Today's Tune: "I'm Goin' Mad" By Scorpions

The very first suspected case of Mad Cow Disease in the USA was reported by our government on December 23, 2003. Most cases have occurred in the United Kingdom, but some cases have shown up elsewhere, including America.

Mad Cow, or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that manifests in cattle. It causes a degeneration in the brain and spinal cord, which makes the animal go a bit "wonky" (technical term). Usually, it shows up in adult cattle at about four to five years old.

Sometimes we humans feel like we've been driven to madness, while trying to deal with the landmines life sometimes presents to us. Germany's most famous rock band, the Scorpions touched on this with their first single. Our 'Today's Tune' is "I'm Goin' Mad" (1971), from the 'Lonesome Crow' (1972) album. The lineup for this album didn't stay together. It included Klaus Meine (Lead Vocals), Michael Schenker (Lead Guitar), Rudolf Schenker (Rhythm Guitar), Lothar Heimberg (Bass) and Wolfgang Dziony (Drums).

Scorpions - "I'm Goin' Mad" (Full length audio version)



Scorpions - "I'm Goin' Mad"
(Short available music video clip)

Today's Tune: "O Mio Babbino Caro" ("Oh My Dear Papa") Performed By Angela Gheorghiu

Portrait photo from AngelaGheorghiu.com

Giacomo Puccini, according to Wikipedia:

Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini (22 December 1858 – 29 November 1924) was an Italian composer whose operas, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, are among the most frequently performed in the standard repertoire. [1] [2] Some of his arias, such as "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi, "Che gelida manina" from La bohème, and "Nessun dorma" from Turandot, have become part of popular culture.

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To celebrate the birthday of Giacomo Puccini, I offer "O Mio Babbino Caro" ("Oh My Dear Papa") as the 'Today's Tune' for this December 22nd. As mentioned above, it's an aria from Puccini's opera 'Gianni Schicchi'. Other opera singers have done a fine job with this beautiful creation. But, I don't think any have performed it better than the beautiful creation from Romania, soprano opera singer Angela Gheorghiu.

Angela Gheorghiu - "O Mio Babbino Caro" ("Oh My Dear Papa")

Today's Tune: "Voi Che Sapete" ("Tell Me What Love Is") Performed By Cecilia Bartoli

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet (1995).

Jane Austen, perhaps England's most famous and loved female novelist, was born on December 16, 1775. Austen did not become famous as a writer within her lifetime. She published her work anonymously. Before her death on July 18, 1817, Jane's novels and poetry were mostly read and enjoyed by her supportive family and the well to do literary society.

Austen's fictional writings were commentary on moral issues and the socially acceptable life path of women living in her time. She obviously tried to be more realistic than many previous authors, but often also included a fair amount of humor whilst enlightening the minds of her readers. The women in her stories, as in real life, were dependent on marriage for economic security and social standing. However, Austen made it clear that women have minds of their own, and are as deserving of the freedom to make major decisions for themselves as are men.

Through the 1869 publication of her nephew's 'A Memoir of Jane Austen', her works became more widely known and appreciated. By the middle of the 20th century, Jane Austen had come to be required reading for students in much of the world. Austen is mostly remembered for her novels. Between 1811 and 1816, she published and enjoyed success with 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811), 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813), 'Mansfield Park' (1814) and 'Emma' (1816). 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion' were released in 1818, after her death. Originally titled 'The Brothers', another novel later renamed 'Sanditon', was left unfinished.

Our 'Today's Tune' is an aria from Mozart's 1784 opera, 'Le Nozze Di Figaro' ('The Marriage Of Figaro'). "Voi Che Sapete" ("Tell Me What Love Is" - Not a literal translation) was the theme music for the BBC's 1995 television adaption of Austin's novel 'Pride And Prejudice'. Although it was also performed by the story's main character Elizabeth Bennet in one scene of the mini-series, I chose to include a performance by Italy's mezzo-soprano opera superstar Cecilia Bartoli, because she is my favorite female opera singer. Ms. Bennet was portrayed by Jennifer Ehle. Colin Firth, who was featured as a singer in a previous 'Today's Tune' entry, played leading man, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Cecilia Bartoli - "Voi Che Sapete" ("Tell Me What Love Is")
Live in Lucerne, Switzerland in 2006



Pride And Prejudice (1995) - Episode 1 (Part 1 of 6)

Watch the entire 1995 production on YouTube.

Today's Tune: "London Calling" By The Clash

Originally released December 14, 1979, 'London Calling' was the third album recorded by thee best and one of the most successful punk rock bands this planet has ever known, England's The Clash. This 'Today's Tune' features the title track "London Calling". The song was released as a single, though only in the UK, one week earlier.

The album actually consisted of various types of music, and not just straight up punk. The band also delved into pop, reggae, rockabilly, and ska. Often, the different genres were fused together within the same piece. The original version of 'London Calling' included a total of 19 listed tracks, forming over 65 minutes of music, so there was plenty of room for variety.

Like the makeup of the album itself, the song "London Calling" was about various things as well. These guys had a lot on their minds, and they always liked to share their political and social views of what was going on in the world. War, potential catastrophes - both natural and man-made, and the band's financially related career concerns were all included in this much covered tune. It was written by band members Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, who came up with the lyrics to most of The Clash's material. I bet they never imagined it would be as big as it has gotten. It seems the song appears, at least in the background, in countless television shows and movies.

The Clash - "London Calling"

Ronnie James Dio Stomach Cancer Update - December 10, 2009

Ronnie James Dio in 'The Devil You Know' promotional picture.
Photo by Chapman Baehler / Rhino Entertainment.

Wendy Dio posted another update on the health of her husband, singer Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell), on his site late yesterday afternoon. I thought I'd follow up on the recent announcement of Ronnie being diagnosed with stomach cancer, with the latest news about how things are going.


Latest Update - Ronnie Aces 1st Chemo Treatment with Flying Colors
12/10/2009 5:19:51 PM

Here is an update from Wendy Dio on Ronnie's battle with stomach cancer:

Well, it has been a very exhausting month – after all the neverending tests in Los Angeles, we flew to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, and as soon as we arrived, we got a call from the MD Anderson Hospital that they had an appointment for us with the doctor we originally wanted, so we then flew to Houston to the clinic, and of course MORE tests, but Ronnie finished receiving his first chemo treatment on Wednesday, and all is going very well.

I would like to thank Tony Martell from the T.J. Martell Foundation, Dr. Stuart Aaronson from Mount Sinai, Lindsay Brown and Mike Carden from Eagle Records, and our very own Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, for all your help in getting us into MD Anderson, and also our friends Geezer and Gloria Butler, who flew to Houston to be with Ronnie while he had his chemo.

Ronnie and I are totally overwhelmed by the amount of well wishes that we have received from friends and fans - we are reading them all. Some make us laugh, some make us cry, but all of them are so filled with love that it gives us so much support and makes Ronnie even more determined to fight this battle and win. Thank you all for the positive energy and prayers.

--Wendy Dio

December 2009 Concerts In Baltimore & Annapolis, Maryland

Here is a current list of some notable music concerts and comedy performances scheduled to take place in December 2009, at venues in Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland.

Paula Poundstone - December 11th: 6:30 PM EST and 9:30 PM EST at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Renée Fleming - December 17th at The Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD

Aaron Neville - December 17th and December 18th Christmas music concerts at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD

Kix and Face Dancer - December 19th at Rams Head Live! in Baltimore, MD ● Celebrate Christmas and Rams Head Live!'s birthday with cake from Charm City Cakes, the Charm City Roller Girls, Baltimore Hons, etc. CancerSucks.com will be collecting donations at this event. Rescheduled

Going For Broke: Comedy Tour and Toy Drive - December 18th at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD ● This event features Eddie Griffin, Donnell Rawlings, Darius Bradford, Larry Lancaster, and music by DJ Tanz.

*All details are subject to change!

Today's Tune: "I've Been Loving You Too Long" By Otis Redding

American soul singer Otis Redding was killed at just 26 years old in a plane crash, along with his manager, the pilot, and four members of his band on December 10, 1967. Redding, often referred to as the "King Of Soul", is still considered to be one of the best soul singers of all time. Rest in peace, Otis.

For this 'Today's Tune', I've loaded the sad, heartbreaking song - "I've Been Loving You Too Long". I've include the studio recorded single and a live version, so you can get all teary-eyed twice.

Otis Redding - "I've Been Loving You Too Long" 1965 Studio Single



Otis Redding - "I've Been Loving You Too Long" Live

Today's Tune: "I Can See Clearly Now" By Johnny Nash

On December 9, 1993, a troubled Hubble Space Telescope was considered ready to be put "Back In Action", after astronauts made some repairs and adjustments. They also broke some space walk records on that day.

In the course of their repair mission, the astronauts completed a record five space walks on that December 9th, including the longest of the 11 days they were in orbit around Earth. That longest happened while the 40 ft. solar panels that power the telescope were unfolded.

The main repair on their list was to correct a focus problem caused by a mirror in the lens system that was manufactured just a teeny tiny bit too flat. They fixed the problem by adding a compensating lens. After all the repairs had been made, Hubble became an incredibly useful scientific tool, instead of the $1.55 billion dollar piece of practically useless space junk it would otherwise have been.

"I Can See Clearly Now", written and recorded as a successful comeback hit by American singer and songwriter Johnny Nash, seems to be a fitting song for the 'Today's Tune' in this case.

Johnny Nash - "I Can See Clearly Now" on The Midnight Special.

Ronnie James Dio Diagnosed With Stomach Cancer

Ronnie James Dio at movie premier in 2006.

The heavy metal band Dio recently cancelled the remainder of their 2009 European tour, as lead singer Ronnie James Dio was taken ill. The following post by Ronnie's wife Wendy is the most recent update to appear on the official web site - RonnieJamesDio.com.


Here is the latest update from Wendy Dio:

"Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.

Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.

Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio"

Get well cards and letters can be sent to the fan club.

Dio Fan Club
12400 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 624
Studio City, CA 91604

Joe Siegler of Black Sabbath Online is also collecting E-Mails at GetWellRonnie@Black-Sabbath.com, and will forward them to Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie, you should remember, formerly sang for Black Sabbath and their recent sequel band Heaven & Hell. "Please note - if you're talking about making some digital card or something in Photoshop, please print that and mail it yourself."

Today's Tune: "Last In Line" By Dio

"The Blue Marble photo" of Earth, taken from Apollo 17 as it headed to our Moon.

Apollo 17 was launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA on December 7, 1972. It was the the sixth and final manned lunar landing mission of NASA 's Apollo program. As a matter of fact, it was the last manned spacecraft who's mission took it outside of low Earth orbit.

In memory of that last Apollo mission, I've chosen "The Last In Line" (1984 single) by the heavy metal band Dio for our 'Today's Tune'. The video posted is the most recent touring lineup, except for the bass player, with singer Ronnie James Dio acknowledging his fellow musicians at the end.

Dio - "Last In Line" 12/13/2002 at Roseland Ballroom in New York, NY

Today's Tune: "Rock Me" By Great White

Jack Russell with Great White at 2008 Moondance Jam near Walker, Minnesota.
Photo by Matt Becker - www.melodicrockconcerts.com.

Happy 49th Birthday to Jack Russell. Russell was a founding and the lead singer for the American hard rock band Great White. They were one of the more popular concert bands of the late 1980s and early 1990s in the US.

Great White singles that did well include "Save You Love" (1987), "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (1989) and "House Of Broken Love" (1990). However, it's their 1987 breakout song "Rock Me" that makes it to our 'Today's Tune' feature on this December 5th.

Great White - "Rock Me" 02/02/1988 at The Ritz in New York, NY

Today's Tune: "Smoke On The Water" By Deep Purple

On December 4, 1971, the Montreux Casino in Switzerland was set on fire by someone messing about with a flare gun during a Frank Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) concert. The story of the tragedy was eventually chronicled in the world famous and often covered Deep Purple song aptly titled "Smoke on the Water".

Therefore, I offer that very song as the 'Today's Tune' for this December 4th. You might have noticed that American guitarist and songwriter Zappa also latter died on this day in 1993. Rest in peace, Frank.

Deep Purple - "Smoke On The Water" Live in New York, NY (1973)

Today's Tune: "Diary Of A Madman" By Ozzy Osbourne

Happy 61st Birthday to Ozzy Osbourne! English singer John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne was born December 3, 1948. Unless you're from another planet, you should know that Osbourne was the original lead singer for Black Sabbath. He has also had quite a successful solo career since originally leaving Sabbath in 1979.

Although he may have become a bit more tame in his middle aged years, Ozzy gained himself a reputation of being a rock 'n roll madman long ago. That leads me to choosing "Diary Of A Madman" for the 'Today's Tune' on this December 3rd. The version I've chosen is the recording studio piece, from the November 1981 album of the same name.

Despite bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Tommy Aldridge being listed as performing on this album, bassist Bob Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake are the actual musicians joining Ozzy and the late guitar god Randy Rhoads (December 6, 1956 – March 19, 1982). Don Airey is also wrongly credited as keyboard player, when in fact, it was Johnny Cook They must have thought it would be less confusing if they listed the more widely known musicians who toured with the band later on.

Ozzy Osbourne - "Diary Of A Madman"

Today's Tune: "Cold Hearted Man" By AC/DC

On December 2, 1982, doctors at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah performed the first implant of a permanent artificial heart in a human. Sixty-one year old retired dentist, Dr. Barney Clark was the recipient of the man-made heart. He lived 112 days with the device, dying on March 23, 1983.

For our 'Today's Tune', we look at the life of a man with a much different kind of heart problem. The lyrics of AC/DC's "Cold Hearted Man" describe a real bastard, who ends up regretting having lived the lonely life of a bully. Making sure everyone feared him, he was never able to enjoy a lasting relationship.

"Cold Hearted Man" was originally released only on the European versions of the album 'Powerage' (May 25, 1978). I still have one of the superior French vinyl copies. The tune is finally included worldwide in a recently released box set called 'Backtracks' (November 10, 2009). The edgy sound that was pressed into the original vinyl has been softened up a bit for all CD releases.

AC/DC - "Cold Hearted Man"

Travel Through The Cosmos Online Now For Free

Carl Sagan at the Very Large Array, located near Socorro, New Mexico, USA.
Photo provided by Cosmos Studios.

Travel through the Cosmos online now for free. Visit SnagFilms, and watch countless films and programmes anytime and anywhere an internet connection is available. There are many varied subjects to choose from. The list of choices now includes the classic scientific television series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, co-written by and staring world famous scientist Carl Sagan (November 9, 1934 – December 20, 1996). Twelve of the thirteen main episodes are currently available.

I thank Ted Leonsis for pointing out that this trip through time and space could be experienced via SnagFilms. Ted is the Chairman and Majority Owner of my favorite NHL team, the Washington Capitals. If you're interested in sports, films or music, and you haven't already done so, check out his blog - Ted's Take.

Cosmos - Episode 1: The Shores Of The Cosmic Ocean

Today's Tune: "You Don't Fool Me" By Queen

1996 single "You Don't Fool Me" first appeared on 1995 album 'Made In Heaven'.

The jurors of the theft trial for Baltimore, Maryland's Mayor Sheila Dixon announced their verdict on the charges against her today. Dixon was accused of stealing from the poor, via gift cards that were supposedly meant to go to the needy.

Although they did find her guilty on one count of fraudulent misappropriation, she got off lucky, I think. At first, I believe she denied using the cards. When proof that she spent them was dug up, the possibly soon to be former mayor said she thought the gift cards were a gift for her. I don't think Ms. Dixon lied about that part. I was sure from the start, they were meant for her, as a part of a much larger payoff.

It's a damn shame. Sheila Dixon seemed like she was willing to work hard for the city of Baltimore. But then, at first anyway, so did the last pratt to hold the office, Martin O'Malley. Next in line is current City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who will be interim mayor during Dixon's suspension while waiting for an official decision on her fate. Let's hope she can hold her corruption to a minimum.

Don't worry, I'm done my little rant. Now comes the good part. To pick an appropriate song (sort of close, anyway) for this December 1st 'Today's Tune', I didn't have to think very hard. Let's all get into the intoxicating and rhythmic beat of the oh so sexy jam, "You Don't Fool Me" by Queen.

Queen - "You Don't Fool Me"

It's Been Two Years Now

It's been two years now, and although things didn't look too good last month, I'm still alive and kickin'. After a bad month, I'm ready to get back into the groove. Junior's Eyes rolls on!

I just hope Junior's Eyes doesn't get the kind of birthday present Marvin got. You know I prefer chocolate, especially Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.