Basic Blonde Beliefs

Tackling Tuesday Conan Style

2012-10-02T04:32:00.001-07:00

I ran across this excerpt from Conan O'Brien's commencement address when he returned to address the graduating class of 2000 at Harvard University. He is brilliant, and funny and spot on. Carpe the damn diem my friends!

"Needless to say, I took a lot of criticism, some of it deserved, some of it excessive, and, to be honest with you, it hurt like you would not believe. But I’m telling you all this for a reason. I’ve had a lot of success. I’ve had a lot of failure. I’ve looked good. I’ve looked bad. I’ve been praised. And I’ve been criticized. But my mistakes have been necessary. I’ve dwelled on my failures today because, as graduates of Harvard, your biggest liability is your need to succeed, your need to always find yourself on the sweet side of the bell curve. Success is a lot like a bright white tuxedo. You feel terrific when you get it, but then you’re desperately afraid of getting it dirty, of spoiling it.

I left the cocoon of Harvard, I left the cocoon of Saturday Night Live, I left the cocoon of the Simpsons. And each time it was bruising and tumultuous. And yet every failure was freeing, and today I’m as nostalgic for the bad as I am for the good. So that’s what I wish for all of you—the bad as well as the good. Fall down. Make a mess. Break something occasionally. Know that your mistakes are your own unique way of getting to where you need to be. And remember that the story is never over."

To Thine Own Self Be True

2012-09-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

So okay.... I've been having a serious debate with myself over the past couple of weeks regarding whether or not I should delete my Facebook account. It seems to have become a vehicle for people to market their goods and to impress on others how frickin', utterly fabulous they are. I'll be the first to admit, in the past, I've been guilty of using it to market my business. In retrospect, while it garnered me lots of business it also probably annoyed the shit out many of my friends. My bad. Unfortunately, it has become so inundated with self-indulgent crap that it is barely recognizable as the site it used to be. A site for people to connect & reconnect. For instance, take my "friend" (& I use the term loosely) we'll call her Janine. Janine is a nice enough, albeit very shallow and dare I say uneducated woman. Not the smartest cookie in the jar and as fake as a set of solar nails. She inevitably mispells at least one word in every post and she constantly extolls what a fantastic, benevolent "leader" she is. Problem is Janine has a tendency to not show up when she's supposed to,take all the credit even when she doesn't deserve it, and wouldn't know how to lead if her life depended on it. I dare say, I know a ton of people who would love to "lead" Janine to the edge of a cliff and watch her fly....because she's special...and she knows much more about life and every situation than we do...and she cares...Urghhh!!! and she's a phony. So... to Facebook or not to Facebook that is the question. I'm sure I'll keep my account, mainly in order to keep up with the people I'm genuinely interested in. Someone said to just "unfriend" the people I don't like. Hmmm.....tempting, until I realize that I've somehow accumulated over 1200 "friends", many of them just like Janine. The thought of going through and deleting them one by one is daunting but somehow profoundly cathartic. So here's to the future. A future with a lot less "friends". Shakespeare said "to thine own self be true". Here's to you and all my other fake friends Janine! One, two, three fly! Now I feel better.

A MUST READ for Women-Through a Rapist's Eyes

2012-01-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is actually really interesting ‎”THROUGH A RAPIST’S EYES” (PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS. It may save a life.) It seems that alot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many people know how to take care of themselves when faced with such a situation. Everyone should read this especially each n every girl in this world. THOUGHT THIS WAS GOOD INFO TO PASS ALONG… FYI - Through a rapist’s eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts: 1] The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun! , braid, or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets. 2] The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who’s clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing. 3] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered. 4] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots. 5] Number two is office parking lots/garages. 6] Number three is public restrooms. 7] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don’t have to worry about getting caught. 8] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn’t worth it because it will be time-consuming. 9] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands. 10] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you’re not worth it. —————————————————————————————- POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER: 1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: can’t believe it is so cold out here, we’re in for a bad winter. Now that you’ve seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target. 2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they’d leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target. 3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent. 4] If someone grabs you, you can’t beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts. 5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy’s parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you’ll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of trouble. Start causing trouble, and he’s out of there. 6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly. 7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don’t dismiss it, go with your instincts. You may feel little silly at the time, but you’d feel much worse if the guy really was trouble. —————————————————————————————- FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL: I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be some, where you will go “hmm I must remember that” After reading forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in. 1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it. 2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans : if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you…. chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! 3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives. 4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping,eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON’T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS , LEAVE. 5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be hiding at the passenger side , peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. ( DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB) . b. If you! u are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. c. Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.) 6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot). 7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN! 8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked “for help” into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim. Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it’s better safe than sorry. If u have a heart or compassion reblog this post. ‘Helping hands are better than Praying Lips’ – give us your helping hand. LET EVERY GIRL KNOW. Your one reblog can help to spread this information.

Rich O'Toole & Jake the Merch Guy Ride into Dodge City

2011-11-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a fast & furious Friday in Dodge City, Kansas. Rich O'Toole and his posse will be riding into town, leavin' names and takin' no prisoners! This talented Texas rising star will be featuring a variety of old and new songs with plenty off his newest album, "Kiss of a Liar."

Be on the lookout for Jake the Merch Guy slangin' merch and payin' tribute to Wyatt Earp. And don't forget to tell him that his mama back in Texas sends her love.

Rich O'Toole, Josh Abbott Band & Jake the Merch Guy @ The Grenada

2011-11-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Lawrence Kansas, Rich O'Toole & Josh Abbott Band are in the house and it's gonna be a night to remember! Get ready for some gritty, passionate country rock from these two talented Texas performers. Backed up by bands that will make you glad you came, O'Toole & Abbott are two of the fastest young rising stars in country music.

As usual, Jake the Merch Guy will also be on hand, slangin' merch and chattin' it up with fans. So get on over to The Grenada and don't forget to tell Jake the Merch Guy his mama sends her love.

Rich O'Toole & Jake the Merch Guy on Tour

2011-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
Jake the Merch Guy & Rich O'Toole are coming to a venue near you!
Get ready for a rowdy, rockin', good time!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011
8.0's (95.9 The Ranch Free Music Series)
111 East 3rd, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Set: 7:30 PM
All Ages

Thursday, September 29, 2011
Ft. Bend County Fair (ACOUSTIC) w/ Brandon Rhyder
4310 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg, TX 77471
281-342-6171 Set: 8:00 PM
All Ages

One reviewer of Rich's new album "Kiss of a Liar" writes~ "I am so excited about what this album could do for Rich’s career. It has a lot of songs that could be singles and it's great from start to finish! I look forward to watching what this album does for him and I also look forward to hearing more out of him in the future. Whether you were a fan of his before or not you should definitely pick up this album!"

For more information about Rich's new album or tour schedule visit http://richotoole.com

And don't forget to tell Jake the Merch Guy that his mama sends her love.

Jake the Merch Guy Joins Rich O'Toole

2011-09-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

This just in! Jake the Merch Guy is all healed and ready to hit the road again. Jake has landed with Texas' own Rich O'Toole & he's anxious to connect with all Rich's fans.

Rich O’Toole is honest to goodness Texas talent with a spicy presence in his music that can only be found hailing from a state that has a reputation for everything being bigger – and Rich proves this rumor true with huge lyrical passion, a gigantic portion of daring subject matter that’ll leave any listener wide-eyed, and massive on-stage energy. This energy hasn’t fallen one bit even after four ...years of touring nationally. It’s only increased, and for Rich, that’s the plan for the rest of his career. Rich’s new record showcases passion, mixed with honest songwriting, and spun into guitar driven country/rock melodies that are noticeably present in his latest single “The Cricket Song”, released in February. This single is only one of many on the record that beg each listener to be a part of Rich’s story and sometimes, the story pushes the envelope without tipping it over. Crowd-favorite “Marijuana & Jalapenos” is a Texas anthem that’ll have you trying to grin around the tongue in your cheek.

This never-give-up mantra has led Rich to accumulate a die-hard and dedicated fan base over his years of touring who could sing every word to each song on the night’s set list. Night after night, he offers audiences an energetic and intimate performance that could only be described as “Bruce Springsteen meets Country Music” and if you ask him what it is that fuels these performances and his recent success, he’ll reply with one word: passion. “If I didn’t love playing city after city so much, I wouldn’t do it. There’ll be times when I leave the stage soakin’ wet because of how much energy the crowd and I shared.” Intriguing song content, melodies that will have you riding on verve, and the determination to present an ever-increasing on-stage dynamism to audiences across the U.S. make Rich O’Toole a Country Rock force to watch out for.

Rich will be at the Catfish & Country Concert w/ Brandon Rhyder in Sulphur Springs TX Saturday Night. Are you ready??

And oh yeah, tell Jake the Merch Guy his mama sends her love.

Looking for Army Wives Who Want to Lose Weight & Make Money From Home

2011-08-20T08:57:00.001-07:00

Do you need to find a way to make a little extra money each month? What would you do with an extra $500 a month? Are you looking for work, but just can't find anyone that is hiring? I can help!

My name is Susan Langerud & I am a Distributor for a line of health & wellness products called Xyngular. I've lost 35 pounds and have kept it off for over a year. I have so much more energy and I haven't felt this good in years. I actually became a Distributor because so many people wanted to know how I was losing the weight. I am a real person, a product of the products, not a celebrity being paid to endorse or tweet about a product.

Now for the tie in to the Army! My son in law is a Staff Sargeant and a sniper in the Army. Through some of my daughter's friends on Post, I've put together an incredible team of real life Army Wives and they are absolutely rockin' out their businesses, from home. They're all losing weight, feeling great and making money while their husbands are deployed. Trust me, their hubbies are not going to recognize them when they get home, and the guys are already so excited to have that second stream of income coming in. It's been such a blessing to be able to help so many people.

If you are at all interested in hearing more about this opportunity, I'd love to tell you more about it. Just go to my website and fill out the contact form. Be sure to notate that you want more information on becoming a Distributor and I will personally get back to you.

Trust me when I say that this could really change your life. It has changed mine and I can't wait to share it with as many people as possible.

All the best,

Susan

Hayes Carll Helps Jake the Merch Guy

2011-08-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my son Jake was recently on tour with the fabulous Hayes Carll. He was selling merchandise for Hayes and quickly developed a following of fans keeping up with the adventures of Jake the Merch Guy.

About a month ago Hayes & the guys decided to play a game of basketball before a gig at the Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado Springs. Jake went to block a shot on Hayes and one of the guys inadvertently ran into him and took his feet out from under him. Jake walked away from that game with basically what amounts to two broken arms! He has a broken left arm and a chipped right elbow and has regretfully had to suspend touring with Hayes and the band.

Fast forward to today. Jake has been unable to work since the accident and his bills are piling up. He's been stressing about how he's going to be able to pay his rent, utilities and medical bills.

Last week I got a call from Hayes' manager Mike Crowley of Crowley Artist Management. He informed me that Hayes wanted to try and help Jake while he was unable to work. He went on to tell me that they had designed a "Jake the Merch Guy" tee shirt and placed it in the "STORE" on Hayes' website. Here is what you'll see if you go to Hayes' website.

$30 DONATION TO HELP JAKE "THE MERCH GUY" AND RECEIVE A T-SHIRT!

A vital and important member of the Hayes Carll team has fallen on some hard times (and some hard pavement) after a basketball game with the band. Faced with two (yes, two) broken arms, Jake is unable to work and faced with numerous medical bills and expenses. We're offering three donation categories in hopes that you can help us to help Jake! $25 of the donation goes to Jake Langerud and only $5 goes towards a t-shirt (plus shipping and handling) with the "two cast" logo as seen on this page, which are currently on back order and will be shipped ASAP.

To say that I am grateful to Hayes and his team would be a major understatement. I mean, here's an extremely busy artist, on his way up and he takes the time to do something like this for a 20 year old kid. He could have just said that he was sorry it happened and left it at that, and unfortunately a lot of people probably would have done just that. Jake always raved about what a good person Hayes is and I must say that I agree with him 100%. I am so impressed with his integrity & character, and am proud that my son got the chance to work for him and more importantly, learn a life lesson from him.

The next time somebody tells you that there are no good people left in the world, tell them about Hayes Carll and his heart of gold. I've always taught my kids that when you do good things for people, good things will come back to you. Here's hoping that a million good things are headed Hayes Carll's way.

To learn more about Hayes Carll or to purchase your very own limited edition "Jake the Merch Guy" tee shirt go to: http://hayescarll.com

I BELIEVE in the good in all people.

The Continuing Adventures of Hayes Carll & "Jake the Merch Guy"

2011-07-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

Hayes Carll's Helps Out Injured Jake the Merch Guy

2011-07-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my son Jake was recently on tour with the fabulous Hayes Carll. He was selling merchandise for Hayes and quickly developed a following of fans keeping up with the adventures of Jake the Merch Guy.

About a month ago Hayes & the guys decided to play a game of basketball before a gig at the Chico Basin Ranch in Colorado Springs. Jake went to block a shot on Hayes and one of the guys inadvertently ran into him and took his feet out from under him. Jake walked away from that game with basically what amounts to two broken arms! He has a broken left arm and a chipped right elbow and has regretfully had to suspend touring with Hayes and the band.

Fast forward to today. Jake has been unable to work since the accident and his bills are piling up. He's been stressing about how he's going to be able to pay his rent, utilities and medical bills.

This morning I got a call from Hayes' manager Mike Crowley of Crowley Artist Management. He informed me that Hayes wanted to try and help Jake while he was unable to work. He went on to tell me that they had designed a "Jake the Merch Guy" tee shirt and placed it in the "STORE" on Hayes' website. Here is what you'll see if you go to Hayes' website.

$30 DONATION TO HELP JAKE "THE MERCH GUY" AND RECEIVE A T-SHIRT!

A vital and important member of the Hayes Carll team has fallen on some hard times (and some hard pavement) after a basketball game with the band. Faced with two (yes, two) broken arms, Jake is unable to work and faced with numerous medical bills and expenses. We're offering three donation categories in hopes that you can help us to help Jake! $25 of the donation goes to Jake Langerud and only $5 goes towards a t-shirt (plus shipping and handling) with the "two cast" logo as seen on this page, which are currently on back order and will be shipped ASAP.

To say that I am grateful to Hayes and his team would be a major understatement. I mean, here's an extremely busy artist, on his way up and he takes the time to do something like this for a 20 year old kid. He could have just said that he was sorry it happened and left it at that, and unfortunately a lot of people probably would have done just that. Jake always raved about what a good person Hayes is and I must say that I agree with him 100%. I am so impressed with his integrity & character, and am proud that my son got the chance to work for him and more importantly, learn a life lesson from him.

The next time somebody tells you that there are no good people left in the world, tell them about Hayes Carll and his heart of gold. I've always taught my kids that when you do good things for people, good things will come back to you. Here's hoping that a million good things are headed Hayes Carll's way.

To learn more about Hayes Carll or to purchase your very own limited edition "Jake the Merch Guy" tee shirt go to: http://hayescarll.com

I BELIEVE in the good in all people.

In Memory of Sweet Honey

2011-06-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today the world lost a beautiful, spirited happy go lucky dog, and Heaven gained an angel. We had to put our sweet Honey to rest today as she was in a state of decline and it was the right, humane thing to do. Somehow that doesn't make it any easier. Honey was with us for almost 11 years and to say she will be missed is the understatement of the century.

We'll always have such fond memories of her swimming in our pool,eating Kitty's food, bolting out the front door each & every time it was open, and watching Jake & his friends chase after her like wild men! She had a weird but adorable habit of chasing shadows and would do it all day if you let her, and she could jump half-way up a 10 foot tree to try & catch a squirrel or a bird.

She was a friend to the kids and watched them grow up and leave the nest. She was the best companion for her little sister Coco and she even always made sure Kitty was included.

We all go through difficult times in our lives, and I can honestly say that Honey got me through some not so happy times. She always made me feel better and would have me smiling in no time! I feel privelaged and blessed to have been her Mom for a short while and hope that she'll make another lucky family happy in her next life.

Poet John Galsworthy once wrote "Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many of our lives."

Rest in Peace Honey Marie Langerud. You were loved. Until we meet again.

Hayes Carll & Merch Kid Jake in Winter, Calif.

2011-05-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

The adventures of Jake the Merch Kid continue as he tours the magic road with one of Texas' hottest singer sensations currently on tour, Hayes Carll. Catch a show you'll not soon forget tonight at The Palm, in beautiful Winters, California.

Carll is considered an important figure in the resurgence of Texas songwriters, writing in the Dylan-influenced tradition of Clark and Townes Van Zandt. His songs combined ragged tunes with autobiographical lyrics, including themes about lazy solitude, strumming his guitar, and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He lists Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Jack Kerouac and Dead Poets Society as major influences in his style. He has performed many times on the Imus show and Austin City Limits, and recently brought down the house on The Jay Leno Show. His newest full length album, KMAG YOYO (& other American Stories) is enjoying excellent reviews from critics all over the world.

To see if Hayes & his awesome band are coming to a city near you, just go to hayescarll.com and click on the TOUR button. I promise you, once you experience one of Hayes' shows, you'll become a fan for life!

and oh yeah, be sure & tell Merch Kid Jake that his mama sends her love.

BELIEVE~

Everything I Learned About Men I Learned From My Dog

2011-04-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

From the book "Everything I Learned About Men I Learned from My Dog".....

Translated for all us wild women:

Hey ladies~ Even when it comes to men, you just gotta BELIEVE~

Can You Guess Who This Is? It Ain't Hayes Carll!

2011-04-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Why it kinda looks like Jake the Merch Guy before he began his Cracker Barrel tour with Texas' coolest country outlaw, Hayes Carll.

Check him out live & in person as he sells his wares tonight for Hayes & Shovels & Rope at The Stage Door Theater in Charlotte, NC.
Get there early and plan on staying late. Hayes & his band put on a show you won't soon forget!

To buy tickets or purchase a copy of Hayes Carll's critically acclaimed album, KMAG YOYO go to hayescarll.com

Hayes Carll, Shovels & Rope & Merch Guy Jake Head to Charlotte

2011-04-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

KAMG YOYO Album Review as posted in Pop & Hiss~The L.A. Times Music Blog

You can’t listen to this freewheeling Texas singer and songwriter long without becoming thoroughly convinced that he’s a full-blooded relative of Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb and Merle Haggard. Waylon Jennings’ famous observation about Grand Ole Opry standard-bearer Porter Wagoner -- “he couldn’t go pop with a mouthful of firecrackers" -- is equally true of Hayes Carll. There’s an unself-conscious commitment to his rural Southern heritage in everything he sings.

He spins a yarn with fresh wit, details a failure with unflinching honesty, and everything in between remains admirably cliché-free.

“Hard Out Here” breathes life into the well-trod genre of life on the road. Carll confesses: “Everybody’s talking 'bout the shape I’m in/They say, ‘Boy you ain’t a poet, you’re just a drunk with a pen’/It gets hard out here, I know it don’t look it/I used to have heart, but the highway took it.” "Chances Are” is a classic country weeper that exhibits the revealing, economical turn of phrase that writers such as Haggard, Willie Nelson and John Prine have mastered: “Chances are I took the wrong turn every time I had a turn to take/And I guess I broke my own heart every chance I had a heart to break.”

Carll is every bit as expressive a singer as he is a writer, drawling his trenchant observations with deceptive ease. The phrase “the real deal” is bandied about a lot in country music, but in Carll’s case, as Walter Brennan used to say, it’s “no brag, just fact.”
--Randy Lewis

Shovels & Rope will open for Hayes tonight at the Stage Door Theater in Beautiful Charlotte, NC. Get there early and say hello to Jake the Merch Guy, and don't forget to tell him that his mama sends her love.

To buy tickets or get your hands on a copy of KMAG YOYO, go to hayescarll.com

Always remember to BELIEVE~

Hayes Carll @ The Disc Exchange & Jake the Merch Guy

2011-04-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Knoxville! Hurry & get on over to the Disc Exchange. Hayes Carll will be rocking the stage live in honor of record store day today @ 4:00 PM. Then the party continues tonight @ The Shed in Maryville. Meet Hayes up close & personal and take a pic with Jake the Merch Guy. These guys are about to take over the world and you'll be able to say "I knew them when"...

I'm just sayin".....

Hayes Carll, Shovels & Rope & Merch Guy Jake Head to Maryville

2011-04-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hayes Carll is killin' it all over Tennessee. Get your tickets and get your happy asses to The Shed for tonight's sure to be awesome, over the top performance. It promises to be a rip roarin' Saturday night and if you get there early, you may even get Jake the Merch Guy to sign an autograph or two.

Always remember to BELIEVE, and oh yeah, tell Jake the Merch Guy that his mama sends her love.

For tickets & the Tour Schedule go to hayescarll.com

Hayes Carll, Shovels & Rope & Merch Guy Jake Head to Louisville

2011-04-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

What a way to start the weekend! The phenomenal Hayes Carll & company will be throwin' it down tonight at Headliners in Louisville, Kentucky. Carll & Shovels & Rope continue to please the large, rowdy crowds that are gathering for every performance.

To get your ticket or a copy of Hayes' newest full length critically acclaimed album KMAG YOYO, go to hayescarll.com.

Look for Jake the Merch Guy and don't forget to tell him that his mama sends her love.

BELIEVE~

Hayes Carll, Shovels & Rope & Merch Guy Jake

2011-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Nashville!!! Get on over to the Mercy Lounge to see the dynamic Hayes Carll, Shovels & Rope & Jake the Merch Guy! Sounds like a party to me!!!

Nashville Ready for Hayes Carll & Jake the Merch Guy

2011-04-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

If you're anywhere near The Mercy Lounge in Nashville, you're in for a treat. Tonight, Texas' own Hayes Carll will be performing his magic, while Jake the Merch Guy sells his wares.

Carll is considered an important figure in the resurgence of Texas songwriters, writing in the Dylan-influenced tradition of Clark and Townes Van Zandt. His songs combined ragged tunes with autobiographical lyrics, including themes about lazy solitude, strumming his guitar, and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He lists Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Jack Kerouac and Dead Poets Society as major influences in his style. He has performed many times on the Imus show and Austin City Limits, and recently brought down the house on The Jay Leno Show. His newest full length album, KMAG YOYO (& other American Stories) is enjoying excellent reviews from critics all over the world.

So do yourself a favor and get on over to The Mercy Lounge tonight.

and don't forget to tell Jake the Merch Guy that his mama sends her love!

To buy tickets or get your hands on a copy of Hayes' new album KMAG YOYO, go to hayescarll.com

Merch Guy photo courtesy of Christopher Durst.

New Adventures of Hayes Carll & Jake the Merch Kid

2011-04-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

The adventures of Jake the Merch Kid continue as he experiences the world with one of Texas' hottest singer sensations currently on tour, Hayes Carll.

Carll is considered an important figure in the resurgence of Texas songwriters, writing in the Dylan-influenced tradition of Clark and Townes Van Zandt. His songs combined ragged tunes with autobiographical lyrics, including themes about lazy solitude, strumming his guitar, and drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He lists Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine, Jack Kerouac and Dead Poets Society as major influences in his style. He has performed many times on the Imus show and Austin City Limits, and recently brought down the house on The Jay Leno Show. His newest full length album, KMAG YOYO (& other American Stories) is enjoying excellent reviews from critics all over the world.

To see if Hayes & his awesome band are coming to a city near you, just go to hayescarll.com and click on the TOUR button. I promise you, once you experience one of Hayes' shows, you'll become a fan for life!

and oh yeah, be sure and tell Jake the Merch Kid that his mama sends her love!

Always remember to BELIEVE~

Hayes Carll lands hot new Merch Kid!

2011-04-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

KMAG YOYO. Listen to it. Live it. Buy it now. Hayes Carll.com

Hey guys! I am one proud mama! My son Jake is on tour with singer Hayes Carll. Hayes has begun posting pictures with all of "Jake the Merch Kid's" firsts, and people are loving it! Go to Hayes Carll's fan page on Facebook and take a look. Also, if you like what you see hit the "Like" button.

Hey Hollywood! Think Jake looks familiar? That's because he played "Henry", Shirley MacClaine's great grandson in the sequel to the Terms of Endearment. The movie was titled Evening Star and Jake has the last line in the movie. As the movie comes to an end, Jake looks up from the piano and says "I like music, it's my favorirte thing." Now how ironic is that?

Jake the Merch Kid is chasing his dream! You gotta remember, anything's possible if you just BELIEVE~

This is CRAZY good! Compare these 2 pics

2011-03-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sweet daughter kidnapped me and we went to Galveston. I threw on this shirt as a cover up and she freaked out! She said that the last time I had worn it I was noticeably heavier and suggested that we take a picture to compare. I must admit, even I was a little shocked when I put the two pictures side by side.

I've lost 34 pounds with a line of products called Xyngular and am so very happy that I stumbled upon them. I believe in these products so much that I became a distributor and am loving helping others lose weight & feel great, just like me. Please go to my website for more information. It's never too late to start your very own personal success story!

www.http://shapeupwithsusan.com

All you gotta do is BELIEVE~

I'm Just Thankful To Be Alive

2011-03-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to offer my heartfelt condolences to the people of Japan. This song feels especially poignant and I for one, am not taking anything in life for granted.

Even when it all feels so hopeless, always remember to BELIEVE~