01/31/2008 @ 10:58am PST Thursday Morning, January 31st! These past 4 months plus, I've had time to think about and listen to radio, and talk with a lot of radio people. Today, I have some thoughts! "BUZZ" - Britney taken to UCLA Medical Center early today, pictures and video of it all. "PHOTO GALLERY" - A 2004 Sara Rue picture from her "Less Than Perfect" days, and a couple of members of the "Fifth Dimension" singing group from 1999!
Next week I hope to be able to share some of my future plans with you about this business that I love, radio. It's changing everyday, and I've been giving a lot of thought to my next step. You may not believe this, but you've played a big part in my decision in ways that will be evident later. Just the very fact that I've kept in touch with you with my emails and daily website updates, and you have kept in touch with me with your emails and phone calls with your ideas and thoughts on what stations I should talk to and where I should go and what I should do next, it really gave me an enormous amount of material to help make a long term decision.
Bottom line though, it's about entertainment and the two of us connecting with each other. Me inside that mystical medium called radio and you listening to whatever's on my mind that day, whoever's in the studio with me or who's on the phone calling in (maybe it's even you with something to contribute) on the radio. Since I was 5 years old, this is what I wanted to do, and your response has been so overwhelming, I want to continue to do this as long as you'll be there for me in the audience. It's more fun than you can ever imagine, and with all the new technology that's exploding within the radio paradigm lately, it's only going to get better!
I mention this because the biggest media entertainment event in America is coming up again this Sunday, The SuperBowl. Think about it, it's become a national party day, retailers key their ads to this big day, 94 million Americans plan to watch it again, and we eagerly anticipate the commercials almost more than the game. Where else does this happen? I hope my medium of radio will start to draw that kind of passion again soon with all our new tools and toys we have to play with.
Over 40 years ago, when I came to L.A. to join 93/KHJ, we had that "SuperBowl" passion and status for that radio station. If you scroll throught the 34 pages of posted emails in "TALKBACK", you'll see those call letters mentioned again and again. Our ratings or shares of the listening audience back then were huge, exceding 20% most of the time, today the #1 station in L.A. gets a 5 share. I'm not saying we could approach that 20 level again, especially with all the choices now, but we could and should do better than a 5.
When next week comes, you'll see where I think I should be for that to happen.
Meantime, I mentioned SuperBowl commercials. Here's the best from last year again!
AND IN CASE YOU MISSED IT IN YESTERDAY'S "BUZZ", HERE'S PEPSI'S 2008 SPOT!
"BUZZ" today has breaking Britney news and the latest developments in Heath Ledger's death, Jessica Alba's having a boy, Kate Moss proposed marriage, "American Idol" video, and a sneak preview of "Lost" tonight. "CLIPS" has a birthday conversation I had a couple of years ago with Giselle Bundchen, before she was Tom Brady's girlfriend, "GALLERY" with a 2004 picture of Sara Rue at the Revlon Run/Walk, and Florence LaRue and Willie Williams from the 60's/70's hit recording group, The Fifth Dimension. "TALKBACK" has more of those emails that helped make my decision.
Thank you again. Please continue to email me with your thoughts. You're the best advisors anyone could ever hope for.....you're my audience that I love!
Charlie
01/30/2008 @ 10:00am PST Wednesday Morning, January 30th! There's a new government health warning and I've got the shocking picture, and kids say the darndest things, wait till you read the stories. "BUZZ"- A bunch of Britney stuff with videos, and a SuperBowl commercial sneak peek! "PHOTO GALLERY" - One of the "Sons of Hollywood", Randy Spelling, plus the first "Contender" champ on NBC, Sergio Mora!
KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS.....READ THE STORIES BELOW!
"BUZZ" today with Gwen Stefani baby news, Britney updates from Dr. Phil's regrets, to video of her driving her new Mercedes, to her new plan to see her kids, a first look at Justin Timberlake's SuperBowl commercial, and J.K. Rowlings latest thoughts about another Harry Potter book. "CLIPS" my 1995 interview with Trisha Yearwood, who you saw with her husband Garth Brooks this last weekend, and her comments about being his opening act on her first tour back in the early 90's. "PHOTO GALLERY" has one of the "Sons of Hollywood" Randy Spelling and the first "Contender" TV champ, Sergio Mora. "TALKBACK" features reaction and anticipation to my comments yesterday.
Enjoy your day, the week's half over!
Charlie
01/29/2008 @ 10:30am PST Tuesday Morning, January 29th! Today, a way to save on health care costs with some good old fashioned home remedies! Plus, there was a time I was "Garth" Tuna! "BUZZ" - Britney finally gets help, and no pickets at the Grammys. "PHOTO GALLERY" - 2006 Beauty Queens in studio, and the Bay City Rollers!
Health care costs are going higher and higher, so to help save your pocketbook and cut down a little on future expenses, today I've got some good old fashioned home remedies!
Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1 cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer . Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this use. (Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas. Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Quaker Oats for fast pain relief....It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
YES, THERE WAS A TIME BACK IN THE 90'S THAT I WAS "GARTH" TUNA!
Country music was part of my career in the mid 90's, and I received an email and picture a couple of years ago that I rediscovered while going through my archives, that's one more reason why I love this business of radio. It was from Therese Fox (pictured to the left of me in the picture above), and I'll let her pick up the story from there with that 2005 email.
"Dear Charlie Tuna,
I just wanted to thank you personally for something you did 10 years ago, on June 10, 1995. At that time you were with KIK-FM and doing a live broadcast to kick off The Fieldstone Company's newest phase of homes to be released. My husband (Rick Fox - not the basketball player - but just as cute), and I were first to purchase our home and our soon-to-be neighbors, Annette and Craig followed suit after us. Since we were the first two couples to purchase our homes, you introduced us and said, "Let's take a picture to mark the moment". From that moment, I met my best friend Annette! I can't imagine not having her as a part of my life. She is a wonderful friend and confidant. She is honest and caring. I couldn't be luckier to be her friend! In addition, we are so much a like, even from the very beginning. As you can see from the picture, we didn't even know each other an d we are dressed exactly the same, even down to our shoes and purse. We still live across the street from each other and talk endlessly about everything. Our kids (5 together) are best friends and act like siblings. Thanks for being there on June 10, 1995 and for insisting that we "...take a picture to mark the moment". This picture is very special to me because it is where my lifetime friendship began. Thanks a million. I listen to you every morning around 7:15 am. Take care.
Sincerely,
Therese Fox"
"BUZZ" today has breaking Britney news, no pickets at the Grammys, a new baby chick for the Dixie Chicks, and a scene at the DGA awards. "CLIPS" has a celebration of the anniversary of Pop Rocks, "GALLERY" features Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe 2006, plus the Bay City Rollers, and "TALKBACK" has more anxious emails for my return.
Thank You!
Charlie
01/28/2008 @ 10:55am PST Monday Morning, January 28th! Rain, Rain and.....still more Rain coming! Plus, are you ready to play the State of the Union Speech Drinking Game as you watch tonight? "BUZZ"- SAG award winners, and those Spartans take down Rambo at the movies. "PHOTO GALLERY" - A collection of some classic rock n' roll artists and Ana Ortiz from "Ugly Betty"!
Let gets something straight, I love rain. Just not all at once. As this current series of storms ends, my Tarzana backyard weather station has registered 9 and a half inches of rain. Combine that with the 10 inches of rain I've recorded since the official rain season began last July 1, that's nearly 20 inches, with more on the way Wednesday and this coming weekend. We need the rain because we're actually living in a desert in Southern California, and we're trying to break out of a drought pattern that may result in water rationing if we don't. The sad thing is to see all the water that could be collected running off in the L.A. River out to the ocean. At least this winter's Sierra snowpack looks like it will hit near record levels which is where we get a lot of our water, but it would be nice to have more collection reservoirs in our own backyard.
The State Of The Union speech is tonight and if you're watching and listening, just realize there is a whole other game going on with the subculture of a younger generation that has turned the annual event into a drinking game.
Everytime President Bush utters familiar words or lines like "economic stimulus", "freedom is on the march", and "nuclear", shot glasses will clink to drink across the country. A simple drink for words for expected words like "troops", "Iraq", "reform" and "progress", but "border security" merits a shot of tequila according to this year's rules. If you hear the word "earmarks", you have to tug on your ear while taking a drink and with tonight's speech expected to address the economy, everytime the President says it is strong, drink! Here's video of a couple enjoying last year's State of the Union game.
Ran across this photo of former Dodger Steve Garvey and I at a 2005 backyard concert that I emceed. If you're into the Oldies, this was quite a line-up. Some of the stars are featured in a group photo in today's "PHOTO GALLERY"! "BUZZ" has pictures and videos of last night's Screen Actor's Guild winners, one of the awards shows I actually get to vote for, and I'm happy to say quite a few of my choices came out on top. A surprise at the movies this past weekend, A hipper Miss America contest this year - see the video, and new revelations in Heath Ledger's death, "CLIPS" has my "Man List" from 1999, and "TALKBACK" features some more listener memories.
I always enjoy hearing from you, thank you again for all the emails.
Charlie
01/25/2008 @ 10:40am PST Friday Morning, January 25th! Today, Forty Good Points about living life, & a couple of pictures that will make you question "Who really is the smarter species, man or animals"? "BUZZ" - Questions about Heath Ledger's death, plus Amy Winehouse back in rehab. "PHOTO GALLERY" - Beatle George Harrison in a 1975 dinner photo, and Ruth Buzzi at a 1969 celebrity minature golf tournament!
Anybody seen the "Drought Busters" driving around anywhere the past couple of days? This weather is starting to look like a few years ago when we almost broke the all-time annual rain record for Los Angeles, and more warm tropical moisture rain of 4 inches or more for this weekend expected, before a little break Tuesday. Here is one of my favorite paintings simply called "The Rain" by Thomas Kinkade.
So if you're staying closer to home this weekend, listener Charyle passed along these "Forty Good Points" in a email earlier this week. They'll give you some food for thought!
1.Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. Buy a TiVo (DVR) and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning, complete the following statement: - "My purpose today is to..............................."
5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
6. Watch more movies, play more games, and read more books than you did last year.
7. Make time to exercise, practice meditation, do yoga.
8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and und er the age of six.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class......but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.
17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
23. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24. Ladies -- Go on and burn those "special" scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china, and wear your fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
34. The best is yet to come.
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
36. Do the right thing!
37. Call your family often.
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: - "I am thankful for ........................." "Today I accomplished ........................... "
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it.
FINALLY, THE QUESTION, WHO'S SMARTER? ANIMALS OR MAN? TAKE A LOOK BELOW!
"BUZZ" with the latest on Heath Ledger's death, Amy Winehouse does go into rehab, Britney's effect on the economy, Jessica Simpson sues, Angelina pregnant rumors and "Rambo" is back! "CLIPS" with my 1999 interview of Don Knotts, "Barney Fife" on the Andy Griffith show, "GALLERY" has a 1975 dinner shot of George Harrison and me, plus Ruth Buzzi and I at a 1969 celebrity minature golf tournament, "TALKBACK" has reaction to me in pictures and movies.
Thank you again for all your emails, they are really appreciated. Have a good weekend and stay safe.
Charlie
01/24/2008 @ 9:50am PST Thursday Morning, January 24th! So who are you going to vote for in the California Presidential Primary February 5th? Fill out the survey to see who you really agree with. "BUZZ" Details of the Heath Ledger death investigation, and Britney's a no-show again, "PHOTO GALLERY" - Jerry Buss talking sports with me, and Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart with me at the 1985 Children's Miracle Network Telethon!
For the first time in recent memory, this year's Presidential election is a wide-open race, with no slam dunk favorite already writing his or her party's convention acceptance speech. And another first, California is going to have a big influence on picking the candidates with the California Primary moved up to February 5th this year, less than 2 weeks away.
If you haven't figured out which candidate most closely reflects your views and beliefs, take a look at this short quiz and fill it out to find out. It's prepared by Minnesota Public Radio and here's what the first question looks like.
HERE'S THE CONSENSUS PICKS AND OPINIONS OF SURVEYED PEOPLE SO FAR
To take the survey and find out who you really want to vote for, click on the link below
"BUZZ" today has the latest on the Heath Ledger death investigation, Britney does it again ....no-show in court, Tom Cruise will be at the SAG awards this weekend, American Idol video from South Carolina last night, and Marcia Cross on Capitol Hill yesterday, "CLIPS" with the very funny David Brenner back in 1999, "GALLERY" has pictures of me with Laker Owner Jerry Buss in 1985 and Mary Hart and I hosting the 1985 Children's Miracle Network Telethon. "TALKBACK" - reaction to yesterday's "NEWS" test, and a couple of long time listeners remembering.
Lotsa rain still on the way, at least we're way ahead of what's normal for this time of year. Maybe this will help put another dent in the drought. Be careful driving though.
Charlie
01/23/2008 @ 10:40am PST Wednesday Morning, January 23rd! Wanna make someone's day? Watch this "NEWS" video today and think about what you can do. It will make this world a better place! "BUZZ" - Details on the tragic death of Heath Ledger & crazy Amy Winehouse video! "PHOTO GALLERY" - A 1983 Loni Anderson WKRP photo with me, and a 1973 picture of Michael Jackson in studio!
Listener Betsy Baum sent me this little gem about how to make life better! Click and play!
Betsy also passed along this test you might want to try. Don't worry, this has a result!
AT the end of this message, you are asked a question.
Answer it immediately. Don't stop and think about it.
Just say the first thing that pops into your mind.
This is a fun 'test'... AND kind of spooky at the same time! Give it a try, then e-mail it around (including back to me) and you'll see how many people you know fall into the same percentage as you. Be sure to put in the subject line if you are among the 98% or the 2%. You'll understand what that means after you finish taking the 'test.'
Now - just follow the instructions as quickly as possible.
Do not go to the next calculation before you have finished the previous one..
You do not ever need to write or remember the answers, just do it using your mind.
You'll be surprised.
Start: How much is:
15 + 6
3 + 56
89 + 2
12 + 53
75 + 26
25 + 52
63 + 32
I know! Calculations are hard work, but it's! nearly over..
Come on, one more! ...
123 + 5
QUICK! THINK ABOUT A COLOR AND A TOOL!
Scroll further to the bottom....
A bit more...
You just thought about a red hammer , didn't you?
If this is not your answer, you are among 2% of people who have a different, if not abnormal, mind.
98% of the folks would answer a red hammer while doing this exercise.
If you do not believe this, pass it around and you'll see.
Be sure to put in the subject line if you are among the 98% or the 2% and send to everyone you know!
2008 marks the 60th anniversary of WHAM-O, Inc., known worldwide for the Original Slip ‘N Slide, Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Hacky Sack, and SnowBoogie. To salute its storied and sometimes “zany” history, WHAM-O is searching for its next great toy idea from its most innovative and engaged audience kids.
The 60th Anniversary Kid Inventor Contest is open to kids ages 6 to 17 years old who live in the U.S. or Canada and submissions have already begun to roll in. For complete contest information, rules, guidelines and submission information, kids and their parents can go to the main contest page on WHAM-O’s website, found at http://www.wham-o.com/contest/ Additionally, contest details and examples of past WHAM-O inventions are currently featured in the interactive, online winter Nick Mag found at http://winter.nickmag.com/
"BUZZ" today has the latest Heath Ledger update "American Idol" continues to slip in the ratings, Shocking Amy Winehouse video, progress in the Writers Strike, and Britney on again-off again with paparazzo. "CLIPS" has my 1999 conversation with Tom Brokaw about his book then "The Greatest Generation", "GALLERY" with a 1983 photo-op of Loni Anderson talking with me after my radio station softball team played the "WKRP cast", plus a 1973 picture of a 14 year old Michael Jackson in studio for an interview, and "TALKBACK" more emails awaiting my return.
Thanks for all your emails and best wishes! I do read them all!
Charlie
01/22/2008 @ 9:55am PST Tuesday Morning, January 22nd! A picture that I've saved for a rainy day, some listener prayers for me, and more memories of one of the little angels from Children's Hospital. "BUZZ" - The Oscar Nominees list, all the "Razzie" contenders, and Britney video, "PHOTO GALLERY" with 1981 pictures of Brooke Shields, Leo Sayer and a 1968 photo of Mama Cass and me.
First, here's something I've saved for a rainy day. This picture just makes me feel good.
I've received a lot of emails wondering what my progress is towards landing a new spot on the radio. So many of you have said I'm in your prayers for a return soon, especially these two below.
One of the other big questions in a lot of your emails is if I'll continue my annual "Tunathon" at Children's Hospital. Actually that will depend on the station itself and what they are willing to commit to. Certainly that will be part of any discussions I have with a potential new employer. One of the reasons I'm really hoping to continue with it, is this little angel pictured below.
Milly Rodriguez, one of the parents who I met over the last couple of years at Children's with her little sweetheart, Vanessa, sent me these pictures below last night. We lost Vanessa this past October 31st to Cystic Fibrosis. You can hear Vanessa's last visit with me in the "CLIPS" section if you scroll back to November 1st, 2007. Her story is in the November "NEWS" archives, just click on November and go to page 3 and scroll to the bottom.
All I can tell you is there's not a day goes by I don't think about her and all of the children and parents who need our help at Children's Hospital. Take a look at Vanessa's final resting place and just know she's one of God's little angels looking down at all of us today.
Today's "BUZZ" has all the Oscar nominees, more Britney mania, the "Razzie" list is also out today, and P Diddy has changed his name again. "CLIPS" has my 1994 visit with Jon Stewart back in his pre-"Daily Show" days at MTV, "GALLERY" has a 1981 photo of Brooke Shields and singer Leo Sayer at a taping of the Mike Douglas Show that I was the announcer and audience warm-up guy for his last 2 years in Hollywood, and a 1968 picture of Mama Cass and me, "TALKBACK" with more "miss you" emails.
I miss talking to all of you on the radio too! Hope to talk again soon.
Charlie
01/21/2008 @ 10:50am PST Monday Morning, January 21st! So what does an out of work morning radio guy do around the house to start the day? Take a look at the video! Plus the Doo Dah Parade! "BUZZ" - Britney & photographer friend Adnan apparently over & "Cloverfield" a Monster! "PHOTO GALLERY" - A 1978 photo of Steve Martin receiving his first Grammy from me, and Magic Johnson in 1981 visiting with me about his rookie Laker World Championship!
Congratulations to the New England Patriots (perfect so far), and the New York Giants (with Peyton's little bro, Eli) going to the Super Bowl in 2 weeks! This should be a great rematch of a game a couple of weeks ago that the Giants came away thinking "we coulda won that thing"!
Hey, how many of you took part in the annual DooDah Parade in Pasadena yesterday? Here's a look!
Having been a morning man on the radio since I started in this business at age 16, it's really in your blood! And not being able to do my show for over 4 months does present a few problems.....not only for me, but for those around me! It's not as bad as this video shows, but it's pretty close! Click and Play!
With all the caucuses and primaries going on, voting has become more important this election year than ever with the races still wide open. Listener Liz sent me this story.....
While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the man.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.
St Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit heaven."
So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted."
"BUZZ" with the latest Britney news, including video that says the fling with Adnan the paparazzo may be over, A record weekend at the box-office, especially for "Cloverfield", Keifer is a free man, celeb baby news, and the deaths of a Suzanne Pleshette and singer John Stewart. "CLIPS" has my conversation in 1999 with the legendary Chick Hearn as he and the Lakers prepared for their first game of the strike shortened 50 game season. "GALLERY"...speaking of the Lakers, a 1981 picture of me after a celebrity softball game, interviewing the Laker's star rookie Magic Johnson who led them to his first of 5 NBA championships, and a 1978 photo of me presenting Steve Martin his first Grammy for his first comedy album "Let's Get Small". "TALKBACK" has some more of those fans who've been with me since my start in L.A. 40 years ago.
Get ready for a wet, rainy week ahead!
Charlie
01/18/2008 @ 9:50am PST Friday Morning, January 18th! To wind up your week, something really weird, but it works! My former KHJ Boss was impressed by you, plus I've got an appearance booked already! "BUZZ" Britney pics & video, Director's get their studio deal and Chess Champ dies! "PHOTO GALLERY" features the Indian from the Village People, and Dana Devon from "Extra"!
Among the emails I received yesterday was one from Ron Jacobs, who I introduced to you a couple of days ago as the man who hired me in 1967 to come to Los Angeles and work at my first station here, 93/KHJ. I had mentioned how much I loved talking to Ron on the phone and it was almost like a "Back to the Future" experience remembering just how great of a station KHJ was (you can see in the "TALKBACK" emails how many people first heard me there 40 years ago), and it dominated radio not only here in L.A., but had an impact on the entire industry with our all-star lineup of personalities.
Yesterday I got an email from Ron about my link to his website Wednesday, and his similar reaction to our phone call last week, plus one of my first Boss 30 survey covers in 1967 with Merlin Olson of the then Los Angeles Rams, at the St. Louis Rams website. First here's a link again to my KHJ boss, Ron Jacobs website in Hawaii, and then his email to me.
Now the hits just keep on comin' from BOTH your link and now da Rams.
IMPRESSIVE numbers coming from yours, thanks. (I actually first checked it out when your URL started showing up in the Came From tabs.)
Will check out "TALKBACK" when I get this gear all back in one piece.
I continue to be amazed by the email I also get regarding KHJ. Outnumbers all the rest, about other stations, album, book, TV, etc. projects.
I got the same rush you did, man, when we rapped. NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT PRECIOUS TIME AWAY FROM US. And I am officially on record as having ONLY been responsible for what aired April 1965 - July 1969. To me, anything after that is second string, or worse.
It still blows my mind that our peers, and dudes younger than us, have no clue regarding HOW to use the I'net.
Your friend in Kaneohe,
RJ"
I also received an email request for an appearance President's Day Weekend in February on behalf of Children's hospital for a fundraiser in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl for their Children's Hospital Los Angeles Emergency Room which treats 62,000 kids annually. I tentatively committed if there were no schedule conflicts from whatever station that I should be working for by then. Yes, I remain optomistic that I will be back to work on the air in Los Angeles by then, it just takes awhile for the timing and events in the business to line up with the negotiations and details getting worked out.
AND FINALLY.....
This is creepy! . . Think of a letter between A and W. . . . . . .
Repeat it out loud as you scroll down. . . . . . . . Keep going . . .Don't stop . . . . . . . . . . Think of an animal that begins with that letter. . . . . . . . . Repeat it out loud as you scroll down. . . . . . . . . Think of either a man's/woman's name that begins with the last letter in the animals name . . . . . . . . Almost there........ . . . . . . . . Now count out the letters in that name on the fingers of the hand you are not using to scroll down. . . . . . . . Take the hand you counted with and hold it out in front of you at face level . . . . . . . Look at your palm very closely and notice the lines in your hand . . . . . . . Do the lines take the form of the first letter in the persons name? . . . . . . . . . . Of course not....... . . . . Now smack yourself in the head, get a life, and quit playing stupid e-mail games! . . . . Smile & have a great day!
"BUZZ" has the latest Britney pics and video, Director's get a deal, now will the writers, boy wonder world chess champion dies, Prince Wlliam takes off, and TMZ.com video as Chris Martin decks a photographer. "CLIPS" with an interview of James Marsden in 2004 just before one of my favorite movies "The Notebook" opened (this weekend James opens in "27 Dresses"), "GALLERY" has Felipe Rose (the Indian in the Village People), and beautiful Dana Devon of "Extra", "TALKBACK" emails today include some very upset former listeners and a request from a fan in France!
I love Paris, but L.A. is my radio home! Have a great weekend, and get ready for the rain coming on Monday/Tuesday!
