I hear from students on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes I can tell that a broadcasting pal has mentioned my name in the college or university class they teach because I’ll get a little trickle of emails all at once. I take them seriously and try to be thoughtful in my responses. …
Western Student Gets Me Read More »
For the past few weeks we’ve been playing Big Show Blackjack on the air to qualify people for a trip for two to the MGM Grand in Vegas, all expenses paid including some gambling money. Â …
The Big Show’s Blackjack Giveaway Read More »
Partway through the month, as Movember group the Swollen Glands continued to grow their moustaches and raise money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health, Blair said, “If we get to $3500 in donations I’ll have a moustache waxed into my chest hair!” …
The End of MOvember Read More »
Our motorcycle-riding tiger, Potato-Potato, made his third appearance at the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade on Saturday. Â It was windy and crisp with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground and the turnout was bigger than ever. Â …
Potato-Potato Gets a Friend Read More »
My radio station launched an initiative as a response to the American Black Friday.  Called Shop Local (yeah, grammatically it ought to have been locally, I know) Blackburn Radio created Blackburn Thursday and Friday.  Our announcers blanketed the city and broadcast live from dozens of local businesses. …
Nay-sayers and outsiders have been sounding the death knell on radio for decades. Â I remember in the 80’s people were saying it would be dead by the turn of the century. Â I have one response: Ha! Â Â …
Radio Still Rules Read More »
Part of what we do on The Big Show on Free-FM with Botten, Blair and Brandt is, well, get silly. Topical and silly.  Click on the link to hear how we handled the release of the new plastic $20. …
A Bit of the Big Show Read More »
Last Thursday and Friday our regular Free-FM morning show was not on the air in preparation for the launch of our new show today.
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We did the usual: stayed in the back of the house with the lights out! …
And How Was Your Halloween? Read More »
Jeff Mahoney is a longtime writer with the Hamilton Spectator and to have him tell me how much he enjoyed The Naked Truth was a heart-warming compliment. Â Yesterday, his article on the book ran in the paper and online and I was totally tickled by it. Â Here it is:Â …
“The Nearly Naked Truth – A Fond Walk Down Mammary Lane”Read More »
“The Nearly Naked Truth – A Fond Walk Down Mammary Lane” Read More »
I remember when this letter arrived at 680 News. Â I was speechless. Â I had announced on air that I was leaving and although the few times when I had met the Premier over the years he had always claimed to listen to us, this letter made it real. Â …
The Naked Truth has been out for about a month and a half.  In that time I’ve learned a lot about this new world of ebooks and how to navigate through it.  And I’m pleased to say that as a first-timer, I’m doing alright. …
What I’ve Learned So Far Read More »
Unlike most radio newscasters these days I work alone.  Sometimes I bounce an idea off the morning host but decisions are mostly mine to make, right or wrong, win or lose. …
Do We or Don’t We? Read More »
The radio station where I first uttered words over the air, not counting the on-campus station at Niagara College, is about to shut down by orders from the CRTC. …
For anyone who wishes, this is my appearance on Rogers TV London’s Daytime on Thursday of last week. …
It’s the first rule of improv and the key to performing with another person. Â Whatever they do, wherever they go, say “yes, and” not “no, but”. Â …