December 31, 2008

The last blog for what has proven to be a tumultuous year. (that may be an understatement)

FNST Radio is entering it's third year and I'm proud of what the Techie Gnome and I have accomplished. From not really knowing what we were doing to at least having a clue, is a major accomplishment. Someday, we may actually figure this out.

There are still wars. We have people with no place to live and children going to bed hungry, in this country. The economy is probably in the worse shape it's been since the Great Depression.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however. (just pray it's not a fast moving freight coming at us) I have a basic faith in this country. It will re-invent itself and come out of this with a better understanding of itself and it's place in the world.

As I look back at the entries for the past year, I'm saddened by all the people we've lost. However, we still have them with us. They're not forgotten, for they touched us and left an impression on our lives.

On a brighter note, FNST Radio continues to grow. More slowly than I'd hoped, but people are finding us and coming back. I check the stats, everyday, and am amazed at all the places that show up. We truly are world wide. If you can help spread the word, please do so.

My wishes and prayers go out to all of you and your families, for a better 2009. May it be a good year for not only the FNST family but the world as whole. After all, we're all we have.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

December 22 Show

It's done! My last Monday show until after the new year. (we're off to Virginia)

There are some changes coming for FNST.

The Tuesday, Lovers & Other Losers and Saturday's Dance Party shows are going away. It's a matter of time. I simply don't have the time to do new shows, every week.

Wednesday's "Request Night" is being scaled back to one night each month. The third Wednesday of the month. Hopefully, this will allow us to do fresh shows with your requests, dedications, etc. I'm looking forward to hearing from people.

Monday's show will continue, as always. Theme shows, "new" music, bad jokes and all.

There are some great shows coming up in the new year.

I'm redoing two of the early shows. The shows spotlighting Philadelphia and Chicago are being re-done with better sound and some more music.

We're also going to do at least one, probably two shows, featuring the great music of "the other Detroit". I owe Dave Bupp and Ginger Oldham a special thanks for the insight, memories and the music. They should be the executive producers.

By the way, this Wednesday, the 24th of December there is a "Christmas Eve Special". Some requested songs, some of my favorits and some stuff that's just fun. I hope you can find time to enjoy it.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope we can all have a happy and prosperous new year.

Take care of yourselves and each other

December 15, 2008 or close enough

It's been another "fast" week. Sometimes, I don't think I'll ever catch up.

Tonight's show is full of memories. A very special thank you to Ginger for loaning me the records and not bugging me for them for a year. I really do manage to get things done, eventually.

Next week, we have two shows. Monday, the 22nd, is our normal "new" music show. This one is full of the other Detroit sound, compliments of Dave Bupp. Then on Wednesday, a very special program of Christmas music. We actually had some request for a few songs, sooooooooo.
Is it soulful? I don't know about that but it's, probably, good for your soul.

To everyone who stopped by this week, thank you. It's great to see the new isp's. Pass the word to your friends. It's the only way the station can grow.

Please take care of yourselves, your families and friends.

December 8, Part Ducks

Under normal circumstances I wouldn't do this, but, this little guy has a great laugh.
Besides, his mom is very special to our family. Check out Dalton and his daddy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i89FV8255AI

December 8, 2008

It's another show. I think I've lost track.

The holiday season is upon us, have you noticed? I was at a shopping mall this morning and it scared the hell out of me. People in SUV's and mini-vans all going 40 miles an hour through the parking lot! What's up with that? Dig it, this was between the rows, not in the traffic lanes.

Anyway, tonight's show is interesting. That covers a multitude of sins. I hope you enjoy it.

Be nice to each other, we're all we have.

Class Act featuring Rita - November 29, 2008

If you wanted a "critical" review, it's not going to be here.

Saturday night we had the pleasure of watching and listening to musicians and singers doing R&B the way it should be. For the fifth year Class Act with special guests Dave Bupp and Buddy King of The Magnificent Men, sold (souled?) out the Whittaker Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

I won't say it was "magical", the term is over-used. However, "special" could and does fit the bill, real well.

Everything worked the way it should. The sound guys did the kind of job you wish every event could experience. From the opening number, to the closing, the mix was fantastic. Jeff, you guys outdid yourselves! The staff at the Whittaker, once again, impressed me with their professional handling of the crowd. People moved into and out of the lobby and theater without seemingly long lines or waiting.

Class Act, there are no words. You played and sang as well as I've ever heard you perform and that goes back far longer than any of us probably want to admit. The band was tight!! Dave, Les, Tom and Chuck, you did a great job on the backup vocals for Rita. Speaking of Rita........If we could bottle the energy and magic you bring to any performance, we'd all be rich. The people of central Pennsylvania are so lucky to hear you.

Now, about the "special guests". If you're not a Magnificent Men fan, you should be. Saturday night simply validated what I've known for over 45 years. It just doesn't get any better! Having Dave Bupp, Buddy King and Tom Pane singing together is what it always was. Fantastic!
The leads were wonderful, the harmonies on the money. Dave, your between song banter was a delight. Watching the three of you interact made time slip away. Thank you.

Hopefully, we all get to do it again, next year. To everyone reading this, get yourselves ready to fly, do a road trip, whatever............just plan on being there. We all need a little magic in our lives and these concerts are just what the doctor would order.

One more thing...........................Do you like good music? Sweet soul music...............

System Outage 11/23/08

We're back up and running again.. thank you for your patience... btw... we have a new IP address as well... please access the station from the listen page on the website

Thanks,

Da TechieGnome

WHAT THE ???????

I do wish he'd tell me these things......... (wandering off to change the ip address on the systems)

PD

November 24 through December 1, 2008

There's a reason for the two dates. Next weekend we'll be in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the Class Act featuring Rita concert with special guests, Dave Bupp and Buddy King of The Magnificent Men. Since I normally put the Monday night shows together on the Saturday and Sunday before air date, I've done both weeks ahead of time.

I'm continuing to learn the new sound card. The voice work is a bit ragged, bear with me. If you want to donate a sound proof studio with some other neat equipment, just let me know.

I'll let you know about the concert. If you don't have tickets, it's already a sell out. I can tell you, you're going to miss one great show.

For everyone traveling this weekend, have a safe trip. If you're driving, the good news is the falling gas prices. I figure it's saving me about $75.00 on my trip.

BTW, welcome to San Mateo, California and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (someone is listening at work). We're glad you found us.

Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners in the United States. Now, we have to get ready for the holidays............

November 18, 2008

YO!! Over there in England! Yeah, I'm talkin' to you.

82.0.114.183

Which part of NSP doesn't work are you not understanding?

November 17

Okay, it's officially cold! Today, Sunday the 16th, it was snowing as I drove home from the Techie Gnome's. (yes, I generally write these just after I finish the show for Monday night)


We've had listeners this past week from Sacramento California, Tokyo Japan, Dunedin Florida, Bluffton South Carolina, Webster New York and a few other spots. It's fun looking at the world map and seeing all these places, knowing at least one person checked out FNST Radio.

I've had requests for songs. I'm getting a new Wednesday show together. There's about half a show ready and I have to admit a couple of the requests are "outside the box" so to speak. Definitely not our normal music.

Remember, Saturday, November 29th at The Whittaker Center in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Class Act featuring Rita with special guests, Dave Bupp and Buddy King of The Magnificent Men.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

PD

November 10, 2008

Last Tuesday the United States voiced its’ opinion, rather convincingly, on the course this country had pursued the past eight years. It’s the beginning of a new era, filled with hope and dreams.

We’re faced with so many problems: two wars, the economy, divisions within our own society, at times it seems insurmountable.

I have faith, my friends. Faith based on being able to look back on a half century ago. In 1957, President Eisenhower had to order troops into Little Rock, Arkansas to integrate the schools. Last week, an African-American became President-Elect of this country.

If this country can progress this far, it can do anything!

It won’t happen overnight. It may not happen in the next four years, but we have a start. A chance to be that special place the world used to think we were.

We’re going to have to sacrifice, struggle and stick to the ideals. It’s going to take some patience, but we can do this.

I’d ask everyone hearing this show, or reading this on the blog, to stop for just a second and say a short prayer. Pray the United States will find the strength to attain the ideals the founding fathers hoped for.

Word of the Day - Considerate (View from the BP)

Over the past few weeks I have been constantly reminded of a condition that appears to be afflicting so many of us.

It is a general lack of consideration for others.

We can explain or alibi this by complaining about the economy, our jobs, our families, our spouses or the pace of our lives.

Webster’s Dictionary defines considerate as being thoughtful of the rights and feelings of others

Not long ago I was stuck in a traffic jam outside of Washington DC. For those of you who have driven the Interstate 95 corridor around the city you have my profound sympathy. During the tie-up I covered a grand total of 20 miles in 2 hours. That is not recommended when one is driving a car with a manual transmission. It does terrible things to the clutch, your left leg and your nerves. Thank goodness that it was not an especially hot afternoon or I truly would have been doomed. BUT… it gave me the chance to indulge in one of my favorite guilty pleasures. … People watching.

There are some very interesting and entertaining folks out there:

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the Motorized Stereo. This vehicle travels at highway speeds as though it were trying to outrun it’s own volume. The music is so loud that you can feel the bass from a quarter of a mile away. If you have ever been inside one of said vehicles, you know that you can’t hear the music at all. Your ears shut down and all you hear is a crackle. You can feel the music but only because it is shaking the vehicle so violently. I don’t care if they get ahead of me, as long as they go away from me. It makes me want to outfit the my car with a million watts of power, huge honking speakers and a huge collection of Lawrence Welk is my own defense. Is it considerate to force your musical tastes upon other travelers?

Then there is the Horn Blowing, Engine Revving Lane Changer. We see these folks on every divided highway. They pass on the right, on the left, weave in and out of traffic, tailgate and perform the death defying from the left hand lane across three lanes of traffic exit. They are so enjoyable. In a traffic jam they change lanes constantly. They force their way into the lane next to them no matter if there is an opening or not. Having to hit your breaks hard when you are only travelling at 10 miles an hour is rather silly but necessary when you encounter the mad weaver. Nature takes its revenge on the weaver though. After working so hard to change lanes, scare the hell out of the travelers and torture their vehicles you, who have stayed in your lane, observe them three cars to your right as you pass them. For all of their efforts they have gone nowhere.

The TaxiCab Breakdown Lane Passer is always entertaining. This is the driver who is such a hurry that rules laws and physical danger is of no concern. While the rest of us are laboring along at a snail’s pace, the TCBLP is zooming up the Breakdown Land passing us all. He might even wave to us suckers as he passes. In his haste he fails to see the revolving lights that are following in his wake. Whether it is a fire truck ambulance or a State Trooper is of no concern to this important busy driver. It is his RIGHT to get where he wants to go regardless of the consequences to him or anyone else. On the bright side, the last set of lights caught up with him just after he tried to force his way back into line and clipped the left rear fender of a Lincoln along the way. When last seen the TCPLP was being escorted through the traffic jam by Lincoln that he hit and by the Trooper. I guess that he will be late for whatever was so important in the first place.

If I were stuck in such a jam and was atop a motorcycle, I would not be jammed up for long. I admit it. I would slowly motor through the cars sharing the lanes that were not moving. Instead I would like to introduce you to the Café Racer Stunt Rider. For those of you who have not been acquainted with the CRSR allow me to explain. The Café Racer Stunt Rider is decked out in color-coordinated helmet and leathers. He rides his bike with authority and even some talent. As the cars in front of him pull away, he waits. He allows perhaps 50 feet to open between himself and the car in front of him. He then drags his boots behind him, over-revs his bike’s engine and drops the clutch in first gear. The bike’s front wheel leaves the ground and he spins the rear wheel, removing perhaps a thousand miles of rubber from each "wheelie". The stunt is impressive but it doesn’t get him anywhere and scares the hell out of the first car behind him who is afraid that the CRSR will dump the bike and end up under his front wheel.

Of course I can give you more sketches of inconsiderate behavior.

How about the Cell Phone Addict who can’t keep up with traffic because the calls or texts that he is participating in are more important than keeping his place.

Then there is Tailgater who is attached to your rear bumper so closely that you cannot see his headlights in your rearview mirror.

My favorite is the Party Car, who cannot keep their beer cans, candy wrappers and chips bags in their own vehicle.
I think you get the idea.

Think about it. Consider how your behavior affects others. Treat them, as you would like to be treated. Remember the Golden Rule? That’s what we’re talking about here. We’re not talking about manners. We’re talking about being considerate.

Like it or not we share this planet. Be considerate of others. Hold a door for the person behind you. Take your cell phone conversation out of the restaurant. Keep your voice down in an elevator.

Want to feel good about yourself and be happy?

Smile at someone on the street. You don’t have to say anything. Just smile. They might smile back. They might even say hello. Wouldn’t that be nice?

November 5, 2008

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US
HAPPY ANNIVERSAY TO US

We made it!!!!!!!!! Two years of broadcasting, WOW!

There are some thank you's to some terrific people who have helped make this possible.

RJ (the techie gnome) gets to be the first. His knowledge of pooters and willingness to dig deep for the technology makes this all possible.

Lucy and Barb, thank you for allowing us the untold hours to make this work.

Ginger, a special thanks for all your hours of listening, critiquing and loaning me music.

PJ and Carlene, thanks for being the first fans. Without your encouragement we may have bagged this thing before it really got started.

A very special thank you to the artists who answered my e-mails and phone calls. Their willingness to allow us to play the music is what drove me. Mark Casarra, Craig Woolard, Bob & Andy Angelucci, I can't say enough about you. I'm proud to know all of you.

Dave Bupp, what can I say? We've known each other for more than 40 years and it's been a neat ride. Thank you for the music, the knowledge of songs and artists and especially for trying to keep me on track. Don't ever stop the e-mails.

Last, but far from least, thank you to everyone who has listened over the past two years. We started the station so music that normally doesn't get radio airplay would be heard. Every time you open us up or pass the word along to friends, you validate what we're trying to accomplish.

Two years.............amazing *wandering off mumbling*

November 3, 2008

One more day until the elections. (supply old man happy dance here)


I hope y'all vote, one way or another. It's what makes this country work.

Now, thanks to all the visitors, this past month.

Sacramento, California

York, Pennsylvania

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Maassluis, Zuid-holland, Netherlands

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

Gurgaon, Haryana, India

Potomac, Maryland, United States

Metairie, Louisiana, United States

Nevlunghamn, Vestfold, Norway

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia

Bochum, Nordrhein-westfalen, Germany

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

North Wales, Pennsylvania, United States

Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Gurgaon, Haryana, India

The above ISP's are simply the ones we see coming through the site. We know there are more.
Thank you, all, for joining us and enjoying the music.

October 27, 2009

We only have one more week until the elections..........thank goodness.
I'm tired of the commercials, accusations and constant "talking heads".

Tonight's show is free of all that stuff. Just music, birthdays and history.

Next week, about November 5th, FNST Radio will celebrate two years on the air!!

I'm pretty proud of this, even if the listener base hasn't grown as much as I'd like.
Thank you to everyone who tunes in, drops us an e-mail, etc.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

PD

October 20, 2008

Levi Stubbs

June 6, 1936 - October 17, 2008

This should have been posted on the 17th but I was out of touch. Vacations will do that to you.

I have great memories of Levi and "the Tops". He was such a tremendous force in the music of our youth.

In 1966 we finished a gig at Palisades Park and drove like madmen back to Harrisburg because the Tops were playing that night at The Raven. Nevermind that it had to be 120 degrees on that stage and the fried chicken didn't sit well. The Tops put on one hell of a show.

1967 saw The Magnificent Men and The Four Tops playing in Asbury Park New Jersey. Then we headed to New York to do the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the year before it went nationally. (timing is everything) It was a terrific weekend.

When my daughter was little, maybe 10, one of her first concerts (besides Class Act featuring Rita) was the Tops at Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center. I can still see this little blonde asking her mother, "Can I get up?".

The next thing I know she's at the rail, dancing for all she's worth to "Reach Out", etc.

Thank you, Levi. For all the music and the memories

October 6, 2008

Here we are, the seasons changing again. It doesn't really seem possible but the cool (40F) mornings say it's so.

By this time, next week, I'll be kicked back on the beach.
It's time for our yearly vacation and we all need it.
It's been a trying year.

If the station crashes it'll stay down until the 20th.
We'll be too far away to do anything about it.
Hopefully, that won't happen and y'all can enjoy the music, as always.

Keep watching the news, try to keep a sense of humor and hope.

BTW, saying a small prayer for good weather in North Carolina is allowed.

PB

September 29th (sorta)

We have another show done and another month has passed. It'll be two years of FNST coming up, soon. That's simply blowing my mind.

What started as a conversation between the Techie Gnome and me, at 70+ miles per hour, on the way to North Carolina has not only become a reality but it lasted this long. Amazing.

We're growing, folks. (not just my waistline) However, I still need your help, spreading the word. Get your friends to listen, if they tell even more people, things will happen.

To all the folks who dropped by this week, it was great seeing the different locations. We're world wide and that thrills me. Now, if y'all would just write..................

Be good to each other, and keep listening

PD

PAUL NEWMAN

1925 - 2008

This is the way I will remember Paul, for this is the way I actually met the man.

At Watkins Glen, June 1979.

He was gracious, funny and one hell of a competitor.

If he'd decided to turn to racing, instead of acting, P.L. would have been a champion in whatever he drove.

I took a picture that weekend. Paul sitting on the grid, waiting to go onto the track.

When he saw the camera pointed at him, he flipped me the bird. I think I was laughing harder than he was.

So many memories.

Thank you, Paul. Not just for the films and charity work. Thank you being a terrific human being.

September 22, 2008

Welcome to the first day of fall (if you're in the northern hemisphere).

Tonight's show features friends. Some I mentioned, some I should have thanked.

For The Magnificent Men, Class Act featuring Rita, and Class Of 60 Somethin', we've all known each other for so many years it's past friendship. We're family.

Mark Cassara, I'm waiting for that new CD to be finished. Hoping you're doing some R&B on it as well as jazz.

Lex Byer, of The Coupe De Villes, I wish we'd managed to hook up at a car show, over the summer. There just didn't seem to be any time. Maybe next summer?

Ginger Oldham, thank you, again, for the loan of the records. I'm getting them recorded, slowly.
Also, a huge hug for all you continue to do spreading the word on the station.

Marjo, thank you for listening in Holland and for turning me on to a great song. Every time we play Candy Dulfer, you cross my mind.

Paul Cockburn, it may be "dinosaur music" but it still beats hell out The Monkees P~~~~

To everybody tuning in, thank you from the bottom of my heart. FNST was brought to life because we wanted this music to be heard and enjoyed. As we approach our second anniversay, it's growing, because of our listeners.

September 18, 2009

Norman Whitfield
1941 - 2008

"War", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine",

"Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)"
"Cloud Nine," "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep",

"Smiling Faces Sometimes", "Car Wash"

We'll have the music, forever.

September 10, 2008

The following appeared in response to an article from Channel 13 News in Norfolk, Virginia. I have no idea who “C-Lynn” is but he/she certainly has the right idea regarding the presidential contest. It truly should be about the issues and who is more qualified to address them.

“Everyone seems to forget that not one of the four candidates have experience at being Commander in Chief BECAUSE neither of the four have been Commander in Chief.

McCain is NOT the only person in America that has ever been a POW and that does not give him an "I SHOULD BE PRESIDENT" pass. When he chose to attend a military school and was commissioned, that became HIS CHOSEN OCCUPATION. He only did what my son is doing now. The American people DON'T owe him anything. He served and he was paid for each and every day that he served. I am sure each and every check that he received from his days of service were spent and not given to the American people. What he was owed, he received--his freedom and the ability to return to this free world and get a job like everyone else. The ones who are owed are those who DID NOT RETURN. The ones who are owed are those who DIED IN SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

He is no more qualified to be President than Obama, Palin or Biden. To be qualified for a job, you must have been in that position. Have they? NO... So let's get beyond this and get back to what matters--THE ISSUES. Or are we going to allow the media to keep us occupied thinking about "lipstick on a pig" comments USED BY BOTH PARTIES, "lipstick on a bulldog", pregnant teenagers, action figures, flipflop ties to the Bridge to Nowhere, sexism claims, racism claims, etc.?

LET'S GET BACK TO THE ISSUES--this failing economy, the high price of gasoline, the energy crisis, the need for affordable healthcare, our substandard education system, the high rate of unemployment, the inevitable continuance of house foreclosures, this USELESS war which was based on the pride of our current Commander in Chief….. Shall I continue?”

September 8, 2008 Show

Tonight's show is ready. Most of it recorded at my "new" studio desk. It's kind of neat having a table top 40" off the floor. Makes me stand up to do the voice work which means I breathe properly.

How many of you watched the "Stand Up 2 Cancer" program last Friday? It was on all three networks and they did a great job of raising cancer awareness.

Did you know that most of cancer research in this country is privately funded? Did you also know that the funds are limited? Feel like you, individually, can't do anything to help?
Well, guess what? You can help!

It doesn't take a lot. How about contributing $5.00? There are nearly 300 million people in this country. If we could come up with $5.00 per person that brings in $1,500,000,000. dollars. (1.5 billion)

I kicked in $100.00. That more than covers my wife, kids and grandkids. Now, how about the rest of you?

Here's the link.

https://www.standup2cancer.org/donate_splash.asp

Just think, your donation just might be the money that finds a cure.

As a cancer survivor, I thank you.

PD

September 1, 2008

One heck of a picture, isn't it? Another monster headed for New Orleans. This time, at least, it appears that the government (FEMA) has some idea of what's ahead. We can only hope so.

I was looking at FNST Radio’s statistics for this past week. I'd like to thank our listeners in Bradenton Florida, The Netherlands, York Pennsylvania, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach South Carolina, Dover Pennsylvania, Chicago Illinois and San Diego California, among others, for joining us. It’s always good to see people we know and great to see new isp’s as well.

Are you ready for the next 65 days? The constant advertisements on the TV?

I know I’m going to be sick of the “Vote for me!” stuff.
Do other democracies have this long, drawn out, type of campaign?

I hope y'all enjoy the show. Oh, and either way..................write to us, please.

August 25th (sort of)

Finally I've completed a project the Techie Gnome and I have been talking about for a full year!

The FNST window stickers are done. (APPLAUSE APPLAUSE)

If you'd like one for your vehicle they're free. Sorta, kinda.

What you need to do is send me an email, I respond with the address, then you send a self addressed, stamped, envelope and I'll ship as many as you would like.

Help FNST Radio grow and add to the confusion on our highways at the same time. How much more can you ask for?????

Yippee Ki Yi Yay !!!!!

I'm supposed to be cutting the grass, installing signage on a van, finishing Monday's show and a million other things. Took a minute to come inside (darn hot out there) and just played a game of speed solitaire...............

7,435 in 104 seconds.....................

*wandering back to work humming "We Are The Champions"*

August 17, 2008

The Monday show is done. Not an easy chore when one is sick with some kind of flu/food poisoning/something.

If it's heavy on Isaac Hayes, it's because I didn't check with the Techie Gnome about his last show. You get a double dose of soul...........that ain't too bad.

I'm putting together a couple of new Wednesday Night shows. Get your requests in the e-mail.
So far we have The Magnificent Men, Class Act, Class of 60, Wilmer & The Dukes, Mark Cassara, Don Potter and even Tommy James (don't ask.........it's a request show).

Anyway, I hope y'all have a great week and I'm serious about hearing from you. It gets damn lonely down here in the dungeon.

P.S.

We had a glitch at the beginning of the program..........pooter issue, but it's fixed and the 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm shows will be at the right times. If you're listening to the 3:00 pm show, it's about 10 minutes later than usual.

Is it just me or did The Orioles ever do anything better than "Crying In The Chapel"? After listening to multiple cuts and allowing for the primitive recording techniques of the day, I still think The Ink Spots and Mills Brothers did a far better job. My opinion....voice yours.

I'm listening to the show as I write this. I did most of the voice work on my new "station only" pooter and I'm still figuring out the sound card. It's way different than what I've been using for the past two years. Hang in there, it'll get better.

August 11, 2009

Tonight's show was already finished and delivered to the

Techie Gnome when the news reported Isaac Hayes passing.

A talented musician, Oscar and Grammy winner, Isaac

Hayes gave voice to feelings. That's what "soul" is all about.

Next time you hear "Shaft" or "Hold On, I'm Coming" , "Soul Man" and "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby", remember you're hearing the soul of Ike Hayes.

****************************************************

Enjoy tonight's show.

Take care of each other.

Just Because It's Cute

August 4, 2008

Okay, as I write this it's really August 3rd..........oh well.

I hope you enjoy tonight's show. I actually had fun with it and tried to make all the genres fit into a coherent piece. Let me know how you liked it.

I'm already at work on next week's show. Little bit of Jazz, little bit of big band, lots of "aged in soul".

Oh! Want to have some fun? Next time you're in Wal Mart, Target, etc. just take a small bag of M&M's to the service desk and try to put them on lay away.

Be good to yourselves and each other.

PD

July 29, 2009 Information

Like everyone, I'm always glad when good news is spread about what I do. The entire purpose of the station was to showcase the music, so when we get kudos I love it!

I had the following link sent to me. It's safe to open, honest.

http://www2.islandpacket.com/blogs/post/27226#new

To Montana and Dakotakola, thank you both for the kinds words. I'm glad we bring pleasure into your lives. The music stands by itself.

Now, about the corny jokes..........hey, they're older than I am (some of them anyway) and that's ancient. If I bring a smile to your face or even make you groan with "Bob Humor", then I've accomplished something good.

Remember, "It's All About The Music"

Malaga Spain

A nuestro oyente en Málaga, España. Bienvenidos a FNST Radio.com. Nos alegramos usted sigue volviéndonos.Gracias

NSPlayer BANS

Some of the recent attempts at trying to listen to FNST with NSPlayer.

Learn to read, NSP doesn't work.


128.227.82.178 /US/ UNITED STATES /FLORIDA, GAINESVILLE /UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

70.88.219.194 /US /UNITED STATES /MASSACHUSETTS, CHELMSFORD

67.181.178.51 /US /UNITED STATES /CALIFORNIA, CLOVIS

70.112.37.226 /US /UNITED STATES /TEXAS, AUSTIN

July 14, 2009

Yippee! Another Monday show done, ahead of time. I'm getting good at this.

Some thoughts, for whatever they're worth.

Bobby Murcer died Saturday, July 12. If you're not a baseball fan that probably doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot. Bobby was a New York Yankee player, then an announcer for the team. A true gentleman and a great representative for the game. (even a diehard RedSox fan can admire some Yankees)

Janiva Magness: Holy smokes, what a voice! I'm not sure where I've been, but this lady can flat out sing. FNST will be playing a lot more of her. If you can't wait, hit Amazon or Rhapsody.com.

How can you tell when you have far too much time on your hands? When you play "speed solitaire" on the 'pooter. So far my best score is 7,521 at 107 seconds...........think I need a life?

Bob Humor: If you haven't caught up with our latest "feature" on Mondays, a little background is in store. For over 45 years a few of us have endured bad jokes and puns from a certain friend, drummer, etc. In all honesty, sometimes, it's more hilarious watching Puff try to get through the joke than the story ever is. Like Dave Bupp said, "We keep waiting, hoping the material will get better." (supply dramtic pause here) "And it never does!"

Anyway, I was thinking (a dangerous mission into and of itself) about these bad jokes and puns and decided that the group shouldn't have to suffer these things by ourselves. (We won't even mention the poor lady who's married to him) soooooooooooooo in a firm belief that the world is far better off groaning a bit, I'm going to start passing along these bits of humor. You don't have to thank me...........honest.

One More Thing: (thanks DB) We really would like to hear from y'all. Requests, e-mails, even begging for me to stop the bad jokes.

July 7,2008

We made it through the holiday weekend!! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable three days off.

I found a neat little quiz on geography. It's for our United States listeners, but the rest of you can join in.

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

There are other quizzes on the site as well. I'll tell you I only managed an 88% rate because being a few miles off on placements. Let me know how y'all do.

A special thank you to Dave Bupp and Ginger Oldham for loaning me some music. We used a couple of songs on tonight's show and there are more to follow. It's great to have friends who want to share these tunes with the world. I'm taking good care of the records, I promise.

Please take care of yourselves and each other.

PD

Oh, by the way, a special hello to whoever was listening in Japan, last Wednesday. You stuck around for over 4 hours. I hope you enjoyed the music.

June 30

It's the end of the first half of 2008. My goodness, time has flown.

Tonight's show features two artists, who happen to have birthdays this week. Paul Williams of The Temptations and Gene Chandler. I hope you enjoy the musical selections.

Rita Angelucci, of Class Act Featuring Rita, managed to break her leg while mowing the lawn. (don't ask)
Anyway, she's doing well and won't miss any gigs. If you wish to send her a note, you can reach her through
http://www.classact-rita@hotmail.com I'm sure she'd be happy to hear from y'all.

Have a great week, everybody. For most of us in the United States, it's only a four day work week!!!!!

June 23 2008

It's a fun show this week. Easy to put together because I love the music on it. Having music from three powerful writers; Doc Pomus, Eddie Floyd and Richard Rogers sure helps a show be souled out.

I mentioned on the show and I'll note it here. We know people are listening but we're not hearing from y'all. This can be a bit frustrating. We have this blog and our e-mail addy is on the front page. It would be nice to see some feedback.

It's about time for some fresh Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday shows. I'm working on them. If there's something you'd like to hear, let me know.

Take care of yourselves and each other

PD

JUNE 9, 2008

Hey, the show is ready at 5:40am, Sunday morning!! Sometimes, it's a good thing not being able to sleep.

We're doing a special re-broadcast of two tribute shows, this Wednesday. Curtis Mayfield and Smokey Robinson. It doesn't get much better than that.

Beginning at 2:00pm edt, the shows will run back to back with a rebroadcast beginning at 7:00pm edt.
In other words, you can listen to 10, yes I said 10, hours of the best soul music ever!!!

Enjoy tonight's and be sure to join us on Wednesday.

June 2 & June 3, 2008

As I write this it's only 8:00am on Sunday, June 1. In other words, I'm early, for a change.

Monday's show is neat. Our usual history timeline, birthdays and a few songs you may not have heard. We hope you enjoy them.

Tuesday, June 3 , is a special 3 hour show. Curtis Mayfield's music. It doesn't get better than this, people.
It's long on music and short on me talking. (hold the applause) There is a great biography of Curtis, written by Peter Burns, People Never Give Up: Curtis Mayfield . You can get it at Amazon.com. There is also a new, May 2008, release of The Impressions on DVD. Movin' On Up: The Music and The Message of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions is also available at amazon.com and they do a far better job of telling the story than I can.

This is a special birthday week for those of us who are fans of The Magnificent Men. Friday, June 6, is Bob Angelucci's birthday. As Dave Bupp says when he introduces the group, now, "The Magnificent Man, Bob Angelucci". Truer words can't be spoken. Bob's drive, vision and personality shaped TMM just as he shaped Class Act featuring Rita. Without "Puff" , none of this would have been possible. I'm proud to know him as a musician and more proud to call him friend.

Have a great week, everybody. The request line is open and so are the comment pages for the blog.

PD

May 19, 2008

Yes, I know it's really the 18th of May. The new show is finished and about to be delivered to the Techie Gnome. It's actually early.

On June 3, 2008 we're having a special three (3) hour Tuesday Night show. It's Curtis Mayfield's birthday and FNST is celebrating his music. We'll be playing plenty of The Impressions and lots of other artists performing Curtis' songs. Be sure to join us for one of America's great song writers.

Now, about the Wednesday Night Request Show. Folks, the e-mail box isn't exactly overflowing. If I don't start getting more requests we may drop the show, altogether. Please, if there's a song you wish to hear, send us a not, an mp3 file of your voice, anything.

Oh, before I forget, a special thanks to DB for picking up a mis-labeled song in the rotation. It's fixed, and if anybody finds anymore, or "skippers", let us know. We try to get the best recordings we can find. Sometimes, the "pooter" messes us up and things slip by.

PD

May 12 2008

We survived another long weekend of travel. Almost 800 miles in the big car and averaged almost 26 miles per gallon. I'll take that, anyday.


Saturday night was spent in Pottstown, Pennsylvania with:

"Class Act featuring Rita", "The Magnificent Men", "The Duprees" ,
and an immensely talented young man named "Kid Kyle".

All told, a good show. It was so great to see and hear five of the seven "Mag Men" on stage again.







Sunday, we took a short side trip to Philly. Saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, had lunch on Chestnut St at a super restaurant named "LaScala's" and then went uptown a bit.





Why this building isn't on the historic register and why it isn't being used is simply beyond me.

It sits right in the middle of the Temple University complex and it just seems like they could do
something to make it live again. It's a part of my life, a great time when we were all young and there were infinite days ahead of us.

One can only hope it will be saved.


To Tom Coyle and the Pottstown Boosters, than you for the hospitality and the great effort y'all
put into Saturday night.


To "The Magnificent Men", like the advertisement said,
"Thanks for over 40 years of memories, freindship and music".


Enjoy tonight's show, everybody. We'd like to hear from you.

PD

April 28, 2008

The spring Class of 60 Somethin' Party is history.
For everyone who was there, man, what a great show!

From the opening number of the first set, the dance floor was packed.
The crowd was, simply, one of the best I've ever seen.

The musicians did themselves proud.
The singers were simply fantastic.
The young lady tending bar......great scotch, thank you.

A special thank you to Mike Leash for his hospitality.

If y'all miss the October 4th show, shame on you. Get your tickets
at www.classof60somethin.com I promise you will not be disappointed.

April 21

Do you realize we're almost at the end of another month?

How does this happen?

Next week, the Class Of '60 party will be over and there'll only be
two weeks until the The Magnificent Men show in Pottstown. Lots
of miles under the car for these shows.

As you know, each Monday FNST does a birthday segment for artists.
But, did you know the birthday announcements are not limited to just the performers?

If you’d like to have someone’s birthday announced on FNST Radio, here’s what you need to do. Send us an
e-mail with the person’s name and birth date (the year isn’t important) and then listen to the Monday show before the birthday.

During the show we will deliver the birthday wishes for that week.

It’s that easy, honest.

Have a great week and let us hear from you

PD

WEEK OF APRIL 7th

We have 4 new shows this week.
(my voice is destroyed)
In addition to our normal Monday
and Thursday shows, there is a new
Lovers & Other Losers show for Tuesday
and a new Wednesday show.

It sure would be nice to hear from our listeners.

PD

MARCH 31 SHOW

This show has been a joy
to put together. Not only
for the music but, because it's
a birthday week for three of my favorite
artists.

Marvin Gaye, Major Lance and my friend, Dave Bupp.
While I did have the opportunity to meet the first two men, I have
had the pleasure of knowing Dave for more than four decades.
(yes, this means we're getting older)
As I've said many times, "there are singers and then there are "singers"."

Dave falls into the latter group.
He's always been able to take anything he sang and make it his own.
It's a special gift.

Enjoy the show and please leave us a few thoughts on this blog.

PD

MARCH 24, 2008

Hey y'all, (I'm practicing for when I can finally move south)
we have a terrific show tonight. Artists from every genre.
Sometimes a show seems to write itself and this is one of those
times.

We had a few requests, we'd sure like more. Wednesday's get
kind of lonesome when it's just my favorite songs.

To everyone who wrote me e-mails, thank you. If you'd consider
posting here, it would be appreciated.

Be sure to order your own copies of Class of 60 Somethin',
Mark Cassara, The Magnificent Men and the Craig Woolard Band.

You get to drive your friends crazy when they're in the car and stuff they've never heard comes on.

I'd tell you to order copies of Class Act featuring Rita, but they're out of print.

Anyway, have a great week and please let us hear from you.

PD

Monday March 10

We have a neat show tonight. Music ranging from
Harry James to 14 Karat Soul. I think you'll enjoy it.

Next week we'll have a new Wednesday
"Request & Dedication" show as well
as our new Monday thing. If you have anything you'd
like to hear, send us an e-mail before March 15 and we'll
try to get it on.

Thank you for listening, writing and joining us in this project.
The feedback we get from our listeners is the only reward we have.

PD

YES, We Know

at 6:40pm Wednesday, March 5 the station is down. We're not sure why and the techie gnome is scrambling.

Hopefully we'll be back up, soon

PD

6:46 PM, FNST IS BACK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MARCH 3, 2008

The show is almost "in the can".

This evening (Friday) when I got home I had two great treasures.

First off, we have the new Craig Woolard Band cd "Come Get To This".
Yes, we'll be adding cuts to the rotation.
Craig is a great horn player and even better vocalist .
The entire band is terrific. I would urge the listeners to order both of Craig's cd's
www.craigwoolard.com

Second treasure:

Thanks to the power of the internet, I have a near mint copy of
The Magnificent Men's "World Of Soul".
Of the four albums they made, this happens to be my personal favorite, musically.
I love the songs although I could do without the strings......
We'll be playing two cuts from the album, on Monday's show, so be sure to be here.

February 25th & The Cruelest Month

We have a pretty good mix of songs this week, even some country.
There's the history timeline and birthdays, of course.
What I'd like to talk about, here, is the casualties in the Iraq War.

Since the war began the coalition forces (read mostly United States)
have lost 4,277 personnel according to our Defense Department.
That pales in comparison to the civilian losses.

Iraqi casualties are estimates, it's a bit difficult to get accurate figures in a war zone. The total is mind boggling. Up to 88,976 have been lost. I tried to get my mind around that number so I did some googling.

Imagine the entire population of one of the following cities, simply gone. Trenton New Jersey, Halifax England, Port Melbourn Australia, Brantford Canada or Calais France. Can you picture the world outcry if such a disaster happened? That's the kind of tragedy we're looking at.

On a far more personal note, I received sad news last night (Friday evening). Class Act featuring Rita lost their lead male vocalist to cancer.Rick Shouck was a talented musician and a great singer. He loved performing with the band and with Class of 60 Somethin'. More than this, he was also a nice man, devoted to his family. His battle with cancer and his attitude during the fight was and remains an inspiration to all of us.
Rick was 57 years old.

Rick's death, coupled with the loss of Tom Hoover in late January, has been like two terrific body punches. I debated what to do or say "on the air" after Tommy's death and decided on not mentioning it. That was the wrong decision.

I have no idea what either man's religious beliefs were. It doesn't matter. Mahalia Jackson's "How Great Thou Art" will be played for both of them, tonight.

In Memory Of

Rick Shouck

1950 -2008

OOPS! System Problems

Due to circumstances beyond FNST's control, we lost the station for about 12 hours on Tuesday - Wednesday. It wasn't our fault..........honest.

Anyway, it's back up and running. The techie gnome has decided to repeat the Smokey Robinson Tribute show for Thursday, February 21st. We hope you enjoy hearing it one more time.

BTW, we could sure use some e-mails, response to the blog and requests.

Thank you reading and listening

NEW FOR FEB. 18th & 19th

I've just finished gathering the music for Monday's and Tuesday's shows. Monday is complete with
the history time line for the week of February 18th - 25th, lots of "new" songs, birthdays and of course
some jokes..................please hold the applause

Tuesday, normally for Lovers and Other Losers, is a bit different. It's Smokey Robinson's birthday,
so we're going to spotlight not only his own music and the songs he wrote for other artists, we're also going to have a listen to some songs he covered. (now, that is a run-on sentence)

Anyway, tell your friends, lovers, enemies and casual aquaintances. We need all the listeners we can get.

PD

In Memory (and this one hurts)

I received a telephone call, last night. Having Bob Angelucci call me isn't unusual, but this call took my breath away.

For the second time, we've lost one of our own. Someone we'd shared such a huge part of our lives with.

"Chuck" Bob said, "Tom Hoover has died", and my heart stopped for a minute, it seemed.

Bob continued to give me what few details he had and my mind wandered back almost half a century ago. Tommy was two days older than I am. When my family moved to Camp Hill, Pennsylvania he was one of the first friends I made. Two 12 year olds beginning the 8th grade. So many memories have come rushing back, providing tears and some laughter as well.

Tom was brilliant, talented, undisciplined and far from a saint, but he was and is my friend and I love him .

I remember the speed reading contests in school. Finally, at 1,500 words per minute, it was only the two of us left. He beat me at 1,600 words per minute.

Tom lived behind Camp Hill High School and there used to be sock hops every Saturday night. As we became teenagers, Tom formed "The Pyramids", his first band. When the school officials wouldn't let him play one evening, he set the band up in his backyard and emptied the hop. 300 hundred kids in the parking lot with Tom playing on his lawn.

Because of Tommy, I met the men I call friends, today. It's been a gift I never really had the chance to thank him for. Bob Angelucci and I met in Tom's living room. We would later attend college, together, and start a friendship that's lasted for more that 40 years. I first met Dave Bupp and Buddy King at a "Battle of The Bands" that involved "The Del-Chords" and Bob's group, "The Endells".
As Tom Paine, Jim Seville and Terry Crousore joined "The Endells" my friendship with them began, as well. When Tom quit "The Magnificent Men" I had to track Bill Richter down, between college classes, and get him to agree to play that weekend with the band. The rest of that story became history.

There's a hole inside me. One that can not be filled. Although we hadn't stayed in close contact, Tommy was always there in my thoughts and my heart. I miss him.

THOMAS HOOVER

1946 - 2008

"Friends are like balloons; once you let them go, you can never get them back. I'm gonna tie you to my heart so I never lose you"

PEOPLE WHO AREN'T LISTENING TO FNST

They're not listening because they insist on trying to use NSP.
It doesn't work, people. We've even downloaded it, here, and the
Techie Gnome can't get it to work.

Of course the major question we keep asking is this.

"If NSP doesn't work with Shoutcast, how the hell are these people finding us?"

That would be rhetorical, folks.

Silver Springs, Maryland Fairfax, Virginia
Winter Springs, Florida
St. Mary's College, Indianna
ComCast, New haven Conn. (although we have other listeners there)
Stockholm, Sweden
Taipei, China
Toronto Canada
New Iberia, Louisianna

THE MAGNIFICENT MEN MAY 10, 2008

Saturday - May10th
Kid Kyle - The Fabulous Duprees
The Magnificent Men
w/Class Act
6:00 PM
Pottstown High School
750 N. Washington Street
Pottstown, PA
$55 Assigned Seating (First 10 Rows)
$45 General Admission
For info contact:
Tom Coyle
610-306-9361
TCoyle8009@Comcast.net

Check it Out!!!

Week Beginning January 28, 2008

Monday's show is a mixed bag of artist's birthdays, history timeline and schtuff (yes I said schtuff).

We're celebrating everyone from Stan Getz and Phil Everly to Buddy King of The Magnificent Men (Feb. 2)
with stops all over the musical map, inbetween. Join us and by all means send us your comments.

There's also a new "Saturday Night Dance Party "and a Wednesday night "Request & Dedication" show.

As always, thanks for reading and especially for listening.

PD

Lovers & Other Losers

First, a bit of background on the title.

Many years ago, about 1973, there were a group of us sitting around with a few brown bottles (and some other stuff in different colored bottles) discussing ballards. Specifically, our favorite ballards.

Opinions were as varied as the musicians and singers, in the discussion. While we could agree on Misty, Skylark, I Wish You Love, Twelfth Of Never, etc. some of the other suggestions were met with more than a few laughs and replies like, "You have all your taste in your mouth!" and "Oh there's a loser."

Someone, and it may have been me, came up with the scotch induced idea to do an entire album dedicated to sad songs and calling it "Lovers and other losers". Kind of a double play on those who've loved and lost and some of the song choices the guys were throwing out.

I've never been able to shake that idea out of my head and when FNST Radio was first planned, one night was immediately dedicated to this idea. So, now you know.................blame the single malt.

I'm glad the listeners are enjoying two hours of ballards. I'd hoped it would be well received. To them, I say "Thank you for the e-mails and kind comments. Please spread the word. It's the only way the station can grow."

Sincerely,

PD

Facts and Figures

For those of you who listen to the closing on Monday Night shows and question the figures I give on the Iraq War, here are my sources.

For coalition forces I use: http://icasualties.org/oif/

For civilian casualties: http://www.iraqbodycount.org/

For the cost of this, whatever it is, versus other projects: http://www.nationalpriorities.org/costofwar_home

Opinions are like............well, you know. I've tried to form mine by reading, watching cable news and sometimes digging as deep as I can on the internet. Will I believe all I read? Of course not. Every writer, reasearcher, etc. has an agenda whether they'll admit it or not. Such is life.

Enjoy the above sites. Let us know what you think.

MONDAY NIGHT

Happy January 7, everybody. We have another new show with a lot of music. There are new cuts from Smokey Robinson, Atlantic Star, Linda Jones, Shirley Bassey, Billy Eckstine, Rod Stewart (Rod Stewart?) , Jay McShann, Tower Of Power, Gloria Estafan and Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis.

Pretty neat, huh?

As always, show times are 3:00pm, 8:00pm and 11:00pm eastern United States. Govern yourselves from there.

By the way..............Is anyone else as sick and tired of reading, hearing and seeing the constant nonsense about Brittney Spears? Really, since when does an out of control, spoiled young woman become news? Someone should be more concerned with the real problems of this planet.

Enjoy the music

C