If you live, have worked or driven through the West Market Street corridor in Akron, between West Point Market and Acme over the years, you've probably noticed the long strands of twinkling lights that adorn the Akron Radio Center every holiday season.
Those 5,000 bulbs strung diagonally 3 stories high in the shape of a tree, with the beautiful star on top is more than just a festive annual holiday display. Each and every bulb represents a $5 donation, and every penny benefits Haven Of Rest Ministries here in Akron.
This Thursday through Saturday December 3rd through the 5th, members of the WQMX staff are holding our annual Tree Of Lights Radiothon. It's our goal to light every bulb on the tree and the star on top to beat last year's goal of $30,000 raised for Haven Of Rest Ministries.
Haven Of Rest provides food, clothing, shelter and educational programs to needy and homeless men, women and children. The Haven gets no money from the government, and relies on donations from generous business owners, corporations and individuals like you and me.
The Akron Radio center is the home of 3 great Akron radio stations 94.9 FM WQMX. 97.5 FM WONE, and 1590 AM WAKR, as well as the online news source for Akron: www.akronnewsnow.com. It is very important to the owner of these radio stations, Thom Mandel, that his stations support worthy causes in the community all year long. At this time of year, especially, when the weather turns cold, and thoughts are focused on giving, Thom's country station 94.9 WQMX presents the this extra special fund-raiser in the hopes hearts will be touched to give to this worthy organization.
A side note on the Tree Of Lights: country music fans may remember the legendary Akron country radio station, WSLR. Years ago, then program director Nick Anthony coordinated some of the first Tree Of Lights campaigns with the legendary disc jockey Jaybird Drennan, along with Rick Carderelli and my late husband Phil Cordle; broadcasting from the O'Neil's department store window in downtown Akron. Years later Nick brought the concept back to life as the Senior VP of Programming here at WQMX. For me, personally, it is wonderful to be a part of the Akron tradition that my husband was also a part of...while raising money for such a great cause.
If you'd like to help, you can donate to the Haven Of Rest by phone at 877-535-1563 or you can stop by the station until 7pm these next 3 days and make your donation in person. We're at 1795 West Market Street in West Akron.
God bless you for your support, whether it be financial or prayful.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Top 10 Things the Internet has Killed (or at least changed )
I found the following article, from The London Telegraph newspaper interesting and wanted to share the story. The author examined how the Internet has changed the way we work, play and even think. "Tasks that once took days can be completed in seconds, while traditions and skills that emerged over centuries have been made all but redundant," writes reporter Matthew Moore.
Here is his list of the Top 10 things, the Internet has killed or changed in our lives:
1. The art of polite disagreement -- The tone of debate has greatly sharpened and thanks to the anonymity, people can post cruel messages they never would dare say aloud to someone's face.
2. Telephone directories -- It's easier and faster to look up a phone number or address online than it is to dust off the White Pages.
3. Music stores -- No one wants to pay for music anymore since they can get it for free on the Internet.
4. Letter writing and pen pals -- A handwritten letter--ink on paper with a postage stamp--is fast becoming a relic since e-mail is faster, easier and cheaper.
The death of the handwritten letter has also taken with it the valediction, "Sincerely yours." Now we have "Best" and "Cheers." Or nothing at all.
5. Memory -- Can't remember the name of that actress who popped up in a new TV show? In just seconds, Google or Wikipedia will answer any question you think up, no matter how obscure. There is no need to remember facts when we can find them so quickly and easily.
6. Doing nothing -- When you have nothing to do, chances are you get online. Back in the day, you would have picked up a book, taken a walk in the park, played with your kids, hit the couch for a nap or just stared out your window watching the sun set. Now you check your e-mail and the status messages of your Facebook friends.
7. Photo albums and slide shows -- Printed photos are so old-fashioned. Now you post your digital photos online to share with friends and family. (Hint, Grandma still likes to get the printed photos. Be nice and print a few for her.)
8. Respect for doctors -- Thanks to all the health and medical information available online, we all think we know as much as the people who actually went to medical school.
9. Privacy -- It's not the government that takes away your privacy! You do that yourself when you post every little detail about your life on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
10. Newspapers -- It's hard to sustain a business model where the news is always a day old and subscribers have to pay for it. Instead, you can get your news right now and free on the Web.
So while the Internet has offered us much and greatly enriched our lives, it has also taken away things--things that used to be precious or at least an ingrained part of our daily lives.
Here is his list of the Top 10 things, the Internet has killed or changed in our lives:
1. The art of polite disagreement -- The tone of debate has greatly sharpened and thanks to the anonymity, people can post cruel messages they never would dare say aloud to someone's face.
2. Telephone directories -- It's easier and faster to look up a phone number or address online than it is to dust off the White Pages.
3. Music stores -- No one wants to pay for music anymore since they can get it for free on the Internet.
4. Letter writing and pen pals -- A handwritten letter--ink on paper with a postage stamp--is fast becoming a relic since e-mail is faster, easier and cheaper.
The death of the handwritten letter has also taken with it the valediction, "Sincerely yours." Now we have "Best" and "Cheers." Or nothing at all.
5. Memory -- Can't remember the name of that actress who popped up in a new TV show? In just seconds, Google or Wikipedia will answer any question you think up, no matter how obscure. There is no need to remember facts when we can find them so quickly and easily.
6. Doing nothing -- When you have nothing to do, chances are you get online. Back in the day, you would have picked up a book, taken a walk in the park, played with your kids, hit the couch for a nap or just stared out your window watching the sun set. Now you check your e-mail and the status messages of your Facebook friends.
7. Photo albums and slide shows -- Printed photos are so old-fashioned. Now you post your digital photos online to share with friends and family. (Hint, Grandma still likes to get the printed photos. Be nice and print a few for her.)
8. Respect for doctors -- Thanks to all the health and medical information available online, we all think we know as much as the people who actually went to medical school.
9. Privacy -- It's not the government that takes away your privacy! You do that yourself when you post every little detail about your life on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
10. Newspapers -- It's hard to sustain a business model where the news is always a day old and subscribers have to pay for it. Instead, you can get your news right now and free on the Web.
So while the Internet has offered us much and greatly enriched our lives, it has also taken away things--things that used to be precious or at least an ingrained part of our daily lives.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In the summer of 2007, my sister and her husband, Martha and Dan Mosher hired a delivery person to deliver products to hospitals for their company Mosher Medical. Alan Watt has proven to be an excellent employee with his attention to detail and strong work ethic. He never complains, even when the deliveries take him late into the evening driving through a Northeastern Ohio snowstorm. He's one of those people that when you meet him, you somehow feel good. Like somehow, you'll be better for knowing him.
Last year, Alan needed to take a few days off to take his wife Teresa for some medical testing. Many tests and procedures were performed until the doctors finally delivered the dismal news. Teresa, a young mother of three little girls, was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Teresa and Alan are raising their family in a 1920's farmhouse with limited funds. The house is in desperate need of repairs. Last winter, the girls had to sleep on the living room floor because the upstairs windows were broken to the point they could not keep heat in the second floor. This summer they were without running water for 3 weeks. A generous neighbor was able to repair their well which remedied the water problem, but there are many more needs. Their furnace and water heater needs replaced and the electric system in their home needs brought up to safety standards. They are months behind in their mortgage payments and their medical bills, even with health insurance, have become overwhelming. They were looking at alternative medicine but have had to put off going to seek additional treatment because they don't have enough gas money to make the trip. Teresa contributes to the family income by teaching at the school the girls attend, but as the cancer spreads she will be unable to continue working. These are hardworking people that life has just thrown them into difficult circumstances. They would never ask for help. In fact, they often express their gratitude for what they do have, instead of complaining about what they do not have. They are truly inspiring.
I think the world of my sister and brother in law. They have worked hard to help Alan and his family beyond what a normal employer might do. It was no coincidence that Alan walked to fill an open position at their company. I believe God puts people together for a reason.
Generous friends and neighbors have stepped in to do what they can—but now, the medical bills and housing needs as we approach this upcoming winter have become insurmountable. We know that our world is full of generous and caring people that are willing to help a neighbor in need, even when you don’t know them personally. We’re hoping if we all pull together, and everyone can give just a little, we can help this family.
The short-term goal is to provide funds to enable them to keep their home and facilitate the necessary repairs as we approach this winter. The long-term goal is to set aside money for the girls educational needs in the future. A benevolent fund has been set up at First Merit Bank to raise money to meet these goals.
Please view the following link to meet the Alan Watt Family and consider donating to the benevolent fund. http://moshermedia.com/watt.html
You can stop by any First Merit bank location or mail your donation in any amount to:
First Merit
30 Springside Drive
Akron, Oh 44333
Make check payable to: Alan Watt Family Benevolent Fund
Thank you so very much, in advance, for your consideration.
Last year, Alan needed to take a few days off to take his wife Teresa for some medical testing. Many tests and procedures were performed until the doctors finally delivered the dismal news. Teresa, a young mother of three little girls, was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
Teresa and Alan are raising their family in a 1920's farmhouse with limited funds. The house is in desperate need of repairs. Last winter, the girls had to sleep on the living room floor because the upstairs windows were broken to the point they could not keep heat in the second floor. This summer they were without running water for 3 weeks. A generous neighbor was able to repair their well which remedied the water problem, but there are many more needs. Their furnace and water heater needs replaced and the electric system in their home needs brought up to safety standards. They are months behind in their mortgage payments and their medical bills, even with health insurance, have become overwhelming. They were looking at alternative medicine but have had to put off going to seek additional treatment because they don't have enough gas money to make the trip. Teresa contributes to the family income by teaching at the school the girls attend, but as the cancer spreads she will be unable to continue working. These are hardworking people that life has just thrown them into difficult circumstances. They would never ask for help. In fact, they often express their gratitude for what they do have, instead of complaining about what they do not have. They are truly inspiring.
I think the world of my sister and brother in law. They have worked hard to help Alan and his family beyond what a normal employer might do. It was no coincidence that Alan walked to fill an open position at their company. I believe God puts people together for a reason.
Generous friends and neighbors have stepped in to do what they can—but now, the medical bills and housing needs as we approach this upcoming winter have become insurmountable. We know that our world is full of generous and caring people that are willing to help a neighbor in need, even when you don’t know them personally. We’re hoping if we all pull together, and everyone can give just a little, we can help this family.
The short-term goal is to provide funds to enable them to keep their home and facilitate the necessary repairs as we approach this winter. The long-term goal is to set aside money for the girls educational needs in the future. A benevolent fund has been set up at First Merit Bank to raise money to meet these goals.
Please view the following link to meet the Alan Watt Family and consider donating to the benevolent fund. http://moshermedia.com/watt.html
You can stop by any First Merit bank location or mail your donation in any amount to:
First Merit
30 Springside Drive
Akron, Oh 44333
Make check payable to: Alan Watt Family Benevolent Fund
Thank you so very much, in advance, for your consideration.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Can't We All Just TRY to Get Along?
President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize, it was announced this past Friday, for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said. From the reaction of so many, you'd think it was a "war" prize.
It is troubling to me to hear the outcry of the critics of this decision, not because I think the President was the most deserving person to win the prize, but because of the way some are using the honor to continue to criticize and tear down the man on a deeply personal level. The naysayers blast the decision, saying its "all about politics."
Isn't everything?
The comedy skit on SNL summed it up best, when the "parody president" humbly acknowledged he won it for simply "not being George W Bush." My thinking is, we've been so hated around the world for so many years, isn't the fact that we are now viewed in a more positive light from the outside in worth celebrating? Even just a little?
For the record, I'm not one to talk politics. I do have strong opinions on various issues, but I express them to very few. I stay away from political discussions, socially, in the workplace, and especially around my family, who gets along on most issues, but is now so divided politically.
Calling myself a moderate is probably a cop-out, but the bottom line is I try to use common sense in my voting preferences, never voting strictly by party but instead voting for who I believe to be the best candidate. Neither party's platform suits my philosophy. I lean fiscally conservative but socially liberal. While I don't want the government over-regulating my life or my pocketbook, too little regulation allowed for the greed and corruption that led us to this current recession.
I don't agree with every decision our President is making, but I sure didn't agree with many our last president made either. In both cases the personal attacks on both sides sickens me. I am so tired of the hate-filled talk that spews from the mouths of these talk show hosts every day. What happened to our ability to disagree and still respect the person, and the office? I believe that both George Bush and Barack Obama are good men personally. Men who love their country and their families. Men who believed they were and are making the best decisions with the information they have. Information we can't possibly know about. Information no candidate knows about until he wins the office; and only then he is presented with intelligence that would probably send our heads spinning.
There might be a million things wrong with the proposed health care plan, for example, but why say "no" to everything the president proposes, but come up with no viable alternatives? Why after 9 months, is this president being crucified for not fixing what it took almost a decade to create? I believe with all my heart and soul that the average American just wants to see our politicians working together for us instead of against each other.
A year ago the view from outside this country was so negative. The rest of the world viewed us with such disdain--and now--we are viewed more positively due to the diplomatic skills of our president. Does that deserve a Nobel Peace Prize? I don't know. But he won it. Along with the office of the President of the United States, because the majority of people voting seems to think he deserved both.
If he doesn't win another term, we've got 3 plus more years with this president. For for those who love him...it's great. For those who don't it will be a long 3 years. But isn't it time we accept it and try to work together? Isn't it time for peace at home?
For the common good: can't we and our elected officials just try to get along?
It is troubling to me to hear the outcry of the critics of this decision, not because I think the President was the most deserving person to win the prize, but because of the way some are using the honor to continue to criticize and tear down the man on a deeply personal level. The naysayers blast the decision, saying its "all about politics."
Isn't everything?
The comedy skit on SNL summed it up best, when the "parody president" humbly acknowledged he won it for simply "not being George W Bush." My thinking is, we've been so hated around the world for so many years, isn't the fact that we are now viewed in a more positive light from the outside in worth celebrating? Even just a little?
For the record, I'm not one to talk politics. I do have strong opinions on various issues, but I express them to very few. I stay away from political discussions, socially, in the workplace, and especially around my family, who gets along on most issues, but is now so divided politically.
Calling myself a moderate is probably a cop-out, but the bottom line is I try to use common sense in my voting preferences, never voting strictly by party but instead voting for who I believe to be the best candidate. Neither party's platform suits my philosophy. I lean fiscally conservative but socially liberal. While I don't want the government over-regulating my life or my pocketbook, too little regulation allowed for the greed and corruption that led us to this current recession.
I don't agree with every decision our President is making, but I sure didn't agree with many our last president made either. In both cases the personal attacks on both sides sickens me. I am so tired of the hate-filled talk that spews from the mouths of these talk show hosts every day. What happened to our ability to disagree and still respect the person, and the office? I believe that both George Bush and Barack Obama are good men personally. Men who love their country and their families. Men who believed they were and are making the best decisions with the information they have. Information we can't possibly know about. Information no candidate knows about until he wins the office; and only then he is presented with intelligence that would probably send our heads spinning.
There might be a million things wrong with the proposed health care plan, for example, but why say "no" to everything the president proposes, but come up with no viable alternatives? Why after 9 months, is this president being crucified for not fixing what it took almost a decade to create? I believe with all my heart and soul that the average American just wants to see our politicians working together for us instead of against each other.
A year ago the view from outside this country was so negative. The rest of the world viewed us with such disdain--and now--we are viewed more positively due to the diplomatic skills of our president. Does that deserve a Nobel Peace Prize? I don't know. But he won it. Along with the office of the President of the United States, because the majority of people voting seems to think he deserved both.
If he doesn't win another term, we've got 3 plus more years with this president. For for those who love him...it's great. For those who don't it will be a long 3 years. But isn't it time we accept it and try to work together? Isn't it time for peace at home?
For the common good: can't we and our elected officials just try to get along?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Taylor and Company: Just Good People
You've probably heard stories of demanding, ego-maniacal superstars. You know the type. They want caviar and champagne and only the green M&M's in their dressing room. They treat fans, agents and stage crew alike with disdain. Especially prevalent are the young female stars like Lindsey Lohan or Brittany Spears who party all the time and end up in rehab. Maybe that's why it's especially cool that just when you think the age of big stars with small egos and treating the people who made you famous nicely is a thing of the past, you meet someone who brings back your faith in humanity.
That is the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift.
I'm blessed to have a job where I meet a lot of talented, famous people; some nice, and some not so nice. On many occasions (mostly when I was in pop music radio) I met a lot of the latter and wondered how they got so successful. And then, you meet someone who seemingly has it all together. They have talent, beauty, brains, business acumen, and a wonderful, kind personality. That has been my experience in the past with Taylor, and more recently in New York City when I witnessed her magic in front of the sold out Madison Square Garden.
Although I've had the pleasure of spending time with Taylor several times over the past couple of years, it was so refreshing to see this (still) young lady is as down to earth today as she was when she and her mom visited stations like WQMX to introduce her to country radio.
Back then, all those 3 years ago, after singing songs that were real, true to her age and life experience, (because she wrote every one of them) Taylor treated every person she encountered like gold. When at WQMX for a Rising Star Showcase, she met each listener with a smile. She didn't just sign a photo, she wrote a note, or drew a heart, or did something to make each person she met feel special. She thanked then, and continues to thank now, radio people for playing her songs, and listeners for listening to them. She seems genuinely surprised that people like her as much as they do, and always makes it seem like it was a privilege for her to play for us. Back then, several people remarked that there was something different about this girl from the hundreds we meet.
And 3 years later, there still is.
Taylor's stats are more than impressive. Her self-titled debut album produced five hit singles and was certified 3times Multi-Platinum. The New York Times described Swift as "one of pop's finest songwriters, country's foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner life than most adults". She was the biggest selling artist of 2008 with combined sales of more than four million albums. Her latest Fearless was the first album by a female artist in country music history to log eight weeks at #1 on The Billboard 200. According to the 2009 issue of Forbes, Swift is ranked as the 69th most powerful celebrity with over $18 million in earnings this year.
And she's 19.
Sometimes, talent, fame and fortune can mess with a person's head. How could it not? But so far, there is no sign of that with Taylor. Yes, she is worldlier. But she is surrounded by an amazing mom and dad, and a record company that feels like a mom and pop shop: Big Machine records, headed by President Scott Borchetta.
And speaking of Big Machine, the record rep I deal with in our region is a guy name Erik Powell. Erik is an example of being true to the company he keeps. I was standing next to him at Taylor's concert in New York. Erik is way taller than me, and at one point he scrunched down next to me so he could witness the view from my perspective. He said, "Sue, you can't see anything". I said, "Erik, welcome to my world!" He then guided me to the front near the stage, where I stood where I could actually see the concert. Talk about putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
Then, Erik did something really special. He made eye contact with Taylor's guitar player, who had been tossing picks into the audience of screaming girls all evening. Erik went to the edge of the stage and the player handed him several picks. He then went to the area of wheelchairs and made sure each young disabled child received a pick. Apparently, the two of them do that for most shows.
Pretty cool.
Customer service, kindness, and just being a "good people". That describes Taylor Swift and the people in support of her, starting with her family, to label exec Scott, to my friend Erik.
It's nice when success comes to good people.
That is the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift.
I'm blessed to have a job where I meet a lot of talented, famous people; some nice, and some not so nice. On many occasions (mostly when I was in pop music radio) I met a lot of the latter and wondered how they got so successful. And then, you meet someone who seemingly has it all together. They have talent, beauty, brains, business acumen, and a wonderful, kind personality. That has been my experience in the past with Taylor, and more recently in New York City when I witnessed her magic in front of the sold out Madison Square Garden.
Although I've had the pleasure of spending time with Taylor several times over the past couple of years, it was so refreshing to see this (still) young lady is as down to earth today as she was when she and her mom visited stations like WQMX to introduce her to country radio.
Back then, all those 3 years ago, after singing songs that were real, true to her age and life experience, (because she wrote every one of them) Taylor treated every person she encountered like gold. When at WQMX for a Rising Star Showcase, she met each listener with a smile. She didn't just sign a photo, she wrote a note, or drew a heart, or did something to make each person she met feel special. She thanked then, and continues to thank now, radio people for playing her songs, and listeners for listening to them. She seems genuinely surprised that people like her as much as they do, and always makes it seem like it was a privilege for her to play for us. Back then, several people remarked that there was something different about this girl from the hundreds we meet.
And 3 years later, there still is.
Taylor's stats are more than impressive. Her self-titled debut album produced five hit singles and was certified 3times Multi-Platinum. The New York Times described Swift as "one of pop's finest songwriters, country's foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner life than most adults". She was the biggest selling artist of 2008 with combined sales of more than four million albums. Her latest Fearless was the first album by a female artist in country music history to log eight weeks at #1 on The Billboard 200. According to the 2009 issue of Forbes, Swift is ranked as the 69th most powerful celebrity with over $18 million in earnings this year.
And she's 19.
Sometimes, talent, fame and fortune can mess with a person's head. How could it not? But so far, there is no sign of that with Taylor. Yes, she is worldlier. But she is surrounded by an amazing mom and dad, and a record company that feels like a mom and pop shop: Big Machine records, headed by President Scott Borchetta.
And speaking of Big Machine, the record rep I deal with in our region is a guy name Erik Powell. Erik is an example of being true to the company he keeps. I was standing next to him at Taylor's concert in New York. Erik is way taller than me, and at one point he scrunched down next to me so he could witness the view from my perspective. He said, "Sue, you can't see anything". I said, "Erik, welcome to my world!" He then guided me to the front near the stage, where I stood where I could actually see the concert. Talk about putting yourself in someone else's shoes.
Then, Erik did something really special. He made eye contact with Taylor's guitar player, who had been tossing picks into the audience of screaming girls all evening. Erik went to the edge of the stage and the player handed him several picks. He then went to the area of wheelchairs and made sure each young disabled child received a pick. Apparently, the two of them do that for most shows.
Pretty cool.
Customer service, kindness, and just being a "good people". That describes Taylor Swift and the people in support of her, starting with her family, to label exec Scott, to my friend Erik.
It's nice when success comes to good people.
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