Peaches and Herb

I know that I'm not a big fan of the musical stylings of Peaches and Herb, however, I do recognize that they are found on Satellite Radio, not FM. Another rant against the FM dial after "the break." I've been driving the loaner Nissan Pathfinder that the dealership gave me. The Pathfinder is a GREAT vehicle! Anyone in the market for a good size (not oversized) SUV, should definitely take a look at it. Not the point though....the point is....the Pathfinder does not have Satellite radio and therefore, I've been tuning into commercials. Awful! I don't understand how so many citizens haven't complained about the content that is broadcasted day and night on the public airwaves. How many songs does a station play in an hour? 4? Maybe 5??? As an Innocent victims of "Free FM," how can you, the American Public, sit by and soak up hours of commercials without complaint? I give credit to those who drive long commutes to/from work each day and in fact, listen to the headache fuel that comes across the FM dial.

There is a big battle taking place on Capital Hill about Sirius and XM's proposed merger. The National Association of Broadcasters (Free FM crowd) call this merger a Monopoly and are threatened by it. The NAB is HUGE and FM has billions more listeners then Sirius or XM. Yet...they lobby to kill the merger. If this merger is killed, that will mean the strong possibility that XM will fold and if Sirius can't pick up and move forward....they too could see the same conclusion. Is it me, or is the NAB actually lobbying to allow their own monopoly, only to kill the competition (and better content), all while screaming that Satellite is bad for competition and bad for business?

If the merger does not go through, and both Satellite providers end up folding, those of us who have seen the light and enjoy the fruit from the Satellite Vine will suffer. One of my first blogs ever had to do with the FCC. As I read news reports about the NAB's opinion and weight they carry, and some comments that come from industry insiders, I'm reminded of how much disdain an distrust I have for the FCC and Congressional leadership as they, "Watch out for us." If I could, I would lock every Senator and Representative in their respective chambers and pump FM radio 24/7 for a week. Maybe then, the Sirius/XM merger would be granted permission to close the deal and music can be enjoyed by those who enjoy music without the fast talking disclosures of car commercials.

Speaking of cars...Sheri has sold 2 already.... A 2008 Nissan Versa and a 2007 Nissan Maxima. I love it! Not only has been been happy about selling cars, but she said something to me that I wasn't sure I would ever hear from her. She said, as she was punching out the other day, "I'm actually looking forward to coming back to work the next day." For her to say that....well...let's just say that I'm really impressed and very happy for her.

Anne Gilmore died a few days ago. She was my buddy on the overnight shift at ASIG. I remember cleaning Tower Air 747's with her 10 years ago. She complained about ASIG and her job for years. You could always count on her to complain, but....she was always entertaining with her opinion. No matter how much she did complain, she was always there for me to help out when I needed an extra hand too. Anne...You will be missed and as much as your bosses hate to admit it you were right too. "This place has gone downhill;" "It ain't like it used to be;" "People just don't pitch in like they used to;" "They need to do something, this is ridiculous!"

God Bless you Anne. As I sit here with a little box that holds all your belongings from work and is marked with your name....I'm reminded of how glad I was that you past through my life. It's been a pleasure knowing you.