4.06.2009

The Weekly Ramble

Well, this is the part of the show's blog where yours truly, Andrew DiLorenzo, gets to sound off and let people know what's going on in our world.

-First off, I would like to apologize for the delay. When you have a million things to do in one day, it kind of puts a damper on the writing a little bit. However, here is the latest ramble.

-You weighed in on our last Ramble’s question regarding Anoop Desai of American Idol, with most of you guys disagreeing with me. I like that.

-Is it just me or is “Family Guy” losing it’s touch? I’ve noticed that in the last few episodes, especially in the one referencing O.J. Simpson, the plots are loose and they are really relying on pop culture references. Don’t get me wrong, I love pop culture as much as the next person, but when you have to air the ENTIRE Conway Twitty music video as a cutaway, we have issues.

-Check this video out of Seth Rogen with Andy Samberg on SNL in a digital short about how it is to be the “boss”.

YOUTUBE| Like a Boss (ft. Seth Rogen)

-SOCIAL NETWORKING DISS: Twitter sucks! Big time! Even though we have a Twitter account, it still sucks.

-AWESOME CONCERT TOUR UPDATE: Warped Tour 2009, sponsored by Vans, has recently announced presale tickets to be sold. Why do I mention this? Because the tickets are in turn limited edition artwork designed by Kevin Lyman, the tour founder. Check out more at VANS Warped Tour 2009.

Well, that’s all for now. Check out our awesome friend Amanda Blaze blog about Youtube deletion and why it sucks and check out our MySpace at WSIA Drive Time Friday Official MySpace.

Werd.

3.26.2009

The Weekly Ramble

Well, this is the part of the show's blog where yours truly, Andrew DiLorenzo, gets to sound off and let people know what's going on in our world.

-> First things first, is it just me or does Anoop Desai from season 8 of "American Idol" remind you of Sanjaya Malakar of season 6? Some similarities include being terrible and yet being loved by the audience. Weigh in and let me know at andrew@wsia.fm. Your responses will be part of the next Ramble.

-> Call your friends and let them know that former "The Price is Right" host Bob Barker is coming out of retirement for one day to appear on an upcoming episode, according to Entertainment Tonight online. The episode, in which Barker will promote his autobiography "Priceless Memories," was filmed just this past Wednesday, the 25th, and will air on April 16th on CBS. Now, all we need is another appearance of Adam Sandler and his ukulele and we are set.

-> Internet Social Site Buzz: Again, Facebook has changed part of it's layout, but it's a small change. No more, will you see "Welcome so and so, you have 1 friend request and 87 invitations." Like before, it will be on the upper right hand corner of the screen. Now, if you can only stop kissing twitter's ass, we are good.

Well, that's about all I got for you guys today, but don't fret, our awesome Californian blogger, Amanda Blaze, shall have a crazy blog for you guys over the weekend. And always remember to tune into WSIA Drive Time Friday starting at 4 pm on WSIA 88.9 FM for anyone in the metro New York area, and on the web @ www.wsia.fm.

3.23.2009

McDonald's Filet O Fish Commercial- HILARIOUS!

I recently got to take a look at this masterpiece that the ol' ad people from McDonald's conjured up in their lab:


I just want to say that it's hilarious, but a little bit creepy at same time because of the guy that walks in with the drill. I mean, what is with that? You going to kill that poor fish? Son of a b%$#@! Yea, you better not touch that fish. Be like your friend eating the filet and bop your head. I SAID BOP YOUR HEAD!

Well, it seems to me that I have gone overboard with the dialogue above, so I shall bid you adieu. Enjoy and listen to WSIA Staten Island, 88.9 fm.

3.19.2009

The Weekly Ramble

Well, this is the part of the show's blog where yours truly, Andrew DiLorenzo, gets to sound off and let people know what's going on in our world.

-> It was recently announced by NBC Universal that the SCI FI Channel will be changing it's name from SCI FI to..... get ready.... SyFy! Yup, according to them, it will give them a chance to market the name more and trademark a lot of their items. So, a NY Post columnist had the right idea: if you are going to change ONE channel's name, you should just change them ALL. So, effective soon, USA will soon become YouSA. The official name change happens on July 7th.

-> More name changes from the Nickelodeon family of channels: Teen oriented channel The N and the preschool oriented Noggin will be changing names in September to TeeNick and Nick Jr., respectively. When this happens, the respective lineups of the two new channels will be canceled on big brother network Nick. NO MORE FACE AND STICK STICKLEY! AHH!

-> Sad news to report: Actress Natasha Richardson, who played in movies like "The Parent Trap" and starred on stage in "Cabaret", has passed away at age 45 due to complications stemming from a skiing accident in Canada. She is survived by her mother and sister, actress Vanessa Redgrave and actress Joely Richardson, and husband Liam Neeson.

-> Happy News: Facebook users have started up a group to bring back the ROCK of NYC: 92.3 K Rock. They said that the new format is just like listening to half the other stations in the Metro Area. NOT WSIA THOUGH! We're the best station ever.

-> And, finally, while we are on the subject of Facebook, let us know what is your take on the new look and style. Either e-mail me at andrew@wsia.fm or comment this blog. Anywho, I'm going to go back to my ramen noodles and energy drinks! Listen up on fridays from 4 to 7 pm for a all new DRIVE TIME FRIDAY! Peace out.

3.11.2009

The Banner Article| DTV 101

This is an article that appeared in the 2.23.09 issue of THE BANNER, College of Staten Island's official newspaper. Enjoy.
___________________________________________________________________

DTV 1O1: How to keep your signal and keep your money at the same time.

Andrew DiLorenzo
GEEK ON THE STREET

By now, you must have been hearing a lot of conversations about this whole “Analog to Digital Conversion” which was supposed to happen on the 17th of February, but is now moved to June 12th. The big reason why: No one is ready for it. There are a lot of contradicting stories going on about how to get the coupon, where to get it and such. Since there were no other volunteers to tell you about it (actually, Bill Kline held me at water gunpoint and told me if I don’t do it, I’m being relegated to CSI WTF?!), I figure I’ll answer your questions.

Q: What is the digital television transition?

A: On February 17, some full-power broadcast television stations in the United States may stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. The remaining stations may stop broadcasting analog sometime between March 14 and June 12. June 12 is the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts under legislation passed by Congress and expected to be signed by President Obama. Digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture and more channels and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Q: Will my TV work after the transition (more importantly, could I still watch “Scrubs” after the transition?)

A: Analog television sets receiving free TV using an antenna will not work after the stations in the local area transition to digital broadcasting, which will occur no later than June 12. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service need to take action now. Most consumers who purchase a converter box today can connect it to their existing television and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television immediately. And, fortunately, you can still watch “Scrubs”, but it will be canceled afterwards cause Zach Braff is directing a sequel to Garden State, entitled Cheese State.

Q: How can I still operate an analog television without having to spend a lot of money on cable or even have to go out and buy one from my local RadioShack?

A: Yes, Virginia, there is a solution. It’s called a TV Converter Box. A TV converter box plugs into your analog TV and, along with your antenna, will keep your analog set working after your local stations transition to digital broadcasting. A TV converter box is a one-time purchase and usually costs between $40 and $70. A TV connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service does not require a TV converter box.

Q: How do I go about getting these so called “Converter boxes” and if so, is the government providing me any funds so I can spend on hookers and booze?

A: Glad you asked, me. You can go to your local RadioShack, Best Buy, and even Kmart. They should have a lot of them stocked. And yes, the government is providing 40-dollar coupons that will either lower the price of a box to 20 dollars or even zero dollars. And no, you cannot use the coupons to pay for booze and hookers in the United States. However, in Tijuana, you sure can.

Q: Last, but not least, how do I get these coupons?

A: Simple. You can log onto http://www.dtv2009.gov or call their toll free number at
1-888- DTV- 2009.
___________________________________________________________________
Andrew DiLorenzo is a tech expert for RadioShack and is also a DJ for WSIA Staten Island.
Got a question for the Geek on the Street? Email him now at The.BANNER.CSI@gmail.com. You never know, your question could become the Geek’s topic.

3.10.2009

The Rise and Fall of Rock on the Radio.

When I think of rock radio stations in NYC, I think of a few of them:

-WXRK (92.3 K Rock)
-WAXQ (Q104.3)
-WRXP (101.9 NY Rock Experience)
-WHTG (106.3 G-ROCK Radio)
-WSOU (Seton Hall 89.5 Pirate Radio)
-and WSIA (88.9 Staten Island Alternative)

So, yea that's a few.

Well, put on your seat belt for this one: it was recently announced by CBS Radio, owner of 92.3 K Rock, that effective the 11th of March at 5 pm, K Rock becomes 92.3 Now FM, playing Top 40.

TOP 40?!!?!?

And, I also recently found out that back in January, G-ROCK Radio became Hits 106. And guess what the format is for that one? I'll give you a minute to think about it.

Done? Awesome. So yea, another Top 40 station.

And here is the kicker: the reason why the plug was pulled on the rock format: economic strife.

If that's the case: then pull the top 40 stations, because I have had enough of listening to Miley Cyrus and Jesse McCartney. Where are the days when you can put on a station and listen to Beatles, Zeppelin, Misfits, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Linkin Park, Tool, Coheed and Cambria, and many more old and new rock artists. Instead, we are given more and more of the same 40 songs over and over again on various stations, including Z100.

Well, I have given you guys something to think about when you turn your radio on tomorrow: are you going to hear rock and roll or three brothers attempting rock and roll.

And, boom goes the dynamite.