Radio Free JoJo

Let me express my shock and sadness on the news of Jack Tirak’s passing.

In just one of what will be many tributes, let me say that Jack was Erie Media’s best friend. He believed in the power of communication to increase people’s quality of life. He strived to do best practice with high creativity in his work, and in his role as media critic, expected the same of our local media. He knew we all have greatness in us, if we choose to achieve it.

Finally, Jack did a wonderful thing with his creation and steadfast editing of his blog, Erie Media-Go-Round. He brought the reporters, editors, producers, sales people, managers and consumers, both current and former, together in one forum. He tore down the walls that separated competitors and their public, so they could freely exchange encouragement and “barbs”, ideas and complaints in a free-wheeling discussion that made a tremendous impact.

I join his hundreds of friends in saying that Jack will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time.

Wow…it’s been over a month since my last post! Miss me?

I don’t know if my “seasonal affect” kicked in, I got too busy, or just needed a break from blogging. I’ve not caught on to the notion that you should post at least once a day, even if its just a couple sentences. Insta-pundit I’ll never be.

Let’s see what’s happened…McCain has knocked off nearly everybody since his win in New Hampshire; Hilary’s machine has failed to stop Barack and now even Pennsylvania will be in play for the Dems; the Giants outplayed the Patriots in what was a very exciting Super Bowl; County Exec. Mark DiVecchio forgot that Erie is not Newark or Philly and taxpayers care about overreaching executive privilege; and finally, there’s nothing in Gov. Rendell’s new budget that speaks to the real problems of PA’s cities and urban school districts and the absolute municipal insanity that is reality in this Commonwealth.

Maybe I should weigh in on some of these topics…

Welcome 2008! In the past year I really have been enjoying writing in my blog. With the help of bloggy friends like Dennis Weed (erieblogs.com), Peter Panepento (globalerie.com), and Jack Tirak (eriemediablog.com), who have been so kind to add me to their blogrolls, I have been encouraged in keeping up to date and relevant with my posts.

 My greatest appreciation goes to you, loyal reader and commenter. I’m really grateful for your willingness to take a moment to read my takes, and perhaps contribute to the conversation. Thank you for being a most important part of this endeavor.

 I hope you’ll like our new look for the new year. I promise to keep the topics lively and positive, and I hope you’ll share this address with your friends. All the best in the new year!