Bailouts and Debates and Plans, Oh My!

Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not here (runtime 46:30)

I'm a little late in getting today's show posted, only because this is a complicated situation. (And I obviously still have the Wizard of Oz on the mind, as I saw Wicked on Broadway last week!)

There is now a tentative bailout plan, as laid out in this 110 page bill. You can read it by clicking on the link.

Here are the key provisions of the bill:

Stages: $700B, over three stages. $250B will be available immediately.

Taxpayer protection: If the assets appreciate, taxpayers will make a profit. If the assets don’t, the president must propose legislation to recoup the money after five years.

Ownership: Treasury will be allowed to take ownership stakes in certain participating companies.

Golden Parachutes: Companies participating in the bailout plan will not be allowed to deduct the salary they pay to executives above $500,000.
Also, they cannot write new contracts with golden parachutes for their top 5 execs if they are fired or the company goes belly up.

Oversight: Two oversight boards. The Financial Stability Oversight Board makes sure taxpayers are protected and all policies are in the economic interests of the U.S.
A congressional oversight panel will review the state of financial markets, the regulatory system, and the Treasury’s use of its authority under the rescue plan

Insurance: Industry pays risk-based to guarantee companies’ troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, bought before March 14, 2008.

I'm still not convinced. But I've heard enough experts in whose judgement on the economy I trust (more than my own), say we must do something. I'll admit that I'm a bit gunshy about believing anything the government tells us after being lied into this war. It's the boy who cried wolf on a massive scale!

In today's show, I look at the plan, I share with you an email from Michael Moore, calling this a coup staged by the rich. (Read it for yourself here.)

We also listened to a few clips from Friday's night's debate. I thought Obama clearly did better than McCain, and performed better than he did in any of the primary debates, though I wouldn't have minded seeing him land a few more jabs at the old man. A reference to McCain's obvious inability to walk and chew gum at the same time might have been a good one. See the whole thing for yourself by clicking here (I think Real Player is necessary to watch this video.)

We also listened to a bit of Tina Fey's brilliant portrayal of Caribou Barbie from this week's Saturday Night Live, lampooning her interview with Katie Couric. But I played it next to the audio of the actual interview, and Tina was speaking many of Sarah's actual words! Just when you think it can't get any better, we have Part 3 of the Couric-Palin inteview tonight, the VP debate on Thursday, and this:



Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not here (runtime 46:30)

The morning (or afternoon) after

So, the debate happened. Grampy McSame pulled a bluff to try to delay the inevitable, but it didn't work. And it actually helped continue his downward spiral!

I thought Obama was spot on last night. I wasn't overly impressed with him in any of the primary season debates, and was honestly a bit concerned leading up to last night. But the McCain distractions only worked in Obama's favor.

I thought Obama's answers were delivered with clarity, brevity and substance... as opposed to McCain's meandering and pandering!

That said, though, McCain did better than I expected he would.

I'll probably chop up the audio for Monday morning's podcast. But in the meantime, what did you think?

We now have a message board!! Look for the link to your right, just below my picture. (Or just click here) Please post away....

It's on

John McCain has decided he will participate in tonight's debate, eventhough there's no deal on the bailout. I guess that would be considered a flip-flop, huh?

Read the story here.

Another One Bites the Dust

Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not by clicking here (runtime 25:56)

I had to go with Queen today, as that song played in my mind as I awoke to the news that Washington Mutual had failed. The Feds seized WaMu's assets last night, and sold the remains to JP Morgan, making Washington Mutual the biggest bank in US history to go down. And the hits just keep on coming.

And John McCain continues his political posturing, while some of the greatest minds in Washington are left scratching their heads. Seriously, McCain says one thing and does another.

He claims he's "suspending his campaign" while his ads continue running, his surrogates continue attacking, and he keeps campaigning! He spoke at Clinton's Global Summit yesterday before a three hour photo op at the White House which, according to Chris Dodd (speaking with David Gregory on MSNBC's "Race to the White House," was nothing more than a waste of time and a "rescue" for John McCain!



What's even more shocking is that, despite all of McCain's protestations that this crisis demands all of his time and energy, necessitating the suspension of his campaign and postponing tonight's debate, he didn't even take the time to read Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's plan which, by the way, was a whopping THREE PAGE document, and had been available since Friday of last week!



I implore Barack Obama to hold firm on tonight's debate, and not give in to McCain's stall tactics. Obviously his threat to be a no-show tonight has nothing whatsoever to do with the economy. More likely, it has more to do with his fear of being questioned about the economy, or the campaign's fear about Sarah Palin participating in a debate next week. Perhaps it's his fear that the Keating Five will finally be brought up as an issue, as he was a central figure in the last banking scandal to hit this country.

Jed Lewison edited together this piece, called "John McCain's Keating Five Problem in 97 Seconds." Enjoy and send to your friends:



Senator Obama must show up in Mississippi tonight and debate an empty podium, if that's what McCain chooses to represent his campaign!

There's lots of good audio in today's show, which you can hear by clicking here. (Runtime 25:56)

I'm Back... Just in time!

Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not here (runtime 34:13)

You know the old saying about the best laid plans.... I had fully intended to blog while visiting NY, but just never had the time. I also was completely out of touch with what was going on, so my entries would have been fairly meaningless anyway.

But the trip was a great success on a few levels. Alison and I had a blast... the weather was perfect, we saw both Young Frankenstein and Wicked on Broadway, visited the American Museum of Natural History, and saw lots of old friends. And I had a few business meetings as well. The one thing I can tell you is that I'll be doing some fill-in work on Air America! Just stay tuned for exact dates and times! And if you haven't already signed up for my email list, please do-- just look to your right...

I spent the flight home reading up on all the newspaper accounts of this massive Wall Street bail-out plan, trying to wrap my brain around it. Financial matters have never been my strong suit, so I was really trying to understand what's been proposed. And what I was able to figure out is that there aren't many specifics outlined!

I'm pretty uneasy about this idea, and I guess we'll have to wait and see what the geniuses in Washington come up with.

But the biggest surprise came while we were flying. John McCain announced that he's suspending his campaign, and wants to postpone the debate that's scheduled for tomorrow night! WTF?!?!

I had plenty to say about that on this morning's episode of Radio or Not, which you can listen to here. And check out the videos below -- some of the audio is used on today's show.

My new favorite CNN commentator, Campbell Brown:


Letterman last night:


John McCain and the Republicans on Regulation of Wall Street:


Barack Obama Press Conference yesterday:

What do Florida and Mississippi have in common?

They're the only two states in the US that prohibits gays and lesbians from adopting. It's disgusting, actually, as Florida allows gays to foster children, but not to legally adopt them.

Well, that's on the verge of changing, as a courageous judge a couple of weeks ago ruled that the ban was unconstitutional. I spoke about it briefly here the morning after that ruling came down.

This morning, as I was getting ready to blog -- and say that I wouldn't be able to produce a show today, as I'm flying out to NY very early tomorrow morning and have too much to do -- the phone rang. It was Robert Lamarche of the Alliance for Children, a wonderful adoption agency here in South Florida, who testified at that hearing! So, we spoke for a few moments, and he updated us on what's happening with that archane law... You can contact Robert Lamarche via email or by phone at954-540-2383.

In other news, Barack Obama is in Miami this morning. As I'm writing this, special Radio Or Not correspondent Noah Gray called in from the arena at the University of Miami, where Sen. Obama is expected on stage any moment. In case you don't remember Noah Gray, I met him just over a year ago when, as a 15-year old 10th grader, he organized an anti-war rally, and called in to the show to talk about it. He's also a wonderful budding and award-winning documentarian, and he's video taping the event. As soon as he emails me a link, I'll post his video here... In the meantime, you can see some of Noah's other works, including Virgin Voting, which swept every category in which it was nominated at the recent Miami Childrens Museum Film Festival, at www.cateatcatproductions.com.

So, although I won't be podcasting for the next few days while Alison and I are in NY, I will blog as often as I can, and will post whatever Noah sends me from today's event.

And, in case I don't say it often enough, thank you for following me from the air to this online space. I truly appreciate your support...

Hear today's brief episode by clicking here (runtime 10:53)

Raul Martinez checks in... better late than never!

Hear today's episode of Radio or Not, and my conversation with Raul Martinez by clicking here (runtime 37:40)

It certainly wasn't his fault! Mayor Martinez was all set to be my special correspondent from the Democratic Convention in Denver every morning. He was going to awaken at 5am Denver time to call in to my radio show, and give us his unique perspective on the event... but I was fired the Friday before the Monday beginning of the convention! Today was our first chance to catch up since.

We spoke about my firing, about his Congressional race against incumbent Lincoln Diaz-Balart, about health care, the economy, campaign finance reform, and lots of other issues we're all concerned about on this 47th day before the election.

I encourage you to listen, and share this conversation with anyone you know who resides and votes in District 21. Our country will be a better place with Raul Martinez in Congress.

I mentioned during the program that Mayor Martinez does not come without controversy or baggage. But the first time I had the pleasure of interviewing him, he told me to ask away-- no questions were off-limits. And, you know me well enough by now to know that I never shy away from a tough question, so I did. I felt no need to re-hash territory I already covered and ask questions again that had already been thoroughly answered to my satisfaction. But you're welcome to go back to that interview and listen by clicking here.

And then move on to today's conversation, which hopefully will become a regular, ongoing conversation!

I'll leave with with some McCain food for thought...



So, after he said, yet again, that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, he then backtracked by saying that by fundamentals he meant the workers(!), he then went on to contradict himself on the topic of regulation... which he's been against for his entire career, but now finds himself a strong proponent of. A few interesting facts for your reading pleasure can be found here and here.... and we'll talk about it all tomorrow!

Hear today's episode of Radio or Not, and my conversation with Raul Martinez by clicking here (runtime 37:40)

Did he really say that the fundamentals of the economy are strong?

Hear today's episdoe of Radio or Not by clicking here (runtime 11:10)

Yes, John McCain did say just that. Then he tried to backpedal. But people are not that stupid!

I truly believe that the Neocons live by the old adage, "Say it and they'll believe" (I know, it's not really an old adage, but they seem to live by it nonetheless!). Well, as Barack Obama said, "ENOUGH". Funny, John McCain tried to steal that exclamation, along with trying to steal the idea of change from the Obama campaign.

But you can't claim change when your policies support the status quo that got us into the mess in the first place.

Today's episode of Radio Or Not is a short one. I have some work to do to prepare for a trip I'm taking to NY next week. Actually, we leave Saturday and return Wednesday, and I have a lot of old audio to edit to put together a package to take with me. So, I'm somewhat distracted by that.

I mentioned in today's show an interview that Rachel Maddow did last night with David Sirota, that's certainly worth watching, if only for the fact that he echoed what I said yesterday regarding McCain's involvement in the Savings & Loan scandal and the Keating Five. The Democrats should be talking about that constantly these days, but so far, I've not heard one whisper, except mine, and now this:



And I'm happy that the Obama camp reacted quickly with this new ad:



Hear today's episdoe of Radio or Not by clicking here (runtime 11:10)

Back To McCain.. and the economy stupid!

Hear today's Radio or Not episode by clicking here (runtime 24:22)

Yesterday, we watched the Dow drop over 500 points following the news that Lehman Brothers is dead, and Merrill Lynch is not part of Bank of America. Today, we await the fate of one of the nation's largest insurance companies, AIG... and wait for more shoes to drop.

Some of us are too young to remember (or just weren't paying very close attention back then), but we had some bank failures back in the late 80's-early 90's... a little crisis that involved Savings & Loan institutions. Right at the heart of it was a group of Senators who came to be known as The Keating Five, because they "improperly aided" Charles Keating, Chairman of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan.

Senator John McCain was one of the Five. Today, I dug back and found an editorial that appeared in the Phoenix New Times in November 1989, entitled McCain: The Most Reprehensible of the Keating Five. Just click on the link to read it yourself, or listen to today's program, as I share it with you... along with some other goodies, including a listener phone call, and the "McCain Stupid Montage!"

The song "Stupid" comes courtesy of Toad the Wet Sprocket...

Hear today's Radio or Not episode by clicking here (runtime 24:22)

9-15-08 What a Monday, and Sarah Palin, part 2

Hear today's episode by clicking here (runtime 22:26)

Sarcastically speaking, what a great way to start off a new week. The cobra info came in the mail over the weekend. Continued coverage for me is $304 a month... for me and Alison it jumps to $760 a month! Unbelievable.

And, of course, you can't have a lapse in coverage, or you can't get future coverage for "pre-existing" conditions... This country should have universal health care, and everyone should have the cover

And this morning as I was watching the news, I saw scores of people exiting the Lehman Brothers headquarters in NY with boxes and bags of their personal belongings as, with their company declaring Chapter 11, they are now among the ranks of the unemployed too.

This country is seriously broken, thanks to George W. Bush and the NeoCons, and that people are actually even considering voting for John McCain boggles my mind.

Unemployment, foreclosures, bank failures -- these numbers are rising exponentially, due to the failed economic policies of this administration and the Republican Party, and people are stupid enough to fall for the Republican's bumper stickers slogans and their claims that they will bring change! Wake Up people.

And then there's Sarah Palin, who simply hasn't got a clue.

Today's Radio or Not musical selections come from R.E.M. "It's the End of the World" and Dramarama "Haven't Got a Clue."

Hear today's episode by clicking here (runtime 22:26)

Saturday night love does Sarah Palin!

Click here to watch!

Sarah speaks, unscripted, sort of!

Click here to listen to today's episode of Radio Or Not (runtime 35:25)

Last night, we got to hear the first interview given by Sarah Palin since she was named John McCain's running mate. And she did not disappoint, those of us who know she's a phony, that is!

First, let me say that there was not a moment of sincerity in that entire interview. She really knew, without blinking, when John McCain asked to be his running mate that she'd accept? No consideration to the fact that she supposedly just gave birth to a special needs child, and has a pregnant teenager at home-- both of whom might need extra attention in the coming years No discussion with her husband or family? Somehow, this is either quite disingenuous, or just the words of a complete opportunist who doesn't give a damn about her family.

Then, her complete lack of understanding about foreign policy was also unmistakable. She's obviously a quick study, but there's only so much learnin' a person can do in a week.

On today's program, we listen to the whole thing and, again, I let my stream of consciousness run through.

Today's show also features the first call-in to Radio Or Not! Adam from Hollywood did as I suggested (just look on the right-hand side of this page for instructions) and called in yesterday as I was working in my studio. I recorded our conversation and played it back on today's show. You can do it too... Just not today, as I'm getting out of here early to go see Joe Garcia and former Governor and Senator Bob Graham.

If you're in South Florida, come hear two of Florida's treasures beginning at 11:30 this morning at Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, Room K413. Visit http://www.joegarcia08.com/ for more info on the event, and why we need Joe to win the Congressional seat that Mario Diaz Balart has occupied for way too long.

I'll leave you with some fun for your Friday. If you scroll down a few entries, you'll see a video spoofing McCain and Palin. Here's another one, this one featuring actress Gina Gershon as the woman who wants to be VP....



Click here to listen to today's episode of Radio Or Not (runtime 35:25)

Thursday night video time!

And the hits just keep on rolling. A few videos here for your viewing pleasure!

First, a brand new campaign ad for my favorite Congressman to be, Joe Garcia. (OK, I love Raul Martinez and Annette Taddeo too, but I've known and liked Joe longer!)
This ad was just released yesterday, and the campaign wanted to share it with Radio Or Not listeners and readers today:



Visit Joe Garcia's website here.

And have a look at Matt Damon's comments regarding Sarah Palin. Everyone needs to see this:



And our final video offering today comes from Brave New Films, and features "The Real McCain"....

Thursday 9/11/08 - Seven years later

Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not by clicking here (runtime 19:00)

I'll take a break from politics today. Not that there's a lack of things to talk about... on the local front, the Miami-Dade School Board yesterday fired Superintendent Dr. Rudy Crew (a good thing, I think), then rushed to offer the job to Alberto Carvahlo. Although from what I know of Carvahlo, he's a good choice. But I wonder if they should have taken more time to find qualified applicants.
We'll deal with that, among other things, tomorrow.

But today marks seven years since the World Trade Center collapsed after being hit by two hijacked planes, and our world changed.

As you know by listening to my show, I tend to think musically. I assembled a few pieces from sound from that day, along with Neil Young's rendition of Imagine, and Jeff Buckely's take on Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, along with a song that became an anthem for the rescue workers on 9/11, Five for Fighting's Superman.

Five for Fighing's John Ondrasik is a dear friend, and I reached out to him a couple of years ago, on the 5th anniversary, to talk about what his song Superman meant to the police and firefighters on 9/11, and I share that on today's episode as well.

Tomorrow, it's Friday, so we'll deal with all the stories of the week and, if you choose to call in between 8:30 and 10am at 954-889-6410, your calls too!

Hear today's episode of Radio Or Not by clicking here (runtime 19:00)

Wed afternoon... so much for part 2!

So much for saying that today's show will be a two-parter! Part two will be blog only, plus a great video for your viewing pleasure.

Today was not a great day. Actually, it was just one little thing that was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back, and just underscores another reason why we need Barack Obama to be elected president come November 4.

You might have heard that I lost my job a couple of weeks ago. Well, when you find yourself suddenly unemployed, there's the issue of health insurance. To buy some time, we just bite the bullet, and shell out the cobra bucks.

I haven't gotten the cobra paperwork yet, but had the insurance deductions taken from my last check -- post firing, at the end of the month. So, imagine my surprise when I took Alison to the doctor today, only to be told that my insurance was "inactive". Inactive!

I got home, called the radio station, to be told that I was only covered through the end of the month of August! The payments that were deducted from my last check covered the last half of the month.

This is the only industrialized country that has such an archane health care system. Even Obama's plan doesn't go far enough for my liking, but John McCain's plan is basically don't get sick or you're screwed.

Now, I was in a fairly foul mood before this transpired, because of the "news" of Obama's saying that if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig, and the phony outrage (as Obama accurately portrayed it) of the right in saying that Obama was smearing Palin.

Listen to his statement in context, and you know exactly where he was coming from. My message to the right: methinks you doth protest too much. You're the ones who made the association!



Give me a break.

Where are the clips of McCain using that same line, numerous times, when referring to Hillary Clinton's health care plan (again, better in any way, shape or form than the nothingness that's been put forth by McCain). Well, here they are.





Why is it ok for John McCain to use that phrase in direct reference to Hillary Clinton, but not for Barack Obama to use it, not even in connection with Sarah Palin, but with John McCain?

The Republicans and the crybabies on the right are grasping at straws, trying to divert the American people from what's really important, and they get away with it time and time again.

But even more than that, what's gotten me down today is how mean-spirited they are. And they get away with that too. I was struggling earlier today to come up with the description of what they're all about, but I think I got it. It's the culture of mean.

And it's the bumper sticker mentality they're so good at, and they get the lemmings repeating their lies for them!

I heard Thom Hartmann today put forth a great bumper sticker line: Jesus was a community organizer; Pontius Pilate was a governor!

I like it. But I have a problem with that too... I have three bumper stickers on my car. The Move On sticker that has Endless War with the less crossed out and replaced with this, an Obama sticker, and a round magnet with the Obama logo on it.

Some neanderthal though it was within his or her rights to take a pen to the Obama magnet and write GOP on it. My initial thought was questioning who raises people like this.

All you have to do is look at Sarah Palin for the answer.

I promised you a laugh too. This video, sent by my favorite 16-year old listener, Noah Gray, who is also a wonderful budding documentarian. You can see his work at www.cateatcatproductions.com. Watch and laugh... but beware, bad language ahead...

9-10-08 Radio Or Not - part 1 - Our Hometown

Hear this episode of Radio Or Not by clicking here (run time 33:48)

As I feel my way through this new world of podcasting, today I'll be doing things a little differently than I did the past couple of weeks. Today will be a two-parter. The first segment today focuses in on things here at home in South Florida.

I have to leave for a few hours to go into mom mode, but I'll return with part 2 later this afternoon, a commentary on the GOP's false outrage and the "community of mean" for lack of a better term. But I'll explain later today, so I hope you'll come back too!

Or just subscribe to Radio or Not through iTunes. More on that another day...

Today's local segment deals with a few issues here in South Florida. Our schools are a disgrace. Actually, here in South Florida, they do a remarkably good job, considering the lack of funding and support they get from Tallahassee. It is true that Florida ranks 50th out of 50 states in per capita funding per student. In addition to our students, both Dade and Broward teachers are also suffering. This morning, I spoke with Robin Bartelmann, Chair of the Broward School Board about the latest in the contract negotiations with our teachers.

I also heard from a long-time listener, Jack Topel, who also happens to be a very concerned citizens and took it upon himself to organize an event with all three of the South Florida Democratic challengers to the terrible Congressional trio of the Diaz-Balart brothers and their evil step sister, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Joe Garcia, Raul Martinez and Annette Taddeo will be appearing Saturday, Sept. 20 together at an event at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami. Click here for all the details.

Listen to today's episode, and you'll also hear my thoughts on the new ruling that knocks down Florida's ban on gay adoptions, and the other ruling that seems to pave the way for us to foot the $515 million bill for a new Marlins stadium....

Hear this episode of Radio Or Not by clicking here (run time 33:48)

Tues 9-9-08 Goodness Gracious... and Dan Gelber too!

Hear today's Radio Or Not episode by clicking here (runtime 32:41)

I began today's show with a song called Goodness Gracious, by a brilliant musician named Kevin Gilbert. You've heard his music, though you might not know it, as he was a main driving force behind Sheryl Crow's first album, Tuesday Night Music Club.

This isn't a music blog, but Kevin's work is worth knowing, so I invite you to explore his too-brief career at http://www.kevingilbert.com/.

But I used Goodness Gracious today because it expresses how I'm feeling. When is this madness going to end and what are we doing to the future of our kids?

Last night, Keith Olbermann aired part 1 of his interview with Barack Obama. Although I like what Obama has to say, I have serious reservations about his ability to get his message across. He's great with a speech, but is less eloquent when speaking off the cuff -- I believe because he thinks things through too much! In this case, I believe Obama needs to be more rehearsed, and to be able to answer every question immediately and with forceful conviction, rather than that nuance that we keep hearing about. Nuance does not serve one well in a political race for life!

The Rachel Maddow show premiered last night on MSNBC. But the timing was certainly odd. I'd go as far as to say that the network execs might have actually reversed their decision about her show if it were possible because they're bowing to Republican pressure!

Just yesterday, they announced that their election coverage would no longer be anchored by Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews, due to their lack of objectivity. Since when is that a problem? "The News" used to be objective... but that was before it became a moneymaking entity under the entertainment umbrella.

NBC is hedging its bets, God forbid McCain gets elected. They're silencing the liberal voices, and I think it's time for the Fairness Doctrine to come back so that there's some semblance of balance of coverage. But that's probably a topic for another day...

Dan Gelber joined me on the phone for a few minutes this morning to talk about the fate of the constitutional amendments that were put forth by Florida's "Taxation and Budget Reform Commission." Three of the four truly despicable amendments have been struck down by the courts. Number 2 is the one we still have to talk about... Check out http://www.dangelber.com/ to get info on his run for the Florida Senate, and to read his very insightful blog as well.

Also, today, we're truly thankful that Ike steered clear of us. But he hit Haiti, Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean hard. The Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel both have pages of links where you can help. Just click on each of the above links for more info.

And enjoy Keith with Obama... Even on his worst day, Obama is miles ahead of McCain on his best!





Hear today's Radio Or Not episode by clicking here (runtime 32:41)

Monday September 8 - The Hypocrisy of Sarah Palin and the right

Click here to listen to this episode of Radio Or Not (runs 38:31)

Today, in honor of Ike giving us a break here on the Southeast corner of Florida, our music is Ike Turner's "BiPolar"....

I had a number of brainstorms over the weekend with regard to how to make this transition to the web work. It will take your participation... Please, if there's an issue that you think needs to be covered on Radio Or Not, email me with your suggestions.

Now that you are my only boss, the topics we can cover are wide open! And since there are no more local progressive voices on the South Florida airwaves, I'm going to do everything I can to make this the place for our voices.

There's been a lot going on in our town over the past couple of weeks... But we also had the two conventions going on, which I chose to cover... you know I couldn't stay silent with all of that happening!

But now that it's officially general election season, there are a lot of races and issues to cover. Luckily for us, the court last week struck down the most offensive of the constitutional amendments that the bogus Taxation and Budget Reform Commission attempted to get on the ballot. But we have a few very important Congressional races that we must follow, as well as races for the Florida Legislature.

If we have any hope of turning this state around, the make-up of the Legislature must be seriously altered! So, we have a lot of territory to cover over the next 7 weeks... and we will. Again, send in your suggestions if you have a candidate or an issue that I should look into or interview.

This morning I spoke with Dr. Sorah Dubitsky. I met her because she was a listener of the radio show and called and email frequently. She sent me this email over the weekend:

Hi Nicole, I'm tired of right-wing hypocrisy, especially about sex. Here's some info and a link to my blog about it: Bristol Palin’s pregnancy offers us an opportunity to have an honest, heartfelt national dialog about sexuality. The Bible says “by their fruits shall you know them.” What fruits have our current abstinence-only policies created?

The piece is controversial. I think that Sarah Palin's daughter's pregnancy needs to be discussed as part of a national conversation about sex education. Clearly, what's being communicated to young people is not creating the desired results.

Read Dr. Sorah' blog at http://www.religionandspirituality.com/ and see the archives at
http://www.religionandspirituality.com/view/profile/Sorah_Dubitsky/12066321192007/ .

She also sent me the links to the Republican Party's official platform, as well as the Democratic Party's platform. Click on the links to read them for yourself, and see the stark differences between the two.

More to come soon. Check back later today, as I hope to have updates for you on the Dade and Broward teachers situations, as well as the latest on Dr. Rudy Crew....

Click here to listen to this episode of Radio Or Not (runs 38:31)

Sunday September 7

There's no podcast to go with the blog today... It's Sunday, I'm cleaning house, preparing for Ike (who thankfully looks like he'll pass to the south of us, but with such a monstrous storm will probably still affect us here in South Florida), and trying to find a babysitter for tonight, as I'm going to see Chris Isaak... But I had to write about a few things.

First of all, on Friday, when commenting about the green screen behind John McCain during his sorry excuse for an acceptance speech, I wrote that he was standing in front of a projected image of the White House lawn. It was, indeed, a lawn... but not the White House.

Apparently, the building was Walter Reed Middle School in a suburb of Los Angeles. This is wrong on so many levels! Common sense tells you that it was a major blunder. They probably meant to show an image of the Walter Reed Hospital -- which would have been ironic in and of itself, thanks to McCain's lack of support for the GI bill -- until he finally supported it!

Anyway, the main reason for writing this morning: I'm feeling good about a few things. I'm seeing a huge surge in email activity from people who'd previously been silent observers. A couple of videos, in particular, have hit my email from numerous sources over the last 48 hours, so I wanted to share them with you here.

Before I post the one from Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain, let me share with you an email I received from listener John, who thought I went over the line in my last episode:

Nicole, I thought this line was in bad taste. Everything else I agree with. It sounds like you are happy that one of our pilots was captured and tortured. "I'm sorry John McCain was such a lousy pilot that he got shot down. This man lost 5 of our fighter jets... The 5th time was the charm, so to speak, that landed him in the hanoi hilton."

Come on Nicole you are better than this. BTW not sure if you have ever seen the show Dog Fights on The History Channel but it give great insight on what these guys are dealing with. http://www.history.com/minisites/dogfights/ my friend Col Dick Foster was a pilot in WWII and his stories of combat were fascinating.

OK John, I'll give you that it was mean. But after watching the parade of nastiness and mean-spiritedness that was the Republican convention, I couldn't help it. It's not as if the Republicans are telling the truth about McCain's service. And while I feel for him for his years in captivity, we're not getting the real story about the man who was nicknamed "Songbird" while he was a POW.

To back that up, watch this video. Seriously.



And if you need more, check this one out too...



I mentioned earlier that I had gotten a couple of videos from people who had previously been silent. This one, from the Daily Show, came to me at least 5 times over the past couple of days. It's too good not to share, and the word of the day is Hypocrisy!



As always, thanks for reading and for listening!

Please keep the comments coming. And if there's a local story that you think I should be covering, please send me a quick note, and we'll do it!

Nicole

I went out last night, and it was a late night... Kathy Griffin is one funny lady. I accepted an invitation to see her last night at the hard rock... and chose that over watching John McCain's acceptance speech. I figured I'd rather be laughing with the person speaking than at the person speaking...

I got home late, and then watched the speech, thanks the the magical device known as TIVO. But I probably shouldn't have. How depressing was that speech? And he wound up standing in front of a green screen again! Did you notice? It actually wasn't intended that way... They had all the speakers in front of projected images of America, with every cliche imaginable... Rudy was in front of lower Manhattan, showing the skyline without the twin towers, just to add to the fear-mongering tone of his diatribe.

McCain was standing in front of a picture of the White House... but when they zoomed in on him, it was the very green lawn behind him. I'm just waiting for the next green screen contest!

John McCain is not exactly the most dynamic speaker out there! Something about his voice makes my skin crawl... I was going to do as we did yesterday with Sarah Palin's speech, and play back teh whole thing with running commentary, and invite you to scream back at the computer... but I just couldn't sit through that speech again... I was reminded of the old Lays Potato chip jingle (she tried but she couldn't do it...)

Instead, I thought I'd just throw out some random observations, now that we're past the two conventions and rolling towards November 4... and please call in your random thoughts too... 954-889-6410. If I'm not in the studio, just leave a message and perhaps I'll use your call on the show next week...

-- The Democratic convention was an uplifting event. I smiled while watching. People were happy, and full of hope and good thoughts for the future.
-- The Republican convention was a mean-spirited affair. There were venemous attacks, sarcastic snipes, and angry people.
--- The Democrats spoke of ending wars, putting people to work, creating new, green energy sources and getting off of foreign oil.
--- The Republicans spoke fighting words, trying to continue instilling fear in people instead of a peaceful intent... and nothing of conservation... Drilling seems to be their word of choice.

The Republicans continued the action that they've relied on for the last 8 years to counter all the wrongs and illegal acts they've committed...they lied.

I feel like I need a shower... especially after watching the despicable speeches delivered by Rudy "9-11" Giuliani and Sarah "I said no thanks to the bridge to nowhere my ass" Palin... they were as slimy as can be, and I still can't wipe the ooze from my tv.

And John McCain last night was just sad. This poor man, who once claimed that his POW experience was personal and shouldn't be injected into a poltical race, is now encroaching on Rudy's 911 territory. I'm sorry John McCain was such a lousy pilot that he got shot down. This man lost 5 of our fighter jets... The 5th time was the charm, so to speak, that landed him in the hanoi hilton.

The accounts of his time there are varied. He and ALL who spoke this week told one story. You can get some of the other stories by visiting http://www.vietnamvetsagainstjohnmccain.com/.

Regardless, being a POW does not a president make. It IS all about the character.

These cons ridiculed and made fun of Obama's early job as a community organizer. Getting down and actually working with people on the community level to help them improve their lot in life. Worthy of ridicule? Again, the slime is oozing.

I'll take Obama's character over that of a man like John McCain, who holds no resemblence to the candidate who ran in the Republican primary 8 years ago. He was smeared and subjected to despicable whisper poll campaigns... They were so effective that John McCain hired the people who were responsible for doing that to him to help run THIS CAMPAIGN! He's diametrically opposed to just about every position he campaigned on in 2000... This is a man who says he was tortured, but votes to allow our government to torture others. This is a man who WROTE AN IMMIGRATION BILL... but now votes against his own bill! He was against Bush's tax cuts 4 the wealthy, and now wants to keep them indefinitely...

"But he's never -- he's never run a city. He's never run a state. He's never run a business. He's never run a military unit. He's never had to lead people in crisis." Those words came out of Rudy's mouth about Obama... but that applies to McCain too!

And then there's Gov. Palin.. a truly frightening woman... who said the war in Iraq is "God's plan." And there's lots more where that came from! The cons want to talk about Obama's church... wait'll you get a load of what goes on inside Palin's cult.

There's a great site to refute McCain's speech last night: http://justmoreofthesame.com/fact_check.

I'm saying this as much for me as for you... keep the facts close by to answer the inflammatory, hate-filled likes being spread... We have two months to make sure the Republicans can't finish the job of destroying this country that George W Bush started 8 years ago...
Have a great weekend... I'll talk to you Monday... Radio Or Not!

P.S. I noticed last night after the speech when Palin joined McCain on the stage, Heart's "Barracuda" was playing. I thought about whether or not Ann & Nancy Wilson would approve of that message. I just got my answer in this post from the radio and record industry trade website, All Access:

Heart Against Use Of 'Barricuda' By Republican Nominee
Nancy WilsonENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY reports HEART e-mailed out a statement YESTERDAY (9/4) regarding Republican VP candidate SARAH PALIN's use of their song "Barricuda" at the Republican National Convention. "The Republican campaign did not ask for permission to use the song, nor would they have been granted that permission," it read. "We have asked the Republican campaign publicly not to use our music. We hope our wishes will be honored." But after JOHN MCCAIN finished his speech accepting the GOP's presidential nomination, PALIN joined him on stage, and the song was used again: HEART's NANCY WILSON felt compelled to personally respond. "I think it's completely unfair to be so misrepresented," she said in a phone call to EW.COM after the speech. "I feel completely f---ed over." She and sister ANN WILSON then e-mailed the following exclusive statement: "SARAH PALIN's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late '70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While HEART did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."

Thursday Sept. 4 -- Straight out of central casting, it's the Palin family!

Hear today's edition of Radio Or Not by clicking here. (Today's show is a long one, because it includes Sarah Palin's entire speech... It runs 51:33)

I was dead wrong on this one. John McCain did not make a rash, middle of the night blunder in selecting Sarah Palin as his running mate, as I originally thought.

I was correct in one thing though, the Neocons may be crooked lying cheating thieves, but they're not stupid. I told you something was going to happen to vindicate them, as they are calculated political animals, and there's usually a method (however warped) to their madness.

Last night, after outright lies told by the preacher man Mike Huckabee, and vicious attacks and fear inducing rhetoric by Rudy "9-11" Giuliani (speaking in front of an image of lower Manhattan minus the World Trade Center twin towers, no less), we were treated to the eye candy that is Sarah Palin and her family.

I originally thought they weren't vetted. Oh but I was wrong. This family was vetted completely. And it was decided that they could turn the negatives into positives! The pregnant daughter... it's ok because she and her boyfriend look good, like the rest of the family, and are definitely marketable. The pregnancy... just a minor distraction. They can spin it to say that Sarah's just like you, dealing with family problems.

How about the scandals in Sarah's career as a mayor and governor? No problem. What are a few lies and abuse of power examples in the neo con world? Nothing that they haven't spun and covered up before.

You see, those things don't matter. Because they have a photogenic family who are marketable.... who will provide the right's answer to the Obama family.

She is easily malleable.... she will look good delivering their sarcastic, nasty, mean-spirited speeches that they write for her. She'll say and do what they tell her to say and do... just like John McCain promised to do for the chance to be President.

It has been, as he wrote in his book, his ambition all along!

On a local note... I didn't get to it in the show today because I was all fired up about Ms. Palin and the revelation that the Neocons, once again, showed their political cunning... but we the people scored a victory here in Florida yesterday!

The three most offensive constitutional amendments that were supposed to be on the Nov. 4 ballot, courtesy of the Taxation & Budget Reform Commission were ruled unconstitutional yesterday by the Florida Supreme Court. Amendments 7 and 9, which would have gutted the part of Florida's Constitution that provides for the separation of Church and State and paved the way for vouchers, along with Amendment 5, which would have stripped the portion of your property tax bill that goes to fund schools and ostensibly replaced it with a penny increase in the sales tax, will NOT be on the ballot!

This is great news, and we'll go into it a bit further either tomorrow or next week....

Hear today's edition of Radio Or Not by clicking here. (Today's show is a long one, because it includes Sarah Palin's entire speech... It runs 51:33)

Wednesday September 3 - Joe Biden visits South Florida

To hear today's edition of Radio Or Not, just click here. (Today's show runs 40:55)

Yesterday... it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Sorry, but it just seemed to fit! The day yesterday was wonderful. I went to see Joe Biden. It was his first visit to South Florida as the Democratic VP candidate. I was in great company, and we watched a very uplifting speech from a guy who gets it. And my day just got better from there.

Last night, however, was a different story. I felt that I had to watch the Republican convention. I sat through Stepford's Laura Bush, extolling the fantastic virtues of her husband, our unfortunate president.

Then, W himself, speaking via satellite from the White House, where he stayed - ostensibly so he can keep a close eye on Gustav and any needed relief efforts. Unbelievable. This is the guy who was partying with John McCain on his birthday three years ago, when Katrina barrelled through the same Gulf Coast regions, bringing much more damage and despair than the limp Gustav.

And this poor excuse for a leader spoke on a tv screen for less than 10 minutes... and outside of prime time, no less. The prime time tv space went to Fred Thompson and Mr. Excitement himself, Joe Lieberman. It was a sorry excuse for something that should have been great political theater.

I guess we'll get that tonight, as the living soap opera that is the GOP's Vice Presidential candidate takes the stage to accept the nomination. Could it get any more surreal?

With her will be her 17 year old, 5 months pregnant daughter (now that's just good family responsibility, isn't it? Putting your pregnant teenager in the international spotlight!!), plus the lovely boyfriend -- father and husband-to-be - Levi. The one whose MySpace profile had this lovely tidbit:

"I'm a fuckin' redneck" who likes to snowboard and ride dirt bikes.
"But I live to play hockey. I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some shit and just f uckin' chillin' I guess."
"Ya fuck with me I'll kick [your] ass," he added.
He also claims to be "in a relationship," but states, "I don't want kids."

Nice, huh? Can you imagine... that guy could be a member of the second family!?! Ahh the kind of kid you want your daughter to get knocked up by and marry. Yikes!

Should be some fun tv time tonight...

But back to last night again. My night was redeemed. Ok, it wasn't as good as the earlier part of the day, but the evening ended as I joined my friend and co-webcaster Marc Germain on his program at TalkRadioOne.com. We talked Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. You can listen to his show weekday evenings from 11pm-1am (eastern). You can listen to the segment I did with him by clicking here.

To hear today's edition of Radio Or Not, just click here. (Today's show runs 40:55)

Monday September 1

Click here to listen to today's edition of Radio or Not.

It's Labor Day, so I had fittingly decided not to work today. Instead, I was going to start the week Tuesday morning with a new episode of Radio Or Not, and move forward from there.

But as I was sitting at the pool this afternoon with my daughter, my sister and her kids, I got a phone call from a friend who told me that Joe Biden was going to be speaking to the Deerfield Beach Democratic Club tomorrow, and asked if I wanted to go.

So, I came home and put together tomorrow's program tonight.

I've had all weekend to think about John McCain's choice of a running mate. The announcement that he had picked Sarah Palin came in Friday, while I was recording that day's show.

I learned a lot about the 44 year-old Governor of Alaska, who's served in that position for less than two years. She's currently under investigation in Alaksa for firing the state's Public Safety Director Walter Monegan, ostensibly for his failure to fire her ex-brother-in-law from his job as a state trooper as was her demand!

But wait, it gets better! As if that weren't bad enough, and enough reason for the Republicans not to want her as their VP pick, there were rumors swirling all over the internets about her 4 month old son.... bloggers questioning whether or not the baby was actually hers - or her 17 year old daughter's!

To prove those bloggers wrong, Palin today announced that her daughter, Bristol, is five months pregnant! And the weird keeps getting weirder!

I've had this nagging feeling all weekend that this is all a joke. But it's the wrong Palin. If they really wanted funny, they should have gone with Monty Python's Michael Palin. He's funny. Sarah Palin is just plain sad.

Hear today's show here.

Friday, August 29- Yes We Can... We Just Did!

The Radio Or Not Podcast for Friday 8/29/08 Runtime 18:30

We made history last night. The thing that Barack Obama said toward the end of that very powerful speech is why I say we made history:

But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the nay-sayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you.
For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us - that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it - because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

And that's really what it was, and what it will be when we take back our country!

I'm fairly sure that anyone interested enough in our world to seek out this blog and listen to the podcast saw Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination last night, but just in case you didn't, or just want to see it again, here it is.



If you want to read the speech, you can do that here.

For today's podcast, I produced a "Change" mix, using a Sheryl Crow song that she played during last night's festivities, as well as John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change," along with the words of Barack Obama, and a few from Al Gore as well.

I couldn't help but think, as Al Gore spoke so eloquently, where we'd be if the Supreme Court didn't abuse their authority in 2000 to take the presidency away from the man who rightfully won it! I don't think we would have been attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. I believe Gore would have taken the Presidential Daily Briefing that arrived a few weeks earlier and proclaimed "Bin Laden determined to strike in the US" very seriously.

I believe we would not be in the midst of a terrible recession with people, ME INCLUDED, losing their jobs and struggling to pay their bills! I believe gas would not be hovering between $3.75 and $4.00 a gallon!

But, we can't dwell on the past and the "what ifs"... we have to look to the future. And I heard a beautiful future in the words Barack Obama spoke last night. Now we just have to make those words reality!

I want to hear your thoughts on what transpired this week. I want to add your voices to the show, as they were the most important part of my old radio program. I've added a phone line that you can call any time. If I'm in the studio, I'll answer, and record our call, and possibly use it on an upcoming episode. If I'm not in the studio, voicemail will answer. Please leave your comments and thoughts... I may use the recording on the show as well! The number is 954-889-6410. If you're in Skype, you can skype me, using the id nicolesandler.

I will add a poll soon, if I can figure it out, to get your thoughts on a couple of questions... But you can email your responses as well to radioornot @ gmail.com. If I can get a live stream going and take calls and do the program in real time, what time would you like that to happen? Since most of us don't have internet access in our cars - yet - drivetime is probably not the best time to do this. Please let me know, as it'll only work if you're there and listening, and calling!

Feel free to comment in the comments section, call in to 954-889-6410, and spread the word that our voices will still be heard, Radio Or Not!

I ended today's show with the audio from Will.I.Am and John Legend, performing "Yes We Can" last night. Here's the video...



Hear today's show, which runs 18:30 (thanks to a listener suggestion, I'll give you the running time each day) here!

Thursday August 28

Hear my thoughts on yesterday's speeches -- listen to today's Radio Or Not show by clicking here.

Tonight's the big night! Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination. It's history in the making, and a night we'll tell our grandchildren about. I'm as excited about it as a kid who's going to the prom. I'll be watching the festivities with members and friends of the Coral Gables area Democratic Club at Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. If you don't already have plans, come on down and join us!

Last night was pretty impressive too! Although the biggest raves are going out for Bill Clinton - much deserved - and Joe Biden - not his strongest speech, in my opinion, I want to sing the praises, for a moment, of John Kerry.

Here's my question: Where was this guy 4 years ago? If we had seen this John Kerry, the world might be a different place today! Kerry's speech didn't get much coverage so, if you didn't see it, do yourself a favor and watch it now!



Joe Biden was... well... ok. Honestly, I expected more. I believe that he was probably overtaken by well-meaning advisors and speechwriters who stripped him of the real-guy essence that is Joe Biden. And that's too bad. I think we'll see the real Joe come out on the campaign trail over the next 2 months. I sure hope so.

That said, Biden wasn't bad. He just wasn't the guy I expected to see. See for yourself:



And then there was my man Bill. Finally, the Bill Clinton I loved. He was back last night, in the finest form. It reminded me of the good old days...



A few notes about the RadioOrNot podcast. I'm getting more comfortable in my home studio, and am working out some of the bugs. Thanks to Marc Germain, of www.TalkRadioOne.com, for helping me out with tips and software.

I used to listen to Marc on the radio in Los Angeles, when he was knows as Mr. KFI and later as Mr. KABC, at the radio stations associated with those call letters. Last year, he moved over to LA's Progressive Talk station, KTLK, as Mr. K... but also used his real name. Although he was the only local host, he was soon let go and replaced with another syndicated show.

Seeing the future of radio as online, Marc started www.TalkRadioOne.com. And he's been very supportive since my path looks to be following his. I encourage you to check out his show!

Now, as the RadioOrNot podcast develops, it will hopefully become more and more like a regular radio show - except that it'll be online. If you're not yet familiar with Skype, you probably should be. It allows you to make free phone calls all over the world to other Skype users.

If you are on Skype, you can call in to me. Just search for nicolesandler. Call in. If I'm in the studio, I'll record the call and use our conversation on an upcoming show. And if I'm not there, just leave your comments on the voicemail, and I may use that too!

Hopefully by tomorrow or next week, I'll have a phone number you can call from any phone. We're getting there... Radio or Not!

Listen to today's show by clicking here.

Wed August 27 - Hill, Dennis & Montana's Governor

Click here to listen to today's Radio or Not podcast by Nicole Sandler

If you watched yesterday's convention coverage on any of the networks or big cable outlets, you certainly saw Hillary Clinton hit one out of the ballpark! And you saw former VA Governor and now Senatorial Candidate Mark Warner ... um... speak.

Not exactly the most electric keynote speech. At least he had the good sense to recognize in his speech that Barack Obama had that spot 4 years ago. Not even in the same league, let alone ballpark! (Just to keep the sports analogy going...)

Perhaps the Dems would have been better served if one of the other speakers, who didn't get the coverage of the other two, had been the keynoter.

Dennis Kucinich. Wow! I didn't know he had this fire inside him. Where was it during the primary season? If he showed this then, well, he still wouldn't be the nominee. But perhaps he would have been included in more of the debates! And he would have been taken more seriously. If you didn't see him speak yesterday, and if you were watching MSNBC, you didn't, then take a few minutes, and be proud:



But, we already knew about Dennis, and what he stands for. I've been lucky enough to interview him a number of times both during primary season about his candidacy, and after, about his articles of impeachment against both Bush and Cheney.

Watching Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer was a wonderful surprise. He was smart, funny, dynamic, and spot on with a great speech. Again, Mark Warner, listen and learn from this guy:



Hillary was brilliant. I was blown away this morning by the talking heads on MSNBC. I guess I've been lucky that I hadn't heard "The Morning Joe" before. I used to have it on in the studio, but the sound was always down. I hadn't realized what a right-wing tool he was until this week, when I've actually had the chance to listen to what went on there.

I heard him and Pat Buchanan talking about how Hillary didn't have her heart in it, and just wants the presidency in 2012. And Mika, who I guess fills the role of the chick on the show, just nods and echoes whatever the men say. Yuck. Give me Keith and Rachel, or no MSNBC for me!

I was sorry not to have a local microphone this morning to discuss a few of the primary results. I'm thrilled that Dr. Larry Feldman won a seat on the Miami-Dade School Board. I know he'll serve the students, parents and teachers very well.

In the Broward Sheriff's race, I wish Democrats had done their homework. Scott Israel is a Republican, who only changed his party affiliation after Charlie Crist appointed Al Lamberti as interim sheriff after the resignation of Ken Jenne. Israel had written a letter to Crist, saying he intended to be the Republican nominee for Sheriff; when Crist rebuffed him, he decided to run as a Democrat. At this point, I hope people don't continue buying Israel's bull, and vote for the guy who admits being a Republican! I endorse Lamberti!

Tonight, Joe Biden will speak at the convention. As will Bill Clinton. Two guys both known for having sharp tongues and wit. It should be fun. I'll be watching, on C-Span!

And I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Hear today's podcast by clicking here!

Tuesday afternoon--- a noun, a verb and a POW

One thing that's been eating at me all day, but I didn't want to defile the positive message and good feelings from Michelle Obama's appearance last night by bringing John McCain into the equation.

But, apparently, shortly after the beautiful Obama family display in Denver, John McCain was a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

In one of the early debates between the Democratic candidates for the nomination, Joe Biden said of Rudy Giuliani, that every line from him is the same: a noun, a verb and 9-11. He'll now have to modify that for McCain.

John McCain, who has claimed that his time as a POW shouldn't enter into politics, now uses it as an answer to every uncomfortable question. Just watch this exchange from his appearance with Jay Leno last night:



Unbelievable!

Tuesday August 26

What a time to get kicked off the air! But there's a silver lining to every cloud.

I was able to stay awake last night to watch Michelle Obama's speech, and the wonderful moment that followed when her adorable daughters joined her on the stage for the video hook-up with "Daddy" in Kansas City, watching the convention with the Gerardo Family. Seven-year-old Sasha's taking over the microphone for a spontaneous "Hello Gerardo family" was just about as precious as it gets.

If you didn't get to see Michelle's beautifully written and flawlessly delivered speech, and the sweet, real family moments that followed, you can watch it here now:



In a week that's had me overwhelmed with emotion, thanks to the wonderful calls and emails I've been getting, last night was one of those amazing moments. To paraphrase a Michelle Obama comment that had the cons going for her jugular, for the first time in many, many years, I was proud of the "first family" that could be!

I just finished today's podcast, which you can hear by clicking here, or subscribing to the podcast using iTunes. I've heard from a few people who want to help me take this to the next level, as they say, so with some luck and hard work, this will morph into something more than a daily commentary in the not too distant future.

I didn't get into my thoughts about Ted Kennedy's appearance last night, but it was one of those magical, historic moments.



I don't know that I really need to add any more to his speech... it speaks for itself.

Today is primary day in South Florida. Somehow, I never made it to the polls for early voting, and I forgot to send in my request for an absentee ballot. So, I'm off to vote right now. Please do the same. As I say all the time, every voice counts!

Now for the commercial... Please visit www.NicoleSandler.com for info about voiceover services, and www.LegacyVideoProductions.com to preserve, protect and pass down your family photos, home movies and stories!

Radio Or Not Podcast - Tuesday August 26, 2008

Monday morning August 25

Wow. A weird morning. I awoke at 4:06, without the alarm, and realized I could just go back to sleep. The alarm woke me at 7, at which time I actually played the role of mom. I got my daughter up, made her breakfast and took her to school. It was somewhat surreal, but it felt good.

I came back home, and continued to assemble an email list, and get my blog and podcast up and running again.

Here's the first commentary. Feel free to write your thoughts and ideas to me at RadioOrNot.com, and we'll take the internet by storm.

Thanks for listening... Radio Or Not!

Nicole

The Next Chapter Begins

For almost a year, I've been hosting the morning show on WINZ. In all honesty, I'm surprised it lasted that long!

As you'll see by listening to some of the earlier podcasts on this site, my radio career has dominated by music-- not talk, and certainly not politics! My passion was always music.

That is, until everything started unraveling under the leadership of George W. Bush!

I moved back to South Florida after a stint programming WXRV in Boston. I often say I don't which is worse, working for a behemoth broadcasting company, or the independent station owned by the crazy guy who thinks he knows how to program a radio station just because he has the money to be a radio station owner. I still don't know the answer.

Anyway, I had had enough of radio, and moved back down here to start my own little video production business-- taking people's old photos, home movies, memories and stories, and turning them into beautifully produced videos and DVDs to preserve the family histories and allow them to be passed down to future generations.

My problem was, and is, that I'm a creative person. I love doing the work. Not so much the business end of things. Certainly not the selling and asking for money. So, after a couple of years of burning through my savings, it was time to get back to radio!

But during those two years in South Florida, there was no music station to meet my eclectic taste. I had become a listener of the progressive talk station, and knew that was where I belonged.

I was hired to produce a new morning show with former Miami Herald columnist Jim DeFede hosting. The producer gig soon added lots of other responsibilities: Promotion Director for the station, and an ever expanding on-air role as a sidekick of sorts, and then news anchor.

Then Jim had some health problems, so when he was out, I sat in the big chair. The first few times were really weird. In music radio, it's drilled into you to say what you need to say in as few words as possible, and get back to the music. Talk radio is a completely different world.

When Jim's contract wasn't renewed last August and he left, I really didn't expect to be given the job, eventhough I though I was doing a fairly decent job. Finally, at the end of the year, they told me the job was mine.

And now, just about a year after I took over, I've been replaced with Imus.

I have lots of ideas about why they made this move, but contractually, I'm not allowed to talk about it. So I won't.

But I will take it as a sign that it's time to move on, and look toward the future.

The future of broadcasting, I believe, will come through the internet. It's the great equalizer. No longer will we need radio towers and transmitters to get our voices heard. Wi-fi is already in cars. Not mine... but if you have one of those new iPhones, you can stream internet radio! It will be in our cars before you know it.

I'll start slowly. Tomorrow morning, after I take Alison to school, I'll come home and record a commentary, and podcast it... right here!

It may take me a few weeks, but pretty soon I'll have the capability of doing interviews and taking phone calls. I hope you'll stick with me through the journey.

I will need some help to make this work. Advertisers for the podcasts. Clients for Legacy Video Productions (yes, I still do it on the side... and I still hate asking for money, but I will!), and clients for my voiceover services (that website will be active soon).

Stay tuned, and be sure to tell your friends where I am. Radio or Not... here I come.

9-11 Remembered with Superman's John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting

Tomorrow marks 5 years since the horrific events we now refer to as simply "9-11" for the ironic date it happened. For many of us, music was where we turned for strength.

One little song rose as an anthem of sorts for the firefighters and other first responders in New York. It was "Superman" by John Ondrasik or, as he is more widely known, Five For Fighting.

John is a dear friend of mine. I happened upon a copy of his first album, "Message for Albert" while I was writing for the now-defunct music trade magazine, Album Network. I pissed off the powers that be at his then-label, EMI, for writing about this unknown and non-priority record instead of the Queensryche tripe they were pushing. It turned out not to matter either way, as the label folded before any other than a small few had heard "...Albert". But in championing the record, I made a new friend.

Fast forward a few years, and John had put together a demo of a few songs, and was signed by the small, but burgeoning, Aware Records. After I received an advance copy of what would eventually be released as "America Town," I remember leaving a message on John's answering machine that said something to the effect of "Superman is one of the best songs ever written."

Luckily for me, when the album was released, I was Music Director of Channel 103.1 in Los Angeles, and was the first, anywhere, to play "Superman" on the radio. It went on to become a hit... but, as I said before, took on new meaning after the events of 9-11-01, when the firefighters took some strength and comfort from it.

So, as we approach the 5th anniversary of that day, I thought it fitting to call my old friend, John Ondrasik, and look back. You can subscribe to the podcast, or listen to it here.

I will not play the song "Superman" in this podcast, as I just can't afford the licensing fees (although John would have no problem, but that's another story), so I'll invite you to find it on iTunes or your local record store and listen again!

Graham Nash - We CAN Change the World

SO sorry for the long time since the last episode. Sometimes life gets in the way, which was the case here. The need to earn a living takes precedence over all else.

So, I recently started a new job. I'm producing The Jim DeFede Show, a new morning show at South Florida's Progressive Talk Station, AM 940. Since music radio in South Florida is so awful, this is the station I find myself listening to most of the time, so it made sense to go there.

I do participate on-air as well, and in my role on that show, I had the opportunity to interview Graham Nash a couple of days ago. He was in town for the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young South Florida stop on the "Freedom of Speech '06" tour.

As I knew it would be, the interview was wonderful, so I thought I'd share it with you here. I hope you enjoy it!

Back by Popular Demand... Ben Folds Five too...

Well, I really didn't expect to be doing this again. But I do appreciate the email I received from a few of you, saying that you'd like to hear the interviews even if I had to delete the songs.

Gina, who I believe is in the Netherlands, wrote "It’s for the contents of the interview, the things that are being said, people tune in i guess... Hearing the music is cool too, but we can play those ourselves.. Perhaps you could delete the music but show in a message what songs were played...
If you have more interviews in stock that are worth listening to, i’d say go for it...
... And yes, listening to interviews isn’t any less attractive if there’s no music in it..."

And from David in Santa Monica... one of the old-time KSCA listeners, "Keep doing the podcast if you can; interviews, stories, whatever. You always had us as soon as we heard you, the music was only a fraction of the attraction."

The kind words mean more than you know... So, let's give this another shot... I will let you know which songs were played, so you can find them and plug them in yourself, if you so choose. (And perhaps a kindly worded email might get me to share the live version with you!)

So, today we travel back to October of 1995... the very first Los Angeles radio appearance by Ben Folds Five....

The End of the Line

Well, it's been fun. Unfortunately the time has come to put the Radio Or Not Podcast to bed.

The cost of paying ASCAP and BMI fees is prohibitive, especially since I don't make any money from this site. So I have no choice but to discontinue the podcast.

Thanks to all who've listened, and especially those of you who've written in to say you enjoyed what you heard. Perhaps I'll take the show back to the airwaves one of these days.

In the meantime, you can still reach me at radioornot@gmail.com, and I'll try to keep up with a blog of some sorts at here at radioornot.com.

Thanks for listening!
Nicole Sandler

Radio Or Not #12 - The First Time-- revisited

Thu, 27 April 2006
Radio Or Not #12 -- The first time-Revisited
I started the Radio Or Not podcast almost a year ago, for a few reasons. I thought it would be fun, plus I had all these interviews I conducted with many of my musical idols during a long, fun, successful radio career.

The high point in my career spanned from 1994-1997. The radio station was KSCA... Southern California's Album Alternative (at the beginning) or LA's Finest Rock (at the end). It was the last station in Gene Autry's Golden West Broadcasters chain. It was fun while it lasted!

We had a little hallway situated between the air studio and the production room, and that's where the musicians who came to visit would play live on the air. Our General Manager, the late and wonderful Bill Ward, dubbed it The Music Hall. The name always elicited a chuckle from our guests because it was... a hall!

The sound, however, was flawless. A big part of the reason was the skill and talents of Pat Dorn, who has graced many a record as engineer, and who ran the sound on almost every single Music Hall session at KSCA. He was so good, in fact, that Lyle Lovett hired him after working with him in the Music Hall, and Sting wanted to take him on tour!

I was reading through some listener emails recently, and one suggested that I re-post the very first episode so it'll be available on iTunes. And judging from the numbers who've listened to my 25th Anniversary tribute to John Lennon, I'd say there are lots of listeners who haven't heard it yet.

So... here it is. A tribute to the work we did at KSCA. It was December of 1994, and we started playing a song by the then-unknown Dave Matthews Band. Listen.. you'll hear us talking of a couple of shows at The Whisky, a little bar that holds maybe 200 people... The show that night was sold out, but there were still some tickets available for Saturday night's show!

Discovering new artists and playing them... based on the quality of the music... that's what it was about. Hopefully I can do that on the radio again one of these days, preferably sooner than later!

As always, if you have any comments, I'd love to hear them at RadioOrNot at gmail.com.

Thanks for listening....

Nicole

Radio Or Not #11 - Farewell to 2005, and to John Lennon too....

As we close the curtains on 2005, I want to thank all of you who found and embraced Radio Or Not. It's been my lifeline to the worlds of music and radio during my self-imposed exile!


As much as I enjoy running my own business, I admit that I prefer finding great music and playing it on the radio. As I always said, "it sure beats working!".

Once again, I'll ask you to visit our sponsors-- www.legacygroupunlimited.com . We can help you preserve, organize, share and enjoy your old photos, videos and home movies! And www.virtualradioservices.com for all your audio and podcasting production needs!


We're halfway through the decade that still has no name. Think about it... it's not like the 60's, 70's 80's or 90's.... Do we call it the OH's? Or the Ot's (I think not!). Perhaps we'll have to wait until the teens to figure it out....


At the end of this year, which had admittedly been a difficult one for me, I wish you and your family health, happiness, prosperity, and peace on earth. In this time of war, it makes it all the sadder that this year marked the 25th anniversary of the brutal murder of one of my heroes.

So on this, my final podcast of 2005, I'll leave you with my remembrance of John Lennon.


Nicole Sandler

Radio Or Not #10-- Jackson Browne (He always wanted to be an Eagle!)

If I had to put together a list of my 10 favorite all-time artists, Jackson Browne would definitely hold one of the spots. He's been on that list since music started playing a major role in my life. And now, if you ask my daughter her favorite, Jackson Browne would be one of the first names she'd mention as well.


I met Jackson a few times before I ever had the chance to interview him. The first was after a benefit concert at Santa Barbara's Arlington Theater, when my date said to him, "You made her cry!". And to his quizzical look I explained that "Late for the Sky" always makes me cry... and then sheepishly walked away.

I've always said that a truly great song can elicit a physical response, whether it be goose bumps or tears. Jackson Browne's music does that for me.

I've seen him in concert countless times; more than any other artist. I've seen him with a full band, and I've seen him solo acoustic. The latter is how he came and joined me on the air at the KSCA Music Hall on September 13, 1996. If you enjoy what you hear on this episode of Radio Or Not, you'll probably want to pick up Jackson's latest album, "Jackson Browne Solo Acoustic Vol. 1".

As always, if you like what you hear or have any suggestions for future episodes of Radio or Not, feel free to leave a comment here or email me at RadioOrNot@gmail.com. Also, please visit our sponsor, Legacy Group Unlimited (that's me too...).

Just in time for the holidays, we offer lots of wonderful gifts made from your priceless photos, as well as family keepsake video production.

Subscribe to the podcast, or listen here.


Thanks for listening!

Nicole Sandler

Radio Or Not #9 -- Like a Hurricane

No, not the Neil Young song, but Wilma. She tore through South Florida with a fury none of us seasoned hurricane veterans expected, at least here on Florida's east coast.

But today, almost 2 weeks later, we find many of our friends and neighbors still powerless-- literally and figuratively. Most of the world doesn't know how the streets of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale resemble a war zone. Trees and traffic lights are down everywhere, the roads are almost impossible to navigate and kids have been out of school for 2 weeks. It looks like a war zone. People are downhearted and shell-shocked. Businesses are hurting, mine included.

When I put up the last podcast, it was just after Hurricane Katrina, and I did a short musical tribute to the Gulf States, and disseminated information on ways we could all help those affected. All that information is still here on the Radio Or Not blog (just look at the previous post). If you'd like to help the victims of Wilma as you helped those who were subject to Katrina's wrath, there are many down here who would be extremely grateful.

Today, I'll use this space and the very special podcast I put together to promote my own businesses! It takes time to build a business, and I've only been at it a little over a year. Wilma stopped it all cold. So, ss we approach the holiday season, and we're all starting to think about what to give our family and friends, I invite you to check out the offerings at Legacy Group Unlimited!

We offer wonderful gifts made from your precious, priceless photographs. From custom DVDs made from your family photos, home movies, slides & memorabilia to beautiful photo handbags
to sharing all the old family photos with your entire family, making leather-bound photo books, calendars, jewelry, jigsaw puzzles, and just about anything else you can think of from those photos
we can help you with most of your holiday gift-giving!

Thanks for supporting your sponsors!

Enjoy the music in today's podcast... It's an assortment of songs recorded live in the KSCA Music Hall. Featuring The Jayhawks, Matthew Sweet, Lyle Lovett, Ben Harper, Kevin Gilbert, dada, Graham Parker & David Byrne doing unreleased live renditions of some songs you know, and some you've likely never heard before. If you like what you hear, tell your friends about the World Class Podcast at RadioOrNot.com.

A quick postscript... The email address I gave during the podcast is wrong. (That's what I get for posting so infrequently!). Please send your comments to RadioOrNot@gmail.com. Thanks!