IMnotJUSTINBIEBER.COM

Behind the scenes of "JB Radio" & iTunes info.

2012-02-10T06:15:13Z

JB Radio: A show about nothing, hosted by JB Love and Rob "Himself". The show isn't actually about "nothing", but there is a lot of random candor. Each week you'll hear "tech talk", "Craigslist: Missed Connections", and Rob highlights his new music choice of the week which you'll find in the Northwest Herald. No matter your musical preference, you're guaranteed to have a laugh.

You can subscribe to JB Radio podcasts on iTunes. Open iTunes and click "Advanced" at the top left corner of the screen, click "subscribe to podcast", and enter the www.mixlr.com/jbradio into the URL box. Detailed instructions can be found here.

You can see the state-of-the-art setup and even a picture of Rob in action by checking out the JB Radio photo album.

Top 20 Countdown w/JB Love (1/16-1/21)

2012-01-24T17:47:58Z

Check out the Top 20 songs hosted by JB Love. (Based on "Top 40" charts.)

1. Bruno Mars "It Will Rain"

2. Katy Perry "The One That Got Away"

3. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris "We Found Love"

4. Flo Rida "Good Feeling"

5. Adele "Set Rain To The Fire"

6. Selena Gomez & the Scene "Love You Like a Love Song"

7. LMFAO "Sexy and I Know It"

8. Jessie J "Domino"

9. David Guetta feat. Usher "Without You"

10. Gym Class Heroes feat. Adam Levine "Stereo Hearts"

11. Gavin Degraw "Not Over You"

12. J. Cole "Workout"

13. Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger"

14. David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj "Turn Me On"

15. Gym Class Heroes feat. Neon Hitch "Ass Back Home"

16. Jay-Z feat. Kanye West "N----- In Paris"

17. Pitbull feat. Chris Brown "International Love"

18. Hot Chelle Rae "I Like It Like That"

19. Rihanna "You Da One"

20. Breathe Carolina "Blackout"

Winter Weather Closings & Info

2012-01-12T22:27:13Z

ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Works Department has declared a snow emergency and even-odd parking.

The city is asking residents to move parked cars off the street if possible. Cars parked on the street by 5 p.m. today must be moved to the even address side of the street.

Even-odd parking is meant to allow plows to go down the street safely. On Friday, cars must be

moved to the odd side of the street as of 8 a.m. so that the other side of the street can be plowed.

Even-odd parking will continue until the city no longer deems it necessary.

Cars could be ticketed if they are in violation. - rrstar.com

From WREX.com

Schools:

Christian Life Schools: No After School Activities
Freeport Dist. #145: Athletic Events Cancelled
Harlem School Dist. #122 [WEB]: No After School Activities
Rockford School District #205 [WEB]: No After School Activities

Colleges:

Music Academy [WEB]: Evening Lessons Cancelled
Rockford College: No evening classes; activites cancelled

Government:

City of Beloit: Snow Emergency
City of Rockford: Snow Emergency
Village of Pecatonica: Snow Emergency
Village of Winnebago: Snow Emergency

(*A full list of Church/Activity/Organizations/Meetings/Business/Sport/Hospital closings can be found here.)

JB Radio: Podcast Episode 3

2011-12-05T02:57:32Z

"What's On the Mind Wednesday" - 11/30/11

JB Radio: Podcast Episode 2

2011-12-05T02:53:07Z

"It's almost pay day." - 11/27/11

JB Radio: Podcast Episode 1

2011-12-05T02:50:57Z

"Black Friday" (w/Rob Himself)

JB Radio: Podcast Episode Test

2011-12-05T02:45:28Z

"#random Nov. 22, 2011" (podcast 'pilot'.)

Occupy: The mall?

2011-11-25T17:08:40Z

It's interesting that Occupy Rockford, IL is planning to "mic check" at Cherryvale Mall today. They're protesting against 'Black Friday'; a day when people have a chance to save a bunch of money. When did saving money during a time when many people need to save money in this downed economy become a bad idea? I looked at their support page as well as their "Black Friday" event page and find no justifiable reasoning for this. Sure, many of the products being sold are made overseas but all the people selling them are from this area. Isn't it good that this yearly shopping event requires bodies to work in the stores, big box or otherwise? I still say some of these protests are for attention and the same can be said about this post. Maybe I just don't understand the 'movement'. Well I have an idea but I would have an better understanding if there didn't appear between be a billion different reasons. I do know the what protesting is, and in case people challenge it - I'll show you.

It doesn't use many plurals when it mentions "objection", "avowal", "affirmation", "gesture", etc. You get my point. In case you don't, I have yet to see one basic reason for this movement. Instead it seems that "Occupy" is just a bunch of ideas which confuses many people, not just me. A headline, that's all I'm asking for! I would also like to know how these people have so much free time on their hands? Are they jobless??? If so, I have sympathy for them. If they are, shouldn't they be job hunting? Fast food joints are always hiring. Oh wait, that's corporate America. Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! Anti-capitalism.

I leave you with this:

If you're going to protest, for whatever the reason, please do it within the lines of the law. Do it safely. Do it for the right reason. A make it easier to understand.

I'm singing the "Alderman Blues"

2011-08-16T07:32:08Z

There are times when certain things are better left unsaid. This isn’t one of those times. Before I get into those “certain things” let me remind you of the little legal note at the bottom of this blog. “Opinions expressed are not affiliated with any media outlet and/or business. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.“ Now that you’ve read that I shall dive into another rant that could probably get me in trouble. But when has that stopped me?

The problem with Rockford, Illinois is not the small city itself not even necessarily the residents. It’s mainly the people that run the city. I guess it’s hard to complain we're the voters, although I use ‘we’ quite loosely because my guess is that only a small portion of the city’s residents actually vote. There is so much potential in this city but it’s never going to reach it’s full potential because of way it’s ran. Rockford is incredibly behind on development in so many ways, but that’s not even the point of this blog. I should probably say that not all people or parties are doing a bad job. Just a few in particular. I’m not going to pin-point a specific individual like I intended to do in the first place. However, I will comment on the actions of an alderman in the Rockford area. This alderman was interviewed by Rockford Register Star in 2009 and said “Our city’s future lies in the hands of our youth.” Let’s forward to 2011 and focus on an event in which this alderman signed the permit, which had a fee, for a multiple day event that was put together to raise money for a neighborhood school. A neighborhood school in Rockford. Seems like a kind gesture for a great cause, right? Even though the noise ordinance is 11pm the event was shut down early for both nights. Really?! Ok, I can probably assume there were actually a few noise complaints but then again someone paid for a permit, which the alderman approved, that included the 11pm ruling. The craziest thing is the fact that it wasn’t the closest neighbors complaining, it was people from 10-15 minutes away. Are you kidding me? I know for a fact that someone was filling the Police Department and alderman a load of crap because I have friends that live less than 5 minutes from the location of the event and they could only hear the thump of a kick drum. This alderman, and the Police need to worry about crime and senior citizens damn near crashing into a ticket booth full of people, including children.

I’m going to make sure I do an address change simply to vote again this alderman, yes I live in their ‘ward’ or whatever the hell it’s called. I don’t care if I have to write in a name on the ballot, this yahoo will not get my vote. Of course I know that one vote might not make a difference. The alderman’s interview with the paper about focusing on youth is complete bull. There were many high school kids that volunteered their time to work and help promote this event that was raising money for their school and yet the alderman could have cared less. He/she only cared about they’re senior citizen voters in their ward. It amazes me how Festa Italiana wasn’t shut down early. I’ve been to that festival many times and I can guarantee the sound system at the event was much larger than ours. It’s a shame when someone positive in the Rockford area is stopped because of an old school alderman. I would LOVE to hear an explanation for the actions that took place. Better yet, the school, the business owners, and every that put in a lot of time and effort deserve a logical explanation. If that actually happens I’m buying a lottery ticket.

Dear Alderman,

You’re the reason ‘there’s nothing to do in Rockford’. Maybe you should stop living in 1970 and skip ahead to 2011, it’s a fun time. I had no idea you could control the police department as well, kudos. Can you get out of moving violations too? Have you considered the negative effects of your actions? Have you looked at your part of Rockford as a whole and not as… whatever way you see it as. You know, you said the youth of Rockford is our future but here’s the thing, the "youth" are moving out of Rockford. Not necessarily because of you, but also because our school system is a joke, we have the worst roads, there aren’t jobs, and Rockford is run in an ‘old school’ fashion. Please let me know if you would like to meet and discuss. We’ll do lunch.

Sincerely,

JB Love.

Adam Levine is ava-tarded.

2011-08-06T15:42:21Z

I can't say whether or not he's a d-bag, but I can tell you that I believe he may be dumb for crying about a p.o.s. band game using his 'likeness', also known as his 'avatar'. It's being reported that Adam Levine is suing Activison, the company behind "Band Here". He should be happy someone decided to copy his average mug for the game. No Doubt did the same thing a few years ago and when Activision asked the three judge panel to throw out the case it was their request that was thrown out. Oh well, I'm sure Mr. Maroon 5 front-man will win the case and get some money that he can waste on stupid clothes and ugly haircuts.

Screw the U.S. debt problem! Let's do this!

2011-07-26T19:22:52Z

Whether you listen to the news, read the news, or watch the news, everything is related to the NFL or the United States debt crisis. (I found this today and thought it was interesting. [U.S. Debt Clock] Anyway, after I read an article from the Global Post I've realized this is the reason we, as a country, have a serious debt issue. Stupid people giving their children stupid names. According to the Australian Herald Sun, the list of weird names for kids that are banned by New Zealand’s names registrar has grown to include Lucifer, Duke, Messiah and 89. Also not approved: Bishop, Baron, General, Judge, King, Knight and Mr., names that were all said to be too similar to titles. The letters, C, D, I and T were also rejected as first names, the Herald Sun says.

Imagine a country with less idiotic names. I feel like the 'weirder' the name, the less successful the child will be later in life. I've never heard of a CEO, COO, etc, with a name that makes me think, "what the hell"? If the U.S. started banning stupid names, what would celebrities do? What would ... never-mind. I guess the point I'm trying to make is that certain names will determine whether a child will grow up and become a stripper, butler, fast food clerk, unemployed, or a serial killer... maybe not all names equal loser-ville. I'm sure some names could equal a lawyer, doctor, dentist, professor, maybe news anchor or radio personality.

Think before you name your child. It could determine their destiny.

You asked for it. The blog that says it all.

2011-06-24T20:39:35Z

Well, maybe you didn't ask for it. Maybe I'm just feeling the need to set the record straight. Maybe I feel it's the time to vent. I worked a wedding two weeks ago and a half dozen people asked why I'm not on ZOK anymore. I guess it's not just Shooter's bar patrons that want to know the story. Some people know it, other people guess, some have no idea, others say I was fired. The "others" can pucker up and kiss where the sun doesn't shine. Being as I'm not employed by any radio station I feel I risk nothing in being candid about my thoughts and opinions about what happened and where radio may be headed in the not-so-distant future, and since I already wrote one blog on my start/end date scenario, I'll get right into the deep end. Will I regret sharing these thoughts? Doubt it.

You see, on March 31st I was told the next day would be my last day on 97ZOK. Why? To make room for Rick Dees' "Daily Dees". But why is someone still on the air in (what used to be) my time-slot? Well here is how 'small market' radio works, the Program Director is almost always on the air and in order to make room for the Rick Dees program it was decided that Sweet Lenny had to be moved to afternoon drive. This decision was completely out of his hands.He (SL)always said I was his "right hand man", and I never doubted that, still don't. When i was told of this decision I was also presented an offer that was "too good to pass up" because I was "invaluable" to Cumulus Broadcasting. Roll up your pant legs, the b.s. is starting to rise. The offer to "super produce" a morning show out of Atlanta that also simulcast in Indianapolis and Nashville. In my head I immediately thought that it a position for a glorified board-op, of course I was assured it would be much more than that. I was also promised on-air shifts whether it be afternoon fill-in or weekends. All this was promised IF I decided to move to Indianapolis. Let's not forget about the pay cut. Oh wait, If I moved and continued doing ZOK's imaging and website I would be financially compensated for my efforts. We also talked about me coming back and being part time if it didn't work out, as long as a gave a proper notice and trained someone. Now, in my head I'm already starting to panic about either being unemployed or moving to a place where I don't know anyone, be away from my son, family & friends, and pretty much start over. Yikes, could I handle it? Ultimately the answer would be no. I had four days to decided if I wanted to make a decision and after accepting I was told I would be start in seven days non-negotiable. In the end it was indeed too good... to be true.

I took the job and went to Indy with two laundry baskets, toiletries, and an I-pass. After my brother, his wife, my nephew, my son, and his mother left, depression set in immediately. After 2 days of being "trained" by someone that repeatedly asked me questions, I realized this would end up being a joke of a job. Albeit a joke for someone new to the business, but not someone that was nearly a decade deep with 5 years of full time on air experience. I'm not going to rip on the morning show, but it definitely did better in their home market verses Indy & Nashville. The job was boring, and slow, and the morale in the building was negative, for the most part. I met some cool people, but between the crappy job, driving back and forth from Indy to Rockford to stay sane, and the 2 star hotel I was living in, wasn't helping me enjoy Indianapolis. The remotes I was promised didn't exist, and the air shifts were in the same boat. I was ready to go back to Rockford, and get back as soon as I could. I had received word of a possible job in Rockford and gave my notice with Cumulus in Indiana. Well, at least I could come back to 97ZOK on a part time basis. That thought lingered in my head and motivated me to train someone for those two weeks, ironically it was the same person that trained me. Four days after giving my notice I got a phone call from Cumulus-Rockford and based on the tone of the voice on the other end I knew it wasn't going to be good. "Sorry JB, but corporate won't let you come back part time. If you leave that market you'll no longer be a part of the company." I don't think it was my old GM's decision, at least I hope it wasn't. I know it had a lot to do with the legendary Jan Jeffries. I now know that job offers need to be confirmed and in writing before leaving a previous job.

Jan Jeffries... I'm sure he's already shared my story with others as some sort or twisted motivation. "I'm fired his ass, that's what I do. If I give you opportunity then damn-it you better take it." Most likely those words has come from his mouth. Maybe my ego is just hoping he's referred to me in some story in the last 8 weeks or so. His philosophy on Cumulus being run like a 'mom and pop' business is a bunch of crap. If that were the case employees would be people and not a number. Even if you bust your ass, when it comes to money, Cumulus (corporate) doesn't care. A week after moving me to Indy, they fired a promotions director that put her heart and soul into her job. My first day in Indy they fired a 32 year employee because he 'didn't fit' the direction they wanted to take the station. Is it coincidence that these things are happening while they acquire Citadel? I think not. The business side of me wants to understand that would can hire a Rick Dees or a Billy Bush or Cody Allen, or a Bert Weiss and have them syndicate or voice track for multiple stations and save money instead of employing a handful of air talent. After reading that last sentence it dawned on me how each of them probably have producers and staff, which means Cumulus is probably almost at the same level of pay had they kept the jocks that do it all themselves and probably do a great job as well. "Why hire 100 when we could hire 10? Who cares about being local?" Blah, blah, blah. I hope that some companies keep it local. Not only because I have some great friends in the radio business, but because that is how radio should be; local.

Do I think Cumulus would ever hire me again? I can't answer that. Would I work for them again? Maybe, if it was under my terms. It should be completely obvious that I miss the business. It's part of who I am. I'm done saying 'it's part of who I was', because my heart tells me I'll do it again. Odds are it won't be soon, seeing as no one in Rockford is looking for full time staff. I don't care the format or time slot, I will return to the air waves. When that day comes, prepare to be locked in, prepare to hear a refreshed version of me. No matter where it is, I'll pour my heart and soul over the microphone. For now you can come see me at Shooter's because they've hired me get them back on the map. They're awesome for that, and you're awesome for for reading this. As always, comments encouraged. Come back soon.

What is a 'Frozen T-Shirt" contest? It may not be what you think.

2011-06-03T20:39:00Z

Shooter's Bar & Grill is having a frozen t-shirt contest tonight (Friday, June 3rd) and some people are assuming it's similar to a wet t-shirt contest. Those people are incorrect. The 'contest' actually started at family reunions. Aren't family reunions family friendly??? Hmm, let's hit up google.

OH look, I'm right again. [http://www.free-party-games.com/frozent-shirtcontest.html]

The rules on that site are different that the rules used at Shooters.

The shirt can NOT get wet.
The shirt can NOT get wet.
See rules 1 & 2.

More rules here: [http://www.free-party-games.com/frozent-shirtcontest.html]

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Who would have thought that a bar could host the same contest that could be done at a child's birthday party?

Have a good weekend.

Changes.

2011-04-05T16:24:00Z

I've received many texts, emails, fb message, and tweets in regards to what's going on... and I feel now is good time to somewhat explain what's going on.

In 2004 I put serious thought into pursuing a job in radio, April 1st, 2004 was my first day. Honestly, I never imagined making a career out of it. It was something I just always wanted to do and it sounded like a ton of fun. Through the years I've met all kinds of people, some interesting, some "different", some have become some of my best friends. I've experienced so much at 97ZOK, more than I could have ever learned by going to college for radio. One thing I've learned in the last 4 years or so, radio is a constantly evolving business. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. The reason behind this blog is not bad or ugly. A recent programming change was made at 97ZOK last week which meant I would vacate my time-slot in order for the new plans to fall in place. This was non-negotiable. Before anyone jumps to conclusion, this has nothing to do with something I did or didn't do. Cumulus does value me as an employee and a person. In fact, a very important person came to Rockford to personally offer me a full time position in a bigger market, unfortunately this means I will be relocating to Indianapolis, IN. With my son and the rest of my family and friends being here in Rockford, I'll be visiting quite often. I won't lie, the last few days have been hard... an emotional roller coaster, bu tI have to make money and I have to work. Staying here and working part time is not a realistic option. But who says I won't be back? Starting April 11th I'll be the Indy producer for "The Bert Show" out of Atlanta. I can honestly say it looks like I'll fit in perfectly at I94. (By the way, my last day on air was April 1st, 2011. Weird?)

Promise me this, do not say you're going to boycott 97ZOK for the changes, believe me... the staff had NOTHING to do with this. They are my family and have families to support. Instead, embrace the change and continue to love the station as hundreds of thousands of people have done for years.

Rockford:

This is not "good bye", it's more like "see ya later".

- JB Love

Podcast: The Test Drive

2011-03-28T03:45:00Z

Charlie Sheen: no longer #WINNING?

2011-03-07T22:05:00Z

He said he's "here", "there", and "everywhere", now he has the chance to do it. According to TMZ.com, Warner Bros. has 'officially' terminated Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men'. This took place after careful consideration, duh.

No need to cry though, you can still witness his insane antics on his U-Stream webcasts.

2011 Grammy Predictions

2011-02-13T20:04:00Z

I'm guessing Lady "A" & Eminem will be taking home multiple awards tonight. Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are nominated together in several categories and it's hard to guess who will walk away with the Grammy, but I'm leaning towards Gaga (even though I'm a big Katy Perry fan). Also, I did NOT predict Rock categories, I'm a little behind in that genre.

[winner; ~~loser~~ followed by ACTUAL *winner]

Record Of The Year: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now”

Album Of The Year: ~~Eminem “Recovery”~~ *Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"

Song Of The Year: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now”

Best New Artist: ~~Justin Bieber~~ *Esperanza Spalding

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: ~~Katy Perry “Teenage Dream”~~

"Lady Gaga "Bad Romance"

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Bruno Mars “Just The Way You Are”

Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals: Train “Hey Soul Sister (Live)”

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals: ~~“California Girls” Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg~~

* "Imagine" Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal

Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga “The Fame Monster”

Best Dance Recording: Rihanna “Only Girl (In The World)”

Best Electronic/Dance Album: La Roux “La Roux”

Best Contemporary R&B Album: Usher “Raymond V Raymond”

Best Rap Solo Performance: Eminem “Not Afraid”

Best Rap Performance By A Dou Or Group: ~~Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz “Fancy”~~

*Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz "On To The Next One"

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: ~~Eminem & Rihanna “Love The Way You Lie”~~

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"

Best Rap Song: ~~“Not Afraid”~~ *Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"

Best Rap Album: Eminem “Recovery”

Best Female Country Vocal Performance: Miranda Lambert “The House That Built Me”

Best Male Country Vocal Performance: ~~Toby Keith “ Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)~~

*Keith Urban "Til Summer Comes Around"

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now”

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals: ~~Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins “Hillbilly Bone”~~

Zac Brown Band & Alan Jackson "As She's Walking Away"

Best Country Song: “Need You Now”

Best Country Album: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now”

Watch the Grammy's tonight at 7pm (central) on CBS!

Facebook Fan Comments: Good/Bad?

2011-02-03T21:05:00Z

Click here to read the article!

Is Facebook Finished?

2011-01-21T04:03:00Z

Is Facebook finished?

Find out the truth behind the rumors.

Out of Context (Pt.1)

2011-01-10T04:59:00Z

How convenient, easy, and quick has communicating become with bbm, email, facebook statuses, instant messaging, and twitter? You can literally share any thought instantly with anyone with a few clicks of some keys. Think about this, if you have one thought every 15 seconds and you sleep 8 hours each night. That equates to 240 thoughts per minute, 14,400 thoughts per hour and 230,000 thoughts per day. That’s a whole lot of thoughts we’re just dying to share. For most of us, especially me, we’re sharing these thoughts like they're going outta style. We do this with friends, family, and acquaintances too, which is “over communication” and can create a problem which is the premises behind this blog.

All these quick and easy messaging techniques have really taken away from the way we’ve communicated for centuries. Even when the telephone was invented in 1876 until like fifteen years ago, we shared our thoughts without being face-to-face and without confusion or misinterpretation. However, the world is now full of mass confusion and leaves us all to assume the tone behind fonts. If you think about it, no matter what the text says it can easily be taken out of context. All these ways of sharing thoughts without even so much as opening our mouths has made us lazier and lazier. It seems like we went from writing complete sentences in letters and eventually emails to short cutting even the simple way of talking. Pay attention to your texts, bbm’s, emails, and tweets, and see how lazy people are. No more completing sentences with periods, no more spelling out entire words, and my favorite thing – “…”! Those three little dots, thosee periods, those former stop signs at the end of a sentence, and we’re all guilty of doing it. We do this to show a trailing thought or maybe a way no having an answer, or even to show annoyance/anger/etc.

Another thing people do is read into a sentence too much or too little, especially when you think you know the person who sent the message you’re reading. I am INCREDIBLY guilty of this. I don’t feel alone though, in fact I know I’m not the only one. Imagine all the drama created by someone taking a simple message out of context. Let’s say it is a complete simple sentence, not trailing dots, no CAPS, and everything is right there in front of you. The chances of you misinterpreting the message are quite high. All these things could really be avoided by making a simple phone call. If you’re like me, you don’t want to be on the phone, you’d rather text. You know you’re lazy, right?! Chill out, I am too. But, how can we fix this? Is it possible? Are we as a generation so sucked into technology that and finding the fastest way to talk to one another has brought upon a problem we can’t change? Here’s an idea that even I’m going to try. Let’s make a point to send complete thoughts but make sure we proof read. If you look at the text and see that it could be confusing, send a text saying you’re going to call the person and ELABORATE your thought rather than creating unnecessary confusion. Give it a shot.

Coming soon: Out of Context (Pt. n2): Facebook statuses and how they can be taken out of context more than any other social media.

[*As always, comments are always welcome. Please subscribe to the blog for more fun. I won’t spam you… too much.]