Blog 27

As I write, its Saturday night 2/28 around 6:45pm. I am at the station running the ABC Special on the life of Paul Harvey. Paul died earlier today. I am at a loss for words to say how it affects me. I have been literally listening to Paul Harvey my whole life. I remember mornings at home in Roseburg, then Baker City, the Medford, then Portland. Paul Harvey was part of the family ritual in the morning. I normally missed the noon 15 minute cast while at school, but remember very clearly that in our house - at noon on Saturday, there was silence in the house - because Paul Harvey was talking and everyone listened. This was a solid rule in our family growing up. One of the thee most steadfast rules I remember from growing up. When Paul Harvey is talking, be quiet and listen! All these years in radio, and KQEN is the first station I worked at that aired Paul Harvey. But I often listened while working in other places. Doing the news the past few years, I have paid more attention to how Paul Harvey produces a show. His writing style was clearly unique and he communicated like none other. Just now I heard Charles Osgood on our news talking about working for ABC in the past. He said the same thing I wrote earlier. When Paul Harvey was on, his newsroom was quiet as everyone listened. Amazing the affect one man has had on our industry and on many lives. How did Paul Harvey affect you? Email me and let me know. Be listening for more on KQEN honoring Paul Harvey.

Blog 26

This week promises to be an interesting one. More financial data is coming out about the current situation we find ourselves in. Its going to be rainy all week, which doesn't help with the gloom many are feeling. While college baseball has started, will they be able to get their games in this Friday through Sunday? Oh and its Civil War two in basketball - I am sure hoping to go to this one! And how many new years resolutions, have I not broken repeatedly?

Sit back and enjoy the week - and keep the radio on for the latest information!

Blog 25

Well in all my years this has never happened. I was turned down for giving blood tonight.  Seems my blood pressure was a ways over the acceptable limits....I have given blood off and on for years and never ever had a problem.  So now what?    

Blog 24

This morning I went to the Dentist, and this afternoon I am interviewing U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley. One person asked which appointment would be more painful. Ouch! One of my favorite things about the news end of my job is getting to talk to the officials who make things happen.. Whether its City Councilors, State Reps, or even our three U.S. congressional delegation members, I always enjoy getting them behind the mic. Whether you personally agree with our government officials or not, remember - they are people. I honestly think most are trying to do the right thing, of course the disagreement is - what is the right thing!! Being in politics, you are always "ON". One staff person told me his bosses schedule is in ten minute sections all day. Those "days" often last 12-15 hours too! Thankfully Blackberrys, wi-fi and all the new technology helps them keep working while they are moving from meeting to meeting. So whether you agree with a politician or not, take a step back and remember - he or she probably has a family, bills and as many problems as you. In these tough times, their job isn't easy.

Blog 23

Someone said I hadn't written for awhile. And they were right. With all the sickness going around, we have had staff gone every day for eons, so we are all covering a bit extra sometimes. Makes me wish cloning were futher along...then I could find a clone to do some of my work (for free of course!)

This is a weird time....spitting snow and ice one morning, nice the next. Basketball still going yet baseball almost starting (For the new Duck team only 9 days away). People trying to plan spring break, others trying to figure out how to pay to keep school going till the end of the year.

We seem to be facing challenges not seen in many years. Just a few years ago the economy was going strong, everyone was making money and problems seemed few. Now almost the opposite.
All I can say today is "hang in there".

Blog 22

Well its quieter in Roseburg today. Late yesterday afternoon we heard that the hard rockin alternative/indie band Buck Cherry was having dinner in the Burg. Since they are playing in Portland Friday night, and their music isn't quite my "scene", I didn't think too much about it. Late in the evening though I walked into Fred Meyer and was told "you just missed them..". Then I started wondering what was up. Apparently for some reason the band spent the afternoon, evening, and overnight here in Roseburg. I have had reports of Buck Cherry being at one of the malls, of course Fred Meyer, Dutch Bros and just out for a walk taking pictures on Garden Valley Blvd. Early this morning they left, according to their website they were bound for Yakima before the Portland stop tomorrow.

So some of you could care less, others will ask your kids and find out they probably know the band. While dinner and gas stops in the Burg with celebrities happen fairly often I am told (just ask restaurants near the exits) a group spending the night is a rarity. They could have gone farther north and had a shorter drive today, so why stop here? I am guessing they just wanted a little peace and quiet and to not be noticed much for awhile.

In any event it was fasinating... maybe one day we will get a former President or major candidate to stop in our little town. Oh wait, that happened too!

Blog 21

Is spring really here? By the time you read this it could be raining again I know. But the recent amount of nice weather has picked up people's spirits it seems. During these tough times, its good to know that indeed "the sun will come out tomorrow". For me that means a little yardwork, and trying to knock out some miles on the newer bike. My goal of course is to get into better shape and shed a few pounds. Riding also clears my mind of things which is good. I do however take the cell along just in case I see "breaking news" (or get hit by a car and need help lol). My friend Kelly Leonard has challenged me to a real long ride or two this year (Seattle to Portland), but we'll see how the schedule of life plays into some of these big events. Anyway, enjoy the sun while its here and if you are out driving, don't run over me on the bike!

Blog 20

Well a wild ride but a win for Troy and the Steelers. This game gave me great anxiety especially in that fourth quarter. In chatting with some old friends who are out of state, they were shocked to discover the Troy Polamalu is a local kid. Small town Oregon doesn't seem to get alot of press in that regard. I hope you'll help us Monday morning with a donation for SMART as Brian puts on the chicken suit for the entire Morning Report from 7-9. Brian will be outside in the cold while I anchor from in the studio. The chicken will accept cash or checks.

Look for pics later in the day on the website. And way to go Steelers!