Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
This is what a Frank Herzog Redskins broadcast looked like - William World News
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
This is what a Frank Herzog Redskins broadcast looked like
Every time former Washington Redskins play-by-play man Frank Herzog would say "driving from left to right across your radio dial" this is approximately what I'd see in my mind. Somehow I found an image of an old AC Delco AM radio that looks a lot like the one my dad's 1976 (Super)Nova had. Not pictured -- ambient Camel (unfiltered) cigarette smoke. I can still smell it. Of course, the radio would have been on 630, WMAL, but we can't be too picky.
In 2004, Larry Michaelfired Herzog after 25 years of calling the Redskins and took the play-by-play job for himself. Herzog has been doing spot work for WTOP after he was also let go from WUSA-TV late in 2004. He was one of the many post-Glenn Brenner (retconned from Metroblogging DC) anchors on that station. According to DCRTV, he is retiring from WTOP to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren (do his children feel being left out?). This retirement announcement has brought back some nostalgia for the days when Redskins radio (and the team) was good (DC Sports Bog, The Post). Back then, the Redskins were on WMAL, at the time a juggernaut in the D.C. area with all local programming. Johnny Holiday did pregame, while Ken Beatrice did post-game. Holiday is still doing Maryland Terps sports and Nats studio coverage, but Beatrice is long since retired -- somebody track him down and do a profile of him. Unrepentant homers, Hall of Fame Redskins Sonny Jurgeson and Sam Huff are still doing Redskins radio like a pair of your favorite bickering uncles, but their glory, like the team's is faded. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say sports radio was much better back then. Watching the game with "the sound turned down and the radio turned up" was a big part of the fan culture here as in other cities. I even did it and I was not even a Redskins fan growing up.
Like the team, Herzog's replacement, Michael, have been pretty awful. I'll say the team has been better than Michael though, who is just an shill with a slicky-boy attitude, bad propagandist with an annoying voice. If I have listened to a quarter of a Redskins game since then I'd be surprised.
When the Washington Nationals started up, I was hoping Herzog would be involved in the broadcasting because every D.C. team he had worked for had won a world championship -- the 1978 NBA Champion Bullets had you know who at the microphone. That didn't happen but I'm pretty happy with the radio team of Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. I'd gladly take Herzog on TV though.
So, good luck and a happy retirement to Herzog, who will live in our memories and even on some of those NFL Films of the Redskins in the 1980s.
Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler on air today; Strasburg on CBS News - William World News
Monday, March 08, 2010
Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler on air today; Strasburg on CBS News
I've become more of a homer as the years have gone by and find myself preferring the myopia of hometown broadcasters.* This afternoon, at 2:30 1:05 p.m. is the first chance to listen to the Washington Nationals radio team of Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. Oh, how I have missed their discussions of pancakes. The Nats are playing on the Florida Marlins today. On terrestrial radio, are on WFED 1050 AM, but the preferred way for me to hear them is via Gameday Audio. It is well worth the money for the season.
On Saturday, the CBS Evening News did a profile on Stephen Strasburg. It doesn't share anything new, but the social contract says I have to post it.
The Nats are 0-5 in Spring Training so far, try not to get concerned.
*Bob Carpenter and Rob Dibble are excluded from this -- not because of any MASN hate (though that'd be a good reason) but because they are not any good.
A Mike O'Meara Show profile in The Post - William World News
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Mike O'Meara Show profile in The Post
With this Web radio gig, who needs FM? - The Post Now about 2.5 months into his podcast, Mike O'Meara has recouped his original investment through sponsorships and donation and looking to expand into video. The podcast has about 15,000 listeners, 40% from the D.C. area.
I have not listen to the podcast much because I'm stuck in y2k when it comes to technology -- no iPod jack on my car stereo and no iPod for that matter. Had I those two things, I'd probably listen fairly frequently. Also, I have to think that O'Meara wouldn't mind an afternoon or morning drive gig in local radio.
What a relief, no more Anita Marks commercials! - William World News
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What a relief, no more Anita Marks commercials!
Anita Marks and CBS Radio part ways - The Wash. Examiner Excellent news -- Anita Marks has been let go of her radio gig and thus her MASN affiliation. We never need to see another ad implying (incorrectly) that she's hot and we should listen/watch. Phew!
This American Life at the #1 Party School - Penn State - William World News
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
This American Life at the #1 Party School - Penn State
Public radio show This American Life visited Penn State over the final football weekend of 2009 (vs. Indiana) and examined the drinking culture. They picked Penn State because the Princeton Review said it is the #1 party school in the country. The program's portrayal of the students is harsh.
The program is 100% accurate too.
It sounds like little has changed since my time there, other than the preference for candy liquor over beer.
I loved Penn State despite that culture. Let's put it this way, an overwhelming majority of my drinks came out of glasses and bottles and not plastic cups. The frat thing never had any appeal.
Mike O'Meara Show returning as a podcast today at 1 p.m. - William World News
Monday, December 07, 2009
Mike O'Meara Show returning as a podcast today at 1 p.m.
After a hiatus of several months, the Mike O'Meara Show returns as a podcast today on mikeomearashow.com. O'Meara, plus Robb Spiewak, Buzz Burbank and new cast member Oscar Santana, formerely of the Big O & Dukes show will be "broadcasting" at 1 p.m. daily. Still no over-the-air gig for the show, though DCRTV posted rumors that the show would be heading to Citadel's 105.9 FM to do mornings. Jack Diamond, of Mix 107.3, another Citadel station and a long-time O'Meara rival, is said to have nixed it.
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, December 07, 2009 8:24:00 PM
You have a point there Anonymous.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, December 07, 2009 9:04:00 PM
Post a CommentTraffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument - William World News
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Traffic reports used to originate from the Washington Monument
30 years of steering you home - WTOP The dean of D.C. traffic reporters Bob Marbourg celebrated his 30th anniversary as a traffic reporter yesterday. Congratulations to him, but the most interesting part of the story was that before he took the job, traffic reports used to come from a department of transportation employee stationed on top of the Washington Monument. That's pretty cool and just about impossible to imagine these days with traffic stretching up to 40 miles away from the monument now, but back that then it was pretty resourceful.
Back to Marbourg, what do you suppose the odds that he and morning traffic reporter Lisa Baden have a rivalry with each other?
Last week, Magnum Broadcasting launched QWIK Rock on 105.9 and 106.9 FM. That didn't take long. QWK Rock on 103.1 FM closed down earlier in the summer. The format will contain current rock and some for the 80s and 90s.
State College's QWK Rock off the air - William World News
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
State College's QWK Rock off the air
State College loses long-running rock radio station - The Collegian QWK Rock changes its tune - CDT Forever Broadcasting took long-time rock station WQWK 103.1 FM (97.1 back when I was an undergrad) off the air yesterday. QWK Rock (pronounced Quick Raaaahhhck) lives on online at qwkrock.com. Apparently, they had trouble convincing advertisers that they had a money demographic. It had been on-air for about forty years. In its place is conservative talk radio.
Sometime in the late 1970s, Elvis Costello got banned from Saturday Night Live for some reason after playing "Radio Radio." He and SNL have since made up and he crashed a Beastie Boys on the program apperance a while back. Clearly, he was predicting the demise of the Mike O'Meara Show and WJFK when he wrote the song.
Here is the original version back from when he was a still a New Wave nerd:
The Mike O'Meara Show sendoff - William World News
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Mike O'Meara Show sendoff
I caught the first few minutes of the final Mike O'Meara Show broadcast on WJFK on Friday. You can listen to it here on WJFK's Web site (for now at least). Funny clips to start it off, who knew he was a venerable old Jedi?
Mike O'Meara farewell message at 3, 5, 7 PM this afternoon - William World News
Friday, July 17, 2009
Mike O'Meara farewell message at 3, 5, 7 PM this afternoon
According to DCRTV, there will be a pre-recorded Mike O'Meara Show farewell message aired at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. today. "Best of" repeats the rest of the time apparently. Hopefully, WJFK will archive the podcast into next week. I'll link to it if I can.
WJFK flips to all sports, kills Mike O'Meara Show - William World News
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
WJFK flips to all sports, kills Mike O'Meara Show
WJFK adopts sports talk - The Wash. Times For all the sports fans who have lamented that D.C.'s sports radio offering, WTEM 980 AM (branded ESPN 980), leaves something to desired, you have a new station to try out starting Monday. CBS Radio is killing WJFK 106.7 FM, dropping the "guy talk" format and moving to sports talk. They are going to play up the fact that they are not owned by Dan Snyder, the Washington Redskins owner who also owns WTEM. They are also all local, unlike WTEM which has ESPN shows during the day. That's all fine and good, I suppose.
Even before Snyder owned WTEM, it was accused of being "Redskins Radio" at the expense of the Wizards, Capitals, local college teams and ultimately, the Nationals. It also has a poor AM signal while 106.7 The Fan (as it will now be known) is on better quality FM. I just wonder if 106.7 The Fan will talk about other D.C. teams and for how long.
I have never listened to sports talk radio with any regularity since WMAL fired the legendary Ken Beatrice. It just isn't my thing and I find Web offerings more my style for sports discussion.
The demise of WJFK's format means the end of the Mike O'Meara Show. I've been listening to O'Meara since the 1980s when he was on WAVA with Don Geronimo. As I have mentioned before, I have actually been enjoying the Mike O'Meara Show more than the Don & Mike Show's last three years. I think CBS blew it letting him go and don't think Chad Dukes & LaVar Arrington (sorry, love ya Lavar, but I'm skeptical of you getting 4 hours of airtime) will be as successful. I'm very curious to hear what O'Meara and co. have to say about their dismissal on Friday when they get a farewell segment. I have a feeling 106.7 is going to leave my presets.
Who cares? Mikes show sucked anyway. His partner Rob Speiwack killed the show because he wasn't funny at all and always laughed at himself on the air.
Good riddance.
# posted by Anonymous :
Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:42:00 PM
Anon-you obviously never got it. Mike and crew, yes including Rob were awesome because they did laugh at themselves. Now, if we choose to listen, we'll get the same info all day long. There are only so many news stories in the sports world on a given day. So, we'll get the junks talking about the weekend's games/matches, followed by Mike Wise talking about the weekend's games/matches, followed by Lavar and Chad talking about the weekend's games/matches. Yeehaw. Sounds stimulating....
# posted by Anonymous :
Friday, July 17, 2009 9:55:00 AM
its a bummer, WJFK was such a rare gem. Im going to miss the station so much. Sports radio is overrated. Atleast CBS wasnt fully retarded in canning the junkies but I will miss Mike Rob and Buzz.
# posted by Anonymous :
Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:55:00 AM
I followed Don and Mike from the old days at WAVA. Many mornings, they kept my sanity while I commuted in our lovely traffic.
While WJFK did hold onto the Junkies, they just didn't sound the same yesterday (their first day on the FAN). I suspect their rope has been tightened a bit and their show will reflect it, too.
Sadly, there is little if anything left on the "free" radio dial that is worth tuning into.
# posted by Anonymous :
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:50:00 AMPost a Comment
Radio, radio: HFS sort or returns; WJFK going sports; Don Geronimo on in Delmarva - William World News
Monday, June 22, 2009
Radio, radio: HFS sort or returns; WJFK going sports; Don Geronimo on in Delmarva
Cerphe has launched HFS2 on 94.7 HD2. It is a modern incarnation of the former modern rocker that died in 2005, after many years of neglect by CBS Radio. If you have a HD radio, let me know if its any good.
WJFK, another CBS radio station, might be flipping to sports according to The Post. What would that mean for Mike O'Meara Show is uncertain. I'd be annoyed if that goes away. In the end, if they don't get any of the local teams, like the Capitals and Nationals on the frequency, I don't see much point of them flipping to sports. Actually, I don't see the point anyway since sports talk has never done well as a format in this town, though an alternative to Dan Snyder's Redskins Radio (980 AM) isn't a bad idea. Personally, I can't stand most sports talk, too many idiots calling in.
Speaking of O'Meara, his former partner, Don Geronimo landed a gig in Delmarva. His new show started today on WGMD. No stream or podcasts are planned per contractual obligations with CBS Radio. He blogs and is on Twitter.
By the way, is it just me or has BIG 100.3 gotten worse since its competitor the late Classic Rock 94.7 flipped formats?
As always, if you don't want to wait for me to blog about radio, go to Dave Hughes'dcrtv.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While milling around Nationals Park yesterday, Fritz got a surprising text message from a friend that Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas had collapsed and died. As details began to emerge, we determined that the ambulance we saw on the way into Nationals Park was probably for Kalas. The Nationals had a moment of silence for Kalas just before the start of yesterday's game.
I have been a fan of Kalas for a long time, though it was from his work with NFL Films and network radio telecasts of NFL games. It seemed like whenever we would drive out to cut down a Christmas tree in the country, we'd listen to an out-of-market game on Mutual that Kalas was doing. I also enjoyed his NFL Films narration. I might have seen him doing Phillies work a few times over the years and for some reason I remember watching a Cubs vs. Phillies game that went to rain delay Kalas joined the Cubs broadcasters for some lively banter -- that's good rain delay theater if you ask me.
Lastly, my great Uncle Bill, a lifelong Philadelphian and baseball fan (originally the A's until they moved to Kansas City, then the Phillies) used to correspond with Kalas regularly. After Uncle Bill died, his family discovered these letters. Kalas later acknowledged Uncle Bill's death on air.
Kalas will be missed. I'm glad he got to call a Phillies championship live last season.
Thanks for sharing this about Kalas. I believe you have told me before of that relationship he had with your uncle, or maybe it was somebody else. Fact is Kalas seemed like family to everybody in the Philadelphia area.
I never met him but always felt like he was my uncle, or grandfather. Yesterday was very tough for me.
The Nationals should be credited for their hospitality during this tough time for the Phillies. They initially offered to post pone their home opener in the wake of Kalas' passing, but the Phillies insisted the game go on as scheduled.
A sad day for baseball, not just in Philadelphia.
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 12:49:00 PM
Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off - William World News
Monday, April 06, 2009
Cerphe, classic rock 94.7 sign off
D.C. Radio's Last Rock Overturned - The Post This morning, I have one less radio station to listen to on my commute as 94.7 has become the third adult contemporary station in the D.C. market. Friday was Don Cerphe Colwell's final day at the microphone on 94.7 FM which was classic rock, then "world-class rock" which included current yuppie/boomer rock (Coldplay, Plant/Krauss) and some older stuff and then back to classic rock again. Of the two formats, "world-class" rock was closer to being a great station and probably could have been with a little more commitment from management.
Despite the article saying classic rock is dead in D.C. radio, it is on WBIG 100.3 FM which has billed itself as oldies, but really you can't be oldies and not play Motown. As for Cerphe, he'll be fine and may even do some specials for WJFK. I'm sure we will hear his morning counterpart, Albie Dee, somewhere too, probably on a completely different format. I wonder if we'll hear from Jonathan "Weasel" Gilbert again though. He was let go to make way for Ablie Dee.
94.7 dropping classic rock format - William World News
Thursday, April 02, 2009
94.7 dropping classic rock format
DCRTV.com reported that WTGB 94.7 FM is dropping its classic rock format and going to adult contemporary, FRESH 94.7. Now I will have one less station to listen to on my commute. This will be particularly tough in the morning.
I liked 94.7's "world class rock" format of last year. It was flawed yes -- (can you really play New Order and Led Zepplin back-to-back?), but overall it was pretty good. Initially, the return to a straight classic rock format was not something I was too enthusiastic about because who needs to hear more .38 Special? However, it got better and for a couple of months I could count on hearing either Bruce Springsteen and/or Rush on my commutes. Perhaps that is why they had trouble attracting listeners.
Courtesy of his favorite site, dcrtv.com, I have learned that Don Geronimo of the late Don & Mike Show is on Twitter. He is getting remarried in a week and waiting out his non-compete clause. I'm following...
Cosby talks half-smokes, sports and race - WTOP Here is the story, video and audio from Bill Cosby's rambling visit to WTOP. He would not let them break for traffic and weather on the 8s.
Voices of negative ads on ATC - William World News
Monday, October 27, 2008
Voices of negative ads on ATC
Voices Of Political Ads Share Insight - NPR One of the highlights of every election season is when All Things Considered brings on people who do political campaign voiceovers. Scott Sanders and Dennis Steele were featured this time.
I'd be remiss if I did not include this Sanders classic:
WTOP sports puts Baltimore first again - William World News
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WTOP sports puts Baltimore first again
Quick question with the Nationals and Orioles both playing at home which ballpark do you think Washington radio station WTOP had its reporter at? Was it Nationals Park? Nope, Craig Heist was reporting from Oriole Park in Baltimore. The Orioles vs. Rays game was giving top billing on tonight's sportscast above the Nationals. The reason seems pretty simple if you read Heist's bio:
I love covering my hometown team, the Orioles.
Boy, that's sweet Craig nothing like putting the city your station broadcasts from second. I might have to stop listening to anything on WTOP that does not start on the eights.
WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first - William World News
Monday, September 08, 2008
WTOP's Dave Johnson: Putting Baltimore first
This morning, WTOP sports led with the Ravens win over Cincinatti and devoted the largest part of the sportscast to Baltimore's football team. I'm pretty indifferent to the Ravens other than I am glad Baltimore got a NFL team again, even if they have to wear purple. I am not going to suggest that the NFL is not important, if the Redskins had played yesterday instead of Thursday, it would have made sense for them to lead off in sports. I will suggest though that local teams like the Nationals are more important than non-local teams like the Ravens. The Nationals came from behind and won in 14 innings yesterday (The Post) and are broadcasted by WTOP's sister station WWWT.
Even if you accept that non-local NFL games trump local MLB games, I would argue that the Ravens are not even the second most popular team in BeltwayLand. That position is probably held by the Giants with the Eagles, Jets, Steelers, possibly the Patriots and even Cowboys more popular than the Ravens, so why not focus on them if D.C. teams don't matter too much? Perhaps sports director Dave Johnson's bio offers a hint:
Before breaking into sports Johnson was a disc jockey at several stations in Baltimore. His first job was at a station that played Sinatra music and then he went on to "spin records" at rock and country stations.
A graduate of Towson University...
It is not a stretch to suggest that Johnson's colors run purple & black and orange & black instead of red, white & blue and burgundy & gold. He is even wearing Ravens colors in his photo. It is an ongoing pro-Baltimore trend that also rewards the bad behavior by anti-Washington baseball owner Peter Angelo$. Johnson should shape up and focus on the real home teams.
Dave Johnson here nice blog!!!actually we thought the rookie story (Flacco)was a neat one so we led with that...nationals got bumped because it was an nfl monday..although is still used highlights in every cast.BUT i grew up a colts fans but never made the switch to ravens..as I kid i remeber the ted williams senators..thanks again for listening
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, September 08, 2008 4:38:00 PM
Thanks for responding, though I'll note there was no mention of the Nationals in either the 6:45 or 7:15 sportscasts. They had the night off, but they are back tonight.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 8:08:00 AM
Post a CommentThoughts on the Mike O'Meara Show - William World News
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Thoughts on the Mike O'Meara Show
Recently, a few co-workers and I had a conversation about the new Mike O'Meara Show, heard locally on WJFK 106.7. We all had the same conclusion -- it is pretty good. While the new show is not as good as the old Don & Mike Show at its peak, it still keeps me entertained and is better than what the Don & Mike Show had become. Don Geronimo was clearly unhappy being on the old show, so his retirement has been an addition via subtraction. O'Meara's show isn't dark like D&M could be and has more whimsy and tomfoolery. Sure, some of the bits are not super, but overall the lighter tone is a welcome change. Keep it up Mike!
If I were watching or listening to either of the next two Nats games from L.A., I'd put on the Dodgers broadcast for the first few innings . Vin Scully, probably the last Dodgers employee left from Brooklyn, still does home games for the first few innings on a radio/TV simulcast.
Scully is on the Mount Rushmore of baseball broadcasters which would also include Mel Allen, Red Barber and probably Jon Miller. Ernie Harwell, Harry Kalas and several others also have legitimate claims to to being up there too.
Dan Snyder Expands Radio Empire - The Post In an effort to control the message and provide "unfiltered" coverage of the Redskins, owner Dan Snyder has purchased WTEM, the market's original sports radio station.
Since taking over the Redskins in 1999, Snyder has made a number of deals to control both the media and the message. In addition to purchasing the Triple X radio stations in late 2005, the Redskins buy time on local TV stations to air upbeat, magazine-style shows such as "Redskins Game Day" that are produced by the team.
That is a pretty tame way of putting it. Snyder comes off as incredibly petty and insecure about himself and his team. Once again, he has bought his way out of criticism, if there is even much of it on WTEM; I don't know, because I don't listen to sports radio.
One wonders how Snyder would hold up in a media market that did not provide so much favorable coverage of the team. Clearly, he doesn't see it, but I think reasonable people realize that the Redskins have traditionally been subject to coverage that is far from harsh. Can you imagine Snyder owning a team in a place like New York or Philly? He couldn't have handle it.
Snyder has faced some backlash over the years, but not enough that he hasn't been able to fill FedEx Field every Sunday. He has the luxury of a devoted fanbase and a season-ticket waiting list that has spanned generations. Moves like this though and the mediocre gameday experience is probably going to cut it into that soon. Ten years from now, he could find himself in a really tough spot, maybe five if the Redskins can't win regularly.
Lastly, I wonder if Bonneville is going to switch 3WT to sports radio. They have very little original programming now and already carry the Nats and Caps. They must be thinking about it a little bit.
I haven't listened to 980 in years so I have no idea about their Skins coverage. But it seem to me that football teams lend themselves to criticism rather easily. If your team wins, they rule! If they lose, they stink! I listen to Redskins Radio from time to time and I have heard them criticize the Skins when its deserved. But I have no idea how that compares to other media outlets.
Now if you want to talk about their lack of hockey coverage.....
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, June 05, 2008 11:49:00 AM
The latest edition of Radio Lab, a public radio program from WNYC featured locally on WAMU at 6 p.m. on Saturday, focused on pop music. Of particular interest is the segment about earworms -- songs that get stuck in your head. I have not listened to it yet, but look forward to when I get a little downtime.
My current earworm is "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. I love the rhythm guitar.
Don Geronimo makes his return to the Don & Mike Show for one final show today at 3 p.m. on WJFK and dozens of radio stations nationwide. He is retiring (early) after over 20 years on the show with Mike O'Meara. I expect him to name names and overall be very, very bitter and selfish, but occasionally grateful.
If Mike ever wants to kill off the Charly character, now would be a great time. I hope he doesn't though.
UPDATE: Don skipped the bitterness. He explained that he couldn't do the show anymore because it was keeping him from moving on from the death of his wife Freida. He talked about his new life and shared war stories with each member of the cast, ending with Mike. Now he's taking some time to say a few other things before he goes out.
Only one more Don & Mike Show - William World News
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Only one more Don & Mike Show
UPDATED 04.03.2008: Also, Mike pub, O'Meara's in Manassas, has closed is only open on weekends. I never did get around to visiting it because, well, it was in Manassas. I guess I still could visit. DCRTV had incorrectly said it was closed. The economic slowdown was sighted as the reason.
DCRTV.com is reporting that Don Geronimo has "accelerated his retirement" and will only appear on the Don & Mike Show one more time, on April 11. Following that, The Mike O'Meara Show will debut on April 14 with the rest of the cast, plus former producer Beth Ann McBride.
I've listened to them on and off for the duration of the show. I'm curious what the next incarnation will be with only "one idiot." Had I not been listening them since I was a wee lad, I don't know if I would have found them at all entertaining, but with all the "history" I still tune them in.
BTW, I hope Don calls his autobiography "Honk for Cash."
Succumbing to the commerical: Chipotle - William World News
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Succumbing to the commerical: Chipotle
After many years of saying, "no, thanks" when the Chipotle fax sheet came to my cube, I finally decided to give it a try. I will admit that this is largely because of the Pork, Pork, Pork song (chipotlog) in the Chipotle radio ads.
I went ahead and ordered carnita crispy tacos. I enjoyed them -- they are good, but ultimately, the song is better.
Carpenter returning to MASN for 2008 - The Wash. Times More details on Bob Carpenter's return to the pressbox for one more season of TV play-by-play. On the subject of analyst Don Sutton, Carpenter thinks that "everything's going to be cool with him and me." Sutton apparently expressed concerns about Carpenter's style to Nats president Stan Kasten that prompted the team looking to look for someone else.
At the end of the nationals.comarticle on the Nats interest in Andruw Jones, comes the news that Dave Jageler has reached a deal to remain in the radio booth. Charlie Slowes still hasn't come to terms though. I would be very disappointed if he does not return, especially with all the curly W's around the ballpark.
Nats stay on 1500/107.7 and Trogdor smote the Kerrick and all was laid to burnination - William World News
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Nats stay on 1500/107.7 and Trogdor smote the Kerrick and all was laid to burnination
Nats stay on 3WT for three seasons - The Wash. Times Once again, the Nationals will be carried by Bonneville's 1500 AM, 107.7 FM and 820 AM frequencies. The former Washington Post Radio is now a talk station called 3WT and is also home of the Capitals. There is potential for some problems of overlap if/when either team makes the playoffs, something that hasn't been publicly addressed.
Charlie Slowes and Dave Jagler have not yet signed contracts, likely because of the Nationals dragging their feet. Just get it done Stan.
In other news, the Nats hired an amateur scout for North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Kerrick Johnson had recently completed the team's diversity internship program.
"The team also hired Marteese Robinson, a former director of professional scouting for the St. Louis Cardinals, as East Coast crosschecker. Robinson takes over for Jeff Zona, who was promoted to special assignment scout."
Torii Hunter tells nationals.com that he is interested in playing D.C. because his friend Dmitri Young is on the team and there is a large African-American community. The Nats would have to open their pocketbook though.
Farm system looking better; radio negotiations - William World News
Friday, September 07, 2007
Farm system looking better; radio negotiations
From worst to ... not quite first - The Wash. Times Coming off of two strong drafts, the Nationals farm system is expected to leap out of last place in the Baseball America rankings. While the franchise has been successful in acquiring exciting prospects, it still lacks depth.
Team Trying to Keep Its Place on Radio Dial - The Post The front office is in negoiations with Bonneville to keep the Nats on the 1500 AM, 107.7 FM and 820 AM frequencies that have been known as Washington Post Radio, but will become 3WT in a few weeks. They would probably have to buy the time and sell the advertising rather than get a rights fee. This is apparently fairly common these days and teh same kind of arrangement the Capitals have with Bonneville.
I'd like to see this deal happen, I also want to see Charlie Slowes and Dave Jaegler retained, the former has really grown on me. On the TV side, Bob Carpenter's contract is up and I am pretty ambivalent about him. Don Sutton has a multi-year contract, so he will be around for a while.
JIM BOWDEN - Nats have shown heart - The Wash. Examiner For some reason, I actually read Bowden's column today. He talks up the team for defying expectations of many in baseball.
RYAN ZIMMERMAN - Nats have chance to play spoiler - The Wash. Examiner The third baseman is looking forward to playing spoiler and the easier travel schedule (All NL East teams) in the last several weeks of the season.
The Nats open a three game series (The Wash. Times) in Atlanta tonight.
"We want to apologize in advance to Jim Lehrer, Bill Moyers, the folks at FRONTLINE, NOVA and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE for the damage we are about to do to your network's reputation," said Tom and Ray Magliozzi, who will provide the voices for their own animated characters. "Oh, and Big Bird, too. Sorry, pal."
Waits, Waits, Don't Tell Me & Worton wears a woo - William World News
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Waits, Waits, Don't Tell Me & Worton wears a woo
Coming back from Philly yesterday, I stumbled on WXPN's broadcast of the new Tom Waits album, Orphans. Since XPN is a listener-supported radio (they don't say "public" because it is not affiliated with NPR), there were limited interuptions. It made for an enjoyable ride back from the city of brotherly love. I got to hear half of the first disc, Brawlers, most of the second disc, Bawlers, and half of the third disc, Bastards. The first disc is rock stuff, while second is ballads. The third one is just weird, even for Waits.
Also, XPN has several frequencies, including Harrisburg and the Lehigh Valley, so its reach is all of SE Pennsylvania and a good chunk of Maryland. They also have a Worton/Baltimore frequency, which prompted the questions, why and where is Worton? It turns out Worton is due east of Charm City on the other side of the Chesepeake, but I don't know why a Philly station is trying to be a Baltimore station too. The signal lasted until about Fort Meade, though, so I have no complaints. It was also interesting to hear traffic reports from Central Jersey to Baltimore with 25% of Pennsylvania too.
Lastly, XPN has programming called "Y-Rock" which is the remnants of Philly's Y-100. About two years ago when I headed up to the Poconos I had a great time listening to Philly radio, which was far superior to D.C.'s airwaves. Of course, that is not saying much. Anyway, I enjoyed listening Y-100, only to find out that the format changed a week later. I should have blogged about that back then.
Years ago, on the way to Brad's for New Years, I heard a great year-in-review program on public radio called Backfire. The show featured Tony Hendra (Ian Faith in This is Spinal Tap), Jane Curtain and Buck Henry. I believe it is still produced, but I can never find out when. Anybody have any idea when it is/was on this year?
Observations XV: Scenes from a Mall - William World News
Monday, December 11, 2006
Observations XV: Scenes from a Mall
Aside from cutting through the food court at Pentagon City to get to the Metro, I spend very little time in malls. I did little Christmas shopping at Tysons Corner Center last week. I was successful, but reminded that even in one of the best malls in the country still suffers from the same problems as all malls -- bad service and scary teenagers. Seriously, the majority of teens there seemed to have unnatural hair colors, lots of visible piercings or both. The only young women there who didn't seem to have lots of body mods were wearing hijabs. For all I know, they have green hair underneath.
After a trip to Hershey, my boss came back with eight different kinds of Hershey kisses. EIGHT! As a culture, we just might be getting too specialized. The ones with caramel were really good though.
D'oh! Russia seems to have fully embraced never stopped its old ways.
I can't say that I am a Mariah Carey fan, but her "All I Want for Christmas is You" is one of the better original pop Christmas songs. That's not enough for me to overlook her ripping off the Tom Tom Club though.
John Denver and the Muppets -- A Christmas Together is the best Christmas album. We listened to it while we decorated our tree.
It always seems to be less than 30° on the night of a company holiday party.
We have nine Penn State ornaments on our Christmas tree.
I really missed spinach, I'm glad it has returned. Along similar lines I never get around to buying green onions because whenever I think of it, they are being recalled by a Mexican restaurant chain.
Cable TV has officially run out of ideas: Animals in The Womb
If there was an ocean in Colorado, everyone would move there.
I don't think there is anything that ruins a workout quite like running on an elliptical next to a woman with a serious eating disorder who has just soiled herself.
I think I blew out my PC's speakers with "The Laundromat Song" by The Dead Milkmen.
Tons of old school reminders lately, the latest being the song "Heaven Beside You" by Nervarna & Chains. That tune was ubiquitous my freshmen year. Also, someone found my site by Googling one of my former roommates names.
Hmm, that reminds me of a Steely Dan song I need to buy.
Merry Widow, my favorite run at Big Boulder ski resort, has been turned into a snowboard run, d'oh! That seals it, nothing but Camelback from now on. Hopefully, it will get cold up there soon.
Classical music isn't entirely gone from DC. Just move your dial to 91.5 FM, and you can pick up WBJC out of Baltimore.
Having said that, hopefully Baltimore won't go the Dan Snyder route and give up its classical station to Peter Angelos.
# posted by MC Hamme :
Monday, December 11, 2006 4:09:00 PM
Are you kidding? That's the one thing Colorado lacks! It'd definitely get the wife interested. Plus, being closer to sea level would definitely alleviate the altitude sickness.
# posted by Muha :
Monday, December 11, 2006 10:08:00 PM
Post a CommentObservations XIV: Was Bill Hicks ever wrong about music? - William World News
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Observations XIV: Was Bill Hicks ever wrong about music?
The last time I was in Pennsylvania I heard the song The Last Ten Years (Superman) by Kenny Rogers. He recaps all the problems of the last decade, along with some famous passings and all I could think about was why was Kenny Rogers the one who gets to write this song? Really, if a song like this had to be written, couldn't it have been by someone that didn't have The Gambler Part 17 on their resume?
Fritz's blog has really hit the ground running. He has about ten movie reviews up already. T. William, he's really cleaning your clock on what should be your bread n' butter -- you were class marshall for Film/Video.
Recent earworms: Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash, Under Pressure - Queen/David Bowie, You Were Meant for Me - Jewel
There was briefly a little controversy over the name of one of the Caps bloggers. Recently, Off Wing Opinion joked that DC Sports Chick was going to initiate litigation aganist DC Caps Chick. I had hoped to show video of two women's hockey players fighting as a gag, but alas such video does not exist. In fact, fighting in women's hockey may not exist. Also, DC Caps Chick dropped the DC and is just Caps Chick now.
Is there a good way to get from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Rock Creek Parkway via bike? I always wind up crossing the street in an awkward place.
Recent overplayed songs on DC radio: Do it Again - Steely Dan (Big 100), Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz (DC 101). I also heard Aerosmith's Dude Looks a Lady three times coming back from Happy Valley the last time. I also heard Man in Motion (St. Elmo's Fire) twice.
Driving up N. Glebe Road the other day I realized that Marymount University probably has a pretty good view. I'll stop by sometime and check it out.
I need to come up with something new for my countdown. It almost seems too early for the Outback Bowl to be used.
Sports radio host loses it talking about Michigan State - William World News
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Sports radio host loses it talking about Michigan State
You have probably already heard this rant by Mike Valenti of AM1270-WXYT's Sports Inferno show from earlier this season. it came after the Michigan State vs. Notre Dame game. In addition to an unhealthy passion for the Spartans, Valenti scores some serious Obscrure Reference BingoTM points. Simply an amazing rant -- perhaps the biggest loss of composure I have ever heard broadcast.
Nats radio not changing stations, voices - William World News
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Nats radio not changing stations, voices
Post Radio Will Broadcast Nats Again - The Post Charlie Slowes and Dave Shea will return to WTWP (1500 AM/107.7 FM) for the second consecutive year. The Nats signed a one-year deal after backing out of the previous two-year deal. There was speculation that Dan Snyder's Triple X Radio was interested, but none of those stations has a decent signal yet.
Observations XII: You are looking live - William World News
Friday, October 27, 2006
Observations XII: You are looking live
A lot of people hate -- HATE Brent Musburger; I think Hunter S. Thompson wanted to strangle him with his bare hands, but never got around to it. That being said, I think I am immune from truly hating Musburger because his weekly announcement "YOU ARE LOOKING LIVE..." at the beginning of The NFL Today way back when. He should do that for college football as well.
I kind of like the "Life Will be There Tomorrow" song that Outback Steakhouse uses in their radio spots. I like it much more than the restaurant in fact.
Over the last month Snoop Dogg has been arrested at John Wayne and Bob Hope airports. If there is a Frank Sinatra Airport what are the odds he will get arrested there in November?
How is Firefox 2? Is there anything I should know before I make the switch?
Sheryl Crow's "Everday is a Winding Road" has been used in commercials for at least two different car companies. I guess her songs go through car companies like she goes through men.
Recent earworms: Eastbound and Down (Jerry Reed), Nobody Bothers Me (Jhoon Rhee), that Outback song
The trend towards making nicknames from the first syllable of two words is tiresome. Enough with MoCo (Montgomery County) WaPo (Washington Post) and half the new hip neighborhoods in New York and some of wannabes in D.C. NoVa and JoePa get to stay because they predate the birth of most of the people who use MoCo or NoMa. Stop trying so hard to be cool. Nearlington also has to go, though I don't personally know anybody lame enough to use it. That one might have worked if Arlington was shaped in such a way that there was a clearly defined northeastern section of the county.
It turns out Geno's Steaks, the Philly cheesesteak joint that made headlines for their English only policy, uses South American beef (The Inky). Pat's King of Steaks on the opposite corner also uses "immigrant beef" sometimes. It appears that Jim's, my personal favorite (though I have not been to Pat's yet), uses "USDA choice top round western steer beef." I assume that is the western U.S.
Erica and I have only been to Woo Lae Oakwhich recently suffered fire damage to the exterior, once. It was okay, but as someone once said, "it was awfully expensive for a place where you have to cook your own food."
I am getting annoyed waiting for Blogger Beta to be available for people who use Blogger, but have their own hosts. I want categories. I hope it has a scheduler too. Then again, since this morning's post was delayed by 3 hours by Blogger troubles, categories should be the least of my worries.
The first frost of the season in Pentagon City was Oct. 26
For several years I have enjoyed reading Southern chef Robert St. John's column. It appears in one of "my" newspapers. St. John is now posting the columns on a blog, so you can read them too. If I am ever in Mississippi, I will go to one of his restaurants, even though Southern food has little appeal to me.
This is where we read Wil's blogservations and expound upon headlines that weren't there...
So I was sitting at Izio's, my favorite pizza joint in 'CarCoPa' (Carbon County, PA), when I asked the good Mr. Izio from whence did the meat in my California Cheesesteak usher forth from? His reply was (curtly) "the freezer". we both discerned the answer to be satisfactory.
For those curious as to my other gastronomic preferences, I like to say I am 'gladitorial vegan'...I only eat animals I think I can take in a fight. Cows? sure. Chickens? get on the plate. Shark, Rattlesnake, Alligator? um, thanks for coming, have a nice day, run along.
Observations vol. II -- No, nay, never - William World News
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Observations vol. II -- No, nay, never
When it comes to going out to hear background music over drinks, there are two kinds of people -- those who choose '80s night and those who choose Irish music.
Lately, the Sprite I have been drinking has tasted different than the stuff I was buying six months ago. There has been more citrus-y flavor, and less bite. Given the little bit of bite that Sprite had to begin with, this is a troubling prospect. I miss the old 7-UP.
After reading this article (AP/CDT) maybe there is a reason it tastes different. Scary.
There is a lot of talk of putting a street car line down Columbia Pike. While it sounds cool and would give that under-achieving corridor some cachet, I have to wonder if it is actually a sensible way to move lots of people. Columbia Pike is the busiest bus route in the Commonwealth, and I wonder if streetcars would increase capacity.
Having spent a fair amount of time on Boston's Green Line, I have to say that street cars, while cool, are not that quick. The only advantage I can see to using street cars/trolley/light rail is if it has its own alignment, so it does not have to worry about cars, pedestrians etc. I guess it would not be a streetcar on seperate alignment.
Clear Channel killed their oldies format on Big 100 (100.3 FM) and replaced it with classic rock, despite there already being classic rocker on 94.7 with crummy ratings. Now, there is no oldies station in the market, so good luck hearing any Motown or pre-"Sgt. Pepper" Beatles on free radio.
The first three times I hit the station during my run through the dial I heard the Eagles. Mojo Nixon was right...
A friend of mine recently stopped seeing a woman that he been dating for a few weeks. She observed, "you are always on," and thought he was trying too hard. In reality, that is just the way he is, being a well-read, extremely social person. She was actually intimidated by his rhetorical prowress, so she moved on. To my friend I say, "bullet dodged."
Tourist season has began in earnest in BeltwayLand. A lot of locals (though perhaps transplants would be more fair) get down on the tourists, but I take it in stride. Aside from the "stand on the right" issue, I really don't have many gripes. After all, for every "You don't know me" t-shirt sold there is more sales tax revenue, which is double in Pentagon City mall. So, I thank the tourists for keeping my county a great place to live.
Recently, my brother invited his priest to a family dinner. During grace, the priest blessed the conversation. I had never heard that one before, but it makes a whole lot of sense. Please keep this in mind the next time you say grace.
Damon's radio show -- Listen LIVE (right now) - William World News
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Damon's radio show -- Listen LIVE (right now)
My old friend Damon Miele, also known as the other "media studies by choice" major during our time at Penn State is broadcasting right now on WPPJ out of Point Park University in Pittsburgh. You can listen to TALL here until 10 or so.
Nats to Post Radio -- 1500 AM & 107.7 FM - William World News
Friday, January 20, 2006
Nats to Post Radio -- 1500 AM & 107.7 FM
Nationals Announce 3-Year Radio Broadcast Deal - The Post It is official, the Nationals will be on Bonneville's Washington Post Radio (1500 AM & 107.7 FM). This is a significant improvement on the AM side. Charlie Slowes and Dave Shea Jageler will be calling the games.
The Wash. Times does not appear to have filed a report on the deal.
Changes in the works for Nats broadcasts? - William World News
Monday, January 16, 2006
Changes in the works for Nats broadcasts?
JIM WILLIAMS - ON MEDIA: Jageler likely to join Nats radio - The Wash. Examiner Perennial Emmy winner Williams says that the new Nats radio analyst will be coming from Pawtucket. If Dave Shea was too New England for some tastes, can this guy be much better? Also, a couple of rumors were on DCRTV over the past few days -- 1.) Peter Angelo$ was going to sell MASN to Comcast, which was denied by MASN and 2.) MASN play-by-play man Mel Proctor could be on his way out the door.
Also, Chris Needham does a thorough job breaking down Bob DuPuy's Op-Ed from yesterday's Post. Needham is always a must-read, so you probably already saw it.The "seismic shift" in D.C. radio caused by Bonneville's frequency shuffling may mean that the Nats broadcasts will move to FM-107.7 and AM-1500, the new Washington Post Radio stations. Dave Shea will not return, but Charlie Slowes is expected to be back.
My mother will certainly be excited to know that The Don & Mike Show is celebrating their 20th anniversary. I remember back when they started on WAVA as The Morning Zoo and I listened to them religiously every morning, starting early with their "Cavalcade of Comedy," which was mostly just their clips.
I followed them over to WJFK and listened to them all afternoon (how many radios in the house were on?) until about 1995. I even won a contest (naming the contents. My dad got us their autographs for us when they did an appearance at the opening of the Vienna Blockbuster too.)
After I finished college I would occasionally listen to them, but they had gone overboard with the bathroom humor so I would not stick around long. As much as I hate to give the FCC credit, the "indecency" crackdown following the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake episode made D&M a better show by forcing them to be more creative and I started listening fairly regularly again.
My favorite bit is Charly Stuangstabalack, the man-child character that Mike O'Meara does. His Charly doing the Arsenio Dog Pound cheer was one of the funniest bits he ever did, but the Hurricane Charly was the best ever. My least favorite -- Cousin Luigi, which is just not that funny, and of course when they get too much into the bathroom humor.
They have been through a lot over the years, mostly self-inflicted, but they keep me laughing while I sit in Dulles Toll Road traffic after working late. So, Don & Mike, thank you for your twenty years of service.
So, another DC kid goes for the Charly bit. Annie is quite of fan of that one, although my personal favorites as far as bits go are "Jew to Jew" and "They Just Don't Get It". Bullhorns over the phone are funny.
While I do admit the potty humor does get old, it's still a fair sight better than what Howard does. The personal aspect of D&M always seems to appeal more to me than anything else. With the passing of Freda and Don's subsequent reconciliation with his daughter (as an example), you have to admit that regardless of material, personal politics or discretion, Don and Mike have made their mark on this listener for the rest of their run. -Muha
# posted by Anonymous :
Tuesday, December 13, 2005 10:20:00 AM
I recently heard from Damon Miele, a gentleman and scholar, from my Penn State days. Long-time friends may recall he was the other "media studies, by choice" major in the College of Communications. Anyhow, he his own radio show at Point Park University, in Pittsburgh, where he is going for an advanced degree in mass communications.
Tonight on Tall starting at 6pm I will be doing a little pre-game of the Eagles v. Cowboys Monday Night Football game. For the record, I'm a Cowboys fan originally from Jersey and I enjoy rooting against the Eagles even when they're not playing the Boys. So, tonight if you'd like - please call into the show.
The number is # 412-392-4723 - it is a direct line. Heck, you don't have to talk football or the game, just drop a line. If any of you crazy eagles fans do call, please remember to keep it clean - so I can continue to stay on the air tonight and for future nights.
From the eagles fans I'd like to know: How you feel about the T.O. situation? We can do on-line therapy. Predict the outcome of the game and the Eagles chances of making the playoffs. No whining!
I will try to catch it, if I can get home in time.
Radio personality's wife killed in Route 90 crash - The (Salisbury) Daily Times One of "my" papers has a report on the death of Freda Wright-Source. She was huge part of that show, both as a regular and as Don's muse. Her loss is devestating to that program and all those involved. I have been listening to the show since it was on WAVA in the '80s and cannot imagine the show without her.
The only local media that has unique copy about Freda is the upstart Wash. Examiner - Radio personality's wife killed in accident. All the others have wire service copy. DCRTV.com is the place to go for more on Freda and one-time "King of Virginia" David Haines.
Speaking of dead celebrities, I read an article today about the late great Hunter Thompson: August 20 is the day his ashes will be shot from a cannon. (Talk about going out with a bang.)
# posted by MC Hamme :
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 8:38:00 AM
What--no mention about Vienna being rated as the #4 best town to live in the US? William really must be on a break....
# posted by Sam B :
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 12:29:00 PM
Fear not, it's coming this afternoon and it will be more than just a clip.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 12:47:00 PM
Late yesterday afternoon, Maryland Bureau Chief Sam Basile called with disapointing news -- Myron Cope was retiring.
If you have ever driven through Pennsylvania on a Sunday afternoon or watched some NFL Films Super Bowl highlights, chances are you may have heard the legendary Cope providing Steelers color commentary on the radio. His voice is one not easily forgotten, it is very nasal and is ultimately an exaggerated Pittsburgh stereotype. My first experience with exposure to him came in '86 when my family and I were driving back to NoVa from Michigan and we found a Steelers game (I think Louie Lipps got clotheslined) on the radio. Even at the age of nine, I knew this guy was awful. Over the years, NFL Films on ESPN made me more familiar with his work, as did making the acquaintances of a number of Steelers fans in college.
I firmly believe the person who gave Cope his first job in radio did so with the hope that it would humiliate him. It backfired -- big time. Marn, as he is known, became an institution. For years, fans haved turned the TV down and the radio up to get his insight on the game. He was also credited with creating the "Terrible Towel."
Yesterday, Cope announced that he was retiring, ending another Pittsburgh institution. He will be missed and can never be replaced. Can Beano be far behind?
This is truly heartbreaking. I am distraught. We always used to turn down the broadcast (of course, who wouldn't when Beasley Reece broadcasted half the games?) to listen Myron. It will never be the same. Some time ago, they brought in Tunch Ilkin as the 3rd man in the booth to do the color commentary with Myron and Bill Hillgrove. This was both a blessing and a curse because allowed him to continue but perhaps be even more "silly" than ever. He will be sorely missed, and it will be tough for me to listen to the Steelers games ever again. Bill and Tunch are great, but it just won't be the same. The terrible towels were a splendid idea--I have 2 myself. My hope is that they honor him during the season opener (which I have tickets for) and that everyone has a chance to wish him well. LONG LOVE COPE'S CABANA!!!! "Deck the Broncos, their just Yonocos...."
# posted by Sam B :
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 7:07:00 AM
CEMENTON, Penna. -- Yes it is true, I spending the night in a village named after cement. Apparently, they are trying to get an ancient cement furnace made a national landmark. But, anyhow, that is neither here or there. I am crashing at the WWNOmbudsman's place and he is currently making a heroic effort to play a guitar. Tomorrow, I am getting together with another friend in the Lehigh Valley (for the uninitiated, greater Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton) and we are going to head up to Camelback for a day on the slopes.
So, the upshot of all of this is I don't know if I will be posting tomorrow morning (I'm on dial-up here) or Saturday morning for that matter, though by Saturday afternoon, I should be back. See you then.One piece of news though, the radio station has been chosen, so I guess Dave Hughes of DCRTV can finally chill out. I heard the announcement while listening to WGMS on I-95 between the Beltways that Z-104 will be doing the evening/night games and WFED 1050 AM will be doing the day games. So, that is resolved and we can now make sure that the presets in our cars are up to date.
William - Don't bother presetting any buttons to 1050 am. I tried listening to this station yesterday from Canal Road (about a mere four miles from where the station broadcasts) and I could barely hear anything.
I found out later the station is a 1,000 measly watts. If I'm not mistaken, I believe most college radio stations are more powerful than that.
As one Nats blogger said before, you better hope you have tickets to all the day games, because you surely won't be listening to them!
-- Adubs
# posted by Anthony :
Friday, February 18, 2005 2:27:00 PM
Nats Ticket Buyers Hit By Delays - The Post Fans Are Angered by Slow Online Process Ticketmaster is to blame for this mess, but I doubt that matters if you were one who missed out on choice seats.
The article also informs us that WTOP is in the mix for picking up Nats games. This would be ideal because in addition to having a 50,000 watts powering their 1500 AM signal, WTOP is also heard on 820 AM and 107.7 FM. That is far superior coverage than WJFK 106.7 which fades in parts of the metro area. WTOP used to be the Orioles D.C. area affiliate too.
Nats Set Ticket Options, Work on FM Radio Deal - The Post Lots of information about tickets and radio. First, the partial plans (20 or 41 games) go one sale at 12:01 a.m. to people who have registered for season tickets on nationals.com. It will be Valentine's Day when the plans go on sale to the general public. I will be interested to see how many of these sell. Also, recent reports, backed up by Tony Tavares on Tuesday, suggest that the radio home for the Nats could be an FM one, probably WJFK. Sorry Ron and Fez! Also, the voice of the Nats could be the former voice for the Expos, Elliott Price, a native of Montreal. Also, Bob DuPuy and Peter Angelo$ met in New York again.
More from nationals.com: Ticketing informationA Living History Of Senators Baseball - The Post Team Adopted Mascot-Ballboy in '30s William McCarty is profiled. He was an orphan who got adopted by the Nats in the '30s. That turned his life around and he became a productive citizen -- the stuff of a Horatio Alger story.Wolff reflects on Washington's past - nationals.com Wolff reflects on Washington's past The Hall of Fame says that "Bob Wolff was baseball in Washington." Read on...
DCist has a good write up of the Kalb Report panel at the Press Club the other night, so I will rely on that instead of writing one of my own. Now, if I could only get my digital camera to download, I could post a photograph or two from the event.
More from The Wash. Examiner: Panel: Don't Expect Nats owners till JuneNationals Pastime has an interview with USA Today Sports Weekly'sPaul White.Evan Weiner - Lucrative cable deal a must for Nats - The Wash. Examiner A look at why the Nats need a good cable deal (this we already know) and how this may happen. Of course, it will not happen this season with Angelo$ dragging his feet.
TROGDOR!
In case you missed it during the Super Bowl, the trailer for
Peasant's Quest is now out. I think I am even more excited about this Trogdor epic more than Episode III.
Radio Rights Still Up in the Air - The Post Nationals Continue to Negotiate With Clear Channel, Infinity A day after Eric Fisher scooped them, The Post tells us what they know about a radio deal for the Nats. Apparently, the Nats are probably going to have buy the radio time and then sell the advertising. Also, we find out who is bidding for the Nats with the MLB deadline looming.Nationals Sign a Former Japanese League Slugger - The Post Woo hoo, everyone get excited, Jim Bowden signed a Japanese league castoff. George Arias is expected to compete for the back-up 3B spot. He was a power hitter over there, but who knows if that means anything in the NL.
MILLS TO NFL? TERRANCE & PHILLIP NOT COMING BACK
Football future for Mills - YDR His numbers dropped off, but former PSU QB Zack Mills never lost his motivation. I never thought Zack Mills had much future in the NFL. Even during his magical freshman year, before Beano Cook jinxed him with mentioning the word Heisman in the same sentence, I thought he would be an excellent college QB, but not have much hope for the NFL. I could never put my finger on why, but I just felt that way. I wish him luck of course.No scholarship left for receiver Phillips - The Collegian Joe Paterno cut the senior year scholarship for WR Terrance Phillips. We often forget that JoePa can be a very ruthless fellow and this is a good reminder. Now, if he could just be as decisive by moving Michael Robinson to wideout, we'd all be happier.
UNI WATCH!
Paul Lukas - Oh captain! My captain! - ESPN Page 2 This time Lukas goes over the "captain's C" on baseball uniforms.
SELLING THE TURNPIKE?
N.J. looking into selling toll roads to get cash - The Inqy I have to say I would be surprised if this happened. If you have read Looking for America on the New Jersey Turnpike by Angus K. Gillespie and Michael A. Rockland, you would know that the Turnpike might answer only to God and even He would have to pay tolls. I just cannot see the turnpike authority relinquishing any control. Also, I have to say I am skeptical about selling off public assets like this, but I can be convinced otherwise.
Nats Dealing With Loaiza - The Post GM Jim Bowden is talking with P Esteban Loaiza who was great in 2003 and terrible in 2004. He could be the next Denny Mclain! We also learn that the Mets may play the Nats on April 3 for the exhibition game.On track - The Wash. Times A day after The Post visited Allen Lew, The Wash. Times visits RFK. Getting the renovation done on time is a tall order.Nationals close to deal with WTEM - The Wash. Times It sounds like it is just a matter of time before the contract is signed. No word on the announcers though. My vote is for Frank Herzog. Also, DCRTV reports that the O's radio deal is being held up over broadcaster Jim Hunter, not the Nats.
CRY ME A RIVER
Laura Vecsey - Waiting for settlement hampers Orioles on free-agent front - The Sun Another "woes us" article from another Sun columnist about the plight of the Baltimore franchise. She would be drinking the Kool-Aid that Peter Angelo$ would be selling if only the uncertainty caused by D.C. baseball had not "forced" him to stop selling it. What Angelo$ should be doing, rather than badmouthing the D.C. fans that supported him for so many years is be thanking them and telling them that they are still welcomed, rather than insulting them every step of the way and moping through the offsesaon. He may want to get Cal Ripken to sign a contract too, rather than let the D.C. owners put him in charge. Most of all, he should also be grateful that MLB is giving him anything when they have no legal obligation to do so. In Monday's chat house, Michael Wilbon simply said, "he's a fraud." Well said, Wilbon.
NEW BLOGS
I am adding a couple of blogs to the right navigation area.
The first one is DCist. You may have seen it on Ryan Moore's Distinguished Senators; they linked to him the other day and vice-versa. They are part of a network of -ist sites that started in New York. Last week, a post about US 29's journey through the District linked to my long-neglected DC Highways page, a legacy of my days as a "road geek," so Ryan is just playing catchup with me. ;-)
It had only been six years since I updated the page -- until yesterday when I suddenly thought it important. I also need to add lots of stuff to that Beltway @ Yurasko.net page to make it into more of a links/portal page. Someday.
Nationals Review -- another Nats blog, but it also includes old-timey photographs of the area.
Adubs' Nats Blog -- No, not Anthony Williams, but Anthony Wilson.
CentreSquawker -- A State College blog from a CDT reporter.
Rodney Anonymous -- The former frontman of the Dead Milkmen. He is passionate about a lot of stuff we might not agree with, but is always interesting. You probably ought to read this one at home, every now and then.
I also tweaked the design (I'm not done yet either) a little bit.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRITZ
WWN Guest Editor Fritz Hamme is celebrating a birthday, so happy birthday to him.
CAGERS GUARD AT HERSHEY MED
PSU's Smith in hospital - Patriot-News Soph guard listed as serious after fainting Friday Uh oh. Marlon Smith is the most experienced guard on the squad and apparently a pretty good guy. Hopefully, he will be okay. The university is expected to release more specific information today, as of now, no one is talking.
Like you, I want Frank Herzog to be part of the broadcast team in some capacity, as he'd provide the Nationals with instant local credibility from his years broadcasting the Redskins and then-Bullets (both of whom won championships while he was on their broadcast teams, BTW). At the same time, a 162-game, day-by-day play-by-play is an entirely different animal than 16 games of football or 82 games of basketball (and that doesn't take into account exhibition and postseason games), and Frank's getting on in years. So I would be satisfied to see him do a limited schedule of games on local over-the-air TV, assuming he's interested.
I only hope that the person hired as "voice of the Nationals" turns out to be closer in quality to Phillies legend Harry Kalas than to Yankees hack John Sterling.
# posted by Anonymous :
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 7:19:00 AM
Actually, my birthday is tomorrow the 13th, but thanks for the posting! :)
# posted by MC Hamme :
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 9:15:00 AM
Well, I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes. : )
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