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...