Carlsbad Radio Blog

Guys know why the symbol of the holiday is an arrow piercing a human heart. It’s not a metaphor. It’s a clinical description. It’s what the experience of venturing into a world where you don’t belong feels like.

Kim over at Gossett’s Jewelry has probably talked more husbands off a ledge around Valentine’s Day than anybody you know. She says that when men walk in and see the “bling” it is exactly the same effect as when a deer on the highway looks dead on into your headlights. Any rational thinking is gone.

Panic reins.

There are, I am assured, life saving measures that can be taken. I defer here to humanitarian workers in this field. Kim says for one thing, men should ask.

Yeah. I can see that happening.

She also says women should hint.

Now we’re talking. Make them big hints. Including make, model, price, color, size and a description of where it is in the store and what the box looks like.

Better yet, tell Kim and then hint that we should ask her.

Hey! That piercing sharp pain is starting to ease a little.

Don Hughes
General Manager
don[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

I find that occupying a workspace 300 feet above the ground, tied off to one of our broadcast towers is a great place to get work done. It has such great advantages.

Let me give you a bird’s eye view of what I mean.

On the ground, some new task is always running over the one I am currently undertaking.  One job is never finished before the next one demands attention.

Rule number one on the tower is: no multitasking. Well, not exactly. The first rule actually is: No falling off.  I feel a real personal attachment to that one, so, let’s call no multi-tasking a solid number two.

Still, there is a serenity derived from performing one task at a time. Like a real human being taking real human pride in their work.

On the ground one can be constantly interrupted by the telephone, cell phone, text message, pager or intercom.

Up on the tower, my safety rule regarding interruptions is: hand delivered notes only.

I don’t get many.

The view is nice too.

See?

Advantages.

Frank A. Nymeyer, CE
frank[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

All the candidates who are running are now  declared for municipal elections March 2^nd. It is surprising, but also rewarding to see how many people feel strongly enough about our town to put themselves forward as candidates. Even in a local election it can be hard to learn exactly what the issues are that a particular candidate is running on and if you feel they are worthy of your vote.

To that end, we are inviting all candidates for the upcoming municipal elections to express themselves here in this blog on February 15^th. We are not charging anything, it is a free and level playing field  that we hope will help develop each candidate’s personality for you.

Stay tuned.

To the candidates: Thank you for your interest and participation in the future of our city. Carlsbad Radio would like to offer you a free forum to talk about your candidacy on our blog.

Your article should be between 150 and 300 words and accompanied by a picture or graphic you would like to use.

Please bring your material to our studios at 1609 Radio Blvd any week day between 9:00AM and 4:00PM or call 887-7563 and speak with Don Hughes, Jerry Flores or Lisa Adair. Feel free to call with any questions.

Starting February 15^th, we will be posting entries from all candidates for municipal elections here on this site.

We deeply appreciate the time, effort and passion you bring to the election and hope we can help you reach every voter with your message.

Don Hughes
General Manager
don[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

I have been tasked this last year with making some improvements happen on the Carlsbad Radio remote events van.

I like big, bright and flashy.

The management here at the station likes “affordable.”

I really like the result so far, but there have been some differences of opinion.

I was inspired by a show I saw about NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal’s customized Navigator. It’s the car he uses to cart his kids around. It has a 3500 watt sound system in it. When they open the back lift gate and turn up the volume, you need to hang onto something.

That’s what I want.

When Ben Przeslak, our remote broadcast technician, drives across town, he should have to wear industrial grade hearing protection. When we get to a site, I want the van to deploy like Transformer Optimus Prime.

The new wheels and tires should be here in a day or so. They are going to look great.

I’m already working on my pitch to management for a new sound system.

Big sound.

4000 watts should be enough.

Forget the Shaq attack. Here comes Jerry’s Jams!

Yeah. Jerry’s Jams.

I like the sound of it already.

Jerry Flores
Sales Representative
Jerry[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Employment in the area is on a slow increase. But, at the same time, jobs are going unfilled. I am told this is because too many of our neighbors can’t pass a drug test. It makes me wonder. I wonder why people who can’t pass a drug test are listed as “unemployed”. Shouldn’t they be listed as “high”? In this time of drug testing, nobody is likely to hire them. Will “unemployed” become a euphemism for “addicted”?

It’s like when movie and rock stars are put in the hospital for “dehydration.” It means they were too drunk or too drugged for too long to perform.

The problems with not admitting that there are different circumstances are obvious. There are people who cannot find work and people who because of alcohol or other substance problems are a danger to have in the workplace.

If you don’t draw a distinction, you can’t look for ways to help those who want help. If you don’t draw a distinction, you don’t have a real picture of what state the economy is in.

If the problem is that we don’t want to admit the growing problem, maybe the idea should be floated to the state legislature that we could restructure the reporting in a socially sensitive way. I would like to suggest that the current categories of employed and unemployed be supplemented with “dehydrated”.

Don Hughes
General Manager
don[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

I just read an email that reminded me that life is unpredictable and so are the sorrows that it causes.  Christmas time is here and yet, why is it that people do not look as if they remember what Christmas is all about?  Instead you see the looks of disappointment, frustration and panic.

I had a small conversation at the store last night with a cashier, who paid all of her bills and now cannot afford to buy a single gift for her children.  Ironically though, she can still give a genuine smile and say the words “its ok, we’re fine and we have far much more than others.” Isn’t that amazing!   In life we want far more than what is already in front of us.  And because of that we make ourselves unhappy.  This Christmas remember those who are right in front of you.  Hug them and tell them how much they mean to you and worry no more for the things that aren’t just right at this moment.  If we spend a lifetime trying to make everything right, then what time do we really have left for ourselves or our family?  Life is on a loan for all of us and I can’t help but believe that God would want us not to make it the best possible life within our own abilities and leave the rest up to him.

I know this year alone I have several things to be thankful for in my own life and even in the lives of others.  You see happiness is not measured in a box with pretty wrappings or in a billfold with green paper.  It is in your hearts and all those around you.  You can buy another gift, you can earn another dollar but you can never earn another chance at someone’s life.  Your smile and your hug can change someone’s heart just because you cared.  People are in all colors: black, white, green, blue and who knows what other colors.  But all our hearts beat the same, our blood runs red and sometimes fire-engine red at that!  The point is, past the color of our skin is a beautiful heart of gold inside all of us.  Some of us, we literally have to needle-nose the chains off and THEN, THERE IT IS “A HEART OF GOLD.”

Back to the cashier,  she knows financially she cannot give more to her children than what she has already provided:  a home full of mommys love, the electricity that she gives when she hugs her children and the warmth that fills her home right from her heart.  Money doesn’t have to be it all.  Yes, it helps but love goes so much further.   A small ten year old girl last night started a chat with me at soccer practice and reminded me that wierdos are in the vicinity but she cannot live in fear.  She knew the teenage boy that was murdered and set on fire some time ago, she sat and explained to me that life must go on and we learn from the past.  Wow, a ten year old girl!   She had seen hurt and knows hurt but yet she had so much kindness in her eyes as we spoke.  Life itself feels like a lifetime war if we allow it.  We have the power in our words to make things different.  Speak a word of kindness to one another, better yet tell someone else about some act of kindness done to you by another caring person.  And when all conversation fails,  tell them about the awesome God that has made a difference in your life.  My God just did!!!!

Patsy Calderon
Public Service Director
Carlsbad Radio, Inc

psa[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com

Thursday night (October 1^st)  is the Paint the town pink fight against breast cancer. It’s to raise awareness about the need to test, the ongoing research, the resources which are needed  and to spotlight people who have survived the tough fight. Cancer victims, doctors, nurses, caregivers of all kinds are working together to encourage, shine a light on needed tasks and direct the fight. The sense of struggle, the tangible tragedy of the disease and the passion for a victory over it are almost overwhelming even to an observer.

Saturday night (October 3^rd) the Post Time saloon is bringing to town the MMA. These are the Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fights. These are athletes from Carlsbad, Roswell and all over the region including from West Texas. These guys take this stuff seriously. And this is hard work. If you have never seen one of these MMA matches, it can be baffling how these athletes can even remain standing after three rounds of all-out exertion. Sometimes they just can’t. Sometimes they fight so hard they simply use up every last tiny scrap of energy and every bit of will to win they have left.

I know it’s apples and oranges, but the question I have about these two fights is: which one do you think is the hardest?

Me too.

No competition.

Jerry Flores
Sales Representative
Jerry[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Sheli Kelly, Account Representative

It’s half past Tuesday and I am reflecting on my weekend.

I enjoy “Sunday Driving”. Though I’ve been accused of doing it as a sport.

A friend was working at a car lot Saturday night… some big sale or something. So I stopped in to see him.

I know the guys there, so I thought it’d be a hoot to see if they’d let me drive something of theirs for the day. They obliged.

I had a time figuring out what to drive… thought “Which one’s me; A cool convertible or an S.U.V.” (Yes, watch too much television… this credit goes to freecreditreport.com).

After I put much thought into the vehicle choice, I picked The Blue One. A cute lil’ feller this one.

You familiar with the term, “Drive it like you stole it”? I am. Truthfully, I drove it like I’d eventually be accused of stealing it… so, speed limits applied.

Went and got something to eat.

Cruised The Drag.

Honked at some passers by… {because I couldn’t figure out how to manage the “Smart Key” feature. Apparently it is much smarter than me.}

Went home, took a nap.

Drove back to the car lot.

Bought the vehicle.

I, now, am the proud new owner of a great big debt!

But these things make me happy.

Much like my sales position.

Guess we’re not supposed to mention names here, so I will.

These guys at the lot were Elated to see the Elation on my little face as I tumbled out of the rig.

Who was happier? I don’t know. Pretty sure these guys are down with the One Born Every Minute theory.

What’s my case… What’s my Point?

It’s This:  Just Do IT. Don’t wait to be “done”, before you do it.  Just…

Cross your eyes, doc your tea, and then

And THEN. Make yourself go out and earn what you got. Yeah. This works for me… for the most part. You know the sayings: Greener grass; Owning up to your decisions; Live like there is no tomorrow; Haste makes waste; Time is not on your side; a Stitch in time…; The early bird; Count Chocula (threw that in there as it’s my fave cereal); No pain, no gain; The Golden Rule; Look both ways; Step on a crack…; He who laughs…; Keep your enemies…; Pray for your bretheren; Spiders are aweful; Too many Indians; the funky Cold Madina; Let your freak flag fly….   Alright! Get it?

I did.

I got it.

And it’s Blue.

Mopar Blue.

That’s it. That’s all.

Sheli Kelly
Sales Representative
Classified Ads Manager
sheli[at]carlsbadradio[dot]com
Phone (575) 887-7563
Fax (575) 887-7000
Carlsbad Radio
1609 Radio Blvd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Well, it happened again:  NMSU Carlsbad held a community meeting and just about no one from the community showed up. OK, four people who aren’t NMSU Carlsbad employees came, but one was related to one of the presenters so I’m not sure he counts. As public relations coordinator, I could take the lack of attendance personally. But I won’t because I know I tried hard to spread the word about the  meeting (radio PSAs, newspaper display advertising, Little Argus listings – oops, I forgot to offer food), and because I attended a public meeting in January – before I became an NMSU Carlsbad employee – and only a handful of community members came to that meeting. And there were abundant refreshments at that gathering.

The January meeting was to explain how a new emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math will bring new career opportunities to students and professionals trained in high-demand fields to the local workforce. The Sept. 1 meeting brought architects and an NMSU Las Cruces project manager to Carlsbad to provide detailed information about the new Allied Health and University Transfer Center that will be built at the college in 2010. The construction and equipping of this state-of-the-art building will be partially paid for with tax dollars – dollars residents voted to allocate to the project. Plus, the center will be the first building in Southeast New Mexico to earn special “green” certification.

Exciting stuff! The people will want to find out about it, right? Apparently not enough to get in cars or on bicycles or use their feet to come to meetings about this issues.  “These people are lazy,” I thought. “They probably wouldn’t care if the college was vaporized by aliens.” Yep, I was disappointed and a bit angry at first. But after I quit biting my nails and grinding my teeth, I gave it more thought and came to a different conclusion.

I don’t think it’s because people don’t care about NMSU Carlsbad programs and initiatives. I think it’s because they are incredibly busy in the evenings with important stuff like being with their families, going to church and school, attending other important meetings and recharging at home so they can do a good job the next day – and because they trust the administrators at NMSU Carlsbad and NMSU Las Cruces to do the right thing, to make sure our programs are top-notch and our buildings are worthy of taxpayer funding. They trust that if they have a question, they can call the college and talk with someone who will give them straight answers.

That kind of trust is gratifying and weighty. As NMSU Carlsbad employees, we know we must constantly strive to deliver the best to the communities of Eddy County. The result is a big turnout. Maybe not at community meetings, but in classrooms on the Carlsbad campus and at the Artesia Vocational Training Center, and in homes where students are connected to NMSU Carlsbad Internet courses. The official numbers for the fall semester aren’t available yet, but it looks like enrollment at NMSU Carlsbad is up 10 to 12 percent from fall 2008. Fantastic! Because we want the public to be informed about all we do, we’ll continue to invite community members to meetings.  I hope next time you can attend. But If I don’t see you, I won’t be too worried. I know NMSU Carlsbad has your support.

Marilyn Travis
NMSU- Carlsbad
Public Relations Coordinator
mtravis[at]nmsu[dot]edu

You’re on a dark, desert highway somewhere Northeast of El Paso. The smell of New Mexico mesquite is rising up from the air. You’re too young to know any Eagles’ lyrics, but you are old enough to know what you want to hear on the radio.

You want your University of New Mexico football, but for some reason you can’t find the strong and soothing 50,000-watt voice of the Lobos‘ mother station out of Albuquerque: KKOB-AM.

It’s close to kickoff. You need your Lobo fix. You’re starting to sweat inside your Lobo Louie T-Shirt.

What to do? Do you panic? Do you, for a haunting, foolish second, think about trying to find a UTEP Miners’ game? No way! You stay calm and simply flip your radio to 1450 on the AM dial out of Las Cruces or maybe 105.1-FM out of Hobbs or even 740-AM out of Carlsbad.

That dark, desert highway never felt so warm and comfortable. Scott Galetti is now sitting shotgun booming out that much-needed play-by-play. Ex-Lobo Kole McKamey is giving you the inside scoop on the Mike Locksley offense. The pre-game show on KKOB was outstanding even though Scott Stiegler hogged the microphone – again.

Welcome to the Lobo Radio Network. Such a lovely place and not that difficult to find. The sound of the Lobos comes from Albuquerque (KKOB/KNML), Farmington (KLJH-FM), Gallup (KYVA-AM), Grants (KMIN-AM), Socorro (KMXQ-FM), Las Vegas (KBQL-FM), Las Cruces (KOBE-AM), Ruidoso (KRUI-AM), Santa Rosa (KSSR-AM), Clovis (KCLV-AM), Hobbs (KWMW-FM) and Carlsbad (KATK-AM).

Actually, much of the success for the expansion of the Lobo Radio Network comes from Keith Kowalski of Learfield Sports spending more than a couple of hours on the long and lonely highways of New Mexico.

“There were a couple of times down by Hobbs and Carlsbad where I was on the road for a couple of hours and didn’t see any other cars,” said Kowalski, who also handles radio networking for nine other universities including North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech.

When Learfield Sports got the media marketing rights from UNM, Kowalski hit the state on a tour. “I went all over the state,” he said. “From Gallup to Farmington to Clovis down into the Hobbs and Carlsbad area.

“I would like to have the inter-states (I-40, I-25) covered so you can drive east, west, north or south and pick up the Lobos. What we are trying to do is build a network that blankets the state.”

That blanket pretty much touches all the areas of New Mexico, but Kowalski would like to add a station in Truth or Consequences and Taos. The addition of KOBE-AM (1450) out of Las Cruces was a major breakthrough for Learfield and UNM.

“Las Cruces is a huge victory for us because that’s the home of New Mexico State,” said Kowalski.

Cruces also is the home of a few Lobo football players: Freddy Young, Chris Hernandez, Nathan Enriquez and Dante Caro. The Lobosalso list players from Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad and El Paso.

“I think it’s important to the Las Cruces area because we have some of their top athletes playing at UNM,” said Paul Krebs, UNM’s Vice President in charge of athletics.

“They also have great high school football, great athletes in general, and we want those athletes to come to the University of New Mexico. (KOBE) wouldn’t be doing this if they didn’t think it made business sense.

“The more affiliates the better, even if their signals overlaps. It’s not just a way for the athletic department to message effectively into those markets, but also a venue for the university to reach those communities. We want to convey to those communities that we look at them as a partner and that they are important to us.”

Carlsbad softball fans from last year might recognize Richard’s daughter Kelsey Stevens in the photo above.  She pitched for La Cueva who won one and lost one against Carlsbad in the playoffs.

Richard Stevens
UNM’s sports information office
rstevens50@comcast.net