Whole Wheat Radio

One of the best things I've discovered on the internet is WWR. That's Whole Wheat Radio. WWR originates in Talkeetna, AK and has been around for years but it's current incarnation is very cool. It is an off-shoot of the Wikipedia collaborative wiki model and use the same software they do although modified to WWR's needs. WWR allows listeners to determine what music will be played by selecting songs out of the library. I can't explain it as well as if you just go and look around and see for yourself.

What I like about WWR is the 57,000 songs of independent artists. You won't find Travis Twit or whatever his name is. You won't find Celine, Britany, Faith or any of the artists played on commercial radio. What you will find is Antje Duvekot, Meg Hutchinson, Emily Kurn, Cold Country, Jeffrey Foucault, Last Train Home and many many others. It is folk, americana, country, bluegrass, newgrass, jazz, and blues.

I love my WWR and can't go very long without it. Neither will you once you give it a try.

One of the great things about WWR is that it introduced me to new artists, some of whom have come to Anchorage to play. Had it not been for WWR I wouldn't have noticed them. Because of WWR I've seen and heard many talented artists in person. They play at various venues like the PAC, City Park, Wendy Williams, Humpies, Snow Goose, Tap Root Cafe and others. They are ALWAYS worth the time and many are locals who could use our support.

WWR also has house concerts where the artists play live from Talkeetna and we get to listen for free (donations gladly accepted).

I think you should give Whole Wheat Radio a try. Once you do you won't go back to white bread.

60 Years

My dad used to tell the story of my birth 60 years tomorrow at every birthday gathering. Then when I left home he wrote me a note about it that I still have.

Mom woke him to say it was time. They got dressed and out to the car, turned it around heading for the hospital and... a flat tire. Was a cold March in South Dakota and dad had to change that tire. Worried that I'd come before he finished he hurried in the dark. No reason to hurry as it turns out. I wasn't born until that evening! Fooled him!

I have a lot of stories from dad. Wish i had taken the time over the years to collect more. He led an interesting life. Orphaned at 9 he was passed between sisters and aunts. He went to college and taught in a rural South Dakota school. He fought through the pacific in WWII with his national guard artillery battalion as an enlisted man and later an officer. He was mustard gassed, shot at by a zero or two and grew up quickly. He was always very independent and stoic. The last born, he saw all his brothers and sisters die before him. He lost his wife as well. But he was always religious, thoughtful, generous and loving. His last wish was to die in his own bed and he did.

I miss him today and wish I could hear him tell the story one more time!