Janine Stoll

Folk music has been an integral part of the music scene for decades.  Modern folk music is a mystical twist on the original sounds that leaves listeners feeling mellow and happy.  Whether you like upbeat folk music or the more slow paced “dreamy” sounds, you will find everything here you need to learn more about the folk music scene.  From new albums to current concert tours, we cover it all in one easy to access location.  Learn about the history of folk music and the legends that shaped the industry that still thrives today.

With all the new country singers out there if you enjoy country music there are many great country singers to choose from. One of the latest country singers is Kip Moore. Kip Moore has been very popular since his arrival on the country music scene both for his great singing and good looks.

Kip Moore was born in Tifton, Georgia. He was raised there and later moved to Hanceville, AL where he went to school for college at Wallace State Community College. He made his first performance at the Mellow Mushroom in Valdosta, Georgia. After this performance Moore went to Hawaii for a few years. Later he moved to Nashville, Tennessee which is the head capital of country music. His debut single was Mary Was the Marrying Kind. In September of 2011 he released his most popular song to date Somethin’ ‘bout a Truck. His album Up All Night was released in April of 2012 with the song going number one.

He has also helped write music for bands like Thompson Square and still does write or help to write much of his own music. Kip Moore is continuing to release new music as he has become quite popular in the country music world. Many people have purchased his music both online and in stores and it is said that he should start touring soon possibly even sometime this year. If you are interested in hearing Kip Moore’s singing and his newest single you can find him on the radio on many local country stations as well as find him on YouTube where many of his official music videos are. Just search Kip Moore when you get onto YouTube.

I was one of the last of my friends and family to get a cell phone. I never had a need for it, never felt it was necessary and did not see the big deal surrounding them. If I had to call someone, I just did it from my traditional cordless phone at home. There was never anything so urgent that I needed a phone at the drop of a hat and the rare times that I did, I never had a problem getting access to one. Eventually, I caved in and got one, but mostly because, as a parent, I felt I needed to be easily accessible in case an emergency arose.

Then the smart phones came into our lives. Texting, e-mails and the Internet were now at our fingertips no matter where we were or what we were doing. I admit I wanted one merely for the fact that as a personal trainer and freelance writer, I needed to be able to receive and respond to e-mails and texts sooner rather than later so I would know if a client had to cancel or a project was coming my way. But I also remember hating to watch my friends and family text away and check their e-mails during conversations and meals, at restaurants or any place we happened to be.

Well, I have now become one of those people I used to despise and criticize. As soon as my smart phone flashes green, I immediately feel the need to check my e-mail and/or text messages (I do not know which one it is until I look). I check it while food shopping, exercising, waiting at the bank, standing on line and any other opportunity I have. Somehow I feel compelled to see who has contacted me and why. I hate that I do it, but I just cannot seem to help myself.

I am really praying they do not come up with something else that will turn my already pathetic smart phone obsessed existence into something much worse. But then again, I do not think it can get any worse.

Online bingo is very popular in many countries and particularly the United States and United Kingdom. Obviously it isn’t possible to play using balls as you would in a regular bingo game so the online casino sites use something called a random number generator to call the numbers. Online bingo sites will usually also offer players online casino games to play as well as bingo. The rapidly increasing popularity of online bingo halls has most of them offering links to online poker and casino sites.

When you visit Go Wild Casino, the actual bingo game play works more or less exactly the same as playing online poker or online casino games, where everything is virtual. The one notable feature of online bingo is the chat functionality. Successful online bingo sites use the chat feature to promote the sense of community and interaction between players. Additionally, unlike playing in regular bingo halls, users can play bingo twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year.

Worldwide there are two different types of bingo played. In North America bingo is played using the 75 balls on a 5 x 5 card where the center square is marked ‘free’ format. In the United Kingdom, Australia, parts of South America and parts of Europe the game uses 90 balls on a 9 x 3 card format. Both types of bingo are well known and available online at 888 Casino.

The American version of the 75 ball game allows the desired pattern to vary from straight lines to complicated patterns. In the end though, the aim is always to mark off the numbers to achieve the desired pattern. Speed bingo is played in the same manner with the numbers called more quickly. You can try speed bingo at Skyvegas.com

The 90 ball bingo card has three horizontal lines and nine columns with each line containing five numbers. This game is played in three stages of one line, 2 lines and a full house. Obviously the one line game players need to complete a horizontal line across one card. A two-line game is to complete any two marked horizontal lines across a card and a full house means marking all the numbers off on one card. Price percentage differs for each stage of the game but will be shared equally among all the winners if there’s more than one. Full house will always have the largest prize.

It seems that every musician these days has a new tattoo. From Rihanna to Brittney Spears to Eminem, they all have tattoos and the trend is starting to catch on among fans as well. If you are itching to get some ink like your favorite musician, think carefully. Tattoos are permanent and cannot be quickly removed. If you are certain that you do want a tattoo, the sky is the limit when it comes to cute tattoo designs available for the consumer to choose from. Whether it is small and delicate, or large, bold, and colorful, the tattoo is an expression of the wearer, and their unique personality. Choose your tattoo carefully! Here are some basic ideas for cute tattoo designs to get your creative juices, or “inks” flowing!

1. Butterflies

Butterflies are a popular tattoo choice since they can vary in size, shape, and color choice. They can have a few bold colors or many colors for a vivid rainbow effect. The wingspan can be large or small, and positioning is up to the wearer.

2. Flowers

Flowers can also reflect the personality of the wearer – it can be as simple as a single rose or daisy on a stem, to a colorful bouquet of many types of flowers with leaves and vines trailing on the body. You might choose a flower to represent a person or special time in your life, or just one that you think is pretty.

3. Stars, Moons, and Suns

Many people have stars, moons, suns, or other celestial images as tattoos. With these you can customize again, so your possibilities are limitless. You can create an ornate sun with a delicate curved smile or a whole constellation of stars mapping out your name.

4. Mystical Creatures

Others choose mystical creatures like fairies or unicorns for a cute tattoo design. A small colorful fairy or even ancient Greek gods surrounded by flowers or stars are a popular choice.

5. Zodiac Signs

The zodiac signs have become a popular design as many put faith into their horoscopes and identify with their particular “sign.” Often the name of the sign is placed with the zodiac image.

6. Scrollwork

Scrollwork or other intricate designs often also make the top of the list. This can vary from a “bracelet” type design that encircles an arm or ankle, to a design stretching across the upper or lower back with lots of loops and tangles that weave a web of beauty across the body.

7. Symbols

Asian or other Eastern symbols are another trend in ink art. Symbols for words like peace, hope, love, infinity, or strength can range from small characters to larger pieces that make a bold statement. Check online for great ideas if you are searching for symbols and what they mean.

8. Religious Images

One of the most popular choices for tattoos would be religious imagery. Whether it is a simple cross or an intricate angel or depiction of the crucifixion, or even a Bible verse – it is one of the most commonly seen in the tattoo art form. It is an outward expression for many of their inward faith.

9. Loved Ones

Last but not least for many when choosing a cute tattoo design is to honor the one they love. Many people choose to boldly proclaim their love for someone by getting it down in ink. It might be their spouse or significant other, their children, or loved ones who have already passed away. This could be their name, their birthdate or anniversary, or even as detailed as a picture of the actual person. Baby footprints or handprints have also been spotted as tattoo designs.

Given today’s technology, the choices for cute tattoo designs are endless. Just make sure that you choose carefully, as the ink is permanent. What’s cute when you’re 20 may not be so cute when you’re 50, so keep that in mind! Unless you choose a costly tattoo removal, what you select will be with you for life!

After my mother had a stroke we knew that she could no longer live by herself, she simply wasn’t strong enough, or mentally sound enough, anymore to take care of herself. Our original plan had been to set her up in an assisted living facility where she would not only get the care she needed, but also be able to enjoy socializing and mingling with other women her own age.

The problem was that her condition was bad enough that both of the facilities we were considering rejected her application. They felt that she required more care than they could give her. Until we came up with a better solution, she was going to have to continue living in my home.

Previous to her stroke my mother had loved playing bingo. She was one of those people who genuinely loved the game as much as she loved having a reason to get dressed up and to chat with people. I spent a considerable amount of time trying to find something similar in my own home town, but it just wasn’t possible. There were no community city bingo games for her to participate in.

In a last ditch effort to give her something to do, I signed up with one of the online bingo sites and showed my mother how to play X bingo. Within a week I could see a huge difference in my mother. She played bingo cams all day and well into the night, pretty much every waking moment, but it was worthwhile. Her speech and cognitive functions were noticeable better. It turns out that when they say that bingo is actually a really good game for honing mental skill they weren’t kidding, every time I looked in my mother’s eyes the proof was staring back at me.

One day when I had a few minutes to spare, I pulled up a chair to talk to her while she played a game, only realized she wasn’t playing at all. Somehow, my mother had figured out how to work the chat feature. Not only had she figured out how to get into the chat rooms, she’d managed to make friends and was spending almost as much time socializing as she was playing bingo.

The long hours of playing bingo paid off. My mother was able to improve her condition so much that she was accepted into the assisted living facility after all. She loves it there and has already introduced several of the residents to online bingo.

As a music artist, I have a few addictions.  First, I live on caffeine.  I need to be completely loaded on some form of caffeine before every show because it is exhausting to perform for several hours at a time.  Second, I live on electronic cigarettes.  I have been a smoker for years and when it started affecting my voice, I knew I had to do something about it.  I couldn’t imagine sacrificing my nicotine though.  The cravings alone would likely kill me!  That’s when I came across the electronic cigarettes reviews online and discovered this new technology that could save my voice and still deliver my beloved nicotine fix.

Electronic cigarettes work by using a rechargeable battery.  There is no actual smoke involved and instead, you just inhale a water based vapor mist.  You can get cartridges in all kinds of flavors from cherry to menthol to my personal favorite, coffee!  You buy cartridges in different nicotine strengths so it really gives you control over the amount of nicotine you are using.  Even better, you can get electronic cigarette coupons on the internet that will save you a ton of money on the starter kit or refill cartridges.

When I first started using e cigs, I chose V2 Cigs because they were so highly reviewed.  After a couple of months, I noticed my friends were using the Safe Cig and I decided to give it a try too.  I got online to read the Safe Cig reviews and I was convinced.  It seemed like the best option out there, except maybe Blu Cigs, because of the flavor choices, nicotine variety, and health benefits.  I just liked the way the Safe Cig looked better too.

Once I made the switch to e-cigs, I could tell a difference in my music pretty quickly.  I didn’t have to go outside to smoke so I wasn’t constantly stopping in the middle of writing a song to get my nicotine fix.  Now, I can smoke inside because there is no actual smoke.  There is no danger of second hand smoke bothering my band mates so I can also have a quick smoke during practices.  It seems like my music has improved immensely since I switched to the electronic cigarettes.  My voice is clearer and I don’t find myself stopping to cough between sets.  Amazingly, I just seem to feel better overall.  My body appreciates the switch because no more harmful chemicals are filling my lungs every half hour throughout the day!

The very first singers of folk music would have been the traveling troubadours who moved from one city to another singing their songs and telling stories. The songs that these troubadours sang were not rock songs, but rather an oral accounting of life. As time marched on, the songs kept track of history. Today the songs that reflect history and have a story type feel are considered folk songs. Each country and region has their own style of folk music. In most cases, the sign of a good folk song is that it has a message that every person can relate to.

For example, the song, How Many Roads, was written as an anti-war song to protest the Vietnam conflict, but when you listen to the words, you will find that it is really a song about the struggle to just get through life, and to make the best possible decisions. In the southern part of the United States, bluegrass is the most common type of folk music. There are some current country songs, but not all, that could be considered folk music. The artists that commonly cover these folk/country songs include Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Matt Nathanson, Allison Krauss, and George Strait. The current recession has caused a few other artists to also write music which could be called folk music.

In the United States, folk music really showed its true colors during the Vietnam conflict. There was a huge portion of the country that was opposed to the fact that troops were being sent to Asia to fight in a battle, that most felt we had not business in. Protests, many of them violent, were common. The singers that emerged from that period, particularly groups like Peter, Paul, and Mary, used music to show that there really was another way to protest that did not involve violence, but which actually encouraged peace and love. For some people it was the first time that they ever truly understood the power of a single song.

One of the things that many people do not understand about folk music, is that it is usually written to reflect a very specific period of time. That means that not only will the message always be a little different, but the style of the music will also vary. The older a folk song is, the harder it is going to be to find.

Writing songs can be a wonderful experience, even if you never intend on selling your music you will find that jotting down a song is an excellent way to express yourself and also get some relief from day to day tensions. It does not matter if you are a professional song writer, or just someone who like to occasionally play around with song writing, there are some basic tools that you are going to need.

The first thing you are going to want is a rhyming dictionary. A song that does not rhyme is not a song at all, but rather some free verse poetry that you have put to music. As a song, there is a really good chance that it will be horrible and difficult to follow. Trying to think of rhyming words by yourself will make your brain hurt. The rhyming dictionary will take your pain away. All you need to do is look up the word that you need to rhyme something with and your book should provide you with a list of options. When it comes to rhyming dictionaries, you are going to want to pick one that has lots of words. When you choose a rhyming work you need to make sure that it makes sense within the context of the song.

In addition to the rhyming dictionary you should also have a regular dictionary that is handy. The reason for the regular dictionary is so that you can look up a work and make sure that it is going to work within the context of the song. The other advantage of the regular dictionary is that it will provide you with details about how the word is supposed to be pronounced, as well as other ways to use the word in a sentence. Sometimes flipping through the pages of a dictionary can actually provide you with a word that can help your through a bout of song writer’s block.

Another thing that you really need to have is a thesaurus. The rhyming dictionary will only provide you with words that rhyme to a word you have decided to use. Sometimes you have managed to choose a word that cannot be rhymed to. When this happens you can look up other words that mean the same thing and try to see if something sounds better or if it has something that it can be rhymed with.  Once you have added these three tools to your toolbox, you will find that your song writing will improve.

Song writing is something that everyone should try their hand at. Even if you are no good, or you have no interest in ever getting one of your songs recorded, the act of writing a song can have a liberating effect on your soul. Writing music will help you in two ways.

The very first thing that song writing does is distract you from your problems. Coming up with a single verse is tough. It is going to require a great deal of focus, and you are going to find that you cannot write a song and also dwell on your problems, you will have to let them go, at least for a little while. When you are ready to return to the world, you might discover that you problems have worked themselves out, or that the break gave your brain enough time to come up with a good solution.

The second way that your soul is helped by you taking the time to write song writing is that you are allowed to express yourself, something that you cannot always do when you are using your mouth. When you speak to people, you have to think about what you say so that you never say something that you don’t regret and can’t take back. When it is just you and a piece of paper you are free to write whatever you want, getting your thoughts, feelings, and impressions out on a piece of paper is usually a cathartic experience. If you are writing a song as a means of getting an emotional release, you need to be very careful that you do not include anyone’s actual name in the lyrics. You do not want anyone accidently stumbling across the piece of paper. Just make up a new name to replace the name of the person you are mad at.

If you are able to sing, or play an instrument, a song can be a great gift, which comes in handy if your cash is tight during the holiday season. Your loved ones will be thrilled when you sit down and either sing or play a piece that you have written just for them. It will be one gift that you know they will never forget. Even if you did not write any music for your composition, you can always turn the lyrics into a poem that they will cherish forever.

When it came to speaking their thoughts, this group was not afraid to share their opinion. It was no secret how they felt about the Vietnam War and they were able to create a song list that reflected their thoughts as well as their phenomenal personalities. Although they are very well known, the group has never received the respect that they deserved. Even today, several decades after the group’s heyday, they are still able to unite generations and the lyrics of songs such as Where Have all the Flowers Gone, If I had a Hammer, and How Many Roads are still enough to convince people to think about human rights and the state of the world in general.

It was easy to look at this particular trio and blow them off as just another hippie band, however when this group took the stage it quickly became obvious that they were special. There were two things that set the group apart from other groups of folk singers who were protesting the war in Vietnam. The first thing was their harmonies. When they sang the three of their voices blended together so smoothly that they sounded like a band of angels, even today, you would be hard pressed to find a vocal group who harmonizes as well, and you certainly won’t find one that is able to do so with just a pair of guitars to provide the music.

The second thing that set this group apart from other bands was their stage presence. Peter, Paul, and Mary knew that their music was good enough to captivate their audience, but they also knew the value of a good laugh and were not the least bit afraid to clown around and joke on stage. When you listen to the three of them clowning it up on stage it is hard to believe that they are the same group that can sing a song like the Wedding Song, which is so beautiful that you actually forget to breathe, and even the most stoic person cannot help but be moved when Mary launches into her version of Jet Plane.

Despite all the great folk songs that Peter, Paul, and Mary released, the song that they are best known for is probably Puff the Magic Dragon. Technically, the song is a children’s song, but it is impossible to listen to the flowing lyrics and not feel a pain of loss while you think about your own childhood.

Without a doubt the most famous folk singer of all time was the late John Denver. During his too short life, Denver was able to use his voice and music to unite multiple generations of music lovers. Even today, his name is often one of the first ones mentioned when contemporary artists are asked to list their greatest influences, and young adults are still purchasing CD’s and downloading his songs.  Denver might not have enjoyed the same glittery celebrity status as rock icons like the Beatles and Elvis Presley, but he did prove that there was more than enough room in the world for folk music.

When John Denver decided that he wanted to be a solo artist during 1969 he put together a demo record for the record company. One of the songs that were included on the demo was none other than the amazing I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane. Even though it was on Denver’s demo album, the first musicians to officially cut the song were Peter, Paul, and Mary who got the song on Billboard.

During the seventies, Denver proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with. There was something about his quiet demeanor that seemed to speak to people, and made them want to listen to his stuff. It helped that his music, which was a little folksy was really good. During the course of his solo career Denver cut some songs that we are still singing today. These songs include I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane, Take me Home Country Roads, Annie’s Song, and Thank God I’m a Country Boy.

Denver’s people knew how to make the media work for them and were not ashamed to use television programs as a means for boosting Denver’s popularity and encouraging people to purchase his records He appeared on television programs all over the world. Interestingly enough, the appearances that are perhaps best remembered are the two times that Denver performed with the Muppets. During this time Denver became a very good friend of Muppets creator, Jim Henson.

Sadly, Denver was not able to make folk music forever. His life came quickly and unexpectedly to an end when the plane that he was flying crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Denver was only 53 years old at the time of his accident and his death shook the music world to its depths who speak of him and his music with a great deal of respect and love.