I'm Back

Last week, after spending four months in Production, I returned to the air!

I love the Production department. It's a lot of fun and allows me to flex some creative mental muscles I don't normally get to. That being said, it's fun being back on the air.

What's been a bit of a challenge is the new shift. I was apart of The Slam for close to (if not over) 3 years. Terry Molinaro has since taken the reigns and is doing a fantastic job with the show. I'm glad he has it. I get to listen to it now!

Instead of The Slam, I'm on "Drive". That's the fancy way to say 4:30-7:00 in radio lingo. It's strange to go from the routine of The Slam (and all it's idiosyncrasies) to a new slot. But, change is good! It keeps you on your toes. I get to learn all the quirks and ticks of a new slot. Bring it!

I'm also loving the new hours. The Slam was cool because, you can sleep in (everyday), do whatever for the afternoon then go to work. In Production, things were different.... No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't go to sleep before 11:00. Generally I wouldn't be able to until 12:00 or even 1:00. It was frustrating. Especially getting up at 6:00-6:30. With a sleep schedule like that, I might as well have a kid!

This new shift is the best of both worlds. Start at 11:00 go till 7:00. Love it!

On-Air With Manafest

New things are good and bad. 

The bad is - something has to change for it to become new. Change can be scary. But the good part is that you get something fresh. Something that you never would have experienced before hand.

Saturday nights on LIFE are changing.

We've got a new show called On-Air With Manafest. There's no hidden meaning in the title. It's literally a show hosted by Manafest.

It's also awesome.

Seriously. It is. I'm not just saying that as an employee, I'm saying it as a fan of music and radio.

Starting at 9:00, Manafest takes over for 2 hours. He plays some of his favorite songs, tells some stories and gives some insights into the life of a touring musician. 

If you are a fan of music or Manafest (or just like to be entertained), check it! You'll be glad you did.

Superbowl Ads

The Superbowl happened last week. For sports fans, it's 4 hours of intense football (well... NORMALLY it's intense...). For non-sports fans, it's 4 hours of nachos, pizza and dip. Plus if you're in the States, you also get 4 hours of creative marketing.

You and I don't live in the states. However, the internet still provides all the commercials we could possibly need!

Here's my Top 4 (cause Top 5 lists are too mainstream)

#4 - Chobani Yogurt 

I've never eaten or even heard of Chobani Yogurt before. This commercial has changed that! Plus, bear.



#3 - The Truth (Kia)

The Truth is, Kia knows how to make a car commercial. This is funnier if you know a bit about The Matrix.



#2 - Tim Tebow

Not only is Tim Tebow poking fun at the fact he's suto unemployed, it's just plain ridiculous.



#1 - Doritos

I haven't laughed as hard at a video since What Did The Fox Say. This had me in stitches for minutes. It's a 30 second commercial.

Sledding

I've always loved it. Ever since I was a kid. Even though I have a real job, real responsibilities and am supposed to be mature. I still go sledding.

For the uninitiated, it's basically snow tubing... without the tube. Not as much balance required as snowboarding, not as many pieces as skiing. Just you sitting on a board with snow blowing in your face.

It's even better with friends. Which is usually the only time I do it. There's nothing like a bunch of 20 somethings hitting up a hill on a cold day and acting like they're 5.

It's a rush. Plus, this winter has made things perfect. Just remember to wear a hat... and boots. Things go south pretty quick otherwise.

Video Of The Year

I know, I know... lofty statement to make.
However, the year is still young enough to say stuff like that and get away with it.

And with that in mind, we get to enjoy this piece of comic gold. It's so perfect, you'd almost think it's staged!



And that my friends, is how to fall through a roof. With dignity, poise and style.

Best of 2013

Every year I do a music count down. I like doing it, but I also like to shake things up. So, this time round I'm going to do an everything count down.

That's right. Everything.

Favourite CD - The Almost - Fear Inside Our Bones

I love The Almost. It's rock music the way rock should be done! Fear Inside Our Bones wasn't as big a home run for me that Monster was, but it was still awesome. From the southern sound of I'm Down to the creativity that was displayed on Ghost, solid listen.

Favourite CD (That didn't come out this year) - FM Static - Dear Diary

This album is awesome! I feel like I would like it more if I first heard it while in highschool, but it's still a great listen/concept album. Really, if you want an example of how to do a concept album (telling a story throughout the disk) this should be your first stop. Paper Route's entire collection, vintage dc Talk, Newsboys and House of Heroes also got lots of play.

Favourite Movie (In Theater) - Gravity

I almost said Iron Man 3. I thought it was a great action/superhero film. But then Gravity came out. It's the first movie I've seen in 3D, and didn't regret seeing it in 3D. I normally hate 3D. Gravity changed my mind. It's a ride! An hour and a half film that feels more like 45 minutes. My only concern is it wont be as good on the small screen. You know, without the mammoth screen and 200 speaker surround sound...

Favourite Movie (Not in theatres) - Princess Bride

I loved it as a kid, but hadn't seen it in years. That changed over the summer. Then I remembered why I loved it so much. I actually like it more now. I get it now. Before it was funny looking people saying big words. Now I see the clever writing, great plot and genera bending. Adds a lot to the experience. Breach and Pride and Prejudice (don't judge me) also make the list.

Favourite Thing I Did - Earthquake/ Walk Away

I shot two music videos in 2013! To top that would take a lot! It's not too often you can check something off your bucket list twice. I kinda like the video for Walk Away a little more... but still love Earthquake. Close runners up were going to the Dove Awards, The Covenant Awards, Nashville and Kingdom Bound. Plus starting at a new church and beginning a new position at LIFE 100.3. Whooo! Busy year!

Resolutions

I tend to do them every year. They're never really "you must do this or else." I have found that tends to fail. I prefer to have loose goals. Don't hit it by the end of the year? At least you tried and learned.

One thing that I always forget to do is write them down in a place I will look a lot. 3 months from now my list of goals will be different due to losing the list and having to re-write... maybe I should make that a resolution... not losing my resolutions!

This year most of my resolutions are
professional or hobby related. Becoming a better audio producer, video editor/director/camera man, guitarist. It's actually a long list. Good thing I have 12 months.

And after almost $300 in windshield wiper repair, I'm tempted to take an automotive repair course.... stupid freezing rain.

What about you? What are you resolving to do this year?