HENRY GROSS 'A NEW TREAT!'

If there were any of you listening on the radio last night, which would have been Thursday night the 29th of this glorious beginning of the New Year 2009, you would have heard a brand new song called: 'If you were mine again' by Henry Gross.

It was early in the morning that I had received an e-mail from Henry who is recording in Naples, Florida and said, "Mason, thanks for all of the encouragement, and remember you cannot do it alone."

Although some very sage advice to me, Henry was also referring to his collaboration with one of his dearest friends, Garry Tallent who is best known for being the long time bass player in Bruce Springsteen's, E Street Band who will be performing in the Super Bowl this weekend.

Henry was up until the wee hours of the morning working on that new CD, after Garry suggested a change in a line on one song called "Hope Springs Eternally" because Garry didn't feel as if it worked, and so Henry took that advice and completed the song, which he says turned out great.

In light of 'Our' up coming special on my interview with Henry, I had been listening and editing the special, and felt compelled to send a message to Henry because ... I kept hearing the passion arising from those segments, and hearing him talk about the business of being in music, and sometimes how hard the pitfalls can be ... but, I kept hearing about the friends who he counted on and who really believed in him. It felt as if he were a kindred spirit, knowing it was just as likely to be radio / broadcasting that he was talking about.

There is something about this guy, Henry Gross who doesn't stop making music because the record execs won't let him in, or is easily deterred about the business of entertainment, because he already knows what it is going on ... and he's going to "break on through to the other side" no matter what.

It isn't that Henry Gross hasn't already made his Bones, because he has. I already KNOW and feel that Henry has SO much MORE to offer that 'this Corporate America' is not picking up on ... and that is GOSPEL.

And there are so many other talented artist that are being 'Type casted' because the business side of America is so afraid of change. It's the same about radio ... so it feels to me as as if they are intertwined. It's what I've BEEN WHINING ABOUT in RADIO. I'm a Baby Boomer too and "I LOVE THIS STUFF" and the CLASSICS! C'MON!

As a token of his gracious and generous personality, Henry sent me ONE of his brand new songs, 'If You Were Mine Again' that my administrative assistant Christine Daniel, who immediately picked up on my enthusiasm ... gleamed a 'bit' line from a Mike Meyer's movie, saying, "Well Mason Ramsey, I think Henry Gross just gave you a little bit of that MO JO back to you!"

And brother did he EVER! Henry sent me a copy of an original song that has NEVER BEEN heard on any radio station or the Internet, and WE were able to play it FIRST. To me that is exciting stuff!

Let me tell you exactly how it made me feel: Just LIKE the Days of when a Disc Jockey had the opportunity of being the first one in America to 'Break' a record into the mainstream ... and BOY DID THAT FEEL LIKE ... I WAS THE S**T! And it didn't stop there ... the ballad made me think of the soundtrack for the Movie project that I have been forever and a day wanting to complete, based on the story I wrote those many years ago called Bodies in the Bay. Music and Movies just go together and it only makes sense, and if I ever had an opportunity of using great music to tell a story, I know what I would do ... no doubt.

Let me wrap this up by saying; Henry Gross is a very talented and gifted singer and songwriter ... and deserves as much credit to be a part of the "New Cultural Mainstream" as do the others, who have put in their time and are still working the 'Oldies' circuit doing the material they've become known and famous for, but have also been writing and creating NEW stuff that needs a starter home, before it becomes a NEW COMPLEX of radio stations who will finally be catching on to the New Fever ... I want to think it started here on JST KLSX and http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/ with this NEW philosophy. Sure there are hundreds and thousands of Internet radio stations, but I really believe we're going to be at least the ONE who may make a difference. Henry Gross said, "Mason, you can't do it alone."

Amen Brother! I'm on the "Revolutionary Road" and I need soldiers, without a doubt who have been already freezing without their shoes in the Valley of the Forge. (I know ... it's Valley Forge .. but think about it) We're being hammered into the MOLD HERE!

'BIG ART' RADIO & FRIENDS

In defining why things happen in LIFE ... there is no way of coming up with an explanation, until the day comes when a brick hits you in the head, and you suddenly remember, 'Oh, maybe that's what that meant!'

It was less than a week ago that I received an e-mail from ARTHUR SAYÃO LOBATO saying, "Mason ... is this REALLY YOU?"

I was shocked to know that 'Big Art' was possibly walking back into my LIFE after all of these years.

I can remember being on the radio at KOKU-FM (Hit Radio 100) in the Micronesian Islands, when Art came strolling through the doors in 1986, and it was the beginning of a friendship ... leaving some very treasured moments, and thought 'Gone' except in the hallowed shadows of my mind.

The last time I saw Art was in the early nineties, when we were on a 'Cave Dive' in Gainesville, Florida where Art was on his way to being a Dive Master among his many accomplishments. The 'Cave Dive' (a 120' hole) sounds more impressive than it really was, since Art and I had been on many 'Dives' that were very adventurous 'Wreck Dives' and at depths sometimes at a hundred and thirty feet. What was even more challenging is we often jumped from a pier with full dive gear to swim to a wreck in the middle of the Apra Harbor, which has to be at least two football fields. Peter Peterson, who was my diving instructor and later, business associate was responsible for getting me hooked on diving and convincing Art, 'Hey this will be cool ... lets go." http://www.mdaguam.com/tokaimaru.htm

There were more than a few dives on that wreck ... and a few other wrecks, that turned into night dives ... not to mention some experiences that seem hardly believable ... that it had anything to do with radio or broadcasting whatsoever. But, it was how Arthur and I spent a lot of our time ... either in the radio station or diving the holes and caves of Guam.

Arthur was on Guam mainly against his family's wishes, since he ran off to join the Navy as a young kid, but finally "Saw the Light" after doing his duty and immediately got back on track ... returning to school and following in the family's way of being a success. Arthur's father was a very successful and important member of the Shell organization, and certainly left him with that same fortitude for achieving success. I guess his mother was partly responsible ... if not more so than 'the old man' but, alas ... 'BIG ART' has turned himself into the businessman he was always destined to be.

Arthur has always had a fascination for being in radio, since we have laughed 'Our Asses Off' in the course of being in a production room creating commercials for clients ... but more importantly ... I firmly believe 'He GETS it!' Now more than ever ... it is exciting to see him doing so well.

In just the last week, Arthur was surprised to know that I was doing this 'Radio Thingy', much less the 'Writing Thing' and started sending me 'Numbers' and 'Ideas' and it was like watching his swirling little head ... all over again, about ready to explode with excitement ... thinking: 'What can it become?'

I am so glad ... just to hear from Art and know that: he now has a beautiful family, and traveling between his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil and his other home Chicago, where he is graduating with honors and will be receiving his MBA from the University of Chicago in less than two months, while he works in the stock market.

Hearing from 'Big Art' made me laugh ... and laugh some more, remembering the friendship that I shared with some like this, that: I have only shared with only a very few. But, it made me really smile when he said, "Mason, I really think you're on the right track with http://www.RockandRollHeaven.net you just need a GREAT business plan ... and that's the easy part!"

I'm not going to tell you what I told him, but it had something to do with diving! I know Radio is changing, and so is business ... and I do know that: things happen for a reason. I'm a firm believer, "I didn't go through what I went through ... just to become who I am today for ... nothing."

Those of you who have read the many articles that were here before, and removed ... already know that I am here to persevere, because 'I believe I will.' I already know that 'Big Art' is moving through 'IT' as well. I'm just very happy to know he remembers the GOOD TIMES and how precious FAMILY, FRIENDS and LIFE can be. I am POSITIVE it wasn't for nothing.

I am VERY GLAD to see you Art and to know "I haven't lost you in TIME."

FRIENDS for LIFE!

With the constant 'Behind the Scenes Help' from persons like, not only my wife Judi, but Christine Daniel and Bill Santo ... there are others like Stevie Cre and Dennis Minardi --- but none so like Judi, Christine or Bill who without their constant understanding ... the most loyal listener would have heard a much different course of events .... silence.

When I got this card today from Chris, it came with the most hilarious inscription ... which wouldn't make much sense to others, but I could not help but keep laughing throughout the day, and it kept Judi smiling too. Here's a hint: the new technical helper is a woman --- and Chris sent a few Federal Reserve Notes saying, more or less: "Mason here's a little bit of money for you to give to that woman, so you can get what you need."

For most of you, you realize that we have been struggling to put together a business that is aimed at a 'Growing target Audience' called the 'Baby Boomers' but who are being phased out by an uncaring Corporate world intent on believing that a younger demographics of people are pulling the purse strings. That is so far from the truth ... especially in this economic world today. Especially when we are also 'Hell Bent' on rcreating the industry for a 'New Generation' of younger listeners, since we see them coming to us all of the time.

Chris, Bill, Judi and Steve have been here for me, to help in growing a business, but for some odd reason, it seems to be taking a little more time than usual ... primarily because we are a 'Poor People' intent on believing that we are not.

We know the Web Site is a very important part of the foundation of a networking community, since we see 'Our' loyal listeners ... who keep showing up to the same old web site that I have been complaining about for more than two years ... listening to the 'Stream' while I keep promising a more creative and developed site ... while priming the new 'NEX GEN Software' to run the radio station.

Most can not imagine, aside from those who have 'Really' come to know us ... that ... for most radio station programs in major markets ... there is something missing ... and these are the people who have all of the resources, including people and money to have the 'Best Thing on the Planet" but they JUST DO NOT WANT TO ALLOW talented people to do their thing, without standing on their throats ... mainly because they want to make ALL OF THE MONEY. Is it because they're afraid to pay them what they're worth ... or, are they just that GREEDY? I think it's because they are just that GREEDY.

I wish I could explain all of the details surrounding the business of getting a business off the ground, but it may sound a little self serving. I can tell you this ... I know it can be done, but it can not be done by only one person, no matter how much anyone wants to believe that 'Dave Thomas' (Wendy's) knew every nuance of his business ... but: that one person has to have the professional people who also believe ... and are just as passionate ... and as passionate as our listeners.

And while paying for some of the professional people, before finding the 'Classy Gal' who has the passion and can help, I've found them standing on my throat, which is one reason ... I have come to realize ... it may take a guy who just says, I don't care about what they want ... it's what I want ... since we're paying them to GIVE people like our 'Loyal Listeners' everything they deserve and more.

To my friends ... from the insiders to all of those most 'loyal listeners' and to the newbies coming on board ... I love you for all that you have done for me ... and for this company. I will continually say it ... we have something that can ... and will be one of the best entertainment networks gracing the airwaves, and not only in small markets ... but the medium and larger markets too. I CAN FEEL IT!

2009 - THE MOST WONDERFUL DREAM!

I am not a banker, nor am I a lawyer, but I have taken on the system in working toward a business that requires the expertise of at least these two professionals, and at least a few others who would and could do things that even a banker or a lawyer wouldn't have a clue ... only because they don't have the expertise.

So what's the problem? The professionals themselves ... and I'm certain that I'm no different, although I want to believe that I could be the one who would make a difference.

It was the very first day of the year 2009 and I had one of the most wonderful dreams that I have ever had in such a long time ... and it was so realistic. While, I was turbo charged from the evening before, and the last day of 2008 with the thoughts of always wanting to 'make something happen with this business' ... but, I'm not sure it had anything to do with radio, television or any purpose of business, but the business of this LIFE itself.

The important thing! I believe it to be a sign of things to come. I don't want to get into the details or explicit nature of this dream even as it had nothing to do with anything sexually, but it did have everything to do with the meaningful relationships between not only myself, but that of a wonderful woman, whom, I do not even know ... and a man, that I have no idea who he was or even knowing how he was involved with the relationship, aside from causing me to laugh uncontrollably, and introducing me this mystery woman, who I spent all day with, but who later turned and walked out of my LIFE, only to to return the next day with loving and open arms ... because she said, "I cannot stop thinking about you and want to be in your LIFE."

It may have been symbolic ... since I had the feeling off 'Being' so totally in LOVE that it was an overwhelming feeling of becoming more complete upon her return ... and then I woke up.

When I did wake up ... I kept saying over and over, "That was one of the best dreams that I have ever had in such a long time." And while I have had dreams of flying and those other feel good dreams, this ONE dream left me with that feeling of believing that 'Good things' were going to be ... clearly in my future.

Perhaps it may have been inspired by a comment from Marlee Harrison who has constantly been as supportive from Indiana as have others like Dotty Albritton and numerous others, like Christine Daniel or Bill Santo as much as my wife Judi who have been following the slow progress of this 'Radio Idea' ... but, as I responded to Marlee's supportive e-mail about another Internet radio station, she made the comment, 'Mason, don't hang up the headphones yet ... it's going to happen."

We started out more than two years ago and I've been believing that it will ... and for even more than those two years, but it becomes a forever and a day effort to get these things accomplished. Just ask Christine or Judi when they hear me complaining. However, I say the same thing over and over again, when I look around and see so many possibilities while the 'Splash of water bounces in slow motion' at the top of that instantaneous 'shot' - knowing ... there is more water flowing into the bucket (at least in my mind).

And even as it may seem as that I may be some bi-polar effects happening from the constant ups and downs of trying to get it 'off the ground' ... it runs the gamut of any shock wave when it comes to setting off any explosion, or even creating one. For me, this is nothing new, its just recreating an industry in an economic period where most people can not take a chance of being involved unless it means they 'Get their Cookie.'

My hypothalamus is pumping and the Dopamine levels are still not diminished. The Adrenaline may be a little low, but I refuse to believe that I'm not, STILL IN LOVE with the idea of believing there is something very exciting around the corner. I just may be needing to take a breather ... until that mystery woman shows up, arm in arm with the man who seems to be a force who also believes the world may be in need of a GOOD laugh. For some reason ... I think it had to do with the recreation of entertainment radio and our movie. Anyway, it's what I want to believe ... and it just made me feel that good. So I'm still not going to 'Hang up the headphones' just yet ... but keep my eyes open for the People who will make the difference. That little droplet of water at the top ... is just another 'Moment in time.'

But, when those people come to me ... when we're on that upper level, I promise to be as nice as they were mean to me ... and even be nicer by saying, "You've really got to make sure you pay your dues, so you can really appreciate all of that effort you're putting into it ... just in making it happen." I'll make sure that I'll be the 'forst' one to congratulate them on a 'Job Well Done!"

What A GREAT DREAM!