CACTUSTHORNS.COM

The 24-Hour News Revolution ! 

Having completed a basic radio class at Z107.7 some time ago, I was taught by Gary Daigneault, ROP instructor, the importance of reporting the facts, citing the source of information and writing 30 second spot commercials, among other broadcasting skills at the station. I was able to apply my new skills as a volunteer radio announcer for a Christian radio station one week after completing the course.

 There was one lesson presented to the students that really made an impression on me, the importance of “Double Attribution” to verify the information as fact from not only one source, but a second reliable source. I was taught to write a news story that contained “a hook” and “selling the sizzle before the steak.” Mind you, all of this within 30 seconds and not to exceed a 45 second report. It was explained to us the radio listeners would click over to another station if a news story ran too long. Using  these standards, most of you reading this Post may have clicked over to another story.

For the rest of you that are still with me, I want to thank you for your patience. My first story was posted on Cactus Thorns in April 2010 and I am proud to be a part of this Blog bringing my dedication to report the facts with “Double Attribution.” I also have the freedom to state my own take and opinions by declaring my post as Commentary. It is my goal to continue to build trust with my readers, one brick at a time, to have a solid foundation. There are some readers that try to kick sand in my face but they stub their toes when they hit these bricks. 

As stated on my personal website, Cactus Thorns Blog has been around for over ten years and the readership has grown by leaps and bounds. Like one big family sitting at the Cactus Thorn table there are some odd relatives gathered in one place. There is Uncle Joe the plumber and union guy, also Aunt Tilly that has moved to the desert and is bothered by the dust that gathers on the doilies on her dresser.

We are relatives from all walks of life that love God, our country and our rights to enjoy our little corner of the world…..just don’t bring up that “D” or “R” thing on the National level! Everyone checks their guns at the door and sits down at the table for fellowship and good vittles. Oh sure, once in a while there is tofu and crow on the menu but we all laugh it off and then we say Grace together. The last thing this family needs is to tear at each other with bickering. Cactus Thorns receives enough blows from the Dark Side trying to dismantle the good deeds of shedding light on the darkest corners of local issues and informing the reader. As I see it, these outside blows serve to mold this melting pot family into one united front.

A dear friend of mine suggested I start my own Blog as a companion to Cactus Thorns to report only about Yucca Valley. I explained that we are all in this together, the Morongo Basin, which includes Twentynine Palms, Landers, Johnson Valley, Joshua Tree, Flamingo Heights and beyond! No one, except DanO and Branson, could even guess the amount of time and effort it takes to keep this Blog up and running. 

I affectionately call it “Feeding the Beast” because Cactus Thorns requires fresh news stories, art and graphics, humor and local politics coverage on a daily AND hourly basis. Some local newspapers are published once a week with an extra edition on Saturdays. Just look at the stats that DanO recently posted on the number of daily stories, comments and writers that contribute to the success of Cactus Thorns. Thanks to the Cactus Thorns family there is always something fresh and current for the reader.  Updated Stats: http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/14360

I am honored to be mentioned with the long list of writers that contribute to Cactus Thorns and encourage others to step up to the plate and join this team. It would be nice to share your passion of travel, hiking, cooking or photographing our desert neighborhood. 

As this year 2010 is fading into the past, I want to say “Thank You” to all the readers for this past year and a special “Thank You” to my new family. 

Posting this at 11:47:45 pm.

Goodnight and Goodbye to 2010!

Over and Out!