Skeptical Believer

Anyone who knows me knows I trust very little in life, and that I'm highly skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.

Unless I've seen proof first hand that something is legitimate, I'm not going to believe it's real, or that I can trust it to live up to it's hype, or my expectations of the product.

The price of any item under my scrutiny doesn't matter, if anything it feeds my skepticism.  If the price is fairly inexpensive, my mind figures the product won't be that great, because you'll get what you pay for.  Yet, if an item is fairly high priced, my thought is that the product will probably fall short of actually being worth the cost.

Unfair?  Yes, I would say I can be that way. I do *try* to give the benefit of the doubt to most things, but that doesn't always work.

One of my most recent moments of skepticism has to do with cannabidiol, (CBD), creams and ointments.

There are several brands of CBD products available, and are touted as being able to relieve all types of pain, from aching joints, to fibromyalgia, and everything in between.

In addition to doubting if these products can really do what they say, most have what seems to be  hefty price tags that go along with them. Then along came Lola's Rapid Relief.

I've known the creator of Lola's Rapid Relief, Lola Montgomery, for awhile, from her time working at 98.7 The Bull, (KUPL while she was there).



Lola now does radio in Bend, Oregon, and along with her boyfriend, Sean, has just started making and selling Lola's Rapid Relief.

As her website, (www.lolasrapidrelief.com), states, she wanted to make a cream that would help her family and friends with daily aches and pains. The idea is to get people off of pain medications, be pain free, and enjoy a better quality of life. It also states that the cream is made by hand and with love.

For those who don't know Lola, that description fits her completely.  She's a very kind, compassionate woman, who wants the best for herself and those around her.

With that said, you probably think this was my breakthrough on being more trusting about a product; not the case.

Don't get me wrong, I know in my heart that Lola would never say, do, or sell anything she didn't wholeheartedly believe in; it's not how she is.  My hang up, for lack of a better word at the moment, was more about not trusting that the product would be as good as it seemed.  I definitely was more curious about this type of cream, now that someone I knew was making and selling it; just not totally sold on how good it was.  I wondered if this type of cream could help my elderly parents with their daily pain, but still wasn't sure I could afford to pay the asking price of a 2 oz. bottle.

Then something great happened, that allowed me to satisfy my curiosity; Lola announced on her Facebook page, that anyone who wanted a free sample of Lola's Rapid Relief, could private message her with their address, and she'd send one out to them.

Free?  Free is always good in my opinion, so I messaged Lola immediately, explaining about my parents, and how I'd like a sample so they could try it.

Got the sample almost the next day, and couldn't wait to have my parents try it.  In the meantime, though, I was having pain in my knees, and decided to try a bit of the cream on myself.

Truthfully, I didn't expect it to work, even though it was from Lola, I just still didn't believe anything could be as good as this cream seemed to be. Boy was I wrong!

Almost as soon as I put a very thin coating on my left knee, the pain subsided to almost nothing. We're talking a coating so thin, it was barely there, and the pain was gone.  As an extra added bonus, where most creams and ointments leave a greasy feeling on your skin, Lola's Rapid Relief didn't. Almost as quickly as I applied it to my skin, it was absorbed, leaving no residue behind.  A second bonus was that, even after taking a shower, the cream had absorbed into my skin enough, that it took a couple of days before I felt any real pain in my knees.

I was so excited after first applying Lola's Rapid Relief, that I immediately posted to Lola's Facebook page, (so everyone could read about my results), letting her know how well her pain relief cream had worked for me.  I also said that I still had to have my parents try it, and would let Lola know the results from them as well.

Unfortunately, the cream didn't work for my parents.  I was devastated, especially when I had to let Lola know the news.  Ever the optimist she is, Lola was okay with the news, and assured me it was okay; that she was happy that it had worked for me at least.  I did see posts on Lola's Facebook page, ranging from how the cream worked for some people almost immediately, to those who, like my parents, saw no difference in their pain.

And this is why I've written this blog post.  While I'm still a skeptic about most things, I felt I needed to share my story, and let others know, while it may not work for everyone, Lola's Rapid Relief did work for me; enough so that it turned this skeptic into a believer of the product.

Anyone interested in learning more about Lola's Rapid Relief, or buying a jar, can check it out here:
Lola's Rapid Relief website:  http://lolasrapidrelief.com/

At this time, samples are no longer available.

I hope anyone who tries this has as excellent results as I did.

Who?--Wow!

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


By now, anyone who reads this blog knows that I really don't like "cookie-cutter" music; that stuff that all sounds the same and can be done by anyone.  I like distinct voices that I can recognize, and music that makes me pay attention to it.  It's part of why I like overnight radio, it's when listeners get to hear more of the new music and new artists than get played at other times of the day.

One new song that caught my attention is called "Merry Go 'Round".  The first time I heard it, I loved it, and was positive I knew who sang it.  I was so positive in fact, that I didn't even look it up on KUPL's playlist, to be sure I was right.  Yep, the voice *I* heard, combined with the subject matter, had me convinced "Merry Go 'Round" was by Miranda Lambert.

As it turns out, the song got played during Lola's time slot on KUPL, and she mentioned the song was by new artist, Kacey Musgraves.  Who?  Never heard of her; but there it was, Kacey Musgraves, not Miranda Lambert, does this cool tune.

Another new song on overnights is Montgomery Gentry's "I'll Keep the Kids".  Again, this was a song where I recognized the voices immediately; though I did go check KUPL's playlist this time, just to be sure.

What really caught my attention with this tune was the delivery and the wording.  While the delivery is somewhat quiet, and low-key, the wording carries a direct one-two punch to every part of the listener.  The lines of the song refer to the singer's "dad's old guitar", "grandma's ring", and other momentos the wife is wanting in the break-up.  There are also references to being "hit below the belt", with some of the requests, etc.  Then the tables turn a bit when the lyrics mention that the wife has asked for all these material things, yet not mentioned the children; thus the line, "I'll keep the kids".  Basically, "take anything you want, but if you're not going to say anything about the kids, then they're mine".

Rather than being curious as to whether this song was actually by MG, I was more curious to see who'd written "I'll Take The Kids".  As I suspected, it was written by Eddie Montgomery, while he was going through his divorce.  No surprise there; what had me saying "wow", was the intensity of the lyrics.  This is one of those songs that, even if it was done more "in your face", and louder, would still send the same message.  The fact it *is* so quiet and low-key is what makes the song even better.

Though these are only two of the new tunes out to radio, I think there may be a pattern brewing here.  The light-hearted tunes of summer are making way for the darker songs of the fall.

Though a bit depressing, here's hoping both these songs make it on the country music charts.

Diamond Rio Helps Jubitz Celebrate 60 Years

In 1952 Jubitz Truck Stop opened in Portland, Oregon. It was a place for truck drivers to fill their rigs while on the road and have a quick bite to eat.

Over the past sixty years, Jubitz has grown from that small fuel stop to a world renowned travel center with all the amenities a truck driver, or traveler could want, or need.

On September 15, 2012, to honor their sixty years, Jubitz held a concert on the back part of their twenty-six acre complex.

Inside the gates of the concert area beer and food stands had been set up, as well as a merchandise table, and other things of interest to concertgoers.

Held outside, the concert line-up started with local artist, Carrie Cunningham, culminating with a performance by headliner, Diamond Rio.

Though at first there was only a small crowd, Carrie Cunningham performed as though she were in front of thousands of people.  

Whether singing songs she'd written, or covering others, like Martina McBride, Cunningham showed the crowd why she's such a local favorite.  Though she definitely has her own style and sound, I couldn't help being reminded of Pam Tillis while watching and listening to Cunningham sing; she's a truly talented woman.

Following Carrie Cunningham, one of Portland's favorite bands, Lock, Stock & Barrel hit the stage.

Like Cunningham, Lock, Stock & Barrel kept the crowd's attention with their mix of original and cover tunes.  From start to finish, these five guys hit the stage running, never slowing down until their set was done.

Throughout the day, KUPL's Danny Dwyer had been emceeing the concert from both the sound board, and the stage; introducing the first two local acts.  Before Restless Heart was to take the stage, Danny brought middayer, Lola Montgomery onstage as well.

Restless Heart was then introduced.  What memories these guys brought back!

These guys have been together for twenty-nine years, with no band changes.  Sometimes after that long, you'd expect the quality of the music to diminish; not so with Restless Heart.  Their sound, style, everything, is just as clean and fresh as the first time the world had heard of them.

One song in particular during their performance was something they've never recorded.  However, there is a YouTube video, which bass player, (and singer of the song), Paul Gregg, let the audience know how to find.  The song is called "Home".

 When Paul Gregg sang this live, it was just him, and keyboard player, Dave Innis onstage; it was a very powerful and memorable moment.

Throwing in a side note here, I honestly don't know how many people noticed what I did while this song was being performed.  As I was sitting, listening to the song, I saw a bald eagle flying towards the stage.  Earlier, I'd seen a nest atop one of the light poles; the occupant of that nest decided to arrive home just as Gregg and Innis were playing.  There was no way it was planned or scripted; which made it even more cool that it happened.

Once Restless Heart ended their set, it was time for more announcements, and t-shirt tosses from the KUPL staff.  It was during this time that Jubitz brought out mini cupcakes for everyone in attendance; to celebrate their sixty years of business.

Then it was time for headliners, Diamond Rio.  Talk about memories!

This was my first time seeing Diamond Rio live; for some reason, every time they've been here, I've missed seeing them.  Believe me, they were well worth the wait!  Like Restless Heart, there's nothing about this band's performance that has diminished over the years.  These guys have it all, rhythm, harmonies, talent, you name it!  And so many hits! 

As lead singer, Marty Roe, put it, in twenty-one years, the band has had so many hits, they've had to leave some out of their shows.  Finding that audiences didn't like it, they've now incoportated melodies of their hits into their show.  This way attendees can hear their favorite tunes, and still hear new music from Diamond Rio as well.

At one point, early on in their set, Diamond Rio asked the guys of Restless Heart back onstage.  Together the bands sang happy birthday to Jubitz; it was a cool moment.

The Jubitz Corporation definitely knows a thing or two about throwing a party!  Instead of waiting for the "milestone" years to celebrate though, I really think they should throw themselves a birthday party every year; this year was definitely a blast!

KUPL Countryfest 2012

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


Years ago KUPL began yearly listener appreciation concerts for those who tuned in to KUPL daily.  Over time the name of the program was changed to "Countryfest", and was held in locations such as Portland Meadows, and St. Helens, Oregon.

For a few years though, there's been no Countryfest; until now.  On Sunday, June 3, 2012, KUPL Countryfest took over the RoZone during Rose Festival in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Attendees began lining up as early as 8:30 am  for the afternoon/evening concert.  Gates were set to open at 3:30 pm that day, with two stages, one for local and one for national acts.   A few benches were set up to one side of the main stage, with some low bleachers on the sides as well. Those with blankets and chairs had a section by the local stage to set up their spot; for the most part though, it was standing room only for concert goers.
 
While the local acts were entertaining the crowd, KUPL also had several things going on from the main stage, between national acts.  The "Simon in the Morning" team had their "Simon Says" finals, with one winner enjoying time backstage with an artist.  TicTak was shooting t-shirts into the crowd with a t-shirt launcher; there were two people associated with the Oregon Jamboree that also tossed out t-shirts and three day passes to the audience throughout the day.

At one point, between national acts, TicTak brought a girl onstage that has been in the hospital , fighting for her life for the past few months. From her wheelchair, Alex determined which directions t-shirts should be thrown into the audience.  She had also been backstage earlier to meet Chris Cagle, and was part of a video that was being filmed that day.

 With all the activity going on between the stages, there was more going on backstage as well.  Some  KUPL listeners who won concert tickets also got a meet and greet with the artist of their choice.  A lucky few even had meet and greets with all of the artists.

Lola Montgomery had come up with the idea to have anyone who wore a red sundress to the concert be in a group photo with Kip Moore, in honor of a line from Moore's #1 hit, "Somethin' 'Bout A Truck".  Several women showed up in various styles and shades of red sundresses, and at the designated time, went backstage for the group photo.

Though there was a lot happening on the main stage, the music was still the focal point of the day.

The Ponderosa Stage was set up for local musicians, Britnee Kellogg; Kurt Van Meter; Lock, Stock & Barrel; and The Concrete Cowboys.  The local music started when the gates opened and went until 5 pm, when the first national act, newcomers Miss Willie Brown, took the Financial One main stage.

The duo,  (Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley), did a short, though very energetic set, including their current single, "You're All That Matters To Me"; which KUPL has been playing.  They were the perfect opening act on the main stage to get the party started.  From Miss Willie Brown, it was back to the local stage for more of the local bands. 

Casey James, from "American Idol" was the next performer to hit the main stage.

James did songs from his self-titled debut CD, including his current single, "Let's Don't Call It A Night".  Though in past performances he's leaned more towards the blues, Casey's music that evening kept more in line with the country theme.  It was also nice to be able to hear Casey's  wonderful voice so clearly; there are times when the music drowns him out, but not this night.

More local entertainment, then it was time for Jon Pardi to take the main stage.  Pardi was probably the least known of the line up that day; though by the end of his set, he'd gained more fans.

Even without the cowboy hat, Pardi easily represented more traditional country, while still having a fresh, new sound. He joked around with the audience between songs, telling different stories about the songs and the like.  Of course, his set wouldn't have been complete had he not done his current single, "Missin' You Crazy"; another tune that's been getting airplay on KUPL's overnight show.

Next up on the national stage, (after another set on the local stage), was former Trick Pony member, Heidi Newfield.

Like Miss Willie Brown, Newfield's performance was very high energy, with Heidi all over the stage the entire time.  She was very polished and professional, yet, real and down to earth at the same time.  Her voice was also as beautiful as it's always been.

Newfield did  songs from her upcoming CD, including her new single, "Why'd You Have To Be That Good".  In addition she did some songs from her Trick Pony days, as well as a cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues".  Following the Cash cover, Heidi launched into her first hit as a solo artist, "Johnny & June".

For a day filled with great music and performances, Heidi Newfield was probably the one who stood out the most with her set.

With the routine of local artists and activities in place, the next national musician was Kip Moore.

It was clear from the audience reaction, that Moore was the one the majority had come to see that day; at least the female attendees.

Moore didn't disappoint either.  He performed several songs, with his smooth style and voice, including his first single, "Mary Was the Marrying Kind", and his current #1 hit, "Somethin'  'Bout A Truck".  Moore did a great job during his somewhat laid back set, singing and interacting with the crowd.

More local music, then it was time for Darryl Worley to perform.

Worley was definitely even more laid back that Kip Moore before him.  He was so relaxed, singing his previous hits; telling about them and his life.  For as big as the crowd was that night, Worley made it feel like an intimate setting of friends sitting around listening to good music; there was enough energy though that no one was bored.  One of the highlights of Worley's set was when he did, "Have You Forgotten".  He changed the lyrics slightly towards the end of the tune, referencing that Osama Bin Laden is dead now.

Before the evening's headliner was to come onstage, the entire KUPL air staff was brought onstage and introduced to the audience.  Each had been introduced at some point in the day; this was just a moment to see everyone together at the same time onstage.

Then it was time for the final act of the night, headliner, Chris Cagle.

Cagle came onstage, performing many of his past hits, as well as new music he's recorded; including his latest, "Got My Country On".  His set was a great balance of energy and more settled down music.  Cagle also interacted with the audience quite a bit, sometimes being very emotional about what he was telling them.

At one point Cagle asked for Alex, (the girl he'd met earlier backstage), to come onstage with him.  TicTak came out instead, explaining that Alex had left to return to the hospital.  Cagle quickly asked if Alex was okay, and was assured yes, she had been tired and needed to return.  There was a definite look of relief when he heard this.

Over all, KUPL's Countryfest was a huge success.  Yes, as always there were a few bumps here and there; a few attendees who got a bit out of line; and the usual things that can happen at an event this size.  For the most part though, it was a fantastic day, and it's good to see Countryfest is back.  Can't wait to see what KUPL has in store for next year!

A Moment Please

I'd like to take a moment to address something that, from the response I've seen, is obviously dear to many listeners of KUPL; " A Moment with Lola".

Lola's moments are inspirational stories shared by middayer, Lola Montgomery, at 11:27 am, Monday through Friday. Well, at least it WAS at that time during the week, until now.

This is Lola's Facebook post from Sunday:

The reason I had a bad day friday is because The Moment with Lola will no longer be heard on the radio. Research shows that there is a significant drop in that time area that causes the station to dip in ratings. This one hurts my heart because it is a huge part of who I am.

At this time there have been 111 comments on this post, from KUPL listeners who are NOT happy that Lola's moments will no longer be heard.

If you go to Lola's Facebook page, you can find even more activity from listeners, from petions to contacting KUPL's Program Director.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/lola.montgomery


This post isn't to take sides in the issue; it's my way of expressing my feelings. I'm one of the listeners, like many, who love Lola's moments. I can remember hearing them even before Lola came to KUPL.

I know that Lola started her moments as a tribute to Paul Harvey. She grew up listening to Harvey, and liked what she heard enough to want to carry on the tradition, in her own way. As her Facebook post states, it's a part of her life. For someone who's an open book with her listeners, not being able to share her moments is like ripping a page from that book.

For those who may not have heard any of Lola's moments on the air, you can hear, and read them on her blog on KUPL's website:

http://www.kupl.com/author/lola/

Some of my favorite stories I've heard Lola tell have been about a jar of marbles; a yellow paper clip; an Irish wolfhound, and a fork.

I won't tell any of them here, they can be found on Lola's blog listed above.

As I said, I'm not here to take sides on this; I just know that I'm one of the many listeners who will sorely miss Lola's moments everyday. This is my way of letting others know how I feel. Thank you.

The Band Perry @ The Bing Lounge-September-1-11

I've liked the Band Perry since their first radio hit, "Hip to My Heart"; though I'd never seen them perform live. That was until September 1st, when the band performed in the Bing Lounge.

I know I say this every time, but honestly, I love the Bing Lounge to watch performances in; it's so intimate and inviting, and the Band Perry show was no exception.

After being introduced by Earthquake Jake and Jolynn Winter from "Simon in the Morning", the Band Perry started their set with their hit single, "You Lie".

Lola Montgomery from middays then came out and interviewed the band, asking several questions, and getting some funny answers to some of them.

After the interview and a few more songs, TicTak from afternoons posed a dare to the band, asking them if they could sing Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls". Not only did Kimberly, Neil and Reid take the challenge, they OWNED the song, and did an awesome job on it.

When the concert was done, anyone wanting their photo taken with the band was able to. Though they were in a bit of a rush, all three members of the Band Perry took time before each photo to ask the person's name, and shake their hand. Pretty classy in my book. I'm sure I'll sound like a mom when I say this, though I will anyway, you can tell that these three were raised well by their parents. They're gaining a name in country music, yet they still haven't let go of their manners; I like that.

I wasn't able to go to the Oregon State Fair the next evening to see the Band Perry, though if the concert was anything like at the Bing Lounge, I'm sure the audience got their money's worth. I definitely plan on catching another of their perormances sometime in the future!