Geo’s Media Blog “The Genius” New for 1/27/20

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Most successful people had a mentor who helped them claw their way up that wobbly and very tricky ladder of success.

For example, my mentor was and still is, Jim Hilliard, while my nephew Jamie Boychuck’s was Hunter Harrison. Hunter was a genius who unfortunately passed away much too early. However, before doing so, he taught Jamie how to become the new executive vice president of CSX. (Pictured above is Jamie along with the president, ringing the bell on Wall Street.)
 
After reading a book about Hunter’s life called, “The Railroader,” I realized that not only was Hunter a force to be reckoned with, you also better not fuck with him.

Unbelievably, during his short stay on earth, he turned around four Railway companies — the Illinois Central, the CNR and CPR in Canada, and CSX Railway back here in the US.
Even though his tenure at CSX was short because he took ill, he still managed to turn it into a twelve billion-dollar company before his untimely death.
 
Hunter was paid in the high millions because not only did he make his companies more efficient, he also made their stock go through the roof. Even with Hunter gone, CSX’s stock continues to rise because he was wise enough to teach some folks around him like my nephew, how to keep it going.
 
I may be awed by Hunter, but I’m amazed by the folks who run radio. They’ve got to be much smarter than Harrison Hunter. Hell, not only did he have to make the companies he ran more efficiant, he also had to increase their revenue, and make the stock rise before he got his millions.
However, the people who run radio today have to be smarter geniuses because they’ve figured out how to be paid millions with their revenue going down and their stock making that sucking sound. Wow!
 
 
GEO’S LIFE-LINES
When I lived in Canada, I thought all black people were special, but when I moved to America, I soon discovered that this wasn’t true. 
 
I’ve always known that my children needed my protection, whether they knew it or not. 
 
You sure know when the New Yorkers are in town. Nothin’ but horns! 
 
Taking too long to decide your career path might mean that you’re already on it. 
 
If Trump is responsible for all the bad things in the world, then he must be equally accountable for the good. 
 
We all compromise, the only question is, how much? 
 
I attended school in Transcona at TCI in but got my education at Pete’s Pool Room on my way home.
 
Speaking of Canada, have you ever noticed how kind and gentle Canadians are until you give them a hockey stick? 
 
Wow, I Heart has come up with new words to describe future firings. Deplacement and dislocation.
 
Promising to take care of something tomorrow doesn’t solve the dilemma today.
 
You thirst for intellect but hunger for love and success. 
 
Being bold creates magic. 
 
How come Whitney is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and not Celine? It looks racist to me. 
 
The air talent all sound the same to accountants, so they get rid of the expensive ones — simple math. 
 
I think I’d rather be in a foxhole with a Russian rather than an Arab.
 
Worrying about all the things that you haven’t got done yet takes twice as long as just doing them. 
 
Wait till Archie finds out who he used to be. 
 

When you turn 30, you become who you’re going to be for the rest of your life.

For the first time in a long time, the Winnipeg Jets are closer to the bottom than the top. 
 

Why are liberals so shocked when they discover that there’s a different point of view than theirs. Hey, that’s why they have two parties.

Hey Canada, Neil’s now a Yankee!
 
So here’s a peek at the future for today’s radio executives. Somewhere down the road, the performance fees are going to hit, and the owners are going to say, “Stop playing so much music, get those Dee-Jays to say more.” Unfortunately, you’ve fired the folks who had something to say. Now it’s your turn to suffer the consequences; owners don’t like excuses from high priced employees. Good luck.

Wow, Kobe Bryant is gone.
 
COMMENTS

Denver: Geo, it’s obvious you do not like our President, which tells me (and the rest of the awakened people) that you are still sound asleep!OH, MAN, ARE YOU GOING TO END UP WITH EGG ON YOUR FACE! (Unthinkable Trump)

Geo: That’s funny, Denver, my liberal friends think I like him so much that I must be sleeping with him. 🙂

Bruce Walker: WOW. I’m having trouble concentrating. Did I say WOW? I’m beginning to understand why you loved your jobs so well. (Let’s Hear It For The Girls Part I)

Geo: Having to work continuously under these conditions, Bruce, I find myself becoming more and more distracted with each passing day.

Jed Duvall: Hello Cami: I have known your father since May of 1973. As a 22-year-old right out of college, I was afraid of your dad and his boss, Jim Hilliard. I was terrified that I would open my mouth, and they would see that whatever they thought I was would be discovered as a fraud. Your dad (and Mr. Hilliard) were always tough, but fair. Very likely, being George Johns’ daughter is a challenge, but I am confident that his presence in your life has added dimension and character.  I believe that you will set the world on fire and make your mother and father incredibly proud. Congratulations as you enter a new passage in your life and best wishes. (Camera Graduates)

Tyler: This is the most disconnected, nonsensical, senile word vomit I’ve seen in my entire life. This blog had nothing to with anything. You’re incorrect about a lot of things, least of which your apparent idealism of the Beatles or of the way radio worked 40 years ago. You sound like a cranky, bitter old man who is upset because the world changed around him and let you and your glory days behind in the dust.  Feel free to continue writing this garbage, which all it does is persist the notion that your brand of media is outdated, useless, and dead. Please stop posting this blog everywhere — it’s not relevant to anywhere you’re posting it. (Canada Lied)

Dave Martin: Bravos, George. Thank you. You have, as ever, provided a lucid theory of the case. Please let me suggest the obvious (always the hardest thing to see since it hides in plain sight): winners respect and are obsessed with the fundamentals. Winning involves the cumulative effect of essential details (e.g., superior blocking and tackling, prowess at the free-throw line).
My sense is what we have here is a leadership problem, a continuing failure of imagination. The excellent news – is as you have taught us – is competing against luck remains relatively unaffected. Hard work, audacity, resilience, and having fun on the radio continues to produce incredible results. Allow me to add … today is not a dress rehearsal.
Again, thanks for the inspiration, George. All the best (Nuthin’ On But The Radio)

Geo’s Media Blog is an inside look at Radio, Music, Movies, and Life. For a sneak peek at some upcoming Blogs or to see some that you may have missed, go to Geo’s Media Blog @ GeorgeJohns.com. On Twitter @GeoOfTheRadio. Sharing and commenting is appreciated.

6 thoughts on “Geo’s Media Blog “The Genius” New for 1/27/20

  1. I wish I had comments as good as those of Jed Duvall and others here. I will simply say, George, that I am proud to count you among my friends.

  2. Josie Thomas: Geo. Who is this Tyler? Sounds like his description fits him to a tee.
    Maybe he should stop spewing his nonsense and make a more sensible comment.
    I enjoy your words of wisdom.
    Sincerely,
    Walking in Memphis (The Genius)

    Geo: I have no idea who he is, Josie.

  3. You sure know when the New Yorkers are in town. Nothin’ but horns!

    Here in Texas we have a different kind of horns: we bow to burnt orange and say “Hook ‘Em”. :o)

  4. Tyler,

    At least have the cojones to write your last name. Totally disagree with you about George. For the record my name is Ron Hamilton and George knows what the hell he’s talking about!

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