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