The FAN 93.7 Debuts Today

The FAN on 93.7 FM debuted today as a new all sports radio station. Bob Smizik reviews the competition in his blog on the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Will the FAN be successful? Only time will tell.

Snow Blower Sunday

I just spent about 4 hours clearing the snow off my driveway with my snow blower. I only have a single stage snow blower, so that is why it took so long. I live at the end of a cul de sac, which is great. But the one down side is when the local snow plows come through, the snow accumulates at the end of the cul de sac. So, my mailbox and front of my driveway where literally buried. I also have an uncovered deck, and I cleared off about one third of it. I am tired now, time for a one hour nap, then I will have dinner. Later.

Shame on Toyota

My 2010 Pontiac Vibe that I bought this past September is part of the Toyota recall that has been in the news. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has more info here. Yes, I have a Pontiac Vibe, but is it essentially the same as a Toyota Matrix. I am disappointed in Toyota. It took them too long for them to admit there was a problem. Even though Toyota has announced a fix, the NHTSA is looking at the Electronic Throttle Control System to see if this may be the real problem. Toyota's fix is a physical part, and does not admit any electronic failure. This could be bad if it truly is a electronic problem. I still have my old 2003 Vibe, which I am driving now since it is winter. So, I am waiting to receive something official from Pontiac about when I can bring my vehicle in. I am also very curious to see if the problem is electronics and not a physical part.

I'm With Coco

Good Luck to Conan O'brien! I can not wait until the three month non-interview clause expires. Hope to see you in September 2010!

FBI Agent Renee Walker

I am glad to see that Annie Wersching is back as former FBI Agent Renee Walker on the TV Series "24", Season 8. The red hair, blue eyes, and freckles. Her character seems to be in a very dark place now. It is unusual to see her act more ruthless than Jack. I will be closely watching how her relationship with Jack develops. It should be interesting.

104.7 Cancels Ellis Cannon Sports Talk Show

I just found out yesterday that 104.7 FM has cancelled the Ellis Cannon Sport Talk Show that aired weekdays from 6 to 8 PM. Here is a link from the Post Gazette. Bob Smizik adds his two cents here. I am surprised and disappointed. I used to listen to Ellis on my way home from work and enjoyed his view on sports. Big E is publisher of the Pittsburgh Sports Report, so you can still catch up with him here. I hope Ellis shows up somewhere else on the radio dial.

Winter Blows!

I am fed up with the last week of winter weather. It's cold, windy, the snow keeps piling up, I keep shoveling. It is like the movie Groundhog Day. One good thing did happen though, my neighbor used his tractor with a snow plow blade and plowed my driveway while I was at work today. I got home after work expecting another evening of freezing my toes off shoveling the driveway. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my neighbor had plowed my driveway. There was still about a one inch layer of snow on the driveway, but I was so happy. It is great having a wonderful neighbors. Thanks Jack and Barb!

Random Reps

It has been over a month since I posted, so here is an update:

1. I got a cold a week before Thanksgiving and it has taken almost 4 weeks for me to feel better. Weeks 1 and 2 were sinus congestion. Week 3 was a cough. Week 4 was an asthma like cough. I am not 100% yet. I need to get back into my exercise routine and build up my lung capacity.

2. Can you believe the Tiger Woods fiasco? I think the mistress count is up to 14 now.

3. I wrapped all of the Christmas gifts today. Hooray!

4. I was shocked to learn today that actress Brittany Murphy died today at the age of 32 from cardiac arrest. I liked several movies that she appeared in: 8 Mile, Just Married, and Sin City. She was also the voice of Luanne Platter on the animated series "King of the Hill". She made several appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. You can see her filmography on Wikipedia.

Sarah Palin "Going Rogue" Book Tour Dates

UPDATE, 11/20/2009, 7:50PM - see updated info at end of this post for details about the book signing on 11/21/2009. You better go to sleep soon so you can wake up early.

I was able to find information on Sarah Palin's "Going Rogue" Book Tour Dates. How?, well, a Political News Website linked to a blog, which linked to Sarah Palin's Facebook page. So there really was no scoop on this, it was information that was already available on the internet. So, go to Sarah Palin's Facebook page and look for the Note with the Subject Line "Going Rogue Book Tour Dates Through Thanksgiving". For those of you in the Pittsburgh area, she will be at the Sam's Club in Washington, PA on Saturday, November 21st, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.

NOVEMBER 21

WASHINGTON, PA
Sam’s Club
80 Trinity Point Drive
Washington, PA 15301
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

ROCHESTER, NY
Borders Books and Music
1000 Hylan Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
6:00 – 9:00 PM

She is scheduled to be in Rochester, NY the same day, 4 hours later at 6:00PM. This puzzles me because I used to travel from Monroeville to Buffalo, NY and it took me about 4 hours. Rochester is a good one hour away from Buffalo, so her bus driver will really have to drive fast to get there on time. Sarah Palin also stated on her Facebook page that she will start using Twitter once the Book Tour starts. Check her Facebook page for any updates or changes to the schedule.

UPDATE, 11/20/2009, 7:25 PM:
1. I read this from the Observer-Reporter with more specific info about the book signing.

2. This morning around 10:30AM, I called the Sam's Club at Washington, PA and was told the following: 1000 wristbands will be handed out starting at 6:00AM on 11/21. People are allowed to start gathering at 9:00PM on 11/20 near the Tire Entrance. You must have a Sam's Club membership or sign up for a membership. One wristband allows an autograph for two books. If you bring your own books, you must bring a receipt showing they were purchased at WalMart or Sam's Club. Only "Going Rogue" books will be signed. Sorry, no Terrible Towels. The autographs will not be personalized, so no to "Steely McBeam". Sarah Palin will be signing a specific page in her book.

3. I found this out from Channel 10 TV in Columbus, OH which is the second stop today (the first stop was Cincinnati): For the Columbus Book Signing, only 500 wristbands will be handed out.

I really want to go, but I have to consider my health. I am recovering from a cold and can not stand outside too long or my sinuses, throat, and nose will start acting up. I also have plantar fascitis, so I can not stand too long on my feet. If her book tour was in the spring or summer, I would definitely show up. I hope to meet her another time.

My Two Babies

On the left, 2010 Pontiac Vibe, AWD (All Wheel Drive), Liquid Platinum Metallic, 1100 Miles.

On the right, 2003 Pontiac Vibe, AWD (All Wheel Drive), Red Hot Metallic, 101800 Miles.

Sarah Palin Going Rogue in Washington, PA

UPDATE, 11/20/2009, 7:50PM - see updated info at end of this post for details about the book signing on 11/21/2009. You better go to sleep soon so you can wake up early.

In case you have not heard, Sarah Palin's book tour will bring her to Washington, PA on November 21. She will be at the Sam's Club at Trinity Point Drive. So mark your calendars and find your Sharpie!

UPDATE: Go to Sarah Palin's Facebook page and look for the Note with the Subject Line "Going Rogue Book Tour Dates Through Thanksgiving". For those of you in the Pittsburgh area, she will be at the Sam's Club in Washington, PA on Saturday, November 21st, from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.

NOVEMBER 21

WASHINGTON, PA
Sam’s Club
80 Trinity Point Drive
Washington, PA 15301
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

UPDATE, 11/20/2009, 7:25 PM:
1. I read this from the Observer-Reporter with more specific info about the book signing.

2. This morning around 10:30AM, I called the Sam's Club at Washington, PA and was told the following: 1000 wristbands will be handed out starting at 6:00AM on 11/21. People are allowed to start gathering at 9:00PM on 11/20 near the Tire Entrance. You must have a Sam's Club membership or sign up for a membership. One wristband allows an autograph for two books. If you bring your own books, you must bring a receipt showing they were purchased at WalMart or Sam's Club. Only "Going Rogue" books will be signed. Sorry, no Terrible Towels. The autographs will not be personalized, so no to "Steely McBeam". Sarah Palin will be signing a specific page in her book.

3. I found this out from Channel 10 TV in Columbus, OH which is the second stop today (the first stop was Cincinnati): For the Columbus Book Signing, only 500 wristbands will be handed out.

I really want to go, but I have to consider my health. I am recovering from a cold and can not stand outside too long or my sinuses, throat, and nose will start acting up. I also have plantar fascitis, so I can not stand too long on my feet. If her book tour was in the spring or summer, I would definitely show up. I hope to meet her another time.

Random Reps

Just some random thoughts:

1. Fall is almost gone, and Winter is knocking on the door. The leaves have all fallen off the trees in my yard and with Daylight Savings, I drive home from work in the dark now.

2. I have some extra bills due this month like my AAA membership, car insurance, PA vehicle registration fee, PA vehicle state inspection, and a couple of magazine subscriptions.

3. So far, my new car gets about one less mile per gallon than my old car. I have only had 3 or 4 fill ups, so not enough data to be conclusive yet.

4. With the merger happening at work, I report to a different out of state manager now. My job responsibilities are the same for now. I was told I will have different responsibilities in the future, but the combined company has been slow to make decisions.

5. I bought almost all of my Christmas presents throughout the year already, so I really should not have to buy anything for this Christmas.

Thats all for now.

Great Customer Service Does Exist

When most people contact a company's Customer Service Department, they usually want to complain. I had a completely delightful shopping trip the other evening. GNC recently opened a new concept store at the Ross Park Mall. I was there a few weekends ago when they had some grand opening activities and decided to go back there because I noticed they had a broader range of products on the store shelves.

When I entered the store, I was greeted by a very cute and personable sales girl. The GNC Girl walked me directly to the sections of the store that had the products I wanted. She also explained the current sales promotions. She even offered to carry my planned purchases to the register for me. The GNC Girl did all of this with a smile and pleasant personality. I was so WOW'd by how she treated me that I e-mailed GNC Customer Service to compliment her. GNC Customer Service was so pleased with my comments that they are going to inform the Divisional Vice President of GNC Girl's efforts. It has been such a long time since anyone has WOW'd with such great customer service. Thank You GNC Girl !

Stan Savran - Get Well Soon

Stan Savran, considered the most respectful sports broadcaster in Pittsburgh, underwent quadruple bypass surgery today. Stan, Get Well Soon !!!

New Wheels, Epilogue

I took delivery of my new car, a 2010 Pontiac Vibe (All Wheel Drive), two weeks ago. I could have waited one more year to buy a new car, but this is the last model year for the Pontiac Vibe, and I really like the 2003 Vibe that I currently own. GM is killing the Pontiac brand as part of their restructuring/bankruptcy. The Vibe is essentially a Toyota Corolla with different body styling. 2003 was the first year the Vibe's were produced, and 2010 is the last year. I have one of each.

New Wheels?

Yeah, I have been AWOL, MIA for a while. So, what is new? Well, I am seriously considering buying a new car. I completed a written paper loan application at my credit union on Saturday. Unfortunately, the employees who work on the loans do not work on Saturdays. I thought that submitting an application in person would be faster than on-line, but maybe I was wrong. I did not hear anything today about the status of my application, so I am worried that the paperwork may have been literally lost. I can run my own credit report in less than 10 minutes from www.annualcreditreport.com, so I am concerned because the credit union has not contacted me. I am going to call them tomorrow morning. To be continued...

Janelle Hall Has Baby Boy

My favorite female TV anchor, WTAE's Janelle Hall, had a baby boy last weekend. Click here for the news story, click here for a short video. Congratulations Janelle !

ILLs and Spills

2009 has been the year of Ills and Spills for me. I have had various lingering health issues this year, and it has been frustrating. Here is a quick breakdown:

December 2008 - sprained right ankle. I found out in June that I have arthritis in my right ankle, hence the feeling that it gets better then feels like it re-sprains. I tweaked it again about two weeks ago in almost the exact same spot in my house. I am still rehab'ing on my own.

May 2009 - Hallus Rigidus, Arthritis in left big toe. I just got my custom made orthotics last week. Yes, my feet feel better, but it will take time.

June 2009 - Poison Ivy. I had to get a cortisone shot, take oral steroids, and a topical steroid. I have scars/discolored skin on my arms from the poison ivy. It took about 3 to 4 weeks for the scabs to fall off. I also have a few spots/scabs on my thighs that have not fully healed yet. Stop picking! I still pick up a few spots of poison ivy after I dump grass clippings at the end of my lot.

July 2009 - Summer cold. It lasted about 3 weeks. I am trying to build up my aerobic capacity again. My exercise induced asthma is a problem now, but should calm down after I get back into my regular workouts.

I can not believe it, over half of the year I have been battling health problems. I am hoping for a better second half of the year.

Sonni Abatta Leaving KDKA

Yesterday, I was listening to Mark Madden on 105.9, WXDX, on my way home after work when I heard a caller state that Sonni Abatta was leaving KDKA TV. When I got home, I did a quick Google, and found two articles on the Pittsburgh Post Gazette which confirmed this. Yes, It's True, It's Damn True, Sonni Abatta's last day on KDKA TV is Friday, July 10th, 2009.

Everyone had a feeling that her talent and looks would lead her out of the Burgh and into a bigger TV market. She was without a doubt the favorite Eye Candy for the male viewers in the Burgh. Good Luck Sonni!

Update 7/8/2009, Rob Owen from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Sonni Abatta will join WOFL, Fox 53 News in Orlando, FL. Mr. Owen states he will have more info from Sonni on why she decided to make this move.

Update 7/10/2009, Rob Owen provides some details from Sonni Abatta about her decision to leave the Burgh for Orlando, FL.

Good News

Good News Today, I still have a job. I spent the weekend sweating bullets, looking up how to file for unemployment, and thinking about what home projects I could work on over the summer. My job responsibilities will be changing, but it will be a while. My director estimated things will start changing 60 days after the other company has joined our Microsoft Active Directory domain. I am relieved, but also know my employment status could change in 3, 6, 9, 12, etc. months. I need to update my resume so I am prepared just in case.