Tell Me When To Laugh - It's OK!

Something's missing in prime time sitcoms: laughter! It's not because the shows aren't written as well as the average TV comedy was in decades past. In many cases, the bar may have even been raised. Watch the centerpiece of NBC's traditionally strong Thursday night lineup, "The Office." The writing, especially character development, is second to none. The comedy is generally dark, often hitting uncomfortably close to home. What's missing? The laugh track! We're taking ourselves way too seriously. The documentary style reinforces that. Laughter - live or canned - was good enough for Mary Tyler Moore, All In The Family, The Cosby Show, Cheers, Friends and Seinfeld. It's good enough for Parks & Recreation or Modern Family. I miss it.

Make or Break

As House Democrats narrowly got a health care bill passed, one night has made all the difference for President Barack Obama. This has been the cornerstone of the President's agenda, and a defeat would have been a devastating blow to the Obama legacy. The President may say it's not about him, but too much of his own political capital has been invested in this reform package to view it any other way. Assuming the Senate moves quickly on passage, the administration will need to shift the focus to jobs. That is what the American people are most worried about. Some of the extreme reaction from the opposition did not help their cause, including racial epithets at a veteran of the civil rights movement, homophobic attacks on a gay congressman and cries of "baby killer" in the House at the thought of any money going toward abortion. Did the far left get everything they wanted? Far from it. Speaker Nancy Pelosi personified that end of the spectrum, further polarizing sentiments over this very controversial set of reforms. Middle America is just that, and "my way or the highway" was not going to work. Two things give me relief as this package moves forward. First, does anyone not believe health care affordability for the middle class is becoming a thing of the past? Also, while Republicans have been united in their condemnation of these reforms, they have not initiated any clear plans to reverse the crisis since Nixon was President. Let the angry voices tone down. Let the watchdogs keep tabs on how it plays out for our wallets. Let's move on to getting back to work.

Too Much Room At The Inn?

When the AmericInn opened in Griswold back in 2002, the timing seemed especially poor as the tourism industry was absorbing a major hit in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Looking back now, those may have been the good old days. A USA Today article says the hotel/motel industry is switching to survival mode, with 45 per cent room occupancy rates across the nation. That is down from just a month earlier, when 55 per cent occupancy had marked a new low. Southeastern Connecticut, an area highly dependent on tourism, continues to see new hotels such as La Quinta in Stonington and Hyatt Place in Uncasville. Given these statistics, when will this growth turn into a glut of hotel rooms? The hospitality field has already lost thousands of jobs. Now those little extra touches may be a thing of the past as hotel operators look to cut back further. That would be a real shame for travelers. While some would criticize the offerings of "cookie cutter" hotel chains as much as those of the restaurant giants that dot the nation's interstates, there has at least been some minimum degree of consistency, cleanliness and overall quality. The freedom to move about the country has always been part of the American dream.

Radio is great, but...

I know it sounds strange, but there were many times during my years in broadcasting when I'd be looking around in a crowd of people and think, "Wow, all these people who never get to go on the radio!" As crazy as that sounds - and as changeable as the business always has been - it did feel like a privilege to communicate with people on a professional level. It's hard not to base our identity on what we do for a living. That can be especially true in broadcasting. When people talk about overblown radio egos, I really can't relate. A layoff or firing from a radio station can be a real lesson in humility. It's a lesson that I've had to learn more than once. Unless you've led an unusually charmed life with total job stability, a backup plan makes total sense for that day when you no longer get to crack the microphone. Think of the most amazing people you've ever known. Is it because of what they do for a living or what kind of person they are? Does being number one in the ratings necessarily make a person extraordinary? I know I've never liked someone just because they were in radio. It's what I find out about their character when I get to know them.

Done with WBMW

Thus ends a colorful chapter in my life known as my association with Red Wolf Broadcasting. I am no longer on the morning show at WBMW. When I was laid off from WDRC in 2002 after 8 years there, I figured that was it as far as radio was concerned. I had reached the "Big D" in Hartford that so many baby boomers like me had grown up with. It had come full circle. My direct mail advertising sales travels took me to Ledyard Center one day in 2003. An advertising trade agreement between WBMW and The Extra & The Advertiser shopper news turned quite unintentionally into another gradual resurrection of my radio career. The high point of my experience there was the Glenn & Rebecca Wakeup Club. With Rebecca's sudden departure, it was clear that the good old days were gone. That kind of on air rapport doesn't often or quickly replicate itself.

This blog has often been about WBMW, but I also found it to be more of a journal for posting my take on what's going on. As I focus on those "little mailers that could" - The Extra & The Advertiser - and put the 4:00 AM wakeup calls happily behind me, I look forward to continuing these ramblings and musings through www.theextralive.com.

Another Major Announcement

Again, we didn't have to go beyond the walls of Red Wolf Broadcasting to find Teresa Berry's replacement on the Soft Rock 106.5 afternoon show. Shawn Murphy has been here all along, hosting two weekend slots, appearing at remotes and filling in at our sister station Jammin 107.7. Shawn's broadcasting credentials include WKSS 95.7/Hartford and WTIC-FM 96.5/Hartford and KC-101/New Haven, plus a long run in southeastern Connecticut at WQGN Q105/Groton. If you're an early Saturday riser, you can even catch Shawn on a public affairs show on Ion TV Channel 26 in New London. He's a bigtime sports and music fan, and seems to have a lot of ladies posing with him on his Facebook page. Welcome Shawn to afternoons 3-7 on WBMW!

A Major Announcement

When the search began for a new WBMW morning show co-host, we didn't have to look far. Teresa Berry has moved from the afternoon slot here to sharing the wakeup duties with me on Soft Rock 106.5. Teresa is no stranger to morning shows. You may remember her doing mornings here at WBMW in the nineties before moving on to mornings at Hartford's 105.9 WHCN. She's been back with us in other shifts since 2003. We've both done solo morning shows - and we both agree that two is better than one! I think the fact that Teresa knows this area - and we know her - gets this new arrangement off to a good head start.

Kids in the Control Tower

A 9-year-old child's voice could be heard for a short period in the recent release of a control tower recording at New York's JFK Airport. The 9-year-old was a child of an air traffic controller. The controller was suspended, since this was clearly against regulations. Taking your child to work for a day is a good idea, but how involved should they get in their parent's job? The kid was cute, smart and under supervision, but the incident does make light of a very serious job where people's lives are on the line. Air traffic controllers have just as vital a role in air safety as the pilots. The issue drew lots of calls to our show on Thursday, with the prevailing opinion somewhat sympathetic to the control tower employee. While few callers thought putting a child on with a pilot was a good idea, no one really thought the father should have been fired. My audience was a bit more lenient than I was, but I think a suspension is enough.

National Procrastination Week

A teacher of mine once said, "He who procrastinates is lost." We'll analyze that in a moment. I read where there is a National Procrastinators Society that was supposed to have had their meeting in January but put it off until this month. This past week was designated National Procrastinators Week, and in keeping with that I put off discussing it until the week was over. On the procrastination scale, I'm somewhere in the middle, but I'm often putting some important things on the back burner while being relentlessly efficient at other things that may not even be so essential. Why? I just like doing some things more than others. Maybe it's the time of year, but lately I wonder if I'm putting things off more than usual. My program director is the least procrastinating person on the planet, so anyone would pale in comparison to those standards - even someone who prides himself in being a "go to guy." I do know it was a good feeling to have a day off from work, a good night's sleep and beautiful weather to get things done around the house yesterday. That was a step in the right direction, clearing the mind by realigning priorities. On the other hand, I refuse to beat myself up for not coming through every day like that. My mother has said more than once, "If you want something done, ask a busy person." That's true, but even busy people have to lower the bar from time to time. In that sense, procrastination may have gotten an unnecessarily bad name when it means stopping to smell the roses.

What's Not To Like?

The Winter Olympics saw host country Canada take the most gold medals. The United States earned the most overall medals. To most Canadians, the hockey gold seemed to be a must win, with the very reputation of the nation at stake. Last Sunday while the gold medal game was underway, I was watching it in a local restaurant and noticed a lot of interest from fellow Americans as well. With the score 2-1 in favor of Canada and less than a minute to go, I left the restaurant figuring the game was a foregone conclusion. By the time I got in my car and turned the radio on, there was the Westwood One announcer ecstatic over Team USA's game tying goal with 24 seconds left. It was anybody's game in sudden death overtime. Canada ultimately prevailed with Sidney Crosby's goal. Many Americans may have been disappointed, but I wasn't one of them. While hoping for a USA win, if anyone else deserved hockey gold it was Canada. I admit to being a major fan of many things Canadian anyway. It was high hockey drama. And what NHL team does Sidney Crosby play for? The Pittsburgh Penguins.

A Loss for Mystic Aquarium

Inuk, a male beluga whale and one of the main attractions at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, passed away at the age of 28 after experiencing kidney problems. Back in 2007, I had the opportunity to meet Inuk up close in the aquarium's beluga whale encounter program. Besides getting splashed bigtime, I got to see how dedicated and knowledgeable his human overseers were. The loss of this icon must be especially hard on them, but anyone who met Inuk can only come away with great memories.

A Media Event

Tiger Woods was the hot topic on this morning's Soft Rock 106.5 Wakeup Club. Callers seemed unanimous in their belief that the media has given the story far too much attention. Some were disgusted by his behavior and wished he would just fade from the spotlight for that reason alone. Others figured it was none of our business. Neither appear to be the case anytime soon, judging from the attention given to his public statement this morning. Will the fans and sponsors come back? Last night on CNN's Larry King Live, the guests seemed to agree that Tiger will make a strong comeback despite all the scandal. What about the disppointment many who looked to him now feel? I have always said that celebrity should not instantly be viewed as role models. How sincere was his apology? That's for his family to decide. I agree with NewsChannel 8 sportscaster Noah Finz when he says Tiger Woods "doesn't owe me anything." There are other more pressing issues that actually affect our lives.

Change Happens

I don't have a big or extended family, and while I am blessed with good friends they are not usually close by. Combine that with the fact that radio can take a bigger personal commitment than many jobs, and it's easy to see how radio co-workers can sometimes feel like family. Rebecca and I jokingly referred to each other as radio husband and wife, but it was a professional marriage in its own right. That's why her decision to move on to pursue other opportunities leaves a sense of sadness. We were a good team, and she has been a close friend and confidant. I do wish her happiness. I always marveled at her zest for life and talent. Uncle Glenn will miss her stories about the most famous baby in eastern Connecticut. Change brings new opportunities for both of us. The show goes on. I'll be flying solo till further notice. As the song goes, "Sometimes goodbye is a second chance."

The MIghty Toyota

I've become my father - sort of. I now own the same model car my father did at this age. His Toyota Corolla (left) was the first and only car he bought new. Its gas economy came in handy after the first oil embargo of the seventies. Back then, I had a very sporty gas guzzling '67 Plymouth Satellite, followed by a more sensible Dodge. When it looked like gas would hit $2 a gallon by the end of 1980, I opted for my first Japanese car: a very basic Plymouth Arrow (Mitsubishi), then two Mazdas, a Nissan Altima good for 250,000 miles, and now my Toyota. The gas pedal recall seems to have spared my 2007 Corolla, but this news has got to be shaking the very foundation of what had been an invincible brand for decades. Connecticut's Attorney General has claimed that Toyota has been slow in informing car owners about the gas pedal defect and what to do about it. Toyota can do a lot more damage control now than by letting a communication breakdown ruin their quality reputation. Millions have heeded the call to "Get your hands on a Toyota. You'll never let go!" My father loved his Toyota, and I love mine. Don't toy with our affections.

So Long For Now

Last night marked the end of Conan O'Brien's run of original shows on the Tonight Shows. It was sad, but he went out on a high, even classy, note. We are living in such a cynical age, and Conan addressed that head on ("I hate cynicism"). NBC was "America's Late Night Leader" for years as Jay Leno led in the ratings as host of the Tonight Show. The magic did not carry over into his prime time experiment at 10 p.m., which made for a weaker lead-in to local news and even Tonight. The whole Conan O'Brien - Jay Leno shuffle has been a disaster for NBC, and the competition has been the beneficiary. As far as monologues go, I was always more of a fan of David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel. I do think Conan's cast and bits have been some of the funniest in late night, from Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to Andy Richter to "In the Year 2000." Middle America clearly feels Leno is the rightful heir to Johnny Carson, but I hope Conan finds another late night spot on Fox or Comedy Central. He has earned it.

The Unthinkable in Haiti

Can anyone truly grasp the magnitude of the disaster in Haiti? I can't think of any single traumatic event in the history of the Western Hemisphere that claimed so many lives in so little time. Even though the poorest nation in the Americas has been in the news for so many reasons, Haiti still seemed worlds away for most of us until last week's 7.0 earthquake, the many aftershocks and the heartbreaking stories. Here in New London County, we are reminded of the 5,000 Haitians living in Norwich who are so directly affected by the terrible news from their homeland. We also realize how close we all really are to this hard hit land just one island away from Puerto Rico and less than 700 miles from Miami. I had just arrived on vacation in Fort Myers, Florida when the news came. That night I picked up a station in the Bahamas talking about a possible tsunami that thankfully never happened. The next day I heard a restaurant worker worrying about the safety of his family members in Haiti. In the airport someone was talking about feeling the quake on a cruise ship off the Haitian coast. Cuba, while part of the relief effort, still couldn't pass up the politics as its media condemned the "occupation" of the Presidential Palace grounds by U.S. troops. At least these people have a voice that can be heard. Some 200,000 Haitian voices were silenced as of one week ago. Keep up with Red Cross relief efforts here.

It's Been Awhile

I've never been a frequent flyer. It's not any fear of flying that has kept me off airplanes for over ten years now. There just haven't been any occasions for me to take to the air. I'm a little apprehensive in anticipation of my Southwest flight to Fort Myers, Florida. My uneasiness is more with getting the flight than being on it. The boarding process sounds like it has gotten much more complicated since my flight from Hartford to Tucson in 1999. Maybe I'm just paying too much attention to the news and peoples' stories about airport experiences. I'm in the process of shifting from my regular work routine to my rarer play mode. Hey, it's still the safest way to travel, right? It's time to get back into the hopefully friendly skies!

The Daughtry Syndrome

Are my WBMW co-host Rebecca and I the only ones who can't tell any difference between the sound of Daughtry, Nickelback and Lifehouse? All three bands have made strong showings on the charts over the past year or two. Between rock artists like them and sensations like Taylor Swift, they have shifted the contemporary hit charts away from the dominance of hip hop. An American Idol runner up who barely made it past Simon Cowell's "no" vote in the audition, Chris Daughtry is now a proven talent. But is that his band Daughtry we're hearing on the radio or Nickelback? Wait, we're both wrong - it's Lifehouse!

Senator Dodd Chooses Not To Run

The past two years have not been easy for Connecticut's longest serving U.S. Senator. Chris Dodd's announcement that this term will be his last should not come as a shock to most people watching politics. Connecticut voters have always had a negative attitude toward the job done by career politicians, except for the ones representing them. These feelings are clearly changing as the polls told a story Dodd could not ignore. I don't say this with any satisfaction. The loss of Senator Dodd will put this state at a disadvantage in getting Washington's attention for some time to come. His seniority and influence worked well in many ways, but his chairmanship of the Senate Banking Committee and participation in a Countrywide mortgage VIP program during an economic meltdown put him in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was never directly implicated in any wrongdoing, but the appearance of conflict of interest really resonated with his constituents. I have met Senator Dodd several times, most recently at the Norwich City Hall Christmas Lighting ceremony. He has been a giant in the history of Connecticut politics, and I don't think he's ready to quietly retire. He could be considered Connecticut's Ted Kennedy, an association he would probably not mind hearing at all.

New Year's Resolutions?

2009 was a busy year. Working hard but not always smart, fighting an uphill battle to keep my knack for organization ahead of my natural tendency to zone out while maintaining connections with people who count. Based on all that, some resolutions should be easy.

• In my case, the usual pledge to lose weight gains added meaning when holiday snacking brought my type 2 diabetes concerns back. Shedding just 10 or 20 pounds would really make a difference, so this is a no-brainer.
• Getting out the door just five minutes earlier can make a big difference in stress levels - and speed levels - on the way to work. Again, why did this require a resolution?
• I promise to listen most to the people who listen to me. I frustrated myself too much in '09 trying to get through to those who make the same mistakes over and over.
• A trip overseas is something I've been talking about for years. I am going to try to get to Ireland and England this summer. Being a student of history, a trip through my family's Irish roots would be a welcome journey.
• Speaking of journeys, I'm heeding my own advice about enjoying the journey known as life more by dwelling a little less on the past and worrying a lot less about the future.

Happy New Year!

My Favorite Song?

Yes, I've heard it a million times. Yes, there are lyrics in other songs with deeper meaning. Never mind all that. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd means a lot to me. On a personal note, it represented an important time of change in my life. It was 1974. In my early twenties, I decided to go away to college and explore this whole radio thing. It was a time of change and coming of age. Why this 1974 song? To me, it just symbolized a newfound freedom. Unlike much of album rock, it never took itself too seriously. While I think Neil Young is brilliant, I appreciated the good natured criticism of Neil's solemn "Alabama." Of course, I also remember that song blasting out of dorm rooms at school. When I took a trip to Birmingham in 1996, it dawned on me how much of our pop culture often spurns the Deep South. "Sweet Home Alabama" calls out for a little regional respect. By the way, "Watergate does not bother me..." either, since it proved the system can work. There's a youthful optimism that brings back the best of 1970s nostalgia to me. Does that mean I spend lots of time listening to classic rock radio? Not really, even though I know every song. I like to look back nostalgically on 1974 from time to time - not remain permanently in it.

Serenity Now!

"Serenity Now!" is the phrase Frank Costanza uses when he frequently gets stressed out on an episode of "Seinfeld." Of course, shouting it doesn't seem the best way to insure it works. We always hear about how stressful holiday time can be. For a few moments on Christmas Eve day, I certainly wondered if it was worth the craziness. This entire year, it seems that more people have been under more stress than ever, and that instance was my "Give me a break" moment. I always preach - but don't always practice - about not doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. I also try to differentiate between what I can control and what I can't. You don't have to be in Alcoholics Anonymous to recognize that wisdom. As I see decent people consumed by the need to complicate their lives, I see missed opportunities to enjoy the journey. Making money and having things is fine, but you can't take it with you. Why do we forget that so often? It's all about the lives you touch - and the ones who touch your life. As far as I'm concerned, it's been a remarkable year, but there's work to be done on what counts.

Charlie Gibson Retires

Like the daily newspaper and snail mail, the evening newscasts on the "Big 3" networks aren't the catch-all they used to be, but it's hard to think of our world being without them someday. Even if I don't watch the evening news every night, it is somehow comforting to know there's an authoritative and reassuring figure on the small screen at dinnertime. The so-called news channels - Fox, MSNBC, HLN, and (sadly now) CNN have become more of a haven for talking heads too full of themselves and their ideologies. Now more than ever, America still needs people who proudly carry on a journalistic tradition of objectivity while delivering it so smoothly and still keeping that human touch. Yet Charles Gibson wanted to leave before he had worn out his welcome as he signed off his final ABC newscast tonight. I don't think that was coming close to happening anytime soon, but Diane Sawyer is the logical choice as successor. Maybe we will see him more often at one of his favorite places in eastern Connecticut: the Griswold Inn in Essex - "The Griz," as he and other patrons say. He'll be missed on TV.

Psychology Misplaced

A story out of Taunton, Massachusetts made our phones light up like a Christmas tree yesterday morning. An 8-year-old student was asked to draw something that reminds him of the holidays. Having recently been to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in nearby Attleboro, it should be no surprise that the youngster had drawn a picture representing Christ on the Cross. Instead, he was sent home from school and ordered to go through a psychological evaluation due to his "violent" stick figure drawing. What an outrageous overreaction!

Perhaps this email from one of our listeners sheds some light on this incident and on the season...

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

Dear Glenn & Rebecca,

Sometimes children understand things a lot easier than grownups do: the Taunton second grader really understands why Christmas is the biggest birthday party on the planet! It's because of Easter that God sent His Son, and "O Holy Night explains why:

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining.

It is the Night of our Dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining.

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!

And so the HOPE is that there is something beyond this life: eternal life through Him.

Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus Exists

A recent guest on the Soft Rock 106.5 Wakeup Club ruffled some feathers and may have disturbed a few children with his comment denying the existence of Santa Claus. That came as a surprise to me, and to my co-host Rebecca, who replied, "Well, maybe not in your house." We received a few complaints about the live guest's contention, including one from a mother who had her 5-year-old listening with her in the car. The person who made the comment regretted saying it. Sometimes live radio can allow that to happen. So, is there a Santa Claus? I'll base my affirmative response on the famous 1897 editorial reply by New York Sun writer Frances Pharcellus Church (left). When 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon had begun to question the existence of Santa Claus. Church's response included, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," and gave a convincing philosophical discussion of his existence. Read the editorial here. Case closed.

Holly Jolly Follies

With holiday events happening all over eastern Connecticut and Christmas music on the air, WBMW is once again "Holiday Central." That's not to say that everything is completely down to a science, even with all this holiday experience under our belts. Rebecca and I were reminded of that when we co-hosted the annual Norwich City Hall Lighting program. The music CD that accompanies one of the soloists performing Christmas carols seems to skip on an annual basis, and this year was no exception. This time Chris, the singer, politely walked off stage and to his car to fetch a less defective CD. That left Rebecca and me to "cover" until his return to finish. At the Christmas tree lighting before the Mystic Lighted Boat Parade, we counted down to the lighting only to have the top half of the tree go out. After the chorus of "aw," I asked the crowd in Mystic River Park if there was an electrician in the house. Then came time to describe the lighted boats. They had walkie-talkie communication with the boat launch site so we could announce who was what, but the walkie-talkie was on the wrong channel. It was time to wing it again. This past Thursday back at the studio, a storm wreaked havoc for about twenty minutes with the holiday hits that get played on our music computer while the emergency filler tape played non-Christmas songs. People were calling asking what happened to the holiday music. After a hit like that to our hard drive, we were lucky to be on! In all three cases, the disruptions in holiday festivities proved minor. It will take more than that to mess with our holidays!

A Thanksgiving Story

This was a sad week for a local high school and a community. A photographer for The Day captured this moment of tribute to the memory of Ledyard High School student Matthew Buriak. Matt collapsed playing football a few days ago and was later taken off life support. While the shocking loss of a classmate and friend can be devastating enough to this extended family, I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for Matt's parents to appear at the Ledyard-Fitch Thanksgiving Day game just two days after his death. They even spoke to the media, giving thanks for the time they had been able to have with their son. Matt's family served as pillars of strength to a community who had rallied to comfort them.

We Need a Translator

Red Wolf Broadcasting officially launched "La Bomba 97.5" last week in the Hartford market. The Spanish language Tropical format station is broadcast on two frequencies. The so-called main signal is the 50,000-watt HD-2 digital side of recently purchased Connecticut powerhouse FM 104.1, WMRQ/Waterbury/Hartford. By the way, WMRQ HD-1 is modern rock Radio 104.1. 97.5 W248AB/ Bolton is a 60-watt repeater (also known as a translator) for another signal. I say "so-called main signal" because the lower powered translator at 97.5 gets top billing, not the more powerful HD-2 at 104.1. Since most radios are still not yet on the cutting edge of HD digital technology, the 97.5 signal is more widely available than the programming originating on WMRQ HD-2. Of course, there is also the webcast for those who want to listen but can't pick up the on-air simulcast. The Hispanic market continues to grow, even when the rest of the economy doesn't. Will a Spanish language outlet be a good fit for a company with English adult contemporary, rhythmic contemporary, country and alternative rock stations? I think so. I've been bragging about my years of good grades in Spanish classes, but so far I have yet to be called upon for my contributions as reader - or translator.

Waterfront Property Anyone?

It didn't come as a shock to some, but New London doesn't seem prepared to absorb the hit. Pfizer Inc. announced that it will close its New London research and development facility within two years - the same time frame for the end of a sweet tax deal between the drug maker and the city. Groton stands to benefit, with the transfer of 1400 jobs across the Thames. Consider the bitter eminent domain battle over the adjacent Fort Trumbull neighborhood between a handful of city residents fighting displacement and the New London Development Council. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of NLDC. That did not make city officials look good at all, win or lose. Even if you accept Pfizer's claim that they were not the driving force throwing people out of their homes, it is obvious the city was determined to make the Fort Trumbull area more development - yes, corporate - friendly. Now we have the prospect of a huge, empty corporate complex with few takers and the fresh memory of a neighborhood involuntarily uprooted. True, no one may have forecast this economic downturn and part of this harbor area was cleaned up in the process. The developers and corporate folks have that point, but we seem to be back to square one. Anyone want to rent some nice waterfront property?

Yankees Fans Celebrate

New York City was in fine form for the celebration of the Yankees' latest World Series win. I managed to make it down there yesterday and get within a few blocks of the ceremony where a newly reelected Mayor Bloomberg gave the team the keys to the city. Perhaps it was just as well that my entourage didn't get closer, since the sensation of being packed in the crowd like sardines didn't appeal to me. I've heard so much all my life about the not so appealing side of the Big Apple, but my relatively brief visit was a positive one. One thing that impressed me the most was how helpful and friendly people were. WBMW's number one Yankee fan, Charles Adams, is one guy not afraid to ask for directions, and people really came through. Another thing that stood out was the vastly improved view going through the Bronx and Harlem. When I was a kid, the South Bronx looked just like a bombed out war zone. The improvement was dramatic for someone who passes through New York so rarely. Finally, my first visit to the World Trade Center site was something I've been meaning to do for years. What impressed me most was how life goes on all around this memorial. That determination is probably the best thing people can do to honor the memory of 9/11. I'll try not to let another nine years go by before visiting New York City again.

Flu Vaccine: Yes or No?

We can't say we didn't see this coming. The H1N1 swine flu virus is making inroads as we hear of flu-related school closings and other measures being taken to stop its spread. Health experts are calling it a pandemic. Something with global implications needs to be taken seriously, yet many are dismissing the threat as just another flu going around or an example of government agencies or the media trying to alarm people unnecessarily. Many people, including my morning co-host Rebecca, are concerned that rolling out this H1N1 vaccine so hastily may mean it has not been sufficiently tested. The story on the internet and tabloid shows about the woman who got the vaccine and now can only walk backwards hasn't helped alleviate the fear. A crisis of confidence in public officials may also be fueling this reluctance to get inoculated. As a student of history, I know there are serious ramifications of a pandemic. Millions around the world died in a flu pandemic at the end of World War I. For many, including the very young, old and those around them, there seems to be greater danger in doing nothing than taking a chance on adverse reactions. There is certainly no outcry from the medical community warning that the preventative medicine may be worse than the affliction. I do remember getting a swine flu shot in college in 1976. Swine flu fears turned out to be a false alarm then. I think this outbreak is proving to be more serious. In this instance, an ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.

The Balloon Boy

"What an indictment of the culture we have created - a culture in which even kids come to think that a potentially serious stunt is worth trying to pull off because it might make the talking heads chatter and the TV screens glow."

Editorial page, New York Daily News 10/17/09

That pretty well sums up my reaction to the Balloon Boy drama in Colorado that played out on national news channels this week. Whether the boy said he caused a massive and expensive search "for the show" because his reality show star father wanted to or not, the fact that 6-year-old Falcon Heene would think to say this is somewhat disturbing. The family was on TV's "Wife Swap" a short time ago. The other aspect of the story is how much press it gets at the expense of other news that actually impacts our lives. You expect this kind of focus on the 7:00pm tabloid shows. Meanwhile a story like the threat of the Taliban to nuclear-armed Pakistan gets overlooked. You've got to wonder if what's considered serious news has gotten too concerned about giving us what we want (and ratings for themselves) at the expense of what we need.

Walking the Walks

The Walk with Fred for Parkinson's research at Ocean Beach Park (left) and the Memory Walk to fight Alzheimer's disease at a very rainy Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford (right)

Fall brings a wave of charity walks around the region and the country. With so many causes raising funds over so few weeks in the midst of a recession, it may be surprising that donor fatigue hasn't set in. While my involvement in several of these weekend events has been mostly due to my association with WBMW, I find a personal connection to many of these causes. There was my own diagnosis of type II diabetes last year, so that really brought me firsthand awareness. Mike Forte, a Cheshire resident who has Parkinson's and is chairman of the board of directors of the New Haven Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, was also my best friend in high school. I didn't get to see him at the New London walk, but I did get a chance to talk to him and hear that old familiar laugh. His kind of attitude always prevails. The Start! Heart Walk, coming up October 18th at Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, has a special significance as well. My father died of heart disease at about the same age I am now. Rebecca and I will be walking again. We hope you can too.

Women Serving on Subs?

In the 1959 comedy movie "Operation Petticoat", the thought of having women on board a submarine was shocking. It still is with a lot of people here in the Submarine Capital of the World, at least judging by the reaction of some Navy wives here in southeastern Connecticut and some of the callers making their voices heard yesterday morning on WBMW. Now Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus wants to put an end to the prohibition of women serving on subs. One woman just came right out and said on our show that she wouldn't trust her husband. We kept her anonymous. Another caller thought men would be uncomfortable curbing their language in mixed company in tight quarters over a prolonged period of time. Many others seemed surprised that this was still an issue in 2009, maintaining that this was above all a profession protecting the country, and people should just control their libidos. A couple of callers suggested separate subs for men and women, but I don't see that happening. What do you think?

My Ticket

It does seem much more likely that a person will get stopped for speeding heading to work at 5:00am as opposed to, say, 5:00pm. I say that not because I'm always getting speeding tickets. It's more due to the fact that I see a lot of cars getting a very special greeting from local law enforcement at that early hour. Finally, a Ledyard police officer got me at the top of the Route 117 hill near the WBMW transmitter. I wasn't running late or anything like that - just late letting my foot off the gas downhill after accelerating uphill. The officer wasn't too impressed when I said I was headed to the radio station. When I mentioned on the air that getting stopped at that hour was more likely than later in the day, one listener emailed that I wasn't appreciative of the job police do for us. Nothing could be further from the truth, since my brother Gary has been a police officer in Massachusetts for 27 years. He appeared on our show this week to lecture me on going too fast. My good driving record helped me out with my day in court, and all I'll say is that justice prevailed. I've learned my lesson.

Penguins At My Back

One thing I'm always impressed by at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration - other than the variety of marine animals - is the level of professionalism shown by the staff. It is truly a labor of love. Rebecca and I always enjoy sharing what's happening here with our listeners. We were on hand for the penguin races last Friday. The little guys faced off in heats of three, and these African penguins seemed more interested in the crowd than getting quickly to the finish line. One of the penguins waiting to race decided it would be more fun to nip at my back! He stuck his neck out and gave me what felt like the pinch of my life. I let out an audible "ouch" before the penguin's handler got him under control. Earlier that morning, we were just commenting on how soft and docile they were. Despite the surprise, it was "no skin off my back." They did take me to a medical room, but I wasn't even bleeding. For some reason, everybody back at the station thought it was the funniest thing.

Family Guy

If I had young children, Family Guy would be off limits. But I don't, and this animated series about the Griffin family in the mythical town of Quahog, Rhode Island is must see viewing for me. This season's Fox-TV debut last night didn't disappoint. What's not to like about a talking dog and evil baby using a machine that takes them through different dimensions? It's just pure funny. Even though Quahog is fake, there's plenty of true localism, like the Providence skyline in the background, Buddy Cianci Jr. High School and Stop & Shop. I knew Michael Rowe, a budding young Connecticut comedian who ended up as a head writer on the "Brian Swings" episode with Frank Sinatra Jr. How cool is that? That's one of my favorites, but last night's show where they sang in a Disney animated dimension was right up there. The Simpsons, in their twentieth year, are the gold standard in cartoons today, but Seth McFarlane's Family Guy cracks me up like nothing else on the tube.

A Political Will

In a week marked by the 9/11 anniversary and President Obama's healthcare address to Congress, I can't help but see a parallel between the two events. Unlike the terror threat before 9/11/01 - or for that matter the near economic collapse that hit us a year ago - more politicians and the public are engaged in trying to head off a disaster they see ahead. Unfortunately, many people and organizations still refuse to get on board even halfway. Opponents see it as a government takeover, pure and simple. In watching the President's speech, I saw a determination matched with moderation in the interest of getting something done. It was far from a more left wing agenda embraced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. After 9/11, was anyone heckling President Bush when he spoke to Congress and the nation? Does anyone really think the health care status quo is taking us where we need to go? Do we need more of a wakeup call with healthcare? When I hear the criticism, some of it understandable, I don't hear any corresponding plan of action. Lively debate is the American way, but so is finding common ground. Is the political will we found in the war on terror after 9/11/01 here now for fixing healthcare? 50 million uninsured Americans hope so.

Downtown Norwich at 350

Happy 350th Birthday to the Rose City! Norwich remains a thriving community in 2009, but you may not know that passing through - or more likely bypassing - downtown. For all the urban renewal and best intentions, the heart of Norwich has never really gotten its act together. A drive down Main Street reveals many empty storefronts, businesses with very unimpressive facades and very few people. The Viaduct that bypasses downtown treats travelers to a view of the unadorned backs of buildings, like the now closed YMCA, and the long deserted train station. This is a shame, since there is some spectacular architecture downtown dating back decades, notably City Hall itself. There are new and refurbished projects such as the Otis Library, Wauregan building and Mercantile Exchange. Add in the likes of American Wharf and the Spirit of Broadway, and you see the unrealized potential everywhere. You may really have to take a long look, though.

First impressions are important. The parking garages and the old Fleet building are ugly monstrosities that block some of the best views of the city. They need to go. Move the parking to the area around the Norwich Bulletin, which doesn't need that space anymore thanks to downsizing. Lose the old YMCA and open that area up. Move the Catholic Charities out of there, too. If a mass transit center won't replace the train station, make it into a park connected to the harbor. And what's a scrapyard doing next to American Wharf?

Despite all efforts, downtown Norwich has never been in close proximity to big employers. Higher education and medical centers can provide a badly needed infusion of people to patronize businesses and even live there. I can't help but think that downtown would have generated more interest from investors if the city's attractions weren't so hidden. And will someone please occupy the front of the Flatiron Building in a very conspicuous way while tearing down the abandoned Dunkin Donuts across the street? It's a downtown worth revitalizing.

End of an Era?

Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts was a larger than life figure. To some, he was the standard bearer of the liberal ideology who provided our last link with the Camelot era of the Kennedy Presidency. He reminded us in 1980 that "the dream never dies." To others, he represented an uncompromising liberal icon who wanted big government to involve itself in every aspect of our lives. Whether you instantly equate the youngest Kennedy brother with Camelot or Chappaquiddick, there is no ignoring the impact he had on this country for decades. Coming from an Irish Catholic - though slightly less affluent - New England family, I always tried to keep faith in the Kennedy dreams we often saw dashed in the sixties and seventies. I am also reminded about President Clinton's eulogy to Richard Nixon in 1994. Clinton said we need to remember his life "in its totality." The same should apply to Senator Kennedy.

Radio Flashback: The Big D

Back in the swingin' sixties, WDRC-FM - Hartford's Big D - was the only Connecticut FM station playing anything close to rock n' roll. Baby boomers like me grew up mostly on AM Top 40 radio, and FM was the often forgotten band. Still, there was something that stood out about WDRC AM & FM, with high profile personalties, contests that got people talking, the booming voices of the newscasters and the unique promos and jingles. It was a key station where many hits were first made. Few stations have a stronger heritage. It was all the baby of veteran program director Charlie Parker. From all accounts, WDRC staffers were as devoted to him as he was to them. I had the honor of interviewing with him in 1982, but I didn't get the job. After Charlie Parker's passing, I did find my way into WDRC-AM part-time in 1993. The FM program director, Frank Holler, soon asked me to cover some fill-in shifts. I was so excited about getting on the station I grew up with - still playing the music I grew up with - that I couldn't sleep at all the night before my first show. Six of my eight years there were on the evening shift, with three years as music director. From oldies concerts to my morning news experience, I felt my radio career could have been complete when it ended with my layoff in 2002. My expected exit from radio turned out to be premature, as new experiences followed with my involvement at WBMW. An excellent source of information on the legendary WDRC can be found here. WDRC has been around in some form since 1922, but Monday, August 17th marks WDRC's 49th anniversary playing rock n' roll as the Big D.

Lobstah!

Eastern Connecticut has no shortage of great seafood places, but when in Maine you've got to have the local lobster. My WBMW co-host Rebecca has been up that way this past week, and there's one place I recommended she take the family while there. It's just across the river from Portsmouth, New Hampshire in Kittery. Warren's Lobster House was one of the highlights of my 2,000-mile round trip to Nova Scotia. Of course I had lobster - not just lobster roll, but a lobster torpedo! That wasn't the only indulgence. The salad bar was as good as the sign says. Seafood restaurants reflect a fun atmosphere like few other types of eateries can, and Warren's definitely lived up to expectations. As good as the desserts looked, there was no room left for that! Check out their website.

The New Yankee Stadium

Being originally from the New Haven area, I go against the majority sentiment here in eastern Connecticut by siding with the Yankees over the Red Sox. The rivalry really heated up this weekend with a four-game series at the new Yankee Stadium. Taking the place of the old stadium was a tough act to follow, but I was very impressed with my first visit there. I took the Yankee express train with Red Wolf Broadcasting's number one Yankee fan, Charles Adams from our street team. I was hoping more for a slugfest than a pitching duel Friday, but that was not to be. It's a good thing I didn't have to get up at my usual 4:10 the next morning, since that 15 innings leading up to A-Rod's belting one right into the Red Sox bullpen meant a 4:30am arrival back home in Colchester. At $9 for a beer, bring plenty of money!

Impressions of Atlantic Canada

After a week driving through Canada's Maritime Provinces, I came away with a few observations:

New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia may be Canada's smallest provinces, but it's no short hop to reach the eastern end of them. Plan on a 2,000-mile round trip.

There may still be some separatist sentiment in neighboring Quebec, but strong Canadian patriotism is obvious in the Maritime Provinces. Maple leaf flags are everywhere.

Tim Hortons shops are everywhere, too. Dunkin Donuts? Not so much.

In Halifax, a big city of 400,000, there are no longer any stations on the AM dial. To someone who grew up with AM radio, that was strange.

If you think Maine has "lobstermania", it's even more prevalent in Atlantic Canada.

While Canada never developed a nationwide limited access superhighway system dating back to the fifties like our interstates, they seem to be making up for it with massive highway construction throughout the Maritimes.

Even with big box retail sprawl, city centers seem to be filled with stores. Can Connecticut claim that?

Gas is still about a buck a gallon more there than here. That's still a bargain compared to a year ago when I went to Montreal and Ottawa.

For scenic vistas, historic destinations, all kinds of food and friendly people, this part of Canada was well worth the drive. I only wish I had the time to go to take the ferry to Newfoundland.

"Uncle Walter" Dies at 92

TV news has changed so much since Walter Cronkite retired from anchoring the CBS Evening News in 1981, but we often forget how much this one man singlehandedly made the news a much different product than when he started. During his time as "America's most trusted man," "Uncle Walter" took us through some of the most turbulent times in American history. When Cronkite labeled the Vietnam War a "stalemate," President Johnson knew he had lost Middle America's support. From the Kennedy assassination to the moon landing to Watergate, America counted on this one man like no other before or since. It was an informative chat with half of Baby Boomer America.

Gotta Get That Boom Boom Pow

My first exposure to fireworks was as a startled little kid who was introduced to pyrotechnics way too close up for the first time at the St. Augustine's Church Bazaar in North Branford, CT. Long after that fair ceased to be an annual event, I can definitely say my appreciation of an elaborate fireworks display is greater than ever. This past year, I and a few tens of thousands of other people witnessed another impressive show as part of this past Sailfest weekend along the New London / Groton Waterfront. There may be better displays somewhere, but I can't think of any. It was the highlight of a weekend celebration that drew 300,000 people. Norwich had its fireworks the week before. While it may not be fair to compare the Norwich event to the Sailfest show, the Rose City did itself proud, especially in the face of municipal budget cuts. Rebecca and I were very glad to have helped keep the Norwich fireworks going by raising funds one morning on the WBMW Wakeup Club. It's great to see communities pull themselves away from their TVs and computers, get outside and share an outdoor experience - even if only for an hour or two.

Radio Flashback: Opening the Door to a Career

It is hard to believe - 35 years almost to the day since I first went on the radio! "Where did you start" is a common question for broadcasters, so here goes. The week leading up to July 4, 1974 was when I first got on the air. It was at WKBK/Keene, New Hampshire (AM 1220 then, 1290 now), doing "Mobile Lifesaver Reports" from a two-way radio in a big red station wagon with WKBK emblazoned all over it. We did traffic reports - basically two or three intersections were the only busy spots - and holiday safety tips with local sponsors I remember to this day. I was terrified, not being the most extroverted person to begin with, but found it pretty cool to get so many people driving by honking their horns at me. My week there ended doing a busy Sunday signoff shift, when I probably made more mistakes in 4-1/2 hours than I have since! After that week, I concluded that radio wasn't as easy as some broadcasters make it sound on the air. That fall, when I got on the Keene State College radio station, WKNH, I felt like I had the advantage over most of the other staffers who had no commercial radio experience. Little did I know that I had opened the door to a profession that takes more than a week to smooth over the rough edges.

Close Call

July kicked off the way June ended, with endless rain and thunderstorms. This week, however, we came a little too close for comfort to a more potent force of nature: a tornado. I had the TV on late in the afternoon when on came a tornado warning saying it may be headed for Colchester near the Lebanon line at 5:15. It was 5:15, and that's right where I live. The skies were very dark and the trees were blowing, but no tornado arrived. That didn't disappoint me, but it got me thinking where I could get out of its path if it struck. There's no basement in my house, so I guess the only possible refuge in a pinch would be in the shower stall with something like a mattress over me. Perhaps now would be the time to come up with a Plan B. When a tornado is on top of you, the options are limited.