Jonathan L's PLEASANTLY ANNOYING

LISTENERS KNOW, DO YOU YET?

2011-11-18T11:31:00.000-08:00

THE RETURN TO FM RADIO IN PHOENIX, AZ
5th LARGEST POPULATED CITY IN AMERICA

SINCE AUGUST 22, 2011

PHOENIX NEW TIMES "BEST OF" RADIO AWARDS:
2008(KUPD), 2007(KUPD), 1994(KDKB), 1988(KUPD), 1986(KEYX)
FOUNDER/CREATOR KUKQ--BEST RADIO STATION
1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989

Every Mon-Wed on 106.7 FM on your radio dial in Phoenix. 10 PM
Click pic for KWSS website
And continues on the THREE GREAT Internet Stations!

L RETURNS TO THE VALLEY OF THE SUN

2011-05-27T03:57:00.000-07:00

"The Lopsided World of L" Radio Show Returns to the Valley, Via Local Internet Radio Station Sofakingradio.com
By Niki D'Andrea, Fri., May 6 2011 at 10:00 AM

In April of last year, longtime Valley radio show host Jonathan L left the Phoenix
airwaves and moved to Berlin, Germany. L was a popular DJ here, and hosted shows
or did programming at radio stations all around Arizona for 30 years, including a
long stint at alternative station KUKQ and rock station 98 KUPD, where his show
"The Lopsided World of L" aired twice a week.

Jonathan L treated listeners to everything from local goth rock band Reliquary to local indie rock artist Adam Panic to acoustic on-air sets by Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) and phone calls from Ronnie Spector. It was a bummer when he left, but the good news is, "The Lopsided World of L" is back in the Valley, streaming on Scottsdale-based Internet radio station sofakingradio.com.

The site is run by a guy named Dan G, and includes programming like an "influences show" hosted by Sleapin Weither that Dan G says "shows how music really hasn't changed over the last 30 years." At the same time, there's also a "worldwide debuts" show for bands (signed and unsigned) to showcase their newest tunes, and a "Top 25" that consists of "the best of the best that's new that's you're going to be hearing around soon," according to Dan G. There's also a show focused on local music with Valley bands as guests (Wednesday nights).

Dan G.'s been in Phoenix since 1981 and remembers when Jonathan L used to emcee shows at local venues that closed 25 years ago. "He was such a huge part of introducing me to the bands I listen to," says Dan G., who's had the sofakingradio.com site since 2004. "When I started focusing on the station full-time last year, I e-mailed him and asked if he'd be interested in having his show on my station, and he e-mailed back and said yes. It was that easy. I was almost jumping for joy when I got the e-mail."

"The Lopside World of L" is pretty much syndicated now via the Internet. Before sofakingradio started streaming the show, it was already on Germany-based kingfm .net and L.A.-based indie1031.com. Now you can hear it on soakingradio.com, Thursdays through Sundays at 10 p.m. MST.

Attention all German musicians!

2011-02-13T03:27:00.000-08:00

Hallo,

Looking for your musik to play on my
radio show "Lopsided World Of L

I do a 2 hour radio show right here from Berlin.
On two brand stations on the internet every week.
One from Los Angeles and the other from Berlin.

The show "Lopsided World Of L" is now in it's 6th year
(first 5 from Phoenix, AZ)

I am looking for fresh new musik or musik that has
never been heard from past.
Can be in German or English.

All styles are welcome:
Techno, Industrial, Electronic, Hip-Hop, Rock,
Pop, Metal, progressive, und strange, etc.

I have many new friends on Facebook, and as you know,
getting radio play anywhere is scarce.

I welcome you to send me an .MP3 along with a
small amount of information about you or your band.

Send to this e-mail address bitte: dropkickmyass@yahoo.com

Just some of the artists that have been played recently on show:

Van Wolfen (Blues) (unsigned)
Martin Kesici (Rock)
Redondo Beat (Garage Pop)
Fernthal (Pop-etherial) (unsigned)
ZPYZ (Electronic Pop)
Backyard Loops (Hip-Hop) (unsigned)
Bruce Hammond Earlam (Strange)
DJ Hulpa (Dance)
Kniffler's Mum (Hip-Hop indie) (unsigned)
Geminus (Metal) (unsigned)
Orange Sektor (Electronic)
Heimataerde (Industrial)
Vargo (New Age) (unsigned)
Blindtext (Indie Rock)
Funker Vogt (Industrial)
Rotorsand (Industrial)
Eisbrecher (Industrial)
Foot-Ball (Pop)
Die Toten Hosen (Metal)
Gwem and Counter Reset (Electronic)
Wumpscut (Industrial)
Gamma Ray (Metal)
Joachim Witt (Electronic Pop)
Oomph (Metal)
Die Toten Hosen (Rock)
The Life Between (Indie pop)
New Found Land (Indie pop)
Kingdom Come (Metal)
U.D.O (Metal)
Rammstein (Of course and always)
Hands Up (Pop)
Scatomat (Rock)
The Oscars (Folk)
KMFDM (Industrial)
Friedel Hensch (Nostalgia)

Musik is welcome from other countries of course.

Danke,
Jonathan L

What is a PODCAST?

2011-02-13T03:23:00.000-08:00

Let's make a distinction between a new show that
runs on regular radio or the net-as opposed to "podcast".
Most, not all, but most regular radio special shows are
pre-recorded. A podcast is a prior show that is available
to listen to anytime you want. So what is the difference
between my show and one you would hear on
terrestrial radio?

None.

If it is pre-recorded. Most radio today is voice tracked.
Not all, but you would be surprised how much is.
So please understand what a podcast is.

2010 WAS A GREAT YEAR! SO WILL 2011

2010-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

On a personal level, 2010 was a huge turnaround for me personally.

I made many life decision's that many do and many do not.
I walked away from a past life I would like to and am doing
a good job of forgetting. Fading, and pretty much gone.

Deciding to leave a huge radio station, and moving across the world to be
with the one person I have looked for all my life. So, after 5 years as friends
it blossoming into true love, I made the right decision.

I moved to Berlin. I also made the commitment of marriage for the
third time. Only this time it is for good. I know it is real and will
last the rest of my lifetime.

I am back on radio on two stations, one from Los Angeles, and the other
from Berlin, Germany. Dreams do come true for those who work hard
to achieve respect.

So here I am, the happiest I have ever been in my life.

I wish all of you nothing but the best, warmest, and safe
holiday period.

2011 will be great for those who want it to be,
and work hard to make it so.

-Jonathan

MARRIED and VERY HAPPY EVER AFTER

2010-10-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

The journey to September 29th, 2010 was over 5 years in the making.

As of this day Gabrielle and I were married in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Why Las Vegas?

Long story, so sit back and read.

Our intention was to wed in Berlin. Our intention was to
holiday in Venice, Italy. But, sometimes plans change. That life.

A couple of months ago, we went to the marriage bureau in Berlin. The
gentleman there was not the friendliest. He kept telling us due to my
two divorces, that I would need not just the recent divorce papers which
I gave him, but he wanted the wedding certificates from both, and the
divorce papers from the first marriage.

Jeez! Basically he said it was easier to be married in Las Vegas.

The first was back in 1965, and I divorced her in 1983. But, it wasn't just
having to supply the documents, he said we had to have them translated
into German also. In other words, maybe next year some time after all
papers were in order. We had our heart set on September 29th of this
year. He said, "go to Las Vegas, it is legal everywhere". He also told us that
after we return, that we have to submit the marriage license, an Apostle, and then
after a few weeks, the state of Germany would recognize us as a married
couple. Funny, everywhere in the world we are now husband and wife,
including Germany, even if we have to wait till the documents are on record.

Strange system, but we decided at that point to take his advice and go
to the United States to get married. For me, I had no intention of being
back in the states this soon. But we discussed it and it was a mutual
decision. This was after I had announced on Facebook that we were to
be married in Berlin and go to Italy. But hey, the man said it was easier.

Next, get plane tickets to Los Angeles. Done. Then hotel. Done. Find a
chapel online. Not easy. So many. But finally we decided on the "The Little
White Chapel" on Las Vegas Boulevard. Done.

Next was the hardest decision. Since this was Gabrielle's first marriage,
she wanted a very private ceremony. No family, or friends. Just the two
of us. With my past history of marriages, I readily agreed to this.

At this point some of you reading this might be angry, or unhappy I
never let on about Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but try and
understand our wishes of privacy.

Yes, we did see a few of my friends in Los Angeles, and I told no one
from Arizona about our plans. Not even my daughter, or my son. She
knows now, because we had a phone conversation before I left the
states, due to an e-mail through Myspace she sent asking what is up.
I will let my son know also by voice when we finally speak. I didn't want to
explain all this on an e-mail. I believe he will understand.

The friends I chose to see were very long time true friends. John Easdale
came to our hotel the day after we arrived and took us to lunch at the hotel.

My golf buddies came by that evening and took us to
dinner at the hotel. That was Monday September 27th.

The next day Gabrielle and I drove to Las Vegas. Very romantic. I
had never driven to Vegas.

First thing we did was drive right away to the Clark County
courthouse to the marriage bureau and register.

We checked into the Luxor in the early evening of the 28th.

We were groggy from the drive, but our stomachs
were empty, so we ate the most rockin' lamb chops with truffle mashed
potatos at Tender. We then went up to our room and relaxed, with
the excitement and anticipation of Wednesday, September 29th.

At this point I should let you know why that particular date was
important to us. It was one year ago on that date when I stepped
off the plane at Tegel Airport in Berlin, and we met face to face
for the first time after almost 5 years, at that time. It was instant
love and has never changed. Hence that date.

The next morning we checked out of the hotel and drove to the
chapel. This chapel is very famous, but that wasn't the reason why
we chose it. They were the friendliest and most informative from the
beginning. In a brief time, but romantic setting we were married in
the chapel by Minister Diana Alba. She was so sweet, and showed
us a lot of caring and love. It was a great ceremony. Our Hungarian
photographer was our witness. He was a great guy with a sense of
humor, and he spoke some German.

We then changed into comfortable clothing and left Vegas and headed
back to Los Angeles. On the way back we stopped at
Peggy Sue's Diner in Barstow, California.

What a great thing to do. Built in 1954, it was the real deal.
Had a slice of blueberry pie and coffee. Nostalgic. Very. I highly
recommend stopping there if you are in the area.

On Thursday we drove all around Hollywood, and
visited Marc Kordelis at his home.

Then that evening we were taken out to dinner by Felicia Swerling-Suslow
and husband Artur at the Stinkin' Rose in the Wilshire district. Garlic
heaven. :-) Always great food there.

On Friday we relaxed most of the day, and had lunch at Poquito Mas.

Always the best tacos. Gabrielle had a chicken Tostada.

Early that evening we drove over to Dodger Stadium and met
up with Shawn Alexander and his lovely wife Lisa,
who bought tickets to take us to the Dodgers game as a wedding gift.
Gabrielle loved the stadium, and all its flashy signs and the whole
experience. That was great.

It will be a long time that I will ever get to see my Dodgers again.

On Saturday we relaxed most of the day, and then in the late afternoon
went to Felicia and Artur's house for a home made meal of special
fish tacos that Artur cooked up. Yum.

On Sunday morning, we got up early and drove out to Malibu to
Zuma Beach, so Gabrielle could be on the ocean.

Kenny Ryback met us there.

We chatted a bit, and then bid farewell to Kenny, and
then drove down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to meet up with
Geordie and Jenny Gillespie for lunch at the Reel Inn for a great
fish lunch. Gabrielle had grilled salmon, and I had grilled swordfish.

We relaxed all the rest of Sunday, and Monday we flew back to Berlin,
arriving at 6:00 pm on Tuesday. Very happy to be home.

So why only these people? Because they were trusted long time
friends, that I knew would keep our secret. Why no one in Arizona?
Sadly, because my ex keeps sending me threatening e-mails, and now
has other's sending me e-mails. I wish that she will move on with her
life and understand that I have. I have no hard feelings. I have none.
I have a new life in a beautiful city with the person I will spend the
rest of my life with. I am happy, and nothing is going to change that.

Part of life is understanding why some people want
their privacy on some matters.
I think you will understand.

Much love to all of you.

PUNK DIGEST: The pages that fell out

2010-08-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

Defination:
Punk: Being your self and not giving a fuck what
people think about you or say about you.

So where did the word "punk" originate from? Not from the 70s, as most of you think.
Most envision Johnny "Rotten" Lydon of the Sex Pistols wearing a safety pin
in his ear as a defining moment. Punk rock man.

But where did the slang word originate from?

Let's take a stroll down memory lane, that is if you still have one. Back in 40's
and early 50's there were a series of films and then a television show, first
titled "The Dead End Kids," then later "The Bowery Boys".
You can thank Leo Dorcey and his cohorts for uttering the word
as part of their Brooklyn-ese vocabulary.

You could say James Dean and Sal Mineo were punks from the film
"Rebel Without A Cause". The hairstyles gave it away. Slicked back on the
sides and the pompadour in front. That lasted all the way through the 60's.
In the 70's hair grew, but in the 80's it became the mohawk, and from
that point all the way up to today, a shaved head signifies at least the look.

And what was a "punk"? Was it an attitude?
But, of course it was and still is.

To the masses and the church going public, a punk was a juvenile
delinquent, later called a "greaser". The look was different also, as
compared to the 70's through todays. Punk spelled trouble.
Athletic types would love to beat up on punks. Punks would love to
beat up on athletes, and bookworms.
It was simply a progression of lifestyle clash.

Perfect name for the next real "punk" rock band, The Clash, of course.
Less attitude, but a hell of a lot better musically.

Was "Punky Brewster" a punk? No, but a nice use-age of the word
anyway. Was "Cow punk" for real? I don't think so.
Maybe Scott Goddard would dispute that.

The implications of "punk" in society has left its mark in society.
No doubt about that. Let's slice it up into different categories, shall we.

Punk-a-loco: The lowest form. Has the look. Has very little brains.
Acts before thinking. Usually from a poor background, and has little common sense.

Punk-a-boo: Has the look, and that's all. Just wants attention.
Could be the man or woman that has so many
metal piercings, but that is just for self-expressionism.

Punk-ability: Has a realism about them, and maybe the look.
Maybe not. But the attitude is in check.

Punka-alicious: The true punk. Has the look in their eyes.
Is bright, has a 'tude, and make no mistake, taken seriously.
Oh, that would be me. lol

A true punk is considered a "bad boy" in society's eyes. Many women
love them. Many clean cut men despise them.

"Bad boy's" from Robert Mitchum to Sean Penn and so many more
are adored by the mass appeal audience in film.

Shaving your head into a mohawk like DeNiro did in "Taxi Driver"
didn't make him punk, although for looks it had a point, it just made him a wacko.

Punk doesn't mean that you have to prove a point to anyone or everyone.
On the other hand, punk is most definitely a lifestyle. Be it looks or attitude.

My belief is that as a true punk, I really don't even know it. It is just pointed
out to me over and over, how punk I am. Not just punk rock. That is just
an expression. Example. "He's so punk rock". Now that doesn't mean
I sit around and dwell on the music from the early days of punk.
Of course not. Dig it. I like all styles of music. Okay, so maybe
I'm a bit hard edged in my tastes. That's just me.

The Southern California so called "Pop Punk" of the 90's which still is
remarkably around today, led by Blink 182, Green Day, etc
originally, was never my cup of tea, but the masses
ate it up and are still lapping it up today.

To me, someone like New England white boy rapper Sage Francis is
much more punk, musically, then 90% of the musicians trying
to recreate the old sound in 2010.
He is a wordsmith. His prose and style is so punk. Believable.

Punk is very much a state of mind. The thousands that recently converged
in the small town of Duisburg, Germany went under the guise
of a festival called "The Love Parade". Many were trampled to death due to
a poor setup in security and a tunnel that was a death trap.
The music they went to see was not what you would call
punk rock, it was an electronic music festival instead.

But, very punk in the whole scheme of things. The promoter, who could
not do the festival anymore in Berlin, after years of leaving rubbish in the
streets, took his caravan to a city that had a mayor Adolf Sauerland who
okayed it so the town could make money.
Most likely according to report's, this was the last festival.

As an observer, this was absolutely 'punk rock' from the beginning to the fatal end.

The new punk, is to not drink, not do drugs, and eat healthy, so you will live
longer and your views will be heard for many years to come. Yes my friends,
being self destructive is now the norm.

Hope I have put some of the pages back in for you. Now it is time for me
to take a nice long walk. Come home and drink der wasser, eat some fruit,
and crank some Rammstein loud.

Note: I wrote this piece for an upcoming reborn issue of
Howard Salmon's SLIT MAGAZINE.

Howard is an accomplished author and writer.
He began SLIT MAGAZINE in the early 80s in Tucson, Arizona.
The last issues were incorporated in my magazine NEWSREAL.

HOWE GELB: The Beginning

2010-07-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

One of my oldest music friends and personal friend is an American music icon.
He has a discography of over 30 albums, and is known well in Europe
and big cities and little hamlets in America. We met in 1980.

He splits his personal life between Tucson, Arizona, and Denmark.

He recently sent me the liner notes for the re release of Giant Sand's very first album
"Valley Of Rain". I am running this, because it is a story, not just album note liners.
It shows the inside of a musician determined. Very determined. The result,
from embryo to now a full blown adult. This is classic, so read on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Howe Gelb

“Valley Of Rain” was the first Giant Sand record and was released in 1985,
but a country record done a year earlier was self titled from another band name
of mine called “ The Band of… Blacky Ranchette”.

They were each recorded for 400 dollars and in a day and a half at a Los Angeles
8 track studio called the Control Center.

The previous line-up called Giant Sandworms had just broken apart in Tucson
and I wanted to make good on a gig that was already set up in Los Angeles at
a venue called Madam Wongs. so me and bassist Scott Garber headed out to
try and play it no matter what. Tucsonan Winston Watson was now living out in
LA and helped us out on drums that night and came with us the next day into
the same studio where I had earlier recorded the country record. We had 30 minutes
worth of tape like the country record and was also engineered by Ricky Mix (Novak).

Way later after both sessions were recorded, I got separate label offers for
each and decided to move to Los Angeles from Tucson to help them along.
This was also how I learned how to make records. Record them fast and improvise
through any problems, then license them out for 3 to 5 years with a small advance.

A French label called New Rose was going to release the country record and
Enigma records in Torrence (Los Angeles suburb) was going to release
Giant Sand in the states while Zippo records was going to release it in England.

We drove across the desert the 9 hours to Hollywood to accept the label’s invitation
to come to the release party of “The Screamin’ Sirens” at Club Lingerie.
When I parked my van, I got a feeling it was going to get broken into to
and told Scott. (I had emptied my stuff out of the van earlier
but Scott still had his stuff in there.)

After a night of drinking off the desert run, we found the van was busted into and
all of Scott’s stuff was gone. So we drove to Canter’s Deli to sober up.
then and there I realized I forgot to remove the master tapes from both
sessions that I had hid under the couch in the van. When I went out to
check, only 2 out of the 4 reels were there. a pot of cactus that
Jonathan L gave me to deliver for him had saved 2 of the reels that
rolled behind it and probably gave the intruder a good poke in the dark.

The final mixed master reel of Giant Sand’s “Valley Of Rain” was gone, and so
was the pre-mixed tape of the “…Blacky Ranchette” session. But I had at least
one reel of each session to work with and was able to continue on.

The next morning I decided to go back to where the van was broken into and
search the area for the stuff that was stolen, including my “address book” with
all my contact phone numbers of the labels that wanted these records.

When we got to the parking spot on Wilcox, I realized we had parked in front
of a dingy run down transient hotel. I was searching a trash container outside
when an older rail thin dude came out of the hotel and figured I’d see what he
knew about any of it. I looked him squarely in the eye and asked him if he’d
seen an address book laying around here. Yes he did. When he turned to go
back into the rank hotel, Scott excitedly pointed out that that dude was wearing
his Giant Sandworm t-shirt! (which I hadn’t noticed.)

He came out with my book of numbers. just the fake leather cover was ripped
off it. He said it was in a pile of other stuff at the bottom of some stairs in the
dark hotel. We went in with him to check it out. it was shadow land in there
and very funky. When we headed back out into the bright daylight to cut a deal
I told the man that if he could come up with any of the missing reels I would
pay him 50 bucks. He was game. As I went to pay him 10 bucks for my
address book the police pulled up behind with guns drawn and told us not
to move. (I was just able to remove a forgotten “9 hour desert drive doob”
from my pocket) and chuck it into the weeds before being spread eagle
on the squad car and searched. They thought they were making a drug bust
when I handed that dude the cash.

That was my first 24 hours of joining the recording industry in Los Angeles.

We continued our deal with the French cowboy record and with the Los Angeles
rock record, but had to add several more songs to bolster its length. And
that’s where we got Tommy Larkins to drum on the rest of the material
and met Eric Westfall at ‘Mad Dog Studios’, who would go on to co produce
and engineer the next umpteen Giant Sand records.

We had to re mix the original session tape there too and it didn’t come out
quite like we had it the first time. But this year Jim Blackwood found the
original mixes on a cassette tape that was buried in boxes of old tapes.
And then he transferred it and kept the cassette sensibilities that now sound
way more wonderful unique then the typical digital recording, especially
when the tape crumples perfectly in “Tumble And Tear” the way cassettes
used to do way back when we thought they sounded inferior, but now
sounding superior and sweet to hear in all its hissing glory.

Winston went on to drum for Bob Dylan for almost 5 years, Tommy is still
playing with Jonathan Richman, and Scott lives and plays in Austin.
Chris Cacavas who sat in on piano with the title track
is living and playing in Germany.

I changed the song order slightly because I can. Originally there was no
side A listed on the record: just side B and side C. I think it was my way of
illuminating the fact that I had officially left the desert and was then living
relatively B side the C side. Anyhow, now there is only one side. Just A side.

-Howe Gelb

LET YOUR FACE DO THE DIALING

2010-07-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

Funny, as I was reading one of the only two english written magazines
in our flat, I had an epiphany.
Both, Gabrielle bought at Heathrow Airport on her trip to Phoenix
back in January of this year.

One is National Geographic, and the other was Time Magazine.
It was in TM that I read this article last night, and it inspired me,
or maybe it brought me down a bit. The jury is out.
I still don't know yet how I feel.

Joel Stein, who writes the last column in the back of TM,
"The Awesome Column", basically tears down our fascination
with video calling, and mainly the one time new breakthrough of Skype.

As Stein weaves between tongue and cheek-is-m's, and hardcore
opinions that run more negative than positive, me,
as one who now has to rely on the once future outlet, I am really thinking.

Skype, who ironically is one of my advertisers on my website www.jlradio.com
happens to be also my only open line to the world, as far as having a real
conversation with friends and acquaintances, other than
e-mail and instant messaging.

He let's us know that all our interest in the future devices may have
failed us in some areas. He doesn't like the face to face glamour of webcams.
Being a newer Skype user since I moved across an ocean and far removed
from relatives, friends and acquaintances, I need it, I want, and
sometimes I love it. The webcam is not really my thing,
but the PC to PC talking real time is.

Stein really is over the top on his love of texting.

He describes using Skype is too stagnant for him. He prefers to wash
dishes, do chores while on Skype or his cell phone, as to sitting still at his PC.
In the end he is running away from Skype and instills in his readers mind that
better to text while being fidgety. He has a great analogy that
incorporates Star Trek being one of the early pioneers of
video conferencing. He is clever with how he describes
Bones and Jim, and especially Sulu would be checking out
GoFugYourself.com while Bones and Jim were using the video only 20
yards from each other. Funny. A good titter there, but overall he
bashes the new technology so much I wonder how he got to have a
lofty position at Time.

Don't take it wrong though, he had me riveted reading his article.

When I lived in the states, I was a phone junkie. Big time. I was usually
the one who initiated at least 80% of the calls. My
attitude, is/was, why wait. Dial and pick up the phone.

Direct communication.

Yes, I used all the other outlets too. E-mail, although I get depressed
when I have to type an e-mail longer than a couple of small paragraphs.

I love instant messaging. I still use them most of them. AOL and MSN
are my preferred options. But I love the instant gratification of not only
Skype and MSN and let's not forget Mac users, with iChat.
The latter two also have webcam capabilities.

These are free. All of them. Are they great? Not always.
Skype has drop outs and fades, MSN doesn't always work.
The one that seems to be most dependable is iChat, but alas, so few
people have it, it is gets little usage.

At this point, maybe my excitement about Skype is diminishing as fast
as an ice pop in summer time. The flavor goes quickly.

I might point out, I am not a big fan of the webcam either, but the
phone chat PC to PC is essential to me.

I am now in my fourth month in Germany, and this is where I will be
the rest of my life. So, one would think, hey, JL is really into Skype.
I am, but have found out that most that I have asked to join and let's tawk,
have either had an account from the beginning, but have not used it for so long,
they can't remember their password. At first I thought that was funny
as one by one I was told that, but I do understand.

The other thing I understand with reservation, is that people cannot or
will not find the time, mainly because using Skype or the others mentioned
above require sitting stationary for the duration of PC phone chatting.

The main problem is not setting up an account with Skype, that takes
only minutes, it just isn't really important to most.
They don't find what was once the future, an important tool for their lives.

I would imagine the most usage is by Military persons and their families.
They I am sure, rave about it, but let's face it, the large general
population could care less.

So where does that put me? I suppose in a position where I will in time lose
many friends, or have very little contact with them at best.
This I will accept. I have to. There are no other alternatives.

So I guess Joel Stein, I have you to thank for waking me up to reality that not
all on this earth feel compelled to talk, but would rather instant message,
text, and of course the occasional e-mail.

Skype, you should pay me for being a card carrying fan,
but very few are buying into your once great idea.

The next great idea might come from the cellular phone companies.
Free international calls, but with a price. While you are talking, they keep flashing advertisements on your phone or every time you open it up.

Yo, I would accept that. Bet your ass I would.
Advertising is everywhere, so no problemo.

Ahlbeck: Klappe die Zweite

2010-06-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

The title refers to our return to the vast ocean known as Osstee (Baltic Sea).
"Klappe die Zweite" translates to "take two", like in the movies.

As the summer kicks in, the weather has climbed to the high eighties and low ninety's.

So, on a beautiful Sunday June 27, we decided to go back to Osstee, as we did
weeks ago. The sun was bright, with pillow like clouds, around mid-eighties.

Before I go any further, I must tell you that this is just as much about a
Navigation system and Fussball (Soccer), as it is about the ocean.

On this occasion, we decided to leave earlier than the last time. 9:30 am should
get us to Ahlbeck by maybe 12:30, so we will have plenty of time on the
beach and just a more relaxing day than the last time.

Gabrielle set the Navigation system for Ahlbeck and we left Berlin. 3 hours have
gone by and we are close, Or we thought so. We ended up in small town after town
promising we are getting closer. One thing we didn't know.

There are two, not one, but two Ahlbeck's, one an hour further away, and
no ocean in site. At one point we are in a town and the Navigator had
me driving up a driveway and around in a circle of neatlty cropped high
hedges. Fuck! They were cool looking, but, FUCK!

The red flag is the wrong place. The blue flag is the correct one

You gotta be kidding! So after a bit of frustration, Gabrielle reset the
Navigator for Usedom, a town we were familiar with from the last trip.

Lesson learned: Next time, tell the Navigator, Usedom please.

At last at 2:20 pm we pulled into Ahlbeck, and were very lucky to get
a superb parking spot and then on to the beach!

One thing you need to know is that, and I forgot to mention this
in my last post, is that you drive 5 kilometers through an incredible
forrest of tall trees and a narrow road. It's awesome. Forrest, and then
there is this fantastic ocean. The trees keep the air so healthy and clean.

As we lay on our blanket soaking up the son, I noticed something
I didn't last time, most likely because there were many more
people on this day. I thought I was on a nude beach. Not more than
50 feet was a woman in her 60's completely naked on top. Just sitting there
and chatting with her friend, another woman. Her friend had a top on.
Frankly, she was an ugly site, but hey, she had the guts to do it.

A little further away was a boy about 6, running around with no
bathing suit and his little dong hanging out. To me, this was, so
this is Germany? Ha. Pretty funny. You had to be there.

We now had long forgotten about the longer trip to our new paradise. The only
thing left was to eat by the ocean and watch Germany take on England
in the World Cup. Big game, in Germany, no doubt about it.

I am a lucky man. My lady loves Fussball and follows it religiously. She
doesn't just watch Germany, but as many games as possible. She even keeps
a scorecard of all matches, writing in all scores as the Cup progresses.
She also loves boxing. She into these two sports.

So, naturally we had to watch the big game that afternoon in
Ahlbeck, not at home. Ah, eat and watch the game. Doesn't get
any better than this. We are both in heaven.

Keep in mind, me, as an American, I cannot turn on on ESPN or
any other sports channel in Berlin. I will confess, due to my
love of Baseball, I subscibe to MLB.TV and keep up with my
favorite sport, team, Los Angeles Dodgers, and my fantasy team
on Yahoo. Sure I can look on the net about all sports, but this is
enough for me. I don't want to waste too much time on TV.

We found this rustic big huge pub/eatery called Strandcasino.
It is located at Dunenstrasse 57
17419 Seebad-Ahlbeck 038378/333 44

We ate hamburgers, and salad and watched the game on
a regular size television with about 30 others. All different ages.
Very quiet people, but when Germany scored the place erupted with joy.
England lost 4-1 and has gone home.

To sum up the day. It was a great day.

Next time, and there will be another time soon,
enter Usedom into the Navigator. Simply that.

THE FATHER OF ALL SUNDAYS

2010-06-22T00:02:00.000-07:00

A pretty lofty title huh? Okay, it was "Father's Day" in the U.S. But, ironically
that holiday is not celebrated in Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Let's face it, that day is not as important as "Mother's Day", which is quite
understandable. A very important day anywhere.
"Father's Day" is like a makeup game in Baseball. True.
It only exists to try and make things a bit even. Funny.

So on this day June 20, Gabrielle and I set out for Potsdam, a small community
from our humble flat in Neukölln section, in the heart of Berlin.

A quick breeze on the highway had us in this quaint town and the first place we
stopped was a flea market. The smell of food was at times tempting and at
times, dare I say rancid? Well, it was not exactly a good aroma.

The day was cool enough for a jacket, but when the sun popped in and out
it was warmer and very comfortable. Beautiful clouds that day.

One thing I noticed, many tables had old and rare model trains. I have
been searching for trains for my friend John Stockett from Los Angeles, who
is an avid collector. Kibler is the brand, and very hard to find. They are from
the 1930's and I believe ended in the 1950's.

I did find a cool new cap though for 5 € Gabrielle bought a package of
black socks for 4.99 €, and that was our spending.

Next, we drove into the downtown area and parked. We walked into what I
would described as kind of like Delmar, California. Lots of art shops, antiqiue
and clothing places, and many eatery's. Most of the food places had an
outside area of tables and chairs to enjoy the nice day.

We sat and enjoyed coffee. But that was after getting
rockin' hotdogs for each of us at a stand right in the middle of all
what I described above. German hotdogs are the best! Crispy on the
outside and delicious on the inside. We sat on a park bench and
was joined by the resident wandering dog begging for food. This little
guy ate bread like it was a bird.

We gave him his fill. I think he was thankful, but was hard to tell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the way back home, we stopped at the now closed Tempelhof Airport,
not far from our part of Berlin. Plenty of history.

Here is part of the history of the airport that will be the site of the annual
international music conference and festival Popkomm
this year from September 8-10. Last year there was no event due to
lack of advance ticket sales and interest. But, the long running showcase
for the music industry is back with a new location and interest.

Berlin Tempelhof Airport (German: Flughafen Berlin-Tempelhof) was an
airport in Berlin, Germany, situated in the south-central borough of
Tempelhof-Schöneberg. The airport ceased operating 2008 in the process to
ultimately utilize Schönefeld as the sole commercial airport for Berlin.

Designated by the Ministry of Transport on 8 October 1923, Tempelhof became
the world's first airport with an underground railway station in 1927, now called
Platz der Luftbrücke after the Berlin Airlift. While occasionally cited as the
world's oldest still-operating commercial airport, the title was disputed by several
other airports, and has in any case been moot since its closure.

Tempelhof was one of Europe's three iconic pre-World-War-II airports —
the others being London's now-defunct Croydon Airport and the old Paris -
Le Bourget Airport. One of the airport's most distinguishing
features is its large, canopy-style roof that was able to accommodate most
contemporary airliners during its heyday in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s,
thereby protecting passengers from the elements. Tempelhof Airport's main building
was once among the top 20 largest buildings on earth. Tempelhof formerly had
the world's smallest duty-free shop.

The airport was used as a base of operations for the United States Airforce
during the war and afterwards until 1949.

Tempelhof Airport closed all operations on 30 October 2008, despite
the efforts of some protesters to prevent the closure.

Courtesy of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LAST AMERICAN SANDING

2010-06-08T01:39:00.000-07:00

I was. Literally, on the pure white sandy beach in the town of Ahlbeck,
on the northern tip of Germany. The ocean in Ostsee. Also known to American's
as the Baltic Sea. I was born with the ocean nearby in Brooklyn. I have
been to the ocean along the Atlantic coast and of course the Pacific ocean,
which I have spent many days of my life north of San Diego and many many
times on the the waves of Zuma beach in Malibu, California.

I love the ocean, with its pure air, breeze, and its natural high. Just
being at the ocean takes away all thoughts of real life. It washes away
anything that is clogging your mind. The best brain drain of all!

On Sunday June 6, we executed our plan of the day before, of deciding
at the last minute on Saturday, "let's take a drive up to the ocean",
Gabrielle and I exclaimed to one another. A great idea! It was going to be
a warm day, so let's do it! Yeah! Yeah!

So she pulls out a huge book of maps of the world. She shows me Ostsee, and
I say, "That's the Baltic Sea", and she says "no, it is Ostsee". I said genau (okay).
Later that day on Facebook, new friend Rik De Lisle confirmed my guess.

We started pulling things for the trip. Excitment buliding!

Sunday morning, after getting ourselves ready, we got in our car, and
and off we went at 11 am, believing from our navigation system it will take us a little
over 3 hours, maybe. lol We got on the autobahn and I massaged the pedal
to 120 km's and higher. That's a another rush in itself.

The drive at one point takes you to a long, and I mean a very long two
lane highway, more often lined with huge green trees, than not.

After about 3 and a half hours we were in Usedom. But, our navigator
wasn't being polite. It was taking us in a circle. We ended up in that
same town three times. It got to point where we pulled into a roadside
cafe for coffee and sweets to chill and figure out how to get from
Usedom to Ahlbeck. Ha ha.

With humor in us by that time, we asked two different people and they said
we were merley 22 killometers away from our destination. Damn, really?

Okay, after a little over 4 and a half hours we finally arrived!

It was worth all the driving and time. There it was. A unique
seaside town. Many people walking, eating at restaurants on
the many streets. My first thought was, this rivals Delmar,
north of San Diego. Nicer than Malibu. Quaint, would be the
operative word. Yes, quaint, and freaking clean like hell.

We parked the car on a side street and walked a short distance to
wooden boards surrounded by sand dunes, and walla, there it was!
The sights and sounds of a summer ocean day.

We walked until we found our spot and lay down a blanket. Rolled up our
jeans and just relaxed, talked of dreams of living by the ocean in
the future, and watched people, birds and the waves crashing in.

That's what it's all about isn't it? The ocean has a carthartic effect.

We spent over two hours soaking it all in, and started getting that
feeling that your stomach warns you of hunger. We were
pretty much the last people to leave the beach. So we found a
nearby fish restaurant Uwe's Fischerhütte. I had fish soup and halibut,
and Gabrielle had a full on trout with head and eyeballs still attached. She
cut the head off, of course. The food was good.

We had our two hours in the sun, and now was time to leave and make a short
trek over the border to Świnoujście, Poland to buy cheap
cigarettes. Kind of like driving to the Indian reservation in Arizona, but a lot
further of course. It took all of 10 minutes to cross the Polish border and
we found a stand right away. 10 carton's of Route 66 smokes at a
210 Euro pop. That would be half price of the same in Germany.

Now I have to tell you, I drive barefoot, which I would imagine is
illegal anywhere except maybe the Arabian desert.

As we crossed I noticed 3 German Customs agents on one side
beckoning drivers to pull over.

Our transaction took 5 minutes, and now we are headed back
and I thought to myself, we will get pulled over, so at least I
had enough sense to put my shoes back on. Sure enough, as
soon as we approached them, bingo, got pulled over.

After a brief lecture about, next time no more than 8 cartons, we
were summoned on our way. My only thought was, why didn't
they ask for my drivers license?

So that was our day trip. Fun filled, big smiles, mission accomplished.

So, there I am, the last American sanding at 6 pm at Ostsee!
Great day!

All photographs by Gabrielle

GRINNING IN BERLIN

2010-05-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Why am I grinning? There many reasons. Number one is that I am
with the woman I love, Gabrielle.

It is has been over five years of friendship that blossomed into a romance
that has brought me here to my new home. After living under dark clouds
for a number of years, I broke out of them and went my own way, only to
find there was someone waiting patiently, without my knowledge, for me.

For Gabrielle, she hoped and waited. For me, I never thought about beyond
a friendship, well, okay, maybe in my dreams. But do dreams really come
true? I never thought so.

It became one of those, really! Could this happen to me? It did. I then
thought after meeting Gabrielle last year after so many conversations that
began on Myspace so long ago, it is time to make another life decision.

So here I am, three weeks after leaving everything and everyone in America.
On my own accord, retiring from American radio.

I have never been with anyone in my 63 years that has made me feel an equal.
To say we have a love so strong, no one can break us, is an understatement.

An element in all my past relationships that wasn't there, was smiling each
and every single day. After two visits and a visit from her to Phoenix, and now
that I am here for good, all we do is smile and grin. Will this continue? I
have never felt stronger about anything than this. Our tempermant is exactly
the same. Gentle and non-combative.

Radio will come again, when I am ready. I have all the professional equipment
one needs, and so it will happen, but for now I am in a great need to enjoy
life, enjoy each and every day with my fiance. That is what life decisions are
all about.

Now that I feel the most comfortable with everything around me, including
myself, my story can continue.

Until my next post, just know that I have an honest to goodness grin looking
at all of you with sincerity.

2010 WILL BE A GREAT YEAR!

2009-12-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

As I reflect back on 2009. Half was awful, and the latter half has been the best!
Look for more posts in the NEW YEAR!

Warm and safe Holiday's to all.

Jonathan

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

2009-09-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Simply one word. DIVORCE.

I have been so consumed setting up my new
life that I have not had a chance to continue
my saga.

I will get back to it as soon as I can.

Thank you for being patient.

"FIRSTS" in the life a person you thought you knew

2009-06-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

First Love: Dorothy Williams. 6' tall and natural blonde.
I was 13 and a half and head over heels over this girl
who liked me a lot, but we never went past the kissing stage.
She lived in a military complex on the border of East Meadow
and Uniondale, Long Island. It was known as Mitchell Manor.

First time I ever stole something: Age 14, I was walking down
a street and saw a killer cigarette lighter on the dashboard of a
car that had the window open. Seconds after I copped it, a huge
Italian guy out of nowhere grabbed me from behind. He had a
firm grip on my white leather jacket, and kept on jogging his
fist into my jaw, until it bled. He had huge rings on fingers. :-)
I have never stolen anything from anyone again since that episode.

My Friends: Leon, Chris, and Kathy

First real friends: After running away from home at 14, I lived
in abandoned buildings with a bunch of a tough street urchins.
All we did was roam the streets of Hempstead, sneak into the
theaters, and drink and smoke a lot. Just getting in trouble.

First time I ever saw a woman naked: By accident, my mother.
Funny, at the time even though she was beautiful, I just
shook it out my head. I was 9 years old. I don't think it
affected me. Writing this brought that moment up in my head.

First time I was embarressed: Two guys I knew took a girl's
bra. Somehow I was implicated. I really had nothing to do
it, but I did think it was funny at the time. Stupid kid shit.
But when her mother called me out and started yelling at
me, I was totally embarressed, and the two chicken shits that
took it gave it to me to give back. I felt bad for the girl, and
the memory of me handing back the bra to her mother
as she watched made me turn red. Very sad at that.

First tattoo: Once you turn 16 in New York, you are treated as
adult in the court system. So after months in the children's
shelter, shortly after I turned 16, well actually it was the day
I turned 16 I almost killed a teacher. He had said something
to me I didn't like as I was leaving the school after signing
papers that I was officially no longer in school. I came back
an hour later with a few feet of chain and an ice pick.
I was all over this guy and missed his heart by maybe an inch
before two other teachers stomped my wrist and the pick fell.
I got up and swung the chain at them and left. Three days
later I was arrested at a job I had just started. A check factory.
That's where they printed the checks you use. After a stint
in Nassau County Jail, and out on bail, I fucked up one week
later, and was back in the jail again. Now I was facing 7 to
15 years for felonious assault with a deadly weapon, the
original charge. To evaluate me before deciding where to
send me, I was sent to Kings Park Institution. A fucked place
where if you fucked up you might never get out. At least back
then it was that way. It was a crazy farm.

Okay, so what's that got to do with my first tattoo? Well,
now I was in a place just like jail that the age ran from 16
to older adults. Banding together with six others, we formed
a click. An older black man Otis tattooed all of us on our
left arm with a cross and our name under it. I told him to just
put "John", which drove my mother insane. She hated that
tat. Now remember, this is not a place that had equipment.
This was 1962. While drinking Aqua Velva after shave lotion,
I shit you not (it has alcohol content), he used a large baby
diaper pin with bakery thread wrapped around the end, then
dipping it into a bottle of balck india ink. He then jabbed his
way through this ritual. At the time I didn't care how fucked
up it looked. But one side effect was that tattoo was raised
up on my arm. Literally. You could feel it. Took years
before it went smooth. I've had it covered twice over the years.

First sexual experience: Age 14. I picked up a girl walking
down Hempstead Boulevard. She lived not to far. Her name
was Carol. A large buxom blonde. She wore a girdle. We had sex,
if you want to call it that in the back of her house standing and
leaning against the garage. She says to me "don't make noise,
my dad is home." Trying to pull the girdle down and trying to
enter was becoming a problem, and I came so fast, it was over.
She got angry and told me to leave. Gladly I did.

Jayne Mansfield

First Celebrity I got to touch: Jayne Mansfield. For those of
you who don't know who she is, let's just say she was the
alternative to Marilyn Monroe.

She and husband, body builder Mickey Hargitay made a stage
appearance at the Hempstead Theater, and us street urchins
were in the front row. After they left the stage we all ran up to her
and I got to touch her hair and arm. It was awesome!

First real Celebrity kiss on lips: Well, really more of a friend.
Joan Jett always kisses me on the lips.

First Musician I told to Fuck Off: Eric Bloom of Blue Oyster Cult.
I was interviewing him for my magazine Newsreal in Tucson 1977.
We were outside of a hotel where there were lounge chairs and
umbrellas. I had the tape recorder on and asking him questions.
All he did was ignore me and look at every "skirt" that walked
by. I got up and told him to "fuck off you asshole" and left. My
photographer grabbed the recorder and ran.

First concert: Burt Bacharach with opening act The Carpenters.
It was the first touring ever for The Carpenters. It was at the
Westbury Music Fair, a theatre in the round. I had been to numerous club
shows in the '60s, but this was the first official concert for me in 1970.

PARDON MY GERMAN continued

2009-05-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Although we had a terrible relationship, lately my
father creeps into my head more often.

His German bloodline, mixed with my mother's
Russian and Romanian's, makes for one hell of a cocktail.

He was a Sargent in the Army during WWII. Then demoted to a
corporal. It had to be his temper. He was on one of the first
ships to land on the shore of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

I believe this event was the one thing that changed his life
forever. When he returned home. He married my mother
and they had me December 5, 1946. She was 30-years old
and he was 29. We lived in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York
in a converted garage on Avenue U. Can you say poor?

He decided to become a window dresser. Back then it was
a lucrative position. Most of his Army pals went to work for
Grumman Aircraft out on Long Island and were making
great money and bought nice homes. My dad was an
independent soul. He could not work for anyone that
would boss him around. So he chose to do it his way.

Mom on left...me on right 1951
in Levittown

My mother wanted more, and more. He felt the pressure,
and in the 50's moved us out to Levittown, Long Island.
I chose to stay in Brooklyn with my grandmother who
had a real nice place on Knapp Avenue in Sheepshead Bay.

I then joined them a couple of years later, but still went back and
forth to my grandmother's. She made the best chocolate seltzer
soda's with real seltzer. She spoiled me.

I was the oldest, my sister died at birth, and had a younger brother
Eric, 3-years my junior.

As window dressing became a thing of the past, dad turned to
sign painting. Small, large, the sides of trucks. Whatever he could
paint a sign on, he did it to make a living. After a few years
he was able to move us to East Meadow, to a house that had
a basement. This basement would become a place we he partly painted
and in a small room with a door became his reclusive space where
he would brood, and cut himself off from the world.

Even though he was a ticking timebomb, he would only
show that side of him occasionaly. He was shorter than me, but
one hell of a puncher. I would find that out when I hit my teens.

Age 14 with friend Linda

By the age of 14, I was already on the path of a juvenile deliquent.
After an all out fist fight and things being thrown, mostly by me, my
father and I completely wrecked my room as mom watched in horror.
I ran away from home. I always knew I had his bloodline
in me, and grew with the same pattern as he. He was running
away also, more from himself than anything.

Here is what he taught me.

Quiet, and them BAM! My troubles began when if some
guy wanted to fight, while they were threatening me, I hit first and
hard. It was not beneath me to come back with a weapon, be
it a home made zip gun, a car antenna, or a plethora of knives.
Mostly the switchblade variety. I was living with other runaways
in the predomintly black city of Hempstead. We roamed the bus
station where many suburban kids would flood to, to pick up
the coolest records, clothing for cheap, and be seen. We took their
money from them with or without force.
It was hip to be seen, lol.

Every so often I would sneak back home to my room to
grab some fresh clothes or other things. One night, my dad
caught me climbing in the window, almost as if he was waiting
and knowing I was coming. He slammed my leg with a wrench.

Right around that time, I had a friend Jerry Valleo. He did
something a friend should never do. Blame me for something I had
not only nothing to do with, but wasn't even in the area at the
time. So I beat him badly. Real bad. His parents came to see
mine, and a warrant was put out on me. I was arrested, and
thus begins one path of my life. Six months in the Children's Shelter
in Westbury, on the border of Mineola, Long Island.

The irony is Jerry gets thrown in there too a month later, and due
to his big Italian mouth, I spent 5 months protecting him from the
others. How weird is that? Fucking weird I tell ya.

Age 15

At almost close to now 5' 8" and weighing about 135 pounds,
I was afraid of no one. Why was that? I inherited that from
my father. Don't talk a fight. Fight!

More incarcerations were to come. Too many court rooms, leaving school at 16,
two not so short stays at Nassau County Jail, Kings Park Institution
and eventual parole and long term probation up to the age of 24.

The first chapter of a book, if I was to finally write it would be
"From womb to groom by 18"

A few months after being released from an institution at 17 1/2, I got
married to a girl my friend (he was driving), and me, almost ran over
before I was put away. My first wife. She was a foster child and
of Polish decent and a year older. Also a recipe for disaster.
It lasted for 19-years painful years.

Two daughters. One speaks with me at present and the
other hasn't spoken to me in years.

Das Leben ist sonderbar, recht?
(Life is weird, right?)

to be continued

PARDON MY GERMAN

2009-05-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

It is 1:29 in the morning, and I am thinking about
my father. We didn't have a good relationship.

Actually I think of him more often lately than ever
before. Is it because I play so much German music
on my radio shows? Probably yes.

I have mentioned on the air that my mother was a
Russian immigrant. She and her other four
siblings came here from Romania.

I never mention him.

Whenever I am asked what my heritage is, I say, American.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York. And, my mom
was of Russian/Romanian decent.

I never mention the fact that my father was a German
immigrant. He was born in 1917. My mother 1916.

That makes me a 'baby boomer'. It also makes me half
Russian/Romanian and half German.

Maybe that's why I've made numerous German friendships
from childhood up to the present.

Because it is late, I promise I will delve further into this
complex story.

Zu fortgesetzt werden.

DREAMING OF EUROPE

2009-04-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

Europe. Yes! I think about it all the time.

The weather is so different than over here in the
States, and especially Phoenix, Arizona.

My German friend shot this from inside her home.
The cactus is resting on her windowsill.
So you are looking out her window. Awesome!

A wonderful blend of Winter and a wire cactus

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ein von derzeit, eher als später, hoffe ich, ich komme zurück zu
Europa. Zurück zu Berlin. Osten und West. Paris zum ersten Mal,
und ganz über dem Vereinigten Königreich. Besonders Schottland
wieder und erforschen neue Plätze wie Wales und Kleinstädte in
England.

Mittlerweile alle kann ich Traum über ihn tun. Ein guter Freund
Gabrielle von Westberlin hält mich nebeneinander von, was Berlin
ist, ob es Ereignisse oder malerische Sichtbarmachungen ist.

Sie ist ein fantastischer Fotograf mit einer scharfen Richtung von,
was sie auf Film gefangennimmt. Ich dachte, dass ich zwei neue
Fotographien mit Ihnen teilen würde.

Translation:

One of these days, sooner than later, I hope, I will get back to Europe.
Back to Berlin. Both East and West.

Paris for the first time, and all over the United Kingdom. Especially
Scotland again and explore new places like Wales, and small towns in
England. In the meantime all I can do dream about it.

A good friend Gabrielle from West Berlin keeps me abreast of what is
Berlin, whether it is events or picturesque visuals.

She is a fantastic photographer with a keen sense of what she captures
on film. I thought I would share two recent photographs with you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle took this a week ago. Spring has sprung.
A beautiful shot.

WATCHAMACALLIT ??

2009-02-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my son.

Russell (Brrr...taken in Sho Lo, Arizona. February 2009)

By day he is a laborer. But, he has always worked with wood.
He built my CD shelfs, a gazebo, and many other works
of art. Great with his hands.

So, his latest kick is carving these cool "watchamacallit's".

Kind of based on the Mexican "Day Of The Dead" theme.

Here are a couple of examples:

How about helping him give a name to these pieces of art.
I'm sure he would love your suggestion's, because he has no
clue as what to name them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DONCHA JUST HATE LISTS?

2008-11-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Me personally, I like to gander at lists. All kinds of lists.

Around this time of the year, inDUSTry types begin asking.
I always comply. Why not?

Music is my life. So here is my personal 100% absolutely
heavily played albums when I'm not programming my
shows.

Top 5 of 2008 in no particular order

1. The Last Shadow Puppets
"The Age Of The Understatement" Domino Records

(London's Alex Turner is creative, embracing, and going to
be a star! This beats Arctic Monkey's in the end)

2. Michael Franti & Spearhead
"All Rebel Rockers" Boo Boo Wax/Anti Records

(Always enjoyed Spearhead, and this is the best of the best of
a mix of Reggae and R&B I've heard all year)

3. Ayreon
"-01011001-" Inside Out/SPV Records

(Arjen Lucassen is brilliant. His space theme operatic lush sounds
just make you swirl. Fantasic music from Holland)

4. Apoptygma Bezerk
"Singles Collection" Metropolis Records

(Hard and melodic Industrial metal goth that bottles the spirit
of that style in an extraordinairy way from Norway)

5. Big Elf
"Cheat The Gallows" Custard Records

(Los Angeles band dials back into the past with the soul of
quite of few known bands and brings it into the current
state of mind. The perfect different kind of rock CD for the now)

*If you would like to send yours, please do and I will
publish in the next post.

CAUGHT IN A ROCK AND NOT SO HOT PLACE

2008-08-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

On this August day I dig deep and explore
my most inner thoughts.

Am I a happy person?

NO, not really. I know, because I am on the radio, you probably
think...what's he got to bitch about?

Let's just say, programming and hosting my radio shows are an
escape from reality for me.

You also think I live a glamorous life. Hobnobbing with cel-
ebrities. Going out to clubs. Living the high life. Not so.

I might have in the past, but these days I am one totally boring
person. Yes, I do my radio shows, which is the ultimate excitement
in my life. Other than that I take the wife out occasionally for dinner,
and we take day trips during the week also, while most are working
their 9-5 jobs.

Look, I am semi-retired. Worked many many years for the 'man', and
also self employed. Straddled both worlds.

My wife hates ( I know that's a strong word) that we have to live in
Phoenix, Arizona. There isn't a week in the past 3-years she doesn't
bring it up.

She has been sick on and off, mostly for the better part
of these 3-years.

So, you can understand why she feels the way she does. She
is very vocal about how she never got that sick in Los Angeles.

She wants us to move back so bad.

So do I, but then reality sets in. We can not afford to live there.
The housing is still way out of control. We would suffer when
it comes to anything financial.

I also would not have what I have here on the radio. Los Angeles
programmers have very little balls when it comes to something
different.

So, even though radio is not the complete reason why we are in the
desert, at this stage of my life, I would miss doing what I do on the
radio.

Again though, that is not what stops us from moving back to where
all of our friends are, and the best years of our lives. It is just
simply money!

Here we have virtually no real friends, and our family is so messed
up, that we are are retracting from most of them and their problems.
My wife takes in all their problems that creates stress. I believe that
is the chief reason why she is sick most of the time. She is 5'8" and
is down to 102 pounds.

Not good.

So lately we have at least achieved that. Stay away from them.

Unfortunately that leaves just the two of us almost 24-7. That comes
with some problems, but we are dealing with it.

Will someone offer me a radio gig that I am just able to be me,
like I am right now? It could be in the U.K. or any other country
for all I care.

The wife and I would move in a heartbeat!

AHH, THE PHOENIX DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

2008-07-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Cute. Huh?

WOOF!

Ask him how hot and muggy it is currently in the
lovable and at the same time horrible place known
as Phoenix, Arizona?

Woof! Woof!

You are looking at the precocious and handsome
Sebastian.

He can tell you how hot it is here. You can judge by
how much water he consumes in a day!

Woof! Woof! Woof!

Ask my wife what she thinks of living here after 10
years of Los Angeles?

I HATE IT HERE! I HATE IT HERE!!
I HATE F***'N PHOENIX!!!

Okay, gotta go now. Bye.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND WINDY DAYS

2008-06-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Who is the most rockin' woman of all time?

None other than the Boopster herself!
Betty Boop

"Boop-boop-a-doo"

As I was looking over my fashion page on my website, don't ask
me why I thought of this over 80-year old cartoon character.

Fashionable and sexy. he he
(click on her and will take you to the page)

As the desert hits over 100 degrees everyday here in the Phoenix
area, it's not the heat, but many other things that bring to mind
why I'd rather be back in Los Angeles.

The list would be endless, so I'll spare you.

Hey, speaking of the heat though, the funniest thing is to watch our
dog Sebastian, 7-month old Akida/Shepard mix wearing these little
blue booties on all four paws.

I had never seen them before anywhere! Look my last dog Uncle
Miltie who I had for over 12-years probrably would have dug them,
but back then there was no such thing.

I guess I'm most surprised that Sebastian allows them to be put on
with ease. It protects him from getting his feet scalded by the concrete,
slate, etc.

On a parting note, I finally broke down and joined Facebook.

Don't ask me me why? Maybe a weak moment. An old friend invited me
and I excepted. I then clicked on maybe 5 people that I really know, and
since then I have had at least 1 or 2 requests sent to me every day. As
opposed to Myspace, which I strongly use to network and stay in touch
with very nice people I've met or have known, Facebook is primarily for
real friends that have had something to with my life, large or small.

The weird thing though is all I do on Facebook is answer messages and
update what I'm doing each day. That's it really. I hardly write anyone,
and don't post things on their "Wall".

Do me a favor, do not ask me to join Linkdin! I won't.

Way too much time spent trying to keep up with all of them.

Have a great week, and stay cool in the shade. :-)

I MADE A DONATION. ME

2008-06-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

This is about me, but not really. It's more about people like
Bill Pepicello of North Scottsdale.

It's about being charitable. It's about being a giver. It's very much
about something that affects so many, and until it affects you via
yourself, a family member, or a friend, usually most don't want to
think or talk about it.

Cancer.

As a cancer survivor going on 12+ years now, I am blessed to be
alive, and I don't forget that each and every day.

In 1996 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The mass was so large,
I was told I would not survive.

Fortunately for me the company I worked for in Los Angeles was
affillitaed with the T.J. Martell Foundation.

Tony Martell, from Epic Records, whose young son had died from
Leukemia too early in his life, had started this foundation that for years
held huge charity events that raised large sums of money for cancer
research for years. They were help making a difference.

Talk about lucky, Tony spoke with me the day after I was given
the news, and said that he would hook me up with the only person
who would be able to help, Dr. Donald Skinner.

Dr. Skinner is the world's leading Eurologist. Within days I am
sitting in Dr. Skinner's office at the USC Norris Cancer Center
in the heart of Los Angeles.

He is the gentleman who invented the *'Koch Puch' (pronounced 'coke')
operation for men with bladder cancer. I was number 500 at that time.
Many more and with advanced research and technology have been done
since. Thank you Dr. Skinner for giving me back my life. I am erternally
grateful.

Okay, now to heart of why I am writing about this.

A couple of months ago I was contacted by Cameron Childs of
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Phoenix.
They are located at; 3877 N. 7th Street, Suite 300
Phoenix, Arizona 85014. 602-788-8622 x20

Their goal is to cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and
Myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their
families.

She asked me to donate something for their upcoming charity ball
and auction. I couldn't think of anything that would really raise any
money. A music item maybe? Naw. That would be too easy.

I called her back with a crazy notion in my head. How about offering
myself. A person could bid on being my co-host for a couple of hours
during my Saturday morning show and submit a list of music that I
would sprinkle throughout the two hours.

Cameron thought that was a great idea on behalf of KUPD and me. To
be honest, afterwards I felt like, hmm, was that really a good idea?
What if no one bids. What happens if it is an amount of little consequence?

A couple of days ago I was informed that there was a winning bidder. The
event was a black tie affair at Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. It was
well attended with CEO's, Presidents of companies, and wealthy people.

I opted to not attend. Probably didn't want to be let down in front of
people. There was a placard with 98KUPD and all the info I gave them
what I was offering. A representitive of the Society read that for men and
women to bid during a live auction after dinner.

Bill Pepicello, who I mentioned above is the winner. Donation; $700.
Bill is the President of The Univerity Of Phoenix. I'm sure you have
heard about them, They have schools all over the United States.

I won't deny it. I was shocked to hear that amount. A good shocked. At the
same time, very happy to see that money go to good use.

Bill will be my co-host on Saturday morning June 21 from 8-10 AM.

His list includes artists such as; Korn, Ramones, Motorhead, Ozzy,
Ministry, Flogging Molly, John Beauvoir, Iron Maiden, Kid Rock,
and others.

So, listen as Bill and I have good time on the radio that day. And, most
important, remember it was for a good cause. Thanks Bill.

And, thanks to KUPD for being the great leader it is.

SO, WHY AM I STILL ON THE RADIO?

2008-05-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

I began in March of 1982 in Tucson, Arizona with a 5-hour
special show called "Virgin Vinyl". Yes, I used vinyl only.
Of course when CDs began in 1986, sure I entered the new
world, but left the name of the show the same.

KLPX, the commercial rocker allowed me to do whatever
I wanted. It gave them huge ratings. That's all they cared
about. For me, it gave me the freedom to put on a wild
show of unknown artists at the time, and have crazy guests
from Henry Rollins to Huey Lewis.

The show even back then was a blending of many styles and
world's of music. Live on-air chats with The Cure, XTC,
and so many more. So many memories.

The show ran for 14-years through 5 different stations.
The latter 4 in Phoenix, Arizona.

From Metal, to what was once Alternative, to Pop,
Hip-Hop, Trance, to whatever, that is what makes
my musical world go around.

Then I went off to Los Angeles in 1995 to run a magazine
for the Album Network. I also hosted numerous national
syndicated specials, and made some guest appearances on
Los Angeles radio.

When I returned to Phoenix in late 2005, I was welcomed
back to KUPD. I was given full creative control, which I had
always in the past, once again.

Hence "Lopsided World Of L".

So, why do I really need to be on the radio?

The answer could be; Given respect? KUPD is like home? I
am allowed by Chuck and Larry to do what I feel is right
to entertain an audience musically? I am surrounded by a
great staff of pro's that will never leave KUPD unless they
are given the offer in the sky? Ratings don't matter for what
I do nowadays?

The answer? All of the above.

Oh, and one other. The internet!

When I began in radio back in the early 80s, I never dreamed
of being heard around the globe. Interenet streaming has
changed that forever.

Where as I always dreamed of being syndicated around the
United States, and when Satellite radio began, my thoughts
turned to that also, I now know that they both pale in
comparison to the internet.

Syndication is cool, but limiting. Same goes for Satellite, which
can only be heard in the United States and Canada.

The 'net' is everywhere, and today most people are sofisticated
enough with a great to good sound system on their computers.

Every weekend I spend many hours prepping my two shows
musically. My aim; to bring people back to a dying entity,
radio.

You know what really keeps me going? It is absolutely bar none,
the listeners. You are so faithful. Every week I am humbled by
the phone calls, e-mails, and Instant Messages while I am on the
air, and in the aftermath too.

I have many listeners who remind me it is their outlet for hearing
something different than what they are used to, or that they are
left listening to the boredom of heavily programmed radio of the
same old, same old.

I more than appreciate that. I know who some of the faithful are.
And, you know who you are too. You put aside other things to
spend time listening to my frightfully pleasantly annoying shows.

Although Phoenix is now the fifth largest populated city in the
United States (look it up), and there is possibly over a hundred
thousand listening at any given moment ( I don't need ratings
to prove that), it is also the hundreds or thousands ( I wouldn't
know) that are listening from all over the United States and to
me just as important, many other countries.

See this woman below. She listens every single week to both shows
faithfully. And I mean faithfully, from Berlin, Germany. Every show
she messages me through Myspace so I know she is listening. I am
a real part of her life.

Do you realize what that means to me? Everything. It makes all
the work and pleasure that goes into putting together a show
twice a week worth it all. Money cannot buy that.

I thank Gaby and the many that I do know that make me part of
their lives weekly. That is what keeps me going, going, and still
going!

I am blessed. That's all.

On a parting note; My founding and programming the legendary
KUKQ is another facet of my career that I will always cherish,
but it will always be the special shows like "Virgin Vinyl", and
now "Lopsided World Of L" that is pure me, and only me.

BEST RESPONSE BACK EVER!

***Internet does not kill the radio star***
because...it is the best way for a global affair.
(new lyrics for Aldo Rox...ha ha ha)

Internet…the best achievement of our time!

Jonathan, you are the bomb :)
I just read your blog...wow...thanks.
I like your way of thinking, my thoughts are linguistically
unfortunately reduced :(

Quite right! ~Lopsided World of L~ and his master is really
a part of my life .

Have a look-that is my kitchen board above =)

I work about 50-60 hours a week in my shop, and my first
relaxation begins with your Saturday show…and I feel great,
have fun, great music and English instruction (*grin*).

I estimate your work so much, Jonathan!
Rather your understanding, realization of persons/musicians
and your taste and selection of music.
I love you for what you are and for what you do. :)

Send you much, much, much...love from Berlin. ;D
Gaby xoxo

*How could I not run this?
The photo's and words melt me.- JL

MORE RESPONSE

Diva from Nevada

Ok JL,

We haven't talked in awhile cuz we're so freaking delightfully in
demand, (we're busy in our lives), but consider yourself bitch slapped
to reality and told : you're still on the radio because you are a king
at what you do and you have the heart of rock and roll in your blood
and it would be a sad world without you, beatch!

Now, stand up straight, take a deep breath and tell yourself, "I'm so
cool, I even dig me" and RAWK ON!!!

*Blush* I can't do that-but I had no idea you've been listening. I
thank you so much for that.- JL

Musca from Phoenix, Arizona

Don't forget those of us who listen to you in stealth mode.
We're listening but you don't know it. ;0)

You are the BEST of the best when it comes to radio. When you
talk it's intelligent and informative. When you spin the tunes you
give us a break from the mainstream.

If you didn't deserve those words I just typed out then you would
not have seen them (at least from me).

You love it, we love it, and it works.
That's why you're still on the radio. =0)

*You're right! I would never know that you listen. Thanks for
coming out of the stealth mode for a few minutes, so I do
know you are listening. You know it means alot. :-)

That's the thing, I really don't know who all is listening. -JL

Dana from Scottsdale, Arizona

The foremost reason you are still on air is that your listeners would
demand your return so greatly, that the radio station would get tired
of our whining !

That, and because you are the REAL deal!

You are a quintessential artist-whether it be blasting our souls to
the core on a weekly basis-and I thank you so kindly for that, or are
educating the masses with your eclectic musical expertise, which does
NOT include spoonfed mainstream! But, your love and knowledge of
music permeates through every fiber of your being, and we can sense
and respect that!

Passion is infectious.

And your voice is so calm and soothing, not the typical eye- opening
cheesy media radio voices I so often hear!

By the way, Ive been listening all along...since KUKQ and Virgin Vinyl
in the 80's and beyond. I could never forget that voice!!!

Always my love, Dana

*So sweet Dana. :-) -JL

DOES A LIVE PERFORMANCE EQUAL RADIO AIRPLAY?

2008-05-13T01:03:00.000-07:00

This band is the reason for this column

BOOGIE COMPANY

Facinating question, isn't it? The argument could be that if
you don't go and see a band live, should you play them on
the radio?

In my 61 years, of course beginning in my teens and through
my long journey on the radio and involvement in many
other facets of the music inDUSTry, let's just say I've been
to at least a thousand shows.

Sound like an exageration? Nope. Been to at least that many.
From tiny clubs, showcases in the weirdest of places, to the
big halls, arena's and theatres, I've done it. Believe it.

So, since I returned to Phoenix near 3-years ago from Los
Angeles, I have only been out to a handful of shows. I
went to see New Model Army for the third time just when
I came back to the desert. I saw Joan Jett 3 times in 2006,
first at the annual Ostrich Festival, then the Warped tour,
and capped it off at the Marquee Theatre.

My son Russell and I also went to see Queensryche perform
"Operation Mindcrime 1&2" at the Dodge Theatre.

That's it so far.

Why do I stay away from shows and club performances
nowaday's? Quite simple. At this point of my life, I'd like to
have a life.

With that in mind, two weeks ago I attended a music
conference with Managers, A&R representitives, Concert
Promoters, Marketing Strategists, Record Labels, and
musicians from 37 different countries being present for
four days of networking, panels, performances, and just
general usual stuff that goes on at such events.

It was the fourth annual Musexpo held this year at the Hyatt
on Sunset Boulevard, and the House of Blues, directly across
the street from the Hyatt hotel.

I really went to L.A. (home) to see friends, golf, and catch a
Dodger game at the stadium. As most of you know, I took the
weekend off from my radio shows.

The conference was something I did because I am more about
networking, learning new things from the panels, and maybe
finding a gem, without going out at night to the showcases at
the House Of Blues. I kept my word. No live shows.

See, what I do on the radio is every week craft a "show" of music
from my vast library and new music that is sent to me in large
quantity's. It's a lot of work which I enjoy doing.

I am a presenter and programmer of music to entertain you. That's
what I do. My responsibility is to listen to all sent, and decide what
fits for the day's I program leading up to showtime.

A live performance at this stage of what I do is pretty much not an
important part of what I do. A CD or MP3 is what I have to go by.
I use two CD players in the KUPD studio, not a computer. The shows
are live, so once in awhile you will hear me fuck up. :-)

I run the board so it's my fault if something goes wrong, except if the
equipment itself has a problem. Than, not my fault.

Okay, so you see the band above. They are from a small country
called Estonia, south of Finland and east of Russia.

On the first day of Musexpo, there was a chaotic noisy luncheon
at the Saddlecreek Restaurant next to the Hyatt.

The above band Boogie Company played a couple of songs to a
loud audience, talking, eating and pretty much in a large part
ignoring the live performance. Par for the course.

The sound system was not good, and the band who flew all the
way from Estonia to be noticed and hopefully get some love
from A&R types, labels, and whoever would show interest, were
probably not recieving what they had hoped for.

When they finished, I walked over to Andrus, the lead singer of
this Rockabilly style band (who did a cover of Rammstein's song
"Amerika"), and handed him a card with all my info.

Later on Andrus saw me and handed me a CDR of that song. As I
drove back to my hotel (not the Hyatt), I listened a few times and
was pleasantly surprised. It rocked! It sounded way better than
the live performance. Again, I reiterate, the conditions for them
sucked.

So the moral is; if I had judged by their live offering, I might have
never discovered a group that is damn good, and I have been
playing on the radio since. New songs have been sent, and I will
continue to program them on my shows.

I don't know if the band has gotten any offers from labels in the
States, nor do I know if anyone else has shown interest. I sure hope
they get some love because they are very good on disc, and they are
also very good live as seen on their video's.

Chalk up that one luncheon as a blip in their quest.

For me, if I hadn't asked for music, I suppose my audience (you)
would never even know about them.

Look, I've seen scads of great shows in my lifetime, from Bowie,
The Stones, Led Zeppelin, oh shit, name a band or an artist and
most likely I've seen them. Maybe not everyone, but a lot, bet
on that. From huge names to names you will never even hear from
again.

Lately I just want to live a private life, I don't drink (haven't for
years), and just don't feel like going out. If I do feel it, I will.

Remember, a good recording is what my tools are.

RESPONSE BACK

Dear friend Johnette Napolitano

From the other side: I would like to say I've always thought of live
playing as a 'sketch' in b & w and the studio as a palette of 'colors'.

They're 2 different mediums altogether. Live conditions are erratic
and unreliable and that is just the nature of it and if you think at
this age it's a bitch to go to a show imagine someone
telling you you have to GO ON at 1:00 a.m. ! AS IF!!! But a show is
just that, a show in the moment and if something doesn't work you
play around it, etc., if the sound isn't right for the moody ones,
you stick to the harder ones, or whatever sounds best in the room, or
the mood of the crowd, etc.

Anyway it's a very simple equation: many more people have purchased
Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd and Coldplay records than have ever seen
them live. They are 2 different mediums.

A live performance is of the moment and not meant , in my opinion, to
be appreciated wholly and properly outside of that context. In making
a 'record' (the dictionary definition helps here)
I am concerned in sending the intended emotion and message of the
piece:, illustrating it sonically to the truest of my ability to be
understood for posterity...for all time. It's sort of like a chicken
and the egg question but if you look you'll find the egg came first,
and you went to the show to check out the chicken who laid it.

Ok that's enough with the feeble reaching for metaphor.

Love J

Thanks J. I think my point is in your 3rd paragraph.

I DIDN'T MEAN TO SAY THAT

2008-04-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

WHAT SLIPPED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH THAT
EITHER YOU REGRET, OR ARE HAPPY YOU DID?

TO WHO, AND WHAT?

Marci Phoenix, Arizona

Funny story that came to mind. An old morning show partner
went to a wedding with me because I didn't feel like finding a
"real" date.

He stayed for awhile, then as he was taking off we hugged, he
pulled away and said "I love you".

We both laughed so hard, because it was just so natural.
Morning show partners are like married couples sometimes. ; )

Lil Bo Blackpool, England

Our councillor (who shall remain unknown) has always
had a patch on his eye!

And, one day I saw him in the street and I said to him.

Before I could stop myself , "hi (*******) I like your new eye",
and he looked and me and was shocked, but not as much as
me, because it wasn't even him. hee hee xx

Trisha Valley Village, California

I've been known to be extremely candid/say too much from time
to time ( just ask anyone who's been close to me), but there is one
thing in particular that makes me cringe every time I remember it,
even though it was so long ago.

I was in my early teens and going through a very hormonal
(translation: BRATTY) phase.

I don't recall exactly what I said, but one morning I totally snapped
at my grandma and made her cry! Every single time I think of that
I hate who I was back then. My grandma has probably conveniently
forgotten about it but I certainly haven't.

It still manages to bug me because I have the world's best grandma
and I've always looked up to her. She was the one in the family who
encouraged me the most to chase my dreams, plus she's the only one
(besides my little sis) who never gave me crap for being a little
eccentric or dating the occasional musician.

Most importantly she has always inspired me to be generous/charitable,
hospitable, nurturing, loyal, humanitarian and to have a fun-loving zest
for life.

So, yeah, she did not deserve for me to make her cry that one day long
ago, and I will always be sorry for it! I love you Grandma!

Janice Back in Ohio

When I told this girl I'm in love with her. That I love her.
I started to say it then I caught myself and just stopped.

Then she made me say it.

It was cute, and I'm really happy I said it.

MY JAW DROPPED WHEN I SAW...?

2008-03-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

WHAT MADE YOUR JAW DROP?
WHAT IS IT- A THING, A SITUATION, ETC. ?

Roxie Los Angeles, California

1) I got off the train my first time in France, walked thru the
station, rounded the corner and got my first look at Paris.

2) My name was called to "come on down" on the Price is Right.

3) First time I laid eyes on Kelii, Izzy, and Rock Swede-triplets
from Sweden.

and last but not least...

4) That home prenancy read postive...twice...he is now 18 and my
other son is 12.

Indigo United Kingdom

My boyfriend getting out of my mother's bed. *blush*

Trudy Cardiff, Wales

For me, it seeing Dragonforce live. Obviously I'd heard their
music and was amazed at how extrememly talented Herman
Lee and Sam Totman are.

But, to see it live and suddenly realise that these men can do it
for real, and are possibly two of the most talented individuals
on the planet was totally dumbfounding!

Shawn Manhattan, Kansas

There's been a few things in my life that made my jaw drop.

Hearing of John Lennon's assassination for the first time on
the news.

Watching live...in 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger exploding!

9/11.

And, the first time I had to hear that stupid song by Nickelback
"Rockstar".

Radio worships that song. It's quite possibly the worst song I've ever
heard. My jaw still drops, when I have to hear it for the 20th time each
day.

Someday it will be included on VH1's
"Worst Song's of the 21st Century".

Die Nickelback, Die.

Aud United Kingdom

I saw a naked man riding around the studios on a bicycle, with
a lampshade on his head the other day.

Actually that's quite normal.

Lore Los Angeles CA, and Phoenix, AZ

I woke up and checked the news to find out that Bush had
become president a second time. What a disappointment!

Trisha Valley Village, California

It's hard to be specific on this one because it seems that every
single day I see something that makes my jaw drop.
I do, after all, live in Los Angeles. Enough said?

Okay wait, I've got one: having the supposed man of my dreams
pass me up for a porn star last summer definitely made my jaw
drop.

I suppose that, in the end, he must have found the way HER jaw
drops for other guys--on film and for money--to be more appealing
than little ol' monogamous me.

Freda Redmond, Washington

My draw dropped when I first saw Mushroomhead live
in Seattle, October 2006.

I've seen so many show's, but they are the most entertaining
band for me. My draw dropped again when Jeffrey Nothing,
one of their singers asked me to manage them early last year.

How are you Jon? So, what made your jaw drop?

Well Freda, it had nothing to do with music. When I was a
young boy, watching JFK being killed on live television!
That was a huge shocker. -Jonathan

C-Rod Charlottsville, Virginia

My jaw dropped when I saw...Ronnie James Dio fronting
Black Sabbath again, and I had front row!

Something I never thought I'd get to see in my lifetime. The
man is and always will be AMAZING!

I was literally watching the show with my mouth hanging open.
Looking stupid but enjoying every minute of it!

THE MAN WHO RUINED THE MUSIC inDUSTry RESIGNS

2008-03-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2008

New York governor Eliot Spitzer officially tendered his resignation today after being caught up in a high-end prostitution ring. Spitzer, who was governor for less than 15 months and had a profound effect on changes in the music industry, said his resignation is effective March 17. Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will serve out the rest of Spitzer's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2010. In an appearance that lasted 140 seconds at his Midtown Manhattan office, the governor offered an apology to his family and to the public and said he would devote himself to serving "the common good."

"From those to whom much is given, much is expected," Spitzer said, according to the New York Times. "I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. Over the course of my public life, I have insisted — I believe correctly — that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor."

It remains unclear whether Spitzer will face any legal charges from his involvement with the prostitution ring. His lawyer, Michele Hirschman, reached out to federal prosecutors this week to strike a deal in hopes of avoiding charges, says the Times. However, the U.S. attorney investigating the case issued a statement shortly after the resignation saying that his office does not have any arrangement with the governor.

THE MAN WHO RUINED THE MUSIC InDUSTry! 2

2008-03-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

ELIOT SPITZER: This one man was the reason me, and thousand's lost
their jobs.

It is also the reason I had to move from Los Angeles back to Phoenix
due to financial reasons. Ahhh...karma...sweet karma!

Karma Train Runs Spitzer Down In Hooker Ring Sting, Apologizes But No Resignation ... Yet

Is Spitzer Into His Own Pay-For-Play?

I have acted in a way that violated the obligations to my family and that violates my -- or any -- sense of right and wrong.

NEW YORK Gov. ELIOT SPITZER -- the man who as State Attorney General magnified payola allegations to the point where the labels and radio had to settle to the tune of many millions of dollars, and many lost their jobs as a result of the allegations -- is facing some karmic justice of his own today. After revelations of his involvement in a prostitution ring was reported in TODAY's NEW YORK TIMES, SPITZER abruptly scheduled a press conference this afternoon to deal with the allegations.

The local CBS-TV affiliate is now reporting that "SPITZER was not expected to continue as governor and may resign by MONDAY evening...Reliable sources told CBS 2 Political Reporter MARCIA KRAMER that Lt. Gov. DAVID PATERSON could be sworn in as governor as early as 7p MONDAY."

SPITZER did not mention his resignation in his statement to the press, in which he said: "I have acted in a way that violated the obligations to my family and that violates my -- or any -- sense of right and wrong. I apologize first, and most importantly, to my family. I apologize to the public whom I promised better. I do not believe politics in the long run is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what is best for the State of NEW YORK. I am disappointed that I failed to live up to the standard that I expect of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family. I will not be taking questions. Thank you very much. I will report back to you in short order. Thank you very much."

According to THE TIMES, SPITZER was identified in court papers as a client in a prostitution ring. "The governor’s travel records show that he was in WASHINGTON in mid-FEBRUARY," the story asserted. "One of the clients described in court papers arranged to meet with a prostitute who was part of the ring, the EMPERORS CLUB VIP on the night of FEB. 13th."

Expect more details shortly on this developing news story.

TOUCHY TOUCHY

2008-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

WHERE ARE YOU MOST SENSITIVE IF
SOMEONE WAS TO TOUCH YOUR BODY?

Marie Atlanta, Georgia

When my husband rubs my lower back right about
where my tattoo is, it sexually stimulates me!

To me that's a strange place on the body to have that
kind of sensation, but it does and he always wants to
rub my back...lol!

The other touchy places on my body that sends me
screaming and kicking to get away, is the back of my
knees and feet!

Paul Tempe, Arizona

If a woman were to poke her nose just right in my ear
it would send a jolt through my whole body.

Otherwise being a massage therapist and having gotten
many massages, I'm totally in tune with my body so there
may be many others, but the ear is THE one.

Dana Scottsdale, Arizona

Ahhhh...erogenous zones! SO IMPORTANT to know if
you want to be a good lover!

For me, I have a few. But the most sensitive is my ears.
Softly speaking in one drives me MAD!!!!!

I also love to be caressed on the back of my neck.
This puts me a trance like state, whereas the ear is
very stimulating to me.

And, something about going to the hair salon and having
someone wash your hair.

I'm sure most would agree with me. It doesn't feel that
good when I wash it. Something about the transfer of
anothers energy-if they have good energy-can be quite
an amazing and sometimes healing experience!!!

Keren Stroud, United Kingdom

lol. That's a very cheeky question this week Jon.

Well, I'm ticklish in the usual places like feet, and sides,
but my kids know where my real weak spot is if I'm play
fighting with them.

The belly button. They stick their finger in and I squirm.
lol

Shirls Marske-By-The-Sea, United Kingdom

OOHH ERRR Jonathan, well let me think.

If I were to be touched, the most sensitive place would be the
base of my spine, or most of my lower back.

What would be yours? I hear all your radio fan's cry. Tee Hee.

These questions are getting very fun lately.

Well, aside from the fact I am not a fan of being tickled,
I do not like anyone sticking their tongue in my ear.
Yuck!
-Jonathan

Candy Phoenix area, Arizona

The side of my neck under my ear is one spot.
The other are my sides. right in the curve of my waist.
Both send shivers right to me...meow.

Trisha Valley Village, Los Angeles, California

What, besides the obvious? Hehe, well, I'm actually equally
very sensitive on both my entire abdominal area including
the sides (no surprise considering this is the body part ruled
by Virgo), and the little area where the upper thigh meets the
crease of my tush!

Lucky is the guy who learns to pay extra-special attention to
these two areas, and with that thought, I must now get off this
darn computer and give my loverboy a call. ;)

Janice Scotland, United Kingdom

Um...Well, other than those certain places where every girl
is sensitive. I would say my belly button.

If someone touches my belly button I freak out!
And, not even in a good way. It hurts!

Indigo United Kingdom

When my woman strokes the back of my neck.
I just melt, especially if she lightly uses her fingernails.

Angiy Glasgow, Scotland

Hey handsome. Ok, you're liable to end up in the ER Room
if ya DARE touch my feet ha ha ha!

Im SERIOUS! 2 years ago, my brother thought it would be
hysterically funny to pin me down and tickle my feet.

It resulted in him being in the ER for 4 hrs with a broken nose.
Well...he was warned! So not my fault, right? LOL! :)

Audri Buckeye, Arizona

My neck!

Gothwitch Liverpool, England

The bit were your bum meets your leg. That crease bit.

I am compelled to knock out teeth when touched there.
Best not to tickle a witch!!

MY RADIO PLAYLISTS HAVE MOVED

2008-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

As of today, all of my radio show playlists beginning with
Saturday, March 1 and Sunday March 2
will be housed on one very easy to read blog.

Please view and bookmark so you will be able to easily
check each weeks shows.

Go to jonathanlradio.blogspot.com

Cheers

More I TATTOO YOU

2008-02-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

IF I WAS TO TATTOO YOU SOMEWHERE ON YOUR BODY-WHERE WOULD I PUT IT?
AND, WHAT DO YOU THINK I WOULD TATTOO ON YOU,
AFTER READING YOUR PROFILE?

Tamara Orlando, Florida

Interesting. I Like tattoos. I like it because it hurts, and I like pain.

Sooo, I would like to go with your taste wherever you would
like to put it. With my respect to you!!!

You like pain? Hmm. You are such a cutie.

I would hate to see you suffer. But since you admit to
enjoying pain, I have got an idea.

I scoured your photo's and didn't see any tats. You
also appear to have milky white skin, so I would
go with Tribal.

Tribal requires a lot of black ink. A lot!

But the outcome would be awesome! The look would
fit you and at the same time fill your quench for pain.

I would fill one entire arm from elbow to shoulder, and
it will wrap around almost 100%.

I don't know what exact symbols I would choose though.
Have to figure that part out.

Martin East Kilbride, Scotland

Hi Jonathan. What a great question. I'm finding this one a bit weird
as I've checked out your blog and it's only females on here suggesting
some tattoos so I thought I'd break the mold and have a go too.

I already have a couple of tattoos on my upper arms and still have
some space left for one big one on my left upper arm.

Something is holding me back from going lower than the sleeve-line!

I would love a tattoo of a Siberian Tiger coming out of some Jungle
leaves looking like it's about to attack.

I've always wanted a tiger tattoo but have never found an ideal one
whilst searching the web.

Maybe one of your fine listeners or yourself could suggest one.

All the best J and keep on rockin'

Yes, Martin, it is interesting why it's all women. I have an
answer for that. After doing these Q's for the past 4 years
on my website (now switching them to this blog), men in
general are not responsive, for whatever reasons.

Women rock! They have opinions and know how to get
their points across easier than men. Simply that.

As a faithful listener to my shows, I am so proud that you
stepped forward. Cheers to you my friend.

I know how much you are into Tiger's, so it would make
a perfect fit for you. I am surprised that you haven't
been able to find the right graphic through the internet.

As for below the sleeve-line, I quite understand why some
persons can not do it. More than likely the word would be
'work'.

Some places of work would frown upon that. In recent years
that has changed some, but many still don't fancy their
employee's walking around with a tat below the sleeve.

Dana Scottsdale, Arizona

Oh, I LOVE this topic Jonathan!

Ironically, I saw 2 of the artists that did your work this past Saturday night!
Paul Stottler and Mike Roper at The Invisible Humans/
Thee Unfortunates show!

I will be inquiring their services soon!

If you were to tattoo me, for sure 1 would be the Maltese cross.
I would like it on my inner right wrist. Since I am right-handed, I
would get to enjoy it more often.

Its history and symbolic meaning are as follows.

The Maltese cross is identified as the symbol of an order of Christian
warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta.

It was originally the symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the
11th century.

The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped arms
joined together at their bases, so that each arm has two points.

Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. The eight
points are said to symbolise the chivalric virtues:

Loyalty
Piety
Frankness
Bravery
Glory and honour
Contempt of death
Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
Respect for the church

My second tattoo would be, "Om Mani Padme Hum". I hold buddhism
art and philosophy dear to my heart and would be grateful to have a
reminder of its amazing message on me forever.

I'm not sure where I want it; maybe centered on my lower back!

Last, I would want a tattoo of a wolf.
I love dogs, and all dogs have been bred from wolves, which are
savage survivors!

A symbol of strength for when times are rough!!!

Well, with a response this thought out Dana, it takes away
my ideas. That isn't a bad thing though.

I can't argue where to put the Maltese Cross. Wrist is fine.
Your second request is script. The lower back would look
cool, but an alternative would be higher on your back, just
below your neck and centered.

The wolf graphic you sent is where the lower back comes
into play. That might stand out more where you were
thinking of the second tattoo.

Janice Scotland, United Kingdom

If you were to give me a tattoo anywhere on my body of anything after
reading my profile?

It would be a greyscale portrait of Joan Jett playing guitar.
I think it would be on my left forearm, so I can see her always.

Oh yeah...good question :)

Thanks Janice. I can't change the Joan Jett thing because you
are so into her. So, I would succumb to your wish, with the
exception of where it would go.

The forearm is for other kinds of tats. If you could live with it
on your upper arm, the tat would look better there and could
be much more intricate. Joan Jett it is. :-)

Jo Jo Okeechobee, Florida

Well Jonathan...I'd like a tramp stamp or a sleeve.

I would think it would be something music related? I did want the little girl
on the Follow the Leader album on my left shoulder.

But what about the tramp stamp? What would you do for me?

Jo Jo, you are fairly tall at 5'8". Half inch shorter than me, so I
could see a sleeve for sure.

You are a metal and KoRn fanatic. And so far I haven't suggested
a sleeve on anyone. You look like you could handle it.

So I would do Sci-fi mixed with a dark metal theme. It would be
no colour. Black and White with grey shading. From wrist to
shoulder baby! Think you can stand the pain?

Keren Stroud, Southwest United Kingdom

Very good question.

After reading my profile, probably on my back, as not much space left.

I would guess something sexy and vampirey as I have Angelina Jolie
on my profile.

And I state that I love vampires, but would also be quite dark as
into heavy rock. Am I right?

What would you tattoo on me? lol

You are a tough one Keren. You have ink on your left boob.
A sleeve on your right arm. Small of your back. Upper neck.

Hmm, where do I tattoo you? Can't do what I'd like as a sleeve
for your left arm, due to its Celtic nature. Your art is quite
varied.

I would love to see Angelina Jolie as a vampire. That would
be very cool. But where to put it?

You won't like this, but I would cover up your name in Sri
Lankan, and do a large piece from the middle of neck down.

Probably to the middle of your back. How's that?

Tami Phoenix, Arizona

I'm not quite sure I put enough information about myself onto my
MySpace.

I think perhaps you would chose one or all of my kids and put a portrait
somewhere on my back.

Now, on another note, I cannot wear jewelry really, except some rings and
bracelets, so I want an arrowhead necklace and star earrings tattooed eventually. :)

How would you decide what to choose?

Are you going to not only look at the main page, but possibly check out their
photos and blogs? Would you go through the whole research thing?

I love your show and you have a fabulous voice. :)

Thank you Tami. Yes, I am looking at everything to make my choices.
I know you adore your family, but a portrait of family is not one
of the great ideas for tattoos. Yes, I know many people do it, but
a Tattoo should reflect you.

The Arrowhead idea is ok, but you have a wild side that wants to
break out, so something radical for you.

I noticed you love the movie "Boondock Saints", among others.
Very Pop Culture, and there is a great poster and other artwork
from that film. I see that a great piece for either of your arms just
below shoulder to midway down, almost a wrap around.

Trudy Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

oooo...I like this one!!

Well, I guess from reading my profile you'd choose to do something
arty but with a rock edge to it.

Possibly a Motley Crue or Dogs D'Amour album cover or something.
Haven't a clue where you would put it though.

Where would you put it? lol x

I love the Dogs D'Amour album cover artwork from all their stuff.

I actually have an original in pencil and some ink that was given
to me by their old manager. It's in a frame. Rocks!!!

But, that isn't something I would do.

You have something in common with me.
We both like Dragons. I have three on my body.

I would convince you to do an Asian Dragon theme. You already
have some small pieces on your upper left back, and I believe
your right arm.

For you, a left or right beautiful wrap around Dragon, very
colourful, from just below the knee, ending just
above your ankle.

Big piece, but would be striking.

I TATTOO YOU

2008-02-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

IF I WAS TO TATTOO YOU SOMEWHERE ON YOUR BODY-WHERE WOULD I PUT IT?
AND, WHAT DO YOU THINK I WOULD TATTOO ON YOU,
AFTER READING YOUR PROFILE?

Cyndi Bristol, Connecticut

Hello Jonathan. You definately get mind's work-in' & eyes blink-in'!

You would tattoo me on my ankle for an ankle band, or an arm band, and
of course after reading my profile you would definatley tattoo something
SeXy or a farie or at least something with wings to fly away with!

Cyn, I know you so well, that SeXy would be the order of the day. ;-)

I really had to think hard though as to what I would do. Not easy.
Farie's and Pixie's are small and soft. Maybe a wrap around as
opposed to a simple band around either ankle or wrist.

But, naw, I would rather see a large farie as a upper back shoulder
piece. Clouds with either a large farie, or a smaller flock flying out
of the clouds. Very colourful, but soft colour, not harsh and loud.

Or maybe a medium size version on one of your breasts?

Shirls Marke-By-The Sea, Northeast United Kingdom

It would be a star on my cheek...I think.

And if I were to tattoo you, it would be a star too, on your chest above your heart.

Much Love & Respect your friend for life. Shirls xxx

Aww, that's sweet my friend. The star on my chest wouldn't work.
I already have a lot of ink in that spot.

As for you. Hmm. You are a star, but you also reek of sensuality,
so I would think more of something that reflects you.

Such as your own artwork. Just above your breast
(you choose which one). Your Butt cheek would work too.

I would put the very last photo on bottom right of your
Psychadelic photo album.

It is soft, sensual, and even though it is you, it would look brilliant!

Gaby Berlin, Gemany

Okay, I give you place for tattoo. I do not have an idea for a motive.

Perhaps a bass clef around the belly navel?!

It would be my first tattoo, please give your best and work gently and carefully. ;)

I know you love animals. A Polar Bear is mostly white.
That is a painful colour. A Tiger would be very cool.
Matches your hair colour.

But, I know you love music. Actually a bass clef around your navel
would be simple and easy.

Considering it would be your first tattoo, then I wouldn't change
your idea. Maybe on your second I would get more adventurous.

Marina (aka e-kat) Zaporozhye, Ukraine

I think u would tattoo a cat, what else could u think of. hehe :-)
But, where? mmm... forearm maybe. But I'd like to have a star.

You are an adventerous type. Tall and lean. You hike, bike, and you love underwater creatures.

So, a sleek Bobcat with a silver star in the center of her head would do.

It would be on your back, long and sleek.
It would have motion jumping out of a drum.

You love music, so it fits your personality.
It would a masterpiece that would begin at the lower part of your
back and ending at the lower part of your neck.

Lyn Wales, United Kingdom

I like the idea of having a tattoo on my pelvic bone.
Not a clue. You tell me. I have no idea what my profile says about me.

I would rather see a Daisy (flower) with a frightening pumpkin centering around your belly button of the flower on you. Maybe fangs on the pumpkin's face.

White or yellow daisy with the pumpkin obviously orange.

Jools Liverpool, England

You would tattoo my wrist and it would be a ladybug. A pretty one. x

Jools, you are a tiny person, so I would agree a ladybug would be fitting. Although one ladybug wouldn't do.

I think it would suit you better on your ankle.

I would do a band of ladybugs on your left ankle. Small but effective.

Lucky Sierra Leone

My wrist, and it would be a star. Twinkle...twinkle...little star.

Nope. You have a lot of photo's of fish on one of your photo
albums. I see something more Asian for you. 95% of mine is
Asian artwork.

A beautiful Koi on your lower back centered, with it's head coming
out of ripples of water. Would look awesome when you go swimming.

A real eye catcher.

Here are some more

Liz North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I would think it would be a Jagermeister Deer on the lower middle of
back. Or, A sun with a Palm Tree.
Remind me of good times In the past and the future. (It is The only liquor I still drink)

Liz, you are a rocker, so the drink thing might sound good, but you
would regret it. That's for young guy's that are stupid, and later in
life will look at other people's tat's and feel foolish, and envious.

I would have suggested the Palm Tree engulfed with a bright sun on
your neck, but you have so much hair, rarely would it be seen.

So, I would then go for that theme on your lower thigh.

Michelle Northeast, United Kingdom

Hi Jonathan. After you had read my profile I think you would most
definatley tattoo a great big zipper across my mouth!!

I am known for my outspokeness and highly opinionated views on
absolutely everything, and I think a zipper would be a fantastic idea
only problem being it wouldn't actually shut my mouth!! LOL

That's funny. Really. :-) But seriously, for you Michelle,
see the butterflie's on your page. They are so colorful.

How about them above your waistline, off to the side?

That would look rad!

MUST HAVE CD'S

2008-02-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

As someone who listens to at least 30 full CDs a week, I can understand why sales are down, and it is becoming more of a 'singles' world. Most 'albums' are not that fullfilling. Hence tons of only single downloads on people's favorite songs. Yes, it's become a 'singles' world my friends.

Here are two full CD's that I believe are worthy of a full download, or if you have a record store that has a cool supply of music nearby, other than just the popular artists, than purchase these.

Hanzel und Gretyl "Zwanzig Zwolf" (Metropolis Records)

When you click on the above link, the first thing you find out is that the three-piece group is actually from New York.

Who knew?.

LOL-I should have read this weeks ago. I got fooled, as others have too. I thought they were from Germany. Hey, no excuses, I listen to music, not read first. Am I embaressed that I have been saying for weeks that they were a German band?

Not at all. Shit happens. This CD is amazingly powerful, a metal/industrial fan's wetdream. Riviting, like a nail gun to the head, yet plenty of dramatic and choral moments to make each song unique in it's own way. "Best of Show" in it's style at the moment!

By the way, two of the members are German. ;-)

Louis XIV "Slick Dogs And Ponies" (Atlantic Records)

And I thought this group from San Diego was teriffic in their past efforts.
This time they have found their groove.

Beginning with the single "Guilt By Association", their familiar sound, which by the way has a 'tickle me Elmo' feel, but from there on the album then gradually shows many other sides of their musical maturity.

Singer Jason Hill has such a Euro voice, hard to believe he's from the land of Seaworld. It's only February, but this has to be a contender for many musical pundits fave lists later on this year.

This is one CD loaded with substance! Buy it!

*If you click on the names of both bands it will take you to Wikipedia for all the info you want.

JEALOUSY: DOES IT AFFECT YOUR LIFE?

2008-02-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Jealousy comes in many forms.
Thanks to reader Maz for this Q -Jonathan

Tamara Naples, Florida

Jealousy in my opinion should not even be in the english vocabulary. In a relationship situation I have been told that I was/am a jealous person, but if you think about it and the actual word...I am not jealous of another woman etc.

I am very confident and happy with who I am.

It boils down to respect on both sides because this can work for a man too. When a woman flirts with your boyfriend/husband or vice versa gf/wife, then it's up to the partner to put that person in their place. In other words, if she comes on to my husband I feel it's up to him to tell her that he is in a relationship and guide the conversation to a more non-flirtatious direction.

No one would get jealous if more people respected their spouses and partners and we went back to a simpler way of life!

Here is a perfect example. When I first met my husband, we went to a store in the mall. The very cute sales girl was totally flirting with my boyfriend (at the time). I was in the back trying on a shirt. I wanted his opinion and he was way up front with the sales girl, laughing. So I called his cell. No answer. Finally I walked up there and she very catty was asking, is this your boyfriend?

I said no, he is my fiance', and still she continued to flirt with my man. I kept my cool, but I feel like it should have been my man to put her in her place. Instead I had to.

Anyway, long story short. Don't give a person a reason to be jealous and it will not occur!

Now, that super cool yacht I saw at the city dock the other nite...different story!!

Trudy Cardiff, Wales

I'm pretty lucky where I don't really suffer from jealousy. If I'm with a partner then as well as having our life together, we also have our own interests with our own friends.

I never suffer jealous urges unless I've been given a VERY good reason, and then I have to be pushed ALOT, thankfully cos I've seen jealousy ruin people's lifes!!

Linette United Kingdom

Jealousy ?
NEVER! And, it's nothing to do with trust in yourself or in your partner, it's about stability in yourself and believing in yourself, and its about having the strength to realise that if someone's gonna cheat they don't want to be where they are anyway.

Tamara Orlando, Florida

I've been married 16 years. At the beginning there was a lot of jealousy, and yes it affected
the relationship.

But, with time we noticed that it was insecurity.

Trisha Los Angeles, California

Jealousy is a dangerous thing but it also, in its own twisted way, can make someone realize just how much they like someone (unless they're one of those types who is jealous all the damn time no matter who is involved).

I've had problems with certain guys in my past and their jealousy issues, which is no good considering that I do have a LOT of male friends and my main circle of friends includes those who work in either music or film/TV. Lots of opportunity for a jealous guy to make mountains out of molehills.

Once in a while I catch myself feeling it too; it's just part of being human. I have to keep myself in check though. I have been involved with a few musicians and a girl has to be VERY secure to handle the reality that they will always have fans flirting with them. I just have to put my trust in someone until they fuck up, pretty much (and hopefully they don't because I am a damn good girlfriend, haha)...anyway yeah jealousy is a tough one that we all have to battle but when we can keep it under control everyone can be that much happier.

And sometimes there is absolutely nothing to be jealous about in the first place, it's just all in our heads!

Bri Aberdeen, Washington

It used to, until I realized my mom actually knew what she was talking about when she said "jealousy is a wasted emotion."

It's unproductive, unflattering, and there are no benefits to be gained by acting like an insecure person with trust issues. In the end it doesn't prevent anything that's going to happen from happening anyway.

Amen Bri. Your mom gave you great advice. -Jonathan

Joanne Phoenix Arizona

Interesting question, I guess the answer all depends on how you mean the question. If you're talking jealousy in relationships, then that's more of an issue of insecurity and/or control. But if you meant jealousy, as in envious, then that can has a positive influence, give you the goal to achieve for yourself whatever it is the other person has or has achieved that you envy, as long
as you don't let it turn into resentment.

However, jealousy in relationships are really just a waste of energy and a useless sacrifice of self-esteem. In that case, you need to step backand grow as an individual before you are truly ready to be in any relationship.

Lore Hollywood/Phoenix

Jealousy stems from a person not doing what they are supposed to be doing. Take steps for what is in the heart and you will not feel jealousy toward others doing what you wish you were.

AWARD WINNING SEASON

2008-02-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Raeven Phoenix, Arizona

I have lost SOOOO much interest in these stupid awards for the very reason you stated. If I were to chose, it would go like this...
BEST MALE VOCALIST - Peter Steele of Type O Negative
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST - Sarah Jezebel Deva (Cradle of Filth and Angtoria)
BEST BAND - Within Temptation
BEST SONG OF THE YEAR - Tie between "The Howling", Within Temptation and "God Has a Plan for Us All", Angtoria.

I'm adding an honorable mention for BEST NEW BAND for The Foreshadowing! Those guys are AMAZING!!!

Much Respect,
^*^

Lore Hollywood, California/Phoenix, Arizona

Unfortunately, like any awards show there are politics involved, so the decisions are slanted. For instance, the nominee representative (label or artist himself) first have to be NARAS members, paying dues and they have to be active in attending NARAS meetings & Active NARAS members have influence. Grammy's are not based upon who is the best.

If that was the case, bands like Jethro Tull, would not have been considered for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, yet win that category - which they did! Inexcusable! This is proof of politics involved. A&R guys, composers, etc, play this NARAS game, so they can have influence, feel important and sway decisions. All awards shows are slanted due to politics.

I am not a member of NARAS.

I agree with both your comments. Music awards are both politics and dull. But keep in mind, the nominees in most cases are mass appeal artists that might not be your or my choices. Good to see that Chemical Brothers did win an award though-Jonathan L

Updates and Observations

2008-02-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

Although some felt I am a grumpy person for bringing up relationships, I think I acheived what I wanted. Quite a few friends and long-time aquantances got in touch. very nice!

This past week's 'black Thursday' in the radio world was pretty bad. Many lost their gigs as Emmis, Clear Channel, and CBS did more shrinkage to an overwhelming cutback frenzy that
has plaqued radio the past few years.

G4 TV pretty much has put Myspace in the spotlight and it wasn't that good. They seem to pick apart the giant and also favored more interest in Facebook and others.

Now I admit, among the spam, third party pain in the asses, if you really want to network, Myspace is still King or Queen, if you will.

If you want to keep it to only friends, than I agree some of the others is the way to go.

I use Myspace sincerly to drive people to listen to my radio shows and my website. I make no pretentions at all about it. I'm very direct. I am in music and that's where the musicians and people that are into music are.

But, frankly I am getting worn out trying to get responses to my Q's that feature people from
all over the world responding to whatever topic I put up. Back when, it was easy to attract people's opinions. Lately, I find that many are either too busy, lax, or just plain not interested.

So what do I do for my entry page on my website?

I dunno. Currently I am re-thinking it all. When I figure it out, I'll let you all know.

Music InDUSTry: Relationships

2008-01-31T17:35:00.000-08:00

Relationships? That’s what the music inDUSTry was built upon right from beginning.

Most likely the 50s, or even the 40’s. It began with radio and labels having lunches,
dinners, or congregating at functions such as conventions. Great way to network.

The very foundation of the inDUSTry was pure and simple, who you knew and who you wanted to get to know. From there, you became ‘friends’ or at the very least good acquaintances.

Looking down the page, I described what has happened since 2004 with the
investigations and improprieties that help kill ‘Bambi’ (the inDUSTry).

Since then people have lost their jobs. Many people. Many have gone on to other
careers or jobs. Others have dropped down into the bowels of hard drug abuse,
spurring suicides, broken marriages and personal relationships, and other not
so good things.

Some persons would take a 50% or more reduction from their prior salaries just to
hang in there and remain part of an inDUSTry that was falling apart.

Radio persons due to consolidation became more scarce and trying to get a hold
of them isalmost nil nowadays.

The excuse. "Too busy", and wearing too many hats.

On the label side, one person is now doing the job of three. So, they have to outsource and hire independent contractors (indie promoters) to do the legwork to
help promote the music.

Funny, I did that in 1993-94 and again in 2002-2005. I was like many, honest and straightforward promoters and did nothing in the area the investigations were about.

But, it did have an effect on me, enough to have to sell my home in Los Angeles,
and move back to Phoenix after ten years.

So back to relationships. Since I returned I noticed that very few people have tried to stay in touch with me. I tried to with many, but after one conversation I could tell that the world that I used to know since the 70s had changed. Would we continue to stay in touch?

Frankly, on my end the answer would be yes. I suppose as I look back, I realized that
it didn’t happen. So that would be a no for the largest percentage.

E-mail address’ changed, and so did phone numbers. If that’s all you had for someone,
then it became a dead end.

No way to get in touch.

Then there is instant messaging. The majority of inDUSTrites used AOL.

On my AOL IM, I have well over 200 people. At one given part of most days excluding weekends there are at least 60-70 on at one time. As the day wears on into the evening the number lessens.

In the past week I have not opened up my AOL. I can’t figure out why, and have
no solid answer for it. Make’s me feel weird. Today I got back on.

Nobody IM’d me. lol

What used to be somewhat of an annoyance is no more. In the past year I’ve taken
notice that very few even use that anymore.

Don’t get me wrong though. I never felt that everyone that revolved around me
was a true friend. There were some, and probably more for me than others because
I am a communicator. I actually like having a conversation on the phone.

I always make myself available, unlike others who have a strict call time.

Sure I communicate through e-mail, maybe not as much as others, and I would use my
IM more but it seems that is becoming a white elephant very much like the telephone.

As we all get older, call me ‘old school’, but keeping up relationships is a healthy reason for keeping in tune with what each other is up to, and you never ever know what will come out
of a conversation.

Unfortunately, I am delusional because most people are so wrapped up in their own lives today, that they feel they do not have time to stay in touch.

Well, take it from me, the guy who always took your calls, called you, and was a good friend or acquaintance, IM’d you or answered your IM’s, and e-mails, a big FUCK YOU! I hope you
are enjoying the shrinkage of contact in your life.

I will always try and stay in touch, and keep a relationship, be it meaningful, or just a simple one forever. At least I tell myself that. lol

Here is the irony as I write this. Yesterday I get a mass e-mail from a true friend for years, Mike Mena. Awhile back his e-mail changed and his phone number too. I had no way to get in touch. Today I get an e-mail, another mass one from Eric Baker, who was not that close with but I always enjoyed our conversations. A good guy.

I called both earlier today. Now, lets see how long it takes for a return call?

Will they or won’t they?

Finally, for all those New Yorkers who voted for Elliott Spitzer for your Governor.

Thanks a heap of shit. The man is shallow and used the music inDUSTry to help him, because it made good media coverage.

But, Elliott you left a whole lot of blood along the way. :-(

Things that make me blush

2008-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

A loving hello to a unique individual I am proud to call friend!

Loving your continued innovative ways Jonathan!

Enjoying your vids, show, playlist and especially your recent
'KROQ missed it' seg!

Thanks for keeping me 'in the loop.'

Love always, your pal,
Sushi

*(Malibu Sue, one the best DJs to ever grace the WLIR/Long Island) airwaves

***********

If there were any justice in this world you'd get a lifetime achievement
award from R&R or something.

Lenny Lasalandra (Combat Rock Promtion/Los Angeles)

*That will never happen Lenny. R&R doesn't like me ;-)

Rainy day feeling

2008-01-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

It’s an overcast day today. A smattering of raindrops.
I love to reflect on days like this.

Tuesday I got more ink. With a couple of more sessions, my left arm from wrist to shoulder, onto back, and inside chest will be complete. That will finally match my complete right arm. Yay (soft drum roll please)

My tattoo guy is named Isaac.
Since I returned to Phoenix, he has done the majority of my recent ink.

You can see his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/agenda297

Just got back from getting hair bleached. Platinum again. lol

I have my show already programmed for Saturday morning, although I always reserve the right to change my mind and substitute or add songs.

Here is a conundrum. I just received the new B-52’s single “Funplex”. I think it sounds great, but oh so B-52’s, like the clock stopped in time.

Will my audience (you) want to hear it on my show? Hmm, I really have to think about this. Maybe I’ll stick it in on the Sunday night show? Maybe.

Spoke with close family friend John Easdale this morning and congratulated him on being on the Ellen Show today. (They taped yesterday) performing the legendary “Anything, Anything”.

I watched. What a great moment for Dramarama. National TV, but not only that, on the highest rated afternoon show in America!

One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy...hellooooo!

2008-01-22T00:48:00.000-08:00

This is an e-mail I recieved earlier today. Normally I wouldn't do this,
but they are the best, so I gave in (to myself-not them)

Jonathan...

As a friend of UNCLE, we were wondering if you'd feel the least bit inclined to write a brief testimonial for us?!?!? It's something we will post in the propaganda section of our website.

Thanks, in advance, for your semi-kind words.
...Dead Air Dave/UNCLE Promo

"I hope all other peeps that do promotion see this. I don't need to pimp U.N.C.L.E. Promotions, they simply are the most professional at what they do. Marc always finds time to pick up the telephone, as well as Dead Air Dave and call. Whoa, what did he say? Call. Hell yeah. The rest of you think e-mails are the only method of alerting people about your music. Guess what. I delete them right away. I wouldn't even know what you are working, and frankly could care less. The music arrives, I listen, and decide what will air, and what won't. Simple as that.

Seriously, do any of you know what a telephone can do? U.N.C.L.E. does. Maybe that's why they stay ahead of you other knuckleheads.

Relationships go a long way, and the 007's, 0013's, and whatever other 00's are running around get my vote for being the BEST at what they do.

The rest of you...hmmm...do what you do best. Type away."

-Jonathan L

*Just thought I would share this with you all.

Music InDUSTry? Is there such thing anymore?

2008-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

You will notice “DUST” in the headline. That’s pretty much what the once great inDUSTry has been reduced to. Dust particles floating around in the air.

I was using the reference as asteroids floating in space for a long time, based on the classic stand-up video game from the 80’s. But I kind of like ‘DUST’ better. Since 2004 the music business has tail spun into a non-inDUSTry. Those of us who have been involved and it was our life for many years sit back now and become critics of what happened.

Before I continue, there is no way in one column that I can get everything I want to say out, so this is just the beginning. I will name names, and circumstances, and tell the truth, nothing but the truth, so help me. Ok, at least I will try. :-)

The now governor of the state of New York, Elliot Spitzer used the music biz to ascend to his current throne. Oh, he could have taken something, say like the Pharmaceutical companies, who have much more to own up to than an industry that the common citizen could care less about. Does the music biz affect their daily lives? I think not.

According to legend Joel Klaiman, a longtime label Promotion Executive at a convention in Miami spoke with a woman somewhere where alcohol is served and in his hidden motive to hit on her, spewed a whole bunch of stuff on how the music biz worked. He of course cited the underbelly with its greed. The givers and takers. She was the assistant to the aforementioned Spitzer. That might be urban legend, but it is the story that was on top of all the other reasons of the invasion by politicians. Others will say it wasn’t Klaiman.

To me, Joel was a nice gut at one time who as time went by became just another asshole in a sea of others who started out with a good attitude and as time goes by, change their attitude and beliefs. They become power hungry assholes; just so they can make those very high six figure salaries.

Oh, and by the way, Klaiman was paid to go away for quite awhile. He then resurrects as head of Promotion for another label. Funny how things work, huh?

From that point the domino effect began. The investigations were long and maybe thorough. I say maybe, because none of us will ever know the real truth. Ironically they ended as Spitzer turned toward becoming Governor, exhausting his use as Attorney General. That assfuck ruined many peoples careers, and more important, their lives.

Again, does the public really give a shit about the music biz? Corruption is pretty much involved in every corporate business, as we all know. Hello…Enron!

I will take a break, and when I return, let’s discuss how the one thing that the music inDUSTry was built upon. Relationships.

Today, after a mere three years, relationships hardly exist. I will dissect that next. I should remind you all that it is not only inDUSTry peeps reading this. People from all over the world are.

Bye for now.

Spanked Part 1: Learn your A,B,C's

2008-01-19T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is a subject that I speak about during my radio shows occasionally, and more often with friends and aquaintences. Restaurants and any place that serves food, should go by the city of Los Angeles' lead.

A rating system!

Here in Phoenix the local CBS affiliate runs their "Dirty Dining report" each night on the news. Giving us, the consumer the inside skinny who has x-amount of violations. Like dirt, unhealthy kitchen conditions, like mice droppings, etc. When I moved to Los Angeles in 1995 there was no rating system, and they did the same thing, the CBS affiliate ran the the same thing. Then
finally the city decided to enact a law that all places that serve food, and that included convienence stores like 7-Eleven and others too, had to have their places scrutinized by the health department. If you had almost none (violations), you received an 'A' sign that went in a place where the public could see from the outside.

A few violations got you a 'B', and if you were on the verge of being shut down-you got a 'C'.

If you didn't take care of it freakin' quick-wham-doors were closed, until you complied. Now, if you are a owner of a eatery, you won't want this. I say, I don't give two shits about your feelings. I care about all of our stomachs.

When you enter a restaurant you want to feel safe about the food you are putting into your tummy. I don't know if any other large urban city other than L.A. is doing this, but all should be. Our health is at risk! So, City of Phoenix, we re the 5th largest populated city now in the whole United States.

Act like the huge city it is and get that health department really working to keep eatery's honest and the consumer safe from the vermen that lurks behind closed doors. That also goes for dust on ceiling fans and dirt around the tables. Ok, got it? Good.

Bill Maher Rocks!!

2008-01-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

After a shakey first show of his return after hiatus, "Real Time with Bill Maher", atones for last weeks somewhat uneven program, mainly due to the writer's strike.
Really missed "New Rules" one of the daringly funny segments of the hour.

Tonight's episode was off and running from the beginning. You know, even though Bill's guests are a mix of celeb's, fairly known writers, editors, etc. his show is absolutely the best political show on the tube. Yeah, I know some of you are "Daily Show" freaks, but Jon Stewart is not Bill Maher. Period.

At least tonight a new star was born. Dan Savage, Bill's gay correspondent who brought more to the table than anyone. He was intelligent, and quite humourous, making good talking points and adding flavor.

So, even though last week was a bomb, this week made up for it in spades. As always, can't wait till next Friday. Ok, gotta go to bed. I have a radio show to do. G'night

Typical Friday night

2008-01-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

As I wait for dinner, I am thinking about tomorrow's radio show. Why? I guess that's what every Friday for me is like.
It's what I live for. Entertaining people with music of all shades and kinds. The hardest thing is to get myself ready to
sleep. I awake at 4:00 am (I am a slow starter in the morning), and jump in the car to make the twenty minute drive to
KUPD in Guadelupe. Takes me two freeway's (the SanTan 202 and the 101), and then to Elliot. I go on air at 6:45 am.
See, so typical, so routine, but having said that, it's the "show" that inspires me the most. Now that our station is
streaming the internet, persons from all over the world are listening (especially the U.K., Germany, and France. As well
as the entire Phoenix metro area. The show is "Lopsided World Of L", and you can find the playlists on my website at

www.jlradio.com

(shameless plug) :-)