Sunflower fields

Good Morning,

"Jessica Watson a 16-year-old Australian sailor, is vying to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world non-stop and unassisted...

Unfortunately, "Ella's Pink Lady" (her boat) collided into a 63,000 ton Silver Yang (cargo vessel) her first day out of port..."

Hmm, after hearing news like this this weekend I feel a little less shy about sharing my weekend endeavors. Kansas is otherwise known as the Sunflower state! So, in continued search for adventure in uncharted territory, I went...not too far afield. Just down the road actually looking for sunflowers.

Below are some of the "sunny" photos.

I thought I'd share a picture or two...along with some fun and interesting facts about sunflowers...


The sunflower plant is native to North America. The wild sunflower is so common in Kansas, it is actually a serious weed problem.


The Native American used the sunflower to make oils, butter, pancakes...the white man came along and now the sunflower (seed) is commonly spit onto the field at major league ballparks.


The largest traditional producer of the sunflower is Russia. Thus, the sunflower seed is nicknamed the "Russian peanut."


A well-known sunflower characteristic is that the flowering heads track the sun's movement, a phenomenon known as heliotropism.



The adult sunflower Headclipping weevil (Haplorhynchites aeneus) is shiny black and about 5/16 inch long. Larvae are cream colored, C-shaped and grub-like in appearance...

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) does loan out cannons to scare away the nuisance in sunflower fields.


Happy Monday,

Amanda

"DJ" Alo spinning the tunes!

Good Morning,

In the wake of rejection there is a grasping at power. Last week I tried to find it in a little retail therapy (the power of the consumer!), scholarly discourse, and by instituting a kitty mandate "Mitty you must use your scratching post!"



Not surprisingly, none of this was successful. Instead, a smile has returned to my face thanks to an unexpected gift. I've gotten to play "music director" for a small college radio station.

This morning, I've been sifting through a collection of unsolicited CD's and demo singles.

Allow me to introduce you to Rick Street...

http://www.mp3.com/artist/rick-street/summary/
(just click)

(If you listen, I like this selection because it sounds like he's singing to a Smore : ).

With song selection skills like this, it is no wonder I'm having requests to host my own show!!!

It's not all about the "sound." To make the cut it's also about the right fit. This is a Christian affiliated university...therefore when I opened up this next selection I threw it right in the rotation!!!

“Go F*ck Ya Self” from Justina! Her bio reads that she is the "voice of the rebellious youth" and from the size of the Boom Box she has propped on her should in the album art she means it!...



jUsTiNa is also a writer. Her self-described sound "i'm eclectic in a world that's hectic" and her follow-up single "Drivin' Like a Bitch" suggests she jUsT Gets iT...(hmm, or not. the inside cover art greeting the radio program director? the attitude infused pose of her flippin the double bird).

Even though I've been all "The Rage" here at KTJO for about oh...20 minutes? I'd still like to quickly offer advice to those young musicians trying to make it onto the college music scene.

The best title for a debut album probably isn’t “Underwhelmed.”

Country needs to be new country or cutting edge...

(lyrics)
She wants a puppy she can call her own
He wants to be a fireman for just one day
Year after year more lives are saved
Oh what a difference a wish can make

Just ask yourself is this reeeally something I could play at a bar.

alright..."DJ" Alo out!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

The Fest

Good Morning,

Well, there's been a big disappointment here in the Land of Oz. The job I was believing in did not come through. There's a lot to learn here but I'm just not seeing it yet.

So...after getting the bad news on Friday (I was the final cut in a pool of 49 impressive candidates!) this weekend we went in search of happier things.

I'd like to offer the simple and timely joys a small town (Lenexa, KS Spinach Fest!) festival can bring...

photo 1- a new hat

photo 2- an old hat


photo 3- a good spinach over the tooth gag



photo 4- a pony ride


photo 5- a $5 t-shirt


Happy Monday.

Amanda

p.s. I do not mean to be doom and gloom here. the door is still slightly open for a newly created position.

a trip to the Farmers' Market

Good Day,

In this special holiday edition of the Monday Morning News, you will experience the sights and sounds of the local Farmers' Market. It starts a little slow, but you will hear my run-in with the "felt balls" lady and some spirited singing. Also, you will get to enjoy a sweet potato squash summer soup recipe. Good times!

http://vimeo.com/6471202

Happy Labor Day. Eat healthy and buy locally,

Amanda

A trip to the Farmer's Market from Amanda Vallo on Vimeo.