Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Now that 2007 has arrived I look to you for some suggestions.
I will post some questions here and you can either respond here or by private email to bruins_fan@sasktel.net
I want to do the type of programming that everyone enjoys so it is important I get some responses from you.
Ok now the questions.

1. Do you enjoy the type of format that we have here on scared monkeys radio?

2. Do you have any guest suggestions?

3. A good talk show always gives the listener a chance to call and voice their opinion. I have a 1-800 # so you or guests can call toll free. Should I keep the toll free # ? Would you be willing to make a small paypal doantion to help with costs for it ?

4. Is there a particular night of the week that you want to listen live ? Or do you listen mostly to the podcast ?

5. Should we be doing more shows ?

Please get back to me as soon as you can.
Thanks
Dana

PS: Pay pal donations can be sent to my bruins_fan@sasktel address or click on the link at
http://st106.startlogic.com/~cbandtal/contact.htm

I enjoy the current format of the show.  I think you should restrict the number of cases/topics/guests to two.  More than that starts to get to be too much information to absorb in a small timeframe.  Especially since the nature of your show is to go a little more in depth.  

I wish more people would call in.  It seems there are a few of us who do regularly, but I feel awkward calling in all the time.  I'd like to hear questions and comments from others.  It makes it interesting.  I don't know how to get people to do this, but I will tell them that IT'S JUST LIKE TALKING ON THE PHONE to a friend about current events!   We know there are many articulate and intelligent listeners.  

I like Sunday night.  If there are topics and guests available, I'd like to hear more than one show each week.  Wednesday's good.  Sun-Wed maybe.  I prefer to listen live but it's not always possible.  

As for guests, I'd like to see you give airtime to some cases that get less TV coverage.  Last week there was a brief snippet about a West Point Cadet who disappeared--just one example.  If you have the ability to contact the family or authorities in this type of case, I'd like to hear more about it (while Greta wastes everyone's time talking with The Donald about The Rosie).  I've seen no followup on this case, but as I type this, Greta is covering some Texas cheerleader scandal.  

I'd also like to hear from more experts.  Like Clint van Zandt or Dr. Robbi (the psychiatrist that talks about the crazies), maybe detectives, defense attorneys or prosecutors (like Greta's panel).  It helps us understand how the "system" works and how the minds of the crazies work.  I'd also like to hear from a well-reputed and responsible psychic - Allison Dubois, James van Pragh, or many others who have worked with police departments and have credibility.  Again, anything that gets us an inside view of and better understanding of the process.

1. Do you enjoy the type of format that we have here on scared monkeys radio?
Yes, I personally like the format of the program, have no specific recommendations for change. Might add that I have had no diffiiculty after the first couple of shows accessing the program.

2. Do you have any guest suggestions?
I don't know how feasible this is....but would be interested to hear from some forensic experts ie Dr Michael Baden discuss some of the cases he has worked on, and take questions.

3. A good talk show always gives the listener a chance to call and voice their opinion. I have a 1-800 # so you or guests can call toll free.
I would certainly be willing to help with the cost of the 800#. Is it possible to email you live and direct during the show with questions for guests?

4. Is there a particular night of the week that you want to listen live ? Or do you listen mostly to the podcast ?
I do both....listen live and if I miss, Podcast. Sunday nights seem to be the time I can catch the show live most often. The 9-10 pm eastern is good for me personally but what ever is best for the majority is fine. To early I would likely miss it.

5. Should we be doing more shows ?
Honestly, when there is alot going on more shows may be good...alot of interviews, alot of info and questions........Times such as now, when things are slow, chatter is down you'd probably feel like you're talking to yourself,
at least I sometimes do.

Dana the shows have been very consistently good in content. I really enjoy them be it live or podcast. Jossy is always a great guest, Clint , and Tim are also great. How about Skeeters would he be willing to come on? How about Harold Copus? I know these are specifically in reference to Natalee. How about Mark Furman and his book about the Moxely case?maybe it's old news but it could be an incentive for him?

Thanks again for the show and asking for our input. Thank-you Red, Tom, Mrs. Red and Klaasend(who always reminds me when the show is on so I don't miss it ).
 :wink:

BB, I can't speak for Dana, but I know people have e-mailed him with questions before and maybe during a show for his guests.  One problem I see with sending questions during the show is that Dana might not want to be distracted from listening and responding to his guest rather than reading e-mails.  Hopefully Dana can give us some guidance on what works the best and helps him do the best show for his guests and listeners.

10 Days

Two replies.

I will be dropping the toll free number effective today, I hope this general lack of interest is also not a general lack of interest for the show?

Dana, I certainly understand how you would feel disgruntled.  I am very sorry that I have not been here and responded to this.  LIfe calls at times and secondary to so much in my life since September, I am not unlike many others, too much on my plate.  I have enjoyed every program you have had and I certainly see you as a crusader.  I know that apologies will not make this right, but with sincerest heart-felt regrets, I write this knowing that you probably think we are a bunch of slackers and I include myself as well.  It is your decision and I know that it is one of those decisions you did not come about lightly and even if you never do another program or you never post here again, I want you to know I enjoyed each program, most of which I had to listen to in retrospect.  Also know that you are one of my heroes, right up there with Tim Miller and Wendy Murphy, only you have better eloqution.  This is certainly a big loss to Scared Monkeys. :cry:

My 2 cents

For 24 yrs. online I have done OK with dial up, but the main reason I wish DSL now is for Dana's show and responding faster on the Natalee Thread

Dana, I do not wish you or Red or others to get discouraged at this moment... I think it is a slow time because of the holidays and regrouping. Also it used to be shows only on Sunday and now more... this is good but some us get lost in the process because we are doing other things at the moment. Not a gripe or a feel sorry comment, just life, technology and timing.

To some, it's a high learning curve. For instance, just for some to start blogging. I lurked for months and missed the first Monkey bus for I was too shy and didn't ask about an avatar. I really didn't come to life on the blog until Katrina, so I lurked from June to then or so.

Then for some of us who have never even had a reason to go into live streaming media or have an iPod this is all a new experience. I have attended conferences years ago when this was new cutting edge, but never had an interest until your show.

I was/am excited about our show and topics but sometimes got the notice of pending shows only if I was online at the time. When that happened I relied on the current bloggers who were listening and calling it to write in the blog about what was being said and happening.

Then, I missed your posts for feed back for I guess I wasn't online at the time... there seems to be a day, middle, night and late night "crew" when online.

Even tho I have been on the Natalee blog since about June 2005 I have just ventured into the Lounge.

Times right after Christmas and right after the first of the year are a regrouping time for many and a catch up time too.

Personally, I don't think the lack of responses to your questions is from the lack of interest but got lost in January shuffle.

I will come back later today and read your questions and respond.

Was the toll free number for the calls to the show? See, I still have more to learn. If it was, I would think it still would be very important. Many of those calling your show, when I read about it on the blog, might not afford long distance but then again it isn't right for you to carry the burden of a number that isn't being used.

Please keep up the good work and don't get discouraged. My late to be husband was an auto-mechanic. He always said the slow time was in Jan. when people are drained of money and energy. Maybe this might be the case now.

Thanks, Luv  IBE

OK here's a go for one question:

When it was Sunday and I wasn't busy with something else, I used to make it like a party and always tune in by going downtown for WiFi to get your show live. In fact I'd put the dog in the car and we'd go downtown, sit in the car with a hamburger, fries and a coke (I share). The laptop battery would last through the hour, but then I sort of lost track of the show.

If I was busy, when I remembered, I would go back and download it later there. I did even listen with dial up too at home... ugh on dial up.

When it was on Sunday I prepared for it. The other nights caught me off guard or I found out online that I had missed it, got busy with something else and didn't download anything.

I'd prepare for any night if I knew for sure.

I personally liked Sundays tho. If I had a family and DSL or WiFi in home, I'd pick Sundays as I could always listen live or download it immediately after the homework and children were in bed. :lol:

Just some thoughts. Thanks.

oh, I love the content and the music as is!!!

Dana, sorry for the delay in my reply. holidays/work/everything have me way behind

1. I love the format. IMO it is what is so unique about your show/SM Radio.  I really appreciate that you allow your guests time to answer a question, allow them their train of thought, and time to pass on their information/knowledge to us listeners.

2. Currently, I'd be very interested to hear from the families, or US based investigators of the other missing Americans in aruba, such as Bud Larson, Max Devries.  

3. My calling plan does not charge by distance, just by minutes. But I know some callers do have to pay for long distance.

4. Unfortunately, I've been having trouble loading up the live shows.
   .Any night is fine, but I did got into the Sunday night groove.
    Also, I have given the SM Radio link to some friends who do not participate at SM, but enjoy listening to informative radio via Pod casts   during work.

Thank you for your hard work and radio shows.

After getting an e-mail alert about dog fighting, I was reminded of the times I'd seen on Animal Planet shows about animal cruelty investigators working with local police to break up dog fighting rings and/or remove animals from a home after a raid for drugs, weapons and other gang-related criminal activities.  I also know that many on this board recognize the fact that animal abuse is often the precursor to violence against others.  The predators simply "move up the ladder".  

I have sent e-mails to three humane societies:  HSUS, ASPCA-New York and the Michigan Humane Society telling them about the Dana Pretzer show and that as a listener, I would like to hear them on his show.  I suggested they listen to one of his podcasts and contact him if they'd be interested in discussing the animal cruelty/crime connection.  I chose those three agencies because (1) I got the e-mail alert from HSUS and (2) ASPCA New York and the Michigan Humane Society do shows on Animal Planet.  I thought they might be the most receptive to doing something like this.  

As we hear more and more about crimes against children, missing persons and the sick minds that commit these crimes, I think it's worth getting a better insight into those who abuse anyone smaller and weaker and society needs to recognize that animal abuse is like a flare going up telling us there is a problem.  While I hope my e-mails will prompt someone to contact Dana, it might be something that he and Red could pursue from this end if they feel it would be a worthwhile topic.

One topic I'd like to hear discussed is why-oh-why Fox's ratings go up by 50% when they're covering Anna Nicole Smith.  Why do people LOVE hearing about Lindsay going into rehab or Brittany's life falling apart?  One of your guests mentioned this tonight (3-14-07).  

By the same token, why do people blame victims -- beyond the notion that if they can see it as the victim's own fault, then nothing like that could ever happen to them.  Both the Scott Peterson and Natalee Holloway cases have brought out such horrendous criticism of the victim's family.  What prompts people to do this?  Of course in the case of Holloway, the charge has been led by some in Aruba, but why jump on the "trash Beth" bandwagon?

Didn't know where to post this; even the Lounge didn't seem right.  But it's a tape of a talk radio show (don't know who) playing a tape of a recent guest who likes to have a little fun with telemarketers.  It's pretty funny.  

http://howtoprankatelemarketer.ytmnd.com/

I would like to make a guest suggestion. My suggestion is Pat Brown. She is an Investigative criminal profiler and author of "Killing For Sport: Inside the Mind of serial killers."

She does a good job giving commentary on cases. Here is her blog: www.patbrownprofiling.blogspot.com and her website is patbrownprofiling.com and there is a link for media to request an interview on there.

She explains things in a easy to understand style. She is also very blunt. And doesn't do psychobabble or make excuses for criminals and she doesn't go on ego trips.

And another suggestion is Lisa Pinto she is a former prosecutor and public defense lawyer. She is now a contributer with political mavens blog and is working on a book about the liberal bias in the criminal justice system.

Hope these suggestions are helpful.

Levi - welcome to SM!  I'll make sure Dana sees your request!

Thank you for the Welcome klaasend. And if you go to politicalmavens.com there is a link for media to request an interview with one of their contributers. Lisa is very good. Some do not like her style because she is very blunt and doesn't apologize for the criminal element, but I have always enjoyed her commentary.  :D

Levi

These sound like great suggestions.  Pat Brown has been on Nancy Grace, I think.  She was on the guest list of Montel Williams last week talking about the McCann case.  (I wasn't home so didn't get to see it.)  Lisa Pinto sounds like she'd be interesting too.  Speaking of interesting, I'm off to find out what time tomorrow's show is.  Bye bye. 

Hello LilPuma,  :D Most of the talk shows have Pat on for only a few minutes. That is why I'd like to see her on Dana's show because he could talk with her for a while. I think Pat would like to go on the show as well, because she often complains about how there isn't enough time on some of these shows and how her comments get taken out of context.

On page 5 of my Sunday paper, there was a little paragraph about some Hispanic group canceling their plans to hold their meeting/convention in Kansas City, Missouri because the Mayor appointed a member of the Minutemen to one of the Parks Boards.  Since Dana has the VP of the Minutemen on his show often, I thought I'd put it here in case he wants to ask her about it. 

Thanks for the kind words, you can post suggestions here or anywhere. I usually see them.

Dana

Hi Dana, I got this from someone close to LE and thought of you .

 
  Someone Killed a Policeman Today

I approach the vehicle, as bluelights bounce around me,
It's not a matter of like and hate, it's the violation I saw.
As I get closer, the danger I do not see,
I'm thinking of enforcing the law.

I hear the shot, and feel the pain,
As I drop to the ground
The car speeds off driven by a man who has to be insane,
As I finally into my radio, mumble,"Officer Down!"

As I lay there, I thought of my wife,
I see the dreams we had made.
I ask the Lord to please spare my life,
Then I felt myself begin to fade.

I stopped him only for speeding,
Then I heard a sweet voice on my ear.
"Come with me son, to Heaven I am leading.
No more will you have to shed a tear."

I opened my eyes to see my Savior,
He said, "Follow me, my son.
He will pay for his behavior,
For you have performed a job well done!"

Rest in Peace

Somebody killed a policeman today,
And a part of Canada died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
Will be buried with him, at his side.

The suspect who killed him will stand up in court,
With counsel - demanding his rights;
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
And endure many long lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield too,
Just as if he had gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half-mast,
To his name they add a gold star.

Yup! Somebody killed a policeman today.
Maybe your town or mine,
While we slept in comfort, behind locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks the beat, on a dark city street,
And he stands at each rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
And part of Canada died.

Rev. Charles E. Massey, Aux. Inspector,
Chaplain, O.P.


 
 
 

Would like to hear some tech. Like the old days. Talk about XM, sirius and other things. You used to have good guests that I would enjoy. Even bring out the big discussion that's on everyones mind.. will my TV go dead on FEB 2009 (the 12'th, I think)

Mix it up a little.

Also, one more idea, is to have your show on a steady day and time. You used to be on Sundays. That worked well.

-Rob

I agree!

Drop the toll free number and use Skype, much cheaper (free).

http://www.skype.com

-Rob

Have you talked to George Smith's sister lately?  Klaasend posted the article below about cocaine found on the same ship that George disappeared from.  I found the article posted below that about George to confirm that both crimes occurred on the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas. 

Klaasend posts on NH thread: 

http://cbs4.com:80/local/Brilliance.of.the.2.700385.html

Apr 15, 2008 7:51 pm

Feds Find Kilos Of Cocaine Stashed On RCCL Cruise

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A luxury cruise ship, which docked at the Port of Miami over the weekend was carrying more than just passengers, it was carrying an illegal load of cocaine.

Agents from US Customs and Border Protection and Immigration Customs Enforcement seized 16 kilos of cocaine from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines 'Brilliance of the Seas.'
Security personnel on the ship found the drugs in a passenger cabin on April 11th. The cabin was sealed off until the vessel docked at the Port of Miami.

The drugs, 26 bricks of cocaine, was found hidden behind some ceiling panels. 16 kilos is about 35 pounds.

Officials say they think the cocaine was brought on the ship by passengers and left behind in order to be smuggled off the ship at a later date.

The ship had just returned from a voyage that included Aruba, Panama, Costa Rica and Grand Cayman.


I Posted in Response: 

NEW YORK August 5, 2005
Cruise Passenger Mystery Deepens
CBS) United States authorities are probing the disappearance early last month of a Connecticut man who was on a honeymoon cruise through the Mediterranean. They say it appears foul play may have been involved.

George Allen Smith IV was halfway into the cruise with his bride, Jennifer Hagel, when he vanished while the ship was off the Turkish coast, according to The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm.

"The captain came on and announced to everyone that there was a passenger missing," says Linda Bruck, who was on board the Royal Caribbean's "Brilliance of the Sea" with her husband, Larry Bruck.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/01/earlyshow/main712989.shtml

Suggested topic:  increase in violence among our young people.  Include discussion of lack of respect for authority (teachers, police, parents) and why they then put it on the Internet like some sort of badge of honor.  There's been a big uproar in my city about shootings in and around schools.  Demonstrations by citizens, meetings and press conferences by our mayor and police superintendent followed.  We saw the girl beaten by 6 of her schoolmates at one of their homes.  What are we doing wrong?  Used to be if you talked back to a teacher you'd catch hell when you got home.  Now parents are suing the teacher and school administration.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  Something's very very wrong. 

Hi Dana

I would love to hear you discuss and possibly interview some key players in the Adji Desir case.  He is currently missing in So. Florida.  He has been featured briefly on AMW and Nancy Grace, but since has dropped out of site, yet is still missing.

Thanks!!
Dolce

I also would like to have this on your show. Thanks, Dolce, for putting it here.  This child, and his family urgently need help.