooper from the WJZ Eyewitness News Team up on Television Hill... circa 1978. (11/29/09)

Watch Chanukah Candle Lighting Blooper in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

I know it's not nice to wish ill happenings on anyone, but I hope the Secret Service nails those two party crashing attention whores to the wall. Maybe it's just me, but if I'd just done something that stupid, the LAST thing I'd be doing, while charges are still being considered, is trying to sell the story. May their "mid six figure range" payment go up in legal fees, and may they wind up telling their story to a jury. (Not signed because I have nothing to do with the broadcast industry except watch/listen, so my name would be meaningless to any of you) (11/29/09)

Seriously Dave, how much longer you going to allow this back and forth horseshit to go on? Fucking end it already. (11/29/09)

I doont like PLB. He is meen to me lohng tme a go. TomGavin (11/29/09)

In light of the recent spate of vituperative missives, it behooves us to consider the end or what Aristotle would call the telos (<-- imagine italics there) of the peculiar social enterprise enterprise that is dcrtv, not to mention the skillfulness with which various posters who eschew the adoption of personae (<-- italics again), either out of fear of accountability or simple lack of creativity pursue that/those end/s. (Adopts Stewie voice) Looking pretty good over here, eh? --- ThePenIsMightier (11/29/09)

One more chance (actually two) to catch the Dick Clark Birthday Special. It will be aired on Oldies Radio 1620 Monday November 30th (the day of Dick Clark's 80th birthday) at noon and again at 7PM. Catch it on the internet at www.oldiesradio1620.com. Brings back lots of Bandstand memories (for those who remember Bandstand). Dave Schmidt, Oldies Radio 1620 (11/29/09)

Show me the names! Squirm...squirm, squirm. PB called you out. You take your sandboxes and go home.C'mon your playing with the big boys now. (11/29/09)

That's a fine idea, PLB. But please be sure to include all your mailbag pseudonyms too. And don't fudge...ALL of them. And I almost forgot...name drop +1. (11/29/09)

Dave--DCRTV remains a valuable source of DC media info but, my God, what a soap opera The Mailbag has become! Mean-spirited personal attacks, name-calling, ignorant stereotyping. This is what The McLaughlin Group must have looked like in junior high school. Granted, freedom of speech covers everything from The Constitution on down to The Jerry Springer Show but, in the interest of accuracy, maybe you should change the name of "The Mailbag" to "The Air Sickness Bag."--Louie from Bowie (11/29/09)

"Now, let's drop this stupid non-broadcast display of juvenile sandbox bull." -Taking your ball and going home, PLB? Awww...We've only just begun. (11/29/09)

I believe just a few days ago that you claimed to know someone who knew me, Old Timer. Here...allow me to refresh your memory with a copy of your comments. "But as I said I do know someone that has identified them for me. PLB:0)" Now, since you know me, why don't you enlighten me as to how the industry has "shit" on me. After all, you claim to know so much about me. Now is your chance to prove it. (11/29/09)

The 3 towers you can see JohnnyUinHanover from the Baltimore Beltway on the east side are technically in Rosedale, MD at the very end of Chesaco Avenue where it dead ends on wetlands, basically Back River/Chesapeake Bay watershed. But you can also see them from Essex and Dundalk and they are gospel WBGR AM 860 www.radio-locator.com and there is a construction permit for WYRE 810 Annapolis www.radio-locator.com to move there too using 2 of the towers, but I'm not certain that has yet happened yet. I know AM 860 used to play rock and top 40 I think, but I'm too young to remember. I only remember WCAO 600 playing Top 40 on AM when I was very young and that my parents hated the station of course The interesting thing about that tower site is that I'm pretty certain it was completely under water during the Isabel storm and possibly other storms over the years and is probably one of a few urban tower sites around DC/Baltimore with waterfowl nesting sites and on basically Chesapeake Bay marshland. Does that destroy the myth that radio towers are not environmentally friendly? (11/29/09)

Hey Dave, I have been searching for a vintage WJZ TV news clip of Jerry Turner, Richard Sher, Marty Bass, and I think Oprah was on set as well covering Baltimore's Chanukah celebrations (candle lighting) in the 70"s and the kids involved pushed his brother's yamika down on his face and the gang on set could not contain their hysterics...I want to share that clip for the holidays with folks.... I have looked everywhere for this clip...I know it has to be somewhere online...can you please assist? Thanks, Mike Eaves, Former Metro News/Traffic Anchor/Reporter (11/29/09)

OMG! GET READY! The eighth annual WAR ON CHRISTMAS starts tomorrow on Hannity's syndicated radio show as well as his TV show on Fox News! Listen and watch everyday for unbiased information on THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS. Learn everything you need to know about THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS from Sean Hannity, and get angry at the liberals who started this WAR ON CHRISTMAS. Merry Christmas! there I said it; if liberals come after me and try to put me in jail for saying it, Landmark Legal should defend me. God Bless Sean Hannity. (11/29/09)

I have a good idea! Why don't we "geezers" post our current status, you know, unemployed, gainfully employed, own a business, work for a business. Meds we're on, health status, height, weight, maybe a photo, family history, accomplishments in the broadcast business, failures etc. Then we'll all sign our names, and the folks that post the nasty, insulting and often uninformed post their accomplishments, failures etc. and they too sign their real names. Then just to prove we "geezers" for the most part are aging, essentially out of work and reduced to posting on a local website just to just to get through every dark dreary day can ask for help from the ones that spew nasty opinionated hatred. BTW thumbs up to Tom Conroy, a good friend and his lovely lady Joyce. To the unsigned corporate suit. (Fully Understand) Now, back to football, searching for work and laughing all the way. "Those Were The Days My Friend, We Thought They'd Never End" PLB/Davy Jones. (11/29/09)

Again from the unsigned--(it does call into question one insecurity and almost never adds anything to the discussion, except to take away from your own points.) Seeing you're still insulting me personally, and of course not signing your name, and taking half a page to create what you consider a proper discourse. I would say you are totally engrossed in what at least I would consider a lot of bad experiences in the broadcast industry, me bieing one of them. I assure you I am not lonely, fading, out of work and least of all insecure, "sticking my finger up my butt" and so far from sad it's humorous. (Mr Hughes can attest to all of that I'm sure.)You take time out of your day to attack someone that you really don't even know, you just opine about. I honestly believe you must have been terribly shit on in the broadcast arena,. If I were to guess I was one of your problems. You're disliked and you must know it or you wouldn't waste so much time trying to hurt. By the way if you'd like to discuss any facet of the industry feel free to do so. It would make more people on this board happy. I'm sure I'm not the only one sick of your HATRED. That's sad. Now you've got my opinion on what you've posted and I plan to ROTFLMAO. Go on the meds you must used a lot. Now, let's drop this stupid non-broadcast display of juvenile sandbox bull. (11/29/09)

I agree 99% with Tom Conroy’s earlier post. However, one thing he missed in the “why” so many broadcasters are out of work today is that they are so passionate about this business that they want to stay in it and are loathe to consider anything else. In the case of a teen or college-age (or perhaps older, in this economy) person, it would be easy to say, “screw this” and pursue a career where the pinnacle is to ask “¿Usted quiere las fritadas con eso?” And, never go back to the ‘biz. Unfortunately, I know broadcasters who are now doing things like selling agricultural supplies or doing picture framing, as opposed to being behind the mic or in front of the camera not just because of the economy, but because of the curious machinations of this business. While there are pleasant memories of my days at a 1KW daytimer in an unpainted cinder-block building so out in the middle of farmland that you had to avoid chickens not just in parking your car, but in walking from it to get inside the building. (Not to mention that damn rooster hanging out by the studio window who seemingly knew when I opened the mic and would start crowing!) Or, having to literally “fire up” a Siegler oil heater to heat the place on a cold morning because the ductwork coming off the already elderly Collins wasn’t up to the task. No, in spite of the almost 50 years I’ve been in the business, I consider the “good days” to be those ahead of me rather than those which have passed. And, among those “good days” will be “great days”. I have seen this business progress from crystal to digital. Yet, the constant is the people… the good, the bad, and the idiots. The first two you will find in any business. The last is perhaps a bit unique to broadcasting in that the “It worked great there” belief is so inapplicable to this business. While it’s true that every college intern I’ve had working for me has been encouraged to “have a second or even third skill, one that is totally unrelated to broadcasting”, because it’s not only nice to have the additional skill in the event of “an employment emergency”, but you can learn things in other businesses that are applicable to broadcasting. However, what’s often forgotten by non-broadcasters coming into the business is that what works one place in this business (or even outside of broadcasting) doesn’t always work elsewhere. Even a few miles away. The oft-documented differences between Washington and Baltimore are a case in point. And, as for not signing my name, it’s not just because Barracuda Networks keeps DCRTV off our system at work, it’s also because of my position that I’d have add my employer’s copyright to my postings if I signed them. (Not to mention having to “clear” them with corporate legal…) And, I’m sure I am not alone in this situation. Thus, I must remain… Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/29/09)

I must concur with other posts about the flame wars about old out-of-work deejays or web-radio wannabes. But personally, I've got my own crisis going on. One of my nieces recently got into genealogy and I got an email from her yesterday, with the revelation that we are distantly related to Sarah Palin. You can imagine the horror and shame! Thankfully, there are some other relatives scattered among the various branches of the family tree. Two passengers on The Mayflower - also Ulysses S. Grant, F.D.R., Grandma Moses, Astronaut Alan Shepard and Richard Gere -- so the news isn't all bad! (11/29/09)

Joe in Essex, I do some DXing for a car dealer in Westminster. I came to Essex the other day to pick up a car. For years, I have been passing those three radio towers there on the beltway. I also could see them form Eastern Blvd. Whose towers are they? Thanks JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (11/29/09)

Yes, the "Essex Wonderland" twisted tune from 98 Rock is a classic! www.98online.com... It goes back to the 1980s on 98Rock I think not long after I moved here. I remember when all those jokes applied to everyone who lived here. The irony today is the plants are all closed, the steelworkers are mostly all gone, replaced by marinas, expensive boats and brand new waterfront homes. The song is more today a joke about a dying breed of Baltimorean, and probably more applies to the Dundalk/Highlandtown or AA County/Baltimore city border now since that's where many Baltimore port workers live or work and that's almost the last of the previously huge blue collar jobs that are left in the area outside of housing construction and we know where that market went in the past 2 years. Btw, there is a Dundalk twisted tune too which is also kind of funny... www.98online.com... Oh, 98 Rock obviously has direct download disabled on the website, but as with most websites, you can cut/paste the links to any Twisted Tune on 98Rock's website into Apple's Quicktime program and download the songs legally to your computer if anyone wants to burn a personal Twisted Tunes CD. Just copy the MP3 links from 98 Rock here... www.98online.com... And yes, it's legal (well unless you try to sell the CD!). That's my holiday tech knowledge gift to the mailbag. Happy Holidays! Enjoy! (11/29/09)

It's the first Sunday of Advent. Merry Christmas, everyone! Al McGilvray (11/29/09)

Dave's response: Judging by all the Christmas-related "buy a car for your spouse ads" during pro football games, I'd say it's the "first Sunday of Lexus".....

TO JohnnyuinHanover: Yes I have sat down and pondered this. I know exactly what you're talking about, I've been up there to south central PA many times and even worked up there for a time. Baltimore County has completely stopped almost all development north of Towson other than expensive mansions and farms and even Harford County has sought to do to some extent the same outside the growth areas. I remember talking to people up in PA and saying, "YOU PAID WHAT FOR THIS?" You can buy a very nice large house in York County for less than a not so nice small house in Dundalk, and probably more than half the cost of a similar house near DC. And the savings continue after that because of the enormous tax differential. This is the same reason so many people are retiring to the Delaware shore area. Maryland/DC. is a tax mountain surrounded by tax valleys. During the housing boom, my property tax due to the increase in value went through the roof and increased my otherwise previously stable house payment by almost $150/month! But you can easily move just outside the Baltimore or DC markets and pay so much less taxes and still get the same DC or Baltimore TV stations and to some extent some of the radio stations too and save a small fortune. I've always laughed at politicians like Paris Glendenning & Martin O'Malley with their PREVENT DEFENSE on suburban sprawl and green growth initiatives. They just drive people to other nearby states and take money & jobs away from the local economy, which results in higher taxes and many of the people are STILL driving HERE from even FURTHER AWAY! How does driving people to commute from York County or WVA prevent sprawl or reduce traffic or congestion or even help the environment? More Potomac and Susquehanna development in nearby states will help the Chesapeake Bay? Yeah right! LOL Considering how many businesses and residents the DC/Maryland governments have deliberately driven from the area, it's amazing that population growth continues at all. If not for Federal Government or gov't related private sector jobs, it would be hard to find anybody left to turn out the lights here. -- Joe in Essex :-) PS: Someone complained about emoticons? Since this is a non-graphical forum that offers almost no form of expression or even topics, it's the same as cell phone texting basically. But I get the impression you don't use much of that newfangled technology huh? Don't forget to put some more ice in the ice box, hehe. :-D Finally, I'd give this mailbag format a BIG TURKEY too, it's mostly unedited, unformatted (You can't even use limited HTML codes!), or it's angry personal insults as well as unrelated to local media half of the time. (11/29/09)

Re: There's nothing sadder than an aging, essentially out of work disc jockey of yesteryear reduced to posting on a local web site message board to get through each and every dark day...Nothing sadder... Can't wait for your response, old timer. Be sure to include lots of LOL's and ROTF's .../// It takes the mental and physical strength of a marathon runner to keep up with some of the running discussions, especially in this Mailbag format. While I don't give a wit about the discussion in question, I will agree with the above posting in one regard. If you are adding lots of LOL's, ROTFLOL, ROTFLMAO, and GWFUB's (giggling with finger up butt), you surely aren't funny, nor are you really laughing. It's the equivalent of telling a bad joke then unhinging your jaw and laughing uproariously, while others hang their heads. Or announcing "..and now I will tell a funny joke..." It's Internet etiquette 101, right after, only douchebags type in all Caps: thy shall never LOL thyself. If it's witty, ironic, poignant, satirical, funny..etc., people with a brain will recognize it as such. Otherwise, it does call into question one insecurity and almost never adds anything to the discussion, except to take away from your own points. (11/29/09)

Poor Sean Hannity. He has had a really bad month. First he endorses the "conservative" candidate in NY23 Congressional seat. Sean has the carpetbagger Doug Hoffman on his show five times, praises him, and calls him "Congressman elect." Sean sends up a producer and a reporter to Doug Hoffman's election night campaign headquarters to report live on Sean Hannity's TV show the announcement that Conservative Doug Hoffman won the election. He didn't win, giving the Democrats a seat held by Republicans since the Civil War. The next day Newt Gingrich scolded Sean Hannity for screwing with the election and handing the seat to a Democrat. Next, poor Hannity wrote the forward to Carrie Prejean's book "Still Standing." The book was about conservative values for teenage girls. Sean praised her for being "smart" and "principled." The day of the book release, TMZ reported having a pornographic tape Ms. Prejean starred in, produced, and distributed. Sean did his best to spin, but it was an uphill battle. Then, Ms. Prejean makes a fool of herself on Larry King, and the book tour was dropped. Without the promotion on the conservative media, Regnery is now stuck with over 100, 000 unsold, unsellable books. www.amazon.com... Poor Sean. He was even negotiating having Ms. Prejean as a floater on "The Great American Panel." If Sean didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all. He lands the first "cable news interview" with Sarah Palin. He praises her for her knowledge and insight on foreign affairs. Then Sarah confuses Iran and Iraq, right there on Sean's program. Sean forgets to edit it out. This mistake was bigger than Chris Plante not dumping Sarah saying THE STUPIDEST THING SAID ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN 30 YEARS. And to wind out the month, Sean has on his Fox "news" show Dana Perino who claims there were no terrorist attacks under Bush's watch, and Sean lets it go. Just about every news person in America, laughed at Sean's inability to see the truth, question pure BS, and his strong adherence to propaganda. Let's just hope December, and THE WAR ON CHRISTMAS, goes better for Sean. We all must admit, however, November, 2009 with Sean was pretty darn amusing. (11/29/09)

The pissing match's on DCRTV are getting a bit old. There seems to be a lot of flaming of those veteran broadcasters who over their career were highly successful and may be out of work. By the way, it's not just them, but many very talented broadcasters who are much younger, all on the street at no fault of their own. That's the nature of the business, overhead vs revenue. Back in 1972, I was a young broadcaster too, and had a good run in Baltimore, but was nowhere near the status of some of the true veterans some blast on DCRTV. Like it or not, age is happening to all of us, and one day, you'll look back and wonder where all the years have gone. It's veteran broadcasters I listened to as a kid that influenced my decision to do radio for almost 40 years. I was privileged to actually work with those professionals during my tenure at WCAO, many years later. Young or old, there are many out looking for work because of their passion for radio. You too will look back and wish for "the good old days" when radio was fun, if you're actually in the business. . By the way, consider showing pride in yourself and sign your postings. Tom Conroy WZBB-FM (11/29/09)

Poor, pitiful, pathetic, "Tony in Vienna", reduced to posting yet more anonymous drivel about "oldtimers". People he can only wish and dream about being as good as! Sitting, alone, in the dark, hurling rant after rant at unseen, unknown, "oldtimers" that never knew, never will, and can never equal. Post on little man, post on. No one cares what you think, and you only make yourself more pituful, more pathtetic with each ensuing (look it up moron) post that shows your bitter and useless life! Why not do the world a favor and "grow up" then come back and see if you can converse with the adults and not be such an ass and idiot! Do it for the children "Tony in Vienna", do it for yourself! Finally, be a man, and stand tall! (11/29/09)

/\ November 29 Messages /\

\/ November 28 Messages \/

It's Saturday night, and I just watched the Caps score with 11 seconds left in regulation to tie and then beat the Canadians in a shootout on Comcast SportsNet. About 30 seconds later, Joe B signs off to the Comcast SportsNet studio where Lisa Hillary says, "Welcome hockey fans. Not a good night for the Caps as they come out on the short end of the score". WTF? (11/28/09)

Within thirty seconds of the Capitals big win over Montreal Comcast Sportsnet cuts away to their boring supposed after-game show. So what does the clueless Lisa Hillary say? "Unfortunately the Caps come up on the short end of the score". What an idiot. (11/28/09)

There's nothing sadder than an aging, essentially out of work disc jockey of yesteryear reduced to posting on a local website message board to get through each and every dark day...Nothing sadder... Can't wait for your response, old timer. Be sure to include lots of LOL's and ROTF's and show me more of that insecurity you've been exhibiting on here...and throw a name of another old timer in there too if you will. (11/28/09)

This talk of WINX reminds me of Washington’s best oldies stations: WDON-AM, WINX-FM on 94.3, and WMJR on 107.7… Stations which played “real” oldies. Not “corporate” ones… Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/28/09)

O'Meara not getting the morning gig at 105.9 for now means that he didn't fit well with the vision for the station (can you say music-intensive morning show ala Weasel and Albie Dee at 94.7). Even Greaseman fits this vision better than O'Meara. The focus is on the music for now- maybe later on when the station has grown will maybe the folks at 105.9 look toward another Elliot type for mornings- I don't think an unestablished station like 105.9 needs a "Mike O'Meara Show" in morning drive- They want to compete with Elliot and the Junkies, just not by being either of those two shows, but to give listeners an alternative to the blathering on 101.1 or 106.7 (11/28/09)

YOU DO KNOW WHO I AM??? GOD HELP ME...WHO ARE YOU?? Great Question. CALL ME I NEED TO KNOW WHICH OF MY 11 PERSONALITIES IS SENDING THIS ONE. Why don't you just get someone else to peak your interest??? Better yet get on a a broadcast topic and stop stalking all of us????? I'm sure you're not entertaining mailbaggers any more than I am. ROTFFLOL (again!!!!! (11/28/09)

Joe in Essex, Have you ever sat down and pondered why so many are moving up here to the beautiful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? What's happening in Baltimore County to cause so many to flee? Personally, I fled up here almost thirty-five years ago because new homes were thousands less up here. BTW, I am very sorry to hear about Dwight Dingle. I remember when WTTR came on the air. JohnnyuinHanover,Pa. (11/28/09)

"YOU KNOW WHO I AM" - Oh yes, I certainly do, old timer. (11/28/09)

Tragic news: Inventor of much-imitated "Song of the Day" contest passes: www.alltheexcess.com (11/28/09)

From the mailbag-(Lexapro, Cymbalta, Xanax, Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin - Medications commonly used to treat anxiety and multiple personality disorder. This info may be helpful to a certain person (and their associated personalities) in this forum. They know who they are....) OK, OK...ALL-RIGHT. I must admit I'm responsble for EVERY post for the Past 11 years. Sorry, the meds don't work. I'm trying sitz-baths now. YOU KNOW WHO I AM....ROFLMAO. (11/28/09)

Tom Gavin has a learning disability?? I thought he sounded like every person I've met who went to NVCC. Who knew. Paul (11/28/09)

We lost Jim Nettleton this year. Jim was a super talent! The east coast's answer to top west coast boss jocks. Wasn't Philly's famous 56 format the inspiration for New York's famous 57, that is, a rather late and & fizzleless implementation by someone with the name of Methany (a last name, at least, familar to W-N-BC & Mr Howard Stern)---well anyway, someone with that last name implemented a variation of a "boss format?" that replaced "the singin, swingin good guys" on WMCA in New York City, at a time that WMCA had already reached the point of no return, a victim of itself, the enslaught of wor-fm, and 77 wabc music radio ( which had already seen better days in New York City.) Maybe it will be remembered that Bill Parris played a major role in implementing probably the closest thing to a"boss format" in Baltimore-Washington at WLPL Stereo 92, where some of the jocks complimented it, instead of getting in its way, as the later indigenous to Washington rookie interns did there--- and elsewhere--- in the great Washington FM market,--- never with a care or clue of Gordon McLendon, Todd Storz, Bud Connell , Bill Drake, or Dick Lawrence. Happy Post Turkey Day, ie, on this, the weekend after, of leftovers. Remember the day that the late Gary Barnes and a cordial female colleague welcomed back to town , "Harvey! The Hometown Hero!" Gave him a bunch of free car washes, dozens of Montgomery Donuts, a winks key chain, a WINX T-shirt and an 8 X 10 glossy of the beloved station founder and, and Harv, not the humble one, in recip on that FM, had "some really fine nice things to say in his Emily Post winsome way charming manner" or are we pushing the upper demos, or thinking of a "delightful mensch" from a Bud Schulberg novel? Whatever? " Some management types, mere mortal engineers and air talent of local regard were there to witnesss this "awesome humble radio star" in action. One of the interns even picked him at the airport, on her own dime. in one of the great gestures of Rockville hospitality, misspent! Rock "N' Roll Remembers........ (11/28/09)

Sheesh enough with O'Meara, get a room already. It's funny I have been reading DCRTV for years and one of the only reasons I will never listen to this guy is from what I have read here. In fact the only reason I have heard of this guy is because of your almost stalker infatuation. I hope he does well somewhere, but as you have pointed out so many times Dave we don't need anymore resurrected or rehashed jocks. And this guy has definitely been rode hard and put away wet. (11/28/09)

Lexapro, Cymbalta, Xanax, Zoloft, Effexor, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin - Medications commonly used to treat anxiety and multiple personality disorder. This info may be helpful to a certain person (and their associated personalities) in this forum. They know who they are.... (11/28/09)

There is absolutely no question that Carroll County's radio station WTTR's Dwight Dingle was a man for all seasons, one of the kindness and easiest going broadcasting pros. The list is way too long for the number of people he helped on and off the air. He will be missed very much. Jack Edwards (11/28/09)

Dear Mr. Phillips, I agree with you that Mr. O'Meara will be doing this current gig only temporarily. In regards to some of your other comments, I went back and read "Mr. Collings" original comment (I won't repost it here, but will note that it was on November 3). Nowhere in his comment did he mention the mental challenges that Mr. Gavin faces. He did make a sarcastic comment about his scent. For the record, I had a family member with slight retardation as well. He didn't have issues with body odor. I've met other challenged people at work and simply about. There wasn't a pattern of body odor with them, either. I fail to see how Mr. Gavin's situation contributes to a lack of hygiene. Mr. Gavin is intelligent enough to come into the studio and host a show by himself (With no one to help him run the board). If he is smart enough to do that, I would presume that his retardation is slight. If so, I see no reason why he wouldn't be smart enough bathe regularly. But, that wasn't what I was typing about in my post to you. Please give specifics on what "Mr. Collings" is allowed to do on this site and elsewhere as well as the other gradations of "webbers" and "WEBBERS". I think there are other interested parties in this forum who would welcome your input. Sincerely, James (11/28/09)

There is one thing I forgot to say about the post I just sent in, I will NOT BE DRAWN INTO any conversation. I sent my answer. That is the end of my contributions. Al Phillips (11/28/09)

I read with pleasure the email questioning my remarks in reference to Mr. Collings and people that work webcasts, thanks for the opportunity to explain my thoughts on this topic. I followed the thread between Mr. Collings, wOw, WOW and others. The truth is Mr. Collings initial appearance on this site was sarcastic. Someone picked up on it, and told him so. It had to do with Tom Gavin, his learning impairment and a very sarcastic body odor remark. I personally, was offended by that, seeing I have a sister with learning disabilitys. So, I guess if I had been Mr. Collings I might have simply promoted the fact that I was now appearing on WEBR, what time I was on, and invited people to listen and judge for themselves. Now, as for other Webcasters: Take for example Rusty Gibson, never have I noticed any sarcasm, rudeness or outright slamming of others. In I did notice that Rusty took the blame and said he was planning to personally apologize, to me that's the mark of a true gentleman. The worst part of the enitre public conversation was that Mr. Collings instead of just saying he was sorry continued to post nasty, rude and un-feeling emails directed at the others. That is not a professional, that is someone trying to sustain his or her name in front of the broadcast community and continuing, at least in my opinion, begging for attention and hoping that at least one of his weak retorts were considered right. Simply put, he made a total fool of himself. So did wOw, WOW and others. They should have just dropped the conversation and moved on to more interesting broadcasting topics, not gotten personal and nasty. I hope this explains the difference between "attention and promotion". I really hope all that were involved in that boring diatribe are successful in whatever endeavors they are practicing. A true WEBBER, vs: "webber" I would venture all are nice people, all should learn the art of promotion and all should stick with topics that are directed at the industry, not their personal stuff. On MOM, if you believe for a second he'll remain podcasting, you're wrong. As mentioned by the end of January he'll be on real radio. Thank you for asking, I hope I've explained. Lord knows I've tried. Al Phillips (11/28/09)

I worked for Dwight Dingle full and part time for almost 8 years and can say that I've never worked with or for a better person, and he fired me! The station had to cut back and let me go and I gladly came back part time. He allowed me to learn play by play and let me do a weekend sports talk show as well. He made me a better broadcaster and a better person. I also had the opportunity to know Dwight outside of radio and the man was a lot of fun to hang out with. I considered him a mentor and a friend. Jerry Booth, WTTR alum, 1998 -2006. (11/28/09)

I’m not sure the MO’M gang really needed to sell the podcast as a big announcement . . . I mean, that’s about one step above him standing on the front steps of his house and shouting, isn’t it? What’s more, it’s not like this cast needed test-driving . . . just an odd way to jump back in. Sincerely, TMU (11/28/09)

I gotta say, I'm disappointed that Friday's announcement wasn't a radio return for Mike O and the gang. Putting them in AM drive is about the biggest no brainer 105.9 can do...a talented crew with a built-in chemistry and proven ratings success in their beloved home market, on a compatible format station. I wouldn't be so quick to blame local programmers/management, though. Citadel is not a "broadcaster". It's a sales company masquerading as a broadcaster. If it weren't for REAL broadcasters like the now-former ABC Radio building up stellar properties in large markets, those frequencies under Citadel would darn near go off the air. Heck, even Citadel - pre-FS - was a BROADCASTER...remember Larry Wilson? He's the ex-Citadel head who sold the chain, and is back in the game in Portland OR with Alpha Broadcasting. A Larry Wilson-run Citadel would have hired Mike O yesterday, and the show would be on the air today. Anyway, best of luck to Mike, Robb, Buzz and the gang, and yes, I will get the podcast...hopefully it's the FIRST announcement for the show, not the only. (11/28/09)

Dear "Al Phillips", If you look at some of the other letters I have sent in, I have posed some of my questions for anyone who is willing to respond. With this, I direct my e-mail toward just you, since it involves something that you directly typed. In talking about Mr. O'Meara, I noticed that you, in a not-so-indirect manner, took a swipe at "Mr. Collings". In particular, you use the phrase "begging for attention". It may be semantics, but what exactly is the difference between "attention" and "promotion"? With "Mr. Collings" broadcasting on WEBR, he appears to be volunteering his time at a station that does not have the budget to promote his show in more traditional print, radio, and TV media. You come across as belittling in his posting of his show in the Mailbag here. Given the difficulty in growing a fan base in that area, perhaps you can lay down precisely for eveyone here in what manners he can "promote" or (to loosely use your term) "beg for attention". If these rules you lay out are different than what you would have for other "webbers" or "WEBBERS" (beyond the use of caps lock), please tell us all what rules apply for those other people. Perhaps, this would spur "WOW," "PLB," "Mr. Harrison" and others with more impressive resumes than the rest of us to chime in with agreements and disagreements to your opinions. Maybe then we can all have a guideline as to what individual web broadcasters are allowed to do on this site and elsewhere. And, for the record, I welcome back Mike O'Meara as well. Not to mention Buzz (Who at times has made me laugh harder than Don and Mike with his dry delivery). Sincerely, James (11/28/09)

Oh Dave, You've done it again! Another wild guess about Mike O'M going to 105.9. Instead of wishful thinking (and I would love to hear Mike on AM drive time) why don't you try to get some real true news? Steve (11/28/09)

Dave's response: DCRTV has always reported rumors. I'm told that Mike did talk to 105.9 about doing mornings. And it could still materialize. It wasn't just a "wild guess." Hey, if you want only confirmed stuff, go to the Washington Post for your local media news. Ha ha ha.....

Local radio personality dies... Longtime WTTR radio personality Dwight Dingle has died Dingle was the station manager at WTTR, but was perhaps best known as a sports caster for the Westminster-based station. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below: www.carrollcountytimes.com (11/28/09)

/\ November 28 Messages /\

\/ November 27 Messages \/

Mike O'Meara and Oscar Santana? What do you think Dave? (11/27/09)

Dave's response: I hear that Oscar knows a lot about podcasts and he's helping Mike set up his new site and the show.....

TURKEY - MARTY BASS ! (11/27/09)

I left out one big fat turkey which should not be ignored: The colleges and universities which have real FCC-licensed FM stations running decent power with fair antenna height, but are nothing more than NPR repeaters, rather than being real “college or university” radio stations. As one whose training included a stint at our carrier-current AM (FM was still in its infancy with only classical music fans and radio geeks having FM radios.) I learned a lot about our business –especially the what works and what doesn’t. Most of which still applies today. Pity too many if my fellow suits of today either cut class or slept through the lectures. -Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/27/09)

TURKEY - WAMU Radio. Still underachieving in local news. It gets a huge audience and tremendous financial support but the quality of news reporting within its coverage area remains shamefully weak. Been that way for years despite a fresh news director and staff. Apparently there's no intent to change this turkey into a swan, peacock, eagle or anything else a little more respectable. (11/27/09)

Something about the whole "White House party crashers" thing smells like a week-old diaper. Beyond the fact that the Secret Service was asleep at the wheel, there's one glaringly obvious question about it that I've yet to hear anyone bring up in the coverage.... If these two "gosselins" (there's a new verb meaning "losers" for ya) were really not on the guest list, or the security checklist, and completely unexpected an unknown to everyone from Obama on down to the bartender, then how the hell did the announcer calling out the attendees' names know who the hell they were when they were strutting in??? Wouldn't you expect he'd have been shuffling through his notes trying to figure out these people's names at that point? Maybe that guy should be getting grilled as well....just a thought. (11/27/09)

I think I've discovered another reason for Baltimore's Nielsen DMA ranking to drop so quickly even while population is rising. Obviously the Nielsen numbers are false since they are contradicted by U.S. Census data, but that's only the half of it. The more interesting part is that while Baltimore has dropped 2 spots in the last 3 years, the Harrisburg, PA market has risen 2 spots. However, if you look at growth patterns in that market guess what you find? Most of the growth is in southern York County, and mostly transplanted Baltimoreans watching Baltimore TV stations I'd imagine. BINGO! Harrisburg is a strange market and it also plays into the NFL TV coverage oddities too. It's a Baltimore & Philadelphia NFL secondary market, but not a Washington or Pittsburgh secondary market which often is a point of contention up there. The reason is a combination of distance and that they used to have 3 CBS TV stations in Lancaster, York, & Harrisburg all carrying NFL football way back when CBS had the NFC, so the Eagles have historically been shown there and were probably on at least 2 of 3 of those CBS stations mostly. Meanwhile, WGAL 8, the NBC AFC station back then had a mix of Colts & Steelers games. But, after the Colts left Baltimore, for 13 years, southern PA got lots more Steelers games. Since those years, the network affiliates have shifted and there's been a huge influx of Baltimore people into York County. Soon, it's possible that that +2 / -2 Harrisburg to Baltimore Nielsen ranking might just get overturned on replay. -- Joe in Essex (11/27/09)

Pretty funny stuff from Craigslist’s “Missed Connections”: Dear guy in the Honda during rush hour - w4m - 24 (No VA) ... I saw you in my rear-view mirror during my commute yesterday. You were singing in the car. You looked like you were having a great time, and by chance I turned on the radio and hit "seek" to try and sync up your lips to a station. It was horrible. Why, WHY would you be listening to 94.7 FRESH FM? Your disappoint me. (11/27/09)

Dave's response: Over the summer, at a red light, I pulled up along a construction worker-type dude driving a huge red-neck-ish pick-up truck and heard his radio blaring an ID for 94.7 Fresh FM. A lot of manly men are Fresh "closet cases".....

Fairly interesting story on the decline of traffic reports/reporters www.washingtonpost.com And here’s the local part: Metro Traffic, a division of Westwood One Inc., began consolidating its 60 traffic reporting operations around the nation last year to just 13. As a result, reporters in the Washington D.C. hub also cover traffic news for Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Some plane and helicopter reporting flights were cut as part of cost reductions that will amount to $55 million to $63 million annually. (11/27/09)

Dave Schmidt wrote, "...Oldies Radio 1620, a low power Part 15 station located in York County and on the internet www.oldiesradio1620.com..." Go to the website and it says, "Serving Harrisburg - York - Lancaster (and a little part of Maryland)". I hope they're not serving those areas with 1620 AM because that would mean that the transmitter is way beyond Part 15 power levels and, therefore, illegal. Now, if they mean that the web streaming audio is targeted to York County and the transmitter serves an area of about 300 feet around the building, that would be a different story. (11/27/09)

Al Phillips? Oh goodie...another lame PLB mailbag persona. (11/27/09)

TURKEY - Lunch with Lindsay,,,yeah !!!!! she must go,,,more then lunch to I bet,,,down right sad how bad Washington sports anchors are getting (11/27/09)

First, I just want to say how much I have enjoyed your website for years now for all that you provide concerning the areas media information. Just wanted to let you know that I just heard on 105.9 the Edge advertising about Kirk McEwen starting on Monday doing the 2-7 afternoon shift just like you reported. So, I suppose it is official now. Thank You and keep up the great work. (11/27/09)

Dave's response: That's great for Kirk! But I think a lot of people were hoping that 105.9 was planning to put Mike O'Meara in mornings. I still think that could happen, but it's a shame it's not a "done deal" by now.....

Where else can $39/ Year get you "a whole shitload of comments on a whole bunch of topics" I ask you. (11/27/09)

Dave's response: Hey, the Mailbag's on the free side of the site. But, if you'd like access to a pile of cool DC/Baltimore radio/TV nostalgia on the DCRTV Plus side, just make a $39 donation.....

In my humble opinion there are "webbers" and there are WEBBERS. You can be certain that MOM will not be just on the web by the end of January. As for the "other guy" webbers. Keep on begging for attention, it certainly showcases well with others-and I mean that in the nicest way. Al Phillips. (11/27/09)

TURKEY - Richard Sher and WMAR TV General Manager Bill Hooper for expressing such excitement that a Channel 2 (Baltimore) newscast was being cancelled to make way for Sher's pre-taped and over-hyped show. (11/27/09)

Turkey - Eric Thomas of Metro Traffic. His reports on WTOP frequently lead to more questions than answers. On several consecutive reports early this afternoon, he mentioned how the Inner Loop was backed up from Old Georgetown Road to the I-270 spur due to heavy traffic going up the spur (probably to Montgomery Mall). Umm....the Old Georgetown Road exit is AFTER the 270 spur! He also mentioned on several reports that Route 28 was closed north of Route 610. In a couple of the reports, he rushed through and did not say it was Route 28 in Virginia (Maryland also has a major artery with the Route 28 designation). He's done the same thing in the past when talking about Beltway construction at Route 50 and failing to mention which state/county, as the Beltway has two interchanges with Route 50, one in Fairfax County and one on the east side of town in PG County. Also, I live in western Fairfax County, very close to the aforementioned Route 28, and I have no idea where the hell Route 610 is! Route 28 runs from southern Fauquier County all the way to Sterling. How about at least mentioning a general vicinity of the closure, and perhaps the actual name of the road, instead of just the route number, which many people may not know? He seems like a nice enough guy, but he needs to improve his traffic reporting. (11/27/09)

Now that Mike O'Meara has joined the ranks of those who do web based shows, will he now be looked down on by select people in this forum like all the other web based producers? (11/27/09)

Calvin, I forgot you are the ONLY Calvin in the United States-LMAO-JD (11/27/09)

Mike O'Meara, I want to welcome you to the world of web broadcasting. As a "webber" myself, I am happy to see you join the fold and add legitimacy to our shunned medium. -John Collings - The Other Guys Show - WEBR (11/27/09)

There's your slugline for the 2010 edition of the DCRTV tee-shirt: "a whole shitload of comments on a whole bunch of topics" (11/27/09)

Dave, I thought of a change to make your website more user friendly. Consider this a positive comment. I have been reading your site since the late 90s when I was a jock at WMZQ (1999-2007). Rather than having to get lost in the roll in the mailbag, there has got to be a way of attaching the comments to your news blurbs. I am thinking along the line of how you can comment on articles in the NY Times, Post, etc. Just a thought. Tom (11/27/09)

Dave's response: And be like everybody else? Nah. Look, with just one quick click you can a whole shitload of comments on a whole bunch of topics. How convenient is that?!?!

JD, I said I had not posted on this site in 9 months. That did not mean I had not need reading it. What are you so paranoid about anyhow? -Calvin (not Steven or this wow person) (11/27/09)

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MIKE O'MEARA SHOW WILL RETURN VIA PODCAST ON DECEMBER 7TH. I WILL BE JOINED BY BUZZ BURBANK , ROBB SPEWAK AND OUR NEWEST ADDITION MR. OSCAR SANTANA FROM THE BIG O AND DUKES SHOW. . DUE TO CONTRACT OBLIGATIONS WITH CBS, DETAILS ON THE SHOW AND WHERE TO GET IT WILL FOLLOW ON DECEMBER ... (11/27/09)

THAT was THE big announcement from Mike O'M? A podcast? Why didn't he just say that a long time ago? Does anyone give a shit? What a let down. Paul (11/27/09)

I may check the podcast out, just to hear how bad it is...But Mike O'Meara without Don...Will always be...Mike O'Meara without Don...Just straight boring...Hang it up Mike...The glory days are over... (11/27/09)

I most humbly beg to differ - quite the contrary from what I've seen and heard from living overseas for a few years I found them quite good and very comforting to this homesick Yank. (11/27/09)

Again from Mailbag: (What are you talking about? I've not posted in this message board in about 9 months. Dave can attest to this as he sees every message that comes in.) Then why are you protesting?...UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Calvin,ummmmm Steven, umm wOw....LMAO-JD (11/27/09)

Dave, I have been listening to the “new” 1059 for awhile now, and love the variety they play. Granted, I grew up in the Winger, Def Lep, Whitesnake days but also love the classics like Led Zep and so many others. I think the music is there, now the air staff to work this thing needs to be put in place. From your “rumor mill” KM will be working the afternoon shift, and this women (who I have not heard of) working mid-days. I ask myself, why O’Meara? What does he bring to the table? Granted he can pull the demo being sought after by the station, but how will he fit into the formatics of the station? Are we looking for an Elliott (all talk during the a/m) and music for the rest of the day? Or do they plan on toning him down a bit to have both a mix of talk and music in the morning? If we are going all talk in the morning, why not dig up the Greaseman and bring back the imaging of Charlie Kendall, who by the way did a hell of a job and continues to do so in some be it few markets these days. What about looking at some of the staff from the old 105.9 (Mark, Mike or Larry) to help out and bring this stations some ratings so desperately needed? Overall I think the station should look at an entirely new staff from outside this market, that’s the breath of fresh air I believe this market needs. I say this because too many jocks know everything about a format and area, thus do not try to make a show interesting and fun anymore. Also in some of your comments, you mention the station going automated for a period that I thought was unusual. Would it not be wise to keep the station local until midnight during the week? Maybe adding a jock during the weekends during the typical listening time frame? WWUZ (Fredericksburg way) does this today, granted they are not major market but they sure try to be... Food for thought! (11/27/09)

The Dick Clark Birthday Special will be on Oldies Radio 1620, a low power Part 15 station located in York County and on the internet (www.oldiesradio1620.com), a 3 hour special featuring ones that appeared on American Bandstand during the years Clark was host of the popular TV show. The program airs Saturday starting at 5, and again Monday at noon and 7. Clark will be 80 on Monday. Host is "The Rewind Show" Jimmy Jay. Close to 200 stations have signed up to air the show. PS: How many of your readers REMEMBER Bandstand and the local TV stations dance shows? Dave Schmidt, Oldies Radio 1620 (11/27/09)

Biggest turkeys? Ed Norris and Mark Zinno for sure. (11/27/09)

(To the tune of the Christian hymn, “We Three Kings of Orient Are”) The Three Turkeys of Washington Broadcasting Are: Dan Snyder for his many signals, none of which carry afar. Citadel for its increasing greed at the expense of leaving former employees in need. And, Clear Channel for its role in destroying the broadcasting industry. –Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/27/09)

TURKEY - dan snyder, hands down (11/27/09)

TURKEYS: Sam Huff, Sonny Jurgensen, Babs Harrison, Pat Collins, the entire Ch9 news operation, Neal Augenstein, John Henrehan, Tony Perkins, Chris Plante, Mark Levin, the entire Terps radio team. (11/27/09)

I nominate the person that yanked "The True Oldies Channel" off of 105.9! I'll be in NOVA in early April and that leaves me only 92Q (in Baltimore) and 94.3(?) ESPN Radio to listen to in my rental!!!!! Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo and BAH HUMBUG!!!! One other thing! Can somebody tell me why 1340 has such a terrible signal in the NOVA area? I can remember when it was an urban station and you could hear it quite well in Fort Belvoir. Alvin G. Lawton (11/27/09)

I'm not going to start another DC vs. Bmore duel, but according to the NY Times, Abe Pollin had multiple partners in Baltimore that he bought out to move the team to DC. And I've never read anywhere that The Bullets were put in Baltimore in the first place "temporarily" because DC didn't have an arena and I won't bother looking it up because it's obviously one of those revisionist history or story "re-tellings" that are fashionable these days, not to mention the DC Amory is still standing as proof that DC had an arena at that time. In 1963, Baltimore was a larger city & market, so the idea that the team was originally meant for DC is laughable considering they played in Baltimore for 10 years! I'll not defend the Civic Center (Who the hell would?), but the Baltimore Bullets attendance, from league records, while not stellar, was close to the league average at the time, and better than when the team started out in Chicago and better than several NBA teams still in existence today during that period. If you don't believe me, check out the facts for yourself... www.apbr.org. So much for being a 2nd generation Baltimorean, oh well. Better luck next time. Oh, but you were right on some of the somewhat successful Caps years, except for the fact that the team was still not popular as far as fan base or marketed well under Pollin. Leonsis will be a better owner for the Wizards. I think you can take that prediction to the bank. (11/27/09)

Dave, I have to ask & maybe I missed a rant, but what do you want 105.9 to play? I don't love every song I hear and they could completely get rid of Eddie Money for all I care, but it is probably one of the better GenX stations available to listen to. Personally, I like I can hear Soundgarden, Nirvana, Def Lep, Poison, Led Zeppelin, and Boston on one station. They are not playing super deep tracks but after 2 years of WTOP on the eights and my iPod, I've actually started listening to terrestrial radio again (no ppm meter for me...and how many others?). - Beth (11/27/09)

Dave's response: I have long said that DCRTV needs an adult-oriented rocker. I want 105.9 to play a whole shitload of cool rock, from deep tracks classic rock, to a variety of classic alt rock, to some of the cooler tunes of today. Not just the same three Stones or Zep songs over and over. Give the on-air personalities some freedom to "mix-it up." Make it a fun station that reflects the DC market.....

TURKER - WBAL 11 for /still/ not having Dolby Digital 5.1 on their NBC HD channel... in 2009?! (11/27/09)

Turkey nomination for a second year: Bob Ryan, the weather conjurer who speaks some obscure permutation of the English language which requires that complete sentences and thoughts are to be avoided at all costs. Slow the frig down Bob and try to piece together a cogent thought. Oh and by the way, very few of us really care that the sun is shining in Addis Ababa 'cause we ain't going there tomorrow. (11/27/09)

"I'm a very happy geezer watching you constantlhy become a bigger ass-hole" -Dave, is this kind of needless vulgarity considered acceptable on this site? (11/27/09)

The Second generation Baltimorean is half right. Pollin was fully justified in moving the Bullets out of Baltimore because the arena sucked and they didn't draw, even though it was a very good team at the time with Unseld, Monroe, Loughery, Marin, Gus Johnson, etc. But Pollin created the Caps for one reason and that was because he needed to fill dates at the Capital Centre. And he treated them as the red headed step child from day one. While they had some successful teams, because GM David Poile was able to operate on the shoe string budget that Pollin gave him, the franchise was generally treated as a piece of garbage by Pollin and his cohorts like Susan O'Malley. The only thing that Pollin ever cared about with respect to the Caps and their fans was the bottom line, with the final indignity being Pollin and Susan O'Malley selling huge blocks for the 98 Stanley Cup final games against the Red Wings at then MCI Center to Detroit ticket brokers and travel agents for sale to Detroit fans WITHOUT EVER GIVING CAPS FANS A CHANCE TO BUY THEM FIRST......................And I'm not even going to get into how he mismanaged the Bullets/Wizards for decade upon decade All this DC media spin is crap. .The truth is that while Pollin may have been a good civic guy, he was a terrible owner. (11/27/09)

**Calvin,. ummmmm,Steven, umm...wOw...give it up you angry dwarf..or whatever. JD:-) ** What are you talking about? I've not posted in this message board in about 9 months. Dave can attest to this as he sees every message that comes in. (11/27/09)

TURKEY - I cast my vote for Jim Zorn and the whole deadskin organization this is just a comedy of errors>>>>GO Cowboys (11/27/09)

If Radio Info would check the Edge rock page, they would see Kirk McEwen right on the front, 2-7pm. suzie Ansilio Middays. Duh. (11/27/09)

/\ November 27 Messages /\

\/ November 26 Messages \/

DCRTV-Post(TURKEY - DCRTV Mailbag posters who use emoticons like :0) after posting their name. What are you? A 13 year old girl?) No, I'm a very happy geezer watching you constantlhy become a bigger ass-hole..Calvin,. ummmmm,Steven, umm...wOw...give it up you angry dwarf..or whatever. JD:-) (11/26/09)

This Friday it's ROBB SPEWAK's "Turkey-tacular" at 3 eastern @ www.ustream.tv/channel/kcjj-raw. (11/26/09)

Biggest Turkey who actually looks like a turkey----easy-----Daniel Snyder. (11/26/09)

Happy Thanksgiving to all, now on to this- 1) Radio-Online is reporting Kirk McEwen's hiring at 105.9 to be a rumor- Haven't they listened to the promos about a "legendary Broadcaster" Kirk McEwen doing 2-7 come Monday (promos airing right now on 105.9), 2) Essex beats out Dundalk in that it is the subject of the awesome "Twisted Tune" "Essex Wonderland" that gets played around Xmas time on 98 Rock, 3) If Mike O'Meara does the morning show on 105.9, will that affect Jack Diamond's "free for all Friday" in-studio audience. Stephen (11/26/09)

First of all, it's simply not true that the Capitals "only became successful after Leonsis" bought the team from the late Abe Pollin. Check out their records in the early 1980's on - no Stanley Cup, but they were not exactly slouches either. As for moving the Bullets out of Baltimore; he only moved them to Baltimore because there was no arena in DC. There was no Baltimore representation in their ownership. And, if they'd ever drawn a crowd despite some pretty good ballclubs, maybe they would've stayed, but the best year they ever had in Charm City they averaged 7,500 fans a game. The Civic Center was obsolete the day it opened, and it was that building that kept Baltimore out of the NHL. This is all information that can be easily researched, but Pollin's critics up here have never been particularly committed to telling the truth, and I'm a second generation Baltimorean. (11/26/09)

TURKEY - DCRTV Mailbag posters who use emoticons like :0) after posting their name. What are you? A 13 year old girl? -Calvin (11/26/09)

Turkey:: Anyone who spends a dollar tomorrow on Black Friday BEFORE THEY DONATE TO DCRTV (11/26/09)

The biggest turkeys of all are the local Washington TV stations weather forecasters who get paid BIG bucks for being wrong, over and over, and over, and over, and over, I think you get my point (11/26/09)

(Mailbag POST-Turkey - DJ's who post that have Dissociative identity disorder. Signed, Steven Cooper (11/26/09) Steven, good of you to identify yourself, I'm sure that took balls-DJ with Dissociative identity disorder- Who's smart enough to not sign. JD (11/26/09)

TURKEY - What will comprise the highest concentration in the shit of America's sewage treatment plants on Friday morning. (11/26/09)

Turkey - DJ's who post that have Dissociative identity disorder. Signed, Steven Cooper (11/26/09)

Thanksgiving 1975: Frederick, MD WMHI radio (on 103.9 FM & 1370 AM back in the day) changes its call letters to WZYQ, and was one of the most popular radio stations in the area with its top 40 format. It would be nice if Frederick had a locally-owned and operated FM station again. From 1984: A retrospective compilation of WZYQ, the "original" Z-104. (In MP3 Format, several seconds of silence at the beginning) airchexx.org (11/26/09)

GIANT, Mutant Turkducken to WUSA9's increasingly dreadful morning news. Too many people on that set. Give Andrea the heave ho and give the anchoring gig to Angie Goff. Paul (11/26/09)

biggest Turkey - To Channel 9 for its consistently crappy and tabloid local news--what a fall from the days of Gordon Peterson. And another turkey to channel 9 for the abominable graphics on the early morning news. Actually it is not news. It is graphics with a few words here and there. Channel 20 has better news. Oh, channel 20 doesn't have news--but it is still better than channel 9 news. (11/26/09)

CH SEVENS TIM BRANT IS THE BIGGEST TURKEY OF ALL,,,,,JUST A HOMER THAT CAME HOME TO ROOST JUST A TERRIBLE SPORTS ANCHOR (11/26/09)

TURKEY - WMAL for cutting back on Coast to Coast AM. It was nice to get a break from news and political talk shows. I wonder if it has hurt Grandy & Andy's ratings? -- You bet it has.... ever since the Midnight truckers have come along G/A ratings have been down."Prove me wrong!". John T. Henneman (11/26/09)

TURKEY - Dave Evans on W*USA, Craig Melvin, Babs Harrison, Dan Hellie on WRC and Larry Michael on CSN (11/26/09)

Biggest Turkey : 105.9 for removing the only oldies stations in a #9 market. (11/26/09)

Turkey - C-SPAN radio's Website. Here is the actual description of a program tonight (note the 3 typos), " A Panel discussion on Democracy & the Internet. Schoalrs at the University of Virginia talk abotu how the political process has benn affected by the Internet." (11/26/09)

TURKEY - WMAL for cutting back on Coast to Coast AM. It was nice to get a break from news and political talk shows. I wonder if it has hurt Grandy & Andy's ratings? -- Happy Thanksgiving to all!! (11/26/09)

Does anybody else find it absolutely laughable and down right stupid that CBS-TV's Macy's Parade studio is set right in front of two Clear Channel electronics billboards? Located center screen, right between the anchors are TWO Clear Channel logos! What a slap in the face of Dan Mason and CBS Radio! It's another dysfunctional year for CBS again! (11/26/09)

BIG TURKEY of the year goes to NIELSEN MEDIA for these clearly phony 2010 TV market rankings... blog.nielsen.com... In the last 3 years both Washington and Baltimore have gained population yet lost in the Nielsen market rankings &/or # of TV homes. What glaringly stands out in the 2010 rankings is that it shows Baltimore losing TV households when that is patently & easily provably false. Just a quick check of Census data for the market shows that's not possible unless Nielsen has deleted a county from the Baltimore TV market because population in the market has risen in the last year, not declined. So how could the # of TV households decline? The number of absolute falsehoods in this list are too many to mention. But Buffalo gains TV homes? Did Buffalo like invade Canada or something while I wasn't looking? Not to mention the New Orleans numbers. I don't know what kind of data Nielsen uses, but clearly it's not government population data by any stretch of the imagination nor does it accurately represent actual numbers of TV households. Way too many inconsistencies and errors in that list. Raleigh-Durham bigger than San Diego? C'mon, please. If national advertisers are actually using these Nielsen numbers to base their advertising budgets for the coming year 2010, guess what? THEY DESERVE TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS! And my prediction for 2010, with the transition to all digital TV, is that Nielsen Media isn't going to be too far behind them either. Because let's face it, with TV being virtually all digital now and 2-way converter boxes, the cable & satellite companies know more about what you're watching & how many of you are watching than Nielson does! Population wise, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cleveland, several Florida cities, and a few surprising supposedly up and coming cities are going to take a blood bath after the 2010 Census and this economic recession, and that will make this list look like a complete & utter joke. Meanwhile, Washington, DC and Baltimore, will largely be unharmed by this bad economy due to government, military, & medical/research type jobs that are mostly not affected by this economy and not driving people to move away in droves. Meanwhile, Nielson Media is going to be a 2010 dinosaur when the 2010 U.S. Census numbers make complete fools of them. (11/26/09)

Great music... Speakers up--work and kid safe! laryngospasms.com... (11/26/09)

TURKEYS-Nasty posters that don't sign their real names or initials and contribute NOTHING to DCRTV Mailbag-PLB/DJ (11/26/09)

TURKEY- PLB. Need I even explain? (11/26/09)

Top turkey: local news, too watered down, lazy research lets incomplete and incorrect "facts" get presented repeatedly; and generic content stories from unidentified locations just scream "we're too cheap to really care what we give you, let's just fill time." Runner up #1: Mark Plotkin, find something else to rant about - DC not having voting rights needs changed, but your whining about it does not help. And the president doesn't have to put "The License Plate" on his limo, so find a proactive and productive way to raise awareness or zip it. Runner up #2: Pahtreeeesia WADaloopay, does anyone really listen to her voice on the radio? Sooo irritating, it makes me change the channel. (11/26/09)

TURKEY - Mark Plotkin, WTOP (11/26/09)

Dave's response: Someone really doesn't like Mark Plotkin. He's voted about six times in the past 10 minutes using different e-mail identities or getting his friends to vote. We get your point. In this contest, logic trumps sheer serial e-mail ballast.....

TURKEY - Group nomination for CBS for thier failure to bring WHFS-FM back to a signal we can all enjoy. 2nd nomination is for They Who Are Responsible for flipping Channel1043 before ever really giving quality modern rock a chance. (11/26/09)

TURKEY - Brett Haber (11/26/09)

TURKEY - Doug Hill (11/26/09)

TURKEY - Clear Channel for flipping 104.3 to CHR instead of flipping it to Urban Adult Contemporary a la MAGIC 95.9. (11/26/09)

My condolences to the Pollin family on the death of Abe Pollin, but being from Baltimore it's hard to escape the two things that have almost never been mentioned in the tributes to the man. And I'm not disagreeing necessarily with any of those tributes, but being from Baltimore, he'll always be known as the guy who moved & then wrecked The Baltimore Bullets and a lousy owner who ran the team into the ground for 23 years or more. I'll give the man credit for building his own 2 arenas unlike most other owners, but let's face it, he ran both franchises terribly for decades and he got sweetheart land deals in both situations that allowed him to develop the surrounding area and make a fortune. And the Caps only became successful after Leonsis took them off his hands. (11/26/09)

I disagree on 2 recent DCRTV Dave rants... #1: I see no reason why or any evidence that Baltimore cannot support 4 TV news organizations. If anything, the Baltimore market, from every economic indicator I've read in various news sources, whether it's housing or income, is fairing far better than the national average during this recession. The only reason the Baltimore market keeps dropping in the Nielsen market rankings is not from lack of growth, it's from the artificially large Nielsen media markets created by Nielsen alone, like for instance Orlando, Raleigh/Durham, Indianapolis, 3 markets that are technically much smaller than Baltimore yet rank the same or higher by Nielsen because of Baltimore's close proximity to other markets. I would love to see the Baltimore ratings in the Salisbury market and in York County, PA, or even Laurel, all places where the Baltimore ratings numbers are not even counted. The exact same thing is causing the DC market to shrink and drop in the Nielsen rankings as well even though Washington, DC is doing quite well during this recession and still growing too. Combined, we are still the 4th largest TV market in the country. As parasitic twins, our Nielsen rankings keep going down despite lots of strong growth, even against some cities that are not doing well during this recession. The fact that WMAR 2 has been a poorly managed TV news operation and station in general over the last several decades cannot be overlooked. If ABC 2 decides to end TV news, it'll only be Scripps Howard & WMAR's fault and no one else's. #2: If WMAL's Chris Plante is a "turkey of the year" this Thanksgiving, what does that make The Baltimore Sun's David Zurawik (and why no Baltimore turkeys this Thanksgiving Dave)? Zurawik's recent CNN appearance discussing immigration and the "birther" story regarding Lou Dobbs made WMAL'S Plante look like a rocket scientist! If you go through Zurawik's Z on TV blogs/columns, the vast majority of them are on Jon & Kate + 8 & Oprah! The man has no credibility to be on CNN discussing any of these political topics, no more than I do or anybody here in the mailbag. Zurawik always claims in his blogs that he's attacked from both the right and the left and that is true. But I have news for him... he's being attacked for being the biggest joke on both sides! LOL Plante could be an idiot, but Zurawik wins the TURKEY prize in my opinion by a wide margin. If any Baltimore news organization folds, it's most likely going to be The Baltimore Sun before ABC 2 News! Finally, my biggest turkeys of the year would be COMCAST (for screwing over & hassling its customers and running false advertisements), the FCC (general incompetence), and iBiquity for giving us the failed technology known as HD-RADIO, that coincidently, NO ONE WILL BE BUYING THIS BLACK FRIDAY! -- Joe in Essex PS: Oh, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :-) (11/26/09)

Happy Thanksgiving Dave. Up here in Bristol, Connecticut at around 7AM I heard 1580 The Big Talker mixing with WLIM 1580 Patchouge, Long Island and a Canadian Station. Anyway apparently someone at 1580 The Big Talker forgot to program the Automation Computer because running on a loop from 7AM until their signal faded into oblivion about 6 mins later was a voice-over announcing the names of all their hosts and the words 1580 The Big Talker. Anyway maybe I'm being nieve, but I wouldn't expect this type of automation problem at a station in a major market like DC, maybe in a small town market like East Ponduck, Kansas (where they have more cattle than people). (Just a side note I think Smerconish has the day off. His flagship station WPHT in Philly is running Sinatra Music this morning). Anyway it appears whoever programs the automation computer at CBS Radio in DC are the big turkeys today! Marc (11/26/09)

I'll get it started. My turkeys of the year are WMAL's Chris Plante, whoever's programming 105.9 The Edge, WASH's Loo Katz, WTEM's Tony Kornheiser, the cheap clowns at NBC who still haven't flipped 4's news over to HD, and, of course, as always, former WJFKer Mike O'Meara. All in good fun! Happy Thanksgiving to my DCRTV family. I love you all! - DCRTV Dave (11/26/09)

Would someone please get Scott Thuman on channel 8 some hair plugs? it looks a bit ridiculous that he has those stragglers on his forehead. (11/26/09)

To Mike Fitzgerald, Thanks for your eloquent response on the "webber" issue. I'm not sure that your comments could have been better stated...... To Dave, [Extends hand out, palm up, and up and closes hand repeatedly as if demanding a prize] I believe I suggested the Kirkster in this forum. I've listened to him on DC-101 and his two stints on 98 Rock. I look forward to hearing him again. Good suggestion on Cerphe, though. Hard to believe that a pro like him is not on the air somewhere. If only I had pushed for a friendly wager. Next time..... And to PLB, A +1 (Sorry, a reference of support I ripped from another site) for your recent taping on veterans of this media market..... Happy Thanksgiving, James (11/26/09)

RE: "Has anyone else noticed how distorted the audio is on ESPN 980...particualry at 92.7. Sounds like the audio is being shredded." Unfortunately Red Zebra has no engineer anymore. (11/26/09)

Joe Palka is sounding better than ever as NPR’s Science Editor. He pops up on Morning Edition and All Things Considered fairly often. Tom Gauger (11/26/09)

/\ November 26 Messages /\

\/ November 25 Messages \/

(regarding a previous post) "As God is my witness, I thought Abe Pollin could fly. --- ThePenIsMightier" As the holiday approaches, I am thankful for many things. In the future, I will be MOST THANKFUL if you will ban the snide, offensive posts by this clown! Not only will it "unclog" the DCRTV Mailbag, but it might even lead to increased financial support for the site. I just don't get how his continued posts add anything positive to the discussion - not to mention that most of the time, his posts have little or nothing to do with the DC-Baltimore media scene. (11/25/09)

To the unsigned corporate suit, Your absolutely correct!.Thank you for reminding us about KRTH. You should listen to KRTH HD 2 On the net it's great!.To the person that said such nice things about me..Thank you! CORY (11/25/09)

I believe KRTH has evolved into more of a greatest hits station than the oldies station it was. Imagine KOST with no currents, just adult compatible hits from the sixties and seventies. KRTH is an "ex-revenge video" endeavor against KOST. RE: Channel 7 graphic- Very funny! What can anyone expect? Does anyone really think experienced professionals are on duty who know how to write, edit and think like a formal journalist? These are interns or brain dead 25 year old media kids who are waiting to get on camera and be stars. Sorry to put it that way, but I'll bet it's true. (11/25/09)

Although WKRP's tradition of dropping turkeys lasted only one Thanksgiving, the annual T-day parade by department store J. L. Hudson (grandfather to the TARGET Stores) was celebrated for decades in Motown. Join Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Green Jeans and Mr. Moose in the Captain's treasure house for this time capsule from 1962. (11/25/09)

Note to "CORY": CBS Radio also makes a ton of money at KRTH-FM in Los Angeles. -Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/25/09)

With donnnie geronimo doing a few weekend shifts on WCBS might one assume that he has made nice nice with cbs radio suits? Also might one assume with Donnie G. gone from D.C. area that he has little intention of returning to the local airwaves except in some kind of syndication way. Found this interesting entry on wiki for former dons and mikes producer frank murphy wikipedia.org (11/25/09)

"No surprise local TV news ratings are down. We are all sick of the "police blotter" stories leading many newscasts. I would think that there is little interest in, say, a house fire somewhere in Germantown, Maryland, to viewers in DC or Virginia. Sure, if there is a real tragedy there, that's a different story. And what about a fiery car accident, say, on Route 1 in Alexandria. No one in DC or Maryland cares or anyone west and south of Alexandria is interest" Ratings are not down because of police blotter stories. Since the advent of tv local news the "if it bleeds it leads" theory has always been the method to attract viewers and to hold on to them. In the 80's when 500 people a year where being murdered in DC the first fifteen minutes of each nights show were taken up by the latest murders. The reason that the ratings are down is because more people are getting their news from the Internet. (11/25/09)

Nice work, channel 7. Who approves the text on your graphics? (11/25/09)

Dave's response: I wonder what Channel 7 PR guy Paul Farhi thinks about that? Oh, wait, that's news from next year. Ha ha ha.....

Re: "Do you attribute that Rush is perhaps 4th on WMAL because of the fact that "The Chris Plante Show" helped placing him there? That is: Is "The Chris Plante Show" getting high ratings in the mid-morning hours, and because of this, then Rush is scoring high too?" You've got to be kidding, aren't you, Silvie? Obviously, you're still living in a dream world and still holding on to your perverted fascination with Plante. Get a life. On second thought, why don't you hook up with the poor ol' windbag in Essex, invite Plante to join in, and have a menage a trois? That might give you some new posting material to share with all of us so we could puke to all three of you in unison. The windbag would probably love the attention. /s/ Dr. Phil (11/25/09)

Has anyone else noticed how distorted the audio is on ESPN 980...particualry at 92.7. Sounds like the audio is being shredded. (11/25/09)

Jeffrey Young, A short Resume..I'm a 43 year broadcast engineer,33 years at NBC radio/tv..with an Emmy(1989). Enough for you? CORY (11/25/09)

Charlie Slowes did do the Bullets for a while. I thought he was very good. But those of us oldsters have to put Frank Herzog at or near the top of Bullets/Wizards PBP people. His work in the '78 championship season was absolutely fantastic. I think Frank is one of the most talented people in this town and has been for decades. It may never happen, but one can wish for a reunion of Frank, Sam and Sonny. That was chemistry. sean hall (11/25/09)

During his newscast, WBAL's Scott Wykoff said "tweets" from the Baltimore Mayor Dixon criminal trial were coming "fast and furious". Maybe, just maybe he was overpromoting just a bit in a trial where the jury has been deliberating for many days. Here's the post from 'BALs blogger just before Wykoff's newscast. "Having just returned from a walk around the block and a much needed soda, I can tell you people are still outside the courtroom." Overpromotion aside, I do love the tweets! Bob A. in Pikesville, MD. (11/25/09)

Jeffery Young? Is this the same Jeff Young that worked at WRQX as the host of "LiveLine"?? If so... what a friggin blowhard! Christ! Someone who knows less about radio would be tough to find, and that is why he is working at the burial ground of VOA-TV. If you are not the same Jeff Young, I apologize, but VOA-TV is quite the burial ground. Cory, if I'm not mistaken, had (s) a distinguished career with NBC for many years - and is one of the finest men I've ever met. (11/25/09)

I liked Mel Proctor when he was still doing Bullets radio (Herzog was TV then). He loved to tell us that Tom Henderson was "yo-yoing" the dribble. I thnk Slowes took over radio when Mel started doing HTS fulltime. Howie (11/25/09)

Jim Karvellas........"BULLSEYE!!!!!" A great, colorful, play-by-play announcer for the Bullets. BD (11/25/09)

Jim makes a good point about the percentage of disposable income held by the 55-and-olders. Stations and advertisers probably know this. So why don't more of them reach out to that audience? Because advertisers generally believe that older viewers and listeners are far less likely to switch brands. I don't know if the advertisers have any empirical data to back up that belief. (11/25/09)

DJ friend reference - 1 point! WJFK, WCXR (11/25/09)

No, I don't recall Charlie Slowes doing Bullets games. However I do remember Mel Proctor behind the mike for the old "Home Team Sports" network. And how about the late GREAT Jim Karvellas? He should already be in the basketball Hall Of Fame. A great announcer who even briefly called Orioles games in 1969. Though I'm positive that Frank Herzog was the main guy in the Bullets championship year of 1978. In fact, I still have a vinyl disc containing radio highlights of that season. I think I picked it up from the old Drug Fair store. Anyone want to buy it? It's in mint condition. Rusty Gibson (11/25/09)

Nancy Pelosi a bitch for refusing to answer Robin "Bitch" Givhan's question about her dress? No, I wouldn't say so, old boy. As God is my witness, I thought Abe Pollin could fly. --- ThePenIsMightier (11/25/09)

Tom Turkey say:: "old radio dj like [Geronimo / Sorce] who find it necessary to publicly Tweet the day before Thanksgiving that they have a great family, a wonderful wife, and have gotten their shit back together, rarely do." It does have that nice hypocritical preacher on the podium quality to it though. (11/25/09)

From the mailbag ("I don’t know when it will air." **But I'm sure you'll tell us 16 or 17 times before then, right?) You must have a deep hate for all. You never cease to take pot shots, unsigned of course- Probably 13 or 14 times will suffice! PLB:0) (11/25/09)

(I maybe be wrong. But, did Charlie Slowes ( The play by play man of the Nationals) do the play by play of the Bullets games back in the 80s and 90s.) You are correct. (Shawn in DC) (11/25/09)

Dave: From Wikipedia on Mark McEwen: McEwen left CBS in October 2002 and in 2005 joined WKMG-TV, the CBS affiliate in Orlando, where he became the morning news co-anchor and noon news anchor. However McEwen suffered a stroke that ended his stint as a news anchor for the station. McEwen still works for WKMG today as part of their Good Neighbor 6 community outreach program where he does stroke awareness commercials for the station among other things. In 2008, he published a book about his health challenges entitled "Change in the Weather : Life after Stroke."McEwen currently resides in Winter Springs with his wife and children. His brother Kirk McEwen is a DJ with WHFS in Baltimore, MD. Shawn in DC) (11/25/09)

Dave's response: Kirk hasn't worked at 105.7 WHFS since it flipped to sports talk WJZ-FM last year.....

Doug, Charlie Slowes was indeed the voice of the Bullets for several years. Howie (11/25/09)

CORY. Nice blast. Post your own resume sometime. Jeffrey Young, VOA-TV (11/25/09)

Dcrtv Dave: In the PPM, are there any numbers available yet to support WZBA’s decision to remove the dreadful Bob & Tom Show in favor of music in the morning? Thank you. Scott (11/25/09)

Dave's response: I didn't get the morning show breakouts this time. Plus, even though they're for the "third" week of November, the PPM numbers today actually reflect late October-ish. Too soon to tell, but ZBA's morning numbers have nowhere to go but up.....

No surprise local TV news ratings are down. We are all sick of the "police blotter" stories leading many newscasts. I would think that there is little interest in, say, a house fire somewhere in Germantown, Maryland, to viewers in DC or Virginia. Sure, if there is a real tragedy there, that's a different story. And what about a fiery car accident, say, on Route 1 in Alexandria. No one in DC or Maryland cares or anyone west and south of Alexandria is interest, I don't think. Come on news directors, you and your reporters should get more creative. There are lots of stories to tell. For gosh sakes, there are a couple of million people to choose from around the area. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in and out of the radio and TV business. (11/25/09)

I maybe be wrong. But, did Charlie Slowes ( The play by play man of the Nationals) do the play by play of the Bullets games back in the 80s and 90s. Doug (11/25/09)

(WTOP, once a great operation, has become a parody of itself.) You are sooo right. That's why they are failing in the ratings. Oh, wait.......... (11/25/09)

I was surprised to see that Andy Pollin had worked at WRC. Google is my friend. Turns out his presence was short-lived, and came after sportsman Dave Eanet tried valiantly to get back to Chicago. Dave had been lured to WRC just before NBC announced it was selling the station and eventually getting out of the radio business. Andy came in after Dave got the news and beat feet back to Chicago. After WRC was sold, he worked for a while at the Silver Spring studio under the ownership of a guy from Cumberland, Maryland who thought he had hit the big time, Gary Portmess. Portmess eventually sold out, apparently fled to Florida and is selling real estate. Ya gotta love this business. (11/25/09)

"When I worked in NYC (Z-100, etc) back in the 1980s, I used to laugh at CBS-FM's mid-day "Doo Wop Shop" as beyond a throwback." Jeffrey, I seem to recall WCBS-FM ran the Doo Wop Shop on Sunday evening with Don K. Reed. Not middays. You are correct that the people who would listen to that are NOT the people advertisers foolishly say they don't want to reach. I say "foolishly" because people older than 55 hold 2/3 of all disposable income in the United States. Doo Wop fans (like me) should be the prized target demo. Jim (11/25/09)

The coverage of the Pollin death by ESPN 980 and WTOP was good. But let's face it. Everyone is being politically correct. Pollin can be fondly remembered for his civic contributions and the fact that he brought NBA basketball and NHL hockey to the area. But he was a TERRIBLE owner of both the Wizards and Caps. If you combine all the years he owned those two teams, his record of losing and sheer futility may be the worst of any owner ever. He did a great disservice to DC sports fans by not getting out long ago. (11/25/09)

Hey Jeffrey Young, you work at VOA,the burial ground of failed broadcasters. Don't be so dismissive of WCBS-FM,CBS tried that younger audience "jack" format and it failed in every market,except,Baltimore...maybe.WCBS-FM is the no. 5 radio station in New York, No easy task. I'm sure CBS makes a ton of money on WCBS-FM and WOGL-FM IN Philly. So Jeff, when you want attack old folks..look at your mom and pop and think there're all no in the grave. CORY (11/25/09)

Les Nesman's contribution to the WKRP Turkey Drop episode was his breathless "Oh--the humanity!" news coverage, aping the words used at the Hindenberg explosion. (11/25/09)

"I don’t know when it will air." **But I'm sure you'll tell us 16 or 17 times before then, right? (11/25/09)

Kudo's to Andy Pollin for a great Abe Pollin tribute show this morning. His opening segment was a terrific outline of the Pollin family history and a comprehensive history of Abe's work in the DC area. Good background info, and well delivered. Happy to hear noise that Mike O'Meara, Buzz and Robb may be back on the air soon. I hope its on terrestrial radio and has a radio outlet in the DC area. Still a fan, miss hearing him on my long work commutes. (11/25/09)

Rusty, I had the pleasure of visiting the TV side of WEBR this past Saturday for a half hour interview with Chuck Langdon and Lee Sherwood. I was interviewed about “Rock Radio of the 60’s and 70’s in DC”, on “Out of the Past”. It was great fun, I don’t know when it will air. I’ve been invited back for part 2 after the holidays. Look for Johnny Dark and Bill Parris to make appearances too. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from PLB/Davy Jones:0-) (11/25/09)

Hi Dave: Reading all of these posts about CBS-FM made me check out their web stream for the first time in a long while. I clicked in just after 10am, and heard several Doo-Wop cuts in that hour! Think about it - if someone was a teen in the 1950s, they're running on Dentu-Creme and a Defib these days. When I worked in NYC (Z-100, etc) back in the 1980s, I used to laugh at CBS-FM's mid-day "Doo Wop Shop" as beyond a throwback. To continue playing those cuts today is impossible to rationalize, especially to advertisers. Obviously, there must be old suits at Black Rock who want it the way it was. Reminds me of a positioner WAXY/Fort Lauderdale used to run in the 1970s - "Where tomorrow never comes!" Jeffrey Young, VOA-TV. (11/25/09)

Okay, so the point of Mike Wise's column this morning was to impress everyone with his working class credentials, and the point of Kornheiser's first 30 minutes was to let us all know that Abe Pollin wasn't a very nice guy and was not nearly as loyal as all of his friends say he was. Wise is a know-nothing hack and Kornheiser should have been put out to pasture a decade ago. Today's performances prove that. (11/25/09)

"Al's words are nice but I find it ironic that it came from a news director in among the LEAST hard hit areas of the recession..." What has happened to this board? Someone leaves a holiday greeting and mentions those out of work and gets zapped for it? Howie (11/25/09)

Dear Dave: It was a couple of weeks ago that my Dad told me of his decision to leave the morning newscasts, and it left me pretty much stunned for a day or two. First off, I thought he would never stop. I would just marvel at someone his age continuing to rise at such an early hour to do his job and do it well. Secondly, and this is a personal note, for my entire life on this planet all I have known is waking up, turning on the radio, and hearing his voice, and that's going to change soon. I started thinking about being a toddler and hearing him on WGBR in our hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina; his days on WPIK in the 1960's; moving on to all-news WAVA; then latching on to a weekend job at National Public Radio in the mid-1970's which has turned into a 34-year stay (and still counting!) And he's worked with/for some very good people over the years, many who became dear friends of the family and who I have been lucky to know well. But after nearly 60 years in the business, starting in high school when he would open up the local station before going to class, I think he's earned the rest. He's not sitting still, though. I've watched a couple of tapings of "Wait, Wait....Don't Tell Me" and he thoroughly enjoys his work there, I think because it reminds him of what radio was at one time, and that it allows him to show another side that otherwise would not be seen (correction - heard) by listeners. He's a young 75 and is still contributing and enjoying what he does. We should all be so lucky! Great site Dave! Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Be safe in your travels! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (11/25/09)

["No comparison with WTOP's great coverage between Dave Johnson and Frank Herzog (former voice of the Bullets) and a reporter live from MCI almost instantly"] I have to disagree... Between the two, the compelling stories from Pollin and company and the reporting of Scott Linn on 980 was far superior than the "BREAKING NEWS!!!!!" drivel that you come to expect from WTOP. ESPN actually made it a story, where WTOP, as they always seem to do anymore - shouted the story to us. WTOP, once a great operation, has become a parody of itself. (11/25/09)

Not a “Who Would You Do”, but ponder this: Tom Gavin & Bruce The Hugger. Never seen together (might be same person). Could one beat the other in: 1) Arm Wrestling. 2) Scrabble. 3) Hot Dog Eating Contest 4) SAT test 5) Making gravy ??? (11/25/09)

Snip "Don't forget that Kirk McEwen did nights on DC101 in the early-1990s before heading to 98 Rock in Baltimore..." End Snip If you really want to be accurate, Kirk was on 98Rock in the late '80's while still a student at the University of Maryland before he went to DC101. -- Tom In Wheaton (11/25/09)

Wanted to review a few of the performances from this past weekend's American Music Awards show televised on ABC. This show was produced by the Dan Snyder owned Dick Clark Productions. However, apparently many of the video clips available via the internet earlier in the week have been pulled by order of Dick Clark Productions. Anybody know why or where I might go on the net to see them? (11/25/09)

When I worked with Andy Pollin at NBC-owned WRC-AM, he held his uncle in awe. I wondered why, and in the years since came to realize the value Abe Pollin brought to the games, and to the fans. In comparison, his legacy makes that of Dan Snyder's look all the worse. (11/25/09)

Dave's response: I saw a recent cable TV documentary on Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. And while I've never liked the Cowboys as being the ultimate rival to the Redskins, Mr. Jones seems to be miles ahead of Dan Snyder in the "class department".....

(snip)..."as God as my witness, I thought turkeys can fly. Arthur Carlson..." (end snip) It was Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump). He said it during closing credits. It's on YouTube. Al McGilvray (11/25/09)

Dave's response: And the clip is below.....

From a previous post "I want to jump in and wish all my fellow broadcasters a very wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day. With layoffs and automation, there will be a lot more of us at home this year with our families. Al McGilvray, WRNR-AM ........"....YO AL...WRNR in your case is in Martinsburg, West Virginia.Hardly a recession hard hit market. Kinda curious how many people have been laid from Martinsburg's WRNR within the last year? Two? Three? I bet the answer is ZERO !! Crosstown at Prettyman Broadcasting, I did read in the local paper there about what happened to the WEPM PART TIME sportscasters Rob Mario and John Partington..both canned yet they were replaced by two brand new FULL-TIMERS. Doesn't sounds a layoff to me. The Hagerstown-Chambersburg market.....I have yet to hear any layoff stories coming from that region either actullay wasn't WAYZ and WQCM both on a hiring spree recently? Al's words are nice but I find it ironic that it came from a news director in among the LEAST hard hit areas of the recession..and that includes their local radio. (11/25/09)

"Wasn't that Les Nesman who spoke those words?" No, the original poster had it right. (11/25/09)

"Kudos to ESPN 980 for their coverage of Abe Pollin's passing Tuesday. Vastly superior to Chad and LaVar on the Fan" No comparison with WTOP's great coverage between Dave Johnson and Frank Herzog (former voice of the Bullets) and a reporter live from MCI almost instantly. (11/25/09)

"As we approach this holiday, I would like to reiterate the following; as God as my witness, I thought turkeys can fly. Arthur Carlson, GM, WKRP-AM" Wasn't that Les Nesman who spoke those words? (11/25/09)

Fat in Japan? You're breaking the law. As the health care debate rages in the US, Tokyo lawmakers set a maximum waist size. I doubt that we’ll hear about this from that lardass Limbaugh or pudgy whackjob, Glenn Beck. Ironic, really - given the size and shape of most of the Teabaggers I’ve been seeing on the news lately, Maybe a plan like this is just what the U.S. needs. The Teabaggers should all be fined a dollar for each pound they are, over the Standard Height/Weight Chart. It would help ‘em get into decent shape and it would probably generate enough money to balance the budget! www.globalpost.com (11/25/09)

Dave: Don't forget that Kirk McEwen did nights on DC101 in the early-1990s before heading to 98 Rock in Baltimore. Happy Thanksgiving! (11/25/09)

I want to jump in and wish all my fellow broadcasters a very wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day. With layoffs and automation, there will be a lot more of us at home this year with our families. Al McGilvray, WRNR-AM (11/25/09)

What is up with The Baltimore Sun's David Zurawik? Didn't see anything in The Sun regarding the big Comcast digital cable switch this past week and I even sent him an email about it, so he can't say he wasn't tipped off to THE END OF CABLE READY TV'S AS WE KNOW IT. It's a pretty sad day when you have to get your Baltimore TV/radio news from The Washington Post or NY Times. Even DCRTV routinely beats Zurawik to Baltimore related media stories. And thankfully, I've never seen this slow motion train wreck of TV that is the Jon & Kate +8 show but apparently David Zurawik busts a nut to it daily. I guess right before he posts his politically biased cameo appearances of himself on CNN on his Z on TV blog in The Sun. www.youtube.com ... Then Zurawik does a story about Baltimore talk radio and only includes just WOLB HATE TALK 1010 & WEAA? 1010 is what, a talk station that has like, 250 watts & about as many listeners? I don't even think AM 1010 showed up in the Baltimore Arbitrons and David Zurawik's story is supposed to be about Baltimore talk radio and he failed to mention, ummm, WCBM, or WYPR & just a passing mention of WBAL at the end??? weblogs.baltimoresun.com ... LOL This guy is such a joke it's not funny. Maybe he should just rename his blog and column as Z on John & Kate + Z? Oh, by the way, Zurawik often deletes criticism of himself or his column if you try to post such a comment, so don't bother. Go figure. How is it possible to take this guy seriously and why would CNN want him on their Reliable Sources program to discuss Lou Dobbs and immigration & birther stories when almost everything Zurawik blogs or writes about is himself or Jon & Kate or Oprah ??? Too Funny. I can't decide what's funnier in fact, that CNN thought Lou Dobbs was the reason they dropped to 3rd place in a time period or that CNN thought David Zurawik was qualified to discuss Lou Dobbs and political issues & might generate ratings. For christ sake, Zurawik made WMAL's Chris Plante look credible! CNN has far bigger problems. Larry King probably has 2 staffers just to drag his oxygen tank to the set every night. His only #1 or #2 anymore is going to be in an assisted living facility or public rest stop! :-) (11/25/09)

As we approach this holiday, I would like to reiterate the following; as God as my witness, I thought turkeys can fly. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Arthur Carlson, GM, WKRP-AM, Cincinnati, OH. (11/25/09)

Don't forget about Kirk McEwen's brief stint at DC101 a few years back! the Kirkster! Oh, and is his brother still a weather man? - used to be for the CBS morning show, I think. (11/25/09)

Dave's response: Mark McEwen suffered a stroke a few years ago. I don't know if he's back on the air anywhere.....

"Shay in Olney" said, "OMG!!!! Dave...Your sight is awesome!!!" Dave, tell us more! Do you have, like, an X-ray vision thing going on? Do you shoot heat rays out of your eyes? Can you see dead people? Inquiring minds want to know! (11/25/09)

First a word or two regarding Mike Fizgerald's post. Yes, it's true that all of us "webbers" do shows at WEBR for reasons beyond his excellent explanations. I think it's primarily for a fundamental love of the industry, the music and a deep respect to all who have ever spoken into a microphone long before we ever came along. Moreover, "Fitz" is a First Class individual who has been (and remains) a terrific friend of mine. As I can safely say that if it weren't for his old "FitzMix" show (when I would regularly bug him to play an E. L. O. song), I would never given the "Webber" gig a try. Though legends such as Johnny Dark, Davy Jones and Pat Murphy initially gave me the personal inspiration to actually live the dream. Despite not getting paid for what we try to do on our respective shows, WEBR remains fairly nonpolitical. Along with the privilege of expressing our opinions on Dave's excellent site. At least here we are reasonably accepted by some. And finally, a sincere Happy Thanksgiving wish to my fellow "Mailbaggers" Rusty Gibson, WEBR RadioFairfax (11/25/09)

Totally disagree with the poster who judged ESPN980's coverage as superior to 106.7 The Fan's. The Fan had the news before 980, ran updates throughout the evening, had Dave Johnson and Steve Buckhantz on within minutes, took calls from listeners, and to me were all over the story. And let's be honest... it helps their case that they actually talk about the Wizards almost every day to begin with. (11/25/09)

/\ November 25 Messages /\

\/ November 24 Messages \/

Kudos to ESPN 980 for their coverage of Abe Pollin's passing Tuesday. Vastly superior to Chad and LaVar on the Fan. When a big story breaks like that, listeners benefit from the years of experience and the big Rolodex which Andy, Czabe and that group bring to the table. The weakness of Chad and LaVar was readily apparent evey time I jumped over to them when I was in the car. Makes you wonder how that duo is going to be sustainable after football season is over with. (11/24/09)

Dave, Happy Thanksgiving to you and all my radio friends out there. I am very thankful to be able to still have a job in the industry and to be doing what I love to do. I am thankful to have so many in the industry who are friends, have been supportive and have helped me in my career...I wanted to congratulate Kirk on his new gig in DC, that's great, I am sure he will do very well and here's hoping Mike gets the gig there as well, that would be a great pickup...I think Don G at CBS-FM is an absolute perfect match. CBS-FM is great station that is personality driven and seems to give their jocks some freedom and he will fit in great over the music with his jokes and quips, etc. I will definitely be listening on the webstream. -Michael Popovec (aka Mike Bradley) (11/24/09)

I'm thrilled to hear The Kirkster has landed a gig back on the radio - and in DJ'ing a format he really knows! I grew up rocking with him in high school on 98Rock and the brief jump to DC101. I hope this work out for him and can't wait to hear him on the drive home again. (11/24/09)

Dave, I am so old, I remember Kirk McKewen on DC-101 , I think! (11/24/09)

WJLA dropped its Sunday am newscast many moons ago. They dropped the Saturday am newscast about a month ago. I posted that in ye olde mailbag quite a while ago, so there. But what does O'Mirror know about rock music except rudimentary stuff. Bring back The Weasal! Dcrtv Dave are you sure about the rumors swirling around the return of MOM I was recently out at his old bar in Manassas and the scuttlebutt going on there was something about a sex change operation. And can KCJJ carry a MOM show with the Robbay or will Robbay be saying see them folks later. I recommend Tom Gavin for the new producer of a MOM show now that Beth Ann has moved on. Any word on the pixieish Katie Powers? (11/24/09)

Well It is about damn time we got some flesh n blood on WVRX. As for M'OM heading in for AM drive, I say it's pretty much a no brainer. What other station in the area will take Mike? I dont see him fitting into any other format in the area. Now, the next thing 105.9 needs to do is get rid of the classic rock that rocks slogan, change its format into active rock, and use the everything that rocks slogan. That stations playlist is too damn tight... (11/24/09)

Dave posted: "12) WMAL [G&A 11th, Rush 4th, Hannity 12th]". Okay, this is very good news. Now Dave, here's a question for you from a suburban mom who knows nothing about the radio business: Do you attribute that Rush is perhaps 4th on WMAL because of the fact that "The Chris Plante Show" helped placing him there? That is: Is "The Chris Plante Show" getting high ratings in the mid-morning hours, and because of this, then Rush is scoring high too? Best, -Silvie- (11/24/09)

I don't know about all this fuss about "webbers". Yes we broadcast on the web, but our main listenership is on cable TV. I'm referring to WEBR. Whether we are big time or not doesn't matter to me. The fact is, we pick our own playlists and generally play good stuff (depending on the program) and have lots of fun doing radio. These days it's hard to find a place to have fun doing radio. Everything is automated and DJs have time contsraints. A quick in and out (on the mic) if you will. That is why I like WEBR. I can be myself and don't have to worry about hard branches. Random thoughts. I'm glad Rusty is back in the air chair again. About Tom Gavin. I like Tom personally. Yes it's true, he can be a pain in the ass sometimes (my show is just before his) but overall he's a nice guy. He loves doing his show. Plus I cut him a lot of slack...don't ya know. I know, I do a bluegrass show, so many folks don't get into that, but I love it and I'll try to improve with every show. Just my two cents worth. I'm also sorry to hear about Abe Pollin's death. He was great man. Mike Fitzgerald DJ/ Producer of Fitzgrass on WEBR in Fairfax,VA (11/24/09)

First of all: (Take care. I'll seek out my radio and TV news elsewhere on the Internet. Will in Dumfries) Have pity on him Dave: he lives in Dump Fries. Second: Ain’t this redundant (In the posts about Don Geronimo, remember that WCBS-FM is a top 5 station in the biggest market in the U.S. playing oldies)? I mean ain’t this a case of an oldie playing the oldies? Don Geronimo (if that IS his real name) has been in radio since he was 16: most of those oldies were the latest hits at the time. He may have even played them back in the day when they were just released. Don’s so old dirt is young compared to him. But you know something: I’d listen to him play classic polka as he remains a compelling radio personality…as long as he does not team up with that fat, bloated, ego inflated lead O’Meara again or his butt buddies Robb & Buzz. (11/24/09)

Dave: Back in late 1993 through summer 1994, I recall that Dave Johnson used to have a sports show on Newschannel 8 (I think), specifically geared towards World Cup '94. It was a weekly half-hour show leading up to the WC, and then it turned into a daily show during the month of the WC itself. I used to love watching it, but I never saw the show or Dave return to discuss the WC events in '98, '02, or '06. Anyone know if he'll be on TV or radio to discuss WC 2010? I know for a fact that the Hispanic community appreciated and enoyed that show. Happy Thanksgiving! -Silvie- (11/24/09)

If all you out-of-work or washed-up dj's and some radio executives on this site had as much entertainment & edgy insight value on your shows as the mailbaggers & Dave HUG_USE provide DCRTV on a daily basis, you wouldn't be shouting censorship today. Now get up from the fetal posiotn. The line to the Mike Sorce Radio Support Group forms to the right. (11/24/09)

Very sad to hear of the passing of Abe Pollin. I remember Abe leading reporters (myself included) through the Capital Centre while it was under construction, before the roof was on and before the playing surfaces were installed!. We all got blue hardhats as a memento! He was rightfully proud, but still modest when heaped with praise. Quit a nice person! One man I'll never forget for his kindness to us over the years. Surely you can do better than three lines! The NYTimes has a very good obit: www.nytimes.com... --RB (11/24/09)

OMG!!!! Dave, your website is freedom of the press!!! What the jocks say is awesome!!! You never know what they're gonna say next??? It's just like it used to be listening to the radio. That's why we check back to your site, 2,3,4 times a day, like we used to, to W-FUN whatever, WINX, W-whatever, and WTOP now! Your sight is awesome!!! There's aways something happening!!! What they're sayin' is what you put on the site. That's why all of these dudes with the big bucks should put their moola where their mouth is, and contribute big time to dcrtv Hey, it's Thanksgiving and the holiday season is here. Get your gelt to Dave, yeah, yeah, yeah!!!! Happy Holidays!!!! Shay in Olney (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Please visit the Support DCRTV page.....

Congratulations are in order Dave. I've now deleted my DCRTV bookmark from my computer solely because it's very evident this mailbag is the personal toy for people like PLB and those "associated" to him. It truly is no longer for Joe Public and has become a battleground for bullies who can't take any criticism. Take care. I'll seek out my radio and TV news elsewhere on the Internet. Will in Dumfries (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Good luck!

Ed Graham, you must not get around much anymore, Essex has a Target & a Ruby Tuesday now, unlike Dundalk which has a Weenie World, Ollies Bargain Outlet, & a Value City! Even KFC was too highbrow for Dundalk and is boarded up and closed at Eastpoint hon! LOL There was a very funny Essex vs. Dundalk story in The Baltimore Sun several months ago. Basically the point of the story was that Dundalk is begging to be Essex/Middle River these days. Essex said baBYE to its run down apartments, section 8 housing, now condemned & mostly all torn down & redeveloped. Essex/Middle River now has some of the last suburban developable waterfront land left in the area so housing prices have remained relatively stable with bigger and bigger marinas popping up everywhere & new waterfront McMansions. Dundalk residents apparently were up in arms about all the expensive development going on in Essex/Middle River while not in Dundalk and were complaining to local politicians. The Sun story was quite funny obviously from the quotes of some of the "colorful" Dundalk residents. By the way, B-104's Brian & O'Brien only got in trouble on air for making fun of Dundalk, not Essex and there was once a boycott of their radio show for the Dundalk jokes. And lest we not forget, despite what people often think, the "SHIT PLANT" is really and always has been in Dundalk! LOL (11/24/09)

Was saddened to hear of the passing of Abe Pollin. I remember touring the opening of the Capital Centre in the early 70's and seeing how proud he was. His construction of the Verizon Centre (with his own money) revitalized downtown DC. A very nice man with a big heart and love of his community. We need more like him. Sincere condolences to his family. BD (11/24/09)

I really think all of you, including PLB should pick up your toys and leave the playground. By the way I am glad that PLB stood up for me. He always has. Now, end this stupid thingy-WOW (11/24/09)

Seriously, the "Very special" Abe Pollin in and outro's on The Fan seem a bit self serving. RIP Abe, your legacy is a book few could write. (11/24/09)

I've had the misfortune of being verbally attacked in person and, years later, via email by PLB. I won't reveal his name here, but I will tell you that he used to do some decent voice over work but hasn't been able to get a job in the business in years. A big part of the reason is that he is impossible to deal with. The way he comes across in the Mailbag--angry, bitter, self-absorbed--is exactly the way he is in the studio, and nobody wants to put up with it. Nobody wants to deal with the diva attitude from somebody who doesn't have the diva goods. More than one person has told him to get some help. (11/24/09)

PLB...I'm aware of the Tom Gavin comment made about 3 weeks ago in this mailbag...And I seem to remember that WOW was handling that spat. Question though, if it bothered you that much back then, why did it take you so long to appear in the mailbag and voice your complaint? If you felt the need to defend your friend WOW, where were you? -Matthew Davities (11/24/09)

Uh oh. Here comes PLB and his gang of "thugs" to unnecessarily slam another Mailbag poster. (11/24/09)

Mr.Showenson , I truly don't understand your venom, you don't know me, you never will. Those that are my close friends think you are one of the reasons this website is suffering. I've not been rude, I've not been evasive, I am telling the truth, and lastly I guess I am a legend, not by my perceptions but those of others. Why you and your friend??? continue to bulldog for no reason at all is beyond me? So, in my most humble way I would sincerely suggest you take a flying f**K on a rolling doughnut. I know that's the thinking process of a three year old, BUT, this is directed at you so if the shoe fits wear it. I anxiously await your clever retorts, I know you can't stand to just shut up, though we ALL wish you would. PLB:( (11/24/09)

PLB, Do Johnny Holliday, Ed Graham, Pat Murphy and all your good friends know you're losing your mind too? You sound insane. Get a hold of yourself, "legend"...If you claim to know someone who knows your "beggar"...Then produce a name...If you don't then shut the f**k up. It sure seems clear to this point, you've been full of shit thusfar. The "I know someone" 3rd grader shit isnt very becoming of a "legend". And Ill give you my name...Tim Showenson - Manassas, VA (11/24/09)

I just posted to the ever curious wOw interragator...I have no idea why this type of questioning goes on. In fact, I find it humorous. This all started when an ignorant "wannabee" posted some more than sarcastic hatred re: Tom Gavin. I won't waste my time mentioning the name of the ignoramous, but he knows who he is. From there it got to this..what a waste of DCRTV and the mailbag. Now there's an idiot looking for loopholes in the thread. Get a life! Again, thanks for your kind words and perceptions. I am more than happy to be included in the same sentance as Johnny Holliday, Ed Graham, Pat Murphy..etc..all good friends. PLB (11/24/09)

Correction, Dave. Abe Pollin was the original owner of the NHL Washington Capitals. But in 1999 he sold the team to a group headed by Ted Leonis, who made his money via AOL. ACH (11/24/09)

To the curious re: (WOW)...what do you care: Do you suffer from a persecution complex or something? The Original WOW is a close friend of mine and wOw is not. But as I said I do know someone that has identified them for me. Whomever is posting using WOW is just craving attention at this time, a phony. Again if you care that much post your REAL NAME- I have consistently.PLB:0) (11/24/09)

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (left) and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (right) congratulate veteran WTOP traffic reporter Bob Marbourg on his 30 years of covering DC gridlock. The two governors were on a special live call-in program on WTOP "Hands Across the Potomac" exploring cooperation on easing the hideous traffic which ails Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. (11/24/09)

PLB- You don't know the "beggar", so how is it you know he isn't any good? I presume you've never heard his show either? (11/24/09)

Wow, Clear Channel has five stations in the top-11, PPM 12+. (11/24/09)

Dave's response: And CBS's top station was 13th place PGC.....

Robert W. Smith - Here, here! I totally agree with needing a system on here weeding out the miscreants who hide behind clever made up names and bash people for no reason. WOW (11/24/09)

I'm guessing Abe Pollin dying isn't enough of a ''big story'' that 5,7 and 9 couldn't drag themselves away from the shit they usually air. Kind of a shame considering everything he did for this area. Not EVEN a mention about his passing at the top of the hour. Paul (11/24/09)

Sad news today with Abe Pollin passing away at age 85. He made the city a better place so we all owe him a debt of gratitude. (11/24/09)

In the posts about Don Geronimo, remember that WCBS-FM is a top 5 station in the biggest market in the U.S. playing oldies. WJZW could have been the same station, had it hired a couple of local DJs and promoted itself. Instead, they change the format, get no bump in the ratings because they won't promote the station, and now may hire a few DJs to compete for the same tiny sliver of the radio audience that already rejected classic rock on the The Globe and WCXR, rather than compete for those who made WBIG a top 10 station when it was oldies AND classic hits, the same demographics that in NY made WCBS top 5. (11/24/09)

Dave I love your response to that comment about you verses the Post you Fuck the Post up on a daily basis end of story. (11/24/09)

"Nope I don’t know him/her personally" & "but know someone that does" --Ok...How can you not know the identity of a person, yet somehow know someone who knows sed unifentified person? How would THEY know? You just exposed your own loophole. Explain. (11/24/09)

PLB: My pleasure to "bitch slap" Tony in Vienna". When I see the DC legends of broadcasting, posting here, it is a pleasure to read. You, Graham, Sean Hall, Holliday,Tom Gauger, Pat Murphy, the real deals, make this forum worth reading. However, when I see the little cry-baby punks, who've done nothing, have nothing to show to back up their "opinions", it detracts from the level of discussion and serves only one purpose, give the little venom spewing whiner, a forum for his crap. Its a shame. The real pro's have forgotten more than "Tony in Vienna" will ever know about broadcasting. It wouldn't bother me in the least to see Dave register the posters and filter out the cowardly anonymous rock throwers who hide behind made up handles so they can attack someone, that they will never equal in life. The never ending attacks on Don Geronimo being a prime example. While I enjoy DCRTV, it would be nice to see Dave take the garbage out and leave the nasty no-nothings like Tony in Vienna off the forum. People (and I'm being kind) like this have nothing constructive to offer in a professional broadcasting forum. They can only detract and bring the level of discussion down to his level. I would suggest, that the next time "Tony in Vienna" wants to match wits on DCRTV, he come better than half prepared! Robert W. Smith - Washington, D.C. (11/24/09)

Oh, fer Grandy. What was Fred Grandy thinking this morning when he described Rep. Chairman Michael Steele as "well-spoken"? And who hasn't gone to dongeronimoatemyballs.com after reading about it on dcrtv? And Dave, you're delusional if you think dcrtv "directly competes with [the]...Post" but you are 100% right about Mike Wise. Every column of his should include a disclaimer. What is up with the John Riggins voiceover commercials for sedation dentistry? He sounds like he's trying to lure a puppy. Speaking of which, when is Elrod going to let Mark Trail just make a skinsuit out of l'il Rusty? These interminable camping trips are getting old, Buckwheat. On the bright side, could the ladies in Judge Parker be more bosomy? I'm eager to find out. --- ThePenIsMightier (11/24/09)

Dave's response: You're right. DCRTV doesn't compete with the Post. I beat the shit out of the Post every fuckin' day when it comes to local media news. So there.....

Can someone please give us two decent ABC stations in DC and Baltimore than the ones we are stuck with? Endless infomercials, pre-emptions for local “news specials” and old movies. We deserve better. (11/24/09)

WOW=wOw—multiple personality? Beggar either/either or….schiz! (11/24/09)

Speak of the devil...the aforementioned beggar WOW (11/24/09)

WBAL TV is using a "mystery shopper" who fits the classic profile of a shoplifter. NO wonder stores won't serve her as the fat pig waddles up and down the aisles, with a big stuffable handbag at-the-ready. Worse for the TV station than hiring her, they've been running the same promotion since about Friday for the 11PM "series" with her. Yeah, sure, I will tune in. NOT. (11/24/09)

Nope I don’t know him/her personally, don’t want to, but know someone that does. So close, yet so far away!!LOL-PLB:0) (11/24/09)

BULLETIN….BULLETIN…..There is no such thing as global warming! www.washingtontimes.com... And the media has beenm screaming in panic since the founder of the internet declared Global Warming a fact-Remember Al Gore??? WOW (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Funny!

Just saw a decent Wall Street Journal article in today's edition on the mounting concerns among the team's fan base. The piece mentions local TV news crews and TV ratings, and quotes John Riggins. Christian wsj.com (11/24/09)

PLB...Do you personally know this "beggar" you keep referring to? (11/24/09)

The full package: Colbert on ice (and video) baltimoresun.com (11/24/09)

Mike Sorce Twitter:: "Getting all ready for the boy's arrival tomorrow from SoCal. We'll all be with the Wright family for the big day on Thurs. Should be great." HOLY SHIT, not since Meet The Fockers has there been more reason for Bart Sorce to start drinking NOW. Bart, it may have been 1.5 years since you have seen your dad, but it might be time to pull out that " Opie Taylor came down with somethin' card and re-think that cross country flight. Either that or break bread with Uncle Mike O'Meara or Dave H-USE on Thanksgiving. (11/24/09)

James I’ve already mentioned the “webbers” and the dedicated. Two different animals. The dedicated, Rusty Gibson for example or the WPFW casters, any broadcaster that doesn’t try to get “SPACE” on DCRTV with petty sarcasam and rudness. At least to me personally, are nothing but people begging for attention and doing it the wrong way. On the other hand the WPFW, Internet broadcasters and others that do it just for the pleasure of entertaining, that are excited and plan out the show, they are to be admired for their passion and love for the product they present. I love some of the blues/heavy metal…etc that is played by these classic pioneers. There is so much nastiness by the unknowns it’s at times unbearable. I feel good when someone takes them to task as did Mr. Smith. Then there’s the wannabees for example WOW (legitimate) and wOw…(the beggar). There is no chance we can agree on everything, but a little logic goes a long way. By the way, Ed you were never a has been, a wannabee, you have always been a pro. “I lied” LOL-PLB/Davy Jones:0) (11/24/09)

Don Geronimo:: Sure CBS will allow Sorce some song lead-in banter like "enjoy 'Bend Over' by the Dan Mason Trio" or " 'We'll fuck with you everyday until you quit' by the CBS Radio Brass Balls Band or that great classic 'You Can't Go Home Again' by Mel Karmazin - Wolfe." Hey Sorce, [we] thought you weren't into ANAL? Memo to Jan Poppins Sorce, buy your man a tube of lube. aaaaaaaHHHHHHHH!! (11/24/09)

Dear Davy Jones/PLB, Thanks for your opinion. We may have differences in opinion on the finer issues of this subject, but I see points of agreement. It rubs me the wrong way a little to see people here paint with wide brush strokes on the "webber" issue. At least someone with some inside knowledge sees that as well. Along those lines, let me pose another question for whomever. I've also seen it here that people will look down not only on those who are not "on air" but also on those who don't get paid for their work. What about those who are over the air, but do it for free? WPFW-FM comes to mind. Some of the DJs are not the most polished, but they bring a passion for their musical genres as well as deep knowledge of the subject. I'm willing to put up with their imperfections to be exposed to some blues/jazz/classic Latin that I wasn't aware of. Is anyone willing to bag on them? And, if so, on what grounds? I look forward to other people's opinions. Sincerely, James (11/24/09)

Dear Dave, Interesting rumor you posted on 105.9. I wonder if the other local personality is the Kirkster? The format fits him and there is news of him supposedly coming out later this week. It would be great to hear him playing some rock again. Sincerely, James (11/24/09)

Dave's response: The Kirkster would be cool. So would the Cerphester.....

O'Meara To 105.9? – it amazes me that this could generate any excitement. He had a good thing handed to him at JFK yet the show had no creativity, was lifeless, and downright awful. That is not going to change. There will be an initial enthusiasm but that will last about 3 months. O’Meara didn’t have the energy or passion to put together a good radio show on a consistent basis at JFK. Now he's another year older and probably another 10 pounds fatter. This too is destined for failure. The betting window is now open! (11/24/09)

Hi there, Wanted to give you a heads up about our live stream of today’s White House State dinner events. Let me know if you need any additional info. Thanks so much. HAPPENING NOW…. POLITICO Live Video Coverage of the White House State Dinner on its website throughout the day. www.politico.com/livestream (11/24/09)

Thank you for another O’Meara mention. It has been almost 15 minutes since there was a Don Geronimo or Mike O’Meara mention. I am an old fogey. And I’m a lifelong Washington Metro resident. Born in DC, educated in Montgomery County. And I have listened to local radio all my life. My parents were country music fans. So as a young child I would have to hear WDON out of Wheaton in the morning. Then I got a transistor radio. That opened up the world of rock & roll. “Heavy Metal Thunder” on WINX. And good DJ’s. The Boss With the Hot Sauce Barry Richards. A young Johnny Holliday. Harden and Weaver. Early Howard Stern, Cerphe, Weasel, Damien, Paul Harris. And even Greaseman. Not to mention chopper pilot Captain Dan’s traffic reports. That made some great radio and great memories. I was in my late 20’s when Don and Mike came on the air. I tried to like Don and Mike. I listened off and on for about a year. But to me they were third rate talents at best. They had to ring a bell to tell their audience when to laugh. They couldn’t hold a candle to Howard Stern. Stern could really be hilarious when he was on in DC. And some of his best bits were clean. Like the Beaver Break. I can take the Junkies in small doses. There is one member who is just too stupid for my tastes. He didn’t know the difference between a lunar or solar eclipse. Can’t tell how many days a week there are between a Wednesday to the next Monday. So now I mostly listen to my Zune. And 105.9 The Edge. No insipid chatter. So I feel sorry for you youngsters who missed some really great DC radio. Those who think the sun rises and sets on D&M. – Montgomery County Fogey (11/24/09)

Seems like DGs stint on WCBSFM is just for the Holidays.... IF he plays his cards right... stops trying to be a talk show guy and gets back to his roots...they might even keep him! As a joke DG is much better than some of those weenies on CBSFM! Back in the Day... in Chicago and later on 105 he was THE Boss joke in DC! Good luck to him. (11/24/09)

I noticed that ABC2 in B'more and ABC7 in DC are pre-empting new episodes of "Supernanny" and "Ugly Betty" scheduled for this Friday night (11/27). At least ABC7 is pre-empting them with holiday fare and will air the new episodes instead on Sunday afternoon (11/29) from 2pm-4pm, but ABC2 is pre-empting these shows with paid programming and does not have these shows scheduled at another time. Why ABC scheduled new shows for the night after Thanksgiving is beyond me, but ABC2 should at least air these shows at another time, since they are new. My wife and I are fans of "Ugly Betty" and would like to see this new episode on ABC2, since we live in Baltimore. We could wait a few more days and watch the show via FIOS On Demand, but that would mean sitting through the same commercials during every break without being able to fast forward through them! The pause and rewind buttons work fine for On Demand, but fast forward does not. Maybe someone out there knows how to get around that? -Greg in Perry Hall (11/24/09)

As lame as the Washington Times comics were, the paper had one, "Grand Avenue," that occasionally made me laugh. Again, yesterday's edition contained an offical notice, printed twice, apologizing for the lack of a TV guide grid. That grid is missing again in today's edition, but there's no apology. And there's yet to be anything printed about the missing comics page. I guess a printed apology costs money, too? Christian (11/24/09)

Couldn't agree with you more, PLB...It was a blast. Every second of it! WOW (11/24/09)

I love the MAILBAG. Some of my recent favorites: "Pretty Scary when a certified EMT declares Bill Quinn is dead.John T. Henneman." Very funny. * * Joe in Essex making fun of Dundalk. Essex making fun of Dundalk - - Priceless. * * Don goes to WCBS-FM, I can't wait to tune in. He'll be great. * * Just for the record, I used to be a pathetic Wannabee. Now I'm a pathetic Has Been. But, I had a lot of fun in-between. Ed Graham (11/24/09)

The comics/puzzle page and the sports section are the major reasons I subscribe to the Times. I could care less about the politics. It costs me about a dime a day but soon it will not be worth my dime. Regards Biff (11/24/09)

My condolences to the family and friends of Dene Hallam. My professional experience with Dene took place when he was programming WKHK in New York. I was under contract to ABC Radio Network (the late Rick Sklar) at the time for a network that never aired. While collecting my salary from ABC, the Network kindly allowed me to work part time at a non-compete station that did not directly affect their O&O’s (WABC and WPLJ) while paying me the difference in salary. Enter Dene Hallam and WKHK: I worked two shifts on the weekends with Dene and saw firsthand his professionalism. He took an enthusiastic interest in both his full time and part time air staff. He worked with everyone treating everyone the same with professional respect and yes, even tough critiques during our air check sessions. His pointers certainly had an impact and improved my on air presentation. However, the most vivid memory I have of Dene Hallam happened the week my ABC Radio contract expired: I was hired back at WYNY under STRICT confidentiality. I would have to start the following week. Therefore I would have to leave Dene Hallam and WKHK without giving the usual two-weeks notice. I called Dene at home right away and had the conversation with him, explaining that this coming weekend would have to be my last at WKHK. Dene was so cool about it. He only wanted to make sure that I still appear and offer support at a WKHK promotion that weekend. He asked if he could be the first person to officially spread the news about my new radio gig. I answered “yes” to both Dene’s requests and worked overtime that last weekend helping all of our WKHK air personalities at the Port Authority Bowling Alley. While doing my best to knock down the WKHK bowling pins I kept silent about my destination the following week. **Most important, Dene Hallam himself kept silent about my news as well. Finally, keeping my end of the bargain to Dene, he was the first person outside of NBC to know about my return to WYNY. I share this with you now because Dene was truly a colleague who could be trusted and relied upon. He and I did keep in touch over the years. Dene Hallam will be missed by those of us in the radio industry who had the privilege of working with him and knowing him as both a talented programmer and a gracious, cheerful and kind human being. May Dene rest in peace. Carol Mason, WPOC (11/24/09)

Rebuttal Dept.: My Insignia HDTV is still going strong after 2 years and 3 months, which is longer than my Sanyo lasted... "This past weekend (11/28 & 11/29)"??? One of us needs to call the calendar repairman... AOL may wish to be "Aol." but they've been LOL to a lot of people for a long time... And, finally, Comcast lied? I am SO shocked... (11/24/09)

Congrats to Mike Sorce/Geronimo. I see the “haters” are still nipping at his heels, shame on you. Granted Geronimo has made some enemies, but hey, he’s a total pro no matter how you look at it. He may be doing weekends at WCBS, but that’s pretty impressive. There are many jocks out there that would give their first born for the opportunity. I personally, hope Mike soars like an eagle. Sincere best wishes to you guy. You’ve got my phone number, give me a shout. I just hope this part of his life has humbled him. Now, for Mike O’Meara..go for it Mike. I’ve always respected you, had the pleasure of knowing you in another life and truly hope you have a really successful 2010-Warmest Regards-PLB/Davy Jones.:0) (11/24/09)

Robert (Smith), thanks for the marvelous post regarding us (OLD FARTS)-LOL. I’m humbled at your perceptions. What I did/do in broadcasting is serve the public. I was never a “company” man, always pushed the envelope..whether playing rock or doing talk. My goal was to entertain, as is/was with most of us that have fought the fight. Our industry was at one time a great place to play and work. Most of the survivors are living happily, loving life, family and friends. The “Tony in Vienna” group, for some reason attempt to be-little us old farts…LOL.-I do believe you did a marvelous job of “bitch-slapping” Tony. For all of us, the rockers and talkers that made a career out of having fun, a sincere thanks. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year-PLB/Davy Jones:0) (11/24/09)

Dave.... Thanks for all the coverage of my very good friend Carl Kasell's impending departure from the NPR Newsdesk, where I was proud to be his producer for a number of years in the late '80s. Just a small addendum: while at WAVA, he was also News Director, along with anchoring morning drive. Cheers, Max in Mild West Arlington (11/24/09)

(Dave's response: I strongly doubt Geronimo will get to pick his tunes, not on a top-rated corporate station in the top-rated market. That'll take away about 75 percent of the fun of listening to his new show....) I could not disagree more, Dave. Who cares if Don picks the tunes. It is an oldies...er, classic hits station. It's not what he plays, it's what he says. So, it would be better if he plays 'She's My Girl' by the Turtles instead of Happy Together? (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, let's hope that CBS allows Geronimo to do some casual banter in between the songs.....

Once again, no comics, crossword, or Jumble in the Washington Times. No announcement that I can find. And the FAQ page on their web site is way out of date. Sinking fast??? Diane in PG. (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Those features cost money. And, maybe the budget-strapped TWT has made a cut.....

Clear Channel put in a request for the WZFT calls on November 10. Examining the call sign history records for WCHH shows no changes since those calls were originally put on 104.3. So, the request is there, but the crank has not turned for some reason. BTW, thanks to the earlier sunsets, KCJJ comes rolling in in plenty of time to hear Robbay's Friday shows on the radio. (11/24/09)

Now here's a cast of characters... Cerphe Colwell, Don Geronimo, Mike O'Meara and Goldy! But there's only room for one at the microphone!! (Big Man's Benefit 9, 1992)... From the Facebook album: "Wall Photos" by Eva K Graham (11/24/09)

Dave, in regards to your piece on WTOP reporter Neal Augenstein's band Modest Proposal, I've uploaded my Modest Proposal, Mondays, and Reply collection to my website here: scooterpromo.com/80sreunion (11/24/09)

THE END OF CABLE-READY TV SETS PART 4.......... Regarding: "Naturally, many of the government-sponsored boxes happen to work with QAM, and like Comcast, the government sponsored program was also for a limitted time. As far as allegations of fraud by Comcast: you are badly mistaken," Another Comcast employee in the mailbag? Geez. But seriously, Comcast ran a long running series of advertisements claiming basically "Stick with Cable TV and Nothing will Change." Comcast apologists & employees of course will claim that Comcast was only referring to ATSC TV channels but that's not how the ad was presented. Also, the difference is that the federal government's converter box program was very specific in nature and everyone understood it was for over the air TVs and that's exactly how it was marketed. The government only mentioned cable TV as an exclusion in fine print and at no point guaranteed QAM compatibility. But, in hindsight, maybe the FCC should have included QAM compatibility or forced it on cable TV companies? As for Comcast, their advertisement was disgustingly misleading and tantamount to fraud. You just should not be allowed to put the phrase "Nothing Will Change if you stick with cable TV" in a TV ad when in fact your company already has DTV plans in the works that WILL CHANGE EVERYONE'S CABLE TV SERVICE and render HDTV sets and free government converter boxes useless. Only a Comcast employee would defend that advertisement and it should be investigated by the FCC and FTC. It's quite clear many people were confused by the differing advertisements and ordered coupons which they never used, including myself. Why else would millions & millions of dollars of coupons have gone unused? In hindsight, I should have not trusted the Comcast "Nothing Will Change" ad and gotten a free government QAM box for the bedroom and then I wouldn't have to pay Comcast more money. Oh, but that's right Comcast is going to block QAM too. Wonderful. And once again I'll repeat, sure you can get those converter boxes for free right now, but the free box offer is a limited time offer. Everyone will eventually pay for those extra converter boxes monthly, and it appears that Comcast will soon encrypt all TV signals making every HDTV set or government converter box USELESS on its own! If you think that makes sense you either work for the government, Comcast, a media company, or all of the above! You couldn't possibly be an average consumer and agree with what's going on. There is no technical reason or advantage in encrypting cable TV channels other than to hassle & rip off your customers. And those Comcast TV ads were a complete lie. Just imagine an elderly person who's got the basic lifeline cable service now. They're getting QVC but NOT The Weather Channel? What's wrong with this picture? (11/24/09)

As of this past weekend (11/28 & 29) WJLA TV 7 has dropped their weekend morning news cast, They still air News Channel 8 on Sat/Sun mornings. (11/24/09)

I heard some Christmas music in the mall today; I blame Rusty. Just kidding, Rusty. Like Rusty, I agree that the Christmas season has given us some truly great songs. But, like Dave, I agree it should wait until after Thanksgiving. It shouldn't overshadow a holiday that also focuses on the family. Sincerely, James. (11/24/09)

What a bunch of jealous pricks. He's working at one of the nation's top stations. He has had a network radio show. What the hell have you jerks accomplished? (11/24/09)

To the new Insignia HD Radio owner: Where are you to be able to pick up those HDs on a portable? I'm curious because I'd like to get one but I don't think I'd be able to pick up any HDs where I live on one. Regarding Gary D: Did he get in trouble over leud comments about Hayfield High School girls? I am a Hayfield alumnus so perhaps it's why I still remember him--unless I've totally screwed up 25-30 year old memories... Later! (11/24/09)

Dave's response: Best Buy engineers its Insignia products to conk out within one month after the warranty expires. I've had both an Insignia DVD player and LCD TV do that. Insignia is a rip-off. Beware.....

I have been watching the pitiful, pathetic comments by "Tony in VIenna" as he spews his venom at PLB. Clearly Tony is a "wannabe". PLB has a long and storied career in broadcasting and has seen the likes of "Wannabe-Tony" come and go over the decades. Who is "Tony in Vienna"????What has he done? What stations has he been on? He is nothing but another pathetic keyboard commando, who sits in a dark room, typing out his courage and venom, but has no career in broadcasting to show for his bravado! I must agree with PLB, Tony has proven PLB's point about being a pathetic "Wannabe". When you grow up little man Tony, and have something to show for your life, other than hiding behind a keyboard attack on a broadcast legend, then come back and give us your analysis of the industry and its people. But right now, you only make yourself look like the fool that you are, by hiding in the shadows, behind an anonymous name, and throwing insults from the safety of your anonymity. The Wannabe's have nothing to show for their lives, so they tear the pro's down, so they can feel big and important. The only one's your fooling "Tony in Vienna" are yourselves. Come back when you've accomplished something Wannabe-Tony, right now you've done nothing and have nothing to show for it! When you can look back at decades of broadcasting and you've survived, then come back and tell us about the "old farts" and share your observations. You're just another punk, with a big opinion and nothing to back it up~ Robert W. Smith - Washington, D.C. (11/24/09)

Say what you will about Geronimo as a co-worker, etc but he was an awesome Top 40 jock in the day. Major props to CBS-FM for bringing him on board. He is going to sound great on their air. It will actually be worth streaming when he is on. Do we have a start date? (11/24/09)

Dave's response: I strongly doubt Geronimo will get to pick his tunes, not on a top-rated corporate station in the top-rated market. That'll take away about 75 percent of the fun of listen to his new show.....

FREE MUSIC FROM DCRTV & CBS RADIO! A Happy Thanksgiving gift from Don Geronimo, CBS Radio, and WCBS FM 101.1 New York, well sorta... wcbsfm.com... The WCBS FM New York / Don Geronimo rumor made me check out their website and I found out something interesting. While The Beatles catalog is still NOT on iTUNES, you can get lots of free Paul McCartney / Beatles live music from the WCBS FM website. Go figure! They've disabled direct downloads of the live music as you would expect, but the folks at CBS Radio have apparently forgotten you can still get the links to the files! And they are all in crisp 320kbs mp3 quality as well and there's even a video! So here are some FREEBEE songs of PAUL McCARTNEY LIVE in NEW YORK courtesy of New York's WCBS 101.1, in high quality audio! (and yes, this is totally legal, but you will need to cut/paste the URL links into Apple's Quicktime to actually download the songs). Included in this WCBS FREEBIE deal is Live and Let Die, Day Tripper, Paperback Writer, and I'm Down + a few others. I think it's hysterically funny & ironic that Apple, Inc. and Apple Records (aka The Beatles) just settled a lawsuit over the "Apple" trade name and you still can't buy The Beatles' music online digitally via Apple's iTUNES, yet now you can use an Apple computer & software to legally steal their music for FREE! Karma? Too Funny! To say that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are complete idiots at this point would be an understatement. By the way, I saw McCartney at RFK in DC on the Tripping the Light Fantastic Tour and it was unbelievably fantastic. This New York show doesn't sound as good, but the man is old, so I'll give him a B- just for trying. I just realized, there is now only ONE major U.S. city arena still standing that The Beatles played in... Baltimore. I give Bruce Springsteen lots of credit for coming to it & Baltimore, and from friends who were at the show, I hear Bruce really kicked ass and rocked the old Baltimore Civic Center, with over 14,000 people! The capacity of the venue is somewhere around 12,000! LOL If only he'd rocked it to the ground! LOL PS: YES, you can legally download all these files and burn to a CD, it's called "fair use", a term that's fallen into disuse lately unfortunately. :-( podcast.wcbsfm.com podcast.wcbsfm.com podcast.wcbsfm.com podcast.wcbsfm.com (11/24/09)

Dave...I suggest you start a pool, over/under on how long before Geronimo either has a tantrum and quits WCBS or gets fired. I'll start with six weeks. Nobody will put up with him for long anymore. (11/24/09)

So maybe Mike “Been Married So Many Times I Got Rice Marks On My Face” O’Meara’s big announcement was that actually his self-retired BOSS (I do mean BOSS) got work before he did and that Mike “The Load” O’Meara is tanned, rested, desperate and willing to do anything – ANTHING I TELL YOU – to get back on the air again even if it means letting the Other Mike be on top again: it’s a real pain in the ass being on the bottom, eh Mike? (11/24/09)

Maybe someone ought to mention to the Metro News late anchor for WMAL that if he's going to use that halted YDB type delivery he shouldn't use the airname "Jack Kaufmann" - sounds like he's calling himself "Jack Off Man". Just sayin' LOL (11/24/09)

Don "The Dog" Geronimo:: Shit, it's not even Christmas 09' and Mike Sorce is the sad personal & radio clown gift that keeps on giving with his latest announcement that he is now working weekends for N.Y. WCBS-FM. As Randy Jackson would say, why the new "DOG" nickname dude? One, since the day he walked out on them, CBS has bitch-slapped Sorce 24/7 & were prepared out of principle, to water-board his washed-up career all the way until next October. How god-damn funny to see Sorce now cry uncle and with his radio tail between his legs, accept a weekend gig out of desperation. Two, Geronimo's a "radio dog" because with this badly timed announcement, he once AGAIN try's to upstage O'Meara - first months ago with the launch of his online presence during tough times for the MOM Show and NOW days before O'Meara is to announce HIS new radio plans. Hey Sorce, on that long commute from O.C. to N.Y EVERY WEEK remember just like a dog in heat, YOUR CBS RADIO'S BITCH and suits everywhere are laughing! Karma's a bitch - bitch! LOL (11/24/09)

Random Thoughts....... I don't think too many people noticed, but it looks like 3 NFL teams had their games blacked out from local TV coverage due to not selling out their games, affecting at least 7 cities from receiving a local NFL game this past weekend... Detroit, Oakland/San Francisco, Jacksonville/Orlando/Tampa/Daytona Beach. Isn't this like the 1st time in like 10 years or more that this many cities were blacked out from a local NFL game? I'd email The Sun's David Zurawik, but I'm sure he's busy on something far more trivial. On a lighter note, famed horror author Stephen King www.baltimoresun.com, rocker Bruce Springsteen www.baltimoresun.com, and the Baltimore, ooops, Indy Colts were all in Baltimore this past week. Isn't that like the 3 signs of the apocalypse or something? LOL Oh for an even bigger laugh, check out this clip, it's priceless... www.youtube.com... PS: Technically Stephen King was at the Dundalk Walmart (why, I have no clue), but I'm sure he couldn't tell the difference, it's only 25% more toothless now these days. I'm not sure what's funnier here, what I just typed or that The Baltimore Sun managed to find people from Argentina and Spain vacationing in DUNDALK! There's a rumor The Sun might find the Queen of England at the Dundalk Walmart next week. -- Joe in Essex :-) = (11/24/09)

/\ November 24 Messages /\

\/ November 23 Messages \/

Get Satan a parka! He desperately needs one! CBS Radio did something right: Putting Mike Sorce on a station with a format he thrives on: WCBS-FM. -Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/23/09)

In response to an earlier post about WCHH/WZFT, I don't know what is going on. The FCC database still lists them as WCHH www.fcc.gov and has no entry for WZFT. Not that Wikipedia is always entirely reliable, but the entry for WZFT says that they switched the calls on November 13 and then switched them back to WCHH. Did they jump the gun and switch the station ID on air before they had proper approval to do so? (11/23/09)

I've fallen in love with my portable Insignia HD Radio which I bought at Best Buy for around $60. I can listen to WBIG HD2 channel for hours on end with its wonderful selection of music from '50's and 60's. I also enjoy listening to WMZQ HD2 channel for the old style country music. Too many smooth jazz and hip hop HD sub channels on other D.C. stations for my taste. Can't one of them play Soul and/or R&B from '50's and 60's. And would be dream come true if WPFW would get a HD subchannel and really play straight ahead jazz music. Imo, very little jazz gets played on WPFW these days. As for the WTOP subchannels one is an international music channel and the other seems devoted to classical choral music, huh? And WJFK subchannel had been running the Fox Sports programs when WJFK is running local sports programming. Of course, that means that Steve Czaban's morning show was available but that seems to have stopped. If'en I'm the 'tarded Spork Chunkies I wouldn't want the competition on their own station. Geez them boys are just plain stupid, the Chunkies that is compared to Czaban. All and all quite happy with the portable HD radio and could survive on the WBIG HD2. Hope a table top HD radio of some quality is in the works. (11/23/09)

Dave's response: WTOP's HD subchannels include an Indian/East Asian channel and one for the Morman Church (the choral music you heard). As for HD subchannels I can get, DC101's erockster is great progressive rock, and 94.7's HFS2 is also cool alt rock, if somewhat canned sounding. I also enjoy listening to 88.5's HD3, which is more news and talk. Yeah, it would be great if WPFW and WETA-FM would start offering HD subchannels. Real jazz would be cool.....

Don't know if this has already been pointed or not, but Carl Kasell also was at WPIK in Alexandria in the late 60s/early 70s; he did the morning shift when I first became acquainted with that station. Tom Kaufman, Denton, MD. (11/23/09)

Re: Carl Kasell: you're almost right; the frequency of WPIK was 730; you're correct in that..it was an "AM daytimer"..Karl did "morning drive"..later on, WXRA cymolcasted with them..and they went on into the night, programming country music 24 hours a day. Tom in Denton, MD. (11/23/09)

Dave's response: Yeah, regarding the old DC country combo, WPIK was 730 AM and WXRA was 105.9. Oldies WMOD 98.7 flipped over to country WMZQ in 1977 or so and stole most of the country audience from 730/105.9 (anybody remember Gary D?), which dropped country in 1985 or so. With 730 becoming soul oldies WCPT and 105.9 classic rock WCXR.....

Dave, I received my Cox Cable Bill on Saturday and received a $6.99 credit for the recent TV outage. It also says that Cox is adding Seven new HD channels in the second half of December. They are: MSNBC HD Ch. 777, Bet HD Ch. 763, ABC Family HD Ch. 774, Disney HD Ch. 775, HBO2 HD Ch. 787, More Max HD Ch. 788 and TMC HD Ch. 789. Other Stuff: WGN moves from from Ch. 89 to 6. Shop NBC from analog to Digital 29. Shop NBC will be available in Clear QAM. Bob Fairfax (11/23/09)

("Confused? You should be, its designed to be confusing.") Even with Sunday Ticket, which would have allowed viewing of the ends of the 1pm games, the blackout rules are enforced. This has caused starts of late games on the doubleheader network shown in the home market, not to be shown because the 1pm home game ran long and the 4:15 game being shown locally can’t be seen locally. There should be no blackout rules for Sunday Ticket subs who pay over $375 for a season (HD). (11/23/09)

To answer an earlier question... This is from the 11/19/2009 edition of the ARRL Letter: Prolific Amateur Radio and SWL Author Harry Helms, W5HLH (ex-AA6FW) (SK)... Harry Helms, W5HLH (ex-AA6FW) and his wife Di. Helms passed away from cancer on November 15, 2009. After a long bout with cancer, Harry Helms, W5HLH (ex-AA6FW), passed away Sunday, November 15. He was 57. Known for his witticism and geniality, Helms was known for his many books -- such as Shortwave Listening Guidebook: The Complete Guide to Hearing the World, All About Ham Radio, How to Tune the Secret Short Wave Spectrum and Handbook of Radio Communications Servicing and Maintenance -- and his monthly column "You Should Know: Interesting Thoughts and Ideas for Enjoying the Hobby" in Popular Communications. In an April 1992 QST article, Helms told the ARRL that that he tried "to make it clear in my work that I'm a ham radio operator and that ham radio played a major role in getting me where I am today, and I always enjoy pitching ham radio to people who ask what those letters and numbers after my name stand for. If it wasn't for Amateur Radio, I wouldn't have had the career I do -- as I can't think of anything else I could do instead. I'd like others to be as lucky as I was to have Amateur Radio play such an important role in their formative years." In that 1992 article, Helms predicted that no one would be able to recognize Amateur Radio in 2012: "Most amateurs will be codeless hams. A substantial minority of hams will never even touch a microphone, but will communicate only via keyboard...Bottom line: I feel that we're on the verge of a revolution in the mix of the ham population and operating styles that will be equivalent to the SSB and FM repeater revolutions -- and then some -- rolled into one! The 'good old days' are still in the future, and I'm looking forward to 1993 and beyond." Since his teens, Helms enjoyed an all-out fascination with the radio spectrum. He told the ARRL that in 1986, he was touring the then-Soviet Union when the nuclear power plant Chernobyl exploded. "With the small, portable shortwave receiver I had taken along, I was able to keep informed as to what had really happened, thanks to the BBC and VOA," he told QST. "Even our official Soviet tour guides were discreetly asking me what the Western media was saying. This incident typifies a fundamental notion of mine that in a world where satellites and fiber optics are the hot buzz words, there's still a place -- and need -- for the simple, but reliable shortwave communications radio amateurs pioneered and still practice." Helms -- who with his wife relocated back to his childhood state of South Carolina earlier this year -- wrote in his last blog entry that he was "just a few miles from the graves of my parents and grandparents; while it sounds illogical, I find this comforting. My journey began here, and it will soon end here. Physically, I am declining fast. I can't walk more than a few steps before becoming exhausted...But I am happier than I have been in a long time. I'm not going to live any longer here, but I will die surround[ed] by people who truly love me. That means a lot." Helms is survived by his wife, Di. Funeral arrangements are pending. 73 DE W3XWT/6 (11/23/09)

The interview with Dobbs on Jimbo's show should be a good one. Jim is fair, and he looks at all sides of the issues and asks the tough questions that provoke thoughtful answers and leaves little room for spin. I'll be listening for sure. Damned shame someone like Jim Bohannon isn't hosting a local (non-syndicated) AM or PM drive news/talk show at a local station in DC. But that will never happen because there isn't any radio stations in DC who could pay what Jim is worth. Nice to dream, though. JA (11/23/09)

Re: The two NFL Questions... 1. The network can only change games at halftime if their is a commanding lead (something like 31 points or more) and if your city is not one of the primary or secondary NFL markets for the teams involved. 2. The non-doubleheader network can only show games inside one of the two windows (1-4:15, or 4:15-7). If the game you received ends prior to the end of the window on the non-doubleheader network, they can provide coverage of other games until the window closes. so yesterday CBS had rights to 1-7, and FOX had rights to only 1-4:15 (in the DC Market) so at 4:15, FOX lost the right to telecast any bonus coverage (if the original game was still ongoing, they would show it until the conclusion). If FOX had been the doubleheader network, they would not have left the bonus game at 4:15 unless it had been a redskins or ravens game starting at 4:15 in DC. Confused? You should be, its designed to be confusing. (11/23/09)

Which digital converters were advertised to work with QAM? Which of these government-sponsored converters were advertised for cable TV operation? I'll answer both: NONE ARE. They were only guaranteed for ATSC, over-the-air operation. I fact, the online form to get the government coupons won't give you a coupon if you select the box that says "I have cable TV service." Naturally, many of the government-sponsored boxes happen to work with QAM, and like Comcast, the government sponsored program was also for a limitted time. As far as allegations of fraud by Comcast: you are badly mistaken, -Chainsman (11/23/09)

Prior to WAVA, NPR's Carl Cassell was also once known as "Country Carl Cassell" on Alexandria's, WPIK in Alexandria. Great signal on, about 750 AM, as I recall, but it was a daytime-to-dusk operation. Carl did drive-times but can't remember if it was morning or evening. He worked on WAVA weekends after his five-day week at WPIK, eventually migrating full time to what was then, Washington's only all-news radio station (WTOP was still largely talk, with Warner Wolf taking calls in the evening). Addition information here www.washingtonflyer.com AC (11/23/09)

106.5fm - RETRO REPLAY - During today's "Retro Replay Contest", they played a live version of Sara McLachlan's "Building A Mystery". Just before the second hook, the "**'d" word in the lyrics - "Oh, you're so beautiful - A beautiful f***ed up man - You're setting up your razor wire shrine" - is always blocked. But......someone....forgot....to.....screen......today. Just sayin' (11/23/09)

Former WXFB-Baltimore jock Maxwell (Benjamin Bornstein) was released from WMMS-FM in Cleveland after nearly seven years with the station. Maxwell was formerly half of the "Max And Miles" morning team on defunct Baltimore classic rocker WXFB (now Z-104.3), and joined WMMS in April 2003. Starting in 2006, his show wound up as a "hot talk" show to compete with Opie and Anthony (which was tape-delayed in afternoon drive on a competing station), and it has been that way ever since. His contract was to run out at the end of the year, and he turned down an extension, a process that played itself out on-the-air throughout much of this year. He was also publicly unhappy over much of the station's attention directed towards Shane "Rover" French (the former Howard Stern's replacement for CBS' midwest affiliates) who joined CC in April 2008. - Nate from Cleveland (11/23/09)<>BR>

"... does anyone here know much about the NFL TV rules?". What really bugged me yesterday was FOX (following the conclusion of the Redskin game) switching away from its live look-in of Falcons/Giants just as New York was about to line up for the potential game winning field goal in overtime. Curt Menefee (host of the network's NFL coverage) announced that league rules precluded them from showing the game beyond 4:15 PM because "we need to get you to your late game". That's fascinating considering the fact that FOX didn't show a game in the DC market between 4:15 and 7 PM (CBS had the doubleheader). But even if there'd been such a telecast, is it absurd to think that the show's producers could have said the following - "screw the rules - we're staying with this game for one more minute to see how the field goal attempt turns out, and if the NFL wants to scream bloody murder we'll deal with it"? There are situations where sticking strictly to the letter of the law can leave your viewers hanging out to dry and this was definitely one of them. Mike, Fairfax (11/23/09)

It may be a bad month for Hannity, but it’s worse for Obama and company!!! Libs…..ehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! JG (11/23/09)

Dave's response: You do all your tough stuff during your first year, and then spend the next three running for re-election.....

This month, Sean Hannity was also caught substituting videos making a small rally appear to be bigger. He is such an ass. Not a good month for Hannity BS. (11/23/09)

The Other Guys Show....Now heard in California (11/23/09)

Want to pose a question or comment to Lou Dobbs? You can, tonight, 10-11PM ET, at 1-866-50-JIMBO, as Lou appears on the Jim Bohannon Show, heard locally on AM-1500 WFED. (11/23/09)

If Wilbon is "well known", it comes from being on television, not from his columns. As a columnist, he's never been insightful, entertaining or particularly well written. (11/23/09)

Sorry to interrupt the Conservative bashing, Obama-worshipping agenda with something actually radio and Washington-related, but can somebody confirm that Harry Helms died this past week? Now back to your regularly scheduled biases. Genghis Cohen, waiting for the revolution in grumbling and increasingly disgruntled Prince William County…. (11/23/09)

Like Diane in PG, I also couldn't find the comics in today's Washington Times. I noticed that the Times posted a note on a section front, and an internal "Plugged In" section page, apologizing for the lack of a TV schedule in today's edition, but nothing about the absence of comics. Christian (11/23/09)

I’m leaving tomorrow for Thanksgiving, this year on the west coast. But thinking about it, I remembered last Thanksgiving in Maryland and had to chuckle. I was to have lunch that Friday with Ed Rodriquez. Ed told me to meet him at the Pirate’s Cove in Galesville. However, Ed never quite made it because he hit a deer on the way. That Sunday, I saw that someone had emailed a photo to my cell phone. I downloaded it, and it was the front of Ed’s truck. Funny. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Roddy Freeman (11/23/09)

("No offense taken, but you seem to believe Wilbon was in a position of insight although he was a step above a UM Diamondback reporter, which makes you or I about as qualified to tell the story (if you lived here at the time). Was this the same insight Wilbon used to surmise that it was more than likely Sean Taylor's lifestyle that brought about his own demise before he knew what really happened?") Being a beat reporter for a prestigious paper like The Washington Post while under 30 years old, especially when the industry was much healther than it is today, is completely different than being a report for a school newspaper. Bill Simmons has frequently discussed how hard it was to get a job as a beat reporter in the 80s and 90s. A beat reporter is around the team far more than a columnist. Anyone around the 85/86 Terps, would have likely focused their attention around Len Bias who was a dominant superstar. Today, Wilbon is one of the most well known and respected columnist in the country, particularly in basketball the sport he clearly is most passionate about. Wilbon did not suddenly become smart when he was promoted to being a columnist or when PTI became a hit. He had to be smart, hard working and with opinions worth hearing to get the position that he is in today. The Sean Taylor example is a columnist making assumptions on a tragedy that just happened based on past incidents before facts are determined. The Bias documentary is discussing a tragedy that happened 20 plus years ago. As someone who was around the team that Bias played on and is now one of ESPN's leading sports personalities, Wilbon clearly belonged and added to the Len Bias documentary. (11/23/09)

I can't find comics, crossword, or Jumble in my copy of the DC Times today. Might I be missing a section (I received 4) or have these features become victims of the recent coup? Diane in PG. (11/23/09)

Speaking of Bob Duckman... He covered the details of his career quite nicely in a 2008 "Out of the Past" interview. In fact, there is a brief audio excerpt from TSNTOTP during the closing credits. (11/23/09)

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Hey Dave, I've been seeing some vague post from Kirk McEwen about returning to work. I see that Mike O'meara is scheduling a big announcement on Friday. I'm wondering if CBS might not be giving out some early Christmas presents and letting loose some of its hostages so they can make a worthy living again. Any thoughts, rumblings or the like? (11/23/09)

Dave's response: I don't think so. We've known that Mike O'Meara's contract with CBS expires soon, so his announcement is expected. So, where will Mike end up? Three possibilities, me thinks: 1) Sirius XM. 2) A show heard on Iowa's KCJJ with an internet stream/podcast and a radio syndication deal. 3) WVRX, but I don't think Citadel's that smart. In any case, Mike won't be making anywhere near what he made at CBS/JFK.....

hey does anyone here know much about the NFL TV rules? My big question I guess, would be about why isnt the coverage more like the NCAA basketball tournament? Of course, youre not going to not show a Redskins game here, but on Sunday we had the Pats/Jets game andthat was terrible. So why cant CBS switch us to the end of another game like the Bengals/Raiders just because it was more competitive? Anyone know? (11/23/09)

Surprised nobody on the board has mentioned today's date: November 22... Then again, I guess there are fewer of us left in the biz who remember how much broadcast journalism (TV in particular) grew up on this day, 46 years ago. Unsigned Corporate Suit (11/23/09)

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