Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert brought their much-decorated ballad ‘Over You,’ which they penned together about the death of Shelton’s brother, to ‘The Voice‘ on Tuesday, performing the intimate and deeply personal song with a different purpose.

Sitting next to one another on a stage illuminated by foot lights, Shelton strummed his acoustic guitar, looking at his wife with pain all over his face while she belted out the lyrics. You could see the mix of emotion and admiration in his eyes as she delivered the words. Both looked to be welling up with tears, in light of the tragedy of their home state of Oklahoma, where a devastating tornado ripped through the region earlier this week.

The couple called attention to the situation in their state, as a text box was featured on the screen, calling for donations to aid the Red Cross in relief efforts for the victims.

“I think ‘Over You’ was the perfect song for this situation,” Shelton said after the show. “The moment was right. I wish things could have been different. I wouldn’t have thought about performing a song like that, but it seemed like the right thing to do.”

He is working with NBC, the network which airs ‘The Voice,’ on a benefit concert. “Hopefully, it will be something big and will raise a lot of money, and obviously it will be televised,” the singer and coach said. “It will happen really quickly and, hopefully, I can call in some really big favors.”

Shelton has plenty of friends in country music and beyond, and he can certainly use his star power to help his fellow Oklahomans.

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Source: Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Bring ‘Over You’ to ‘The Voice’ in Tribute to Oklahoma

I watched it again later that day and realized that this is a very truly inspirational person.

Death is scary ’cause you don’t know what’s next or if there is a next — it’s kind of like sitting in the dark….You can either freak out in the dark or go to sleep, relax, and be happy and content.

It’s the title track off Darius Rucker’s brand-new album that just came out this week, and you can bet your bottom dollar we’re going to hear it at this year’s Taste Of Country.

Hootie (er, Rucker) sings in the chorus:

We are one heartbeat in the darkness
We are one lasting answered prayer
We are one unbroken promise
And we are two, true believers

What do you think of this one coming in at #22?

[button href="http://wyrk.com/rob-banks-top-25-darius-rucker-songs-23-tuckers-town/" title="See Song #23!" align="center"]

To celebrate both YouTube turning eight-years-old as well as kick-off the site’s Comedy Week, America’s favorite remixers The Gregory Brothers recently delighted us with the history of the beloved video sharing site in song. 

It’s hard to believe that just eight years ago there was no Chocolate Rain nor Pop Tart Cat. How did we survive? Regardless, we can’t say we regret any of it. Remember that time we discovered how ridiculously close goats and humans sound? Oh, memories!

Among all of the wins the Gregory Bros have churned out, this might be our favorite. And we can’t disagree — life hasn’t been the same since YouTube.

Source: The Gregory Brothers Offer a History of YouTube

Water adds so much to a garden. And while ponds and pools are nice, the trickle and splash of an active fountain breathes fresh air and even a bit of a mystical quality into your garden oasis. When it comes to choosing or building a fountain for your garden, there are many options available to you. Some of these options can be quite complex (if you so desire), but they don’t have to be.

Depending on your time, budget and level of building skill, you can erect a fountain to rival the best in Rome (okay, that might be pushing things a little), or perhaps something a bit more humble, yet still full of outdoor charm. Here are a few ideas to help you along your way in creating the fountain you desire:

Wall Fountains

Wall fountains come in all shapes and sizes. They’re great for larger gardens and smaller ones alike. Classical designs abound, as do sleek styles with modern-looking curtains of water streaming down glass, stone, rock and brick, or even open air. There are plenty of guides online that can help you build your very own wall fountain, but f you’re not into building one from scratch, there are kits you can buy or already-completed fountains. Of course, you can always call a contractor and have him or her install the fountain for you. No matter what course you choose, a wall fountain is almost guaranteed to help you enjoy your garden even more.

Three-Tier Fountain

You can pick up a three-tier fountain, which can be reminiscent of something you might find in a colorful courtyard in Seville, Spain, for under $400. If you want a bigger “splash” for your buck, you can always dish out some extra money for an even grander fountain. Why limit yourself to the traditional three-tier design when you can opt for four or five tiers? Regardless of the number of tiers you decide upon, a cascading tiered fountain is a wonderful option when you want to add a refined look to your garden.

Ceramic Pot Fountain

Here’s a fountain you can build fairly easily. You’ll need to purchase some basic tools and materials, like a large ceramic pot, fountain kit, rubber stoppers and drill (if you don’t have one already). After that, go through a few step-by-step guides and build yourself a nifty ceramic pot fountain. The bigger the pot or jar, the larger your fountain will be, of course. Check out different fountain plans, and don’t be afraid to use your imagination.

Birdbath Fountain

Who doesn’t like to see the little birds twittering about the fresh water flowing in and out of a birdbath fountain? While the diehard do-it-yourself crowd out there could build one of these water-based art pieces for themselves, there are tons of premade designs you can purchase and install with relative ease. With a few pointers from your local gardening expert, or the Internet (always check out more than one how-to guide), you can have your birdbath fountain up and running in no time at all. If the birds visiting your backyard could talk, they would surely thank you for your efforts.

Rock-Pond Fountain

A cool rock-pond fountain is something you can buy prefabricated or build yourself. The selections here are endless. In many ways a rock-pond fountain can be similar to a three-tier fountain, although rather than making use of concrete or other classical materials, the fountain is constructed out of rocks (fake rocks for some store-bought options).

Illuminated pools, simple or elaborate designs, and a natural-looking feel are just some of the creative ways a rock-pond fountain can add to the playful or soothing ambiance of your Zen-like garden. With a water pump, some good-size rocks, and a little knowhow, you’ll soon be enjoying one of these wonderful fountains at home for yourself.

As we approach the holiday weekend, I thought it was fitting to showcase some of the great music honoring our servicemen and women. Please stay tuned to WYRK as we do the same on air all weekend.

God Bless!

If you think you’re just too darned pretty to work, then you should either apply to be on the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise or do what one woman in Britain does.

Nothing.

Laura Fernee hasn’t had a job for two years because she claims her good looks are too distracting, which still puts her several years behind any female with the last name ‘Kardashian.’

Fernee, who worked at a research lab from 2008-2011, said she had to quit because she couldn’t take the chatter about how beautiful she is:

I’m not lazy and I’m no bimbo. The truth is my good looks have caused massive problems for me when it comes to employment, so I’ve made the decision that employment just isn’t for me at the moment. It’s not my fault…I can’t help the way I look.”

Bear with us a moment while we cue up the violin music.

Fernee’s words on this topic are a grab-bag of hilarity. Here are some other pearls of wisdom:

• “I would say whilst I was at work I underwent some negative situations relating to how I looked, and the overall effect made me feel quite traumatized.”
• [On female co-workers]: They “assumed [that] because I was pretty, I was stupid, so didn’t take me seriously at first and, because of their own insecurities, were jealous of my looks.”
• “I know people will judge me for choosing not to work but they are underestimating just what a curse good looks can be in the workplace. Everyone thinks it must be great to be attractive but there are serious downsides.”

Fernee doesn’t have a sugar daddy to finance her lavish lifestyle. No, she has a sugar daddy and a sugar momma. Yup, her parents have no problem paying $3,000 a month for rent and nearly $2,300 on clothes.

Which is odd because she doesn’t have a job, so why exactly does she need such nice duds?

[Gawker]

How do you determine what is and what isn’t an island? In 1861 the British government decided if people lived on an island size didn’t matter. But if nobody lived there it had to be at least two acres.

Under those rules, Canada has the most islands with over 200,000, most of them tiny.

What’s the largest island in the world? By far it’s Greenland. Australia is not an island – it’s a continent because it has plant and animal life unique from other continents.

The smallest island in the world is Bishop Rock. It’s in the southwest part of the United Kingdom. The only thing on it is a lighthouse.

The most isolated inhabited island in the world is Tristan da Cunha. It’s in the South Atlantic almost midway between South America and Africa. It’s dominated by a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1961.

It’s an English speaking British Colony 1500 miles from land in every direction. It has only one road, one policeman and one radio station. There are only seven surnames on Tristan da Cunha and all of the roughly 250 people who live there are related.

I would pay a lot of money to see a Hootie & the Blowfish reunion show and for this song to be played.

Thank you.

I can’t believe we’re so close to the Taste Of Country. Only 23 days away until LIVE country music and beer outside under the sun! It’s going to be a great night.

I doubt Darius Rucker will play this tune off of Hootie & the Blowfish’s Fairweather Johnson, but here’s to hoping.

#23: “Tucker’s Town”

P.S. Look at Darius’ shirt in this video! LOL — nice!

[button href="wyrk.com/rob-banks-top-25-darius-rucgooer-songs-24-forever-road/" title="Find Out What Song Is #24!" align="center"]

Need a new twist on an old favorite? With Memorial Day just days away, the unofficial start to summer is here! That means grilling season, and that means plenty of hot dogs.

How about something a little different? How about a bacon dog?

I can’t believe that these haven’t been on the market already. You can’t go anywhere these days without seeing bacon. From ice cream to lip balm, and even to vodka, bacon is everywhere! Oscar Meyer is jumping on the bandwagon as well with the “Bacon Dog.”

Bacon is just one of the ingredients. Pieces of it are mixed in with turkey, chicken and other pork products. But bacon is the star: The wieners will be marketed as “Bacon Dogs,” complete with a picture of frying bacon on the package.

And who could forget the famous song and commercial?? Can we now add bacon to this?

It’s a fast love song where the guy pledges his love for his girl. One of those songs that you have to sing along to whenever you hear it.

I’ll always be beside you / Holdin’ on until this ride is through / So away we go, down that forever road

There are just 24 days left until the Taste Of Country!!! Cross your fingers that we’ll hear this song there!

[button href="http://wyrk.com/counting-down-25-days-until-taste-of-country-2013-with-rob-banks-top-25-darius-rucker-songs/" title="What's Song #25?" align="center"]

The guy holding the rooster is a real chicken.

This 2008 clip of a British reporter is enjoying a second life because, well, just watch for yourself and you’ll see why.

Not only does this fella scream, but he also books it like he’s running the 40-yard dash. Intrepid reporter? We think not.

Source: Reporter Terrified By Rooster Gone Wild

Was Taylor Swift grossed out by watching good friend Selena Gomez being pulled in for a kiss hello from Justin Bieber, or was she just being a bestie? There’s a lot going on in a new viral video that shows the pop stars smooching, with Swift sticking her tongue out in apparent disgust.

Swift is passing through a backstage room at Sunday’s (May 19) Billboard Music Awards with Gomez and a red-haired friend by her side, when Bieber spots them and pulls Gomez in. She obliges and the two share an awkward cheek smooch, though it seems Bieber wanted some lip action. He holds Gomez for what looks like a quick heart-to-heart, while Swift and the redhead wait, impatiently trying to tug her away.

Swift’s tongue comes out in a “yuck” face as she looks back to see Gomez embracing her ex-boyfriend. The scene reeks of just-being-nice-in-public body language, but it’s obvious Swift and the redhead become agitated after just a few seconds before the friend starts urging Gomez to keep moving.

Was Swift grossed out by the PDA, or does she know a little bit of the backstory after sharing a few heart-to-hearts with Gomez herself? Gomez and Bieber are officially not a couple at the moment, although they were seen clubbing together in L.A. last week, getting cozy late into the night. Gomez told InStyle magazine that a reconciliation is possible. No need to ask Swift what she thinks of that prospect!

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/taylor-swift-gifs/" title="Next: More Hilarious Taylor Swift GIFs" align="center"]

Source: Taylor Swift Reacts to Justin Bieber/Selena Gomez Kiss at Billboard Music Awards

Our prayers are with all of those affected and the brave first responders and volunteers!

[button href="http://wyrk.com/how-you-can-help-victims-of-the-tornado-in-oklahoma/" title="How To Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims" align="center"]

These anchors were covering a tornado headed directly for their studio when they decided on LIVE TV to seek shelter.

Pretty intense. Our prayers are with everyone affected by this incredibly sad natural disaster.

[button href="http://wyrk.com/how-you-can-help-victims-of-the-tornado-in-oklahoma/" title="How To Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims" align="center"]

Luckily, transit controllers were able to stop a train that was only a minute away from entering the station.

The child is reported to have suffered a cut on her forehead but otherwise is in a good condition.

Check it out though. The 14-month-old daughter takes quite a spill. Is this a complete freak accident or should the mom have been paying attention more?

My thoughts on a tragic day for Moore, Okla.

Very sad.

[button href="http://wyrk.com/how-you-can-help-victims-of-the-tornado-in-oklahoma/" title="How To Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims" align="center"]

An enormous tornado with a debris cloud two miles wide tore through the metropolitan area just south of Oklahoma City on Monday afternoon.

UPDATE 9:28 p.m. EST: At least 51 people were killed in the storm, including seven children from Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, according to KFOR in Oklahoma City. The news station reported that 75 student and staff were inside the school when the storm struck. Officials said Monday night that the search of the rubble remaining of the school had turned to a recovery mission.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m. EST: At least 37 people have been killed in the storm, according to the local medical examiner. The two-mile wide twister, has been given a preliminary classification of an EF-4 tornado (winds of 166 to 200 mph), according to weather officials. Crews are continuing to search an area of 30 square miles for victims of the powerful storm.

UPDATE 7:49 p.m. EST: ABC News reports that at least 10 people have been killed in the storm in Moore, Okla. today.

UPDATE 7:04 p.m. EST: The AP reports that several children were pulled alive from the wreckage at Plaza Towers Elementary School, in Moore.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m. EST: CNN affiliate KFOR is reporting that people are pulling children out from the rubble of an elementary school in Moore. There is no official word yet on the condition of the children.

The town of Moore suffered tremendous damage as the twister gradually moved east, but it never did reach the downtown area of Oklahoma’s capital city. The National Weather Service had issued a tornado emergency warning for the region, a rarity for such a highly populated area. Schools, houses, businesses and many, many more buildings have been utterly devastated.

The tornado may also have touched down in or near the town of Newcastle, which is where many people who had been evacuated due to Sunday’s storms were sheltered.

In total, more than 171,000 people may have been in the path of the tornado, according to CNN.

You can view live coverage of the aftermath here.

This post will be updated as further information comes in.

[NBC, CNN]

Every day is a good day to be George Strait, but now the superstar has more cause to celebrate his illustrious career than usual. Strait ignited 60 for 60 campaign, pushing to clinch his 60th No. 1 hit before his 61st birthday, which he celebrated over the weekend. The iconic country star hit his goal — and his fellow country artists couldn’t be happier for him.

Strait and his label, MCA, launched the push to get his latest single, ‘Give It All You Got Tonight,’ to the top of the charts. They rolled out the campaign via Facebook and Twitter on Valentine’s Day, calling on country radio stations to play the tune as much as possible.

Before long, country stars like Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery and more turned out to help call attention to the goal.

And it worked! Based on Mediabase charts, ‘Give It All You Got Tonight’ clinched the top slot on the country chart for the week of May 12-18. Strait turned 61 on Saturday May 18, so he and his label are calling their campaign a success. Talk about an awesome birthday present!

In honor of Strait’s 61st birthday and 60th No. 1 hit, country artists turned out again to offer up kind words and congratulations. Most stars offered up “Happy Birthday!” messages and a general, “Congratulations on your 60th No. 1 hit!” But a few movers and shakers added personal touches to their warm wishes.

“Nice to be your friend, George,” Paisley told to the camera. “Congratulations!”

“You’re the King of Country Music, hands down,” Gary Allan added to his message.

But of all the congratulations, Eddie Montgomery‘s might have been the most creative. “Hey George, hey man, 60 for 60, that’s awesome! But I’ll tell you — what about going 80 for 80? What about that?” he asked the superstar.

We sure wouldn’t mind seeing Strait go 80 for 80! But for now, we’ll just say congratulations to the King of Country on his 60th No. 1 single.

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Source: George Strait Is 60 for 60, Fellow Country Artists Celebrate in Fun Video

Jake Owen is nothing if not creative and able to think on the fly — and with his fly down. The singer ripped his pants while performing onstage in Charleston, S.C. on May 17.

It was quite eventful, since he admitted via Twitter that he had gone commando and therefore had to improvise, using his white t-shirt as emergency sash to hold his pants together to avoid really putting on a show.

Owen had a terrific sense of humor about his pants predicament, and came up with a clever yet makeshift solution to a very real problem. He was said to be climbing around to say hello to a fan in the crowd, and that’s when his pants parted at the seams. Necessity is the mother of invention, so he used his shirt to create a bandage of sorts that ended up looking like one of his daughter’s diapers.

Only Jake Owen could make that look good, especially since he is so in shape lately. His female fans were undoubtedly happy to see the singer go shirtless.

One amused fan tweeted: ”Jake Owen split his pants on stage and said, ‘that’s when you know you’re rockin your balls off!’”

The singer himself hit the social media site following the show, writing: “Charleston, SC will never be forgotten. My jeans ripped on stage tonight. Going commando=bad idea. Although, great breeze here. Coastal town.”

“Tonight was totally “nuts” in Charleston,” he joked. We bet he’ll never skip the undies again.

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Source: Jake Owen Rips His Pants Onstage