May 30, 2011

Today's Tune: "Dr. Phibes" By Angel Witch

Hugh Griffith as the Rabbi in 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971)

Born on this day in 1912, Welsh film, television and stage actor Hugh Griffith (May 30, 1912 – May 14, 1980) was born. His acting career flourished soon after he served in the army during World War II, which happened just as he was getting started.

Early on, Griffith did very well trodding the boards in both England and the United States. Those stage roles earned him award nominations, while putting him alongside another famous Welsh actor, Richard Burton, and American actor Anthony Perkins.

He also shared the silver screen with many celebrated actors, once he started doing films in the late 1940s. Griffith would work in movies ('Ben-Hur', 'Oliver!', 'Start The Revolution Without Me') released up until the year before his death, at 67 years old. He appeared in a few hit television shows (Quatermass II, Clochemerle, 'Grand Slam') as well.

This 'Today's Tune' was selected based on a pair of horror films Griffith made with master of the macabre, Vincent Price. Price stars as Dr. Anton Phibes, a murderous madman bent on revenge, in both 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971) and it's sequel, 'Dr. Phibes Rises Again' (1972). In the first film, Hugh Griffith plays the Rabbi that knows all about the Egyptian themed curses all the terrifying deaths seem to be related to. In the follow up movie, Griffith portrays Harry Ambrose, while Price's re-awakened Dr. Phibes continues to kill.

Angel Witch, my favorite cult NWOBHM band, originally released the instrumental track "Dr. Phibes" on the 'Loser' EP (Extended Play Single - B-Side). Since then, it has been included on multiple re-issues of 'Angel Witch' (1980), the band's gothic masterpiece and first full studio album.



Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Original Studio Recording



Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Live in Athens, Greece Nov. 15, 2009

May 29, 2011

Today's Tune: "A Whiter Shade Of Pale"
By Procol Harum


Happy Birthday to Gary Brooker! English singer, songwriter and pianist was born in Hackney, London and grew up in the seaside resort of Southend On Sea, Essex, England. He is a founding member of the band Procol Harum, a classic rock group, who have played and influenced a wide variety of musical styles.

Procol Harum was formed in 1967, and recorded a #1 single (in UK etc., #5 in US) straight away. That song is "A Whiter Shade Of Pale", which is still their most popular creation, and our 'Today's Tune' for today.



Procol Harum - "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" (1967)



Procol Harum - "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" Live (2004)
From Procol Harum's 'Live At The Union Chapel' (London)

May 27, 2011

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
April 21 - 30, 2011


Last Update - May 27, 2011 at 6:05 PM EDT

Junior's April 21 through April 30, 2011 'Reading And Viewing List' includes title links, with article snippets, from items published at the end of April 2011.

Upcoming films, Washington Capitals hockey, music, Formula One racing and WRC rally news are among the topics to be found here.


April 30, 2011

ANVIL Frontman Lips - "We Have Been Successful;
Recording 14 Albums Isn’t Exactly A Failure"

Posted at Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles

ANVIL frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow recently spoke with Mark Morton at the Examiner.com about the band's new album, Juggernaut Of Justice, and the various stages of the band's career. An excerpt is available...


April 29, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Lightning 4, Capitals 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Lapses And Relapses – In the first game of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Capitals played some lengthy stretches of solid hockey and some lengthy stretches of sloppy hockey. They also played some lengthy stretches of 2009-10 Caps hockey, and in the end they paid for it with a 4-2 loss to the Lightning in Game 1 on Friday night...


Vinegar and Oil
By Brian Lumley at Rumblings From The Man Cave

...And, unfortunately, oil plays a large part in that daily existence. From the gasoline that fuels our vehicles to the plastic bags that moms wrap the kids' sandwiches in to put into their plastic lunchboxes...


Classic Rock’s New Releases Round-Up
By mdome at Classic Rock

This week it’s all about Queen, with the reissue of their first five albums. It’s the beginning of a vast back catalogue reactivation for the great band...


Solberg: it's flat-out from now on
Posted at WRC.com

Petter Solberg will start next week's Rally d'Italia Sardegna with a new strategy for the rest of the season: he's going flat-out for wins...


April 28, 2011

Formula One Fantasy - Williams' Rubens Barrichello
Posted at Formula1.com

Rubens Barrichello is the longest-serving driver in history, with well over 300 F1 starts to his name. As such, you'd think the Brazilian veteran has seen and done pretty much all there is to do in terms of Formula One racing. You'd be wrong...


Turkey preview quotes - Sauber, Mercedes, Renault & more
Posted at Formula1.com - Updated May 5, 2011

Mention Istanbul Park and talk immediately turns to Turn Eight, the multi-apex left-hander that has become one of the classic corners on the F1 calendar. It's going to be tough on tyres, so the focus will again be very much on Pirelli's rubber...


April 27, 2011

Trump Card
By Brian Lumley at Rumblings From The Man Cave

...As for Trump? Shame on him; he does know better but is doing what most politicians and over-the-hill game show hosts do best: preying on the fears and paranoia of their ill-minded constituency. All to hang on to the limelight. He has no chance in the next election cycle so why is he stirring up this pot? What's there to gain from the ridiculous muckraking for an issue that truly is a non-issue? And if he's truly serious about running is this the platform he wants to build his campaign upon?...


New 'X-Men: First Class' Theatrical Trailer!
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

This week has been filled with new "X-Men: First Class" images, news, and interviews, and now we have a fresh new trailer to feast our eyes on, too. The best part? It actually has a bunch of new footage!...



Loeb tips Sordo to shine at MINI
Posted at WRC.com

Sebastien Loeb has backed Dani Sordo to succeed at MINI and says the Spaniard deserves the chance to shine now that he is no longer under his shadow...


April 25, 2011

Does This 'X-Men: First Class' Trailer Give Us The First Look
At Sebastian Shaw's Mutant Power?

By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...Now, another trailer has found its way online, and while it doesn't offer much in the way of new footage, there is one notable addition: a brief glimpse of Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw, offering what could be the first look at how the character's mutant abilities will manifest themselves in the film...



New Delhi, New Dawn - the Indian Grand Prix takes shape
Posted at Formula1.com

It takes two hours to drive the 57.4 kilometres from New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to the Jaypee Green Sports City Project - and the newly named Buddh International Circuit - that from October 28-30 will host the inaugural Indian Grand Prix...


Sardinia entry list breaks new record
Posted at WRC.com

The 2011 World Rally Championship resumes on the Italian island of Sardinia next month with a record-breaking 20 new-generation World Rally Cars set to tackle round five of the 13-event season...


April 24, 2011

Kubica discharged from Italian hospital
Posted at Formula1.com

Renault driver Robert Kubica has left Italy's Santa Corona Hospital, 11 weeks on from the rally crash that left him with severe injuries to his right hand, ruling him out of the start of the 2011 Formula One season...


April 23, 2011

Capitals Head for Round Two with Solid Win over Rangers
By Hockey Mom at Musings Of A Hockey Mom

...It was Alex Semin who stuck the fork in the visitors and added the insurance the boys needed to go forward. His line mate Marcus Johansson evaded Dan Girardi and Semin picked up MoJo’s cross-ice pass and proceeded to roof it over Lundqvist, sending an already jubilant Verizon Center crowd into a frenzy...


'Doctor Who' Review: Episode 6.01, 'The Impossible Astronaut'
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...The Doctor reunites with Amy Pond, Rory, and River Song in a Utah desert, only to have a deadly encounter with a mysterious astronaut. The experience prompts the companions to seek help from — who else? — The Doctor, and begin an adventure that takes them all the way to a 1969 meeting with U.S. President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office. New enemies make their presence known, and then make their presence unknown, too...


'Doctor Who' Preview: Karen Gillan Explains The New Relationship Dynamic In Season Six
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...Of course, with Amy and Rory tying the knot before jumping back into action with The Doctor, there's a brand new relationship dynamic at work inside the TARDIS. How will it play out as they travel through space and time fighting alien menaces? Well, that's exactly what we asked Amy herself, actress Karen Gillan, during a break in "Doctor Who" filming...



April 22, 2011

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Smith On Bringing 'Doctor Who' To The U.S.
- And Where He Wants To Go Next!

By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...For the first time ever, the "Doctor Who" cast and crew made a trek across the ocean to film in the U.S. — specifically, the picturesque Monument Valley, Utah. In the following exclusive video, "Doctor Who" star Matt Smith explains why it made sense to film in America, and which city he'd like to see The Doctor end up in next time he ends up on this side of the pond...



Extended 'Green Lantern' Trailer Arrives Online
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

An extended trailer for "Green Lantern" has found its way online after premiering on television this. While there's not a lot of new footage to be seen in the tv preview, it does give us yet another look at Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, some of the constructs he forms with the ring, and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps...



Classic Rock’s New Releases Round-Up
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Has it really been 30 years since we were all so dramatically introduced to Ozzy Osbourne the solo artist? Well, the reissue of the Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary Of Madman albums by Legacy Records tells its own tale. They come together in a collector’s edition box set with a bonus live CD. Now happily restored to their original state, both albums are still outstanding, and has Ozzy ever really matched these masterworks? This is due out at the end of May...


April 21, 2011

Robert Kubica Q&A: Fans' response has been overwhelming
Posted at Formula1.com

The Renault team - and Formula One in general - was dealt a heavy blow in February when star driver Robert Kubica was ruled out of the start of the 2011 season following a serious crash during the Ronde di Andora Rally in Italy...

May 25, 2011

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
April 11 - 20, 2011


Last Update - May 25, 2011 at 12:42 AM EDT

Junior's April 11 through April 20, 2011 'Reading And Viewing List' includes title links, with article snippets, from items published during the middle of April 2011.

Upcoming films, Washington Capitals hockey, music, Formula One racing and WRC rally news are subjects included in the list below.


April 20, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 4, Rangers 3, 2OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Miracle on 34th Street – Down 3-0 at the start of the third period and having gone a franchise record six straight postseason games without scoring as many as three goals in a game, things didn’t look good for the Washington Capitals as they took the ice for the final 20 minutes of regulation in Wednesday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series...


Guitarist KK Downing Quits Judas Priest After 40 Years
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

Rock News Desk is reporting that guitarist KK Downing has quit Judas Priest, and won’t join the band on their upcoming final world tour...


Status Quo Team Up With Tesco For New Album
By mdome at Classic Rock

...The album’s called Quid Pro Quo and is released on May 30. It’ll have 14 new songs, plus the 2010 version of In The Army Now. This will come packaged with a bonus CD called Official Bootleg – Greatest Hits Live. This was recorded last year in Amsterdam and Melbourne...


Why happy Kimi continues to improve
Posted at WRC.com

While the thrilling finish to last week's Jordan Rally wrote headlines around the world, Kimi Raikkonen was delivering another solid performance at the wheel of his Ice 1 Racing Citroen DS3 WRC...


April 19, 2011

Ad Nauseum
By Brian Lumley at Rumblings From The Man Cave

I just read an unsettling article that talks about how, literally, our future is up for sale. It seems that New York City's council members are tabling a provision that would allow certain corporations, for the right price, to buy the naming rights for parks, alleys, and historical places in the Big Apple...


April 18, 2011

Early 'Thor' Reviews Look Good For The God Of Thunder
By Eric Ditzian at MTV's Splash Page and Movie News

"Thor" made landfall in Australia over the weekend, as Chris Hemsworth and the cast of this Marvel adaption arrived for the film's premiere in Sydney on Sunday. Coinciding with the flick's debut is the release of the first wave of reviews from around the globe...


'Lost' Actor Nestor Carbonell Returns For 'The Dark Knight Rises'
By Jenni Miller at MTV's Splash Page


..."The Dark Knight Rises" will begin shooting this summer in scenic Pittsburgh. Returning performers include Christian Bale (natch!) and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, while Anne Hathaway told Oprah she'll be joining the ensemble as the kitten with a whip, Catwoman...


April 17, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Rangers 3, Capitals 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

No Sweep For You – Going into their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series with the Washington Capitals, the New York Rangers knew they’d have to win at least one game in Washington in order to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Rangers came home for Sunday’s Game 3 in an 0-2 hole in the series, but it’s said that you’re never truly in trouble in a series until you lose on home ice...


Wilson predicts exciting season ahead
Posted at WRC.com

Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Principal Malcolm Wilson says that new technical regulations in the World Rally Championship will make 2011 one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory, and that even better is to come in 2012...


April 16, 2011

Saxon To Go Orchestral
By mdome at Classic Rock

Blabbermouth report that the band are to collaborate with the Polish Philharmonic Orchestra, giving some of their back catalogue an overhaul...


April 15, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 2, Rangers 0
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Friday The 15th – Two guys named Jason (albeit without hockey masks) helped put on a horror show for the New York Rangers on Friday the 15th. Washington taxed the Rangers 2-0 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Series at Verizon Center on Friday to take the series back to New York with a 2-0 lead...


Friday analysis - plenty to ponder in China
Posted at Formula1.com

Under Friday's very overcast skies the teams focused mainly on learning about set-up, actuation of their drag reduction rear wings, KERS and how the hard and soft compound Pirelli tyres behaved on the Shanghai International Circuit. The track remained slippery throughout the day, and generally tyre degradation levels seem to be between those in Melbourne and Malaysia, with Pirelli expecting most to pit twice on race day. We take a team-by-team look at progress...


Friday practice - selected team and driver quotes
Posted at Formula1.com

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel obviously isn't too keen to let go of his stranglehold on the top of the timesheets and led during both practice sessions on Friday, with McLaren team mates Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button his closest challengers. The leading teams and their rivals reflect on their early progress in Shanghai...


April 14, 2011

'Doctor Who' Roundup: New Clips, Images, And Enemies Revealed!
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

The season premiere of "Doctor Who" is nearly upon us, and that means BBC America is pulling out all the stops to get Whovians and fans-in-the-making excited for Matt Smith's return as The Eleventh Doctor...







EXCLUSIVE: 'Captain America' Writers Talk Sequel, Post-'Avengers' Plans, And The Marvel Movie-Verse
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

Late last month, I spoke to "Captain America: The First Avenger" screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely about the just-released trailer for the Marvel movie. Our conversation ended up covering a wide range of subjects...


FIA Thursday press conference - China
Posted at Formula1.com

Drivers - Rubens Barrichello (Williams), Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), Vitantonio Liuzzi (HRT), Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).

Q: Tonio, a really difficult start to the season. How has it been?
Vitantonio Liuzzi:
You said the right word, difficult, really difficult, but we knew that from the beginning. Everything started really late...


Mark Webber Q&A: KERS is vital - we need it to work
Posted at Formula1.com

After a KERS failure bogged his Red Bull down at the start, last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix became an exercise in damage limitation for Mark Webber. Although the RB7's inherent pace, some canny strategy choices and Webber's own determined driving eventually saw him just miss out on a podium place with a strong fourth-place finish, the Australian is targeting much more from this weekend's Chinese race - if his KERS works...


April 13, 2011


POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 2, Rangers 1, OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Semin lasered home a one-timer from the high slot at 18:24 of overtime to complete a Caps comeback and push Washington to a 2-1 win and a 1-0 lead in their ECQS...


William Shatner Details Heavy New Album
By mdome at Classic Rock

Details have now been released on the new William Shatner album, and he’s got a major list of rockers involved...


Longer, tougher route for 2011 Wales Rally GB
Posted at WRC.com

Britain's world championship qualifier will feature an expanded route, running the length of the country, when it brings the curtain down on the 2011 WRC season in November...


China preview - Red Bull KERS issues to take centre stage?
Posted at Formula1.com

While their rivals continue whistling to keep their spirits up, and take whatever they can from their performances last weekend in Malaysia, Red Bull go to China the firm favourites once more. However, it may not all be plain sailing for the current world champion constructors, who are still struggling to make their KERS work...


Austin track officially named Circuit of the Americas
Posted at Formula1.com

As construction work continues on the new United States Grand Prix venue in Texas ahead of Formula One racing's return to the country in 2012, race organisers have named the Austin facility the 'Circuit of the Americas'...


April 12, 2011

The 'Doctor Who' Season Premiere: Five Things
To Look Forward To (And No Spoilers)!

By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page


The new season of "Doctor Who" is almost upon us, fellow Whovians — and I know I'm not alone in looking forward to some new adventures with The Eleventh Doctor...


Blues Rockers To Come Together For New York
Rory Gallagher Tribute In May

Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

On May 23, 2011, at the renowned Iridum club in New York City, Eagle Rock Entertainment will present a special tribute to the late great Irish guitar legend Rory Gallagher. Entitled "One More Rory : A Tribute To The Music And Life Of Rory Gallagher"...


Born Again Press Release & Other Big News
By Joe Siegler at Black Sabbath Online

OK, a lot's been happening with Born Again this week. First the news came out on Apr 10 that it was being released on May 30th. Then on Apr 11th, I had an additional post with some track details and cover art. But there were still a few issues regarding this. Primarily whether or not this is the famed "proper mix" or a remaster, as the news didn't say, and the formal press release (shown below) didn't have info on it. I've started looking into a lot of the fiddly details regarding this release...


Queen To Reissue Five More Albums
Posted by mdome at Classic Rock

Queen are to have five more albums reissued through Island Records on June 13...


Jordan preview notes: Part two
Posted at WRC.com

The 2011 World Rally Championship heads to the Middle East this week for the Jordan Rally. This is a summary of how the main contenders have prepared and what some of the leading drivers have had to say in the build-up to the testing gravel event...


April 11, 2011

Of Holy Grails and Tinderboxes
By Brian Lumley at Rumblings From The Man Cave

...After digging through some of my old college newspapers where my film reviews could be found every Friday for about three and a half years, high school clippings, and a bunch of photos of me at prom with my first really-crazy girlfriend, I found the Holy Grail of my youth...


Jordan preview notes: Part one
Posted at WRC.com

...This is a summary of how the main contenders have prepared and what some of the leading drivers have had to say in the build-up to the testing gravel event...


China preview quotes - Red Bull, Ferrari, Virgin, Renault & more
Posted at Formula1.com

With the Malaysian and Chinese Grands Prix falling on successive weekends, the teams barely have time to catch their breath as they make the move from Sepang to Shanghai. Another of the new generation of circuits, it presents drivers and engineers with some very technical challenges. And as in Kuala Lumpur, the weather can often play in important role in the race's outcome...


More Details about Born Again 2 CD Deluxe Edition
By Joe Siegler at Black Sabbath Online

Last night I posted the news that the long awaited 2 CD Deluxe Edition of Born Again is to be released May 30th. This came from a track listing at Amazon UK's site. As of yet, Universal/Sanctuary have not issued a formal press release for this. Last night, however, I said I'd asked around to a few people, and those emails provided some fruit on Sunday. I was sent some artwork for the album, which clearly shows the source and content of the tracks. Here's an update on the track listing for the album...

May 17, 2011

Today's Tune: Liza Minnelli Sings 'Cabaret' Song
"Maybe This Time"


Happy Birthday Craig Ferguson! Born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 17, 1962, the comedian, actor and talk show host's most notable work has been in the United States. Ferguson became a US citizen in 2008.

British comedy films 'Saving Grace' (2000) and 'I'll Be There' (2003), both co-written by and starring Craig Ferguson are probably among his acting role movies that are viewed the most. His time working in television, with The Drew Carey Show (1996 - 2004) and his current talk show host job on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (2005 - present), have most likely been his best received efforts overall.



Craig Ferguson - 'A Wee Bit O' Revolution'


For the source of our 'Today's Tune' inspiration however, we go back to the period of September 1995 to February 1996, when Craig Ferguson starred alongside Betty White and Marie Osmond in the American TV comedy Maybe This Time. Although I'd completely forgotten about this show, I'm pretty sure I watched some of it.



Maybe This Time - "Beasy Body" (October 28, 1995) Clip
Cloris Leachman guest stars as Grandma Beasy.


My selection of music that relates to that bit of Craigy, is also titled "Maybe This Time". The song is from the 1972 film version of 'Cabaret', and is sung by Liza Minnelli. The tune replaced one of the omitted pieces from the original 1966 Broadway musical 'Cabaret', on which it was loosely based.



Liza Minnelli - "Maybe This Time" 1972 Sountrack

Here is a link to the non-embeddable actual movie clip.

May 16, 2011

Today's Tune: "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights"
By Heaven & Hell

Performing in Montreux, Switzerland, on July 7, 2007.
Photo by Sandro Campardo - AP Photo / Keystone.

One year ago today, singer and song writer Ronnie James Dio passed away (67 years old), by the hands of stomach cancer. Naturally, Ronnie has been on my mind, and remembered by millions and millions of other fans as well. Therefore, this 'Today's Tune' combo was selected to honor and remember that great man.

He was lead singer for some great bands in his time - Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. Both of these tracks are originally from the first two Black Sabbath albums that Mr. Dio recorded with the band. I was fortunate enough to see Sabbath on both of the subsequent tours that followed. I remember those times fondly, to say the least.

The following video is from a live Heaven & Hell concert. A taste of "Country Girl", from 'Mob Rules' (1981), starts it off. Then, "Neon Knights" (1980), which was a single from the album 'Heaven And Hell', goes into full flight.

Click here, to see my long post from a few days after Ronnie's death in 2010.



Heaven & Hell - "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights"
Live - June 16, 2009

May 15, 2011

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
April 1 - 10, 2011


Last Update - May 15, 2011 at 10:22 PM EDT

Junior's April 1 through April 10, 2011 'Reading And Viewing List' includes title links, with article snippets, from items published during the first ten days of April 2011.

Washington Capitals hockey, music, Formula One racing and WRC rally news are the topics included in this post.


April 10, 2011

Born Again 2 CD Deluxe Edition Coming May 30
By Joe Siegler at Black Sabbath Online

The much anticipated 2 CD Deluxe Edition of Born Again turned up on Amazon UK's site for pre-order. Fans have asked for this for a long time, and finally it's coming. The track listing...


April 9, 2011

Postgame Notebook: Panthers 1, Capitals 0
Posted at WashingtonCaps.com

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - While the Florida Panthers celebrated the end of a long losing streak, the Washington Capitals were looking ahead to the playoffs...


Exclusive Rubens Barrichello Q&A: I'm more motivated than ever
Posted at Formula1.com

Rubens Barrichello may be enduring a tricky start to his 19th season of Formula One competition, but his love for the sport hasn't dimmed. As determined as ever to succeed, Barrichello is working tirelessly to improve his chances of success at Williams this year. And while starting from 15th place on the grid for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix might not be ideal, the Brazilian is hopeful he'll do much better in the race itself...


April 8, 2011

Friday analysis - more to come from quietly confident Red Bull?
Posted at Formula1.com

As usual teams focused mainly on learning about set-up, actuation of their drag reduction rear wins, KERS and how differently the Pirelli tyres behaved in the heat of Sepang on Friday. They also had two extra sets per driver of super-hard development tyres to try...


Def Leppard: Live Album Details
Posted by mdome at Classic Rock

...It’s titled Mirrorball, and the full track listing is:...


Practice One - Webber sets strong Sepang standard
Posted at Formula1.com

Mark Webber sent shivers down the spines of rivals here in Sepang this morning as he lapped his Red Bull RB7 1.665s faster than anyone else. Lewis Hamilton got closest in his McLaren, but his 1m 39.316s best was light years behind Webber's 1m 37.651s...


April 7, 2011

British Heavy Rock Legends Uriah Heep Release First Video
From Upcoming 'Into The Wild' Studio Album

Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

British Heavy Rock Legends Uriah Heep have released the first video "Nail On The Head" from the upcoming studio album 'Into The Wild', The release is the band's 23rd studio album, which will be released on April 15 in Europe and May 3 in North America via Frontiers Records...




Audio Samples from "In The Wild"



Acropolis Hall of Fame honours McRae
Posted at WRC.com

World championship legend Colin McRae will be honoured by an exhibition during the Acropolis Rally in June...


April 6, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 5, Panthers 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

High Note At Home – Washington concluded the home portion of its 2010-11 schedule with a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night at Verizon Center...


April 5, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 3, Maple Leafs 2, SO
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Southeast Supremacy – The Caps took a 3-2 shootout decision from the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Tuesday to clinch their fourth consecutive Southeast Division crown. That matches San Jose for the longest current streak of its kind in the NHL...


Raikkonen's NASCAR debut date confirmed
Posted at WRC.com

Kimi Raikkonen, currently ninth in the World Rally Championship drivers' standings, will enter his first NASCAR Truck Series race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on 20 May...


April 2, 2011

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 5, Sabres 4, OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Lofty Perch – With their thrilling fall-from-ahead-then-come-from-behind victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Verizon Center on Saturday night, the Washington Capitals pushed their way past the Philadelphia Flyers and into the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings...


April 1, 2011

A TWO-point night -- Game 78: Caps 4 - Blue Jackets 3 (OT)
By The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator

...It was by no means easy, and it was by no means pretty, but the Caps were the only team among the top four in the East to win last night. You had a harbinger of things to come when Alexander Semin had two quick shots on goalie Steve Mason barely a minute into the game and barely five feet from the net. Mason stopped those, one on a nifty right toe save, but it was his big rebound he gave up...


May 8, 2011

Today's Tune: "Sit Down Honey (Everything
Will Be Alright)" By Elf


My favorite (several years, now) NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals zipped through their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff Series (Round 1) in five games. However, just four games into the Semifinals (Round 2), they were knocked out of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night (May 4th).

Of course, the way it ended was very disappointing. In the first round, the Capitals were very determined, and they dominated the New York Rangers. Then, playing a much more offensively dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning, an injury riddled Caps team could only manage to keep it close.

Like most passionate fans, my heart was broken again. A few days have passed now, and the healing process has begun. Hockey will be back in the Fall, and everything will be alright. Until then, I'll be enjoying the other two thrilling sports that give me happiness, Formula One racing and World Rally Championship competition.

This 'Today's Tune' is a similar story. It gives us the reassurance we need at such a time as this. "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" is from the self titled first studio album by heavy blues-rock band Elf, when Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell) was both lead singer and bassist. Ronnie (born Ronald James Padavona) recorded this with band mates, guitarist David Feinstein, drummer Gary Driscoll and pianist Mickey Lee Soule.



Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" (1972)



Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" June 10, 1973
Live! And My Soul Shall Be Lifted (Bootleg)

May 4, 2011

Today's Tune: "No Way But The Hard Way"
By Airbourne


The Washington Capitals, having lost all three of the Semi-Final games played so far against the Tampa Bay Lightning, are in a very tough spot. They now have to win four straight to survive the second round of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Every game now truely is a "must win" game, because one loss and they're out. I believe they can do it, but it's sure going to be hard on the fans, the players and the coaching staff. From here on out, "There ain't no way, but the hard way, so get used to it!".

While we fans of the Capitals hope, pray and wish for them to be triumphant, this 'Today's Tune' seems appropiate for the difficult task ahead. It's "No Way But The Hard Way", the 2010 single by Australian rock band, Airbourne.

Just win the game tonight. Just one win, and the tide will turn. Rock and Roll boys!



Airbourne - "No Way But The Hard Way"

I had a good job
And a good lovin' woman
But the world fell apart
And then I lost them

I can't pay the loans
Or the overdue fines
Can't drink enough whiskey
To make it alright

But the tide will turn
'Cause I have learned

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

You say I drink too much
And that it's a problem
But that's how it goes
When you hit rock bottom

Don't need your advice
Or your helping hand
'Cause I'm living on the road
In a rock and roll band

The tide will turn
And you will learn

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

The tide will turn (Yes it will) (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna roll on (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna stand strong (Hey, hey)
For the long haul (Hey, hey)
It's rock and roll

When the chips are down
You gotta make your play
'Cause there ain't no way (But the hard way)
There ain't no way (But the hard way)
I said there ain't no way (But the hard way)
Oh no, there ain't no way
But the hard way

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it, rock and roll
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

There ain't no way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
So get used to it
The tide will turn

May 3, 2011

Today's Tune: "Dirty Love" By Frank Zappa

May 3, 2011 photo by Chris O'Meara / AP Photo

Washington Capitals' veteran hockey forward Mike Knuble deserves his own theme music. He's one of the few guys on the team that is consistently willing to crash the net and try to jam in any loose pucks. Scoring with this style of play is known as a "dirty goal". Tonight, he got another one of these, when he shoved one through versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Capitals still lost the game, their third straight loss in the second round of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Having gone 0 and 3 so far in the Semi-Final best of seven series, maybe the Caps need more players to consistently go to the net.

Since Knuble does it on such a regular basis that he is known for it, I think his theme song should be the Frank Zappa classic, "Dirty Love" (1973). So, that's also my pick for this 'Today's Tune'.



Frank Zappa - "Dirty Love" (1973)

May 1, 2011

Today's Tune: "Ride The Wild Wind" By Queen

May 1, 1994 photo of Ayrton Senna by Mark Sandten / Getty Images

Like many Formula One racing fans, today I'm remembering three-time world champion Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna. Senna died on May 1, 1994, from severe head injuries sustained in a crash, while leading in the controversial 1994 Italian (San Marino) Grand Prix.

That whole weekend was pretty wierd, as many many things went wrong, before and during the actual race. During the Friday qualifying, Rubens Barrichello (also from Brazil) was involved in a bad accident, when his car flew into a stack of tires and a fence after becoming airborne. Barrichello would eventually recover from his injuries, but Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger was killed in qualifying the next day (Saturday), when he crashed into a concrete wall. Ayrton Senna, was very upset by the incidents and how things were handled at the time, but he would still race on Sunday.

Unfortunately, there was another accident and safety car issues at the start the race, then tragedy struck after the restart. Senna's car ran off the track and crashed into a concrete wall. The car broke into pieces, pieces which caused multiple and fatal head injuries to the racing legend.



BBC News coverage after fatal crash



Crash / Tribute video with music by Moby


Queen drummer Roger Taylor has a well known passion for cars and racing. He wrote the automotively inspired "Ride The Wild Wind" (1991), which serves as the 'Today's Tune' for this installment.



Queen - "Ride The Wild Wind" (1991)

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