Is it wild that I have so many distinct MJ memories and thoughts running through my head? I don’t think I’m alone.
I remember as a 4 year-old dancing around my living room to the record Thriller as my mom did her aerobics. I’d sing into a mixing beater, put on dress up clothes and try to moonwalk (unsuccessfully). I remember looking at the record insert, trying to read and sing the lyrics (”you’re a vegetable?” what does that mean, mom?) and checking out the silly sketched cartoons of Paul McCartney and Michael in the midst of a tug-of-war with the arms of a stretched out woman (The Girl is Mine).
My cousins and I all had that “one” sparkley glove, which we carefully studied– which hand does it go on? who’s sparkles were the best? Then there was my older, more obsessed cousin who told me about her experience seeing Michael in concert. She got choked up when she talked about it, and she said she bawled though the entire show. I was too young to understand the meaning of her sobs and thought at the time, “maybe she was scared by the lights and special effects?”
In college, my girlfriends and I loved to buy songs for the jukebox at our favorite watering hole in Madison, The Flamingo (RIP). We went through song phases and became obsessed with certain ballads, dance songs, whatever… and these “favorites” were usually way past popular. It was in 1998 that “Man in the Mirror” (released in 10 years earlier) made our favorite list…and we belted, danced (somewhat robotically to match Michael’s staccato lyrics and style), swayed and laughed to this tune. Funny. It’s the only ”favorite” I remember so clearly.
About 4 years ago, I went to DC to visit some friends and we ended one of our late evenings out at a club. I remember our energy was starting to wane….then PYT came on, and the whole place erupted. People who weren’t dancing ran to the floor. It was like a movie: a group dance/sing-along. Everytime I hear PYT, I first think of my mom’s leg-warmed gams doing Jane Fonda side-kicks…and now dancing with longtime friends and perfect strangers to Michael giving us all that he got.
He was a man with a strange if not dangerous and dark personal life, yet there’s no disputing he was truly a king in his own right.
As I mourn the passing of MJ, I keep listening to his music and watching his old videos. I guess I can’t stop getting enough.
My car was broken into 2 weeks ago (third time in seven years!) and the smart thieves stole my car stereo (and a purple Smart Trips reusable tote that was on the passenger seat– but curiously they skimmed over the other tote next to it, which was a light cream organic hemp bag. Thieves can be so picky!). But off with my radio they went.
Driving in my car absent of news, talk or music (pretty much local radio) has been awful! I am realizing how much I rely on my car radio to listen not only to KGMI (though, not surprisingly, it’s what I usually am tuned to) but other stations, as well. And I know that the majority of our listeners are tuned in while they’re driving– to or from work, errands, and/or school. I’ve been feeling panicky these past weeks– stuck at a traffic light on Alabama, enviously listening to other cars’ tunes or talk…and wondering: are we on the air? What are Joe and Patti ribbing each other about today? If there’s a huge traffic jam on the Hannegan I won’t know about it!
As much as I love our website, streaming, podcasts and the whole bit, there’s nothing like “old school” live and local radio. At one point, I thought maybe driving without a radio would be more peaceful. Could my car be my “zen” time to myself?
The answer is no. My car helps me get from A to B and it’s my time to multi-task and as a regular news consumer, I need my radio! I will spend too much time on the internet the rest of my work day and too much time reading magazines and watching movies at night. And even for someone who doesn’t have televsion, turning on the radio at home is not second nature.
So, why don’t I just get a new stereo? My car is 20 years old. While it shows few signs of heading to the junkyard any time soon, my fiance is desperately wanting an equally old work/mountain bike/mud truck…and my geriatric Accord could be just the ticket for a decent trade. But that could be weeks, even months away! How I miss my companion…
My fiance and I got Pete 5 days ago and he’s completely changed my outlook on kids, pets, and responsibility.
Pete is an 11 week old mutt…border collie/lab with a “dash” of pit. And he really is a baby. He cries, he naps (a lot!), poops and pees (a lot!– sometimes without warning) and enjoys “teething” on our shoes, tables, couches, clothing. As far as we can tell, his favorite all time activity is snuggling on our laps, which is a little challenging for people who want a “no furniture” rule. But it’s been important for bonding and now loving this creature who has taken over every conversation and moment at home (and many at work, too). Because while he’s a sweetheart, he’s no angel. I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed (I know– it hasn’t even been a week!) by our new responsibilities or my new role as a human pooper-scooper. But the second I sit down on the floor or carpet cross-legged, Pete runs over, jumps on my lap, wiggles his body around and the whole thing morphs into a full on snuggle…and then he falls asleep.
I find myself thinking about Pete, even when I’m not with him. How many times did he go to the bathroom today? Is that a limp I’m noticing? Why did he just bark at the neighbor dog? Doesn’t he know how to make friends? Does he like Josh better?
I’ve never owned a dog. I didn’t grow up with pets because I was horribly allergic– I’ve seemed to grow out of the dog allergy. And this is all new. And while I’m freaked out, confused and even a little manic, I think I’m in love with this animal.
Cascade Radio Group’s General Manager, Michael O’Shea, has been dealing with any questions or concerns regarding Ken Mann’s role as a talk show host on KGMI. See Michael’s letter below.
Dear KGMI Listener…
Regarding Ken Mann and our afternoon talk show:
Ken came to us about four months ago indicating that he was seriously considering running for public office this year. We discussed then that when he filed for office he would need to take a sabbatical from the afternoon show on KGMI and he understood.
While Ken has announced his intentions and has started fund raising he is not a ballot candidate until he files for the election, which can’t legally happen until the beginning June, for a general election that is almost a half year away.
We are currently in discussions with on-air hosts who are in a position take over his duties in our afternoon show. No final decision has been made, but will be done by the filing dates.
I have specifically talked with Ken about subject matter of the PM Bellingham show as not serving as a political soap box for his electoral intentions, and I have monitored the program matter carefully. We’ve devoted the majority of on-air content to public service (health care issues, news events, etc) and lighter faire (movies, entertainment, etc.), since there are just days remaining until his expected filing is official.
Ken works on a part-time basis for KGMI, with the actual on-air content (absent of news casts, commercials, weather-traffic, etc) being in the area of 34-36 minutes per day, of which Ken is responsible for about half. I don’t feel that his contribution of 15-17 minutes per day of monitored content for a couple of weeks is a material reason for us changing the plan we agreed to.
I’m freaking out. I have my half-marathon on Sunday. I’m thrilled, nervous, excited, energized and also wondering, ‘why on earth did I sign up for this?’ But at the same time, I’m so happy and proud that I’ve set a goal that is definitely out of my comfort range, but still possible (with the help of some incredible will power and a relatively consistent training schedule). The race is in Vancouver, BC and from the maps and research I’ve done, the course looks relatively flat…until about mile 8. Here comes the hill from hell. The topo map of the course basically goes vertical at that point. This hill has been haunting me. I’ve been assuming my biggest battles would entail sore knees, tired calves, upset tummy…but now it’s this hill (or should I saw mountain?). My fiance had the idea that we should check out the hill on Saturday– to try to demystify it. But I don’t know. Is it better to be surprised (maybe even relieved?) on race day– when the adrenaline is pumping through my sweaty, tired body? I won’t have a choice: I’ll tackle it and take it at whatever pace I can muster. And what if we see the hill and it makes me MORE nervous? It’s amazing the mind games we can play with ourselves.
Training for this half-marathon has served as a great reminder how powerful the brain is. I’ve been telling it to run longer-than-normal distances every weekend since February. I got up one Saturday morning and told it to run 5 miles, then 6 miles the next week, then 7 and so on. Not much had changed from one week to the next. I was pretty consistent on weight-training and 3-4 mile runs throughout the week. But these long distance runs are mind-baffling. I just told my body and myself “today’s the day to run 10 miles.” And it actually listened!
Here’s to a strong mind and an energetic body on Sunday! I’ll let you know what happens with me and that darn hill, too.
On 4/18/09 on KGMI on Health (Saturday local health show), I spoke with local doula Amy Robinson. Here is the list of doulas she mentioned on the air. Also, if you have any questions for Amy, feel free to email her: rebirthingyoga@yahoo.com.
KGMI will be participating in the TEA party protest in Bellingham happening Wednesday. Our morning talk show hosts will be broadcasting live from 7a-9a on Wednesday from Fox Hall at the Hampton Inn near the Bellingham
Airport. Then later in the day, Ken and I will be covering the actual protest from 4p-6p from the Toys R Us Parking Lot.
It’s been interesting to hear and digest local coverage and reaction on this event– from media to businesses, activists and government officials. Some say it’s a lame attempt by the GOP to “stir stuff up,” that organizers’ claims that the event is non-partisan is insulting to their intelligence. Others who support the event defend their actions by citing constitutional rights: right to assemble, freedom of speech. The protesters are feverishly against the Obama administration’s recent decisions regarding the economy (think stimulus package and financial bailout), and they can’t stand to stand idly by any longer. I say amen to all of the above. Gotta love the constitution!
One of my favorite terms regarding democracy is that it encourages a ‘marketplace of ideas.’ That and freedom of speech. So if an idea or event is spurring some people to action or causing dialogue or even disgust with others, shouldn’t we all be happy? Shouldn’t we be congratulating ourselves for demonstrating the rights of a free society? If you disagree, great! Complain and commiserate with your pals on blogs, at a bar or at the water cooler. If you agree, head on down to the protest and march proudly with a smile.
But keep this in mind: we don’t know if/when the GOP will regain control of the White House and/or Congress. If this isn’t about partisanship, both sides need to remember: whether you’re protesting government spending, a war, or abortion rights, you all have the right to join in your efforts…to grab a sign, to cheer and smile.And you all have a right to complain, roll your eyes and repeat: “gotta love the constitution!”
All this week, Ken and I will be talking with state legislators from Whatcom County on PM Bellingham (5p-6p)– Monday, Representative Doug Ericksen will be on with us. Tuesday, Senator Dale Brandland is going to chat with us (or at least try– there’s this thing called the budget he needs to work on apparently, but his assisant assured us he WANTS to be on), then Wednesday is Representative Kelli Linville’s turn…and we’ve extended an invite to newbie Senator Kevin Ranker for Thursday or Friday. PHEW! Full week– so my question to you is what’s your question? Are there certain topics we MUST address? Anything besides the economy, budget, state funding, etc? We’re taking your questions!! Post on this blog or send Ken or me an email ken@kgmi.com or jackie@kgmi.com. Or else call into the show 360/676-5464.
My garage door opener makes me feel old. Not the item itself, but the act of opening the garage from my car. Very soccer-mom-ish. And I’m not even a mother.
It’s a weird act: gaining access to my home without a struggle at a door with a key—usually with my arms full (usually with at least 2 bags on each arm). After living in apartments for over a decade—and now my house for over a year, this act still feels pretentious…entitled…foreign. Almost lazy.
Using a key is satisfying. Especially among my numerous bags of gym clothes, groceries, papers that are overwhelming my being and thus affecting my balance makes me feel like I deserve entry: I struggled, I battled and now I’m in. Home free! Pushing a button feels lame.
The Seattle PI has announced that it’s becoming an internet news-only site. It’s also cutting its staff from 165 to 20. It’ll have blogs, columns, special advice tidbits, links and only limited local news. It’ll no longer consider the Seattle Times its main competitor.
The Science Christian Monitor went web-only this year. Papers all across the country are cutting their staffs or even worse, going bankrupt.
What do we do as consumers? What do we want in our local news coverage? What will news be like in the future—will we all be twittering and facebooking? Is journalism dead? Is all this experimentation a good thing or frightening?
I do not think journalism isn’t dead. The bad, untrustworthy bloggers, reporters (or whatever they will be called in the future) will weed themselves out over time. We all carry our own bias, but it’s how we manage it and work with and against it that determines real journalism and objectivity. Consumers are smart enough to determine the difference between truth and truthiness… or are they? But an added benefit with on-line news is that different opinions are right at your finger tips…plus you can see graphs, photos, comments, blogs, related articles… so often I’ll be reading one article, I’ll click on a link, then another one…and I don’t even remember where I began. But I just read 5 interesting articles.
There is a lot of promise – we could actually get MORE local. Instead of discussing changes in your neighborhood with your neighbors, you could get mass text messages: my kid’s bike was stolen last night. The cops say lock up your toys and bikes.
How do you handle the websites of your favorite magazines, tv shows, newscasts, radio stations? Do you use them? What do you like and dislike?
There are some practical things that are different when it comes to consuming news on-line… I have a lap-top so I can take my news with me to the breakfast table (which I often do in the mornings), in bed (pretty infrequent), in the living room (my dvd player broke last week and thank goodness I have a laptop!)… airport, coffee shop… so I can carry my laptop with me like a paper or magazine.
Could you skip your subscription and go right to your computer for your news? Do you still subscribe to a newspaper? If so, which one? Are newspapers dead? What is the future of newspapers? What is the future of news? Do you enjoy interactive aspects of news? Are TV and Radio immune from these changes?
