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1.1.2009
Happy 2009!!
A very Happy New Year to you! Our
donation goal this month is very low due to staggering donation
amounts in the month of December. Thanks, as always, to everyone
who kicked in to keep ASF Radio going.
12.27.2008
Wow - What a year!
When I think about everything that's
happened in 2008, my head spins. What a busy year we've had,
especially in the USA.
Here in Iowa, we saw record snowfall last winter followed by
spring rains and floods the like of which have not been seen in
over 500 years. The result was an evacuation of 20,000 people (in
a City of only 160,000) and Cedar Rapids featuring in the national
and international news for several days. Nine months later, the
affected areas of the City are still deserted, many are spending
this winter in FEMA trailers and the disaster cleanup continues.
My son turned 14 in May, and started High School this past Summer.
Yikes. I'm very proud of him, but there's also some sadness on my
part as I realize his childhood days are over.
This summer, I took some time away from work and I got to explore
a part of the USA that I had never visited before. I fell in love
with Wyoming, and spent two weeks exploring the West.
I also made a job change - the first employment change in 8 years
for me. It had to happen, but my new employers are great and very
supportive of ASF as well.
This Summer, I watched with fascination the Olympics in China. I'm
fully aware of China's record on human rights and I don't agree
with their government's position on a whole host of issues. But I
tend to disagree with the position of most governments when
push comes to shove, including our own.
For me, the Olympics wasn't political - it was a window into the
lives of the people of China, and growing up in the Cold
War era where the phrase Iron Curtain was common and communist
nations were viewed as evil and mysterious, I found it incredibly
interesting to see more of a world that, for much of my childhood,
was regarded as sinister and closed.
Most of us, regardless of where in the world we live, have
witnessed a global economic meltdown over the past 4 months and
watched any retirement and college investments we may have had
shrink at an alarming rate. Some of us ended the year unemployed.
Times are hard for many, but times have been hard before. The
resilience of mankind, and the kindness of neighbors and friends,
will surely help us through the next year.
The USA in 2008 made history by electing a presidential candidate
who is, regardless of your political persuasion, definitely a
different character from those who have gone before him. I guess I
have always considered myself more socially conservative than
liberal, but I followed the elections with interest and I'm not
disappointed that someone from my own generation will occupy the
White House in 2009. I only hope he lives up to expectations.
On the music royalty front, there was almost NO progress made on
the standoff between Internet Radio and SoundExchange. News of a
settlement may occur early in the new year though. I'm hopeful.
It's not easy to summarize a year in a few paragraphs. What with
hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires and other disasters both
natural and man-made, the year's certainly had it's share of
sadness. If you've been unaffected and you've had a good year,
give thanks - because so many haven't been as fortunate.
Me, I consider myself very lucky. I have family and friends, I'm
gainfully employed, and thanks to ASF, I have friendships that
span both the country, and the world. Whatever 2009 holds for us
all, I hope there's more music and less war. Here's hoping your
New Year is bright and full of possibilities. Thanks for reading,
and thanks for being part of the Atlantic Sound Factory.
Happy New Year!
~John
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Day in Rock Report
Highlights of today's top rock news stories from best sources across the web
The Full Day in Rock Report All of today's top music news stories
 
Don't Sleep With Your Bandmate's Girlfriend It's a slow news day so here is a PSA for all bands
 
Van Halen Auction A pair of Chevrolet classics from the personal collection of rock 'n' roll icon Eddie Van Halen will be sold at No Reserve
 
Britney's Vagina Monologue- Big Bopper Casket Auction- N Suck Reunion?- Danity Kane Porn- Sum 41 Producer Audition- Katy Perry Dumps Gym Class Zero? and more Today's roundup of quick music news stories.. plus some stuff about poptards.
 
Ohio Players Founder Robert Ward Dies Robert Ward, a Georgia blues musician who played with some of Motown's biggest artists, died Dec. 25.
 
Springsteen Guitar Hero and Giveaway You say the boss never gives you anything for free? Not so with The Boss
 
Kraftwerk Cofounder Quits Group the cofounder of legendary German electronica band Kraftwerk has quit
 
Heaven and Hell Looking At Spring Release Heaven and Hell guitarist Tony Iommi has issued an update on the band's new album
 
Jimmy Kimmel Live welcomes the following musical acts in January.
 
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