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Radio Facts: Technology has changed not only the way DJ's mix but the way we get music as well. As a mixer myself I...

Radio Facts: SMIRNOFF® Vodka, the world's best-selling vodka, announced DJ JayCeeOh of Los Angeles as season three winner of America's premier DJ competition, Master...

Radio Facts: The number of homicides involving black youths " as victims and perpetrators " surged by more than 30 percent from 2002 to 2007, even as overall murder rates across the U.S. have been relatively stable, according to a study released Monday by researchers at Northeastern University. The study showed that the number of black murder victims rose by more than 31 percent from 2000 to 2007. The number of murders involving young, black perpetrators rose by 43 percent over the same period, according to the study by criminal justice professors [ad#ad-300]James Alan Fox and Marc Swatt. The report also noted that guns were the weapon of choice in most of the killings. Last year, 426 black males ages 14-17 died in gun crimes " 40 percent more than in 2000; nearly 1,000 young black males used guns to kill someone in 2007 " 38 percent higher than in 2000. Fox said the homicide rate for blacks " especially teenagers " has risen steadily and across geographic regions. He said one reason could be the profound shift in priorities since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which means police departments have taken on homeland security duties " often at the expense of community policing. "Now, I don't want to weigh one life against another, but when you look at it, many more people are murdered every single year in ordinary street violence than were killed on Sept. 11, 2001," Fox said. Fox also said communities' complacency because of the overall decrease in crime may also be a factor. The study found the number of police officers in major cities has dropped more than 8 percent, and funding for crime prevention programs is down. Fox said funding cuts disproportionately affect black communities, which suffer from broken families, bad schools and active gangs. "I know people want their tax rebates and stimuli checks, but you know, a few extra dollars in your pocket is of little consolation if you're staring down the wrong end of a gun," Fox said. Not all criminologists agree on the difference federal funding could make, but Fox said he hopes the Obama administration will increase funding. Vice President-elect Joe Biden was a driving force behind legislation that put 100,000 cops on the streets in the mid-1990s. [source],

Radio Facts: American job titles and responsibilities are constantly morphing to suit the economic and cultural transitions of our madcap age. Euphemisms are often the way recruiters dress up old job titles to narrow the field to specialists. A "hash slinger" is now termed a "culinary resource professional." Kidding aside, today's workers are often forced by marketplace realities to undergo at least one rapid job change over their adult lives. Many enroll at online colleges and trade schools to garner fresh skills that fit their experience and previous training. Some of these hot new careers you may have never heard of are "green-collar" jobs. These jobs are on the rise as the business world responds to dramatic increases in energy costs and environmental regulation. And while disposable income seems threatened by a roller-coaster economy, other new careers are springing up to suit those who have cash to spend. Here are six hot career fields you may not have heard of: Eco Tourism Director Traditional hospitality careers are increasingly marching to the ecotourism drumbeat. According to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is growing at three times the rate of traditional vacationing, increasing annually up to 30 percent. If you're just preparing for the field, seek an associate's degree in hospitality, travel, or tourism. If you're already aboard, why not trainto manage a hotel, bed and breakfast, spa, or resort with a graduate degree in business or hospitality? The majority of lodging managers are self-employed professionals. Top earners in 2007 averaged $83,240 for the year. Professional Hacker Ever hear of a certified ethical hacker? That's the professional IT certification for a computer scientist that works as a security specialist, forensic investigator, or network defense architect for corporations, the government, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent hacking or to track down perpetrators. To get into the field, you'll need more than the hacking skills you tweaked together in your garage. Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You can get additional online college training in network security. The top 50 percent of computer scientists earned between $97,970 and $123,900 in 2007. Pet Psychologist Don't be so shocked. Even Sparky sometimes needs help to keep from gnawing through the neighbor's bed of prized roses. Once the local vet has ruled out physical ailments that can contribute to rude pet behavior, people who love their animals may need to call in a trained, certified behaviorist or pet psychologist. As with human patients, pets can be analyzed and taught to act contrary to destructive impulses. There are even certified applied animal behaviorists. To get into the field, you'll need a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, preferably with additional work in zoology and animal behavior. Salaries vary greatly by locale, but can be upwards of $90,000 a year. Conservation Consultant There are companies who are greatly concerned with increasing energy efficiency. And there are those with a conscience, striving to reduce their carbon footprint. When Yahoo! decided to go carbon-neutral by 2007, they hired a director of energy strategy and climate change. Combine your thirst for conservation with an engineering degree to prepare for this thriving field. The U.S. Labor Department predicts a hefty 25 percent increase in environmental engineers during the 2006-2016 decade. In 2007, the top 50 percent earned between $70,000 and $106,000. Fashion Consultant/Personal Shopper Among those who care about their appearance, many are born with amazing taste; some have to work for it. Fashion designers and consultants help those who can afford personal attention to transform their image. You can be the one to consult on hair, makeup, and fashion--and then be the one to take your clients shopping. Get career training through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in fashion design. Top earners in the fashion design trades in 2007 took home $121,640 on average. Mobile Experience Architect The cool streaming videos and eye-popping CD covers that get delivered to the screens of millions of cell phones and PDAs each hour are designed to make you spend money. Information architects create the structure and mind-manipulating patterns (site maps) of each mobile delivery. You'll need to learn about marketing, strategy, and user testing through a degree program in computer science, Web design, or business. There's even an IT certification for professional mobile architects. Salaries range into six figures. As our world rapidly evolves, it's no surprise that the work land scape is evolving as well. You can prepare for and keep up with the changes by updating your training and credentials. Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.

Radio Facts: Looking at the suicides and the tragedies that have taken place during Christmas, I was left to ponder.... Is Christmas overrated? I for one had a great day yesterday but I have one major complaint. After having to work six hour shifts for most holidays during my career in radio I absolutely without question Despise Christmas music. I not only despise it.... It literally makes me nauseous. How many times can I hear Silent Night? One song, sung but 9 million singers. While in the store doing some shopping before the holiday, I wore my iPod so that I could not hear the music. While I am not saying it's a day that people should kill themselves, it's been documented that it is one of the most likely days people are at their lowest when it comes to depression. Everybody does not want to celebrate and there are lots of people who don't have families or friends and they are not considered. Christmas is shoved down our throats whether we want it or not and I think that's bullsh....   I think a movement should be created where people where shirts that say "Screwged Christmas" and demand stores stop playing the music and they throw big buckets of water on Christmas Carolers who invade their privacy. Am I Scrooge? No, I'm a champion for the underdog. Christmas is not for everyone, just like religion (another editorial) so why must we be forced to accept it?