Sunday, February 27, 2005

Popstrology

Author Ian Van Tuyl has invented a system for unraveling the mysteries of the universe: Popstrology. It's based on the idea that your fate and personality are ruled by the songs that topped the charts on the day you were born. (Oh, like astrology is soooo logical.)

Your profile is composed of your Birth Year (ruled by the band with the most number-one hits that year) and your Birthstar and Birthsong (the tune that was number one on your birthday). They don't always match up. Take March 11, 1970. Excellent Birthsong: "Bridge over Troubled Water." Questionable Birth Year: Jackson 5. (Sorry, Pisces. You may be Zen, but you're pretty cheesy.)

Hopeless overachiever? Maybe your song is "Ain't No Mountain High Enough."

Just imagine the plight of a Tiffany born in the year of U2 (you think you're alone now, on a Sunday, bloody Sunday) or a Bon Jovi in the year of Paula Abdul (you may be living on a prayer, caught in a hit and run). For his part, Van Tuyl is a Double Monkee, as his book explains, "born under the influence of the song 'I'm a Believer.'"

Popstrology may be so much modern Abracadabra, or simply What a Fool Believes.

Reach Van Tuyl through his publisher:

Bloomsbury USA
175 Fifth Avenue
Suite 300
New York, NY 10010.
Email: marketing@bloomsburyusa.com.

Friday, February 25, 2005

Sell Your New Music (really SELL it)

Kent Burkhart (http://www.kentburkhart.com/) recommends it:

Here is an image idea that works for a music station in any size market: “Once again, The ABC department store presents another new music special on WXXX. Here is Smith singing the YES SONG”. Here is the sales pitch to the ABC store client: This five second image spot runs four times a day 365 days a year (with one of your newly selected adds so that you do not violate your music list). This image spot ties in the ABC department store with something “new” for the listener “once again” continuity. This is an exclusive for the ABC store. Create an image rate package that is very expensive (a normal 30 second rate) because of its exclusive value. Prepare a special one page sales pitch with various art work to make the concept look valuable. I assure you that some retail client in your market will be ready to buy it!!!........

Thursday, February 24, 2005

$10,000 Fugitive - rules and clues

It started in Ottawa last fall and now the "$10,000 Fugitive" contest appears to be spreading across Canada faster than the flu. Here's why and how, from the latest entry in Newfoundland: http://www.k-rock975.com/Contest.asp?ID=1

"THE 97-5 K-ROCK TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR FUGITIVE! IT COULD BE A WOMAN…OR A MAN. IT COULD BE ANYONE ... ANYWHERE...ANYTIME. THE FUGITIVE COULD BE NEXT TO YOU IN LINE...SERVING YOU LUNCH...THE FUGITIVE COULD BE A CO-WORKER...A FRIEND...A PASSER BY. LISTEN FOR CLUES WEEKDAYS AT 8AM...12 NOON...4PM ON 97-5 K-ROCK. WRITE THEM ALL DOWN. TO WIN THE BOUNTY, ASK EVERYONE YOU SEE THIS PRECISE QUESTION: ARE YOU THE 97-5 K-ROCK 10 THOUSAND DOLLAR FUGITIVE? FOLLOW THE CLUES CLOSELY...THEY WILL ASSIST YOU IN TRACKING DOWN THE FUGITVE'S LOCATION AND IDENITY! THE 97-5 K-ROCK’S TEN THOUSAND DOLLAR FUGITIVE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FOOD ON THE RUN’, RIGHT ACROSS FROM THE DELTA. A MEDITERRANEAN, ‘CAFETERIA STYLE’ RESTAURANT. BREAKFAST, LUNCH DINNER, EAT IN OR TAKE OUT."

And, what successful radio contest/stunt wouldn't have it's own chatroom/discussion board? http://www.thehot899fugitive.com/

Here are some shots of the winners in Edmonton: http://www.96x.ca/cgi-bin/photogallery/photo_display?c=73

April Fool in Salina

"Bill and Dave" are a morning tradition in Salina, Kansas. They have been waking up Saline County together since 1987. This year on April Fools day they plan to award "Free Gas For A Year" every half hour during their show.

After awarding the prize, they'll ask each winner where they will be between 10:00 and noon "so we can deliver your cans of gas to you personally."

Of course, what the winner will be given is a case of baked beans (with the recorder running). The reactions of the folks winning the prizes will be aired on 4/2, so that everyone can share in the fun. Bill Ray is PD at KYEZ, Salina: (email) bray@ebclink.com.

There's also talk of doing the entire 4/1 morning show as if it's 1987 again, news.. music..etc.

Circus Celebrity - Ringling Brothers 2005 show info

Heard recently on Mix (WMVX), Cincinnati:

"Join the family tradition that's anything but routine. Enter the topsy-turvy, upside-down world of the all-new 134th Edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Prince of Laughter David Larible. Jason Peters and his majestic pride of male lions. Crazy Wilson on the Wheel of Wonder and engaging in Motorcycle Mania. The soulful sounds of dazzling Danette. Sylvia Zerbini, Kevin Venardos, Clown Alley, elephantine excellence, and much, much more.

"From March 2-6, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(r) transforms the U.S. Bank Arena with the all-new 134th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth. And, if you come an hour before the show starts, you can be part of the act during the fabulous three ring adventure. Listen to the Mix Morning Show for your chance to win tickets or register on our web site to win the "Circus Celebrity" tickets."

Guests

Can your phone data be hacked like Paris Hilton? Recently, Paris Hilton's cell phone (a T-Mobile Sidekick) was reportedly hacked into and its contents revealed on a web site. Is your cell phone data safe? How did they get the data from Hilton's phone? Rick Castellini, nationally syndicated radio commentator and "pop tech guru," can discuss the answer to these questions and other security concerns involving stolen information and identity theft. Contact Dr. R.J. Garis at 760-471-4807 or e-mail publicists@garis-agency.com.

If you ever need someone to talk gossip, try the folks at Star Magazine. Call Amy Galleazzi at 212-743-6526 and also ask her to be on Star's e-mail list.

Honoring the fallen

Thanks to Matt Drudge (EMAIL: DRUDGE@DRUDGEREPORT.COM) for this link:

http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html

Number of Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom casualtiesas confirmed by U.S. Central Command as of this posting: 1627

Faces of Valor: sights and sounds of Operations "Enduring Freedom" and "Iraqui Freedom."

Search this database by hometown .. and do something to salute your local heroes!

MilitaryCity.com is the gateway to the Military Times Media Group. Their websites include ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com and MarineCorpsTimes.com.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Cat Country 98.7 = Johnny Appleseed

WYCT, Cat Country, Pensacola turns Johnny Appleseed in the wake of Ivan. I was just there several weeks ago .. and it takes your breath away to see the devistation across Mobile Bay as you fly in there. So, they decided to do something about it.

Replanting Cat Country
Saturday, 2/19/05

Cat Country 98-7 Radio is working to get 10,000 new trees planted in our communities. Cat Country 98-7 will be giving away free Live Oak tree seedlings this Saturday, February 19th, starting at 9A.

People are invited to come by any of the five locations listed below and pick up free trees on Saturday. Volunteers from the Girl Scouts of Northwest Florida, the Tate FFA and the Pensacola Pelicans will be there to help Cat Country 98-7 personalities hand out trees and planting instructions. Quantities are limited so come early.

Cat Country 98-7 purchased 10,000 one-year old trees from the IP SuperTreeTM nursery in Shellman, Georgia. Saturday’s free Live Oak giveaway is being done as a community service by Cat Country 98-7.

Join Cat Country 98.7 as we work to bring back the beauty to our neighborhoods after the storm devastated so many trees.

Dave Hoxeng, dhoxeng@CatCountry987.com, President of WYCT writes:

"We planted one tree Friday in front of TV3 & daily newspaper. Then, gave away 9999 Live Oak trees Saturday in ~3.5 hours from 5 locations.

We got a nice story on the 5P TV3 news Friday night, and a color pic at top of column on Page One of local section in today's Pensacola News Journal.

For information call 850-469-9900 and ask for Judy, Mary or Dave.

The Do-It-Yourself Encyclopedia

Have you checked out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page? If you ever need something to chat about, it will provide some ideas for you. One danger: double check wikipedia.org/ facts, since all the articles are written and edited by USERS..

Sharpening Your News Writing

Mervin Block wrote a monthly column on broadcast newswriting for Communicator, the magazine of the Radio-Television News Directors Association, for 13 years. And he still writes a column occasionally for RTNDA. The columns reprinted here offer tips on problems that broadcast newspeople face every day: tips about words, tips about language, tips about writing, tips about journalism.

There is lots of wonderful sharing on his website: http://www.mervinblock.com/.. well worth a few clicks....

When Bad Scripts Happen to Good Newscasts
Error Alert: Wrong Words Slip Into Network Newscasts
'More Violence to Report' — and More Weak Ways Not to Report

Writing Tips, Adapted from Writing Broadcast News--Shorter, Sharper, Stronger (Revised and Expanded), a professional handbook by Mervin Block:
Top Tips of the Trade
Dozen Deadly Sins
Book List

Friday, February 18, 2005

Are your TV spots on your website

.. for viewing and for listeners to email to friends?

Check out: http://www.waxx104online.com/ and click on the "Have You Seen The Cute Kids on TV?" tabs. That's how it's done, at WAXX, Eau Claire. Thanks to PD George House (715 832-1530) for sharing it with us.

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Bless the broken walk in Memphis???

Steve Bush must have spent too much time in the JRfm, Vancouver production studio the other day.... "I was thinking that Bless the Broken Road reminded me a lot of Walking in Memphis. So much so I thought they were pretty much interchangeable. I put the two songs together. Didn't know whether to call it "Bless Memphis" or "Walking the Broken Road".

NHL RIP song parody

Marv and PJ at the Country 95.5 Coffee Crew in Lethbridge came up with a cute play over "My Give A Damn's Busted" featuring clips from Betteman, Goodenow, Gretzky and others. It's generating lots of phones. Thanks to PD Reid Morgan (pd@country95.fm) for reporting it.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Who Makes What (radio edition)

Thanks to Braden Doerr, Market Manager for Standard/London (bdoerr@sri.ca) for alerting us to... http://www.whomakeswhat.net/ (a service of those diabolically-clever minds at M Street Journal (ironically, a division of Clear Channel..)

Sales Promotions That Work

Hats off to Phyllis Stark (pstark@airplaymonitor.com) at Airplay Monitor/Billboard for a great feature this week:

Promotions directors from country stations WMZQ, WFMS, WMIL, WXTU, WKLB, WPOC, KNIX and others give BillboardRadioMonitor.com the lowdown on hugely successful sales promotions in this Web site exclusive. These are all ideas you can steal for your own station.

CLICK: Sales/Promotions Partnerships That Work

Tanks for Listening

http://www.b95.com/, Albany has a nice loyalty promotion for first quarter 2005.

FREE GAS FOR A YEAR!

It's BACCKKKKkkkkkk...Our B95.5 "Tanks For Listening" Contest. Your chance to win FREE gas for a YEAR from B95.5 & Stewarts Shops! Listen to Chuck & Kelly each weekday morning at 7:10 for details!

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Can you top this?

From the "Major Political Leaders Having Fun on Your Show" dept as reported by www.milkman.com:

In his phone call to the BOB FM morning show today, Prime Minister Paul Martin jokingly asked why the station was called "Bob" FM and not "Paul" FM.

Hosts JR and Sandy told the PM that if he was able to influence Bono and U2 to play live in Ottawa, they'd change the name of the station for a day in his honor.

The call was carried live on The New RO & Canada AM as well!

Hear the interview here... oh, and sign Bob's petition to bring U2 back to Ottawa here.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Valentine Stunts in Buffalo and New York City..

Kevin Carter (kcarter@radioandrecords.com) at R&R Street Talk Daily seems to have magnetic powers to pick up the craziest promotions..

Citadel Classic Rocker WGRF (97 Rock)/Buffalo put a unique spin onthose usual tired Valentine’s Day promotions with the help of notedpromotional envelope-pusher Paige Nienaber of C.P.R. PD JohnHager explains: “We contacted the Niagara Falls Air Force Base andfound out that Sgt. Greg Eich of Buffalo was passing through CampDrum, NY after a year in Germany on his way to Iraq. We contacted hisgirlfriend, Suzie Dyer, and told her that we would hook up a videoconference with him as a Valentine’s Day gift,” he tells ST Daily. [Cuegolf announcer voice: Unbeknownst to Suzie, the station flew Eich intoBuffalo, snuck him in the back door and stashed him in a production studio. And now, back to our riveting story....]

“The morning guys explained to Suzie that they were having‘technical difficulties’ getting the video feed to work, but were ableto hook up them up by phone for a few minutes,” Hagar says.

Finally, someone went to fetch an engineer. Hagar says, “He cameback in and said, ‘I couldn’t find the engineer — but I found thisguy.’ Greg walked in, and she freaked out!”

Bonus Love Epilogue: “Greg got down on one knee andproposed to Suzie — and she accepted!” says Hagar.

“All the localTV affiliates were here to cover it along with a crew from A&E, whowill be featuring this story soon.”

Like A Lost I Love Lucy Episode
Another outside-the-box Valentine’s Day promotion is unfolding aswe speak in New York, as WKTU morning maniacs Baltazar & Goumba Johnny present “Have Your Cake & Eat It Too.”

Here’s chief co-conspirator/Exec. Producer Mike Opelka: “We baked an eight-foot-tall wedding cake and filled it with five diamond pendants, 10 full-day spa certificates worth $1,250 each and a seven-day trip to the Brazilian Riviera!”

At 8am Valentine's day, in the front window of New York’s Planet Hollywood, a dozen crazed women, winners of an essay competition, will be turned loose on the cake to find the tiny numbered ring boxes inside “using only their hands and mouths,” Opelka tells ST Daily.

Enjoy the visual.

Seeking Desperate Housewives, Doubling Paychecks

John Marks, PD at Jefferson-Pilot's KSON, San Diego (jmarks@kson.com) reports they are:

Seeking Desperate Housewives
Cliff & Company play Desperate Housewives Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:40am. We'll put 2 women on the air to tell us what makes them "Desperate Housewives." Then, they go head to head in a battle of wits for fabulous prizes, including tickets to Regal Cinemas. In case you're wondering, yes, it's a shameless attempt to capitalize on the ABC TV hit.

Double Your Paycheck

KSON will announce one name, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:15am, 12:15pm and 4:15pm. We'll also announce one name per hour on Thursdays from 8:15am to 5:15pm. The person whose name is announced over the air has 30 minutes to call (from any San Diego County area code) to win their prize. KSON will double the weekly paycheck of all winners by matching one week's gross salary up to $1250. You must be 18 years of age or older, and a San Diego County Resident. If we call your name, and you don't call, your name could be called again. KSON will determine the winner's weekly salary by averaging the winner's previous 5 weekly pay stubs. Pay stubs must be dated from the 3-week period prior to winning the contest.

If you are currently unemployed, you would receive the minimum prize amount of $500.
If you are retired or a homemaker, you would receive the minimum prize amount of $500.
If you work but make less than $500 a week, you would still receive the minimum prize amount of $500.
We match one week's gross salary up to $1250.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Twenty-one Ideas...

From Bobby Rich, Journal/Tucson (Bobby@BobbyRich.com) "... For Valentine's and any other day..."

ONE.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR.
When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN.
Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT.
Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.
In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN.
Don't judge people by their relatives

TWELVE.
Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN.
Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN.
Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE.
Spend some time alone.

Thursday, February 10, 2005

Prep links (more!)

Jay Trachman: http://121online.net/

The Vent -- the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's daily column of humorous
quips. There's an adaptable line or two in there all the time.
www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/vent/index.html

AC Radio News -- superb sheet with insightful comments from well-known
radio programmers. www.acradio.com

Jones Radio's "Programming Power" -- useful comments on programming, music
and promotions from the JRN consultants. www.jonesradio.com

Shoptalk -- daily industry newsletter focusing mainly on TV, but they have
a great "topical humor" section. Ask to get on their free distribution list
by writing to: newsletter@tvspy.com

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Country 95, Lethbridge Marv & PJ - best DJs

Reid Morgan, PD at CHLB (pd@country95.fm) reports: "Marv and PJ & the Country 95 Coffee Crew" were voted the best "Morning DJ's" (Newspapers terminology) by the Lethbridge Herald Sun TImes. It was an unaided random vote.

How's that for a good omen?

Quick update, Keith Urban (Now sold out) is really fueling our RateTheMusic.com database sign ups!

Call it anything BUT 'sexy'

Priceless history from Cluck Blore:

When I wrote that last one I was using the word “sexy” to mean easier to listen to. I was suggesting we find a way to make our traffic reports attractive to the 85% of our audience who did not happen to be in cars at that moment. Putting stuff on the air which you know 85% of your audience has no interest in, regardless of the fact that “Those reports are sold!” to me was a form of programming suicide. I went to Mr. Purcell, “Robert, you said that anything I thought would interfere with programming would not be allowed on the air.” “So I did.” “Well this memo from you ...” I put the memo on his desk and put my best, ‘I trusted you’ look on my face “... says I can’t say ‘screw traffic’ because those reports are sold.” (read more from Chuck Blore)

Thanks to larryshannon@radiodailynews.com for making these great sites happen for the guys who wrote history.

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Valentine gift: name a monkey after your mate!

Field biologist Robert Wallace and a team of researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society have discovered a new species of monkey in Bolivia's Madidi National Park. A charity auction is being held for the rights to name the monkey.

More on the 'Titi' Monkey at the Wildlife Conservation Society Web Site

Learn More About the Auction to Name the Monkey at CharityFolks.com

The Redneck Dictionary

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy has signed a book deal with Villard Books to publish The Redneck Dictionary. The deal is in the high six figures and the book will be published in the fall of 2005.

In April 1999, The Jeff Foxworthy Countdown, a three-hour weekly country hits countdown show nationally syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks, debuted. Airing on more than 200 country stations, the show features intimate conversations with country’s biggest stars, the week’s top songs and new music.

Jeff received a Country Music Association nomination in 2001 for “Broadcast Personality of the Year.” (visit Jeff Foxworthy Countdown)

Those MONSTERS (truck that is) Bob & Tom

On January 29, a monster truck sponsored by Bob and Tom debuted at the U.S. Hot Rod Monster Jam in Indianapolis, Ind. at the RCA Dome. The truck won the racing event by defeating tough competition including Grave Digger, Predator, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and more. (visit Bob and Tom Web site)

What are you doing for your community?

Take a hint from Starbucks: HeraldNet: County now eligible for Starbucks parks grants

Here's how it's done: www.starbuckslovesparks.com

OK, now.. what do you plan to do?

Monday, February 07, 2005

Valentine Show Prep

VALENTINE SHOW PREP FROM LOVETINGLE.COM

*You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, or use on the air. Credit lovetingle.com*

>85% of all valentines are purchased by women.
>Over 1 billion Valentine cards are sent in the U.S. each year.
>Parents receive 20% of all valentines sent.
>The biggest days for giving flowers are Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
>Valentines ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.
>Over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year worldwide.

CRAZY LOVE FACTS
>In Kentucky, 50% of the people who get married for the first time are teenagers.35% of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
>Impotence is grounds for divorce in 24 states in the United States.
>In Frackville, Pennsylvania, a woman filed for divorce because her husband insisted on "shooting tin cans off of her head with a slingshot."
>Each year over 11,000 people are injured trying out new sexual positions.
>People who have never been married are seven and a half times more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric facility than married people.
>Percentage of runners who say they think about sex while running: 66%. Percentage who say they think about running while having sex: 8%.
>The phrase "honeymoon" came from the Greeks. It was customary for the bride's family to supply the groom with a full moons cycle (a month) of wedding wine, which tasted like honey.
>Couples who marry in the months January, February, and March have the highest divorce rates.
>Over 278 bacteria colonies are exchanged during a French kiss.
>The world's greatest lover was documented to be King Mongkut of Siam. He had 9,000 women in his harem.

VALENTINE HISTORY

Who is St. Valentine?
One story says Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military. Valentine decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.
Another legend claims Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.

What about Cupid?
In Latin, cupido means "desire". In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around shooting both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

LOW BUDGET VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS
-Make a love jar. Buy a nice medium jar (or find one in the house if you are broke). Cut out 365 pieces of paper. On each piece of paper write a reason why you love that person, cute poem, love coupon, etc. This is a time consuming but VERY thoughtful gift. You can modify this by cutting out 52 hearts and having your Valentine pick out one per week.
-Make a coupon book: Buy a blank book (available in the journal section of any bookstore) and fill out each page. (One free massage, one free breakfast in bed, etc.) For ideas go to http://lovetingle.com/coupons.htm
-Make a paper rose. They are extremely simple to make, and all you need is colored paper. Make a full bouquet, your date will absolutely love the creative, modified version. (To do this take a piece of paper and roll it up like you would do to make a telescope. Pinch down about one inch from the end to make the bud, then twist the rest tightly to make the stem) http://www.lovetingle.com/couples/paperrose.htm

TOP 10 VALENTINES MOVIES
1. Casablanca (1942). Humphrey Bogart stars. The plot: Rediscovery of lost love, and the need to lose it again for a higher cause.
2. Notting Hill (1999). Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant. This movie will rekindle any relationship and remind you how sweet that special someone is.
3. The Princess Bride (1987). Lots of action. Very witty. This classic tale is told from Grandfather to son.
4. Romeo and Juliet (1968 or 1996). The orginal is a by director Franco Zeffirelli. The updated version was a hit as well by Baz Luhrmann. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.
5. West Side Story (1961). Set in New York City, this is a very popular romantic musical was made into a movie.
6. French Kiss (1995). Meg Ryan. Very romantic and very French with a happy ending.
7. Like Water For Chocolate (1993). For the eclectic tastes, this is a great foreign film that will get you both in the valentine mood.
8. A Room With a View (1986). This British flick is a great example of how little it takes to fall in love.
9. It Happened One Night (1934). Two people fall in love while on the road in this classic love tale.
10. Gone with the Wind (1939). Based on the incredible book, this epic tale has the most memorable characters of all time. Scarlett O'Hara is the best!

TOP 5 ROMANTIC SONGS BY FORMAT

Country
Garth Brooks, The Dance
John Michael Montgomery, I Swear
Patsy Cline, Crazy
Lonestar, Amazed
Garth Brooks, Make You Feel My Love

Pop/Adult Contemporary
Whitney Houston, I Will Always Love You
Eric Clapton, Wonderful Tonight
Celine Dion, My Heart Will Go On
Aerosmith, Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Bryan Adams, Everything I Do (I Do For You)

Other Great Romantic Songs
Peter Gabriel, In Your Eyes
Beauty & The Beast Soundtrack, Beauty And The Beast
Berlin, Take My Breath Away
Vanessa Williams, Save The Best For Last
Boyz II Men, I'll Make Love To You
Bryan Adams, All For Love
Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody
Bryan Adams, Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman
K-Ci & Jojo, All My Life
Lionel Richie, Endless Love
Aladdin Soundtrack, A Whole New World
Seal, Kiss From A Rose
Backstreet Boys, As Long As You Love Me
Bangles, Eternal Flame

GREAT ROMANTIC IDEAS
>Cover the floor with poster board and finger paint a giant valentine card for your lover.
>Have DINNER in bed.
>Fire up the grill and roast marshmallows then lay under the stars.
>Rent your favorite romantic movies, make some popcorn and hot chocolate, and stay up all night watching movies and cuddling.
>Surprise your lover with a bubble bath for two. After the bath dry them off and brush their hair for them.
>Spread out a large blanket in the living room and have an indoor picnic.
>Read old cards and letters from each other to one another.
>Play hide and seek. (Clothing is optional)
>Grab a romantic novel and take turns reading aloud to each other.

MARRIED ON VALENTINES DAY
Sharon Stone, Prince, Roseanne, Jerry Garcia, Harold Robbins, Meg Ryan, Dennis Quaid and Elton John

BORN ON VALENTINE'S DAY
Hugh Downs, Florence Henderson, Carl Bernstein, Gregory Hines, magician Teller of Penn and Teller, Ken Wahl and Meg Tilly

Superbowl commercial talkabouts

Super Bowl Ads Test Limits of Credulity
Fox Flattens Miller Lite's Super Bowl Ads
A Look at This Year's Super Bowl Ads

Longest broadcast = 120 hours, not 110

From: http://www.rwonline.com/dailynews/one.php?id=6669

No World Record for DJ
Dave Plotkin won't be in the Guinness Book of World Records, at least not yet.
According to the AP, the 25-year-old college disc jockey in Florida who thought he had set a world record for the longest continuous radio broadcast apparently fell 10 hours short. He got the word from Guinness.

The broadcast was 110 hours, three minutes, broadcast on Rollins College's WPRK(FM) in January.

Guinness says a Sri Lankan man, Arulanantham Suresh Joachim, stayed on the air 120 hours in 2003, but its records had not been updated. According to AP, Guinness said it took a year and a half to complete the documentation and update its database.

Plotkin said the station has raised $17,000 so far and he hopes to shoot for 144 hours by next year. "It was the most fun I ever had," he said.

Saturday, February 05, 2005

A Requiem For the NHL in Edmonton

Gerry Siemens, GM at JRfm/AM600, Vancouver (gsiemens@jrfm.com) forwarded a promo idea that came with his K-97 (Edmonton) data base letter Friday (2/4):

We all need closure to the NHL 2004-2005 season. We all need "friends"tolean on in this time of grief.

Join 97-3 K-ROCK this Saturday, February 5 as we lay the 2004-2005 NHL Season to rest at West Edmonton Mall.

We will start the Procession from outside The Bay at 12:30PM. A piper will lead the casket and our group of mourners to the Ice Palace where viewing of the once mighty "cup" will begin at 1PM.

As mourners pass by, we encourage them to say a final word to the 2004-2005 season, and fill out an entry form to win a pair of season TNT Tickets to the NEXT Oilers' season... whenever that may be.

At 3PM, we will move the casket and the "cup" to Hooters on Bourbon Street for a Wake were we will celebrate the once vibrant NHL league and its players.

To put a close to the death of the 2004-2005 season, we will leave the casket in internment at Hooters at 5PM... at which time we will draw a name to see who will see the Oilers in action... whenever the season comes to life again.

We remind you to wear the jersey of your favorite NHL team to show the league and the players that someone cares about the death of the season.

Regards,

Terry, Bill, & Steve
Edmonton's Classic Rock 97.3

Friday, February 04, 2005

Google Video Search Engine!

Brian DePoe, VP/Programming for Standard Radio Group, Toronto (bdepoe@ezrock.com) is the first to pass the word about Google's newest beta, http://video.google.com, which looks like an invaluable too for anyone talking about hot TV shows and commercials, but who may have forgotten to "TIVO" something important.. A powerful tool: http://video.google.com

WOGI Pittsburgh Prepares For On Air Wedding

Love is on the air at WOGI Froggy 98.3.
In the past week, more than 30 local couples responded to an opportunity for an all-expenses paid Valentine's Day on-air wedding courtesy of the Pittsburgh Country station. The field will be narrowed to five qualifiers this afternoon from 3-7 p.m. on the "Danger Frog Show." Qualifying couples will be interviewed by a panel of "expert judges" comprised of Froggy employees and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on-air at 5 p.m. February 3rd, giving them plenty of time to acquire their Allegheny County wedding license and invite family and friends to "My Big Fat Froggy Wedding," which will happen live on the air at 5 p.m. Valentine's Day on the "Danger Frog Show."

The Grand Prize couple will receive a package of prizes worth more than $5000 including, Wedding rings from Henne Jewelers, Tuxedos from Jack's Tuxedo, Wedding gown from Bridals by Skye's the Limit, Flowers from McCandless Floral, Hairstyle and makeup by Studio G, Wedding crystal and garter from Carlisle's of Pittsburgh, Three-tier wedding cake from Kribel's Bakery, Limousine service from A. Carter Limousine, Honeymoon weekend at the Country Inn & Suites on Campbell's Run Road and Mattress and box springs from Izzy Miller, Carnegie.

Thursday, February 03, 2005

Chili Cookoff Attracts Record Crowd

www.allaboutcountry.com reports that twenty years ago, KISS Country started a tradition of bringing together the best country music with the spiciest chili during the First KISS Country Chili Cookoff.

Now two decades later, this nationally renowned event, which was held on January 30, 2005 at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, broke all attendance records and is still going strong. The Twentieth Anniversary KISS Country Chili Cookoff combined a full day of family fun, chili contests sanctioned by the International Chili Society and a great line-up of country music headlined by Hank Williams, Jr. In addition to Hank, Jr., Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, and newcomer Katrina Elam performed. For the first time in its 20-year history, the show had a co-host, Terri Clark, who joined the air personalities on stage and shared emceeing duties.

Record crowds packed the park beginning the night before the event, parking their vehicles outside the gates to insure seating up close to the stage. Fans came from as far away as California and Canada to see their favorite country artists on a typically beautiful South Florida day. Over 75 teams of chili cooks competed for the chance to win the title of Best Chili with the first place honors going to “Sky’s the Limit,” captained by Fred Boehm of Fort Lauderdale, winning $500 and advancing to the International Chili Society’s next level of competition.

“As we plan for the 21st Birthday of the KISS Country Chili Cookoff in 2006, we are thrilled at how much of a tradition this event has become for country music fans and chili aficionados throughout the Southeast,” said Joe Bell, WKIS’ General Manager. “Every luminary of Country Music has played the Chili Cookoff at least once during our star-studded history. We are looking forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come.”

Check out tons of pictures at WKIS.com.

WNOE New Orleans Hosts Lundi Gras Wedding

101.1 WNOE New Orleans morning show hosts Big D & Bubba are trumping the success of last year’s Lundi Gras wedding by marrying three couples during their live broadcast from the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The nuptials will take place during the 6 a.m., 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours of WNOE’s Morning Show on February 7 on a balcony overlooking historic Bourbon Street.

For more: The Big D & Bubba Show

Winning couples were selected from over 100 applicants who logged onto 101.1WNOE.com and submitted the reasons why they deserved to win the Lundi Gras Wedding.

The prize package includes wedding essentials like a justice of the peace, rings, a king cake wedding cake, photography, the bride’s bouquet, and a honeymoon weekend at the Woodland Plantation in Myrtle Grove, LA.