Now that Democrats have won across the board in the elections, initially it's very likely that conservative talk radio will be in jeopardy.
This is no big secret. For quite awhile, icons Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck have voiced that very concern as to what the effect the reinstatement of the "Fairness Doctrine" would have on the industry.
The resulting facts of the broadcast industry are quite evident. Conservative talk is huge. Liberal talk is obscure. Conservative talk is profitable. Liberal talk is anemic. The EIB Network is a monilith. Air America is bankrupt.
Presented as entertainment value to it's audience and with it's growth and staying ability, luring top advertising revenue with impressive demographics, conservative talk radio has for the past 25 years, bell-weathered it's influence (some may say political upheaval) much to the shegrin of liberals who've made a go of it but fall flat every time.
What the picture truly is here, is that if the liberal market can't sway to the dictates of the audience, then the Fairness Doctrine's goal will be to dictate to the market. Therefore, the audience will hear the opposing view whether they like it or not. Regardless of gains by liberal Democrats in recent elections, the goal overall is to squelch any opposition and first amendment rights once and for all.
Beside ethnic genres, it's said that conservative radio, for the most part is what saved and continues to rule the AM dial. That very result is what has angered and notched into the ultra-sensitive craw of the liberal defense. Hence, it's need to wield it's revived political power and silence the voices that stand in the way of government expansion.
Should this happen, the initial drawing board will first create not only over re-regulation by the FCC, but include a break down of local markets to be relentlessly evaluated and scrutinized by politburo styled agencies. On the regional/local level, the force of these mini-agencies would have the ability to gnash teeth and create the resulting fear of progress by commercially-based stations. The final result could be the abandonment of the very programming that fueled the profitabilities versus the government breathing down their respective necks.
Enter, at least for now, a sanctuary of hope to voice opposition to liberal power. Internet radio, may very well be that pirate vessel. Free of government regulation, it offers an extensive escape that branches away from the terrestrial backbone of talk radio as we know it today. Those who want an unwavering voice should milk it for everything that it's worth.
It's worth a try. And definitely worth my investment in that arena.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Like Our Country, Internet Radio Is In Crisis
Looks like we will have to give up any hope for the "Internet Radio Equality Act".
If you're a regular listener to internet radio, you may have heard aired on ours, as well as pier stations, a request for your support of Bills H.R. 2060 AND S. 1353, otherwise known as the "Internet Radio Equality Act".
To date, this has become a stagnant issue in Washington. The effort is to equalize the higher royalty fees determined by the Copyright Royalty Board to be paid to record companies, artists, and composers for the songs that you hear on internet radio. These are paid through the recording industry's sanctioned agency SoundExchange. Compared to the exact same royalties paid to satellite and eventually terrestrial radio for the same music, this was obviously un-fair and a stealth attempt to slowly bleed internet radio music stations to death.
Already crawling at a snail's pace to begin with, the effort has now hit a brick wall.
Needless to say, the financial debacle by government is now the 10,000 pound gorilla in the room. And because of the exposure of blunders by a majority of representatives, senators and the White House, before and after, the financial bailout action, makes it quite obvious by many that the pending upheaval of the upcoming elections will spell the doom of many incumbents. Perhaps the majority of those who co-sponsor the IREA.
Thus, what would be considered a moral act of establishing fair play of all entities that play music across the board, will take a further back seat, (more like taking a place in the upper pigeon hole in the furthest corner of the guest room closet) when compared to more pressing issues that have had to pause because of the 700 billion dollar mortgage crisis.
Realistically and comparatively to priorities, it's more for the reason that American's could care less about anything else at this point.
With all these delays, life couldn't be sweeter for the recording industry and Sound Exchange, who have had all the opportunities in the world to strategize and re-strategize it's efforts of holding together, the unbelievable large royalty percentage imposed on internet radio. This more than likely puts the internet radio industry at the mercy of a totally new line up in Washington.
The whole story began in Washington and ends in Washington. Who do you currently have faith in there to proceed with anything?
If you're a regular listener to internet radio, you may have heard aired on ours, as well as pier stations, a request for your support of Bills H.R. 2060 AND S. 1353, otherwise known as the "Internet Radio Equality Act".
To date, this has become a stagnant issue in Washington. The effort is to equalize the higher royalty fees determined by the Copyright Royalty Board to be paid to record companies, artists, and composers for the songs that you hear on internet radio. These are paid through the recording industry's sanctioned agency SoundExchange. Compared to the exact same royalties paid to satellite and eventually terrestrial radio for the same music, this was obviously un-fair and a stealth attempt to slowly bleed internet radio music stations to death.
Already crawling at a snail's pace to begin with, the effort has now hit a brick wall.
Needless to say, the financial debacle by government is now the 10,000 pound gorilla in the room. And because of the exposure of blunders by a majority of representatives, senators and the White House, before and after, the financial bailout action, makes it quite obvious by many that the pending upheaval of the upcoming elections will spell the doom of many incumbents. Perhaps the majority of those who co-sponsor the IREA.
Thus, what would be considered a moral act of establishing fair play of all entities that play music across the board, will take a further back seat, (more like taking a place in the upper pigeon hole in the furthest corner of the guest room closet) when compared to more pressing issues that have had to pause because of the 700 billion dollar mortgage crisis.
Realistically and comparatively to priorities, it's more for the reason that American's could care less about anything else at this point.
With all these delays, life couldn't be sweeter for the recording industry and Sound Exchange, who have had all the opportunities in the world to strategize and re-strategize it's efforts of holding together, the unbelievable large royalty percentage imposed on internet radio. This more than likely puts the internet radio industry at the mercy of a totally new line up in Washington.
The whole story began in Washington and ends in Washington. Who do you currently have faith in there to proceed with anything?
Friday, September 12, 2008
Why Should It Matter If McCain Sends Emails?
The latest Barack Obama attack ad is trying to focus on John McCain being a "computer illiterate" and how important that in this day and age that a leader should have thorough knowledge of the internet from blogging, emails, OS and IM to be effective. Am I to be so impressed that a candidate that can master "geek-speak" can harness the massive affairs of the free world? (I don't believe I've seen Mark Cuban on the ticket.)
My instant response to that is, if that's the case Sen.Obama, do you have thorough knowledge of the operation of military aircraft?...Or for that matter, an aircraft carrier?..Or for that matter, an entire naval fleet? How about staring the enemy in the eye? That means more to me in a commander-in-chief than for someone who can just set up a MySpace page.
My instant response to that is, if that's the case Sen.Obama, do you have thorough knowledge of the operation of military aircraft?...Or for that matter, an aircraft carrier?..Or for that matter, an entire naval fleet? How about staring the enemy in the eye? That means more to me in a commander-in-chief than for someone who can just set up a MySpace page.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Phoenix, AZ You're IT!
It's back! After a summer hiatus the featured city/state of the week has returned to to The Nation page on our GUS.FM website. We're proud to roll the new version out with eyes on Phoenix, AZ!
If you're a regular and you've tracked the week to week focus, what you will find is that it's not much different, but we wanted to remain a bit more relevant to the music. That's the general reason why you visit, right? Among other things what you will find is an embedded video that we can manage to dig up to feature either a song to a namesake, or what would really be great is if you are artist with original material that not only can get the recognition that you're looking for as well as a suggestion to what should be the next featured area.
This is also a way for you to keep up to what Wikipedia has published online about your respective zone. Since you're free to edit, you may be able to pinpoint and correct mistakes or add your own adjustment to their article. Just click on the name of the town and/or the state flag on the site.
If you're a regular and you've tracked the week to week focus, what you will find is that it's not much different, but we wanted to remain a bit more relevant to the music. That's the general reason why you visit, right? Among other things what you will find is an embedded video that we can manage to dig up to feature either a song to a namesake, or what would really be great is if you are artist with original material that not only can get the recognition that you're looking for as well as a suggestion to what should be the next featured area.
This is also a way for you to keep up to what Wikipedia has published online about your respective zone. Since you're free to edit, you may be able to pinpoint and correct mistakes or add your own adjustment to their article. Just click on the name of the town and/or the state flag on the site.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
GUS.FM 128kbs Server Changed
If you have the GUS.FM 128kbs Shoutcast stream bookmarked to your media player, make note that we have transitioned to a new server which is online now. You may simply go to the GUS.FM website and click on the listen link in the current song playing window which will open to the new stream address and refresh your bookmark. Or you can enter this url into your media browser:
http://67.159.44.161:8108/listen.pls
We will pull the plug on the original Shoutcast 128kbs stream on 9/1/08.
Though we have diligently made changes to all known portals, we're aware that in time there are many relays that have voluntarily, and unknown to us, picked up our webcast.
If you know of such a situation, please contact that individual service and link them back to this message, or email us at contact@gus.fm.
http://67.159.44.161:8108/listen.pls
We will pull the plug on the original Shoutcast 128kbs stream on 9/1/08.
Though we have diligently made changes to all known portals, we're aware that in time there are many relays that have voluntarily, and unknown to us, picked up our webcast.
If you know of such a situation, please contact that individual service and link them back to this message, or email us at contact@gus.fm.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Time For My Opinion on Internet Radio Royalty Rates
I'm ocassionally asked, or am forwarded news articles about the plight of the
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Boycott Gary Glitter Music
I will not, and have never aired Gary Glitter material on my radio station! He is a convicted child predator and pervert of the worst extreme!
I could say that would sum it all up and close this particular article, except for one thing. He still receives royalty checks every time his 1971 hit song "Rock and Roll Pt2" is played at virtually every sporting venue in the world. And you may unknowingly be feeding his appetite.
My daughter was in high school band, and I remember each touchdown that was scored was punctuated by each teams' respective band by the familiar duh duh duh...da duh-da duh. The rights that were obtained to play that in a public setting was (or legally, should have been) licensed to compensate the composer. That is Gary Glitter in this case. And my tax money, stadium admission, and band support money funneled to his sick, twisted coffer.
The same for your high school, college, and pro team attendance.
A multiple offender in Britain, and fallen from grace, Glitter doesn't seem to absorb the gravity of his offenses. So it seems, if he couldn't be able to fix in his homeland, he trolled about internationally.
Just released from a three year sentence at a Vietnamese prison for molesting two 11 year old girls, Glitter is now slithering back to London. If that's not bad enough to an accumulation of money he made while he slept and God only knows what type of punishment you receive in a Vietnamese prison. If you ask me, even that was too lenient.
There are appropriate appendages that should be cut off Glitter at this point. If you can't get to the prime one, go for the next best thing and cut off his money. Be aware of this situation and demand that his music no longer be played at any venue.
It's a shame. I enjoyed playing this hit song in my early radio years and had fond reflections of my high school years.
From this point on, however, any time you hear "Rock and Roll, Pt.2" consider it the "Child Predator's National Anthem."
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website
I could say that would sum it all up and close this particular article, except for one thing. He still receives royalty checks every time his 1971 hit song "Rock and Roll Pt2" is played at virtually every sporting venue in the world. And you may unknowingly be feeding his appetite.
My daughter was in high school band, and I remember each touchdown that was scored was punctuated by each teams' respective band by the familiar duh duh duh...da duh-da duh. The rights that were obtained to play that in a public setting was (or legally, should have been) licensed to compensate the composer. That is Gary Glitter in this case. And my tax money, stadium admission, and band support money funneled to his sick, twisted coffer.
The same for your high school, college, and pro team attendance.
A multiple offender in Britain, and fallen from grace, Glitter doesn't seem to absorb the gravity of his offenses. So it seems, if he couldn't be able to fix in his homeland, he trolled about internationally.
Just released from a three year sentence at a Vietnamese prison for molesting two 11 year old girls, Glitter is now slithering back to London. If that's not bad enough to an accumulation of money he made while he slept and God only knows what type of punishment you receive in a Vietnamese prison. If you ask me, even that was too lenient.
There are appropriate appendages that should be cut off Glitter at this point. If you can't get to the prime one, go for the next best thing and cut off his money. Be aware of this situation and demand that his music no longer be played at any venue.
It's a shame. I enjoyed playing this hit song in my early radio years and had fond reflections of my high school years.
From this point on, however, any time you hear "Rock and Roll, Pt.2" consider it the "Child Predator's National Anthem."
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children website
Friday, August 15, 2008
Online Radio-GUS.FM: New and Improved!
Let's start off by saying.."We're exhausted! But the 'Classic Hit Combo' is back (and ON) with a vengence!" So come back to GUS.FM!
To catch you up to speed, especially if you've tried to login to the music stream, the internet has not been a very good friend for us this summer. Largely due to unexpected failures in the mainframe infrastructure from our origin, one after another. In keeping a discrepency log, the last count was 119 occurances in the last 30 days alone. (Hey, honestly, even we quit listening!)
Frustrations, lost sleep, revenue and a steady decline of listeners hit us with a brick of embarassment. When will it ever end? With a large degree of certainty we believe it has! Running the latest ping, and a little tweaking, I have never seen a such a clean response. And you can tell by listening!
The 'Classic Hit Combo' has gained a worldwide notariety that we intend to keep. Striking a cord with our listeners, that never stopped loving the classic hits of the past and developing new ones. With the likes of Classic Rock, Blues, Country, Christian and Oldies, it's sure to keep you in a grip for a long time to come.
A word of advice, if you ever run an internet radio station, you're at the mercy of your IP. But be nice and willing to work together and they'll be at your mercy.
Drop us a line and tell us what you think. Enjoy!
To catch you up to speed, especially if you've tried to login to the music stream, the internet has not been a very good friend for us this summer. Largely due to unexpected failures in the mainframe infrastructure from our origin, one after another. In keeping a discrepency log, the last count was 119 occurances in the last 30 days alone. (Hey, honestly, even we quit listening!)
Frustrations, lost sleep, revenue and a steady decline of listeners hit us with a brick of embarassment. When will it ever end? With a large degree of certainty we believe it has! Running the latest ping, and a little tweaking, I have never seen a such a clean response. And you can tell by listening!
The 'Classic Hit Combo' has gained a worldwide notariety that we intend to keep. Striking a cord with our listeners, that never stopped loving the classic hits of the past and developing new ones. With the likes of Classic Rock, Blues, Country, Christian and Oldies, it's sure to keep you in a grip for a long time to come.
A word of advice, if you ever run an internet radio station, you're at the mercy of your IP. But be nice and willing to work together and they'll be at your mercy.
Drop us a line and tell us what you think. Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Clearing Satellite Signal Blockage
The other day I ran across someone asking a question about whether or not a geosynchronous satellite can drift off the alignment track while sending signal to earth.
Not likely. Characteristics of the earth can, and always do, however. Anything from a sinking foundation, to seasonal exposure can have an effect on a satellite dish in it’s present environment versus it’s original alignment.
For example, last year at our home in Texas, we had a record breaking three month torrential monsoon that didn’t let up almost every single evening. With an approaching thunderstorm from the southwest it was getting fairly routine to have a “rain fade” of our signal. Eventually the rain let up, but we were still having bouts of intermittent signal loss in clear sky conditions.
After a few weeks of troubleshooting the dish and receiver I climbed the roof and placed a laser pointer on top of the LNB. The light went right into about a third of my neighbors tree that had grown an astonishing six feet. After asking him to trim it back, the problem cleared.
This is a great way to troubleshoot any sat problem; but you must make sure to take a few safety (and regulatgory) issues at hand. Make sure the laser isn’t pointing in anyone’s direction. This can cause severe eye damage. Also make sure there isn’t any aircraft close by. The FAA will be all over you in a heartbeat.
Not likely. Characteristics of the earth can, and always do, however. Anything from a sinking foundation, to seasonal exposure can have an effect on a satellite dish in it’s present environment versus it’s original alignment.
For example, last year at our home in Texas, we had a record breaking three month torrential monsoon that didn’t let up almost every single evening. With an approaching thunderstorm from the southwest it was getting fairly routine to have a “rain fade” of our signal. Eventually the rain let up, but we were still having bouts of intermittent signal loss in clear sky conditions.
After a few weeks of troubleshooting the dish and receiver I climbed the roof and placed a laser pointer on top of the LNB. The light went right into about a third of my neighbors tree that had grown an astonishing six feet. After asking him to trim it back, the problem cleared.
This is a great way to troubleshoot any sat problem; but you must make sure to take a few safety (and regulatgory) issues at hand. Make sure the laser isn’t pointing in anyone’s direction. This can cause severe eye damage. Also make sure there isn’t any aircraft close by. The FAA will be all over you in a heartbeat.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Echo Hill Media Extends a Hand to Extend High-Speed
New media services company, Echo Hill Media, LLC has announced that it will partner with Germantown, MD based ISP, HughesNet, to market it's high-speed satellite internet service throughout the U.S. by way of it's newly created website, satosphere.com.
With approximately 80 million households having internet access; one-third of those subscribers are already immersed with high-speed internet. However, there remains a market of 13 to 15 million, particularly in rural or beyond extended DSL and cable areas, that have been waiting to almost no avail for faster broadband access.
“It wasn't hard to see the consumer demand, as well as the growth potential that satellite internet has to offer”, said EHM CEO Bryan Thompson. “Today's and tomorrow's connections rely on not only faster speeds, but enabling capacity for larger file downloads and transfers.”
There are approximately 3.4 million small businesses that are under-served, left with dial-up, or WI-FI in extended service areas. An environment that can be costly in a short period of time.
“This paves the way not only for the convenience of optimum service but provides a boost for small and home-based businesses, another explosive trend”, Thompson added.
HughesNet, traces it's beginning to 1971, as Hughes Network Systems and became a part of Hughes Electronics a subsidiary of General Motors, which also owned DirecTV. The internet service was marketed as Direcway. As Hughes Electronics was sold to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, HNS was spun off seperately from DirecTV. Today it is recognized as a leader in satellite high speed internet service. Utilizing a direct two-way communication link from satellite dishes, the upload and download speed times are fast with no need for phone lines.
Specializing in new media services, Echo Hill Media currently operates internet radio station and website GUS.FM and Echo Hill Productions, primarily an audio broadcast production service for TV, radio and audio/visual presentations.
With approximately 80 million households having internet access; one-third of those subscribers are already immersed with high-speed internet. However, there remains a market of 13 to 15 million, particularly in rural or beyond extended DSL and cable areas, that have been waiting to almost no avail for faster broadband access.
“It wasn't hard to see the consumer demand, as well as the growth potential that satellite internet has to offer”, said EHM CEO Bryan Thompson. “Today's and tomorrow's connections rely on not only faster speeds, but enabling capacity for larger file downloads and transfers.”
There are approximately 3.4 million small businesses that are under-served, left with dial-up, or WI-FI in extended service areas. An environment that can be costly in a short period of time.
“This paves the way not only for the convenience of optimum service but provides a boost for small and home-based businesses, another explosive trend”, Thompson added.
HughesNet, traces it's beginning to 1971, as Hughes Network Systems and became a part of Hughes Electronics a subsidiary of General Motors, which also owned DirecTV. The internet service was marketed as Direcway. As Hughes Electronics was sold to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, HNS was spun off seperately from DirecTV. Today it is recognized as a leader in satellite high speed internet service. Utilizing a direct two-way communication link from satellite dishes, the upload and download speed times are fast with no need for phone lines.
Specializing in new media services, Echo Hill Media currently operates internet radio station and website GUS.FM and Echo Hill Productions, primarily an audio broadcast production service for TV, radio and audio/visual presentations.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
‘Going Green’ Corporations: “The Right Thing to Do”…Not
First of all, let me state the position that we should all be good stewards of our environment. For what little time we have on this earth, there is a God-given and innate responsibility to maintain our dominion. The world we leave behind is precious to those we hold most precious, our future generations and legacies.
So catch me recycling and disposing waste most appropriately. When I see someone throwing litter out the car window the first utterance from my lips is, “pig!”
So now that that’s established, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of an issue that’s trite, ridiculous, condecending, hypocritical and border-line blasphemous by CEO’s and corporations in all out media blitzes, praising themselves of the efforts and operational restructuring all in the name of “going green”, and “doing our part to stem global warming”. (Which for the most part, realistically, isn’t man-made.) Outrageous as these self-serving claims are, it’s amazing how far it has gotten out of hand.
Give us a break. ‘Going green’ is not the motivating factor in a board room or with stockholders. Any, and I mean any business is only in and should be for the major reasons of supplying what the market demands and turning profit for investors that expect a lean bottom line in doing so.
Case in point is the unbelievable claim by SC Johnson that converting their Kentucky factory to run on methane is for the good of the environment. You do know what methane is derived from, right? It’s from the claim that SCJ converted over only for the environment. Lookit, you have astromically rising fuel prices and then a chance to run your factory on cow manure when there is a bountiful supply. Look at this from the perspective of your own home or vehicle. $4.00-$5.00 per gallon foreign oil that sucks up 50% of your take home, versus homegrown poop from your own backyard at next to nothing. Put away the scales because logic has already enlightened most of us at this moment.
Not to pick on just one corporation, there’s plenty of PR smoke and mirrors to go around here. I just saw a report this week of the local Coca-Cola distributor in Dallas putting the outrageous claim in a balloon and streamer news conference that the “reason” for converting delivery trucks to hybrid was for the environment, and “the right thing to do”. Again, let’s look at the major function of the product in the market. Is this about ‘going green’ or, Mr. CEO, is about ’saving, or, heaven forbid, ‘making green’.
And the media at-large isn’t a help either. NBC/Universal, FOX, ABC, etc., with their little ‘greened’ logos in the lower right hand corner of our TV screens make awareness to the environment, but dig deeper and certain there’s a little marketing advantage built into it. If was just the opposite, they wouldn’t be there.
Right now, I’m looking at an AT&T banner ad asking all of us to ‘green’ and refurb for free. Again, is this the purpose of climate change or ridding an overstock of outdated inventory?
In a free market society, corporations can do anything legally that they want to do, if that’s what gives a warm fuzzy to their mission statements. Say anything, do anything to move volume. But when in it comes to the environment, don’t insult our intellegence. Do what you must do, quietly…then shut up about it.
So catch me recycling and disposing waste most appropriately. When I see someone throwing litter out the car window the first utterance from my lips is, “pig!”
So now that that’s established, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of an issue that’s trite, ridiculous, condecending, hypocritical and border-line blasphemous by CEO’s and corporations in all out media blitzes, praising themselves of the efforts and operational restructuring all in the name of “going green”, and “doing our part to stem global warming”. (Which for the most part, realistically, isn’t man-made.) Outrageous as these self-serving claims are, it’s amazing how far it has gotten out of hand.
Give us a break. ‘Going green’ is not the motivating factor in a board room or with stockholders. Any, and I mean any business is only in and should be for the major reasons of supplying what the market demands and turning profit for investors that expect a lean bottom line in doing so.
Case in point is the unbelievable claim by SC Johnson that converting their Kentucky factory to run on methane is for the good of the environment. You do know what methane is derived from, right? It’s from the claim that SCJ converted over only for the environment. Lookit, you have astromically rising fuel prices and then a chance to run your factory on cow manure when there is a bountiful supply. Look at this from the perspective of your own home or vehicle. $4.00-$5.00 per gallon foreign oil that sucks up 50% of your take home, versus homegrown poop from your own backyard at next to nothing. Put away the scales because logic has already enlightened most of us at this moment.
Not to pick on just one corporation, there’s plenty of PR smoke and mirrors to go around here. I just saw a report this week of the local Coca-Cola distributor in Dallas putting the outrageous claim in a balloon and streamer news conference that the “reason” for converting delivery trucks to hybrid was for the environment, and “the right thing to do”. Again, let’s look at the major function of the product in the market. Is this about ‘going green’ or, Mr. CEO, is about ’saving, or, heaven forbid, ‘making green’.
And the media at-large isn’t a help either. NBC/Universal, FOX, ABC, etc., with their little ‘greened’ logos in the lower right hand corner of our TV screens make awareness to the environment, but dig deeper and certain there’s a little marketing advantage built into it. If was just the opposite, they wouldn’t be there.
Right now, I’m looking at an AT&T banner ad asking all of us to ‘green’ and refurb for free. Again, is this the purpose of climate change or ridding an overstock of outdated inventory?
In a free market society, corporations can do anything legally that they want to do, if that’s what gives a warm fuzzy to their mission statements. Say anything, do anything to move volume. But when in it comes to the environment, don’t insult our intellegence. Do what you must do, quietly…then shut up about it.
Friday, June 13, 2008
We're Not Like Anything You've Ever Heard Before...Maybe?
A friend commented the other day that the 'Classic Hit Combo' on GUS.FM, was a "great potpourri of music styles." Love ya'..but, yick! Potpourri is what you use when you want to mask the smell of something. And nothing smells here! Well, quite honestly, a few stinkers get past us every now and then. But thanks to our great search and destroy system, we'll rightly rid them!
Been to a home improvement store lately? Seems as though the 'Classic Hit Combo' is catching on with the programmer of the music system. That seems to be the magic with the flow of our music format. It's tremendous during moments of deep decision. So at this moment you're either tapping your foot, or being nudged to buy a riding lawn mower.
We are most definitely 'America's favorite @work station'. Especially with government employees and certainly with those in the military. What could be the reason for this honor? Couldn't put our finger on it until it dawned on us recently that it must be the attraction of the chevron in our trademark logo. If that's the case, we should have used the picture of a saber going through the head of Osama Bin-Laden!
Listen!
Been to a home improvement store lately? Seems as though the 'Classic Hit Combo' is catching on with the programmer of the music system. That seems to be the magic with the flow of our music format. It's tremendous during moments of deep decision. So at this moment you're either tapping your foot, or being nudged to buy a riding lawn mower.
We are most definitely 'America's favorite @work station'. Especially with government employees and certainly with those in the military. What could be the reason for this honor? Couldn't put our finger on it until it dawned on us recently that it must be the attraction of the chevron in our trademark logo. If that's the case, we should have used the picture of a saber going through the head of Osama Bin-Laden!
Listen!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Make Internet History: Webcast for Free on GUS.FM
Since it's debut, the online audience for GUS.FM continues to stream to an increasing worldwide audience. And that's due in no small part to the viral networking connections and suggestions by visitors that promote the site. One of the main goals of the station is to keep the 'radio' in webradio. The success is based on music that covers a variety of genres that cover a broad demographic appeal, packaged as 'The Classic Hit Combo'.
In the next phase, the folks at the site have devised a little 'audience participation' scheme, that is poised to create internet history.
In a statement released June 11,2006, Echo Hill Media CEO Bryan Thompson said, "In appreciation, the floor is open for our audience every weekend to webcast and promote special, charitable events to the world.The benefit of this availability is not just reserved for the 'on-air' portion of our service, but as the event unfolds the participants can also send real-time photos and/or videos to be posted and archived on the website.
Best of all, it's free. The only thing we ask in return is that those involved ramp up their campaigns and promote, email, blog and back link the heck out of the event in association with GUS.FM leading up to the date. And prominently display our logo link on site and on the internet."
To qualify the event must follow these guidelines:
* Representation to benefit a registered non-profit organization.
* Have universal appeal and be open for accepting and processing donations from other parts of the US and Canada ie; The American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots etc.
* An event that would be expected to draw on site, more than 100 people at a time. (Sorry, a small bake sale doesn't qualify.)
* Event coordinator or chairperson must sign an advanced waiver that holds GUS.FM harmless of any legal dispute.
* Follow program format guidelines and request availability at least 10 days prior to the event. Time slots are open on a first come, first serve basis.
* Have a designated contact person responsible for making on location call-ins and picture uploads.
Plus a few other minor details that should help create a top-notch webcast.
If you are interested, call 1-800-898-0854, or email contact@gus.fm. to qualify and for details on how you can set up.
Who knows, this could unleash the inner-broadcaster in you.
In the next phase, the folks at the site have devised a little 'audience participation' scheme, that is poised to create internet history.
In a statement released June 11,2006, Echo Hill Media CEO Bryan Thompson said, "In appreciation, the floor is open for our audience every weekend to webcast and promote special, charitable events to the world.The benefit of this availability is not just reserved for the 'on-air' portion of our service, but as the event unfolds the participants can also send real-time photos and/or videos to be posted and archived on the website.
Best of all, it's free. The only thing we ask in return is that those involved ramp up their campaigns and promote, email, blog and back link the heck out of the event in association with GUS.FM leading up to the date. And prominently display our logo link on site and on the internet."
To qualify the event must follow these guidelines:
* Representation to benefit a registered non-profit organization.
* Have universal appeal and be open for accepting and processing donations from other parts of the US and Canada ie; The American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots etc.
* An event that would be expected to draw on site, more than 100 people at a time. (Sorry, a small bake sale doesn't qualify.)
* Event coordinator or chairperson must sign an advanced waiver that holds GUS.FM harmless of any legal dispute.
* Follow program format guidelines and request availability at least 10 days prior to the event. Time slots are open on a first come, first serve basis.
* Have a designated contact person responsible for making on location call-ins and picture uploads.
Plus a few other minor details that should help create a top-notch webcast.
If you are interested, call 1-800-898-0854, or email contact@gus.fm. to qualify and for details on how you can set up.
Who knows, this could unleash the inner-broadcaster in you.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Bo Diddley, Pioneer and Legend 1928-2008
Rock n' Roll pioneer Bo Diddley died today at 79 from heart failure at his home in Archer FL.
Born Ellas Bates in McComb, MS on December 28, 1928, he moved to Chicago with his family at the age of seven. It was there that he aspired to be a musician by first trying the violin, but converted to guitar after seeing a performance by John Lee Hooker.
Diddley had said that he had been given the nickname Bo Diddley by transposing the word diddly bo, a single stringed instrument brought over to America by African slaves.
The 'Bo Diddley Beat' (syphoned from the timing of "shave and a haircut, two-bits) became the trade mark and the influencial foundation for the next 50 years by many of rock's famous stars and music.
The beat was very distinctive in Buddy Holly's 'Not Fade Away', later by The Rolling Stones, and was a heavy influence to notables George Thorogood, and Bruce Springsteen.
Along with 1950's contemporaries, Chuck Berry and Little Richard, Diddley, with his induction in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, was highly honored as a founding father of that genre, as well as an instrumental bridge in forging Anglo and African-American music with the blend of blues and rock.
Bryan Thompson
GUS.FM
http://www.gus.fm
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Whole House FM Transmitter
Well, here we are...it's summer. The activities are concentrated outdoors. And so has my work. Between the maintaining the playlist stream, website and blogging updates, the lawn and the hot-tub now beseech my return.
How to keep the monitoring of my operation in check is no problem.
I would like to put in my two cents about this product. With the addition of the 'Whole House FM Transmitter' , I'm unchained from the PC and have now allowed my internet station, GUS.FM (or any audio source) to be broadcast not only all over the house, but outside to my car, garage, back yard etc. Talk about going the distance! My neighbors have been caught cheating and listening in at 107.7 (the available frenquency in my area) instead of listening online. I have a Bose Accoustic Wave® and the sound of my little 'ol station is magnificent. From my professional standpoint, it rivals the loudness and clarity of the adjoining 100K FM stations.
About the size of a deck of cards, It's a great investment for home or broadcasting MP3 in your vehicle if you don't have a line in. It's a quick and simple plug-in.
Go to http://www.gus.fm/whatsnewwhatscool.html for specs.
Bryan Thompson
GUS.FM
'WebRadio of the Great United States'
How to keep the monitoring of my operation in check is no problem.
I would like to put in my two cents about this product. With the addition of the 'Whole House FM Transmitter' , I'm unchained from the PC and have now allowed my internet station, GUS.FM (or any audio source) to be broadcast not only all over the house, but outside to my car, garage, back yard etc. Talk about going the distance! My neighbors have been caught cheating and listening in at 107.7 (the available frenquency in my area) instead of listening online. I have a Bose Accoustic Wave® and the sound of my little 'ol station is magnificent. From my professional standpoint, it rivals the loudness and clarity of the adjoining 100K FM stations.
About the size of a deck of cards, It's a great investment for home or broadcasting MP3 in your vehicle if you don't have a line in. It's a quick and simple plug-in.
Go to http://www.gus.fm/whatsnewwhatscool.html for specs.
Bryan Thompson
GUS.FM
'WebRadio of the Great United States'
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Elmore James
I wanted to focus special attention this 'Blues Tuesday' on the legendary Elmore James. Not many have heard of the 'King of the Slide Guitar' before, but his influence is immeasurable.
If you could ask the notable blues, country and rock legends of today ie; The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray & Jimmie Vaughn, Travis Tritt, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers and ZZ Topp to just name a few, Elmore James would be place upon the Top 5 of the Blues Guitar totem pole. Paticularly with the Robert Johnson penned song "Dust My Broom', the key that opened the box and still endures today.
George Harrison was a paticular maven of the works of E.J...so much as to pay tribute
in a roundabout with the Beatles song 'For You Blue'..which you'll hear George quip in the song...."Elmore James got nothin' on this baby......"
GUS.FM
Thursday, May 22, 2008
While We're In That Room
The Community Page on GUS.FM has now been renamed 'The Nation'. It's a logistics thing.
Let's see, we were discussing Terre Haute, next week it will be another place. But to bring a BIG SECRET out into the open, if ever you were curious as how the city/state of the week are chosen, it's quite a complex and scientific process, really. Data is compiled and extracted from a six-fold compressed zip file. It is then transfered to a sub-level plane. Random monetary value is applied to a trickle down method of placement within a dimension to a geographical area. The sum of these equations reveal the new area for said week. That seemed a bit more logical than to say a map is spread on the floor and a coin flip lands on the sweet spot.
You just gotta have fun with this thing.
Let's see, we were discussing Terre Haute, next week it will be another place. But to bring a BIG SECRET out into the open, if ever you were curious as how the city/state of the week are chosen, it's quite a complex and scientific process, really. Data is compiled and extracted from a six-fold compressed zip file. It is then transfered to a sub-level plane. Random monetary value is applied to a trickle down method of placement within a dimension to a geographical area. The sum of these equations reveal the new area for said week. That seemed a bit more logical than to say a map is spread on the floor and a coin flip lands on the sweet spot.
You just gotta have fun with this thing.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Is it "Hot" or Is It "Hoot"? Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
First of all, my apologies for a cliche. The featured City/State of the week on GUS.FM is Terre Hautte, IN. Probably one of the most mispronounced cities in the world.
A debate that I had with my wife was whether it's pronounced Ter-ruh Hote, or, Terry-Hot. She's from Central Illinois. Close enough in the region to have heard it mentioned a few times. She says it's Terr-uh Hoot.
Hoot, Hot, Hote...where are we on this?
A debate that I had with my wife was whether it's pronounced Ter-ruh Hote, or, Terry-Hot. She's from Central Illinois. Close enough in the region to have heard it mentioned a few times. She says it's Terr-uh Hoot.
Hoot, Hot, Hote...where are we on this?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lob This At The Next Game
Yesterday was a beautiful day for baseball. Ann & I had the opportunity to see our two grandsons in back to back games. Just loads of fun.
There's only one thing that can damper the spirit. You got it, the occassional zealot parent that has to make a scene when his/her son (or daughter) is outted in that not so controversial play.
I've seen it enough now that I've become curious as to what you call a parent like this. Is there even a word?
If not, I have a suggestion. Label them 'scuds". You know, in honor of the missles lobbed into Israel by Saddam's Iraq during Desert Storm. A big show but not much blow when the impact is made.
There's only one thing that can damper the spirit. You got it, the occassional zealot parent that has to make a scene when his/her son (or daughter) is outted in that not so controversial play.
I've seen it enough now that I've become curious as to what you call a parent like this. Is there even a word?
If not, I have a suggestion. Label them 'scuds". You know, in honor of the missles lobbed into Israel by Saddam's Iraq during Desert Storm. A big show but not much blow when the impact is made.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sioux City
Wasn't that one of the hot spots during the primary a few months ago? Anyway, if you're from there it's your turn for braggig rights as the GUS.FM city/state of the week.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
STARTING MONDAY 5/12, READ THE 'CLASSIC HIT BIO'
A daily feature that will focus on the stories of an artist/group/song of an individual genre each day.
MONDAY-ROCK, TUESDAY-BLUES, WEDNESDAY-COUNTRY, THURSDAY-CHRISTIAN, FRIDAY-OLDIES.
www.gus.fm
MONDAY-ROCK, TUESDAY-BLUES, WEDNESDAY-COUNTRY, THURSDAY-CHRISTIAN, FRIDAY-OLDIES.
www.gus.fm
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Cel Phones vs. Driving..Some Will Never Get It Right
I was a kid in the 60's, about the time I began an interest in reading the newspaper.
An editorial that caught my eye was criticizing then President Lyndon B. Johnson's intelligence and ability for snap and important decisions. "Johnson can't walk and chew gum at the same time", the lead paragraph said. I began to picture LBJ chewing gum and stumbling around the oval office. I even questioned my own ability, in trying, I found that wasn't a problem at all. I summed it up, even at that young age, as an exageration.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and I'm not so sure the same can apply to driving and talking on the cel phone. I won't go into boring details about how many of us have been cut-off (or have done the cutting-off) by a driver on the phone.
The facts are obvious. It's impossible for many to connect motor reflexes and conversation together for varied reasons.
Try this experiment next time you're at a 4 way stop with vehicles stopping at close to the same time. Most state-standardized traffic laws have the vehicle that made the first stop to have the right-of-way, with visual contact confirmation to the driver that you will be crossing against.
Virtually every time a driving cel phone user approaches, just watch. In most cases a complete stop is never made. If that driver was number 4 at the stop, they'll proceed. In most cases a visual contact was never made. Phone to ear and straight ahead!
Yeah, there are laws. Reckless driving, knee-jerk election grabbing campaigns, etc. I propose a device that blows the sound of a car horn at full decibel in the ear of the offending cel driver!
Next time you'll take your turn!
An editorial that caught my eye was criticizing then President Lyndon B. Johnson's intelligence and ability for snap and important decisions. "Johnson can't walk and chew gum at the same time", the lead paragraph said. I began to picture LBJ chewing gum and stumbling around the oval office. I even questioned my own ability, in trying, I found that wasn't a problem at all. I summed it up, even at that young age, as an exageration.
Fast forward to the 21st Century and I'm not so sure the same can apply to driving and talking on the cel phone. I won't go into boring details about how many of us have been cut-off (or have done the cutting-off) by a driver on the phone.
The facts are obvious. It's impossible for many to connect motor reflexes and conversation together for varied reasons.
Try this experiment next time you're at a 4 way stop with vehicles stopping at close to the same time. Most state-standardized traffic laws have the vehicle that made the first stop to have the right-of-way, with visual contact confirmation to the driver that you will be crossing against.
Virtually every time a driving cel phone user approaches, just watch. In most cases a complete stop is never made. If that driver was number 4 at the stop, they'll proceed. In most cases a visual contact was never made. Phone to ear and straight ahead!
Yeah, there are laws. Reckless driving, knee-jerk election grabbing campaigns, etc. I propose a device that blows the sound of a car horn at full decibel in the ear of the offending cel driver!
Next time you'll take your turn!
Friday, May 2, 2008
CONSUMERS WANT MUSIC, NOT SUBSCRIPTIONS
I find this interesting, and plausible. Free-flowing is what captures our audience and that's what you'll find on this site.
CONSUMERS WANT MUSIC, NOT SUBSCRIPTIONS
Music subscriptions services aren’t catching on with consumers, according to figures released by the RIAA. Subscriptions to services like Rhapsody and Napster grew from 1.7 million subscribers in 2006 to just 1.8 million in 2007 — an increase well under 1%. Revenues actually fell 2.6% over this same time span (from $206.2 million to $200.9 million). As Digital Music News reports, there are fewer companies competing in the space. Rhapsody has taken over MTV’s Urge, and RealNetworks (Rhapsody’s parent) is assuming control of Yahoo Music.
Source: News@11
CONSUMERS WANT MUSIC, NOT SUBSCRIPTIONS
Music subscriptions services aren’t catching on with consumers, according to figures released by the RIAA. Subscriptions to services like Rhapsody and Napster grew from 1.7 million subscribers in 2006 to just 1.8 million in 2007 — an increase well under 1%. Revenues actually fell 2.6% over this same time span (from $206.2 million to $200.9 million). As Digital Music News reports, there are fewer companies competing in the space. Rhapsody has taken over MTV’s Urge, and RealNetworks (Rhapsody’s parent) is assuming control of Yahoo Music.
Source: News@11
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Give It Up Fresno
Here we are. A new week and new town to focus on. It's your turn Fresno. What's your claim to fame?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
10 Reasons Why This Project Is Important
I'm a spiritual person. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Within the ins and outs of my daily routines that consistently average 14-15 hours a day on a one man operation, I pause occasionally to re-evaluate where this stands and question whether or not this is the right path.
I assume everyone that has a business goes through these deep bouts. My deepest one was today. It's one of those that caused me to buckle and cry out.
It was at that moment I had the urge to sit down and write the 10 reasons why the work at this site is important. It's not a matter of ego, mind you. I'm letting it out for the fact that for whomever reads this, that it becomes a point of solice and reconfirmation to forge ahead. Maybe just to realize that there is at least a reason. Perhaps this is the template you're looking for. I would say to fill in your own blanks as to what is important to you.
Well here goes....
1. It's work that I love.
2. It's work that I'm good at.
3. It's work that's available.
4. I'm experienced and I can teach others.
5. I'm in a young industry and I have a good shot at success.
6. The potential for growth has proven to be astronomical.
7. It's my own business.
8. It's my own creation. An innovation that could lead to an opportunity for others.
9. People love it.
10. It's my DREAM!
Habakkuk 2:2-3
I assume everyone that has a business goes through these deep bouts. My deepest one was today. It's one of those that caused me to buckle and cry out.
It was at that moment I had the urge to sit down and write the 10 reasons why the work at this site is important. It's not a matter of ego, mind you. I'm letting it out for the fact that for whomever reads this, that it becomes a point of solice and reconfirmation to forge ahead. Maybe just to realize that there is at least a reason. Perhaps this is the template you're looking for. I would say to fill in your own blanks as to what is important to you.
Well here goes....
1. It's work that I love.
2. It's work that I'm good at.
3. It's work that's available.
4. I'm experienced and I can teach others.
5. I'm in a young industry and I have a good shot at success.
6. The potential for growth has proven to be astronomical.
7. It's my own business.
8. It's my own creation. An innovation that could lead to an opportunity for others.
9. People love it.
10. It's my DREAM!
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Monday, April 21, 2008
State of the Week:Minnesota
Yeah, Minnesoooota. You're tagged as the 'State of the Week' on the Community page.
http://www.gus.fm/community.html
Excuse me, but the only three things I can identify the state with is Vikings, Ventura and Very cold.
Please enlighten us......
http://www.gus.fm/community.html
Excuse me, but the only three things I can identify the state with is Vikings, Ventura and Very cold.
Please enlighten us......
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Great Vacations
This afternoon, I put together a fairly comprehensive link of vacation packages on the webradio site, GUS.FM http://www.gus.fm.
What I don't have is your feedback about awesome packages that you've run across, suggestions, great adventures, your stories about getaway destnations. I'll leave this short and sweet. Just take it and run with it.
Please include some pictures if you can.
Bryan
What I don't have is your feedback about awesome packages that you've run across, suggestions, great adventures, your stories about getaway destnations. I'll leave this short and sweet. Just take it and run with it.
Please include some pictures if you can.
Bryan
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