JOES OLD BLOG
OUR PHONE NUMBER: 216-220-4214
December 2nd, 2009
Exclusive pic!!! Grady isn’t the only one who has taken pictures of himself!!!
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Tuesday December 1st, 2009
Hi all! Hope Turkey Day was a festive one and your pants still fit…mine are snug!! Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed – Today is “What happened to all my Money?” Tuesday!
Every year they come out with a new total for all the items purchased in the song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas”. If you bought each item and kept giving them to “your true love” as the song says it would run you $87,403! It’s up a a little bit from last year, according to the latest cost analysis by PNC Wealth Management. Only $794, or less than 1 percent, from last years $86,609.
Prices of items in the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” according to PNC Wealth Management.
Partridge, $10 (last year: $20)
Pear Tree, $150 (last year: $200)
Two Turtle Doves, $56 (last year: $55)
Three French Hens, $45 (last year: $30)
Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 (last year: same)
Five Gold Rings, $500 (last year: $350)
Six Geese a-Laying, $150 (last year: $240 )
Seven Swans a-Swimming, $5,250 (last year: $5,600 )
Eight Maids a-Milking, $58 (last year: $52)
Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $5,473 (last year: $4,759)
10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,414 (last year: same)
11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,285 (last year: same)
12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,475 (last year: same)
SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! I think the best bird to buy anyone is the kind you can eat! That being said I think I’ll have some more leftovers!! (Hello turkey tetrazzini!)
Tuesday November 24, 2009
This week – It’s all about STUFFING!!! First I was stuffing leaves into a tarp and trying to get the yard cleaned up before the white stuff falls. Then I was stuffing all the summer gear up in the garage attic – the cornhole boards, the basketballs, the supersoakers…y’know…all the FUN stuff. In two days I’ll be stuffing my face with stuffing and other stuff! And then for the next month I’ll be stuffing my butt into pants that used to fit!!!
Thanksgiving is one of those funky holidays. It’s big enough for most to get the day off but not that big to travel ALL the way home. My brother lives in Michigan – 4 hours away. He’s about 3 hours too far to make the trip. I can’t blame him – I remember the days back in the mid eighties when I was living on my own in Nashville TN. I spent 3 Thanksgivings by myself. I didn’t mind – I looked at it as a time for me to work and give someone else some time with their family. It sounds sooo benevolent but in truth I was putting in my time cuz I was going home for TWO weeks at Christmas!!! So I spent Thanksgiving in Nashville just laying low. I did miss my friends and family but it did make me appreciate them more. Here’s hoping you have a Thankful day and you Celebrate family and friends – even if it’s just you around the table!
We’re having a small gathering this year. With my wife and kids, my Dad, my Sister and my Brother in law – That’s 9 people total – But I’ve learned it’s not the people around the table you count – it’s the BLESSINGS.
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
and your pies take the prize,
and may your Thanksgiving dinner
stay off your thighs!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ouch – even today’s Jumble in The Plain Dealer wants to bring me down! NEVER!!!
Thank God it’s not Monday!! (I think “Thank God It’s Friday” is copyrighted and I want no legal issues!)
Tonight, I’m going to the Brecksville Theatre on the Square’s production of “GREASE” . My friend , Sally Spitz is playing the part of Miss Lynch and can’t wait to see her. Yes it’s THE Sally Spitz from radio!
Here’s looking to the weekend! No kid football games, no appearances, just hangin out and enjoying the family.
Big question! With all the kids “free” this weekend and a somewhat “open” schedule….SHOULD MY FAMILY DECORATE THE HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS NOW? ….to quote the song by Jerry Herman:
I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.
For we need a little Christmas
Right this very minute,
Candles in the window,
Carols at the spinet.
We need a little music,
Need a little laughter,
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter,
And we need a little snappy
“Happy ever after,”
Need a little Christmas now.
Need a little Christmas now.
Whatya think? Shoot me an email or send a comment! Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I mention this pic in Today’s Showcast…love the money making idea! 
You gotta love Thursdays! It’s the “edge of weekend” ! Our big night at Hilarities – 8pm Showtime – Comedian Tom Papa is the Headliner! We just restocked our T-shirt supply thanks to KeyBank so if you’re not wearing Brian and Joe across your chest ask us how you can! Send me an email request and we’ll see about “hooking you up” with our collector edition shirts!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Lots of catching up to do!!! Over the weekend my son Noah and his Black Bees, played in the Championship game against the Medina Storm in the Southern Hills JV league. The Bees fought hard but the Storm was mighty…too mighty. It was a great season and thanks to all his coaches for their commitment and time. This was Noah’s first full year and he did a great job. Hopefully he’ll get more game time next year! (I’m a Dad!! I have to feel that way!)
Congrats to WDOK and all the wonderful people who donated to the Rainbow Radiothon! Over $328,000!! Excellent work you Miracle Makers! Yes we miss it but are grateful to CBS radio for stepping in and continuing a truly amazing program!
Thanks for all the comments and support!!! Keep em’ coming!
My Pic of the Day – The definition of improvising!! Make the Best of EVERYTHING!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Today is Veterans day – we honor all our veterans:
Those who rest in honored glory,
Those who still suffer from the wounds of war,
And those who, with us, enjoy the blessing of living in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
GOD BLESS THEM ALL!
My Dad!
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Tuesday November 10th, 2009
11 – 10 – 09! I love it when the dates fall in some pattern!!
Big News! – Sammy Sosa is now white!
So we decided to be the color of Oompa Loompas!!
Ok moving on….
A neighbor down my street said that to me Halloween night. She asked how the website was going and told her: “Very well! I’m shocked at how many people visit and keep coming back.” She laughed and responded with “You know Joe I really don’t care about everything you think…I’m not going to run to your blog and read it everyday! “ OK…I get it Charlene. (I’m obviously not worried about her reading this) I don’t expect people to hang on to my every word but it great to get your reaction and feedback. So keep it coming!!
This past weekend we had a family get together celebrating my Mom’s life. It’s been about a year since her passing and her birthday is coming up so we all got together. I’ve always been good with passing – she faded away over a period of 5 years (Alzheimer’s/ Dementia ) so when she finally went to heaven there was a relief and much peace. I thought about all the birthdays and Holidays she missed out on while she was still here and “fading”. So, I put together a video and a book (from Shutterfly) and we spent the night eating the food she used to make for us, drinking wine, laughing a lot and crying a little. Very therapeutic ! I recommend it to anyone!! Remember – you don’t have to wait for someone to pass away before you celebrate them! On that note…remember tomorrow is Veterans day!!
Thursday October 15th, 2009
So I get the Thursday Plain Dealer and the front page of the Metro section flips me off! No really!! 
Check out the picture of Cuyahoga County Commission Peter Lawson Jones “debating” with Parma Heights Mayor Martin Zanotti over county government reform. That’s some statement! It states in the article that main points of Issue 5 and 6 were covered in the debate – it looks like Mr Lawson Jones is a proponent of Issue “1″.
Don’t worry – I’m not getting political – I just think it’s funny when the PD prints someone flipping the bird.
In other news…I’m already sick of the weather being cold and rainy.
It makes me sleepy. In fact it reminds me of being a little kid again – staying home from school when all you wanted to do was to lay down on the couch and watch the Channel 43 Prize Movie.
Monday October 12, 2009
Monday again? I woke up in a bad mood! I still can’t get over the fact that Brian and I DIDN’T win the Nobel Peace Prize yet!!! It’s goofy that Obama won already huh? “The judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore.” Hmmm… Some day I’m going to run a marathon…can I get my prize now? If people received awards and prizes for the things we said we’re going to do…we would all have a trophy case full of them. I’m hoping the President makes good on all he hopes to accomplish – but I know Obama was as shocked as the rest of us. He said at the White House. “To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize.” Obama will donate the $1.4 million cash award that comes with the prize to charity. Classy move. Remember when Al Gore won? 
September 29, 2009
It’s been very strange…Brian has been sick the last few days so I’ve dug up some old cassettes from stations long ago and have “remastered” them for our showcasts. It’s funny to listen to “early Brian & Joe” – you may laugh at us more than with us as we we’re just getting our routine going. Check out the pix of the actual tapes! 
It’s amazing the cassettes still work . Notice the white one… Brian & I would raid the prize closet and our program director’s office for cassette tapes we could record our shows on. We would take some scotch tape and cover up the little holes on the topside of the tape –allowing us to record over it and use it for our “air checks”. This particular one is an artist by the name of Kate Ceberano. Our apologies to Kate and her band – who by the way is on some Australian record label. By the way – these are random “air checks” – I literally just reached into any box and pulled them out. They are by no means from the “best of collection”. There is no such collection YET but I have over 3 moving boxes filled with tapes just like these – so maybe someday there will be a Brian & Joe Box Set! Until then….give us a listen – and give us your feedback!!
September 28, 2009
I felt like Bob Seger this at 4:15am –“ I woke last night to sound of thunder…how far off I sat and wondered…” It was pouring this morning just in time for the kids at the bus stop. 
I felt bad…due to the job loss we had to cut back and umbrellas were the first to go. Speaking of feeling bad…Brian is sick. Called me last night with his best…”I don’t think I’m going to make it in for the Showcast..” It was pretty convincing except I heard Shaq in the background asking Brian if he wanted a shot. Hmmm maybe he meant flu shot but there was a big party down at the Barley House thrown by Shaq O’Neil. Some “insiders” sent me the pic of the happy couple. 
Well on with the show…The Showcast is our first flashback feature..check it out!
September 24, 2009
Today I saw my first published article in Cleveland Magazine! It’s called “What I Did Over my Summer Termination”. Click Here or on my “cartoon face” below to read it. It’s in the October issue and it’s on Newsstand now or in your neighbor’s mailbox if they didn’t get the mail yet. I’ve had a lot of people comment and ask me about the caricature – it was done by an artist named Darren Gygi. Talented guy! He made me look smart…sort of. Give it read and give me feedback either on the Cleveland Mag website or right here on ours. 
September 21, 2009
Another Monday! It feels like these keep showing up every 7 days!! Did you watch the Emmys last night? Did you see us!! Here’s a few snapshots in case you missed us. Good weekend…met a lot of nice people in Lorain at the new KEY BANK. After watching three football games this weekend – my sons won two out of three! Meatloaf put it best when he said…aw forget it.
September 14, 2009
This past weekend I had to arrange for my dad to fly to San Diego. We found out on Friday – September 11th – that his brother – MY Uncle Paul – has developed a brain tumor and the prognosis is not good. It’s growing fast and My dad was out there by Noon on Saturday. It’s amazing how fast life can change and it’s also amazing how fast we can and should adapt to it. Getting my Father to make decisions lately hasn’t been easy. Cash for Clunkers? He spent 3 weeks going from dealer to dealer only to decide to hold on to his clunker until next year. But when it meant seeing his Brother for the last time in this lifetime – he didn’t hesitate. I’m so proud of him for that. He was at his bedside with in 24 hours after he found out the news. My Uncle Paul is a great man. Fun loving, big , bold, a great storyteller, and a loved by all that I know. About 20 years ago when Brian and I were at a radio seminar in Los Angeles, we extended our trip and drove down to see my Uncle Paul and Aunt Helen in San Diego. We arrived on Tuesday evening. My Uncle and Brian hit it off right away. The next morning I woke up to laughing. My Uncle Paul and Brian were up already and have been up for a while. Brian was a smoker back then and when my Uncle found this out he sprung up from his seat. “Wait a second!!” Uncle Paul ran out of the room. Minutes later he was back in the room with a big smile on his face and a little box in his hand. He looked at Brian and said “I’ve got something for you!” Brian opened up the box to find a brand new lighter my Uncle had for years. My Uncle served in the Navy overseas and this lighter had come a long way. Brian was touched by the gesture and I was proud to have an Uncle so generous and kind. But I still took advantage of the moment. “For years I have been a faithful nephew, I have honored you as my Father’s brother, I have loved you and Aunt Helen – my Godmother – and I have respected you. WHERE’S MY PRESENT!!!!!! This guy gets a gift from your war keepsakes because he smokes!!! What about me!!!” It was loud enough to wake Aunt Helen and 20 years later I still never let him forget it. I could tell many more stories about my Uncle Paul but this blog is long enough. I will end it with this….That same morning my Uncle said he was going to take us to the beach so we piled in his car and rode off. The beach was a 20 minute drive and about 10 minutes into it he said he needed a cup of coffee. “You guys want the best cup of coffee in San Diego?” Both Brian and I said “sure” and off we went. It was about 9am when we walked into an establishment that had dancers on the bars, patrons with dollar bills in hand and San Diego’s best cup of coffee. That’s my Uncle Paul.
September 11, 2009
8 years ago today lives were taken and because of that all of our lives have changed. I actually welcome the music and pictures I’ve seen throughout the day. It reminds us to think about it. It reminds us to remember. It makes us uncomfortable and sometimes that’s a good thing. At 8:46am on that day – Brian and I were wrapping up our show. We were inside Tower City at the studios of Mix 106.5. Brian brought his own TV in months before so we could watch the news while on the air. I remember turning around and seeing a shaky camera shot of one of the towers of the World Trade Center. Matt Lauer and Katie Couric were kibitzing about an explosion on one of the floors. I remember Brian looking at the TV and saying “I wonder if someone flew a plane into it as a terrorist act.” Now Brian says a lot of things that I let slide. He’ll mispronounce just about every actor’s name he ever talks about – but when he said that it was a plane being flown in…on purpose!!?? I had to speak up. “What? No way! Some terrorist would kamikaze into it? Why? To kill 20 people? No sooner did I say that, Matt and Katie confirmed it indeed was a plane. There I was with my foot in my mouth and a lump in my throat. I was wrong – Brian was right – but what did it mean? We watched it all on live television. We all saw the other plane pass by the camera shot. It went into the other tower? Was that another plane? Was it a replay of the first? What’s going on? I don’t really remember what we said on the air. We we’re still doing a show but how could we describe what was unfolding when we were virtually clueless. We were checking the news wires and there were reports of other planes. The Pentagon, possibly the White House. I remember pointing out on the air that the date was 9-1-1 and it’s obvious this was planned. It was about 9:20am when our GM, Jim Meltzer, told us all to leave the building. I thought maybe it was a “suggestion”. “It’s an order – Evacuate the building.” Suddenly this was affecting us. We hit the programmed music and left. I remember pulling out of the Tower City parking garage and looking up in the sky. The world had changed. It suddenly felt unsafe. At that point I didn’t know what terrorist scheme was unfolding. I immediately called my wife to let her know I was on my way home. That’s when I found out My brother in law, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Kazmierczak, was in the Pentagon when the plane hit it. Both he and my wife’s sister, Anita, were Lieutenant Colonels both serving in the Army. Jim was stationed at the Pentagon. Anita was back home on base in Virginia. I went to my In laws house immediately -My Mother in law was frantic. She spoke with Anita and Anita she hadn’t heard from Jim. Anita added, she didn’t expect to hear from him because he has a job to do and she’d be in touch as soon as she heard any news. The phone rang constantly as family members called in for updates. I kept watching the TV for updates. That’s when I saw the first tower fall. I didn’t think it was possible. How? It fell straight down. And so did our hearts. As we were starring in disbelief, the phone rang. My Mother–in-law picked it up and within a second of doing so she said “Jim’s OK!”. Apparently, a stranger called Anita and told her that Jim was alive. Emotions went from lows to highs throughout the day. From watching the second tower fall to watching complete strangers give of themselves, from seeing the fear in everyone’s eyes, to seeing families reunited, from lives being destroyed to heroes being made. Later that night when the kids were all asleep and my wife and I were laying in bed, there was silence. Not a silence that was peaceful, but one that was deafening. Because of security, there was no plane travel allowed and it seemed as if the world had completely stopped. It didn’t stop, but it did change. It was the first time in my life, the first time as an American that I felt vulnerable. God Bless the men and women affected by 9/11. In other words – God Bless us all.
September 10, 2009
The day after 9/9/9/!! Yesterday was “Meet the Beatles AGAIN!” The New Beatles Rock Band was released -wouldn’t you know we spent a bundle on Guitar Hero for Wii Not Rock Band! Also all the remastered Beatles albums were released – proving that vinyl does NOT sound better than digital clarity! The showcast has the “number nine” recording from the White Album – Revolution #9, including the backward “turn me on dead men” which is still pretty freaky. Without a doubt The Beatles – The Greatest Rock and Roll Band EVER. I’m a Paul McCartney fanatic and saw him once in concert. I had a “gesture exchange” that can only be explained in person so if you ever see me around town or at an event, ask me to demonstrate. 
I’ve been busting tail on the website so I hope you’re “clicking around” discovering all the places to waste time! Please pass along any suggestions for improvement – besides more clever photoshopping!–
Tuesday September 8, 2009
The sign of a good weekend is in direct correlation to how difficult it is to get of bed on the following Monday…well….it was a GREAT weekend. It started with Oktoberfest at the Berea Fairgrounds on Friday. What a blast! It’s been quite a few years since I attended so I wasn’t expecting much. Oomp Pa pa! The people, the food and the beer!
The band, The Spazmatics rocked the house, uh… the barn…uh the structure. Guitarist, Dave Baker is the best in Cleveland and he and the other 3 nerds puts a on a great show. (Dave is also the guitarist for our band, Brian & Joe and the Endorsements! ) After the “Beerfest” it was back to my house – or should I say Casino Joe’s! – A party room in my basement! Bedtime – 3:30am
Saturday – Up at 7am! (Ouch) It was football time! My son plays for Brecksville – lost again but he played well. OSU game – scary! Church – 3 out of the four son’s were serving mass. 4 hours later it was back to Casino Joe’s! Bedtime: 2:20am
Sunday – Slept in! Up at 7:30!! (Stupid body clock!!) We went over my wife’s parents house for a family get together. About 20 family members eating and playing! Fun day! The kids and the adults all played games – my Mother in law is amazing! She planned everything – Tug of war (My side won!) , Water balloon toss (my son Noah and I won!),
Hitting marshmallow with a golf club (Got lucky and won!) , guessing the weight of the watermelon missed it by two pounds!) and guestimating how many tootsie rolls are in the jar. (My wife won!!) Grand total of prizes for the day: 4 JUMBO Hershey bars! After that my wife and I dumped the kids I mean…dropped off our beautiful sons at home and went to Clambake over her cousins house – Dave and Polly know how to throw a Clambake! The band ‘Jazz Therapy”, comprised of students from Brecksville – Broadview High School, entertained. What a great group of “kids” with big talent. Cousin Derek (Triple D) is quite the sax player! After my wife’s cousin Dawn spilled wine all over me, we decided to leave. We had to – we promised the four guys waiting at home we we’re going to have a “sleep out”. We set the tent up earlier that day so when we got home at 10pm from the clambake we were ready!…(I wasn’t ready…I was tired.) I made a fire, the kids told ghost stories (tried to anyway) I told jokes really slow and they came off as ghost stories. Example: (talking really slow and mysterious) “There once was this the horse…and he got thirsty….But…..instead of going to his drinking trough, he decided……to walk into a bar and order a…….BEER! So the horse….walks into a bar…..and the bartender looks at him…and….says………………”Why the long face?” Instead of laughing…everyone screams!! Try it. After the campfire stories and our sons overdosing on Smores – Bedtime! (right!) Everyone was a sleep by 12:30 – except me. I needed to stay awake and protect my family from…..nothing. I tried to sleep but couldn’t. I also couldn’t go inside when my wife was sound asleep in the tent with our four sons! I would never live it down! So I tried to get “some” sleep. I probably feel asleep by 2, was awake between 3 and 4 and wide awake by 5:15. I pee’d where the dog usually goes – on the side of the house (that was fun) and by the sun was up I was happy the “roughing it was over.
I made cocoa for the campers and we broke camp by 9am! We then got dressed and went to Chick-Fil-A for a free chicken sandwich if you showed “your team pride” by wearing a football jersey. Buying all that Browns gear for the past 3 decades finally paid off!! 6 FREE Chick-Fil-A sandwiches!!! SCORE!!! WE had my family over for a cookout at 4:30 and back to Casino Joe’s by 8pm! Bedtime: Midnight!! (That was early – but necessary!) It was a great weekend and I felt every bit of it when I woke up this morning!!! By the way, Out of habit, I pee’d outside with the dog.
Friday September 4th, 2009
Things have been a little hectic! Of course, comparing anything to the last 4 months would seem hectic. Brian and I have been working quite a bit to launch this website. It is a work in progress so please give us your feedback. We’ve been recording our daily “showcasts” in our downtown office – from the studios of BMI – Broadcast Media Ideas. These recording sessions are the highlight of the working day. It’s what we’ve been doing for the last 21 years – having fun – trying to make each other laugh. It’s like being on the playground in 2nd grade – but the bell never rings! We also had fun at Hilarities last night – Brian won a drinking contest (big surprise huh?) The opener Chris Hegedus and the feature comedian Moody McCarthy did a great job! The headliner Carl Strong had the line of the night – I’ll paraphrase – Cleveland : where it’s more dangerous at noon than it is at night! Where is everybody at night??? Last night after the show I went out on Euclid Avenue and feed a deer! Sad, true and funny! Go to the FIND US section and check us out every Thursday Night at Hilarities!
Timing is a funny thing too! Oue non compete ended at the end of August. That means that Brian and I can show up back on the radio. While we’re getting the word out another little thing happened….BACK TO SCHOOL!!! 4 open houses for each son! Drop off, pick up, repeat – until next June! Thanks to my hard working wife, Gina, She holds it all together! She also won award for buying every school supply in the Greater Cleveland area!
Looking forward to the long Labor Day weekend! WE all deserve it! Let me give you a quick history lesson – on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 about 10,000 union workers took an Unpaid day off of work and marched from City Hall to Union Square. They were celebrating their hard work and protesting the conditions at the same time. It got the attention of the rest of the country. So they did again the next year too. Finally, on June 28, 1894, Congress recognized the first Monday in September as a national holiday. So give it up for the workers from long ago who fed up enough to make a change. I hope everyone has a relaxing day off and I hope those that have to work will take their own Labor Day soon! Celebrate and ENJOY!
Wednesday September 2nd, 2009
This is the first one since our new website launch. Whatya think of the site? Suggestions, comments, please let me know what sucks and what doesn’t. Your input is crucial. In a few weeks we’ll have audio and video and it will be far more interactive. But for now, click around and tell us what you think.
I suppose I should update you on the last four months.
May – good
June –pretty good
July – Great! (My birthday month!)
August – Incredible! (My anniversary month and my wife is reading this over my shoulder!)
The summer has been wonderful. The family is healthy (Thank God) and though we didn’t drive anywhere on vacation – we must of put 5,000 miles on the car chauffeuring the boys back and forth! Speaking of which my oldest son, 11th grade bound Christian, is learning to drive! Joshua started High School last week, Jesse is now an 8th grader, and Noah began his 5th year by coming home with a fever and throwing up! Yuk! (poor guy L)
TV Boy Update: Caught up on Mad Men – watched Season One and Two in a week…Dark! Very Dark! I’m thinking of drinking scotch…constantly.
PLUG ALERT!!! We’ve been having a blast at Pickwick and Frolic’s Hilarities on Thursday nights– check out the “FIND US” section for all the details.
OK..enough for now. Hope you all have a great day and keep checking back to the site. We have some exciting things planned!
mmmm
