Living - learning - growing - experiencing! Bring it on 2013....

I'm happy to leave the year 2012 behind but not without some perspective.  

As you grow older things change for each of us and you really start to appreciate life all the more with each passing year.

I'm blessed to have been born a "Forbes" and for the people that I surround myself with, including both family and friends.

A few thoughts on this past year - and forgive me for not mentioning 'everybody' because I truly do appreciate what each and every 'friend' brings to my life - but there are several things that I'd like to mention in this short reflection here with todays blog.

First off I love to 'learn' as much as I can and especially from the very special people in my life.

This past year I can't tell you how incredibly impressed and proud I am of my 'family' - and first and foremost my two daughters.

Rayanne Forbes fight with Graves Disease has been chronicled in her amazing blog at rayannesthoughts.blogspot.ca - and it's her approach to making a giant positive out of a tremendous negative that never ceases to amaze me.

This young lady has been through more physical hardship than 'any' one person I know - with horrible surgery procedures; constant pain; more pills than you can shake a stick at; and going through more Doctor visits than you can imagine - yet through it all her 'entire' focus is on 'helping others.'

It's sincere folks.  Mere days after her 'botched' eye surgery she is up and at it again, not feeling sorry for herself, and chronicling what she has gone through so that others who read her blog from around the world can benefit from what she has learned.

There have been close to 14,000 'reads' of this blog from literally every corner of the world.  Rayanne shares the emails she gets from these people and each of them carry a painful reminder of how cruel and relentless this Graves Disease can be to them.

There is no cure.  There is little knowledge.  There is no 'out' for it.  There is no way to find out those important questions about 'longevity' of life - whether Graves can be passed on to their children - or what effect the 'next hit' will have on them.

Yet through it all Rayanne continues to go on television programs; write in her Edmonton Examiner articles; attend conferences; and passing along what she has learned to help others.

I don't know if I could be as strong - but I'm DAMN proud of her for not going the pity parade route and feeling sorry for herself so that she can remain positive and 'beat' Graves Disease as best possible.

Love you Punk.  You make it so much easier for all of us - and have strength beyond belief.  You have grown incredibly this year and that recognition from the FIERCE AWARDS is only the start for you as you continue to make an impact in life.

Keep going!

Lauren Forbes is the 'rock' of the family.  A once shy quiet kinda girl Lauren is the one who is the centre of love in our family and she is 'always' there for all of us without question when we need her.

She constantly makes me laugh. She is a 'really good and thoughtful' person.  She is liked by everybody who meets her and her support and love for Rayanne has been a huge help for both Kim and I at all times.

I once told Rayanne Graves is a 'family' disease and we are all there to fight with her - but it's Laurens strength and unquestioned support that has really helped 'all of us' get through whatever set back Rayanne goes through that makes a difference for everybody.

To my wife Kim Forbes, I know I'm not the easiest guy to live with - and that my nomadic lifestyle certainly provides its challenges to you - and to us - but I know that you know 'me' well and that the freedom you provide for me to galavant around the world only makes our time together all the more special.

Thank you!

Love you!

To my long list of friends - 'you guys rock.'

I love spending time with each of you.  You make me laugh.  You teach me things.  You support my often 'crazy' lifestyle - and you too are there whenever I need you - so "thank you."

Next, my Radiowise Inc. project pals - people like Julianna Veldtman; John Cameron; Ken Regan; Tommy Banks; Bud Steen; Mike Steger; George Smith, Steve Baker; Tamara Plant; Gord Whitehead, Debbie Walker; Daryl Hooke; Alyson Hodson; Sandra Woitas, and any of the great folks that I work with in 'public service projects' - please know that you guys bring me great 'value' in life.

Being able to make life better for others is in the Forbes family dna - and each of these projects is 'so important' to me as a person,that I simply can't express how proud I am to not only know you as 'friends' but as 'real people' who share a similar belief.

Thank you.

To my media pals - 42 years of working with some of the finest people in the business brings me great pleasure.

Through our contact in Social Media; to getting together to talk about media; to working with fabulous people in radio, television, and print - also means a great deal to me.  Since leaving the 'full time' radio world I've expanded my horizons greatly into exciting new areas and I couldn't have done any of it without on going support from you people.

Lloyd Lewis - Tim Spelliscy - Sandra Morocco - John Caputo - Melissa Kubek - Patrick Cardinal - Tamara Konrad - Kurt Leavins - Syd Smith -  Chris Sheetz - Tim Schootz - Terry Evans - Kelly Walters - Steve Hogle - Stew McDonald - Craig Roskin - Dean/Sue Heuman - Mack Male -  KJ - Len Theuson - each time I called on you guys with an 'idea' you opened the doors for me, which I value greatly.

To the 'old friends' who've joined me on Facebook and/or Twitter there is nothing greater than touching base with you one and all and especially remembering some of the great old days in media - again for which I greatly value.

It's so nice that "Decades turn into days - days into minutes - and miles into mere 'steps away' regardless of where we met, when we worked together, and where we currently reside."

Nothing hurts more than the passing of a great friend and I often shed a tear at the news of the loss of an old media associate whom I spent time with - and again I value the times we spent together.

RIP one and all.

So what will 2013 bring to Martin Jay Forbes?

More of the same.

More work in media.  More 'learning' about social media.  More 'mentoring' young people.  More 'sharing' of knowledge.

More 'unfiltered but much needed' comments when I think things are wrong.
More community work.  More media work.  More frequent flyer miles north/south to Edmonton and Phoenix.

More travel.   More motorcycle riding with my Tres Amigos buddies Gary Peruzzini and Brian Norrie - and others.   More 'new' friends.

More 'reading.'  More time with my family.  More focus on sucking up every inch of life and opportunities presented to me.

PS: Karl Stark; Bryn Griffiths; Tom Luzzi; Barry Archer; bro's Gord and Ger - you're among the 'natural' list - always pals!

Happy 2013 - life can only get better from here on in....love and best wishes to you all!

If they 'redid' the Internet....

I got to thinking today, with the explosion of Social Media in our daily lives, that maybe if they had a chance to do the Internet all over again that it might not really be a bad thing!

I feel this way because most of us discovered social media applications mostly on our own over the past several years- with no rules - little guidance - and no 'content' cop to move us along. 

Very simply now We are Out Of Control! 

We've stopped watching tv - listening to the radio - reading the actual 'print' copy of a newspaper and magazine and we are addicted to not one - not two - but often SEVERAL social media platforms that are eating up a TON of our time.

As well - we're flying blind - making mistakes - doing dumb stuff - and somebody needs to bring it all back with a little bit of co-ordination and thought!

As such I have a few ideas, and of course ALL IN FUN, because all of us (me included) are guilty of many Social Media sins in one way or the other. 

First of all we definately need a Social Media Content Cop - somebody who can control and redirect all that is Social Media so that it goes on the proper platform and so that we have some sort of guidance from above when we make mistakes while on the internet.

Who better than the all and powerful - The Wizard of Oz! 

Can't you just see him - in front of his giant MacBook pro - little Toto barking in the background - watching Facebook messages come in - Tweets - pictures on Pinterest - and those wonderful blogs (like this one) that we are now writing on a constant 24/7/365 basis.

What would "the Wiz" do if he was the one guy who could watch and monitor each and every one of us while we're in front of our PC, laptop, iPad or Smartphone.?

He likely would take our social media messages and add a few rules to the process.

Like:   For Twitter!

I adore Twitter.  It's the most important information source we've invented over the past few years, and with push notices and regular tweets you now are usually totally tuned in to what is going on around the world at any given moment. 

You want to see live pictures from the Tsunami - dial in.  Todays news highlights from the leading writers around the world - excellent - its amazing how much you can 'learn' if you follow the right people and companies!

 But Twitter can also be 'highly addictive' and misused.

I speak of people who spend 18 hours a day tweeting nothing but pictures of their dinners - silly banter back and forth that goes on endlessly - all the while sending notes to celeb's and sports guys/girls that they actually expect will get a response.

You may be a friend.  I may like you. I love to follow you and see whats happening in your world BUT if 90% of your tweets are useless or daily affirmations that I know you don't even keep yourself - UNFOLLOW!

There IS a Twitter 'you're over the limit' god too that steps in from time to time to stop some of this - and I'm not exactly when that kicks in to kick you to the Twitter penalty box but I believe the WIZARD would have a better solution - as he intervenes with a DM that states:

"wouldn't you and Little Suzie here be better exchanging EMAILS on your lovely new hair do and those gorgeous new socks and leave Twitter to people who actually enjoy sharing interesting articles, news stories, and interesting opinions?"

Social media does mean 'social' interaction - and I get pulled into the odd thread myself responding to my idiot brother and his love of Calgary sports teams from time to time  - but my buffering comes from friends who remind me if and when I go 'over my daily limit' on acceptable and interesting Tweets - and I can assure you it is nowhere near the FIFTY IN 18 hours level.

The Wizard should also be the one and final judge for when you go 'over the line' with OFFENSIVE CONTENT on Twitter to remind you that the tweet you fired out with great emotion after a few too many Jaggers' in the middle of the night might just may come back and haunt you later in life when you least expect it....like when you're looking for a job.

Yup - censorship - but for your own good - because that little shot you took at somebody, with your fractured "Effin" or "Fricken," may as well be the full F Bomb when you're standing in front of the HR interviewer who is asking you what type of person you really are....but allready knows cuz he/she monitors your SM prescence....so fair warning.

Plus - does everybody LOL on everything? LMFAO when I see that all the time! :)

And:   Facebook!

A few rules:

All old girlfriends have to post with their Maiden names.  Not fair for you to track ME down on the web without me taking a gander back at how you've held up since we dated in high school.


And please don't include me in YOUR club.  I could care less and an 'ask' should at least be made before you jam up my Facebook feed with the Yo Yo Club of the Month offerings.  If you've got a good thing going send me an EMAIL (right Wiz?) and give me the option to jump in or not before you arbitrarily add me to your event.

I think the WIZARD should also add an "ASSHOLE" button to all SM accounts. 

If and When somebody says something really stupid - over the line - racist - or bullying - that you have the divine right to hit the ASSHOLE button and get the persons real name, address, email and maybe even their phone numbers. 

Nothing worse than idiots playing behind a fake name!

Use your REAL name - and especially if you are getting into a debate with somebody in public.

On my blogs and any public articles I'm fortunate enough to be in I have a policy of "NO response to anybody who doesn't use their real name."

I love a good debate.  I'm often wrong and need correcting.  I'm open to new ideas and alternate views HOWEVER if you aren't man/woman enough to look me in the eyes and say the same thing you get no response at all.

Next - if you post nothing but recipes - the Wizard should send you over to Pinterest. 

Ya I mean you Tom Luzzi!

I love ya like a brother - but your nightly gourmet meals and/or restaurant pics make me EXTREMELY hungry (and envious) and you should be Auto Pinned
over to that graphically beautiful Pinterest so I can dial in when I'm not so damned hungry!

And...most importantly...C'mon Ladies LET US BOYS on Pinterest!

We need a place for our cars - our sports heroes - our toys and prized possessions but you simply are drowning us out with wedding pictures; dresses and fashion; dream vacations that we'll probably never get to go        
with you; and other female only type delights. 

Pinterest is your revenge - right ladies?

I think the actual ratio is now about 85% female - 15% male - so please - let us play too!


Finally - BLOGS! 

Some are so good.  Some are so bad!

Judge me as you may but if you have a boring life; not really engaged in a bunch of interesting things; accomplished little; have no real dynamic opinions or views (other than tainted ones); then maybe a blog really isn't for you.

Love your kids.  Love your dogs.  Nice outfit you just bought.  You drove to the store today but forgot your wallet; Muffy got her Grade Nine diploma - please tell your Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Granny if they have 'email' - or put it in your diary - but don't bother the rest of the world who are looking to grow - share - and enjoy the real benefit of SM by reading a highly thought out and well written blog!

Travel the world - take pics - tell us about the good the bad and ugly of your trip.

Volunteer for a public service group and show your readers who have taken the time to check out your blog what a great bunch of people you know who are helping make a difference in the world.

Find a topic - explore it further - dive into it...then teach all of us.

My crazy Martys Musings blog site has been read more than 32,000 times - and my daughter Rayannes blog (rayannesthoughts.blogspot.ca) more than 10,500 times in the past year - evoking response from people literally around the world who have had a great deal of trouble trying to find the exact information that Rayanne has been writing about for the past year.

It's opened up doors; provided comfort to both Rayanne and the reader; and really has made a tangible difference in peoples lives for which I commend her!

Blogs can be very powerful and informative - or not!

So over to you Mr. Wizard of Oz.

Pull it back into shape and some order or semblance - I think it's time.


****
This week we lost a great soul - our dog DUKE - who at age 12 left us Nov 12/2012.  He truly was "This Mans Best Friend" - and the Forbes Family have so many fond moments from this most amazing dog.  

Thanks Duke!  

As Rayanne says "all dogs go to heaven" - so go steal Gods bread off the counter like you did ours over those magnificent years together Duke -     Love ya Much! ***

Social Media strikes the 'heart chords'

I always enjoy my chats with Perry Esler of the Children's Miracle Network. 

We worked hand in hand together for about 3 years on the Astral Media Radiothon project awhile back and raised approx. $22 million dollars for kids medical needs/centres 'coast to coast' in Canada.

Our chat today focussed on the frustration of dealing in a world of corporate executives that, to this day,  'just don't get Social Media.'

Not surprizing when you think that only 'about 5% of the Fortune 500 leaders' are even on a Social Media platform, ie. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; etc.  That's an American number and likely even smaller in Canada.

Many of these guys are 'boomers' at the tail end of their careers with their eyes focussed firmly on the finish line - 'retirement' - 'pension' - etc. and not really into the ROI risk mode. 

I understand that but this group is not actually missing the 'wave' anymore - but a'tsunami!' and if THEY don't want to jump into the Digital World they'd better be smart enough to hire 'somebody' who does - or they will quickly become the next Blockbuster, Rogers Video, etc.

Here's a hint for those CEO's....One KEY to social media is 'striking a heart chord.'

Selling 'widgets' on line is one thing but anything that has to do with 'love and compassion' will move at warp speed on Social Media, done right.

For example.  Just this week JUSTIN BIEBER was floating around town and literally everywhere he went - breakfast, lunch, shopping, etc. was chronicled on Social Media.  He (and his body guards) know and understand you can't hide anymore so 'make yourself available to the people you love the most!'  

He and his lady friend Selena Gomez, stopped everywhere to sign autographs, take pictures, etc, even if it meant putting down their food while attempting to dine like a 'local.'   

Time on Social Media 'immense' - Time on Traditional Media - about 90 seconds!

More powerful than that was the Crystal Montgomery story here in Edmonton. 

She's just 17 years old (diagnosed with cancer) and currently at the Cross Cancer Clinic. 

A movement started with the hash tag #bieberforcrystal (CEO's - google 'hash tag' to find out what I mean!) - and several Edmonton radios jumped on the bandwagon quickly to get Biebers attention for this young lady - who will soon have her arm amputated - to try and meet the Biebs.

Justin, class kid that he obviously is, saw the messages on Twitter and jumped in his tour bus to come over to the hospital in the afternoon prior to his concert where pictures of him standing beside a 'beaming' Crystal got posted around the world well before it hit the 6 o'clock news.

Her line, extremely touching and simple, "you don't know how much this means to me!"

Heart chord!

Another fun little one.  Brother Ger of CJAY 92 fame and I attended my Mother Noreens 84th birthday on Labour Day in Toronto and Gerry posted her picture with a simple ASK "we'd like 84 LIKES on Facebook for Mom's birthday."  (CEO's google LIKE ON FACEBOOK too)

At the last count Noreen had 'well over' 375,000 LIKES and more than 20,000 COMMENTS (CEO's google "threads of people talking about your site) - and again that power of social media thing "stikes a heart chord."

The NHL recently commissioned a "focus group" to find out how the fans are reacting to the NHL Lockout and what the result might be after this dumb thing is fixed.

Must have cost a bundle. 

I can safely say FOR FREE that the consumer is speaking out loudly and consistently on Twitter and Facebook 24/7 and....you're in for a rough ride believe me Mr. Bettman, Mr. Crosbie,etc..

Social Media platforms are not built in a day - nor is it a perfect business plan for everybody - however the digital kids are rewriting the marketing rules.  They are tough to fool and they 'move in packs' so you'd better be engaging with them on their comfort platform (smartphone/tablets) or they will simply move on to another business who do 'understand them.'

When Twitter; Facebook; Pinterest; Instagram; Tumblr; etc are part of the lexicon of almost every Television show, Newscast, and Newspaper/Magazine article these days it's a clear signal to those CEO's falling behind the times to start to at least 'understand' what this whole digital shift means to selling their products in the very near future.

Where your product 'touches' somebody you likely will enjoy great benefits.

Otherwise - better have a sign ready to print that says... "BUSINESS CLOSED!"

Maybe BLOCKBUSTER or ROGERS VIDEO can lend you theirs!

The Time Keeper....

I'm reading the latest book from Mitch Albom now called "The Time Keeper" - and it's very timely because the more I look at all the clues around me it is the plain and simple truth that 'time is running out' for each of us and there's not a damn thing we can do about it.

Well almost - because we can certainly last a bit longer on this terra firma if we look after ourselves, mentally and physically, but the fact is that there is an 'expiry date' on all of us that is up and coming at some point in the future.

The book, as always with Mitch, takes you through a long maze to get to the eventual meaning - but without ruining it for you - it's another reminder of how precious life is and that you should try to suck up every ounce of life that you can while you have your alloted 'time' on this earth!

The Albom book hit me a bit hard this past weekend as I lost another old friend.

He was one of those guys that I had a ton of fun with while working in radio in Vancouver in the 1980's  - and one of those guys that fell into the "why the hell didn't I keep in touch with him" category - for which I blame both of us.

John Iocobucci (Yack-a-boo-chee) or Yak as we called him was a very funny man - always!

He and I worked together at Selkirk Broadcasting in Vancouver for several years and I can safely say Yak made me laugh on a 'daily' basis.

During our CRTC hearing in 1985 our panel was one of great diversity with John sitting in the middle.

As the Commissioner looked across at the name tags he looked over at John and said - "can you please pronounce your name for us?"

Yack leans over to the mic very slowly and says...."John!"

It set the tone for the meeting in which we were in a heated battle with the CRTC to change the format of CJAZ to KISSFM (now Jack) and it certainly eased the atmosphere greatly from that moment on as the entire panel either laughed out loud or had cheshire cat type grins on their faces as we began our presentation.

Over the past decade or so I've lost many good friends and each time when my reflection app in the brain kicks in I get to remember great moments that friendships can bring to you.

And each time we seem to start with "how hold was he/she" question and, no matter what the answer is, the usual real response is and should be.... "wow that's way too young!"

Or - 70 is the new 60,  60 is the new 50, well...you know....

When you lose one of your pals I think it should be used as a real stepping stone to make some realizations in your life too.

For me, personally....

1.  I'm going to start taking better care of myself 'just in case.'

2.  I'm going to call/email/text/mail a letter to somebody who I spent time with in the past just to touch base and say hello - and to let them know I appreciate our friendship.

3.  I'm going to continue to make donations to the various organizations that either help fight disease or that make life 'better' for somebody else - to show my appreciation for what I've experienced in my life.

4.  I'm going to continue to counsel family and friends to "quit stressing about the little stuff" - because stress really is a bastard and most of the things I see people fret about really mean nothing in the grand scheme of life.

Yes kids there "WILL" be hockey again one day soon!

5.  Finally I'm going to remind idiots on social media who call anybody "old man" or "old woman" as a  way to be a smart ass to them that you too will not escape The Time Keeper and you too will be exactly what you are slagging us as an "old man/old woman" one day too so please find a new way to tweet or post your comments to anybody who is older - and obviously more mature - than you.

With age comes wisdom.  

With time comes experience.  

With experience comes respect.  

With respect comes love.  

With friendship comes precious and lasting memories.

I hope to live a long long time to experience even more in my life - and to John Iocubucci - my sincere thanks for treating my family and me to some very fun times in our lives.  I will truly miss you and I'm so sad that I didn't reach out over the past several years simply to say 'hello' and 'thank you!"

We had a hell of a Management Team at Selkirk Vancouver - and between you, the the likes of the late Tom Peacock, Ted Farr, Taanta Gupta, Sharon Berry and the Selkirk Toronto team we had an amazingly fun time and made some very valuable and lasting friendships.... for which I am forever grateful.

RIP John!  Make God laugh!

Social Media redefines "Sports"

I was honoured to be invited by the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Clubs new media group to be part of a discussion group to assess their current Social Media platforms.

In the room were several of Edmonton's 'bright lights' in the field.

(I know - first question - how the hell did YOU fit in?)

It was a good mix of folks I know including CITY TV's Ryan Jespersen (@ryanjespersen) ; his lovely wife from UP Radio Keri Skelton (@keriskelton); Mack Male (@mastermaq); Brittney Le Blanc from the Edmonton Journal (@britl); Adam Rosenberg from Calder Bateman (@bingofuel), Todd Crawshaw from CKUA, (@bob_laubaw) as well as some 'new friends' - Alex Abboud (@alexabboud) - Ryan Batty (@ryan_batty) - and the crew from the Oilers including Media big wig Steve Hogle, Jessica McPhee, Andrea Goss, Kelsey Spohn, and the guy who pushes all the buttons - Ryan Frankson.

It was a great discussion for a number of reasons.

First off "because they are thinking progressively.' Second -"they want to stay on the leading edge" - and Third - "they want to reach out to those in the know of SM for their opinions and ideas."

It's been a summer of major changes for the marriage of Social Media and Sports.

Nobody can deny that NBC paid the price with the Twitter, Facebook and Blog world by 'delaying' most of the Olympic Coverage from London back to the US.

Twitter had 'instant' winners and opinions flying all day long and it was humourous watching my pals from the United States following the 'millions' of tweets from here
on us watching the Opening and Closing ceremonies as they showed great frustration as they had to wait about 8 hours later to see what Canada (and I'm guessing most of the world) got to enjoy 'live' on CTV or other carriers.

One of the things that is hard to express to people is the 'power' of Twitter.

Lines like:

Q: Why should I care about some guy who has 15 followers and what he/she says?

A: Cuz that follower's 15 followers may have thousands upon thousands of followers - who also Retweet messages.

It's like the rabbit theory...it just grows and grows and grows.

Just ask the Alberta political parties about the effects felt in the last election by a couple of wild card comments from their staffers (or candidates seeking election) that rippled around the world and had great effects on their particular party 'instantly.'

Yes the 'wild card' theory is a concern about Social Media, but in my experience it doesn't take long for a CREDIBLE source to correct (and criticize) anybody who has made an erronious, or offensive comment.

I think it's a signature change in the Sports business that professional sports clubs are doing these kinds of chats.

They are beginning to recognizing that their fan base is 'heavily' involved in Social Media - and that their Players too are big stars in the field.

Who doesn't follow Paul Bissonnette of the Phoenix Coyotes? He has more followers 'personally' than many sports teams have 'collectively.' (Sorry Oilers - it's just his power!)

It's also apparent to me that you may see 'bloggers' and 'sm leaders' sitting in the Media Section of arenas and stadiums in the very near future. Yes it's important to follow the Sports Journalists in each city - but the often unbiased perspective of a guy or girl sitting at the game and what they see and say 'as a fan' is also becoming a factor in sports.

*Fair warning SM guys and Bloggers: Don't sit in Terry Jones seat OR take too much free popcorn!*

Many sports teams are also now using Social Media as 'commerce' with their fans too.

You can now order 50/50 tickets, food/beverage or souveniers to be delivered to your seat during the game in some NFL Major League Baseball NBA and NHL stadiums allready.

Some have the technology to email your smart phone before the end of the game asking if you'd like to buy those same seats you are in for an upcoming game.

One click - and those tickets are delivered electronically to your account.

You can order food and walk up to a 'fast track' line at the concession stands too where your food is waiting and likely paid for through a smart phone or tablet loyalty program.

More and more teams are putting entertaining tweets not only on their websites but during the game experience on the Jumbotrons too.

(*Ya I'm tired of the Kiss Cam too - until it goes to the other teams bench!)

Pinterest is allowing 'three clicks to commerce' too. The Arizona Cardinals have an excellent site where you can order clothing allready segmented into Boards for Kids, Men or Womens - as well as a direct connection to tickets for upcoming games.

One great thing about Social Media is that it evokes 'discussion' - and many different opinions make things better, however a major concern for me is the fact that a recent stat has stated that ONLY 3% of Fortune 500 Companies have CEO's who have either a Facebook or Twitter account.

That's 'billions' of dollars of decisions being made by the corner office who truly don't understand the Power of Social Media in their own hands.

So again "Thank You" to the Edmonton Oilers Social Media team that put together this discussion.

I think some great feedback was provided - both ways - as the guests got to understand some of the logistics that the Oilers, and the NHL, have to deal with - and I'm looking forward to following Edmonton Oilers President Patrick LaForge 'when' he ventures on to Twitter.

Open your heart - open your wallet!

There are many many great causes to support in the City of Edmonton - and the citizens of our city are "special" to say the least because they continue to donate either their hard earned cash OR their time to make somebody elses life better year after year and cause after cause.



In the past three years of my 'semi-retirement' I was fortunate enough to have worked for Astral Radio on their Radiothon team. Eighty three radio stations participated in a coast to coast Radiothon that raised close to a staggering $22 million dollars for various children's hospitals and charities across Canada.

And this past year Newcap's Capital FM invited me to help co-ordinate their Make a Wish Northern Alberta Radiothon held in and around their offices in the West Edmonton Mall for which I gladly accepted.



These Radiothons take a great deal of hard work for many people and usually takes about six months of pre planning culiminated in a day that can only be described as of "hurricane" proportions when the stations announcers kick it off and the phones begin to ring.



Make a Wish personnel, lead by Cathy Gabucci and her able assistant Amber Benders and I met with Newcap Edmontons Program Director John Roberts, and GSM Kelly Walter and designed sales packages for their clients to participate in - and to help us spread the good word on the cause.

Some of the stations clients participated by holding special deals for their customers as well graciously donating the profits to Make a Wish which really helps boost our total as well.



Throughout the past three months we've been bringing Wish Families 'in' to the radio station to be interviewed. During these chats we hear highly touching and compelling stories. We hear joy and laughter from the families. We hear hope and good will from the Doctors - Nurses and staff who participate in one way or another in the cause. We hear how important the granting of a wish could be to each child and as they chronicle their adventures during the Wish a great deal of pride is felt by all of us.



But mostly during a Radiothon - it's about the Announcers.

These men and women can tell you how 'tough' a day it is for them. It's far different from playing music on a day to day level to looking directly into the eyes of a parent describing their child's pain in dealing with life threatening health conditions.

Throughout the day these announcers will do their absolute best to help in both raising money for the cause but also in making people 'aware' of the Make a Wish Foundation because I can assure you that 'sometime' in your life a friend, a family member, or a work associate will need the services of this great operation.

Behind the scenes - the people who answer the phones; the station engineers; the Make a Wish staff - 'volunteer' phone assistance all work together to make these successful days.

So from all of us - my Family; Newcap Radio; our supporting sponsors; and Make a Wish a big THANK YOU is in order.

Random thoughts on a rainy day....

The human mind and body are pretty amazing machines....and after both Rayanne and I spent time in 'surgery and recovery' this past month it's amazing to see how quickly the body heals intrusive surgery and the mind numbs the pain from these surgeries. Mine was minor - Rayanne continues to fight the big fight - and having your eyes 'repositioned' was a far bigger challenge than a minor hernia operation that I faced but we'd both like to say 'thank you' to the Hospital teams who looked after us.

Doctors are worth every penny they're paid while Nurses deserve an immense amount of respect for what they do for a living.

Thanks to everybody who made this easy on us.



Quick story - when you go through stressful times like what we've faced this past month HUMOUR plays a huge role and 'any' time you can laugh (although it hurts your stomach) is highly appreciated. Rayanne took several days to get her vision back; and had double vision for some time. She was 'bored' with sitting in bed with a bag of ice over her eyeballs and wanted to 'help' Mom (that's Rayanne...) so she got up and emptied the dish washer for her.

Only problem was the dishes were NOT washed yet - and her tender eyes couldn't see that - so Kim had to go through the cupboards and find all the offending dishes, utensils, etc.

Thanks for trying though Punk!



When we moved into the Windermere Ambleside area two years ago one of the things that impressed us the most was the 'unique' new Currents Mall 'shopping village' concept that we saw displayed on a great full motion video. It gave us a feeling that we'd be within walking distance of a complex that would give you the same feel as walking down the main street of Banff or Jasper - lots of sitting areas - a stream - and Ma and Pa type shops. Well, to date, we have Staples; Home Depot; WalMart; Cineplex; Liquor Depot; Swiss Chalet; Safeway; Canadian Tire; Tim Hortons; several banks; a few medical centres and a drive through that has stop lights about every fifty feet. Not one Ma and Pa shop; not one unique restaurant; no stream; no seating areas; no bike path; or the same old-same old from virtually every other shopping centre in Edmonton. They're only about half way through the project but here's hoping SOMETHING unique - local - and 'home made' makes it to this mall. We 'do' really like Paul and Christine who own/operate the Second Cup - very nice folks who 'get community.'



I do a ton of work in raising money in the public service areas of Edmonton, for which I'm extremely proud. I was taught very early in life that a) sharing is everything and that b) having a healthy community benefits each and every one of us. It was my Mother and Father that taught me those principals, and it still rings true nearly 30 years 'after' Dad passed away with the honour bestowed on him for his work with Santas Anonymous and the yet to break ground Jerry Forbes Centre.

As such I make contact with many friends and business associates that I have garnered over the past 40 years of my life in and around Edmonton. One of the difficult points that I try to get across is "I'm not just hitting YOU up for money - and I'm just trying to notify you that, somewhere down the road, you may want to know about these projects for you - your company - or your family to possibly
a) particate in or even b) benefit from."

It's amazing how many times while at The Bear that our Bear Children's Fund projects were NEEDED by family and close friends. (We 'donated' over $2 million in cash while I was there!) Heart monitors at the Royal Alexander Hospital - a special "Westin" type suite we built for families at that hospital - parks at schools - funding an entire inner city MUSIC program that still operates almost a decade later that was being cancelled by the school sysstem. Some of those who benefited were either employees - relatives - or close business associates.

So - when I call or email - it's simply to update you on some 'tremendous' projects I'm working on. If you can't donate 'personally' at this time I understand it. If you have a cause that your business likes to support 'please' consider one I tell you about.

Charity money in Edmonton is raised 'a dollar at a time' - we're not Toronto or Calgary - and most of the great projects are built one brick at a time.

All I ask is a response - and "no" is an answer.

Better yet "Let me think about it and maybe down the road we can help" is a better answer.

No response - no returning a call or an email simply is not respectful and 'trust me' I understand but sometimes awareness of a cause can come forefront later in life...especially if the 'need' comes close to where you live.

PS: Since I 'retired' I've been part of raising $22 MILLION for charities across Canada; and currently working on Foundations who need close to $35 million to complete their projects.

The people who DO this kind of work also deserve a HUGE amount of respect ...and...I'm hoping for a decent spot in heaven!



And...that's my soapbox...thanks for understanding!

The other project I'm thrilled to be working on is the Star Wars Identities project coming this fall to the Telus World of Science in Edmonton. This George Lucas project will ONLY be available in TWO North American cities - Montreal and good old Edmonton - thanks to the vision and hard work of people like George Smith and Steve Baker. Following this project BODY WORLDS II will be coming, and this is one of several 'different' shows travelling the world so it will be fresh and new from the one that was here a few years back. Then there are two or three more what I can only describe as 'mega' shows coming to our town. There's a multi million dollar 'expansion' being built at this moment to house these shows as well - with a plan for even further expansion coming down the road. The up side is the more that these shows are successful the more money is available to build the 'educational' side of the building.



With the digital evolution well underway kids today are learning at a rate that, I have heard, is about five times the rate of what we (ok 'my' generation) did in the past and their capacity to learn is immense. The more topical and interesting the Telus World of Science is the more everybody benefits. So - please go see an IMAX presentation (more good news is coming in that digital field shortly too) - take your family BACK to the centre and see what's new (it's always evolving) - and better yet BRING SOMEBODY NEW to the TWoS - visitors from out of town. Follow them on Twitter - @TWoSEdm - join their Fan page on Facebook - and access their tremendous website - www.telusworldofscienceedmonton.com and show your support.

Great folks doing great work for our city!

Traditional advertising template is changing quickly...

With my Radiowise Inc. clients we are focussing on understanding the demographics vs psychographics of media audiences - or 'lifestyle groups' as I call them.

Media is sold in demographics (the numbers of people who use your product) while psychographics show a clearer picture of the potential client.

For example Rosanne and Murphy Brown were on television several years back and both fit in to the same demographic cell - yet I can assure you that a stay at home Mom with bratty kids and a lazy slob of a husband probably is not going to buy the same Lincoln that the contemporary well educated downtown business woman is going to buy.

If you simply break your lifestyle groups into three tiers - the Traditionals; the Moderates; and the Digitals it's easy to show their media usage preferences.

The Traditional (usually plus 55) likes his/her newspaper in hand; watches television and likely doesn't use his PVR/DVR; and has two or three radio stations to which the bulk of his/her listening goes to.

The Moderate (usually 30 plus) is getting integrated into the digital lifesyle and likely owns a Smart phone - or Tablet - where they use approx. 50 to 60% of the technical capacity of those units. They watch television, but DVR 'most' things - skipping over television commercials - and listen to about 4 or 5 different radio stations, multi format for their diverse listening patterns, and scan through newspapers/magazines but search for interesting articles to post to their Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - and 'email pals.'

The Digitals would rather 'text than talk' - watch NO traditional television (well ok "Jersey Shore") and listen to about 6 or 7 radio stations but leave within seconds of when a commercial comes on that station.

The Traditionals are the ones who've graduated to HD and giant screen televisions - while the digitals are happy to access their video content on their much smaller but mobile platforms.

It's a bitter reality that this 'digital shift' means if you are still buying your advertising and promoting your product in a traditional manner you've missed a great portion of the audience out there in this reality.

Another major complication with maintaining status quo in your buying patterns is that 'most' of the media across Canada now have their decision making process moved back east and by that I mean there is little local control anymore other than the exact quoto of how many spots - promo's you can run for your client as that is now totally restricted by the rules made in the centre of the universe.

In the US cable cancellations are at an all time high. People are tired of a) paying for channels they never use and b) pissed at the price they have to pay for bundled services and c) simply watching less 'live' television and knowing that they can access their favorite shows 'digitally' and watch them whenever they please.

Lets face it. It's getting extremely expensive to have cable services especially now that you 'double pay' for analog and digital - and all those 'extra' services like movies, and sports packages.

Advertisers are trying more and more new innovative ways to get their message out to get around the aforementioned problems. Product placement is also changing. That can of Coke that sits on the American Idol tables is now old and stale.

One very neat way to make your product placement stand out is being done currently on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. If you've seen it lately she builds her clients into very goofy 'skits' that she does with her guests. A recent 'soap opera' had a guest 'die' during the skit yet everytime a key word was said his hand held up a J C PENNY sign. It appeared over and over and you just could not miss it - especially when the guests had a hard time holding their laughter when the sign hit Ellen in the face.

And how long has it been since you've seen a PC on a desk as opposed to a Mac? Man - Apple wins!

Giving each and every member of the audience an expensive gift from her sponsors is also a giant plus for the advertiser.


Locally what can you do now?

Negotiate to the local media strength.

Radio stations are very active over the summer months and a Street Team blitz where there are giant crowds avaiable are a gold mine. Sample your product. Do something fun/innovative. Stand out in the crowd.

In the newspaper try to get 'editorial' support. A great story about you - your product - your community service - is always a giant plus.

For television, LOCAL news.

As for the newspaper try to become that 'guest expert' so that you are the go to person/brand when they need content to support a story.

In each case you want, as often as possible, to not get into those crowded long stop sets on television and radio - and you want to get that extra 'ad libs' and 'live' coverage from the announcers, news personnel, anchors, etc.

Most traditional media have digital media to compliment their companies as well and each client should again try to find a way to reach those 'three tiers' of lifestyle groups that I've described in this blog.

If you have an Emerging Media Manager in house remind him/her that being 'in control of your own creative' is key. Film your own events if the media aren't showing up. Post the best on your own web site. Send local media brief snippets of audio/video with your media releases.

Post to Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest and thank those of your followers for their share/retweet so that the digital "rabbit theory" kicks in and your message gets shared around the globe.

Buying advertising is easy - it's a mathematical equation - but making sure that you have corporate exposure in each lifestyle groups 'comfort platform' will make a huge difference in the only way you should measure your advertising effectiveness....the good old fashioned "bums in seats" theory.

I haven't covered OUTDOOR but it too has made a significant move to digital products which are graphically attractive and can be updated very quickly via remote access. I would like to investigate their effectiveness a bit more with an expert in that field to see if their clients are enjoying great results with this platform.

Built right - from the ground up - great radio stations last a long time!

It's anniversary year in Edmonton radio. CISN FM turns thirty years old - followed a few months later by CKNG (Joe FM) which launched as CJAX FM - and then CFBR - The Bear turns a ripe twenty years old this September.

Former 630 CHED 'legend' Bob McCord (and a LOCAL ownership group) took two kicks at the CRTC cat in the late 70's and early 80's for a new FM licence in Edmonton and the second application worked as they launched CISN FM in the spring of 1982. Over the years the station has been a perennial 'winner' of many industry awards, both in music and media, and has been at the top or near the top of the Edmonton for much of the past three decades.

Many 'great' broadcasters came and went from the station in the past three decades and it has been sold a few times over but in 'all' cases the owners/managers/program directors realized the power of the station and the format and super served the listeners. Another benchmark for CISN is community service and there just isn't enough space in a blog like this to properly recognize the many innovative and creative ways that the station has helped in the Edmonton and Alberta rural communities. OK the tractor run to the American border a few years back deserves the Forbes Radiowise Inc. award for going over and above the call of duty!

About half a year after the CISN launch I was both fortunate and unfortunate enough to have launched CJAX FM, Edmonton's Rockin' country radio station.

Fortunate because there is 'nothing' more fun and enjoyable than launching a new radio station; hiring a great motivated staff; and trying something new and innovative on the radio.

Unfortunate because Bob McCord launched a 'machine' in the market; CFCW had and still has a firm grasp on the Alberta rural AM listeners; and Maclean-Hunter was planning to get out of radio all together leaving us with less than adequate tools to really give it a go in the market.

However - lots of good things happened with CJAX.

First off we had 'great' people who went on to very successful careers in both the radio and television industry.

He'll hate me for using his high school picture, but Bell Ottawa Program Director Brian Depoe's first gig was at CJAX FM. Actually he was serving steaks at The Keg but had family roots 'deep' into the business and the taste for radio was in his blood. Since 'graduating' from Edmonton Brian has gone on to run top notch properties in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. I call him one of my 'true' friends - meaning he'd be one of the first guys I'd call with the message "Bri - I need bail!"

Another almost raw rookie, Clay Hagel, (Clay St. Thomas) spent time at CJAX FM as well and has gone on to bigger and better things in Vancouver radio. I'd also like to salute some very good folks who also spent time at the station and they include PD Tom Tompkins, 630 CHED's Scott Johnson; the late Greg Sheratt; Megan Bishop; long time Edmonton broadcaster Steve Moore; and current Global Television Edmonton morning man Mike Sobel.

There were many more talented people in the building both when I was there and for several years after - but due to length I'm sorry I can't include them all.

Another good thing that came out of the CJAX lineage was the licence to flip CJAZ in Vancouver to CKKS (now CKLG/Jack) in Vancouver.

As mentioned Maclean-Hunter was not going to stay in radio and I had been working on a Soft Rock licence for almost a year when they notified me of their intent. With great fortune again, and thanks to TED FARR, off to the west coast I went with this new FM licence in hand.

Although the jazz community loved the station in Vancouver it was bleeding money and then owners Selkirk Broadcasting gave us the go ahead to 'modifiy' the licence I had developed to fit the Vancouver market and the late (great) Tom Peacock and our Programming support team also took two kicks at the CRTC cat (we were a tad out of compliance the first time around - til Analyist Peter Fleming helped guide us on to the second hearing) and "97 KISS FM" was launched.

Birth of The Bear:

Sitting in a room, twenty years ago, with the owner - GARY SLAIGHT - legendary US consultant RANDY MICHAELS - and perennial PD OF THE YEAR ERIC SAMUELS and 'building' a radio station like The Bear from the ground up was truly the highlight of my career.

Ideas were thrown up on the wall - kicked around or kicked out - and each of us put our two cents into building this new (pun intended) beast. The Station has won Canadian Music Weeks "Rock Station of the Year" a number of times and/or Program Directors Eric Samuels - Greg Diamond - or Ryan Zimmerman picked up "Rock Program Director of the Year" during the awards - and I've always viewed such recognition as acknowledgement that the entire radio station contributes to or a 'team award.'

My point of all this is the title of my blog:

"Built right - from the ground up - great radio stations last."

Twenty years later and thirty years later respectively both THE BEAR and CISN are still thriving while CJAX has turned over staff many many times - changed call letters a few times - changed formats several times - and it took several years before it landed as the now very stable JOE FM.

Compared to todays format flips where stations are often launched with 'no announcers' both CISN and The Bear launched with 'very well known' and 'high profile' staff, both on and off the air. I would love to go back now to add up the 'years of experience' we had in the building at the outset of those launches compared to today's radio stations debuts.

Both stations were also launched with not only substantial advertising budgets but highly creative promotional plans and over the top 'stunts.'

Both stations were launced with an 'immense' respect for community and to this day operate very successful internal public service projects like The Bear's Children's Fund - or the endless amount of work that CISN pours into a variety of public service needs. "Millions of dollars" of CASH go to places like the Stollery Children's Hospital and other very worthwhile organizations.

The staff of these stations all 'rowed in the same direction.'

Each of the guys/ladies on the air were so good at their various positions that they worked up to the highest level they possible could which rubbed off on the 'junior' staff, many of whom are the stars of todays "Edmonton Radio." Guys like Yukon Jack - Chris Scheetz...etc etc. who all worked their way up from the bottom to the top of their respective fields.

Great radio stations attract great talent to be part of the success of the operation and help sustain that success for many years to come.

In the same market some of the other operators have changed formats up to as many as five or six times often displacing the entire on air staff or 'starting over again' while the heritage stations always find ways to add a tweak here - make a minor change there - and bingo - continue to be market leaders in their respective formats.

You'll find similar success stories in places like Vancouver with CHQM - Toronto with CHFI and CHUM FM - and Calgary with CJAY - to name just a few.

So Happy Anniversary to CISN FM - great job Bob McCord and to all those that followed at CISN.

Ditto to my pals at The Bear both past and present.

We all shared something very special and often it takes a milestone achievement like 'time' to stop, take a breath, and realize we did something very special in the world of radio - for which many others will benefit from down the road.

**PS: the "Marty Forbes Way" picture is courtesy ex Op's Manager Ryan Zimmerman who named the 'hallway' in the Standard (now Astral and soon to be Bell building) as a parady of the streets allready named after my late father Jerry Forbes in Edmonton. A very fun and appreciated tribute.**

Thoughts on getting old(er)

I'm at a point in my life when years seem like months - months seem like weeks - weeks seem like days - days seem like hours - and hours can often seem like seconds.

Father time can often play cruel tricks on your mind when you think "that really happened 9 years ago...it seemed just like yesterday."

I was never one of those guys that had 'benchmark changes' in my life - like those turning 30, 40, 50, 60 thoughts that those birthdays bring to people often.

I do, however, seem to be having flashback memories to certain points in my life more often than usual lately.

As such, as I 'mature' (I hate the term age...it's something physically out of your control but very much IN your control how old you 'act') I wonder about the aging process and the benefits of my current situation.


As I scoot towards my 'seventies' I'm as playful as when I was in my second and third decades...and I intend to stay that way forever!

In age I now see 'beauty' - eyes that reflect experience and history.

I see 'respect' for people who have lived many many years often under difficult situations.

I see 'love' as they're the ones who actually have time to stop and smell the roses - they're the ones who don't care that their hair looks like or that their way of dress is less than perfect - they're the ones who still hold doors open for women and 'older' people or give up their seat on the bus even though their fragile legs aren't what they used to be themselves.

I now smile and say hi to babies...in fact every baby that comes anywhere near me.

I hope I'm not scaring the Mothers because this used to be very normal in my lifetime.

There's nothing more beautiful to me than getting that return little precious smile as the Pumpkin grabs hold of Mom's leg knowing he/she isn't supposed to acknowledge strangers.

At my age I am so happy that I can say things without anybody firing me now - and I feel so sorry for people that I know that are so trapped in jobs, careers or even relationships that they publicly state 'they hate.'

At my age I'm really missing several of my good friends that passed away 'way too soon' - and especially for their living parents, or children, who never got to spend as much time as I do with my extended family.

Through health problems or tragic suicide I have lost several people who passed away 'way too soon' and "if I had only known" there was a time clock on each and every one of us for our time on earth I would have spent way more time with these beautiful people or offered 'whatever help they needed' at the time.

As I dream each night 'reflection' means so much more to me now as some of those precious memories from my past simply fade away and I start to wonder 'what if' in my thoughts.

What if my Mom and Dad didn't divorce in 1961? - I wonder what this years Family reunion would feel like with them spending time with my brothers and sister; my children; and our wives.

My kids never got to meet my Dad - but get to hear his voice on CHED every Christmas when they play the Santas Anonymous "Creature" - and they love love love both of their Grandmothers - and I'd love THEM to hear from my parents about THEIR lives so they get to know them better and especially that all too important family tree that I know so little about.

As I get older I like spending more time with Gen "C" too (connected) and I love to listen to their opinions and thoughts on the world. These kids keep ME young - keep ME in touch - and help push me to continue to learn so that I don't turn into one of those old boring people who stop growing and learning as they age.

And I feel sad that most of us often 'don't' listen to these kids or dismiss their ideas as 'dumb'....because they ARE our future and when they question WHY we do things often they are very correct in their observations!

I like to apologize to them for the things MY generation are responsible for that affect their lives.

We made up a) too many rules b) have too many traffic lights c) make really crappy products d) have too many chain stores e) are way too greedy f) don't share enough g) really screwed up the environment h) work way too hard/long, i) fought too many wars; j) hold too much hate for others simply being 'different' from us; oh I could go on and on and on....And...

....Yes I acknowledge the fact that we did a bunch of really good things in our lives too but in the OVER/UNDER on good vs bad I think you know where I sit.

Finally as I grow old I never take it for granted how 'lucky' I have been in my life.

I have so much to be proud about - and so happy with my accomplishments in the time I have spent on this earth.

Mostly...

I'm glad I learned from mistakes.

I'm glad I took chances because that's where the risk/reward thing really benefits people who do great things.

I'm glad I have my children - for they are 'everything in the world to me'

I'm glad I was born into a family who defines craziness - each of us in a very different manner but we laugh long and often for which I am so very grateful for when you see other families and people.

I am so extremly proud of my brothers; my kids; and my wife that it is hard to describe. They are all talented and beautiful caring people!

I'm glad I got to travel as much as I did - and I have every intention of continuing because it makes up for me not paying attention to teachers in school.

There is nothing more amazing than touching the Eiffel Tower - starring at the Mona Lisa - talking to a guy in Prague about Communism in his life - standing on a mountain in the Swiss Alps - strolling through the Tower of London - touring through the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour - or even just having a pensive moment with a cigar in the middle of the majestic Rocky Mountains between Banff and Jasper.

Yes I guess that's what aging is really all about.

Stopping down for a few moments to smell the roses - to enjoy your life and accomplishments - and to truly reflect how lucky you are to be alive in this crazy world.

As I'm now 61 years old I guess this is what a 'mid life crisis' is all about then eh?

I wonder how I'll feel on my hundredth birthday!

I'll be sure to let you know!