WIXY's Gone Bananas

Since 2000, I've been the voice of the Rittman Indians Marching Band. I started my duties when my daughter was in the 11th grade. I figured it would be two years and out, but now I am starting my 7th season. I've enjoyed watching the students I work with grow into responsible young adults. I have also enjoyed working with Ed Sims, the director of the band. He knows what's most important, which are the students, and in most cases their names are the only ones to appear in the scripts I read for the shows. The Rittman Band is a show band, and as such don't enter in band competitions, but go to plenty of shows. We all find that we have alot of admirers, from other bands to band parents to Fox 8 weatherman Dick Goddard, who has emceed several of our shows throughout the years. My style of announcing is somewhat unique. I feel that I have to help out the microphone, so I have the tendancy to yell into it. It works however, as I've gotten compliments from many. And I'...

I make mention frequently when I post that I am a Christian. Why do I do that? For the same reason I will have the radio in my office at work on a Christian station. It's for me. It's a reminder to act my best at all times. I fail and fail often, but I hope that the constant reminder I give myself will motivate me to be my best...

One thing that really irks me about the internet are people who cannot be true to themselves. Those who have to be someone they really aren't. Especially if they prey on innocent victims. Those folks should be put under the jail. I decided that as long as I post on the internet, I will not be anyone but myself, Cliff Feightner, gray haired 50 year old grandfather. I work as a quality inspector in Cleveland, and I live in Rittman, Ohio. I am no one special in the world's eyes. I am the best me that I can be.

In the past year or so, I have visited and posted in several internet forums, mainly dealing with media in Northeast Ohio. I have had the chance to make contact with several of the other posters off the boards, and for the most part they have been a real inspiration to me. The following is a partial listing of the folks who make my day a little brighter, and sometime give me a few laughs. Newsnomore: A true pro in every sense of the word. One who has worked in many media outlets, and has received many accolades for his work, but is humble enough to be a friend to those who would only dream of where hard work and desire has taken him. One who has put his family at the top of his list, which makes him a true hero in my book. Ohio Media Watch/Old Akronite: My inspiration for this blog. He sees all and knows all. His hard work gives us the inquiring minds the media information we want to know. He also gives credit where it's due when one gives him a tip. Hopefully he will get the talk ...

Okay this is the beginning of a new blog. Who am I? I've posting on several internet forums under the name of 74WIXYgrad. I use that name since I graduated from the WIXY School of Broadcast Technique in 1974. Most people who post with me simply refer to me as WIXY, and that's cool. I consider it to be an honor to be associated with one of the legendary Top 40 stations of all time. WIXY's gone bananas was a promotion of WIXY/1260 in Cleveland, Ohio in late 1973, and since I will be speaking my mind at times, I felt that that was an appropiate title for this blog. This won't be just about radio. Maybe very little. If you want radio news I suggest you go to Ohio Media Watch, as he will do a much better job than I can. This may be about my faith, as I make no bones about being a Born Again Christian. It may be about auto racing, as I am a NASCAR fan. It may be just about anything.