If You Don't Want My Kids To Join A Gang And Carjack You, Support Music Education Now!

I mean it!

If we all agree that "children are our future," why is ANYTHING being cut from school funding, ESPECIALLY in a down economy?

Who the hell thought THAT was a good idea?

In my own two kids' schools, so far, they've lost the last remaining theater teacher, and with him, the last tatters of the theatre program; band directors are being spread to thin over several schools instead of being dedicated to just one; The Endangered Instrument Program has run out of money - meaning many talented instructors are out of a job, and lots of kids are out of lessons; and Jazz Band has been demoted to Jazz Club. That means, the kids have to find their own way to school 2 hours before it starts with an over-worked instructor who can not even give them any class credit.

In my house, I'm still at work 2 hours before school, and that means, my kid can't go for the lack of a ride.

Yeah, I'm pissed.

But here's what we can do. Support MUSIC MATTERS. It's the Washington State Specialty License Plate project to fund music programs in public schools. And it's the brainchild of today's guests: Bob Tomberg, Reek Havok, Alan and Gigi White.

Here's the kicker: It costs the taxpayers NOTHING. It is VOLUNTARY.

GREAT NEWS is early January, Representative Simpson sponsored our bill and now 9 representatives are co-Sponsoring our bill HB2763.


BAD NEWS IS We are getting opposition from Representative Clibborn who might defeat the bill. Our organization, "Music Aid Northwest really needs your help. It will only take couple of minutes and the power of us all can help change the course of this and help create a self perpetuating funding for music education in Washington State Schools.


Here's what you can do;
1) EVERYONE CALL Rep. Clibborn (360) 786-7926 and ask her to support HB 2763 and help fund music education. You'll most likely get voice mail so leave your message there (Painless) Here's what you can say in your own words


(To Rep. Judy Clibborn) Please ask to support a hearing of HB 2763, a bill* sponsored by Reps. Simpson, Sells, Maxwell, Van De Wege, Miloscia, Kristiansen, Haigh, Kagi, and Chase. If approved, the bill would create a Music Matters special license plate to fund music programs in schools. Not only is HB 2763-Music Matters a part of the solution to the State's current budget crisis, but it will also be a direct advantage to Washington school children. Again, please ask Rep. Clibborn to allow a hearing on HB 2763.


2) EVERYONE CALL AND/OR Email your Local Representatives.
Legislative Hotline is (360) 562-6000.
Don't know who your Reps are? Visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx and follow the prompts.

For the record, Rep. Judy Clibburn has been invited to come on the show and explain why she is standing in the way of this bill, but has not bothered to respond as of this posting.

Here's where to go for more information and to sign the petition:

www.musicplates.org and www.musicaid.org .

It was a week of politics, but not political correctness on this week's Menage.

First, we outed Pat Robertson's bizarre, racist remarks regarding Haiti. We actually called his toll-free number to ask how much money the 700 Club has raised for Haitian relief so far, and what percentage of that money actually GOES THERE, instead of "administrative costs" -- but no answers. What a surprise. That number is 1-800-759-0700. (By the way, the God I believe in ain't short of cash, mister.)

The Menage actually recomends dontating through Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation. It's easy -- text yele to 501501 to donate $5.

Also this week, Judy Clibborn had the misfortune of getting on our radar, for blocking a bill that would fund music education in schools. We'll have a star-studded show next week, with representatives of Music Aid Northwest, to talk more in depth about HB 2763. In the meantime, Judy's number is (360) 786-7926. Full disclosure: her assistant was both rude and indiscreet to Julie. (Bad move, assistant.)

Representative Judy Clibburn is, of course, invited to come on the show and explain herself. We aren't holding our breath waiting for her to accept.

In happier news, I had a birthday and can now die a happy woman, since I went to hear George Clinton and P-Funk. The Mothership has landed! In my pants! Woohoo!

The next day, George Clinton came to me in a vision. He said, "If you can laugh all day everyday, you're better off than a millionaire."

Your thoughts?

Many thanks and mad love to our guests this week: Alex Meyer, The Big Funny Travis Simmons, Eddie Brill, Erik Rufer, Cisco McCarthy, Nancy Frieko, Danielle Radford, Greg Roth, Lucy Horton; all of our regular listeners, and everyone who listened for the first time.

Hug someone a little too long this weekend.

Love,
Jennifer and Julie
The Menage

People of the world -- MUSIC MATTERS. And MUSIC EDUCATION MATTERS. So why is Representative Judy Clibburn blocking a bill that could externally fund music education in schools?

EVERYONE CALL Rep. Clibborn (360) 786-7926 and ask her to support HB 2763 and help fund music education. You'll most likely get voice mail so leave your message there (Painless) Here's what you can say in your own words


(To Rep. Judy Clibborn) Please ask to support a hearing of HB 2763, a bill* sponsored by Reps. Simpson, Sells, Maxwell, Van De Wege, Miloscia, Kristiansen, Haigh, Kagi, and Chase. If approved, the bill would create a Music Matters special license plate to fund music programs in schools. Not only is HB 2763-Music Matters a part of the solution to the State's current budget crisis, but it will also be a direct advantage to Washington school children. Again, please ask Rep. Clibborn to allow a hearing on HB 2763.

Today's musical guest is a perfect example of how and why music in school matters. Lucy Horton is a young cutie patootie and a musical powerhouse... Find her cd, Lucy Sings, on i-tunes and myspace/LucyMHorton.com. It's a Sarah Barellies-esque sound with a sensitivity and depth that belies her youth.

She said today that she never would have been able to learn guitar and advanced so far vocally without the music programs in school.

Support Music Education! Do it now!

Big thanks to The Big Funny, Travis Simmons. Stay tuned for info about his next show.

If you missed this morning's show, no worries, you can catch it tonight at 7 pm on 1150 KKNW, and online at www.1150kknw.com.

Music, Laughter, and Love,

Jennifer & Julie

Happy New Year! Now Get Off Your Ass and Let's Make TV.

Hello Me Hearties!

Here's hoping your New Year is off to a fierce start! I'm typing slowly, because everything on my body is sore....but it's a GOOD kind of sore!

Julie and I are in on a new project that we're very excited about.... It has all the elements of an epic adventure! Sweat! Tears! Love! Angst! Jealousy! Rage! Love! Redemption! And total physical RESURRECTION!

That's right! We're participating with Susan Powter's Lifestyle Exchange Program and Actual Reality Show!

She's either going to kill us or make us stronger.

(At this point, it could go either way.)

Come join us -- it's actually a hell of a good time!

SusanPowterExercise@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

In the meantime, next week's show is a torrent of talent, musical and otherwise -- the delicious Nancy Frieko, a young sister who we think is the next big thing, Lucy Horton, soulful rock from The Stacy Jones Band, and the sassy, sexy, smart Seattle eco-blogger, Crunchy Chicken. Because who doesn't need a few tips to green your sex life?

You DID resolve to get in shape and have more sex this year, right?

Of course you did! We did too!

Love,

Jennifer and Julie