We have a new intern, Amber Heiserman with us.  She’s doing a great job.  She seems to be fearless when dealing with the demands of her internship.  Again, we don’t know much about her, but we found out that she has a slight phobia.  Clownophobia?  Rednoseaphobia?  I don’t know what you want to call it, but she was not a happy camper.

photo by Richie Phillips

Our two clowns on the air with us

I was in the wrong position to catch the look of intense fear on her face, but she went crazy as one of the clowns actually leaped in the air and hurled himself at the newsroom window.  This was seconds after that happened.  A                                                                                           Here is the audio :

photo by Richie Phillips

/                   Later on she was confronted by this bunch of clowns, and after intensive therapy she seemed cured.

Now if only we could get our boss and afternoon drive host, Jake Thomas to get over his trepidation.  All I can say is, “Jake, take a good look in the mirror and just BECOME the clown.  It might help you.”

photo by Richie Phillips

Good, Jake.  Do this ten time a day and you’ll be just like Amber.

Engineer Matt Shea and GM Dan Austin get “primed” for the party.  (insert rimshot here)

photo by Richie Phillips

Brother Lou Roberts, PD Terry O’Donnell, Crush FM’s Mike Smith, and Matt grab the rollers and get to work.

photo by Richie PHillips

Our very own Human Resource Director and Administrative guru Sharon Carter joins the party.

photo by Richie Phillips

The hallway “before shot”

photo by Richie Phillips

Here’s how it’s coming along

We’ll let you know what the final product looks like.  It’s still a work in progress!

What joint projects are YOU doing at work?  Would love to know.  Leave your comments below

P.S.  We are now hiring.  Watch out college students: “Radio Painters” are now in business.

As you can see, this was a show for GE retirees (more than a thousand of them), and I was hired to do a little bit of parody “shtick” up front and then asked to introduce the acts for the evening. As you can see from the program above, Elvis was on the bill! The Elvis in question was actually from Schenectady, not Memphis.  His name is Donny Romines

from Donny Elvis website

I have to say he did a great job. As I stood there in the wings watching, you could see that the ladies in the audience were becoming more and more convinced with each “Uh-huh, Thank you very much” comment and gyration that the “King” was actually in the room.  It was very entertaining.

Then I introduced the “big band sound” of the Georgie Wonders Orchestra.

from website

I was equally impressed with these folks. Many of the band members are either active or retired teachers. In fact, the drummer, Ben Rau, was coincidentally one of the teachers that I’ve worked with in the past on the Reading, Writing and Rhyming Tour. These guys played everything from Glenn Miller to Stevie Wonder. (They did a country tune as well, by the way!)

To be in that beautiful theatre and to stand on that stage was amazing, especially considering whose shoes were planted on there before me.  Stage manager Keith Shmidt informed me that on the second floor there was actually a museum with Proctor’s memorabilia, and he quickly took me up there to show us some of the stars who have graced the stage in the past.  Check this out

photo by Richie from Proctor's Museum

The Chairman of The Board played here!

photo by Richie Phillips Proctors Museum

Gene Kelly, Sinatra, Bing Crosby and more with autographs, no less.

Original chair, Proctors

The same tapestry material on this original chair is still on the walls at Proctors.

However, I saved the best for last. A piece of Proctors history that is still being used and still sounding great.

Photo by Richie Phillips

It’s “Goldie” the Organ played by legendary organist Al Moser.

I really enjoyed this “gig”, and would like to thank old friend and GE Alumni Gloria Cerasulo for having me.   Also thanks to Mary Jones for her back stage help.

photo by Richie Phillips

First and foremost, check out the myriad of restaurants. Some are really not that expensive, but you have to go off the beaten path.  There are many smaller places that have great ambience, are really near the water, and awesome seafood (check out the blackened flying fish, for example)

photo by Richie PHillips

All beaches are PUBLIC, so you can walk, plop yourself down, jump in the water, look for shells -whatever!

Photo by Richie Phillips

Go into the stores and check out some of the local art.  This was taken in a shop that specialized in items made of shells.  Holy crap, I honestly enjoyed a store that didn’t have electronics in it.  What’s happened to me?

photo by Richie Phillips

Do some snorkeling.  Again, not the most expensive thing in the world, especially if you buy your gear at Walmart here at home and bring it with you.  That big blob in the middle of the picture is a sea turtle, by the way.   Here’s a better shot.

photo by Richie Phillips

His head came up for air – although I think he was actually trying to score some food.

photo by Richie Phillips

Ok, this was a little expensive.  It cost about $100/person ($200 Barbados dollars) .  Kids were about $75.00 each.  But you’ll never forget a catamaran ride in the Caribbean.  The waters are indescribable.

photo by Richie Phillips

Bonus thing to do – and it costs you nothing.  Check out the sunsets.  OMG!

As far as airfare, we (I mean Dorrie)  found flights for $400 each flying out of JFK.  So we drove there and took off.  Don’t discount JFK, BTW.  They were extremely efficient taking us  through customs, and we couldn’t believe how easy it was.

Want more information about Barbados?  Check out Barbados.org.  It even tells you

What’s your favorite vacation spot?  Have you found any reasonable ones?  Let us know in the comments below.

We all know Kevin Costner from movies such as Dances with Wolves, Bull Durham, Untouchables ect. Kevin has been acting movies since 1982. But the pass few years he has focused on his Country music career. Also you can get a behind the scenes look in to the new CD on CMT july 2nd.

Here is what Kevin Had to say about the Northern Lights show.

“Northern Lights lights up when the night falls. We  love that place. Thanks to everyone who came and made our night.”

First, let’s get the Queen reference out of the way.  According to our sister site, the FW.com.  This couple actually invited “Liz”  to their event, and she actually showed up!

According to our sources:

Frances and John Canning of Manchester, England scheduled their wedding at the town hall and learned that the British monarch would also be present at the venue on the same day. As a gag, the couple sent the Queen a wedding invitation.

I guess she has a good sense of humor, because she showed up.  That’s pretty cool, huh?

Of course,  you don’t need to do that to make YOUR wedding special.  But having DJ’ed umpteen receptions myself, I think I can rattle off a few things that WOULD make your event memorable, and since people are planning this time of year, it just may help you out:

1. Get an experienced DJ (as he clears his throat).  No, seriously.  There are a ton of DJ’s out there, but few have the background  to be ENTERTAINERS as well as record spinners.  There are three that I can think of “off hand”.  Between us we have over 60 years of experience.  Hire a ‘GNA DJ!  We play everything!

Mailto:Richie Phillips

Mailto:Kevin Richards

Mailto:”Bro.” Lou Roberts

2.  Make sure the venue is right.  Don’t necessarily assume that bigger is better.  Sometimes the small, intimate one-owner venues are best.  There are several big ones as well, so I’m not necessarily eliminating them as a choice.  I’ve played them all around here in my ** years of doing this.  I’ve got my top 5 choices.  I plan to do one a week -starting now.

The Altamont Manor ranks right up there as one of my all time favorites.

photo from Jewish World

Besides being a beautiful place with  a gorgeous setting inside and incredible food, the owners,  Harvey and Donna Abbott Vlahos are true multi-taskers.  They not only run the place, they also are excellent photographers, so they can make it “one stop shopping” for you.   They’re very creative behind the lens.  Here’s a few sample shots.

photo by Harvey Vlahos

photo by Harvey Vlahos

A beautiful “before” shot, photographed right on their grounds. While there are a lot of great places for photos all around the grounds at the Altamont Manor,  and most photographers can do a decent job with what’s there. a lot of the creativity happens when the shot is enhanced with an artistic vision, making a nice shot, really great. Harvey has a keen eye for creating a romantic essence after the shot is taken.

photo by Harvey Vlahos

An even more awesome “after” shot

The Altamont Manor was given an extremely high rating, by the way, from WeddingWire.com, which is associated with Martha Stewart Weddings. The bridal couples themselves actually do the reviews on there, so you are getting an unbiased opinion.   I, on the other hand have become very biased, having done over a dozen events there.  You will have an unforgettable time there, guaranteed.

So there you go – just one example of the fantastic venues in the Albany area that I have had the privilege of playing. These are places that will treat your bride like a Queen without actually having to put one on the guest list.  (I wonder if she gave a nice gift?)

They’ll be more reviews in the weeks to come, by the way.  And if you have any that you’d like to mention, please leave your comments below.    Happy hunting!

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from Lost Cantina website

Mark Pierre (lead vocals), Paul Johnson (bass), Bruce Lamica (guitar, vocals), Kenny Stonach (drums),  John Adams (lead guitar), and Bud Devoe (engineer, photographer and videographer extroardinaire) are the Lost Cantina Band, and they were more than kind to let me sit in with them, as I’ve done a couple of times before, just for “you know what’s and giggles”.

photo by Bud Devoe

Here we are.  We be jammin’, mon!

photo by Bud Devoe

photo by Bud Devoe

There’s a weird non-verbal communication that happens when musicians get together.  I can’t even put it into words.  We don’t even have to talk at all.  We just start playing, and somehow we all know when to start, when to pause, when to be soft, when to crank it up, when to take the “solo”,  and when to say “enough”.  It’s probably the same if you are a basketball player.  You just know what the other guy’s doing without explaining it.  I guess that’s the best analogy I can give you.  But regardless, I totally enjoyed hanging out and playing, although I will say it was tough to keep up with them.  These guys are VERY, and I mean VERY good.   Makes me want to sit in on their next gig.  Hmmmm.. maybe if I beg them enough….

Would you like to find out where they’re going to be next?  Check out their website at      www.lostcantinaband.com.   Go see ‘em.  These guys ROCK. I mean, COUNTRY.  I’m very glad I FOUND the LOST CANTINA BAND.

It’s Central Park, right off of Route 7 in Schenectady to be exact.  Granted – everything isn’t fully opened up yet, but I just wanted to scope out all of the things it had to offer.  So I grabbed my iPhone and took some shots  (sorry – can’t be without the gadget for too long, but I just used the camera – nothing else)

photo by Richie Phillips

The park has a great history, and top security.

Photo by Richie Phillips

Photo by Richie Phillips

Photo by Richie Phillips

What’s a park without ducks?  Plenty of them – but don’t go feeding them french fries and stuff, please

Photo by Richie Phillips

Plenty of tennis courts available – at least THIS  time of year

Photo by Richie Phillips

There’s a place called the “Casino” right on the property.  Looks like they have a nice patio too.

Photo by Richie Phillips

All kinds of playground equipment for the kids.

Photo by Richie Phillips

They have a huge lake there as well.  Glad my phone does panorama shots

So there you have it – Schenectady’s Crown Jewel.  Go to a park today. (You pay for it – you might as well use it)

from Blue Friday poster

WGNA Blue Friday is March 9th from 6am-10am this year.

Sean and Richie will be broadcasting live from Denooyer Chevrolet on Wolf Road and Jeff Levack will be at Pizzeria Uno at Exit 15 in Saratoga. Stop at either location and buy your Blue Friday clothing items, or a blue carnation. All the proceeds benefit Blue Friday of New York which helps the families of officers lost in the line of duty. As always we ask that you wear blue to work on march 9th as a show of respect.

We kick it all off this evening with the Blue Friday Kickoff happy hour at Hooters on Wolf Road from 5:30-8:30pm. When you have a Bud light special you will be helping Blue Friday thanks to Eagle, and a portion of food proceeds will be donated to Blue Friday as well from Hooters.

 It takes a team to pull this event off each year and I want to thank them all. Pat Fox from Blue Friday of New York, Denooyer Chevrolet, Eagle and Bud Light, Pizzeria Uno, Frank Gallo and Son Florists and Bill Doran Compnay Wholesale Florists. We can’t do it without them.

Check out all of neat Blue Friday clothing that is for sale this year.

Here are prices for the items so you can plan.

Annual T-Shirt – Charcoal Gray       $10.00

Annual Polo Shirt – Charcoal Gray (Embroidered)  $25.00

Sweatshirt – Navy Blue (Embroidered)  $25.00

Sweatshirt – Gray (Embroidered)     $25.00

1/4 Zip Sweatshirt – Black (Embroidered)    $30.00

Windshirt – Black (Embroidered)     $40.00

Challenge Coin  $10.00

Decals $2.00

Pins $5.00  

Baseball Cap  $10.00

Knit Cap  $10.00

From Flickr Silveria Neto

The Section 2 Boys basketball games that had been rescheduled for tonight have been pushed back again due to the weather.

The games, which are being played at The Glens Falls Civic Center, will be held tomorrow night. The game times will remain the same and are 5pm, 6:30pm and 8pm. If you had tickets they will be honored tomorrow.

Once again WGNA was proud to be apart of another great act at the TImes Union Center. The nights first act was the Hunter Hayes. This 20 year old released first single “Storm Warning” just shy of 9 months ago and is already becoming one of the hottest act to see. Next in the line up was a friend of the stations Sara Evans. Sara Evans always put on a good show and this was no different. And of coarse the headliner of the night Rascal Flatts. Rascal Flatts put on a show that anyone could enjoy. From their lighting right down to their music no matter what age, you will enjoy what Rascal Flatts is does on stage.

photo by Richie Phillips

I received this certificate today for being a guest speaker at the Cohoes Rotary Club at the Century House Conference Center.  It was a certificate of appreciation, but I think I’m the one who appreciated being there the most!

I had a chance to explain the changing face of  radio and how technology has impacted it.  What a great group!  In attendance was a dentist, lawyer, retired teacher, an entrepreneur with a website for children with diabetes-and more!

photo by Richie Phillips

One member  showed me the official 4 Way Test to be a true Rotarian.  I like the sentiment, don’t you?

photo by Dorrie Phillips

i                                I brought the keyboard along too for a little song parody segment, and we ended up doing a sing-along from the official Rotary Club Songbook! –  (we sang the classic “When Your Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You”)  I ended up smiling the whole time.

I’d like to thank the entire organization for having me in. ( You think I’m kidding?  I might just begin the Readin’, Writin’ and Rotarian Tour for real!  )

photo by Richie Phillips

A ton of great venders were on hand providing everyone with fun, entertaining demos and services for everyone to try out. From the high flying act from the people at Master Yang marshal arts studio to the great massage I got from the people at Marotta Health and Wellness. This Expo has to be one of the best so far in to this new year. Incase bad weather kept you home here are some photos and video clips from the expo.

The Readin’, Writin’ and Rhymin’ Tour has been in existence over 15 years.  I still can’t wait to get out there and visit the schools .  It continues to be one of the more fulfilling things I’ve ever been involved with in the radio business.  Maybe it’s because we think on the same level! (lol).

What is most fulfilling is the pile of handwritten thank you letters that I get.  We never have time to read them on the air.  I also don’t have enough room in this blog to display all of them.  But I thought I’d share a few.

These are from a visit to Mrs. Compton’s class at Boght Elementary School.  I value every single letter I get, and really don’t like rating one group over another, but I’ve never gotten anything like these.  I actually started “welling up” on the air as I tried to read a few.

Out of this stack:

photo by Richie Phillips

….I picked a few random ones to show you their incredible comments.

photo by richie phillips

photo by Richie PHillips

photo by Richie Phillips

photo by Richie Phillips

This is a 2 pager.  The ones above had me welling up.  This one took me over the edge!

photo by Richie Phillips

photo by Richie Philllips

Need I say more?   Thanks to Mrs. Compton and every single one of the kids.  Every letter meant so much to me, and I’m keeping them to be sure! And thanks to Hannaford Supermarkets, I get to continue the program.  I should write to THEM!!!

photo by Richie Phillips

This is my daily ritual.  It’s the five finger stretch.  Very very good for the digits and the wrist.  Sometimes it cramps my thumb, so I have to continue to do this throughout the morning.  For you that don’t play the piano, you can easily use a computer keyboard.

photo by Richie Phillips

Next for me is the “weather reach out” .  I try to stretch my arm when reaching for the weather script given each day by Steve Caporizzo.    It’s very good for the elbow, and it does help the thumb problem (see keyboard stretch for comments)

photo by Richie Phillips

And don’t forget the leg muscles.  I do the trash stomp.  Very good for the feet, ankles, shinbone (which is connected to the anklebone, and the anklebone …..nevermind)

Not enough- I know.  That’s why I’m going to the expo.  I hope you do too.  See you there!

After we got the tree, we walked around just watching what everyone was doing. The children were visiting with Santa. Some were putting their faces into the wood figures changing them into a snowman, or some other holiday figure, and getting their pictures taken. Some people took a peek at the reindeer. We also took a ride on the horse drawn wagon.

One thing that I noticed is this was such a relaxing way to spend a few hours. It’s definitely a break from everyday routines.

I look forward to going every year. It’s time to round up all the ornaments in the house. Do you have any traditions that you do every year?

OK   Here’s my list.  And I’ve checked it twice (and then I’ll ask for yours)

Monika Graff, Getty Images

1.  The horrendous weather these past months.  (floods, hurricanes–someone call Al Gore and admit the painful truth–he was right!)

Mark Wilson, Getty Image

2. Our lame, do nothing, accomplish nothing, complain about everything CONGRESS. (and it’s too bad, because it really gives some of our local lawmakers a rotten name, and we have some good ones!)

Toby Canham, Getty Images

3. People who criticize the Kardashians. I think they’re brilliant marketers.  More power to them.  If the media was stupid enough to follow your or my every waking move, wouldn’t you try to cash in?   (And that one kid is a great dancer to boot!)

From Flickr user Ilovebutter

4. Any family member who brings over that disgustingly sweet jello stuff with the marshmallows in it.  Sorry to go “Andy Rooney” on you here, but “don’t you just hate that?

photo by Richie Phillips

5. The person who said that it’s OK for men in their 50′s to dye their hair.  Note to self-disregard my previous blog on the subject-this will be my last time!  I can’t take the rejection.

Now, what are YOU NOT thankful for?  Or thankful for should you choose to go all positive on me.   Would love to know.  Happy Thanks (or NO thanks)giving!

With the holiday season creeping up on us we are left with the question” what am I going to do”? Chef Michael from Taste of Home magazine helps us with recipe ideas and cooking techniques. This year was a blast as Casey from the Sean and Richie show hosted Taste of Home. Plus a ton of give a ways from our venders.