MESSAGE IN '08: LIFE IS TOO SHORT...

For me, 2008 was a year of self realization. So much happened in my 40th year that I need to step back, catch my breath and try to make sense of it all.

My Mother's heart surgery was a complete shock in the early part of the year. Making the trip to California to be there for her opened my eyes to the reality of life being too short. It's so easy to take good health for granted and to forget how each day is truly a gift.

My Father turns 80 this January. Both my MOM and DAD have a great sense of humor. Despite the ups and downs thrown at them, they always find a way to be social and laugh at life.

My Father-In-Law is in his early 80's and just found out he is now cancer-free. He is a former FBI agent and a great example of how to live your life. He lives his passions and enjoys a glass or two of wine along the way...this year, he will ride in a hydroplane in Washington state. A gift from my wife and something on his life list.

As I turned 40, I have realized how lucky I am to have what I have. My wife is an amazing Mother and role-model to our daughter. Gabrielle has been such a blessing in so many ways. She makes the good days great and the tough days better.
Working on the radio is such a great opportunity every morning. I have the career I have dreamed of since I was a kid and love getting up to do it each day. My job has opened the door for so many wonderful opportunities in my life. I have always believed that a job should NOT define you, but in my case, I get to live my life on the radio. To meet the people I get to meet and to see all the great concerts, events and sports is awesome! Not a day goes by where I don't appreciate what I get to do each day!

This year, I rode in The GOODYEAR BLIMP, met WILL SMITH, introduced the next president at a rally, saw my favorite band LIVE play in multiple cities, ran a soccer league, played golf with my DAD and brother IAN in Palm Springs, visited the bar where they filmed "The Great Balls of Fire" scene in TOP GUN (it burned down in July), hosted a TV show, went to Las Vegas for the first time, spent my birthday with my best friend two years in a row, played golf at PGA WEST and TORRE PINES and so much more. I feel so lucky to have met so many great friends and to have had so many wonderful opportunities.

Despite all the great entertainment and work-related moments, what stands out is the moments that made me stop and realize what really matters.

The year started with my Mother's health scare. My parents have been through everything and will seemingly live forever. My friend Mark had a surprise heart surgery as well. He has been a rock in my life and it scared me to think he needed heart surgery at such a young age. Two other people in my life passed away this year...they were my age. Again, LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

I often get asked to host events that benefit someone who is going through tough times or need help paying medical bills. I always say yes if my schedule permits. This year, I hosted a couple of events that reminded me how blessed I am to have a healthy family and friends.
One event that really made me stop and think was a benefit for a 6-year-old boy who was in a coma. I have never met him, but his pictures are adorable. He's a beautiful kid with a lot of people who care so much about him. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and it served as yet another reminder that LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Kids shouln't be allowed to get sick.

I believe there is a GOD and things happen for a reason. For so long, I have missed the point. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget the big picture. For me, 2008 has served as a wake up call in many ways.

I am hearing the message loud and clear and look forward to a fresh start in 2009.
be@peace ~a

CHRISTMAS MORNING 2008

It is magical watching Christmas through the eyes of your own child. My daughter GABRIELLE loves to give gifts as much as receive them. She was so excited about EVERY gift under the tree this year.
I feel so blessed this holiday season to have so much. To have a child who truly appreciates what she has is such a gift. I have always said that my daughter is an "Angel from Heaven"...and to me, she really is. This morning, I am beaming with love and thankful to GOD for the ultimate gift of my daughter GABBY.

GABBY's guinea pig "HERMAN" joined her under the tree this morning. Gabs' favorite gift was her Nintendo DS. She has wanted one for quite some time and was very happy to finally get one.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family and friends!

be@peace ~a

CHRISTMAS IMAGES 2008

SOME FUN HOLIDAY PIX...

Listener STEVE often sends our show "Fun With Photoshop" moments...here are a few that he sent us this holiday season.....

A re-make of that great scene from "A CHRISTMAS STORY"

"THE GRINCH"

"CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS"

MATT NATHANSON

MATT NATHANSON played The Q104 AQSTIC CHRISTMAS Monday night at PICKWICK & FROLIC. Once again, not only was he strong musically, but he was hilarious! He's one of my all time favorite guests on the show and performers to watch. He's naturally funny and authentic. For me, the highlights included "COME AND GET HIGHER", Bon Jovi's "LIVIN' ON A PRAYER" and the shoutout he gave me toward the end of the show.

THE SUNDAY COLUMN

I love my job! I'm blessed to do what I get to do for a living. This week, I met INDIANS slugger TRAVIS HAFNER, NICK LACHEY stopped by the show and I participated in making a SUPERBOWL commercial. There's never a dull moment.....

STATE FARM insurance taped a SUPERBOWL commercial at BROWNS STADIUM this weekend. Because of my connection to THE BROWNS BACKERS, I had the opportunity to participate. Although I don't have all the details, I do know that the commercial features LEBRON (LE BROWN) JAMES as a receiver for the BROWNIES (wearing #23) scoring touchdowns and leaping into the DAWGPOUND. As an extra in the commercial, I was part of the crowd and later played the role of a photographer on the sidelines. The entire shoot lasted hours! It was freezing cold on Saturday with temps dropping into the low 20's and we had a brisk wind off the lake. In all, we were there from 1pm until after 11pm! It was like attending three consecutive BROWNS games on the same day!


In this picture, "FAKE LEBRON" catches a touchdown pass against the "FAKE BUFFALO BILLS GUY". I was part of the crowd in the background that went crazy. "FAKE LEBRON" later jumped into THE DAWG POUND. Honestly, it was nice to see a touchdown in the stadium, event though it really didn't count.

THE BONE LADY was on hand for the taping of the commercial. We kept each other laughing during the very long day. I have a whole new appreciation for her after wearing her, uh, wig? That thing weighs a ton and it's hard to balance. I don't know how she does it....

Overall, I'm glad I was a part of the commercial and can't wait to see it during the SUPERBOWL. Although I'll probably end up on the cutting room floor, it was fun to hang out with THE BROWNS BACKERS and see how a commercial is made. For the record, I made $150 as an extra..that almost covered the bar tab after at THE PARKVIEW.

My daughter GABBY and I stopped by SOUTHPARK MALL in Strongsville this week. We hung out with SANTA and TRAVIS HAFNER from the INDIANS.

Pictured above; TRAVIS "PRONK" HAFNER, GABBY and AARON LAFFEY.

RANDOMS.....

CAVS still unbeaten at home since "THE PREDICTION" of an NBA

CHAMPIONSHIP.

KERRY WOOD to The Tribe as a closer is a solid move...I'm worried about his injury history...

Can't wait for The Q104 AQSTIC CHRISTMAS Monday night. MATT NATHANSON is the best. Should be cool to see JUSTIN NOZUKA for the first time. AUGUSTANA is solid too.

be@peace ~a

NICK LACHEY

NICK LACHEY is an easy interview. He's funny, talented and can laugh at himself. Much like our recent interview with WILL SMITH, LACHEY can take everything you throw at him. Often times, we are asked to avoid certain topics with certain celebrities. Handlers will ask us to not ask about personal lives or uncomfortable topics. NICK LACHEY is an open book. We joked about JESSICA SIMPSON, brought up DALLAS COWBOYS QUARTERBACK TONY ROMO and his current relationship. He didn't take himself seriously and rolled with whatever. I'm always impressed with people who can laugh at themselves and don't take things too seriously. They make for great guests and make our jobs much easier.

THE SUNDAY COLUMN...written on Tuesday...

MUSIC

By far, my favorite new artist is JAMES MORRISON. I picked up both of his CD's last week and they are awesome! His debut disc "UNDISCOVERED" and his latest disc "SONGS FOR YOU, TRUTHS FOR ME" are quite strong from start to finish. I highly suggest you check him out on www.youtube.com. Specifically, check out "BROKEN STRINGS" is a duet with NELLY FURTADO and it is powerful. Other songs to check out include "YOU GIVE ME SOMETHING", "YOU MAKE IT REAL" and "PLEASE DON'T STOP THE RAIN".

SOCIAL

I always enjoy finding new places to hang out. This past weekend, I was in KENT at RAY's with my best friend WOODY and "LETHARGIC MARK" from the show. Kent is a great place to hang out.

FEE FEST 41!

This past week, I celebrated my 41st birthday at HOOPLES in The Flats. I had my 40th party at HOOPLES and had a blast! This year, I had local jazz singer ERIN KUFEL sing and hang out with several of my friends....

My friend KEVIN (left) first introduced me to HOOPLES on my first night in Cleveland. NORM (right) runs the bar and knows how to throw a great party!

RANDOMS....

Since predicting the CAVS would win The NBA Finals in 6 games over the LAKERS, they have rolled to a 17-3 record and remain unbeaten at home.

The Browns should let ROMEO CRENNEL go now so he can leave with some dignity. Why put him through this?

be@peace ~a

THE SUNDAY COLUMN

It was nearly a year ago when BRITNEY SPEARS decided to go crazy (again) and randomly shave her head. Of course BRITNEY's antics have given us plenty of material to talk about on the radio and this was no exception. When talking about her latest TMZ moment, I blurted out, "I don't know what the big deal is, many people are bald". That quickly turned into a challenge where I was getting my head shaved on live television the next day. I secretly had always wanted to try the cleanly shaved look and actually embraced it....who knew, that days later I would be asked to introduce BARACK O'BAMA at a rally at TRI-C???? Who knew, at the time, that he was really gonna end up the next President of the United States of America?!?!?! Having a photo-op with The President is impressive...unless you look like a chunky Mr. Clean in the dead of winter in Cleveland, Ohio!
It was pretty cool hosting the rally and something I won't soon forget. Spending a couple of minutes talking to him after his speech, it was clear that he had "IT". That something special that makes a person magnetic. That genuine vibe where you are convinced the person really enjoyed meeting you. Recently, WILL SMITH had the "IT" factor when he stopped by the show. That little extra something special.
I'm really glad to have had the opportunity to meet the next President, I only wish BRITNEY shaved her head the following week....

FEE FEST 41 in this week. I always embrace my birthday and try to stretch it out to a week-long celebration. I believe a birthday is a celebration of life and I look forward to it each year. Last year, it was THE BIG 4-OH! I loved it! Overall, turning 40 was, and is, great. A lot of self realization...good, and not so good. I plan to celebrate life this week and EVERY day after. I have so much to be thankful for...expecially this year....

Without question, I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend. I am most thankful for my Mother's full reocovery from open-heart surgery early in the year. After rushing out to California to be near her for the surgery, I was relieved to see that her sense of humor was intact and that she was blessed with great care. What started as an urgent trip out West, quickly turned into a wonderful mini-vacation with my Mother, Father and Brother Ian. Today, my Mother is doing great! She is a strong Irish woman who can handle anything. I credit my Mother for my sense of humor and I'm very thankful that she is stronger than ever.

Some randoms...

Since my crazy predictin that The Cavs would win the NBA Championship in 6 games over the Lakers, they have rolled to a still-unbeaten home record...

Charles Barkley recently said LeBron James was not doing right by his teammates by hinting he may leave the team after his current contract in 2010. LeBron answered by calling Barkely "stupid". I agree with Barkely, be a leader and let your play do the talking. Win the title, then talk. LeBron keeps the door wide open for us to all speculate. Is that his ego talking? Why not say he won't talk contract until it's time. And why not rise above any negative comments and refrain from publicly calling anyone "stupid". This is a case of WWJD...What Would Jordan Do?

Musical tip...JAMES MORRISON. Look him up on YOUTUBE. He's awesome. His latest duet with NELLY FURTADO/BROKEN STRINGS is powerful!

be@peace. ~a

THE SUNDAY COLUMN

Without question, meeting WILL SMITH was the highlight of the week. It was truly an honor to meet him and talk with him on the show. It's a gift to be able to walk into a room and energize it the way he did. When he said his grandmother taught him to make everything he touches better, it was an awesome life lesson. There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who met him this week is a better person for it.

FRANK CALIENDO is one of my favorite comedians. He genuinely makes me laugh. His JOHN MADDEN, GEORGE BUSH, LENO and AL PACHINO voices kill me. It's amazing when he has all of them talking to each other. He's very talented and very funny. His show on Friday at PLAYHOUSE SQUARE was awesome!

Even though I knew most of his material from inerviews I have done and seeing his TV appearances and his show, he still had me rollin'. You know a comedian is good when you can feel the audience get to the punchline before he does and they still laugh. Frank is that good. He is one of my favorite guests on the show, because he makes us sound funny and he can turn nothing into something better than anyone.

On Friday, the band I was in for the FOX 8 rock band battle won the whole thing! I still can't believe it. I was sure our band would finish last for many reasons. In the end, our band blew away the band consisting of my co-host REBECCA and ROVER from WMMS. I can't believe how many people texted or called me after seeing the videos on TV. Who says you need talent to be a rock star? : )

CHANNEL 5 stopped by the show on Wednesday for some live shots and interaction with the anchors. Being on TV still cracks me up. It's hard for me to take those appearances seriously. It's amazing how an ear-piece can make you feel much more important than you really are.

SPORTS. As we predicted on the show Friday, the BUCKEYES rolled over MICHIGAN on Saturday. We said that OSU would win "by at least 3 touchdowns" and they did. Not surprising based on MICHIGAN having its worst season all time. It was actually disappointing to have such a bad game. Even the hype for the game was minimal. I would prefer to have a good MICHIGAN team come to Columbus for an instant classic. If MICHIGAN doesn't get its act together soon, the "greatest rivalry in sports" will become just another game. That's FIVE straight for OSU....

Like most sports fans, I make a lot of predictions. I remember when I'm right on and seem to forget when I was dead wrong. Since predicting the CAVS would win the NBA Finals in 6 games over the LAKERS, the team has lost once and remains unbeaten at home. LeBRON JAMES has been player-of-the-week in back-to-back weeks...I'm just sayin'.

Tuesday's SECONDHAND SERENADE show at HOUSE OF BLUES was surprising on a couple of levels. I had no idea there would be so many tattoos in the crowd and that the band would have such strong stage precense. I admit, I only know the band from the one song we play on Q104, so I didn't have much to go on. I expected the band to be more teeney-bop and not much to them. Instead, I was surprised at how good they were and how well they interacted with the crowd.

It's a short week with the Thanksgiving Day holiday. This is a time where I look back on the year and look ahead to the next. From as far back as I can remember, I have naturally done that this time of year. With my birthday in early December, I have always used this time to take stock in where I am and where I am going. It'll be a busy week of reflection and goal setting...

COMING THIS WEEK: Meeting the next President of the United States.

be@peace. ~af

Being on TV always cracks me up. It always makes me laugh when I look back on any TV appearance that I'm asked to do. This morning, channel 5 stopped by for a couple of live-shots from our studio. The split-screen conversation with the anchors with ear-pieces appeared to be so important. I often say that "we get to play radio"....playing radio on TV is even more fun. As out of place as it feels, I love the comedy of it all. When I'm asked why the TV station had me on, I often respond, "I'm not sure..."

WILL SMITH.

WILL SMITH is everything you expect and want him to be. He is as genuine and energizing in person as he is on screen. It was truly a pleasure to have him in studio on our show. In every interview I have seen him in, he manages to go above and beyond all expectations. There is always something to take away from what he says.

During our interview on Thursday morning, he talked about a great lesson he learned from his grandmother. She had always told him to "make everything you touch better". As simple as that sounds, what a great lesson to pass down. He talked about how much he loved people and how much he enjoys making them laugh, helping them and somehow make their day better. It's great advice to suggest that every time you are around people, you are somehow there to enhance your life and theirs. If we all took that approach to life, the world would be a much better place.

The world would indeed be a much better place if there were more WILL SMITH's in it.