Do you ever utilize A.I.? Are you fearful of the potential dangers of it? Personally, it's a yes to both of those, and with news of the WGA strike coming to an end this week, I figure it's a good time to put out a little commentary on the subject. 

Whether it's generated images or text, A.I. is here to stay, and my perspective is that it is a tool best used for the mundane as opposed to the creative. We often encounter new ideas and inventions which may seem scary at first, but to resist change purely from fear stands in the way of progress. The issue many of us hold with A.I. is its capability to replace authentic human artistry, and regarding the writer's strike, the concerns centered around protections against the technology. There's also big push towards more regulations with visual artists like painters who believe all artificially generated images are a form of copyright since they draw upon preexisting human creations. I'm not sure on that one. 

My brother recently showed me something that left me scratching my head in relation to this; there are A.I. episodes of popular animated shows such as South Park. The one we watched was weird, and everything from the cartoons to the script and even the voices was generated. The imposter episode wasn't very good, but it was coherent and nearly watchable. To me this means we are on the cusp of something huge in media, where everything from TikToks to major box office films can be produced with little to no human involvement. It is no wonder why these writers have felt threatened, but just because something can do their jobs for less money and quicker does necessarily not make it better. 

Regarding media, naturally, broadcast radio is similarly susceptible to the encroachments of artificial intelligence. Not long ago I read something about the very first A.I. radio host hitting the airwaves somewhere in here in the United States, and it gives me the ick! I'm not about it, but if it ends up putting on a good show there is certainly the possibilty that this may become a trend in stations nationwide. My priority as an on-air personality is to play the best music and connect with listeners, and in that regard alongside a multitude of other reasons involving community, uniqueness, and authenticity; I believe us flesh and blood hosts will always have an edge. 

I'm not infatuated with Elon Musk, but I came across a comment of his about the technology that really stuck with me. He essentially said that we need to proactively respond to the threats of A.I. instead of scrambling to react. Word! 

Ultimately, I'm happy for the WGA union as their resolution seems to be a win. I'm curious to see what the future holds for artificial inteligence and media, and despite being concerned I am not afraid. As the infamous Spiderman quote goes, "with great power comes great responsibilty," and I have faith that we can collectively draw a line and lay the framework for how this technology can help the greater good. Some people will lose jobs, just like the switchboard operators connecting calls in the telecommunications industry did to automation. We simply must understand and accept that new technologies also bring on new, different jobs. For now, don't sweat it! 

I was sitting at home earlier this afternoon before I came into work and I realized...HEY! Today is the anniversary day of when I got hired by Rubber City Radio Group - the parent company of WQMX! I've been here ten years! Let's go back to those days.

I was 26 years old and had been done with all of my schooling for 18 months. I was getting worried that I might not find a job and may need to consider another path. Then I learned about an opening to work for WAKR during sports broadcasts. I had my interview...it went well, and I had the job! I was in studio a few nights a week running commercials during Indians (Guardians), Cavs, Browns, and Ohio State games. Eventually, I was able to expand on that to producing talk shows in all dayparts (including the Ray Horner Show) as needed.

Next thing I knew, I was able to get a chance at my dream job - on-air at a music station when I filled in on WQMX last minute. That turned into a regular part time gig on weekends, then I was able to go full time duing the week. Next thing I knew, I moved up to weekday nights on WQMX! I love my job and the people I work with...they're awesome! They tell you find something you love and find a way to get paid for it...you'll never work a day in your life. I am here to tell you that statement is 100% true!

Hailey Whitters recently released a six song EP I'm In Love and today she released her next radio single, the title track! You'll hear Hailey's 90’s country influences as she sings about a summertime love and you can hear her midwestern charm come through!

About the song, Hailey explains, “I knew the minute I heard this song I had to record it. I didn’t write it (Nicolle Galyon, Lee Miller, & Cameron Bedell did), but I wish I had. I love – pun intended – the quirky language and spirit. Every time I sing it I’m smiling like a big ol sap because it just makes me so happy and puts me in a good mood.”

Lots of country stars having birthdays this month, so we will revisit some of them and wish them a happy birthday. And today it's Marie Osmond.  She has done it all and did have success on the country charts years ago.  So let's look back - and let's enjoy this silly picture from our show too  - LOL

Marie Osmond - (Birthday Revisit)

My good friend recently sent me some photos from 2016, and with them the memories flooded in. We were in West Virginia at his family's cabin out in the sticks riding quads and enjoying life to the fullest. I don't remember the exact make or model of ATV on which I rode, but I fondly recall how awesome it felt to be close to unstoppable on a well maintained 4x4. Whether it was a mud pit or a mountain, that thing just crawled through it all with ease, unlike the two-wheel drive quad I personally have now. It even had brakes!

This trip we took was basically the first time I had done anything of the sort; I had maybe been on a quad a couple of times, but never 'ffroading like we did. As a kid, I had a dirt bike and later a go kart, but never really went on any overlanding adventures. After the first ride I was hooked, and still regard riding four-wheelers as one of my all-time favorite activities. It's fair to say that this vacation in WV was likely a catalyst for me to buy my Honda a few years later.

From the trails to the "roads" even, the terrain in that area was pretty intense. I put roads in paranthesis because they were hardly more than flat dirt trails, and they lended themselves to some gnarly ripping speeds on the bikes. Leaving it in 2wd lead to some dusty rooster tails and sweet drifts, and by the time I left I was so much more comfortable operating the machine. That's not to say that all went smoothly, however.

I flipped the quad on the very first day we went out, within the first thirty minutes. All the veteran rider old guys we went with surely didn't let me live that one down, but thankfully both I and the ATV were okay to continue. I learned from that mistake and had an otherwise accident-free couple of days, but let me tell you, it's dangerous down there. At any given moment as you take on a narrow trail at a steep incline, a small turn of the handlebars in the wrong direction could result in a freefall and potential fatality. That risk is part of what made it fun, and we were sure to always wear helmets.

To wrap this up, I love riding. The trip I took back in 2016 is one of the best vacations I have ever been on, and I cannot wait until the next time I go overlanding. I felt on top of the world, both literally and figuratively, in the picture for this blog, and if you have ever been out like I was you know the feeling. My perfect trip would include riding powersports, a hot tub, some cold beverages, and fishing... how about you?

This Saturday (September 30th) there is going to be something that sounds really awesome and could bring out the 5 year old tastebuds in all of us - The Ohio Mac & Cheese Festival! It will be this Saturday afternoon from 4-8 at Mercy Health Stadium (home of the Lake Erie Crushers) in Avon.

Think about it...there are many possibilites with the comfort food. Do you like elbow noodles or shells? Maybe Cavatapi noodles? Do you like bacon in yours? Do you like it on the spicy side? There's a difference between ours here in the North and Southern style. 

This sounds like a great event to get to try different recipes of the wonderfull side dish that is Mac & Cheese. Find the details on the event from Channel 5 here.

If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong  (Do It Right)  - Vern Gosdin - 1983

  Right now there are a couple of songs on our playlist on WQMX  that feature very tough subject matter, and that's OK.  Jelly Roll And Lainey Wilson's, Save Me is really tough for many as it's a cutting - "knifey" song that's honbest and goes right to the gut.  We haven't done a whole lot of that over the past number of years as traditional "hurtin'" songs have gone out of favor, but I'm glad to see them again as they are a part of who we are.  Jelly Rolls, Need A Favor  too is a gutty song and the Luke Combs, Fast Car remake cuts deep.  The genesis of  sad country songs goes back to Hank Sr. when you stop and think about it, and it's always evolving.  Vern Gosdin was very respected and popular in the 1980's and 90's, recording some really powerful songs about love gone way wrong.  I totally get it, this sounds dated today both in vocal and arrangement but this was a big hit, getting song of the year nominations and a Grammy nom too.  This will be way too traditional for many, and I get that too. As hard as Save Me can be to hear and as sad as it can make you today, so could this a generation or so back.  Gosdin was loved and was known as "The Voice."  A very different time and feel, this is a real broken jukebox song that takes you right to the darkest, dankest, lonelist bar you can imagine. If you like 'em sad sometimes, and country listeners seem to, this is for you.  Gosdin died in 2009.

Well this will be an easy warm-up for the WQMX 5Kay October 7th...  I'm kidding, but you can register for the WQMX 5Kay Here!

All Akron Marathon runners this weekend good luck.  Have a safe and fun run.

For commuter's traffic might be a little different with a huge race course.

-South High Street between Bowery Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, 5 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-All-America Bridge (southbound) between Martin Luther King Boulevard and North Main Street, 7 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
-North Main Street (southbound) between Olive Street and East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
-Tallmadge Avenue between Cuyahoga Street and North Main Street, 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
-East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue between North Main Street and Carpenter Street, 7 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
-North Main Street (northbound) between East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue and Olive Street, 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
-All-America Bridge (northbound) between North Main Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
-South Broadway Street between Martin Luther King Boulevard and Exchange Street, 7:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Market Street (eastbound) between Rand Avenue and Forge Street, 6:55 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.
-South College Street between East Market Street and Buchtel Avenue, 7:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
-East Mill Street between South Main Street and Fir Hill, 7:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
-Fir Hill between South Forge Street and East Buchtel Avenue, 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
-East Buchtel Avenue between Goodkirk Street and Hill Street, 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
-Spicer Street between East Buchtel Avenue and East Thornton Street, 7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
-Power Street between Spicer Street and Brown Street, 7:15 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
-Brown Street between East Exchange Street and West Wilbeth Road, 7:15 a.m. – 9 a.m.
-North Firestone Boulevard between Brown Street and East Firestone Boulevard, 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
-Girard Street between North Firestone Boulevard and Lindenwood Avenue, 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
-Lindenwood Avenue between Aster Avenue and North Firestone Boulevard, 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
-Aster Avenue between South Firestone Boulevard and North Firestone Boulevard, 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
-South Firestone Boulevard (westbound) between East Wilbeth Road and North Firestone Boulevard, 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
-East Firestone Boulevard (westbound) between Firestone Boulevard and South Main Street, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
-South Main Street (northbound) between East Wilbeth Road and Thorton Street, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
-East Thornton Street between South Main Street and Grant Street, 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
-Wolf Ledges Parkway (southbound) between Thornton Street and University Avenue, 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.
-Wolf Ledges Parkway (northbound) between Arc Drive and University Avenue, 7:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
-University Avenue between South High Street and Hill Street, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Hill Street between South Forge Street and University Avenue, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-East Buchtel Avenue between Hill Street and South College Street, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-South College Street between East Buchtel Avenue and East Market Street, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Carroll Street between the University of Akron and Wolf Ledges Parkway, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Buckeye Street between Carroll Street and East Exchange Street, 7:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Exchange Street (northern westbound lane only) between Buckeye Street and West Bowery Street, 7:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
-North Main Street (southbound) between Market Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-North Howard Street (southbound) between North Main Street and Cuyahoga Street, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-West North Street between North Howard Street and North Maple Street, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
-Merriman Road between Treaty Line and North Portage Path, 8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
-North Portage Path between Treaty Line and Merriman Road, 8:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
-Sand Run Parkway between North Portage Path and Revere Road, 8:15 a.m. – noon
-Sand Run Road between West Market Street and Smith Road, 8:30 a.m. – noon
-Overwood Road between Sand Run Road and Wiltshire Road, 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
-Wiltshire Road between Overwood Road and North Hawkins Avenue, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
-Fairfax Road between North Hawkins Avenue and Castle Boulevard, 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
-Rampart Avenue between Fairfax Road and Bond Street, 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
-Castle Boulevard between Fairfax Road and Garman Road., 8:40 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
-Garman Road between Melbourne Avenue and North Portage Path, 8:40 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
-North Portage Path (southbound) between Mayfair Road and West Market Street, 8:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
-West Market Street (eastbound) between Portage Path and South Main Street, 8:50 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.
-South Main Street between Market Street and Mill Street, 9:00 a.m. – 1:40 p.m.
-Main Street Broadway exit to I-76 West will be completely closed, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Use the detour at the Dart Avenue exit.

Again good luck to all the Akron Marathon Runners and those on the roads please keep your eyes peeled for our emergency workers directing traffic and those running the race.

Bailey Zimmerman has the #1 song in country music this week and he just announced that "Where It Ends" will be his new single at country radio! Bailey says the story behind it "is really just kind of an inspiration to anybody out there who is going through something tough with somebody who they are scared to lose, don't be scared to lose that person because maybe they weren't meant for you. Sometimes it's really best to say, this is where it ends."

Clint Black – Killin' Time - 1989

Not often a single song delivers a huge country star to us, but in this case it did.  Clint Black went on to be one of the leaders of the new traditionalists movement that rocketed country into an orbit never thought possible.  He didn't do it alone of course, the class of 1989 had Garth, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and others that molded country for the next twenty years.  Black's first single, Better Man (#1)  - that listeners loved, took them back to the sound of younger Merle Haggard with a modern thump.  But the next single, this one, was the one that sealed the deal for Black to lead the thundering charge to a new day.  This song was the sound that many had been waiting for.  Traditional, but contemporary, a strong beat in a song that was apologetically country in it's written and recorded form. This song and sound was a throw back  - and a giant step forward all at the same time.  After this big #1, Black went on a long and incredible run of traditional country hits with essentially every single going top five for the next almost 12 years.  With 12 number ones, 5 number two's, and album sales of 25 million, he dominated the charts until 2001.  He was also dominating the Canadian Country Charts as well. 

This is about the perfect country song.

Last Week #13

My Full Profile On Clint Black