Atlantic City Weekly

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BY NOW MOST OF YOU KNOW that I have been doing a radio talk show for close to 47 years. It has been a wonderful experience. No two days are ever alike and I must continually keep abreast of what's happening in my own backyard as well as in the county, the state and in the nation. It is hard to tell who the listeners are, particularly in a resort community where visitors from around the world may tune in while driving into town or while listening to a radio in their hotel room. Every talk show has its regulars who call almost daily or weekly, but polls have shown that less than 10 percent of the listeners call a talk show. It is seldom that a talk show host receives a communication that lets them know that folks outside of their area even know that they exist, particularly in an area like the southeast portion of New Jersey.

You might be wondering, "Why is Pinky telling us all of this?" It is because I received an e-mail from Greg Kohl, one of the area's finest photographers, pointing out an item found on GeorgeWBush.com entitled "Homeland Security -- Call Talk Radio." It was a shock when I read the contents, which I am happy to share with you. In the center of the page is a column entitled "Your Talk Radio." It then lists national talk radio shows like the Jim Bohannon, Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh shows. Below that it lists local talk radio shows with 15 shows from radio stations including, surprise of surprises, WOND, the AM station that this writer calls home.

WOND had three programs listed: The Don Williams Show, The Jeff Whitaker Show and Pinky's Corner. Needless to say the three of us were surprised and delighted to receive recognition of our shows from President Bush's organization. The message from GeorgeWBush.com also included "Tips for Calling Talk Radio Shows." They include:

* Call Early: so you can be included in the program.

* Keep Calling: If the line is busy just keep trying and you will eventually get through.

* Plan What You Are Going to Say: Write a short sentence summary of your remarks. The closer to the point of conversation the better your chance of getting on air.

* Be Clear and Concise: Once you get on the air, be upbeat and excited about the program. Be sure to quickly summarize your comments, as listeners may not have heard it the first time around.

These are excellent points for those of you who call or are thinking of calling a talk radio show. However, when you call Pinky's Corner, at 344-1211 (nice to give yourself a plug), you don't have to worry about all of that, as there is no producer who screens the calls. The first voice you will hear is that of Pinky and you will be on the air.

Talk radio shows have grown in popularity and in terms of getting responses from elected and appointed officials. They are a good way to get your ideas and thoughts out to the public. It has been proven that, in many instances, the political world is listening and they do respond. Those listening to talk radio are mostly people who will vote.

Notes of interest

Babalu Grill, the excellent Cuban Restaurant, located at Arkansas and Atlantic avenues, is now open for lunch Thursday through Sunday from 11:30am-3pm. According to Heather Renz of Big Steaks Management, which owns Babalu Grill, the eatery is an artistic expression of authentic Cuban food from family recipes combined with some Nuevo Latino dishes. It offers a special atmosphere where the food, music, décor and service blend into a wonderful and unique experience. The Babalu Grill now offers free parking at the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) lot at Missouri and Atlantic avenues.

The old adage that you learn something new every day is true. This was particularly so when I learned that Rob Huberman, a young man who worked in the television crew when he was a student at Atlantic City High School, is the owner of ComteQ Communications, the publishers of George Hamid Jr.'s new book, The Acrobat. You may have read how impressed I was with this very interesting book. It is the life story of George Hamid Sr. and it chronicles his life from an eight-year old boy in Lebanon to one of the nation's top entertainment gurus and owner of the Steel Pier. By the way, the book is now available at A.C. News & Books and Princeton Books (both in Atlantic City), Borders in Mays Landing, Fabers Books in Linwood, Paper Chase in Margate, Walden Books in the Hamilton Mall and Sun Rose Books in Ocean City, where George Hamid Jr. will do a book signing on Saturday, May 8, from noon-2pm.

It is spring and with it comes baseball. I know the major leaguers are playing, but tomorrow, Friday, May 7, the Atlantic City Surf will begin their season. Under the leadership of affable General Manager Mario Perrucci, one of the hardest-working, devoted men to the promotion of professional baseball in South Jersey, it is anticipated that this will be a successful year. There will be 18 post-game fireworks shows this summer at the Sandcastle Stadium, beginning with opening day. Under the field leadership of Jeff Ball, the team's new manager, it is expected that the Surf will have a very competitive team that will provide fans with a good evening of baseball at an affordable price. The Sandcastle Stadium setting is one of the best one can find anywhere and the folks at the ballpark will make you feel at home. Tickets are now on sale at the Sandcastle box office or by calling Kevin Skelly at 344-7873.

Potpourri

Here is a real treat for you. At noon on May 23 in the Ventnor Theater, operator John Berenzowski, will host a replay of a funny motion picture, Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. What makes this day so special is that those in attendance will have the privilege of meeting Paddy Costello, Lou Costello's oldest daughter. Paddy will relate stories about one of the best comedic duos -- Bud Abbot and Lou Costello -- that was ever in show business. There will also be memorabilia of Abbot and Costello on display. This columnist offers a big thank you to John for providing his theater for this outstanding event. He is always willing to be a part of something special for the folks in the community. The price of admission: FREE. Everyone is invited to attend.

I'm happy to note that the Steel Pier is open on weekends through June 13 from noon-10pm on Saturdays, and noon-6pm on Sundays. It will be open on a daily basis beginning June 18. Atlantic City's 150th Birthday Celebration gift bags will be distributed on May 10 (National Tourism Day) to every 150th driver going through a manned tollbooth at the Atlantic City Expressway's Pleasantville Toll Plaza. Drivers will receive a coupon that they are to turn in at the Atlantic City Expressway Welcome Center for their gift.