Despite all the road blocks that have been thrown on the road, it looks like Health Care Reform in the United States may be reality. The bill doesn't go as far as it should go, but it's a start.Both the House and Senate passed their own versions of the bill. In order to make it happen, both houses will be using reconciliation to straighten out the kinks.For those who don't know what it is, Reconciliation is a legislative process of the United States Senate intended to allow consideration of a contentious budget bill without the threat of filibuster. It was introduced in 1974 to streamline the debate   read more

Here's a blast from the past! The last seconds from the 1990 NFC Championship game between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. I hadn't seen this footage in 20 years, but I didn't realize how close the field goal was to being no good! Either way, it's all good and we singlehandedly ended San Francisco's dominance! Yeah baby!   read more

It's hard to believe, but this October will mark 10 years since the death of legendary announcer, Frankie Crocker. He was one of the pioneers of broadcasting that has influenced our Internet radio station over the years. During the 70's, Crocker made a name for himself as a disc jockey and became a New York City broadcasting icon.Crocker sometimes called himself the "Chief Rocker" as well as "Hollywood". He was well known for his boastful on-air chatter, as well as his off-air flamboyance. He enjoyed driving fast cars and wore his hair long, but he was very passionate about the music he played   read more

Using the magic of computer graphics technology, I've created a commercial for Smooth Jazz and More Internet radio. I've recently took an online class for Adobe After Effects 6 and CS4 at Lynda.com. For those who don't know, After Effects is a program where you can make cool graphics similar to what the pros use. My finished product is still very much primitive. But as I learn more about After Effects, I'll be adding more dynamic special effects to my works. Please let me know what you think.   read more

The Internet arm of the Recording Industry Association of America, SoundExchange, is in PR mode this week, as a report shows that streaming royalties are not quite what they've claimed to be.In a report uncovered by Billboard Magazine and reported Wednesday by Reuters news agency, "They assert that online streaming music services, especially non-interactive Internet radio, are proving to be a poor income substitute for artists in a declining music business. The coverage, however, muddies many important distinctions about the role of non-interactive streaming and the money that changes hands when   read more

So let me get this straight! Millions of unemployed were on pins and needles, trying to figure out whether they were going to continue getting unemployment checks because of one man?Senator Jim Bunning (shown above) started a one-man filibuster against extended unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the jobless. In addition, workers on federal transportation projects were furloughed and health insurance subsidies for the jobless stopped.After much uproar, Senator Bunning conceded after pressure from both sides. His actions amounts to a downright, heartless, gutless move that was   read more

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled Thursday that the Copyright Royalty Board is constitutional. The decision ends for now a long-running controversy over the legitimacy of the CRB, which sets royalty rates that webcasters pay to copyright owners. Rates that webcasters see as excessively high and a threat to their industry.The CRB is comprised of three judges appointed by the Librarian of Congress. It meets once every five years to establish the royalty rates that webcasters must pay copyright owners when using their music on the Internet.In the past, the rates set by the   read more

If you're in the United States, you're probably watching, "The Marriage Ref" on NBC, a show that will, more than likely, be cancelled by the end of the year.Meanwhile the rest of the world is watching the rest of the Winter Olympics closing ceremonies. The network deprived the country of watching the rest of the event, including performances by Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morrisette.Once again, NBC executives make another bonehead decision on their programming. First, the 10pm Leno thing, now this! I'd like to see another network get the Olympics in 2014 because you have to wonder if anyone at "30   read more

I've always been a fan of hockey, going all the way back to the early 70's and the invention of "Peter Puck".But today's Gold Medal match-up between the US and Canada made me more proud to be a hockey fan than ever before. Even though the outcome wasn't what I wanted, fans of both countries should hold their heads high on such a great tournament and an outstanding game.I hope the NHL continues the Olympic tradition by allowing their players to participate. It's great for the sport and the league. No doubt, there will be new fans generated by today's thrilling finale.Let's get back to the ice!   read more

Big congrats to Mike Konopacki for telling it straight!   read more