'25 Biggest TV Blunders' on TV Guide Network

TV Guide Network is airing the “25 Biggest TV Blunders.” The show counts down the television decisions that left everyone scratching their heads in disbelief. Here are some that I did not know about:

- Erasing Johnny Carson: NBC erases the first decade of the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in order to save tape stock.
- Project Runway: In the height of its popularity, the show switches networks and moves to L.A. On top of a mega-lawsuit featuring some of Hollywood’s biggest players, fans were confused and became uninterested (I thought this show was still a hit).
- Stars who turned down hit roles: Paul Shaffer never returned a call offering him the roll of George Costanza in Seinfeld, and Dana Delany turned down the role of Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.

VIDEO: Blacking out newspapers to create poetry

Bob Phillips of Texas Country Reporter covers Austin Kleon who writes poems by blacking out all of the unnecessary words in newspapers and magazines. He is based in Austin, TX.

austinkleon.com

Adam Bomb drops on i93 KLIF in Dallas

AllAccess reports that i93 KLIF in Dallas is getting Adam Bomb for mornings who hopes to give a goodbye KISS to the competition:

ADAM BOMB joins CUMULUS Top 40 KLIF (i93)/DALLAS for morning drive. BOMB, who most recently handled nights for sister CUMULUS Top 40 WWWQ (Q100)/ATLANTA, rounds out the station's airstaff which includes BRITTANY in middays, PD JOHN FOXX in afternoons and BILLY BUSH at night. READ MORE

Magic! at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Magic! at HMNS from HMNS on Vimeo.


I went to the preview party of Magic! at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Thursday night. Don't worry, no one tried to saw me in half.

Any magic lover will love the historic posters, props, costumes...etc in this exhibit. For people who do not like to read a lot in their museum experiences, don't worry. There are a lot of multimedia experiences included.

The museum even says there will be live magician shows at various times too. We saw one young magician who had some amazing card tricks. I had to check my wallet to make sure it was still there after the performance...yeah he was that good with the sleight of hand!

www.hmns.org

Deborah Ferguson of NBC 5 KXAS wins Gracie Award

NBC 5 KXAS in Dallas - Fort Worth wants us to know that anchor Deborah Ferguson is being recognized with a national award:

NBC 5 Today anchor, Deborah Ferguson, wins the 2010 Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor - News presented by American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT), a national non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the impact of women in the media.

Besides anchoring NBC 5 Today from 5-7 a.m. each weekday, Ferguson regularly produces reports for NBC 5 newscasts and special programs often dealing with health. She spends considerable time volunteering for community and charitable events and speaks frequently to school groups emphasizing the importance of education.

Throughout her career, Ferguson has been recognized by various organizations including American Women in Communications, Association for Women Journalists, American Cancer Society, Texas Medical Association, American Heart Association and the Dallas Press Club.

"I wanted to be a reporter ever since I was a little girl, but I never imagined getting an award as big as this. As prestigious as a Gracie is, I'm even more honored by letters from the community that supported my nomination. Thank you," says Ferguson.

Ferguson joined NBC 5 in 1991 as a reporter from WBAP radio. She is a Tarrant County native who graduated from Texas Christian University with a Broadcast Journalism degree.

This is KXAS' second national Gracie Award in two years. Anchor/reporter Kristi Nelson was honored for Outstanding Feature - Hard News Program, Market 1-25, in 2009.

97.1 The Eagle KEGL offers local music

Sarah Crisman of Pegasus News interviews the new 97.1 The Eagle KEGL DJ who is serving local music up to the Dallas - Fort Worth area:

North Texas radio continues to turn ears to local bands for at least a portion of the programming schedule. Each Monday night at 11, The Eagle's Loud and Local show has Angela Chase offering up an hour of the best in North Texas rock. READ MORE

Here is more about Angela and more about Loud and Local.



RELATED
- Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx to host nights on 97.1 The Eagle KEGL
- Lex and Terry Show off 97.1 KEGL Dallas

KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna goes out for good cause

On her Bumper to Bumper blog, KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna shows us what it is like to emcee a big gala event. She writes more about the good cause she was helping out:

AVANCE, which has been around 22 years in Houston…is focused on proactive work. Just take a look at their mission statement: “Unlocking America’s potential by strengthening families in at-risk communities through effective parent education and support programs….” AVANCE serves primarily Hispanic families in low-income, at-risk communities with a research-proven program model that is preventative, community-based, two-generation focused and comprehensive in scope. http://www.avancehouston.org - READ THE REST

I think it is really nice when news anchors and reporters make public appearances for community organizations. Clearly Jennifer helped get a good turn out for the event and that makes a difference in these situations.

RELATED
- KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna behind the scenes glance
- KPRC 2's Jennifer Reyna rated daily on Twitter

Chronicle lets the 'citizens' do the sports writing

According to the San Francisco Business Times, Hearts Newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, are getting sports writing help from “citizen sportswriters:”

Hearst Newspapers, owner of the San Francisco Chronicle, made a deal with “citizen sportswriters” business Bleacher Report for some of the news in its sports section.

The “co-branded” sports news will appear on the Chronicle’s SFGate web site, along with the web sites of the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and the SeattlePI.com web site, which doesn’t have a print newspaper associated with it. READ MORE

This does not particularly surprise me since Chron.com's strategy is to apparently let the readers develop more and more content through blogs...etc.

See more at http://bleacherreport.com/.

Former KHOU 11 talent Darby Douglas gets new gig

Former KHOU 11 traffic anchor Darby Douglas just notified me that he has landed a new gig. Naturally he was smart enough to email me to look at his blog for the info (I like his style and marketing abilities):

I will be working for Clear Channel's traffic department(Total Traffic Network), as a fill-in anchor starting Monday. It's a full-time job and I couldn't be happier! Just know that whenever you hear a traffic report on 740 KTRH, 950 KPRC, 790 The Sports Animal, Sunny 99.1, 93.7 The Arrow or [94.5] The Buzz, you'll be getting the most up-to-date information. That's because it'll be coming from me! SEE THE REST

Congrats Darby on the new gig!


RELATED
- Darby Douglas' near death experience, plus life after KHOU 11
- Watch Darby Douglas do traffic on KHOU 11 once again

New KHOU 11 reporters on their way to Houston

TVspy.com's ShopTalk newsletter reports that two new reporters are heading to Houston's KHOU 11:

LISA CHAVARRIA will join the reporting team with KHOU in Houston at the end of March. She leaves WTVF in Nashville where she reported weekdays for the morning news.

READ HER CURRENT STATION BIO

GABE GUTIERREZ is thrilled to begin reporting for KHOU in Houston. He leaves WJRT in Flint, Michigan where he reported and was the weekend morning anchor.

READ HIS CURRENT STATION BIO

Interesting to note that Gutierrez comes from WJRT which is an ABC owned and operated station just like KTRK 13.

RELATED
- New KHOU 11 Houston assistant news director hired
- KHOU 11 reporter Kevin Peters leaving TV news
- Lee McGuire exits KHOU 11 Houston
- KHOU 11's Gene Norman has powerful TV biz connections
- Former KHOU 11 anchor Lisa Foronda overcomes demons

New Mix 96.5 KHMX web site because of Maria Todd?

I guess once you get a name like Maria Todd at your station (and back to Houston for that matter), you really go all out. I just noticed that Mix 96.5 KHMX flipped to a new Web site. And as a blogger, I noticed it is powered by WordPress!

http://khmx.radio.com/

RELATED
- Maria Todd and Brad Booker team up for Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings
- Maria Todd on Mix 96.5 KHMX, but where's Sam Malone?
- Changes at Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings
- Maria Todd ready for Houston return, no longer on air in San Francisco
- Hear Houston radio's Sam Malone again
- Sam Malone of KRBE, KHMX talks to Mike McGuff
- KRBE's Maria Todd has a new job
- Hot 95.7 in Houston gets Booker and Sarah

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo launches online radio station

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has started its own online radio station:

RODEOHOUSTON Radio is an online radio channel playing the best of 68 years of 350 superstar entertainers. Although musically driven, RODEOHOUSTON Radio also features sound bites from history-making Show officials, entertainers, scholarship winners, committee volunteers, and more; year-round committee happenings; and news from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Listen to all that RODEOHOUSTON Radio has to offer. LISTEN

This is an example of an entity becoming its own version of the media. Notice it is music and news.

(Thanks John)

VIDEO: The city of Houston social media architect

So who is the person who gets all of the city of Houston's social networking projects going? Mike McGuff talks with Justin Concepcion of the Mayor's Office of Communications - Social Media and Houston Mayor Annise Parker. Find out how the mayor's office uses social media to track citizen concerns and more.

Special thanks to Schipul - The Web Marketing Company at Schipul.com for sponsoring this advanced media effort.

RELATED
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks social media strategy with Mike McGuff
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks about Mike McGuff day

VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks social media strategy with Mike McGuff

In this mikemcguff.com exclusive, Houston Mayor Annise Parker reveals the steps her campaign took to effectively utilize social media and the blogosphere to win the votes. Plus, you won't want to miss how she feels about blog commenters either!

The mayor also reveals details about the new city of Houston Internet presence.

Special thanks to Schipul - The Web Marketing Company at Schipul.com for sponsoring this advanced media effort.

RELATED
- VIDEO: The city of Houston social media architect
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks about Mike McGuff day

Chris Marrou's life after anchoring KENS 5

Deborah Knapp of KENS 5 in San Antonio let's us know how former TV news anchor Chris Marrou is handling retirement:

A former producer remembered one night when he and Chris were discussing the 254 counties in Texas.
"I bet I could memorize all 254 alphabetically by the end of the 10 p.m. news," Chris said. The bet was a piece of pie. After the newscast Chris rattled off all 254…and the payoff followed.
That wasn't a surprise to any of us who watched him recently study for his law degree between newscasts. READ THE REST

Knapp reports that Marrou is currently getting his Master's degree at UT-Austin.

RELATED
- KENS 5 new anchor Jeff Vaughn hits San Antonio airwaves
- VIDEO: KENS 5 tribute to anchor Chris Marrou
- KENS 5 anchor Chris Marrou announces retirement after 36 years

Free buttermilk pancakes at IHOP Tuesday

The Houston Business Journal is reporting that Houston is getting a chance at free pancakes and so is everyone else across the country:

International House of Pancakes LLC is teaming up with Shriners Hospitals for Children to give away free buttermilk pancakes to Houstonians on Feb. 23.

Each guest at a participating IHOP restaurant who receives a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes is invited to make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 pediatric hospitals throughout North America, including Houston, that provides all services free of charge. READ IT

IHOP has a full Web site devoted to the day at ihoppancakeday.com.

Maria Todd and Brad Booker team up for Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings

Maria Todd is back on Houston radio but not with Sam Malone or Atom Smasher this time. Todd is doing mornings on Mix 96.5 KHMX with Brad Booker. Booker, as you probably know, was just on the Hot 95.7 morning show with Sarah Pepper. More from allaccess:

BOOKER's former co-host SARAH PEPPER stays aboard at HOT 95.7 and is joined by PK's PLAYHOUSE which includes producer IVAN TRUJILLO.
KKHH & KHMX PD MARK ADAMS and PK are well-acquainted as PK formerly did wakeups at former ROSE CITY (now CLEAR CHANNEL) Top 40 Rhythmic KXJM (JAMMIN 95.5 which became JAMMIN 107.5)/PORTLAND. READ THE REST

KHMX and KKHH are all owned by CBS so Booker literally just walks down the hall to a new studio in the mornings. We'll see how this works. I listened this morning and they sounded good together, but I know from emails I get, listeners want Malone and Todd back together.

Former Mix 96.5 morning host Michele Fisher (who came over from 104.1 KRBE with Sam Malone) appears to be the new 9am to 2pm DJ.

RELATED
- Maria Todd on Mix 96.5 KHMX, but where's Sam Malone?
- Changes at Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings
- Maria Todd ready for Houston return, no longer on air in San Francisco
- Hear Houston radio's Sam Malone again
- Sam Malone of KRBE, KHMX talks to Mike McGuff
- KRBE's Maria Todd has a new job
- Hot 95.7 in Houston gets Booker and Sarah

VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks about Mike McGuff day

Does the mikemcguff.com blog deserve its own day? I grilled Houston Mayor Annise Parker on what I need to do to get this a reality!

On a serious note, this is a teaser video for my upcoming video with Mayor Parker about her use of social media (Twitter/Facebook...etc.). It was a big part of her campaign and she's just getting started. Wait till you hear about her plans for the Internet and the city of Houston.

Plus she'll talk about Houston blogs, the media and more. It's all this week right here!

Special thanks to Schipul - The Web Marketing Company at Schipul.com, Dave E. Crockett of Bill Young Productions and Scott Myers of On Scene News.

SEE THE INTERVIEWS
- VIDEO: Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks social media strategy with Mike McGuff
- VIDEO: The city of Houston social media architect

New KHOU 11 Houston assistant news director hired

TV news agent superstar Rick Gevers clues us in on the new KHOU 11 assistant news director:

Longtime news director ANDREA PARQUET TAYLOR has been named Assistant News Director for Belo’s KHOU-TV in Houston. Andrea most recently was the ND for WXYZ-TV in Detroit, a job she left last September. She’s also been an ND in Baltimore and Raleigh. READ IT

Here are some extra facts. According to mije.org, Parquet-Taylor pulled Jimmy Kimmel's show off WXYZ for a night after a crack the comedian made about Detroit during the NBA finals. Parquet-Taylor's rival while at WXYZ was WDIV where former KPRC 2 general manager Steve Wasserman recently worked as GM. WDIV is owned by Post Newsweek as is KPRC. WXYZ was formerly an ABC owned and operated station. Now it is owned by The E.W. Scripps Company. KTRK 13 is an ABC owned and operated station.

Nefertiti Jáquez and Mike McGuff on Garf's 950 KPRC show today

I'll be on 950am KPRC today at 11am with Michael Garfield "The High Tech Texan." There will also be a special guest who is causing quite the splash in Houston.

Fresh off a profile in Ken Hoffman's column, KPRC 2 reporter Nefertiti Jáquez will talk to us about the media using social media.

Right after I posted about Jaquez arriving at KPRC in January, web surfers have been coming by in droves looking for info about her. A big TV star in the making?

RELATED
Nefertiti Jaquez lands at KPRC 2 Houston

PICS: Luxurata rocks Rudyard's

Here are some of the photos I took last Friday night at the Luxurata Rudyard's show in Houston.



luxurata.com

RELATED
See what Mike McGuff did for Luxurata

Disney personalizes Web site for you with Muppets

I am always a sucker for Web sites that personalize the message for you. In this case Disney is pushing a volunteering initiative and uses the Muppets to say your name (or friend's name if you send them the message).

Now usually I get called McGruff as in the Crime Dog by mistake, but this time the PR person who sent me the link called me Nike McGuff when personalizing it. You will see that noted on the following link since I sent an invite to Mike McGuff from the Nike McGuff page.

WATCH IT

If you go back to the link after watching it, there will actually be a follow up show by The Muppets.

How Austin TV stations covered the plane crash

Michael Malone of Broadcasting and Cable reports on how the Austin TV stations covered Thursday's plane crash:

The GMs say crime is relatively low in Austin, which makes today’s event stand out that much more. “It’s one of the largest spot news stories we’ve ever done,” says Smith. READ IT

Rock Sugar, GNR, Flaming Lips, Prince and more

Thanks to Brian and Matthew for alerting me about Rock Sugar. The rock band that mashes songs up. Meaning they play a rock song, but sing the lyrics to a pop song. rocksugarband.com/

Guns N' Roses played the Varvatos store (pics, video, setlist)
- Second secret show video
- SLASH To Play 'Numerous Songs' From GUNS N' ROSES On Upcoming Tour
- GUNS N' ROSES Frontman Hires KISS Manager
- SLASH Says He Might Record Rock Album With FERGIE
- Report: SEBASTIAN BACH 'Saves' AXL ROSE From Knife-Wielding Man
- STEVEN ADLER's Tell-All Biography Due In June
- Slash Names His 10 Favourite Guitar Riffs Of All Time

The Flaming Lips to play Houston's Free Press Summer Fest 2010

Lady Gaga, Soundgarden tipped for Lollapalooza

METALLICA’S MEGAFORCE DEMOS: A GLIMPSE OF AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE WHERE DAVE MUSTAINE WAS NEVER FIRED
- DAVE MUSTAINE: DAVID ELLEFSON Is 'The Best Bass Player For MEGADETH'

SXSW 2010’s Christian Rap Stage Performers Announced

RATT Frontman Talks About New Album; Video Available

Google Shuts Down MP3 Blogs Without Warning

Rocker Ronnie James Dio in Houston for cancer treatment

Watch (While You Can): Prince Rehearsal Videos from 1984

New RealPlayer allows you to trim your favorite videos

RealNetworks announced its new RealPlayer SP today with the following features:


-- The ability to trim your favorite videos down to the most important moments.
-- Transfer video to a constantly expanding list of devices, including Nexus One, Droid, BlackBerry smartphones, Nokia S60 devices, Palm Pre, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, Xbox and many other devices through automatic conversion and transfer to the correct device format, including H.264,
MPEG4, Windows Media, QuickTime, and RealVideo.
-- Download videos with one-click from thousands of sites.
-- Easily share videos on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
-- Create audio-only files from videos for playback on devices that only support audio.
-- Support for latest versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome.

No Baylor University president has started with this much fame

I can't imagine that any Baylor University president has started his tenure with as much of a spotlight on him as the newly appointed Kenneth Starr.

If I remember correctly, the most news coverage former president John M. Lilley received in the beginning was from the Waco Tribune-Herald, The Dallas Morning News and possibly the Houston Chronicle. But with Starr, the new president is featured in the likes of The Huffington Post and The Washington Post.

It will be interesting to watch how this decision shapes Baylor's future. Will Starr continue the course or make the university more of a target with certain media? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, a new book called The Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr is recalling what thrust the new Baylor president into the national spotlight.

VIDEO: KPRC 2 Olympic Image

KPRC - 2010 Image Spot (#1 :30 version) from JL Watkins on Vimeo.


What KPRC 2 in Houston ran during the winter Olympics opening ceremony:

This Promo originally aired during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games. It features the KPRC News Anchors sharing their thoughts about Local 2 News, and how news comes at you from all directions. Bill, Dominique, Frank, Jerome, Rachel, Lauren, and Owen are all here for you!

(via LittleLostRobot)

Rocker Ronnie James Dio in Houston for cancer treatment

Heavy Metal singer Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio) is battling stomach cancer. Part of his treatment is taking place in Houston at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. His wife Wendy issued this statement:

Since my last update, we have been back and forth to Houston three times for tests and chemo treatments, an emergency run to St. Joseph’s for another blood clot, an ultrasound and another cat scan. We met with Dr. Ajani, Ronnie’s oncologist, on Monday, and he was very pleased with the treatment so far. Some tumors have gone and some have shrunk. He says we have a long road to travel, but we are on the right path. Going back and forth to Houston is getting old, with all the cancelled and delayed flights and some of the rude Continental staff, the same boring food at the hotel (I think we have eaten everything on their horrible menu!), but…when we get a good report from the doctor, it is all worth it. The only food Ronnie says he can taste is Indian curry; everything tastes like metal (HEAVY metal?) because of the chemo. We did, however, have a nice breakfast with Carmen and his mother on Friday. He is still waiting for his bone marrow transplant.

While at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on his second trip, he met a DIO fan named Carmen who has been having treatment every other day for a year, and is eagerly awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Ronnie and Carmen have become fast friends. Carmen is a very positive happy person whose existence, like Ronnie’s, depends heavily on music and sports. On the third trip, we also met his mom and sister, whose total support is so important to all cancer patients. They have become part of our family as well.

Which states lost/gained the most households plus worst winter cities

Lots of shuffling going around the US when it comes to population. This article shows where taxpayers moved to and moved from in the 50 states, from 2007 to 2008, according to an Associated Press analysis of Internal Revenue Service data.

Texas gained lots of new residents, largely from California.

That makes me sing:
"Texas knows how to party, Texas knows how to party
In the city of Houston, in the city of good ol' Dallas
In the city, the city of Austin
We keep it rockin', we keep it rockin'"

Maybe people just want out of the cold (see America's Worst Winter Weather Cities).

(Thanks Brian!)

Justin Sternberg, abc13 producer, on Speak and Spell box

KTRK 13 special projects producer Justin Sternberg was famous even before his television career. He was on the cover of the Speak and Spell box. Clearly living in the city where Texas Instruments resides must have been a big in.

I believe Justin is the kid in the middle.

RELATED
Justin Sternberg of abc13 Houston leads the blind through triathlons

Belo and Dell team up to test mobile DTV in Austin

With the death of analog television came the temporary absence of portable television. Ever try to lug around a 40 inch flat panel for a weekend trip to the beach? These things aren't battery powered for the next hurricane you know.

Now Belo and Dell are teaming up to test mobile DTV in Austin at KVUE 24. News McNabb has more:

It takes new, recently approved technology for both the transmitter and the receiver. TV stations in major markets are spending $75,000-$150,000 for new equipment for their towers that will transmit the digital signal within their assigned bandwidth. READ MORE

We might start seeing these smaller TV sets available in April of 2010. Belo says it is invested in making mobile television a reality in all 15 markets in which it operates.

KPRC 2 studio photos from the 1950s

Did you know that the former KPRC 2 studio sat where the Williams Tower (Transco for old schoolers) stands today? Now that is some pricey Houston real estate!

The Houston Radio History blog has a bunch of old photos from the early Channel 2 days.

CLICK HERE TO SEE

There is even a photo of Alfred Hitchcock at KPRC included in the post.

RELATED
- KPRC Channel 2 documentary from 1965
- The Fault Does Not Lie With Your Set: The First Forty Years of Houston Television

PHOTOS: Brennan's of Houston v2.0

The Houston Press' Katharine Shilcutt gives us a great photo tour of the newly reopened Brennan’s of Houston. SEE THE PHOTOS

RELATED
- Brennan's of Houston opens February 16, 2010
- Brennan’s of Houston is almost open

KVUE 24 meteorologist undergoes emergency surgery

The Austin American-Statesman reports that KVUE 24 meteorologist Mark Murray had a Valentine's Day weekend surprise. It wasn't a bouquet of flowers, but a trip to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy:

Murray woke up feeling fine Saturday morning, but started feeling pain around 10 a.m.

His wife Crystal, a nurse, took him into the hospital early that afternoon.

He added that she kindly let him off the hook for Valentine’s dinner and that this was the first time he’s ever spent the night in a hospital. READ THE REST

Murray updated television viewers via his Facebook page with the news. This is clearly something that TV journalists will have to contend with from now on. In the old days the news person simply went missing. Now they have to decide how much is personal and how much goes on the social networking accounts. Does it ruin the mystique?

CBS 11 KTVT gets new man in charge

After former GM Steve Mauldin left CBS 11 KTVT for Los Angeles's KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9 duopoly, there was a void left in Dallas - Fort Worth. That void has been filled:

Gary Schneider has been named president and general manager at CBS-owned KTVT and KTXA. He'll report to CBS Television Stations President Peter Dunn.

Schneider has served as senior VP and station manager at the CBS-independent duopoly since August 2004, and was named general manager in December 2009, when Steve Mauldin was named president and general manager at KCBS-KCAL Los Angeles. Schneider joined CBS in 2002 as VP and general manager at KEYE Austin, which CBS owned at the time. READ THE REST

RELATED
- KTVT news director Scott Diener now at KCBS/KCAL in Los Angeles
- DFW's KTVT boss moves to LA's KCBS
- KTVT general manager Steve Mauldin aims to make CBS 11 number 1

The Flaming Lips to play Houston's Free Press Summer Fest 2010

The folks behind Free Press Houston are expanding the Summer Fest with Grammy Award winning band The Flaming Lips:

The festival is expanding its horizons to include a more diverse array of both national and regional acts. And though the overall lineup is incorporating a wider geographic range – Houston’s finest musicians will continue to play a vital role in creating and maintaining the unique spirit of the Fest. 2010’s festival welcomes the addition of a third stage and an exciting expansion of the scope and area of artist installations.

Other acts include Girl Talk, Slim Thug, Mix Master Mike and more.

freepresssummerfest.com/

SXSW 2010’s Christian Rap Stage Performers Announced

News from Sketch the Journalist:

South by Southwest (SXSW), the premier Austin-based company dedicated to building and delivering conference and festival events for entertainment and related media industry professionals, has invited back several Houstonians to organize the Christian hip hop showcase at this year’s affair.

Taking place Saturday, March 20 at Austin’s George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, DaSouth.com presents The Life in Hip Hop will showcase performances from some of gospel hip hop’s most polished performers.

This year’s performers for the DaSouth.com Presents The Life in Hip Hop stage include:

Tedashii – (Dallas, TX – Reach Records) www.reachrecords.com
FLAME - (St. Louis, MO - Cross Movement Records) www.flame314.com
k-Drama - (Cincinnati, Ohio) www.myspace.com/kdrama
D-Maub - (Cincinnati, Ohio) www.OneRouteEntertainment.com
big Al - (Monroe, Louisianna) www.bigalmusic.net
Dre’ Murray - (Oklahoma) www.dremurray.com
Tre9 - (Houston, TX) www.myspace.com/tre_9
The WARRIORS ATX (Austin, TX) www.Warrioratx.com
S.OM. (Soldiers On A Mission) – (Houston, TX) www.myspace.com/soldiersonamission
Von Won – (Houston, TX) – www.vonwon.com
Gifted Da Flamethrowa – (Houston, TX) – www.flamethrowa.com
Bizzle – (Houston, TX) - www.myspace.com/playbizzle

Additional performers will be announced at a later date. Admission to all parts of this distinctive stage will be free of charge and open to the community.

Skype on your Verizon Wireless phone

You wouldn't think the cell phone companies were hot on allowing customers to use a service like Skype to make calls over the Internet, but Verizon Wireless is now all for it.

Coming in March, the two companies team up with Skype mobile which will allow users to:

-- Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on the Verizon network
-- Call international phone numbers at Skype Out calling rates
-- Send and receive instant messages to other Skype users
-- Remain always connected with the ability to see friends' online presence

The service will be available on Verizon's 3G smartphones with a data plan like the BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630 smartphones, DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.

But I would imagine you don't have to feel too sorry for Verizon losing out on talk minutes. The company is making it up with your data usage! Skype away friends, Skype away. Verizon (and other cell companies) will eventually become a data movers and shakers rather than a talk ones anyway (they might already be making enough dough on data at this point).

VIDEO: KHOU 11 is everywhere

KHOU 11 Houston promotional spot that I believe ran during The Super Bowl.

New KXAS NBC5 anchor team review

Anchor Jane McGarry is gone from the 10pm newscast on KXAS NBC5 and Uncle Barky rates the new team:

Short on hard news reporting expertise but undeniably telegenic, Curtis and Land prepped for NBC5's showcase 10 p.m. newscasts with mostly soft focus feature reporting on "Big Fat Savings" (Curtis' specialty) and cosmetics/cosmetic procedures (Land's forte). READ THE REST

RELATED
NBC5 anchor Jane McGarry talks about life beyond the 10 p.m. news

Houston Municipal Employees Pension System executive director David Long retires

It has come to my attention that David Long, executive director of the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System (HMEPS) is retiring February 28. Hadn't seen this mentioned anywhere else.

“It has been a great honor serving as Executive Director of HMEPS. I want to thank every
HMEPS staff member and the board of trustees for all the work they have done and will continue
to do to protect the retirement security of the City’s hard-working municipal employees,” Long
said in a statement. “While I am looking forward to my new life as a retiree, I will miss the people at HMEPS. But I know they will continue to act in the best interests of our participants.”

It has been known that Long often had a contentious relationship with Mayor White as can be seen from some of Matt Stile's old reporting in 2007 here and here.

Long started his city of Houston tenure in 1979 in the city's finance and administration department. He became HMEPS executive director in 1993.

Houston talk show host's son dies in accident

The son of KSEV 700 talk show host and Taste of Texas restaurant owner Edd Hendee died this past weekend in a skiing accident reports the Houston Chronicle:

A Bennington, Vt., newspaper reports that Hendee, regarded by friends as an expert skier, veered off an expert ski trail on Stratton Mountain and struck a tree. READ THE REST

Hendee was 33-yeard-old and a resident of Riverside, Connecticut.

Mai's on fire

I sent out the news earlier via Twitter that longtime Midtown restaurant Mai's caught fire. Here is the full coverage with photos and video:




- Bye-Bye, Mai's
- No Pho-king Way: Bye-Bye Mai's, At Least For Now

Having lived in Midtown, I obviously frequented Mai's. It was also a great late night college hangout when I was in town.

Carson leaves night shift at 104.1 KRBE

We have very little information at this point, but FMQB is reporting that Carson is not doing nights anymore at Houston's 104.1 KRBE:

Carson exits the night shift at CHR KRBE/Houston. READ IT

RELATED
Carson of 104.1 KRBE talks about the radio biz

Dallas is getting pounded by snow

Will-E sends reports of up to 11 inches of snow in Dallas. Wow. Seems like this happened a few years ago in DFW on Valentine's Day.

Tim Heller tweeted that snow has reached College Station, but it does not appear that it will reach Houston (although he sent that out more than 12 hours ago so who knows at this point).

NBC 5 KXAS anchor Jane McGarry gets shifted

Don't look for KXAS NBC 5 anchor Jane McGarry to bring you the DFW 10pm news anymore. It was announced today that her duties are being scaled back a big:

Jane McGarry will co-anchor NBC 5 News at 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, effective Friday, February 12 coinciding with the first day of the XXI Winter Olympics broadcast on NBC. McGarry will continue to co-anchor NBC 5 News at 6 p.m. Mike Snyder will co-anchor both newscasts.

Meredith Land will join Brian Curtis to co-anchor NBC 5 News at 10 p.m., Monday-Friday. Curtis has been in the 10 p.m. anchor chair since July 2009, and Land has excelled in numerous anchor and reporter assignments since joining NBC 5 in 2003. READ THE REST

Sound familiar? Yeah it happened last July to her co-anchor Mike Snyder. In this media environment, they should still be happy to have jobs all of these years actually. Many anchors across the country have "retired" or been told to leave within the last year.


RELATED
- Sneak into KXAS NBC 5 anchor Jane McGarry’s home
- KXAS NBC 5 anchor Mike Snyder leaves 10pm

Add Cupid to your photo

If you are looking for a unique gift this Valentines Day, then add Cupid to your photo. Just click here or click on one of the advertising banners on the blog.

Two TV reporters leave Austin television news

Dale Roe of the Austin American Statesmen is reporting that the city is losing two TV journalists:

KVUE's Clara Tuma and KXAN's Jenny Hoff are signing off. Tuma's last day on the job is today; Hoff will remain in her position through April. READ MORE

Looks like they are joining Fox 7 Austin KTBC reporter Crystal Cotti and getting out of the business.

Listeners miss the old KGSR in Austin

It was back in November when I blogged about how 107.1 KGSR in Austin was moving to the 93.3 FM dial position, but supposedly the changes didn't stop there says News McNabb:

KGSR-FM (93.3) sounds different. Can they still say it “Sounds Like Austin” “Where the Music Comes First?” Some 765 longtime listeners have formed a Facebook page entitled “I love KGSR, but Please Bring Back the Old Format”. It wasn’t that long ago that Rolling Stone Magazine proclaimed KGSR as one of the ten radio stations in American that don’t suck. Now, these listeners beg to differ. READ MORE

Houston pizza lauded by Rachel Ray

Houston's Russo's New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria is ranked one of the best pizzas in the United States in the March issue of "Every Day with Rachel Ray" magazine.

I just ate at the Midtown location last week. Looks like I'm actually in the know for once...or just lucky.

What it is really like to work in TV morning news

I've been there and so have many other TV staffers. The morning show. It is the dawn of the television news world because the sun hasn't risen when you show up to work. Some people love it, others can't physically work those early morning hours. Imagine starting your work day at 10pm, 12am or 3am.

Randy Tatano blogs all about the reality:

You chase the raccoons away from your car and head to the station. Oh, if you live in a cold climate, you'll have to either shovel the driveway (you don't dare crank up the snow blower and wake the neighbors), scrape your windshield, or both. What fun!

You notice birds are flying around in the middle of the night. Oh, wait. Those are bats. You wave at them. Professional courtesy.

After arriving at the station you discover your muse doesn't work nights and you try to write intelligent copy as you drink more coffee. Your co-anchor checks your copy and informs you that Reagan is no longer the President and is dead, to boot. If you're a weather person, you try to remember what state you're living in and note that all your weather cam shots are pitch dark. You start to get hungry again... didn't you already have breakfast? Or is there another name for meals eaten at three in the morning?

You notice you have put on two different colored socks, your shoes don't match, or both. READ THE REST

Tatano talks about the morning show weight gain syndrome and I experienced that first hand. I would wake up at 2am and on the way to work I stopped by Whataburger to food. My body clock was so off that I would be starving. Food and a massive Dr Peppers were the only way to fuel the engine. I was also 22 and stupid for starting my day off with a cheese burger.

I started off going to sleep when I got off my shift and then sleeping all day, eating dinner, hanging out with friends then going to work. Later I adjusted to staying up through the day and conking out early. As a person who already has sleep trouble, this was not the shift for me.

The benefits of this shift for some are that it's not as hectic in a news gathering sense as the daytime. Some markets probably hardly have any news happen overnight (although in Houston anything can happen). One Houston morning reporter I know says, "If I'm showing up in your neighborhood for my shift, something really bad happened."

Another plus...no management. The morning show staffs work in a more relaxed environment generally. Although one morning producer I know is the most hard charging, no nonsense type I have ever seen!

Brennan's of Houston opens February 16, 2010

It seems like just last week I was wondering when Brennan's of Houston was reopening after the devastating Hurricane Ike fire. Oh, it was last week. Now we know the date - February 16, 2010.

"We didn't burn down, we burned up," says Co-Owner Alex Brennan-Martin. "We are thrilled that we were able to save more than 75 percent of the original structure and can't wait to welcome our guests back to our historic home."

The Johnson Studio of Atlanta and the Houston-based Studio RED, Linbeck Construction and Pin Oak Interests restored the original John F. Staub 1930 structure.

"As we began the clean-up of our beloved old home after the fire, we uncovered many of the original design features that were covered in the 1966 remodeling of the building by our family," says Brennan-Martin. "Our goal was always to preserve the historic structure but we also wanted bring it 'back to the future', as it were."

Beginning on February 16, 2010 Brennan's will be open for dinner from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. On Monday, February 22, 2010 Brennan's will begin serving lunch weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As of February 27, 2010 brunch will be offered every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Brennan's legendary Sunday Jazz Brunch will kick off on February 28, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It's all about the Internet Relay Chat baby

Geek cred has been restored to the Technology Bytes crew after my last week's post! They have changed the 'IRC Chat' link on geekradio.com to 'IRC (Internet Relay Chat).'

Get computer help with Technology Bytes every Wednesday from 8 to 10pm on 90.1 KPFT.

RELATED
- Technology Bytes audio makeover by Mike McGuff
- My new version of Technology Bytes online
- My Technology Bytes podcast is online

Maria Todd on Mix 96.5 KHMX, but where's Sam Malone?

UPDATE
Maria Todd and Brad Booker team up for Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings

FMQB is reporting that Maria Todd is back in Houston and on the station that Sam Malone left her for - Mix 96.5 KHMX:

Hot AC KHMX/Houston brings aboard Maria Todd for mornings. Todd, formerly of crosstown CHR KRBE, replaces Rick Stacy, who recently joined Classic Hits WOCL/Orlando for PD duties. READ IT

I have been following this for a long time and of course no press release from CBS Houston to me. I'm like Rodney Dangerfield. Cumulus and Clear Channel Dallas send me releases, but none for CBS.

This explains why searches on my blog for Maria Todd have shot up though.

RELATED
- Changes at Mix 96.5 KHMX mornings
- Maria Todd ready for Houston return, no longer on air in San Francisco
- Hear Houston radio's Sam Malone again
- Sam Malone of KRBE, KHMX talks to Mike McGuff
- KRBE's Maria Todd has a new job

Be an extra in a Hollywood film shooting in Houston

Sarah Rufca of Culturemap says Hollywood is coming to Houston and you can be in it:

If "appear in a real-life motion picture" is on your bucket list, it's time to cross it off, no acting skills required. Safety Point, a film starring Fantastic Four's Chris Evans and Law & Order's Jesse L. Martin and based on a story by Houston attorney Paul Danziger, is shooting in Houston for the next five weeks, and they are looking for extras. READ THE REST

Scariest TV logo animations from our childhood

Aerosmith's future, MGMT, Ellefson back with Megadeth and more

Columbia Records announced the North American release of Congratulations, the new studio album from MGMT, on Tuesday, April 13.

What's in Store for Aerosmith, Steven Tyler?
- AEROSMITH's JOE PERRY: STEVEN Hasn't Quit The Band, Nor Have We Sacked Him
- STEVEN TYLER: I'll Never Forget LED ZEPPELIN Audition As Long As I Live
- JOE PERRY Would 'Definitely' Consider Getting Female Singer To Front AEROSMITH

MEGADETH Rejoined By Bassist DAVID ELLEFSON
- DAVID ELLEFSON Talks About His Return To MEGADETH

Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx to host nights on 97.1 The Eagle KEGL
- NIKKI SIXX Launches 'Sixx Sense' Radio Show; Audio Excerpt Available

Attention Houston: What To Do When a Beloved Music Venue Says It's Shutting Down

THEM CROOKED VULTURES: 'Saturday Night Live' Performance Available

BUMBLEFOOT: 'Chinese Democracy' Is 'The White Album' For GUNS N' ROSES

The sweet sounds of SugarHill Recording Studio

SLASH Talks Social Media Pros And Cons

Readers’ Rock List: Best Drummers

ROB ZOMBIE On 'Rockline'; Audio Available

Howard Stern Says He’d Judge on “American Idol” for $100 Million
- No Idol for Stern

KORN Bassist Talks About Being Christian, New CD And Former Guitarist HEAD

Flashback: The Who Rock in ‘65

MTV Removes “Music Television” From Iconic Logo

Pedal party your way around Houston

If you see what looks like a bar on wheels with patrons pedaling down the streets of downtown Houston - don't worry - you haven't had too much yourself.

The Pedal Party is a new way to tour The Bayou City on a hand-crafted 16-passenger traveling bicycle. The contraption travels between five and eight mph. A driver is provided and is based in the center of the bicycle.

I could see a bunch of bloggers with laptops and wireless cards live blogging a pedal party.

www.pedal-party.com

Google Buzz Full Coverage

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Full coverage on Google Buzz news.

- Google Buzz in Gmail
- Introducing Google Buzz
- Google aims to take on Facebook with new social feature called 'Buzz'
- Google's social side hopes to catch some Buzz
- Google rolls its own Facebook & Twitter with Gmail "Buzz"
- Google Buzz Release (PICTURES): New Social Feature Unveiled
- If Google Wave Is The Future, Google Buzz Is The Present

http://www.google.com/buzz

Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx to host nights on 97.1 The Eagle KEGL

Dallas - Fort Worth radio is getting a new night radio jock and it is Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. He'll be hosting on the 97.1 The Eagle KEGL:

Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx broadcasts Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight. Host Nikki Sixx – co-founder/bassist/songwriter of Mötley Crüe and chart-topping band Sixx:A.M., producer, clothing designer, philanthropist, best-selling author and photographer – discusses music and lifestyle topics as he gives listeners a backstage look at the world and mind of a rock star. Joined by co-host Kerri Kasem, Sixx provides his unique perspective and attitude as the duo welcomes celebrity guests, recording artists and fascinating characters from all walks of life. All this and more are coupled with music that rocks The Eagle.

Sixx stated, “After almost 30 years of hearing my music and being interviewed on the radio, I’m excited to finally be behind the mic with Sixx Sense. Together, with Kerri Kasem, I hope to create the best possible radio show with compelling guests, interesting topics and great music.”

“When the opportunity came down to team up with someone as successful at Nikki, we jumped. Everything Nikki does is gold, whether it’s with the Crue or Sixx AM or writing a book or two. We’re looking forward to Nikki bringing D/FW a killer night show with several surprises,” said Chris Ryan, The Eagle’s Program Director.

The show starts on 97.1 The Eagle KEGL February 15. I have not heard where else this syndicated show will go, but it is safe to say that Houston does not have a radio station it fits on at this point. Maybe it will also go on IHeartRadio and I can still listen.

RELATED
- Hear a sample of Sixx's show
- Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries
- Motley Crue: A Visual History, 1983-2005

VIDEO: Fox 26 KRIV anchors try out for 'American Idol'

Looks like the Fox 26 KRIV morning team is living out their American Idol audition dreams.

(Thanks Bob Martin aka "The Accountant to the Stars")

I wish I had a Neil Frank haircut - KHOU 11

Dr. Neil Frank isn't even on the air anymore at KHOU 11, but the famous meteorologist with a crew cut is still winning awards:

Former 11 News Chief Meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank has been awarded the 2010 Charles L. Mitchell Award by the American Meteorological Society.
Frank earned the award "for four decades of leadership in advancing the forecasting and public awareness of hurricanes and their threats," according to an AMS press release. READ MORE

I titled this post based on a song by John Lander and the Q Morning Zoo on the old 93Q. If you lived in Houston 20 years ago, you would know what I am talking about.

RELATED
- Former KHOU meteorologist Dr. Neil Frank talks Climategate
- Dr. Neil Frank to retire from KHOU Channel 11

Letterman, Leno and Oprah story and video

The most shocking Super Bowl ad had to be David Letterman, Oprah Winfrey and Jay Leno all together without anyone knowing it was coming.

- Super Bowl TV spot brings Leno, Letterman together
- How the Letterman-Oprah-Leno Super Bowl Ad Came Together
- Conan Who? NBC Disappears “The Tonight Show” From the Web

If it's too loud, you are too old at The Grove

Swamplot links to a Wall Street Journal report about loud restaurants. The Grove in Houston's Discovery Green is spotlighted. READ IT

Rosie O'Donnell's new girlfriend lives in Galveston, TX

Rosie O'Donnell is in love and it's with an artist from Galveston, TX. You can even see some of Tracy Kachtick-Anders's work at her Web site.

Kachtick-Anders also has six children reportedly so with Rosie's already large family, that's a lot of kids.