BOOKLESS BOOK TOUR CONTINUES.....

My Bookless book tour is doing fairly well. It's been a great 2007. In case you don't know reading books is easy-well for most people-writing books is NOT EASY. You'd think it would be with 876 trillion books for sale on Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble...and that's just the discounted ones. Every speaker has one, every Talk show host has one- I know a guy that is in his 40's and still living at home with his parents!- he's even written a book ! I have NO EXCUSE. I've had the time! My goodness...I just got fired for the 7th time ...15 months ago. I've got the material. I have notes out the whazoo......chapters......notebooks.....speeches....class lessons...
NO STINKIN' BOOK. Perhaps I could do a brochure Tour- sounds so Euro.....I could put a 1-800 # on it..... My office is such a pig-pen... I can't even tell my kids to pick up their room.

Last week my former agent was nice enough to buy me lunch in the city (no NOT Allentown)...and I think he thinks I'm nuts.....I could see it in his eyes. I mean nuts in a good way. But I have to say it was the best lunch I ever had. I told him about the book I'm writing in my head from the notes on my floor and how my professional speaking career was going ...I can't remember if that was before or after we ordered our salads.....

Anyway, before he even arrived, I had this great conversation with the waiter about how his 10 year-old son now living in Texas was involved in this O Henry festival near Crawford -he was going to visit him-mom has custody- so he was reading all this O Henry so they could share in it this weekend. So cool. By the way O Henry was born 9-11 1862, his real name is William Sidney Porter. This waiter was so well read and sharp as a tack- He'll write a book before too long! On the subway I scribbled( IN MY HEAD) a couple more chapters of my book before getting to where I had parked my car. The drive home is always fertile "writing" ground...Jersey Turnpike-78W

I bring up our waiter because when I aksed him how he was doing when I walked in the restaurant, he said:
"I've never had it so good"

When was the last time anyone said that to you? When was the last time you said it? felt it? believed it?

I felt it when I left the restaurant, I feel it when I get up every morning.

...and I'm glad my friend was nice enough to pay for lunch AND THE TIP.

www.KenMatthews.com

JUST BORN- Holiday Cookie flavored PEEPS

WOW ! Message to Ross Born....For years I was a only a Zours fan-still am, and of course the many flavors of Mike and Ike's....But my 6 year-old just convinced me to try the Holiday Cookie flavored Peeps cutouts( he got them from St Nick at school) and..BAM - I'm hooked! I can't explain it....it's like a team of marshmellow people baking cookies in my nose and mouth!...and the sugar rush.....I can actually keep up with my 3-year until I have to nap.

I ate 5 Holiday Cookie Flavored Peep Cutouts in a row.....and all of a sudden I could understand what the Teleflubbies were saying ..even stinkieblinkie or whatever his name is-the talking Sun
seemed normal.....but seriously.....I wish I would of tasted these sooner!

Merry Christmas

-A Fat-Free Post

http://www.kenmatthews.com/

CBS3 KYW-TV PHILLY UPDATE

Larry: " HO HO HO !!"


Alycia: "More at Eleven"




http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20071217_Anchor_Lane_arrested_in_NYC.html






http://www.kenmatthewsmedia.com/

SANTA . WHAT HAPPENED ?

My wife and I have been parents for just over 6 years but any parent knows that's enough to feel that joy of having little ones that can't be put into words. I never thought I would enjoy watching the movie CARS more than 50 times or SPONGEBOB CHRISTMAS even more, and of course THE POLAR EXPRESS- There is a 21st century vibe about this movie, a beautiful message with warmth..it has it all. We've watched it as a family. I've watched it by myself...just with my oldest or with both boys....it's become a holiday staple. The other night we all piled onto Mommy and Daddy's bed with a giant bowl of popcorn and the boy's favorite candy and watched RUDOLPH-the original-my wife's favorite...and I have to admit, still cool to me (so is Gumby). The entire experience rocked.

I think I've set the stage-I hope. here's the thing. We recently took the boys, 3 and 6 to the Mall to see Santa. I won't mention the Mall....because I don't want to pick on Santa at Christmas-because somebody "hired" him. Santa, here's the deal. My 6 year old said you don't sound like Santa, the 3 year old wondered why you never said Ho Ho Ho, and I was wondering why you just sat there on your large body with your GREY BEARD-instead of white beard and did not interact with two of your BIGGEST fans?

SANTA, your Santa, please whiten the beard( see POLAR EXPRESS) learn how to Ho Ho Ho-(see RUDOLPH)drop the" how yall doin?"..and just generally be excited that we showed up and that people still believe and that you've got a gig. Smile, talk about Ruldoph and the gang...whatever. IT'S MORE THAN JUST A PICTURE WITH SANTA OR THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARD- THESE KIDS ARE MEETING YOU...SOME OF THEM FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

To the Mall managers, I think people would be less forgiving with your Christmas decorations going up in August/September if you went overboard on the SANTA budget.
It's once a year-isn't there a Santa union or something?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

http://KenMatthews.com

FIREFIGHTERS BRING THE HEAT !

In the latest 2008 BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE Team Fundraising update.....Local Firefighters have taken the lead. I do want to point out that they have lights and sirens and are able to choose their lanes. Just days ago the Teamsters were ahead-of course they also can use any lane they want...nevermind. THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S SUPPORT. SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY MARCH 2, 2008.


Ken Matthews- Chairman 2008 BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE Lehigh Valley




JOIN THE FUN AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT in a variety of ways FOR BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS: http://bowlforkids.bbbslv.org/

GOOD LUCK PARKLAND HIGH SCHOOL

UNDER THE SATURDAY NITE LIGHTS THE TROJANS WILL GO FOR THE AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN THIS WEEKEND IN HERSHEY ! Way to train and focus .
Good Luck to the team ,and coaching staff of Jim Morgans.

....and I know my way around a football field

I was in the Marching Band for 3 years


www.KenMatthewsMedia.com

PORKCHOP -The Other White Lie

From this day forward every time I eat porkchops I will think of what might be one of the greatest marketing disasters of all-time.. .....FERRUS the IRON PIG. (I can't even spell it...and that offends ME)

THE ALLENTOWN IRON PIGS(minor league baseball team) CHANGE MASCOT's NAME FROM PORKCHOP TO FIASCO.
I'm not getting it!I don't understand chemistry..and I never worked at Bethlehem Steel. How could this happen? PORK CHOP THE IRON PIG or PORKCHOP THE PIG....clever cute, makes sense...I guess....I mean...pork...pig...chop....IRON PIGS...Baseball...AMERICAS PASTIME...
I'm trying to put it all together somehow...connecting the dots...I remember PORKY, Batty the pig...no..How 'bout ...Batty the Public Relations person.....nevermind. Don't get me wrong, The Pigs are getting PUBLICITY NOW....but is it the kind they want? Quite frankly I'm offended buy the word PIG....and if you remember back in the 60's and 70's COPS(police officers) were wrongly called pigs...where is the outrage there? HOW FAR SHOULD WE TAKE THIS?

Somebody call Pillsbury and get rid of that offensive little Dough-boy....I'm not as skinny as I used to be !

So when are we gonna get the real story.
Is COKE involved.....and if they are......will COKE now only be sold at places that refuse to sell
porkchops?




http://www.kenmatthewsmedia.com/

THAT'S HOW I ROLL

A golf ball is too small for me and the course is too long.....Tiger Woods is a living Legend. But I like rolling a BIG HEAVY BALL down a wooden lane..a ball I can see at all times..not affected by the wind..or my swing.....knocking down at least most of the pins...sitting down, relaxing and having a snack while watching my teammates attempt the same.Oh, and someone else can figure out the score as well...I never quite got all of that. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be the chairman of the 2008 Bowl For Kids' Sake http://bowlforkids.bbbslv.org/ to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Lehigh Valley. I will also be hosting & bowling the day of the event; Sunday March 2, 2008. The history of this event has made it hugely successful thanks to thousands of bowlers, sponsors and volunteers .There are only a handful of sporting events that your entire family, workplace, school class, office, team or crew can do together that's THIS MUCH FUN regardless of anyone's skill level and it's affordable.
And of course BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE as with every other year ,is for a great cause. So,
I hope you'll accept my personal invitation to bowl, support and/or just be a part of the 2008 BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE at JORDAN LANES in Allentown.

I look forward to seeing you in March '08...if not sooner !


Ken Matthews - Chairman 2008 BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE Lehigh Valley



Hers' a link with all kinds of the cool info:

http://bowlforkids.bbbslv.org/

POSTAL POTHOLE....NOW IN IT'S FOURTH BIG MONTH

I usually wait until I publically mention something like a pothole. I understand people get busy and let's face it, there are a lot more important things in our world than potholes...but this is a blog....and have you seen a network newscast lately? OK THEN. The last time I mentioned a pothole it was one at the entrance to a local Tire Dealership's parking lot...I mentioned that on my former radio show....I thought it was funny...a big pothole...at the entrance of a place that sells TIRES....
it was there for a while....this was several years ago......It was eventually fixed after management was called(mine & theirs) and excuses were made as always......I actually put the manager on the air at the time(WHAT A GREAT FREE COMMERCIAL..THAT WAS).....the right play would of been..to say THANKS FOR POINTING THAT OUT, WE'VE BEEN SO BUSY HELPING OUR CUSTOMERS, WE MISSED THAT....WE'LL FIX IT TODAY. INSTEAD I GOT THE USUAL....Do you know how hard we work, how much we care? I never questioned anyone's hard work or caring...I JUST LIKED THE FUNNY IN THE POTHOLE.
I was a big meanie for pickin' on the hard working tire company etc. THERE'S A BIG POTHOLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF YOUR TIRE REPAIR DEALERSHIP.JUST FIX IT. I still find it funny.

The POTHOLE(s) at the Center Valley POST OFFICE is not that absurd...because they don't repair tires. BUT, THE LOCATION is priceless. It's exactly in the pathway of anyone attempting to mail a letter in the outside drive-by MAILBOXES. I mean you could not have placed those(and there are now two....and they are getting bigger by the week) any better.This is the Post office on 378 North and Preston across from the Copperhead Grill. It's funny to watch people try to "thread the needle" and try not to hit the pothole AND get close enough to mail their letters BUT not rip off their mirror.......(it's the little things). I like that Post office. They know me there. My P.O. Box is there. I live in Center Valley.

I did mention the pothole to the Postal worker...nicely.......I was informed others had also mentioned it....


I have a new plan


I'm gonna write a letter....of course I would mail it from CENTER VALLEY...at the drive- thru Mailbox...I would walk thru to avoid the POTHOLES.

http://www.kenmatthewsmedia.com/

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS BLOG DRUNK

Earlier this year, it was suggested to me by a business associate that I should start blogging, and as is SOMETIMES the case, I waited several months to implement a good suggestion. During that time and actually sometime earlier I had begun to explore the blogosphere.....WHAT A TERRIFYING yet entertaining and informative frontier. I'm a late bloomer but a quick learner. NO, I never blog DRUNK....but apparently many people do. I'm sure you have seen some of these wacked blogs...no I will not link you. I always find it fascinating what one person considers to be crazy and off the wall, another person considers to be normal every day stuff...COULD THEY BOTH BE DRUNK?...or maybe everything today must have shock value....it appears that's the formula for reality TV: Shock, Horror, Shame, Fear,...I get the gossip mill but it's the same widgets running through it every other day. Supply and demand. I mean, I get it...people want it...people watch it....don't shoot the messenger. I got side tracked. There are so many awesome blogs...and somehow I slipped into trash TV and goofy wacky blogs...and thus the point of blogging....YOUR OWN OPEN FORUM.......with transcripts available. When I was on the radio..I never had to worry about transcripts...now I'm typing the darn things out.....
or as one of my 37 former bosses might say...I'm providing my own rope.

so anyway.....

Speaking Professionally(something else one shouldn't do DRUNK) is also entertaining and informative...for the audience as well.


Why hire me to talk to your group? I GIVE YOU HELPFUL MANAGEMENT TIPS.....I've had 37 managers

and I've been fired 7 times....if that doesn't make me an expert in the field, what does?

...oh yeah....a degree . I have one in it. POLITICAL SCIENCE



WHERE IS THE I IN TEAM ? I tell you

HIND SIGHT IS actually 20/114

START SAVING MONEY TONIGHT...seriously

MY FEE IS $ 160,000.00 CHEAPER THAN AL GORE'S (and I don't mention Global Warming)

http://www.kenmatthewsmedia.com/


disclaimer: Ken Matthews actually doesn't do anything drunk

A WORD IS WORTH A THOUSAND PICTURES

Over 25 years ago I sat in a crowded hotel conference center in Raleigh ,NC and listened to then FCC chairman Mark Fowler say that line: "a Word is worth a thousand pictures." I've used it
more than once in the classroom, from the podium and on the platform, and repeated it to myself while writing a speech. He was referring to Radio-it was a radio convention...and I couldn't agree more that words are more influential today than ever before and not just in the broadcast arena. I love books-I try to read 5 a month ( it drives my wife crazy), I love the English language-the correct use of grammar- and the POWER of the spoken word. I'm a word geek.... the feel of PAPER books........ a big heavy real dictionary. I didn't learn about http://www.dictionary.com/ until 2 years ago...sometimes I use it. I like stuff I can scribble notes in and on....I have more highlighters than any 8th grader. Ask anyone who knows me.....about my big Bag-o-Pens just for magazines and books 'n stuff. The right word makes people light up, smile, remember....create their own picture....that's why they have a brain.....don't get me wrong....I love photography ....but a good book can take you anywhere anytime...a picture ends at the frame. Your mind has no limits. A good speech...even BETTER ! One of the most enjoyable things I used to do was read to young kids during READ
ACROSS AMERICA in local schools. Now we have a 3 & 6 year old that my wife and I read to often.

It's cool when our sons quote a line from a character in a book they've heard...and just as rewarding when an audience is touched by a presentation.

The POWER of words . it's a shame to waste it


http://www.kenmatthewsmedia.com/

I "BREAK" FOR COMEDY

Q:What do you call 47 people sitting around a TV watching the Super Bowl?

A: The Philadelphia Eagles



Q: What's the difference between the Philadelphia Eagles and a dollar bill?

A: You can still get 4 quarters out of a dollar

QUOTABLES

Never permit a dichotomy to rule your life,a dichotomy in which you hate what you do so you can have pleasure in your spare time. Look for a situation in which your work will give you as much happiness as your spare time.

Pablo Picasso








WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE BRAVE?

Jana Stanfield

TV is AWESOME

WOW! For more than 21 of my 26 years on the radio I got up before 4 am and went to bed usually before 8pm. Needless to say I missed a lot of TV. I kept up with a ton of TV with my VCR. I would tape & watch hot stuff in sequence so I was informed & topical. It was not unusual for me to tape the premiers of shows then watch them at 3am in my office before I went on the air. Now, as a normal(off-air) TV-watching American, I have to report: THE QUALITY OF TELEVISION IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH ! Holy Schnikees! I'm now addicted to about 8 different shows! Finally FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS(NBC) is on Fridays where it should be...that could be one of the greatest shows ever! The music-the cast-the grit-the memories-yes I am a sap.....and don't we all want to rewrite a little part of high school? CRIMINAL MINDS(CBS)...Graphically frightening but darn good.....is outstanding.....THE UNIT(CBS).....doood....if you don't support the troops after you watch this YOU'RE A WUSS(read the book it's TRUE stuff!). CSI(CBS).....always fun eye-candy! WITHOUT A TRACE(CBS) & COLD CASE(CBS)......oh my Gawd! COLD CASE is "cry-worthy."....That new show LIFE(NBC) about the cop who was sent to prison -got out-sued-got a gillion bucks-rejoins the force to find who framed him?!!...IT's HUGE!......sometimes I even watch DANCING WITH THE STARS...There I said it!

DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON CABLE.......TLC, A&E,FX FOX, DISCOVERY, USA........YOU GET THE PICTURE ! 24, Rescue Me, The Shield.......... not even back yet !

CSI
CTU
SVU
QVC...wait a minute!...scratch that one !

It's a good thing I have a 3 & 6 year old and a wife or I would be THEE 21ST CENTURY COUCH BOY.

The next time someone says to you...there's nothing good on TV.......TELL THEM TO PLUG IT IN AND TURN IT ON FIRST !

www.KenMatthewsMedia.com

YOU ARE SAFE BECAUSE OF A VETERAN

Yes it's true. and it's been that way throughout history. So maybe during the Veteran's Day sale at the Mall when we're saving 70% off we can take a moment and thank a Veteran. Thank a Veteran for everything. For agreeing to die while defending the Constitution, and the United States of America....for defending us and keeping us safe from a lot of stuff we don't know about or even care to learn about because we've got malls to go to and a soccer game today after church(of our choice). I get tired of the I SORTA SUPPORT THE TROOPS CROWD. Are you on
the troops team or not? Are you on America's team or not? We are a country at war. Fly an American flag. The men and women of our military love seeing their flag. Who do you think you are supporting when you fly the flag of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA? When you don't fly the flag...who are you dissin'? better yet who are you helpin when you don't fly OUR colors?

Are you in or out. Will you support the greatest fighting force on earth defending the greatest nation on the planet?(of course it's not perfect...neither are the cowboys but I see those NFL flags a flyin')...it's simple...Fly an American flag......QUIT BEING SUCH A BABY about it.

Fly your flag, speak your mind, vote your conscience.

THANK YOU VETERANS FOR PROTECTING MY FAMILY AND THIS GREAT NATION


GOD BLESS AMERICA ( I am grateful that he has)

CEDAR CREST COLLEGE PRESIDENT

Behold the most carefully thought out public statement I've read in quite some time;

released by Chairwoman Cynthia L Blaschak of the Cedar Crest Board of Trustees, in a press release:

"Jill came to Cedar Crest with impressive credentials and we had the highest hopes that she would be with us for some time. Her departure is regrettable. I wish Jill the very best."

regarding the departure of Cedar Crest college President Jill Sherman....after only 7 months.


WOW. THAT'S IT. THAT'S ALL? WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED PEOPLE? WILL WE EVER FIND OUT? HOW MUCH WAS SHE MAKING? WHO PULLED THE TRIGGER? DID SHE LEAVE ON HER OWN? IS SHE OK? IS THAT NOT A BIG POSITION AT A LOCAL LEARNING INSTITUION?

I KNOW IT'S NOT T.O. AND THE EAGLES.......holy schmoley


I'VE SEEN MORNING SHOWS ON WLEVradio LAST LONGER THAN 7 MONTHS( and they've had 9 shows since 1993)

HOW 'BOUT A LITTLE INFO

disclaimer: I have never met Jill Sherman

LEHIGH VALLEY THANK YOU(S) or YOOZ........your choice

I might be new to blogging but I'm not new to saying THANK YOU. So thanks to Bernie O'hare and his Blog: http://www.lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/ Bernie gave me a huge welcome on his site. This is vastly appreciated. If you want really inside stuffage on Lehigh Valley Politics...check it out. My blog, as you can see is just taking shape. Bernie also mentioned the word MOJO & my name in the same sentence...which frightened me at first...but I'm now ok with it.

Bill White over at http://www.mcall.com/ threw my name around more than once this year and.....it was also ...positive. The locals know Bill, but if you're one of the 27 new people arriving to the Lehigh Valley each day, check out Bill White as well.

LIVE LIKE A KING for only 88 cents

It's been mere minutes since I walked out of CVS where I purchased my Collector Edition REESES Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Cup..The ELVIS EDITION. Give me a second to clollect my thoughts(and learn how to spell)...I'm a little giddy. On the front of THIS Reeses Cup is a drawing(in color) of the King.....AND ...I could instanly win an ELVIS TRIBUTE CAR. But I have to look inside to play. WAIT...HOLD ON.....THIS IS A CATCH 22 !!!!!!!!!!!!

If I open the package the Collector edtion value becomes null & void...anyone know's that! Every collector of everything will tell you NOT TO OPEN the package..whether it's GI JOE, an old tool, an origonal part etc. BUT HOW CAN I WIN THE CAR !!!???

plus I'M HUNGRY !!!!!

ELVIS WOULD BE ROLLING OVER IN HIS GRAVE...COULD HE actually roll over in his grave?

The ELVIS people are brilliant. HE'S DEAD and he's making money off me from candy.

AND I'M ALLERGIC TO CHOCOLATE!

HE IS THE KING

MARCH OF DIMES LEHIGH VALLEY FIRST

I pray that if you ever have to hold your 1 pound 10 ounce child in your hand(s), he or she turns out to be as happy and healthly as the lovely young woman I had the pleasure of meeting last week and then sharing a stage with last night. She is Catharine Aboulhouda and that was her birthweight. She's 5 years old now and the 2008 National Ambassador for the March of Dimes. Along with her family( the 2008 Ambassador family), she'll tour the nation to promote the incredible things the March of Dimes are doing. Some of which I know of first hand. The Aboulhouda's are from ALLENTOWN. How cool is that! I got to meet Catherine's mom Susan, her dad Mike and her big brother Michael. By the way, Catherine was born on the Fourth of July-16 weeks EARLY....and spent 113 days in the NICU(Natal Intensive Care Unit). I also met
Kaleb(who's birthweight was 2 pounds 3 ounces),now a bright energetic young boy..although it's hard to tell boys' ages when they wear a blue blazer...he's either 8 or 14 or 20...I'm not sure.But I do remember, he's allergic to chocolate.
Catherine was not....and she, along with half the women at last night's chef's auction, staked out the chocolate fountain which was surrounded by fruit to make it look extra healthy.
Thanks to all that made this wonderful event possible and to those that attended and extended their time and money- it is well spent. visit www.marchofdimes.com and see for yourself.

David Ben-Gurion said: ANYONE WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES IS NOT A
REALIST.

It's the N-Word Dawg

a friend just e-mailed me about my DOG post and explained that I needed to elaborate. My bad....It's my first Dog post and I presumed more people followed bounty hunting. Duane Chapman aka "Dog" the Bounty Hunter on A & E recently was in a heated discussion with his son about his(son's) black girlfriend. The National Enquirer somehow got the tape of the phone conversation and posted it on their website. Dog uses the N-word A LOT...While explaining that if she were to hear him or other family members using the N-word it would destroy what he(they) have worked for. Dog has a problem with the girl character & (race?) apparently is concerned that the way the family talks might cause controversy if the wrong people heard it. Apparently Bounty hunter shop talk includes the N-word, so the Dog encourages his son not to bring his girlfriend around. I've never heard the N-word on the show before from Dog...so I guess like MOST "reality" shows...there must be a TON of editing(does that give people time to escape?). Anyway, A & E has suspended the show(for now) Dog has apologized, Al Sharpton is on the scene(of course). So where do we go from here? Sadly that was probably one of the most real things(from) on the show.....yet it was hurtful & disappointing.

DOG THE REALITY HUNTER

OH MY DOG! How did REALITY end up on that there REALITY SHOW? Or did the producers miss it during the last 30 episodes. Maybe they don't talk like that in hair & make-up..or around the crew.