It's slower than slow here at work today. We're getting calls but they are short answer calls so it's just seems slow as there's a good deal of time between calls.
I got a call from my brother today and apparently a *year* ago while I was in Chicago I ran a redlight and he just now got the photo ticket in the mail and it's due this week apparently. I'm going to be calling the City of Chicago and finding out why it took a year to get the ticket sent. He's already sent it up here, but it's due this coming week. *sigh* my budget is so far tanked this week. I'm going to have to really look at things and make some serious cuts. I have my car insurance, T-Mobile, the oil change, and my truck payment.
If I hadn't missed the two days the week before last, I'd be tight but okay. Right now, I'm overdrafted and will be under a huge chunk.
I can do my car insurance and my oil change with about $20 left. The truck payment David will let me slide on for a week or two. It's T-Mo and the ticket that are the issues. I'm just going to let T-Mo go unpaid and the ticket will have to wait a week as well.
I was doing well. This depression and some unchecked spending are biting me in the ass. Oh well. I'll make do. I made the bed and so I'll be sleeping in it.
21 February 2006
20 February 2006
I owe...I owe...It's not off to work I go
Apparently I bumped the interior light slider on my truck too far. I went out this morning to go to work. Nothing. No lights, no radio, nothing. I’m waiting to hear back from my roommates to see if we have a battery charger in the house, otherwise, I’ll have to wait until one of them gets home and see if we can jump my truck and get it started, then let it re-charge itself.
*sigh* I’d be excited about a day off, but not under these circumstances.
*sigh* I’d be excited about a day off, but not under these circumstances.
19 February 2006
Obligatory post...
It’s not that I’m in a bad mood or a good mood. I’m just here. I’m winding down from the weekend.
Friday at work was deathly slow. *yawn* I left at 6:15. Screw the 45 minutes. I’d have taken one call and had everything on my desk done (and then some).
Saturday was cleaning up my room, doing laundry, and getting ready for game. Game was fun, *four* new players and an observer made things very much more challenging. I think we did pretty well considering none of the ST staff had any idea of the new people coming in. As is usual, I gave a ride to/from game. He’s a nice guy and it’s been fun watching him adjust to live action role playing as opposed to tabletop gaming. I got to see for a little bit at game. It was more of a tease than anything else as we really didn’t get much of a chance to talk.
Today was a sleep in and do nothing kind of day. I cleaned off my desk some and started working on creating character sheets for all the NPCs for the Fianna in the Council of Song and the NPC Righs (leaders) of North America. Other than that, it’s been a slow quiet weekend.
In other news, I broke three days of no caffeine last night with a 20oz bottle of Coke Zero. I’m realizing that I really don’t like soda all that much any more and I much prefer iced tea. I’m supposed to be drastically limiting my caffeine intake so I got diet 7up and Caffeine Free Dt Dr Pepper (which is amazing close to Dr. Pepper) at the store.
Well, I don’t have much else to say, so I’m calling it a night. Maybe more tomorrow from work, but I dunno, this is going to be a busy week.
Friday at work was deathly slow. *yawn* I left at 6:15. Screw the 45 minutes. I’d have taken one call and had everything on my desk done (and then some).
Saturday was cleaning up my room, doing laundry, and getting ready for game. Game was fun, *four* new players and an observer made things very much more challenging. I think we did pretty well considering none of the ST staff had any idea of the new people coming in. As is usual, I gave
Today was a sleep in and do nothing kind of day. I cleaned off my desk some and started working on creating character sheets for all the NPCs for the Fianna in the Council of Song and the NPC Righs (leaders) of North America. Other than that, it’s been a slow quiet weekend.
In other news, I broke three days of no caffeine last night with a 20oz bottle of Coke Zero. I’m realizing that I really don’t like soda all that much any more and I much prefer iced tea. I’m supposed to be drastically limiting my caffeine intake so I got diet 7up and Caffeine Free Dt Dr Pepper (which is amazing close to Dr. Pepper) at the store.
Well, I don’t have much else to say, so I’m calling it a night. Maybe more tomorrow from work, but I dunno, this is going to be a busy week.
16 February 2006
Overdue Update...
Hi there in Radio Land and I'm bored to tears at work...
Let's catch up from the last time that I actually posted something here...
Tuesday (the 8th) I've was in the ER for several hours due to having a breakdown and also having my diabetes being totally out of control.
I'm back on my diet and watching what I eat much more, I'm working on being less dependent on caffeine.
I spent Wednesday last week at home sleeping and recovering from the ER trip.
Thursday and Friday were short days for me due to being exhausted from all this and also having to get to appointment for intake. (More on that later...)
The weekend was okay. Saturday was spent with Mag, which was totally unexpected. We had a great time together and it was some of the best time we've actually spent together. It seemed much more natural than some of our other weekends together. I left for KVSC about 2am and got there at 2:45 for Trivia Weekend. Six hours on the phone bank flew by so fast....then it was putting together a show and being on the air from 10a-12noon. I left KVSC and went back to Mag's to get some sleep. Sleep was delayed by a couple of hours (which was just fine by me...*rawr* but I got a few hours of sleep before heading back to Woodbury.
Monday was just another Monday...busy, still cranky and agitated from last week.
Tuesday was an early start with 1-2" of snow and freezing rain. I had to battle my way to the Midway in St. Paul for yet another appointment for intake/EMACS (here out, it'll be EMACS, East Metro Adult Crisis Stabilization). I got to work at 12:15 and was mostly okay. They started me on Zoloft and Trazadone. I got a month's supply of Zoloft in the form of samples from the doctor. I'll get the Trazadone next week when I finally have money.
Wednesday was payday, well, what there was of it. I lost 15 hours of work last week which seriously dented by paycheck and then paying my truck payment dented it even more. By the time all was said and done with lost hours and my truck payment, I was broke before I started really. I had $40 for my cell phone bill, an oil change, and food at work until next Wednesday. Yeah.
I'm flat ass broke. I have less than $2 in my checking account, but I do have a (mostly) full tank of gas. My cell phone will likely be turned off for a few days while I wait for next Wednesday. I must get my oil changed next Wednesday. I'm already 2500 miles overdue and my gas mileage is seriously suffering in the cold that has settled into the region. My highway mileage is off about 7mpg. Not good. It's making getting to and from work much more expensive.
Yeah, I'm screwed in my budget. Some of it is my own doing, but the loss of two days of work really hit hard. I'm not going to be able to go with Mag to Stevens Point Garou this weekend. I'm broke already and it's only Thursday. I'll be bringing my lunch tomorrow and I'm not sure I can afford going to the Twin Cities Garou game.
It's just the weekend plans that are ruined. It could be a lot worse. I'm still alive, I'm feeling better and things are coming back together.
Let's catch up from the last time that I actually posted something here...
Tuesday (the 8th) I've was in the ER for several hours due to having a breakdown and also having my diabetes being totally out of control.
I'm back on my diet and watching what I eat much more, I'm working on being less dependent on caffeine.
I spent Wednesday last week at home sleeping and recovering from the ER trip.
Thursday and Friday were short days for me due to being exhausted from all this and also having to get to appointment for intake. (More on that later...)
The weekend was okay. Saturday was spent with Mag, which was totally unexpected. We had a great time together and it was some of the best time we've actually spent together. It seemed much more natural than some of our other weekends together. I left for KVSC about 2am and got there at 2:45 for Trivia Weekend. Six hours on the phone bank flew by so fast....then it was putting together a show and being on the air from 10a-12noon. I left KVSC and went back to Mag's to get some sleep. Sleep was delayed by a couple of hours (which was just fine by me...*rawr* but I got a few hours of sleep before heading back to Woodbury.
Monday was just another Monday...busy, still cranky and agitated from last week.
Tuesday was an early start with 1-2" of snow and freezing rain. I had to battle my way to the Midway in St. Paul for yet another appointment for intake/EMACS (here out, it'll be EMACS, East Metro Adult Crisis Stabilization). I got to work at 12:15 and was mostly okay. They started me on Zoloft and Trazadone. I got a month's supply of Zoloft in the form of samples from the doctor. I'll get the Trazadone next week when I finally have money.
Wednesday was payday, well, what there was of it. I lost 15 hours of work last week which seriously dented by paycheck and then paying my truck payment dented it even more. By the time all was said and done with lost hours and my truck payment, I was broke before I started really. I had $40 for my cell phone bill, an oil change, and food at work until next Wednesday. Yeah.
I'm flat ass broke. I have less than $2 in my checking account, but I do have a (mostly) full tank of gas. My cell phone will likely be turned off for a few days while I wait for next Wednesday. I must get my oil changed next Wednesday. I'm already 2500 miles overdue and my gas mileage is seriously suffering in the cold that has settled into the region. My highway mileage is off about 7mpg. Not good. It's making getting to and from work much more expensive.
Yeah, I'm screwed in my budget. Some of it is my own doing, but the loss of two days of work really hit hard. I'm not going to be able to go with Mag to Stevens Point Garou this weekend. I'm broke already and it's only Thursday. I'll be bringing my lunch tomorrow and I'm not sure I can afford going to the Twin Cities Garou game.
It's just the weekend plans that are ruined. It could be a lot worse. I'm still alive, I'm feeling better and things are coming back together.
10 February 2006
07 February 2006
Followup to my last post...
I’m going to the ER. Between the diabetes and the sudden attack of the “destroy yourself and it solves all this shit” voices. I need help.
I’ll be off line for a few days likely.
*cries*
I’ll be off line for a few days likely.
*cries*
Not that anyone cares really...
No update tonight.
I’m sicker than shit and this has been going on now since last Thursday. I *know* I need to see a doctor, likely the ER. I know my diabetes has gone haywire. I’m too scared to go. I“m totally depressed. No triggers that I know of, just a huge rollercoaster of normals and then *wham* and I’m wanting to cut myself up and end it all.
I’m sick and scared and I’m thinking of hitting the ER tomorrow if I’m still this bad or worse when I wake up.
I’m sicker than shit and this has been going on now since last Thursday. I *know* I need to see a doctor, likely the ER. I know my diabetes has gone haywire. I’m too scared to go. I“m totally depressed. No triggers that I know of, just a huge rollercoaster of normals and then *wham* and I’m wanting to cut myself up and end it all.
I’m sick and scared and I’m thinking of hitting the ER tomorrow if I’m still this bad or worse when I wake up.
More radio news...
February 7 1:41 p.m.
* MN Albany KDDQ (my note: KDDG) 105.5 goes country “Bob 106,” ex-oldies (DX-midAMerica.com)
I wonder if they are simulcasting 106.1 KLCI Elk River. Same ownership or are they just too cheap to run a seperate format ;)
* MN Albany KDDQ (my note: KDDG) 105.5 goes country “Bob 106,” ex-oldies (DX-midAMerica.com)
I wonder if they are simulcasting 106.1 KLCI Elk River. Same ownership or are they just too cheap to run a seperate format ;)
06 February 2006
Holy Radio Sale!
ABC RADIO MERGES WITH CITADEL:
The $2.7 billion merger will split the ownership of 1440 and 92.5 in the Minneapolis market for the first time. The new Citadel will own 22 current ABC stations in 9 markets, including KQRS, 93X, and the Drive 105 trimulcast in the Twin Cities. However, Disney will retain ownership of ESPN Radio and Radio Disney, as well as owned-and-operated Radio Disney affiliates, including KDIZ/1440 (Golden Valley-Minneapolis) and WKSH/1640 (Sussex-Milwaukee). Citadel will own the ABC Radio Networks and ABC’s 24-hour formats, such as Real Country and Oldies Radio. After the merger is complete, Disney shareholders will own 52% of Citadel, while current Citadel shareholders will own 48%. Citadel currently owns stations in 49 markets, including Des Moines. (2/7/2006)
My $.02 on this mess.
KQRS/92.5 -- Won’t budge, but the recent flopping around of the playlists isn’t helping them.
KXXR/93.7 -- Country (ya heard it here first), K102 is a tasty target as the only game in town.
Other options include Oldies (against Clear Channel’s KQQL/107.9 Anoka/Twin Cities) and moving a re-vamped Drive 105 format up to 93.7
Drive 105 -- Spanish (ya heard that here first too). The Drive 105 format as it is now...as much as I love it...doesn’t have the numbers to survive. I’ve thought it was a filler format for quite a while. There are three rim-shot AM stations doing a Spanish format of some sort....and one far rim-shot FM. Drive 105.1/Lakeville blankets St. Paul. Drive 105.3/Cambridge covers the north metro...Drive 105.7/Eden Prairie covers the heart of Minneapolis. All the key Hispanic areas.
I have a hard gut instinct that 93X will be Country before the end of the spring book. Drive 105...not so sure on that, but it’s my instinct. KQ92...a change there would be suicide for Citadel.
--
Other thoughts on what *could* happen...
Infinity lets Citadel “Jack” 93X and Infinity puts up a 93XRT Radio Chicago clone on 104...which could kill Cities 97 rather quickly as well as damage KS95’s floundering ship. Chance: Doubtful
KS95 goes HotAC and takes dead aim at KDWB. Chance: Winter storm in hell first.
100.3 KTLK stays talk. KSTP/1500 goes all news. Chance: 30%. Hubbard isn’t always known for taking the signs given. KS95/AM1500 have proven that. The survival of a niche fem-talker on 107.1 is proof enough of that.
So spinning the dial after it’s all said and done (in my mind)
88.5 - JazzFM owned by Minneapolis Board of Ed. Nothing changes.
89.3 - KCMP (The Current) MN Public Radio - Adult Alternative
89.9 - KMOJ - Community/Urban
91.1 - KNOW - MN Public Radio - News/Info
92.5 - KQRS - (KQ92) Stll Classic Rock
93.7 - KXXR (Kicker Country) - MMM...that country cowpie at K102 looks soooo good. $$ is the driver here.
94.5 - KSTP-FM (KS95) will forever be the bastard AC child in the market. Just give it red hair.
95.3 - KNOF-FM - Rev Grace Adams will die before that station changes.
96.3 - KTTB-FM (B96) - Still Hip-Hop/R&B
97.1 - KTCZ (Cities 97) - Still cookie cutter, repetitious Clear Channel blandness.
98.5 - KTIS-FM (Life-FM) - Non-commerical...raised almost $5M in 3 days of a pledge drive.
99.5 - KSJN MN Public Radio - Classical
100.3 KTLK - Talk Radio..on FM...draws are Rush and “Dr.” Laura.
101.3 KDWB - No Change. The Juggernaut is feeling the pressure from B96, but keeps on.
102.1 KEEY (K102) The only country station. Vulnerable to a big stick attacker. See the 93.7 comment.
102.9 WLTE (Lite 103) Yawn...Lite Rock.
104.1 KZJK (104.1 Jack-FM). It’ll survive because it costs Infinity so little to run.
105.1/3/7 Drive 105 - Spanish AC by summer. It’s a boomer market and horridly underserved.
106.1 KLCI (Bob 106) - Covers the NW metro, shows up in the ratings. Reality: a non-player.
107.1 WFMP - Smooth Jazz. Currently a female leaning talker...so-so ratings, would be an easy target for a flip.
107.9 KQQL (Kool 108) - Oldies. If 93.7 goes Oldies, watch Clear Channel scramble for a new format.
That’s all from the mind of the Big Bear on this one. I’ll update my life tomorrow.
The $2.7 billion merger will split the ownership of 1440 and 92.5 in the Minneapolis market for the first time. The new Citadel will own 22 current ABC stations in 9 markets, including KQRS, 93X, and the Drive 105 trimulcast in the Twin Cities. However, Disney will retain ownership of ESPN Radio and Radio Disney, as well as owned-and-operated Radio Disney affiliates, including KDIZ/1440 (Golden Valley-Minneapolis) and WKSH/1640 (Sussex-Milwaukee). Citadel will own the ABC Radio Networks and ABC’s 24-hour formats, such as Real Country and Oldies Radio. After the merger is complete, Disney shareholders will own 52% of Citadel, while current Citadel shareholders will own 48%. Citadel currently owns stations in 49 markets, including Des Moines. (2/7/2006)
My $.02 on this mess.
KQRS/92.5 -- Won’t budge, but the recent flopping around of the playlists isn’t helping them.
KXXR/93.7 -- Country (ya heard it here first), K102 is a tasty target as the only game in town.
Other options include Oldies (against Clear Channel’s KQQL/107.9 Anoka/Twin Cities) and moving a re-vamped Drive 105 format up to 93.7
Drive 105 -- Spanish (ya heard that here first too). The Drive 105 format as it is now...as much as I love it...doesn’t have the numbers to survive. I’ve thought it was a filler format for quite a while. There are three rim-shot AM stations doing a Spanish format of some sort....and one far rim-shot FM. Drive 105.1/Lakeville blankets St. Paul. Drive 105.3/Cambridge covers the north metro...Drive 105.7/Eden Prairie covers the heart of Minneapolis. All the key Hispanic areas.
I have a hard gut instinct that 93X will be Country before the end of the spring book. Drive 105...not so sure on that, but it’s my instinct. KQ92...a change there would be suicide for Citadel.
--
Other thoughts on what *could* happen...
Infinity lets Citadel “Jack” 93X and Infinity puts up a 93XRT Radio Chicago clone on 104...which could kill Cities 97 rather quickly as well as damage KS95’s floundering ship. Chance: Doubtful
KS95 goes HotAC and takes dead aim at KDWB. Chance: Winter storm in hell first.
100.3 KTLK stays talk. KSTP/1500 goes all news. Chance: 30%. Hubbard isn’t always known for taking the signs given. KS95/AM1500 have proven that. The survival of a niche fem-talker on 107.1 is proof enough of that.
So spinning the dial after it’s all said and done (in my mind)
88.5 - JazzFM owned by Minneapolis Board of Ed. Nothing changes.
89.3 - KCMP (The Current) MN Public Radio - Adult Alternative
89.9 - KMOJ - Community/Urban
91.1 - KNOW - MN Public Radio - News/Info
92.5 - KQRS - (KQ92) Stll Classic Rock
93.7 - KXXR (Kicker Country) - MMM...that country cowpie at K102 looks soooo good. $$ is the driver here.
94.5 - KSTP-FM (KS95) will forever be the bastard AC child in the market. Just give it red hair.
95.3 - KNOF-FM - Rev Grace Adams will die before that station changes.
96.3 - KTTB-FM (B96) - Still Hip-Hop/R&B
97.1 - KTCZ (Cities 97) - Still cookie cutter, repetitious Clear Channel blandness.
98.5 - KTIS-FM (Life-FM) - Non-commerical...raised almost $5M in 3 days of a pledge drive.
99.5 - KSJN MN Public Radio - Classical
100.3 KTLK - Talk Radio..on FM...draws are Rush and “Dr.” Laura.
101.3 KDWB - No Change. The Juggernaut is feeling the pressure from B96, but keeps on.
102.1 KEEY (K102) The only country station. Vulnerable to a big stick attacker. See the 93.7 comment.
102.9 WLTE (Lite 103) Yawn...Lite Rock.
104.1 KZJK (104.1 Jack-FM). It’ll survive because it costs Infinity so little to run.
105.1/3/7 Drive 105 - Spanish AC by summer. It’s a boomer market and horridly underserved.
106.1 KLCI (Bob 106) - Covers the NW metro, shows up in the ratings. Reality: a non-player.
107.1 WFMP - Smooth Jazz. Currently a female leaning talker...so-so ratings, would be an easy target for a flip.
107.9 KQQL (Kool 108) - Oldies. If 93.7 goes Oldies, watch Clear Channel scramble for a new format.
That’s all from the mind of the Big Bear on this one. I’ll update my life tomorrow.
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