| Sunday, July 26, 2009 |
| Change the Channel... |
Back in the 1990's, my ultimate dream was to become the best radio jock in this state. I went to school. I interned. I realized, somewhere along the lines, that one day computers would take over. It didn't matter to me. I have wanted this since I was seven years old.
I knew a lot of local radio personalities, but one in particular was my hero for the longest time. Mike Gonsalves was known to us here in RI as "The Doctor", or Dr. Metal. He ran "The Metal Zone" on 94 WHJY, in Providence, a Clear Channel owned station. He was an amazing person. He demonstrated such an energy, such a love for his job. Such an admiration for the music.
Mike, knowing how I felt about radio, told me something one day. He told me "If it's in your blood, kid, you can't get it out. Just go for it. You'll make a great rock jock one day!" And so, there was my inspiration. I will carry those words with me forever since, after all, those words are what prompted me to "go for it" and sign up for broadcasting school.
Sadly, Mike was taken away from us way too soon. He lost his life in February 2003 when he was Emceeing a show at The Station Nightclub in West Warwick, RI, and for me, radio has never been the same. ( see : http://www.boston.com/news/packages/nightclub_fire/victims/list.htm)
Now here I am in 2009, watching the world happen from a box. A small box, that fits on your lap, portable, and full of neat things you can do. And, as far as I can see, radio as we know it is obsolete. I live in a tiny state. Most of our traditional radio stations are owned by either Clear Channel or Citadel. The days of locally owned radio are pretty much over, and in a state where the population of our entire state is all of 1.2 million people, there just doesn't seem to be much room for local media. The days of local artists sending their stuff to a radio station hoping for air play is over. So, what do we do now? We get online. We "blip" our favorite music ( http://blip.fm/ ); we listen to online internet radio, and hey, some of those guys are awesome and twitter buds of mine, and I am proud of their accomplishments. As for the artists, there is myspace, facebook, twitter, a score of ways to promote themselves in hopes of being "discovered". I am curious to see if newly created vehicles will install mini-laptops in cars for music pleasure as opposed to decks or satellite radio. It's just an idea. It is an idea that somewhat makes me sad. Perhaps it has already been done in some form. Maybe I ignore it. I will always have a love for radio. REAL radio. And I will never forget the words of my fallen friend. I will also never forget the radio teacher I had who would give me a hard time because he thought I had talent. Radio may have broken my heart several times...or is it the times that have broken radio? Either way, my perspective was this: There is a song for everything. A song has been written to make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, etc., and God, I wanted to be the one to bring it to the people. I wanted to play it for them. If everyone has their poison, for me, it is music. It is my drug of choice. I am not saying that internet radio takes any more or any less effort. I am not saying that internet DJ's work more or less than any others. In fact, from what I am gathering, a lot of radio now is pre-recorded. Sad, but true. The fact is that technology has changed the channel. The death of cart machines and reel to reel was imminent. However, the concept is still there. And, still there is a song for everything. There is an opinion for everything. There is someone out there, somewhere, playing that song, or giving that opinion. I guess I just need to come to terms with the fact that there are other ways to do it now. I believe I have come to terms with it, and if not, it's okay. My broadcasting degree collects dust as I prepare to begin my next adventure: Majoring in psychology this coming September...Oh the irony. ~ Chrissyisms~ This Post is Dedicated to Michael J. Gonsalves and all of the victims of The Station Nightclub Fire; West Warwick, RI; February 2003. They died for the music... you are all missed. (also reposted with permission here: http://wgpasunny1100.com/2009/08/ ) |
posted by Chrissyisms @ 9:44 PM  |
|
|
|
| Sunday, July 12, 2009 |
| Turn to Dust |
Original. Talented. Passionate. When I hear those three words, I think of this band, Turn to Dust.
I had the pleasure of being able to see them perform last night at KC's Tap in Pawtucket, RI.
My duty as a blogger is to pick things apart and dissect them. That is what I was born to do, only with less blood and guts, and without a swarm of bees attacking me for killing their friend. And so, every time I am blogging something such as a band, I am looking for specific things, and offering creative advice. Let me be the first to tell you. There is nothing anyone could offer this band that they do not already have.
Xan has an extremely powerful voice with a childlike enthusiasm that no body can duplicate. Nils makes the guitar scream with Ron right along side him on bass. Lee is a unique character who can make ya laugh in a second, but can slam the skins with the force of thunder, and they all seem to be more than capable of being in the forefront and getting the audience engaged.
A lot of bands I have seen lately are cover bands. Turn to Dust did belt out their version of Pat Benatar's "Hell is For Children" which is probably the best cover of that song I have heard in a long time. Only Pat Benatar herself could have done it better.
The best thing about Turn to Dust is the originality. They will rock the house! But hey. Don't take my word for it. See for yourself: http://www.myspace.com/turntodustmusic
~Chrissyisms |
| posted by Chrissyisms @ 12:41 PM |
|
|
|
| Saturday, July 11, 2009 |
| Why, as a Red Sox fan, I don't mind Yankee fans. |
August 20, 2002 my dad took his last breath while taking a nap just before a Red Sox game. He never did get to see them move on to the Series, but they did. The one thing I miss the most about him is hearing him screamin' at the TV as I was walking down our street. He would yell at the players and coaches almost as if they could hear him.
I come from a long line of Red Sox fans. My math teacher in junior high used to incorporate math and baseball by teaching us how to find the batting averages of the players. The energy Mr. Arnold had was intense and filled with child-like excitement as he taught it.
I have learned over the years that New Englanders, as a whole, are very passionate about their sports, whether it is the New England Patriots, or the Providence Bruins. This includes the Yankees.
You see, Rhode Island, I think, is centrally located, smack dab in the middle of Massachusetts and Connecticut (I have often joked that the state name should really be changed to Connectichusetts just to be geographically correct). Connecticut, which is a fairly large state, also borders New York City. And hey, let's face it. New York is a cool, cool place. Who wouldn't get wrapped up in all of the excitement handed down from a big city?
The point is, of COURSE Connecticut people are going to like the NY Yankees. Some RI people like the NY Yankees. I find that the majority are from the little town of Westerly, which borders cities such as Pawcatuck, CT. , but again, there is that Connectfactor.
Like all New Englanders, Yankees fans are just as passionate about their team. And I have been engaged in conversations where there is a bit of a rivalry war of the words going on...and in the end, it is a barrel of laughs, perhaps a shared pitcher of beer, and someone always wins. Can't beat that, can you?
I love the fact that we can joke around and enjoy the rivalry as opposed to attack each other over it. And hey, even I like to watch Derek Jeter. No question. (Go Sox!!)
~Chrissyisms |
| posted by Chrissyisms @ 1:28 PM |
|
|
|
| Friday, July 10, 2009 |
| To Tweet or not to Tweet. What is "Twitter" |
Twitter. I am sure everyone has heard of it. Often times, I am asked to describe it. There really is no way to accurately describe the power of the tweet. All I can say is the words : "What are you doing?" will never be viewed the same again.
From bloggers, to musicians, to actors, to comedians, to housewives, to weirdos like myself who have absolutely no purpose in life (giggle), you will find all different kinds of people sending updates of what they are doing to a ton of others deemed as "followers".
Twitter has become the social media king in today's modern technological means of communicating. In some ways, I am concerned that tweeting, or other forms of social media, is becoming a scary replacement for actual human contact outside of the electronic box. And who can blame people? The human race seems to be less trustworthy than it ever has been.
Have you ever been pissed off at a friend and just WISHED you could DELETE them or block them from your life? Welcome to Twitter. Welcome to Facebook. Welcome to Myspace. I have DONE it. To friends (or ex friends) in real and electronic life. What can I say, I'm a bitch when you cross me.
And, in retrospect, you all know you get pissed off when you find out you have been deleted. I know a few people like that. I won't mention any names, although, I have not experienced this on Twitter as of yet, I have seen it on Myspace. Does the fact that the Myspace friend is an ex count?
Twitter is kind of a neat thing. Perhaps at best, a glorified chat room with a few perks involved. You get a simple message across if you need to. It can put you in touch with your favorite artists. It can connect you with like minded souls. I have been VERY fortunate to have made the acquaintance of some very cool "tweeple". Some have become great buds.
Not all of the musicians (I use them as an example because I could care less about Ashton or any other celebs for that matter), ignore their fan base. Take Collective Soul for example. They really do enjoy the tweets of their fans. And Blues Traveler. Another good one, Big Brother and The Holding Company. A great musician to follow would be Blasko, who is one of the best bassists in the industry (see Ozzy Osbourne or Rob Zombie). And you know, Tweeples, they really don't want to hear how awesome they are, although I am also guilty of that. They hear that all the time, and my guess is that by now they already know this. They do like to know that you understand that they are people. They are gifted, yes. But they are people. Treat them as such!
In closing I would like to pay respect to two friends, who without some insight, I would probably NEVER have figured out that behind the box...behind the keyboard...behind the tweet or the hug application you just received from so and so on Facebook..there is a live, breathing, person with a beating heart.
~Chrissyisms |
| posted by Chrissyisms @ 2:38 PM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, July 2, 2009 |
| Funniass Typo List |
- This is warranted...I have come across a ton of typos...new words if you will. I have decided to create a list of them, that includes the typo, what it was supposed to be and who created it...I will tag people as it grows, but for now, I'm just having fun with it. : )
(We started this in March and it grows daily...will update as it grows)
Tonight's first typo:
1. Copuple. Created by Sherri. Was supposed to be couple. I like this one it could mean ANYTHING!!!
2. Yop. Created by Chrissy in a convo with Amy. I have no clue what it could mean lol
3. Dong. (yes I know it's a word already) Created by Chrissy in a convo with Amy...was supposed to say doing...LMFAOOO
4. Briadl. Pronounced Bree Ad El. Created by Amy. No one really knows what this means haha
5. Coulor: Created by Mark S. lol was supposed to be color (I think??) But I think its a type of Royal Navy Shirt Collar ;)
6. Edmail: Created by Chrissy: While typing to Taylor on aim. Was supposed to say email...it ended with Taylor asking who Ed was....lmao
7. Brign: Created by Amy. Acronym for "Bring" :)
8. Perdo: Created by Chrissy in a convo with Amy. Amy was on phone with Pedro and I said "hi perdo!!!" there. 'Nuff said...
9. Scray: Created by Chrissy in a convo with Sean B. Could mean scary if used in correct context...lol
10. Woofstock 99: Created by Chrissy in a group posting. I imagine it was a Woodstock for dogs....held in '99
11. Dhit: Created by Chrissy in a convo with Karl... "funny dhit" I dunno if I want to define it haha
12. Whay: Created by Chrissy again in a convo with Karl. It's a cross between what and why...wasn't intended, but hell, it makes SENSE!!!
13. Nao: Created by Billy in a text message. He was attempting to tell me that I need a nap...apparently he thinks a nao would be better...
14: Fascinatgion: Created by Chrissy in a convo with my beloved cousin John. I think it is French for fascination but not sure lol more research needs to be done on this one...
15: Dink: Created by Amy when speaking about drinking..example "she has to dink"
16: Saty: Created by Robb B I think he was trying to tell me to stay home? haha
17: "Thery goos": Created by Sherri...I think its a kind of bird.
18: Hoin: Created by Sherri lol she CLAIMS to have wanted to type Goin...Im not convinced...hahahaha
19. Porb: created by Chrissy while in a convo with Gray...lol "got a porb with that??" haha
20. Poorp: created by Amy. I refuse to speculate....lol
21. Aocuntryone: Created by Chrissy in a conversation with James...NO COMMENT!!!
22. Caztch: Created by Chrissy in a convo with Amy...all I can say is these damn nails!!!!
23. Hiney: Created by James... I think he was calling me an ass... "Chrissy,hiney,will you be on later?"
24. Collest: Created by Gary....To be used in conjunction with coolest, uh, without the cold temperatures....
25.Becauserefuk: Created by Amy in a conversation with me...It is an Amy-ism for Be Careful....LOL
26. Vidka: Created by James in a conversation with me...Canadian Vodka apparently LOL
27. Gurk: Created by Chrissy in a conversation with Mark..its Chrissyisms for GURL aka GIRL
28. Shcok: Created by Chrissy in a convo with Ed...One can only speculate....LOL
29. Eater: Created by Amy. See Funniass Typo List II Phrases for details lmfao (poor bunnies)
30. Weateher: Created by Amy. I think she was talking about the weather....but, hey, who am I to say?? LOL (love ya Amikins)
31. Elave: Created by Kristen in her status. I love it!!! LOL It actually sounds like fun and NOT like a medical procedure!!
32. Apologozed- When you apologize half asleep I'm guessing it is apologize and Dozed put together...lol Thanks, Amy!! lol
33. Onterrupting- Created by Chrissy in a conversation with Matt. I was Onterrupting something?? LMAO
34. Tweet dick- While posting on twitter, I stated my tweet dick wasn't working..LOLOL
35. Oprder: Some kind of strange bondage instrument, as used in this context by Bill Zucker in a "tweet": "im ripping up the restraining oprder" lol
|
| posted by Chrissyisms @ 3:39 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
