Remember if you drive drunk and are stopped, you will be arrested. No one takes this as a joke anymore, especially the police. And how will you feel if you kill or maim innocent people? Your family? Think before....
News Briefs: #1: Below we critique Obama for his reckless spending and taking the U.S. economy almost to the point of bankruptcy. Politically, we are centrists, neither to the left or right. But this man has shown such reckless abandon with the world's biggest economy that it staggers the imagination. His 'policies' have decimated families, businesses. Enter the $7 billion Keystone Pipeline. If you've been following this story, you know that Obama has squelched the development of this project - at least in the U.S. - until after the election. In a time of 8.5% unemployment, a stance like this is beyond comprehension, until you understand that this is simply a ploy to get himself re-elected, rather thanprovide thousands of jobs to needy Americans who have been out of work for far too long. The American environmentalists have - in no uncertain terms - told Obama that they will not campaign door-to-door for him if he okays this deal. Canada will sell its oil - whether it goes to Texas, as planned, or to the West coast where it will be sold to the Chinese instead. This whole argument on the part of Obama is made even weaker when you understand that there are over 55,000 miles of pipelines already in place in the U.S. and another 30-40,000 miles of smaller lines called 'gathering lines,' from which oil is discharged into the larger conduits. Actually, when you click onto the link we've given you, the map looks like one of the Inter-State Highway System, it's that extensive and pervasive. The real losers here will be the U.S. and those who could have worked on the pipeline. This move by Obama will alienate tens of thousands of blue collar Democrats who need to get back to work. Traditionally, unions vote heavily democratic, and in the last election did so for Barack Obama. That 'love affair' may have ended with the killing of this project, because union leaders are not happy. Even Joe Manchin, a Democratic Senator from West Virginia, has stated that this decision is a 'major setback.' Sen. Manchin also asserts that Obama would 'rather buy oil from people who want to do us harm than from our friends in Canada.' Obama's refusing to allow the pipeline to be built rivals the ineptitude of the NDP here at home by canceling the international ferry between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth in 2010. We have written extensively on that 'decision' in the News and Archives sections, and soon will be giving you an update on that - in speaking with key people in the Yarmouth region, that 'decision' continues to destroy the economy in that part of Nova Scotia. In any event, the stupidity on the part of Obama and Percy Paris was each handled without a flaw in its execution. In a recent Rasmussen Poll, only 24% of Americans thought the country was on the right path, in case you think we're being unfair to Obama.
#2: It's a sight now all too familiar: a majestic half billion dollar grounded ocean-going palace, almost as long as the Sears Tower in Chicago is tall, stuck at a 45 degree angle, motionless on its side, all majestic 1000 feet of it, now helpless, hopeless, a few short yards from safe, dry land. "It was like being on the Titanic," one terrified passenger said. "I consider this to be a mortal sin," Michael Murphy, of the American Maritime Officers' Union, added. But, you have to wonder how it could ever happen with all the electronic gizmos present on the bridge of a modern day ocean liner - items the captain on the Titanic, on its maiden voyage back in 1912, had no idea would ever exist: sonar, depth finders, radar, and Lord only knows what else. But trust us, it was all there on the Costa Concordia, the most modern cruise liner ever to be built in Italy. And yet, still, a seasoned captain on a state-of-the-art cruise ship runs aground barely a few short yards off the Italian coast, on a route he's been on dozens and dozens of times. The problem, of course, is that the electronics didn't fail anyone, this was a deliberate decision to basically 'show off.' Now, there's a story out that the captain veered off course so his head waiter could wave to family on shore. That precipitous - and amazingly stupid - decision has resulted in 17 now confirmed dead, the number up at 15 more feared missing. This is what is totally perplexing: the captain is never up on the bridge by himself. There is a first officer, a navigator, an engineer, and chart planners. And the ship was on a predetermined computerized course. All of these people would have had to know what was going on, and to have in some way, approved of the captain's desire to take the ship off course. And this makes no sense. Further, a week after the accident, another story surfacing that he 'ordered in' dinner for two an hour after the wreck took place. Now two weeks after the accident, there is the danger that Concordia could slide into deep water, making any further rescue attempts impossible, and an absolute challenge to get all the fuel oil off it. So was the captain intoxicated as was the case on the Exxon Valdez? Rumor has it that he was drinking shortly before the calamity. Time will tell, but every captain knows to 'go down with his ship,' not to flee or order 'in' dinner while passengers are fighting for their lives. But that's exactly what Captain Francesco Schettino did - he scurried off, like a frightened rat, only to be immediately arrested by Italian police, who, amongst other charges, are looking at filing several counts of manslaughter, as well as a charge of leaving a stricken ship before all its passengers are safely off, an act alone that could land him 12 years in prison. Reports say that the captain was told by police to 'Go back to your ship,' but he refused to do so - and tlay onhat's when they took him into custody. The New York Post on Jan. 18, called Schettino 'Chicken of the Sea,' a p the famous tuna brand - it would be funny if what he'd done weren't so heinous. Carnival Cruise Lines - the world's largest cruise line - is the parent company of the one that owns the ill-fated Costa Concordia. 12 Canadians were on board, but none was killed. One of the biggest fears now surfacing, is what will happen to the half million gallons of fuel on board - this part of Italy is pristine, and famous for watching sea life like dolphins and whales. Carnival has offered passengers a 30% discount off their next cruise as well as $14,000 per passenger compensation. P.S. Here is an excellent tour of the bridge on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, to give you an idea what the bridge on a modern ocean-liner looks like. Concordia's fate was completely avoidable.
#3: The American debt under Barack Obama has gone up 50% in three years. Yes, 50%, or $5 trillion. Now, Obama wants another $1.2 trillion. The interest on American debt is $10 billion a week. Yes, you read that correctly. How anyone can think this is sustainable is simply not thinking. This means, of course, that unborn children will be saddled with this amazingly irresponsible spending. U.S. debt is now equal to the entire American economy. Fewer than 10% of Obama's 'advisors' have had any business experience at all, the lowest in 110 years. Recent downgrades in Europe surely will follow to the U.S. - and possibly Canada - if these errant policies continue under him. More Americans are now on food stamps than under any other president in U.S. history. Incidentally, in case you're wondering, the Canadian debt ratio by comparison is 20% less.
Reward: A Middlewood resident - Judy Silver - is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the thug who shot her pet Shih tzu 'Mandi' on New Year's Day. Whoever did this has bragged to someone - do the right thing if you know anything about this horrid act, and call the RCMP at 527-5555 - now. Update, Jan. 7: Ms. Silver wrote us: "The reward I am offering is very high [$500] because I loved her more than life itself - she was my baby. Thank you for posting this." Update, Jan. 8: We spoke with Constable Munro of the Bridgewater RCMP, who said that if your dog gets onto a neighbor's land, it can get dicey, especially if your neighbor views the dog as a threat. "The person doesn't necessarily have a 'right' to kill the animal - unless, of course it is seen as a danger - but," he said, "it's an entirely different situation from the one where someone kills your pet on your own property." Constable Munro also said that charges of discharging a firearm on Sunday could be filed against the person who did this. Mandi was killed on an ATV trail behind Ms. Silver's home. Coast-FM is offering an additional $250 reward to the person or persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this. Update, Jan. 9: Constable Munro was kind enough to send us this link from the Natural Resources web-site, which clearly states that an unattended dog not on the owner's property can lead to a fine being given to the owner. Also, he pointed out that it is a criminal offense under sections 445 and 446 of the Canadian Criminal Code to willfully maim or kill a pet belonging to another person, provided that pet is not a threat to a third party.
Only one thing worse than coming home maimed for life, and that would to be forgotten....Our troops are in Afghanistan so we can remain free. They are fighting an unconventional war, against madmen who value nothing. Over 1,500 have been seriously wounded thus far in that far off and hostile land, and dozens and dozens more killed - one is simply too many. Canadian Forces have fought and died in all major wars, alongside our American and British compatriots, so we can have the lives and freedoms we cherish so. Everyone has a friend, a brother, a sister, a cousin, an uncle, a grand-father - someone who has given the ultimate sacrifice so we can remain free. Please don't ever forget that...Never.... We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and it's safe because of our military. So, please, support the Canadian Wounded Warriors. Also, check out the Canadian Hero Fund, a grass-roots organization that helps families of Canadian Military. And here's a link to how some real patriots in Maine remember America's fallen as they have done for the last two decades. For our U.S. friends, here's the link to the Wounded Warrior Project. These brave men and women need our help - they were there for us, let's be there for them.
P.S. We've had complaints that certain words get selected by some site for promotions - words like 'free,' 'give,' etc. We would never, ever sanction this, and if you notice this aberration on your computer, please understand what happened, and do not patronize those companies.
For all the local news, click here - Southshorenow.ca
Warning: If you receive a call about purchasing an item that will supposedly reduce your power consumption, it is a con. Call NSP at 1-800-428-6230 to report any such call, and to give them info that may stop the thieves....This should be so obvious, but people keep doing it - never give a stranger a credit card number or your SIN. Phone scams are as common today as snow in December - check this out to avoid them....
Songs downloaded: 6,268
"Soft, easy, smooth, warm, excellent, always...From Nova Scotia's beautiful Great South Coast."
"I wish you all the very best of luck with Coast-FM and I am sure it will be a huge success...." Best, Nick Ingman
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P.S. All the cuts below are representative of the sound of Coast FM. Some are live performances, lacking slighly in technical quality. However, all songs on 'The Coast' will be done in a studio where the sound quality is generally first rate. Click on each name to play -there's about ten hours of music. Thanks to YouTube for their masterful selections....
Paul Hardcastle, Bread, Pieces of a Dream, Baby Face, Morris Albert, Shakatak, Don McLean, Atlantico,
Karolina Pasierbska, Tim Heintz, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Englebert Humperdink, Bob James, Astrud Gilberto, Tony Hatch, Paulinho da Costa, George Duke, Steve Tyrell, Kevin Eubanks, Barbara Mandrell,
Dave Koz, James Taylor, Peter White, The Captain and Tennille, Kenny Rankin, Richard Elliot, Vic Damone,
The Manhattans, Fourplay, Glen Campbell, Gregg Karukas, Angela Bofill, Michael Franks, Marilyn Scott,
Miki Howard, Hiroshima, Little River Band, Gladys Knight, Singers Unlimited,Toni Braxton, Kevin Spacey,
Kevin Mahogany, Anne Murray, Nelson Riddle, America, Jennylyn Mercado, Burt Bacharach, Oleta Adams, The Carpenters, Kim Waters, Keeley Smith, Vivian Male, Double, Fattburger, Glen Campbell/Anne Murray, Maysa,Olivia Newton-John, Ronnie Aldrich, Kim Stockwood, Cassandra Wilson, Boyz II Men, Lalah Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall, Ivan Lins, Jaimee Paul, Lionel Ritchie, Don McLean, Doc Severinson,
Diane Schuur, Boney James, Deniece Williams, Pamela Williams, Lisa Ono, Ray Charles, El Debarge, Jane Monheit, George Jinda, James Darren, Roger Williams, Laurie Bower Singers, Smokey Robinson, Gloria Estefan, Greg Cavanaugh, Samantha Sang, Richard Harris, Herb Alpert, Eliane Elias, Sarah McLaughlan, Gail Jhonson, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Jack Jones, Monica Mancini, Mike Flowers, Madonna, Lex DeAzevedo, Friends of Distinction, Henry Johnson, Ive Mendes, The Lettermen, Azymuth, Lou Rawls, Tom Grant, Eydie Gorme, Al Jarreau, Kenny G, Lorrie Morgan, Sam Levine, Vanessa Williams, Kenny Rogers, Laura Fygi, Tom Jobim, Chris Botti, Brazilian Tropical Orchestra, Cris Delano, The Beach Boys, Larry Coryell, Deodato, Sergio Mendes, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Hugo Winterhalter, Amy Sky, Sergio Mendes, Reba McEntire, George Howard, Art Garfunkel, John Barry, Dionne Warwick,, Michael McDonald, Carl Doy, Dionne Warwick, The Sandpipers, Julio Iglesias, Barry Manilow, Carly Simon, The Fifth Dimension, Jack Jezzro, Marilyn McCoo, America, Will Downing Jr., Peaches & Herb, Bobby Lyle, Johnny Mathis/Deniece Williams, Paul Jackson, Michael McDonald/Patti LaBelle, Bobby Caldwell, Lee Rittenour, The Stylistics, Peter Nero, Neil Sedaka, Earl Klugh, Chicago, Carly Simon, Norman Brown, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob James, Boz Scaggs, Percy Faith, Queen Latifah, Marilyn Scott, Ken Navarro, Double, Randy Crawford, The Vogues, Joyce Cooling, Mancini, Sinatra, Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Neil Diamond, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Celine Dion, Chicago, Richard Clayderman, Tony Bennett, K.D. Lang, The Jets, Sheryl Crow, The Motels, Nora Jones, Nat and Natalie Cole, and the masterful, Joe McBride....
"On target to soothe from the World's Easiest Station...From stunning Mahone Bay on Nova Scotia's Great South Coast...."
Imagine a radio station that is the same 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Smooth, easy, playing only the world's smoothest music. A station you've missed all along, because it hasn't been here. Coast-FM is coming, and it's coming with over 6,000 songs, a station that plays music you know and love, and music you've never heard of. But you'll love it too...because it's your 'kind of sound.' Also imagine a radio station that will care deeply about issues that affect us all. Imagine a radio station that will attempt to deal with these issues. Imagine a radio station that will not only serve us here, but one that will tie us to other, similar communities. Now, you're thinking about Coast-FM. We will be a world-wide station, playing world-wide artists - artists from Canada, England, France, Brazil, the U.S., Australia, and all points inbetween.
It's taking a while to build the best radio station you'll ever hear. But we're working hard, and we know the end result will be well worth the endless hours spent to make it happen. So what are we doing? Three years ago, when all of this started, we were going to play 'Lite hits, smooth instrumentals, and easy standards.' Then, we kind of morphed into an easy hits station. But, now, we're back to the beginning. And while we can't tell you yet what's going on, you won't be disappointed in the final result. By the way, this decision was made on the demographic we're after and the markets we will be targeting. Artists like Johnny Mathis, or Sinatra, or Michael Buble or Diana Krall are timeless. Whole new generations are getting 'hooked' on the standards because of the latter two performers.
Also, you may have noticed that, except for this page, we have not updated our web-site since the first week in May. We have been very busy down-loading songs to start playing. Our current library will give us roughly three weeks of continuous playing without a repeat. To give you an example of just how time consuming this is, there are 878 Anne Murray items on Amazon - we narrowed the choices down to about a dozen. Under 'bossa nova,' there are some 4,500 selections - this is where we discovered Eliane Elias, Brazil's Diana Krall. Each of these singers offers the softer, mature sound Coast-FM will be famous for. All you have to do is listen to 'Ipanema' by either artist to understand why we feel this way - and their orchestral backings are among the best on earth. Many of Eliane's songs are sung in her native Portuguese, but each is magical and hauntingly beautiful, and typical of what you'll hear 24/7 by other great artists. We will only play songs that have been recorded within the last 30 years, or have been digitally remastered. Should you sit at your computer or listen on your iPhone, you will be amazed at the clarity of each song, the jingles, and over-all production. We think the 'hand-picking' we're doing will result in a radio station you've never heard the likes of before. And we think if we get you for fifteen minutes, you'll never want to leave! Coast-FM will feature music that will soothe the soul. Never loud, never harsh, always smooth.
We want to play music that is positive, that the artists really enjoy doing. London-based Shakatak is one of the groups we'll feature - all you have to do is to watch one of their songs to see how much they are 'into' what they're doing and how 'smoothly' they play ['Brazilian Love Affair' is a little too 'up' for our play list, but these excellent musians are really having a great time performing the life that is Rio! Don't you wish your job were as much fun?]. Also, check out Chaya Pitcher - she's a wonderfully positive individual, trying to do something good for mankind, not only through her music, but her deeds. Here are some of her cuts you'll hear on 'The Coast....'
Stay tuned, because more is coming.
Update, June 26: Bob Cassidy, New York: "Have visited your beautiful area many times. Is there a station out there that you're aware of comparable to what Coast-FM will sound like?" Answer: "No." Tim Roberts, Toronto: "CKFM and CHFI used to be my favorites. Any comparison?" Answer: "Yes, and no, but we think you'll like Coast-FM better. By the way, the CHFI today is a vastly different station than what it was 30 years ago. We will lean more towards its sound in the 70s."
Update, June 27: "Many of the Metro stations sound alike. What station there would you liken Coast-FM's sound to?" - Stan Hart, Dartmouth. Answer: "No station in Metro sounds anything like Coast-FM will. Not even close. Nothing against any station there - just that when you hear us, you'll understand where we're at." Mr. Hart responds: "Not even Seaside-FM?" Us: "We will especially not sound like Seaside-FM."
Update: July 3: Bill Evans, Campbell River, B.C. writes: "I'm thrilled to hear you're going to be running an easy listening station. I know that means many things to many people, but heard your early presentations, and they were great. Will the music be similar?" Us: "Yes."
Update, July 17: "I just noticed you'll be playing music such as that of Nick Ingman. Jolly good! Mr. Ingman is an amazingly talented man, and has brought some really creative energy to the jazz/pop field. Here is the link to Mr. Ingman's client base - it is impressive. Look forward to your on-going updates." Clyde McFallow, London. "PS - I accidentally came across your site - beautiful area, and I think your station will be a welcome relief amongst all the sewage of commercial radio today. Good luck!" Us: "Thanks, Clyde. We hope to be an 'oasis' for you - and many, many more!"
Update, July 21: "Have been following with interest the development of this concept. I eagerly await its reality. All the best - the music is awesome...." Dan Pomerantz, Honolulu.
Update, July 26: "I check in every night to see what you have added to your play list. Wonderful stuff, and you're right, no one else is playing this. Can't wait 'till you're up and running." Mitch Wright, Halifax.
Update, Sept. 3: Keith Turner, Hamilton: "I know that Little Richard won't be on your playlist, but thought your viewers might appreciate this really rare footage of him in his early youth. By the way, we just lost our easy listening station, CIWV, so really look forward to 'Coast-FM' roaring in here." Us: "Thanks for the kind words. That's Van Johnson in the clip. And you've right, we won't play Little Richard - at least on Coast-FM - but we will on another project we're working on."
Update, Sept. 16: "I have listened to every cut you have on your home page. While I don't like all, I like 90% of them, and certainly enough to have me be listening at work and home. Your coast-line is beautiful, much like that around here. Can't wait - hurry up!" Chris Lindquist, Santa Cruz, California. Us: "We can't wait either - and we have a surprize in store for you!" Also: "I live on Nova Scotia's South Shore part of the year, and cannot believe you are going to put a radio station this good here - Wow! There is nothing like it in New York - nothing...." - Candy Mosler. Us: "Thanks, Candy. And, we will be promoting the area to the world. "
Update, Oct. 6: "What a breath of fresh air your station will be. Any idea when your launch will be?" - Gene Sadler, Saint John. Us: "Sometime in 2012. I understand that is off our prediction, but we want to do it right, not rushed. Thanks for your interest, though, and we hope the wait will be worth it."
Update, Nov. 12: From Bill Gammon, Toronto: "Interesting you have at your header about not driving drunk. A friend lost his three children Christmas Day three years ago in a head-on collision with a drunk driver going 80 mph. Somehow he survived, his third drunk driving infraction, and he was sentenced to six years, now out, now driving. This is crazy, but thanks for the post. If it saves one person, it's worth it." Us: We agree and thanks for noticing. Your story is truly sad, tragic and totally avoidable, if only people would think first.
Update, Dec. 31: Marty Morrison of Montreal writes: "Thanks for recognizing our military. My dad lost both his legs in World War Two, and yet he coped and lived a normal life after coming home. These folks who serve and protect us are a special breed, and deserve our respect, love and trust. Thanks again, and all the best with your station and the New Year." Us: Noted, Marty and thank-you.
* Go to the 'Listen' page for 20 additional smooth cuts.
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Above are two of the thousands of fantastic scenes you'll encounter as you wend your way down Nova Scotia's Great South Coast. Picture a big triangle, and the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is only 74 miles farther to Bermuda [834 miles vs. 760] , than New York City is to Hamilton. Nova Scotia is ten times the size of New Jersey, with about 10% of the Garden State's population. This is an excellent site to go to -it's Southshorenow's 'What's Happening' page, and there is abundant information to see on moving here and perhaps building your ocean-front home and setting up your dream business! Costs nothing to look. Nova Scotia... as they say, "So much to sea...." Coastal Winds Realty of Lunenburg has a terrific 'facts' page. Click here to see it. And if you live in Metro, contact Carolyn Davis Stewart for a water-front condo or home.
Take a Nova Scotia tour, and roam through Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Chester, Bridgewater [Wow, what a beautiful slide show along the LaHave River that bisects this slightly inland town] , and surfing along Nova Scotia's Great South Coast. Many, many other videos of our special part of the world thanks to the folks at 'YouTube.' Check this one out on Mahone Bay's Oak Island - it is truly one of the world's great mysteries!
Coast FM will be as unique as the South Shore itself and dedicated to listeners currently limited to radio formats very different from ours. And also dedicated to all our seasonal visitors, past and future, who can now make the South Shore their listening paradise year 'round. Dedicated to those unique friends who have chosen to call the South Shore of Nova Scotia home over any other place in the world. And dedicated to a business clientele who long for a unique new advertising outlet which will cater to their demographic.
Your radio station combined with our website will offer an ongoing venue for the tasteful promotion of the attractions, events, people and businesses of this very special part of the world.
Go to the 'About Us' section for info on our part of the world, and how to get here. That's Mahone Bay directly to the right....and there are the famous three churches, certainly one of the most photographed scenes in all of Canada!
It has since been featured on CBC-News, The Chronicle Herald and gone across Canada on the CP Wire Services. We want to thank Lighthouse Publishing for their fair and objective coverage of this story.
