Who the heck is KaRi?

Who the heck is KaRi?

Interesting and Boring Facts..

KaRi is Gemini although those who use their real birthdays on the web may think she's Taurus! (She doesn't follow astronomy or fortunetelling). Being told as a kid she "couldn't walk and chew bubble gum" she likes to multi-task and has an appreciation for products and art that have dual purpose.

KaRi turned down an opportunity to work for Linus Pauling (Oahu, 1993). Previous occupations have included Human Resources Management, United Airline Summer Lobby Agent, and a "mail girl" for a computer company. Today she works 6 hours per day delivering EXPRESS MAIL in 90800. A part-time government job with benefits has kept her off the street and into the local creative scene. Go USPS.gov !

KaRi started blogging in 1997 when she bought her first computer. She, along with Greg Narain from New York brought the first "public podcast" event to Long Beach in 2004 at IguanaKelleys.com. (Note: ANYone can have their own radio show, visit LBpodcasters.com !). Ms. Nielsen (related to NielsenRates.com, NOT Nielsen Ratings) would LOVE to work for a Social Networking company.

Karen Marie Nielsen is KaRi's real name but she thought up the nickname KaRi while answering calls on LB's Rape Hotline years ago. (Some dweeb would call and get the advocates name while complaining his wife was seduced by an ex-business associate - Get a life, Loser!). She spells it with a capital "R" to make it easy to remember. (YES, silly but it works!) - I should know, iKaRi, ha!

ThePrimeSpotmobile sported paintings by locals

visit EastVillageArtsDistrict.org + EVfriends.com

KaRi and ThePrimeSpot.com

<by Louise Kripal>

ArtwalkLB.com Newsletter April/May 2008

How does one ever begin to describe KaRi? And then what is ThePrimeSpot.com anyway? Well, you could start with some basic facts like KaRi was born in Brooklyn, New York, raised in Freehold, New Jersey and lived in the Land of Aloha for a stint. And that she's a part-time Express Mail carrier for the Post Office. However the best place to start is by explaining what The PrimeSpot.com is and what it means not only to KaRi, but to us all.

I was first introduced to KaRi and ThePrimeSpot.com through fellow artist advocate, Anna Wooten (who will be interviewed in an upcoming issue). We both were helping Anna coordinate an East Village art exhibition for AHA or Artist Helping Artists. KaRi was there doing what she does best: being a first rate “people promoter”.

How so, you ask? You see, KaRi has a very unique and innate gift: the ability to discover, energize and convince (hundreds, today possibly thousands of) people, that they have talent. And then, with her passion to create, KaRi utilizes her websites ThePrimeSpot.com, TPSradio.org, Poddywood.com to provide those willing, an opportunity to connect and be known. KaRi is the connection! She’s the “conduit” as she has humbly been called by local band Slushbox or better yet, she’s what I call, the “mastermind” behind the scenes. To whatever KaRi chooses to take on, she gives it her all and when you couple it with her enthusiasm, she’s downright contagious.

Here’s just a short sample of KaRi’s accomplishments.

Former Columnist for "View From the Hill” newpaper" (Signal Hill) & LongBeachOnline.net (KaRi's KoRner), volunteered as: TourGuide for LB's Artwalk, LB Heritage, University Art Museum, Big Red Bus Art Tours Summer 2007, also Project Read, WF2003, SACA Rape Hotline, feeding the homeless, LBCTelevision, CSULB/Cerritos/LBCC student radio.

In 1997, KaRi began supporting the Arts with the acquisition of her first piece of art, a painting by Josh Nardo, the son of a fellow postal worker and her first "local" CD of the band, Mention. Today, KaRi’s Art collection has grown and now includes pieces by several well-known Long Beach Arts Members.

Back in 1999 she started promoting arts, music, local CD’s, local events, and anything happening in the 90802 zip code. KaRi funded neighbor, Leldon's music demo prior to being signed by MCA, and gave Jerry Lee (drummer/The Tinder Box) his first paid gig in LB as a web designer. She uploaded her homemade music video that was played on Channel 3 into a video podcast. From 2001-2003 KaRi was responsible for running ThePrimeSpot Soundstage at Gallery Eleven Seven. Here she gave many local bands exposure, promoting their appearance by playing their CD on The Prime Spot Radio Show.

When it comes to websites, KaRi takes the cake. She owns over 50 URLs. KaRi got involved with the eVillage after painting her own car with a website address. EastVillageArtsDistrict.org, when she took part in an Art Car event. She also runs EVfriends.com, myspace.com/artwalklbc and myspace.com/club562 (which has over 3000 local friends). She's podcasted since 2005 and gathers with LBpodcasters.com on occasion.

In closing, please make a note that September 2008 will be a special month for KaRi. ThePrimeSpot.com & TPSradio.org will be celebrating its 9th Anniversary and KaRi will feature Artists with Disabilities during the 2nd Saturday Art Walk at Gallery Eleven Seven. Featured will be paintings by Cindi Bernhardt (MouthArtistCindi.com) and also jazz singer Margery Lee Sauve (margerysauve.com). Both of these special women are examples of who inspires KaRi, who in turn encourages others to use their creativity fully!

Look to a future issue for more information on KaRi and this upcoming event.

ThePrimeSpot.com + TPSradio + LBweekly.com
PO Box 562 Long Beach, CA 90801