Save the Rick Emerson Show

When I moved to Portland in 2001, I discovered the Rick Emerson Show on "Hot Talk" 1080 KOTK-AM. The station also had Imus in the Morning, Ed Tyll, Tom Leykis and Phil Hendrie.

I liked Rick's show from the first time I heard it and have been a follower since day one. It has politics, music, pop culture discussion, geek talk, humor, CNN correspondents, local media and lots of callers. Rick is funny, smart and neurotic, and he interacts with the callers as if they are old friends. Sponsors such as Viso are as much a part of the show as Rick.

In my opinion, the best part of the show is the interaction between Rick and his newsman (Tim Riley) and his producer (Sarah Dylan). The trio seem to genuinely like each other and seem to look forward to working together. My favorite part of the show is when the three of them discuss one of Tim's news stories. It's unlike any other news discussion on radio.

A few months ago, the show moved to mornings on KUFO-FM in Portland. The show is completely different. Instead of long-winded rants by Rick and lots of interaction with callers, the show now has 13 minute breaks for music. The only time a caller is on the show is for a contest. Also, the great bumper music of years past is gone. Yes, KUFO is a music station. But, Rick's show is a TALK SHOW.

When the show moved to KUFO, it was "supposed" to be the same show as before. Unfortunately, it is not. I'm not sure why it has changed. I'm sure someone at CBS Radio thought it was good to change the show, but it's not. The show's not the same as it was before.

I used to look forward to podcasts of the show (since I am not able to listen live). Since the move to KUFO, I listen to old podcasts from the pre-KUFO days.

Seumas Froemke has created a blog to "Save the Rick Emerson Show". I hope this campaign works. We miss our show and we miss Rick. Less music, more Rick, Tim and Sarah!

NCAA Hoops

I was able to work the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Tournament on March 19 and 21 in Portland, Ore. at the Rose Garden for CBS Sports. While we did not have any number one seeds, we did have some great games, including No. 12 Western Kentucky's victory over No. 5 Illinois. With Washington and Gonzaga at this site, the crowds were great and it was a good atmosphere for college basketball.

I've worked the tournament many times for CBS. Every time, I'm more and more impressed by the talented crew members. From the broadcasters to the producer to the director to the camera crew to the graphics crew to the video crew to the audio crew to the runners, it's a classy group of folks who turn out an amazing product. Granted, the players on the court play the game, but the CBS crew does a fantastic job of putting it all together for the folks at home. There's a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes that goes on to make the pictures on the screen appear so flawless.

Relocation

The past month has been really hectic for me, but it has been a good hectic if such a thing is possible.

On February 23, I began a new job in Seattle, Wash. For the past few years, I've worked as a consultant, but this is a full-time position as a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst/Developer. There's a lot to learn but I really like the work and my co-workers. The company uses MicroStrategy for its delivery tool, and I'm excited about helping users create reports that are actionable and provide strategic insight into the data. In these tough economic times, strong BI reports are vital.

As much as I love my new job, it required a move. Yes, I moved again - my 11th major move since 1995. (This is nothing to brag about - it just means that I'm a good packer.) I chose to live in Renton, Wash. because the apartment was about five miles from work and in a quiet area. Seattle is known for horrible traffic and I wanted to spend as little time in the bad traffic as possible.

Like all moves, there's an adjustment period. I'm not real familiar with the area so it seems to take me a little longer to do things. Also, I'm still trying to find the best grocery store, hair salon, dentist, doctor, etc. The good news is that I really like my place and am confident I'll adjust soon.

Twitter

I signed up for a Twitter account today. Not really sure how much I will use it, but I thought I'd check it out. So far, it has been interesting. I'm following my favorite radio show, The Phil Hendrie Show, and my favorite author, Barbara Delinsky.

Gratitude Journal 2/5/09

1.) My car
2.) My CPA for helping me resolve my tax nightmare
3.) My family
4.) My support system
5.) Common sense

Earrings

I've always loved craft making as I enjoy working with my hands. Some of my favorite crafts are cross-stitch, needlepoint and bead work. Recently, I've been making earrings in order to use up some old beads. Most of the beads were given to me by friends or from previous projects.

First, I had no idea that I had so many beads! Second, it's been a very relaxing winter project. I've really enjoyed seeing which beads work well together and which ones do not. I've been amazed at how colors I never thought would work together look fantastic together.

Gratitude Journal - 1/6/09

1. Blogger
2. The Internet
3. The Rick Emerson Show
4. Talk Radio
5. Research

Gratitude Journal - 1/5/09

Happy Monday!

1. Opportunities
2. The Oregon Coast
3. Rain
4. My dirty apartment (at least my bed is made!)
5. Confidence
6. Green

Paying Forward in 2009

The late Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes often talked about paying forward instead of paying back. Hayes said, "You can never pay back, but you can always pay forward."

For my New Year's Resolution, I've decided to take Coach Hayes' advice and pay forward in 2009. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful family, fantastic mentors and great friends who have guided me through good and bad times. These people have always been there for me by providing guidance (professional, personal, financial), a stern lecture, financial assistance, friendship, a hug, humor, a roof or just plain old common sense over the years. It's time for me to pay these gifts forward to others rather than just always being the recipient.

How will I pay forward in 2009? I haven't worked out all the details, but for starters, I plan to smile more and to be a better listener. I also plan to do more volunteering in 2009. I do not have thousands of dollars to give away or donate, but I do have time and diverse skills that might be of assistance to someone in need.

As I said above, I've been very fortunate. I'd like to share that fortune with others, even if it is through something as simple as a smile.