#wumf 91.5

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Budgie Care

Alright, gang! Our animal of the week is the Budgie or parakeet. Those are the green or blue birds that you find at most pet stores. They’ve been one of the most popular pets in the United States for over 70 years!

There are actually two kinds of common commercially available parakeets. Those would be the European Parakeet, which is puffy and large, and the American Parakeet, which is sleeker and smaller. Though the species is originally from Australia, the export of wild-caught parakeets was outlawed in 1894, so all modern pet parakeets are descended from those in the care of British bird hobbyists.

They were introduced to the US in the 1920s but didn’t really pick up traction until the 1950s.

Part of their appeal is their lifespan and personality. They can live up to 15 years with proper care, and make for sweet, attentive companions if socialized properly.

It is recommended that budgies are kept in a cage that is 20 inches long by 12 inches wide by 18 inches tall, however, you should give them as much space as you can manage. Horizontal bars are preferable because it’s easier for them to climb. They should have a variety of perches with different heights and textures, and a number of toys to help with mental stimulation. Try to avoid synthetic fibers, as they are difficult to digest, and may cause health issues. They should also be provided chews, such as cuttlebone, which will help keep their beaks at a healthy size and provide calcium. 

Parakeets come in several colors, the most common being blue, green, yellow, and white, though private breeders can offer a wider variety. They typically have dark bands on their heads that fade after a few months. Their age and sex can be guessed from the color of their cere. That’s the skin over the top of their nose. Male budgies will have a blue cere, and the intensity of the color will indicate their age. Female budgies will have one that is pink, tan, or brown. The color will be recognizable after a few months.

Budgies require both times out of their cage and time to socialize. Birds, as you can imagine, enjoy flying. Even when they have a large enclosure, they do need time to stretch their wings and explore. You should have one room that is kept in a condition where it is safe for them to explore. You don’t want them eating something that could make them sick, or getting stuck somewhere!

Because they are flocking birds, they do require a lot of interaction. Many people who cannot meet their interaction needs simply invest in another budgie to keep their first company. The increased space requirements are an acceptable trade-off for the lower time requirements for some people.

They prefer to be in warmer climates- 70-75 degrees are preferable. However, you should keep their enclosure out of direct sunlight, as they lack the ability to cool themselves without help. Similarly, don’t put them in drafty areas or near the AC. If you have a fan, be sure to turn it off before letting your birds fly. They could get caught in it, no matter the size. Birds are curious and like to stick themselves in the weirdest places.

Budgies should be fed a well-rounded diet, not just seeds. While they do like seeds, the high-fat content in them can lead to health problems down the line. Many brands offer a pellet option, which provides a more well-rounded diet. Do some research on pellet diets offered in your local pet store to see which may be the best for you

As always, please do your own research before committing to a pet. I hope this helped you understand another amazing animal that could be your family’s new best friend!

[nickbray-portfolio]

WUMF Radio Continues to Provide the Soundtrack for Farmington

March 2016

Published in the UMF Farmington Flyer, Issue 2, Spring 2016

   Since 1972 WUMF has been providing the soundtrack for the university and the greater Farmington community, and this semester is no different. After 44 years on air, the radio station continues to attract DJs to play music. This spring, WUMF will continue many of its long standing traditions, including the much anticipated Battle of The Bands.

   With its slogan “Where Undiscovered Music is Found”, it’s evident that the casual radio listener has a plethora of options when tuning into 91.5 FM or online via the Shoutcast streaming service. The genres of classic rock, rock, and alternative are the most popular genres of music played by the DJs, while hip hop and electronic are played less.

   Each semester as interested DJs request time on the air, the staff at WUMF prepare the show schedule. To make the schedule the most efficient, the shows are grouped by genre, and placed on the same night. “We try to get all the classic rock shows together,” said Production Manager Luke Deems. “So when someone tunes into the radio station who likes classic rock, [they] will more likely listen to more shows.” Monday features classic rock, Thursday is modern rock, and Friday is alternative. The rest of the shows are sprinkled into the schedule. The staff takes the necessary steps to ensure that all interested DJs have a time slot that works for them.

   WUMF has an eclectic group of DJs, each with their own flairs. Julia Lent’s show, “Off the Wall”, is one of the stations more unique programs. “She has a whole DJ character that she has developed. She is a different person on the air,” said Deems. Her on air DJ name is Zosime, and her show is on Monday Night, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

   Each show has a unique title, like Annie Moloney and Zoe Mann-Weiner’s “Peanut Butter and Slamjam Sandwich”. “The name came from nowhere,” said Moloney. “I think I was looking at my jar of chunky Skippy peanut butter when I came up with that name. Their show can be heard on Thursday’s, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

   In addition to broadcasting music over the air, WUMF hosts and participates in various events in the community. One of it’s most popular events is the Battle of the Bands competition. This is a chance for local and regional bands to come to UMF to play and compete for the title of best band. The date for this isn’t set yet, but it will likely be the end of April and will be included as part of the Spring Fling festivities. WUMF is also planning a block party after the success of the one they had in the fall semester. The radio station will also provide live sound for various events including Relay for Life and the Hospice House 5k Run/Walk.

   In a way to give back to the community, the radio station will be holding a clothing and food drive to benefit various local charities. Station Manager Mike Diffin says they will be taking any new and used clothing and non-perishable food items starting February 29, through mid April. “If you donate, you will get your name entered into a raffle and we will be giving a few items away,” said Diffin.

[t-oresama]

Radio show committed to Asian music from Korea, Japan and China!

My university's radio station's motto is "Your station. Your music."

Keeping this in mind, I'm starting a 2-hour radio show on WUMF 91.5FM called "Rhythm and Seoul"!

It's a show committed to catering to people with a craving for Asian pop, rock, hip-hop and everything in between, and those who are curious as to what exists in Asia besides "Gangnam Style". 

Obviously, only people in the state of Maine (where the university is) will be able to listen to this via radio. But, good news for those interested! There is a livestream available online!

http://wumf.umf.maine.edu/listen-live/

The segments will include Korean music (any genre), J-pop and C-pop, and J-rock! (pre-chosen English music will be included for half an hour per the radio station's requirements for all shows)

It's my first show, so will you care to take a listen? ^_^

I'm DJ DokiDoki and Rhythm and Seoul airs from 6pm-8pm (eastern time) every Saturday! 

Thank you~

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Peace Lillies

Welcome to the final installment of our decades' event! With WUMF week coming to an end, we will be returning to our regular programming on here- whatever animal or plants I thought looked cute that week. But, you say, we haven't done the 2020s! You would be right. The 2020s have only been a thing for three years, so there aren't any decades trends to pull from. What's popular now might be long forgotten by 2027. So, I have decided to combine the two, with the plant segment for the 2010s and the animal section for the 2020s. Now, on to our plant for the week; peace lilies.

Peace lilies aren't actually lilies. They're more closely related to Monsteras. They're named after their large, white flowers, which look like white flags. However, like true lilies, they are toxic to cats, dogs, and people, so be aware of that.

They're another kind of air-purifying plant, and they prefer to stay out of direct sunlight. They also are tropical plants, so humidity is their jam. Many people keep them in their bathrooms for these reasons.

They like pots that are only about a third larger than their root ball. They actually excel when rootbound, so don't worry if you think the pot is too small. They only need to be repotted every few years.

The soil should be kept damp, but not waterlogged. If you find that it's drying out too quickly, it may be time to repot.

Peace lilies hate drafts and the cold, so if you get one at a store, pick one further away from any outside doors. They are more likely to be unhealthy. You should also check them for any obvious fungi or pests before you buy. Those can spread quickly if not caught, and the rest of your plants could be infected.

Once any flowers have wilted, prune them off so that the plant can focus its energy on more important locations. Yellowing leaves are common, just prune them off to make room for new growth. If they're going yellow more often than usual, it may be due to overwatering. Try cutting back on that, and see if it helps. The leaves will also brown at the edge when they get too much sun. Move them to a more shaded area, ideally with good ambient light, but less direct exposure.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Veiled Chameleon Care

Today’s animal is the Veiled- or Yemen- chameleon. This is one of the more common species of chameleon sold and a great beginner chameleon to have if you’re just starting out.

While originally the majority of chameleons were wild caught, over the years we’ve learned more about them and their habitat preferences, so now the vast majority of veiled chameleons you’ll find are captive bred. This is preferable because captive-bred animals are less likely to be diseased when you get them and are comfortable with people to boot. It’s also much more ethical because you’re not impacting the endemic populations of potentially threatened animals.

Adult males will grow to about two feet and live from six to eight years with proper care. Females grow to about 18 inches and live for about four to six years. This is because they produce clutches of eggs even when not bred, which can put their bodies through a lot.

As for enclosures, bigger is always better, and they must be housed separately once they’ve matured, at about 10 months. Adult Males should be kept in an enclosure that measures 2 feet wide by 2 feet long by 4 feet high. Females should be kept in one that is about 18 inches wide by 18 inches long by 3 feet tall. These enclosures should be screened for a few reasons. For one, it helps with airflow, and it’s easier to find or make. Glass enclosures in those dimensions are hard to find and expensive, plus the stagnant air could lead to a respiratory infection. The interior should have vines and foliage for the chameleon to climb and hide in. You can use plastic synthetic plants, or common, nontoxic ones. Do your research! What isn’t poisonous to you may be deadly for them. I recommend against sand or dirt substrate, especially when you’re just starting out, as it can be eaten accidentally, breed fungus, or work as a hiding place for feeder insects. You can simply leave the bottom of the enclosure bare, or cover it with a thin layer of paper towels. 

They require 12 hours of heat, light, and UVB. I would recommend investing in two lamps, one with a light, and the other with a combined heat and UVB bulb. It’s a bit more expensive but takes up less space. However you decide to do it, heat must come from a lamp. They don’t recognize other heating sources, like ceramic heat emitters or heating pads. Basking areas should be about 6 inches under the heat source, so they don’t burn themselves by accident. This also provides a temperature gradient in their enclosure, which is vital in helping them regulate their body temperature. They prefer an average temperature of between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they do very well with nighttime temperature shifts, so you shouldn’t need to keep the heating lamp on at night unless the enclosure is getting down to the mid-forties. 

Veiled chameleons should be fed a diet of crickets that are about as long as their head is wide. Babies should have an almost constant access to food, typically twice per day feedings. Adults can be fed every other day. Be sure to coat the crickets in calcium powder, to ensure proper bone health. 

As an arboreal species, they don’t typically interact with ground water, and would probably ignore a water dish. In the wild, they drink rainwater and dew. The tall ridge on the top of their head is designed to collect it, and guide it into their mouth! Your best bet to keep them hydrated is to mist the enclosure twice per day for about two minutes, or to invest in a drip system, which will slowly deposit water onto the leaves, which they will then drink. 

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Crested Gecko Care

Welcome to our first animal care segment! Today’s critter is the Eyelash Crested Gecko, or New Caledonian Crested Gecko. They’re one of my favorite reptiles, and they can make for really great pets. They’re usually what I’d recommend to a budding herp enthusiast. 

Cresties are on the smaller side, reaching about 8-10 inches when fully grown, but they’re big enough to safely handle without worrying that they’ll get lost in the couch cushions if they fall.

They’re light brown to orange in color and have a lot of beautiful morphs to choose from. For the reptile casuals out there, “morphs” are basically the different colors that a reptile species can have. “Wild type” reptiles have the natural coloring found in the wild, while other morphs were bred for the aesthetic in captivity.

Cresties got their name from a spiky crest that runs down the sides of their head and back. The spikes over their eyes look like eyelashes!

They are not, however, because cresties don’t have eyelids! They lick their eyes to keep them moist, leading to a lot of derpy pictures.

In terms of housing, they’re pretty easy to set up. They require a glass 20-gallon or equivalent vertical enclosure once they reach one year. Juveniles can be started in a 10-gallon, but I find it easier to just set an animal up in the enclosure they’ll need at full size. It’s cheaper, and less work in the long run. You should also have a thermometer and a hygrometer, to measure humidity. Their tank should be kept at around 75 degrees and at about 60-70% humidity, which you can maintain by occasionally misting it with a spray bottle. Though it’s not typically necessary, if you can’t maintain their heating requirements, you can get a heating lamp. They don’t need a UVB lamp, but it wouldn’t hurt them to have if you want to splurge on one. So long as they’re in a room with natural light, you shouldn’t have to get a day lamp. They’re nocturnal, so it’s not like you’ll get to look at them moving around during the day anyway.

They’re not very picky with their substrate, you can use soil or paper towels. Whatever you decide, it should be something that is easy to clean and doesn’t affect humidity. Coconut fiber bedding is a great choice. 

They also need pretty dense cover so they can hide and climb around. You can go for reptile enclosure decorations from a pet store, but you can also make a biointeractive enclosure, with real plants. That’s my preference, but you should go with what’s easier for you, especially if you’re just starting out.

While they can be cohabitated, they’re typically solitary animals. Your best bet, if you want to try that, would be two females. Males fight each other, and housing a male and female together can lead to more lizards. Or more fighting. If you’re attempting to cohabitate, pay attention to how they interact, and spring for a 25 or 30-gallon instead, so they have space to get away from each other. They do make croaking, chirpy vocalizations to you and any roommates they may have, but it’s not particularly loud or irritating.

They are illegal to export from New Caledonia, so any crestie you get will be captive bred. This is good because captive-bred animals tend to be easier to tame down and get used to handling. Cresties in general are pretty good at being handled, provided you go about it the right way. I would recommend going to a reptile expo for one rather than a pet store. Not only is it easier to ensure the health and history of the animal, but there are also so many more options for morphs.

Never squish or grab them by the tail. They will drop it when scared, and they do not grow it back. It’s not the end of the world, but you do want your gecko to be the healthiest it can be. It’s mostly an aesthetic issue, and your gecko will quickly adjust to the lack of weight in their caboose. If they rear up and start hissing, back off. They’re scared, and posturing to make you go away.

Cresties are omnivorous, eating bugs and overripe fruits. They tend to prefer roaches and crickets, which should be given once every few weeks. The bug in question should be coated in calcium and vitamin D3 powder, which can be found in most pet shops. Calcium deficiency can cause health problems.  Uneaten fruit should be removed once per week. They should be fed later in the day after the sun goes down. Some good fruits to give them are bananas, peaches, or apricot, and you could also give them mixed mashed fruits. 

They also sell crested gecko food which comes as a powder. When mixed with water, it makes a nutritionally complete meal, though you should mix it their meal plan up with occasional fruits and bugs. They should always have a shallow bowl of water available to them, which should be cleaned and replaced regularly.

Crested geckos are a beautiful, fascinating species, and they can make for excellent companions. Always do your own research before getting any animal, but I hope this little guide can help you get an idea of what they’re like and what they need.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Burmese Python

Good evening, dear listeners! Welcome to the 2000s edition of Animal, Plant, or Rock! For today's animal segment, we will be covering a rather controversial animal; the Burmese python. While relatively popular in the pet trade, Burmies are most often associated with their status as a harmful invasive in Florida's Everglades.

They had two big booms in popularity, one in 1996 and another in 2006. As a pet, they're not good for a beginner, being both massive, expensive, and potentially dangerous to the handler. They're considered aggressive, and it's best not to let your guard down around them unless you're very practiced, and know the animal well. Once they reach maturity, they should not be handled alone, as they can reach up to 20 feet long, though will usually only get as big as 12 in captivity. As a general rule, you should not handle any snake that is longer than you are tall by yourself. Even if it's the most docile animal in the world, be sure to have a buddy with you, just in case.

They require, at minimum, a 75 gallon enclosure when they reach the mature size of 8-9 feet, and may need an even larger enclosure as they grow. You may think that it takes a while for them to grow that large, but they actually reach full size in 2-3 years out of the 25 that they can live.

About the only thing "easy" with their handling is their diet. They're not picky eaters in the slightest, which helps makes them a dangerous invasive.

Contrary to popular belief, Burmese pythons did not solely make it into the American wilderness due to pet owners releasing them once they got bored. While I'm sure that happens, scientists believe they only established a breeding population after Hurricane Andrew destroyed a breeding facility in 1992, releasing countless snakes into the wild. In the early 2000s, they were officially recognized to have a breeding population in the Everglades. since then, the population has increased exponentially. However, the first Burmese python sightings in Florida date back to the 1930s, so their presence down there is not a recent problem, just much worse than it used to be.

The issue with them roaming free down there is that the climate is perfect for them, and they have no natural predators. This lets them grow to a remarkable extent. They've been found in record-breaking sizes, simply because they can eat pretty much whatever they want with minimal fear of predation.

While measures have been taken to cut down on their population- Burmese pythons have been blacklisted from importing as of 2012, and there is a well-trained, 400-person team devoted to wrangling and removing them wherever they're found, it is unlikely that Florida will ever be rid of this invasive species.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

I unfortunately was no longer able to do my radio shows as of last semester due to my mental health. I’ll try to upload the rest of my segments as soon as I can!

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Schnieder's Skink

Today's animal segment is about an animal that is predicted to be up and coming in the pet trade this year- Schnieder's skink.

I'm a big fan of skinks. They're cool little dudes, and they're very active and affectionate pets. They kind of look like what would happen if you gave a snake legs. They're very tubiform creatures, and with some varieties, it looks like the legs were tacked on as an afterthought.

Schnieder's skinks are one of the smaller varieties. They're only about 12-18 inches long (including their long tails) and particularly slender. The tails will drop, but they can regrow. They can even drop them in sections! The regrown tail looks completely normal, though it may be a different color than it was originally.

One of these skinks can be kept in a 20-gallon enclosure minimum, but bigger is always better. However, one of the best things about these animals is that they do great in groups. If you keep two, it is best to use a 40-gallon "breeder" tank. They are terrestrial lizards, so the height of the tank doesn't really matter. It should end up being about a foot to a foot and a half tall because those are the typical dimensions. No need for a custom build here! However, if you're into that sort of thing, you can make some really cool display enclosures. They like to burrow, so keep that in mind when you choose your substrate. Be sure to include some enrichment as well, like a little log decoration for them to climb on. Not only does it make them happy, but it makes your enclosure look cooler. Ensure that the enclosure's lid is secure, they can be little escape artists.

Skinks are ectotherms, like any other lizard. This means that they get their body heat from the environment. As such, they have certain care requirements that you need to meet to keep them healthy. They need a temperature gradient in their enclosure so that they can move to a cooler area if they get too hot, or vice versus. The exact temperatures are debated- as of now, they're not a particularly popular species- but the general consensus is to keep the warm side at 95-110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cool side at 85 degrees. At night, you can let this drop to 70-75. The humidity should be kept between 30 and 45 percent. This is also highly debated, but most people split the difference between the outside estimates of 20% and 60%, and it seems to be working well. This can be done by leaving them a bowl of water in the enclosure full time. The evaporation will keep the humidity up, plus they can drink from it. Alternatively, you can mist their enclosure whenever the humidity dips. They also need a UVB bulb, to ensure that they can process calcium. You can look up some professional tips on how to set up your enclosure for some more specific advice.

They are omnivorous, so you have a wide variety of food sources to use. They can eat vegetables- be sure to check if the ones you plan on feeding them are safe for that species- insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, etc, and even Pinkies (which are very small, frozen mice. Please thaw them out before you feed them to your lizard.) You should cycle through their food options day to day to ensure that they get a more balanced diet. Don't be worried if they don't eat their salad, though. Some care guides will mark them down as insectivorous, but they do eat plants in the wild. They may just be picky eaters.

Schnieder skinks are big personalities. They're very active animals and love to interact with their enclosure, and you. Despite being terrestrial animals, they will jump around and climb. They aren't very good at either, but they'll sure try! They're super fun to handle and super entertaining. While a "big personality" in animal care is typically synonymous with "will bite you if you look at it wrong," that is absolutely not the case here. They're not big biters, they tame down super quickly, and they seem to enjoy interacting with their handlers.

They're also not that expensive. The biggest price tag I've seen was only 60 dollars- which sounds like a lot, but some other skink varieties from the same distributors were over 1.5 thousand dollars. Unfortunately, they're not very common, so if you want one, keep your eyes peeled. On top of online reptile sites such as MorphMarket, you should also check out nearby reptile expos.

Schnieder skinks, are just awesome. They're in my top five list for my future reptiles, and I just love the little guys.

Thank you for tuning in for the final installment of Animal, Plant, or Rock's WUMF 50th birthday specials. Stick around to hear tons of awesome programming!

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Phalaenopsis Orchid

One of the trendiest plants of the 2000s was the orchid, and for good reason, and actually pretty easy to care for once you get the hang of it. Plus, they're incredibly diverse! There are over 22,000 different species! they come from diverse environments as well, some being air plants that grow off the sides of tropical trees, some being rock plants, that grow off of rocks, and still more grow in the detritus of the forest floor. Because there are so many to choose from, it can be hard to give a generic care guide, so I'm going to focus on the most common kind you'll find, the Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid.

I'm a big orchid person. They've always fascinated me, and they're one of my favorite flowers. If Phalaenopsis had a fan club, I'd be the president!

The problem most people have with orchids isn't that they're particularly hard to take care of, but rather that they're very different from most other plants in terms of care. They don't like to be buried in the dirt. The best sediment for the, actually, is larger bark pieces. You can find specialty orchid mixes from plant stores or places like Home Depot.

The biggest thing with them is to be careful about watering. You should let the roots almost dry out before you water again. With most orchids, the roots will be a pale, blue-ish green when dry and a darker green when wet. Typically, they only need to be watered about once a week.

You should also keep the crown dry at all times. The crown is a short, stem-like section above the roots where the leaves grow from. when it gets wet, it is prone to molding and rot.

So far, they seem pretty touchy about watering, right? This is because they are more tropical plants, so most of the water they naturally get is from humidity. As such, they're happier in more humid areas. Try to keep them away from any air conditioning vents, which will dry them out.

You should only trim the roots when you're sure that they're dead. Doing otherwise will harm the plant, and because they're slow-growing it can be difficult to replace them.

You should repot your orchid every one or two years unless they have outgrown their pot in the meantime. You should also repot them if you notice a strange smell coming from them.

Now, a lot of people end up throwing their orchids out once the flowers disappear. Which is awful! They think that they die after the flowers disappear, which is kind of a weird assumption to make. Does a rosebush die once it starts flowering? Orchids can flower for many years with proper care and pruning!

Though they can be hard to handle at first, Phalaenopsis orchids are gorgeous plants and a fine addition to any collection

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Labrador Retrievers

Hi everyone! Welcome to the animal segment of our 1990s themed show. This week, we'll be covering the most popular dog breed of the 90s- and today- the labrador retriever!

Unless you've been living as a hermit in the woods somewhere, whose only connection to the modern world is my wonderful radio show, you've met someone who has a lab. And for good reason! They're sweet, cuddly companions, and can always brighten up someone's day. They also have a rich history, so let's get started with that.

Labrador retrievers were bred from a now-extinct breed of water dog from Newfoundland called the St. John's water dog. They were imported to the UK in the 1830s, and used as gun dogs, like last week's Cocker Spaniels. However, they were prized for their competency in waterfowling. In the 1880s, a set of Dukes and Earls decided to create a new breed from them and other English hunting dogs, which they named the Labrador retriever, after the area of Newfoundland that they originated from. The much beloved "chocolate" coloration first appeared in the 1890s.

While labs are still used as hunting companions, their energetic disposition and willingness to learn have made them very popular in a number of other fields. In the Vietnam war, they were used as scouts to find wounded soldiers, as well as enemy positions. Labs also have the highest success rate of any breed for completing guide dog training. They can even be taught to administer very basic first-aid care! Some Labradors are trained as medical response dogs to help people with disabilities. They can place their owners in recovery position and even call emergency services. They are also used for water rescues in some areas since they're great swimmers.

They're also generally a healthy breed. They're only prone to a few diseases, mostly inherited disorders. They're more likely to suffer from joint dysplasias, which are common in larger breeds, and exercise-induced collapse. This is when dogs overheat and collapse after relatively short bouts of exercise.

One of the biggest issues for labs, though, is obesity. And it may not be for the reason you think. Most labs you'll meet are probably regular family pets. Many people just assume that their owners are sneaking them some extra table scraps on the side, but this may not be the case at all. Most Labs are missing or partially missing the POMC gene, which regulates appetite. They don't know when to stop eating!

Labrador retrievers have been the most popular breed in the US since 1991, and for good reason. They're sweet, fun-loving companions that are great for families. Just make sure to watch what they eat!

Join us next week for a surprise, when we switch up the theme for our animal care segments!

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Cocker Spaniels

Welcome to our animal segment for this week's 80s-themed show! In keeping with our trend for this special event, we'll be covering the most popular dog of the 1980s- the cocker spaniel.

This was another surprising one for me. While last week's breed, the poodle, is still popular, I haven't seen many cocker spaniels around. As of 2021, the American Kennel Club ranked Cocker Spaniels as the 30/197 recognized breeds, which isn't a big decrease in popularity.

There are actually two kinds of cocker spaniel; the American and the English. English cocker spaniels were bred as sport dogs to hunt Eurasian woodcock, a type of bird. If you haven't heard of those, I'd definitely recommend looking them up, they look ridiculous. English cocker spaniels were recognized as a distinct breed in 1947.

The American cocker spaniel was bred to hunt American woodcock and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1970. Though they are different breeds, they look very similar and have similar health requirements.

The cocker spaniel breed that we care about is the American cocker spaniel, which will be referred to simply as cocker spaniels from here on out for the sake of brevity.

This was not the first time that cocker spaniels were the most popular dogs in the US. From 1936 to 1952 cocker spaniels reigned supreme, until they were relieved of their number one spot by beagles. They regained their throne in 1983 and held it until 1990. It's been a bit downhill from there, but they're far from unpopular.

American cocker spaniels are a bit smaller than their English counterparts, because the American woodcock is smaller than the Eurasian variety. Cocker spaniels are gun dogs. They use their eyes and nose to locate birds hiding in the bushes and flush them out so their owner can shoot them. They then locate their bodies and retrieve them. Their mouths are particularly soft so that they don't damage the birds.

American cocker spaniels were bred partially for aesthetics as well, so they have a shorter muzzle and domed head, as well as a slanted body. Together, those make for a striking silhouette.

They make for very good family pets as well. They're very active and affectionate and are generally great with kids. They get along with people and other dogs, which is great, but doesn't make for great watch dogs. They can also be very vocal, so be prepared for a lot of yapping unless you decide to train them out of it.

Though I don't have a lot of experience with them, cocker spaniels sound like a great breed for a first-time dog owner, or a new family pet.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Bamboo Palm care guide

Back in the 1980s, it was go big or go home. And go big they did!

One of the most common indoor plants of the 80s was palm plants, specifically bamboo palms. Those are the tall, dark green plants you typically see around shopping malls, and their popularity there began in the 80s.

I've had a few palms before myself, but they were all of a smaller variety and were taken out by my cat over the summer. While Mr. Kitty is a big guy, there's no way he's taking out a bamboo palm, which grows between three and eight feet tall.

Their foliage is a stunning blue-green, and a well-loved one could serve as quite the talking point in your living room.

They're particularly hardy too. All they need to stay happy is well-draining soil, regular watering between 1 and three times per week, and a little bit of sunlight to get that photosynthesis going. They grow best in larger, deeper pots.

Allowing the soil to drain well is vital, as it can be prone to root rot, but this can be easily averted by getting the proper pot and not overwatering. You should try to water it when the top third of the soil is dry.

While they are very good at surviving, they are still tropical plants. They prefer an area between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and higher humidity. If the humidity is an issue, you can always gently mist the leaves a few times per day.

Unlike most tropical plants, however, they prefer shade. This makes them great for indoor spaces that don't receive much direct sunlight.

They like to be regularly pruned. Don't go crazy with it, but remove any yellowing or shriveled leaves. Make sure to use sharp scissors or shears, as dull ones can damage the plant.

One of the biggest problems with Bamboo Palms is their susceptibility to bugs. The most common pest is bamboo mites, which traveled with them when they were imported from japan. They typically attach to the bottom of the leaves and suck out the juice like a little invertebrate vampire. The best treatment is to wipe them down with a soapy solution on both sides of the leaf daily if you notice an infestation.

Though they're a lot bigger than the plants I usually recommend, they seem like a great choice for someone looking for something not too strenuous, but still can serve as a horticultural brag.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Set List 10/16/2022

Due to some technical difficulties, I wasn't able to play all the songs I had planned. Here's what we got to, and I'll try to play the songs I missed in a later show.

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Call Me- Blondie

I Love Rock N' Roll- Joan Jett

Down Under- Men at Work

Every Breath You Take-The Police

With or Without You-U2

Free Fallin'- Tom Petty

Africa- Toto

Don't Stop Believing- Journey

Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield

Eye of the Tiger- Survivor

Dancin' in the Dark- Bruce Springfield

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Set List 10/08/2022

Waterloo by ABBA

If I Can't Have You by the Bee Gees

Heart of Glass by Blondie

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

American Pie by Don Mclean

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce

Get Back by the Beatles

Bennie and the Jets by Elton John

Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin

More Than a Feeling by Boston

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

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I know, I cheated with the double Zeppelin. But please consider, they're both really good songs and I like Zeppelin.

[animal-plant-or-rock-wumf]

Announcement!

In honor of WUMF’s upcoming 50th anniversary, my next few shows will be themed on the decades since it started. This week will be based on the 70s, next week will be the 80s, etc.

On top of posting the speaking segments, I will also be posting the set lists for future shows, so look forward to seeing some awesome music!