Today's Tune: "Thunderbird" By Quiet Riot

Photo of Kevin DuBrow by Tim Sharp / AP Photo

American rock singer Kevin DuBrow was born on October 29, 1955. DuBrow is mostly remembered for the many years he spent as lead singer for the heavy metal band Quiet Riot. Sadly, Kevin died from an accidental cocaine overdose in November of 1997. His energy and his fantastically unique voice are greatly missed by fans, which includes myself.

Quiet riot had a few very successful albums ('Quiet Riot II', 'Metal Health', 'Condition Critical') and singles ("Slick Black Cadillac", "Metal Health", "Mama Weer All Crazee Now") in the 1980s, before their appeal faded. They released a few more albums intermittently during the 1990s and through to 2006. The band's lineup changed regularly in that time period, and never regained the popularity they enjoyed in their early years.

For our 'Today's Tune' on this day of remembrance, I've chosen one of my favorite Quiet Riot tracks. "Thunderbird" might not be the most well known song by the boys, but it pulls at my heart strings when I hear it.

Quiet Riot - "Thunderbird"

Today's Tune: "She's A Lady" By Tom Jones

Happy Birthday Susan Harris. The inspiration for our 'Today's Tune' on this October 28th is Susan Harris. "She's got style, she's got grace, she's a winner ... She's a lady". Those words do describe Harris pretty well. "She's A Lady" is a song written by Canadian singer, songwriter Paul Anka, but it was Welsh singing sex symbol Tom Jones who had a big hit with the song back in 1971.


Susan Harris, according to Wikipedia:

Susan Harris (born Susan Spivak on October 28, 1940 in Mount Vernon, New York) is a television comedy writer and producer.

She created the series Soap, Benson, The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Nurses, and The Golden Palace. She also wrote or co-wrote all of the episodes of Soap and appeared on two episodes as the hooker Babette. She has been married to television producer Paul Junger Witt since 18 September 1983; he co-produced all the shows she created. She was married from 1965-1969 to the late actor Berkeley Harris.

Harris has chronic fatigue syndrome, which negatively impacted her ability to participate in the production of The Golden Girls. In the episode "Sick and Tired" (1989), Harris wrote some of her struggles into a storyline where Bea Arthur's character was diagnosed with CFS.

Harris sold her first script to Then Came Bronson, then wrote for Love, American Style, All in the Family, and the TV adaptation of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park. Her "Maude's Abortion" episode won the Humanitas Prize.

She formed Witt/Thomas/Harris with Witt and Tony Thomas. She was honored with Writers' Guild's Paddy Chayefsky Award in 2005.

Tom Jones - "She's A Lady" Live on February 15, 1974.

Today's Tune: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" By Roberta Flack

The V-2 Number 13 Rocket, also known as the White Sands Rocket, was the first man made object to take a photograph of the Earth from outer space. It was launched on October 24, 1946, from the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico, USA.

The rocket managed to go as high as approximately 173 kilometers (107.5 miles), more than surpassing the boundary of space, which scientists see as being at 100 kilometers (62 miles). The black and white photograph was taken with the on-board 35 mm camera, when the rocket reached approximately 104 kilometers (almost 65 miles) in altitude.

Since this was the first time ever humans saw Earth's face, from actual outer space anyway, an old song written by Ewan MacColl comes to mind. He may have written it for his future folk singer wife Peggy Seeger, but it was a brilliant American R & B / Soul singer that really breathed life into his creation.

Our 'Today's Tune' for October 24, 2009 is "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" , sung by the incredibly gifted Roberta Flack. She was a favorite of my mother's, and listening to her truly unique voice when I was a child, I too became a big fan.

Roberta Flack - "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"
Live on Top Of The Pops 2 in December of 1972.

Today's Tune: "Day of the Eagle" & "The Ring" By Robin Trower

On October 23, 1929, the very first transcontinental air service in North America began running in the USA, between New York, New York and Los Angeles, California. In honor of this historic day in aviation, we turn to Robin Trower (Procol Harum, BLT, Bryan Ferry Band) for an appropriate 'Today's Tune' song about flight.

I've chosen "Day Of The Eagle" . As if that wasn't going to be enough of a rock 'n roll rush, this YouTube video also happens to include the funky riff laden "The Ring" as a bonus track. I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of the guitar God known to us mere mortals as Robin Trower. So, an extra tune by this Englishman and his band is just fine with me. I hope you like it too.

Robin Trower - "Day Of The Eagle" and "The Ring" Live in 1980

Band Members: Robin Trower (Guitar), James Dewar (Bass,Vocals), Bill Lordan (Drums)

Today's Tune: "Halo Of Flies" By Alice Cooper

"Halo Of Flies" (1971) was released as a Holland single in 1973.

Happy Birthday Jeff Goldblum. Goldblum is an American actor, who was born on October 22, 1952, and grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York, NY at the age of 17, to become an actor. If bit parts or being an extra in films counts as becoming an actor, he was successful in 1974, when he appeared in both 'Death Wish' and 'California Split'. However, Goldblum might be more proud of his work in the award winning 1971 Broadway theatre musical production of 'Two Gentlemen Of Verona'.

Eventually, Jeff climbed his way up the ladder, and worked as a supporting actor in several big pictures ('Invasion Of The Body Snatchers', 'The Big Chill', 'Jurassic Park'). He has also spent time as a leading man for many years now, and starred in such films as 'Independence Day', 'Mad Dog Time' and 'Fay Grim'.

Goldblum has done quite a bit of television as well. He's made a few cameo appearances, and supporting roles, mostly in popular comedies and mystery type crime shows. Currently, Goldblum is starring in USA Network's crime drama series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, as Senior Detective Zach Nichols.

For our 'Today's Tune', this time we look back at Jeff's 1986 remake of the horror film 'The Fly'. It's not one of my favorites, but it does remind me of a great Alice Cooper tune. "Halo Of Flies" buzzes in for this installment.

Alice Cooper - "Halo Of Flies"

Today's Tune: "See The Light Shinin' " By Saxon

'Greatest Hits Live!' was recorded in 1989, released in 1990 on CD and DVD.

American scientist, inventor and businessman Thomas Alva Edison (Born February 11, 1847) died on October 18, 1931, from complications of diabetes, in his Llewellyn Park, West Orange, New Jersey home ("Glenmont"). Edison created and improved on many devices that have greatly influenced life all over the world. The list of his inventions include the phonograph and the motion picture camera.

Thomas Edison has also been credited with the invention of the first practical, functional and lasting incandescent light bulb, which he successfully tested on October 21, 1879. It is this creation that inspires our 'Today's Tune' , "See The Light Shinin' " by the British metal (NWOBHM) band Saxon.

Saxon - "See The Light Shinin' " from 'Greatest Hits Live!' (1990)

1988-1994 Lineup: Biff Byford (Lead Singer), Graham Oliver (Guitar - usually Lead), Paul Quinn (guitar), Tim "Nibbs" Carter (Bass) and Nigel Glockler (Drums).

Today's Tune: "Mary Jane's Last Dance" By Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty on concert stage. Photo by Getty Images.

Happy Birthday Tom Petty. American singer, songwriter, musician and actor ('The Postman', King Of The Hill) Tom Petty was born on October 20, 1950 in Gainesville, Florida. He has done some solo work and spent time with other short lived bands (Mudcrutch, Traveling Wilburys), but it's been Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers for most of his musical career.

For our 'Today's Tune', I've selfishly chosen my favorite song by the band, "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (1993). It's got macabre, it's got romance, it's got goth, and it rocks too. I often find myself singing along to this one, when I listen to it. Enjoy.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - "Mary Jane's Last Dance"
Yes, the leading lady in this video is Kim Basinger.

Def Leppard With Cheap Trick Fall Tour Extension Cancelled

Announcement of cancellation posted at DefLeppard.com on 10/16/2009:


Third leg of 2009 tour cancelled

Due to unforeseen personal matters, the third leg of Def Leppard’s North American Tour, set to begin on October 22nd, has been cancelled. "We know how truly blessed we are to have such committed fans," said the band in a statement. "That's why we've agonized over this decision. Even if just a single concert, we don't take cancelling shows lightly, but unfortunately life’s commitments need to be the priority."

Ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase.

Today's Tune: "Black Water" By The Doobie Brothers

Happy Birthday Patrick Simmons. Simmons, guitarist, singer and co-founder (1970) of The Doobie Brothers, was born on October 19, 1948. He has been a part of the band for every album and every concert tour they've ever done.

The songs he wrote on his own usually landed on the B-Side of the Doobie's singles in the early days. Their first song to get to number one was originally another of those B-Side tracks. Patrick Simmons wrote, played lead guitar and sang lead vocals on "Black Water". So, the song makes it to our 'Today's Tune' for today.

The Doobie Brothers - "Black Water" Live at Wolf Trap - Vienna, VA

Today's Tune: "If You Don't Start Drinking(I'm Going To Leave)" By George Thorogood And The Destroyers

The London Beer Flood according to Wikipedia:

The London Beer Flood occurred on October 17, 1814 in the London parish of St. Giles in the United Kingdom. At the Meux and Company Brewery [1] on Tottenham Court Road, [2] [1] a huge vat containing over 135,000 imperial gallons (610,000 l) of beer ruptured, causing other vats in the same building to succumb in a domino effect. As a result, more than 323,000 imperial gallons (1,470,000 l) of beer burst out and gushed into the streets. The wave of beer destroyed two homes and crumbled the wall of the Tavistock Arms Pub, trapping the barmaid under the rubble. [3]

The brewery was located among the poor houses and tenements of the St Giles Rookery, where whole families lived in basement rooms that quickly filled with beer. The wave left nine people dead: eight due to drowning and one from alcohol poisoning. [2]

The brewery was eventually taken to court over the accident, but the disaster was ruled to be an Act of God by the judge and jury, leaving no one responsible. The company found it difficult to cope with the financial implications of the disaster, with a significant loss of sales made worse because they had already paid duty on the beer. They made a successful application to Parliament reclaiming the duty which allowed them to continue trading. [4]

The brewery was demolished in 1922, and today, the Dominion Theatre occupies a part of the site of the former brewery.

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The 'Today's Tune' for such an event in history has to come from someone experienced in writing and performing quality drinking songs. We don't have to search too hard on this one, do we? From Wilmington, Delaware, USA ... Oohhh George! "If You Don't Start Drinking (I'm Going To Leave)" by George Thorogood And The Destroyers seems a tasty choice.

George Thorogood with David Letterman's band
"If You Don't Start Drinking (I'm Going To Leave)"

For the original music video, click here. It's so much better and funny as hell, but the George Thorogood And The (Delaware) Destroyers YouTube video has the maddening "Embedding disabled by request" blocking option on, dammit!

Today's Tune: "Breadfan" By Budgie

I'm getting ready to head out and buy me Mega Millions Lottery ticket. To be honest I'm not a regular purchaser, only participating when the payoff hits a certain level. That way I don't throw as much money away, because I don't expect to win, anyhow.

What if it did happen, though? Thinking about it has me trying to decide what I would do with the loot. Getting four numbers plus the gold ball would mean $10,000, before taxes. That'd be great to me, but five of the white ball numbers would land me $250,000 before taxes, and what's left would more than pay off all my bills (mortgage, auto loan, etc.). Get all six numbers right, and I'm a very rich man. It would take a lot of thinking to map out where all that kind of money would go. Let's see ... pay off all current bills ... buy nicer house ... buy Lamborghini hybrid or electric car ... college fund for Chelsea (my daughter), etc. Oh my! What would you do? Huh? Oh yeah, it's not going to happen anyway. I forgot that for a minute.

Since we're on the subject of money ... Well we are, aren't we? OK, it was all just an excuse to post a music video from the finest rock band ever to come out of the most beautiful place on Earth, Wales (He wrote without any bias at all). The 'Today's Tune' for this October 13th is "Breadfan" , and the band is Budgie!

Budgie - "Breadfan" (1973)

Today's Tune: "Angel Witch" By Angel Witch

On October 12, 1692, colonial Massachusetts Governor William Phips wrote a letter of his observations of the conditions and activities relating to the original "witch trials", commonly referred to as the 'Salem Witch Trials'. Included in the typically unfair and unjust proceedings were the early local hearings and trials of "The Court of Oyer and Terminer" , which relied heavily on spectral evidence and the "touch test".

Governor Phips had the court disbanded, but only after 29 people had been found guilty of practicing witchcraft. Nineteen of those witches, fourteen women and five men, were hanged. One man named Giles Corey refused to enter a plea, so he was crushed to death under heavy stones in an effort to force him to comply. Some were pardoned by the Governor. In 1693, the trials continued in the new less bloodthirsty Superior Court Of Judicature. The text of Phipps letter can be found via this link.

For our 'Today's Tune' we turn to one of the most underrated (and unplayed on most American radio) English cult metal bands ever, Angel Witch. From the self titled album (Released in 1980), I give to you the title track - "Angel Witch".

Angel Witch - "Angel Witch"

Today's Tune: "Dive", "Captain Nemo"By Sarah Brightman

According to Wikipedia:

The United States Naval Academy is an undergraduate college in Annapolis, Maryland, United States, that educates and commissions officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Academy often is referred to simply as "Annapolis". It is also called "The Academy", "The Boat School", or "Canoe U". Sports media refer to the Academy as Navy; this usage is officially endorsed. The U.S. Naval Academy was established 10 October 1845.

The Academy's motto is Ex Scientia Tridens, which is Latin for "from knowledge, seapower" (the trident, emblem of the Roman god Neptune, represents seapower).

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Keeping to the nautical / marine end of things, this 'Today's Tune' post features both album title track / intro "Dive" and "Captain Nemo" by English soprano singer Sarah Brightman. My apologies for not doing a more in depth entry today, but I spent an embarrassingly huge amount of time trying to find a high quality video for this, and there just wasn't one available on the Internet. The one I've chosen is the best video that included both tracks. Unfortunately, like most that I saw, the ending is cut a bit short.

Sarah Brightman - "Dive" / "Captain Nemo"

Today's Tune: "Born To Lose" By Black Sabbath

The Washington Capitals are on route to be winners.

The Washington Capitals played their very first NHL hockey game on October 9, 1974, losing to the New York Rangers 6-3, in New York, NY. Washington went on to lose their first 37 road games as a new organization. They have had their ups and downs over the years since, making it to the playoffs 20 times, while not even coming close a few other seasons. The Capitals did make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, but lost to the Detroit Red Wings.

Since the 2004-2005 season lockout and start of the team rebuild around the same time, they have made vast improvements. Those improvements have been mostly from within their own system, via the Entry Draft (See Alex Ovechkin - 2004 Draft, etc.). Washington has made some good trades and signed a few helpful free agents. By the way, thank you General Manger George McPhee, Majority Owner Ted Leonsis and the rest of the organization, for your hard work and your vision.

This is a different team than has ever skated for Washington before. They are built to last, now. The Capitals won their division and made the playoffs the last two consecutive seasons. In the 2007-2008 post season, they only lasted the first round. In the spring of 2009, they took it a little further, to a game seven in the second round. Off season changes have made the team even better. They are now a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. They are no longer "chasing shadows in the dark". Perhaps it is their time. It certainly won't be too long now. This is a team that was not "born to lose". The Washington Capitals are winners.

Our 'Today's Tune' emphasises my thoughts and feelings above. I think this song represents the new found confidence and expectations of the Washington Capitals and their fans. Please enjoy "Born To Lose" by the champions of heavy metal, Black Sabbath.

Black Sabbath - "Born To Lose"

Today's Tune: "Fire And Water" By Free

Free's 'Fire And Water' album was originally released in June of 1970.

On October 8, 1871, four major fires broke out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, Holland, Michigan, and Manistee, Michigan. The Great Chicago Fire, which left almost 100,000 people homeless, is the most famous of the four. However, the Peshtigo Fire may have killed as many as 2,500 people, making it the deadliest fire in United States history.

Thinking about all this fire and water existing at the same time and within the same general area, brings to mind one of the most well known songs by the great English band Free. "Fire And Water" is the 'Today's Tune' this time.

Free - "Fire And Water" (1970)

Today's Tune: "Murders In The Rue Morgue"By Iron Maiden

American writer Edgar Allan Poe (Born January 19, 1809 – Died October 7, 1849) died on this day in 1849, at the age of 40 years old. His styles and genres of writing included poetry, mysteries, horror and detective stories (Invented ?). Poe is best known for his dark scary tales and poems, many of which have been adapted into horror films, such as "The Masque Of The Red Death" , "The Pit And The Pendulum" and "The Raven" . All types of his works have been an influence on some of the great writers since his time, but he lived in modest means during his short lifetime.

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but lived in many different places. Most of those areas have some sort of museum or landmark in his honor, and several held special events on this, the 40th anniversary of his death.

In Baltimore, MD, where he died after a long period of very poor health and is buried, they finally gave him a "proper funeral". For a fiver, you got to visit his very small former home (museum now) and pay your respects while viewing his "body" (manikin). I imagine it would be about as disappointing an experience for me as when I visited the Sherlock Holmes house in London, England many years ago. I didn't go thousands of miles just for that, but there are people who spanned the globe just to visit Poe House today. Most will probably enjoy it. To see a local news report, click here.

In remembrance of Mr. Poe, I picked a song for the 'Today's Tune' that carries a title similar to his famous story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" . Released in 1981, here's Iron Maiden with "Murders In The Rue Morgue".

Iron Maiden - "Murders In The Rue Morgue"

Today's Tune: "Devil And Daughter"By Black Sabbath

English film, television and stage actor Denholm Elliott died on October 6, 1992. Elliott, a twice married bisexual, had two children. One was a daughter who hung herself to death in 2003. Denholm Elliott was diagnosed with HIV in 1987, and died in 1992 of AIDS related tuberculosis.

During his acting career, he starred and appeared in supporting roles in many well known films and TV productions, including 'The Holly And The Ivy' (1952 Film), 'Sweeney II' (1978 Film - Second based on TV series) and Bleak House (1985 TV). Our 'Today's Tune' relates most, at least in name, to Denholm Elliott's 1976 Hammer Film Productions movie 'To The Devil A Daughter'. I offer "Devil And Daughter" by Black Sabbath for your listening pleasure.

Black Sabbath - "Devil And Daughter"

Today's Tune: "Fat Bottomed Girls" By Queen

Among those well known Americans born on an October 5th, is Ray Kroc (Born October 5, 1902 – Died January 14, 1984). Kroc was a businessman who sold milkshake mixing machines, who became a partner with the owners of the McDonald's Corporation, in the hopes of putting his mixers in multiple future locations. In 1961, he purchased the balance of the company from the McDonald's family. His vision of opening up more McDonalds fast restaurants and franchising them soon became a reality. Eventually, the fast food chain spread across the globe.

We all know that unhealthy fast food has led many people to become overweight. You might say Ray Kroc is partially responsible for millions of fat asses being served. With that in mind, this installment of 'Today's Tune' features the song appropriately titled "Fat Bottomed Girls" , by English rock band Queen.

Queen - "Fat Bottomed Girls" (Original music video)



Queen - "Fat Bottomed Girls" Live at Milton Keynes in 1982.

Today's Tune: "Monkey Man" By The Rolling Stones

English born actor Roddy McDowall passed away at the age of 70, on October 3, 1998. He had a very long and successful acting career. McDowell performed many great supporting and staring roles in an incredibly long list of films, television and theatre stage work. He will probably always be remembered most for his parts in all of the original four 'Planet Of The Apes' films as well as donning the chimpanzee makeup again the subsequent Planet Of The Apes television series. In remembrance of this, the 'Today's Tune' for this October 3rd is "Monkey Man" by The Rolling Stones.

Rolling Stones - "Monkey Man"

October 2009 Concerts In Maryland, Virginia & Washington, DC

Here is a current list of some noteable music and comedy concerts scheduled to take place in October 2009, at venues in Maryland, Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC area.

Davy Jones - October 3rd at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

The Allman Brothers Band and Widespread Panic - October 6th at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD

Mike Birbiglia - October 10th at Warner Theatre in Washington, DC

Edgar Winter Band - October 11th (5:00 PM EDT and 8:00 PM EDT) at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Kiss and Buckcherry - October 13th at Verizon Center in Washington, DC

Them Crooked Vultures - October 14th Sold Out at 9:30 Club in Washington, DC

Ian Anderson (Acoustic Jethro Tull) - October 15th at Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD

Steve Morse Band - October 15th at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

AC/DC - October 16th at Verizon Center in Washington, DC

Facedancer - October 16th at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD

Lynyrd Skynyrd - October 16th at Wimcomic Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury, MD

Wayne Brady - October 17th at Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA

Robert Cray Band - October 19th at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Little Richard - October 20th at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Hall & Oats - October 21st (Additional charge for parking) at 9:30 Club in Washington, DC

Todd Rundgren - October 21st at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Van Morrison - October 27th at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, MD

*All details are subject to change!

Today's Tune: Intro Theme To 'Brothers'

Happy Birthday to Robin Riker. Since I'm both really lazy and really late in posting the 'Today's Tune' for today, I'll let Wikipedea (see below) fill you in on this actress that has appeared in some really good television shows.

My favorite TV show that Robin Riker starred in was an incredibly funny show from the 1980's called Brothers, which I used to watch on good old Philly57. It was one of the first TV shows to deal with homosexual characters in a humorous yet respectful way in every episode. The show had a fantastically talented cast as well: Robert Walden as Joe Waters, Paul Regina as Cliff Waters, Brandon Maggart as Lou Waters, Philip Charles MacKenzie as Donald Maltby, Hallie Todd as Penny Waters, Robin Riker as Kelly Hall (Seasons 1-4), Mary Ann Pascal as Samantha "Sam" Booke Waters (Seasons 3-5), Yeardley Smith as Louella Waters (Seasons 4-5), Tommy Hinkley as Jim Grant (Season 4), Timothy Williams as Mike Chandler (Season 5) and Cathryn Hacker as Caroline Waters (Season 5). Hopefully Showtime (Series rights owner) will put the entire thing out on DVD someday real soon.


Robin Riker according to Wikipedea:

Robin Riker (b. October 2, 1952, New York City), is an American actress who has guest starred in a number of notable television series including The Rockford Files, M*A*S*H, The A-Team, Airwolf, Murder, She Wrote, Sliders, Malcolm in the Middle, Brothers, Pyramid, Six Feet Under, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, among many others.

She appeared as Chris Elliott's friend's wife and enemy on the sitcom, Get a Life and opposite Ed Asner and Haley Joel Osment on the short-lived ABC sitcom Thunder Alley.

In May 2008, she signed a contract for the CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful as the recast of Beth Logan. Her first appearance was June 18, 2008. This is the second daytime drama that she had appeared on. In 2000, she played the roll of Maureen "Bonnie" Lockhart on the NBC daytime drama Days of our Lives. The role was later played by Judi Evans.

Brothers - Intro/Theme
Written by Marcus Barone (vocals), Joe Diamond and Gloria Nissenson

Capitals Vs Bruins 10/01/2009 Review

Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin's traditional body bump win celebration.
October 1, 2009 photo by Winslow Townson / AP Photo.

Road Game Win: Capitals 4 - Bruins 1

The 2009-2010 Season Opener couldn't have gone much better for the Washington Capitals, as they easily beat the Boston Bruins 4 to 1. Jose Theodore looked calm and confident in goal for Washington with 19 saves. Boston's Tim Thomas was good as well, though even with 30 saves, last season's Vezina Trophy winner wasn't good enough to stop the Capitals' non stop attack on his net.

There were only a few brief segments of time in the game where the Caps played a touch sloppily, but that's to be expected early on in the season. They made just a couple of those dreaded overly cutesy/fancy moves, mostly within the first half. Overall Washington were well disciplined, confident looking and in the groove. Boston played very physically and fairly well themselves, but the Capitals stayed in control for almost the entire game.

Forward Brooks Laich scored the first goal of the game while on a power play, shortly before the end of the first period. Left winger Alex Ovechkin made the score 2-0 for the Caps half way through the second. Both would score again very early in the third, with Laich's second goal being another PP strike. Young center Nicklas Backstrom assisted on each of the first three goals. Forward Alexander Semin came up with 2 assists, while Ovechkin, defenseman Tom Poti and Laich each managed one assist on the night. Boston's center Patrice Bergeron scored the Bruins lone goal, when he got a solo breakaway chance, after left winger David Steckel had trouble keeping the puck in Boston's end.

So things went well, and it was a joy to watch Washington start things off right. Chairman and Majority Owner Ted Leonsis may still worry about pleasing the fans and making sure all is right in Caps land, but I'm sure most of us Caps fans are very relieved now that the NHL hockey season has started, and our team has put one in the win column.

Def Leppard With Cheap Trick At Giant Center In Hershey, PA Updated

This Tour Extension Has Been Cancelled!

Def Leppard With Cheap Trick At Giant Center In Hershey, PA Update:

Def Leppard Extends Summer Concert Tour
Special Guests are Cheap Trick

(HERSHEY, PA) — The hottest rock tour of the summer has just gotten hotter. More dates have just been added to the critically hailed tour of the summer starring British rock legends Def Leppard, special guests Cheap Trick and Man Raze. One of the dates added is Friday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. when the tour pulls into Hershey, PA to perform at Giant Center. Tickets go on sale [To general public] Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 AM EDT [Pre-Sale Thursday, October 1 from 10:00 AM EDT to 10:00 PM EDT - Password: hollywood].

"We are really amazed by how well the tour has been received," said Def Leppard front man Joe Elliott. "Our fans have been absolutely fantastic. There's really no greater compliment than to be asked to keep on doing it so that's what we're going to do."

The tour highlights three decades of music from one of rock 'n' roll's greatest bands. With combined sales of 80 Million albums worldwide, fans will be treated to hits like "Photograph," "Rock Of Ages," "C'mon C'mon," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Foolin'," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Nine Lives," as well as Cheap Trick classics "I Want You To Want Me" and "Surrender."

Def Leppard (Joe Elliott/vocals, Vivian Campbell/guitar, Phil Collen/guitar, Rick "Sav" Savage/bass and Rick Allen/drums) sits at the top of an iconic class of rock 'n' roll bands. The band's most recent album Songs From The Sparkle Lounge debuted last year at No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200.

Over the course of their career, Def Leppard has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists. The group's spectacular live shows, filled with powerful melodic rock anthems, have become synonymous with their name and are an institution in the touring industry as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide.

With more than 5,000 performances, 20 million records sold, 29 movie soundtracks and 40 gold and platinum-recording awards, Cheap Trick may be one of the most covered bands of all time. Since the 70s they've been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable.

Cheap Trick's acclaimed new album, The Latest, continues their reign as power-pop progenitors as they celebrate their 35th anniversary together. Since forming in the city of Rockford, IL in 1974, they have sold over 20 million albums and had numerous hits including "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me" and "Dream Police." Cheap Trick features the original line-up of Robin Zander - vocals and guitar, Rick Nielsen - guitar and backing vocals, Bun E. Carlos - drums and backing vocals & Tom Petersson - bass and backing vocals.

Def Leppard has teamed up with I Love All Access to offer the ultimate fan experience for the tour featuring a variety of packages. For more details, go to http://www.iloveallaccess.com/.

For more Def Leppard tour news and information go to defleppard.com.

For more information on Cheap Trick, visit cheaptrick.com.

Tickets for this show are $99.00, $79.00, $49.00 and $29.00 (processing fees apply and twelve ticket limit) and are available at Giant Center Box Office. They can be charged by phone at 717-534-3911 or 800-745-3000, and online at HersheyEntertainment.com, Ticketmaster.com, and LiveNation.com. The wristband policy will be in effect for this concert. Fans are permitted on the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex property beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 3. Two hours prior to the on-sale, fans are directed in front of Giant Center Box Office, where they are issued a numbered wristband. Wristbands are available for one hour, and at the conclusion of that hour, a selected fan will randomly select a wristband that will determine the line order. For example: if 1,000 wristbands are issued during that hour and the number 500 is selected, the person wearing wristband 500 will be the first person in line. Numbers 501 to 1,000 will proceed in line behind, followed by numbers 1 through 499. Once the line is in place, everyone arriving after the wristbands were issued will be escorted to the end of the numbered line.