MEMORIAL DAY THIS MONDAY!!

Memorial Day is this Monday.  Many of us will visit cemeteries to remember loved ones and friends.  As we do that, let's not forget that Memorial Day is actually set aside to honor those men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Have a great holiday weekend but don't forget Memorial Day!  (click here for the history of Memorial Day)

THE MONKEES ON TOUR - PETER TORK ENJOYS THE RIDE!

Peter Tork says the current Monkees tour is lots of fun and he enjoys performing before different generations.  Click here for the Peter's description of the band's tribute to the late Davy Jones at each concert (with the song Daydream Believer)

NEW MOVIES THIS WEEKEND!!

The popularity of movies based on comic book heroes continues and Hollywood will try again with the new "X-Men: Days of Future Past."  Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender star.  Rated PG13.

Romance is in the air (and on the screen) with the new chick flick, "Blended" starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler (the third time for the duo together in a movie)  Rated PG-13.

Click here for plot details on these and other new movies.

AND NOW, ON STAGE, HERE IS GREAT- GRANDFATHER MICK JAGGAR!!

It's sort of official, Mick Jagger is a great-grandfather.  (but they won't be introducing him as in the above headline)  The unnamed little girl is the daughter of his granddaughter Assisi Jackson whose grandmother is Jade Jagger, the daughter of Mick and Bianca Jagger. (remember her, Mick's first wife)  How can this be, you ask.  Well, Mick will turn 71 this summer, and yes, he will be touring with the Rolling Stones this year. Wow, who would have thought it possible. (a great-grandfather or still rocking or both)  Here is the story...

THE JOKER RETURNS (FOR THE STEVE MILLER BAND!)

Fans of the Steve Miller Bands classic album,"The Joker," (featuring his first big hit) get an extra treat as "The Joker Live" is now available.  Steve Miller selected the live recordings of the album cuts and feels it's a great way to mark the album's 40th anniversary.  Find out more here...

LOVE 'EM OR LEAVE 'EM

Credit Cards can be a blessing or a curse depending on which side of the debt cycle you're on.  Careful use is best and here are some tips to help you make the best of a sometime stressful situation.

THE SURVEY SAYS: DRIVING MISTAKES WE ALL FEAR!

Have you locked your keys in your car, forgotten where you parked, driven the wrong way down a one way street?  You are not alone.  37% of drivers surveyed admit they've locked their keys in their vehicle.  54% have forgotten where they've parked.  Check out the survey results here...

SALADS OR DESSERTS? WHAT ARE THEY?

Chocolate Chip, Mint Basil, Citrus Ginger.  Can these be salad dressing flavors?  Yes, says SaladShots.  They claim salad dressing flavors that have never been tried before.  Check out their variety of flavors, though I don't see French Vanilla yet.  Click here...

ROCK STARS THEN AND NOW (OR NOW AND THEN)

Check out this series of photos featuring "Rock Stars Then And Now" thanks to MSN.  Some still appear on stage or in public enough to be familiar faces, though it's the contrast between youth and age that can shock you. (hair and clothing fashions add to the contrast, of course)  Included:  The Rolling Stones, The Who, Madonna, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell and more...click here.

THE BRITISH INVASION: WHO WERE ALL THOSE ACTS?

You hear us talking about the "British Invasion" when it comes to 60s acts like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and the Dave Clark Five, but what was it actually all about? (One thing for certain is we were not seeing full fledged bands playing instruments and singing their own songs in the U.S.)  Click here to gain insight into the "British Invasion." (with special thanks to The Beatles who led the way)

THE SURVEY SAYS: MOM'S MUST BE GIFTED FOR MOTHERS DAY!!

Maybe that isn't the right headline.  Whether mom is "gifted" or not, mom deserves a gift for Mothers Day.  Beyond the traditional cards and flowers, some consumers will splurge on things like "tablets," "smartphones" or "jewelry."  Find out what the latest survey says by clicking here...

THE RETURN OF THE STARS WARS STARS!!

Stars Wars:  Episode V11 will feature the original Star Wars cast of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, along with some new actors "cast to protect the old." (previous quote from yours truly)  Learn more of the return of Hans Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker by clicking here...

CAROLE KING AND JANIS JOPLIN MUSICALS

I'd enjoy seeing either of these musicals which have received Tony Award nominations this year. Of course, it's all about the music and there is more than a bit of contrast between the two, "Beautiful:  The Carole King Musical" and "A Night With Janis Joplin."  Learn more and see the list of nominees here...

TEN PHENOMENA THAT SCIENCE CAN'T EXPLAIN!

I've heard of some of these like the "cone under the sea of Galilee," the "150 BC Clockwork computer," and, of course, the "placebo effect."  Check out the complete video group here...

BILL MEDLEY'S NEW "RIGHTEOUS BOOK."

If you want the story, go right to the "righteous" source.  Bill Medley, the deep voice of the Righteous Brothers, contrasting with the high voice of Bobby Hatfield, has written a memoir entitled "The Time of My Life: A Righteous Brother's Memoir."  It is the story of the Righteous Brothers time, the story of the "blue eyed soul" duo. (the late Bobby Hatfield was originally from Beaver Dam)  Read the review here...

"MOTOWN THE MUSICAL" GOES ON TOUR!

If you're a fan of Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations, you are a fan of Motown.  Motown was the record label founded by Berry Gordy, Jr and proved to be the home an incredibly talented group of soul/pop performers.  The successful Broadway show "Motown, The Musical," is bringing that sound to America.  Check out the tour dates for the year ahead by clicking here...

TULIPS ARE SPRINGING TO LIFE ( OR AT LEAST TRYING)

Around the Coulee Region, tulips are doing their best to grow toward flowering proving how tough they are considering the cold spring.  It doesn't take much rain and sunshine to get them going.  Check out the attached photo essay on tulips...(and check out the attached picture of tulips blooming in the Netherlands.

THE WHO'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR!

He may have his doubts about touring, but Pete Townsend says he will be out there starting late this year in the U.K. and eventually in the states.  He also mentions a new album in the works but that could take some time and effort.  Find out more here...

THE MUSTANG TURNS 50!

The Ford Mustang made its debut appearance at the Worlds Fair in New York City on April 17th, 1964.  I have fond memories of riding in a bright yellow 1971 Mach 1 around SE Minneapolis.  Lots of flash and lots of power.  Click here for a trip down Mustang memory lane...

NEW AND RECENT ALBUM RELEASES!!

Check out new album releases ( or new mastered classics) from veteran artists.  Albums like "Duets" from Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell's "Life Journeys," Rod Stewart's "Tonight's The Night," and Paul Rodgers, "The Royal Sessions."  Learn more here...

STEELY DAN TAKES A SUMMER TOUR!

It's called the "Jamalot Ever After Tour" and Donald Fagen and Walter Becker will be joined by their 11 member band as Steely Dan hits the road this summer.  Madison and Appleton will see August dates.  View the complete schedule here...

THE "UNSINKABLE" TITANIC!!

Today is the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, the ultimate passenger ship of its time and thought to be practically unsinkable.  Learn more about the Titanic here...

EASTER TREATS FOR ...WELL, EASTER!

From  Easter nest cakes to Bunny cakes to Little Lamb cookies, Easter treats you can make at home. (and then bring some to the radio stations on Hiway 35 in Onalaska)  Creative treats for Easter can be viewed here...

ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME (OR SHAME?)

Depending on who you talk to in the music business, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can be a positive or a negative.  Whatever the case, the new inductees include KISS, Nirvana, Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens, Peter Gabriel and Hall & Oates, among others.  See the story here...

NEW MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND!

New movies opening this weekend include one for animated movie fans like yours truly:

Rio 2 -  Blue and Jewel are back and heading for the Amazon.  Rated G

Draft Day - Kevin Costner is back as a general manager trying to save his team in this sports comedy.  Rated PG-13.

Oculus - One for horror fans and Rated R.

Find out more about these movies and others by clicking here...

THE RETURN OF "GAME OF THRONES!"

Fans of the HBO series, "Game of Thrones," gave a big welcome to its season premier.  Over 6 million viewers tuned in on Sunday night.  It's hard to describe the attraction to a very complicated series, but if you like medieval times, mystery, magic, and intrigue, this show could be for you.  It certainly is for my brother, he's a big fan.  Find out more here...

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN IN LAS VEGAS!

She has just begun a 45 day residency in Las Vegas called "Summer Nights." The title of her show lifted from her and John Travolta's hit in the "Grease," soundtrack.  Find out what you can expect from her show (and whether John will appear) by clicking this link...

NEW MOVIES!

Should it be "Captain America-The Winter Soldier," or "The Island of Lemurs-Madagascar," and which one is based on a comic book series? Questions, questions, questions...Unless you are a "Captain America" fan, it could be slim pickens this weekend for new movies. Check out what's new on the big screen here...

YOU DON'T NEED APRIL 1ST TO BE FOOLED!

Check out the attached slideshow to see how easy it is to be fooled. (sort of)

"FROZEN," MAKES ANIMATION HISTORY!!

It is the highest grossing animated film of all time, bumping "Toy Story 3"from that title.  (Winning an Oscar didn't hurt either.)  A billion dollars worth of revenue worldwide is more than impressive.  Here is the story... 

FLEETWOOD MAC RETURNS TO THE ROAD WITH CHRISTINE MCVIE!

She hasn't toured with the group for 16 years but Christine McVie says she will return to do just that this fall as Fleetwood Mac opens their tour in Minneapolis on Sept. 30th.  Read more here...

SO RUSSELL CROWE PLAYS NOAH, GEORGE BURNS PLAYED GOD!!

See if you can remember what biblical characters were played by these actors.

David Bowie (Pontius Pilate)

Bill Cosby (Satan) (in a Disney movie, of all things)

Morgan Freeman (God) (in two different movies)

See more actors in biblical roles by clicking here...

NEW MOVIES!

Russell Crowe as "Noah" and the return of Arnold Schwartzenegger in "Sabotage" lead the way among new movies this weekend.  See the plots (Noah isn't quite the Noah of the Bible) and watch the movie trailers here...

THE RETURN OF "GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!"

It's the 40th anniversary of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road."  To celebrate, the classic album has been remastered and reissued in several packages. (Including a yellow vinyl edition)  Find out more here...

FORGET DANCING WITH THE STARS, THE BIG DANCE IS SWEET SIXTEEN!

It's "Sweet Sixteen" time at the big dance.  The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is down to the final 16.  Can the Badgers beat Baylor, can my alma mater, Iowa State handle Connecticut?  We're determined to find out, and will, this week.  Here is the "Sweet Sixteen March Madness" schedule from Fox.

IT'S OK TO USE OK!

They've traced it first use in the Boston Morning Post to 175 years ago. "It is the most spoken or typed word on the planet." Well, they say it's OK to claim that.  Find out where they think the expression came from here...

CHER'S "DRESSED TO KILL" TOUR!

She had what was billed as a "farewell tour" ten years ago, however, the 68 year old is back with her "Dressed To Kill" tour. (and no mention of "farewell" this time)  Cher will tour with the help of Pat Benatar and Cyndi Lauper on selected dates Click here for the June dates in the immediate Midwest.

DOES GUM LOSE IT'S FLAVOR ON THE BEDPOST OVERNIGHT?

Actually, it probably does, but the real question is why the drop in gum purchases?  Is it too expensive, too unattractive to chew, or are there just a lot more products to chomp on at the check out isle.  Chew on these questions by clicking here...

IT'S ALL IN YOUR GENES AND NOT JUST THE WEIGHT OF FRIED FOODS

It's really isn't a surprise to most of us as some people can eat anything and never gain weight.  Researchers now say your genetic makeup can make you prone to gain more weight from fried foods than your neighbors.  Here's the story...

BUZZER BEATER MANIA!!!

Thanks to Fox sports to fire up everyone for March Madness.  Click here for 10 minutes of buzzer beater shots from this past college season..(that's right 10 minutes of game winning, game tieing shots)

MR.PEABODY AND SHERMAN SAY "TAKE THAT!"

Considered a box office surprise, "Mr.Peabody And Sherman," lead the way.  (Rocky & Bullwinkle fans remember "Peabody's Improbable History.")  Check out the top movies and see their trailers here...

U.S.POSTAL SERVICE MUSIC ICON SERIES!

Jimi Hendrix is the latest "music icon" to have a stamp in his honor.  Janis Joplin will appear on a stamp later this year. ( I have a page of Johnny Cash Icon stamps and will need to add Hendrix to my collection. )  Here is the story...

BEATLES MEMORIBILIA TO BE AUCTIONED!

Check out the Marvels of Modern Music's auction site for Beatles memorabilia like the "Flip The Wig" game or tickets, or posters, or albums, or...click here...

THE OLD 5 SECOND RULE MIGHT APPLY AFTER ALL!!

Remember the old line about being able to pick up food items that have fallen to the floor "within 5 seconds" and avoid germ problems?  The "5 second rule" might have some substance after all.  Read the story here and find out it all depends on surface and time...

MUSIC'S TOP MONEYMAKERS FOR 2013

Taylor Swift led the way with an incredibly successful year but some veteran rockers weren't far behind, like top five for Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones.  Check out the moneymaker list here...

KEITH RICHARDS AND CHILDREN'S LITERATURE?

It's true, the veteran guitarist for the Rolling Stones has teamed up with his daughter, Theodora, to write a children's book called, "Gus & Me, The Story of My Granddad And My First Guitar." Actually he tells the story and she does the illustrations.  Read the story here...

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME - SOME DO AND SOME DON'T

Daylight Saving Time returns this weekend but not for all.  Arizona, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico all pass as do many countries around the world.  Learn who here...

STRANGE (OR AT LEAST UNIQUE) FOODS ACROSS AMERICA!

From "head cheese," to "Rocky Mountain Oysters," to "scrapple" "egg cream," and "turtle soup," these delicacies might not be for everyone...( and mostly not for me)  Read more...

CONSUMER REPORTS TOP AUTO PICKS FOR 2014

From economy to luxury, Consumer Reports' top auto picks for 2014 might have something for you.  Click here...