On the radio...

A look at the year ahead...

I'll be joining Dave Conglaton (KVEC 920) at 5 p.m. tonight to discuss some of the big events of 2013...and to make some wild predictions about the new year's news.

If you're not near a Central Coast radio, you can listen online here. And don't forget, Dave takes calls...so if you'd like to join the discussion, you can call (800) 549-KVEC or (805) 543-8830.

See you on the radio!

Radio time: All Obamacare...all the time (10/2913)

Two Obamacare-related shows today...

Up first, the Dave Congalton Show (KVEC 920 AM) at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. I'll join Dave to discuss the ups-and-downs of the Affordable Care Act (aka: Obamacare) -- from the botched Healthcare.gov roll-out, to the pain that millions of policyholders are feeling as their plans are canceled...despite the president's explicit promise: "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan."

Dave's show is interactive, so feel free to call in with questions or comments at (800) 549-KVEC or (805) 543-8830.

You can hear the show online here.

Dave Congalton.

Then, at 8 p.m. Pacific Time, I'll be on The John Batchelor Show to discuss the latest Obamacare developments today in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. John and I will be joined by our colleague, Francis Rose (host of In Depth with Francis Rose, weekdays from 3-7 p.m. Eastern Time, on Federal News Radio 1500 AM in Washington, D.C.).

John Batchelor.

Check local and satellite radio listings for details, or you can listen online here.

See you on the radio!

Airwaves alert...

It’s turning out to be a busy week here at Broadcast Central®…

Carly Fiorina...

Tonight, it’s a special edition of the John Batchelor Show’s “Hotel California” as we interview Carly Fiorina (R), U.S. Senate candidate, from 6-6:30 p.m. PDT. The “we” includes John Batchelor, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA 21) and me. I’ll be broadcasting out of KSFO 560 AM in San Francisco (so if you’re outside the reach of its powerful antennas and catapults, you can listen to the show via its website).

At 6:35 p.m., I’ll shift over to the Central Coast’s favorite station, KVEC 920 AM, to chat with host Dave Congalton about the surging Tea Party movement and the results of recent elections (including last night’s surprising results in Delaware and New York). If you’re not in the broadcast area, you can listen online via KVEC’s website.

After Dave’s show, it’s back to the John Batchelor Show – beginning at 7 p.m. PDT – to talk about California gubernatorial Democratic candidate Jerry Brown's latest gaffe concerning Bill Clinton as well as his newest anti-Meg Whitman (R) attack ads. And we’ll likely discuss the latest news surrounding the recent pipeline disaster/recovery in nearby San Bruno.

San Bruno last Friday...

And tomorrow morning (Thursday), I'll join Brian Sussman, Officer Vic and Sheri Yee for another "adventure" on the KSFO-AM 560 morning show beginning around 8 a.m. PDT. If you’re in the Bay Area, you can tune in (it’s still a free country…I think) or listen anywhere in the world via the web.

Happy listening!

Leading indicators...

OK, it’s The Bliss Index®, you say to yourself…so what does it indicate?

Many things, gentle reader. Many things.

That's just one way to look at your level of Bliss®...

Without further adieu, I present the latest installment of The Bliss Index® Leading Indicators™:

Listen…

If you listen really hard, you can hear someone tell us, “I will not rest until the leak is stopped.“ (Which doesn’t include going to sports events, golfing, attending concerts, etc…of course.)

We're listening...

Catch a rising star: All The Abused, a band out of Orange County, Calif., fronted by the hugely talented Sky Green, got out of the blocks with a great effort, “A Never Ending Story.” Her driving guitar and vocals distinguish the band and its music from so many rockers out there today. The title track is a fave and “I Don’t Care” has a Ramones-esque flavor that is infectious. Likewise, “I’ll Never Be A Rockstar,” is one of those tunes that will have you coming back for more. ATA’s lyrics are a bit heavy on the “issues” but they’re obviously heartfelt. It will be interesting to watch/listen to Green as she continues to mature as a musician, vocalist and songwriter. It’s always a thrill to catch a star on the rise and she’s one, for sure. You can listen/buy here.

Sky Green of All The Abused...

To…the voice of the great inventor, Thomas Alva Edison. After more than eight decades of being tucked away and forgotten, audio recordings of Edison were discovered (and uncovered). After a painstaking couple of years, researchers have brought Edison’s voice back from the great beyond.

Here comes the sun. No, not The Beatles’ version…to the actual sun’s.

In case you missed it, we sat in for Dave Congalton (KVEC-AM 920) this week. The show - featuring Bill Whalen, political analyst/columnist (looking ahead at the November elections); Jeff and Melissa Purchin (local swim school owners/operators) on what parents can do to safeguard kids this summer; Bill Morem of the SLO Tribune; and Dr. Joe Astroth, Autodesk chief education officer (on education, natch) – is available on podcast (here).

Late add: Co-hosted The John Batchelor Show with Simon Constable and Gordon Chang on Saturday - two hours of fun and information...

Watch…

World Cup – live. If you’re Koman Coulibaly, watch the game you’re in charge of…

Would you like to see what passes for sports fans these days? Check out the videos from the LAPD and help weed-out the idiots.

Click, actually, to see where opportunities are…

Rising (political) star/Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) explaining entitlements:

Buy…

---- MY DAD SAYS, by Justin Halpern. (It Books/HarperCollins, $15.99.) The Twitter feed is hilarious, so if you’re into compendiums…why the heck not? (But a TV show? Well, Shatner© is involved…)

Cool bicycling gear. (Just remember what Lance says: “It’s not about the bike”…so does that mean it’s about the accessories?)

Sprint’s new 4G phone – Just not everywhere. “Salem, Oregon; Milledgeville, Georgia; York, Pennsylvania. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami are among those not yet operational but scheduled for later in 2010.”

The scariest story – ever: “Goodnight Moon.” (Why is that old lady saying, “Hush!”…anyway?)

…anything but Euros!

Frightening!

Rent…

“Invictus” – The Clint Eastwood directed flick (now on DVD) starring Morgan Freeman (as Nelson Mandela) and Matt Damon (as the captain of newly democratic South Africa’s national rugby team) is interesting. It is, of course, a dramatized/sanitized version of the events, but it’s an interesting look at a nation that’s always struggled with its sense of identity – and justice. The script is so-so and it’s not one of Eastwood’s best directorial efforts, but Freeman’s performance as the South African leader looking to build a new nation on compassion, forgiveness and unity is remarkable. Damon, likewise, takes a somewhat forgettable character, deepens him and makes the guy likeable.

Worth watching...

Avoid…

Canned pasta in…um, sauce?

Pasta and pools - they just don't mix...

“Brothers” – This film (currently on DVD) should not just be avoided…it should be shunned. Not only does it take cheap shots at vets, but it only serves to strengthen prejudices against members of the U.S. military (especially its field officers). I’m not going to link to it, because I don’t want any part of helping this putrid pile of melodramatic anti-U.S. bile. I’m not one who believes in “book burning,” but let’s just say any DVDs of this stinker I find will likely become drink coasters. If you know/love a veteran, current member of the U.S. armed forces, or just plain love this country, don’t do the writers/director/stars any favors by giving this film any of your hard-earned money.

Vuvuzelas...

Nuf said...

Luxury yachting – if you’re connected with BP.

Golfing – if you’re supposed to be “doing all that [you] can” to get a handle on the oil catastrophe in the Gulf. (That goes for you, too, No. 2.)

Golfing = leadership?

This week on the radio...

Tuesday, June 15 (afternoon): I’ll be filling in for Dave Congalton at KVEC-AM 920, from 3-5 p.m. (PacTime). My guests will be – political analyst, Bill Whalen; Melissa and Jeff Purchin (with summer/swimming safety tips); Reuter’s White House correspondent Jon Decker; and Dr. Joe Astroth, Autodesk chief education officer.

Tuesday, June 15 (evening): I’ll do my (increasingly) regular wrap on the John Batchelor Show at 9:50 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Wednesday, June 16 (“Hotel California”): Due to a birthday in the family, I will not be behind the microphone for the usual 6-10 p.m. stint on the John Batchelor Show.

Thursday, June 17 and Friday, June 18: Off.

Saturday, June 19: I’ll be co-hosting the John Batchelor Show from 6-8 p.m. (PacTime). Check back for the guest list.

Check back for additional shows/airtimes/details.

And, as always, thanks for listening!

More (spirited) radio...

This afternoon, I’ll be on Dave Congalton’s “Big Broadcast” beginning at 4:30 p.m. (PacTime). We’ll discuss the recent poll numbers in the California GOP governor’s race – currently, they show Meg Whitman holding a seemingly unbeatable lead over her opponent, Steve Poizner. We might also get into the local race to fill recently appointed Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado’s seat in the state senate. If you’re on the Central Coast, you can listen to Dave’s show on KVEC-AM 920 (or anywhere else via KVEC’s website).

The formidable Dave Congalton...

And tomorrow night (Saturday), just after 6 p.m. PacTime, I’ll be joining guest host Simon Constable on the John Batchelor Show. The topic de jour will be the political races in California, with a special focus on the probable Carly Fiorina (R) vs. Barbara Boxer (D) race for the Boxer’s seat in the U.S. senate.

The GOP probables: Meg Whitman (left) and Carly Fiorina...

You can listen to the show at WTTK-FM 96.9 Boston, WABC-AM 77 NY, WMAL-AM 630 Washington, D.C., XM/Sirius Satellite Radio and on more than two dozen other stations (check local listings for details). If you’re not in one of the broadcast areas, you can tune-in via any of those outlets’ websites.

The redoubtable (Simon) Constable...

And as always…thanks for listening...

LATE ADDITION: I just found out that I’ll be on The John Batchelor Show this Sunday evening at approximately 9 p.m. (PacTime) to discuss Tuesday's primary elections, polls and whatnot here in California. In addition to the stations listed above for Saturday night's appearance, you can also hear the show - Sunday thru Friday - in Northern California at KSFO-AM 560 San Francisco.

Radio this week...

This afternoon on Dave Congalton’s “Big Broadcast,” Dave and I will be discussing the California High-Speed Rail project (beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT). You can hear Dave’s show at KVEC-AM 920 or online. Don’t forget: call-ins are always welcome!

Tomorrow night (Wednesday), I’ll be on The John Batchelor Show, beginning at 6 pm. PT. In addition to the weekly edition of “Hotel California” (at 7:30 p.m.), John and I will discuss a variety of subjects with correspondents from around the world throughout the evening. You can listen to the show at KSFO-AM 560 San Francisco, WTTK-FM 96.9 Boston, WABC-AM 77 NY, WMAL-AM 630 Washington, D.C., XM/Sirius Satellite Radio and on more than two dozen other stations (check local listings for details). If you’re not in one of the broadcast areas, you can tune-in via any of those outlets’ websites.

…and on Thursday morning, I’ll join Brian Sussman and Officer Vic on The Brian Sussman Show on KSFO-AM 560 San Francisco at 8:05 a.m. What will we discuss? Hard to say, but I’m sure it will be fun/interesting/different…

And as always…thanks for listening...

"The straw that stirs the drink..."

Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be on The Dave Congalton Show (KVEC-AM 920), beginning around 4 p.m. (Pac Time)...

Dave and I will be discussing the latest Sarah Palin “controversy” – the Cal State University Stanislaus Foundation’s decision to invite former Alaska governor/VP hopeful to speak at the school’s 50th anniversary dinner (and the associated fallout)...

If you’re not in the broadcast area, you can tune-in via KVEC’s website. Call-ins, by the way, are welcome!

And as always…thanks for listening...

Tune-in on Monday - twice!

Monday will be a busy day and night on the airwaves!

From 3-5 pm (Pac Time), I’ll be filling in for Dave Congalton on his show over at KVEC-AM 920. My guests will include Bill Morem (San Luis Obispo Tribune) and John Zuchelli (KCOY-TV), who will discuss the current state of the news media; Carl White (Autodesk) and Christian Carlberg (mechanical engineering mentor) to talk about Battlebots and STEM education; and Kevin Clark (Cal Poly) to talk poetry, baseball and whatever else crosses our minds.

Later Monday night, I’ll be on The John Batchelor Show (beginning at 6 p.m. Pac Time), where John and I will be discussing the issues and events of the day. You can listen to the show at WTTK-FM 96.9 Boston, WABC-AM 77 NY, KSFO-AM 560 San Francisco, WMAL-AM 630 Washington, D.C., XM/Sirius Satellite Radio and on more than two dozen other stations (check local listings for details). If you’re not in one of the broadcast areas, you can tune-in via any of those outlets’ websites.

And as always…thanks for listening.

The Massachusetts special election means...radio!

With the special election for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts today, the night’s going to be busy one on the radio…

To kick things off, I’ll be on Dave Congalton’s “Hometown Radio” broadcast on KVEC-AM 920 all along the Central Coast. From 6 – 7 p.m. (Pac Time), the two of us will discuss the Brown vs. Coakley race, its implications, and we’ll taking phone calls from listeners.

Then, around 9 p.m. (Pac Time), I’ll be on The John Batchelor Show and (cross your fingers) we should have a better idea of the Massachusetts results. You can listen to the show at WTTK-FM 96.9 Boston, WABC-AM 77 NY, WMAL-AM 630 Washington, D.C., XM/Sirius Satellite Radio and on more than two dozen other stations (check local listings for details). If you’re not in one of the listening areas, you can tune-in via any of those stations’ websites.

And as always…thanks for listening.

Radio update - KVEC-AM this afternoon

Unless you've already started celebrating, let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year's Eve. I hope 2010 is a better year - your best, ever.

Just a programming note: I'll be joining Dave Congalton a little later this afternoon (4:05 p.m. PST) on KVEC 920 AM. If you're not in the listening area, you can tune in via the station's website. The show is a call-in program, so feel free to ring us up and add your two cents' (or more) worth.


Dave Congalton.

We'll be discussing Rush Limbaugh's recent health concerns, what the future of radio (and politics) looks like with/without him, and the media and politics in general.

Rush Limbaugh.

Limbaugh update: There is no word yet concerning additional tests that were run on Limbaugh today. I did, however, receive the official statement/release (below) from my PR contact at the hospital where he is right now.

--------------------------------------




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2009

Media Contacts:
Cedric Yamanaka
Director of Corporate Communications

N. Makana Shook
Corporate Communications Coordinator


The Queen’s Medical Center Provides Update on Rush Limbaugh

HONOLULU — Rush Limbaugh was admitted to The Queen’s Medical Center on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 after suffering chest pains. He is being treated today, continues to rest comfortably, and remains in good spirits.
Mr. Limbaugh appreciates the prayers and well wishes of his many fans and supporters. He will continue to provide updates on his website, rushlimbaugh.com.

# # #

The Queen’s Medical Center is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation, acute care medical facility accredited by The Joint Commission. The facility houses 505 acute beds and 28 sub-acute beds and is widely known for its programs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, orthopaedics, surgery, emergency medicine and trauma, and behavioral medicine. Queen’s is home to a number of residency programs offered in conjunction with the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. Queen’s has achieved Magnet® status – the highest institutional honor for hospital excellence – from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Magnet recognition is held by less than five percent of hospitals in the United States. Queen’s is the first hospital in Hawai‘i to achieve Magnet status.

Radio Free Copenhagen

I’ll be on Dave Congalton’s Big Broadcast this evening (beginning at 6:05 p.m. PST) to discuss the Copenhagen Climate Conference. If you are on/near the Central Coast, you can listen via KVEC 920 AM. If you’re outside the area, you can tune in via the station’s website. See you on the radio!

Added bonus: If you haven't had a chance to see The Daily Show's take on the "Climate Gate" scandal, check it out here.

Special added bonus: The always-great-to-read Tunku Varadarajan has a terrific "A Skeptic's Guide to Copenhagen" in today's edition of The Daily Beast. (I'm proud to say I contributed an idea or two to the piece.)

Tonight's show: "The Tale of the Questionable Authorship"

A tale of two books?



John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winner, "Profiles in Courage," helped him launch his presidential bid. After years of speculation as to who wrote it, former JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen owned up to authoring the tome.



One of two books "written" by now-President Barack Obama, "Dreams from My Father" has been under scrutiny since Obama began running for office. This week, long-suspected author and/or editor, William Ayers, reportedly said he wrote it.

Note: Since I first posted this, the story - which has taken on a life of its own throughout the blogosphere and across the mainstream media - has become very hot. The blogger who originally reported the incident seems to agree with a number of pundits - conservative and liberal - who think Ayers was pulling the blogger's leg. (Even Rush Limbaugh dismissed the notion - rather quickly - on his show today.)

Let's talk about this: I'll be on Dave Congalton's radio show tonight at 6 p.m. (Pac time). Dave's show airs on the Central Coast, but if you're not within the broadcast area you can listen online at http://www.920kvec.com/.

Tonight we'll be chatting about the president's friend, William Ayers, and his (suspect) declaration on Monday that he actually wrote Barack Obama's "Dreams from my Father."

Callers are always welcome during the show at: (800) 549-KVEC or (805) 543-8830.

Who has "suffered enough?"

Polanski "On the Lam?" - not any more

Normally, I don't think I'd be venturing into the area(s) of celebrity/crime coverage, but the circus surrounding the arrest and possible extradition of child rapist/sodomizer/drugger & bail jumper Roman Polanski begs for comment...



Well, that and the fact I've done two radio shows (the John Batchelor Show and the Dave Congalton Show - the podcast from the Batchelor show is here) where the hosts, fellow panelists, callers and I discussed Polanski's crimes.



The best piece I've read to date is from American Thinker by Rick Moran. There's just nothing to add to this excellent piece.



The bottom line is Polanski, regardless of his life story or the circumstances surrounding his failed plea deal back in the '70s, needs to be brought back to face a judge.

It wasn't just the rape victim who was "injured" by the assault and his flight from justice, it was all of us.