Ghosts, Spirits & Poltergeists

Halloween, the time of year where witches, ghosts and goblins have their moment in the spotlight.

Most people acknowledge that both good and bad witches exist in this world.

When it comes to ghosts, spirits or poltergeists however, you have believers, skeptics, and those who ride the fence on the subject.

For those who are unsure of the difference in these three entities, here's a quick explanation:

1. Ghosts are the dead who haven't crossed over to the other side yet.
2. Spirits are the souls of those who have crossed over.
3. Poltergeists are ghosts who move things and are noisy.

While I'm skeptical of some things I've seen, or been told, for the most part, I'm one of the believers.

This is due in part to the things I've experienced over the years of my life. Looking back, I now recognize things I didn't as a child, like footsteps in the hallway, when no one was there; things like that.

The first time I actually realized I'd seen a ghost was when I was in my late teens, early twenties. My dad worked nights, my brother was in college, so it was just my mom, me and the two toy poodles we had at home in the evenings.

The younger dog, Skippy, was the son of the other poodle, Tinkerbell. The two were inseparable, and would play all the time. Even when Tinker developed a heart condition, she'd still play, until she'd cough and wheeze. Then one day Tinker died. Skip was upset and depressed, naturally.

That night, my mom and I were sitting on the couch watching television, with Skip sleeping between us. All of a sudden I heard familiar wheezing and coughing, looked from where I was sitting down the dark hallway, and saw a bright light the same size a Tinker, which is where the sound was also coming from. I didn't say anything to my mom, and eventually it stopped.

Next night, same thing. By the third night, I told my mom what I was seeing and hearing. To my surprise she said, "you too"? She'd been seeing the same thing as me, but hadn't said anything, so as not to scare me.

When my dad was home in the evening we wouldn't see or hear anything; only when it was just my mom and me home at night. During this time, Skip, (who had been perfectly healthy), started coughing and wheezing. We knew it wasn't him though, as when we heard the sound, and saw the light, it was always at the end of the hallway, and Skip was always asleep between us.

A month, to the day that Tinkerbell died, Skippy died. Since that time we've never seen the light at the end of the hall, or heard any coughing or wheezing.

There are other experiences I could share here, like when I go looking for something I need. I can know exactly where I left it, yet, it won't be there. Usually when this happens, something else I'd been looking for previously will be what I find instead. It's like things are getting moved, then brought back in place of the current item I'm looking for. It doesn't happen all the time, but it is more than a rare occurence at my house.

At least twice I've had bad experiences also. Like lying in bed, awake, one night and all of a sudden feeling like someone was in the room with me. No one was, though suddenly it felt like someone was sitting on my chest, so I couldn't breathe or move. I couldn't talk, or move, or breathe. In my head, I yelled, "get off of me, now, leave me alone"! As soon as I did, the weight was gone and I could breathe again.

I could go on, however I'm pretty sure there are already some skeptics out there not believing what I've written; I'm okay with that. I tend to try to find the loopholes and missing pieces in stories I hear also. I think it's because there have been those who have scammed others before; it makes people naturally wary of things they don't understand.

I do have friends who are also believers though, like my friend Patty. More than once since her mom has died, she's had incidences where she knows her mom was there for her. Not just a feeling of her mom's presence, but little things that have been moved, or whatnot, when no one else was in the house to do it. It gives Patty a comforting feeling to know her mom is still there for her.

Another friend, Sandy, who's also lost her mom, has had several experiences where she knew her mom was with her. I was there one of those times as well.

We were at a casino, and Sandy was playing a slot machine that had been one of her mom's favorites. Someone came up and began talking to Sandy about the machine and other random things, just out of the blue. Sandy said something to the person about the machine having been her mom's favorite, though she thought her mom probably wasn't with her at the moment, because she'd been losing money. Right, EXACTLY as she finished that sentence, the machine she was playing went crazy. Turned out Sandy had won $90 from the machine, and had actually come out ahead after all. She and I were both positive her mom had something to do with it.

When telling a co-worker, Doug, about writing this post, he told me of an experience he had at his current home. Seems he had a radio in his garage, and though no alarm was set, the radio would come on blaring at midnight. Not every night, usually about once every two months, just randomly; always at midnight.

As I stated earlier, I don't expect the skeptics to believe any of what I've posted; it's not a matter of trying to convince anyone. I've simply shared my experiences, and those of friends, for others to consider. What better time of year to do that than Halloween?

Review--"Guitarslinger"--Vince Gill

It's been five years since Vince Gill has released a CD; though you'd never know it listening to his latest offering, "Guitarslinger".

From the opening title track through the rest of the twelve songs, this CD flows as smoothly as Gill's voice, while still having wide variety in both music and subject matter.

The title track is an upbeat, almost rockish tune, that weaves a story of the floods in Nashville last year, Vince meeting Amy Grant, and other things that have happened in his life.

"When the Lady Sings the Blues" mixes country with a heavy dose of, you guessed it, the blues. Amongst the other CD song selections, this tune is right at home.

The current single, "Threaten Me with Heaven", is truly pure Vince Gill at his best. It's the type of song listeners expect from Gill, and he definitely doesn't disappoint anyone with his delivery.

It would probably be easier to list songs that fall a bit short of the rest of the music on "Guitarslinger", for instance, "If I Die". Though it fits well with the other songs, it doesn't seem to make the same impact as the others do. Yet, at the same time, "If I Die" really is a good song. That's how good "Guitarslinger" is, even the more lackluster songs are still great.

Though it's been five years, Vince Gill's latest CD is worth the wait and sure to be a classic. I'd rate it one of the best CD's of 2011.

KUPL Holiday Shows

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)


This Saturday, (October 29, 2011), KUPL is hosting it's 3rd Annual KUPL Boo Cruise on the Portland Spirit. The event includes a costume contest, (with the winner receiving an iPad2), food and music.

This year's music will be provided by "American Idol" finalist, Danny Gokey, Kip Moore and new artists, The Farm.

Think this show is a big one? Wait until the Christmas HOLIDAY season!

This year's "2011 KUPL Safeway Honky-Tonk Ho-Ho-Down" will be Friday, December 9, 2011 at the Roseland Theater.
Sunny Sweeney and Steel Magnolia will open for headliners, Montgomery Gentry.

Montgomery Gentry alone is worth the price of a ticket, which is $25 for general admission, and $40 for reserved seating. Throw in the other two acts, and you've definitely got a show worth seeing!

Tickets go on sale, Saturday, October 29, 2011 at all Safeway TicketsWest outlets, and at www.ticketswest.com.

Simon Says, "Let There Be Hair"

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)

I remember Scott Simon when he worked for the "other" country station in Portland, Oregon; even then he didn't have hair. Usually he's got a ball cap on, though sometimes he doesn't; never though have I seen him with hair, until now.

It seems last week, while Jake was on vacation, Scott decided to let his hair grow. Now, where there's always been a shiny dome, hair is sprouting. Though I haven't seen him in person, I have seen what he looks like in a photo.

I think Scott looks good either way, so whatever he's happy with is what he should do.

How do you, fellow KUPL listeners, feel about this? Should SCOTT continue to let his hair grow; or should he go back to being bald?

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Oh My!

There are some things that just make me wonder how they came to be, like what things should be eaten at certain times of the day.

"Typical" breakfast fare consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc.

Though each of these items can be used in recipes and such, for the most part they're considered a breakfast staple.

Likewise, cereal is seen as breakfast food. Sure, some cereal is used to make treats, like Rice Krispies; over all however, cereal is seen as a morning food.

Though breakfast FOODS are primarily for that time of the day, many people also enjoy breakfast for dinner.

Yet, while it's perfectly acceptable to have eggs and pancakes for dinner, people tend to look at others as strange for eating say, leftover pizza for breakfast. Why? It's food, why is it only supposed to be eaten for lunch or dinner?

Granted, pizza isn't the healthiest thing to eat, however, "typical" breakfast items, for the most part aren't that healthy either.

I realize also, that nutrition charts have changed over the years. Using the four basic food groups example though, it's easy to see where pizza fits in nicely.

Start with the crust, which is a form of bread, thus covering the grain portion of the chart. Cheese of course is the dairy product of the chart. Then there are the toppings: Onions, peppers, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, sausage, and many more; all of which fit into the fruits and vegetables and meat sections of the food chart.

So, again I wonder, why is it so bad to eat pizza, or a burger, or whatever, for breakfast? I won't even get into the whole idea of people who work graveyard shifts, and come home and have "dinner", that's a whole other aspect of this subject.

My point to this post is that I feel there shouldn't be restrictions on what's considered breakfast, lunch and dinner food. Wouldn't the world maybe be a much better place if we didn't specify when to eat certain things?

Vince Gill @ the Bing Lounge-October 15, 2011

There are so many things I want to say about Vince Gill's performance in the Bing Lounge on October 15, 2011; though if I had to use only one word, it would be AWESOME!

Anyone who listens to country knows Gill is a living legend; you wouldn't know it to see and meet him though.

When the show got started Vince walked on stage in his faded camo pants, and baggy sweatshirt, sat down and started talking and playing songs for the audience. Throughout the show, I kept thinking how different this performance was than others in the Bing Lounge.

Sure, there's been a lot of great musicians on the Monster Energy stage, and to me, everyone I've had the chance to meet has always been kind; this time was just different somehow.

Then it hit me; the difference was the "feel" of the place. Shows in the Bing Lounge are naturally intimate, it's a small venue. The difference this time, to me, was it felt more like everyone was kicked back in the living room at home, while someone was singing. It could be any living room anywhere, and the singer could be a friend of the host of the party. In this case the "living room" was the Bing Lounge, and the "host" was KUPL.

I think a big part of that is Vince didn't "act" like a living legend, or even a star; he was just another one of the guys in the standing room only crowd that day.

I was happy to hear Vince do his latest single, "Threaten Me with Heaven". I love this song; it's classic Gill through and through.


Another new song Gill performed was the title track to his new CD, "Guitarslinger". He explained to the audience that the song combines many aspects of his life and career, like meeting his wife, Amy Grant.


Though Vince didn't have time to do every hit he's had, he did do "Go Rest High on That Mountain". He mentioned that though the song isn't the biggest hit he's had, it's the song that he'll always be remembered for, in his opinion.


As I said at the beginning of this post, Vince Gill was awesome in the Bing Lounge. Though I didn't hear all his hits, I did get the chance to meet this living legend and I'm very grateful for that. It's definitely something I'll never forget.

Toby Keith--"Red Solo Cup"

The first time I heard of Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup", was when I saw a short article about the video having several big names making cameo appearances. I wanted to see how many people I could name, so I watched the video.

Sure enough, there are cameos by comedians, athletes, singers, and all types of entertainment. Though I didn't recognize everyone, the ones I did included Carrot Top, Jeff Dunham, the Warren Brothers, J.T. Hodges, Joe Nichols and Larry Bird.

The video is fun to watch because it's completely silly. I've posted the unedited version here, so I do suggest not having children around while you watch it.


As for the song itself, "Red Solo Cup" reminds me of the songs Toby had awhile back on an album. Those songs were his "bus" songs, (or something like that), that he and the band wrote/played while traveling on their tour bus.

"Red Solo Cup" could easily be seen as a "throw away" song, in the sense that it seems written just because it could be. That doesn't mean it's a bad song however. On the contrary, I really like the song a lot; the video just adds to the wackiness of the tune, especially the end of the video. I don't want to spoil it for anyone though; you'll just have to watch and listen to the video for yourself.

So raise up your CUPS and make a toast to what's sure to be another big hit for Toby Keith.

The Magic of Music

“Disclaimer: This blog post has been written for entry into the MusiCares® Music Blogger contest.”


The magic of music is universal. No matter the language, the basic core of any song is the melody the words are set to.

Instrumental songs paint pictures with sound. Music filled with loud, booming crescendos, may stir images of large waves hitting rocks in the ocean; or perhaps thunder rumbling through the sky. Cymbals clashed together may be interpreted as the flash of a lightning bolt.

The quiet, staccato sound of an instrument may sound like the pitter pat of rain, either just before, or after a storm.


While music does an excellent job spurring one’s imagination, lyrics enhance the experience even more. Adding words to a melody make the picture being painted more complete. Each line contributes to the story the words and melody are telling. Whether the tale is sad, happy, indifferent, or something completely unique, songwriters have the magic to condense entire stories into, on average, a 3 to 4 minute amount of time, accompanied by music.

Music also has magical healing qualities. Not just soft, soothing music, any music, in any genre can help a person when they need it most. What may be jarring and unnerving to one person, may be just what another is seeking for solace. As different as each person in this world is, there’s always some type of music for everyone.

For one person I know, Reba McEntire is his comfort in time of need, and his energy when times are good. Over the past 30 years, no matter the situation, it seems Reba has a song that has helped him in whatever way was needed. He credits Reba for him being alive today, as there have been times he’s thought of ending it all; then would hear a song by Reba, and know he couldn’t do it.

Others have told me the magic of music probably doesn’t apply to the deaf; not true. My brother was born deaf, though it never stopped him from enjoying music. True, he doesn’t hear lyrics, however, he can feel the rhythm of the music being played. I remember him liking Tom Jones as a child, because he liked the rhythm Jones’ songs had.

My parents took us to see Glen Campbell once, and my brother enjoyed it as much as the rest of us. He could feel the music and energy vibrating through the floor of the venue.

In college music helped my brother study. He would put on headphones, and blast Pat Benatar while doing homework. One of his classmates asked why he used headphones, since he’s deaf. My brother’s response was others around him weren’t; he was being polite by using headphones.

Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I heard country music by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Marty Robbins, and a host of others, via the radio and records.

As I got older, my tastes changed and expanded to encompass almost all genres of music. Rock, pop, big band, rockabilly, country, you name it I probably have at least one song in my collection that fits the bill. From those songs, I have my own favorites for when I’m happy, or needing comfort. I’m very thankful for that.

For those in the music industry however, it isn't all magic. For everything these people give the rest of the world with music, they still have reality to deal with on a daily basis. Unlike others, most people in the music business don't have medical or dental insurance. If they, or someone in their family becomes ill, or has a toothache, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical and dental fees.

This is where MusiCares® steps in to help. Since 1989 MusiCares® has been available to those in the music industry who need help with health expenses. MusiCares® can't do it alone however, they need donations to do the work they do.

If every music lover in this world donated even $1, it would help MusiCares® keep doing the wonderful job they do helping those in need in the music business.

I can’t imagine life without music. There’s nothing else like it that allows anyone, anywhere in the world to express feelings in so many ways. It truly is magical. Let's hope MusiCares® is always around to help keep the magic alive.

“MusiCares® helps and supports the people who dedicate their lives to making the music I blog about. Please join the Be A Part of the Heart MusiCares® mosaic at https://beapartoftheheart.com/ and be entered for a chance to win a trip the 2012 GRAMMYS®!”

Sunny Days Are Here Again!

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)


You'd think living in the Pacific Northwest all my life, I'd be used to the cold and rain. Okay, I am used to it; I still don't like it though!

As I've said in at least one other blog, I feel this area got cheated out of summer this year. We had some warm days, however nothing like summer in the Pacific Northwest is supposed to be.

Now it's fall, the middle of October, and chances of nice, somewhat warm days are slim to none for the most part.

Hold on though; what's this? The entire next week is supposed to be sunny, and warm?! Yay!!! There's still hope before the real cold and wet sets in!

Mind you, I realize that since this is the Pacific Northwest, that forecast can change a hundred times or more between now and the weekend. At this point in time however, I'm simply choosing to ignore that possibility. Instead, I'm going to stay positive that the SUNSHINE and warm weather will be here again before winter!

REVIEW---Rodney Atkins' CD "Take A Back Road"

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)

The first time I'd ever heard of Rodney Atkins, he had a song on the radio called, "Honesty". I loved the song and was sorry that it wasn't a hit for Rodney.

Since then Rodney Atkins has had several hits to his name, and his latest CD is sure to launch a few more for him.

The CD starts off with Atkins' current hit, and title track, "Take a Back Road". From there the CD takes some twisting, back roads of it's own, exploring different facets of everyday life.

"Family", a song about family reunions, is delivered with Atkins' typical down home subtlety. Take a good listen to the lyrics though, and you'll hear a bit more reality in the song than most. As a line in the song says, "it's been three years since I've seen them; now I know why".


There are a couple songs back to back on this CD about couples fighting. The first, "She'd Rather Fight", is an upbeat tune, telling how the guy wants to make up, and how the girl isn't ready for that. Again, RODNEY's "aw shucks", type of delivery just makes the song that much funnier to listen to.


"Feet" is also about a couple fighting, though it's story is more typical, with a bit of a romantic touch, in my opinion. It tells how, no matter if the couple is fighting or not, they always touch feet when they're in bed.


While "Feet" hints at romance, "Cabin in the Woods" is a true song about love. It's a song Atkins has been doing in his live shows for awhile, and getting great response to it.


The rest of "Take a Back Road" tells stories about tips you learn in life, life lines and learning from them, and about wanting to rock and roll. The CD is rounded out with Atkins' hit, "Farmer's Daughter".

I really like this CD, though sometimes I wish Rodney would kick it up just a notch, especially on the more uptempo songs. Then again, he's been pretty successful doing music his way.

Over all, anyone who's a fan of Rodney Atkins' music shouldn't be disappointed with his latest effort.

Really? Already?!

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)

So, in my last blog I complained some about how the Pacific Northwest didn't have a real summer this year. I felt cheated because it didn't get as warm as it usually does that time of year. Now it's fall, the days are getting shorter, colder and wetter.

If that's not enough, what did I hear on the radio this morning? The dreaded "s" word. The word that can literally make a person shiver, (if they're out in it). It was in regards to Willamette Pass; evidently the bad word made it's way through the pass, leaving a dusting as it went.

By now you've probably already figured out what I'm talking about; if not however, let me spell it out, loud and clear: SNOW!

Really? It's barely fall! We had an iffy summer, and now winter just wants to barge right in on fall? I don't like that, even a little bit!!!

All I can say is, if winter insists on taking over fall, I hope spring and summer are better next year than they were this year!

To Every Season

(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not a fan of cold weather. I'd be happy with summer 365 days a year; with just enough rain to keep things from drying out.

However, this year the Pacific Northwest didn't really have much of a real summer, and to be honest, I feel a bit cheated. I wait through three other seasons just to get those three months of really warm weather, then it all but doesn't happen.

So, now it's fall, and soon all the trees will be losing their leaves after turning beautiful colors. I do like the colors changing, no problem with that. It's the COLD I don't like. I realize that the leaves won't change color without the changing of the weather. I just wish there was some way to have both the pretty leaves of fall, and still stay warm.

And while we're on the subject, if you think I don't like the cold in fall, you can imagine what I think of winter! Brrrrrr!!!! I honestly don't mind snow, unless I have to be out in it; then forget it. If it's going to snow this coming winter, I want it to be on a weekend, when I'm not going somewhere. Not usually how it happens, but one can always hope.

Freebies

Technically, there's nothing in life that's free. Even if you're not paying for something, somewhere along the line someone has; whether it's monetarily, or some other way. Personally, I love freebies; though I know at times you get what you pay for when it comes to free things.

What bothers me is when people take advantage of free things; or worse, complain about them.

For instance, free samples in stores. You always see people getting samples, usually they only take one. There are those however, who will keep coming back and taking more than one. To me, that's taking advantage of a free item; especially if the person has no intention of actually purchasing the product.

Or say someone goes somewhere to see a movie, show, game, or whatever. That usually means there's going to be a lot of people there, because it's free. Yet, you still hear people complaining because they didn't get a good seat, or there wasn't any food served, things like that. Why complain? Those people are there for free; they should be happy they're there. There's probably many others who would love to be at a free movie, show, or game and not mind the seating or food arrangements.

As I said earlier, with freebies sometimes you get what you pay for. That can be a good thing, or a bad thing. Bad in the sense, what you get may not be up to par with something that costs more. Good in that you're able to do things, or get things you wouldn't necessarily be able to otherwise.

I also said at the beginning of this post, technically, nothing is ever totally free; somewhere along the line it gets paid for. To me, only having one sample, maybe having to stand at a show, being high up in the stands for a game, or sitting close to the screen at a movie, is the price I pay to have freebies.

Jake Owen @ the Bing Lounge--9-30-11

I've been a fan of Jake Owen since his first hit, "Yee Haw" hit country airwaves six years ago.

Though I've been a fan, I was a little disappointed in Jake's latest CD, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night". When I reviewed the CD, I'd said I felt like the CD was just your "typical" Jake Owen CD, though a bit muted.

Also, I've seen Jake live before, though never in a setting like the Bing Lounge; it's always been at a very rowdy bar.

My experience seeing Jake in the Bing Lounge gave me a new perspective on not only Jake's CD, but Jake Owen himself.

When Jake came onstage, he was barefoot, and very laid back. He also told the audience he's very ADD, so he might ramble on a bit. No one seemed to mind at all.

He started his set with "The One That Got Away", then B-Dub, from Northwest Nights on KUPL, came onstage to do a short interview. Jake then sang his second song for the day, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night".


Sometime during the set, TicTak, from afternoons on KUPL, presented Jake with a dare. This time the dare was from an audience member, and for the first time, the challenge wasn't accepted. The dare was to sing "Footloose". Jake laughed, said no way, that no one should ever sing that song. Throughout the show however, he did a couple of other songs, and said they could be the challenge. The standout was Jake's version of a Lil Wayne song, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow"


While I was listening to Jake talk, and sing, I was reminded why I like live shows so much. There's just a different feel about them; the energy in the room from the crowd and the performers, all of that. Even a CD recorded live doesn't have that same "feel" that you can only get by actually being there.

This was especially evident while listening to Jake do songs from the new CD. All the things I felt were missing from the CD where there in the Bing Lounge. It gave me a new appreciation of Jake's latest CD; and while I still think it's more muted than it could be, I do hear it a bit differently now.

One of the new songs that really stood out was "Journey of Your Life". On the CD, it seems a bit reserved; done live however, you hear all the depth and emotion the song has to offer.


Another song Jake did, he's never put out on a CD. He said it was about a girl he used to date, and was an emotional song for him to do. The title is "Kiss You Good Morning". When Jake finished the tune, everyone in the audience agreed, if he ever does record and release the song, he's got a #1 hit for sure!


Jake had also told the crowd, he'd play as long as they'd let him, and he did; then took time for autographs and photos with anyone wanting one.

As I said at the beginning of this post, I've always been a fan of Jake Owen; his performance in the Bing Lounge solidified that for me for sure. Jake Owen fans know how good Jake is in concert; if you ever get a chance to see him in an intimate setting though, do, it'll be an experience you'll never forget.