FM Boston Radio

The proverbial icing on the cake, however, came with an invitation from DirectBuy of Boston South to visit their Rockland showroom to select the kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanity and flooring for their new home—at no charge, courtesy of DirectBuy.

“I used to work construction with my father so I have a pretty good idea of how much these kind of things cost,” said Fountaine. “The generosity of DirectBuy of Boston South and all the other contractors and vendors involved in building of the house, not to mention Homes for Our Troops, has been completely overwhelming.”

Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization based in Taunton, Massachusetts, builds and remodels specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans. Fountaine, a double amputee after being injured during his second tour of duty in Iraq, was approached by Homes for Our Troops this fall about building the veteran a home in Plymouth.

With the help of dozens of contractors and volunteers, construction of the home began over Veteran’s Day weekend. Once the frame of the house was in place and contractors began work on the electrical, plumbing and other necessaries, it was time to design the interior. That’s when DirectBuy of Boston South stepped in.

“We wanted to help Brian because I believe we owe our returning troops, particularly wounded soldiers, more than a debt of gratitude. DirectBuy of Boston South contributing the kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanity and flooring doesn’t bring back soldiers we have lost or minimize anybody’s injuries, but it more appropriately says ‘thank you’ not just to Brian, but to all the Iraq War vets for their sacrifices,” said John Massaria, owner of DirectBuy of Boston South.

Construction on Sgt. Fountaine’s house is expected to conclude in December with a projected move-in date around the holidays. For Brian and Mary, who plan to be married on June 8, 2008, it’s a dream come true.

“How many 25- or 26-year olds can move into a brand new house without a mortgage payment and with a kitchen and a bathroom like something you’d see on ‘Extreme Makeover’? It’s just mind-boggling,” said Fountaine. “We can’t thank Homes for Our Troops, DirectBuy of Boston South and all the other vendors, and all the other vets and volunteers who helped build our home for their kindness and support,” said Fountaine.

About Homes for Our Troops

Founded on February 4, 2004, Homes for Our Troops (www.homesforourtroops.org) is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) non-partisan, non-profit organization building specially adapted homes for disabled veterans of war. The organization is strongly committed to assisting disabled and seriously injured veterans and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and enlisting the help of professional contractors to volunteer on the homes built for our American Heroes who have given up so much to defend America.

Since 2004, Homes for Our Troops has helped many wounded veterans by providing handicap-accessible homes at no cost to the veterans or their families. Currently, there are 35 home projects completed or underway across the country.

For more information, please visit the website at www.homesforourtroops.org or call (866) 7TROOPS (787-6677).

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, allowing them to buy directly from over 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct allows members to make their hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy of Boston South has been serving the South Shore since 1986 and prides itself in providing excellent member service. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Boston South is one of the largest DirectBuy showrooms in New England, and part of 145 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 1-800-DIRECTBUY or directbuy@usa.com. To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

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What is included in a press kit? Why do I need one to book a radio interview?

• A press kit comes in a double pocket portfolio. Use a color other than white or manila so that your press kit stands out.

• Always put “Requested Material Enclosed” on the outside of the envelope so it is not thrown away as junk mail.

• Write the address on the envelope by hand. Don’t type it because then it looks like a mass mailing which is usually thrown away.

• Include an extra book cover that is attached to the front of the press kit.

Include your press release on the left hand side of the press kit. People read from left to right and you want them to look at your press release first.

Let’s look at your press release in detail.

The most important thing is the headline. The headline is the topic of your show. Have a sub headline and then a box of bullet points. Instead of the “For Immediate Release” say “Available for Interview”. Your bio and picture is on the right hand side. Include statistics because the media loves statistics.

Next is the list of sample questions. These questions should be placed behind the press release in press kit folder.

Your list of sample questions is a choreographed script for radio interview host to follow. The interviewers love to use because they don’t have time to prepare and read your book. You provide them a turnkey interview for them. This significantly increases your chances of obtaining a radio interview. Make it as easy as you can for the interviewer to interview you.

Basically you should have 10-15 sample questions, 1 page only, in the specific order you want.

Tip: Make sure to list how long it takes you to answer each question. For example, question #1 might take you 1 minute to answer. Radio show hosts are dependent upon time for their show. They have breaks, news, etc. that they must follow.

Giving these time features shows that you are a seasoned pro.

Behind this sample list of question in your press kit you should have a “controversy sheet”. This sheet lists argues or drawings that help you set up an argument about your book topic. You can use a cartoon that looks like the Sunday funnies in the newspaper.

A host can use this controversy sheet to set up an argument. It is great for talk radio. It allows you and the radio show host to involve the audience by arguing. The radio station host can pose the question that you provide and then ask his audience to call in.

Your press kit should also include letters of recommendations and clippings. These items give you credibility. After a great show make sure to ask for a recommendation from a radio show host. Make sure they write it on their radio station stationary. Your clippings can also include articles written about you in newspapers and magazines.

Place these items in your press kit and you will greatly increase your chances of snapping up radio interviews.

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Imagine …

You’re lying on your favorite sun lounger in your garden.

There isn’t a cloud in the sky.

You can feel the sun’s rays on your skin and there is a gentle breeze blowing through your hair.

There is a wooden table to your right. On the table is a tall glass. Inside the glass is your favorite ice-cool drink.

Next to the glass is a radio. From the radio you can hear your favorite music, old time radio shows, audiobooks, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy. When whatever you are listening to finishes another one of your favorites will start without you ever having to move a muscle.

Life is good!

Okay, you can stop imagining now and get back down to reality. The reason I asked you to imagine that particular scenario is that I wanted you to feel just how wonderful it is to have a little device called an FM transmitter. Some of you reading this will know what I’m talking about, but for those who don’t let me explain.

An FM transmitter is a rather clever gadget that allows you to transmit sound directly from your computer to any radio in your house. It’s completely wireless and works just like a normal radio station, but on a much smaller scale.

Here’s what happens. It’s really easy.

Step 1 – You plug the device into your sound card.

Step 2 – You select a frequency on the device that you want to broadcast at. For example you might select 92.5 FM.

Step 3 – You pick a radio show you’d like to listen to and start it playing on your computer.

Step 4 – You go to any FM radio in your house and tune it in to 92.5 FM.

Step 5 – You sit down and enjoy

The radio needs to be within a certain range, which will vary between 50 feet and 300 feet depending on the strength of the FM transmitter you are using and the number of walls and other obstructions the signal need to pass through to get to you.

The wonderful thing about FM transmitters is it allows you to listen to all the MP3 files you have stored on your computer or one of the online music services, whilst at the same time giving you the freedom to move around your house.

Luckily, the price of FM transmitters has dropped over the past few years and you should be able to pick up a decent FM transmitter that will work throughout a typical house for less than $100.

When purchasing an FM transmitter there are several things you need to consider before you make your decision to buy. Most important of all is the distance the signal covers. If you live in a tiny apartment there’s no need to spend the extra money on a powerful unit that will transmit 1000 feet, unless of course you want the whole neighborhood to be able to tune in to your broadcast. On the other hand, don’t buy one that will only transmit 10 feet if you want to listen at the bottom of the garden which is 150 feet from your computer.

A second thing to look out for is a digital display. Some units have no digital display telling you what frequency you are tuned into and require you to turn a screw on the back to adjust the frequency. This procedure can take quite some time as it requires a bit of trial and error. The end result is exactly the same, but with a digital display it is easy to set the FM transmitter to a specific frequency by reading the numbers on the display and then set the radio to exactly the same frequency.

Finally, some units require batteries whereas others run from the mains power supply. If the unit you buy runs off batteries make sure that it has an auto-off facility that will allow you to set a period after which the unit will automatically turn itself off. If you don’t have this you’ll find yourself wasting a lot of batteries.

FM transmitters are ideal for transmitting around your house, but the same technology can also provide an ideal way of listening to your MP3 player in your car without having to invest in an in-car MP3 unit. Just plug a battery powered FM transmitter into your MP3 player and then tune your car stereo into the same frequency.

So, now you know just how easy it is to set-up your very own micro radio station for your very own listening pleasure. It doesn’t matter whether you are a music fan, an old time radio aficionado, or an audiobook lover, this is one little gadget that can really add to the overall enjoyment.

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