MARYLYNNFORMATION

The Texting Bride A Poster Child For Texting Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:03:00 +0000

"The Chapel of Love" by the Dixie Cups doesn't talk about "Going to the chapel and I'm going to text all my friends during the wedding that I'm gonna get married."

That's because those lyrics would be ridiculous (Oh, and they weren't texting in the 1960's). But alas, it's 2011 and apparently no one can even get through a special occasion without typing on their mobile phone.

Case in point, the bride texting down the aisle. The guy who video taped the wedding caught her texting right after he dad had walked her down the aisle. She stands there with her dad as the ceremony begins, and pulls her phone out of her dress and starts texting someone from underneath her veil. Her dad notices what she is doing and I think I know what he was thinking:

"I can't believe I've just walked my baby down the aisle. It seems like just yesterday she was just a baby. I'm so glad I could be here with her on this special day. She looks so beautiful today....wait, her head is down, is she OK? What...is that her phone? What is she doing? Is she texting on her phone right now?"

Our we love our gadgets and multi-tasking is fun. It's addicting. I'm addicted. I'm writing this blog post while watching a TV show. Sorry, can't tell you the plot of the TV show at all. My brain can only focus on one thing even though I'm doing two things.

That's my point. It's no big deal that I can't tell you what's going on with a TV show. But it IS a big deal when you are missing out on an important part of your life and the little special moments that come with it.

Don't miss them over a texting addiction!

What do you think the texting bride missed?

Should You Be Able To Eat While You Drive?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 23:12:00 +0000

Have you ever enjoyed a breakfast sandwich while driving into work, or grabbed a burger on the go during your lunch break? Eating while driving isn't the most relaxing way to enjoy a meal, but on a busy day it's one way to fit one in.

But in Oak Park, Il, that could become a crime. The village board members there are contemplating a ban on eating and driving...presumably because we don't have enough laws.

The idea came up at their meeting this week while discussing distracted driving. The common culprits came up: cell phones and texting. But eating and putting makeup on while driving also entered the mix. It seems the board members are testing the waters on this as they say they'll wait to act on it until early next year.

That ought to give them plenty of time to find other distracting activities in the car to ban. Here's just a few I can think of:

-Sipping on coffee while driving
-Singing out loud to your favorite song on the radio while driving
-Sneezing while driving
-Viewing billboards along the roadway while driving
-Chewing gum while driving

and finally...driving while driving.

That should keep us all safe!

What You Crave: Another Lawsuit

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:53:00 +0000

So a guy who weights 290 pounds is suing White Castle because their booths aren't wide enough for him. Martin Kessman says the thin seats violate his rights as a fat person.

Seriously!!?! Are restaurants now required to expand their booths to accommodate chubby people? I think not. True, it is Martin's right to eat what he wants and to be as big as he wants. It is not his right to expect the world to revolve around his girth. If you eat so many White Castle burgers that you can't fit into their booth...then lose some darn weight.

I liken this lawsuit to another scenario. Lets say I were to go into a department store looking for a particular brand only to find that the store doesn't carry it. But I don't want to have to hop in my car to go to another store to find my brand, so I'll just sue this store because they didn't have what I want. My example is absurd and so is Martin's case.

What do I crave? A White Castle burger of course...with some personal responsibility on the side.

Strength from the Families of Those Lost on 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Peter Negron was only 11 years old when his father was killed ten years ago. Peter's father worked on the 88th floor of WTC 1. Peter spoke today in New York at the Memorial Service, he is now a 21 year old young man who brought tears to my eyes as he said "I miss you so much, Dad." Peter Negron 10 years later: ‘I miss you so much, Dad’ | The Upshot - Yahoo! News:

Friday on my radio show, I spoke with Maureen Santora. Her son Christopher, at the age of only 23, became the youngest FDNY firefighter to die on this day ten years ago. She has dedicated her life to commemorating his through books she has written, and a scholarship she has established in Christopher's name.

I'm planning to talk with John Feal tomorrow. John is the director of the Zdroga Bill, and he has created a foundation that accepts donations to help pay the medical bills of New York's first responders.

As I remember those who lost their lives on this horrible day, I am comforted by the strength of the family members left behind. Maureen asked that we send many prayers to those family members as they grieve today. Please join me in fulfilling her request.

Blogging From My Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 02:43:00 +0000

I recently got a new phone. My old HTC Touch was great & I hung on to it for about 4 years. It literally was ready to die.

I've replaced it with an HTC Evo 4G. So far I love this phone! I'm really enjoying my 1st Droid experience.

I'm very impressed by the functions that make it so easy to share content to my social media spaces.

This evening I downloaded the Blogger app. This post is my test.

A Dissatisfied Political Cloud

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 03:40:00 +0000

There's a tag cloud about the recent budget negotiations and it isn't a pretty one. The majority of people in a Pew Research Center and The Washington Post survey used the words "ridiculous" "disgusting" and "stupid" the most to describe their feelings about it.

In fact 71% of respondents referred to the negotiations in these negative terms.

It's understandable. Our Government wants more than a trillion dollars with the snap of a finger, but doesn't want to cut the same amount of spending. In fact, even with the deal passed by the House today, it takes years to cut the same amount borrowed.

And guess what...when this mess is over....we still need to pass a budget for fiscal year 2012 when the latest continuing resolution ends in September.

So all the bickering we have grown tired of, the debates along political lines, the same pointing and name calling, the same rhetoric, will rear its ugly head again. And you know what? We need to pay attention no matter how painful it is.

I think sometimes our politicians hope we grow tired and ignore it all. They hope we'll turn the off switch on when it comes to their wheeling and dealing. But we must resist the urge. We must be vigilant! If we don't care now, we won't have the passion needed to change things.

While the behavior in Washington D.C may seem "pathetic" we do more harm to the nation by becoming "apathetic". We the people can and will make a difference!

What are your feelings on the negotiations?

Woman Could Go To Jail Over Her Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:04:00 +0000

Mary Mary Quite Contrary. That nursery rhyme did not end with Mary going to jail, but for Julie Bass of Oak Park, Michigan it very well could.

Julie's front yard got dug up when a new sewer line was put in. Instead of grass, she decided to plant some vegetable gardens. She laid down some very nice planter boxes and was happy with her idea. It looks really nice, check out this picture.

Why is the city going after this mother and her nicely manicured garden? The city code says that all unpaved portions of the site shall be planted with grass or ground cover or shrubbery or other suitable live plant material.

Oak Park’s Planning and Technology Director Kevin Rulkowski says “If you look at the dictionary, suitable means common. You can look all throughout the city and you’ll never find another vegetable garden that consumes the entire front yard.”

The city is in the mood to take this case to court and if they win, Julie Bass will spend 93 days in jail for not removing her front lawn garden.

This is so incredibly wrong in so many ways. Don't you get tired of paying taxes on property you own...just to be told what you can and can't do with it? I mean, I could understand if it was an eyesore. Heck, I can't tell you how many people have "suitable" plants in their front yards and it looks like crap.

I'm glad Julie is getting national attention for this. You'd think it would shame the officials there to do the right thing and back away from this case. I suppose they wouldn't feel that would be a "suitable" way to handle it.

Julie's blog OakParkHatesVeggies is great. You can help her by donating to help cover her attorney's fees. Here's hoping she wins and can continue to let her garden grow.

Google Just Plussed Me

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 01:26:00 +0000

Just a few hours, I told Google off. OK, not really...but I did whine about the fact that I had not been given access to Google+. I felt offended, slighted, and just plain left out.

I know I'm not the only one. Just look at all of the people in the comments of this article who have posted their emails for all to see in hopes that someone would send them an invite.

I blogged my dismay here on MARYLYNNFORMATION. I tweeted my blog post, and shared it on Facebook.

On Facebook, my friend Cody Heitschmidt (who is a super guy) shared a comment with me from his Google+ page. It could be that his share was the straw that broke the camels back because I'd received a share from another friend and an invite from another. All I know is THIS time when I clicked Join Google Plus, the chains fell off and the door opened with a wide welcome!

I'm in circles and adding people to my circles. Google+ you complete me!

I'm Starting to Feel Offended That I Can't Get Into Google+

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:48:00 +0000

So Google+ is the next BIG social network thing. I wouldn't know because I can't get in!!! And it's starting to tick me off.

I've been invited by a couple of friends. I click on the link to "View or comment on xxx's post" I then click "Join Google+" and get taken to the start page where I'm told I'm not worthy. I've done that multiple times for the past week hoping, just hoping the lock would break away.

Ah yes, Google+ is in limited Field Trial. I even asked for them to Keep Me Posted. Meanwhile, I have to stand outside the candy store as I watch my friends and mentors like Chris Brogan post about how to use Google+, and Michael Martine, aka Remarkablogger talk about why he likes Google+ so much.

Circles are being formed and I'm on the outs.

What gives Google? I use your blogging platform here. I have a nice Google Profile created. I use Google Chrome, I Google Buzz, I use and share my Google Reader, I have multiple Gmail accounts and I even use Google Apps for my business, AND I use your apps on my mobile phone.

I've been there for you Google. Why are you treating me like a 3rd wheel?

Was Justice Served?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:51:00 +0000

I was hosting my 12noon-3pm talk radio show on ConnectFM today when we heard the jury in the Casey Anthony trial had reached a verdict.

I was surprised that a verdict had been reached so quickly. My hunch was that it was because they'd found her not guilty. I'd watched the closing arguments over the weekend, and while the prosecution played on the emotion of the case, I felt they hadn't proved their case. Evidently the jury agreed. Casey was found NOT guilty of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated manslaughter. She was only found guilty on the four counts of providing false information to police.

After the verdict was announced, I talked about this with our listeners.
Click to hear their reactions.

My co-host, Ryann Monahan, is a former news reporter for one of our TV stations here in Champaign, Il. She reached out to another news reporter she knew from here, but who now works in Orlando, Florida. Amanda Evans has been covering the Casey Anthony trial from the beginning and shared some great insights with us, click here to listen to our interview.

My thought on the case is that I believe little Caylee died accidentally but because of her mother's neglect. I think she left her home alone. Came home, found her, and then covered up the death so she wouldn't have to pay the consequences.

The sad thing is that we'll never know the truth. Caylee's death will remain a mystery, just like JonBenét Ramsey.

What was your reaction to the verdict? Do you think justice was served?

The Death of Bin Laden a Week Later

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:29:00 +0000

One week ago at around this time, we all turned to the TV to watch an historic moment happen: the announcement that Bin Laden was dead.

My husband and I were wrapping up our time in downtown Chicago for a conference. We socializing with some of our friends at Hoyt's in Hotel 71.

We were enjoying some drinks while talking about business growth, book publishing, social media and more. Suddenly we looked up and saw the President addressing the nation, with the words scrolling across the bottom that Osama Bin Laden had been killed in a nighttime raid.

I was taken aback when I realized what I was seeing! I also immediately felt pride that justice had been served. It was news I didn't think I would ever hear.

In the week that followed, the news dominated my radio show. We debated whether the death photo should or should not be shown. I had a local pediatrician on to talk about how parents should talk with their kids about the gruesome photo should it be released (he recommended being careful of your reaction, because kids mimic you).

I spoke with many experts like:

Former Chief of the CIA's Bin Laden Unit Mike Scheuer.
Author, internationally recognized security, terrorism , and intelligence expert Kerry Patton.
Retired Admiral, Naval Commander, Former Operations Planner On The Joint Staff Admiral John Stufflebeem.

It was my first big news week as a radio talk show host and I was exhausted by Friday. But that exhaustion was nothing like the emotional drain as the day I was on the air on 9/11. I was coming in for my midday shift on a music station when the attacks had just occurred. We were all gathered in the DJ booth watching the news in shock. We pulled it together and went wall-to-wall news. Our radio group organized a donation drive. When I got off the air at 2pm, I broadcast live from the Assembly Hall in Champaign where people in our community didn't stop coming with donations to the Red Cross for the victims & their families well into the night. I'd never had a day where I felt so much grief, yet also felt so much hope because everyone came together to help as best they could.

I watched tonight as the President was interviewed on 60 Minutes where he said "Justice was done." Amen Mr. President and bless you, your team, and our special forces who carried out this mission.

I Always Feel Like Somebody's Tracking Me

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:15:00 +0000

Sing the title of my post to Rockwell, Somebody's Watching Me. Pretty fitting in light of the news that Apple & Google are tracking your location on your cell phone, whether your using GPS to get to a meeting, or resting comfortably at home. And you are being tracked even if you turn off location-based applications.

I don't know about you, but I haven't dumped my smart phone upon hearing the news.

It seems we really don't have full privacy anymore. Our desire for convenient technology trumps our expectation to live confidentially.

I've been using Gmail for years now. I'm a huge fan of Facebook. They have information on me beyond what I know, or want to know.

The difference between Gmail and Facebook, is that those services are free. In exchange for me using their service, I have to give up some data.

But when it comes to iPhones and Androids...we pay for those. We purchase the phone, and pay a service provider to utilize the goodies that come with it. So, why aren't we asked to "opt-in" to any type of tracking service? I just think that when I pay you for something, you don't have the right to secretly mine information from me.

Do you think you are entitled to your privacy when you pay for a service vs. use a service for free?

- Mary-Lynn

Overregulation is More Dangerous Than Wiffle Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:59:00 +0000

State health officials in New York created a list of "dangerous" games in an effort to keep kids safe. On that list were such childhood favorites like: Wiffle Ball, Dodge Ball, Tag, Red Rover, and Capture the Flag.

Why was this list created? Because the Department of Health wanted indoor day camps to conform to regulations required of outdoor day camps - additional measures that would keep the kids safe in case they engaged in any of these games that pose a "significant risk of injury." Really!?! From TAG!?!?

Gee, why stop there? Might as well add in Duck Duck Goose, Musical Chairs, and Red Light Green Light. DO NOT let kids jump rope, roller skate, or ride bikes, someone might get hurt. Heck, even with Hop Scotch kids can land wrong and twist an ankle...so ban that too!

What has happened to people in our country? Not too long ago, we heard about the Home Owners Association that wants to ban kids from playing outside. How are these dimwits ending up in leadership roles? We have to pay attention. We have to be vigilant. We have to call out crazy.

Thankfully, the reaction to this news story has sort of resulted in a change of heart.

A spokeswoman said the department will "continue gathering information and will formulate new safety regulations that are broader and deal more with potentially dangerous conditions than specific games".

Hmmm. Would they be brash enough to simply say kids cannot "run" at indoor day camps?

What is more dangerous than a game of Wiffle Ball? A micro-managing adult with power who administers nanny state policies. Red Rover Red Rover, send overregulation right over.

- Mary-Lynn

In Memory of My Friend Diane

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:41:00 +0000

I attended a memorial service today for a wonderful woman who I was blessed to meet.

The first time I met her, I was meeting at the radio station to meet with Stevie Jay about working for him as a talk show host. She greeted me at the front desk, and led me to the conference room. She was super sweet.

Once I began working at the station, I instantly bonded with her. Diane had a radiant smile. She was high on life. She had big ideas and dreams. She had a daughter she adored.

I always loved her cute outfits too. When I complimented her the first time, she told me about how she'd lost a whole lot of weight. She even pulled out an old picture...I couldn't believe it was the same person. She told me she just changed her eating habits and put exercise into her daily routine. She got into jogging and ran in a local marathon last year. She was going to do the same one this year too.

She was a great on-air guest too! On the anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, Diane was on my show because she lived in Florida at the time and saw it from outside of her workplace. Because she shared her story, I learned a new perspective from someone who was there.

The best thing about Diane was her smile. A smile that lit up her eyes. She always had a loving, energetic, positive vibe. Her daughter Sarah is exactly the same way. I was so thrilled to meet her, and just like Diane, there was an instant bond.

Because of Diane, I will enjoy the sunshine even more. I will dream even bigger. I WILL add exercise in my life so I can lose weight and wear cute outfits like her.

I'm so lucky to have met her. I will never forget her.

- Mary-Lynn

Facebook: YOU Need to Step Up to Stop Cyberbullying

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:24:00 +0000

All you need to do is Google "facebook cyberbullying" to see horrifying examples of how kids are using the social network to terrorize fellow classmates. The latest example is the Smut List, a group page on Facebook that lists the names of approximately 100 girls from Westchester, NY and other nearby towns.

I'll bet even Mark Zuckerberg is glad that he didn't have to endure cyberbullying when he was in his teens.

Look, he's created an amazing tool. Facebook has been valued in the billions. It isn't doing too shabby when it comes to revenue too. One would think that a company that has been credited with helping people organize international revolutions, could do something more to prevent young people from attacking each other in its own social media space. After all, didn't Facebook recently host President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for a summit to share a message that preventing bullying is a responsibility we all share?

So how about it Facebook? It seems that KIDS are taking the fall here. Can't a company valued in the billions and making revenue in the millions spend some more time and money to do a better job of policing its OWN space to stop cyberbullying?!?!

You mean to tell me there couldn't be a phone number for victims to call to report cyberbullying? There can't be filters set up on your back end that does a better job of catching "lists" or certain verbiage to alert you to cyberbullying?

Please Facebook, step up to stop cyberbullying.

- Mary-Lynn

My Opinion About Casey Heynes Ended a Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:59:00 +0000

By now I'm sure you've heard the story of Casey Heynes, the bullied boy who finally fought back. If you haven't seen the video, you can check it out here.

I talked about this on my radio show (listen to the conversation). I also posted it on my Facebook page where a spirited debate ensued.

A friend of mine took offense to my opinion and severed our friendship on Facebook, and otherwise.

I look at this story through the eyes of someone who was bullied as a kid. Like Casey, my parents didn't teach me to fight and discouraged violence. When girls would pick on me physically, I didn't know how to fight back. I would do as my parent suggested, "Be the bigger person and walk away" because "two wrongs don't make a right."

Funny how the right response can fan the flames. That's what happened to Casey too. In the video you see him take a punch to the face. The smaller kid who delivered it went back to land some more.

Finally, when I was jumped by the same girls who tormented me everyday, I snapped. My instincts kicked in. I pulled them down by their jackets. One girl claimed I ripped her earring out of her ear. I don't remember doing that, but if I did...oh well.

Casey finally snapped too. My opinion is that his experience was similar to mine...his instincts kicked in. He grabbed the boy, picked him up, then threw him down. My opinion is that the moment a bullied kid fights back is an unpredictable moment. My opinion is that if you don't want to feel the wrath, then don't be a bully.

My friend feels that Casey knew what he was doing. She felt that Casey could have killed this little boy with what he did. My friend felt that Casey was trying to impress a girl in the video. She also expressed "shock" that I would side with Casey and imply that he was a victim. She insists that a body slamming another to the ground is inexcusable.

I stood by my opinion. She responded "Mary-Lynn... sorry but I cannot associate with anyone who would be for this action. Condoning and endorsing this body slam of a child into cement pavement is without excuse. Cya."

I was surprised by this reaction. After all, we'd known each other for years. She was in radio. She is opinionated. I've always admired her and thought it was cool to actually debate with her on an issue. I told her as much. Her next response was "This isn't about opinion. You condone and endorse and justify the body slam of a child against cement pavement. Think about it." She went on to say "I can't associate with people who would think this was in any way acceptable or just what was deserved."

And with that, a friendship was severed.

I have to admit, I was stunned and a little hurt too. But ultimately disappointed.

I guess we were playing in a social media playground and I didn't want to play by her rules.

Thankfully in this case, we both walked away.

-Mary-Lynn

Wisconsin and Misleading Headlines

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:40:00 +0000

The controversy in Wisconsin hit its high point, or low point (depending on your view), this evening as the Senate Republicans in Wisconsin pulled a surprise move to pass legislation that reportedly sent the hiding Democrats running...make that high-tailing it... out of Illinois.

According to the proposal, raises would be limited to inflation unless a bigger increase was approved in a referendum. The non-law enforcement unions would lose their rights to bargain over anything but wages, would have to hold annual elections to keep their organizations intact and would lose the ability to have union dues deducted from state paychecks.

What has been annoying me most are the misleading headlines I've been reading that the news organizations are using to tell this story. For example:

Wisconsin Senate passes public-sector union ban (Reuters)
- The union is NOT banned in this proposal! It gives workers a choice.

Wis. GOP bypasses Dems, cuts collective bargaining - (Yahoo! News / AP)
- Collective bargaining STILL exists. There are just some limits put in place.

Wisconsin Senate GOP Tries Nuclear Option for Passing Anti-Union Bill (Slate)
- Why is it considered anti-union? Maybe it's just pro tax payers.

Rallies support fight against Wis. anti-union bill (AP)
- The word 'anti' is an adjective. Even AP won't be objective?

Wis. Senate GOP Votes to Strip State Workers of Collective Bargaining Rights (Fox)
- Some of the bargaining rights have been stripped. Not ALL.

Wis. Republicans Press Forward on Anti-Union Bill - (ABC News)
- There's that anti-union term AGAIN.

When opinion is put in the headline, you can bet you'll find it in the story too. I want the facts from the media, not spin with words.

You may feel that the proposal is anti-union. You may feel that the proposal is a necessary change. YOU have the right to your opinion. Journalists and their editors DO NOT while they are on the job. They are not supposed to inject their opinion into the news OR their headlines.

- Mary-Lynn

Jesse The Don't Touch My Body Ventura

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:43:00 +0000

Jesse "The Body" Ventura is suing is suing the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration . According to Jesse, TSA workers sexually assaulted him. He says full-body scans and pat-downs are violating his rights. Jesse claims he is subjected to unreasonable searches because he had a hip replacement, and his titanium implant sets off metal detectors. He says the pat-downs meet "the definition for an unlawful sexual assault."

What's really interesting about this suit is that according to his lawyer, Jesse isn't seeking any monetary damages. In fact, HE may be the one who loses money in this litigation. All he wants is for the invasive security measures to be deemed unconstitutional, and get an injunction that would prevent the TSA from targeting him.

Jesse's not the only one who gets the up close and personal searches because of a hip replacement...Regis Philbin got a pat down because of the titanium he is packing.

I feel fortunate that I don't have medical reasons to have TSA agents descend on me. There were horror stories at the start of holiday traveling of people with medical issues being treated incredibly poorly by the TSA.

Why doesn't the TSA hire medical personnel to assist with searches for these travelers? The medical staff would have a better understanding of the passengers needs, and they could make the whole experience much less humiliating.

I don't agree with Jesse that our increased security measures should go away. Heck, it will probably get worse in light of what happened at the Moscow airport. BUT people in this country should not fear traveling because they know a medical issue will make for inhumane treatment.

The TSA needs to get its act together and publicly state what they will do to make people feel more comfortable.

-Mary-Lynn

Why It's Hard for Keith Olbermann to Say Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 06:12:00 +0000

The Internet is abuzz with news of Keith Olbermann's last show at MSNBC. I first learned of it when I noticed "Keith Olbmermann was trending on Twitter (kinda funny since he once named Twitter the "Worst Person of the Year," though it appears he does have an account.)

Personally, I disagree with Keith Olbermann on just about everything. But I always respected how Keith had his own style, his own brand, his own following, his own show.

I can relate to the thrill of having a show on traditional media. I have my own daily talk show on Connect FM in Champaign, Illinois. It's wonderful!

Without actually knowing what his daily process was, I can only imagine how every day he would scour the news (online & offline) to find topics for Countdown. Then he would look over everything and choose the news stories that he felt his viewers would want to learn more about. His staff would help him line up credible guests. Some days, they would present their followers with a cause that needed their help. Everyday, Keith showed up with unwavering passion.

I'll bet he worked tirelessly because He loved what he did. Because the flashing "On-Air" light brings about a magical feeling. Because he admired his viewers and never wanted to disappoint them.

I had that for eighteen years as a radio broadcaster, but walked away from it three and a half years ago. It was so hard to do, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Then, out of the blue, the perfect radio show opportunity was presented to me back in the fall of 2010. The chance to do a daily talk show! I've been back on the air for 2 and a half months. I have a sense of appreciation with this radio gig that is different from what I'd experienced before. This is a gift. I thank God for it every day on my way into work. I work hard to be informative and entertaining because I love what I do. Because the flashing "On-Air" light brings about a magical feeling. Because I admire my listeners and never want to disappoint them.

I believe Keith knew his show was a gift too, which is why I'm sure that his heart is broken. While I never agreed with him politically, I certainly am thinking of him now compassionately.

- Mary-Lynn

Do you agree that the term illegal immigrant is offensive?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:46:00 +0000

The Diversity Committee of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) wants to “inform and sensitize” reporters in the nation about how “offensive” the term “illegal immigrant” is to Latinos.

Diversity Committee member Leo Laurence announced the campaign against “illegal immigrant” and “illegal alien” terminology. He says those who have not obtained citizenship but have entered the country without any prior approval should be called “undocumented workers” or “undocumented immigrants.”

Are you kidding me? What on earth are journalists doing making up words that suit them for the news? If you don't like reporting the FACTS, then DON'T be a journalist! Go write a book if you want to create your own la-la land.

If you are not here legally...then you are here illegally. How on earth can the term "illegal immigrant" be so hard to take?

I'm tired of people calling our country insensitive. We are the most welcoming, inviting, and caring country in the world. People here illegally walk into our hospitals all the time and get cared for. Legal or not. Insurance or not. Money or not. We are going broke because of it.

If I moved to Mexico or England, and did't go through the proper paperwork to become a resident...do you think I would be treated in their hospital? NO WAY.

You can't get more sensitive than America.

Too bad we can't count on our journalists for objective news.

What do you think...is the term "illegal immigrant" offensive?

What Would You Cut?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 04:01:00 +0000

I've officially wrapped up my first week at my new talk show radio gig and I had a blast!

I host my radio show weekdays from noon-3pm on 93.5/95.3 Connect FM in Champaign/Urbana, Illinois. You can listen online at MyConnectFM.com, and you can connect with me by calling 217.359.CALL (2255).

The topic that was the hottest one for me this week had to do with our national debt. I asked this question:

If you could be President for a day, and you could cut one thing to reduce our deficit...what would it be?

As an added bonus, you get a magic wand, so your cut doesn't have to get past Congress. You say it and "Poof" it's done.

As you know, the leaders of President Obama's bipartisan deficit commission released their official plan for deficit reduction this week which included proposals to double the gas tax, raise the retirement age to receive Social Security payouts, cut Medicare and lay off hundreds of thousands of federal workers.

Pretty in-your-face recommendations, huh? But it is refreshing to hear REAL solutions that showcase the severity of our situation.

Do they have it right?

I'd cut the congressional tax-funded retirement plan. Replace it with a 401K option & we'll match it up to 4%. If its good enough for the private sector, it should be good enough for Congress.

What would you cut if YOU were the President?

Hang Up on this Ban

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:34:00 +0000

According to a recent poll by Quinnipiac University, American voters support a federal ban on cell phone use while driving, even if they are going hands-free. The margin was 63-34%.

While I do agree that distracted driving is a big problem, I don't agree with support for yet another federal law that mandates social behavior.

I would prefer that our leaders in Washington focus on bigger issues that face our Country. How about our economy? Explaining to us what is in the health care bill. Actually dealing with social security and immigration.

We can't accuse Washington of getting too involved in our lives on one hand, and ask them to pass laws that require them to get involved in our lives on the other.

The bottom line is that there will always be people who lack common sense. People who don't care now, won't suddenly care because of a passed law.

Here's what that law will mean for you. You are responsible. You talk on your phone while driving only if it is vitally important...and you are very good at not crossing that boundary. Then one night on your way home from work in Chicago, you hop on the Dan Ryan to find yourself in a complete traffic gridlock...you are moving slower than a snail's pace. But because of the ban you can't even call your husband to let him know you'll be two hours late.

Wow, it looks like the irresponsible minority wins again.

DO Touch His Junk!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:12:00 +0000

John Tyner wanted to fly, but he didn't want to go through the X-Ray Scan. That meant he would need to have a pat down. But he didn't want the TSA agent to "touch his junk." John didn't get on the plane, and could face a fine as high as $11,ooo because federal law and federal regulations state that once you start and enter the screening process, you have to finish it.

Oh, John...you are such a tease.

Look, I don't have to fly often. I'm not looking forward to going through an X-Ray machine that shows me naked to a stranger, or to getting a feel-up, pat down. But those are the rules to keep us safe. That's how we get on that plane and KNOW it won't be blown up by a fanatic.

I understand John wanted to stand up for his right to keep his junk private. But his junk can't possibly be bigger than the greater good.

Halloween and my Love for Scary Sounds

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:10:00 +0000

I'm a BIGG fan of audio. I love to listen to a great story while my mind creates the scenes.

I'm also a BIGG audio production geek! I love taking a story on paper, and bringing it to audio life. That's what we've done for Halloween on The BIGG Success Show!

In this show, George & I visit a VERY SCARY place! Take a listen, and let your mind wander...if you dare!

Follow this link to BIGG Success and click the player to listen.
http://biggsuccess.com/2010/10/28/is-this-the-most-haunting-place-of-all/

-Or-

Follow the direct link the audio file:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/biggsuccess/00642-102810.mp3

So Close Yet So Far Away

noreply@blogger.com (Mary-Lynn) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:08:00 +0000

That's what Hall & Oates would say in their their 1990 hi "So Close."

George & I have been working on our new product for a year. We spent all summer building it's infrastructure. We're just a week
(or two) away from launch with much left to do.

I'm excited, nervous & exhausted. I feel a sense of urgency, and get frustrated by the time some of the project needs take.

Sometimes I want to throw my hands up and walk away from all of its overwhelming needs. But I'm reminded of another Hall & Oates song "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)."

Sometimes the mountain climb gets hardest when you are closest to the top. Besides, when launch day finally comes...we can celebrate with a "Big Bam Boom!"

http://www.hallandoates.com/