First Think, THEN Ink.

We have come to the end of the 30 Day Music Challenge, and again, I'm altering this selection from the original... the challenge for today was supposed to be "Your Favorite Song This Time Last Year." I'm pretty sure that this time last year, songs were not on my mind in the least... except for Mussorgsky's "Night On Bald Mountain", which, I kid you not, really was playing in my head almost continually those first couple of months of 2017.

But now, in the wake of the Grammys and of the positive elements that seem to be on the rise in our society, plus the fact that we haven't, as yet, talked about what's happening now in music during this 30 day meme, all points to reasons why we should examine what's popular today and select a current song for this list!

Music is ever-changing, ever growing, constantly surprising and continually flowing. Even though the sounds of the songs on the current charts bear no resemblance to 1968 or 1988 or even 2008, there is still a thread that connects them together. If you can't find something you like during any era of music, that only means that you just aren't listening.

I have an easy job for this final pick. Or, really it's a difficult one in that there are a number of songs that I really love that are on the charts this week. But I'm making this selection for a few crucial reasons. First, it's a song focused on the concept of what is usually referred to as "Girl Power", taking back the strength in a relationship, rather than giving it all to the guy. That's a great and very timely message.

Second, the tune itself is so strong and unique, it really has an edge that makes it stand out; it is a tune that has that "earworm" quality that a lot of hits are all about. It has a great sound.

Third, the artist is breaking through, becoming a part of the mainstream from her native Great Britain for most of last year. You didn't hear her name during this week's Grammys, but I would be shocked if you wouldn't hear it at least a few times during next year's ceremony!

And finally, just to bring it back to NYC one final time during this Challenge, The performer is going to make her very first appearance as the musical guest on this Week's Saturday Night Live, hosted by Natalie Portman. You'll be able to see her for yourself when the show airs on NBC, Feburary Third, at 11:30 Eastern, 8:30 Pacific!

So, this massive list of songs, which started with something old, is ending with something new. I conclude the 30 Day Music Challenge with Dua Lipa - "New Rules"

Every Saturday morning, one of our local newscasts, NBC Today in New York does something a little bit extra. They give us a special fun trivia game!

Kaitlin Monte is the host of the game within the news program, which basically comes at the end of the hour, typically about forty five minutes into the proceedings. A USO entertainer, Former Miss America contestant (2nd Runner Up in 2011!) and anti-bullying advocate, Kaitlin could be considered the yang to Pat Kiernan's yin as far as NYC news related trivia hosts are concerned.

( Now, the thing about this trivia game... )

I'm back in the contestant waiting room, so if you want to look in on me (occasionally, since they split the feeds up) go to:

http://www.nbc.com/million-second-quiz/#/live_from_nyc

and you might see me. I'm in a red shirt.

So, after I was selected to move on in the competition, my little group of fellow qualifiers were escorted to the Area 8. We went outside and down the block to a parking lot with a couple of tents and lots of couches and blankets.

Before we could sit down and fall asleep, there were more forms to fill out, including psychiatric info... Yes, there are doctors on duty and they made it clear that we could utilize their help and that they would be there for us if we needed some mental moments, but it also meant that we would likely not continue in the game.

Still hadn't had any sleep and every time I was on the verge of dozing, there was some other thing to do... sign this here, meet this doctor who will take your temperature and blood pressure, get photographed again. Get interviewed, again.

( These aren't complaints! )

Those people who have been following this journal for the long haul, and I know there are a few people that are still here now that were then, know that exactly ten years ago this month, I appeared on a game show, called "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." It was a fun experience and the profit I made from it helped me get acquainted with some more El Jay people along the way. If you want to have a look at those moments, you'll find them listed under "wwtbam" on my tags.

And here we are, September 2013 and here I am, trying to play another trivia (that's three roads in Italian) game!

It's called "The Million Second Quiz," hosted by Television's omnipresent Ryan Seacrest.

( time is money... )