RADIO HANNIBAL

Good To Be Home in Cleveland

I arrived home from Paris and retrieved my Sunday morning Plain Dealer.  I was immediately drawn to a front page story on journalist Charles Michener and his novel in progress about my (and his) hometown, Cleveland.  I've read it twice today with more glee and excitement the second go round.  Tempered by the statement that it won't be published until 2010 or 2011. 
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog is aware of my city pride.  Karen Long's story has me imagining, wondering how we can get moving and help to create the reality for this city Michener envisions. 
My sweetheart and I sat on the direct flight from Paris yesterday and watched the promotional piece Continental Airlines plays as the plane approaches Cleveland.  Shamefully, I was embarrassed at the praise lauded on my city to the visitors who sat around me. The two of us looked at each other curiously.  Surely, they will not be fooled, I thought to myself. 
Then I sat there thinking to myself, perhaps I am the fool who has a hard time actually believing what I know in my heart is a great place to visit and live.  Michener's words supported my wrong thinking but hopefully turned me around. 
He even speaks of our (Clevelander's) self-deprecating attitude.  It's a mindset we must all work on breaking. 
I so look forward to the release of this book and even more, I look forward to a truly great Cleveland.
Here's the story by Karen Long from The Plain Dealer Sunday July 6, 2008.

More on The Buzzard

So, I read The Buzzard in about 2 days.  Can't stress enough...if you are a Clevelander, a fan of WMMS, a fan of rock and roll, or a fan of marketing this is a must read.  Or, maybe, you're like me who has a hard time explaining what we had here in Cleveland with WMMS.  Simply hand them this book.  They soon understand.
Here's a piece that talks about the book, has interview clips with Gorman, the program director and author, and lots of clips from WMMS ads. WMMS video story

Also, check out this biker character and his reminiscences  of the station.

The Best Radio Station That Ever Was

Newly released, The Buzzard: Inside The Glory Days Of WMMS And Cleveland Rock Radio, is just as the title says, a tale of the greatest radio station to ever exist as told by it's longtime program director John Gorman. 
I haven't read it yet but plan on devouring it once I get a copy at the private release party next Thursday evening.  A great warm up to the Jens Lekman show discussed yesterday.  I also plan on passing it along as a Christmas gift and birthday gift to my friends who are, like me, approaching the big five oh. 
Here's some inside info.  The book is to be the basis for a film documentary of the station.  I'm involved in it but can't discuss much more at this point.  Stay tuned!