San Diegans In The House...Switchfoot

The Padres Fans: Drew, Jen, Jon

I can remember when Switchfoot was a local San Diegan band (and Christian for that matter) Then they hit it big with Dare You To Move and off into the land chart toppers.

Yesterday they came in for a little station appearance and I gotta say - these guys are as down to earth as can be! They walked into the room of staffers and introduced themselves to the 10 or so of us there - as if we didn't know who they were. That was refreshing.

In a little Q & A session we had a little baseball sound off between the Yankee and Boston fans, and without skipping a beat Jon and Drew asked if there were any Padres fans in the room! Finally I was in the majority!

Among some of the other little trivia bits that came out in the session - Drew was telling us about his little obsession with guitars. For every stop on their tour map he checks the craigslist for new ones. Can you imagine responding to an ad and finding out who's on the other end of that? Chuh!

I know it's like this everywhere, but So Cal kids are a club of our own - not that we're exclusive, but we're defiantly the odd kids on the East Coast. Granted I've been here for 8 years, so I've embraced the awkward but it was nice to see that these guys still have their 619 area code sheen. Despite their success - they still reek of home, and, in my head at least, it seemed like they were just the guys I grew up with. Oh, not like I'm an expert or authority on anything (other than my self-indulgent bubble of 'momma-like') but did I mention how talented they were! Here's a couple clips of the performance.


***Two corrections from a fellow fan (and good friend, thanks for keeping me honest!)

1) They’re still Christians, they just don’t beat people up with it.

2) Drew is the Craigslist guitar hunter.

FLOOD HITS MY FLAVIA MACHINE

Oh the horror!

Yesterday's Typhoon took out our kitchen...blocking the flavia and Tassimo machine!  Chilli got it with her flip cam!

From The Desk Of Mark Weaver

Even the guys in the newsroom are trying to set me up. Swell.
Thanks Mark!

Tea Parties and House Calls

From yesterday's Tax Tea Party yesterday:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Chanting "Kill the bill," thousands of conservatives incensed over the Democrats' health care overhaul protested at the Capitol on Thursday, arguing that the legislation amounts to a government takeover of the nation's medical system. The crowd, invited on national television by Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., was staunchly anti-government - "Politicians lie, people die," read one sign - but loudly cheered the House Republicans who hosted the event. The protest attracted many of the so-called Tea Party demonstrators angry with increased spending and an expanded government role under the Obama administration.

"This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen," House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio told the crowd. "We're not going to leave this Hill until we kill this bill," declared Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa.
That's highly unlikely. House Democrats hope to pass the sweeping legislation on Saturday, buoyed by endorsements on Thursday from the American Medical Association and the AARP, the powerful seniors lobby. President Barack Obama makes a final appeal to Democrats during a rare visit to the Capitol Friday.
Republican leaders controlled their event, focusing on what they said were the flaws in the Democratic bill, as they distanced themselves from Bachmann's invitation. On Oct. 30, she invited viewers of Fox News to Washington to roam House office buildings and confront lawmakers.

"I'd love to have every one of your viewers join me so that we can go up and down through the halls," Bachmann said. "Find members of Congress, look at the whites of their eyes and say, 'Don't take away my health care."' Republicans have offered a slimmed-down health care bill that focuses on reducing costs rather than increasing coverage for millions of uninsured Americans. At the rally on the West Front of the Capitol, they mocked the 1,990-page Democratic bill, bound in a gold cord, on the corner of the lectern. It was so heavy, at one point it thunked to the ground.

The crowd, including many older Americans, carried placards that ranged from pithy - "Free health care isn't free" - to harsh. "Ken-ya Trust Obama?" said one, referencing the president's African roots and claims by some that he wasn't born in the United States. One protester carried a sign reading, "Bury Obamacare with Kennedy," a reference to Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who died of brain cancer this past summer.
The demonstrators came to Washington by plane, bus and other means to send a message to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., as they press ahead with health care legislation.

"It's upsetting because of where we've come from to where we are today, to see our freedom eroding," said Ben Fourman, 72, of Farmingdale, N.J. The retiree wore a T-shirt that said, "Liberty equals limited government." Actors Jon Voight and John Radcliffe, who played Cliff on the comedy series "Cheers," attended but the real star was Bachmann. "We want Michele! We want Michele," the crowd chanted as she took the microphone.

Bachmann, a favorite of conservatives for her colorful rhetoric, issued a reality check about the bill's outsized chances of passing. But she added a dash of optimism gleaned from Republican victories on Election Day.
"Kill the bill! Kill the bill!" the crowd chanted. "Yes, that's exactly what you're going to tell them," said Bachmann. Capitol Police arrested a dozen anti-abortion protesters in the hall outside Pelosi's office in the Cannon House Office Building.

Elsewhere, Siler City, N.C., resident Paul Kaufman and nine family members stopped by the offices of Reps. Mel Watt, D-N.C., and Walter Jones, R-N.C. "I feel like I'm defending my freedom. I'm defending my rights," Kaufman said, adding that he identified with a sign he saw at the rally that said "I love my country, but I'm afraid of my government."

On the Mark

Mark, my co-worker sent this to me....THANKS!

Four Things That Make Women Unapproachable:  Dying for the guy at the end of the bar to talk to you? Men shared the surprising reasons they stay away.
By Diana Vilibert

Sometimes it seems like no amount of silent prayer or aggressive cleavage will get that cute stranger to take a hint and chat you up. Could you be scaring away men before they even approach you? We asked the male members of Marie Claire Ask & Answer—Marie Claire's online Q&A community for dating, sex, and relationship advice—what female behavior makes them scared to go in for the kill.

You Look Pissed
Hey, perma-scowl: swap the pouty lips for a genuine, friendly smile and your eye candy for the night will be more likely to approach you. The majority of Answerology men agreed that an unfriendly facial expression will keep them from approaching you, so flash those pearly whites at the guy you've been eyeing!

You’re Not Locking Eyes
What's harder than approaching a stranger? Approaching a stranger who hasn't acknowledged your existence with even a brief look. "I need to see, by her looking and smilling at me, that she wants me to approach her. If I don't see it, I don't approach," says Anonymous. So next time you think he catches you looking at him, don't look away—hold your stare for a few seconds so he knows you're looking—and that you like what you see.

You’re Too Flirtatious
A chip on your shoulder is a turnoff to any guy waiting to make his approach—but so is the other extreme. istillhatescreennames is put off when women cross the line from friendly to flirty...with everyone they see. "If she's flirting with lots of guys. Nothing like a woman who is basically telling everyone in the place that she's open for business with anyone," he says. "Flirting with everyone" would put him off, agrees Anonymous, adding another pet peeve: "Grinding out on the dance floor (yeah its fun to look at but I like to look at strippers too...but I wouldn't take any home to meet my mom)." Sure, he’ll notice you if you’re the loudest, most aggressive girl in the room—but not in a good way.

You’re Surrounded by Friends
Admit it—your awesome group of friends can be a little intimidating, especially when a strange guy approaches to hit on just one of you. seanc writes, "Being surrounded by more than one friend makes her less approachable because of the embarrassment of being rejected in front of more people." Make sure you're giving him the opportunity to approach you alone—check out the jukebox and linger for a bit, or offer to grab the next round of drinks for your friends.

Blindsided

As surreal as it was, this was one of those experiences that rock me. It was like watching the opening of an ER episode, only from the other side, as the accident was happening.

Lets just say, when you hear a helicopter's whopping blades, you look up. When you see a helicopter buzz by your office window, you freeze. When you recognize the chopper as a MEDEVAC, you run outside to see what the hell is going on.

Ernie from sales saw the whole accident. As he describes it, "a cock-rocket went screaming through the intersection at 80 miles an hour. When it came time to make the turn, the bike held course...right into the wall [of the shopping center]. All I heard was a boom and I saw bike parts flying from behind the tree."

By the time I was able to make it away from the desk the chopper landed in a a nearby parking lot, riddled with street lamps and Metro drivers. Apparently the cyclist was an off duty Metro employee. Seeing as how the station is across the street, that makes perfect sense.

EMT's worked on the victim for 30 minutes inside a nearby ambulance before finally transporting him to the MEDEVAC. Although the chopper was just yards from the truck, they cracked CPR on him at least twice en route. Literally, they were still pumping his chest as they were closing the door.

Like a ship, our office building must have tilted briefly as we all leaned against the windows breathlessly watching. The gurney they ferried him over on went flying under the blades' wind. The chopper strained as it navigated the street lamps before finally lifting off to the hospital.

Now, I've been lifted from a hairy drop in the Grand Canyon, but in a much smaller copter. This was painful to watch, obviously because we are all rooting for the guy; but also because for a second, it didn't look like the MEDEVAC was going to lift without taking a street lamp with it. From Ernies office the four guys and I watched crouched behind the desk. Meanwhile, the ladies in the next office over where still suctioned-cupped to the glass. Not reading too much into that....

Here it is an hour later and I have just gotten off the phone with Allen Etter, Battalion Chief for DC Fire, and according to him, the driver died.

Everyone on the floor is still completely unnerved. Here he was just getting off work, heading home I'd imagine. Probably just bought that motorcycle this spring, for the awesome weather we've been having.

And his mom is getting a phone call right now. She is going to need to cancel her plans today and head to the hospital. Not to rush to her son's side to help with his recovery; they are going to need her to identify her son, as best she can after an accident like that. She will be blindsided, just as he was, just as we were.


This just hit the wire:

WASHINGTON (AP) - A man who apparently lost control of his speeding motorcycle has died after crashing into the parking garage of a shopping center in Washington's Friendship Heights neighborhood.
D.C. fire department spokesman Alan Etter says the motorcyclist crashed shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday behind the Neiman Marcus store. He says the driver apparently veered into the shopping center's parking garage and crashed into a wall.
Etter says the motorcycle was destroyed, and witnesses in the area were horrified. At least one woman was treated with oxygen after seeing the crash. There were no other injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. Authorities have not released the man's name.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Public Service Announcement

This is the video we were working on here at the station in honor of National Military Appreciation Month. It came out splendidly. Well done Oliver. Megs....go home and watch this..it's that good.

Ryan, Josh, and Jen Salute Troops

Here it is folks....my interview with Josh Kelly and Ryan Cabrera.

Brown Baggin It

Last February, in honor of Singles Awareness Day, Tommy hosted a little soiree while he did his show live at the Hard Rock Cafe. Of course, with Chez Copa in tote.

What's not to love - a bunch of awkward singles, discounted booze, swag bags and -oh pinch me- a Photo booth! And yes, I did intentionally try to walk off with the Elvis glasses. I was caught. But we did walk off with some pretty awesome swag including a free facial gift certificate from Shiseido. So today at lunch I cashed that bad boy in.

The lovely Shiseido consultant escorted me to a back room at Bloomingdale's, Chevy Chase, equipped for such a challenge. Then for 40 minutes she gave my face a full rub down with all the fancy shmancy products that will never make it into the Jen-Richer budget. Despite the company's claims, I'm not sure how much long term good was actually done. But I did leave refreshed and look nice and shiny. And as a former Labrador in another life: I'm telling you the best part of the whole thing was when she rubbed my ears for 10 minutes. I took all my strength not to wag my imaginary tail.

Nothing Like Tea for Taxes

As the nation files in line at post offices across the country to drop in their returns before the deadline, some conservatism are protesting their hard earned tax dollars being funneled into the bailout plan.

These protests are hosted in the form on Tea Parties reminiscent of the Colonial ones in Boston. Only rather than dump cases of tea into the Potomac, they are delivering Tea Bags to the White House and Congress.

We took the Explorer down to cover the Rally. Forgoing the umbrella’s we hit the pavement.
I found it interesting between all the super networks that sent reporters down, none of them crossed the street into Lafayette Park to interview the protesters.

How do you get the story without interviewing those involved? We took advantage of the camera opportunity and parked the explorer right behind the reporter.

Troy Asks Devon Answers...the new HIMYM

If you have a few extra seconds during the day, you have to watch a few of these. They really adhere to the Keep It Simple Stupid. But so addicting! I actually work with Troy, and yes we tease him! And if you are a closet fan...please forward!

When Hell Freezes Over

My boss Jerry sent this video to me....my response: when pigs fly!

Presidential Six Pack

What can I say its October, and I'm German. So this weekend with girls in tote, we headed to Shirlington's Oktoberfest to embrace the season and drink some beer (and watch Linds get hit on!)

But you know I love to multi-task so I enlisted the help of the ladies to mix a little business with pleasure and knock out a street talk. Now you may be wondering, what relevant and timely news issue could Jen possibly present at a festival dedicated to beer? Looks like you'll just have to watch and see.

Ryan Seacreast Has Got Nothing On WMAL!

NEWS/TALK 630 WMAL NOMINATED FOR 2 NATIONAL RADIO AWARDS!

The Washington, DC region’s major News/Talk station, 630 WMAL, was again honored in July to receive two prestigious National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Radio Awards nominations.  For the second year in a row, The Grandy & Andy Morning Show is a finalist in the category of “Major Market Personality of the Year.”  And 630 WMAL is the only AM station in the country to be nominated in the category of “Major Market Station of the Year.”

Fred Grandy and Andy Parks, co-hosts of the popular morning show which runs from 5:00am-9:00am weekdays, are competing against four other nominees, including Eric & Kathy, WTMX-FM Chicago; John & Ken, KFI-AM Los Angeles; Glenn Ordway, WEEI-AM Boston and Ryan Seacrest, KIIS-FM Los Angeles.

Last year, 630 WMAL was one of five nationwide nominees recognized by members of the National Association of Broadcasters for excellence in broadcasting in the format of “News/Talk Station of the Year.”  This year, the station competes against all stations of all formats, including KBWF-FM San Francisco; KIIS-FM Los Angeles; KOIT-FM San Francisco and WBLS-FM New York.  Winners will be announced at the NAB Radio Show in Austin, Texas on September 18th.

“The Marconi award is the most prestigious award in radio, and it is truly an honor to be recognized by our peers,” said 630 WMAL President and General Manager Chris Berry.

“I couldn’t be happier for our team,” said 630 WMAL Operations Director Paul Duckworth.  “This kind of recognition is the result of the dedication of some very talented people – I’m honored to be along for the ride.”

630 WMAL is the Citadel Broadcasting-owned News/Talk station serving Washington, DC, and the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.  In addition to the “Grandy & Andy Morning Show,” the station’s weekday line-up includes Chris Plante from 9:00am-Noon, Rush Limbaugh from 12:00n-3:00pm, Sean Hannity from 3:00pm-6:00pm, and Mark Levin from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio.

FOSE - Best Buy On Crack

(April 2008) FOSE - aka Best Buy on crack.

WMAL and Fisher House spent the week running the booth at FOSE - the annual event where government decision makers go to learn it all, see it all and meet everyone they need to know. 20,000 government technology professionals meander through rows of vendor booths  with the intention of meeting vendors and  networking to drive business of government.

Working with Fisher House is one of the most rewarding experiences. The small administrative team puts 150% into their much needed cause and we had a blast hosting our little table together. After a funny introduction - our stress balls starting falling out of the trunk of the car, a very nice man helped pile them back into the clearly marked WMAL truck. But after his good deed - he didn't leave. In fact he followed us to the registration table. Awkward. At the registration desk he signed in as Derrick from Fisher House - woops! In the world of Jen - we were destined to be instant best friends.

What was the take away moment for me that this orgaization was something to get involved in was a chance roundezvous. One of the FH admins manning the table with me was describing her previous role as house manager at the FH in Germany. As she was telling this story, a former resident of that home heard her voice and ran over to the table. This soldier, now a contractor, neared tears as the two were reunited. He described what it meant to him to have his family next to him in Germany while his shoulder gun shot wound healed. It was his story, a living anecdote of Fisher House's mission. I was blown away.

After soliciting donations for Fisher House and throwing stress balls at government employees for 3 days, I ventured away from the booth to check out the show. Following the glow of the gigundous (gigantic and humongous hybrid) neon Google signs suspended from the ceiling, I sat for a quick introduction to gmail. Being completely fluent in Googles gift to millenials, I moved on to explore the world of servers, Ethernet cables, and networking strategies. I do have to say aside from having the the best swag....we had the most personality. But then again - I am not one to get too excited in Best Buy either.

Boys on the Bus

I got the chance to ride along in the McCain motorcade last Wednesday. More details to come.

Mr. A to Z

Jason Mraz in the house! While he may be from Va, he is a San Diego staple (he was discovered at our very own Java Joes!)

While I hail from America's finest city, I am now a Va resident! Here's Jason performing here at our studios in DC.

With all the people that we meet coming through the studios, this one was one to write home about. He's sooooo laid back, a refreshing reminder of home!

How Appropriate!

Which Starbucks Drink are you?

I am the "Quad Venti Americano"!

You are a bold, brassy individual who can be slightly intimidating to others. You don't mess around in any area of your life, and your coffee is no exception. When Starbucks introduces the Dark Roast I.V. drip, you'll be first in line. You have no time to mess around with milk, sugar or saccharine flavor syrups - you need your fix and lots of it, NOW!

Reporting Live

How appropriate! Coinciding with the Wahine Report's 100th post is my second report for the BBC! Speaking to the Paris Hilton video reaction to McCain's ad, I am reporting for BBC Radio, Wales out of the nation's capital.

Back to You In the Studio

Mommie - Reporting for 630 WMAL on the Earthquake

CHINO HILLS, Calif. (AP) - An expert at CalTech says yesterday's big shaker in Southern California should be looked at like an earthquake drill.
The magnitude 5.4 quake wasn't the "Big One" scientists have long feared -- but it was strong enough to rattle nerves and get people talking again about emergency plans.

A fire official in Chino Hills, where the quake was centered, says the region was "really fortunate." It caused limited damage and only minor injuries.
Chino Hills was incorporated in 1991, so much of the construction is newer and built to modern safety standards.

Though it rocked Los Angeles and was felt as far away as San Diego and Las Vegas, yesterday's quake was far less powerful than the deadly Northridge earthquake that toppled bridges and buildings in 1994.