Current Mailbag - Mailbag Archive Index - DCRTV Front Page - Support DCRTV DCRTV Mailbag - July 27 to August 8, 2010 Latest messages listed first..... \/ August 8 Messages \/ After today's O's win, I tuned to the Nats. It was quite nice to see Johnny Holiday back in the "AirChair" after a bit of an absence. And if you're in need of a hug "Miss Silvie", I'm sure there are many in this forum that would more than willing to accommodate you. I hope all is well in Wonderful Waldorf. Rusty (8/8/10) Well the Nats are on the west coast. That can mean only one thing..NBC4 sports is up to their usual bullshit. Lindsay Czarniak is on this morning with her pre-recorded sports report(11:30 PM Sat?) and has plenty of stuff, even Nats' highlites from early in the game. Then she says the Nats lost to the Dodgers.. No score given. This is because she has recorded two versions of the report..One has the Nats winning and the other losing the game. This is such bullshit! I would rather the news anchor show highlites and give the final! After all it is the next fucking day!. Or can we get a sports anchor in on Sunday morning? Also she introduces the segment "Here's your sports on this Sunday morning" Is "Here's your sports" like "Here's your porridge" or some shit? Also we KNOW it's Sunday. Please! Regards Biff (8/8/10) Re: "Who needs a hug? -Silvie-" Good grief, I hope Silvie doesn't think it's her. I believe the overwhelming majority of the male posters would pass on that - hands down. Pass the Maalox, please. (8/8/10) "Sarah Palins Alaska"?!?? Funny I thought it was the Eskimos land. Oh nevermind,she's Republican and of course the natives were just waiting for the GOP to come along and make the place more majestic. And this Mama Bear crap.....whats with that? Everyone knows Hotwives sneak around with Bulls not Bears. "A mama bear just knows whats right"....yeah....like letting the cubs babydaddy eat them. We don't have many grizzlies or polar bears in the Chesapeake Bay area but we DO still know bullshit when we smell it. Donnie (8/8/10) I will watch "Sarah Palin's Alaska" if she promises to show vivid, extensive pictures of herself flying helicopters shooting wolves and demonstrates how to field dress a moose. Ah, nature. Ya gotta love it. (8/8/10) Here is an update on Anita Marks - Can be seen on the NY Giants website with her reports on training camp. Heard on Sirius-XM - read Steve Cohen's remarks about her in my column below. She is a major part of both the new Fantasy sports channel as well as the NFL Channel. Then in the fall she will be seen every Sunday morning and heard on the Giants pregame and postgame shows on the Madison Square Garden Network and WFAN. So her plate is quite full. www.washingtonexaminer.com... Cheers, Jim (8/8/10) Hi Dave, Do you know if John Chester is live in the mornings on WETA? I have caught him on the air really early in the morning like around 1 a.m. If John Chester is indeed live, he has some weird hours with his shift from like 2 p.m to 7 p,m and then in the morning. Walter (8/8/10) Umm, that's old as hills. So - let me get this straight - now it's not enough that I'm told to 'get a life' multiple times by fellow Mailbaggers -- but you actually feel the need to link a video in order to really get my attention too? This is f*cking hilarious.... Who needs a hug? -Silvie- (8/8/10) Re: Scanners & Digital Communications - I am a news videographer and scanners are important tools of my trade. Yes, local jurisdictions are moving to communications that cannot be monitored. It's a great idea - if you trust everything that government does will be legal and justifiable. Prince Georges County is moving to a system that cannot currently be monitored by a scanner. Given their history I am not comfortable waiting for them to issue a press release on their activities. Good newsgathering depends on reacting to an event as it happens to talk to actual witnesses before they move on with their lives. Showing up a day or two later makes getting the truth all that much harder. Finally, for those who think the internet is the answer, you do realize those web feeds come from, you guessed it, scanners hooked up to computers? If a scanner can't hear it, no iPhone app is gonna help you... (8/8/10) NBC Takes Olbermann Off Football Night In America - www.sportsbybrooks.com... Good news if it's true. I love the NFL but could not watch NBC when that pompus jackass was on. (8/8/10) Kate Gosselin + Sarah Palin?........... OMG, I think The Baltimore Sun & Tribune's own David Zurawik ( Z on TV ) just pre-cummed down his pants leg! HAHA! Ooops, I'm sorry for insulting a CNN "Reliable Sources" media contributor, my bad. Me sorry. I couldn't resist. :-) (8/8/10) 94.7 WIAD HD2 "HFS" Free Form Weekend is incredible and a total eargasm delight. They're playing thousands of great tunes that haven't been heard for the past twenty years of the four dozen song playlist "Classic Rock" dreck. One wonders who is programming this outstanding radio and is hopeful that it will lead to something ... Robert, Arlington (8/8/10) /\ August 8 Messages /\ \/ August 7 Messages \/ Silvie: Here's an important lesson for the Real Housewives of DC, NJ, and even Waldorf. (Pay attention. You'll thank me!) (8/7/10) RE: [Why else would crime rates be the highest in every part of the U.S. with GUN BAN LAWS? Someone explain that to me please] By the way, I caught your "Editorial Rebuttal" after the news last week...LOVED it! (8/7/10) (regarding a previous post) "Guess what will happen? Just like with GUNS, criminals will pirate or have the new scanners and the general public will be banned from having such. ... Liberals live in their crazy little ivory towers and will never ever get this fact." Sounds like you live in a fortress, out in the woods somewhere, with a sign on the door: 'Crazy Spoken Here'. Your tri-cornered hat is too tight and it's messing with the bloodflow to your brain! (8/7/10) RE: [To the person who posted about the end of the public using scanners for police/fire communications... Guess what will happen? Just like with GUNS, criminals will pirate or have the new scanners and the general public will be banned from having such. Typical FCC big governmental liberal epic failure as usual] Calm down and take a sip of your nerve tonic, Grandpa. Digital communication conversion for public safety has been underway since about 2002, so that pretty much pisses on your "big government liberal" conspiracy fire. Here's a "secret" that is only known by about seventy million people across the nation - Most public safety communication feeds are already available streaming on-line and even over 3G wireless networks. Many have been available on-line for over a decade now, pretty much rendering scanners obsolete years ago. Hell...IPhone even has an app for that. It's called "5-0" and it allows you to monitor streaming communication feeds of over 5 thousand police and fire departments nationwide. Step out of the 1980s and stop getting your panic updates from the nerd who works the counter at Radio Shack. (8/7/10) To the person who posted about the end of the public using scanners for police/fire communications... Guess what will happen? Just like with GUNS, criminals will pirate or have the new scanners and the general public will be banned from having such. Typical FCC big governmental liberal epic failure as usual. I learned a valuable lesson a very long time ago working sales on the road in some sketchy Baltimore neighborhoods... I was told by sales managers and sales people with "carry permits", act like you're packing or can handle yourself. Act like a lamb and your life will probably end that way. One salesperson actually pulled his gun from his car's glove compartment and pointed it at some threatening people to prevent a robbery (he had tons of cash on him). They ran off, there was no police report, crime avoided. Liberals live in their crazy little ivory towers and will never ever get this fact. Why else would crime rates be the highest in every part of the U.S. with GUN BAN LAWS? Someone explain that to me please. (8/7/10) I'm one who tries to stick to the TV viewing philosophy of "one garbage reality show per week", and I'm already a huge fan of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey', but I could not keep my eyes off 'Real Housewvives of DC'. This show is destined to be juicier and much more tense than the N.J. franchise. The mix of politics, sex, pop culture, money, jealousy & race will make it a hit for BravoTV. Looking forward to seeing the footage of the Salahi's unexpected visit to the White House last November.... -Silvie- (8/7/10) Did you see this? news8.net (8/7/10) Dave's response: Amen! When HFS says Free Form they ain't just whistlin' Dixie but that may be the ONLY thing they aren't playing. From Motown to Hair Bands to 'smoky' Blues to Grunge to Rap HFS is all OVER the map. And in all that I only had to say "Turn THAT the F!! OFF!!" a few times. This is truly the legendary WHFS reborn.....almost.....if it could just break free of the WIAD womb and escape the abortion that is HD Radio it would be the absolute best DC station today! Of course us 'never say die' HFS Freaks won't be happy until the legal reads " 99.1 WHFS FM Annapolis/Baltimore/Washington DC" but a main signal would be a great start. Ibiquity needs to either make the technology much more accessible to more than just the MontCo and Hunt Valley crowds OR simply trash the idea of frequency extortion. I was suprised to hear the EAS cut in with a Flash Flood Warning for Manassas. WHFS-FM would certainly serve the community with more than the circular logic and self fulfilling prophecies of Blab Radio!!! Donnie (8/7/10) A bit of local radio history for sale: ebay.com (8/7/10) Trouble for the hobbyists and members of the media. The sound of silence for radio scanners, Police and Fire. www.suburbanchicagonews.com (8/7/10) You know football exhibition time is almost here when the Skins come out of the huddle to shill for a car dealer. Way to go, Walt; you fumbled your own name! (With Ray Freeman reading the tag, you know this one-take gem was shot at WDCA's spot factory down by the RR tracks.) (8/7/10) (Dave's response: I still think it would be smarter for Allbritton to rebrand NewsChannel 8 as Politico TV and launch it nationally. Make it a more exciting, more entertaining version of CSPAN. But what do I know.....) That would makes sense, but they're just going to do it on the web. (8/7/10) Dave's response: I just don't see how TBD will make any money. Another player in an already crowded local news media market, fighting over local ad dollars in a recessionary economy. Politico, on the other hand, has national potential, and it could definitely grow on the TV side. Plus, it has access to all those deep-pocket public interest and defense advertisers. TBD might get Sheehey Ford. Politico TV would nab Northrop Grumman..... TBD.com...and we care why? Ask Allbritton why he fired 25+ employees last year and then demanded that everyone else (EXCEPT HIS BELOVED POLITICO) take a 10% deduction in pay. So he could start up some bullshit machine like this? I hope that karma comes back to bite him where it hurts the most, in his wallet. (8/7/10) Dave's response: It is funny how Wemple, when he worked for CP and still owned his own soul, last year slammed as rather foolish Allbritton's plans for a new "Post killer" local news op. Now that he works for Allbritton, he's courageously downplaying its rivalry with the Post. Now, they're all friends! Ha ha ha. TBDers yesterday even said that they'll be frequently linking to Post stories on the new site. Oooookay. And then there's Farhi. Not a peep on Doug McKelway's JLA/NC8 dismissal over that BP oil spill on-air comment. But a big story on "TDB" (ha ha ha, a "WDMV" joke there) in today's Post. I guess Paul's gunning for a cushy Allbritton job when his contract with the Post is up, which can't come too soon. Maaaaaaan..... /\ August 7 Messages /\ \/ August 6 Messages \/ Not all EAS broadcasts will occur simultaneously as WTOP, I once caught some of the CBS stations (94.7, 95.5) being a couple of minutes behind about 1-2 years ago. I guess the computers that run the music can't be interrupted for an EAS activation. (8/6/10) THIS JUST IN FROM WTOP: Even though yesterday's FRIGHTENING WEATHER has passed, there is still plenty of FRIGHTENING WEATHER to be SCARED of. Today's FRIGHTENINGLY HIGH WINDS are REALLY FRIGHTENING, and possible exposure to the sun's rays is SOMETHING TO BE SCARED ABOUT. WTOP expects FRIGHTENING heat and EVEN MORE FRIGHTENING humidity to return next week. And WTOP warns everyone everywhere to be SCARED and FRIGHTENED at the possibility that a hurricane may form. Stay tuned to WTOP for information about the VERY FRIGHTENING possibility that it could rain in the future and don't forget to be COMPLETELY TERRIFIED, SCARED AND FRIGHTENED by the very thought of snow next winter. (8/6/10) Dave's response: More at 5, 6, and 10 PM on the Fox5 SCARECAST. I really think that WTTG leads with stories that it thinks will strike the most fear into the hearts of its viewers. If you want a good, relaxing night's sleep, don't watch Fox5 news before pulling up the covers..... “A little planning by CSN would go a long way...oh, they don't have the brains to do that! Hey MASN, are you listening?” – Do you not watch CSN ? WPL at 5 is heavy on skins, redskins nation at 6 is self explanatory, 630 is sportsnite with more football, then they have a 30 minute TRAINING CAMP DAILY show at 7pm, what more do you want clown? I love people who get on here and bash this or that, but have no clue as to what they’re talking about. (8/6/10) Great rant this AM by Mr. Tony on the youngsters at the WaPo Sports Department calling Russ Grimm being called “Boss Hog”. That was Joe Bugel’s title. OOBBEE (8/6/10) Not taking a side either way on the Channel Seven situation, but I think television news should take a cue from European radio and call its 'anchors' what they really are, 'newsreaders.' 'Anchor' is just too weighty a term, I think. But there could still be a dramatic open, somethin like: "And now, from the Channel Seven ActionNewsreader desk, here are newsreaders Bill and Mary, reading from their teleprompters and rambling about nothing but the cold, hard facts presented before them." Robb de Capitol Heights (8/6/10) Really???, NewsChannel 8, watch it in the morning and it's the same program the rest of the day. It's one channel I didn't miss when I switch to DTV, 7 years ago. And have had it on, maybe 5 minutes since I went to FIOS. (8/6/10) Dave's response: I still think it would be smarter for Allbritton to rebrand NewsChannel 8 as Politico TV and launch it nationally. Make it a more exciting, more entertaining version of CSPAN. But what do I know..... Is there a follow up on the McKelway suspension? (8/6/10) Dave's response: I'm pretty sure that Doug's gone from 7 and 8..... You quoted a portion of my posting :"You never go from something like Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" to the Beatles "Twist and Shout" ... I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else that has the same issues with KHZ that you have! I happened to like listening to the station. Any law that says I can't offer some honest suggestions on what they are doing? Now get over it! (8/6/10) (From the "end of civilization as we've known it" department. This evening at 4:58, TOP activated the Emergency Activation Network with beeps and tones so that other stations could join and in carry their emergency notice about the flood warning in Northern Virginia and the tornado warning in Maryland. While Sean and Hillary were reading their announcement, I scrolled through my presets to see who had picked it up: WAMU, WPFW, WCSP, WETA, WMAL, WTNT, WTEM, whatever 1050 is now, and WFED -- nada. Not one of them had responded to the EAN and rebroadcast it. Not even WTOP's sister station WFED on 1500. I wonder what might have happened, "in the event of an actual emergency " ) Gotta feel sorry for the WTOP anchors. They have already read the information once if not twice before having to wait the the EAN codes to "arm" so they can relay to other stations. Repetitive for WTOP and they probably had to blow out more than a few commercials last night because there were so many warnings. WTOP broadcasts the alerts, but it is voluntary for other stations to rebroadcast or not. They are not required to do anything (I think) other than the weekly EAN tests. Too bad, because tornado warnings are potentially life-threatening information. (8/6/10) Hey James; Yes I''m well aware of "Diamond Jim"'s long deserved recognition as his feat was well overshadowed by "The M&M Boys" in 1961. I made no comment about it here because it had nothing to do with area media news. And I believe he was the last one to wear #4 before Earl Weaver. But thanks for thinking of me. Rusty Gibson (8/6/10) (Excerpt) You never go from something like Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" to the Beatles "Twist and Shout" ... If it were me programming your station ... (tprecxE) Jeez, you again? Why do you care? If an iPod, a jukebox and a CD deck can jump eras and genres, what makes a radio station such a religiously hands-off entity that it is forbidden to do so? How else would you program KHZ? Lost Pet Patrol, school lunch menus and the Saturday Trading Post? I've said before I have no stake in KHZ or any aspect of it, but for goodness sake, let them do what they want. You don't like KHZ? Then go to UStream and watch the realtime feed of that Polka station from Pennsylvania instead. (8/6/10) Hey Bicknell! With your show over at noon and Don Geronimo back in OC, and on air at 3 P.M., why don't you go fetch him a coffee or something? AHHHHmen (8/6/10) Dear KHZTV.com (and all affiliates at sea-smile), You never go from something like Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" to the Beatles "Twist and Shout". That's something Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel would do. Instead do something like this play, "Don't Be Cruel" followed by "Our Lips Our Sealed (the GoGo's), Summer In The City (Lovin' Spoonfull) than you play Twist and Shout by the Beatles. If it were me programming your station I wouldn't think about touching any Beatle's tune that was out before "Yellow Submarine". Now have fun and keep on playing those hits. One more thing, do you guys have "Hollywood Swinging" by Kool and the Gang! (8/6/10) Dave: Right now, I'd give WJFK and 980 and D+ regarding their respective coverage of Redskins training camp. If Galdi's updates are recorded, that's fine but why doesn't 980 just eliminate his segment and run Bob Picozzi's reports...All tells us nothing! I understand WJFK has limited access to the Redskins but they have a great opportunity to scoop 980 in the mornings and fall short. Yesterday, I took five minutes to listen to Coach Thompson's show and it's obvious Mr. Snyder needs to make some talent changes...even so with his 4p-7p time-slot. I'd rather listen to Larry Michael give politically correct answers about the Redskins than hear Czaban's rant about meaningless garbage not relating to sports. The people who could trump both radio stations is Comcast Sportsnet. They should provide live programming from 4p-7p and dominate the market...blowing by the local stations' coverage. I'm not talking about brief cutins but full show from site. A little planning by CSN would go a long way...oh, they don't have the brains to do that! Hey MASN, are you listening? (8/6/10) Look at the first thing you see on the JFK’s website…”Grant Paulsen Recaps Day Eight”. Can’t they give him station polo shirt? Purple? Looks like a kid from college snuck into Redskins Park. OOBBEE (8/6/10) (regarding a previous post) "You noted on the NewsPage that AM 1260 is now officially owned by Salem. Any idea if they're planning any of the long-needed repairs that would improve their signal quality?" 1260 has suffered from a degradation of their signal for the past 30 years -- and you're right, neither Clear Channel or Red Zebra repaired or upgraded the ground system. On the other hand, now that Salem is pumping out their line-up of stupid conservative shows on 1260, maybe it's better that the signal is so lousy. (8/6/10) RE: [Silvie, I would travel the world over and even into Asia Vol. III to procure for you the finest corn and strawberries known to man...We will be entertained by smooth jazz on the the FM band as we wang dang doodle our way through several bottles of Australia's finest Shiraz. Later, hijinks will ensue... - ZombieWoof] Acting as her Chief Negotiator, I am pleased to inform you that your offer will be presented to Silvie for consideration once you agree to three minor counter stipulations. 1.) The encounter must take place between 9AM and Noon on a weekday. 2.) In lieu of FM Smooth Jazz, the Party of the First Part stipulates that a specific talk radio station located on the lower end of the AM spectrum must be played in the background. 3.) Throughout the encounter, The Party of the First Part specifically reserves the right to keep her eyes tightly closed at all times, and Mr. "ZombieWolf" must agree to answer to the name "Chris, Oh Chris" throughout the duration of the encounter. Are these terms acceptable? (8/6/10) Hey at least Channel 9-2 (That's Live Doppler 9000 radar) was actually more up to date during the storms than the forecasts on Doug Hill's Weather Now. That has happened two nights in a row now. And I agree Kirk and Mike are pretty good in mornings. They do a good job of "BROADCASTING", not unlike Dave's "narrowcasting" agenda. (8/6/10) Mr. Gibson, Your love of the Orioles is well known in this forum. As such, I'm surprised you haven't mentioned this bit of news in which a solid player in Jim Gentile is getting his due, and forcing the Yanks fans to have to share something. Sincerely, James mlb.fanhouse.com (8/6/10) From the "end of civilization as we've known it" department. This evening at 4:58, TOP activated the Emergency Activation Network with beeps and tones so that other stations could join and in carry their emergency notice about the flood warning in Northern Virginia and the tornado warning in Maryland. While Sean and Hillary were reading their announcement, I scrolled through my presets to see who had picked it up: WAMU, WPFW, WCSP, WETA, WMAL, WTNT, WTEM, whatever 1050 is now, and WFED -- nada. Not one of them had responded to the EAN and rebroadcast it. Not even WTOP's sister station WFED on 1500. I wonder what might have happened, "in the event of an actual emergency . . . ." (8/6/10) A temporary tower array for WWVA/1170 Wheeling fired up at 10:30PM earlier this evening. The station is back on the air, albeit under lower power than normal (but the signal still reaches into Cleveland right now). Throughout the course of the day, CC engineering units from neighboring states descended upon St. Clairsville to pull this off. Clear Channel/Wheeling's operations manager Chad Tyson even posted videotaped footage of the devastation on YouTube (8/6/10) RE:Call it a hunch, but I believe you meant to say overWORKED. Is that correct? Oops! You got it right, I got it wrong-my bad. Thanks for the correction! (8/6/10) "Personally, I think that proper technical repairs/upgrades should be a condition put upon a current station owner before they're allowed to sell a station." Are people REALLY this clueless about business? It's a negotiation! What two sides agree to do or not do in the sale of their property is no business of anyone's but theirs (and, the FCC in the case of proofs of performance, public files and other regulatory concerns). Here's a novel idea: suppose that you put a group of investors together, buy your own station and then you can dictate the terms of the sale. In the interim, minding your own business is always a great substitute! (8/6/10) A little reminder to WUSA9, when you have people like city mayors or PEPCO or Dominion Power calling your news to help scare the bejesus out of everyone, it might help to have a clear phone line. 3 different calls during the 5PM news and I couldn't understand 1 fucking word any of them were saying. Paul (8/6/10) WWVA is back on the air from a temporary tower. The station was brought back on the air at 10:30pm Thursday Night. A radio-info.com board poster said the station, from it's temporary location, could be heard in Boston, so they might be doing pretty OK if they can be heard that far north. (8/6/10) /\ August 6 Messages /\ \/ August 5 Messages \/ You noted on the NewsPage that AM 1260 is now officially owned by Salem. Any idea if they're planning any of the long-needed repairs that would improve their signal quality? God knows, Clear Channel and Red Zebra let the facility go completely to hell during their ownership years. Personally, I think that proper technical repairs/upgrades should be a condition put upon a current station owner before they're allowed to sell a station. (8/5/10) 2 Things... I've seen the DC-based Busch Gardens ads dozens of times during Orioles games on MASN and other various cable networks on COMCAST. Only this week, did I finally catch a glimpse of the Baltimore based Busch Gardens ad. I was starting to wonder the exact opposite of the previous poster about those ads. So the previous post about MASN being "Baltimore based", at least for that reason, is completely incorrect. Clearly Busch Gardens made the ad buys and made the decision of where to run the ads, NOT MASN. Any idiot who's purchased advertising before (as have I) knows that simple fact. Ehhh, as much as I hate Peter Angelos, the loony conspiracy theories about MASN from DC area people never fail to amaze me. #2: I have a better idea... Why not put the HD signals on 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, etc., etc., WHERE they belong! There are no analog TVs sold anymore and haven't been for quite awhile. Why are HD signals buried in an 800 channel tier anyway? They should be standard like DISH does. Let people with older analog TVs and converters search for their 4 x 3 ratio screen. Geez, is that not common sense or what? (8/5/10) (From earlier Thursday) ... There are probably several poor overpaid, underpaid schmucks working their collective asses off". Call it a hunch, but I believe you meant to say overWORKED. Is that correct? Cuz you cannot be overpaid, poor, and underpaid at the same time. (8/5/10) Re:"This week while Bruce Cunningham has been on vacation Mark Zinno has been filling in and doing a good job on sports talker 105.7 The Fan. Is something in the works for a more permanent stay?"....Cmon Zinno, quit posting on here & het back to work! (8/5/10) Dave did you see this? news.yahoo.com - Federal regulators are abandoning efforts to negotiate a compromise on so-called "network neutrality" rules intended to ensure that phone and cable TV companies cannot discriminate against Internet traffic traveling over their broadband lines. (8/5/10) Re: Total weather overkill this afternoon. I want my Oprah and my Judge Judy" People get upset when their favorite TV show is interrupted (8/5/10) Per WWVA: Anyone have the phone # for the concrete headstones? I had planned to order some last night but 1170 Wheeling wasn't coming in and I can't find the postit on which Inhad written the #. (8/5/10) (RE the anti-Comcast/NBC merger ad on WTOP:) I can't quote it but it questioned if this was a good idea for freedom of choice. I think it was 30 seconds. I was listening to emergency weather info and driving in very heavy rain at the time. If I hear it again I will pay better attention. (8/5/10) Funny moment on 4 a while ago when Babs and Pat Lawson Muse were heavy into all the weather issues when the camera suddenly switched to Ashley Linder at Metro Traffic looking very pissed at having to wait to go to her report. Ashley jumped up and started to undo the buttons on her shirt to pull the mic off! All this on live TV. It was a bit of comic relief on a busy afternoon... (8/5/10) I have on FOX5 which is only broadcasting about the storm with Shawn and Laura begging people to either call in or send in pictures of how bad it is in their neighborhood..And although you want to believe people, it's only a matter of time before a prank call or a fake picture will come through. One guy just called claiming he's been stuck on a Metro train for over an hour. An I know earlier, the news was doing a story about the tragic shootings in New England (I think Conn.) and played a 911 tape where a guy called in about the shooting, said he had been shot and when the operator asked him where, he said his head..Now, he sounded quite calm and very oriented, so ya have to wonder if he was for real.. (8/5/10) Dave, Today I heard an anti Comcast/NBC merger message on WTOP sponsored by News Channel 8. Bob Fairfax (8/5/10) Dave's response: What did it say? Total weather overkill this afternoon. I want my Oprah and my Judge Judy. The only reason the stations all stayed on was because none of the stations would go off. Judge Judy should do the weather! Zip it! (8/5/10) I believe WUST was still licensed to Bethesda when its tower was on the Kenwood Country Club’s golf course. The power then was 250 watts. Sometime around the mid-sixties, WUST moved its offices and studios to the building in NW DC shown in the photo below. Concurrent with that move, the transmitter was also moved there, with the tower mounted on top of the building (as seen in the picture). Power at that point increased to 1,000 watts, and COL changed to Washington, DC. A salesperson who worked for WUST in the 60’s told me that the sales staff referred to WUST as “the wust (worst) station in Washington.” Roddy Freeman (8/5/10) From Phad Kukes Fukerton….. “With the return of Big O and Dukes, what becomes of the RodKast? That is the question. This is a very open RodKast where a little too much is said. We also discuss the end of Monday Night Mafia and blame Beau for most of it…” Interesting,,,, OOBBEE (8/5/10) Re: "I wonder if that's the same Bob McGrath from the PBS show Sesame Street?" - It is indeed Bob from Sesame Street. Bob was a featured singer on Mitch's show for a number of years. Look at the clips on YouTube and you see him in almost every song, and on a few solos as well. After Sing Along was cancelled, Bob became a well known recording artist in Japan in the late 1960s. Bob even sang the Sesame Street theme in the original pilot of the series back in 1969. Dave in Fredericksburg (8/5/10) Doug Hill's "Weather Now" ??? More like Doug Hill's "Weather Hours Ago" (hours before the storm). (8/5/10) This week while Bruce Cunningham has been on vacation Mark Zinno has been filling in and doing a good job on sports talker 105.7 The Fan. Is something in the works for a more permanent stay? -DT (8/5/10) Re: Mitch Miller with Milton Berle - at 1:41 during the opening credits the first name is "Bob McGrath." I wonder if that's the same Bob McGrath from the PBS show Sesame Street? Al McGilvray (8/5/10) Who is Britt McHenry, sighted doing sports on channel 7 last night? Trying to follow in the Sara Walsh track. I hate the espn sports broadcasting dominated world! I think Adam Corolla is right, in 50 years will all be chicks. Which reminds me I just tried listening to a few minutes of Mike Wise. I believe that supports the theory. the werdless (8/5/10) A while back someone posted a message saying that Clear Channel sold 92.1 the Wave and 105.5 Kiss-FM on the Eastern Shore to a christian broadcasting group. I haven't heard anything about it since. A friend told me that the deal fell through. Does anyone have any more info about this? (8/5/10) Re John's posting on WWVA, "Who cares whether it is on the air or not. Besides, it's clear channel." Well, I agree with you to a point. However, there are probably several poor overpaid, underpaid schmucks working their collective asses off trying to put something back together to make it play. So, it's not just a problem for the empty suits of Clear Channel. (8/5/10) I noticed, while scanning the upper reaches of the AM dial, that WKHT, formerly the Radio Disney formatted station in the Hampton Roads area, has reemerged as talk station. I only heard it after sunrise and before sunset on the Montgomery-Howard Counties border in Maryland, but the afternoon was Mark Levin, and the morning was a local duo with all the full service type stuff. I guess there was just so many times peope could listen to the soundtrack from High School Musical. I also noticed today that, despite the physical smallness of the Baltimore Sun, its actual stories seem better than...well, not better than ever, but better than in the last few years. Maybe not spending money on wide paper, and as many fancy front page borders and colors allows it to invest in more detailed writing, and more intelligent stories about the Baltimore area than ever. The detail today on a potential Wal-Mart's effect on an industrial/residential area around 25th and Howard Sts., near where I have lived, was excellent. Now if they could just restore those hundreds of tiny square and very useful ads they used to have on the back page, it might be like the real Baltimore Sun again. -- Carl in Olney (8/5/10) Well, those are pretty cool pictures of WWVA's new horizontal 3 tower array. I felt bad about it until I went to the web site and saw that the once great station was reduced to a live morning show and the rest of the day devoted to that satellite delivered right wing crap. Who cares whether it is on the air or not. Besides, it's clear channel. They have extra stations that they can use for that programming until they can get the towers back up. John (8/5/10) It sounds as if Folger's Coffee made another strong radio buy, as I'm hearing their commercials a lot on network programming. Contrary to their long-running jingle, however, the "best part of waking up" is scratching yer b***s, not Folger's in your cup. -Claude Nadds (8/5/10) (ESPN 980 is off the air, and I'm missing Mr Tony. Anyone know what's going on? 980AM is very weak, scratchy and unlistenable.) 980 has been on the air all day, without issue. Same with both FM stations. (Usually comes booming in on HD format.) 980 turned off the HD carrier over 4 months ago. If you still have an HD readout on your display, it is from when you programmed it in. It is currently not in HD. (8/5/10) RE: [Dave's response: This is me now (right).] Wow! All I can say is the beret dude from "Mythbusters" has really let himself go! (8/5/10) re.: "and about how justice works in America" Thanks for posting, but I already know. O.J. Simpson (8/5/10) Actually, Tom Tucker's last day at 740-WRNR will be August 27. I heard him make the announcement today-8/5. Tom mentioned he will be taking some vacation before his departure. He's done a fine job with the talk-show and will be missed. (8/5/10) For anyone who sees the DCRTV Plus image of the WUST Radio Hall dated 1969 and scratches their head wondering, "don't I know that building from somewhere?" The 814 V Street NW address has been home since 1996 of the 9:30 Club, originally housed at 930 F Street, NW. Now, can someone identify the antenna still mounted on the building's roof? (8/5/10) I have no clue whether MASN management is DC-based or not, but I do think that most DC area sports fans consider MASN to be a Baltimore-oriented station, notwithstanding the Nationals broadcasts. And the Ravens will be a distant second to the Redskins on COMCAST Sportsnet if they go there. Not too smart. (8/5/10) There is a local broadcasting connection to Mitch Miller that many folks aren't aware of. Back in the mid-1960s, the Sing-Along King's "All-American Television Features" tried for many years to win the license for DC's yet-to-be-assigned Channel 50. Ultimately, Theodore Granik won the license for "WGSP-TV" with studios to be housed at Channel-4's old facilities in the Sheraton Park Hotel, (hence the "SP" call letters). However, Granik died suddenly in 1970 at age 63 and the enterprise went bankrupt before ever hitting the airwaves. As a result of their participation in the Channel 50 license competition, WETA would be granted a CP for a Channel-32 to be called WETX. We all know that idea didn't pan out. Read the details at: DCMemories.com (8/5/10) ESPN 980 is off the air, and I'm missing Mr Tony. Anyone know what's going on? 980AM is very weak, scratchy and unlistenable. Usually comes booming in on HD format. I cannot get anything on the two FM channels here in the canyons of Ballston. Robert, Arlington (8/5/10) Allow me to stand up and be counted as the 2nd Kirk and Mike fan here on dcrtv. And a special shout-out to their producer "Freckles Sussex!" Keep it up guys, it's a great blend of good humor, good rock and roll, and good times! (8/5/10) Reason; “When the ruling (and voting) majority gets to decide the minority's rights, they usually get it wrong. That's why we have a legal system in this country - to provide a safeguard against the minority's rights being trampled over.” Well said. Last night, flipping channels between Rachel Maddow and Sean Hannity, this ruling was a hot topic. Rachel interviewed legal correspondent from Slate magazine Dahlia Lithwick, and then David Boies and Ted Olson, the two lawyers who argued the case for the prop being unconstitutional. The same Ted Olsen from the GWB White House; the same Ted Olson who argued in front of the Supreme Court to drop Miranda; the same Ted Olson who argued for Bush in Bush vs Gore. And while we are pointing out legal resumes, the same David Boies who argued for Gore in that Supreme Court case. The “Conservative media,” by way of Hannity, countered with equal legal intellect, which made for great political and legal theatre. STOP! I am sorry, Hannity had on Sarah Palin to talk about this decision. You are not misreading this, Hannity had on Sarah Palin at the beginning of his program to provide insight and to educate the American public on prop 8 being ruled unconstitutional. I couldn’t make this crap up if I tried. There is no one on the face of this Earth, other than Sean Hannity it appears, that thinks Sarah Palin has the knowledge and mental capacity to educate and provide intellect on this issue. Say what you will about Rachel, but she educated the public last night. At the same time, Hannity provided crap. (8/5/10) Dave, I don't know if you get Randall Bloomquist's e-newsletter on Talk Radio, but in the current edition, he quotes Peggy Noonan's observation of Reagan and what made him great. “Here's something that sounds corny but is true: Only love makes great political movements." These days, Bloomquist thinks that "Talk show hosts aren’t in the business of building political majorities. (At least that’s not what they get hired to do.) But they do get paid to build and influence a large audience with a show that will appeal to advertisers. Talk shows driven by resentment, rage and anger are inherently self-limiting in terms of those goals -- and lifespan. They, too, are doomed to rise, fall and fade away." Man, that's RICH, coming from him, considering his programming handiwork at WMAL! (8/5/10) Pretty cool story - tvnewscheck.com - Sezmi, the personalized television service that combines live TV, on-demand movies, Internet video and DVR capabilities, today announced its Sezmi Select service package is immediately available in 36 markets across the United States for $4.99 per month. The service, Sezmi says, is "geared toward people who are tired of paying the high price of cable and satellite television service." (8/5/10) This isn't strictly DC Media related, but I'm sure yesterday's Proposition 8 ruling will be a big topic on radio and cable today. Here's my take: When the ruling (and voting) majority gets to decide the minority's rights, they usually get it wrong. That's why we have a legal system in this country - to provide a safeguard against the minority's rights being trampled over. Let the screaming, whining, bitching, moaning and complaining, by the losing side in the case, begin! What is really funny is if Judge Vaughn Walker had ruled that Proposition 8 was entirely constitutional and if he had upheld its legality, the right-wing crazies and the religious nuts would be kissing on him and saying that he was the greatest, most wise judge who ever wore a robe or banged a gavel. He ruled the other way, based on the merits of the case he heard, so now -- according to the Prop 8 supporters -- he's in league with the Devil. And the folks who are screaming the loudest, are the same yodeling morons who haven't even read the decision that was handed down on Wednesday. They really should read it. They might actually learn something about the issue and the case - and about how justice works in America. nytimes.com (8/5/10) (RE Today's Rant) I understand the idea of putting the local BROADCAST channels on a cable system in a block and giving them something that approximates their on air channel location. But Newschannel 8 or TBD TV is not entitled to anything and I am hard pressed to see why they just deserve any particular location. Putting the SD broadcast at 8 wasa courtesy and it made sense in light of the name. But to say that this means they are entitled to similar placement for a non existent HD version----even after they drop the use of channel 8 in their name is stretching it. (8/5/10) Hey Dave, Scott Fybush posted on Facebook that WWVA in Wheeling lost not one but all three of their towers. They are completely off the air in Wheeling and across the Eastern Seaboard. Pictures can be viewed at: www.wwva.com... -- Take Care and Have a Great Day, Tybois Uphold (8/5/10) Dear commercial copywriters please put as many words as possible that begin with the letter "p" in any copy you prepare for Kevin Sheehan. thank you the werdless (8/5/10) "WNST also pointed out that a lot of the people running MASN are based in the D.C. area/tv market and do not really understand the smaller Baltimore market is it really run by Baltimore people? Life goes on and CSN will most likely get the Ravens back on there but wow a regional network to yourself is a dream." If the people running MASN are D.C.-based, then why to we see Baltimore-oriented ads on Nationals games? (Even for Busch Gardens, where a Washington-oriented ad is available -- does that air during Orioles games?) You could argue the MASN brass understands neither the Washington nor Baltimore markets. -- Vincent in Lynchburg (8/5/10) 50,000 watt class-A clear channel signal WWVA/1170 Wheeling - aka the third "Big One," behind sister stations WLW/Cincinnati and WTAM/Cleveland - is now off the air as the result of massive storms in the Wheeling region yesterday (August 3). Their three-tower landmark off of Barton Road in nearby St. Clairsville, Ohio, built in the late 1930s, is now a heap of twisted metal. Pictures of the damage from WWVA's own web site can be seen here: [ www.wwva.com ] As of 6:00AM on August 4th, WWVA's programming has moved to much tinier sister station WBBD/1400 (which carries a jockless adult standards format) as of 6:00AM until a temporary tower can be built. -Nate in Cleveland- (8/5/10) Dear Dave: A storm system has knocked over the towers for Wheeling's WWVA. Programming has been moved to another frequency. More here (www.wwva.com). Great site Dave! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (8/5/10) Hi again Dave, But don't you believe in "truth in advertising"? If that is what you look like (and I know you do from your interview with Lee Shephard) you shouldn't be hiding the way you look. What is wrong...you don't like the way you look? Steve (8/5/10) Dave's response: I like to remain "mysterious"..... Hey Joe Kasell; please extend my congratulations to your Dad. Very well deserved! Rusty Gibson, WEBR RadioFairfax (8/5/10) There is something wrong with the caption ! Someone forgot to use spell check Michael (8/5/10) Nice vintage photo of WUST's studios at DCRTV Plus. The District's African-American population burgeoned following the end of World War II, and one of the first stations to aim squarely at that growing audience was WUST which changed format, city of license (formerly Bethesda), and call letters (formerly WBCC) at the end of 1951. Read about it in the Washington Post of March 1, 1952: DCMemories.com... For the record... WBCC (1120kc AM) debuted on Sunday, February 9, 1947 using a transmitter at Kenwood Country Club. See the Washington Post article here: DCMemories.com... The first indication in the Post that WBCC's calls had changed was in the Thursday, October 18, 1951 edition when their FM side was shown as "WUST-FM Channel 292 - 106.3 mc". The AM side had changed calls as well, but the change must have been dictated over the phone, as the listing incorrectly showed "WUFT - 1120 kc - 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m." The Post fixed that typo in the following day's editions. The first appearance of "WBCC-FM Channel 276 - 103.1 mc" was in the Post of Thursday, September 29, 1949. On September 24, 1950, the Post showed the frequency as "WBCC-FM Channel 292 - 106.3 mc" for the first time. The final appearance of "WUST-FM 106.3 mc - 2:30 a.m. to midnight" in the Post was Wednesday, May 11, 1960. The very next day's Post radio listings show a brand new station at a different position on the FM band: "WJMD-FM 94.7mc - 6 p.m. to midnight." as Julius, Milton and Daniel Diener (who had bought the WUST stations in 1959) used their initials for the new call sign. (The 106.3mc freq was subsequently assigned to Cambridge, MD). The Post shows that WJMD-FM had stretched their operating hours by June 1960 to "8 a.m. to midnight". So why did the Diener's ditch WUST-FM for WJMD-FM? Roddy Freeman speculates that it was because 106.3 was a class A FM frequency (maximum 3,000 watts), and 94.7 was a class B, allowing for a lot more power. If you look up WUST 106.3 FM in the 1959 Broadcasting Yearbook, they were still simulcasting the "Negro Programming" of WUST-AM at only 500 watts until their demise. So, by changing both the calls and freq, the Dieners started fresh with an all new format at 20kw! (8/5/10) /\ August 5 Messages /\ \/ August 4 Messages \/ Dave: I screwed-up and sent you the wrong Mitch Miller episode! Sorry 'bout that. This is the code for Milton Berle episode if you choose to make a switch... (8/4/10) Whatever Radio Station WTTR-1470 Westminster is doing, PLEASE CONTINUE. Bob Mathers is to be congratulated on programming one of the best "greatest hits of all time" formats in Maryland broadcasting history. 50's - 80's with a ton of hit oldie songs I have not heard in years. Just returned from Ravens camp with my sons and listened while in the Carroll County area when Bob finished his morning show and Jack Edwards (he hasn't missed a beat) came on and while traveling back to Towson, shortly after 1 O'clock. I couldn't believe it...Johnny Dark. I called the station to make a comment and the receptionist told me Bruce Main does afternoons and yet another famous Baltimore dj might come on board. Now, I'm sorry that I didn't continue my broadcasting career. John in Timonium (70's grad/ Broadcasting Institute of Maryland) (8/4/10) WELL THANKS WFMD NO O'S ,NOW NO RAVENS, YOUR COMMUNITY STATION WHAT A JOKE !!!!! (8/4/10) May God rest ol' Mitchell William Miller. Milton Berle was only 55 on Monday night, January 13th, 1964 when this particular episode aired on NBC-TV. The? "Sing Along With Mitch" series was shot at NBC's Brooklyn Color Studio #2. An interesting side note to this was that there were no video taping facilities at NBC Brooklyn; all activity there was sent via microwave links back to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. (8/4/10) (Re: "I've been LOVING the Kirk and Mike Show since its debut..Kirk's flava...Mike's quick wit & impresssions (Albert Haynesworth has been killer) and Shamrock's sarcasm...these 3 really make the junks & elliot sound borrrrrrrrrrrrrring. Steve" Oh... I see the Kirk and Mike show's fan checked in....) Jeez...you post something positive around here and you get jumped on by a Rat. That being said, K&M are still bringing it everyday...which is more than I can say for the others in town and I know I'm not alone in those thoughts. Sounds like the Rat has an axe to grind. Steve (8/4/10) Hey Dave, Don't you think it is time to replace those pictures of you on the website with something more modern? I am guessing that those pictures must be 20 years old. Let face it, there is no shame in admitting that we are getting old. If Fred Grandy were using pictures of when he was on Love Boat you would be all over him. It is time. Steve (8/4/10) Dave's response: This is me now (right). If I put my mug on the Front Page it would scare many visitors away. Right? Ha ha ha..... "I've been LOVING the Kirk and Mike Show since its debut..Kirk's flava...Mike's quick wit & impresssions (Albert Haynesworth has been killer) and Shamrock's sarcasm...these 3 really make the junks & elliot sound borrrrrrrrrrrrrring. Steve" Oh... I see the Kirk and Mike show's fan checked in.... Rick the Rat, Stafford (8/4/10) Dave's response: Hey, I like Kirk and Mike, too. I like progressive rock. I like WJFK's old type of "guy talk." I like big band. I like real jazz. I like 1960s/1970s rock and soul oldies. I like 1980s "New Wave." But, sadly, the new PPM methodology doesn't like me and all you radio guys/gals out there like me. Radio simply doesn't care about us anymore. Sigh..... Dave, Here’s a fun tidbit I thought you might get a kick out of. NPR’s Carl Kasell has been selected for induction in the National Radio Hall of Fame! The full release from the Hall of Fame follows. As you’re aware, Carl retired from NPR Newscasts this December after 30 years on the air; he is currently official judge and scorekeeper of the weekend news quiz show Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!. Best, Emerson... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2010... Ralph Emery, Terri Hemmert, Carl Kasell, Music and the Spoken Word featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Executive Cathy Hughes and the late Sam Phillips are set for induction ... The National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF) announced the results of its national online balloting process for induction into America’s only National Radio Hall of Fame. The public selected: Ralph Emery - A country music icon, Emery began his career as the late-night disc jockey on country music’s flagship WSM/Nashville. The station reached much of the southern and central U.S. and the show became a launching pad for promising country artists. Emery left his overnight duties to concentrate on television, hosting the syndicated Pop! Goes the Country and Nashville Now on The Nashville Network. He also hosted a morning show for WSM Television and is the author of two best-selling books featuring his favorite memories from the shows..... Terri Hemmert - A disc jockey known for her encyclopedic knowledge of music and especially the Beatles, the civically-active Hemmert made Chicago radio history in 1981 when she became the first female morning drive personality in Chicago on WXRT-FM. Currently Terri hosts mid-days on WXRT and produces Breakfast with the Beatles..... Carl Kasell - NPR broadcaster Carl Kasell has spent over 50 years in radio holding positions such as news director, morning anchor, and newscaster. Currently he is the official judge and scorekeeper for NPR's weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! Kasell also provides newscasts at the top of each hour throughout NPR's daily newsmagazine Morning Edition. Over the course of his career, he has won several awards for his contributions and commitment to public radio..... Music and the Spoken Word - A program of inspiration and music, featuring The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Music and the Spoken Word is the longest-running radio broadcast in America. The Choir, which first started broadcasting on July 15, 1929, is made up of 360 volunteer members. The National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee also selected one posthumous inductee and one off air Executive for their major contributions to the radio industry. They are: Cathy Hughes - An innovative and dynamic pioneer of urban radio and Founder and Chairman of Radio One, the largest African-American owned radio-television corporations in the United States. A respected industry leader, Hughes is known for her determination to succeed, her programming skills and her business acumen...... Sam Phillips (deceased) - The late radio station owner and record producer and owner of Sun Records known for discovering Elvis Presley. Phillips ushered in an era of rhythm and blues and rock and roll music on the radio in the early 1950’s. A former DJ on WLAY/Muscle Shoals, AL, he used his airwaves to showcase a host of young talent who would become American music icons, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis..... Westwood One Radio Networks will produce and distribute the live two hour induction broadcast on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 10PM (ET) from The Mayne Stage in Chicago. Ticket pricing for Radio’s Biggest Night of Year will be announced in a few weeks when tickets go on sale at www.RadioHOF.org. Votenet Solutions, Inc., a respected online vote tabulation firm, supervised and tabulated the 2010 National Radio Hall of Fame ballots. To learn and hear more about the 2010 inductees as well as past National Radio Hall of Fame inductees please visit www.radiohof.org. (8/4/10) LOL Timex Sinclair! oldcomputers.net (8/4/10) snip (Good luck if you're a white male applying for the job - it's pretty sad that a station as large as WUSA does not have a single white male anchor. I guess if you're black and/or female, you've got it made. The trend seems to be fewer and fewer men at the anchor desks these days.)snip Well let's see, maybe they don't apply. Or maybe it's difficult finding a qualified one. Or maybe, in the words of the late Al Campanis, they don't have the "necessities" required for the job. (Shawn in DC). (8/4/10) Theoharis pregnant? insidecharmcity.com... In addition to your post referencing this (and a link) - we quote an unsourced wikipedia comment referenced that says her supposed pregnancy was announced on June 30 on-air during a game. (8/4/10) As predicted by me, and only by me because probably nobody else cares, Tom Tucker, the long-time morning host of Martinsburg, WV's 740AM, WRNR is leaving the station, effective August 20th. Not sure of the details surrounding it, as I missed the full announcement. But I have the news anyway, in case anyone's interested. Nothing on their website, but that may be because their website looks like it was built with a Timex Sinclair. The site is jus so old and dusty. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any details. Anyway, say what you want about the station (and there are times it sounds like a train wreck), Tom's a good guy and he'll be missed. (8/4/10) Silvie, I would travel the world over and even into Asia Vol. III to procure for you the finest corn and strawberries known to man. Let the hatas hate. I will also obtain a tablecloth of the finest linen, or satin, and our dining table will be Paul Bicknell and Weasel as a Human Centipede. We will be entertained by smooth jazz on the the FM band as we wang dang doodle our way through several bottles of Australia's finest Shiraz. Later, hijinks will ensue. And yes, I stole this from Smoove B on the Onion. Doesn't mean I wouldn't do it, though. - ZombieWoof (8/4/10) Dear Dave: Just got a phone call from my Dad. He just received word on his election to the Radio Hall of Fame. Believe me when I say we have some happy people in the Kasell household! I am so very proud of him. Again, Dave, a great site! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (8/4/10) I don't know about DC and other areas, but MASN 2 does not share a channel with CSN Plus in the Baltimore market. In Baltimore, it shares a channel with ESPN News. I'm sure COMCAST would have the flexibility to pull off Ravens pre-season broadcasts and the associated Ravens produced shows. The big question, however, is, how easy will it be for people to find the overlap channel on such short notice and how many cable systems could they get it on with such short notice? Ratings and revenue for Ravens pre-season games will not be impacted by this because people will always find those games. It's the revenue from advertising on the other Ravens related shows where The Ravens will take a beating, but overall, I think this is more bad news for Ravens fans outside the Baltimore area and MASN, Peter Angelos, the Orioles, and The Nationals because MASN will have none of that Ravens programming when baseball is not on. What will MASN have to fill in all those time periods for those shows that used to get re-aired multiple times, let alone the games themselves? (8/4/10) Dave's response: From what I understand, MASN2 shares a channel with ESPNews. When baseball season is over, the channel will become CSN Plus, which will also be shared with ESPNews. But, at least with Comcast, you won't see MASN2/ESPNews and CSN Plus/ESPNews on the air at the same time..... As part of the NBC/Universal negotiations, it's highly likely that COMCAST will have to offer Comcast Sports Net Philly and The Comcast Network to other cable systems. The only question is when, and probably not for this Ravens pre-season, but now that COMCAST is all digital, I'm sure they have the bandwidth to start up a temporary part time channel just for the Ravens games and the Ravens produced programs. But true, that won't help people on DISH, DIRECTV, or Cox, etc. (8/4/10) Dave's response: The Comcast Network has nothing on it worth watching. Why would any other cable company want it? I wish Comcast would yank it and give us something in its place that it doesn't currently offer like Fox Movie Channel, Chiller, or Sleuth..... I've been LOVING the Kirk and Mike Show since its debut..Kirk's flava...Mike's quick wit & impresssions (Albert Haynesworth has been killer) and Shamrock's sarcasm...these 3 really make the junks & elliot sound borrrrrrrrrrrrrring. Steve (8/4/10) The Baltimore Ravens angle on the MASN negotiations are that they just wanted to extend and continue the current deal and that it was MASN management who tried to play hardball in the negotiations to get a better deal. Apparently MASN got a little cocky thinking the Ravens have no options. Well, Steve Bischotti is not the type of guy you're going to successfully back into a corner with no options. As it stands right now, the non-deal looks bad for both parties, but I still wouldn't rule out a last minute deal with COMCAST who would certainly love to stick it to MASN bad. CSN has run 2 channels before so they could easily do it, even on short notice. And since all the Ravens shows are produced by the Ravens, NOT MASN, those shows could also air on a 2nd CSN channel. If that happens, then ultimately, MASN and greedy Peter Angelos will be the ultimate losers. Finally, lost in the discussion, this also affects not only the Orioles, but Nationals TV revenue as well since they both own a stake in MASN. (8/4/10) Dave's response: A second CSN channel? You mean CSN Plus, which essentially shares channel space with MASN2? MASN2 is going to be running through baseball season, well into September, so I don't know how Comcast and other cable/satellite firms will be carrying both CSN Plus and MASN2 at the same time. Of course, Comcast could put the Ravens on the Comcast Network, but that is only available to Comcast cable subscribers and not via Cox, DirecTV, Dish, and Verizon's Fios. Even if they couldn't get all of what they wanted from MASN this season, Ravens management pulling the plug on MASN was just plain stooooopid..... I can’t help but wonder how artificial Sirius/XM’s subscription numbers are. I say that because last December, our subscription was to run out and SXM offered us another 5 months for $25, then in May we were offered another 3 months for free and just were offered another 3 months for free taking us through October. We were going to cancel out last December and be done with it but since my wife and I are unemployed we didn’t want any long-term kind of commitment. It looks to me like they want to drive those numbers up even if it means they have to give away short-term subscriptions. Now just how is that going to play in the long run? Bill Powers, Los Angeles, CA (8/4/10) Dave, your rant about the Ravens and MASN was great. This really hurts the Ravens and MASN BOTH what you say about the Baltimore tv market being gimpy is true but in fairness on that why the FCC has some parts of western Md. i.e. Frederick county,md. as a part of the D.C. tv market i do not understand that as a matter of fact LARGE parts of WESTERN md. are D.C. `s tv market(you would think that some of it would be the Baltimore tv i personally do not understand why the gov has this like that and people in those areas wonder why they have channel 9 and not 11). Anyway the Ravens have a growing fan base outside of Towson and Perry Hall,md. and mainly because it is a winning organization on the field. WNST reported this morning that MASN was told by the Ravens in early july that they wanted to negotiate a deal then and that MASN dragged it out and then came to the Ravens when training camp opened and the Ravens were busy by this point MASN then went on to jack up the charge rate. How true this is who know`s, but your are correct CSN is D.C. based and Redskins central and would have to put the Ravens on sub channels as they did before. The Ravens had a regional network all to themselves no sharing THIS IS A BIG BLOW. CSN most likely will want the team back it is one of the top teams in the AFC and the NFL. WNST also pointed out that a lot of the people running MASN are based in the D.C. area/tv market and do not really understand the smaller Baltimore market is it really run by Baltimore people? Life goes on and CSN will most likely get the Ravens back on there but wow a regional network to yourself is a dream. (8/4/10) There’s nothing wrong with an anchor giving his/her opinion on a major news story. I wasn’t in town when Doug committed his unpardonable sin (according to WJLA management) so I didn’t see it and don’t know the context in which he commented. If his comments were in the context of the daily discussion with a Politico rep then I see no problem at all. One of the things I most enjoyed was Doug’s thoughtful observations/questions to the Politico rep and the ensuing conversation. Isn’t it part of a journalist’s job to make people think? To help us see all sides of an issue? Why is that wrong in this case? Doug is a newsman, not a news reader. Let him do what he does best. (8/4/10) WFED web editor Suzanne Kubota came up with this gem......the federal government actually hires goats as contractors to cut grass..... GSA heroes are goats www.federalnewsradio.com... GSA hires environmentally-friendly contractor goats to clear land around the 9th Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals courthouse. Photos : GSA not kidding with contractor goats www.federalnewsradio.com (8/4/10) So WUSA is finally going to hire a co-anchor for Andrea Roane in the mornings? It's about time! Or perhaps Andrea is nearing retirement, and they figured it's time to groom somebody else for the job. Good luck if you're a white male applying for the job - it's pretty sad that a station as large as WUSA does not have a single white male anchor. I guess if you're black and/or female, you've got it made. The trend seems to be fewer and fewer men at the anchor desks these days. Yesterday at 5:00 pm....WTTG: Shawn Yancy and Laura Evans; WRC: Pat Lawson Muse and Wendy Rieger; WJLA: Allsion Starling and Cynne Simpson; and WUSA: Anita Brikman and Lesli Foster. Eight anchors, all of the women. In the cases of two of the stations, the male co-anchor was on vacation, but female anchors definitely seem to dominate the local newscasts. Anyone know any particular reasoning for this? (8/4/10) WOW! That's AHHHHHHH-some (How many h's is it, anyway?). Blacklisted? Are you kidding me? Has anyone, on the board, ever heard anything that would lend credence to this, or any reason for it. I think most would agree that any station would be fortunate to have a talent and a resource like PLB on staff-- even if just in an advisory role. By the way, how would blacklisting negate experience? You're really reachin', WOW, I mean, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. OTT (8/4/10) For the guy/gal who doubted me yesterday, I'm also the person who told you last year that Conn was taking over for Marks (a decision the CBS-Baltimore suits are regretting) and I'm the person who told you five months ago they were planning for a morning show shake-up and that Weinman would be out, Maynard would be out and Norris would eventually be out too. Now, you can believe this or not. Cunningham's days are numbered. They can't put Viv anywhere but the mid-morning show. It's in his deal. And as much as they'd like to put Haynie (I just saw yesterday I've been spelling it wrong, my apologies to Bob) on with Viv, they don't think their respective mellow styles would suit one another. Royle's moving to the Garceau show at some point in 2010 or 2011. The radio side of it hasn't gone well for her, but there's a TV side that they can get value out of. Then there's Haynie. CBS-Baltimore won't let him get away. He's staying. And eventually he'll do 12-2 or maybe even 12-3. You can bank on that. By next baseball season, it's Haynie's show. (8/4/10) Dave: WRNR, AM740 Martinsburg, has an announcement of some sort planned for this morning at 8:30. Long-time morning host Tom Tucker, who is, I believe, in his 60's, is asking listeners to tune in at 8:30, as "I have a special announcement to make." Could the venerable host be retiring? But why? How cool is it to be the namesake for a major sitcom's TV newsman character, even if that TV character has a son with an upside-down face. But I digress. (8/4/10) "I always thought that age and experience was something to be venerated, not ridiculed." --Age....check....what is he now, 80? Experience....nah....can't count that when you are on a DC radio blacklist. WOW (8/4/10) Didn't Frank Sinatra love Mitch Miller? NOT! In his memory I'm going to wake up everybody in the building for a rousing rendition of "The Yellow Rose of Texas". We meet down in the front lobby in 10 minutes. That's great news about Czaban and a possible new morning show! In fact, I enjoyed the Sports Reporters yesterday, like days of old with Tom Lavorro(?) and the Larry weisman replacement from NFL Films Greg Gosel(?) I get bored with constant Redskin talk I want to hear stuff about other teams. Although one glitch the Chris Russell hyper drive way of speaking that seems to be so popular with so many of your sports reporters these days. Maybe he's just excited being new. I hope so. Bring some humor dude. I don't care what Arrington/Dukes ratings are yesterday I tried again listening during 3-4 pm hour and I still don't know what the hell Arrington is talkig about most of the time. Come on CBS radio suit who loves Arrington so, how about some closed captioning. How come no consideration for Weasal instead of your Reston neighbor Cerphe, DCRTV Dave, for afternoons at The Edge? the werdless (8/4/10) Dave's response: I ain't playing no frigging hair bands..... To the poster saying news anchors should be allowed to express opinions, and if all they do is read a teleprompter, why did they go to journalism school?: Maybe they went to journalism school to learn that anchors and other reporters of the news should keep their damned opinions to themselves, or else express them in clearly labeled op-ed settings. I'll grant that even-handed analysis is an anchor function, and none of this is a putdown of Doug, but lordy, people! Have we become such brain-dead vacuum-headed news consumers that everything we receive has to be pre-digested with an opinion spoon-fed to us? How about if they report and we decide---really. (8/4/10) AHHHH wrote, "That "cranky old geriatric biddy"" --Why are we bring up Paul Bicknell again???" That's some funny stuff, AHHHH. As a professional comedian, you'll appreciate this: Did you hear the one about the unemployed fool who had a man-crush on PLB? Yeah, apparently, he was so obsessed that, in a sick effort to get PLB's attention, he mentioned PLB in every post that he submitted to, what we thought was, a radio/TV site (for the purveyance of information of interest to industry insiders)-- not some nobody's own private catharsis. Not only did the guy not have a job; he didn't have a life (cue the laugh track). I always thought that age and experience was something to be venerated, not ridiculed. Maybe you'll understand when you grow up, AHHHH. For now, get off the site. You're not funny or entertaining. You're just boring. OTT (8/4/10) REWARDING INCOMPETENCE AGAIN!!!!! Lavar Arrington is going to be 'writing' for the Washington Post. The man can barely speak. I am guessing he will probably have a ghost writer. (8/4/10) Besides being a super VO talent, Beau Weaver is also an amateur radio operator. I've heard him occasionally here in Pasadena. His call? W6KHJ! John Pinckney (8/4/10) /\ August 4 Messages /\ \/ August 3 Messages \/ Has Doug McKelway been fired or not? I have to correct one person. Doug did work at NBC4 several years ago, but he originally worked at WJLA and THEN went to WRC. I don't know why he left, but at the time it was said that he made comments that management didn't like. I don't agree with this management. The anchors should be allowed to do more than sit and read a teleprompter. If that is all they can do, why do people need a degree in journalism to do it? The anchors should be allowed to express an opinion. (8/3/10) Just went to the link for the morning anchor at WUSA..So is this to replace someone or do they just have one person and this is to add someone else? (8/3/10) To the poster who chimed in on WMAL’s listener profile…you forgot “having bad teeth,” displayed by all the dentist commercials. Put it all together, and the profile for the WMAL listener is a hillbilly. Quick, WMAL sales department, go to Mountain Dew, now! Programming, get some NASCAR, pronto! And promotions, hire Carrie Prejeen as a spokesperson! There, station fixed. (8/3/10) Concerning the Grandy Group, I like my Republican BS as much as the next guy, but I want the BS fresh, not stale and old. Mrs. Fred claiming Obama was not born in this country is a perfect example; haven't we moved past that? Strike one. I also wanted them to stop with the Sharia law nonsense. More Sharia than you can handle. Strike two. It was all over talk radio the Phoenix is the "Kidnapping Capital of the World." Fine, until the "fact" was debunked. Even Hannity stopped using that BS factoid once it was debunked. I listen to The Grandy Group, and Fred or the guest kept saying it, even though it was debunked. As smart as Fred is, do you think he really missed that in the newspapers? I told myself, If I hear the piece of BS one more time, I am flipping the channel for good. Ten minutes later, Fred says, as a matter of fact ,"Phoenix is..." I flipped, and I have not come back. Does Fred really think his audience is that stupid? (8/3/10) Silvie you are a lonely woman with no life. (8/3/10) Silvie: I'd like to know if your radio listening tastes EVER take you from listening to that gawd-awful WMAL to the FM side of the dial? Do you listen to any "musical" stations ... from soft rock to classic or progressive? How about traffic and weather on the 8's? I'm in my 60's and while I do listen to MAL to chuckle at the likes of Plante, Limbaugh, etc. for a few minutes each day, it is a welcome respite to hit the band selector to take me to the FM side of the dial. My guess is that your brain doesn't have the capacity to absorb anything other than the Democrat and Obama hate-mongers found each day on 630. Get a grip and a life. (8/3/10) Dear Dave: Looks like the Discovery head honcho is doing pretty well, whatever Discovery’s earnings are. www.hollywoodreporter.com (8/3/10) WUSA-TV/Gannett Co Inc Morning News Anchor/Reporter www.journalismnext.com (8/3/10) Damn man... another of my idols is gone. www.nydailynews.com (8/3/10) Ah Jeez, I smell a one-hour Discovery Channel or Nat'l Geographic TV special based on this story: ap.org.. BTW: piss off, Paul Simon (read the article) (8/3/10) "That "cranky old geriatric biddy"" --Why are we bring up Paul Bicknell again??? AHHHH (8/3/10) Silvie wrote to me: "Maybe you should move on as well?" I have -- to other stations. That's the trouble. No doubt I'll keep turning to WMAL as an option, but it's no longer my first pick on the dial. Also, I'm not pining for the return of Andy Parks so much as I am noticing that he left a larger void than I'd anticipated (no jokes about Andy's size, please, Mailbaggers). Maybe this is just cyclical and I'll be listening more to "The Grandy Group" soon. But I'm not feelin' it right now, and haven't been since the change. Christian (8/3/10) RE: [That "cranky old geriatric biddy" you are referring to when describing 630 WMAL's "The Grandy Group" co-host on Friday, 7/30 was none other than Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)...The other 'cranky biddy' you were referring to for today, Monday, 8/2, was none other than.... Lanny Davis. -Silvie- ] Take off the blinders Silvie - The cranky old biddy I was referring to was clearly "Mrs. Fred". Dave is correct - she is a train wreck and does not belong on the airwaves. However, I agree with you that Lanny Davis was good - mainly because he forced Fred to moderate his constant stream of "oh-my-god-the-sky-is-falling" hate-speech. Other than that, the morning show is a near total disaster...completely un-listenable to all but the most hard-core Obama-hating fringe right wing loopy conspiracy nuts. Note to WMAL: On the morning commute, sane people want news, traffic, weather and entertaining talk. WMAL barely scores on the first three, and Fred Grandy fails miserably at the last. THAT is why WMAL is currently hemoraging listeners faster than the Gulf Oil Spill. (8/3/10) " CBS-Baltimore higher ups aren't happy with Cunningham's lack of baseball knowledge and that's Haney's biggest strength" ...and how do you know this?...do you work for CBS??...do you know Dave Labrozzi personally?....sheesh (8/3/10) Christian: Yes, "The Grandy Group" could be better - but then again, so can plenty of other local radio shows in other stations. There's always room for improvement, whether it's a top-rated show or not. Am I wallowing and depressed that Andy Parks is no longer at WMAL? Well, I used to be -- back in April, when this whole situation went down. It's August. I've moved on. Andy has moved on. Maybe you should move on as well? My main concern for "The Grandy Group" is that I believe Fred & Bryan are pushing themselves too hard and working themselves into exhaustion. At least in the past, Andy served as a sort of 'buffer zone' and things came to him instinctively, such as being the board op and other duties. The man could do stuff with his eyes closed - that's how great he was and is. But, for the most part, I'm quite satisfied with the morning program and the array of guests, which is something that we seldom saw before. -Silvie- (8/3/10) In regards to Fred Grandy's show on WMAL, I'll put in my 2 cents: I find it more interesting now. I guess I'm not always in the mood for laughs in the morning, and it's more serious than it used to be, but I don't think it sounds angry at all. It's just more serious about their topics, a true discussion by knowledgeable people. And when someone like Lanny Davis is there, you really know you are getting people who don't have their Agenda with a capital "A" as their prime goal, but interest in understanding many sides to a discussion. Maybe it leans conservative, but now it is in many ways the flip side of NPR, except without the monotone voices. And a side note: I had noticed that Mrs. Grandy was always referred to as Mrs. Fred and never by her first name; but I've known them through Goodwill, and was waiting to see if they'd ever say her first name. On Monday, he referred to himself as "Mr. Katherine", so she is no longer nameless to the public. And speaking of the Mitch Miller (we were?): In the late 1970s, Mrs.Olney and I were at the Westview Cinema on Bawmer Nash'n'l Pike (Route 40 West, Hon) and who sat down right next to us? Mitch Miller and Mrs. Miller, who were visiting friends in Columbia, MD; we all talked before the movie started (they were very nice people) and then all enjoyed the movie (no, I can't remember which film) -- Carl in Olney (8/3/10) Notwithstanding the 106.7 apologists, the fact is that the station does not give baseball and hockey its due. Saying that it is better than 980, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Redskins, is about as lame a defense as it gets. Last weekend was MLB's trade deadline, Strasburg's injury and the Nats took four of six from the Phils and Braves. Surely worthy topics. Last week, the Winter Classic (in which the Caps are participating) press conference was held, a Pittsburgh Penguins player called Alex Ovechkin a "douche" on a live radio show and the Caps traded for an enforcer. Surely worthy of a segment. (In fairness, Rohland did do a segment on the douche comment, the problem was that he apologized for it and said he wouldn't talk hockey for the remainder of football season). As the other guy said, this isn't the eighties. The Caps are big, the Nats are here now and getting bigger and the Redskins have declined since then. There is a vast segment of the DC area sports fan that is not being adequately served by local sportstalk radio. By having people like Scott Jackson abuse baseball and hockey fans, WJFK is just shooting it self in the foot............... (8/3/10) Silvie: Hey, we're WMAL friends, so don't take my critique of the morning show as a hot-headed, angry statement about the station. I appreciate that you're patient with "The Grandy Group" and are rooting for it to succeed, but don't you think the show has lost something with Parks' departure? I'd be interested to hear if you think the show is better now than it was then, or even as good as it was previously. Maybe it's just me, or maybe it's the daily top-of-the-hour drumbeat about illegal immigration, but I've lost patience with the show. There are other issues that interest me far more than illegal immigration. It's not that illegals are an irrelevant issue, but every day, that seems to be MAL's top story. The ensuing discussions are, of course, pretty angry in tone. I'd be OK with that if there were other stories that lightened the mood from time to time, or that took the current administration to task with a laugh (exasperated, maybe, but still trying to find humor in the haplessness of the current administration) rather than with a scowl. Maybe you can cite chapter-and-verse of when Grandy and Nehman joke about stories on the air -- I know they try to joke sometimes -- but as a regular listener to the morning show for years, I can say that, lately, the humor just isn't coming across. Christian (8/3/10) "SFW" whether or not Haynesworth practices. His presence on the Redskin roster is like taking a suitcase off of the Titanic. His inflated ego is not welcome. (8/3/10) "I wouldn't be surprised if fleeting expletives just become a way of life in broadcast media." And, the rest of us would not be surprised if doctors never find a way to remove your head from your rectum. (8/3/10) Dave: "Holy-Cow." How is it possible ESPN Radio does a breaking news item during M/M's Show regarding the fact Haynesworth decided not to practice today and the story just crossed the AP. Then 10-minutes later, Al Galdi reports Haynesworth may not practice!! Say What?? Ok, it's quite evident someone's not doing their job or keeping-up with the news of the day. Where's there beat reporter? Not to say WJFK is any better but this is the biggest story of camp and just another example of people not knowing how to cover our area teams. (8/3/10) Haney will start being worked into the Cunningham show once football season starts and you can only assume what that means for the future of Bruce's show. It will become Bob's show by the time baseball season begins next spring. CBS-Baltimore higher ups aren't happy with Cunningham's lack of baseball knowledge and that's Haney's biggest strength. Also expect to see Jen Royle sitting in with Garceau as football season begins and the brass makes a decision on Jeremy Conn. (8/3/10) RIP Mitch Miller at age 99. The man who truly believed that singalongs televised into the home would block the wave of rock n roll and keep America safe. Whoopsie... (8/3/10) Dave's response: Mitch Miller's sing-along show on NBC in the 1960s was one of the first TV shows broadcast in "living color"..... (pullquote) I wouldn't be surprised if fleeting expletives just become a way of life in broadcast media. (end) Neither would I, but I'd probably still keep a thumb over the delay line just the same. Not because I'm a prude or because of an 85-year legacy of expletive-free radio, but with sports fans out there talking about those #$%^&ing Redskins or those %^**sucking Nats or the mutha&%@#$*^ Capitals - in bars, on the streets, in cabs and in public places - wouldn't it be nice just to have ONE place to go where one could debate sports and not feel the need to fill in empty-headed moments with a stream of unnecessary blather? To my ear, hearing "fuck" every other word is the same as hearing "like" or "y'know" that peppers the endless chatter of teenyboppers. Its not foul or vicious anymore, but frequent use tells me some guy didn't take any time to assemble his thoughts. Watch the edit job from "The Big Lebowski" here www.youtube.com and take note of when it stops being funny and just becomes tedious. (8/3/10) If you to wjla.com or newschannel8's website at the top it says coming very soon TBD.com. WJLA.com will re-direct to TBD.com. It says the anchors picturees at top will be gone. (8/3/10) Did I see someone really complaining that radio stations wouldn't spend more than a few minutes on hockey during the summer, such as when the Capitals acquired DJ King? Really, how much time SHOULD be devoted to the acquisition of a fourth-liner hoping to prove he can do more than fight?Complain all you want about all the Redskins talk, but it's the big story right now among sports fans, especially as the Nats begin to shit the bed on their season again. That said, the Nats still get talked about on 106-7, as does the NBA. To say JFK is just ignoring the rest of the sports world ala 980 just isn't right. And hockey talk in the summer isn't selling anywhere south of the border, unless it's something big. (8/3/10) /\ August 3 Messages /\ \/ August 2 Messages \/ In regard to the poster: "TEM just had a listener call in and say “he doesn’t shit” in regard to Albert Haynesworth. It was not caught by the delay." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second District Court in New York recently ruled that the banning of fleeting expletives on radio and television ran in contradiction to our guarantee of free speech. The Court, at the conclusion of its opinion, struck down the FCC's indecency policy, citing that the policy failed constitutional scrutiny. I wouldn't be surprised if fleeting expletives just become a way of life in broadcast media. (8/2/10) Dave: Thought you'd be interested in seeing this; am not necessarily one for telling providers what they _must_ carry_..but I do believe Comcast should be made to allow Dish and Directv to be able to carry Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia! It probably still wouldn't matter in my case, since I don't know (even if Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia were available on the Dish)..if they'd let me be able to get it! Tom Kaufman thehill.com (8/2/10) That "cranky old geriatric biddy" you are referring to when describing 630 WMAL's "The Grandy Group" co-host on Friday, 7/30 was none other than Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a remarkable and very intelligent woman. She was wonderful on the show and I hope that she's invited again to share the mic with Mr. Grandy, who continues being one of the most fabulous radio talk show hosts in the United States. The other 'cranky biddy' you were referring to for today, Monday, 8/2, was none other than.... Lanny Davis. Maybe his high-pitched voice confused your deaf ears at the crack of dawn and you thought it was a woman's voice on-air? As Austin Powers would say: "It was a man, baby", and Lanny was amazing and quite enjoyable to listen to, especially given his liberal views and his past associations with the Clintons. Last Wed. and Thurs. (7/28, 7/29) were two of the best days ever for "The Grandy Group" -- the array of guests, ranging from lawyers to Members of Congress and others, was the best mix for this show. Bryan and Fred are doing fine.... they're doing extremely well despite the fact that Ann Wog is not there any longer. Things are working out fine. Everyone just leave 'em alone. -Silvie- (8/2/10) Regarding WJFK's afternoon ratings since the flip versus before it, it's not even close. The ratings are much higher since the flip. Yes, O'Meara did well in the last month, as the rumors circled that the show was about to end, and interest in the show grew. He also had a 10th, 12th, and 16th place finish in his target demo, and only hit top 5 a few times. Lavar and Chad have done that 8 times in the last 12 months, and have never placed worse than 9th. (8/2/10) "Washington Jewish Week sold. Effective August 2, 2010, the Washington Jewish Week has been acquired by WJW Group, LLC. The acquiring company is owned by David Butler, Allan Fox, Michael Gelman, Stuart Kurlander and Louis Mayberg. All of the owners have been active in the Washington area Jewish community. Craig Burke, a former publisher of the Washington Jewish Week, has been hired to serve as the chief operating officer, and will be responsible for day to day operations of the paper." Source: washingtonjewishweek.com (8/2/10) WTOP's Andrew Mollenbeck takes the same conditioning test that Albert Haynesworth needs to pass before he can practice with the team. David Burd reports. (8/2/10) Regarding Marcus and his WJFK question: The MOM show had crept up into the top 10 in over all demo ratings. The Arrington show has bested that by ranking consistently around 19th-20th in the overalls. As far as The Arrington show in m 25-54, he has really blown out the doors by gaining a 6-7th place, over the MOM Show's 2nd place rating upon O'Meara's dismissal. If you knew anything abot radio, you'd know that this is the very definition of success... (8/2/10) Regarding a portion of a previous post, ". . .actually heard Scott Jackson and Brian Mitchell do about an hour straight on the Nats on Saturday. Kind of pissed me off actually... an hour is overkill in the middle of Skins training camp." Now let me look at a calendar. Today is Monday and Redskins' camp opened last Thursday - so that's 4 days. How does this make the MIDDLE OF CAMP? All we have is NO games played and a disgruntled defensive player. If you don't like baseball that's fine, but don't bitch when there is nothing much to say about the Redskins and that's all you want to hear about. Why don't you try the Redskins' website (or call Larry Michaels directly) and get your fill. (8/2/10) TEM just had a listener call in and say “he doesn’t shit” in regard to Albert Haynesworth. It was not caught by the delay. (8/2/10) Congratulations to Chris Roth on ascending to the position of President/GM of Red Zebra by default. (8/2/10) I forgot to add our 'local' boys from Clutch with "50 Thousand Unstoppable Watts" for a WHFS resurrection. DonnieLookinOutTheWindowAtTheSame3Dogs (8/2/10) Wmal - So right about the morning show, bad does not describe it. While Parks was a xenophobic wing nut, he was at least a professional radio broadcaster who could carry Grandy. They got to do something ASAP! Newsweek - I hope the news of the sale of the magazine to Harman will help save this once proud publication. I have been reading the Newsweek since I was in 9th grade (1965) and it makes me sad to see what it has turned into. (8/2/10) Gotta chime in and agree with comments about "The Grandy Group." I thought anything would be better than Chris Plante, but honestly, I'm not sure "The Grandy Group" is much of an improvement. Like you said, Dave, the tone of show seems angrier than it was when Andy was on with Fred. I shared some of your concerns with the show during those years, although Andy's politics sometimes appealed to me (not always, but sometimes). Whatever made the earlier show entertaining and fun at times seems to have disappeared with Andy Parks. Which can only mean that Andy, not Fred, was key to the show's success. I have hard time believing that as I write those words, but what other conclusion should we draw? I've been listening to 105.9, and if I need politics, I usually go to The Washington Times morning show on 570. Christian (8/2/10) To the previous poster about the WMAL morning show. Yes, I believe they still have one. I am sure they have a mid morning show with some ranting lunatic as well. I heard the lunatic ranting and then he went to commercials. No joke – here is what the commercials were for: A house painting company, Boston Method for the cant get a boner club, Finally Hear hearing aids and then one to settle your back taxes. SO WMAL listeners can’t hear or get it up, owe back taxes and live in shoddy houses. (8/2/10) Now that a year has gone by and we can reflect back on the WJFK format flip, do you have numbers to compare on ratings for the station as whole, as well as previous show timeslots (i.e. Arrington and Dukes vs. MOMS)? I am just curious if it's doing better, worse or the same with the ratings. -Marcus (8/2/10) I really could not care less if people are going around smacking mailboxes with baseball bats, pumpkins or whatever projectile might be lying around and I would hardly expect LE to take an active interest unless it turned into a widespread, chronic problem. On the other hand, building and detonating explosives with household products like drain cleaner and baking soda is not just a teenage prank. While not as destructive as diesel fuel and fertilizer, the effects can still be pretty devastating, even with a plastic 2-liter soda bottle. It may not kill you, but you will experience some trauma if you are within 5-10 feet and a glass vessel certainly increases the prospects of serious injury. Am I going to report Christie McIntire? No, but if I knew that this was going on in my neighborhood I would call 911 in a heartbeat. (8/2/10) re: "WMAL's imaging voice is LA based VO talent Beau Weaver...a long haired hippie freak of a former jock..." Stations on his radio resume include KILT, KRBE, KCBQ, KFRC, KHJ. Not a bad broadcasting pedigree for a "freak." (8/2/10) I just heard a pretty good rumor that the Washington Jewish Week has been sold and that its publisher, Larry Fishbein has been let go. (8/2/10) Dave's response: Anybody know more? Concerning ratings for Salisbury/Ocean City, it looks like the results for the Spring book were issued Friday evening (see www.stationratings.com). As always, thanks! EJM (8/2/10) I actually heard Scott Jackson and Brian Mitchell do about an hour straight on the Nats on Saturday. Kind of pissed me off actually... an hour is overkill in the middle of Skins training camp. I think, despite all of the bitching, WJFK does a much better job of mixing in Nats, Caps, Wizards, etc. (8/2/10) Serious question: Does WMAL still have a morning show? I am asking because I tried to tune in on Friday, but all I heard was some cranky old biddy loudly bitching out her crotchety geriatric husband...so I tuned away. I thought I'd give it another chance, so I checked again at 8:00 this morning, and lo-and-behold the same cranky old biddy WAS STILL BITCHING THE POOR GUY OUT - this time over the phone! Seriously, do they have a morning show, or is it just some sort of a protracted and painful three-hour-long performance art version of a Metamucil commercial? Couldn't they just run classic episodes of "The Bickersons" and get the same effect? (8/2/10) Dave's response: As much as I bitched about Andy and Grandy over the years, they were sooooo much better than an Andy-less Grandy. They played off each other very well. Now, Mr. Grandy just sounds dour and mean, and putting him on with his wife is simply a radio train wreck. If I was running WMAL, I would say adios to Fred and pair Bryan Nehman with someone else, maybe David Burd? Maybe get Chris Core back? Maybe add a female voice, a la Carol Joynt, to the 630 morning mix? Hmmm..... I just saw former Washington Times music writer Scott Galupo's byline on a Brooks and Dunn concert review over at the Washington Post's "Click Track" blog. Have any other TWTers made the switch? Christian blog.washingtonpost.com (8/2/10) Turned on FOX5 news this morning and saw some segment called Off the Wall with Dave Ross and Wisdom Martin..Dave Ross was talking all over Wisdom Martin not letting him get a word in edgewise. Is this something new, who's idea was this and why?.. (8/2/10) In response to the Christie McIntire remark, you dont have to keep using the phrase "Post 9/11". George Bush is no longer president and living in fear is no way to live as an American. Maybe you can 'name names' to the DHS yourself and take part in the continued destruciton of civil liberties and free speech. Destroying a mailbox is also a federal offense but I dont see the FBI locking up every 16 year old kid with their parents car and a baseball bat. Its thought like this that continues our descent into the end of free speech in the media. There is always someone, so quick to call the FCC to complain about Free Speech, when it would just be easier for them to change the program if they didnt like what was being said. Maybe you would prefer if there a government official on in the morning and you could listen to government issued media? When Christie McIntire announces her plan to bomb a federal building, then I'll be concerend. - Ted, Eastern Shore (8/2/10) I would like to see the old HFS format return to the airwaves as well, but the idea of it being a patriotic crusade is ugly in the extreme, as if Spanish was inherently un-American. I thought it was obvious that the changeover to El Zol was about money and not about some anti-English conspiracy. (8/2/10) [Regarding El Bashir, he did a good job with the Capitals Insider blog at the Post Website. A must read for Caps fans, both hard core and casual. But he was way too reluctant to take on management and ask the tough questions. Kind of the opposite of La Canfora, one of his predecessors, who was a complete pr**k. I hope this new woman, who is reportedly a Penguins fan (believe it or not), finds a happy medium. By the way Mike in Fairfax, today Scott Jackson and Brian Mitchell went off on people who say that they don't talk enough Nats and Caps. Jackson was a total a-hole in fact, as he has a particular ability to be. Don't listen to their weekend show if you want to hear much but Redskins.] On the first point, shouldn't the Post be devoting more resources to the Caps, who are the number two team in town, at least for now? I'm sure that this woman will some day develop into a good reporter, but from all indications she is a relative newbie. The Post sports section has become pretty much a joke anyway, but they could at least make an effort. On the second point, I heard that Brian Mitchell segment too. Jackson and Mitchell went off on some guy who texted that they need to talk more Nationals. You know, according to Jackson and Mitchell, Redskins get all the ratings and we're going to talk about the Redskins (although they later did do an interview with a Nats reporter). As if we haven't heard enough about Haynesworth. So then Jackson, who really does need an attitude adjustment, starts attacking Caps fans (who really weren't involved in the discussion) for wanting more hockey talk, telling them that they need to "get over it". A Nats or Caps fan then apparently texted something about Jackson and Mitchell getting kicked of 980, which set Mitchell off about how he wasn't fired but left because he wasn't going to let them tell him what to say. Sure. All entertaining, but it continues to amaze me how the sportstalk nitwits in this town are still living in 1988 and think the only thing that matters to people is the Redskins. I'm a big as big a Redskins fan as anyone, but the DC sports scene has changed a lot since then and it is really only the local media that perpetuates the myth that this is a one sport town. (8/2/10) I can't seem to find the Salisbury/Ocean City radio ratings. Does Arbitron still do them for smaller markets and does anybody know of a good site for market ratings? (8/2/10) David Aldridge, if you’re reading this. Please stop saying “mmm hmm” when Tony is talking. (8/2/10) The following was forwarded to DCRTV..... We will be hiring two additional, full-time writers in the coming weeks as we continue to grow WTOP.com and provide more content to our news consumers. The new staff members will give us some much-needed muscle throughout the day, and will be responsible for some new sections of the site. They will report to myself as well as the AM editor, Colleen Kelleher; and PM editor, Emily Eckland. If you know anyone with two or three years of related experience, please send them the link below: www.wtop.com. Thanks, mg (8/2/10) On New York Social Diary today, Real Housewives of DC debuts with a trashing and premiere party wars; Ellen and Todd Gray host a fundraiser at their northwest home. www.nysocialdiary.com (8/2/10) Did Christie McIntire on Mix 107.3 admit to aiding a felony around 6:45 this morning? After reading a news story about chemical bombs being placed in mailboxes and on lawns in Fairfax County she mentioned 'supervising' her son while he made and exploded similar bottle bombs (she called them 'Works bombs'). Being the 'good mother' she required him to wear eye protection, not realizing that these can be extremely dangerous. In this post-9/11 world I am pretty sure that is a Federal offense which could pique the interest of DHS and the BATF. (8/2/10) (regarding a previous post) "Just listened to the intro of This Week with ChristyManOnManPour on C-Span ... - ZombieWoof" I'm wondering if this poster is the poster who we used to see here a lot, who was known as ThePenIs? We've managed to go many blessed months without his lame, rambling posts. These newer posts have been very similar, in style and content, which is why I'm asking. (8/2/10) Hey Dave, in this morning's Post, egg faced Howie Kurtz acknowledges, but downplays, his incomplete synopsys of Fox News (foxnews.com) reporting that lead to the Sherrod firing. Maybe next week Howie can tell us "oh by the way, Fox Nation also reported the story hours before her firing." So, Howie, wanting the truth makes you liberal? (8/2/10) Regrading the Post printing times, the edition I got on Sunday and I live in Alexandria had the final Nationals score, and the final DC United score/article/box score and that game ended around 11 PM. In all, all the MLB finals were listed. The only late game that was in my print edition that I have home delivered is one game in the Candianan football league and one in the arena football league. Mike in Alexandria (8/2/10) Dave: Can we all face some facts; a)our radio market doesn't have a legit sportstalk station that knows how to cover our local teams...b)there's below average talent at those stations. I agree with Mike/Fairfax, it's opening week of Redskins training camp and your front-line personalities aren't working? I'm sorry, Czaban's personal golf commitments are more important and Pollin doesn't want to work any harder than normal. In addition, why doesn't Mr. Tony make an appearance at Redskins Park and really make a splash. Over at WJFK, I think they're missing the boat. Yes, you're only allowed the basics when covering the Redskins. However, why not play to your strengths? Go get that interview with Strasburg or Kasten and show 980 how lazy there are when it comes to covering other teams. (8/2/10) re: Beau Weaver It is all about results... www.spokenword.com (8/2/10) /\ August 2 Messages /\ \/ August 1 Messages \/ A follow-up to the "collection calls" thread: Many companies use automatic dialing machines that dial several numbers at a time. When a live person picks up, the machine drops all the calls it has made except the one that was answered. This is why many people get what they perceive as "hang-ups" sometimes when a telemarketer or collector is calling. Most of these machines (called Predictive Dialers) will delete from their list, a phone number that is disconnected. You can add the three short tones that precede the phone company's usual "this phone has been disconnected" message, right before, your usual outgoing voicemail/answering machine message. privatecitizen.com... In most cases, any caller using a predictive dialer will delete your number, after getting those tones. This should eliminate those collections calls you've been getting. The only downside to this method is that it can also keep you from getting consumer/political survey calls or automated calls (like automated "doctor appointment" calls) and some other calls that you would want to receive. (8/1/10) WMAL's imaging voice is LA based VO talent Beau Weaver...a long haired hippie freak of a former jock, who freely admits most clients would be surprised at his appearance. I think he does a solid job and gives J.J. Surma a nice alternative to his own voice, which is used for other elements. (8/1/10) Dear Dave: A previous poster writes "...Once again my WP Sunday 'Sports Section' said that the National's game ended too late.....I think it was over by 10:15 PM.....too late? Really? What time is this thing printed? Very disappointing..." The same happened with my edition. The game ended at about 10:28 PM on Ryan ZImmerman's 3-run home run. Even the Post's web page didn't have a game update when I gave up at 11:10 PM and hit the hay. WTOP's web site did have a game story filed by the AP at about 11:00. How long does it take to write a game recap for the first print run? Especially when it ends before 11:00? Will be there today. Hope to see a sweep. And a friendly reminder to all that today is the last day to vote for this year's candidates for the National Radio Hall of Fame (www.radiohof.org). My Dad is listed there. Great site Dave! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (8/1/10) WYRE 810 was supposed to move to Essex, Maryland, which would cover the Baltimore market quite well even at 250 watts low on the AM dial, but it doesn't appear as if that move has happened and I'm not sure if the construction permit is even valid anymore considering it was issued in January, 2006. That's over 4 years ago. Or does the FCC not enforce a time limit on construction permits anymore? (8/1/10) Just listened to the intro of This Week with ChristyManOnManPour on C-Span. That voice is just hideous. Whoever made that hire should be fired. Jake Tapper was just fine. George Stephaluffogous made a disastrous decision by leaving. He's never going to be an evening news anchor. What a hideous mess. US audiences don't want to hear that faux British accent. I'm not going to guage her performance, Tapper took about a month to hit his stride, it's the sound that is crap. - ZombieWoof (8/1/10) Dave, I found your items re the DC radio voice marketplace interesting. Do you know who is the new voice for WMAL promos? I think there are many more station ID and program promotions since Drew Hayes' arrival, perhaps something he's done to promote WLS Chicago. Thanks for your update on Paul Duckworth, whom we found very accessible and engaging with us as longtime listeners. Thanks. (8/1/10) Dave's response: I don't know who's doing the new MAL promos..... "Every few months I'll buy a Sunday Post and then realize how little of value is in it. I won't be doing it again." Once again my WP Sunday 'Sports Section' said that the National's game ended too late.....I think it was over by 10:15 PM.....too late? Really? What time is this thing printed? Very disappointing. (8/1/10) Dave, read with interest the article from the Post's ombudsman. He really glossed over the fact that basically the Post has started charging much more for much less. Also, those readers that have abandoned the Post are not coming back. Every few months I'll buy a Sunday Post and then realize how little of value is in it. I won't be doing it again. (8/1/10) Dave's response: Lots of big pictures and graphics and lots of "filler" copy. It's a surprisingly "light" read for the relative print "weight" of the thing, especially when you include the bag-o-ads..... "I want to read more aboutwww.K???V.com" --Do ya? Move along, Troll. (8/1/10) Dave's response: KHZ is the radio version of the "if a tree falls in the woods and no one was there to hear it" argument. If KHZ is serious about getting an audience, it needs to get on the air in Baltimore and DC, and preferably on an FMer. Three dip-watt AMers on the Bay and Eastern Shore just won't do it..... i heard that winx thing on your mail list. you know, that parnelli dechucko show on www.davidtate.net. i have not sent an email to you in years, but i can tell you that this old crap makes dcrtv irrelevant to people like me, who are interested in much more important things, like whether or not paul bicknell and bill parris took a bath this morning. why don't you guys EDIT your material? I want to read more about www.KHZTV.com, not some old aircheck from 1996. lou goldfarb, silver spring, md (8/1/10) /\ August 1 Messages /\ \/ July 31 Messages \/ I don't blame DISH for not carrying the Yankees. They are committing highway robbery with the amount of money the YES network wants to carry the network. CUDOS to DISH for standing up to the rat bastards! And COMCAST are such rat bastards, they won't even accept ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY to carry COMCAST Sports Net Philly and that should be ILLEGAL! THANK YOU DISH, YES NETWORK and COMCAST SPORTSNET Philly are SCUM of THE EARTH! (7/31/10) Do NOT underestimate the capacity of CBS to do The Dumb Thing. As for HFS: They could put it back on a main signal with an HD2 and maybe an HD3. They could have Free Form with the wide range of the original WHFS, the New Wave/Alternative HFS of the 80s and the heavier more grungy HFS of the 90s. Or even an all HFStival/Just Passin Thru subchannel. The fan base for WHFS covers many tastes and age groups which makes it monumentally stupid for HFS to be simply an FM afterthought. I do realize that giving back 99.1 to HFS fans would insult the New Americans, and be considered politically incorrect by those who enjoy the selling of our nation to the highest bidder, but think of the revenue!!! To ignore the fans of Rock and Alternative is ridiculous. Baltimore needs another Rock station. "50 thousand watts between 2 big cities" would be a smart move. Almost as smart as Jake Einsteins idea to place WHFS in Annapolis was to begin with!! The sweetest thing I can imagine hearing is " Transmitting from the capitol of America!!!! This!! Is!! NOT!! Your!! Radio Station!! ANYMORE!!!!! Noventa Nuevo puntoNNNN... Noventa NueNNNN.... NovenNNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII NNNNNNNNNETYYYYYYY NNNNNIIIIIIINNNNNEEE OOOOOONNNNNNNE .......(hiss)...... 99one FM Annapolis,Baltimore,Washington DC...WHFS..." Que:"Hendrix-Star Spangled Banner" into"Dropping Anchor", "Calling All Freaks","We Want The Airwaves", "Bleed American", "Fight For Your Right"....you get the drift.....Sorry the coffee is DAMN Good(and hot too) but it hasn't kicked in yet....so..."The preceding statement does not reflect the views of CBS and cannot etc etc ad nauseum squid pro fellatium eternum infernum dunceous......"Donnie (7/31/10) I can't figure out a way to explicitly tie this in to local media, except it's been in the Post. I am getting in early and predicting an epic fail for Coach Shanahan. He's giving Haynesworth a test that no one else on the team has to take (WRONG on that one, Don Geronimo) and no one else on the team could pass. Shanahan has a stick up his butt and is tying Haynesworth to the whipping post. Whipping post! I already respected Haynesworth for getting his 20 something million dollar payout, now I respect him even more. Hey, Shanadouchebag, ever hear of the concept of a rest day? Do you know anything about athletic training? Another losing season for the tiny ooJay's Redskins, and training has barely started. Donovan McNabb (what a cool name!) - SQUANDERED!!! -ZombieWoof (7/31/10) Dave, What a bunch of hypocrites the people at DISH NETWORK are whining because Comcast won't let them carry CSN Philly. They want to offer this network to its subscribers, but still refuse to carry The Yes Network the flagship network of New York Yankees Baseball and New Jersey Nets Basketball. DISH NETWORK subscribers only get to see about 20 Yankees Games (and that's only if they pay for the super station package for the 15 games on WWOR MY 9 and the 5 or so Yankees Games that are carried nationally on FOX). Marc (7/31/10) Regarding El Bashir, he did a good job with the Capitals Insider blog at the Post Website. A must read for Caps fans, both hard core and casual. But he was way too reluctant to take on management and ask the tough questions. Kind of the opposite of La Canfora, one of his predecessors, who was a complete pr**k. I hope this new woman, who is reportedly a Penguins fan (believe it or not), finds a happy medium. By the way Mike in Fairfax, today Scott Jackson and Brian Mitchell went off on people who say that they don't talk enough Nats and Caps. Jackson was a total a-hole in fact, as he has a particular ability to be. Don't listen to their weekend show if you want to hear much but Redskins.` (7/31/10) Regarding the bill collector. A trick that my wife has used (but, thankfully, not for a bill collector since we don't get these calls YET) is that when some salesperson called as asked for me she simply said, after taking a deep breath, "He's dead!" The caller doesn't know what to say next (not in the script, I guess) and never again calls. (7/31/10) Dave you want some fun with the Amex bill collector next time they call ? Put on your best radio voice (you know, pewk it up like that guy who sounds like nausea on a certain local news station), and tell the bill collector to "Press One to speak with a human." When they do, make up some bogus speil about how 'this customer pays his bills on time and if you think you've reached this party in error, please check your information with the local credit bureau.' They can't argue with a robot receptionist, right ? Then hang up before you start laughing. (7/31/10) Dave's response: I think the best one is to put a message on the answering machine that sounds like I'm really answering the phone but can't hear the caller. "Hello. Hello? Speak up, I can't hear you. What? Is anyone there?" Etc. And then, after a minute or so, reveal that it's just a recorded message. Ha ha ha..... You may want to pause stone-throwing a bit and give Paul Farhi a break while you re-check the Vickie Burns item. KNBC indicates she's going there as News VP (same job she held at WRC), not President and GM as dctrv reports. (7/3/10) /\ July 31 Messages /\ \/ July 30 Messages \/ Caliente 105? Probably not! It would be the stupidest move CBS could ever make as 99.1 ElZol sucks and barely shows in Baltimore on a signal that Blanket's B-More & all the way up to the MD-PA line. It's time for HFS to make the full switch HD1 FM signal and the chance to put 98Rock down. I don't think 98 Rock could stand ground with HFS when it comes to music. (7/30/10) I always laugh when people criticize 105.7 The Fan's Ed Norris for various reasons. Maybe he doesn't fit the 105.7 The Fan Sports Talk format, that I'll concede, but he's a compelling talker and even if CBS dumps him, I think WCBM or WBAL would want him bad. If I'm not mistaken, Norris's probation for federal charges is not up yet. Do you know what that means? That means he's reluctant to say he was in New York City eating dinner with then Mayor Martin O'Malley and then shagging chicks in the night clubs courtesy of Baltimore City tax dollars. Norris is still between a rock and a hard place until his probation is up. The funny thing about Ed Norris is that he did nothing wrong beyond what any previous Baltimore City Police Commissioner did that was further beyond the law then they did previously. His problem was that O'Malley ratted him out for decades old Baltimore City corruption because they had a falling out, and O'Malley is a rat bastard and had the goods on Norris and turned him over to the feds. O'Malley is a prick who gets even at all costs and having met him personally, that's why I won't vote for him. He's even a prick in person when he's trying to be nice. Ehrlich is considered by many in the local media establishment to be anti-gay and god knows what else, but even being a gay person myself, I found him a nicer person to meet IN person. Go figure. (7/30/10) Wow... that "Robert in Arlington" sure is a racist. And, Dave Hughes must be one, too, for posting that anti-White rant. It's sad to see what Dave's "mine and if I want to" blog has become! Remember when it had a shred of relevance? (7/30/10) Dcrtv Dave you ain't ragging on THISTV with the crack about them showing one star movies is you! I dig a lot of the movies they show. Why they been showing "The Missouri Breaks" lately. Maybe not a 4 star-er but I find it fascinating viewing. Go Brando go over the top. And last week a showing of the movie" Last Rites", I don't know exactly why but I like watching them crime thrillers of the 1980's. Starred Tom Berenger who can now be seen co starring in "Inception" (I saw it a week ago and i'm still going what was that ) Boy, about Tom Berenger's appearance in "Inception" versus "Last Rites" is time waits for no one do it. Well excluding Morgan Fairchild. I'd take THISTV over AMC , American Movie Classics, and its 10 minute commercial breaks and sloppy editing anytime. Oy, turned on espn 980 hoping for return of Sports Reporters but more of that larry michael infused crap! During my mid day sitdown picked up the May 2010 of Washingtonian for some light reading. Little snippet of article about some new editor at WaPo seemingly brought in to lower the boom on folks over there. So was Tony K. told we don't want you no more or did he leave of his own volition. I mean not room for the occasional piece from Kornholio like Feinstein? the werdless (7/30/10) Re: "I'd venture a guess that PEPCO would encounter great resistance if they wanted to thin the canopies in the older, and shall we say, more affluent 'hoods' " Yes, and WTF is up with WAMU this afternoon letting us know every 10 - 15 minutes about the BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY!!! during their breaks. When their announcer will tell you that MoCo exec Ike Leggett is MAD! And he _DEMANDS_ answers from PEPCO as to why they took up to TWO DAYS to get power restored to his constituents in the privileged white island fortress of Bethesda Chevy Chase where much of the storm damage took place, and where those folks are not accustomed to doing without or waiting for anything. You know those folks are on Ike's ass. Yet WAMU's strident flogging of the "angry Ike Leggett" story borders on the absurd. Yours truly grew up and used to live in the Silver Spring, Takoma Park area, MoCo's "Soweto" and am very familiar with being neglected and ignored by the county government. If this storm damage had occurred in that area, you would probably not heard a peep from Leggett. The last time I heard Ike this strident and excited was when the brown, Hispanic folks were being found closer and closer to the northern edge of the BCC fortress, coming down from Gaithersburg. Normally low key Leggett established a day labor center at White Flint and tried to be as forceful as he could, warning the brown folks to not come any closer to his white constituents' fortress. Robert, Arlington (7/30/10) I doubt if FOX 5's Hometown Friday's feature is going back to Greenbelt anytime soon. Last week in Poolesville they easily had a thousand people interacting with the anchors and reporters. This morning in Greenbelt they had to use a very tight camera shot so to get all ten residents in the picture. Having the five reporters standing shoulder to shoulder all morning looked very awkward. (7/30/10) Cool....Virginia Tech and Boise State in 3-D...Of course, there IS another way to see it in 3-D — GO TO THE GAME. That’s what I’m doing (in a Boise State T-shirt, too).... Charles in Winchester (7/30/10) Ed Norris is still on 105.7 mornings? I haven't listened to him since he was forced to do sports (did get to google some naked pics of Anita Marks) Does Norris still talk about important stuff like current events & news; especially in the corrupt political cesspool of Baltimore & the 'people democratic republic' of Maryland. Granted somehow every story-segment of the show came back to Ed glorifying himself and his career (re: the glory days of NYPD & 'bleed-more' PD...and how his life was ruined in an epic, nay, biblical miscarriage of Justice...) (7/30/10) Dave...I see your point. BGE came thru my 'hood a few years back and thinned out the heavy tree canopy that had overtaken our power lines. Made a tremendous difference in power reliability. I grew up in Mont County,and know the culture over there. I'd venture a guess that PEPCO would encounter great resistance if they wanted to thin the canopies in the older,and shall we say, more affluent 'hoods. KJ, Laurel MD (7/30/10) Not to defend PEPCO but....that "20 minute thunderstorm" was the most violent weather I've seen since Isabel. Trees were flattened all over my neighborhood,and we weren't hit nearly as hard as parts of PEPCO's service area. BGE has always been superior to PEPCO in restoration,but they didn't have entire sections of their grid destroyed..... KJ, Laurel MD (7/30/10) Dave's response: The problem with Pepco is that many of its residential neighborhoods in Southern Montgomery and Northwest Washington are circa 1940s through 1960s, with lots of big beautiful trees and above-ground power lines snaking through the branches. And they (the trees, power lines) come down in big thunder/ice/snow storms. And since there are many small outages that affect smallish neighborhoods, they take multiple days to get to. The newer neighborhoods, like here in Reston and Wild West Fairfax, have underground utilities that are less affected by stormy winds..... Sale of St. Mary's Today www.stamarystoday.com (7/30/10) I presume that when Larry Weisman moved from real sports journalism to become the in-house blogger and house apologist for the Redskins, he got a huge raise and good working conditions. You know, good 401(k) match, good health plan, company car, stuff like that. And I REALLY hope it was worth it to him, because based on his appearances on 980, he gave up all credibility. OK, compared to Larry Michael, Weisman is a hard-hitting investigative reporter, but let's not set the bar that low. Sincerely, TMU (7/30/10) Isn't it a bit odd that Radio One can get away with using their licensed radio stations to lobby Congressmen via their broadcasts?? And then blame Dionne Warwick for being a lobbyist? If I ran the FCC, their licenses would be in jeopardy for using the station to unduly influence their Representatives. Something seems wrong about it. In other news, short wave stations were coming in extra great this week before sunset, much better than usual. I even got CFRX-6070 at NIGHT on my little SW portable, which is usual only gotten by day here in the Olney Metropolitan Area, just north of the Leisure World Valley. -- Carl in Olney (7/30/10) That new Channel 50-3 is New Tang Dynasty Television, a Chinese language station which according to Wikipedia, is affiliated with Falun Gong and shows human rights abuses in China. I think maybe Channel 50 now has the oddest mix of programming around, teenage soap operas on the CW, one-star TV movies from 70's and 80's on This TV, and now 24 hour Chinese oppression. (7/30/10) "And not once did Haynesworth's name come up with [Dan] Snyder [yesterday on WTEM]." According to the transcript of the interview on Dan Steinberg's bog, Larry Michael's last question was "Finally, you know Mike Shanahan yesterday talked about defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and Mike said he's got all his eyes moving forward, and obviously I think that's what the team had always thought they were gonna do: training camp's gonna come and this is the team, isn't it?". Snyder's reply? - "I hope so, and I think Mike will lead the way, and we're in great hands." If that doesn't qualify as tough, aggressive questioning in the grand tradition of Mike Wallace and the late Tim Russert, I don't know what does. While you'd think day one of Redskins training camp would mean all hands on deck at that station, both Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban had legitimate reasons for not being there (family matters in one case and hosting an annual golf event in the other). Regarding Bill Rohland's 'apology' to the listeners prior to discussing a Capitals related topic on his show a few days ago, I've heard the same type of thing from other hosts at 106.7 The Fan (such as Mike Wise and Holden Kushner) leading into hockey segments even during the season. A typical example is "don't worry, Skins fans - we'll get back to your team very shortly". The thinking seems to be that the Caps still aren't part of the mainstream sports culture in DC despite the fact that they sell out all their home games, so that while you could get away with talking about them at great length during the playoffs when the town's on the bandwagon, spending more than a few minutes on (for example) the acquisition of enforcer D.J. King from St. Louis the other day would cause 90 percent of the listeners to either turn off their radio or flip over to the competition. Speaking of WJFK, Chad Dukes made the following remark just after an interview with the station's new Redskins reporter Grant Paulsen on LaVar Arrington's show yesterday - 'It's nice to have a beat reporter who lets the story be the story instead of making himself the story.' That's clearly a shot at Chris Russell (the previous Skins beat reporter) and suggests that he was skating on thin ice there prior to leaving for WTEM last week. Mike, Fairfax (7/30/10) Did someone really just compare Julie Wright to Mabel King? Fred Berry, maybe, but not Mabel King. The weather dog is a stupid idea, as well. I hear it, too, will be joining the satellite station XNST along with Jerry Coleman. (7/30/10) The guy who is all pixilated (little joke there) in his cable reception may need a higher quality cable (I mean the actual metal, plastic covered, 75-ohm plug cable). When I had FiOS installed (and this story is about the part at a point in the house way after the stuff is converted fromn Fiber Optics to regular voltages in wiring), we already had a wire between one room in the house and another for the roof antenna connection. When it was used, the On Demand picture and sound had exactly those problems. He replaced it with the "Verizon FiOS-recommended cable" which he said is a higher quality (lower resistance, more conductance, some other buzz words maybe?) cable and the whole thing worked right. It could be that a better 75-ohm cable is is needed somewhere. It could also be a broken HDMI cable, which is not the same as being inexpensive: Mine work fine and they came from Amazon for $12 each, and one came from the FiOS guy for free; he said they are so inexpensive, he is supposed to just give one away if needed; the voltages don't have to go so far, so they don't have to be made expensive. A niece of mine bought an HDTV and saved all this money. Then she was talked into two $70 HDMI cables!!!!! Well, that's where they made their money. But don't tell her; she'll feel bad. To summarize: I vote for it being a cheap 75-ohm or a broken HDMI cable.-- Carl in Olney (7/30/10) As expected, WAGE AM 1200 immediately filed for a "Remain Silent Authority" permit from the FCC after broadcasting for just a few weeks just to keep the FCC permit for the station. Gotta love the FCC loopholes... fcc.gov... Speaking of collection agency phone calls... Having had quite a few roommates over the years, I bought this nifty little Caller ID box from a tech website, DAK.com. Once I block/reject the call, it answers the phone after the 1st ring and delivers an automated response like an answering machine that I am not accepting their calls in either French or Spanish. It usually works to get me off the call list because whoever is calling usually cannot speak French and everyone hates the French! LOL By the way, there's supposed to be a harsh fine for calling someone after you've asked to be on their DO NOT CALL LIST, but I've never ever figured out how you can file a complaint, let alone prove it and get someone fined. Another failed government idea with good intentions that technology and entrepreneurial investment has fixed for me instead. (7/30/10) An article in today’s Washington Post Style section makes reference to my book Diamonds In The Raw. The title of the article is “Welcome To The DMV”. Diamonds In The Raw is available online at: barnesandnoble.com... “Welcome To The DMV”: www.washingtonpost.com (7/30/10) Dave's response: As I noted on the Front Page today, in the Post piece Farhi claims that Channel 9 was once known as WDMV. Wrong. It was WDVM. Wonder if we'll see an A2 correction tomorrow? Hmmm..... FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES ON FOX NEWS: 8:00 P.M.: "A young woman schemes to illegally cross the border of a sovereign nation on a whirlwind adventure. Once there, she brutally murders and robs the first person she encounters and sets out on a drug-induced journey through a surreal landscape. Along the way, she persuades three hapless drifters to aid and abet in her bizzare quest, only to murder once again. Eluding justice, she finally steals an aircraft in order to escape back to her native land one step ahead of an angry mob." THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939 - Directed by Victor Fleming, re-edited for broadcast by Andrew Breitbart) - Jeff in (sometimes this stuff just writes itself) Bowie (7/30/10) Julie Wright wild as hell today. She made a comment about joining the crew on location in Greenbelt (the whole crew is doing their Fox 5 in the community thing) when she made mention of Tony putting a leash and a collar on her if she were to join them (Drawing from the stupid weather dog, Kennedy, who was out there on a leash.) It was kinda cool to see Julie leave the traffic studio to head out and hang out with them...She gave Tony a huge bear hug and almost broke his ribs. Kinda like how Mama would squeeze Raj to death when hugging him on What's Happening. And seriously, Kennedy the WeatherDog? They must be bored at Fox...lol (7/30/10) Do you know what Comcast did to your little green box to fix your cable issues? I've been going back and forth with Comcast for the past month regarding issues with my cable service. The issues sound a lot like the ones you were having. We've had the digital adapter for several months but the problems started in the past few weeks. They are only occurring with the TV's that we had to install the digital adaptors on...frozen screens, audio problems, pixilations and no picture on some channels. I've been going in circles calling Comcast and we go through the same things...unplug the adaptor for 30 seconds, plug it back in, they send a signal, no problem detected by the signal, send a guy out, the guy that comes out says its a problem outside and they would send a crew to fix, I get a recorded message from Comcast saying the issue has been fixed but the problem still exists and I start all over calling Comcast again. I get a different answer regarding the issue with everyone I talk to at Comcast. I swapped out all the adapters at the recommendation of a Comcast telephone rep and that didn't work either. The last Comcast guy that came out suggested I go to Radio Shack and buy a cable TV amplifier ($35) and have Comcast come and install it because the signal from the green box by the street into the house is weak. Apparently, Comcast knows this and either do not know how to fix it or are unwilling to fix it. I'm very frustrated at this point paying almost eighty dollars a month for crap that doesn't work, not to mention the time and money I've lost sitting at home waiting for the Comcast people to come figure what's wrong. Any help you can provide is appreciated. (7/30/10) Dave's response: Usually, those digital pixilations/stuttering are caused by a lowish signal level, something that would have produced a slightly snowy picture with an old analog signal. I have no idea what the tech did at the green box. My advice is to start a website like DCRTV and then bitch like holy hell if the problem continues. I know the folks at Comcast's HQ in Philly read DCRTV..... A third channel 50 has started operation. Until yesterday evening, I had been used to seeing two channel 50s, channel 50-1 and channel 50-2. Yesterday evening, there was a channel 50-3 up and running as well. It's broadcasting in Korean or Japanese or Chinese. (7/30/10) Dave's response: Anyone know more? Don't forget Sunday is DAVE's Day @ FAMOUS DAVES!! We Dave's get a free entree worth up to $15.....middle name Dave's are half price! :) (7/30/10) (Dave wrote) "I keep getting calls from several collection agencies for a "David Hughes" who lives in Herndon who apparently hasn't paid his American Express bill." Here's what you do: Tell them you'll pay it, but you want to put it on your Visa. But not all of it. Then tell them you'd also like to put a portion on your MasterCard. And some on your Carte Blanche and a little on your Diner's Club. Then, go through a long explanation, telling them how much will be applied to which card. Use fractions and percentages. Hell, throw in a little plane geometry if you can. Once you've described all that, let them know the amounts won't all be charged to your list of cards at the same time, but will be staggered over the course of a month. Explain that process in as confusing a way as possible - especially the part about how when a month has 31 days you'll need to use different payment days than you will in months with just 30 days. Use a confusing "even/odd" payment scheme. At each step, be sure to get the person who's calling to recap each and every detail - then get them to go over the recap. At some point during the recap of the recap, find out if any portion of the original bill can be paid using American Express Traveler's Checks. Then refigure new amounts and percentages, throwing in occasional lines from an old Karl Malden pitch. If they've called on your land line and you have a cell phone, be sure to call your home number a few times during the course of the call. When you hear the Call Waiting Beep, tell the guy to hold on because it's an important call you've been expecting. Each time, when you come back to the original call, spend time recapping the call you were interrupted by. If it's possible to prepare it in advance, download some household sound effects onto your computer - dog barking, baby crying, power tools, doorbell, etc. - and use them to occasionally interrupt the call with the collection guy. When you get back on the phone after these, add some appropriate and time consuming remarks - who was at the door, noisy workman, dog greeting the UPS guy. The "baby's diaper is full & that's the last Pamper" distraction works nicely if you can get the collection guy to help you come up with an alternative from around the house to use as a fresh "diaper". If he provides more than one suggestion, engage him in the "Do you think that'll work?" conversation. When you think the call has gone on long enough, use one last sound effect - a gunshot. Then make a "falling down" noise, pause a moment and then hang up. (7/30/10) Dave's response: I have thought about pretending that I'm the "other" David Hughes and kept the collection agent on the phone with a looooooooong nonsense phone call. Wasting their time would be sweet revenge..... BANK ON IT ! 1057 The Fan --> Caliente 105 . Labor Day. Nice touch CBS. (7/30/10) The lame redskin show on ESPN 980 yesterday during sport reporters time, is this going to be a weekly kind of thing during the season? Is this some indication that Sports Reporters show might be coming too an end? I sure miss the Larry Weisman of USA Today and not this current incarnation. bummer! Any rumors on Czaban landing a new radio gig elsewhere? Hello WJFK? Boy Czaban in the afternoon slot at WJFK would be scrumptious! I can't listen to the inane ramblings of Arrington either but I'd pay to see a tv show with Arrington and John Thompson and heck throw in Rick Walker . ( Call to Dan Miller please, wha' happened to Rick Walker?) Man I sure could use a laugh or three these days! Are we going to be seeing big changes in on air personnel at WJLA in the very near future? And what happened to Maria Molina on Accuweather.com, now she was truly scrumptious. Now seem to be going with a bunch of dudes on Accuweather(Doug Hill's weather channel) like Joe Bastardi. The name's a giggle but would rather see the ladies talking weather. the werdless (7/30/10) Courtesy In Short Supply (7/30/10) Dave's response: Ha ha ha! Take me. I keep getting calls from several collection agencies for a "David Hughes" who lives in Herndon who apparently hasn't paid his American Express bill. I keep telling the collection callers that I'm the "David Hughes" in Reston (not Herndon) and I don't even have an American Express card. After I tell them that they have the wrong number, they say they'll take me off the list. And, dawgonnit, the very same collection agents start calling again in two or three weeks. When I tell them that I've told them that they have the wrong number, they deny having called me before. This has gone on for five or six months. Thanks to caller ID, I just don't answer those "800" calls that appear to come from them. These collection agencies simply don't care if they harass the wrong people..... /\ July 30 Messages /\ \/ July 29 Messages \/ I heard about a new satellite radio station called XNST: The on air talent will be Terry Ford, Jeremy Conn, Ken Weinman, Bob Haynie, Bruce Cunningham, Rob Long and the Fighting Ungers. Ray Bachman will be the producer and the field reporters will be Casey Willett for the Orioles and Aaron Wilson for the Ravens. (7/29/10) With today's announcement that Buck Showalter will be soon at the helm as the Orioles Manager, Rick Dempsey must me spitting nails as a result. Any reaction from the MASN camp Dave? Rusty Gibson (7/29/10) I agree with the writer who commented on the afternoon sports person on WBAL radio. His name is Stash who comes from 98Rock, the FM station of WBAL. He certainly isn't up to Keith Mills who does sports in the morning. Stash talks about coming from across the hall. I don't know what that means but he should go back across the hall. This is just another element that takes away from the presentation of the news program. (7/29/10) What is the deal with Andy Pollin? Isn't he good enough to cover Redskin training camp? He is good enough to be pulled in at 6am to do a post draft segment but why these two dopes that they have on now? (7/29/10) Not only was Larry & Larry's interview with Danny Boy @ 4:05 pm on The Team lame, but then they professed they had no knowledge of whether or not Albert Haynesworth had failed his conditioning test because it was raining and they hadn't been "outside to find out and couldn't get confirmation"... Even though The Washington Post, PFT, NBC Sports and Fox all reported by 2:30 pm that Albert had failed the test.. And not once did Haynesworth's name come up with Snyder.. If you're going to be the team's mouthpiece/station, at least try to get the scoop from the guy who's signing your paycheck once in a while.. (7/29/10) When I traveled to Rehoboth two weeks ago I also saw the billboards promoting 88.3 on every corner. I did not see the aircraft banner. Where does all this ad money come from? The listeners? The next time they beg for cash remember where it is going. I purposely avoided 88.3 when I tuned around the dial. I don't listen to their crappy talk and blab here in DC and I sure don't want it over there. I haven't given a dime to that station since they railroaded all the music off the air in the 90's. Fortunately I was still able to pick up WXPN with tropo in the mornings by carefully adjusting my rabbit ears in my room. Bob Fairfax (7/29/10) Radio sportscasts, as a rule, don't make or break my listening habits. But WBAL's "Stash" is changing my rule. What is a Stash? Who is Stash? I just can't get past his name (okay, I'm old, like most of WBALs listeners), or his presentation (way too casual and he doesn't seem too knowledgeable). Is it just me or is he lacking in the sports department? (7/29/10) Wow, could there be anything more worthless than having Dan Snyder interviewed on his own radio station by two of his own employees (Larry Weisman and Larry "House Man" Michael)? I certainly hope they didn't run out of hand lotion while gently stroking the Danny's . . . . ego. Sincerely, TMU (7/29/10) RE: ESPN 3-D football coverage --- as much as I love watching college sports, I won't be investing in an expensive 3D capable TV, a later-model HD-digital cable box, and, of course, special glasses to get the full visual effect until the porn channels go 3D. "Hey hey! You could put an eye out with that thing!" LOL (7/29/10) Rather than WRC bringing in an untried person to do the weather, perhaps they could lure this forgotten "legend" back to DC.... www.youtube.com (7/29/10) Dear Dave, I just heard the 1:30 sports update on WJFK, where it was mentioned: 1 - Albert Haynesworth's failing his conditioning test on the first day of camp; 2 - Houston Astro Roy Oswalt indicating that he will accept a trade to the Phillies; 3 - Buck Showalter announced as the new manager of the Baltimore Orioles; and 4 - the Washington Capitals trading for D.J. King. This was followed by the short statement "this break was brought to you by..." followed by repeating the Haynesworth news, and then a quick note of Stephen Strasburg being placed on the 15-day DL. What wasn't mentioned? That the Nationals are currently playing the Braves at Nationals Park where the score is tied at 2 in the fourth. A lot going on, to be sure, to fit in a 30-second timeframe. But leaving out the score of a game in progress involving one of the local teams? Sloppy. Great site Dave! Sincerely, Joe Kasell (7/29/10) I spent the first half of this week on a mini-vacation to Rehoboth Beach, DE. It was hard not to notice the "88.3" billboards everywhere promoting WAMU's newest station on the shore. At one point relaxing on the beach I even saw a banner plane with the same "88.3" sign. So about once a day I check out the new station since it's fresh on my mind and what do I hear ................. nothin (dead air). Next day .............. nothing (dead air again). Only on the third day did I hear WAMU and it was chopping on and off every 10 seconds. I suppose something went wrong with the audio link? Not a good start promoting the station everywhere with no product to hear. I ended up listening to 90.7 WSDL when in the car. (7/29/10) I've been listening to "KHZTV.com" for the past hour on my DSL connection. They sound pretty good. Although there is no midday jock, the tunes are pretty good (a little lite in the "R&B" crossover arena but still not bad!). Oh, yeah is that "Marvelous" Mark Mc Kay voicing your liners? Now am I to understand they have jocks only in the AM and PM drives? Whoever has been posting all the smart ass comments about them surely must have an axe to grind with them. Oh, yes here is my "opening line" for that lady on there that likes to give advice! Okay, here goes: "I couldn't help but notice you are a pretty lady how about giving your "best assetts" a fair "shake" by just wearing that shirt without a bra on underneath!" I did just what she suggested on the air, I complimented her and than took it upon my self to suggest how she could improve the package! (7/29/10) www.facebook.com - Just found some slides of ABC's Pro Bowlers Tour when they visited Springfield VA in February 1975, a nice look back for TV fans. Tom in DC (7/29/10) Heard Barbara Harrison on News4 Midday mention that there will be big surprises tomorrow. What might that mean? Heard about anything? (7/29/10) Dave's response: Yeah. With the new Comcast-NBC merger, all NBC4 on-air personalities will have to spend one day a week installing Comcast cable in the DC area. But seriously, she's probably referring to the debut of Channel 4's new top weather dude, Doug Kammerer...... "Dave, WJFK bumps up in this book, how about the target demos for them? If the overalls are up then the 25-54 Male and 25-54 overalls must be up!" - This poster must not follow DCRTV Dave very closely. Otherwise, said poster would know that Dave would never DARE say anything positive about WJFK or the Junkies (whose numbers are WAY up). And he certainly wouldn't report the truth - that JFK is achieving exactly what it set out to do, and that is (1) rake in numbers in the 25-54 male demos and (2) have a convenient excuse to get rid of the expensive and failing MOM crew. According to Dave and the other "radio experts" here, JFK is making no money, and McDonald's and all the other corporate sponsors are apparently getting all that time for free. I am not a radio expert like them, so how would I know? (7/29/10) Is Imus on the radio in DC? If so, what station? We’ve been trying to find Imus on the radio in DC for months. (7/29/10) Dave's response: No, but you can watch his morning show on the Fox Business Network..... WJLA Talkback - The members of WJLA's discussion forum are VERY upset about the demolition of the 9-year-old site. wjla.com (7/29/10) "Talkers Magazine is out with their list of the 100 most important radio talk show hosts of all time" --I would like to remind the readers of this site that during Paul Bicknell's interview on "Out of the Past" late last year, he responded to a question about talk radio with "Talk is bogus". In other words, every name listed in that Top 100 list has had their career and acheivements spat on by Mr. Bicknell. Signed, The Catalyst (7/29/10) To the unsigned poster...."Blackbird" was performed earlier in the MPT Paul McCartney broadcast by Corinne Bailey Rae and Herbie Hancock, a beautifully touching rendition. As you probably know, Paul wrote the song about the escalating racial tension in our country in the late 60's. According to your post, a lot of that bigotry still hasn't gone away. What a shame....Johnny Dark...(7/29/10) "Let me see if I understand your attempt at humor correctly: Sir Paul should have sung "blackbird" to the President because the President's skin is black. (In response to the "joke", we hear no laughter - only the sound of uncomfortable coughs and crickets chirping...) Yet somehow WMAL, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin continue to tey to convince America that there is no racism coming from conservatives and tea partiers. Unbelievable." I didn't post the "Blackbird" comment, but in response... www.youtube.com (7/29/10) How is Mrs. Fred worthy of promotion on WMAL? Is she that compelling? Fred Grandy sounds old enough without the two of them sounding like they’re sitting on the porch screaming at kids to stay off their lawn. This does not sound like a major market talker. (7/29/10) Revenue is up for COMCAST because they keep raising rates on their remaining customers who haven't yet bailed to VERIZON FIOS, and are duping many people into staying with them with this phony xfinity marketing campaign that is all smoke and mirrors. And even that's cleverly designed to ultimately increase revenue since they're only giving out 2 free converter boxes a month and people are having to pay for ones if they have more than 2 TVs. Watch what happens next year. I bet they start charging for the 2 free boxes too since technically they can. And that will be another revenue enhancement. (7/29/10) You know, lately, I check the mailbag, very infrequently, because it seems to have become nothing more than a gossip board-- it sounds like a bunch of petty old women. An objective opinion might be that all of this character assassination is coming from one source-- some deranged, unemployed introvert who continues to obsess. I would never think such a thing, but others might. By the way, what did PLB do to deserve all the derision? Please educate me. The KHZ concept is interesting and they seem to be having a blast, and it doesn't hurt to have a radio legend showing the way. If you don't like it, don't tune in. As Charley Eckman would say, "It's a very simple game." DJC (7/29/10) RE: [I was waiting for for "Blackbird" for Osama O'Bummer!] Let me see if I understand your attempt at humor correctly: Sir Paul should have sung "blackbird" to the President because the President's skin is black. (In response to the "joke", we hear no laughter - only the sound of uncomfortable coughs and crickets chirping...) Yet somehow WMAL, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin continue to tey to convince America that there is no racism coming from conservatives and tea partiers. Unbelievable. (7/29/10) What has happened to Baltimore’s WBAL radio? That station just started an afternoon news program and moved longtime PM talk jock Ron Smith to the 9am slot. In the latest PPMs, WBAL took a significant drop for the 12+ audience, although its thought their primary audience is significantly older. Does Ron Smith fit in the morning? Does Shari Elliker fit in the news format? Is the news format strong enough to carry an audience? The only other station in the region, WTOP, is the number one station in the DC market in both morning and afternoon. Do these two stations compare in any way? I’m sure the folks at WBAL are asking the same questions. From DCRTV: Baltimore Portable People Meter radio ratings for the second week of July, full-week, age 12+: 1) WWIN-FM, 2) WLIF, 3) WPOC, 4) WERQ, 5) WWMX, 6) WQSR, 7) WZFT and WIYY, 9) WRBS-FM, 10) WZBA, 11) WBAL-AM, 12) WCBM... (7/29/10) Talkers Magazine is out with their list of the 100 most important radio talk show hosts of all time, and several have DC connections: 2. Howard Stern... 3. Larry King... 6. Arthur Godfrey... 22. Glenn Beck... 27. Laura Ingraham... 31. Jim Bohannon... 36. Mark Levin... 38. G. Gordon Liddy... 39. Joe Madison... 51. Bob Edwards... 52. Al Franken... 57. Diane Rehm... 74. Mark Davis... (7/29/10) Dave's response: No Don, no Mike, no Junks, no Elliot, no Ron Smith? No Big O and Dukes or Ron and Fez? Just not fair..... I can't say much for this guy's taste in talk radio programs, but I must say that he's got a valid point when it comes to the commercial breaks. www.freerepublic.com (7/29/10) To the unsigned poster who thinks it's clever to call the President names and imply that he's a Muslim terrorist: I gave up name calling just after high school so charitably, will assume you're either still in the 11th grade, mentally challenged, or a card carrying member of the Tea Party. Perhaps all three. ACH (7/29/10) A morning show that all the Boogins can agree on....even the boss! It's Davy Jones and the Breakfast Zunts on KHZTV. (7/29/10) Don't forget, Sunday night is the deadline to vote for nominees to the Radio Hall of Fame, including DC broadcasters Tony Roberts and Carl Kassel. www.radiohof.org (7/29/10) As soon as I check out the mailbag on vacation after a week on a NH lake, I see Dukies, or an underling, write "Mike in Fairfax" about TEM. Enough! Ratings are not earned here. Take your ratings and have your salesmen (and women) sell on the the "meat". OOBBEE (7/29/10) Interesting news on Sir Paul's comments about "W". Tonight, PBS aired his concert @ the White House. He played "Michelle" for the First Lady. I was waiting for for "Blackbird" for Osama O'Bummer! (7/29/10) (RE: Jennifer Gladstone was at the Allbritton station - WHTM - in Harrisburg today. Seeing how THE AM anchor is leaving in 3 weeks... she was probably interviewing for the job. THE Asst. ND used to work with her back during Sinclair's NewsCentral days, so that will surely help her chances.) Gladstone either didn't get or take the job. (7/29/10) To the "Boogin", maybe you shouldn't watch WKHZ.com. Paul Bicknell's show is just a selection of Youtube 1980's music videos with occasional clips of an old man dancing in the studio. That's why I never tuned back in after less than an hour. Perhaps Paul, with all his dancing, is trying to take over the TV ad spokesperson spot for Six Flags. As far as them "developing something", that's already been done. Herm and Rayce have been doing a similiar format in the region before Paul was allegedly trailblazing. And, if you've bothered to read this Mailbag in the past, you'd know that Paul is allowed to judge you but him saying that his show "it is not ready to be judged" is not a contradiction. This is referred to as Bicktation in this forum. Be sure to know this before you dive into the deep end with the big boys again. Sincerely, James (7/29/10) /\ July 29 Messages /\ \/ July 28 Messages \/ Just saw former WJLA reporter Andrea McCarren on 7:00pm newscast on WUSA 9. I hope 9 continues this trend and hires another former WJLA McReporter recently removed after his showdown with Lord Bill... (7/28/10) Debbi Taylor is simply awful... I am watching sports, and this dullard kills my buzz. Jeez... (7/28/10) ANY UPDATE ON MCKELWAY? (7/28/10) "Paul and Bill and all, are developing something and it is not ready to be judged." -Then perhaps Paul should stop spamming the mailbag with self-promotion of his "station". If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. (7/28/10) Dave...I'm impressed...You're the only site I know that has a dead DJ (Rick Sklar) sending in mailbag submissions. Let's see Fishbowl top THAT! (7/28/10) Hey Mike In Fairfax: I heard that "Sports Fix" too and both Sheehan and Loverero inexplicably failed to mention the death of Abe Pollin and the transfer to Ted Leonsis of the Wiz and the Verizon Center. That will have an effect on more people for a longer period of time than anything involving Shanahan, McNabb, Strasburg etc. Also, I heard Bill Rohland apologize for talking hockey in July last night before he went into the story about the Pittsburgh player calling Ovie a "douche." He also said they won't generally talk hockey during football season. Someone ought to tell him that there are plenty of people that WANT to talk hockey during July, football season or any other time. Those comments were something that I would expect to hear on ESPN 980. The FAN is such a wasted opportunity to effectively serve the DC sports fan............. (7/28/10) I have been getting a ton of emails about that Parnelli DeChucko WINX 1996 aircheck. People are telling me, "GOD, PARNELLI DECHUCKO IS AWFUL". Well, yes, I am awful; that's why I'm not in radio anymore. Anyway, the aircheck has been re-edited by Kris Earl Phillips (of B-104/Baltimore, back in the 80s) and is now shorter, cleaner and loads faster: Here's the URL: www.davidtate.com. Go ahead: waste your time and listen to it. Stay tuned, Parnelli DeChucko, Dallas, TX. Please don't email me. I already know I suck. (7/28/10) Heard Haynie in with Mark and the Bulldog this morning. He's apparently going to work with them throughout training camp...then who knows? Sounded pretty good. I'd love to hear a one-shot Haynie/Conn/Weinman/Cunningham/Willett/Wilson "alumni show" where they could share all those great stories of working on Hart Rd. If only Rob could phone in...Howie (7/28/10) 3:45 EDT/ 12:45 PDT Donnie G is singing Tower of Power live on the air??? Thanks Mr. Sorce (by the way nice leather jacket while you water ski) If the move to Sacramento wasn't enough of a clue, this last break that started with his singing followed by a review of Master Chef by Don and M.O.M. junior makes it official... in the words of UFC's Mike Goldberg "IT's OVER"!!! (7/28/10) Yes, oh yes. Please do cut Ed Norris loose from that loser station, and let him team back up with Maynard someplace where management is not suffering such a staggeringly obvious case of painful, cranial rectal insertion. It’ll be fun to watch his new show beat whatever time slot he’s up against at 105.7 like a drum. All (the same old) sports, all the time. Blech. What dreg. C’mon over, Ed. We’ll keep the light on for you. John, in Baltimore (7/28/10) To the Boogin writing about the Zunts: Maybe you just shouldn't watch KHZTV. I know that my life has improved since I stopped working for a station with Rush Limbaugh. Paul and Bill and all, are developing something and it is not ready to be judged. If it ever becomes what they want, I'll let you know. Rick Sklar (7/28/10) Elliot Talks with Doug McKelway: eitmfans.blogspot.com (7/28/10) Apparently no one has reported here that 950 AM has been off the air for several days now. KOF (7/28/10) Hey Mike in Fairfax, I was driving home around 7:00 and WJFK was all over the Strasburg story from about 7:05 until about 7:30. They began the 7:00 show with the Donavan McNabb story but then switched to Strasburg the moment the word came in. They went back to McNabb once there simply was no more new info to get out at Nats Park. I am not a big fan of The Fan, but at least they are live/local most evenings so can cover stuff like that as it breaks. WTEM remains saddled with the O's games. . .they have GOT to get out of that and cover DC sports in the evenings! (7/28/10) Any update on Doug McElway's status? (7/28/10) Dave's response: Nope! Gee, nothing in the WaPo about it. I thought that Paul Farhi was all chummy with Bill Lord. Maybe too chummy. Ha ha ha..... Putting the stink in your bicycle seat. It's Davy Jones and the Morning Zunt Crew only on KHZTV! (7/28/10) Re: “The problem with Scott Garceau is he's never played ANY sport except for maybe softball, he talks down to callers that disagree with him, and he sucks up to every athlete or guest and he has no sense of humor whatsoever nor does he laugh at his co-host's (ANY OF THEM) jokes hardly ever! Anita Marks was more likely to ask a tough question of a guest, and while she often argued with callers, she never dismissed them or their opinions like Garceau does daily” You sure you aren’t talking about Chad Dukes? Replace the name and you have the exact same story. Odd how that works at CBS. (7/28/10) Re: The show I want to hear...Add Brian Mitchell and you could call the show "The Incoherents" They should also re-name "The Sports Fix" as the "Unlistenables". Between Sheehan's constant stammer and his mispronunciation of literally dozens of words and Loverro's god-awful AFLAC voice this show is most unlistenable. Regards Biff (7/28/10) Grant Paulsen has been named the new Redskins beat reporter for WJFK, replacing Chris Russell who jumped to WTEM last week. I learned that from listening to Bill Rohland's evening show yesterday where Paulsen made a guest appearance. Apparently he's something of a whiz kid in the sports broadcasting business, having hosted a weekly baseball show on XM while still a freshman at George Mason University and worked a number of assignments for various local and national media outlets prior to that. I'm a bit surprised that Frank Hanrahan didn't get the gig given his previous experience covering the Skins for WTEM, but perhaps he wasn't interested in doing that job again. Speaking of ESPN 980, yesterday was the first anniversary of Sports Fix and to mark the occasion, Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro prepared separate lists of the top five or six sports stories they've covered on the show over the past year. After Loverro cited the hiring of Mike Shanahan as Redskins head coach and Stephen Strasburg's debut with the Nationals as his #1 and #2 stories (respectively), Sheehan said that Strasburg had never even entered his mind while compiling his list. That oversight almost defies belief - how could someone who's spent his entire career in the DC sports media have a complete mental block regarding one of the biggest stories of the year (not just from a local perspective but nationally as well)? Of course Strasburg getting pulled from his scheduled start against Atlanta last night was a big news item, and I was disappointed to tune in 106.7 The Fan around 7:30 for reaction and hear no mention of the story until the station's 8 PM sports update. Instead, Rohland and his co-host were kicking around some McNabb related issue when they should have been all over the unfolding drama at Nationals Park. Mike, Fairfax (7/28/10) Re: Newsblues editor Mike James comment regarding Erin Andrews appearance on Capitol Hill. I can't believe you have not issued a "Rant" regarding his sexist comments in the quote he did. It was making fun of her stalking incident and her work on the football sidelines. I am all for free speech, but this was over the line. Shame on him and shame on you for not taking up for her. (7/28/10) RE: 105.7 The Fan... Wow, the Labrozzi / Philips team have failed again, who would have thunk it? LOL I was the 1st person to predict that ratings would drop after Anita Marks was let go unceremoniously and ignorantly by CBS radio. Everyone else here in the mailbag kept making jokes about Anita Marks and god knows she was not a sports genius. However Anquan Boldin?, she was taken out to the woodshed for that suggestion by Garceau, but look what happened. And now the results are in on ratings too, I was right, you were all wrong. The problem with Scott Garceau is he's never played ANY sport except for maybe softball, he talks down to callers that disagree with him, and he sucks up to every athlete or guest and he has no sense of humor whatsoever nor does he laugh at his co-host's (ANY OF THEM) jokes hardly ever! Anita Marks was more likely to ask a tough question of a guest, and while she often argued with callers, she never dismissed them or their opinions like Garceau does daily and she was just more fun to listen too even when she was completely f'ing WRONG! In a nutshell, her rants were entertaining even when goofy! Garceau is just very arrogant and not a people person. You couldn't tell that on WMAR ABC 2 news, but it really shows on live unscripted radio. And if ever there were a boxing match for charity between Anita & Scott, my Vegas money would be on Anita! -- Joe in Essex :-) (7/28/10) I am so happy I am not the only one who thinks Lavar Arrington is incoherent. Lavar is so cringe worthy that it is unbelieveable that he is still on the air. It should be Chad Dukes' show because Lavar is pointless and clueless. (7/28/10) The show that I want to hear on WJFK is Lavar and The Coach (Thompson) with Rick "Doc" Walker. Now that would be something worth listening to! (7/28/10) Rumblings from the walls at CBS Radio. 105.7 talking to Bob Haney about a co-host job with Scott Garceau, which would move Jeremy Conn to the morning slot with Steve Davis when Ed's contract expires. Some higher ups at CBS aren't fond of Conn's sexual inuendo on the air, particuarly in how it contrasts with Garceau's straight and narrow style. The numbers aren't getting better and some of that is the Orioles season taking a toll, but Philips and Labrozzi haven't found the right combination in the afternoon since Anita left nor in the morning since they decided to go with an all-sports theme. (7/28/10) The previous poster on Dukes-Arrington had it pegged quite nicely. Lavar Arrington is manifestly inarticulate and frankly incoherent at times. I can hear about 10 minutes of the show only in the afternoon on the way to my second job. Just in that time I've heard Arrington say things like he's in "agreeance" with Dukes on something or that he saw something that's "airie" (his way of saying errie). If anything, it should be the Chad Dukes Show with Arrington as co-host or bumbler or whatever. It is Dukes who carries the program and tries to help out Lavar which is really a losing proposition. I'd prefer hearing the tedious and humorless Ken Beatrice over Arrington. How are program directors at JFK paid? Could Andy Parks take over for Arrington if he's not too pro-Snyder, his fellow Republican. (7/28/10) WELCOME BACK Big O and Dukes and of course Drab T-Shirt. You were missed. (7/28/10) The Lavar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes: I truly don't understand how Lavar is still on the radio....yes he played for the Redskin ( I get it) but the show is an embarrasment. He is not co-herent in his thought process and Chad tries to help him with a thought that makes more sense but to no avail .... it is just horrible. I think Chad Dukes is trying to make the best out of a terrible situation. Sometimes, Chad ,sometimes, has a weird forced laugh, when Lavar is trying (and I mean trying) to be funny, that is sad. Quick question, does Lavar have naked pics of the CBS Radio bosses? I know you are probably think, that listen (I seem to know alot of the show )or something and that is a big fat NOOOO!!!! I will listen to a segment once in a while, just to see how long I can stand an uncomfortable situation. I do love Chad and Drab..... (7/28/10) [RE: No more Washington Business tonight? I loved that show! The anchor was fantastic! She was so witty, smart, savvy and sophisticated. Her quiet, understated delivery was easy to watch. I am really going to miss Beverly Kirk.] Umm...Beverly Kirk was booted from Newschannel 8 several months ago. Besides, she never anchored WBT - the primary anchor was Rebecca Cooper. -BG (7/28/10) (First, tell me no one's noticing the data hits on the transmission line of ESPN980. Just an un-listenable show on AM) "data hits"? What are you talking about? I've heard nothing, as a die-hard AM'er... (7/28/10) No Mike Sorce...or maybe it's Tom Sater himself. Re...Watched former Fox 5 and Gurvir Dhindsa's husband Tom Sater doing the weather on Channel 9 this past Saturday a.m. Ron, Potomac Falls, VA ... and ?? You got a chubby ? (7/28/10) What is going on at CNN (9:00pm Tues.)? Twice during the first five minutes of Larry King's interview with Michael Moore they cut to commercials in the middle of the interview. They don't seem to have been scheduled commercial breaks. It was weird. -- Bobbie (7/28/10) /\ July 28 Messages /\ \/ July 27 Messages \/ Dave: First, tell me no one's noticing the data hits on the transmission line of ESPN980. Just an un-listenable show on AM. Anyway, I caught five minutes of the 12noon show and thought it was funny how Sheehan was defending his use of the English language. Kevin, lose the almighty attitude and learning how to read car spots, and not say "fin-nancing." It's really apparent that no one from management dares to question Coach Thompson and the way he conducts himself. At this point, with low ratings and bad talent, Mr. Snyder needs to take a hands-on approach and make some changes. By the way, why isn't Knoche a permanent host on the 4p show? He's the most convenient fill-in and is a good upgrade from Pollin or Czaban. Finally, will someone tell Czaban we don't care about his website or his appearances on the Milwaukee radio station. Any other station owner wouldn't allow this self-promotion unless there's something in-it for 980. (7/27/10) Watta surprise! Not only were the O'Kaysions a lily-white group, but their lead singer was a cro-magnon Steve Martin. (7/27/10) No more Washington Business tonight? I loved that show! The anchor was fantastic! She was so witty, smart, savvy and sophisticated. Her quiet, understated delivery was easy to watch. I am really going to miss Beverly Kirk. (7/27/10) Is reporter Jennifer Davis working for the FOX network or the local FOX5?..I've seen her do reports, mostly from Capitol Hill and sometimes signs off with her name and FOX News and others with FOX5 News. (7/27/10) KHZTV - Where DJ's with lame nicknames nickname their nicknames! Did ya get all that? (7/27/10) Interesting that WFRE, WUSQ and WAYZ all top their respective markets. Yet, ol' WMZQ is merely a blip on the arbitron radar screen. Wonder why that could be? After all, you can hear WMZQ in Fredneck and most of Winchester, too. Could it be, oh maybe...I don't know - the fact that those LOCAL stations are LOCAL and appealing to their LOCAL communities? Those LOCAL stations actually have LOCAL personalities on the air...in real time....It wasn't that long ago that WMZQ was a market leading radio station. And, one could make the argument that country music is more mainstream today than it was back then. As I recall, the glory days of WMZQ featured...what is the word I'm looking for...right - LOCAL personalities that were concerned about what was going on LOCALLY. I smell a theme here. Alas, this will not change in a market this size as long as the corporate overlords have decreed that voice tracking and keeping what little on air talent there is on a very short leash is what we drones want to hear. After all, we listeners hate anything that isn't music, right? That's why the #1 station in town doesn't play sawngs. (7/27/10) Ratings for 980 AM are down. Kewl! Let's party. Hey, this means less people are listening to that awful, alleged sports station. Finally, people who are sports fans are tired of the 'korny krap' they have on that station. It may cash in, but I checked out a long, long time ago. WJFK is fine. Sure, could be better. But WJFK IS better than that one over at 980 AM. (7/27/10) "August through February, when pro football is in flower, and the Skins rule the (radio) roost, WTEM gets it done." Except from August through Oct. when they run Orioles games at night, or Tuesday through Friday from August through Feb. when they run Mike and Mike in the morning, or every day when Kornheiser is talking about American Idol or politics, or every day when John Thompson is mumbling about nothing. It's a terrible station. If not for being owned by the Redskins, they'd be out of business. (7/27/10) Vincent in Lynchburg nailed it re: WTEM . . . I mock that station as much as anyone (and it's unlistenable a lot of the time . . . Hello, Coach Thompson!), but from August through February, when pro football is in flower, and the Skins rule the (radio) roost, WTEM gets it done, in ratings and cash. The station makes money. Period. Sincerely, TMU (7/27/10) With the sucess of "classic hits" stations in NYC, LA, Philly, and so many other cities under PPM, could someone please explain to me why no one tries it in DC? Yes, True Oldies failed, but that was syndicated and never promoted. Surely a classic hits station could do than "Fresh." (7/27/10) Dave's response: DC does have WBIG, which is kinda "classic hits"..... (snip) Does anyone know what Doug McKelway said that led to his demise? (end) How about, "You're all a bunch of poopyheads"? Everyone's so thin-skinned today... (7/27/10) "Dave, what's your take on WTEM trending down so much lately? They've been down in every month since Feb. And the weeklies so far in July have them 12th and 14th in Men 25-54, their target demo." Shed no tears for WTEM. The only thing it gives a damn about is just around the corner. -- Vincent in Lynchburg (7/27/10) I guess we can add "Zeke" to the long list of Paul Bicknell aliases in the Mailbag. What is Mark Allan's on-air resume to give him the coveted morning drive time slot? - AHHHHmen (7/27/10) Man, Sportstalk980 is a finely tuned machine . . . not. They just played a couple of minutes of commercials OVER Colin Cowherd's irritating voice, who's on ESPN Radio right now, and isn't even carried on Sportstalk980 while Mr. Tony's on the air. Oy. Sincerely, TMU (7/29/10) I'm sad if Doug McKelway really has been fired. He's a good anchor, which I like watching on ABC7 mornings. They've not removed his bio from their website: www.wjla.com... As you know, he came from Channel 4. (7/29/10) I want to no also. What did Doug McKelway say, that was so bad? (7/29/10) Hmmmm...Zeke types very similar to former mailbag instigator/troll/has-been Paul Bicknell. Get back in the coffin, Hit Me. (7/27/10) Does anyone know what Doug McKelway said that led to his demise? (7/27/10) "Seems KHZTV.com has a new morning man" -Sure hope he's better than the hack on at 7am Sacramento time! AHHHH (7/27/10) Seems KHZTV.com has a new morning man, Mark Allan. He’s fitting in VERY well after a shaky first day. The staff is expanding. BIG news coming very soon. The HOSPICE is on adrenaline, like WTTR..LOL-Zeke (7/27/10) Hack away, you nerdy b*st*rds! Its legal now! news.yahoo.com (7/27/10) If we're going to broach the subject, break-out your bell-bottoms 'cause my candidate for starfish puckering is ideal for late July boardwalk loitering. And don't be ashamed to admit that you thought the O'Kaysions were a black group, (just like the rest of us!) (7/27/10) Dave, WJFK bumps up in this book, how about the target demos for them? If the overalls are up then the 25-54 Male and 25-54 overalls must be up! (7/27/10) Dave: More about the negativity of the Comcast proposed merger with NBC. Thought you'd be interested. www.multichannel.com (7/27/10) Dear Dave Hughes, King Of Radio News: Sir, this one is just for you. You may put it in your "Airchecks" bin on the premium service of dcrtv.com, if you wish. The aircheck is self-explanatory. I was having a bad day on-the-air and was simply, "screwing-around". But, it is an interesting, although tiny, "period piece", in the history of Washington, D.C. radio. Click below on the following link to listen, or simply right-click on the link to download ("Save As") the file: www.davidtate.net... Warm regards from Dallas, TX, The Radio Jingle Capital Of The World, david tate, Microsoft .NET Software Engineer, On Assignment from Analytical Associates Of Bethesda, MD, Member, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber Of Commerce (7/27/10) Dave's response: Thanks! Me? The King Of Radio News? Wow..... @MBE: The NWS did indeed issue a tornado warning on Sunday afternoon. Check it out here: kamala.cod.udu. The warning was issued at 3:18 and valid until 3:45; fortunately, despite the devastation caused by the storms, there was no confirmed tornado. WTOP did mention the warning several times - one of the complaints in my initial email was that Ron Riley on one or two occasions mistakenly said WATCH instead of WARNING. -BG (7/27/10) Dave, what's your take on WTEM trending down so much lately? They've been down in every month since Feb. And the weeklies so far in July have them 12th and 14th in Men 25-54, their target demo. (7/27/10) Dave's response: I dunno. Maybe most listeners are just sick of listening to sports talk this time of year..... Regarding WTOP not reporting the storm in a timely fashion, it should be noted that, at regular intervals, WTOP announced that they were having difficulties with their telephone lines, including the call-in hotline, and are working with Verizon to correct the problems. This would likely have affected the news ingest desk which naturally relies on incoming phone calls, internet message, and other telecommunications that no doubt were failing along with Verizon. I sure hope Farley doesn't depend on one network provider for their ingest desk, then we'd have to start calling it an IN JEST desk. -Chainsman (7/27/10) /\ July 27 Messages /\ Jump to the Mailbag Archive Index.....