That Wonderful, Glorious Time of Year

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Thanksgiving 2012 is past, and we've moved on to my absolute favorite time of year:  Christmas time!

For me, Christmas isn't about presents and getting stuff; it's about the *feeling* of Christmas. It's the sights, the sounds, the smells, and all the warm fuzzies the holiday is supposed to encompass.

It's the Christmas trees, the lights, the decorations; everything that helps make this time of year seem magical.

Whether it's tradional things, or a more modern approach to something, this time of season embraces, and shares it all.

Like Christmas carols/songs.  Radio stations play all genres of music at this time of year, from big band, to new Christmas tunes; from classics, to new twists on classics.  Until I heard them, I never knew how many versions of "Last Christmas" there are out there!



I myself lean more towards nontraditional Christmas music, my all-time favorite tune being Elton John's "Step Into Christmas".

Yes, I did use this same video when I wrote about Christmas last year; that's how much I love this song!

Phil Vassar just came out with a new Christmas tune this season, "Santa's Gone Hollywood".  While I realize that some people may not see this as a true "Christmas" song, it is a fun, and funny little ditty that adds a new meaning to "holiday spirit".

I love the whole Christmas spirit thing!

Okay, not so much the one of the future.  Even the one in the Mr. Magoo version of "A Christmas Carol" kind of creeps me out.

Aside from that though, as I said, I love this time of year!

There will always be those who are Scrooges, or Grinches about the season; some for legitimate reasons, and others just because that's how they are.   Nonetheless, Christmas time is a wonderful time of year; so forget the commercialism, and consumerism, and just soak up all the good cheer the season has to offer.

That's a Rap

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Nowadays a lot of people are saying country music is no longer country; that it's more pop, more generic.  I understand that; there are quite a few songs that do sound more pop than what's considered country.  However, even what's considered "traditional" country,  (Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, etc.), isn't what "true" country started out as.  If it comes right down to it, even country isn't the root of music; classical, and other music was being made long before it went country.

It seems logical then that, like other genres of music, country is going to evolve, and incorporate other sounds and styles into itself; yes, even rap.

The first time I ever heard "country rap", was when Neal McCoy did "Hillbilly Rap", the Beverly Hillbillies theme done rap style.  Though the song is on one of McCoy's CD's, it was never a single on radio.

 Then there's Cowboy Troy, a member of  Big & Rich's Muzik Mafia; he calls his style 'hick-hop'.  He's released some of his music to country radio, most notably, "I Play Chicken with the Train".

Last year Jason Aldean had a hit with "Dirt Road Anthem", a song co-written by Colt Ford.  The song is mostly country, with a few lines done as rap.

Though known mainly as a songwriter, Colt Ford has put out several CD's that incorporate his southern views and values with rap.  Currently he has a single on the radio called "Back", which features Jake Owen.

"Back" is one of my favorite new songs right now; it's almost a perfect mix of country with rap.  Though Jake Owen is the better known name, Ford definitely can hold his own; and the two of them together do a great job.  Here's hoping Ford has a hit for himself with this song.

A Quick Post

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Well, it's finally here for 2012, the day Americans get together to give thanks for all they have.  At least that's what the holiday is supposed to be for.

Nowadays, it seems, it's more about gorging ourselves on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie, and anything else edible.  Then there's the parades, and football games, with more food involved.

Once we're as stuffed as the turkey, it's nap time; especially for those with big plans early the next day.  Well, it used to be the next day; anymore, there's no time for napping, because some stores are opening that very evening.  And by golly, that's important!  When else can you get absolutely everything you do and don't need on sale at wonderful prices?  So wonderful that some give up the food, parades and football, just to stand in line, (anywhere from a few hours to a day or so), for a chance to get their coveted item(s).

Truthfully though, all of what's been described is fun, for most people. So, on this day, please do have a great time with friends and family; just remember to be thankful for all of it as well.

With that said, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting to Know Him

Once again a new song on KUPL's overnights has caught my attention.  The cool thing about this song is, until the artist started his country career, I'd never heard of him.  Now, I can hear a song and at least have a guess as to who it is. I'm talking about Stain'd lead singer, Aaron Lewis.

Lewis' first single, "Country Boy", was one of the most country sounding songs I'd heard in awhile.  His second, "Endless Summer", had me stumped as to who was singing, it sounded so different from Lewis' first hit.  Unfortunately, "Endless Summer" never made it outside the overnight shift on radio.

Now, Lewis has a third single on country radio, "Forever".  As I said, I'd heard it the first time on KUPL's overnights, and kind of thought I knew who sang it.  Lewis really has a versatile voice, and "Forever" combines the rough sound of "Country Boy" and the smooth flowing feel of "Endless Summer" beautifully.

I'm really hoping that "Forever" takes off for Aaron Lewis, like his first single; his voice and music are definitely worthy of being played on country airwaves.

Life is Suite

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


The Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, is host to many events throughout the year.  Concerts; ice shows; hockey games, and much more.  It's also the home court of the NBA Portland Trailblazers.

I like basketball, for the most part, though I rarely watch it.  Most of the time I watch if Portland is in the playoffs, or if I have a chance to go to a game.  That was the case the evening of Friday, November 16, 2012.  A friend and co-worker had an extra ticket for the game in our company's suite, so he asked if I wanted to go.

It had been awhile since I'd been to a game; the proof being that I no longer knew any of the players' names, except LaMarcus Aldridge. There was no more Rudy Fernandez, Joe Prizbilla, or any other names I recognized.

No worries, I figured I didn't really *have* to know the players' names to enjoy the game; and I didn't, though I do know one or two more names now.

(The view from one of the suites in the Rose Garden Arena.)

Before the game started, I asked my friend if he thought the Blazers had a chance of making it to the playoffs this year; he said no, they're too young of a team.  Once the game got started, I had to agree with him.  Our team was having a hard time making shots and scoring points.  When they did, the other team, (the Houston Rockets), would score almost immediately after that.  I was thinking it was going to be a bit of a letdown of a game.

By the second half though, things had picked up, the Rockets were still doing better at making their shots, but the Blazers were at least making more of theirs.  At one point in the first half our team was down by more than ten points.  In the second half, not only did we make up the deficit, a few times we actually were ahead of the other team.  When it came right down to the wire, the game actually went in to overtime.  Long story short, the Blazers came out the winners!  YAY!

So, not only did the Trailblazers win, I got to watch the game from a great spot, and the team scored over 100 points during the game; which in Portland means coupons for a free Taco Bell chalupa for everyone at the game.  Life was definitely sweet in the suite that night!

The Twangshifters @ the Bing Lounge--11-16-12

Rockabilly music is proof that the rock and country genres can coexist in this world.  While usually a bit more rock than country, there's still enough of a twang to the tunes to set toes tapping.

Currently, in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area the rockabilly flag is being flown proudly by The Twangshifters.

The band performed in the Bing Lounge November 16, 2012, bringing their orginal style and songs to the small group that was gathered.   They were also quick to point out that what they do isn't a "gimmick"; that they really do live and breathe what they do for a living.  This was brought up because of how their guitar player was dressed, wearing what's considered a rockabilly style of clothing.  It was also mentioned that he drives a Buick from the 50's.

The Twangshifters played several songs from their current CD, telling the stories behind the songs, etc.  As mentioned earlier, they do have their own style; yet they stay true to the rockabilly music of days gone by.

If you're a fan of rockabilly, and live in the the Portland/Vancouver area, try to catch one of The Twangshifters' shows, I think you'll have a great time.

You Can't Please'em All

No matter the situation, or circumstances, there will always be those that are happy about certain things, and those that aren't.

Music, movies, cars, sports, books, clothes; the list could go on forever and guaranteed, everyone would have a different opinion about any of it.  It's why there's variety in life, so there's something for everyone.

On a daily basis, most of these opinions don't affect the masses; they're personal idiosyncrasies in each of us that make us who, and what we are.

Then there are those things that do affect the majority of the population, like politics.  If there weren't differences of opinion, there would be no need for politics, religion, you name it, because we'd all agree, and we'd all be happy.

Sometimes, because of something that happens, people's opinions and feelings can change.  Those that were happy with a situation the way it was, are now unhappy because things have changed.  It's kind of like, "if it's not broke, why fix it"?

Likewise, those who weren't satisfied with something may embrace the change, and see it as a good thing.  What some saw as fine, others now see as something that was broken now being fixed.

Again though, no matter what it is, not everyone will be pleased with it.  Some will go in search of what they had, hoping to find it somewhere else.  Others will stick with the new situation, at least for awhile; either adapting to it, or eventually moving on as well.

No matter what it is though, life will go on, and things will change; it's how the world works.