I am beyond stunned that its already the second half of February! It seems only yesterday that we had Christmas decorations up. (by the way, I just noticed a Christmas wreath still attached to our house...how did that happen? I emailed my wife, as she handles decorating)
The temperatures are warmer, the grass is growing and I am trying to get some bike riding in. Apparently college baseball is starting this week as well, since Brian is heading to LA for a few days before the grueling Oregon Duck trip to Hawaai. Why on earth is college baseball starting in February? Apparently another of those decisions dictated by others without asking me.
There have been alot of changes lately in my life, but the funnest one (most days) is 541radio.com - our new website for the Brooke Communications family of stations. I love that we can put up pics and audio of the news for you to see and hear. Justin the Webguy has taken us along ways in a short period of time. Laura has done a ton of great work on the site as well. It will continue to evolve, but its nice to feel like we have taken a big step foward.
Well I will end here for now, as a pile of paperwork is calling my name from the Programming desk side of my brain. Keep listening to News Radio 1240 KQEN and checking out 541radio.com.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
No Voice?
At 7:04 this morning, I opened the mic - and an odd sound came out. Brian and Bob instantly knew we had a problem. A few minutes later I tried to chime in with a bit of weather and then it was clear - I was off the air for awhile today. When I woke up this morning, I knew my voice was a little on edge but was confident after downing the magic substance - a quad mocha - that I would be fine. Apparently not. Listen later today and see how I am doing. I feel better than I sound but right now, you -the listener- don't need to be subjected to my voice. So I will blog, facebook and tweet for now!
Have ideas for how to get my voice back? Email me - kyle@bciradio.com
Have ideas for how to get my voice back? Email me - kyle@bciradio.com
Monday, January 11, 2010
That Can't Happen
Last night's Oregon Duck loss in the basketball civil war was not fun for a number of reasons:
*I didn't see it coming.
*How do you lose, in your own arena, on a historic night, to a team that was coming off a 50 point loss?
*It was not the way to have the last Civil War in the Pit. The loss was just wrong.
The late drive home was not fun. If I am going to get 5 hours of sleep, I want a victory. Ducks coach Ernie Kent said his staff was "outcoached" and was very complimentary of Craig Robinson and the way they came back. Very classy comments with Jerry Allen on post-game. Kent took the rap for the loss as being his fault for not communicating the vision to his team that they needed.
One more note: Another media person noted what appeared to be some kind of security
person near the OSU bench. As it turns out Senator Ron Wyden was at the game. I think that must have been the reason. Unless the brother in-law of the President now gets security!
*I didn't see it coming.
*How do you lose, in your own arena, on a historic night, to a team that was coming off a 50 point loss?
*It was not the way to have the last Civil War in the Pit. The loss was just wrong.
The late drive home was not fun. If I am going to get 5 hours of sleep, I want a victory. Ducks coach Ernie Kent said his staff was "outcoached" and was very complimentary of Craig Robinson and the way they came back. Very classy comments with Jerry Allen on post-game. Kent took the rap for the loss as being his fault for not communicating the vision to his team that they needed.
One more note: Another media person noted what appeared to be some kind of security
person near the OSU bench. As it turns out Senator Ron Wyden was at the game. I think that must have been the reason. Unless the brother in-law of the President now gets security!
Friday, January 8, 2010
HS Basketball Observations
While I clearly will leave the stats and technical analysis of the RHS loss to South Medford to Brian Prawitz, I do have a few observations:
*Never let up near the end of the game. RHS gave an inch and South took it.
*Make every free throw.
*The sport is basketball, not football -knock off the tackling and grabbing of jerseys, especially the grabbing of another player's shorts.
*Both teams have some obnoxious fans but I am pretty sure there was one South female fan who should have gotten an escort out. At what point and after how many foul words at 90 decibels does the RHS staff take some action?
*South Medford's coach wins the award for the longest angry rant without a Technical. The ref blew it for not blowing it!
*Come back on Tuesday night for the Sheldon game! - This season promises to be a wild ride.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year
Sorry I know its been quite awhile since I updated this blog. I promise to do better in the new year.
2010 seems a bit ominous. So many things are happening so fast right now. From world economic issues, to potential military conflicts, to uh having a teenager who wants a car....yea there is a lot to think about.
In the new year I hope to do a better job at recreation. I did ride a whopping 8 miles on Sunday. The bike path was like rush hour with walkers and riders, and even dogs, out to work on those resolutions. I hear all the health clubs and the YMCA were packed out too.
In the new year, I hope to fix up the house and yard a bit. I have gotten lots of advise on what to do, now just need to get to it.
In the new year, I will go to the Oregon Coast. I have not been to the beach in 5-6 years. (yea sad isn't it!). Most of my life runs on I-5 but I need to walk in the sand and feel the wind. (sounds kind of weird...I know)
In the new year, I will go out of state. Its been a couple years and while I don't know where we might go - I am open to ideas.
Thats it for now. More blogging coming soon.
2010 seems a bit ominous. So many things are happening so fast right now. From world economic issues, to potential military conflicts, to uh having a teenager who wants a car....yea there is a lot to think about.
In the new year I hope to do a better job at recreation. I did ride a whopping 8 miles on Sunday. The bike path was like rush hour with walkers and riders, and even dogs, out to work on those resolutions. I hear all the health clubs and the YMCA were packed out too.
In the new year, I hope to fix up the house and yard a bit. I have gotten lots of advise on what to do, now just need to get to it.
In the new year, I will go to the Oregon Coast. I have not been to the beach in 5-6 years. (yea sad isn't it!). Most of my life runs on I-5 but I need to walk in the sand and feel the wind. (sounds kind of weird...I know)
In the new year, I will go out of state. Its been a couple years and while I don't know where we might go - I am open to ideas.
Thats it for now. More blogging coming soon.
Friday, December 4, 2009
I smell Roses!
Wow. by now you know the Oregon Ducks had a thrilling victory over Oregon State Thursday night. While I will let Brian disect the game, I will hit some interesting notes from our time in Autuzen.
We arrived at 3pm, which while early - kept us out of later traffic chaos. After walking around chatting with media friends for while, and going down to the Mo Center to watch the early crowd. it was time for the media dinner. An incredible pot roast dinner was served complete with potatoes, salad, rolls and more. Wow- I am not sure I will be eating much today.
Brian started doing postings on Facebook and Twitter, while I only jumped on a couple of times. Cell service was spotty in Autuzen. In the third quarter, it actually took 20 plays for me to send one text! I guess, given that it was the biggest crowd in Autzen history (over 59,000) I shouldn't have been suprised.
Game time started at 35 degrees and went down from there. I believe it was 27 when the game was over. The press box windows were closed for the game - keeping the working media warm - but we did lose some of the "feel" of the game since the cheering was quieter. Initially I whined about it, but after going downstairs at half time, I decided I could deal with having heat.
Santa was there - uh actually there were at least 4 Santa's on Duck Vision. That may have confused some of the kids.
I saw several Roseburg folks at the game - Diana Corder, John Migulena and Steve Walker among others. Walker appeared envious of my warm working environment and pot roast dinner. I know there were many of local folks there - just couldn't down stairs as much since I decided I liked the heat.
During half time the ESPN TV guys were waiting to come up in the elevator as I went down. I knew they were TV guys after looking at their perfect hair and suits! Actually I am told they are all nice guys. Brian actually saw one in the restroom. I do want to correct one of Brian's posts however. While Erin Andrews of ESPN was indeed there - I did NOT see her in the restroom! By the way, Brian was also part of the media group that polished off all the cookies during halftime.
In the third and early fourth quarter it became very intense and quiet in the press box, given the tight score and -for awhile - a Beaver lead. When LaGarrette Blount scored, people's pens began writing quickly - as everyone sensed one of the game highlights in the making. With 6:16 in the 4th, the Duck crowd came awake big time and it stayed that way to the end.
I went down on the field staying by the Beaver players for awhile before moving to the south end zone. As I have said on Facebook, I was standing next to the Oregon Duck when the Roses came out. Wished I was fast enough to get a pic, but had too much gear with me to try. The Oregon Band and students began singing "Living on a Prayer" with 3 minutes to go as everyone was confident of a Duck victory. As the game wound down, fans stormed wthe field. After the USC chaos, I tried to hang back on the field but eventually got in the midst of wall to wall fans - many who seem to get louder when the media microphones come out! Its so funny to have people say "Hey you want to interview me?". I tried to leave the field but was flat out stuck. A makeshift fence -designed to keep fans out of the tunnel taken by the players - also kept the media and even some players from being able to leave the field in a timely manner. One of the Ducks players came up beside me wanting to leave the field and was told by a security person - that he couldn't leave the field there - but had to go 20 feet west to exit. Sure, easy to say and hard to do. Eventually some of the crowd backed up and I - and some other media - followed the player off the field. It was a bit too crazy there - but I think sercurity did the beset they could, given the thousands of fans on the field.
After getting to the locker room just in time to see the Pac Ten ceremony where the coash, athletic director and University President received their awards, I could finally relax a bit. Coach Chip Kelly is incredible and I am more impressed with him each week. We listened to the coach for about ten minutes then Jeramiah Massoli took the mic for awhile.
About 10:15 we headed to the parking lot, making it back to Roseburg by midnight. WOW! Now the big question - do I try to go to Pasadena?
GO DUCKS!
We arrived at 3pm, which while early - kept us out of later traffic chaos. After walking around chatting with media friends for while, and going down to the Mo Center to watch the early crowd. it was time for the media dinner. An incredible pot roast dinner was served complete with potatoes, salad, rolls and more. Wow- I am not sure I will be eating much today.
Brian started doing postings on Facebook and Twitter, while I only jumped on a couple of times. Cell service was spotty in Autuzen. In the third quarter, it actually took 20 plays for me to send one text! I guess, given that it was the biggest crowd in Autzen history (over 59,000) I shouldn't have been suprised.
Game time started at 35 degrees and went down from there. I believe it was 27 when the game was over. The press box windows were closed for the game - keeping the working media warm - but we did lose some of the "feel" of the game since the cheering was quieter. Initially I whined about it, but after going downstairs at half time, I decided I could deal with having heat.
Santa was there - uh actually there were at least 4 Santa's on Duck Vision. That may have confused some of the kids.
I saw several Roseburg folks at the game - Diana Corder, John Migulena and Steve Walker among others. Walker appeared envious of my warm working environment and pot roast dinner. I know there were many of local folks there - just couldn't down stairs as much since I decided I liked the heat.
During half time the ESPN TV guys were waiting to come up in the elevator as I went down. I knew they were TV guys after looking at their perfect hair and suits! Actually I am told they are all nice guys. Brian actually saw one in the restroom. I do want to correct one of Brian's posts however. While Erin Andrews of ESPN was indeed there - I did NOT see her in the restroom! By the way, Brian was also part of the media group that polished off all the cookies during halftime.
In the third and early fourth quarter it became very intense and quiet in the press box, given the tight score and -for awhile - a Beaver lead. When LaGarrette Blount scored, people's pens began writing quickly - as everyone sensed one of the game highlights in the making. With 6:16 in the 4th, the Duck crowd came awake big time and it stayed that way to the end.
I went down on the field staying by the Beaver players for awhile before moving to the south end zone. As I have said on Facebook, I was standing next to the Oregon Duck when the Roses came out. Wished I was fast enough to get a pic, but had too much gear with me to try. The Oregon Band and students began singing "Living on a Prayer" with 3 minutes to go as everyone was confident of a Duck victory. As the game wound down, fans stormed wthe field. After the USC chaos, I tried to hang back on the field but eventually got in the midst of wall to wall fans - many who seem to get louder when the media microphones come out! Its so funny to have people say "Hey you want to interview me?". I tried to leave the field but was flat out stuck. A makeshift fence -designed to keep fans out of the tunnel taken by the players - also kept the media and even some players from being able to leave the field in a timely manner. One of the Ducks players came up beside me wanting to leave the field and was told by a security person - that he couldn't leave the field there - but had to go 20 feet west to exit. Sure, easy to say and hard to do. Eventually some of the crowd backed up and I - and some other media - followed the player off the field. It was a bit too crazy there - but I think sercurity did the beset they could, given the thousands of fans on the field.
After getting to the locker room just in time to see the Pac Ten ceremony where the coash, athletic director and University President received their awards, I could finally relax a bit. Coach Chip Kelly is incredible and I am more impressed with him each week. We listened to the coach for about ten minutes then Jeramiah Massoli took the mic for awhile.
About 10:15 we headed to the parking lot, making it back to Roseburg by midnight. WOW! Now the big question - do I try to go to Pasadena?
GO DUCKS!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sorry
I know its been way too long since I updated this. I only have time to say - "GO DUCKS". Be sure to listen Thursday morning for a special Civil War Morning Report - with fans from both teams as guests, plus comments from others connected to the big game. Brian and I will be working hard Thursday night in our heated press row seats near the ESPN crew.
Email me if you have any special Civil War insight!
Kyle
Email me if you have any special Civil War insight!
Kyle
Sunday, November 15, 2009
DUCKS/Arizona State
First off, I am way behind on updating this. Its turning into a nutty November - but enough on that.
Brian can do a better job explaining the game but here are some observations:
When Brian and I arrived in the Press Box Saturday, the first thing I noticed was - Lasagna, with bread and salad. It was perfect except for the absence of a paired wine!
One question - Why are so many people from Roseburg in Section 23? Odd.
While in the Lasgna line, an old friend from Portland spotted me. Had not seen him in nearly 20 years. He runs a media company and as it turns out, was part of the crew running Duck Vision at the game (the big screen). Very happy to see him again.
Brian put on some kind of women's gloves with 13:07 left in the 4th. Someone in the office let him borrow them (who borrows gloves.....??). They are uh stylish....uh yea Brian keep trying.
People began to leave in droves with 7:48 left in the 4th. Apparently a big winning margin and the extreme cold was getting to them. It was warmer in the press box, but still a bit chilly.
Brian chatted with the ASU mascot right before the end of the game. Should have got a picture of that. The Sun Devil is a weird looking dude. (or dudette!)
After the game we chatted with players and other media folks. I don' t think we got into the car until close to midnight.
Lots of folks peeled off at Cottage Grove for snacks. Brian had an AMP and Wheat Thins! Weird combo.
By the way, you never know who you will see at the snack stop in Cottage Grove. Several Roseburg folks, including one I won't name because he has the power to get me arrested or charged. (!!)
Walked in the house at 1:15am. Enjoyed a glass of the wine that I should have had with dinner, and called it a night.
Now - we wait for the Civil War!! GO DUCKS!
Brian can do a better job explaining the game but here are some observations:
When Brian and I arrived in the Press Box Saturday, the first thing I noticed was - Lasagna, with bread and salad. It was perfect except for the absence of a paired wine!
One question - Why are so many people from Roseburg in Section 23? Odd.
While in the Lasgna line, an old friend from Portland spotted me. Had not seen him in nearly 20 years. He runs a media company and as it turns out, was part of the crew running Duck Vision at the game (the big screen). Very happy to see him again.
Brian put on some kind of women's gloves with 13:07 left in the 4th. Someone in the office let him borrow them (who borrows gloves.....??). They are uh stylish....uh yea Brian keep trying.
People began to leave in droves with 7:48 left in the 4th. Apparently a big winning margin and the extreme cold was getting to them. It was warmer in the press box, but still a bit chilly.
Brian chatted with the ASU mascot right before the end of the game. Should have got a picture of that. The Sun Devil is a weird looking dude. (or dudette!)
After the game we chatted with players and other media folks. I don' t think we got into the car until close to midnight.
Lots of folks peeled off at Cottage Grove for snacks. Brian had an AMP and Wheat Thins! Weird combo.
By the way, you never know who you will see at the snack stop in Cottage Grove. Several Roseburg folks, including one I won't name because he has the power to get me arrested or charged. (!!)
Walked in the house at 1:15am. Enjoyed a glass of the wine that I should have had with dinner, and called it a night.
Now - we wait for the Civil War!! GO DUCKS!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oregon/USC
Wow what do you say about the Ducks incredible win over legendary USC!
Some notes from our time at Autzen:
While it may not rain at Autzen Stadium the parking lot is another matter. It took us 30 minutes longer than normal to actually get in the parking area. Our parking pass didn't help as the lots we could be in were full 2 hours before game time. (I told Brian we should have left sooner...) Given the rain and getting soaked, we bagged trying to find our KQEN listeners who had offered to let us stop by (they were pretty spread out....and we would have gotten wetter....whimps..) - but we did stumble across a few Roseburg folks on the way in anyway.
Upon entering the stadium we saw Basketball Coach Ernie Kent who saw Brian and greeted us. Looked like he had some recruits hanging out with him. We stopped by the Mo Center and watched ESPN radio for a bit and then headed for the press box. The ESPN TV crew actually had security shadowing them the whole game. That was a bit of a suprise. Brian ran into one of the ESPN TV guys during a break and greeted him.
I brought a decibel meter with me and saw a peak of 107 decibels from the pressbox and 106 from the turf. I think the best place to measure was probably the middle of the stands but wasn't able to do that. I see ESPN shows it high on their meter. Anyway you look at it, it was very loud and USC botched some starts due to the noise.
The media is normally allowed on the field the last four minutes, but given the atmosphere and the big victory, we were able to go down sooner. It became clear that security was ready for students to storm the field - and equally clear that there was NO way the kids would be stopped. Brian and I braced ourselves for the end of the game. The Oregon Duck stopped by and greeted us and I think Brian got a good picture of him. When the game ended, it took 5 seconds for the field to be stormed and filled with kids (and adults). I grabbed my mic and recording gear and hug on for dear life. I would bet there were a couple thousand people on the field - maybe more. I talked to a few kids and got audio, though it was soo loud, I doubt much of it will make the radio. then I spotted the KVAL TV guys with LaMichael James and got my mic up close. So many people were trying to get there, that at one point I was a bit nervous. Tom Ward from KVAL told me later he was trying to keep the crowds from bumping the camera. John Canzano from the Oregonian agreed that it seemed like the WHO concert. It was sooo tight in there it was way intense! I nearly lost my equipment bag at one point but made my way towards the tunnel after seeing a couple other players. Security was great and got me past the fans safely. Whew. By the tunnel I could breath again. Brian and I split up and got audio from as many people as we could. Eventually I settled in and watch some of Coach Kelly's radio interview, and noted a very happy Phil Knight from Nike, standing in the corner.
We headed out and began the long walk to the truck, and then endured the traffic for awhile before hitting I-5 and getting back to the Burg. When I got home and started looking at stats on-line I realized just how big a victory this was over USC. Incredible.
A fun day and one I will honestly never forget! Our apologies again for not making it to the tailgates. We are planning to do a better job with that - especially for Civil War.
Go DUCKS - and keep listening!
Some notes from our time at Autzen:
While it may not rain at Autzen Stadium the parking lot is another matter. It took us 30 minutes longer than normal to actually get in the parking area. Our parking pass didn't help as the lots we could be in were full 2 hours before game time. (I told Brian we should have left sooner...) Given the rain and getting soaked, we bagged trying to find our KQEN listeners who had offered to let us stop by (they were pretty spread out....and we would have gotten wetter....whimps..) - but we did stumble across a few Roseburg folks on the way in anyway.
Upon entering the stadium we saw Basketball Coach Ernie Kent who saw Brian and greeted us. Looked like he had some recruits hanging out with him. We stopped by the Mo Center and watched ESPN radio for a bit and then headed for the press box. The ESPN TV crew actually had security shadowing them the whole game. That was a bit of a suprise. Brian ran into one of the ESPN TV guys during a break and greeted him.
I brought a decibel meter with me and saw a peak of 107 decibels from the pressbox and 106 from the turf. I think the best place to measure was probably the middle of the stands but wasn't able to do that. I see ESPN shows it high on their meter. Anyway you look at it, it was very loud and USC botched some starts due to the noise.
The media is normally allowed on the field the last four minutes, but given the atmosphere and the big victory, we were able to go down sooner. It became clear that security was ready for students to storm the field - and equally clear that there was NO way the kids would be stopped. Brian and I braced ourselves for the end of the game. The Oregon Duck stopped by and greeted us and I think Brian got a good picture of him. When the game ended, it took 5 seconds for the field to be stormed and filled with kids (and adults). I grabbed my mic and recording gear and hug on for dear life. I would bet there were a couple thousand people on the field - maybe more. I talked to a few kids and got audio, though it was soo loud, I doubt much of it will make the radio. then I spotted the KVAL TV guys with LaMichael James and got my mic up close. So many people were trying to get there, that at one point I was a bit nervous. Tom Ward from KVAL told me later he was trying to keep the crowds from bumping the camera. John Canzano from the Oregonian agreed that it seemed like the WHO concert. It was sooo tight in there it was way intense! I nearly lost my equipment bag at one point but made my way towards the tunnel after seeing a couple other players. Security was great and got me past the fans safely. Whew. By the tunnel I could breath again. Brian and I split up and got audio from as many people as we could. Eventually I settled in and watch some of Coach Kelly's radio interview, and noted a very happy Phil Knight from Nike, standing in the corner.
We headed out and began the long walk to the truck, and then endured the traffic for awhile before hitting I-5 and getting back to the Burg. When I got home and started looking at stats on-line I realized just how big a victory this was over USC. Incredible.
A fun day and one I will honestly never forget! Our apologies again for not making it to the tailgates. We are planning to do a better job with that - especially for Civil War.
Go DUCKS - and keep listening!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Truth About The Autzen Experiment
First you need to read Brian's blog. I will wait while you click over there
("Jeopardy" theme running in background while you check his story)
Ok you are back. Now the actual truth:
Brian came in to my office asking about which one of us should drive this time to the game (he is the one with the parking pass too because he is the Duck Baseball guy along with Jerry Allen. I am just, well not...) By the way its his turn to drive.
While ESPN TV is coming early in the morning, ESPN Radio will be there for hours in the Mo Center. Being radio guys, they are more interesting to us anyway. (why watch something you can listen to!). So we were plotting out when to show up when Brian mentioned tailgating.
He suggested we find a way to find some Duck fans from the Burg who are KQEN listeners, to track down. Sounded like a good plan to me. I always like meeting and connecting with listeners. Its one of the reasons I like to emcee Riverbend Live, Wine Festivals and other community events. We value listeners and I think making a personal connection is a great way to do it. So I started working on some produced promos to talk about it and ask for people to email us so we can stop by and meet them and hang out at their tailgate.
Brian has a long term repuation in our industry for liking free food. People in Seattle still talk about it from his days at KIRO Radio. I know the Mariners always plied him with lots of hot dogs and drinks so that he would pay attention and report the games properly. So it was no suprise that Brian seized on the aspect of - free food - when we met KQEN listeners - as his compelling motivation for the promotion. I don't tend to eat much at games, and well you can't swig down too much pop at games or you will be in a very long line to the restroom, possibly missing half a quarter of action. (No wine in the press box btw). At my first game this season, Brian had 9 glasses of Pepsi!
So - email us - kqen@bciradio.com, and invite us to stop by your tailgate party at Autzen. We will enjoy meeting you and someone may get a shot at doing something special as part of the fun. Yes, I will be happy to munch on some steak, enjoy an 07 Pinot Noir with you, or perhaps partake in some delectable cheesecake. But my motivation is to bond with you the listener and just stop by and have a bit of fun. Plus we will put pics from our tailgating up on the web on Monday too.
So please let us know where you will be and we will be happy to meet you. Since Brian's doctor has placed him on a restricted diet, hopefully he will not make too much of a fool of himself when it comes to the eating aspect of this otherwise noble and dignified station promotion.
("Jeopardy" theme running in background while you check his story)
Ok you are back. Now the actual truth:
Brian came in to my office asking about which one of us should drive this time to the game (he is the one with the parking pass too because he is the Duck Baseball guy along with Jerry Allen. I am just, well not...) By the way its his turn to drive.
While ESPN TV is coming early in the morning, ESPN Radio will be there for hours in the Mo Center. Being radio guys, they are more interesting to us anyway. (why watch something you can listen to!). So we were plotting out when to show up when Brian mentioned tailgating.
He suggested we find a way to find some Duck fans from the Burg who are KQEN listeners, to track down. Sounded like a good plan to me. I always like meeting and connecting with listeners. Its one of the reasons I like to emcee Riverbend Live, Wine Festivals and other community events. We value listeners and I think making a personal connection is a great way to do it. So I started working on some produced promos to talk about it and ask for people to email us so we can stop by and meet them and hang out at their tailgate.
Brian has a long term repuation in our industry for liking free food. People in Seattle still talk about it from his days at KIRO Radio. I know the Mariners always plied him with lots of hot dogs and drinks so that he would pay attention and report the games properly. So it was no suprise that Brian seized on the aspect of - free food - when we met KQEN listeners - as his compelling motivation for the promotion. I don't tend to eat much at games, and well you can't swig down too much pop at games or you will be in a very long line to the restroom, possibly missing half a quarter of action. (No wine in the press box btw). At my first game this season, Brian had 9 glasses of Pepsi!
So - email us - kqen@bciradio.com, and invite us to stop by your tailgate party at Autzen. We will enjoy meeting you and someone may get a shot at doing something special as part of the fun. Yes, I will be happy to munch on some steak, enjoy an 07 Pinot Noir with you, or perhaps partake in some delectable cheesecake. But my motivation is to bond with you the listener and just stop by and have a bit of fun. Plus we will put pics from our tailgating up on the web on Monday too.
So please let us know where you will be and we will be happy to meet you. Since Brian's doctor has placed him on a restricted diet, hopefully he will not make too much of a fool of himself when it comes to the eating aspect of this otherwise noble and dignified station promotion.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Corrigated What ? and other Live Radio bloopers
Well the Morning Report was humming along with morning until - somewhere around 8:13, Bob had a blooper.....A story about the price of Corrigated Boxes being down - and that causing the Millersburg Paper Plant near Albany to closed. Except Bob sort of said..."corrigated boxers"...
Now you should know that Brian is in the main KQEN studio, while Bob and I are in the second studio. We can't see each other, but we use instant messaging to communicate. When Bob had the blooper, I sort of smiled but was busy concentrating and didn't think much ab0ut it. But when Brian started typing some tasteful but hilarious wise-cracks during my next story, I had to work hard to "hang on" and maintain focus. We got into the break just fine and Brian took off with his sports cast.
Bob and I had a few minutes off air, so we had pretty much recovered. Until right before the weather forecast, when Brian typed another wisecrack, and I started to fall apart. Bob got part way through the weather and then lost it. Brian came on air and saved the day. I turned our mics off and died into a heap of laughter. After a few minutes we were fine.
Now professional news people are supposed to be able to "keep it together" and we usually do. Every once in awhile though - some things are just too funny. Hopefully you hear "real people" behind the mics.
Now Bob - about that investigative reporting trip to the Cardboard plant...................
Now you should know that Brian is in the main KQEN studio, while Bob and I are in the second studio. We can't see each other, but we use instant messaging to communicate. When Bob had the blooper, I sort of smiled but was busy concentrating and didn't think much ab0ut it. But when Brian started typing some tasteful but hilarious wise-cracks during my next story, I had to work hard to "hang on" and maintain focus. We got into the break just fine and Brian took off with his sports cast.
Bob and I had a few minutes off air, so we had pretty much recovered. Until right before the weather forecast, when Brian typed another wisecrack, and I started to fall apart. Bob got part way through the weather and then lost it. Brian came on air and saved the day. I turned our mics off and died into a heap of laughter. After a few minutes we were fine.
Now professional news people are supposed to be able to "keep it together" and we usually do. Every once in awhile though - some things are just too funny. Hopefully you hear "real people" behind the mics.
Now Bob - about that investigative reporting trip to the Cardboard plant...................
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fall
Without Duck games for a couple Saturdays, I am behind updating this!
Fall is obviously here. Finally some rain (though I am still not a fan of rain..), and cooler temperatures. Fall sports for kids (explaining all the mileage on the mini van) and - did I just produce a commercial with Christmas music in it?? (yes....!).
Flu is sure the hot topic of the moment. Having a High Schooler home sick today with something else, brings the issue closer to home. Guess its time we all got shots! (no I am NOT suggesting a live feature on Inside Douglas County....or am I?)
Bike riding now appears on the back burner, though I am watching for dry days to ride. So far, dry weather and a busy schedule have not allowed a ride.
This Saturday Dave Ramsey is in Portland and we are giving away passes for listeners to attend, so keep listening.
Fall is obviously here. Finally some rain (though I am still not a fan of rain..), and cooler temperatures. Fall sports for kids (explaining all the mileage on the mini van) and - did I just produce a commercial with Christmas music in it?? (yes....!).
Flu is sure the hot topic of the moment. Having a High Schooler home sick today with something else, brings the issue closer to home. Guess its time we all got shots! (no I am NOT suggesting a live feature on Inside Douglas County....or am I?)
Bike riding now appears on the back burner, though I am watching for dry days to ride. So far, dry weather and a busy schedule have not allowed a ride.
This Saturday Dave Ramsey is in Portland and we are giving away passes for listeners to attend, so keep listening.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Another Duck Blog
Wow...quite a blowout in Eugene Saturday night. Again Brian Prawitz and I dutifully manned the pressbox representing Roseburg! Some notes:
Number of times Brian got Pepsi - lost count
Susan - a friend from Eugene was selling ice cream with her daughter (their sports team gets money that way) - ice cream sales not high in this weather!
Horizon Air plane flyover with the Duck Plane just before kickoff - wow!
At 3:24 left in the first I took the last cookie from the press buffet table
My original prediction 34-7 (ooops!)
I like the way the Ducks hightlight other sports during football games - glad to see the Cross Country program honored today!
9:23 in the 2nd - smoke from the east - we never did figure out where it came from.
In the 2nd half -Brian had 2 apple bars and coffee
Kyle had one ( minding the diet...sort of)
On the field after the game, Brian and I almost stepped on the tail of the WSU Mascot...really it was an accident(!)
Final Score 52-6 What a nice night for the backup guys to get some good playing time.
Uniforms - Gary Stevens in section 23 called it the Bumblebee look - seemed to go over well with the crowd.
Everyone pretty happy in the locker room obviously!
With 2 games on the road and a bye week, we are not back until the USC game on Halloween night. Now why do I think this will be a giant Eugene block party!
Go Ducks!
Number of times Brian got Pepsi - lost count
Susan - a friend from Eugene was selling ice cream with her daughter (their sports team gets money that way) - ice cream sales not high in this weather!
Horizon Air plane flyover with the Duck Plane just before kickoff - wow!
At 3:24 left in the first I took the last cookie from the press buffet table
My original prediction 34-7 (ooops!)
I like the way the Ducks hightlight other sports during football games - glad to see the Cross Country program honored today!
9:23 in the 2nd - smoke from the east - we never did figure out where it came from.
In the 2nd half -Brian had 2 apple bars and coffee
Kyle had one ( minding the diet...sort of)
On the field after the game, Brian and I almost stepped on the tail of the WSU Mascot...really it was an accident(!)
Final Score 52-6 What a nice night for the backup guys to get some good playing time.
Uniforms - Gary Stevens in section 23 called it the Bumblebee look - seemed to go over well with the crowd.
Everyone pretty happy in the locker room obviously!
With 2 games on the road and a bye week, we are not back until the USC game on Halloween night. Now why do I think this will be a giant Eugene block party!
Go Ducks!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Ducks!
Wow. Unless you have been in a cave east of Tiller, you know the Oregon Ducks played one of their best games in years today - routing the number 6 team Cal - 42-3.
Again this week Brian Prawitz and I sat in the midst of the press box to catch all the action.
Some random notes:
Cals only score - 5:55 left in the first, and only a FG that shouldn't have gone in.
Brian's Pepsi spilled with 6 min left in the first
Brian went back to get more Pepsi - 5 times. (and had less trips to the restroom than last week....oh never mind)
Brian tried to go in the wrong restroom with 5:43 in the 2nd ( don't ask....)
The Oriental chicken and rice was awesome today in the Press Box. (no they don't serve wine..)
Cal Mascot (a bear of course) looks really sad - (even without the huge loss). I hope he doesn't have to wear the costume on the plane home. Its pretty second rate...like a bad church drama program.
Its a long walk back up the "hill" from visting friends in row two of section 28. Was thankful for the Press Elevator
The crowd was so jazzed by the score that the "WAVE" started at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
I went back for popcorn three times
Highlight - being on the field at the end and in the Duck locker room, as Brian talked to a few of the players. A distinguished looking guy was in the room too but I couldn't place him - Phil Knight sound familiar?
It doesn't get any better than today
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday with the Ducks
This year I plan to spend more time at Oregon Duck games. This Saturday was great fun, especially as Oregon beat the team with the longest winning streak in college football.
A few notes from sitting in the press box along side Brian Prawitz:
Time it takes from our seats in the pressbox (front row I might add!), to food and drink - 10 seconds
Time it takes from the average fan seat to food and drink - 10 minutes
Chance of getting wet from our seats - almost none, but watch that wind with stat sheets.
Chance of getting wet from fan seats - officially none (it never rains at Autzen....) but...on Saturday there was some liquid something coming down for awhile.
Number of times Brian got up to get more Pepsi - 9 (btw the wind took Brian's Pepsi and spilled it with 8:51 left in the 2nd)
Number of times Brian got up to go to the restroom - uh never mind
Number of times I got up to get lemon bars - 3
I left with 3 minutes on the clock to beat the rush and hit the road to emcee at Melrose Vineyards. Incredibly I got to the truck in time to hear the last play on the radio, then hit the freeway back to the Burg. A really fun day chatting with some media friends from Portland and Eugene as well. The press box is like a weekly class reunion sometimes.
Next Saturday I hope to do it all over again.
A few notes from sitting in the press box along side Brian Prawitz:
Time it takes from our seats in the pressbox (front row I might add!), to food and drink - 10 seconds
Time it takes from the average fan seat to food and drink - 10 minutes
Chance of getting wet from our seats - almost none, but watch that wind with stat sheets.
Chance of getting wet from fan seats - officially none (it never rains at Autzen....) but...on Saturday there was some liquid something coming down for awhile.
Number of times Brian got up to get more Pepsi - 9 (btw the wind took Brian's Pepsi and spilled it with 8:51 left in the 2nd)
Number of times Brian got up to go to the restroom - uh never mind
Number of times I got up to get lemon bars - 3
I left with 3 minutes on the clock to beat the rush and hit the road to emcee at Melrose Vineyards. Incredibly I got to the truck in time to hear the last play on the radio, then hit the freeway back to the Burg. A really fun day chatting with some media friends from Portland and Eugene as well. The press box is like a weekly class reunion sometimes.
Next Saturday I hope to do it all over again.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Getting Old
Well it has happened.
No - nothing that was a suprise. But a big moment none the less. I was on the air Monday afternoon when the email came in - "your daughter has a license". I practically choked as I was on live, with my email box open.
I knew this was coming. Michaela did great in Drivers Ed over the summer. Teacher Mike Pardon and the others, appear to have kept all their hair. My wife tells me she is doing fine, even my mother - who let her drive the "Grandma car" thought her driving was fine. I have ridden with her a few times and thought she was making progress. Still the reality was a bit of a shock. No we have not bought her a car. In this economy, not sure its going to happen soon. Oh and there is insurance too...yet another bill to add to the pile.
All that aside - I have gotten mixed responses. One friend asked when she was driving so he could stay off Harvard at that time. Another tells me that we are approaching freedom - when she drives herself to an event. (presuming she has a car!)
All I know is that it was a strange feeling to send her out for Ice Cream....and wait....and wait...and wait...for her to come back. (yes she did come back....safe and sound)
Is that a grey hair I see?
No - nothing that was a suprise. But a big moment none the less. I was on the air Monday afternoon when the email came in - "your daughter has a license". I practically choked as I was on live, with my email box open.
I knew this was coming. Michaela did great in Drivers Ed over the summer. Teacher Mike Pardon and the others, appear to have kept all their hair. My wife tells me she is doing fine, even my mother - who let her drive the "Grandma car" thought her driving was fine. I have ridden with her a few times and thought she was making progress. Still the reality was a bit of a shock. No we have not bought her a car. In this economy, not sure its going to happen soon. Oh and there is insurance too...yet another bill to add to the pile.
All that aside - I have gotten mixed responses. One friend asked when she was driving so he could stay off Harvard at that time. Another tells me that we are approaching freedom - when she drives herself to an event. (presuming she has a car!)
All I know is that it was a strange feeling to send her out for Ice Cream....and wait....and wait...and wait...for her to come back. (yes she did come back....safe and sound)
Is that a grey hair I see?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Aug 23
Its Sunday...I am in the office playing catch up and dealing with a few projects...
I keep noticing a few things - "back to school, football, and cooler temperatures coming" are phrases coming out of people's mouth more and more. Say it isn't so - I would like one more month of summer please. Email your public officials and lets see if we can do something in that regard!
Yesterday I dug up a several foot section of the backyard chasing down a sprinkler system problem. Now I remember why I work in an office....darned hard work!
On a brighter note: The first Music In The Vines was a great success Thursday night. Join us again this Thursday at Melrose Vineyards - great music, food and wine available. The new events center is just delightful....
Well.....enjoy the week....I think it will be a busy one....keep the radio on and we will keep telling you whats going on. Thanks for listening to News radio 1240 KQEN
I keep noticing a few things - "back to school, football, and cooler temperatures coming" are phrases coming out of people's mouth more and more. Say it isn't so - I would like one more month of summer please. Email your public officials and lets see if we can do something in that regard!
Yesterday I dug up a several foot section of the backyard chasing down a sprinkler system problem. Now I remember why I work in an office....darned hard work!
On a brighter note: The first Music In The Vines was a great success Thursday night. Join us again this Thursday at Melrose Vineyards - great music, food and wine available. The new events center is just delightful....
Well.....enjoy the week....I think it will be a busy one....keep the radio on and we will keep telling you whats going on. Thanks for listening to News radio 1240 KQEN
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
August 12th
I'm sitting there, glass of Pinot Noir in hand, chatting with a new friend, when out of my side vision I see some commotion on the stage. Emcee Kelly Leonard comes to his mic, and on stage someone yells for the Emcee mic to be turned on. Then Kelly makes the announcement thats going to be etched in my brain for a long time: "....There is a bomb threat, we have to evacuate the park, please leave immediately..." From most accounts there was about 30 seconds of "deer in the headlights" as Kelly continued talking and slowly - then rapidly -as people understood and began to gather their stuff and head for the parking lot. I made a quick call to Brian Prawitz, who ironically, was just walking into the park when the situation started to unfold. As my wife and I decided how we were leaving, I picked up Randy Wesson from our sister station, Best Country 103, who was also at the show with his girlfriend. We then joined the slow procession out of the park. I tried to cross towards Harvard on the Green Bridge, which was closed for awhile, apparently due to initial security concerns. Instead we were directed through the VA and onto Garden Valley. After dropping my family off, I headed to the station where Brian joined me Live on air for a report, followed by a live report from Sgt Dunbar, who was in Stewart Park.
We felt the situation warrented doing special coverage to make sure everyone listening understood what was going on, according to the information the Police had available.
Later in the evening, it became clear how new technology affected the situation. People were posting on Facebook as they left the park, and I was told by one Half Shell Committee Member, that they had comments on the situation from outside the US within minutes. Jonatha Brooke posted on her website as well - with some great thoughts (you should read them!). People from out of town started to contact me on Facebook or via cell phone. It was as if the whole town was upset - even folks who were not at the concert.
While we wait for official word on the outcome from the Police, some thanks are in order. Thanks to the Roseburg Police and the Half Shell Committee for doing the right thing, in the right way, even though it was a punch in the stomach to have to stop the show. Thanks to the crowd for being orderly and following instructions. Thanks to the other Police agencies who came into the city to help. Thanks to the vendors, who probably lost money and had to throw out uneaten food due to the quick exit. Thanks to Jonatha Brooke, who I am told, cried as she left the stage, and headed back to her hotel.
So lets take a deep breath, regroup, and come to Music On The Halfshell again next week. Lets let the season end with another awesome show and a reunited community. Don't let the bad guys win.
We felt the situation warrented doing special coverage to make sure everyone listening understood what was going on, according to the information the Police had available.
Later in the evening, it became clear how new technology affected the situation. People were posting on Facebook as they left the park, and I was told by one Half Shell Committee Member, that they had comments on the situation from outside the US within minutes. Jonatha Brooke posted on her website as well - with some great thoughts (you should read them!). People from out of town started to contact me on Facebook or via cell phone. It was as if the whole town was upset - even folks who were not at the concert.
While we wait for official word on the outcome from the Police, some thanks are in order. Thanks to the Roseburg Police and the Half Shell Committee for doing the right thing, in the right way, even though it was a punch in the stomach to have to stop the show. Thanks to the crowd for being orderly and following instructions. Thanks to the other Police agencies who came into the city to help. Thanks to the vendors, who probably lost money and had to throw out uneaten food due to the quick exit. Thanks to Jonatha Brooke, who I am told, cried as she left the stage, and headed back to her hotel.
So lets take a deep breath, regroup, and come to Music On The Halfshell again next week. Lets let the season end with another awesome show and a reunited community. Don't let the bad guys win.
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10th
I can't believe that its already mid-August! Where has the summer gone? Last week was a great Douglas County Fair - its always fun to get outside and meet people who listen. While I am on a diet, I did enjoy a few fair food items - which were delectable! Some great music at the fair last week too, my favorite was Huey Lewis and The News.
Summer is still here so get out enjoy it before school starts! I am hoping for lots more bike rides while the sun is out.
Summer is still here so get out enjoy it before school starts! I am hoping for lots more bike rides while the sun is out.
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20th blog
First off - thanks to everyone for a great time on Saturday with the Pepsi Float. We had over 1,000 floaters enjoying the sunshine and hot temps. Thanks to Pepsi, Sherms Thunderbird and Umpqua Dairy for making this happen. Thanks also to Marv and the rest of the guys in Slowpoke - they played non stop for over 3 hours - good stuff.
You have been hearing about the Idaho soldier captured by the Taliban in Afganistan. Here is a link to a Facebook site set up by friends in Idaho:
Bring Bowe Bergdahl Home Lets post some good thoughts and prayers as we hope for the best in this trying situation.
Finally on a personal note - I rode 35 miles on my bike Sunday and also made it up the big 3 mile Lookingglass Hill... Yahoo.
You have been hearing about the Idaho soldier captured by the Taliban in Afganistan. Here is a link to a Facebook site set up by friends in Idaho:
Bring Bowe Bergdahl Home Lets post some good thoughts and prayers as we hope for the best in this trying situation.
Finally on a personal note - I rode 35 miles on my bike Sunday and also made it up the big 3 mile Lookingglass Hill... Yahoo.
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