Rick Stevens helps you "Wizard While You Work" and get home, too, weekday afternoons with Today's Best Country and Your All-Time Country Favorites!
Rick has been a part of the Tupelo area radio scene for over 20 years.
Rick's wife has been a Wizard106 listener for years before he ever started working for the station, and his son listens some...although, he listens to a lot of different music.
Favorite Music Group: ZZ Top Wife's Favorite Music Group: Rascal Flatts Son's Favorite Music Group: Van Halen (Yes, long drives are a real trip with the music selection....)
Favorite Food [subject to change daily]: Double Pepperoni Pizza with extra cheese from Hardin's Country Store (Thank you Ben!)
Favorite Movie: Lone Wolf McQuade
Favorite Hobby: You mean...besides coming to work? Could watching the Dallas Cowboys be considered a hobby?
Follow Rick [if you want occasional updates on The Old & The Boring]:www.twitter.com/radioredneck
The Rick Stevens Blogopalooza
Is that your phone?
So, now that everyone from Grandpa to Li'l Johnny has a cell, er, mobile, er, wireless phone, er, smartphone, er, whatever, what's the most annoying or funny story you have regarding ringtones? You know that one person that forgot to set their phone to "silent"during church, or, those inconsiderate morons that talk on the phone at the theatre? Or how about the time that you (or someone you know) grabbed their phone to answer it, and somone at the next table had the same ringtone, etc?
Personally, now, it's gotten to the point that is some people don't have their own personal ringtone on your phone, they'll actually be a little upset. Really? Because YOU don't have a special ringtone, you think you're being slighted in some way? Here's a suggestion for a ringtone for those people...get the sound of a baby crying! ha!
Is it construction, or worse?
Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to make a trip to Oklahoma to pay my daughter a visit. Beautiful area, all around Oklahoma City, and a pretty drive there, too. But, I move onto the meat of the blog here--we stayed in a nice hotel, less than a year old, actually. We started out on the second floor, but, after about 30 minutes of listening to the busload of obviously peg-legged hippos on the third floor, we requested a room change. No problem. The nice front desk lady moved us to the fourth floor. Problem (basically) solved. With the exception of the in-bred people across the hall--oh, joy, they took BOTH of the rooms over there--that were determined to argue into the wee hours of the morning (at 2am--still yelling and slamming doors as they went between rooms) it was much better. My question is...are there hotels that are build to muffle the noise level created by the morons that love hearing Jersey Shore at full blast? Or the 7 kids some cheap-o snuck into one room and gave them all a gallon of coffee each before bedtime? OR, is it just that some people just don't care that other people might not really want to hear someone running...yes, running...to the ice machine, or bouncing on the bed, or screaming that they really, really do want to go to McDonalds?? Or, maybe it's because people like me, and my family, and most of the normal people I know, try to respect others, so we "keep it down" by acting normal, and that makes the next room over think "I can't hear them, so they must not be able to hear me and my dozen Tazmanian devils."
Oh, well...somewhere there must be a hotel blog saying "there is this guy that calls the front desk complaining about noise every time he stays here. He must work at some really quiet office...." heh, heh....I probably don't seem like the kind of guy to crank up some Montgomery Gentry really loud in the studio.....
nana, nana, nuhnah, nana.....
Sorry..my attempt to mimic the 60's Batman theme...fell over on this video...
LeBron: Can He Take The Heat?
So, now, Lebron is going to be playing ball for Miami. As I tweeted before his "show" on ESPN, I thought he was going to stay in Cleveland. I could just see him waiting until the last minute, finishing with "I'm Lebron James, and I'm (grabs hidden cap and puts it on his head) a Cleveland Cavalier." ..and the crowd goes wild! But, alas, he opted for Miami. Everyone has an opinion. I think it would have made him more of an icon to stay in Cleveland and bring the team a championship. However, when he tried to recruit Chris Bosh to Ohio...no dice. Bosh went to Miami. IF he tried to recruit others, they obviously didn't take the bait either. So, was he supposed to stay, work his hardest with whatever talent Cleveland could bring to the team? Obviously he didn't think so. I liken it to the thrill of starting as far away from the pole as possible, and winning the Daytona 500. To me, it appears a championship now would almost be the equivalent of jumping into the car in the lead at it's last pit before the checkered flag...
McDonald's Raised My Taxes!!
That's about as smart a claim as any other claim I've heard about Micky D's as of late. I heard a report in the past week where a consumer group is filing a lawsuit to stop McDonald's from putting toys in their happy meals. So, I searched...read more about it here. I'll echo some of the article, I'm sure, but I'm blogging my own thoughts in my own way. McDonald's makes kids fat??? Really? Can ANYONE with an actual IQ actually believe that? Why do some people feel they have to find someone to blame for everything? Is personal responsibliity THAT freakin' hard to come by? "Oh, my little Billy eats two #10 meals (that's 10-piece McNugget Meal at most McDonald's, for the unfamiliar) every day for supper, and he's overweight, bless his little heart..." I can hear some people now. What they need is a solid dose of "HEY, McDonald's isn't MAKING you feed him that much food!" As a parent, it's our job to teach our children the right things to do...and, in order to point them in the right direction of what's right and what's wrong, we have to say "no" once and a while. What's next? Little Billy finding a lawyer and suing Mom for DRIVING him to McDonald's? Better form a class-action against MDOT...they make it too easy to get to fast food, so they are certainly liable. What about that EVIL car dealership? Selling those killer vehicles that fit in those drive-through menu lanes?! THEY MUST PAY!!! Give me a break.
I'm fat. Wii Fit Plus says I'm "obese," like that makes it feel any better! You know why I'm fat? I eat too much and don't work it off. Simple. It's not a thyroid problem, or bad genes, or some dastardly CEO that oversees fast, or non-fast, food service. I eat at McDonald's sometimes. It's not their fault. I also eat at Sonic, Hardee's, Wendy's, and Subway--and I DON'T order the turkey on wheat, no mayo. I'm not scratching my head as to why I gotta buy bigger pants...and I'm not trying to blame anyone. If I get a speeding ticket for going 70 in a 30 (not that I ever would) I'm NOT going to try to blame Dodge for making my car go faster than 30 mph!
This consumer group says McDonald's puts toys in Happy Meals to intice children. Wow...no kiddin'.... A BUSINESS, wanting to attract customers. Crazy thought, huh?
...just my thoughts....
MS (non)Slick Coastline...
I read a story the other day at how the talk of the oil spill is ruining tourism for the MS Coast. I was glad Governor Haley Barbour stood up to let everyone know the MS Coast was clear from any oil, and, upon a trip this past weekend, it sure enough was! I have relatives that live in the area, and they said that the barrier islands were seeing some oil residue, but that was protecting the actual coastline. I'll say this--while the governor is worried about the tourism, here's something to think about--every hotel we spoke with was booked solid, and we were told on one occasion that it was government and BP workers that were renting rooms by the month for them and their families. Just one guy's thoughts, but, seems to me that folks can't come stay and spend money when the "stay" part of the equation is not an option because all the rooms are booked.
Well...I guess Rue = 3, huh?
So, I suppose the famed "Golden Girl" was the 3rd in the three... So much for my last blog!
"..it happens in three's"
It starts every time a celeb dies. "It happens in three's!" -the chatter begins. As a matter of fact, after my wife told me Dennis Hopper had passed, shortly after Gary Coleman, it was the next thing out of her mouth....Times like these, after two famous people have died within a week, do you think famous folks are extra careful? Hmmm...
What happened to the cassettes?
Yeah, I know..the old familiar hiss of the cassette tape is long gone, and, I don't miss the sound, honestly, but, there is one thing I do miss. I've dug out some older CD's for my son to listen to--since he's getting into some of the music I used to listen to...well, actually still to, but anyway--and I noticed how it got under my skin that he's jumping around to certain tracks, instead of letting the CD play. Like most people, he goes straight to the "radio cuts" or songs that have been popular on the radio, and doesn't listen to more than a few seconds at most of the other tracks. "Album cuts" we used to call them back when...well, there were "albums" to listen to! It hit me...back in the day, until someone came up with the music search function, you listened to the whole cassette, or you had to fast forward a little at a time to get past a song. For me, it was just easier to listen than all that. Good thing, too, because I found some really great songs that could have been skipped in the CD (or mp3 player) generation. My son, never having owned a cassette, just knows to hit the button to jump to the next track.
This all went through my head this morning, and I thought, "Wow!" However, my son was still sleepy as I dropped him off at school, my wife was working, and I had to tell someone. So, thanks for letting me share that with you!
Working 4 You: Flood Relief
I mentioned on the air today that this 3-hour special is going on tonight (starting at 7 our time) to raise money for flood victims in Nashville. From reports and pictures, obviously Nashville was hit hard by the storms that flooded a lot of our area, too. A lot of damage was done in the Wizard listening area, which brings it more "close to home" for us, but I've seen several pics of Nashville flooding too. No matter where your from, it's a rough deal when it rains enough to even flood one family's home...
Working 4 You: Flood Relief will feature Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Alison Krauss, Phil Vassar, Lonestar, Darious Rucker and several more. If you have somewhat fast internet access, you should be able to watch all or part of the event tonight at this link:
1) hates rain
2) doesn't get overly bothered by severe weather
But, while I'm complaining about my yard being overly soggy, it's nothing. During these storms, there were people that lost their life. Whatever the reason, because of the weather, conditions were such that some of our fellow Southerners died during the storms. Please keep these fallen neighbors' families and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Want to help areas hit hard by storms? Here's an article from the Red Cross:
Red Cross activates short term text capability for the Disaster Relief Fund
In the wake of the devastation cause by recent domestic disasters, including the tornadoes and flooding in the southern US, mGive has once again donated their services, enabling the Red Cross to accept text donations for the Disaster Relief Fund.
Customers of participating wireless carriers can text REDCROSS to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Donations will appear on customers’ monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. Message and data rates may apply. Depending on the carrier, individuals can donate two or three times per month.
I wouldn't touch that sleeping bag with a ten foot pole wearing cheap sunglasses
We're less than 2 weeks away from my fav-o-rite band in the world, ZZ Top, being right in the middle of Tupelo live and on stage at the BancorpSouth Arena. ZZ Top was my first concert, and I still say one of my Top 3 Shows ever (the Eliminator Tour) with a great combo of lights, stage effects, and music. I know this tour is a different tour, but, with a band like ZZ Top, there are so many eras covered, so that everyone gets a good show, you know?
I'm wondering--will they focus more on newer music, or some of the older stuff. My wife knows Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, and Sleeping Bag, but has no idea that Cheap Sunglasses, Ten Foot Pole, or Waitin' On The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago are ZZ Top songs, for instance. Other people are along the line of "I don't care for all of that fancy techno stuff...give me the old-fashined blued-sounding music." Different strokes, of course, but, whether it's new, old, or a perfect mix of both, it will be a good show for sure!
....anyone catch the number of that pollen truck?
Ahh...'tis the time of year, when a car wash is only a 24-hour (or less) reprieve from the massive yellow airbrushing we get on everything...wait...yep, EVERYTHING within it's reach. But, at least it's a sign that Spring is here! Lovin' the green and sunshine, though!
If Pollen is a problem for you, as in allergies, not multiple car washings, check out it's website. Yes, POLLEN has it's own website. Check out Pollen.Com when you have a spare minute....
What's in a name?
I was reading something earlier this week about pet names. According to the article, how you name your family pet says a lot about you, your children and/or a distinguishing feature on your pet. The article stated that those pets with "human names" probably have childless owners, and these pets are their "babies". Also, owners use a pet's name to reveal their own personality. For instance, the German Shepard named "Boba Fett" is probably staying with a big (too big, imo) Star Wars fan. Animals also get names based on their appearance, such as the brown Lab named "Mud" or one of the hundreds of Chow Chows named "Bear". Or the kitten with white paws ends up named "Mittens". Other factors in naming might be how the pet arrived--one family named their dog "Freeway" after they found it abandoned on the road side after some lazy, low-life, sorry excuse for human being just....oops...gettting off on a rant...I digress... Another family named their cat "Easter" because that was the day they got the kitten.
What does your pet name say about you?
THAT'S one big chew toy!
I love dogs. It kills me how this dog is wagging his tail the whole time!
Time for Spring, and to Spring...
"Spring Forward" - I've used it for years to remember which way to set the clock when we have to chance the time. Less than a week before we start having more daylight in the evening, and much less in the morning. I don't know about you, but, my internal clock NEVER gets used to getting up at the same "time" when my body knows I'm getting up an hour earlier! As you may have heard us saying on the radio, it's a good time to remember to change the batteries in your smoke detector--this is something that started a while back, when someone said "hey, that would be a good thing since, there's not really any reminder that batteries need to be replaced!" I don't know who said that, but, obviously, they didn't have the type of smoke detector that will start a beep that will continue to happen until you finally get off your butt and change the battery, or go stark-raving mad and pound the thing into fine powder with a sledgehammer....
But, now, I heard a commercial saying it's a great time to change out the box of baking soda in your fridge. So, now, I have to set my clocks forward an hour before going to bed, change out the batteries in the smoke detectors, and replace the box in the back of the fridge. Sounds like this Daylight Savings Time thing is gonna end up being a lot of work by 2015!
GO USA!
So, the USA Hockey Team didn't win gold. I have yet to run into anyone that is overly disappointed that USA walked away with silver. The USA Hockey Team was on that list of teams that all the sports folk said would not be in the medal run. Beating the Gold-Winning Northern Neighbors once prior to the finals, and losing to them in overtime in the finals by one goal ain't bad for a team that should have been watching the semi-finals from the sidelines according to some. It doesn't hurt that the USA topped the medal count, but a little American Pride is in order for our Winter Olympic atheletes for giving it their all to represent our country in Vancouver!!
Who's leaving the heater on and window open??
So, here we are again... "Oh, prepare for snow" and "let's get ready for the winter weather" and such... aaaannnddd... then nothing happens. I mean, north of us (by us, I mean my respective household) - snow. South of us - snow. It has probably snowed both east and west of us in the past two weeks, too!
Of course, I'm just huffing and puffing about not getting any snow as a joke. First, weather is weather. An old joke runs something like this: One guy says "I can predict the weather with 100% certainty, 50% of the time" and to prove it, his daily forecast is "it will rain, or it won't." Better odds that you get on one of those slot machines that drag your hopes along with the occasional cherry that keeps you in the race for two more tries, I suppose. Nonetheless, I'm complaining in fun. From what I hear, there are actually people that call WTVA/WLOV/WKDH and COMPLAIN when we don't get snow! On what planet is this a rational thought? - "It didn't snow. We had a chance of snow FROM THE SKY, and we didn't get it. I'm going to call and give John Dolusic a piece of my mind!" --First, there obviously wouldn't be that much extra mind matter to spare if this is their mindset, so I wouldn't advise it. But, second, according to Dictionary.com, meteorologist is "One who reports and forecasts weather conditions." Forecasts...not controls. Seems some folks can't get that point, eh?
Now, I gotta go e-mail John Dolusic and order up some mid-70's temperatures for this weekend.....
Watch Out!!!
My son is hitting the road. He went to the little office in the back of the Tupelo Furniture Market in Tupelo, and took a little test to nab a psuedo-driver's license. I think my driver's permit was something like what you get with your car tag decal each year - he's got a card that is actually pretty cool. I would have felt more cool with something that looked like an actual driver's license than something that looked like proof that I had paid for a lawnmower battery, but, times, they do change! Nonetheless, now that he's able to legally get on the road (with a legal adult with legal strong nerves) I will be sitting in that "other" seat in my own car and become a passenger now and then. If my upcoming plight has made anyone look back and remember a good story or brought back a fond memory of when they went through this, I hope to join you in...oh...about eight months or so....
Are we ready?
I recently had the opportunity to interview someone about the possiblity of and earthquake in mid-america. The New Madrid Fault, specifically, the topic of the interview. Looking at the power of the earthquake and aftershock(s) that hit Haiti, how would the area surrounding Memphis handle such a disaster?
When The Saints Go Marching In...to Miami
What a great boost for the city of New Orleans--for the first time ever, their NFL franchise that calls the Superdome home is going to the big championship game that features the NFC Championship team and the AFC Championship team against each other. You probably have heard of it, but because of a ton of red tape, I can't mention the name of the game. It's the one with the expensive, but usually entertaining, commercials.
The Saints will have quite a task to take down Peyton Manning and the Indy Colts, but, regardless of the outcome of the "big game," they no longer hold the title of never getting the chance to be the champs....
Nature's Fury
It is beyond belief how much damage can be caused and how many lives lost from an act of nature...
Click above to find many ways to help with the relief effort. You can also view this link for even more information:
And, some people have NO conscience whatsoever--every tragedy, there's some losers that try to make a buck off of others' devastation. To avoid those leeches, check out this website:
As I've heard every football season for many years, it's been 1996 since the Dallas Cowboys had a playoff win. Now, they finally got one. After beating the Eagles to win the division, they beat them again the very next week to progress into the next round of the playoffs. Da Cowboys play the Vikings (featuring Mr. Brett Favre, of course) next week--I believe the game is on WLOV-FOX (Comcast channel 11 in Tupelo area) at noon, and I'll be planted in front of the TV watching it!
Welcome Back To Me...
Wow...starting off 2010 with a fresh, clean slate! Had a super vacation the last week of 2009, with the family heading to the Florida panhandle to catch some beach time. Plan got poked in the eye a little, when the cold front moved into the area. According to some locals, it was the coldest it had been in 14 years in the area. Oops. Must have known we were coming...
But, a couple of days with highs near 70 helped with the overall trip. Luckily it was one of those days when my wife and I renewed our wedding vows on the beach, so, we weren't blue in our pics!
Returning to the comforts of home, we're welcomed with temps preparing to drop down into the teens, and, SNOW in the forecast! Wow. But, things are getting back to normal now, and its time to get ready for Brad Paisly Feb 4th at the BancorpSouth Arena!
Lia!
Great Country for your Saturday night! Plus interviews with the Biggest Stars in Nashville!
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