Should Nebraska get a new state song - one written by a Hastings TV reporter and former Nashville recording artist?That is what state lawmakers are being asked to consider under a bill (LB345) introduced Friday in the Legislature.
KHAS (NBC) reporter Ginger ten Bensel says she wrote "I Love Nebraska" in 2002 with the idea it would someday be adopted as the state's official song. She performed the upbeat country tune at Governor Dave Heineman's inauguration ball last week.
The current state song is "Beautiful Nebraska." It was written by Jim Fras, a Russian refugee who came to Lincoln in the early 50s. It was adopted as the state's official song in 1967.
31 comments:
Im trying to figure out how a TV news reporter is involved in partisan political events ? No conflict of interest there.
Im trying to figure out how a TV news reporter is involved in partisan political events ? No conflict of interest there.
Hmmmm. A country song for Nebraska? That would be as stereotypical as putting a covered wagon on the state quarter....oops.
Maybe she should focus on using her yapper for feel-good pet rescue stories, or breaking news on which corner grocery sold a pack of cigarettes to a minor, and leave the state song the way it is. Geez.
I'm confused. The photo shows her as a red-head, yet when I click the hyperlink on her name in the story, she comes up as a blonde? What up with that?
--Also, on the link you have, she lists all NBC shows as her favorites, I am assuming, because she works for an NBC affiliate. Am I the only one who thinks that that blurb is not truthful? I don't know anyone who likes one NBC show, much less five. Isn't there supposed to be truth in reporting? If we can't trust her to level with us on her top five favorite TV shows, how can we trust her to be the writer of Nebraska's song?
How about having the NBC for Lincoln hastings kearney in Lincoln. That would be way more important. Besides imagine how much this little political stunt will cost if it fails...who cares leave the song alone.
oh my god... that song is horrible... go back to texas ginger
They are not all NBC shows...Faith and Hope is not and Seinfeld, although originally on NBC, no longer is.
If that becomes our state song, Nebraska's already-backwards image will become that much more pronounced. Face it, Ginger...contrary to what is portrayed in your song and video, most of the population of Nebraska HAS paved roads, electricity and indoor plumbing. Bad idea! Perhaps this wannabe singer should begin with a song for Hastings or for her TV Station and build on that. Also, she needs a few voice lessons.
And, on that note, I think I'll go puke!
Huh?!?!?!
We're one of the highest taxed states in the nation and our legislature is worried about the state song?!?!?!
Why does that not surprise me!
PS - Maybe the state can do a music video of the song with Sheila Brummer performing a belly dance to it.
I hope that song does not become the state's official. How many times does church bells on Sunday get mentioned. Separation of church and state, anyone?
She should stick to her day job... um...nevermind.....
Well, she will most likely end up in Omaha, it's just a matter of time. God help us.
Make it so. Definitely need Sheila Brummer to belly dance to this one.
Why in the hell is this taking up time AND money with lawmakers !?
I'm gonna just be honest and say I don't know the current state song. I'm betting that I'm not the minority with this...so really who gives a rats ass !?
Quit playing "Good Ole 'Merican Idol" and go do a news report on something that matters, which would be a welcome change 'round these parts...
Jess
Ms Bensel needs to decide if she is a reporter or a singer. The innaugural is not the first time she has covered a story and performed in it. When Bush came to Grand Island she sang the National Anthem. This is embarasing to other journalists and a big conflict. Why does the station allow it??
Was some one kidding or is she really from Texas. That would make this all ready Circus stunt even more of an embarssment. Who ever plugged this idea should be fired.
Is this mabey a stunt for KHAS TV to get press outside the tricities? Since the change would happen in Lincoln it may bring out the fact to attention that LINCOLN has no NBC on cable or ota except from omaha.
KHAS TV is owned by a Texas company.
KHAS NBC would be better on cable than KSNB FOX from the tricities. This no matter how stupid and wastefull is puting KHAS in the Lincoln spotlight.
I wonder if Nebraska was a larger state of more than a two million if this would be that big of an issue. However nebraskans have been known to be critical of change in almost every area. Rather than changing the freaking state song how about using those funds for a larger marketing campain or other venture to make our state stand out. Iowa is really good on self promotion of what little acctractions they do have. I agree something more could be done as far as state marketing but not with this song unless if it would have somekind of national ad campain that could share our state. Even so it does seem like such a waste.
I agree with Popeye just above. (Acctrations?)
I love the song.
Popeye cant spell but the point is the same.
That song is the....worst....song....EVER.
SHE IS SELLING HER SONGS FOR $1.99 ON HER WEBSITE????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. *GASP* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *COUGH* HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA.....*WHEW*.
Why does she look different in every photo? On the KHAS site, she looks like a pug-nosed blonde; on the main page of her website, she looks like a red-haired demon. In another photo of her on the website she is a dirty-blonde with a pointy nose. Is she a shape-shifter, like in those sci-fi shows? Creepy.
I don't live in Nebraska anymore, and songs like this are part of the reason why. It plays on every horrible stereotype people around the U.S. have about people from Nebraska.
And not to be snide or anything, but if Ms. ten Bensel is such a great reporter, why is she still slaving away at KHAS?
It's an embarassment that Ms. ten Bensel calls herself a journalist. She sang before Bush's speech in GI, she's involved in his, and I've heard she's sung before events she's coverd on the news. Where's the ethics in that?
And this song is no "Georgia on My Mind." If you're going to change, you'd better come up with something along those lines. Otherwise, stay with what we have.
I think it is a lovely song that captures the true spirit of Nebraska. Aren't we all fans of the football team? Isn't that what this state is all about? Go Big Red!
My, my. I never have seen so many Nebraskans be so rude before. If you don't like the song, or the singer, why not simply write to your legislator? Why make such a big deal about it? Don't you think this gal has feelings? Show some class Huskers. Sheesh...
A lot of mindless drivel here. Just because she sang for Bush and at the recent Governors Ball doesn't mean she isn't an objective reporter. These are once in a lifetime events and I will bet she would have sang regardless of who was president. As far as 'slaving away at KHAS', I don't know that she ever came out and said she was the best reporter ever...people are really cruel and mean-spirited.
If any of you that are posting such negative comments feel that you can do a better job, then get off your rears and write a different song. It is always pathetic to hear people complain and make vicious comments when they are too lazy to get up off their chairs and take action. Pathetic.
Post a Comment