Worst possible timing: Motherboard of the Liberty & Justice computer suffers a BIOS update mishap. Regular programming suspended, possibly for weeks

The past three weeks have not been kind to Minimum Wage Media's PC work horses. First, a dish cloth got caught in the CPU pins of the motherboard in my personal desktop computer, ruining it probably for good. Then, as if all the fall out from that was not enough of an expense and inconvenience, the motherboard of the main Liberty & Justice computer underwent a USB-based flashed BIOS update while I forgot to remove a networking device that was still connected to the USB bus. The update took forever with mostly a blank screen. It finally proceeded normally. But after completion, the computer went dead instead of attempting a re-boot. It has not been able to power up since.

The motherboard is still under warranty, so the cheapest solution was to send it back to the manufacturer to have them re-set the BIOS. However, the complete process may take four weeks or more.

The timing could not have been worse. The Massachusetts Primary is on 9/6 with the general election in November. Without that computer, and the years of programming and maintenance that went into it, I was forced to suspend regular programming indefinitely. There will be no internet stream, no local input to the programing, and no audio processing. Only the terrestrial AM signal within 3 miles of Acme Park will remain. We will carry various networks - Infowars, GCN, Real America's Voice, RSBN, and Frank Speech - switching among them with no set schedule as I am able to do so. I am planning to carry President Trump's Wilkes-Barre rally live on Saturday and the Tele-rally on Labor Day evening (7 PM) featuring President Trump, Geoff Deihl, and Leah Allen. But mostly it will be all networks all the time by necessity.

Computers are finely tuned, unforgiving devices. If you would like to assist with a donation to help during this frustrating period, you can do so on our advertising page. I appreciate your support.       

Both FM signals (mini translators) have been shut down permanently

I have decided to permanently shut down our FM mini-translator signals at 87.9 and 97.9. Due to our New England winters, I cannot get an FM transmitter to last more than two years. Without proper antenna de-icing, multiple components fail and it is not an easy fix without a schematic. Buying new transmitters - yet again - and erecting antennas inside the only RF transparent building I own (a wooden shed) would not be worth the time or expense during this period of my life. All this and one additional factor weighed in my decision.

Of course, you can still hear the stations on their main AM frequencies of 1640 and 1710. A modification I made in their tuning systems last year has resulted in the best range ever for these two signals. They also broadcast in stereo using the Motorola C-Quam system on receivers from the late 1980's and early 1990's capable of decoding such analog-based multiplexing.

If you are more than 2.5 or 3 miles from the transmitters, your sole option remains the audio streams.   

Troubadour 1710 format change coming in 2022

Through the course of 2022, as time permits, I will be shifting the format of Troubadour 1710 in a more "baby-boomer oriented" classic country and Americana direction. A large quantity of country hit singles, album tracks, independent releases, and local artists from the 1960's to 1990's will be added, while music and artists who are not appropriate for this direction will be gradually dropped.

At this time in history, I feel it is important that both Minimum Wage Media radio stations reflect the same traditional American values, lifestyle, culture, love of freedom, and spiritual orientation. I am increasingly uncomfortable with the direction the non-country-crossover folk world has taken in recent years and the attitudes it promotes. Since non-country folk people tend to believe everything the mainstream media tells them concerning Covid and its "variants," live performances are still scarce and admission is usually subject to severe restrictions. The number of new releases is way down and the product is quite mediocre. But then again, what you believe definitely affects the quality of your work.

Truly "evergreen" non-country-crossover folk product that is universal and timeless in its appeal will remain but be confined to the evening hours (7-11 PM) when the emphasis will be more acoustic. Relaxing "new age" will remain overnights to aid in your rest.

My time for such a huge alteration is limited, thus the gradual shift over a year's time instead of a sudden format change. But once established, I believe sensible listeners will be pleasantly surprised and quite pleased. Stay with us and support us financially if you can.               

Minimum Wage Media policy concerning events and venues requiring shots or recent test

 audio message

"Boomer Country Memories" debuts Sunday evenings on Troubadour 1710

For years I put off the idea of developing such a show. I knew the tremendous amount of time it would take to research and archive the musical content needed to make it sustainable - time that I simply did not have. But everything DOES have its time and finds its time. A couple weeks ago, I couldn't put it off any longer.

In the early stages of downloading and filling in metadata, I found myself quite moved by these old songs, many of them almost forgotten. In the following days, building the library for the show almost became an obsession. 

Being reunited with many long lost musical gems was certainly a major aspect in my reaction. I spent the better part of 13 years as an on-air personality and music programmer in country radio. But underlying all that was something deeper. It was mourning for the loss of a time when we were more social, innocent, trusting, and free. It was the loss of the cohesive culture and values that traditionally were aligned with country music.

What most of us Boomers grew up assuming was common sense we now have to waste time and effort defending. The people and culture that produced all this compelling music is, in my view, being attacked on all fronts. But that's just my reaction.

Tune in Sunday evenings from approximately 7 (or whenever the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast ends) until 9 to see what state of mind 2 hours of country music from the golden era puts you in.

Boomer Country Memories - Sunday evenings on Troubadour 1710. ( ...in AM Stereo, just like back in the day.)

Both FM transmitters mysteriously destroyed during December 16th snowstorm

During the snowstorm of December 16, we lost our two FM transmitters after many years of service. Either there was too much electrical energy in the atmosphere or too much precipitation had frozen on the antennas. Either way, both of them will no longer work properly. New transmitters have been ordered, but I do not expect the signals at 87.9 and 97.9 to return until some time in January.

I found an incredible bargain of two new FM transmitters for $140.00. But since the expense was unexpected, I am now seeking assistance from listeners. If you would like to honor us with a gift this holiday season, visit t1700.net/advertise.html and contribute through PayPal or Patreon, or you may mail a check to 154 Great Road, Lot 8, Shirley, MA 01464. I hope to raise the entire $140 by January 1st.

2020 has been an extremely challenging year for all of us. Thanks to the lockdowns, mask mandates, social unrest, my volunteer time with the Shiva for Senate campaign, and the stolen elections, Liberty & Justice 1640 has, by necessity, captured the overwhelming majority of my attention. Troubadour 1710 has suffered as a result, for which I apologize. My prayer for 2010 is that somehow, more rational thinking will emerge, the Covid mandates end, and the elections reflect the actual results. We desperately need normalcy again where the politics, health, and insight of Liberty & Justice, and the art, culture, and music of Troubadour strike a balance in my time commitments.

Once again, if you would like to help me get the FM signals back on the air, visit t1700.net/advertise.html. This is Jeff from your neighborhood stations wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Corrupt Mass. establishment will never allow a true populist to win: Open letter to Kevin O'Connor

This letter is addressed to Kevin O'Connor, the alleged winner of the Republican U.S. Senate primary in Massachusetts on September 1st.

Dear Kevin 

Now let me get this straight... You have 19 YouTube subscribers vs. Dr. Shiva's 190,000. You had not a single yard sign up in the entire state vs. Dr. Shiva's several signs and banners in every town. (I work several DoorDash delivery areas. I know!)  

In all Republican standouts I encountered, it was 100 percent Dr. Shiva signs regarding the senate race, plus several standouts just for him. As for you, Kevin, I couldn't even remember your name! Dr. Shiva's name is much harder to pronounce. But YOU were the one with zero name recognition.  

Your entire campaign consisted of interviews with the establishment media and pre-arranged photo ops with zero supporters in attendance. Dr. Shiva campaigned constantly in a caravan speaking to enthusiastic crowds in town squares all over the state, often with horns honking in approval from nearby traffic. (Again, I get around.)  

But you want us to believe you are the ACTUAL winner of this primary? What a joke! 

I gotta hand it to you, Kevin. You pulled off the impossible. You should write a tell-all book explaining exactly how you did it. Every political aspirant from president to dog catcher will want to get their hands on it. You'll have lots of time to write it, too, once you get past your inevitable defeat in November. But that's okay. Uncle Charlie in the corner office will assuage your humiliation with a nice golden parachute for being such a good patsy.  

As for me, I wouldn't vote for an attorney scum bag like you if my life depended upon it. Enjoy your life Kevin... and the flames of hell once it's over.

P.S. The reason Dr. Shiva refused to debate you is because your campaign was insignificant and had no impact on real people. You only associated with the decaying mainstream media and the fact that they are your only support speaks volumes. Furthermore, no one can reach your campaign unless they want to request one of your non-existent yard signs! Dr. Shiva's campaign is easily reachable, both by email and phone, with the phone number on several pages.