Had a blast last night as a guest co-host on WRIF's long-running Nightcall talk program. Art Vuolo and I filled in for Peter Werbe and spent a couple hours talking about radio and taking calls from listeners. It was a definite surprise (and honor) to be asked to do it by Doug Podell, 'Rif's program director.

Probably the biggest thing I learned from the experience is just how hard doing a talk program must be, especially for those that have to do it everyday. I was also very fortunate to have Art along for the ride - he's definitely got the "gift of gab" and all we had to do was wind him up and let him go. He's very comfortable behind a microphone and with talking to just about anyone about radio.

Meanwhile, I'm a day late again in posting my radio column on Michiguide - again due to being away from home for some vacation time. There really hasn't been much going on in Detroit radio of late -- everyone's focus seems to be squarely on watching the Kwame circus and now of course the Olympics.

The On the Radio column is here: Nightcall leftovers; Getting ready for Dream Cruise and football

Channel 95-5 pulled it off -- they were the top radio station among all listeners this past spring. It's the first time 95.5 has been highest rated frequency, and amazingly the first time a Top 40ish radio station has been on top since the heyday of CKLW.

Read about it on Michiguide.com (a day + late): Spring ratings bring happy times for 3 stations.

Almost two weeks later, we're back home again and it was time to write another radio column. Of course, this time I listened to no local radio, making it kinda tough to write about!

The latest radio column though is up on Michiguide.com: Traveling without traditional radio.

It's taken a lot longer than I thought, but Channel 95-5 looks to have a good chance of being the top overall radio station in Detroit during the spring ratings period. Lots of talk on the 'net about the future of 106.7 FM... but no one knows anything for sure. At least no one that is willing to talk about it.

Go to Michiguide.com to read: Smiles at Channel 95-5 and 97.1 The Ticket; speculation about The Fox.

A recent format change on AM 1200 might have left the door open for some big changes on the Detroit radio dial as we head for the 2008 election. Although local radio seems content to play it safe these days, I can't help but wonder if there might be a big shift on the horizon.

My latest column is up on Michiguide.com: Will a new station help as politics take center stage?.

Yesterday was it -- the final day of school for the kids. Which means lots of summer fun is coming (for them at least).

We celebrated the big day by making a trip down to Comerica Park to catch the Tigers beat the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the 9th inning.

On the way there, Phlash Phelps of XM Satellite Radio's 60's on 6 played a nice request for the boys over the air:

I've been very quiet online lately, all wrapped up in watching playoff hockey on TV as well as some other offline activities. It's great that the Wings are playing in June - with an outstanding chance of claiming their 11th Stanley Cup. If you only watch on TV, take some time to listen in to the radio call -- Ken Kal and Paul Woods do an excellent job.

Read my column on Michguide.com: Red Wings offer chance for special broadcast.