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!

Blog 19

Wow.....its 9pm...I am enjoying a dark beverage and relaxing after the RHS/S Medford Boys game.... Prawitz and my friend Jeff Bright said its the best we have played all season, but still we came up on the low side of the score.  Roseburg led till there was about 3 minutes left in the third quarter then South turned more to Singler and it started to slip away.   I'll leave the rest of the sports commentary to Brian who is the true expert.   Some observations from other angles though:  Sitting in the 2nd row right behind the bench is the best seat in the house for me. I can hear  both coaches and some of the players and even the officials  but it also forces me to not yell at calls I don't like (that loud radio voice stands  out when I whine, or so I have been told!).   The only down side  tonight was two times when balls were heading towards my head!  It was great to see a bigger crowd there tonight too (but a bunch of you parked in the fire lane or in other no parking areas!! eek!).   I love the intensity of basketball when you are so close you feel like you are in the game.  My occasional  tickets to Duck games are good seats but no where near feeling like  you are "in" the game.  I am looking foward to being back at RHS Friday night....hopefully in the 2nd row again!  I hope you'll be there too.  

Blog 18

Well we missed again. While scoping around in the news world this morning I realized its snowing in Portland (again!). While its not expected to stick around long, it frustrated me. I would love see Douglas County (specifically Roseburg) get a few inches, but it never seems to happen. Us city dwellers miss out, though I know those of you in Melrose and Camas Valley get alot more. Some of you remember the big storm in 68....now I am not hoping for 3 feet of the stuff...but a few inches in town would be nice. Enough to brighten people up from our current economic doom and gloom for a day or two....maybe close school for a day, crank out some hot chocolate and get some sledding in. We in radio love snow days, because listenership goes up and the phones and website get hit hard. Those days are highlights for all of us here, but that aside the snow would be good for everyone's mood.

So please call your congressman or the mayor, and lets get some snow in the Burg!

BTW- Don't forget to support SMART, when the chicken reappears next Monday after the Super Bowl. The chicken suit and its occupant (likely Brian) will be in front of the BCI complex from 7-9am with live comments from the chicken on air. Stop by on your way to work and drop off some cash or a check for SMART and help the chicken out.

Blog 17

Well its Monday......and here we are 6 days into a  new administration and with December financial data still coming out.    Makes for uncertain times for sure.   Well have a big drink of espresso and lets make it the best day it can be.  And listen later today because someone will win a new computer in the New Years Promotion on Know Your News!