Barry Michaels-Radio is My Life!

Thirty year broadcast veteran Barry Michaels, ('Michaels In The Morning') has quite a few stories to tell! His early life was an idyllic one, growing up on picturesque farm land in the southeastern United States, with a Mom and Dad to admire and a support group of aunts and uncles that many don’t have today. Barry became interested in radio at an early age, becoming a ‘gopher’ for one local radio personality and quickly learning where the emphasis is placed in the term ’show business’. Barry's career began in earnest after college, when he finally screwed up his courage to apply at a small radio station near his hometown, where he spoke mostly to cows. Little did management know that he would have paid them to be on the air! From having the honor of being recognized by his peers with nominations as Major Market Air Personality of the Year to working as a towel boy in a swanky country club between radio jobs, you’ll share in Barry’s top of the mountain triumphs and bottom of the valley lows. You'll get to meet some of the most talented professionals in the business and you'll cheer the heroes and clinch your teeth at the bad guys! Barry also honors those who entertained and inspired an entire generation of radio personalities-the voices on those fifty thousand watt a.m. radio stations with legendary call letters like WLS, WCFL, WABC and more.

From sleeping in his Volkswagen 'Bug' to traveling across the United States five times in search of the perfect on air radio job, Barry's stories are poignant and laugh out loud funny. Learn how Barry was almost gunned down by a psychotic listener at a radio station in Orlando, Florida before his boss intervened. See radio through his eyes when he begins work at a rock and roll station that employs a Catholic priest as a 'DJ’, and dodges flying beer bottles in one of the many bars he makes appearances in for his radio station.

The 'Radio Road' is fraught with many bumps along the way and you may even see yourself as Barry attempts to raise three young sons as a single father and tries a comeback after a bitter divorce and child custody battle. You may not want to enter the thirty five dollar a week almost condemned house Barry was living in while awaiting the court’s ruling. You really don’t want to wake up in his room during a thunderstorm as rats prepare to feast on his toes! Meet his new landlord, who’s down on his luck too, and has a secretive past with the United States Army. Barry's adventures have taken him from the beautiful stillness of his blue Virginia mountains to the golden Pacific ocean--all seen through the window of his beloved Volkswagen Beetle, which he still owns. It's radio, it’s life, and it's real. Come along for the ride, and find out the true stories of those 'masked riders of the hertzian wave.'

Dieter Martin is a long time broadcast fan and participant who wishes to tell the stories of those who have given so much to radio. Please read more of the remarkable life of Barry Michaels-www.thebarrymichaels.com

Related Information of Interest:

What Would Eminem Put In His House?
I've often wondered what Eminem might have in his house. I wonder what decor a rapper from Detroit would want. I read his bio in several places, watched his movie 8 Mile and I've thought about this a lot. I actually grew up a block from 7 Mile. I think my life was quite a bit different than what I read about him, but still, I visualize 8 Mile, I know I traveled daily down 8 Mile's east and west side on my way to school (which was across town for me).

I have some collectible items that I imagine would suit him. I might be way off the mark. I'd like to think someone like him would not indulge in mega bucks for sofas, paintings and extreme high ticket items because he's seen success, but rather would want to live amongst a more down-to-earth collection or decor. I've read descriptions of his early years as being part of the "white lower-class experience". Somehow, this doesn't line up with a home decked out from fancy Design Center furnishings, but oh well. This is my fantasy:

I think Eminem should have his walls covered with tin signs - memorabilia - like one for Ford Trucks (made in Detroit), or a tin sign of a Remington Shotgun and Duck. I have no clue if he drove a Ford or went hunting, but I do know these are big things in Michigan. And if he is a hunter, maybe he likes Deer things - a Deer Key Rack, or a shelf with a moose head.

I picture him in a kitchen with some corny things - I know he has the best appliances and cabinetry available, and maybe his counters are costly granite imported from who knows where. But I just hope he has a Kitchen Fairy on a Pie to bring it all down to reality. And a Half Eaten Apple Salt and Pepper Set. Those fans he raps to, they are more likely have that in their kitchen than an original Andy Warhol painting.

Well, maybe not. We don't mind our celebrities living it up to the hilt. We just want to relate to them and in Eminem's particular case, he's carved himself a space in the limelight that draws attention from ALL walks of life, not just those in his newly acquired (hopefully) wealthy class. I just hope he keeps some reminders of those early years by surrounding himself with some of the simple delights around.

Loretta Logan is a freelance writer. Visit her favorite things at www.shop-tilludrop.com

Guitar Lessons – Hammer-On, Pull-Offs
One of the primary legato techniques all guitarists must learn is the hammer-on, pull-off. This technique is important because it allows for nuances in tone and expression, and it allows the picking hand a “break” since it does not have to pick the notes on the hammer-on or the pull-off. This results in a faster progression of notes, sometimes called licks.

The hammer-on is accomplished when you pick a note and then using another finger hammer down on the same string. The sound of the hammered note is less pronounced than the picked note. For example place your first finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string, and the hammer down your third finger on the 7th fret of the 3rd string. Don’t use your just quickly strike the second fret position with the tip of your 3rd finger. This would be described in guitar tab as 5h7 or 5 hammer 7. Keep your first finger on the 5th fret because you are going to pull-off of the 7th fret in the next example.

The pull-off results when you release a plucked note with enough force such that the second fretted note rings. This may require a slight side way motion to create enough friction to cause the string to ring out. The sound of the pulled-off note is less pronounced since you aren't using your pick to create it. This would be illustrated in guitar tab 7p5 or 7 pull 5.

If you combine these techniques you can create very fast note runs or licks. Imagine how this sequence of hammer-on, pull-off’s would sound when played very quickly 5h7p5h7p5. In deed the hammer-on, pull-off technique is the cornerstone for legato and most speed playing techniques.

It takes time to perfect the technique but it is worth the effort.

Bill McRea is the publisher of www.guitarwarehouse.com and www.kansasfans.com. Bill has owned and operate a highly successfull guitar business until he sold the business in 2004.

Is Photography School Your Dream?
Many dream of photography school. It is an art and a passion that few people can take and make use of. But, those that do, really can amaze the world with what they can capture on a single roll of film. But, how can you find the right school to get into? Having the right photography school on your resume really can make a bit of difference. So, take your time in choosing the right school for your choice. Chances are, you’ll have many options to consider when you choose correctly.

Here are some things to consider about the photography school that you will choose:

• Does the school provide you the best possible plan of study? It needs to offer you what you want to learn now and in the future. This will help determine how well you do in the end.

• You will need to consider the format of the school as well. If you are to take photography school lessons through the college, will you be required to get a degree or will you simply take classes to gain knowledge without a degree? This is up to you, but it is also up to the school to let you in as well.

• You also need to feel comfortable with the school. This is important because in art, you need the freedom to make choices. While hard and difficult, you will want to have the freedom to do as you need to.

• You’ll want to find the photography school that offers the right scholarships and financial aid as well. Not all of us can afford the highest levels of education, but when you choose wisely and with good financial intentions, you can choose the right photography school.

Photography school is waiting for you. Are you ready to get started?

For more information please see www.photography-school-info.co.uk

Marketing a new business without a big budget
Anyone who has started a business without a lot of start-up capital has faced a vicious catch 22. You have to market your company in order to increase sales, but until sales have increased (and you've received payment) you can't afford to market your business. Fortunately, you've got more options than you realize, after all, more than a few other businesses have gotten past this hurdle. So can you.

First of all, don't advertise in the newspapers, on television or the radio because it can take considerable time to see results from these mediums and at this stage of your business, your budget will likely be gone long before you see them.

One powerful way that a business with a small marketing budget can gain exposure is by innovative marketing company that specializes in guerilla marketing techniques to help smaller companies compete with larger companies and win.