Sunday, April 5, 2009

Pass honest state budget - wait for revenue forecast

Maine people are about to learn a great deal about the people they have elected to the state legislature. If the Legislature passes a state budget before the revised revenue forecast comes out in late April, those legislators who vote for the budget are essentially saying, "We are being dishonest with the people of Maine." Let's see how this turns out. Don't forget, catch Ray & Ted on 95.5 FM weekdays, 6:00a to 9:00a

Friday, March 6, 2009

Morning Show 03/06/09

Today on the show, Major General Bill Libby of the Maine National Guard stopped by to talk about troop deployment, President Obama's plans regarding Iraq, and the State Partnership Program between Montenegro and Maine.

Local business owners Charles Hamilton of Coastline Confections Jon Pert of Entertain Ya Mania were in the studio to talk about their businesses, which will be featured at this year's New England Products Trade Show, the annual gathering of manufacturers of giftware and specialty food items from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

On the show today, Ray maintained that no elected leader serving today will be remembered in 100 years, with the exception of Barack Obama, who he says will be remembered as our first black president rather than his accomplishments. Do you agree? Sound off in the comments section.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Morning Show 03/05/09

Today on the show, Tarren Bragdon of the Maine Heritage Policy Center was in the studio to talk about the earmarks in the current budget, and the wasteful spending our goverment is funding.

Film advocates Cameron Bonsey and Barney Martin came by to talk about the film adaptation of Stephen King's novel Bag of Bones, which the filmmakers are lobbying to produce here in Maine. Bonsey and Martin talked about a meeting the filmmakers had with Gov. Baldacci yesterday trying to negotiate incentives for the film industry.

Jason Gibbons (a.k.a. "The White Shadow") of the Harlem Superstars was in the studio to talk about the work his team is doing with kids and to perform a few tricks with the ball.

Ray discusses these guests in the audio post below, and serves up a sneak peak of tomorrow's show. Give it a listen.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Morning Show 03/04/09

Today on the show, Jim Robbins, senior editorial writer for The Washington Times, called in to talk about the United States' plans to sink millions of dollars into the Gaza Strip.

Matt Jacobson of Maine and Company was in the studio to talk about how energy issues are impeding efforts to bring businesses to Maine.

Ray discusses these guests, and serves up a sneak peek of tomorrow's show, in the audio post below. Give it a listen.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Morning Show 03/02/09

Adjutant General Bill Libby of the Maine National Guard stopped by for an unscheduled visit during the snowstorm, and talked over several topics with Ray and Ted, including healthcare options for veterans.


Dave Maddox of the Weather Channel called in to tell us what to expect from this latest snowstorm in Maine.


Friday, February 20, 2009

Morning Show 02/20/09

Today on the show, Gene Johnson, CEO of FairPoint Communications, was in the studio to talk about his company's plans to hire 100 new sales and sales support staff for jobs in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Deputy Chief Jason Moen of the Auburn Police Department calls into the studio to talk about the department's Facebook page, which the department recently used to help solve a burglary case.

Alan Cartwright executive director of the Susan Curtis Foundation, and Emily Wever director of Camp Susan Curtis, were in the studio to talk about the work they do with impoverished children of Maine.

Kris Dorer of Maine Handicapped Skiing was on the show to talk about her organization, a program that teaches adaptive sports activities to people with physical disabilities.

Republican operative Roy Lenardson joined the show to talk about various issues, including Nancy Pelosi's visit with the Pope.

John Williams of Williams Broadcasting joined the show to talk about this weekend's ski conditions and upcoming NASCAR events.

Ray talks about all these guests, and serves up a sneak peek at next week's lineup, in the audio post below. Give it a listen.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Morning Show 02/09/09

Today on the show, there was a lot of talk about President Obama's economic stimulus package, which Ray says is loaded down with too much pork. He's got a lot to say on the subject in the audio post below.

Also on the show, Father Jonathan Morris of FOX News called in to talk about his new book, The Promise, which explores why people suffer in this world.

Jeff Monroe, director of the Yarmouth International Airport in Nova Scotia, stopped by the studio, along with Starlink Aviation's Brenda Libby to talk about new air service being offered between Portland, Maine and Nova Scotia.

Ray comments on all of the above in the audio post below.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Morning Show 02/06/09

Today on the show, Tim O'Brien, Supreme Court analyst for FOX News Radio, called in live from Washington D.C. to talk about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's cancer, and what impact her illness could have on the makeup of the Court.

"Supermarket Guru" Phil Lempert joined the show live via satellite to talk about how consumers can get the best deals on groceries during these tough economic times.

Heart health activist Karen Gerrish was in the studio to talk about Heart Awareness Month, and what people can do to stay healthy.

John Williams of Williams Broadcasting stopped by the studio as he does every Friday to talk about ski conditions this weekend. Watch the FOX23 Ski Report, updated every weekday, on MyFOXMaine.com.

Ray weighs in on today's show, as well as the issues of the day, in the audio post below.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Give Ray a Break, Mr. President

President Obama said today that failure to act on his stimulus package could pluge the nation into an irreversible recession. Ray says: Give me a break!

Listen in:

Morning Show 02/05/09

Today on the show, Gene Johnson, CEO of FairPoint Communications visited the studio to address the issues the company and customers have had with the transition from Verizon.

Sen. Susan Collins called in to talk about the private meeting she had with President Obama yesterday to discuss her concerns about his economic stimulus bill.

Amy McAnarney of H & R Block joined the show live via video-conference to talk about the tax issues Americans are facing this year.

Tarren Bragdon of the Maine Heritage Policy Center stopped by for his monthly visit to talk about economic issues both local and national.

Ray serves up a spirited discussion of these guests (especially the part about Obama's stimulus plan) in the audio post below. Give a listen.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Morning Show 02/04/09

Today on the show, Maine House Republican leader Josh Tardy and new State Representative-Elect Lance Harvell from District 89 joined us to talk about Lance's overwhelming victory in the race to replace Rep. Janet Mills, who recently vacated her seat to become Maine' Attorney General.

Matt Jacobson from Maine & Company was in the studio, and talked about some game-changing projects he'd like see Maine undertake, like fast rail service to Montreal.

Rich Johnson of FOX News called live from Washington D.C. to talk about President Obama's stimulus plan, and the meeting Obama is planning with Maine Senators Collins and Snowe to talk about the plan.

Joe Mando and Sue Clifford of the American Cancer Society to talk about the Daffodil Days campaign, a nationwide fundraising effort.

Ray discusses them all in the audio post below, and serves up a sneak peak of tomorrow's show. Give a listen.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Morning Show 01/03/09

Today on the show, Alastair Wanklyn of FOX News Radio called live from England to talk about the rare snowstorm bringing chaos and cheer to London.

In the same segment, Elias Thomas of Sanford-Springvale Rotary called live from India to talk about the work he's doing innoculating children of India against polio.

Elise Loschiavo, special events and public relations manager for Portland's Downtown District, came in to talk about Portland WinteRush 2009, which is being billed as "Maine's coolest outdoor festival."

Chef Jeff of the Woodlands Club and FOX23 was in the studio to talk about the 12th annual auction for the Center for Grieving Children, a charity event in which Jeff will be a live auction item. Jeff will go to the winner's house to prepare a meal in their home.

Nicole Evans, project director of the Financial Stability Partnership, visited the studio to talk about CA$H Greater Portland, a year-round resource for the community that offers free tax preparation to qualified filers during tax season, helping employers bring financial education tools to their employees, and educating hard-working residents about how they can make the most of their money.

Ray discusses the guests of the day, as well as a dash of politics (including Tom Daschle's troubles), in the audio post below. Give a listen, and leave a comment.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Michael Steele, the real deal

Ray is thrilled with the election of Michael Steele as the new Republican National Committee Chairman because Steele, as Ray puts it, is the real deal, a passionate, articulate, fierce man who is not afraid to espouse the traditional conservative values the Republican Party was once known for.

Morning Show 01/30/09

Today on the show, we were joined by Alan Cartwright, exective director of the Susan Curtis Foundation and Emily Wever, the newly appointed camp director of Camp Susan Curtis. They talked about the exciting programs the camp has lined up for summer.

Also, Major Dan Curtis and Captain Grant Delaware of the Maine National Guard, who recently returned to Maine from their tour in Afghanistan, were on the show to talk about their experiences.

Mighty John Marshall, record collector extraordinaire, was on to field audience calls about the value of their old records.

Listen to Ray's audio post below to hear what he has to say about these guests, as well as the issues of the day.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Morning Show 01/29/09

Martin Sheehan, director of communications for the Maine Heritage Policy Center, joined Ray and Ted to talk about the state government and an issue that Ray has flagged over its supposed hiring freeze.

Also on the show, Lt. Gen. Michael Dunn called in to talk about the F-22 Raptor program, something that has dramatic impact right on jobs right here in Maine, as well as our national security.

Ray discusses these guests in the podcast below, as well as serving up a preview of tomorrow's show. Give it a listen.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Morning Show 01/28/09

Ray returns to audioblogging, as he tries to find the right balance as he comments on the new president and current events.

Today on the show, Auburn Mayor John Jenkins to talk about a variety of topics, including his trip to the inauguaration of Barack Obama.

FOX News' Rich Johnson called in today to talk about Barack Obama's schedule this week, as he deals with Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as domestic issues.

Ray has lots to say about his guests and the Maine legislature in Augusta as he gets back into the audioblog. Give a listen.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Morning Show 01/16/09

Today, former Maine Republican Party Chairman and current Raymond Selectman Joe Bruno joined the show to talk about a wide range of topics, including the state budget and the recently proposed gay marriage bill.

Also, FOX News' Rich Johnson called in live from the White House to talk about preparations underway for President-Elect Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony.

Next week, inaugural week, there will be lots of coverage of the peaceful transfer of power, with call-in dispatches from many friends of the show. Be sure to tune in, and hear Ray's thoughts about today's show in the audio podcast below.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Morning Show 01/14/09

Today on the show, former "American Idol" contestant Lisa Tucker called in to talk about the Season 8 premiere that aired last night. Lisa will check in throughout the season to share her thoughts.

Dana Connors, president of the Maine Chamber of Commerce, was in the studio to talk about legislative priorities and what investments are critical for the creation of a strong economy.

Finally, State Senator Dennis Damon (D-Trenton) called in to talk about his proposed legislation to allow gay marriage in Maine. Ray thinks this battle is looming large, and both advocates and opponents had better gear up.

Listen to his podcast below.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Morning Show 01/09/09

Today on the show, it was "Make a Wish" day. Ray and Ted invited callers to share their one great unselfish wish to help move Maine forward.

Auburn Mayor John Jenkins was in the studio to talk about a number of topics, including his upcoming trip to Barack Obama's inaugural, and what Maine is doing to educate our children and create a well-educated workforce.

Todd Starnes of FOX News Radio called in to talk about "Hustler" publisher Larry Flynt's and "Girls Gone Wild" mogul Joe Francis' request to Congress for a $5 billion porn bailout.

John Williams of Williams Broadcasting stopped by to talk about this weekend's skiing conditions.

Ray discusses it all, as well as some current events and a sneak-peek of next week, in the audio post below.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Morning Show 01/08/09

Today on the show, it was "Gator Day," as University of Florida alumnus Ray showed his undying support for the Florida Gators, who are squaring off tonight against the Oklahoma Sooners for the BCS National Championship. FOX News Radio's Eben Brown called in to talk about the game, as did Eric Eglin, a senior producer at WSVN Miami.

Also, we heard live from Mickey Mouse himself, who's trying hard to get back in shape. With the help of health technology expert Mike May, Mickey showed off the latest in exercise equipment.

Steve Bowen of the Maine Heritage Policy Center called in to talk a bit about policy and Barack Obama's vision for this country's economy.

Ray discusses all these guests, and the issues of the day, in the audio post below. Give it a listen.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Morning Show 01/05/09

Today on the show, Ray expressed optimism about the future. He didn't support Barack Obama on November 4, but on January 20, he will support the new president.

He also welcomed Seth Wescott, the 2006 Olympic snowboarding champion.

Ray has more to say about today's show, and tomorrow's show, in the audio post below. Give it a listen.