Broadcasting From Downtown Loris

The switch was thrown today (Thursday, December 27, 2007) and WLSC started broadcasting from Main Street in Loris, SC. We basically pulled the plug at the old location and then pushed a button at the transmitter site and (Poof!) we were on the air from our new studios.

The first announcer at the new location was my 3 year old son, Tristan who simply said, "W-L-S-C Radio!" That was all there was to it, now back to our regularlly scheduled programming.

I'll be behind the microphone for a while tomorrow, but don't expect to hear any of my usual radio antics until early next year.

The Banana Jack Murphy Show is not scheduled to return until January 2008. In the meantime, I'll have my hands full with a lot of behind the scenes stuff that is not very glamorous, but is required to make WLSC what I envision and that is...(drum roll please!)... The Biggest Little Station in America. You heard it here first!

Stay Tuned!

Knee Deep in Bluegrass is Coming to WLSC

Cindy Baucom, the host of Knee Deep in Bluegrass was as excited as I was with WLSC becoming the first radio station in South Carolina to air her award winning program. Check out the following link for more information.


http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/knee-deep-in-bluegrass-adds-wlsc/

Stay Tuned for more programming announcements coming soon to WLSC including the return of The Banana Jack Murphy Show debuting sometime in early 2008.

Prince & Prince To The Rescue

Last weekend, I was in the woods with my good friend, Bob Scarborough clearing trees and briars at the transmitter site. Yesterday, I watched someone else do it. i called the man. Edward Prince of Prince & Prince Properties assisted me in clearing my acreage. In just a few hours, Edward finished what would have taken me several days to complete. It was well worth the price.

Yes, I called the man. You can call the man too. Edward's number is 843-222-6329.

Now, the transmitter site is about 95% completed which means I won't have to spend the weekend in the woods with Bob. By the way, Bob the lumberjack is driving around the county right now giving me updates on the signal quality of WLSC. Seriously, he calls me every time he picks up the station in an area that he believes is new WLSC territory. I think that he's calling me again right now....Wait a second!

Hi Bob, where are you now?.............Really, you can hear the station on Forestbrook Road? That's great. You're turning on to Limerick Drive. Hey, Bob I'm busy with this blog thing. Can you hold on? Yeah, I know we've got to go back and trim up around the guy wires. Sure, we can do that over the Christmas holidays. Hold on.

I've gotta go. Bob is really excited today and to tell you the truth, so am I!

Merry Christmas!

On The Line For Me Today

It has taken weeks to resolve one pesky technical issue. Today, we resolved the problem. My friends at HTC came through and we finally have established contact between our transmitter and our studios, which happen to be about two miles apart. After a few tests, we should be in the position to start relocating to the new studios.

I honestly believe that when we start broadcasting from downtown Loris, we're really going to start creating a buzz. I just hope that buzz isn't on the line.

Stay Tuned!

Timber! We've Started Clearing The Transmitter Site

I knew it had to be done, but it certainly wasn't my idea to start clearing trees at the transmitter site, but that's what I was up to today. My good friend, Bob Scarborough volunteered his services and he actually sort of took charge and so, I was on the hook. It appeared to me that Bob was determined to rid the transmitter site of unwanted trees with or without me, so since I own the place I figured I'd better be there.

So, there we were with two chainsaws that didn't work. We bought a new one. I borrowed a weed whacker from a friend and we started what was going to a long project. As I said earlier, this had to be done, but it was certainly more work than I had anticipated.

If you know anything about AM radio, then you know that there is a ground system of copper lines that extend out from the base of the tower. There's a ton of trees and briar and all kinds of nasty vegetation growing where it shouldn't and that is possibly detrimental for WLSC's signal.

Well, we took down a few trees and we really cleaned up the base of the tower and then the rains came. Yeah, it rained on my parade, but I think we'll be back... unless I decide to call the man.

If you remember the episode of The Andy Griffith Show where Aunt Bee buys a freezer full of meat from Diamond Jim's and then her freezer goes out and she doesn't want o pay the man from Mt. Pilot to come out and fix it and Andy says over and over, "Just call the man!" I might have to do that.

After I got home and cleaned up, it looks like I got into a fight with a polecat. One of those nasty briars cut my ear. It looks like I got my ear pierced. I'm the owner of a radio station. i can't look like I've got my ears pierced. Who's going to believe that i was wrestling a polecat anyway? Who's going to believe that I actually did some work?

Man, I hope this improves the radio station's signal. Ouch, I found another scratch. I'm calling the man.

Tristan Has a Birthday Party at WLSC

A few weeks ago, my wife, Barb and I decided that it would be a wonderful idea to have our son's birthday party at the new radio station studios. It was a grand idea, but we were way behind on construction. I was also a little bit over budget and just a little bit stressed over the whole situation.

There was even a few nights this week where I was painting until midnight. I had to paint until 2:30 one morning because I made a major mistake at the hardware store. I put the wrong color of paint on three walls and there was just no way, I was going to let all the folks coming to the birthday party witness my major no-no.

Well, after a few sleepless nights, a couple of arguments with my wife and the guys doing my construction work and last but not least, I got a cold, we pulled it off. My son, Tristan had a wonderful party. Santa Claus was there and 16 kids and their parents showed up. Man, we had a crowd in that radio station.

Whew, we really were cutting it close to pull off the party, but it was worth it. It was actually a cool birthday party for my son, who actually celebrates his 3rd birthday on December 22nd, but that is so close to Christmas, we just had to move the birthday party up a few days.

Now, if we could only work out those technical difficulties that are prohibiting me from moving the studios to downtown Loris. Oh no, I'm stressing out again and I have this terrible cold and.......I think I'll go take a nap.

Stay Tuned!

Finally, I'm A Station Owner

There was no ticker tape parade. There were no fireworks. No champagne. No hip-hip-hooray! Nonetheless, at 5:00 PM on Friday, November 30th, I became a station owner. I would imagine that most of us that have ever spent anytime behind a microphone have dreamed of owning our own station. Well, dreams do come true.

The goal now is to remain steadfast in making my vision for WLSC a reality. Following the business plan and the mission statement and drawing upon our past experience combined with the absolute need to ask God for guidance on every important decision are the invisible keys that will keep this dream from turning into a nightmare.

FCC Approves Sale of Station, Banana Jack Takes Over November 30th

The waiting is almost over. On November 14, 2007, the assignment of license (WLSC) from J.A.R.C. Broadcasting to Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC was granted by the FCC. Hurray!!!! The financial aspects on this deal should be completed by November 30, 2007.

You can find out more by visiting the following link http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Applica
tion_id=1194895

A Few Days In The Desert

Construction was moving really slow at the new WLSC studios, so I decided to take a few days and visit Phoenix, Arizona. It was mostly a pleasure trip, but I did have some business to take care of out in the desert.

My wife flew out on a Monday and I decided to join her later in the week. If you haven't visited the Phoenix/Tucson area, I suggest that you do it.

My first night there, my wife and I spent a few hours at a dude ranch in Fort McDowell. I met a real singing cowboy who gave me a CD of original songs. I wonder how he knew I was in the radio business?

The next day, I got to spend a few hours in Casa Grande and Eloy. Why? Well, I thought everyone knew about the coming economic boom to those two towns. There's even been talk of a new amusement park coming to that part of the desert. Man, that would surely make me happy and a whole lot of other folks as well.

I made a small and I do mean small real estate investment in that area a few years ago. Who in their right mind would buy land in the desert, right? Right! I'll let you know how it works out.

Of course, there's more to Arizona than walking around in the desert. My wife and I rented a convertible and went cruising up I-17 to spend a day in Sedona. Man, those Red Rocks rock!!!! It was truly breathtaking.

All in all, it was a marvelous trip except we were cursed with mechanical problems on our return flight. I didn't think we were ever going to get off the ground in Phoenix. We were delayed by a full hour and 45 minutes. Ouch! Our connecting flight in Atlanta was also delayed, so it took a lot longer than expected to get back home.

Gee whiz, usually just the thought of flying is enough to make me hot around the collar, but after spending a few days in the desert, I just took the delays in stride. I really did. After all, I was just coming back to the same old construction delays and red tape associated with purchasing a new business.

Man, I could use a few more days in the desert.

Construction Continues On New Studios

I knew the process of buying a radio station was going to take time. I knew that building new studios was going to take time too. I take comfort in the fact that one day in the not so distant future, I'll actually be the one that owns the radio station.

As far as the day to day operations of the radio station go right now, I ain't the man. I'm just showing up to host a daily talk show and that's it. Someone else is making sure the bills get paid and the station stays on the air. One day, I'll get to deal with all of that.

Now when it comes to the new studios, that's my baby. I have to make sure that the new construction continues, but I'm not the one hammering the nails or erecting the new walls. I just try to make sure that all the bills get paid. I thought about telling folks that I'm overseeing the project, which really means I'm just trying to keep the bills paid. So, all I can say at this point is that construction continues on the new studios.....and the check is in the mail.

Stay Tuned!

WLSC Keeps Making The News

Oh boy! I get excited when the newspapers write about me. I have really been loving it the last few weeks. Initially, The Sun News broke the story on October 5th & 6th about my recent purchase of WLSC 1240 AM in Loris.

A week and a half later, The Loris Times/North Myrtle Beach Times spread the good news.

The following week, The Horry Independent printed a story about my recent broadcast acquisition.

Just this week, The Loris Scene published an article about my latest radio adventure and even highlighted the story with a quote in big bold print. (You can pick up a copy at newsstands through Tuesday, October 30th.)

Let me just say "Thank You" to everyone in the media that has gone the extra mile to say a few good words about me and WLSC. The attention that I have received from all of you is helping to create a buzz on the streets of Loris and beyond.

I figure, when folks are talking about you that means they know about you. When they know about you, then it makes whatever you're trying to do a little easier. Right? I just wish I knew what I was trying to do.

Right now, it looks like my biggest challenge is to figure out how to get that little ol' radio station in Loris to make some more news this week. How am I going to do that? Hhmmm. I wonder.

Stay Tuned!

Banana Jack's Bog-Off Backstage Tour

Initially, I thought it would be a good idea to let folks get a sneak peek at the ongoing construction of the new WLSC studios, but then I started having visions of visitors stumbling over a pile of boards or something falling on their heads, so I regretfully had to cancel Banana Jack's Bog-Off Backstage Tour before it even got started.

There will be thousands of folks from all over descending on Loris, SC this weekend for the 28th Annual Bog-Off. Best of all, many of these good people will be passing by my new front door. Man, I could have done what those fine folks at Hard Rock Park are doing with their successful Backstage Tour. Oh well, there will be plenty to do at the festival without me trying to capitalize on the event.

As a matter of fact, I will get to promote my latest broadcast venture. There's going to be a stage set up right on Main Street in front of my building and I have agreed to emcee the events from the stage. Once a showman, always a showman...right? I wonder if I'm related to P.T. Barnum? Hhhmmmm!

So, ya'll come to Loris this weekend for the Bog-Off and while you're there, say hello to Uncle Nanner. I might not be conducting backstage tours, but there ain't no law against looking in the window.

The Official Press Release

Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC Files FCC Application To Purchase WLSC AM 1240 in Loris, South Carolina

(Sunday, October 7, 2007) The Banana Jack Murphy Show could be returning to the airwaves very shortly. For more than 18 years, Banana Jack delighted morning radio listeners along the Grand Strand.

Banana Jack Murphy, a native of North Carolina moved to the Myrtle Beach area in 1989 to host the morning show on WKZQ 101.7. He would remain on that dial position for more than 12 years until he moved over to Wave 104.1 in September of 2001 to replace a controversial nationally syndicated program.

Banana Jack would remain at Wave 104.1 for 5 1/2 years. Murphy's farewell broadcast was April 17, 2007. Oddly enough, the popular local radio host was replaced by a nationally syndicated program.

Although Jack exited morning radio he didn't completely disappear. Banana Jack also hosts the popular televison program, River Talk with Jack Murphy which airs daily at 6:30 AM on WWMB- TV 21. River Talk can also be seen at 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM daily on HTC Cable Channel 4. Murphy has hosted River Talk since 1997.

Over the summer, Murphy and his wife, Barb Krumm, who currently serves as marketing and public relations director for Ocean Lakes Family Campground, formed a new company, Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC. Since forming this new company, the couple has been working hard to put together a deal with J.A.R.C. Broadcasting Inc., which currently owns WLSC 1240 AM in Loris, SC.

Finally, after months of negotiating, the deal came together. On Wednesday, October 3, 2007, an application was filed with the FCC seeking transfer of the radio station's license from J.A.R.C. Broadcasting Inc. to Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC. Upon FCC approval of the sale, Banana Jack will take over the day to day operations of WLSC.

Currently, Banana Jack Murphy is hosting the well known Bargain Barn program, which airs daily between 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM on WLSC. The Bargain Barn is basically an on-air classifieds program which provides listeners an opportunity to buy, sell and trade just about anything one could imagine. Listeners are invited to call (843) 756-1223 to be part of the program.

New studios and offices for WLSC are currently under construction at 4164 Main Street, at the intersection of US 701 and SC 9 in downtown Loris.

One of the most exciting things that will be happening at the new WLSC studios is live music. Bluegrass and other genres of music will be performed live by local and regional bands and artists on site and will be broadcast on the station. In the not so distant future, listeners around the world will also be able to tune in to WLSC via the radio station's website, which is currently being developed.

Banana Jack Murphy is thrilled to be back on the radio and is committed to building a community radio station that the City of Loris can be proud of calling it's own.

Banana Jack has been married to Barb Krumm for 10 years. The couple has one son, Tristan who will be 3 in December 2007.

The Sun News Puts Me On The Front Page, Above The Fold

Wow! My jaw hit the floor at the convenience store. I got up this morning to pick up a copy of The Sun News just to see what Lisa Fleisher had written about me.

I was thinking I would get a few lines in the Local & Regional section. Heck, I would have really been excited if I were to appear in the Money section, but NO! OH NO!

I couldn't believe it. I was on the cover....the Front Page! My name was above the fold. I picked up one, two, three, four copies of the paper and my name was right there on everyone of them.

I wasn't dreaming. It was for real. Yessir, the front page. Life is so gooooooood! I wanted to let out a yell right there in the convenience store, but I refrained. I didn't even holler when I got outside or even whil driving home in my truck.

But when I got home, I hollered and danced, kissed my wife on the cheek and danced some more. She was just as amazed at my story being on the front page as I was. My son, who can't even read yet was excited and gave his daddy a big ol' high-five! What a day!

So, here's to you Lisa Fleisher and to all of your colleagues at The Sun News. You have given my little broadcast company a much needed shot in the arm. The story was accurate and on-the-money. I especially loved the phrase...."unceremoniously booted". I'm gonna have to remember that one.

Check out the story here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/209996.html

Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC Purchases WLSC

For months, I've been keeping readers of this blog in the dark. Well, no more! On Wednesday afternoon (October 3, 2007) an application was filed with the FCC. My company is in the process of purchasing WLSC 1240 AM in Loris, SC from J.A.R.C. Broadcasting.

I will not take over operations of the radio station until the FCC approves the transaction, but I can tell you that new offices and studios are under construction in downtown Loris.

The official press release was to go out on Monday, but The Sun News here in Myrtle Beach, acting on a tip broke the story. I spoke with Lisa Fleisher, a reporter for The Sun News just minutes after the story first appeared online at www.myrtlebeachonline.com. You can check out the story for yourself.

Over the past 2 1/2 hours, I have spoken with other members of the media, but my hat is off to The Sun News for scooping everyone including me. They got the word out before I could even get the story up on this blog. Man, news sure travels fast. Stay tuned for more details.

43 Used To Be Old, But Not Anymore

Today is my 43rd birthday. I can't believe I'm actually 43. Heck, I used to think that was old. 43. It's just a number, right?

Anyway, when I was a boy growing up in North Carolina, the number 43 meant just one thing....Richard Petty. Now, my father was a fan of David Pearson, but that didn't keep me from putting STP stickers on my bicycle. Whenever I'd see that number 43, I'd yell out, "It's the King!"

Yeah, that number 43 was special to me and countless others. Even though my dad rooted more for Fords on Sunday he proudly put a Richard Petty for Secretary of State sticker on his truck back when The King had political aspirations.

Now that I reflect on 43 being more than just a number on a stock car, I am reminded of how I used to think that my dad was just so old. I fondly remember when my dad was 33, then 43, then 53 and most recently 63. Heck, that's not old.

I also fondly remember when I was 23, then 33 and now 43. Heck, that's not old.

For my son, who is not even 3 yet, he could care less about how old I am. To be perfectly honest, he's just getting good at counting to 10. To him, 43 is just a number on a race car, thanks to the Disney/Pixar movie, "Cars". Whenever he sees 43, he yells out, "It's the King!"

I would imagine if he were a little older that he'd be thinking that 43 is old just like I once did. Well, 43 might appear to be old until you get there yourself and then you realize the truth. The cold hard truth. 43 used to be old, but not anymore.

We Could Make The Announcement This Week

Believe it or not, some folks think that they have already figured out what the Big Announcement is going to be. Sure, part of the secret has leaked out, but those that think they know what's going on really only know part of the story. Do they know the rest of the story? Honestly, the news is going to be BIG! Really BIG!

There's a good chance that the lawyers will have completed the miles and miles of paperwork by the end of this week. If so, we'll make the official announcement right here, so Stay Tuned!

A New Lease...On Life

Today, I signed a two-year lease on a prime office location. Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC is moving to Loris, SC. I will still maintain a home in Myrtle Beach and I'll continue to pursue business endeavors along the Grand Strand, but when I finally make the Big Announcement you'll understand why I've moved my headquarters to Loris.

What my little company is about to do in Loris is a dream come true for me. God has truly blessed me and my family. In less than 3 months, I went from being unemployed to forming my own company. 3 months later, my new company successfully puts together a deal and we're currently in the process of purchasing an existing business.

Today, I signed a new lease on an office building, but in doing so I wonder if I didn't also sign a new lease ....on life!

The Big Announcement is coming!!!!!

Yes, Yes, Yes....The Waiting Paid Off

I almost couldn't believe my ears when I got the news that my offer had been accepted. I'm still uneasy about discussing the details of this endeavor because there is still much to be done. After Labor Day and a weeklong trip to visit my wife's family, we'll hit the ground running.

September is going to be an action-packed month. Stay Tuned!

What Could Possibly Happen Next?

Just when I was getting ready to make the Big Announcement, I got a call that made me put on the brakes. In the eleventh hour, interference from a third party. After all these hours of crunching numbers, dealing with bankers and lawyers and perfecting the art of negotiating....SCREECH!

So what's my next move. I wait.

Regardless of the outcome, this has been a rewarding experience, but I will be disappointed if this deal does not come together.

What couid possibly happen next?

Banana Jack Is Back On The Air...Or Is He?

Yesterday, I put on a pair of headphones and fired up a microphone for the first time since April 17th. For the next few weeks, I'll be hosting the morning radio show on WLSC 1240 AM in Loris, SC. I'm basically just keeping the seat warm and I'm only on the air from 8:00 until 10:00 AM.

How about this? I'm not even getting paid. I'm doing this simply to help out the radio station. (Maybe I do have too much time on my hands.) Believe it or not, this is all part of The Big Idea!

I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up

July 24, 2007 will be a day that I'll never forget. It was on that day that I fell in my house and was unable to move. It was one of the most painful experiences in my life.

For about a week, I'd been feeling some soreness in my right hip, but I didn't really pay much attention to it. I figured I'd take a few over the counter pain remedies, get a little rest and I'd heal on my own. Boy, was I ever wrong.

On the afternoon of July 24th, I took my son to the park. He was on his own when it came to enjoying the sliding board, but he needed my assistance on the swings. I could feel more intense pain as I pushed him, so after a while, I suggested to my son that we should go home.

When I picked him up to put him in his car seat....OUCH! it felt like someone had stabbed me with a very sharp knife. My entire leg was in pain. We got home and I took a hot shower. Bad move.

I got out of the shower and managed to get dressed, but as I walked down the hall to the kitchen, I hit the floor. I was consumed with pain. I couldn't move and my 2 1/2 year old son was scared as he saw his old man lying on the floor screaming in pain.

30 minutes later, I somehow managed to crawl to the bedroom and upon finally managing to get on the bed, I realized that I couldn't reach the phone. For 15 minutes, I tried to get my son to fetch my cell phone which I had left on a countertop in the kitchen.

Finally, he found it and brought it to me. He stayed by my side, despite being scared, while I called for help. I actually was on the phone with my wife and I said, "I've fallen and I can't get up!"

In the end, it turns out I had pinched my sciatic nerve. Ouch! I aggravated my condition when I fell outside my doctor's office the next morning. I fell and bruised my leg just under my knee. Man, that really tingled.

Today, my back and hip seem a lot better, but the nerves in my knee and shin are really acting up. My doctor says there's not much I can do except take it easy and let my body heal.

After being on my back and restricted to bed rest for 9 days, I can honestly tell you that I don't ever want to be in this situation again. I've had to put everything and I mean everything on hold while I've recovered and it's going to be a while before I'm back to 100%.

My advice to you after this experience....Exercise, eat healthy, get plenty of rest and find a good chiropractor.

We've Formed A New Corporation

It's official. On July 16, 2007, Banana Jack Murphy Productions LLC was recognized as a legal business entity in the state of South Carolina. This new company is wholly owned by me and my wife. Stay Tuned....Big Anouncements are coming!

What's The Deal?

I've met with another bank and I'm in the process of restructuring the deal. I promise in the not so distant future, I will be able to elaborate more about this mystery deal.

I'm getting asked the same thing over and over, but I'm still not at liberty to disclose the full details of this project.

So, keep asking. I don't mind. Really! What's the deal?

It Was A Sickening Feeling, But I Got Over It Quickly

Yuck!, I got SICK the other day. After being told that we were going to be able to finance this project without any problems, we were told that we'd have to start over from scratch. Somewhere along the way, somebody was either confused, spoke without consulting their superiors or bit of more than they could chew.

To make a long story short, the rugged got pulled out from under me by a financial institution. It was enough to make me SICK, but who's got time to be sick. I've got a whole list of bankers to call. I hope this time around, they'll actually read my business plan.

Independence Day

Yesterday while celebrating the 4th of July with friends, I made a brief phone call to the one guy who can either make this deal happen or go away. The call was short, sweet and to the point. (After all, it was a hoilday.)The end result was a positive one and we have agreed to move forward on this business transaction. When this deal is complete, then I will be able to celebrate my own Independence Day....or will I?

When I Know Something, I'll Let You Know

I still can't report any progress on my latest endeavor. I've presented my plan to a financial institution and now we play the waiting game. For now, I'l tell you what I've been telling my closest friends and associates who know what I'm pursuing....."When I know something, I'll let you know!"

I Think We Can Do This

As, I've made my rounds around the internet, I've realized that my blog is getting a lot of attention lately. I've seen references to this site on other sites.

Mostly, the attention is coming from other folks in the media. I've been touched by the kind words that so many have written. There have been so many e-mails and phone calls of support. It really means a lot to me.

Having said that, let me say this..."I think we can do this!" After discussing my business endeavor with a financier, I heard those words today. I wanted to hear those words. Now, let's see what happens next.

Stay Tuned!

One Step Closer

Two days ago, I shared my completed business plan with a trusted family friend. This gentleman is a very successful businessman and we spent three hours together going over the strengths and weaknesses of this business opportunity.

Today, I got one step closer as I moved into another round of negotiations with the current owners of this endeavor. Things went very well today and sometime next week, I enter the financing phase of this deal.

How do we structure this deal to benefit everyone? Can we even pull this off? I'm confident that we can, we've done our homework and we've put together a good deal. Honestly, the biggest task that lies ahead for me is prayer. I'm seeking God's guidance on this one. This could be life-changing.

So please, keep me in your prayers. I sure do need 'em and some of you could use the practice.

Big Announcement...Not Today!

No news is good news. Actually, there isn't any real news to tell you anyway.

What I'm up to is very speculative. There is an amount or risk involved with completing this deal, but still I'm intrigued by it.

Some of closest friends and advisers are encouraging me to move forward, but with caution. As my grandpa used to say, "Don't put your cart before the horse." Regardless, when I am in a position to reveal the nature of this endeavor....I will.

I once thought that making a decision of this magnitude would be cut and dry, but there's more to it than I had expected. How many of you have ever had to sit down and write a business plan?

That's a lot of fun, isn't it? In fact, I should be working on that instead of updating this blog. So rest assured, there will be a Big Announcement, but not Today!

Good Morning Larry!!!

Today I'm in Washington, D.C. staying at The Ritz Carlton. How I ended up here is a long story. Nonetheless, this is good living. You just can't beat the service. Everything you hear about The Ritz Carlton is true. If you ever get the opportunity to spend a day or two at The Ritz,.....Do It!

The first thing we did when we arrived was to get settled in and then we ordered room service. The prices really weren't that expensive, but what the heck, you only live once, right?

Man, you should have seen me parading around my suite in an official Ritz Carlton bath robe. Wow!

Yesterday, while my wife, Barb was in a business conference, my son, Tristan and I went exploring the nation's capital.

We had a blast visiting the White House and the Washington Monument. I will remember to wear more comfortable shoes the next time I tackle a big city on foot. Anyway, we crammed a lot into one afternoon and spending all this time with my son is priceless.

Earlier today, while we were heading out for breakfast, we bumped into Larry King. (Yeah, the guy with the suspenders on CNN.) I was surprised to see him there in the lobby of my hotel, but then I remembered that it was the Ritz Carlton.

I guess Larry hangs out there quite a bit. He was kicked back on a sofa and carrying on a serious conversation with a couple of gentlemen. In passing, I said "Good morning, Larry" and good ol' Larry King replied, "Good morning"....and that was all there was to it. I just kept walking and Larry kept talking.

Now that I think about it, I don't think Larry King has ever seen me on TV.

You've Gotta Go To Hershey Park

If you've never visited Hershey, Pennsylvania then you've really missed something. We're staying at The Hershey Lodge and the folks are real hospitable. I was a little worried about my son, Tristan being loud, but every once in a while, I heard another kid down the hall making just as much noise.

This is truly a family vacation destination. Hershey Park has a lot of rollercoasters, but I didn't ride any of them. Oh well, my son is just 2 1/2 so it was nothing but kiddie rides. I guess we'll just have to come back.

Honestly, if you've never been to Hershey, you really deserve to come check it out. We spent two days in the park and we never even got to play in the waterpark. It's the most awesome waterpark that I have ever seen.

Well, I have another chocolate bar to eat. There is candy everywhere in this town. I can't resist the temptation. I must have more chocolate.

It's two thumbs up for Hershey, PA....The Great American Chocolate Town.

Hey, Aren't You....?

Yesterday, I was recognized by a woman who used to listen to my radio show. Big deal, right? Wait a second, I was meeting my wife, Barb and my son, Tristan for dinner when this woman from Myrtle Beach comes up to me outside of the restaurant and says, "Excuse me, aren't you Banana Jack?" So what, right? Well, it startled me because I was in Pittsburgh, PA.

I don't expect to get recognized that far from home, but it happened....not once, but THREE times. (For the record, my son took part in a model and talent search held in Pittsburgh and it turns out there were other kids from the Carolinas present.)

Earlier today, another woman from Florence, SC, who was there with her grandkids grabbed my arm as I walked by and said, "Aren't you the River Talk guy? It is you. I like that show. You know, it's informative."

Later in the day, as we were packing our suitcases in the trunk of the car so we could travel to Hershey, PA, a gentleman asked me, "Hey, is all this going to be on your tv show? Am I going to be on television? Are you working up here now?"

No, I'm not working. I'm on vacation. Tomorrow the family invades Hershey Park. I wonder if I'll be hearing, "Hey, aren't you....?"

I Can't Sleep

I can't sleep. I could just be getting older. I can't explain it. Actually, I can. No, it's not spicy food. It's the bikes. It's gotta be, but they've never bothered me before.

I've been in Myrtle Beach during the last 19 Harley-Davidson Bike Festivals. Until this year, the rumbling never got to me. From beginning to end, I didn't sleep well except for those occasional naps in the afternoon.

I've also been around for most of the Atlantic Beach Bike festivals and the noise has never got under my skin. Bikes or no bikes, I'd sleep like a baby.

This year, it's a different story. I can't sleep. The buzzing is driving me nuts! I can't even force myself to nap in the afternoon. I'm a walking zombie.

Please understand....I love to see the crowds of bikers in town. It's good for business, but this year I'm going to be glad to see them go too.

Over the weekend, traffic was re-routed through my neighborhood for a couple of hours because of a major accident on Kings Highway. I wasn't aware of this when I first heard a group of approximately 20 motorcycles roaring down my street. Honestly, I jumped right out of my big leather chair. You can't enjoy reruns of The Andy Griffith Show with all that noise. Nip it in the bud!!!!

What a night to forget, but you can't. There's always something there ( buzz, buzz!) to remind me. Finally, things settled down in the neighborhood. The motorcycles returned to Kings Highway and Bypass 17 and I said to myself as I was getting ready for bed, "You're going to get some sleep tonight"....Wrong!

Buzz, buzz, buzz until about 4:30 in the morning. I can't sleep!

I Wish I Could Tell You

A few days ago, I bumped into a friend at the supermarket. We discussed important things like barbecue, the weather and my departure from morning radio. He asked if I was ever going to return to the airwaves. My response was, "If I do it will be on my terms."

Before rushing off to the frozen food aisle, my friend mentioned that a friend of his had told him about %$$***@!(#^+. I think my friend was startled by my enthusiasm regarding the %$$***@!(#^+ and even more surprised when I said I'd like to get some more information from his friend.

Well, the next morning I made a few calls and got the scoop about %$$***@!(#^+ and was even more excited!

Today, I met with the president of %$$***@!(#^+, who just happened to be in the area and we had a wonderful meeting. In fact, I've decided to move forward on this incredible opportunity.

I wish I could tell you more about %$$***@!(#^+, but until a final decision is made by both parties, I will not reveal the nature of this endeavor.

Stay Tuned!

My Carolina People Interview Is Now Online

Hey, if you didn't catch the broadcast of my appearance on Carolina People last week (Tuesday, May 1, 2007), you can view it online by visiting www.carolinapeople.com.

Thanks again to Greg Everett and everyone associated with Carolina People.

Banana Splits....It's In The Weekly Surge

While you're out over the next week pick up a copy of The Weekly Surge. The article about me leaving Myrtle Beach radio was a well done piece. Thanks to Tim Davis and everyone at The Weekly Surge for a super-fantastic job.

The website is awesome too. Visit www.weeklysurge.com

A Shower Of Blessings

Today, I took part in the National Day of Prayer. I was honored to be asked to emcee the festivities taking place here in Horry County.

The original location for the event was in front of the Courthouse in Historic Downtown Conway, but the rains came. It has been incredibly dry so far this Spring, so we welcomed the rain even though we had to move the ceremony indoors.

Christ Commmunity Church in Conway served as the backup location and what a great time we had stressing the importance of prayer in our daily lives. Among those attending and taking part in the ceremony were Coastal Carolina University Head Football Coach David Bennett and the Honorable Mayor of Conway Greg Martin.

Prayer is a wonderful thing. It's a powerful thing. It's what keeps me connected and on track in my own spiritual walk. I have openly spoken about my belief in Jesus Christ. After all of the blessings I have received, I could never shy away from any opportunity presented to me to glorify God.

Again, thanks for all those responsible in making the National Day of Prayer a success locally. I was fortunate to be a part of it.

Carolina People Featured Me Today...OOPS!

Man, I was on TV today and I missed it. Oops! I was up this morning and I could have caught the broadcast of Carolina People on WFXB Fox 43, but It slipped my mind. I was about to have my first cup of coffee when I remembered that I was going to be on the tube. Too late. Darn!

Oh well, if you missed it too, Greg Everett the host of Carolina People assures me that we can catch the entire broadcast online starting next week.

As soon as it's up on the web, I'll let you know.

Be on the lookout for it at www.carolinapeople.com

Weekly Surge Called Today

Hey, I'm really looking forward to this week's Weekly Surge. This morning, I got a call on my cell phone just as I was pulling into my insurance agent's office. While I was answering the questions lobbed at me, I was trying to pacify my son Tristan with a pack of fruity snacks.

Before my son could finish off his tasty treats, the interview was over. It was one of the quickest interviews that I have ever done, so it should be a quick read too. Nonetheless, thanks to everyone at Weekly Surge for caring enough to share with their readers what Uncle Banana is up to these days.

The latests edition of Weekly Surge should be on newsstands this Thursday, May 3rd.

Visit www.weeklysurge.com for more.

Spending The Day With A Broadcast Legend

Most folks probably remember John Palmer as news anchor for the Today Show on NBC. He was part of the popular morning program for seven years. As a White House correspondent, he covered presidents Clinton, Bush, Reagan and Carter. He also covered big stories like the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and in 1980 he reported the aborted rescue of the American hostages in Iran. Palmer was also there to share the news of the Space Shuttle tragedy in 1986.

Palmer began his career in Atlanta at WSB-TV in 1960 and joined NBC News in 1962. Today, he's semi-retired. Actually the native of East Tennessee was vactioning and relaxing and writing and fishing, but came out of retirement to help jumpstart a new cable television network called Retirement Living Television.

Over the last two days, Palmer was in the Myrtle Beach area producing a new episode of his show Encore, which can be seen every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on DirecTV Channel 364.

Palmer and Retirement Living Television called on the services of Carolina Film Group to help produce the program. I've been friends with the guys at Carolina Film for years, so they asked me if I'd like to help them out.

As you know, I have a lot of free time on my hands these days, so I got to help out. (I may have had the easiest job there, but I won't get into that.) Those of us involved in the project got to spend about an hour and a half with Palmer on Thursday and about five hours with him today.

Before we started taping today, he shared many a story with the audience at The Grand Strand Senior Center. He talked of vacationing in Myrtle Beach as a boy and fishing in front of the Ocean Forest Hotel.

During lunch, he shared a few war stories with me and others while he thumbed through the latest copy of US News and World Report. It was really a lot of fun.

The coolest thing about the whole experience was that Palmer was so laid back and down-to earth. He's a real classy guy. In fact, he's the same ol' nice guy that many of us have enjoyed for over 40 years on television. He's worthy of being called a broadcast legend.

Guess Who's Coming To Carolina People On May 1st?

Next Tuesday morning will be kind of like a homecoming celebration for me. I'll be featured on the television talk show, Carolina People which airs 7:00 a.m. weekdays on WFXB Fox 43 (Cable 7).

It wasn't that long ago that my television show, River Talk aired during that same time slot on that same television station. Interesting, huh? Maybe not. Anyway, there will be plenty of time to talk about River Talk at a later date, but get this, the folks that produce my show (Lucky Dog Television Productions) also produce Carolina People. Man, it's a small world.

So, tune into WFXB Fox 43 next Tuesday, May 1st at 7:00 a.m. and check out Carolina People hosted by Greg Everett. Greg did a great job of getting me to really open up and talk about things like getting fired, the status of local radio and why I don't think I'll ever wake up to an alarm clock again.

For more information, visit www.carolinapeople.com

Banana Jack Featured As Myrtle Beach Herald's Subscriber of The Week

Just a couple of days after the official announcement that my radio show was leaving the airwaves, The Myrtle Beach Herald honored me in print for the week of April 19th - April 27th. Steve Porter, a journalist for the paper and a longtime broadcast veteran went the extra mile to get this story in before the print deadline. (Thanks Steve!) It was quite an honor to be chosen and the timing for the article couldn't have been better. If you didn't pick up a copy at newsstands, you can still view the Herald Subscriber profile for me and others online at www.myrtlebeachherald.com.

Cut and Paste the following link to access the article:
http://www.myrtlebeachherald.com/link.asp?smenu=95&sdetail=5717&wpage=1

It All Started 18 Years Ago in Myrtle Beach, SC

Dear Friends,

The Banana Jack Murphy Show premiered on WKZQ, 101.7 FM on Monday, April 24, 1989. My morning radio show remained at that dial position until Monday, September 17, 2001 when I found a new home at WYAV, Wave 104.1 FM. My first couple of days at Wave 104 were rough because I had replaced a popular syndicated morning show based out of New York. (He's the guy on satellite radio now.)

Nonetheless, it was a real victory for me and local radio too. It didn't take long for the audience to accept my unique style. I believe that I bonded with my listeners at Wave. Perhaps as I had grown older, I'd grown wiser too. The elements of my show started changing. I just started doing things differently on the air and it was working. The listeners could relate to me and another important element was credibility. I always tried to be honest with my radio audience. I didn't talk just to say something and I wasn't afraid to play a little music on my show either. I just figured since I was a one-man show, the less I talked the better. For me and the listeners. It appeared to be working, but the powers that be, who shall remain nameless, had other ideas.

I would continue waking up the Grand Strand until last Tuesday, April 17, 2007. (One week shy of 18 years and it was also Tax Day, yuck!) I was informed last Monday, just one day before my final broadcast that I would be replaced by a syndicated morning show based out of Michigan. (Free Beer & Hot Wings?????) It was a day I'll never forget. For the record, and I hate to admit it, but I really did lose it at the end of the show and yes, those were real tears. It was an emotional day and I cried like a little girl. Pathetic!

Looking back on my many years as host of The Banana Jack Murphy Show, I can honestly tell you that it was an incredible ride. I was truly blessed to have remained on the air for so long. Although the announcement to pull the plug on my show came suddenly and unexpectedly, I consider myself very fortunate to have been able host my farewell broadcast last Tuesday morning. Usually, when you're handed your walking papers, there's no opportunity to say goodbye to your audience, but did I really say goodbye? Not really!

Today, a new chapter begins. I felt it only appropriate to launch this blog on what would have been the 18th anniversary of my first day on the air in Myrtle Beach.

I welcome your comments and opinions. In fact, I look forward to hearing from so many of you that weren't able to either listen in or to take part in my final broadcast......on Wave 104.1.

So, what am I going to be doing in the immediate future? What are my long-term plans? Will I return to morning radio? Hhhhmmmm....Stay Tuned!

-Banana Jack