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Much like the battles that ensued when the real West was really won... there's been a battle brewing in the background of my life.... a battle over my name.  There have been some victims along the way... including me, myself and I.   Business associates think I must be living a double life, my husband wonders if I realize I'm married and my dogs are glad they can't tell the difference.   I have been known to some as Rachael Weinstein and to others, Rachael West.  Let's say we meet in the center of town at noon, guns drawn and see who wins this battle.
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Rachael Weinstein was born in Durango, CO and grew up loving theatre, talking and singing along with the Jungle Book soundtrack.  On tape.   She also developed a deep passion for the color purple, the game of Scrabble and the feeling one gets when they topple to the ground on roller skates.  Rachael Weinstein went to college in Grand Junction, CO and earned her BA in Theatre. It was also Rachael Weinstein who accidentally stumbled upon radio in Grand Junction and was given her first radio opportunity by one Mr. Robert. St. John.  Rachael Weinstein graduated college and moved to the big city to work at the big radio station.  One Mr. Joel Burke met one Ms. Weinstein and gave her a job at one KYGO.  Before the deal was done, Rachael Weinstein had to make a decision.   Weinstein just wasn't gonna cut it as an on-air name on a radio station, much less a country radio station.   After many sleepless nights and endless lists of meaningless on-air personas, the proverbial light bulb went off over Rachael's proverbial head.   Her father had always said, "Rachael, one day I'm gonna change my name.  Weinstein is too hard to spell and too weird to say... we need to take all those extra vowels out and make it one syllable.  I'm gonna change my last name to WEST."  It must have been a family thing, Rachael's grandfather on her father's side also had a thing for waxing philosophical about the WEST name.

And so it was.  Rachael West was born.  On some day in May, 2005 Rachael West said hello to the world and has refused to stay quiet ever since.  Rachael West has become known for her spectacular voice overs, recording abilities and love of all things Keith Urban.   Rachael West has also taken over the spotlight in front of the camera and around many social circles.  Oddly enough, she also sports the same obsession with all things purple.
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Here we are.  The noon day sun is upon us with guns holstered and standing at the ready.  Weinstein vs. West... it could be the most highly anticipated showdowns of all time.  In a Matrix-like battle of the names, the two W's go at it.  Once the smoke and dust clear, there emerges a victor.  Rachael West stands proudly in a purple get-up and Rachael Weinstein is nowhere to be seen.  We will probably never hear of the Weinstein again... or perhaps only in urban legends.  From now on, it's West... Rachael West.   
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I guess that's how the West was won... or how the West Won.  :)