1 00:00:09,800 --> 00:00:11,819 An Austin doctor is using vinyl 2 00:00:11,820 --> 00:00:13,839 records to help patients cope with 3 00:00:13,840 --> 00:00:15,579 serious illnesses and difficult 4 00:00:15,580 --> 00:00:16,999 treatments. 5 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:18,599 KUT's Olivia Aldridge has a look at 6 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:20,459 how music is helping in the healing 7 00:00:20,460 --> 00:00:21,699 process. 8 00:00:21,700 --> 00:00:23,179 And Texans have access to some of 9 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:25,099 the best bird-watching opportunities 10 00:00:25,100 --> 00:00:26,299 in the country. 11 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:27,699 We'll go behind the scenes of an 12 00:00:27,700 --> 00:00:29,639 annual census of the area's bird 13 00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:30,640 population. 14 00:00:31,940 --> 00:00:34,019 The Austin Signal is a production of 15 00:00:34,020 --> 00:00:36,159 KUT News, hosted by Syeda 16 00:00:36,160 --> 00:00:37,039 Carrillo. 17 00:00:37,040 --> 00:00:38,539 You may have spotted him stopping 18 00:00:38,540 --> 00:00:40,359 for photos with fans outside the 19 00:00:40,360 --> 00:00:42,019 Paramount Theater or the Continental 20 00:00:42,020 --> 00:00:43,079 Club. 21 00:00:43,080 --> 00:00:45,039 Austin's Santa on horseback, 22 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:46,919 Samuel Gray Horse, is back in 23 00:00:46,920 --> 00:00:49,379 the saddle after a difficult year. 24 00:00:49,380 --> 00:00:51,559 KUT's Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Fasquez 25 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:53,419 brings us his story. 26 00:00:53,420 --> 00:00:55,159 That and much more coming up today 27 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:56,259 on Austin Signal. 28 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:10,499 Merry Christmas Eve, Austin. 29 00:01:10,500 --> 00:01:11,699 I'm Syeda Carrillo. 30 00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:13,359 This is Austin Signal. 31 00:01:13,360 --> 00:01:15,279 Great to have you with us. 32 00:01:15,280 --> 00:01:17,179 The holiday season is a time 33 00:01:17,180 --> 00:01:19,179 of celebration and rest for many 34 00:01:19,180 --> 00:01:20,999 of us, but for those who are 35 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:22,559 struggling with an illness, it can 36 00:01:22,560 --> 00:01:24,899 be particularly difficult. 37 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:26,859 KUT's Olivia Aldridge tells us about 38 00:01:26,860 --> 00:01:28,719 how a doctor and a team of 39 00:01:28,720 --> 00:01:30,559 volunteers at Dell Seton Medical 40 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:32,479 Center in downtown Austin are 41 00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:34,299 bringing a little bit of cheer and 42 00:01:34,300 --> 00:01:35,719 comfort to patients and their 43 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:36,609 families. 44 00:01:36,610 --> 00:01:38,349 With the help of good old-fashioned 45 00:01:38,350 --> 00:01:39,350 vinyl records. 46 00:01:40,980 --> 00:01:42,959 Tyler Jorgensen started all this 47 00:01:42,960 --> 00:01:44,459 a few years ago. 48 00:01:44,460 --> 00:01:46,119 He had just begun his palliative 49 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:47,759 care fellowship at Dell Medical 50 00:01:47,760 --> 00:01:48,659 School. 51 00:01:48,660 --> 00:01:50,579 After years of working in emergency 52 00:01:50,580 --> 00:01:52,219 medicine, he'd now be helping 53 00:01:52,220 --> 00:01:54,419 patients manage difficult ongoing 54 00:01:54,420 --> 00:01:56,299 conditions, including some 55 00:01:56,300 --> 00:01:57,899 at the end of life. 56 00:01:57,900 --> 00:01:59,559 And there was this one patient he 57 00:01:59,560 --> 00:02:01,259 was having trouble making a 58 00:02:01,260 --> 00:02:02,259 connection with. 59 00:02:02,260 --> 00:02:03,599 I felt like he was really struggling 60 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:05,419 and suffering and just seemed very 61 00:02:05,420 --> 00:02:07,599 isolated and one day just 62 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:09,418 had this idea to like play a little 63 00:02:09,419 --> 00:02:10,929 classic rock with him. 64 00:02:10,930 --> 00:02:12,769 The boys are back in town, the 65 00:02:12,770 --> 00:02:14,030 boys are Back in town 66 00:02:18,070 --> 00:02:20,209 Jorgensen harnessed the power of 67 00:02:20,210 --> 00:02:22,169 Thin Lizzy and watched the patient 68 00:02:22,170 --> 00:02:23,819 begin to change. 69 00:02:23,820 --> 00:02:25,859 This guy, this patient, who was 70 00:02:25,860 --> 00:02:27,799 totally walled off, completely came 71 00:02:27,800 --> 00:02:28,749 out of his shell. 72 00:02:28,750 --> 00:02:30,529 He started telling Jorgensen old 73 00:02:30,530 --> 00:02:32,429 stories about his life, and being 74 00:02:32,430 --> 00:02:34,169 honest and vulnerable about the 75 00:02:34,170 --> 00:02:36,189 health challenges he was facing and 76 00:02:36,190 --> 00:02:38,049 how he felt about them. 77 00:02:38,050 --> 00:02:40,029 And it just struck me that all 78 00:02:40,030 --> 00:02:40,949 this time I've been practicing 79 00:02:40,950 --> 00:02:42,629 medicine, and there's such a 80 00:02:42,630 --> 00:02:43,849 powerful tool that is almost 81 00:02:43,850 --> 00:02:46,069 universal to the human experience, 82 00:02:46,070 --> 00:02:47,149 which is music, and I've never 83 00:02:47,150 --> 00:02:48,659 tapped into it. 84 00:02:48,660 --> 00:02:50,219 He asked his supervisors if he could 85 00:02:50,220 --> 00:02:52,299 make a project of it, music therapy 86 00:02:52,300 --> 00:02:54,579 with a novel delivery system, 87 00:02:54,580 --> 00:02:56,239 an old school record player on a 88 00:02:56,240 --> 00:02:57,659 rolling cart. 89 00:02:57,660 --> 00:02:59,539 Today, he keeps one in an office at 90 00:02:59,540 --> 00:03:01,399 Dalceton, along with a growing 91 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:03,460 collection of 60 or so records. 92 00:03:05,220 --> 00:03:06,519 A little of his handbob. 93 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:08,839 Ha ha ha 94 00:03:08,840 --> 00:03:09,879 ha. Charlie Brown. 95 00:03:09,880 --> 00:03:10,880 Charlie Brown? 96 00:03:12,140 --> 00:03:14,259 This is home base for the ATX 97 00:03:14,260 --> 00:03:15,999 vinyl program. 98 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:17,499 Volunteers check in with the nursing 99 00:03:17,500 --> 00:03:19,339 staff to see who might benefit from 100 00:03:19,340 --> 00:03:20,899 some music that day. 101 00:03:20,900 --> 00:03:22,499 And they ask the patient or their 102 00:03:22,500 --> 00:03:24,479 family what kind of music might be 103 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:25,919 special to them. 104 00:03:25,920 --> 00:03:28,319 UT Austin sophomore, Daniela Vargas, 105 00:03:28,320 --> 00:03:29,320 is lead volunteer. 106 00:03:30,380 --> 00:03:31,039 We get. 107 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:33,279 To curate kind of their 108 00:03:33,280 --> 00:03:35,239 playlist for the 109 00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:37,219 evening and then we 110 00:03:37,220 --> 00:03:39,419 get to take the vinyl and 111 00:03:39,420 --> 00:03:41,399 the record player and set 112 00:03:41,400 --> 00:03:43,579 it up leave it there and 113 00:03:43,580 --> 00:03:45,459 kind of let the patient 114 00:03:45,460 --> 00:03:47,460 just be there with the music. 115 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:57,759 Fleetwood Mac's Rumors is the most 116 00:03:57,760 --> 00:03:59,539 popular album in the collection, 117 00:03:59,540 --> 00:04:01,479 with Etta James, Willie Nelson, 118 00:04:01,480 --> 00:04:03,339 and John Denver also getting a 119 00:04:03,340 --> 00:04:04,819 lot of play. 120 00:04:04,820 --> 00:04:06,099 This time of year, the Vince 121 00:04:06,100 --> 00:04:07,679 Guaraldi trio's A Charlie Brown 122 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:10,219 Christmas is also a hit. 123 00:04:10,220 --> 00:04:12,159 But 64-year-old patient Pamela 124 00:04:12,160 --> 00:04:14,199 Mansfield had different ideas when 125 00:04:14,200 --> 00:04:15,859 the record player came by her room 126 00:04:15,860 --> 00:04:17,539 last week. 127 00:04:17,540 --> 00:04:18,540 Don't have 128 00:04:21,510 --> 00:04:22,510 What 129 00:04:23,260 --> 00:04:25,659 Definitely no Christmas music. 130 00:04:25,660 --> 00:04:27,339 Country all the way. 131 00:04:27,340 --> 00:04:29,499 Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, 132 00:04:29,500 --> 00:04:31,099 George Jones. 133 00:04:31,100 --> 00:04:32,039 I've been tasting New Year's. 134 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:33,799 Then on the other hand, ehhh. 135 00:04:35,990 --> 00:04:37,990 I think my picker's broken. 136 00:04:42,730 --> 00:04:44,529 Mansfield has been through a lot 137 00:04:44,530 --> 00:04:46,309 this year. She had a pretty serious 138 00:04:46,310 --> 00:04:48,349 fall in April, followed by six 139 00:04:48,350 --> 00:04:49,649 neck surgeries. 140 00:04:49,650 --> 00:04:51,269 But it hasn't diminished her sense 141 00:04:51,270 --> 00:04:52,949 of humor, and though she's still 142 00:04:52,950 --> 00:04:54,549 working to regain much of her 143 00:04:54,550 --> 00:04:56,189 mobility after her most recent 144 00:04:56,190 --> 00:04:58,069 surgery, she finds a way to 145 00:04:58,070 --> 00:05:00,309 move to the music, her feet swaying 146 00:05:00,310 --> 00:05:01,310 in time. 147 00:05:02,040 --> 00:05:04,459 That seems to be the worst part is 148 00:05:04,460 --> 00:05:06,179 the stiffness in my ankles and then 149 00:05:06,180 --> 00:05:07,559 no feeling in the hands and I'd be 150 00:05:07,560 --> 00:05:08,560 good to go. 151 00:05:10,650 --> 00:05:12,009 My music makes everything better. 152 00:05:19,370 --> 00:05:20,370 Yes 153 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:22,819 This is the music of Mansfield's 154 00:05:22,820 --> 00:05:23,879 childhood. 155 00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:25,579 She says it reminds her of when her 156 00:05:25,580 --> 00:05:27,379 parents were alive. 157 00:05:27,380 --> 00:05:29,139 Dr. Jorgensen says it's that 158 00:05:29,140 --> 00:05:31,239 nostalgic quality that makes music 159 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:33,379 and particularly vinyl records 160 00:05:33,380 --> 00:05:34,929 effective. 161 00:05:34,930 --> 00:05:36,449 I think of this record player as a 162 00:05:36,450 --> 00:05:38,309 time machine, you know, something 163 00:05:38,310 --> 00:05:40,309 starts spinning an old familiar song 164 00:05:40,310 --> 00:05:42,069 on a record player and now you're 165 00:05:42,070 --> 00:05:43,909 back at home, you're 166 00:05:43,910 --> 00:05:45,469 out of the hospital, you're with 167 00:05:45,470 --> 00:05:46,549 your family, you are with your loved 168 00:05:46,550 --> 00:05:47,550 ones. 169 00:05:48,030 --> 00:05:50,129 Mansfield is working painstakingly 170 00:05:50,130 --> 00:05:51,629 towards recovery. 171 00:05:51,630 --> 00:05:53,009 On the day the record player visited 172 00:05:53,010 --> 00:05:54,729 her, she had stood up for three 173 00:05:54,730 --> 00:05:56,609 minutes, a milestone following 174 00:05:56,610 --> 00:05:59,129 her most recent surgery. 175 00:05:59,130 --> 00:06:00,749 But many of the patients Jorgensen 176 00:06:00,750 --> 00:06:03,329 works with have terminal conditions. 177 00:06:03,330 --> 00:06:05,309 They're close to the end of life. 178 00:06:05,310 --> 00:06:07,229 For them and their families, 179 00:06:07,230 --> 00:06:09,209 things can be very heavy. 180 00:06:09,210 --> 00:06:11,069 The record player is a curiosity 181 00:06:11,070 --> 00:06:12,769 that can break up that heaviness. 182 00:06:14,940 --> 00:06:16,359 Now you're sort of looking at it 183 00:06:16,360 --> 00:06:17,499 together and thinking, what are we 184 00:06:17,500 --> 00:06:18,879 gonna do with this thing? 185 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:21,119 Let's play something, you know, 186 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:22,639 for mom. Let's place something for 187 00:06:22,640 --> 00:06:23,579 dad. 188 00:06:23,580 --> 00:06:25,419 And you are creating a new 189 00:06:25,420 --> 00:06:27,559 positive shared experience 190 00:06:27,560 --> 00:06:29,099 in the setting of something that can 191 00:06:29,100 --> 00:06:30,660 otherwise be very sad, very heavy. 192 00:06:31,750 --> 00:06:33,649 Suddenly, with the record spinning, 193 00:06:33,650 --> 00:06:35,569 they've made a new memory, something 194 00:06:35,570 --> 00:06:37,269 to hold onto. 195 00:06:37,270 --> 00:06:39,189 I'm Olivia Aldridge in Austin. 196 00:06:48,140 --> 00:06:49,899 One of the many reasons visitors 197 00:06:49,900 --> 00:06:51,759 flock to Texas in the wintertime 198 00:06:51,760 --> 00:06:53,679 is for the chance to see the various 199 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:55,639 birds that migrate here on their way 200 00:06:55,640 --> 00:06:57,519 to warmer climates. 201 00:06:57,520 --> 00:06:59,119 Residents can also get in on the 202 00:06:59,120 --> 00:07:00,819 birding action while helping gather 203 00:07:00,820 --> 00:07:02,639 data for scientists. 204 00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:04,179 It's called the Christmas Bird 205 00:07:04,180 --> 00:07:06,039 Count, and it runs until January 206 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:06,999 5th. 207 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:08,959 Host Miles Bloxson sat down with 208 00:07:08,960 --> 00:07:10,899 the Texas Standard Bird enthusiast 209 00:07:10,900 --> 00:07:12,819 Raul Alonzo to ask all about 210 00:07:12,820 --> 00:07:13,820 it. 211 00:07:13,990 --> 00:07:15,889 What exactly is a 212 00:07:15,890 --> 00:07:17,489 Christmas bird count and does it 213 00:07:17,490 --> 00:07:19,549 have anything to actually do with 214 00:07:19,550 --> 00:07:20,549 Christmas? 215 00:07:20,550 --> 00:07:22,409 So the story I was told is 216 00:07:22,410 --> 00:07:24,429 that this really began out 217 00:07:24,430 --> 00:07:26,029 of these hunting expeditions that 218 00:07:26,030 --> 00:07:27,489 would go on around Christmas time, 219 00:07:27,490 --> 00:07:29,549 around the holidays way back when, 220 00:07:29,550 --> 00:07:30,969 and hunters would go out and 221 00:07:30,970 --> 00:07:32,249 essentially kill as many birds as 222 00:07:32,250 --> 00:07:33,250 they can. 223 00:07:33,810 --> 00:07:35,089 There was an ornithologist, I 224 00:07:35,090 --> 00:07:36,389 believe, who basically said one day, 225 00:07:36,390 --> 00:07:38,449 you know, let's count them instead, 226 00:07:38,450 --> 00:07:41,069 right? And they agreed. 227 00:07:41,070 --> 00:07:42,789 And ever since then, over a year, 228 00:07:42,790 --> 00:07:44,449 folks have been going out on these 229 00:07:44,450 --> 00:07:46,199 Christmas bird counts and 230 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:47,359 Essentially, a good way to think 231 00:07:47,360 --> 00:07:48,899 about it is kind of like a bird's 232 00:07:48,900 --> 00:07:50,259 census. 233 00:07:50,260 --> 00:07:52,279 What it looks like is groups of 234 00:07:52,280 --> 00:07:53,839 birders will get together in what is 235 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:55,799 called a circle, which is about 15 236 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:57,719 miles in diameter, and 237 00:07:57,720 --> 00:07:59,159 within that circle, it's divided 238 00:07:59,160 --> 00:08:00,959 even further into smaller regions, 239 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:02,919 right? And so these groups of 240 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:04,779 birds are divided amongst, and 241 00:08:04,780 --> 00:08:05,959 each group has its own kind of 242 00:08:05,960 --> 00:08:07,979 leader that leads the group into 243 00:08:07,980 --> 00:08:10,039 various trails, little nature 244 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:11,799 areas, and essentially What they do 245 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:13,659 is they try and count 246 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,499 and log as many birds and 247 00:08:15,500 --> 00:08:17,119 bird species that they can in a 248 00:08:17,120 --> 00:08:18,239 given area. 249 00:08:18,240 --> 00:08:20,219 And that in a way kind of provides 250 00:08:20,220 --> 00:08:22,099 a snapshot of what the bird 251 00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:24,679 population looks like in the area. 252 00:08:24,680 --> 00:08:26,199 As far as a tie to Christmas, I 253 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:27,859 mean, the only real thing I can say 254 00:08:27,860 --> 00:08:29,679 is it just takes place around the 255 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:30,819 holidays. 256 00:08:30,820 --> 00:08:32,779 And the story of that, it goes back, 257 00:08:32,780 --> 00:08:34,798 I mean this is 126th year of 258 00:08:34,799 --> 00:08:36,739 the bird count and it goes that 259 00:08:36,740 --> 00:08:38,459 far. It just kind of one of those 260 00:08:38,460 --> 00:08:40,219 things that, you know, happen in 261 00:08:40,220 --> 00:08:41,099 this time of year. 262 00:08:41,100 --> 00:08:42,479 Yeah, that's interesting that you 263 00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:44,319 say that because I was actually on 264 00:08:44,320 --> 00:08:46,179 a plane and the girl 265 00:08:46,180 --> 00:08:48,419 next to me, she pulled out 266 00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:50,019 a book of birds. 267 00:08:50,020 --> 00:08:51,559 It's all about birds. 268 00:08:51,560 --> 00:08:52,939 It seems as though there's a lot of 269 00:08:52,940 --> 00:08:54,479 bird enthusiasts out there. 270 00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:56,539 Yeah, the growing trend of birding 271 00:08:56,540 --> 00:08:58,499 really catching on in recent 272 00:08:58,500 --> 00:08:59,479 years is something to watch. 273 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:01,019 I mean, I'm one of those who kind of 274 00:09:01,020 --> 00:09:02,239 caught on. I feel like a lot of it's 275 00:09:02,240 --> 00:09:03,939 kind of tied to pandemic years. 276 00:09:03,940 --> 00:09:04,939 That's whenever I really started 277 00:09:04,940 --> 00:09:06,739 getting out there in the time of 278 00:09:06,740 --> 00:09:08,699 social distancing of wanting to 279 00:09:08,700 --> 00:09:10,739 see birds, see what I could see 280 00:09:10,740 --> 00:09:12,679 in, you know, in my home 281 00:09:12,680 --> 00:09:13,739 region. 282 00:09:13,740 --> 00:09:15,399 And I don't know, I think people 283 00:09:15,400 --> 00:09:17,219 crave these kind of cozy, 284 00:09:17,220 --> 00:09:18,379 Pure hearted 285 00:09:20,369 --> 00:09:21,529 Hobbies and and birding has 286 00:09:21,530 --> 00:09:23,069 certainly caught on as one of those 287 00:09:23,070 --> 00:09:25,129 and I think honestly part of me is 288 00:09:25,130 --> 00:09:26,289 curious that it's also like The 289 00:09:26,290 --> 00:09:28,409 Pokemon generation there's an aspect 290 00:09:28,410 --> 00:09:29,569 of it. That's like you got to catch 291 00:09:29,570 --> 00:09:31,189 them all you got a spot them all I 292 00:09:31,190 --> 00:09:32,169 think there's a little bit of that. 293 00:09:32,170 --> 00:09:33,329 Maybe I'm speaking of myself, but 294 00:09:33,330 --> 00:09:33,729 you know 295 00:09:33,730 --> 00:09:35,289 No, I can see that, I could see 296 00:09:35,290 --> 00:09:37,149 that. And you went to a bird 297 00:09:37,150 --> 00:09:38,009 count recently. 298 00:09:38,010 --> 00:09:39,469 Can you take us through your 299 00:09:39,470 --> 00:09:40,269 experience? 300 00:09:40,270 --> 00:09:41,649 Like, how do you set up? 301 00:09:41,650 --> 00:09:43,009 You know, what can you expect when 302 00:09:43,010 --> 00:09:44,379 you arrive to this event? 303 00:09:44,380 --> 00:09:46,419 Yeah, I think, you 304 00:09:46,420 --> 00:09:47,719 know, you really want to approach it 305 00:09:47,720 --> 00:09:49,559 like you would kind of any outdoor 306 00:09:49,560 --> 00:09:51,359 event, kind of think about it as a 307 00:09:51,360 --> 00:09:53,799 hike, wear some good walking 308 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:55,759 shoes, you know, 309 00:09:55,760 --> 00:09:57,479 take along some binoculars if you 310 00:09:57,480 --> 00:09:59,439 got them, you know, 311 00:09:59,440 --> 00:10:01,739 birding manuals if you have them. 312 00:10:01,740 --> 00:10:03,399 A lot of popular apps are Ebird is 313 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:05,019 what they use to log the birds that 314 00:10:05,020 --> 00:10:06,199 they spot. 315 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:07,679 Merlin, if you want to get a glimpse 316 00:10:07,680 --> 00:10:08,680 of bird calls. 317 00:10:09,590 --> 00:10:11,589 But from my experience, 318 00:10:11,590 --> 00:10:12,929 unfortunately, it was a little bit 319 00:10:12,930 --> 00:10:14,829 of an outlier because 320 00:10:14,830 --> 00:10:16,689 this is the 10th year that the 321 00:10:16,690 --> 00:10:18,509 San Marcos bird count had been going 322 00:10:18,510 --> 00:10:21,009 on, that's the one I went to. 323 00:10:21,010 --> 00:10:22,929 And this year was exceptionally cold 324 00:10:22,930 --> 00:10:24,849 and, you know, this is early in the 325 00:10:24,850 --> 00:10:26,009 morning, so we were kind of getting 326 00:10:26,010 --> 00:10:28,089 the brunt of it. We were being 327 00:10:28,090 --> 00:10:30,049 battered by this like 328 00:10:30,050 --> 00:10:32,519 30, 40 degree windchill. 329 00:10:32,520 --> 00:10:34,799 And the birds were also 330 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:35,899 feeling as well. 331 00:10:35,900 --> 00:10:38,179 We did not see as many birds as 332 00:10:38,180 --> 00:10:40,759 we would have liked to. 333 00:10:40,760 --> 00:10:42,179 And the person leading it, Rebecca 334 00:10:42,180 --> 00:10:44,319 Rylander, a very experienced 335 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:46,139 birder herself, she was 336 00:10:46,140 --> 00:10:47,379 saying that, you know, this will 337 00:10:47,380 --> 00:10:49,299 kind of affect the data that they 338 00:10:49,300 --> 00:10:51,399 find. It will be listed as 339 00:10:51,400 --> 00:10:53,119 a factor in the final tally of birds 340 00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:54,659 that they see. 341 00:10:54,660 --> 00:10:56,759 But yeah, I mean, it was still fun. 342 00:10:56,760 --> 00:10:57,959 Now, honestly, to be out there 343 00:10:57,960 --> 00:11:00,079 traveling or walking 344 00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:01,939 these trails with other folks who 345 00:11:01,940 --> 00:11:03,079 are into it, and I think that's also 346 00:11:03,080 --> 00:11:04,619 one of the draws of birding in a 347 00:11:04,620 --> 00:11:06,439 group is it's one of those hobbies 348 00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:08,299 that you often do on your own, but 349 00:11:08,300 --> 00:11:09,439 when you do it in a groups, you kind 350 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:10,319 of bounce off each other. 351 00:11:10,320 --> 00:11:12,159 The energy of the excitement of 352 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:13,160 seeing something, 353 00:11:14,319 --> 00:11:15,319 spotting it together, 354 00:11:16,220 --> 00:11:18,059 it lends itself to the experience, 355 00:11:18,060 --> 00:11:18,609 I feel. 356 00:11:18,610 --> 00:11:20,529 What do the people organizing these 357 00:11:20,530 --> 00:11:22,229 outings, what do you feel like they 358 00:11:22,230 --> 00:11:23,959 hope to achieve? 359 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:25,139 So there's actually kind of like, I 360 00:11:25,140 --> 00:11:26,639 feel like a dual purpose. 361 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:28,539 For one, like I said, it provides 362 00:11:28,540 --> 00:11:30,019 a snapshot of what the population 363 00:11:30,020 --> 00:11:31,699 looks at a given period of time. 364 00:11:31,700 --> 00:11:33,619 And it also helps 365 00:11:33,620 --> 00:11:35,699 kind of chart trends that the 366 00:11:35,700 --> 00:11:38,339 data that they gather helps to 367 00:11:38,340 --> 00:11:40,379 add to these studies and determine, 368 00:11:40,380 --> 00:11:42,279 you know, needs for conservation 369 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:43,639 and things like that. 370 00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:45,379 But you know one thing I often heard 371 00:11:45,380 --> 00:11:47,299 is that because it is a citizen 372 00:11:47,300 --> 00:11:49,279 science project, anyone can 373 00:11:49,280 --> 00:11:51,569 participate. So it 374 00:11:51,570 --> 00:11:53,329 also helps bring in the community. 375 00:11:53,330 --> 00:11:55,269 It helps, you know, make folks who 376 00:11:55,270 --> 00:11:57,229 want to be more out 377 00:11:57,230 --> 00:11:59,069 in the natural world want 378 00:11:59,070 --> 00:12:00,549 to really engage with the world 379 00:12:00,550 --> 00:12:03,589 around them, engage with nature. 380 00:12:03,590 --> 00:12:05,309 It gives them an outlet, and I think 381 00:12:05,310 --> 00:12:07,329 that's one other benefit 382 00:12:07,330 --> 00:12:09,209 and one other aim that some of 383 00:12:09,210 --> 00:12:10,869 the folks organizing these events 384 00:12:10,870 --> 00:12:12,829 really try and achieve 385 00:12:12,830 --> 00:12:13,639 with them. 386 00:12:13,640 --> 00:12:15,139 And you said that anybody can 387 00:12:15,140 --> 00:12:16,159 participate. 388 00:12:16,160 --> 00:12:17,739 So how can they do that? 389 00:12:17,740 --> 00:12:19,219 So this is, again, this is a yearly 390 00:12:19,220 --> 00:12:20,279 thing. 391 00:12:20,280 --> 00:12:21,539 You know, it stretches from December 392 00:12:21,540 --> 00:12:23,899 14th through January 5th, 393 00:12:23,900 --> 00:12:25,239 and there's multiple events in the 394 00:12:25,240 --> 00:12:27,079 central Texas region. 395 00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:28,939 To keep up with any that are coming 396 00:12:28,940 --> 00:12:31,539 up, you can go to travisautobahn.org, 397 00:12:31,540 --> 00:12:33,319 and you can find a list of some of 398 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:35,079 the events that are comin' up in the 399 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,939 area, and, you 400 00:12:36,940 --> 00:12:37,839 know, kinda bookmark that. 401 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:39,579 If you missed out on one this year, 402 00:12:39,580 --> 00:12:40,819 again, it's a yearly event. 403 00:12:40,820 --> 00:12:42,579 There's gonna be another one. 404 00:12:42,580 --> 00:12:44,479 Birding in general is something that 405 00:12:44,480 --> 00:12:46,079 you can do at any time as well. 406 00:12:46,080 --> 00:12:47,419 Just go out on your balcony and see 407 00:12:47,420 --> 00:12:48,449 what you can see. 408 00:12:48,450 --> 00:12:49,909 We've been speaking with the Texas 409 00:12:49,910 --> 00:12:51,749 Standard's Raul Alonzo. 410 00:12:51,750 --> 00:12:52,929 We'll have a link to his reporting 411 00:12:52,930 --> 00:12:54,849 in today's podcast show notes. 412 00:12:54,850 --> 00:12:56,349 Raul, thanks so much for being here 413 00:12:56,350 --> 00:12:57,899 with us on Austin Signal. 414 00:12:57,900 --> 00:12:58,900 Thank you, Miles. 415 00:13:00,970 --> 00:13:02,889 Coming up, this is Austin Signal. 416 00:13:12,850 --> 00:13:14,549 Christmas feels a little different 417 00:13:14,550 --> 00:13:16,169 depending on where you live. 418 00:13:16,170 --> 00:13:18,129 For some, it means cold nights by 419 00:13:18,130 --> 00:13:19,969 the fire, carolers on every 420 00:13:19,970 --> 00:13:21,729 corner, and kids playing in the 421 00:13:21,730 --> 00:13:23,809 snow. Here in Austin, we do things 422 00:13:23,810 --> 00:13:24,929 a little differently. 423 00:13:24,930 --> 00:13:26,889 No snow, sometimes shorts 424 00:13:26,890 --> 00:13:29,049 on Christmas Day, and of course, 425 00:13:29,050 --> 00:13:31,029 a man dressed as Santa riding around 426 00:13:31,030 --> 00:13:32,709 town on a horse or mule. 427 00:13:32,710 --> 00:13:35,549 KUT's Greta Diaz-Gonzalez-Vasquez 428 00:13:35,550 --> 00:13:36,550 has his story. 429 00:13:38,370 --> 00:13:39,370 Merry Christmas! 430 00:13:42,300 --> 00:13:44,299 His name is Samuel Greyhorse, 431 00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:46,279 and on any December night, he can be 432 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:48,379 found at the Continental Club, 433 00:13:48,380 --> 00:13:49,539 riding down the central lane of 434 00:13:49,540 --> 00:13:51,379 Congress Avenue or outside the 435 00:13:51,380 --> 00:13:52,679 Paramount Theater. 436 00:13:52,680 --> 00:13:54,359 He's a Native American man who's 437 00:13:54,360 --> 00:13:56,119 been riding his horses around Austin 438 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:58,559 since 1977, 439 00:13:58,560 --> 00:14:00,199 but about a decade ago, he started 440 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:02,499 doing it dressed as Santa. 441 00:14:02,500 --> 00:14:04,359 People wave at him and honk from 442 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:06,199 their cars, others ask him 443 00:14:06,200 --> 00:14:07,219 for photos. 444 00:14:07,220 --> 00:14:09,299 1, 2, 3! 445 00:14:09,300 --> 00:14:10,300 Yes! 446 00:14:11,140 --> 00:14:13,059 The horse is a natural. 447 00:14:13,060 --> 00:14:14,060 Yes, yes! 448 00:14:14,550 --> 00:14:16,369 You want a picture too? 449 00:14:16,370 --> 00:14:18,349 While he enjoys taking photos, 450 00:14:18,350 --> 00:14:20,089 his favorite part is riding his 451 00:14:20,090 --> 00:14:22,089 horses and seeing the city from up 452 00:14:22,090 --> 00:14:22,529 there. 453 00:14:22,530 --> 00:14:24,469 It's a different energy and it's 454 00:14:24,470 --> 00:14:26,869 beautiful, it's very beautiful. 455 00:14:26,870 --> 00:14:28,869 Also a known musician, Sam has 456 00:14:28,870 --> 00:14:31,029 become an Austin staple. 457 00:14:31,030 --> 00:14:32,309 Mackenzie Mitchell works at the 458 00:14:32,310 --> 00:14:34,429 Continental and is Sam's friend. 459 00:14:34,430 --> 00:14:36,509 It's a sort of a symbol in 460 00:14:36,510 --> 00:14:37,510 Austin. 461 00:14:39,050 --> 00:14:40,639 Fickerheads. 462 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:42,619 Mitchell says some nights, when Sam 463 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:44,559 comes to play or listen to music, 464 00:14:44,560 --> 00:14:46,499 he brings his horse into the bar as 465 00:14:46,500 --> 00:14:47,319 well. 466 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:48,919 Yes, you heard me right. 467 00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:50,860 He brings the horse into the bar. 468 00:14:52,010 --> 00:14:54,009 The mule and the horse are over 21, 469 00:14:54,010 --> 00:14:55,079 so... 470 00:14:55,080 --> 00:14:57,499 Sam brings joy to many in Austin, 471 00:14:57,500 --> 00:14:59,359 but 2025 was a bumpy 472 00:14:59,360 --> 00:15:00,779 ride for him. 473 00:15:00,780 --> 00:15:02,679 His house burned down, he had to 474 00:15:02,680 --> 00:15:04,519 move out of Austin, one of his 475 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:06,579 horses, Big Red, died. 476 00:15:06,580 --> 00:15:08,179 His eyesight is getting worse and 477 00:15:08,180 --> 00:15:10,159 he's lost all hearing in his left 478 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:11,119 ear. 479 00:15:11,120 --> 00:15:13,089 All of it made him ask himself. 480 00:15:13,090 --> 00:15:15,289 Why do I keep doing this? 481 00:15:15,290 --> 00:15:16,819 You know, nobody cares. 482 00:15:16,820 --> 00:15:18,379 But people do care. 483 00:15:18,380 --> 00:15:20,019 When his house burned down in early 484 00:15:20,020 --> 00:15:21,819 January, the community put together 485 00:15:21,820 --> 00:15:24,239 a GoFundMe and raised over $30,000 486 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:25,319 for him. 487 00:15:25,320 --> 00:15:27,119 People that would never talk to me. 488 00:15:28,750 --> 00:15:30,689 A woman he barely knew offered him a 489 00:15:30,690 --> 00:15:32,429 place to stay in return for taking 490 00:15:32,430 --> 00:15:34,309 care of 105 acres of 491 00:15:34,310 --> 00:15:36,449 land in Lockhart, a perfect 492 00:15:36,450 --> 00:15:38,489 place for his horses, cats, 493 00:15:38,490 --> 00:15:40,289 pigs, and mule, a mule he often 494 00:15:40,290 --> 00:15:42,069 rides around town. 495 00:15:42,070 --> 00:15:43,969 When he lived in Austin, Sam used to 496 00:15:43,970 --> 00:15:45,769 get his horse ready and hit the road 497 00:15:45,770 --> 00:15:47,549 right from his backyard. 498 00:15:47,550 --> 00:15:49,629 Now he has to drive an hour each 499 00:15:49,630 --> 00:15:51,489 way. A friend of his gave 500 00:15:51,490 --> 00:15:53,169 him an old truck so he could move 501 00:15:53,170 --> 00:15:55,009 around and he sure uses 502 00:15:55,010 --> 00:15:55,539 it. 503 00:15:55,540 --> 00:15:57,239 And it's still going. 504 00:15:57,240 --> 00:15:59,299 It's 389,000 miles. 505 00:15:59,300 --> 00:16:02,679 He gave it to me with 267,000. 506 00:16:02,680 --> 00:16:04,639 When Big Red, his horse, died in 507 00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:06,799 November, Sam was heartbroken, 508 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:08,719 but even so he now says 509 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:10,999 Yeah, I'm kind of very happy 510 00:16:11,000 --> 00:16:13,219 because I know I'll see him again, 511 00:16:13,220 --> 00:16:14,459 but not now. 512 00:16:14,460 --> 00:16:16,519 And I miss him very 513 00:16:16,520 --> 00:16:17,969 much every day. 514 00:16:17,970 --> 00:16:19,889 Sam knows he'll never replace 515 00:16:19,890 --> 00:16:21,909 Big Red or anything of what he lost 516 00:16:21,910 --> 00:16:23,269 in 2025. 517 00:16:23,270 --> 00:16:25,129 I went from rock bottom, 518 00:16:25,130 --> 00:16:27,249 and I'm still rock bottom but 519 00:16:27,250 --> 00:16:29,769 to me health is wealth. 520 00:16:29,770 --> 00:16:31,449 Health is everything to me now. 521 00:16:31,450 --> 00:16:33,669 And so even after a hard year, 522 00:16:33,670 --> 00:16:35,289 Sam is out and about on the streets 523 00:16:35,290 --> 00:16:37,449 of Austin this December. 524 00:16:37,450 --> 00:16:39,069 Ho, ho, ho. 525 00:16:39,070 --> 00:16:40,849 He takes photos with anybody who 526 00:16:40,850 --> 00:16:42,009 asks for one. 527 00:16:42,010 --> 00:16:44,689 And everybody asks, even cops. 528 00:16:44,690 --> 00:16:46,629 For Constable Tanya Nixon, this is 529 00:16:46,630 --> 00:16:48,649 the second photo she's asked for in 530 00:16:48,650 --> 00:16:49,849 two weeks. 531 00:16:49,850 --> 00:16:51,209 I like to see him. 532 00:16:51,210 --> 00:16:53,129 Yeah, I like it brings joy and then 533 00:16:53,130 --> 00:16:54,489 even when I posted our pictures 534 00:16:54,490 --> 00:16:55,949 other people in Austin knew him 535 00:16:55,950 --> 00:16:56,989 because one of the girls got on the 536 00:16:56,990 --> 00:16:58,229 post she said that's Samuel Greyhorses. 537 00:16:58,230 --> 00:16:59,499 I say it sure is. 538 00:16:59,500 --> 00:17:01,079 While seeing Santa riding a horse 539 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:03,099 might be a cultural attraction, 540 00:17:03,100 --> 00:17:04,739 for Sam, it's also a way of 541 00:17:04,740 --> 00:17:07,059 reminding people that at some point, 542 00:17:07,060 --> 00:17:08,838 Native Americans rode around this 543 00:17:08,839 --> 00:17:10,459 part of the country and that they 544 00:17:10,460 --> 00:17:11,629 still do now. 545 00:17:11,630 --> 00:17:13,769 Indigenous people are 546 00:17:13,770 --> 00:17:15,848 the real horsemen of this country. 547 00:17:15,849 --> 00:17:16,909 You know, they mastered the 548 00:17:16,910 --> 00:17:18,789 horsemanship before the 549 00:17:18,790 --> 00:17:20,049 cowboy world came here. 550 00:17:20,050 --> 00:17:21,219 You know what I mean? 551 00:17:21,220 --> 00:17:22,818 For Sam, the connection with his 552 00:17:22,819 --> 00:17:24,309 horses is sacred. 553 00:17:24,310 --> 00:17:26,328 The horse is our brother and 554 00:17:26,329 --> 00:17:28,229 I just want to show that too to 555 00:17:28,230 --> 00:17:29,439 the city of Austin. 556 00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:31,079 In a time when many creatives have 557 00:17:31,080 --> 00:17:32,899 been pushed out of the city, Sam's 558 00:17:32,900 --> 00:17:34,919 the kind of guy that always sees the 559 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:36,359 glass half full. 560 00:17:36,360 --> 00:17:38,059 Sure, he now has to drive into 561 00:17:38,060 --> 00:17:39,959 Austin, but he gets to be Santa 562 00:17:39,960 --> 00:17:42,439 and ride around Lockhart as well. 563 00:17:42,440 --> 00:17:44,479 He's also closer to family and he 564 00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:46,449 has new horses he's training. 565 00:17:46,450 --> 00:17:48,329 Oh absolutely, yes, 566 00:17:48,330 --> 00:17:50,139 I'm what's left of what's weird. 567 00:17:50,140 --> 00:17:51,679 After all that he's been through, 568 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:53,559 when he asks himself, why 569 00:17:53,560 --> 00:17:54,519 do this? 570 00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:55,520 Why be Santa? 571 00:17:56,540 --> 00:17:58,099 I do have an answer, because that's 572 00:17:58,100 --> 00:18:00,059 what I'm supposed to be doing. 573 00:18:00,060 --> 00:18:01,999 Sam says he's just happy that Austin 574 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:03,939 allows him to be who he really 575 00:18:03,940 --> 00:18:06,039 is. I'd saddle every evening 576 00:18:06,040 --> 00:18:08,819 and ride my fateful mounts. 577 00:18:08,820 --> 00:18:10,719 I'm Greta Diaz-Gonzalez Vazquez 578 00:18:10,720 --> 00:18:12,099 in Austin. 579 00:18:12,100 --> 00:18:14,199 I don't know where I'm going and 580 00:18:14,200 --> 00:18:16,199 I don't know who I'll see But 581 00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:17,999 I know I'll a see a smile that's 582 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:20,059 good enough for me I'm 583 00:18:20,060 --> 00:18:22,219 the 6th Street cowboy on Congress 584 00:18:22,220 --> 00:18:24,359 Albee Sometimes at 585 00:18:24,360 --> 00:18:27,059 the White Horse Continental Gallery 586 00:18:27,060 --> 00:18:29,359 I live in Austin, Texas, 587 00:18:29,360 --> 00:18:31,599 that's where I got my name 588 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:35,119 Arrested on horseback 589 00:18:35,120 --> 00:18:38,019 my life has changed. 590 00:18:38,020 --> 00:18:39,739 The holidays are a time for 591 00:18:39,740 --> 00:18:41,759 celebration and music for a lot of 592 00:18:41,760 --> 00:18:43,539 people. You can't escape Mariah 593 00:18:43,540 --> 00:18:45,059 Carey this time of year, not that 594 00:18:45,060 --> 00:18:46,659 I'd want to. 595 00:18:46,660 --> 00:18:48,739 KUT's Jimmy Moss asked the KUT 596 00:18:48,740 --> 00:18:50,359 news team what their favorite 597 00:18:50,360 --> 00:18:51,900 holiday songs are and why. 598 00:19:03,820 --> 00:19:05,759 It is the most wonderful time of the 599 00:19:05,760 --> 00:19:07,919 year, at least for Andy Williams and 600 00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:09,639 me. And why not? 601 00:19:09,640 --> 00:19:11,299 With the kids jingle-belling and 602 00:19:11,300 --> 00:19:12,879 everyone telling you be of good 603 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:13,839 cheer. 604 00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:15,759 We spent 11 months working as 605 00:19:15,760 --> 00:19:17,919 hard as 606 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:19,859 we could and now we sit back 607 00:19:19,860 --> 00:19:21,139 and listen to some of our favorite 608 00:19:21,140 --> 00:19:23,139 songs that remind us of days 609 00:19:23,140 --> 00:19:24,139 of yore. 610 00:19:24,140 --> 00:19:25,699 This is the only period of year 611 00:19:25,700 --> 00:19:27,659 where we use the word yore, 612 00:19:27,660 --> 00:19:30,039 so we asked the KUT staff What 613 00:19:30,040 --> 00:19:31,479 they like to listen to during this 614 00:19:31,480 --> 00:19:33,379 time of year And we started with 615 00:19:33,380 --> 00:19:34,919 a familiar voice. 616 00:19:34,920 --> 00:19:37,039 My name is Jerry Quijano, and I'm 617 00:19:37,040 --> 00:19:38,659 the All Things Considered and Austin 618 00:19:38,660 --> 00:19:39,939 Signal host. 619 00:19:39,940 --> 00:19:41,459 When I mention holiday songs, what's 620 00:19:41,460 --> 00:19:42,919 the first thing that comes to mind? 621 00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:43,859 Yeah, yeah. 622 00:19:43,860 --> 00:19:44,759 Well, you know, the first things 623 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:46,739 that come to mind are a lot of sad 624 00:19:46,740 --> 00:19:48,699 songs, about it being white and 625 00:19:48,700 --> 00:19:50,659 it being snowy, and so a 626 00:19:50,660 --> 00:19:52,599 lot songs that I grew up in 627 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:53,979 South Central Texas, so most of the 628 00:19:53,980 --> 00:19:55,839 time we're wearing like shorts, 629 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:57,419 you now, and in the daytime it's 630 00:19:57,420 --> 00:19:59,899 like 75 degrees on a Christmas day. 631 00:19:59,900 --> 00:20:01,619 And so for that reason, one of my 632 00:20:01,620 --> 00:20:02,999 favorite Christmas songs is Little 633 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:04,799 Saint Nick by The Beach Boys. 634 00:20:04,800 --> 00:20:06,799 The music sounds like, you know, 635 00:20:06,800 --> 00:20:08,799 the sun is shining and the 636 00:20:08,800 --> 00:20:10,079 sky is blue. 637 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:11,299 One of my favorite things about the 638 00:20:11,300 --> 00:20:12,899 Beach Boys is the harmonies, you 639 00:20:12,900 --> 00:20:14,039 know, and I think like that reminds 640 00:20:14,040 --> 00:20:15,339 me of spending time with my family 641 00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:17,159 as well, you know, singing the 642 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:18,619 songs together or humming them 643 00:20:18,620 --> 00:20:20,160 along, but... 644 00:20:23,470 --> 00:20:25,349 You know that part, you know, so 645 00:20:25,350 --> 00:20:27,109 it's not just the one person 646 00:20:27,110 --> 00:20:28,829 singing. It's the whole group is in 647 00:20:28,830 --> 00:20:29,830 on it 648 00:20:30,250 --> 00:20:31,629 Hi, my name is Kristen Cabrera. 649 00:20:31,630 --> 00:20:33,649 I am the managing producer for 650 00:20:33,650 --> 00:20:34,929 Austin Signal. 651 00:20:34,930 --> 00:20:36,789 And my favorite 652 00:20:36,790 --> 00:20:39,369 holiday song is 653 00:20:39,370 --> 00:20:41,269 Christmas, Baby 654 00:20:41,270 --> 00:20:43,489 Please Come Home, by 655 00:20:43,490 --> 00:20:44,409 U2. 656 00:20:44,410 --> 00:20:46,229 I love the song because I 657 00:20:46,230 --> 00:20:48,609 remember visiting my grandparents 658 00:20:48,610 --> 00:20:51,149 in Dallas and it 659 00:20:51,150 --> 00:20:53,409 was always on the radio. 660 00:20:53,410 --> 00:20:55,369 But I really love every version 661 00:20:55,370 --> 00:20:56,469 of the song. 662 00:20:56,470 --> 00:20:57,829 I've heard it. 663 00:20:57,830 --> 00:20:59,749 But YouTube specifically has 664 00:20:59,750 --> 00:21:02,249 this just like this 90s 665 00:21:02,250 --> 00:21:04,039 grip on that song. 666 00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:05,579 Here's KUT Arts Desk Editor 667 00:21:05,580 --> 00:21:06,699 Stephanie Federico. 668 00:21:07,950 --> 00:21:09,809 Father Christmas, give us some 669 00:21:09,810 --> 00:21:11,669 money We've got no 670 00:21:11,670 --> 00:21:13,829 use for your silly toys 671 00:21:13,830 --> 00:21:15,239 We'll beat you up in 672 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:17,159 No, no, no 673 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:19,199 We want your breath So don't make us 674 00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:21,339 alone Give all the 675 00:21:21,340 --> 00:21:22,340 time 676 00:21:22,940 --> 00:21:25,639 Yeah, The Kinks, Father Christmas, 677 00:21:25,640 --> 00:21:28,699 best Christmas song at Barra. 678 00:21:28,700 --> 00:21:30,739 Luz Moreno Lozano, I am the 679 00:21:30,740 --> 00:21:32,079 city hall reporter. 680 00:21:32,080 --> 00:21:34,839 I think my favorite one is 681 00:21:34,840 --> 00:21:36,419 Feliz Navidad. 682 00:21:36,420 --> 00:21:38,359 Growing up, you know, we made 683 00:21:38,360 --> 00:21:40,439 the males and we 684 00:21:40,440 --> 00:21:42,119 would do the posadas and just like 685 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:44,239 our family tradition on Christmas 686 00:21:44,240 --> 00:21:46,259 Eve always included 687 00:21:46,260 --> 00:21:47,739 Christmas music and Feliz navidad 688 00:21:47,740 --> 00:21:48,959 was probably the one that we played 689 00:21:48,960 --> 00:21:49,960 the most. 690 00:21:50,640 --> 00:21:52,299 Hi, my name is Andy Yeho. 691 00:21:52,300 --> 00:21:54,799 I'm on the web team here at KUT. 692 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:56,799 My favorite holiday song 693 00:21:56,800 --> 00:21:58,739 is Joy to the World by Mariah 694 00:21:58,740 --> 00:22:00,719 Carey because it's great 695 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:02,560 to sing along with in the car. 696 00:22:03,780 --> 00:22:04,780 No. 697 00:22:07,000 --> 00:22:08,059 I'm Chelsea Zhu. 698 00:22:08,060 --> 00:22:10,099 I'm the digital producer at KUT. 699 00:22:10,100 --> 00:22:11,979 My favorite Christmas song is Frosty 700 00:22:11,980 --> 00:22:12,980 the Snowman. 701 00:22:14,230 --> 00:22:16,239 The snowman was a cowl- 702 00:22:16,240 --> 00:22:18,259 I was really scared of Frosty 703 00:22:18,260 --> 00:22:19,579 when I was a kid, the animated 704 00:22:19,580 --> 00:22:21,499 cartoon version, and the song made 705 00:22:21,500 --> 00:22:22,500 it better. 706 00:22:22,790 --> 00:22:24,689 Mose Buchele, longtime reporter here 707 00:22:24,690 --> 00:22:26,029 at KUT. 708 00:22:26,030 --> 00:22:28,369 What is your favorite Christmas 709 00:22:28,370 --> 00:22:30,349 or holiday music, and 710 00:22:30,350 --> 00:22:31,429 why? 711 00:22:31,430 --> 00:22:32,429 I can't decide, Jimmy. 712 00:22:32,430 --> 00:22:34,089 I just can't decided. 713 00:22:34,090 --> 00:22:35,689 When I was growing up, we listened 714 00:22:35,690 --> 00:22:37,789 to Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper 715 00:22:37,790 --> 00:22:39,189 all the time. And that still just 716 00:22:39,190 --> 00:22:41,109 evokes such great childhood memory 717 00:22:41,110 --> 00:22:41,969 for me. 718 00:22:41,970 --> 00:22:43,869 It's usually the first song I give. 719 00:22:43,870 --> 00:22:45,929 Pretty paper, pretty ribbon, 720 00:22:45,930 --> 00:22:48,269 the way I watch 721 00:22:48,270 --> 00:22:50,229 the blue. When that song comes on, 722 00:22:50,230 --> 00:22:51,459 I am a kid again. 723 00:22:51,460 --> 00:22:53,439 You know i grew up in uh... 724 00:22:53,440 --> 00:22:54,959 In in the northeast in a colder part 725 00:22:54,960 --> 00:22:57,379 of the country and it's cold outside 726 00:22:57,380 --> 00:22:59,639 would fire is going 727 00:22:59,640 --> 00:23:00,639 and uh... 728 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:03,019 It's but it's warm inside and 729 00:23:03,020 --> 00:23:04,819 uh and that and that music from the 730 00:23:04,820 --> 00:23:06,339 lp and that means that start playing 731 00:23:06,340 --> 00:23:08,239 and it it takes me right back to 732 00:23:08,240 --> 00:23:09,399 that christmas feeling those 733 00:23:09,400 --> 00:23:11,379 childhood memories but you might 734 00:23:11,380 --> 00:23:13,279 have more oh yeah i mean ever 735 00:23:13,280 --> 00:23:15,579 since idea i'm a huge christmas 736 00:23:15,580 --> 00:23:17,459 that you know so is so my life 737 00:23:17,460 --> 00:23:19,020 is just been Gathering up more and 738 00:23:19,021 --> 00:23:20,889 more Christmas Music 739 00:23:20,890 --> 00:23:22,929 to throw on the other 740 00:23:22,930 --> 00:23:23,929 year. I was going through going 741 00:23:23,930 --> 00:23:25,009 through a bin at Goodwill And I 742 00:23:25,010 --> 00:23:26,909 found someone's old collection tons 743 00:23:26,910 --> 00:23:28,889 of old Christmas disco albums 744 00:23:28,890 --> 00:23:31,069 There's a band called 745 00:23:31,070 --> 00:23:33,269 The Sal Sol orchestra 746 00:23:33,270 --> 00:23:35,209 It was a studio band and they 747 00:23:35,210 --> 00:23:36,129 came out with an album and I think 748 00:23:36,130 --> 00:23:38,509 was in 76 called Christmas Jollies 749 00:23:38,510 --> 00:23:40,709 And it's got this disco rhythm 750 00:23:40,710 --> 00:23:42,729 this party sound that 751 00:23:42,730 --> 00:23:44,269 now I put that on I find myself 752 00:23:44,270 --> 00:23:45,569 putting that on almost More than 753 00:23:45,570 --> 00:23:47,469 anything else decorating the tree 754 00:23:47,470 --> 00:23:50,169 Having a little eggnog 755 00:23:50,170 --> 00:23:51,489 Uh, it's great. 756 00:23:51,490 --> 00:23:52,469 I love it. 757 00:23:52,470 --> 00:23:53,479 S-uh, Sol Sol like to strut. 758 00:23:53,480 --> 00:23:54,539 Oh, nah! 759 00:24:08,900 --> 00:24:11,319 Andrew Weber from KUT here, 760 00:24:11,320 --> 00:24:13,219 my favorite Christmas, 761 00:24:13,220 --> 00:24:15,779 not Carol, song, 762 00:24:15,780 --> 00:24:17,759 uh, cause it's more of a hymn, is Oh 763 00:24:17,760 --> 00:24:20,039 Holy Night, specifically the 764 00:24:20,040 --> 00:24:21,579 Nat King Cole version of it. 765 00:24:21,580 --> 00:24:23,419 My granddad, Mr. England, always 766 00:24:23,420 --> 00:24:25,419 listened, and my grandmother still 767 00:24:25,420 --> 00:24:27,179 does, listen to Nat King Cole on 768 00:24:27,180 --> 00:24:29,099 Christmas Eve, and I have 769 00:24:29,100 --> 00:24:31,039 very fond memories of that, 770 00:24:31,040 --> 00:24:33,019 celebrating the holiday, and just 771 00:24:33,020 --> 00:24:34,909 the sound of that song. 772 00:24:34,910 --> 00:24:36,749 It just, you can hear the room. 773 00:24:36,750 --> 00:24:38,829 It just has this like reverberation 774 00:24:38,830 --> 00:24:40,269 to it. And it's obviously Nat King 775 00:24:40,270 --> 00:24:41,069 Cole's voice. 776 00:24:41,070 --> 00:24:42,789 So it's, it gets me. 777 00:24:42,790 --> 00:24:43,790 It gets me every time. 778 00:24:53,030 --> 00:24:54,969 My name is Jennifer Staten and my 779 00:24:54,970 --> 00:24:56,669 favorite holiday song, Oh Holy 780 00:24:56,670 --> 00:24:59,309 Night, a more traditional Christmas 781 00:24:59,310 --> 00:25:01,609 song, the notes, 782 00:25:01,610 --> 00:25:03,529 the chords, the dynamics, I just 783 00:25:03,530 --> 00:25:05,409 find it calming and 784 00:25:05,410 --> 00:25:07,009 inspiring all at once. 785 00:25:08,370 --> 00:25:09,669 I'm Olivia Aldridge. 786 00:25:09,670 --> 00:25:12,269 I'm a reporter here at KUT, 787 00:25:12,270 --> 00:25:14,429 and my favorite Christmas song is 788 00:25:14,430 --> 00:25:16,489 Oh Holy Night, because 789 00:25:16,490 --> 00:25:18,329 the drama is simply 790 00:25:18,330 --> 00:25:19,869 unmatched. 791 00:25:19,870 --> 00:25:22,029 I have performed it in the church. 792 00:25:22,030 --> 00:25:23,510 I would not like to perform it now. 793 00:25:25,180 --> 00:25:26,180 Ha ha ha! 794 00:25:27,760 --> 00:25:29,500 It's a big song, Jimmy. 795 00:25:31,640 --> 00:25:32,640 I'm well aware. 796 00:25:34,100 --> 00:25:34,959 Oh 797 00:25:34,960 --> 00:25:36,840 Holy night 798 00:25:39,230 --> 00:25:41,449 The stars are brightly 799 00:25:41,450 --> 00:25:43,549 shining 800 00:25:43,550 --> 00:25:45,809 It 801 00:25:45,810 --> 00:25:48,389 is the light of 802 00:25:48,390 --> 00:25:50,929 our dear Savior's 803 00:25:50,930 --> 00:25:51,930 birth 804 00:25:58,590 --> 00:26:00,549 I'm Trey Scharr, an editor with 805 00:26:00,550 --> 00:26:02,409 KUT News and Jack of 806 00:26:02,410 --> 00:26:03,829 all trades. 807 00:26:03,830 --> 00:26:05,629 My favorite is Vince Guaraldi Trio's 808 00:26:05,630 --> 00:26:07,369 Christmas Time is Here, the 809 00:26:07,370 --> 00:26:08,849 instrumental, which everyone 810 00:26:08,850 --> 00:26:10,829 instantly recognizes from a Charlie 811 00:26:10,830 --> 00:26:11,949 Brown Christmas. 812 00:26:11,950 --> 00:26:13,309 My name is Nathan Bernier and I'm 813 00:26:13,310 --> 00:26:14,949 the transportation reporter at KUT 814 00:26:14,950 --> 00:26:17,169 and my favorite holiday 815 00:26:17,170 --> 00:26:19,589 song is Christmastime 816 00:26:19,590 --> 00:26:20,809 is Here. 817 00:26:20,810 --> 00:26:22,969 It's happy and sad at the same time. 818 00:26:22,970 --> 00:26:25,209 It's warm but it's also 819 00:26:25,210 --> 00:26:26,329 melancholy. 820 00:26:27,530 --> 00:26:30,409 It's like uplifting and 821 00:26:30,410 --> 00:26:32,409 kind of cute, especially when they 822 00:26:32,410 --> 00:26:33,869 bring in the Charlie Brown. 823 00:26:33,870 --> 00:26:34,789 Chorus. 824 00:26:34,790 --> 00:26:36,749 It's laid back, peaceful, and those 825 00:26:36,750 --> 00:26:38,169 brushes on the snare drum are 826 00:26:38,170 --> 00:26:40,109 suggestive of walking across new 827 00:26:40,110 --> 00:26:42,869 fallen snow on a quiet winter day. 828 00:26:42,870 --> 00:26:45,429 It is like lonely. 829 00:26:45,430 --> 00:26:47,569 Like you're walking 830 00:26:47,570 --> 00:26:49,809 through a snowstorm 831 00:26:49,810 --> 00:26:51,149 by yourself. 832 00:26:51,150 --> 00:26:53,229 I don't know. It's just the perfect 833 00:26:53,230 --> 00:26:55,469 Christmas song because Christmas is 834 00:26:55,470 --> 00:26:57,079 both happy and sad. 835 00:26:57,080 --> 00:26:58,979 Oh, this is Moe's again. 836 00:26:58,980 --> 00:27:00,979 I love Christmas music 837 00:27:00,980 --> 00:27:02,739 so much, I taught myself that, you 838 00:27:02,740 --> 00:27:04,559 know, Christmas time is 839 00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:06,659 here. That piano, that 840 00:27:06,660 --> 00:27:08,139 piano kind of version. 841 00:27:08,140 --> 00:27:10,919 Just so poignant, 842 00:27:10,920 --> 00:27:13,079 so heartbreakingly beautiful. 843 00:27:13,080 --> 00:27:14,269 A little... 844 00:27:14,270 --> 00:27:15,669 Tend to lean toward the melancholy 845 00:27:15,670 --> 00:27:16,939 outside of the disco. 846 00:27:16,940 --> 00:27:18,399 Absolutely, you know, it's a weird 847 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:19,659 thing, like, if you think about 848 00:27:19,660 --> 00:27:21,399 classic Christmas music, a lot of it 849 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:23,299 is, like joyful, but then also 850 00:27:23,300 --> 00:27:25,959 deeply sad and depressing. 851 00:27:25,960 --> 00:27:27,199 Have yourself a merry little 852 00:27:27,200 --> 00:27:29,519 Christmas. I mean, that it's... 853 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:30,959 It's sad. 854 00:27:30,960 --> 00:27:31,889 It's just sad. 855 00:27:31,890 --> 00:27:33,849 Right, pining for something that may 856 00:27:33,850 --> 00:27:35,619 or may not actually occur. 857 00:27:35,620 --> 00:27:37,399 Yes. Yeah, I mean, that is really, 858 00:27:37,400 --> 00:27:39,299 that's part of the essence of 859 00:27:39,300 --> 00:27:40,959 Christmas. It's like, yeah, there's 860 00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:42,239 a nostalgia to it that's almost 861 00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:44,519 baked in that is 862 00:27:44,520 --> 00:27:45,699 part of the magic. 863 00:27:45,700 --> 00:27:47,579 You're thinking about when 864 00:27:47,580 --> 00:27:48,799 you were younger, you're thinking 865 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:50,799 about family, and it's 866 00:27:50,800 --> 00:27:52,719 a time to celebrate but also kind of 867 00:27:52,720 --> 00:27:54,719 maybe recognize loss and 868 00:27:54,720 --> 00:27:55,579 all that too. 869 00:27:55,580 --> 00:27:56,759 But then you've got the Salsall 870 00:27:56,760 --> 00:27:58,739 Orchestra coming in and lifting 871 00:27:58,740 --> 00:27:59,579 it back up. 872 00:27:59,580 --> 00:28:00,709 Coming in hot, yeah. 873 00:28:00,710 --> 00:28:02,150 Hehehehehehe 874 00:28:07,410 --> 00:28:09,349 Happy holidays to all from the KUT 875 00:28:09,350 --> 00:28:11,249 team, but before we 876 00:28:11,250 --> 00:28:13,069 go, Syeda, what is 877 00:28:13,070 --> 00:28:14,159 yours? 878 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:15,579 Well, thanks for asking, Jimmy. 879 00:28:15,580 --> 00:28:17,539 I'm gonna go with a classic. 880 00:28:17,540 --> 00:28:18,999 Mariah Carey's All I Want for 881 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,319 Christmas Is You. 882 00:28:20,320 --> 00:28:21,679 You truly can't escape it this 883 00:28:21,680 --> 00:28:23,579 season, but why would you want to? 884 00:28:23,580 --> 00:28:24,619 It's great. 885 00:28:24,620 --> 00:28:25,719 It's gonna stick in your head 886 00:28:25,720 --> 00:28:27,659 forever. It is just so 887 00:28:27,660 --> 00:28:29,419 fun. And there's only a certain time 888 00:28:29,420 --> 00:28:30,639 of year you can enjoy it. 889 00:28:30,640 --> 00:28:32,419 So I'm all for it. 890 00:28:32,420 --> 00:28:33,999 That's it for us today on Austin 891 00:28:34,000 --> 00:28:35,979 Signal. Rayna Sevilla is our 892 00:28:35,980 --> 00:28:37,419 technical director. 893 00:28:37,420 --> 00:28:39,139 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 894 00:28:39,140 --> 00:28:40,119 producer. 895 00:28:40,120 --> 00:28:41,889 I am Syeda Carrillo. 896 00:28:41,890 --> 00:28:43,429 Happy Holidays and thanks for 897 00:28:43,430 --> 00:28:44,749 listening to Austin Signal.