Survey

Got this in my email. I figure I'll post it. What the hell, this could be entertaining LOL. If you want to answer this, copy and paste to a comment and answer there.

--Jonathan

1. Who are you?

2. Are we friends?

3. When and how did we meet?

4. Do you have a crush on me?

5. Would you kiss me?

6. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.

7. Describe me in one word.

8. What was your first impression?

9. Do you still think that way about me now?

10. What reminds you of me?

11. If you could give me anything what would it be?

12. How well do you know me?

13. When's the last time you saw me?

14. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn't?

15. Are you going to put this on your blog and see what I say about you?

R.I.P. Frank

From Fort Wayne Mediawatch:

We received word that Frank Kovas died Saturday, 1/29,

while at his desk in his office.

Always working and one of our favorite radio people of all time, Frank was instrumental in the implementation

of FM (frequency modulation) which revolutionized radio.

We send our condolences to Connie Kovas and will

assuredly miss a guy who was one of a kind.

I never knew Frank personally, however I have heard lots about him. He was the original owner of my station (I believe that was the onle one--the others in the building came later to the best of my knowledge). Frank was truly a unique person. Always a hard worker, truly an old school radio person. Not to mention he's one of the people who pioneered radio to what it is today (thus enabling me and others to be gainfully employed).

I join Fort Wayne Mediawach and others in the radio communty in extending my condolances to Connie and the rest of his family.

--Jonathan

Snow, snow and, oh, SNOW!

As I've mentioned many times in here, I'm originally from Mississippi. Right now in my home town, it's 44 and a little rainy.

In Pago-Page (American Samoa), it's about 90 with some showers (that's rain showers).

Fast forward to Fort Wayne, and it's 27 and snowing LOL.

I knew the weather would be a huge adjustment for me when I moved up here but I never realized just how big of an adjustment it would be. Talking to one of my co-workers today, the snow won't stop until about March and we'll probably get another good pounding.

I think I'm going to have to invest in a 4X4 soon.

:-D

--Jonathan

Shout out to my peeps in Evansville!

Hello!

If you're visiting my blog through that guy's blog on Hot 96, welcome! Allow me to introduce myself, my name's "Jon The DJ" and I'm apparently a jerk. I have been in radio for four years and, according to Josh, I think I'm God's gift to radio. While that may not be true (that I'm God's gift to radio), there are a lot of things I could say say but, because unlike some others I could mention I have class, I won't. You see, generally, I don't believe in attacking someone personally on the air or in this blog. While the last posting I made may be construed as an attack,[post note: said post has been deleted as it was, in hindsight, a bit over the top] but I think if you read it you'll see what I had a reason to be pissed.

Oh, I'm sorry, that was explicit content.

See, unlike radio and TV, this blog is not subject to the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. If you don't like some profanity, surf away from this blog right now.

Still with me? Good.

Let me clear the air right now: Clayton, I have no problem with you whatsoever. I'm sorry you feel that I do but I don't. As I told your friend in an email, I even tried to wish you and Sarah a merry Christmas but I guess you either didn't get my IM or just didn't reply. I'm sorry you felt that we were ever going after you personally but I can assure you, that wasn't the case (well, unless you could that Santa's Sack promo but that was after Hot attacked me and Diesel--you know what I'm talking about--but I think Randy had more to do with that than you did). You getting your friend involved in whatever beef you seem to think we have was not cool. I don't appreciate that some guy who's not even here and doesn't know what's going on feels the need to talk shit about me. At least you and I were at one time on speaking terms and we somewhat know each other. Hell, you and Sarah even helped me plan out one of my first dates with my girlfriend (BTW, we're still doing great in case you're interested).

Then, all of a sudden, you get offended because Goose and I went after Randy when he got on the air and lied (you've never been on the underdog station so you don't know what it's like--we're doing what we're supposed to do!). You even talked noise about him in the past and I don't think you'll deny that you can't stand him. That didn't involve you and, again, I'm sorry that you felt offended by it.

This whole "beef" is nothing but a misunderstanding on your part.

Josh at Hot 96, I don't know you and I have no problem with you, other than the fact that you got involved in something that doesn't involve you. But, hey, I understand because you're trying to help your friend. Completely understandable and I probably would have done the same thing. So don't think I have a problem with you because, well, I don't even know you.

As for anyone else, well, think what you like. I don't think I'm God's gift to anything, I'm not a jerk (at least I don't think I am, nor does hardly anyone else) and I certainly never meant to or mean to cause anyone any harm. Radio's a strange business and it can make strange things seem to be real when they're actually not.

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I should do the same when dealing with other jocks.

Lesson learned on my part.

You?

--Jonathan

A Response to "Justice"

I received the following comment about my post entitled "Justice."

I remember "that day" just like it happended last week. I was a young boy of 12 who just happened to be living in a home that was situated two houses down from where then Sheriff Lawrence Rainey's home was, and right next door to a County Judge. Both were considered suspects in the gruesome murders, and I well remember the FBI agents coming to my house on several occasions to interview my parents about any knowledge of "suspicious activity" in the neighborhood. The FBI even interviewed me--a kid of 12 years old who should have had his mind on baseball games instead of murder. I well remember the busloads of Navy sailors from NAS-Meridian who were sent in to my neighborhood by the FBI to "look for evidence". It was a terrible time in our nation's history that branded my little home of Philadephia, Mississippi as the mob-killing, hate crime capital of the world forever. James Chaney, Michael Shwerner, and Andrew Goodman did not come to Neshoba County, Mississippi to raise hell--there was no evil intent in their hearts. They were here to simply try to do what they could for a group of people whose church was burned to the ground courtesy of the local chapter of the KKK. Now, 40 years later a man has been arrested and charged with the crime of murdering the young men. It's truly been a long time coming...something that should have happended long before now. But let's not close the book on this dark chapter in out local history too quickly. Let's not brand Mr. Killen guilty just because he is the first of those who has been charged with the crime. The State has to prove it's case. There must be evidence presented in Court to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that this man is guilty of what he has been charged with. The jury must decide the merits of the State's case against Mr. Killen. It's been a long time since my name was drawn for Jury duty...I pray to God that I am not picked to serve on that jury.

Dad

I couldn't have said it better myself.

--Jonathan

Randy Moss (covered head)

Did you see the Vikings-Packers game this past weekend? I didn't either. But I'm sure you've heard about Randy's "mooning" of the Green Bay fans after a touchdown. Yes, I think he deserves that proposed $5,000 fine for doing something so disgusting and unsportsman like (ironic words spoken by the Fox sports announcers, considering the reality shows on that channel these days) but I really think the funny thing about the game happened in a post-game interview.

Did you see that bush growing on Randy's head? Holy shit, he looks like he hasn't cut his hair in years. I bet he has to duck to go through doors because of that 'fro on his head. No wonder his helment is so big.

Of course, that hair could really be his inflated ego.

--Jonathan

CBS: The Least Credable Network In the Country

Remember a few months ago when Dan Rather went on the CBS Evening News and claimed that CBS had "excusive" documents showing that President Bush did not fulfill his commitment to the Texas National Guard? Remember a few days later when Dan Rather admitted to the American people that the documents they believed to be this huge smoking gun were fake? On that day, any faith in Dan Rather and/or CBS News went right down the toilet.

That's right, the great Dan Rather sat in his anchor chair and lied to the American people when he reported that those documents were real. An independent investigation (the results of which were released today) showed that a "myopic zeal" contributed these lies being broadcast. These documents were supposedly examined and found to be authentic. This was not the case. The documents were never authenticated.

The report did not say that political agendas contributed to this tissue of lies. However, I don't see how that is possible when CBS producers contacted the Kerry campaign to let them know about the story hours before it hit the air. This entire thing was about political leanings.

What does this reveal? More than anything, it confirms beyond a shadow of a doubt that CBS is aligned with the left. They were so eager to discredit President Bush, they went to the air with these faked documents showing that President Bush did not fulfil his obligation to the National Guard without any proof that these documents were authentic. Any idiot could look at the documents and tell that they're faked. CBS showed the documents during a newscast soon after the story broke and anyone who's been around computers for any amount of time could tell that these documents were printed on a laser printer. Last tie I checked, laser printers were not around in the 60's.

They were so desperate to discredit our President, they accepted documents that were obviously fake. If this does not make you question their credability, you must not care very much about receiving real news. In my opinion, CBS has zero credability and I will not get my news from any CBS source. I prefer my news to be reported from the center, without any political leaning (as I have said before, I feel that Fox News leans too far to the right).

Unfortunately, asking for news without any opinion is asking too much these days.

Three producers and executives at CBS (most specifically from the news department) are out. Dan Rather is on his way out. This should be a sign to the other networks *cough*CNN*cough* that they need to clean up their act or similar house cleanings may very well happen. If you want opinions, you will go to editorial sources. If you want news, you should be able to go to networks.

When will media get a clue?

--Jonatahn

Justice

On June 21st, 1964, cival rights works James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman were beaten, shot and burried in an earthen dam in my hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. On that day, my hometown became the unofficial capital of racism in the south. Everytime you see a documentary about the racism that spread throughout the south in the 60's, you hear about these horrid murders. This past week, Edgar Ray Killen was finally arrested and charged with being the mastermind behind these murders. 40+ years after the fact, the wheels of justice have finally started to turn.

It's about time.

I will admit, I was opposed to going forward with this case in the beginning. Not because I didn't want to see those responsible for these murders brought to justice but because of the fact that so many in the case are very old or dead. Now that I think about it and see all that's developed over the last week, I feel that Neshoba County District Attorney Mark Duncan is right in pursuing this case and seeking justice. Killen, if found guilty, should be punished just as any other murder would be.

He should be put to death by lethal injection.

Yeah, I said it.

He should be put to death for his crimes if he's found guilty. I realize he's very old but that doesn't amount to a hill of beans in my book. "Let the punishment fit the crime." Some would say that I'm cruel for thinking this but a cold blooded killer is a cold blooded killer, regardless of age. Keep in mind that he wasn't so old when these murders were committed.

Killen's younger brother certainly was an idiot when he attacked a camera person from WJTV, Jackson, Mississippi. Killen's family as a whole has been very hostile, even violent, to the media and they must realize that this doesn't help his case any at all. This just solidifies the image that Edar Ray is a cold hearted man who believed in violence. The old saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" would fit in this case.

Many residents of Philadelphia and Neshoba County who have been interviewed by the local and national press have said, in effect, that times have changed in Neshoba County and that we want to see justice served so we can move forward. I certainly hope they keep this image in mind while dealing with the visiting media. I don't know if anyone in my hometown (other than my family) reads this but I implore my fellow Neshoba Countians to please show the visiting media and other guests the utmost respect and hospitality. Let's show them that times really have changed and that we're a group of forward thinking people, not the backward and barefoot rednecks the media tends to portray us as.

My prayers are with the Killen family, as well as the families of the murdered cival rights workers. I will also be praying for Mark Duncan and his family, as well as Judge Marcus Gordon and any potential jurors and witnesses. Justice must be done here. Nothing less should be accepted.

Complete web coverage on the case from WJTV can be found here.

--Jonathan

Christ Out of Christmas

Let me issue this disclaimer: I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that forgiveness is there for those who accept Christ as their savior.

With that disclaimer issued, I really hate finding letters like this in my hometown papers. This is in today's Meridian Star:

How can we celebrate Christmas if Christ is left out? I read a recent letter noting that WTOK-TV never said "Merry Christmas," only "Happy Holidays." To whom do we address this concern? I also noted WTOK is up for licensure with the Federal Communications Commission this year. Do we have any input or is it strictly regulatory?

We lost prayer in schools and other Christian values. Let's not let Satan win another one. Let's pray. Let's write. Let's call. Let's be as loud as the opposition.

While I would love to say that I feel that this writer is right, I can't do that. I totally disagree with this letter writer. As a member of the media I understand why TV and radio stations don't say "Merry Christmas" and the like much anymore. TV and radio doesn't just serve Christians. We don't restrict our reach to people who only profess to be saved by Christ. It is with that in mind that we must be sensetive to beliefs of all people. Everyone is served by broadcasters and, whether some like it or not, we can't run the risk of offending people by saying "Merry Christmas" or something like that.

I really wish people would consider things like this before they fire off letters to the editor of small town papers. Unfortunately, this only made the writer look foolish because she didn't consider all angles of the argument. Yes, there are Jews, Muslims, agnostics, etc. in conservative Mississippi. They watch television and listen to the radio too. Why should we alienate them just to apease one religion?

That goes against everything the Constitution stands for.

Can we please consider things like this in the future? As I've said many times, I'm from the south and I'm proud of it. Unfortunately there are those backwards people (like the above writer) who make everyine in the south look like a bunch of biggots. Yes, believing that only Christianity should be accepted is a form of biggotry. Under the Constitution (the great document upon which our government is based on), people have the right to practice any religion they want or to not practice one at all. Why should television or radio appear to endorse one over another?

Again, broadcasters serve everyone, not just Christians.

--Jonathan

Wow...

I sooooo can't believe that I haven't posted since Christmas Eve! It's been crazy, absolutely bonkers for me lately. I apologize to my three regular readers. ;-)

Life's obviously been busy for me lately. Work's been pretty hectic since I've been taking on more and more responsibility. I'm not sure if I blogged about this before but I'm going for a HUGE promotion at work (Program Director!). I had my second round interview yesterday and it went really well. Bill, our company's Director of Programming, wants to have someone in place by the end of the month... we'll see what happens.

Emily and I are still going strong! :-) The last couple of weeks we've gotten to spend a lot of time together since she hasn't been going to school but, as they say, all good things must come to an end. No, I don't mean that we're breaking up (!!), just that she's going back to school on Monday so I won't get to see her as much as I have over the last couple of weeks. It's all good, though. But I'm really happy that things are going so well for us; I never thought I'd have it this great with a woman.

It's cold up here!! The last few days have been really cold, icy and snowy. Last night I went to dinner with Em to Joe's Crab Shack. On my way back to her car, I fell on some ice and busted my ass. I fell two more times in Em's drive way and my ass really hurts! My back's been hurting a little since then too but I don't think I've really done anything to hurt myself. Just a little banged up from not being used to all this mess. But the management of Joe's really should consider plowing and salting their parking lot. That's a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Anyway, that's a short, condensed version of my life lately. Lots of things have been on my mind and I plan to be home most of the day tomorrow so I'll try to write about it. In the mean time, feel free to leave a comment or IM me (TheJonathanShow on AIM or Smokey39350 on YIM) to let me know you're reading this! I'm just curious.

Out!

--Jonathan