Finally, something interesting on the Curtis and Kuby show this morning. I guess that sounded harsh but this show really gets on my nerves after awhile. Maybe I listen to it too much. I loved their discussion about the media. Both Curtis and Ron had good points to make. People choose their favorite media outlet be it CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX and they stick by it/them and try to discredit or ignore the media outlets that they don't like. But really, FOX is the only alternative to the other news shows. If I hear Curtis say "disgracia" or "moola schmoola" one more time I will scream. Give it a rest already!!!! And why does Curtis almost always start talking over Ron Kuby as they start to go to a break or he wants to change subject?

Top rated, but does that mean the best?
"Curtis and Kuby prove the theory that opposites really DO attract. Curtis and Kuby in the Morning is now one of the top rated morning news/talk radio shows in the country. Curtis Sliwa, who founded the Guardian Angels and leans to the right is paired with Ron Kuby, the radical left wing attorney for 5 hours of right vs. left commentary on that days news and current events."http://www.wabcradio.com/showdj.asp?DJID=1726

"It was talk radio, during these past 20 years or so, that set the stage for the efficacy of the internet. Talk radio was one of the first venues on a national scale where likeminds in a steadily growing movement could come together and discuss the free exchange of ideas. "
Check out a great article about Talk Radio at http://thisisrich.blogspot.com

A reader writes:
Dittos on your blog....there must be a lot of us out here who are talk show junkies.....you might enjoy my entry (yesterday, 'Credit where credit is due'...my tribute to talk radio in the recent blogosphere self-congratulatory goings on). Good interview w/Dr. Levin! Rich Glasgow www.thisisrich.blogspot.com

Is Glenn Beck (www.glennbeck.com) awesome, or what? His show is such a relief lately. Sometimes politics get so overbearing. It's nice to hear Glenn go off on tangents and get totally wacky like he's been doing lately. I listened to Mark Levin (www.wabcradio.com) while driving to Portland this evening. I understand him but I really wish he'd give some callers some more time to try to explain their point of view even if they don't seem to make any sense at first. I think some people just need a minute or so to express themself and be heard because it may be their first time ever calling a program. Then again, a caller should familiarize themself with Levin's show and his style before calling. Rush/Hannity usually give dissenting callers some time to speak and then he tries to sway their opinion. Everyone has their own style though. I sometimes really feel for some of the people that call Mark Levin's show though but back to what I said earlier - if a caller does not know Levin's style well enough before calling then.... It's all good.

A Talk Radio Fan wrote: "Nice interview. I love Mark Levin!"

A reader writes:

Hi, I just kind of stumbled onto this site. Me and my husband both listen to talk radio all the time, I think Bill O'Reilly is my favorite. Cool Blog!

Response:
Thank you very much for visiting! Please stop by often and feel free to leave your comments and opinions!

Interview with Mark Levin!
(completed 9/9/04)
Mr. Levin can be heard online at www.wabcradio.com following Sean Hannity. At first he comes off as brash and obnoxious but after awhile you can get onto his "vibe." But I'm sure if you're reading this you've already made up your mind as to whether you hate him or love him! But love him or hate him - his program is always engaging, enlightening and entertaining...
What brought you into the world of Talk Radio? Was there a series of events that led you up to the point where you felt you wanted your own radio program or was it something that you always wanted to do?
I've been an avid talk radio listener since I was 12 or 13 years old. I lived in Philadelphia and used to adjust my radio dial late at night to pick up Bob Grant, among others. When I was 16, I actually hosted a radio show for one-day on the old WCAU AM (CBS). A friend was a early morning DJ on another Philly station, WWDB FM, and I'd observe him hosting every now and then. I always wanted to host a radio show, but I never really expected to. So, I went into law and politics, eventually met Rush and Sean, and the rest is history.
What types of music do you like to listen to when you are relaxing?
I like all types of music. Always have. I suppose my favorite is Motown.
What are your favorite Motown artists, and why?
Temptations, Four Tops, Al Green ... I also like Ray Charles. Why? It's really not a matter of "why." It just is.
How many hours a day do you spend preparing for the program?
I prepare many, many hours. Although I also run a legal foundation, I am constantly looking at the day's news. It never ends. Right after I go off the air, until I'm back on the next evening. I also do additional research to add some history and context to current events.
Can you please describe your dream vacation?
I don't take enough vacations, but I like spending time with my family. The location is secondary.
What was the last great fiction book that you read?
I mostly read non-fiction. I believe I'm the last person on the face of the earth to have read the Hunt for Red October, which I finished about 2 weeks ago. I saw the movie years ago.
Which daily newspaper is your favorite and why?
I have two: New York Post and Washington Times. But I read many.
Do you ever feel politics are driving you to "the brink" and just want to escape from it all?
There are times when I tire of politics, but not often. Politics is but one area of my interest. History, economics, law and, most of all, family.
Have you ever gotten hate mail? If so do you ever try to communicate with the person so you can maybe change their mind?
I don't respond to hate mail. I do, from time to time, respond to people who disagree with me, depending on my time availability.
What host(s) do you think are under-rated and deserve a much larger audience? Please explain...
I honestly don't listen to many other hosts, except Rush and Sean whenever I can.
Do you have any sort of "studio rituals" that help you get through a program like cup of coffee on the left, newspapers to the right, etc?
I have my computer screen at the right back of my desk, my clock at the center back of my desk, and my printer at the left back of my desk. I usually have the TV on the Fox News Channel (muted, of course) to make sure I'm on top of any breaking news. My show-prep papers are placed in the order I plan on using them, although that frequently changes depending on the course of the show. I usually have a glass of water of either Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Coke on my desk as well.
What's the deal with calling Sean "Doctor" and Sean calling you "Doctor"? How did that get started?
Sean used to do a segment each week in which he gave helpful advice to callers. So, I would call in with a joke, and refer to him as Dr. Hannity. He would call me Dr. Levin. That's how it started.
Any last comments...feel free to say whatever you want....
I am blessed to be a host on the best station in America, and to have the best audience in America. Not too bad for a first-time radio host.

Hello, Talk Radio Fans. I just sent out interview questions to Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, and Mark Levin. Hopefully they will reply and their answers will be posted this week. If anyone wants to interview their favorite host(s) for Talk Radio Fan please do so! I've found talk show hosts very quick with responses.

Anyone listen to Michelle Malkin filling in for Monica Crowley today? She did a great job. It made for a nice break in my Saturday routine. Sometimes I just get tired of hearing the same old voice and the same old schtick week after week. Nice to get a break once in awhile. It makes me appreciate the host more when he/she is away even if just for one show.

A reader's comment about Mark Levin. But first, my reply. Mark is a great guy. He's like the cool uncle at a family BBQ. I enjoyed his show today a lot. These are trying times so I give him a little slack.
"He can be downright rude at times, brushing the caller off. And his sense of humor leaves much to be desired. Sure wish Steve Malzberg would replace Brian Whitman!! Actually, Steve would be a good replacement for more than just Whitman!"

8/29/2004-9/1/04
Convention coverage on WABC on Sunday. "If Bush and company are re-elected we're all doomed." Funniest protestor quote. I'd rather be listening to a host take calls about UFOs. "WABC hate radio" - another hilarious protestor quote. Wait, this is almost like a show about UFOs. Does anyone remember when WABC used to air dramatized stories in the evenings? My dad would put it on when we were are his part time job. That was when Dan Ingraham was a DJ. Nice to hear Ron Kuby back. I enjoy hearing his views. He has a lot of good points. I think it's dangerous to be insulated from differing points of view. Talk Radio Fan is not about politics though. "This is Paul Harvey......good day." He sounds like such a nice guy. Glenn Beck has been awesome lately. he goes off some great/entertaining tangents...like today (9/1/04) he was making fun of bottled water and talked about other stupid inventions that could be marketed like designer matches made from the actual residue of the Olympic torch. Just think, you could light your cigar or BBQ grill with a part of the Olympic Torch. Now that would be impressive. You could play the Olympics theme song when you light one of the matches (my idea - not Glenn's). If you want to post your comments just click on "comments" - you can post anonymously. Your email address will not be tracked.