Christmas 2012

(There will be no KUPL Listener Blog words for the rest of 2012.  The words will resume on Tuesday, January 1, 2013.  Thank you for your understanding.)

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! 

Hopefully you'll be with family and friends on this glorious day.  If not, I wish for many warm thoughts and memories to surround you this day.

Above all, remember what Christmas is meant to be, a time of peace, love and caring.  I wish this to all my friends and family everywhere this Christmas of 2012.

The End of the World Is Here!!!

Well, we've been hearing about it for awhile now, the end of the world.  Yes, it's been predicted before, and obviously we're still here.  This time is different though.  This time the end of the world is based on the Mayan calendar that says today is the end of the world; so it must be true, right?

Eh, not so much, I'm thinking.  As many people, in person, on Facebook, on Twitter and other social media, and broadcast media have been saying, "hey, we're still here"!  Like I said, I'm guessing that's how it's going to stay.  It's like getting snow, make a big hype about it, it fizzles out; don't, and usually it's a major thing.

What's my reason you ask?  It's the same as others, I'm guessing; I mean, I can't be the only one who thought of this simple fact:

The "world" can't end all at once on the same day, it's not possible; too many time differences.  By the time the final time zone makes it to 12-21-12, the first one is already into 12-22-12.  I'm thinking the world can't just end a little at a time; either it ends, or it doesn't.  Since it's not possible for everywhere to be on the same date at the same time, we're safe.

Just my opinion and theory of course; but one I'm choosing to stick with.  Besides, if I'm wrong, who will be around to know any different?!

Games People Play

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)


From the time I was little I've always liked playing games.  Like anyone else, some kept my interest for a long time, while others went by the wayside fairly quickly.

Of course, when *I* was younger that meant card games, board games and the like.  For kids, (and adults), nowadays, there are still the "old fashioned" games available; though computer games have become the new norm.

As an adult, I'm not immune to the games on the internet, take"Farmville" for instance.  I hadn't planned on playing, however, a co-worker talked me into it.  It was fun, and I played for quite awhile, at one point even signing our dog up for an account, so I could have more neighbors.  The idea came from one of my cousins, who had signed her dogs up also.

Anyway, after a few months, "Farmville" seemed to be getting a bit out of control.  Not only did someone have one farm, soon they were trying to earn points, etc., for a second farm, and on and on.  For myself, it got to a point where, if I wanted to work that hard on a farm, I'd have a real one.  One day I quit cold turkey, deleting my farm and the dog's as well.

After that, I vowed I wouldn't get caught up in a game like that again.  I'd still play other games, just not any like "Farmville".

Even before "Farmville" though, I'd found a game I really liked, called "Bubblez!".  Supposedly there are 45 levels to this game; though I honestly don't know if that's true or not.  It seems that once I've gotten to level 40, I've stalled out.  I'm not even going to admit how long it's been; it's been that long!  A few times I've had to start over at level 1, (when getting a new computer, etc.), and still no luck getting past level 40.  I like the game enough though that I haven't given up yet!

Sometimes I find games by accident; that's the case with "Pegland".  I don't even remember how I found this game; I just did, and it became one of my favorites.

Unlike Bubblez!, Pegland resets all online scores at midnight, eastern time, daily.  It's a game where players play alone, however their scores are shown to all who play, if it's within the top 10 of the day.

My only problem with this is, I find myself NOT playing if someone has already gone in and made a ridiculously high score for the day.  I guess I'm just not competitive enough or something.

Then there's "Words With Friends".  I've always been fond of word games, and now I can play online with others who do also.  I also like it because it's not timed,  and you don't have to play every day.  Nothing will happen if you miss a day or two for any reason.  I'm also finding that I'm learning new words by playing "Words With Friends", I like that.

Then we come to the reason for this post, "Farmville 2".  A co-worker, (not the same one that got me hooked on the original "Farmville"), is playing and showed me the differences between it and the original version; so much for vows.

Yes, I DID start a farm, though only one; and with the understanding that, if it becomes a hassle like before, I'm deleting it.

If I knew why I started it up again, I"d tell you here; since I don't though, your guess is as good as mine!  I guess we'll have to wait and see if the farm stays or goes.  

Don't Forget Them

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)



To say the least, last week was a rough one for this nation, especially in two states.

On  Tuesday, December 11, 2012, a day of holiday shopping for 10,000 people was abruptly halted when a gunman entered Clackamas Town Center in Portland, Oregon, and opened fire, killing two.

Only three days later, on Friday, December 14, 2012, another gunman went on a rampage, this time in Newtown, Connecticut, ending the lives of twenty innocent children, and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

I realize, by now, this is old news;  you'd have to be living under a rock not to know about either of these incidents.  My reason for writing this post is to emphasize a lot of what I've been seeing and reading on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, as well as KUPL's own "Simon in the Morning" program.

While it's generally agreed that none of the victims should be forgotten, it's also agreed that too much attention has been given to those who created these horrible events.

Instead of dwelling on the gunmen, give the facts, tell the story, then don't mention them anymore; they're not worth it, evil never is.

Focus instead on those who lost their lives on those two days, Steve Forsyth and Cindy Yuille in Oregon, and the twenty children, and seven adults in Connecticut.

Yes, the media says six adults were victims in Connecticut, though the gunman's mother was also found dead in her home that same day.  Though she wasn't at the school, Nancy Lanza should also be in our thoughts and prayers.

For those that can, do something to help the victims' families, even if it's only to offer a prayer of comfort, or to attend a vigil.

KUPL has set up a fund for the Oregon victims' families through Key Bank.  They will also be holding a benefit concert on Saturday, December 22, 2012.

While it's true that none of these things will bring those lost back; it's a way to help those affected, and the nation as a whole to heal.

Let's hope the rest of  the year passes peacefully.

Chris Janson @ the Bing Lounge--12-11-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

Chris Janson is a name most people probably aren't familiar with.  Like many artists that come through the Bing Lounge, Janson is an up and coming singer/songwriter, trying to make it big.  His time in the Bing Lounge was the evening of December 11, 2012.

It was easy to tell from the moment Janson took the stage that he's the real deal.  He does things the only way he knows how, his way; he doesn't try to be who he's not, and he's not apologetic for who he is.  It was refreshing to hear someone admit that, and be proud of it.

Janson's enthusiasm for what he does is contagious as well.  You couldn't help but tap your toes and dance in your seat to each song he performed.  In fact, the ONLY *slight* drawback to Chris Janson's performance that evening was  that it was impossible to get a photo of him while he sang.  The man is in constant motion during every song.  Not that this is a bad thing, it's very cool, unless you're trying to get a photo of course.  For this post I settled on using photos of when Janson was talking with the audience; less blurry that way.  It's a fair compromise, considering how entertaining Janson was.

As with most country acts in the Bing Lounge, Phil and Lyssa Davidson, of Davidson Specialty Printing, made t-shirts for a few lucky audience members, that said, "I Met Chris Janson..."; as well as a shirt for Janson himself that said, "I M Chris Janson..."  Janson thought the shirts were so cool, that he put his on right then and there.

Up to this point I've told a lot about Chris Janson, without actually telling of his performance that evening.  Let's just say, once you've seen Janson perform, you won't soon forget him.  He's definitely not one of the "cookie cutter" singers that seem to pop up everywhere.  Janson has a unique voice and style that sets him apart from others, yet suits his personality perfectly.  

At the same time, he can remind one of other country artists that have come before him.  For instance, Janson started off his set with his soon to be released single, "Better I Don't".  The song had a lot of the same key elements of Blake Shelton's "The More I Drink", but rowdier; and still different enough to not be a direct copy.                                                                                     

At other times during the set, Janson also reminded many in the audience of Hank Williams Jr.  Again though, while there was a similarity, Janson's showmanship proved he's his own person.  He can borrow bits and pieces of the best of other artists, take them and make them into something new and all his own.

As a songwriter, Janson co-wrote Tim McGraw's "Truck Yeah".  He ended his set with his version of the song, as well as incorporating songs by other artists, like Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.  If anyone disbelieves that old school country and new country can't blend together in perfect harmony, take a good, long listen to Chris Janson; this is one redneck country boy who proves by example, it can be done!

Here's hoping Janson gets that big break and show the world what he's capable of.

Holiday Gifts & Daily Jokes

Normally I try not write posts that are "downers"; sometimes though, as with the shooting at Clackamas Town Center, I have to get my emotions out.

Before the shooting, I'd had another post planned for today.  Not *quite* a downer post, just not as upbeat as I try to be.  Again, until I get the emotions out, it will gnaw at me.

With that said, today's post is what I'd originally intended to write.  It was inspired by talk on "Simon in the Morning" yesterday, involving two separate subjects.

The first thing that had me thinking about writing this post had to do with gifting certain people at Christmas time.  The discussion had to do with should you "tip", (for lack of a better word), the mailman, your garbage man, your hairdresser, etc., extra at this time of year; and how much?

Now, I'm not an inconsiderate person; I understand tipping people, etc., for a job well done, on a daily basis.  But $10 to $25 per person, because it's Christmas time; as a gift?  I for one can't afford that; I barely make it through getting for my family, let alone others.

Okay, yes, if you're really close to the person, then yeah, why not?  However, if you're not, you're supposed to give them something anyway? To be honest, I don't have a clue what my garbage man looks like.  For all I know, it's not even the same person from week to week.

A newspaper delivery person called in to the show, saying how he counts on those "tips" every year, to help him buy his Christmas gifts; that kind of struck a nerve with me.  While I understand that this person's job isn't easy, (up very early, having to deliver papers no matter what the weather is like, etc.), why is anyone expected to give this person even $10, so they can buy Christmas presents for their family?  Yes, I realize, it's the season of giving, and I sound very selfish; it's not meant that way.

How about instead of cash, or a check, the money is donated to a charity in that person's name?  At least that way the money would go to those who need it even more than myself, or the person waiting for the gift.  Yeah, we're probably both strapped for cash; but the money would at least be going to those who need it even more than we do.

Now that I've said my piece on that, (just my opinion of course), on to the next subject from yesterday's "Simon in the Morning":  Practical jokes.

Practical jokes have been around for eons.  Most are harmless fun, though some aren't.  A lot of that, I think, has to do with the person, or persons doing the joke, whether it's done in jest, or with malice, and how far the joke is taken.

For awhile now, the "Simon in the Morning" team have been doing what they call "Simonizers".  A listener will call, or email asking Scott, Jolynn and Jake to pull a joke on a friend, family member, or co-worker. The morning team then set up the joke, make the phone call, record it, and play it back on the air at a later time.

Since the prank call of someone impersonating the Queen of England, and the resulting suicide of the nurse who took the call, people have been questioning the practice. Several people emailed the morning team saying they should stop.  Others said they shouldn't have started it at all.

Because Scott, Jolynn and Jake truly care what their listeners think, they opened the subject up to their audience.  While there were those who said it should be stopped, there were several callers who said no, it's all in fun, keep "Simonizing" people.

And as the morning team was quick to explain, they never mean any harm, they always stop the joke before someone gets too upset, (if they do), and most importantly, they get everyone's permission to air the end result on the radio.

To be honest, I'm not sure yet whether the "Simonizing" will continue; the mall shooting has been the current subject since then.  We'll have to see, once things settle down and get back into a normal routine.

So Sad...

Well, it's happened again; another shooting where innocent people have been hurt or killed.

We hear the stories almost every day now, it seems, from one corner of the world, to the other, about gunmen opening fire in any number of public places.  The most recent of these shootings took place close to home for me, at Clackamas Town Center, just outside Portland, Oregon.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, December 11, 2012, a man wearing a mask, bullet proof vest and carrying a gun entered the mall through Macy's, making his way to the food court.  Eyewitnesses reported at least sixty shots being fired.

In the resulting aftermath, at least three people were killed, including the gunman, and at least one injury was reported.

My  question is the same as anyone else's in a situation like this:  Why?  At this point the question is rhetorical; it's going to take time to comb over every detail of the crime scene, interview witnesses, etc., to try to find the answer.  When all is said and done, there may not be any concrete answers as to why this happened; the person who could tell the police exactly why, has already turned the gun on himself, ending his life.

Again, why?  If someone is going to kill themself, why go to a public place, and take it out on innocent people first?  That question may be one that's never answered.

As I write this, I can tell I'm rambling.  I'm confused, and like others want answers that aren't readily available at this time.  Maybe somewhere inside I think if I had answers it would ease the confusion, or something, I don't really know for sure though.

I do know that my heart goes out to every person that was at Clackamas Town Center when the shooting occured; and to their families and friends as well.

At the moment, as far as I know, no one I know was there; however, it doesn't stop me from feeling for those who were.  As with any tragedy, please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time of what should be a happy and joyous season.  Thank you.

The Henningsens @ the Bing Lounge--12-6-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

All genres of music have had their fair share of "family acts" over the years.   In country music, The Louvin Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers, Harold and Don Reid, (half the members of  The Statler Brothers), The Judds; are just a few, going back through the decades.  More recently, the Band Perry have stepped up to this spot.  Then there's the Henningsens.

Never heard of this country act?  Not surprising, as they're fairly new to the country music scene; though you've probably heard some of their music recorded by others.

On Thursday, December 6, 2012, the Henningsens, (made up of dad, Brian, son, Aaron and daughter, Clara), performed for an intimate crowd at the Bing Lounge.

Originally from Illinois, where they have a 60 acre farm, the trio explained how they came to write and perform country music.

Brian explained that Aaron and Clara are just two of ten children he and his wife have.  A lot of joking was done about how many kids there are, and speculation as to whether it took that many to get enough for the group.  It was all tongue-in-cheek of course.

Whether it was that natural family harmony, a lot of hard work, or most likely a combination of both, the Henningsens definitely put on a great performance that day.

Among the handful of songs they did, was their soon to be released first single, "American Beautiful".  (Unfortunately, there were problems with uploading the video for this.  As soon as it's fixed, the video will be posted.)

While listening to the music, I kept thinking how much this group reminds me of the Band Perry; so it wasn't too surprising to learn that they've written two hits for Kimberly Neil and Reed, including, "All Your Life", which they performed in the Bing Lounge.  (Unfortunately, there were problems with uploading the video for this.  As soon as it's fixed, the video will be posted.)

What's refreshing about the Henningsens is, though they sound familiar to other country acts, they're unique enough in their sound and style not to blend in and be lost in the crowd.

Here's hoping that "American Beautiful" will be a hit for this family band, so they'll be as recognized for their singing as for their writing.

Commercialism

We're all familiar with ads; whether on TV, the radio, or in print.  Anything that can be bought, sold, or traded can be advertised.

For the most part, these ads come and go; occasionally though, some stand out and become classics. Who doesn't know the line "Where's the beef" from Wendy's commercials?

Or Bill Cosby hawking Coca-Cola, Jell-O and Kodak among other products?

Though I'm not a fan of Dr. Pepper, I loved the series of commercials in the late 70's and early 80's featuring David Naughton.

Radio advertising, for the most part, is a bit more localized it seems, than TV.  One of my all-time favorite radio commercials was for the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  The ad was so popular the aquarium put the commercial on their website.  It's also one of the only commercials people would actually call the radio stations months, (and years), later asking if it could be played.

In recent years, Pemco insurance has been branding themselves as "a lot like you, a little different", in radio, TV and print ads; they're known as "Northwest Profiles".   Past profiles have included the "Urban Chicken Farmer", "Sandals & Socks Guy", and "Goosebumped Beach Bum", among others.

The one that has me writing this post is "Northwest Profile #1, The First Snowflake Freakout Lady".  Though I'm not *quite* this bad, it hit close to home, and still has me laughing.

Another Year of Rudolph

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

This past Tuesday, for the umpteenth year in a row, I watched my favorite Christmas show, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

And once again, I realized, as much as I love this program, I am getting older.  I notice all kinds of things that I didn't notice as a child.  What a great thing to write a post about!  One problem; I did just that LAST year.  In fact, it was a year to the day today that I wrote it!  So, no post of that this year; though if you're interested in last year's post, I've provided the link here:

http://kuplramblings.blogspot.com/2011/12/rudolph-red-nosed-reindeer.html

(Yes, that IS a shameless plug!)

Since I'm on the subject of Rudolph though, I'll take a moment to mention something I'd never seen until this year:  A commercial that does a take-off of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer".

It seems there's a commercial for insurance that features Rudolph, his family and friends all using the same stop-action animation as the show.  *I* thought the commercial was new this year, though upon further investigation, I've learned it's actually at least four years old.  Don't know how I missed it before now.

Rather than "review" it, or write more about it though, I'll post the video here for anyone who wants to watch it.  Never thought I'd see Rudolph replaced by a duck!

Charlie Worsham @ the Bing Lounge--12-2-12

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)

CHARLIE WORSHAM.

Read that name over, and over, until you have it memorized; you're going to want to remember it.

Charlie Worsham made an appearance at the Bing Lounge Sunday, December 2, 2012; and though the crowd may have been small, they were blown away by this talented young man.

Worsham began his set playing a bit of bluegrass; which was a medley of his YouTube "Cover Challenges", before being interviewed by KUPL's Earthquake Jake.

During the interview, it was mentioned that Worsham has a YouTube channel where he posts his "Cover Challenges".  As he explains it, fans tell him what song they want him to cover; he then has one week to learn it, play and record it, to be posted on YouTube.  In addition to these challenges, Worsham has also posted videos of songs he's written. 

 Worsham was totally entertaining; not only with his talent for singing, but his personality as well.  As he said at one point, "usually we just play for radio people, but every so often we get to play for radio listeners as well; that's a highlight for us".  If every show Worsham does is as good as the one in the Bing Lounge, then it's a highlight for the audience as well.

Another bit of information Worsham let the crowd in on is that he'll be releasing his first single to radio in the near future.  He then performed the song, "Could It Be".  I'm thinking this song is going to be a hit for Worsham.

Towards the end of his set, Worsham explained about an instrument one of his band members was playing.  He said there are only a handful of them, and that he's the first person to have one used on one of his recordings.  He further explained that what used to be an old, (and in this case, pretty beat up looking), guitar, had been transformed into a percussion instrument known as the "shuitar".

 To be honest, as much as I've tried, I don't think I've done justice to Charlie Worsham's talent in this post.  He's definitely someone to watch for, and go see if you get the chance.

In the meantime, check him out on YouTube, and again, remember his name, CHARLIE WORSHAM; you'll be hearing it a lot in the near future!