DEAR CHARLESTON,

Well, the time has come to say goodbye, my friends. I will be leaving the lovely coast of South Carolina for the frigid frozen tundra of the Midwest. Definitely not the time of the year to be leaving the comfortable surroundings of the south Atlantic. As promised, I'm going to offer my thoughts on South Carolina, Charleston, and other random bits. Take them as you will.

But first I wanted to give my heart-felt thanks to all those who made our stay here very special. We left for an adventure two years ago...and that's exactly what it has become. Knowing no one, we risked moving 13-hundred miles from any one we knew to what seemed at times like a foreign land. Many of you made the decision to stay as long as we could very easy. But alas, the radio business isn't the most stable in the world.

I can thank South Carolina for giving me two of the most special gifts in the world...my children. It's my contention that there must be something in the water here. After going through a bone marrow transplant 8-years ago, it was never a consideration that I would be able to have children...in fact, I was told specifically that it would be extremely unlikely. Within six months, we proved that theory wrong. It was a fluke, we thought. Then, my wife had an ovary removed after the first child...and...well, you can see why I believe it's the water.

So with that said, I say goodbye to those of you in Charleston. I'm sorry things didn't work out...and despite what many of you still want to believe, you're stuck with what you have here in radio. I feel your pain. Here are the final words...with apologies for the stuff that you wouldn't understand (because it's inside baseball stuff)...

• Get your freakin education system fixed. It stinks, and you know it. Holy smokes...put away the "I voted for the guy because I know him" crap and put somebody in charge that will radically change things (Gov. Sanford is a good start). People will NEVER consider moving here to raise a family unless they home-school or go private...or they shouldn't. It's outrageous and you should be ashamed.
• The old south is dead...get over it. Hard-line "I'm from the south and you ain't" people (and those that pretend to be) are the minority and it's time for them to give it up. The south IS rising again...but with less and less of your influence. The rebel flag? it's nice...but it doesn't mean squat...to either side of the silly debate.
• Conservative pride is a good thing. Don't let the liberals trash talk the south like they do (when they don't need you anymore). Please see the Bush Map and understand that many of the "not from the south" people are also your comrades in the fight against liberal weenies. Don't risk alienating them (see above item) and letting more liberals get the edge on keeping people like Hollings and Mayor Riley around so damn long.
• Learn to stinkin drive. The LEFT lane is for PASSING and FASTER moving vehicles...get your ass in the right lane. And for God's sake, give up the race to the stop light. One benefit of moving to the midwest is a 50-percent reduction in my car insurance. 50-percent...think about that. It ain't seat-belt laws that are going to do it...it's about education. Oh, and unless it's really necessary...hang up the phone and drive. Remember the peace and serenity of driving by yourself with the radio blasting? You can have it again if you think you can wait until you get somewhere more convenient to make a call. No law, mind you...just common sense.
• Speaking of stop-lights...they are ill-timed and someone needs to fix every damn one of them. There's no reason in the world that three stop lights along Ashley Phosphate over I-26 can't be timed to ease traffic - rather than stall it for miles. And the 3-second yellow between green and red is a joke. 5-seconds, minimum. No wonder there's a lot of wrecks...you've got 1-second to make the choice whether or not to continue through the intersection or slam on the brakes. Given the educational system, it's not enough time.
• Treasure your mannerisms. They are a special gift. It's so nice to receive a "sugar" or "honey" when you're droopy-eyed in the morning and just want a day-old donut to give you the energy you need for the 25-minute drive to work.
• Protect your waterways. Driving down the Mark Clark with the radio blasting (and phone turned off) is especially nice...when you can look out the side window safe from some moron going 45 in the left lane. Big, modern, winding slabs of concrete...blended beautifully with the whistling reeds of the Cooper River inland. That's what America is all about...progress, done beautifully. The new bridge will be nice too...but waayyyyy too gaudy for my taste.
• Service your vehicles. Oil change...tire inspections...whatever it takes. I have never heard of so many stalled vehicles in my life. I see more cars on the side of the road on a clear crisp day here than I see in a whole year of snow storm blizzards that completely white-out the roadway.
• Golf. Oh, my goodness...I will really miss that. But I played them...the Ocean Course, Turtle Point, Wild Dunes, Riverfront...and for that I thank those of you who care for them.
• The food. Very special. Every area of the country has it's secret recipe. Keep them a secret, for they make you proud. I'll take the Old Bay and mustard-based BBQ with me. The She-Crab, and Lowcountry Boil...Oysters...and yes, even grits with brown gravy and shrimp. The local shrimpers need your help too. Take pride, and put a stamp on it. No law...no subsidies...simple pride will be enough.
• Black...white. Whatever. I didn't notice any problems along those lines. It's a lie, what they say about you folks. Most of you anyway. There are always a few bad apples. Yours don't spoil the bunch as much as some people believe.
• Radio thoughts. I'm sorry...but the new guy stinks. My ears tell me he won't last long either. The dupes that bought his demo tape have to be rewinding it every once in a while wondering what they missed. News/Talk without news OR talk...is...um...well, I dunno. Of course, one of the persons responsible is probably waiting for parole right now, but hey...it's radio. Three topics...countem. Rinse, re-use, and recycle. ZZZzzzz.
• The competition shouldn't be competition, either. Anyone can read FARK.com and put together some good material...but credit the sources...don't try to pass it off as your own...or something ONLY YOU found. I swear, some morning when I'm gone...bring up your browser and go to the FARK webpage and follow along...almost word for word. As for the political commentary in other dayparts...subscribe to National Review. At least they have some advancing commentary. Say what you want about "right wing radio"...the bad ones simply mouth the words...the good ones THINK...THEN speak. I may have failed in the battle, but I have my integrity...and independent thought.
• The good guys. TJ and Gary (WEZL) are the best...I hope they last longer than I fear they will. Good people win exactly like they should. Marvelous examples of how local radio serves the community. I have heard none better. Tank...be careful, my friend. Make sure you do what you want...the money will come later. Find your passion. Stu...same thing. If you love radio, it will love you. Jay D...take care of your family. I'm sorry things went "boing" with a lot of stuff. Some of it my fault, but some of it...well, you know who made me do it. Bill Shannon (WXLY)...thanks for making our foursome when we needed one and the memories you have from Iowa. It made me feel at home a lot faster. Blaze (Q104.5)...no more kids. Jesus. Brent McKay (Alice)...you should have an OM job sooner rather than later. You're good, and a good example. Trey Cooler...you lead an excellent team...excellently. But for God's sake...stop DRIVING to work. Jon Robbins (OM)...thanks for the chance. I'm sorry...when you left, things got whiggy...and not for the better. The Power Crew (Power 94.3)...It wasn't my fault...I swear. Now, do you believe me? I knew about it because I was asked to plan for it. Don't let it ruin your love for radio. It'll happen again somewhere else. It always does. Peace. Word. Thanks for the hip-hop moniker...G-money...out. I'm sure there are more...but I've said my goodbyes to them elsewhere in private.

Well...that's about it. I think. I'm sure there are more, but I'll save those for my new audience. I'll be true to the same kindness I received while here. You deserve that...and earned it, in my book.
Who knows...someday I'll be back. Just for vacation, I'm sure. Goodbye.

WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE

Moving can be a very trying time for anyone. According to most "experts" it remains one of the most stressful times in a relationship of marriage. It's not fun. Fortunately, my children are too young to understand the loss of friends...but we'll leave many behind that will be difficult for us to manage.

Have you ever worked with a moving company? I like to do a lot of research in order to find the best one. I'm surprised that so many people have been ripped off...some really scary stories. I think most of it comes from the fact that the company they're changing jobs with offer to pay for moving expenses, and the moving companies feel they can take advantage of the layers of bureaucracy.

I'm staying with the company I left...Clear Channel...and they're offering to pay for most of the move, up to a certain figure. I've left specific instructions for my wife NOT to tell any of these companies that we're being reimbursed, OR what amount we have "budgeted." Perhaps that will help.

Here's a resource for anyone who's planning to move. A website called, MovingScams.com. You can read all sorts of horror stories, but they have a lot of helpful information in choosing a company...how to choose...how to read estimates...what red flags to look for when you're being scammed.

Some of you may be wondering where we're headed. Simply put, we're heading home...I've taken a job at a legendary station in my home state of Iowa. They made me an offer I could not refuse and I've accepted the responsibility for taking over a leading morning talk show from a host who is retiring after more than 20-years. We'll be comfortable, but cold during the winters. We'll be able to save a lot of money on car insurance (about half what it is in South Carolina), and we won't have to home school our children in order to get them a good education. The living expenses are thousands less, and I have a lot of friends I still keep in touch with...we'll be fine.

I'll miss the golf, but I'll be getting back with my regular foursome from years ago...and as most golfers would tell you...it's not the course you play - it's who you're playing with that makes the day that much better.

I'll say goodbye in a future post - a goodbye to South Carolina (and Charleston)...and give y'all some final words of advice and praise...but for now, we've got a moving company coming to "guesstimate" how much they want to charge us. They're already listed as a "scammer" on the website I mentioned, so it'll be great fun messing with they're heads and pretending we're just a bunch of know-nothing morons. We've already pretty much decided on who we're using (either ABF-UPack or Movex). The internet is a beautiful thing. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when we ask questions people don't normally ask...

MOVING ON

The website won't move, but we will be moving very soon. We'll miss the Carolina coast, but are going to be very happy in our new home and surroundings. I won't be updating the website very often (if at all) while our family makes the transition. Suffice to say, I'll be working again in radio...in a familiar area...and financially secure.

Thank you to all of you for providing the support and encouragement. I wish all of you nothing but health and happiness.

When I get settled, I'll have more information...but for now, the official public announcement hasn't been made and I want to leave that to those that chose me for the job.

TWO WEEKS NOTICE...

I know it's been a while since I last posted, but the new baby has kept us running around quite a bit. I'm back to the painting gig...the wife now says she wants the bedroom painted...and the dining room...and the porch. Heck, maybe it's a new line of work for me to look into. I fear for the day I have to show up at an interview with paint still in the cuticles of my nails.

So, how's it been going?

Not bad, actually. As a friend recently said, "I have a few irons in the fire" and things are getting closer to a finalization of where I'll be. I interviewed in Saint Louis for a gig with a very famous station (AM radio nuts would know the call letters) and am waiting to see what comes of it. It wasn't an on-air position, but one that would be rewarding nonetheless.

I also have a flight scheduled next week to a station in the midwest. It seems my roots don't go too far from the tree and I'm entertaining a pretty good position with a good station in a nice market. I've already gone through two hoops and this trip is mostly for them to see if I have warts all over my face. I should have the good news by next week, but the job isn't over yet...there's still the moving...I'm dreading that.

Now, to the election. Bush will win. No doubt in my mind.

I've recently become aware of how bitter and angry some are about this election. I've had somewhat of a falling out with one of my relatives...my brother in fact. It seems in a family update email I send out once in a while, I may have touched a nerve or two in relating my experience at being unemployed for the moment. To paraphrase what I wrote:

Cady and I have been watching the news (Brit Hume of course) and having a grand time watching the crazyness of the election. Even Cady knows when something is bad now because she points at the TV and says “No no no!” whenever there’s a Democrat on. Having to hold my tongue while out of work this long has been a little frustrating…but it’s been interesting seeing the news from the other side of the fence. I can really understand now how some people can be convinced so easily thanks to the sloppy and lazy journalists (and some downright dishonest intentionally) who pass for reporters. No wonder so many people are ignorant of what’s happening in this country. I, of course, have a lot of time on my hands and wonder sometimes how it is people who are so much busier find the time to really investigate what some of these fools are saying. A few Google-searches here, and a little extra reading there…and what you think you’re being told is completely the opposite and in fact dangerous. I’ve even had a few people (former listeners via email) cheer at the fact that I’m out of work because now I’m supposed to understand somehow why Bush is a jerk. I couldn’t believe it, these supposedly compassionate and tolerant people were actually happy I was out of a job because it somehow made the President look bad. Unbelievable. I guess that’s why some of them are so happy the news is reporting only the bad stuff in Iraq when the people I know who are there say the opposite. Oh well…hope y’all aren’t too busy to vote. I’ll be in line early.

Now, I didn't think that was all that bad...but at the very end of the email, I told everyone to vote...and vote Bush.

Well, I got a very angry and somewhat surprising response from my brother who proceeded to berate me about how insulting and rediculous I was being. The level of anger I sensed was really surprising...especially coming from someone who I've known all my life and who knows me and what I stand for.

I hope it isn't a close election (I don't think it will be)...because I've come to the conclusion that maybe our country cannot survive this level of discourse, anger, and division. I've previously maintained that the country COULD survive it, and I've been fairly optimistic about the future despite what politicians are doing to us. I've changed my mind. If a lifetime connection between intimate family members can be split like that (and I'm not saying it's irreparable), there's no reason for me to believe people who DON'T know each other that well cannot become mortal enemies.

But my answer lies in my faith. I can accept John Kerry as President...I won't like it, but I know in another 4 years, we can correct the mistake...and it really won't affect me personally that much. I plan on doing the same thing and being the same person no matter who is "in charge"...adapting to the situation as it presents itself.

You see...I still remember that the Constitution starts with, "We the people..."

Vote today...

And, VOTE BUSH!