 January 1 - 10, 2007These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy! January 1, 2007
Super producer Tom Dowd, who worked with Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and a hundred others, would have been 82. 
On this date in 1953, Hank Williams Sr. died at the age of 29 — the first tragic Rock & Roll ending. On this day in 1972, the song "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T. Rex entered the charts. 
James Brown R.I.P.James Brown — "The Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," "Soul Brother Number One" and "Mr. Dynamite" (and often introduced as all of the above) — died early Monday in Atlanta of congestive heart failure at the age of 73. The legendary R&B singer/songwriter who created a foundation for funk and provided the roots of rap, was one of a kind, known for his elastic dance moves, razor-sharp musicianship and all-stops-out performances. Sir Bono (Sort Of)The official announcement on Saturday said: "The British Embassy in Dublin takes great pleasure in announcing that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Bono to be an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to the music industry and for his humanitarian work." The 46-year-old singer will receive the honor in Dublin early in the new year during a ceremony conducted by the British ambassador. Why not the Queen like Sir Paul and Sir Elty? Because Bono is an Irishman, not a British national. He won't receive any tax breaks, nor will he be able to use the title "Sir." And henceforth, Bono shall forever be associated with fellow Dubliner (and occasional singer) Bob Geldof, who received the same honor in 1986. Other recipients of honorary knighthoods this time around include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, opera singer Placido Domingo and film director Steven Spielberg. 
New Year's FactoidsWho Started This?The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. That was one fun loving group! ResolutionsMaking a New Year's resolution is a tradition that dates back to the early Babylonians. While modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking, the early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. Maybe they weren't such a fun loving group. New Year BabyThe tradition of using a baby to signify the New Year began in Greece around 600 BC. It seems that the Grecians celebrated their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth, but the Greeks had better publicists. The SongThe song "Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight to bring in the New Year in almost every English-speaking country in the world. Based on an old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." The version we know was at least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, and was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. How to Reduce Hangovers
1. Eat Before
2. Hydrate
3. Drinking Water at Bedtime
4. Exercise
5. Eat After 6. Mixing DrinksSome think that this is the main cause hangovers, but there is little evidence to support that view. There is, however, some research that suggests not to mix drinks made from the grape and the grain, ie. don't drink wine and whisky. January 2, 2007
On this date in 1969, filming began for The Beatles documentary "Let It Be" as the band rehearsed songs at London's Twickenham Studios. On this date in 1969, Led Zeppelin began a four-day residency at the Whisky-A-Go-Go supporting Alice Cooper. On this date in 1971, George Harrison became the first former Beatle to hit #1 on the U.S. album charts with his 3-disc collection "All Things Must Pass."
Seger Taped The Last TwoBob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band filmed and taped the final two nights of their four-show home stand at the Palace of Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit Friday and Saturday. Any type of visual document of this tour — Seger's first since 1996 — would be Bob's first concert video of any kind. He's released two live albums, "Live Bullet" in 1976 and "Nine Tonight" in 1981. No Southland dates have been announced yet, but you can expect them before the video is released. Roddy Gets Royal NoddyRod Stewart has made the Queen's New Year Honours List for 2007. After 35 years at the top of the music industry, Roddy will receive a CBE (Commander Of The British Empire) award in acknowledgment of his contribution to music. Previous CBE honorees include Eric Clapton and Queen guitarist Brian May. Another interesting honoree on this year's list is "House" star Hugh Laurie, who's receiving an OBE (Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire) award for his services to drama. Pay To Lick A Beatle (Sort Of)Six of The Beatles' album covers will be featured in a special set of British stamps to be issued next week. "Abbey Road," "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "With The Beatles," "Help," Let It Be" and "Revolver" will be reproduced and released on January 9th. No word if you'll have to lick them to use them. Reinventing U2U2 is the only rock band to have successfully pulled it off three times, and it sounds like they're about to try for four. With the monster-selling Vertigo tour complete, Bono says that the Irish quartet is ready to reinvent itself again. "Our band has certainly reached the end of where we've been at for the last couple of albums," he said. "I want to see what else we can do with it, take it to the next level; I think that's what we've got to do. We're gonna continue to be a band, but maybe the rock will have to go; maybe the rock has to get a lot harder. But whatever it is, it's not gonna stay where it is." Stay tuned! John's Coming To TownJohn Mellencamp will celebrate the January 23rd release of his "Freedom's Road" album with a two-night stand on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live. The heartland rocker will visit the late-night program on January 24th and 25th to perform a pair of songs on each show. Harrison Stalker KilledCristin Keleher, the woman who once stalked former Beatle George Harrison, was found shot to death in an SUV in an apparent murder-suicide in Truckee, California. The coroner's report indicates that both Keleher and a 48-year-old man with her in the vehicle were shot in the head. Keleher appears to have been shot first. Keleher captured media attention seven years ago with the December 1999 break-in at Harrison's house in Maui. Before security staff caught her, the then-27-year-old Keleher had some root beer, cooked a frozen pizza, used the laundry facilities, and called her mom. She was charged with burglary in connection with the incident.
Quote Of The DayIt's a Chinese proverb that said, "To believe in one's dreams is to spend all of one's life asleep." ReflectionsAt the start of the New Year, I thought I'd pass along a few choice quotes that people have sent in. "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucius "Live simply so that others can simply live." - Gandhi "Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein "Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing. Only one thing endures and that is character." - Abraham Lincoln "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful." - Mae West "I have had dreams, and I have had nightmares. I overcame the nightmares because of my dreams." - Dr. Jonas Salk "We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." - Lee Iacocca "I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." - Anne Frank "Failure is the path of least persistence." - Anonymous "The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time." - Abraham Lincoln "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative." - Oscar Wilde "Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin "Never argue with a fool. Someone watching may not be able to tell the difference." - Anonymous "I didn't fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian." - Anonymous "Some day you'll thank me for all this scary love." - Homer Simpson January 3, 2007
Beatles' producer George Martin is 81.
On this day in 1970, The Beatles recorded their last song together, George Harrison's "I Me Mine." The sad tune was inspired by a particularly nasty business meeting endured by the formerly Fab Four in late 1968. Harrison, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney were joined in that last session by keyboardist Billy Preston. John Lennon — who had more or less quit the band in September 1969 — was in Denmark with Yoko Ono at the time. On this day in 1976, Queen's classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" entered the charts. Scaramoosh!
The Police Rumor ResurfacesAccording to the London tabloid "The Mirror," The Police may be planning a 30th anniversary tour for later this year. They claim an official announcement will come later this month, with the U.K. dates taking place in May and June. There has been no confirmation or comment from Sting, Andy Summers or Stewart Copeland. Stay tuned! DLR SpeaksDavid Lee Roth has finally spoken about his rumored reunion tour with Van Halen, likening the prospective tour to a NASCAR event: "Are you there to see the winner or the crack-up?" Roth, who says he hasn't spoken with Edward Van Halen in at least two years, also jokes about the potential problems with the reunion. "The jury is out as to whether a) Van Halen can get along backstage immediately prior to the arrangement, and b) can we actually functionally perform during the arrangement?" That's our Dave! Macca/Mills Update #713Oh that darn Paul McCartney! Word is that his estranged wife, Heather Mills, spent Christmas with her sister, and in returning to McCartney's country estate last Thursday she tripped an alarm. Once inside she discovered artwork — including pieces by Picasso and Renoir — were missing. Soon, police investigating the matter determined that the former Beatle took the paintings and changed the security codes. Macca claimed he took the measures because he was concerned about the property while Mills was away. Ever the gentleman, Sir Paulie reportedly tried to inform Mills of the changes via a text message. And the beat goes on. Leakin' Peakin' At Beacon InfoDon't be surprised to hear that The Allman Brothers Band will be doing 13 concerts this year at the Beacon Theatre in New York City — March 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th and 31st, as well as April 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th. You should also plan on tickets selling out shortly after they go on sale this Saturday morning. Rock & Roll! Mick's Sitcom DebutsThe new sitcom featuring Mick Jagger is finally hitting the airwaves tonight. ABC's long-awaited comedy, "The Knights of Prosperity," revolves around a band of knuckleheads who decide to change their lives by robbing the legendary Rolling Stones frontman. "Knights" co-producer Jon Beckerman says the singer took an active role in the show's development, and some of his ideas show up in the series pilot. They say that Jagger will make cameo appearances throughout the first season. Hilarity will no doubt ensue! Starbucks Does LennonA new John Lennon compilation CD titled "Remember" is being released today as part of the Starbucks Hear Music's Opus Collection. The 18-track disc features Lennon's solo hits, a number of album cuts and a few rare recordings that previously appeared on the late Beatle's 1998 "Anthology." Meanwhile, the historic concert at a Liverpool, England church where Lennon first met Paul McCartney will be re-created in July to celebrate the event's 50th anniversary. It's surmised that surviving members of John's band, The Quarrymen, will perform.
Quote Of The DayIt was author Annie Dillard who said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Thought For The WeekRemember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. Shoes That Really SuckImagine vacuuming your home as you walk from room to room! According to Britain's "Daily Mirror," the Electrolux company has created "The Shoover," a pair of green rubber shoes with a tiny rechargeable vacuum inside the bottoms. The manufacturer says that the footwear collects dust on the floor "without requiring effort" and is great for "busy people who want to keep housework down to a minimum." The company hopes that "The Shoover" will become an "unconscious byproduct of everyday life." Unconscious or ridiculous? January 4, 2007
R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe is 47.
On this day in 1970, George Harrison recorded the second guitar solo for "Let It Be." It was the last Beatles recording session to feature Harrison, Paul McCartney and producer George Martin, as well as the last recording session of The Beatles as a band. On this day in 1971, Pink Floyd began sessions for their "Meddle" album. Then, when director Stanley Kubrick inquired if he could use the band's previous album, "Atom Heart Mother," for the soundtrack to "A Clockwork Orange," the boys said no. Sharp business men, those Floydians. On this day in 1973, the Allman Brothers Band announced that Lamar Williams had been hired as the replacement for Berry Oakley, who died in a motorcycle crash the previous October. On this day in 1986, Thin Lizzy's bassist/singer Phil Lynott died in the intensive care unit of Salisbury Infirmary in England. His kidneys, liver and heart failed due to blood poisoning and multiple internal abscesses caused by drug abuse. At the age of 35, he certainly wasn't a hero.  This Sunday night at 9 on 95.5 KLOS, OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature the music of Rush as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/singer Geddy Lee.
Gilmour/Bowie/Syd ScoreA live rendition of the classic Syd Barrett-penned Pink Floyd single "Arnold Layne," recorded with David Bowie on lead vocals last May at one of Floyd guitarist David Gilmour's London concerts, has charted at #19 in the U.K. — one place higher than the original tune did in 1967. Peter On TVNot only is Peter Frampton up for a few GRAMMYs this year, he will also be the first performer on the new season of PBS's Soundstage. The special two-part episode, which begins January 18th and continues January 25th, will feature Frampton performing classic hits as well as songs off his new album, "Fingerprints." More Remastered ELOOn February 20th, the Electric Light Orchestra will issue a one-off, expanded 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition version of their 1977 "Out of the Blue" album as well as an expanded edition of their 1986 "Balance of Power" disc. Each album has been meticulously upgraded under the supervision of ELO songwriter/producer Jeff Lynne as well as 12-page booklets with original memorabilia and previously unseen/rare photos, restored and improved front sleeve artwork and new liner notes from both Lynne and ELO archivist Rob Caiger. New REO On HorizonFrontman Kevin Cronin says the next REO Speedwagon album will be released in the early Spring. He's says the band will meet their January 19th deadline to deliver the completed album and artwork to the record label, and that a bonus version of the disc packaged with a DVD featuring a recent live performance of the group's 1980 "Hi Infidelity" album will be available via Wal-Mart. Stay tuned! CSN&Y UpdateDavid Crosby says Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young may release a live album this year featuring performances from the quartet's 2006 tour. David says, "I've been listening to the tracks, and they are good... [Having new material to perform] really made a difference, man, because once we mastered it and we could deliver it, it made us believe in ourselves again." The collection would likely be packaged with the documentary Neil Young is finishing about the tour.
Quote Of The DayIt was economist Peter F. Drucker who said, "There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." January 5, 2007
Chris Stein, Blondie guitarist/songwriter and one-time Debbie Harry squeeze, is 58.
On this day in 1973, Aerosmith's self-titled debut album and Bruce Springsteen's debut album, "Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ." were both released to lackluster sales. On this day in 1998, Sonny Bono died after he skied into a tree in South Lake Tahoe.
Mike Set As KeithAfter years of speculation, "Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers" star Mike Myers has finally cleared his schedule to play The Who's Keith Moon in the film adaptation of his life. Moon died in 1978 and his former bandmate, singer Roger Daltrey, hand picked Myers to fill the late drummer's role. The movie now titled, See Me, Feel Me: Keith Moon Naked For Your Pleasure, is slated for a 2009 release. Seger Launches Second LegBob Seger will launch the second leg of his "Face the Promise" tour with a show in Orlando tomorrow night. That will be the first of 20 dates stretching over the next seven weeks, ending in Las Vegas on March 3rd. The "Face the Promise" album is Bob's first collection of new studio material in 12 years, and this tour is Seger and The Silver Bullet Band's first since 1996. Still no Southland dates, but you know they're coming! Shaw/Blades DelayedThe release date for Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades' new album, "Influence," has been moved to March 6th to better facilitate their forthcoming tour. The duo's album is rooted in acoustic guitar and organic production, covering 11 classics on which Blades and Shaw played all the music except for drums and the occasional keyboards. Among the more interesting covers are The Mamas And The Papas' "California Dreamin'," Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth" and Steely Dan's "Dirty Work." Stay tuned! Another Macca MusicalA musical inspired by Paul McCartney's 1991 classical piece, "Liverpool Oratorio," is in the works. Paul will act as the musical director and his cousin, Kate Robbins, is involved in the production. "Liverpool Oratorio" was loosely based on the former Beatle's years as a working-class kid in Liverpool, England. Helping ARF!Several classic rockers are supporting the Animal Rescue Foundation founded by St. Louis Cardinal's manager Tony LaRussa and his wife. Journey's Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon and Jeff Scott Soto will perform at tonight's ARF Rocks! concert in Walnut Creek, California, while Santana will take the stage tomorrow at the same venue for the first of two Stars To The Rescue galas. Former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald and founding Doobie Bro Tom Johnston will perform at the second Stars to the Rescue show in St. Louis next Sunday. ARF is a non-profit no-kill agency that saves dogs and cats whose time has run out at public shelters. The organization works to place pets in proper homes, and to promote spaying and neutering animals to help with the pet overpopulation problem. To that we say, right so! Bonnaroo Buys The FarmThe producers of the annual Bonnaroo Music Festival are finalizing a purchase of the majority of the land that the fest takes place on in Manchester, Tennessee. In total, the festival will own 530 acres. There are plans to build a permanent infrastructure on the site where the organizers hope to host other events besides the incredibly successful Bonnaroo. The sixth Bonnaroo is set for June 14th through the 17th, and acts should be announced by the end of this month.
Quote Of The DayIt was Mark Twain who said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." Four Fresh Factoids For The New Year1. You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television. 2. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning. 3. Walt Disney was afraid of mice. 4. 35% of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married. January 6, 2007
Original Pink Floyd singer/guitarist Syd Barrett would have been an insane 61.
On this day in 1968, The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" album hit #1. On this day in 1976, Peter Frampton released "Frampton Comes Alive," which rewrote the record books and spurred the release of many, many horribly inferior live albums for years to come. On this day in 1993, bassist Bill Wyman officially left The Rolling Stones saying, "I really don't want to do it anymore." Keith Richards, who had been trying to convince Wyman to stay, could only say, "I did everything but hold him at gunpoint." Since then, Bill has only taken three airplane flights. On this day in 2001, Fleetwood Mac performed at the White House at a goodbye party for President Bill Clinton. For whatever reason, Christine McVie skipped the reunion. January 7, 2007
Singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins is 59.
On this day in 1978, Jackson Browne's "Running On Empty" album entered the charts. On this day in 1978, "Lay Down Sally" by Eric Clapton entered the singles charts. On this day in 1984, "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by The Police entered the singles charts. January 8, 2007
Bill Graham, the first Rock & Roll Super-Promoter, would have been 76.
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" entered the singles charts. On this day in 1991, Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark overdosed on drugs and alcohol. A founding member of the young band, he was all of 30 when he died. What a waste.
Depp/Mercury/Scaramouche!The British press is reporting that "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp is being courted to play Freddie Mercury, the late Queen frontman, in a biopic. But nothing with Depp has been confirmed yet. Queen guitarist Brian May cautions that they've only recently started talks, and despite what the press might imply it's by no means a done deal. However, Robert DeNiro's film company — Tribeca Productions — is reportedly developing the film. You may recall that DeNiro also helped finance the musical "We Will Rock You," which was based on the classic rock band's music. Stay tuned! Sting TV/DVDAn episode of PBS' Great Performances focusing on Sting's recent "Songs From the Labyrinth" album — focusing on the lute music of Elizabethan composer John Dowland — will premiere on February 26th. For the show, Sting was filmed performing at his homes in England and Italy, as well as in front of an audience at a London church. An extended version of the program will be included in a DVD/CD package titled "The Journey & the Labyrinth" that's due out February 20th. And once he has that out of his system, maybe he'll finally do that darn Police reunion tour! The Moodies Are ComingIt's been a while since they toured the States, but The Moody Blues have just booked 17 dates in February and March. The band — which still features frontmen Justin Hayward and John Lodge as well as drummer Graeme Edge — just finished a European tour last month. The U.S. tour will begin with a three-night stand in Las Vegas (February 8th through the 10th), and currently is scheduled to run through a March 3rd gig in Missouri. Luckily, they'll hit the Southland three times: February 15th at the Pasadena Civic Center as well as February 16th and 17th at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. Dylan Bio UpdateThe most unique Bob Dylan film biography ever is one step closer to the big screen. "Variety" says the Weinstein Company has secured the rights to the movie, currently titled "I'm Not There." Director Todd Haynes is behind the project, which offers reflections on Dylan's life using several actors to portray different aspects of the legendary singer-songwriter. Actors Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Richard Gere and Cate Blanchette are among those said to be taking on the different Dylan roles. While no official release date has been set, the film is expected to hit theaters later this year. Waters Gets BusyFormer Pink Floyd bassist/singer/songwriter Roger Waters has co-written a song titled "Hello (I Love You)" for the forthcoming sci-fi flick "The Last Mimzy," which will premiere on March 23rd. Waters co-wrote the tune with "Lord of the Rings" composer Howard Shore, and is featured singing and playing bass on the track. You may now return to your regularly scheduled lives.
Quote Of The DayIt was Johann Wolfgang Von Goeth who said: "To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult." Hamilton PassesFormer NASCAR Nextel Cup driver/NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series Champion Bobby Hamilton Sr. died yesterday at the age of 49 after losing an 11 month long battle with cancer. Coming from very hard-scrabble beginnings, Bobby not only provided a good life for his family, he was always great to deal with whenever our paths crossed at the California Speedway and was definitely a fan favorite — a real man of the people. Rest in peace, Champ. January 9, 2007
Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin guitar god and the oldest of the Yardbirds "Holy Trinity" of guitarists, is 63.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles recorded the flutes, trumpets, piccolos and fluegelhorn for "Penny Lane." On this day in 1971, Santana's "Black Magic Woman" peaked at #4 on the charts. On this day in 1971, the U.S. Jaycees presented Elvis Presley with an award honoring him as one of the "ten outstanding young men of America." Kind of doubtful he was the only one who was stoned at the ceremony. On this day in 1982, the song "Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie peaked at #29 on the charts.
Fresh Hall Of FamersR.E.M., Van Halen, Patti Smith, The Ronettes and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 12th during a ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The upcoming event will also pay tribute to late Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, who served as the chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. As you'd expect, the original R.E.M. line-up, including drummer Bill Berry, will reunite for the induction. Van Halen's situation is a bit more complex. The group is currently without a lead singer, although the original quartet and Sammy Hagar are being inducted. In another twist, Eddie Van Halen's teenage son recently replaced longtime bassist Michael Anthony in the band. So if V.H. performs, who will play? Oh, the angst! Mas HoneydrippersFor the second time in less than two months, Robert Plant will resurrect his Honeydrippers side project for a charity gig to raise money for a neighbor. His first gig with a revamped Honeydrippers line-up took place on December 23rd in Worcestershire. Now he has booked the loosely organized combo into a club in Dudley on Valentine's Day. As with the December show, proceeds from the new gig will go to help a friend pay for a special type of brain cancer treatment that costs about $193,000. Plant's 1984 album, "The Honeydrippers: Volume One," featured his Led Zeppelin partner Jimmy Page and guitar god Jeff Beck, among others. No word yet on who might join him on stage next month. Stay tuned! More BÖC RemasteredA pair of classic Blue Öyster Cult albums will be reissued in expanded form on February 13th. The 1977 "Spectres" album — which featured the hit "Godzilla" — will be bolstered with four unreleased outtakes. The 1978 live effort "Some Enchanted Evening" will double from seven to 14 tracks with unreleased live numbers including a cover of Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild." "Spectres" will also be packaged with a DVD featuring footage from a 1978 Landover, Maryland BÖC show. The current version of the band will rock the Canyon Club in Augora Hills on March 23rd. Jon RejoinsYes singer Jon Anderson will play songs from his band's catalog with help from the School of Rock All-Stars at a pair of mid-February concerts in Pennsylvania and New York. The All-Stars feature students from Paul Green's School of Rock Music, a Philadelphia-based music-education program that welcomes young people aged 7-18. Anderson last worked with them for a 2003 documentary about the program.
Quote Of The DayIt was Groucho Marx who said, "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies." Same as it ever was, brother, same as it ever was. New Year/New WarningsNow they're telling us that due to increasing product liability litigation, American liquor manufacturers have accepted the FDA's suggestion that the following 10 warning labels be placed immediately on all containers: WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you have mystical Kung Fu powers, resulting in you getting your ass kicked. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to roll over in the morning and see something really scary. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is the leading cause of inexplicable rug burns on the forehead, knees and lower back. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause a disturbance in the time-space continuum, whereby gaps of time may seem to literally disappear. WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy. January 10, 2007
Rod Stewart is 62 and still fertile.
On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley began his first RCA recording session. By the end of the day, the finished songs included "I've Got A Woman" and "Heartbreak Hotel." On this day in 1973, Aerosmith's "Dream On" reentered the singles charts for the second time in 18 months. On this day in 1976, legendary bluesman Howlin' Wolf died of cancer at the age of 65.
Hoping For CivilitySammy Hagar says he's hoping Van Halen's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame brings out the best in his former bandmates. The singer — who's made no secret of his difficult relationship with guitarist Eddie Van Halen — says that while he'd like to see everyone getting along and appreciating each other's contributions to Van Halen — at least for the night — it's possible the atmosphere will be less than harmonious. But regardless of their personal attitudes toward one another, Hagar says he's expecting Van Halen to perform at the induction ceremony and demonstrate why the band got the nod this year. The Van Halen induction will include founding members Eddie and Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony and David Lee Roth along with Hagar. The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Class of 2007 will be honored with an event in New York on March 12th. John Bypassed/Moving OnJohn Mellencamp is another of the long-time eligible artists who wasn't even considered for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this year. But he says he's not surprised — that despite his success, he's always been somewhat out of sync with the mainstream and "in the wrong place at the wrong time." Like so many others, he refers to the Rock Hall as a "type of boys' club thing," adding that if it's up to that sort of crowd to select him for something, he expects to be overlooked. But instead of brooding, John is looking ahead to the January 23rd release of "Freedom's Road," his first album of new studio material in five years. Send In The LawyersThe Korea Life Insurance company has just learned that the Eagles have lots and lots of attorneys everywhere. Eagles founding members Don Henley and Glenn Frey just sued for $539,000 in damages over the company's unauthorized use of their song "Desperado" in a TV commercial. The insurance company is claiming an advertising agent was supposed to have worked out a deal with the band, and the ad agency is saying this is "either a misunderstanding or miscommunication." But the suit filed in Seoul Central District Court clearly demonstrates that Henley and Frey don't want excuses, they want the cash! Billy's Ever-Expanding TourSo much for spending time at home with the new wife! Billy Joel has nearly doubled the number of his tour dates, with shows now booked all the way into May. On February 4th, just a few days before his ever-growing trek kicks off in Florida, Joel will sing the National Anthem at the start of the Super Bowl game on CBS. Although he hasn't scheduled any Southland dates yet, you know he's coming sometime after mid-May! "Sneaky" Pete R.I.P."Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, the steel guitar master who helped define the country-rock genre, died Saturday at the age of 72. During a musical career that spanned six decades, "Sneaky" Pete directly influenced musicians like the Eagles, Steve Miller and Poco. Besides co-founding the Flying Burrito Brothers with the Byrds' Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons in 1968, he recorded with John Lennon, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell and Sly & The Family Stone, among many others. He also won acclaim as an animator, special effects artist and director of commercials in television and film. His work included the original "Gumby" series, for which he wrote and performed the theme music as well as designed the cartoons. Rest in peace Pete.
Quote Of The DayIt was poet Robert Frost who said, "Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper." Doing The Meeting SnoozeAccording to a "New York Post" survey of big time executives and managers, office meetings really do tend to put people to sleep. Here are some highlights of the poll. 5% have colleagues page them out of meetings. 6% have faked illness to skip meetings. 7% play electronic games during meetings. 50% have witnessed at least one person falling asleep in a meeting. West Coast firms tend to have better meetings than East Coast outfits because there are one-third fewer meetings out West. One-third of workers believe meetings are a complete waste of time, while two-thirds say they avoid voicing honest criticism because of fear of dismissal. 55% say that one or two bullies dominate their meetings and that no important decisions ever get made. |
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