Today's Tune: "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" By Graham Bonnet

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

Today is April 22, 2011, officially making it Earth Day. Earth Day was originally founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. It is all about promoting awareness, protecting the environment, and saving this beautiful blue planet of ours.

This reminds me of a Bob Dylan song called "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue". More specifically, I think of the cover version by English (Born in Skegness, Lincolnshire) singer Graham Bonnet, released as a single in 1977. So, I've chosen that one for the 'Today's Tune'.

Bonnet, possessing one of the greatest rock voices of our time, replaced Ronnie James Dio as the lead singer of Rainbow a couple years later. He's also fronted the bands like The Marbles, Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz, when not working under his own name.

Graham Bonnet - "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"

Junior's Reading And Viewing List: December 1 - 10, 2010

Last Update - January 31, 2011 at 12:35 AM EST

Junior's December 1 through December 10, 2010 'Reading And Viewing List' includes title links with snippets from items that hit the internet at the beginning of December 2010.

This list includes the usual topics: films, hockey (Washington Capitals), music and racing (Formula One and WRC).


December 10, 2010

Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa To Auction Guitar Gear
To Benefit Crossroads Centre
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

According to Spinner.com, a number of guitars, amps and speaker cabinets owned by Eric Clapton are to go under the hammer next year as the legendary guitarist attempts to raise money for his Crossroads Centre -- a rehab clinic based in Antigua...

The 'Thor' Trailer Has Arrived!
By Josh Wigler at MTV's Splash Page

...Marvel Studios and Paramount have unveiled the highly anticipated trailer for "Thor," director Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics hero — and needless to say, it looks like Marvel has captured lightning in a bottle once again...


FIA confirms 2011 regulations, team orders allowed
Posted at Formula1.com

...Among the major revisions for next season are the removal of the ban on team orders, the introduction of driver-adjustable rear wings, the effective outlawing of double diffusers, and a requirement for gearboxes to last five rather than four Grand Prix weekends...

Personality of the Year nominees: Jari-Matti Latvala
Posted at WRC.com

...The Finn was one of the revelations of 2010 in his factory Focus RS WRC. Once considered too crash happy to cut it in rallying’s highest echelon, Latvala was finally able to blend consistency with his undoubted blinding pace...


December 9, 2010

Recap: Panthers 3, Caps 0
By David Getz at Japers' Rink

A strong start without any results on the scoreboard. A hot goalie. A confused powerplay. A failure to adapt. A night of frustration. The result? Not only a Washington loss, but a reminder that, even more than six months later, the wounds from last season's playoff exit can still be opened up rather easily...

'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Gets A DVD Release Date
& Photo Shoot!
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan return as the Doctor and his companion alongside special guest stars Michael Gambon (Harry Potter, The King's Speech) and opera diva Katherine Jenkins, for a Dickens-inspired odyssey.

Bonus content on the DVD and Blu-ray includes the behind-the-scenes feature Doctor Who Confidential and the live concert, Doctor Who at the Proms 2010...

Nico Hulkenberg Q&A: Force India my best shot
Posted at Formula1.com

...as Felipe Massa's manager Nicolas Todt recently warned, tough economic times mean talent alone is not necessarily enough. You need funding too. After losing his seat at Williams, could one of 2010's brightest hopes, Nico Hulkenberg, be left out in the cold?...

Jordan Rally reveals Power Stage plan
Posted at WRC.com

The Jordan Rally, which forms the fourth round of next year's World Rally Championship, has become one of the first events on the WRC calendar to announce outline details of its Power Stage, which will award bonus points to drivers and, as often as possible, be shown live on television...

Personality of the year nominees: Petter Solberg
Posted at WRC.com

Today it is the turn of Petter Solberg who produced several giant-killing performances as he established himself back among the WRC’s finest...


December 8, 2010

Listen To The Latest Classic Rock Podcast
By gbarton at Classic Rock

...Geoff Barton, Malcolm Dome and Kylie Olsson discuss the best (and worst) of 2010, reminisce about the recent Classic Rock Awards, talk about Rush getting coverage in The Sun...

Have a listen here!

Wilson backs Hirvonen to find missing fifth gear
Posted at WRC.com

...Wilson has played a pivotal role in guiding Hirvonen to his 12 WRC career victories and has vowed to help the 30-year-old from Jyvaskyla return to the top step of the podium, starting on the season-opening Rally Sweden from February 10-13...


Motorhead Post New Video
By mdome at Classic Rock

You can find it by clicking here.

Get Back In Line is from the band’s new album The World Is Yours, which is due out on December 14...


December 7, 2010

Allman Brothers Band To Re Release Classic 1971 Live Show
In January
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

A classic archival 1971 Allman Brothers double live album is to be re released on January 18, 2011...

British Heavy Metal Legends Judas Priest To Call It A Day;
Announce Farewell Tour
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles are reporting that after storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking their very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, Judas Priest -one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, have announced this will be their final world tour...


December 6, 2010

Caps Fall to Leafs in 5-4 Shoot Out Loss
By Hockey Mom at Musings Of A Hockey Mom

...The Caps skated into the Phone Booth tonight looking to put the brakes on a losing skid of late by defeating the struggling Maple Leafs in front of the home crowd...

Webber ended season with fractured shoulder
Posted at Formula1.com

Red Bull's Mark Webber drove the last four rounds of the 2010 season with a fractured shoulder, the Australian driver has revealed...

F1 stars take on snowmobile challenge
Posted at Formula1.com

Some say the Swatch Snow Mobile event is like Formula One on snow. It certainly seemed like it at the weekend, as a host of 2010 F1 drivers took part in this winter's opening showdown in Saalbach Hintergle...

Meeke keen on Sordo joining MINI
Posted at WRC.com

...Although Sordo’s plans for 2011 have yet to be finalised, MINI is one of the 27-year-old’s main options after his contract with the factory Citroen team expired...

Rush To Film Cleveland Show
By mdome at Classic Rock

...The gig happens at the Quicken Loans Arena in the city on April 15. Why Cleveland? Because it was the first city in America to give the band any radio air play...

Brian Johnson Performs In Irish Pub
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Jonner joined the Greg Billings Band at The Irish Rover Pub in Saratosa...

*Dan, Jr. / Junior's Eyes Note: Here is one of the videos linked to within the story - "Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution".

December 5, 2010

Photos: Caps skate at the Sculpture Garden
By Washington Post sports editors at Capitals Insider

...Check out the photo gallery here.

Bonus Track Of The Day: Triumph
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Now you can download the song Never Say Never for free right here. Just right click on the link...

Caps’ 3-1 Loss Disappointing, But Boudreau’s
Press Conference Isn’t
By Elisabeth Meinecke at On Frozen Blog

The three most interesting minutes of hockey at the Verizon Center last night didn’t happen on the ice– it came when Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau was analyzing his team’s 3-1 loss to Atlanta during his post-game presser...


December 4, 2010

Statistical analysis: Which Alex is more talented at scoring goals?
By Neil Greenberg at Capitals Insider

There is no debate that both Alex Ovechkin (named the best player by his peers three out of his five full seasons in the league, including the last two) and Alexander Semin (on pace for a career-high 55 goals this season)...


December 3, 2010

Ozzy Health Book Next Year
By mdome at Classic Rock

There’s a new Ozzy book on the way. It’s to be called Ask Dr. Ozzy, and is based around his regular health advice column for the Sunday Times...

Rainbow Re-Release Down To Earth
By mdome at Classic Rock

Rainbow are to have their 1979 album Down To Earth reissued in an expanded, deluxe edition on January 24...

FIA publishes 2011 entry list - updated
Posted at Formula1.com

Formula One racing's governing body, the FIA, has published the current 2011 championship entry list...

Bonus Track Of The Day: Triumph
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Now you can download the song Just One Night for free right here. Just right click on the link...


December 2, 2010

Recap: Stars 2, Caps 1
By Becca H at Japers' Rink

Over the course of the season the Capitals have become well-versed in playing tight, one-goal contests and have largely come out on the winning side of things. Tonight wasn't one of those nights...

Craig Ferguson's Amazing 'Doctor Who' Intro Arrives Online (Finally!)
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

...So, presented here for your viewing pleasure, is the amazing "Doctor Who" cold opening to the November 16 episode of The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. It is truly a thing of beauty...

New Dio Song To Be Released
By mdome at Classic Rock

...guitarist Craig Goldy said: “We were working on tracks for a new Dio album just before Ronnie died in May. And we did almost finish one song...

A TWO-point night -- Game 26: Caps 4 - Blues 1
By The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator

The Caps churned out a methodical 4-1 win against the St. Louis Blues last night, handing the home team their second straight loss on home ice...

Foo Fighters For T In The Park
By mdome at Classic Rock

The Foo Fighters are to be one of the headliners for the T In The Park Festival. This happens at Balado from July 8-10...

Track Of The Day: Triumph
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Now you can download the song When The Lights Go Down for free right here. Just right click on the link...


December 1, 2010

Heavy Rock Legends UFO Announce First Batch Of 2011
North America Tour Dates
Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

...The East Coast leg of the tour will kick off May 11, 2011 at Bourbon Street in Baltimore, Maryland...

Capitals Lunchbox, Episode 2
Posted by J.P. at Japers' Rink

In which Russ Thaler and I discuss the Scott Hannan trade, the Caps' MVP to date and which Sasha reigns supreme. Dig it.

Walden, Part Two
By Brian Lumley at Rumblings from the Man Cave

About three months ago I made a conscious decision to wean myself from the electronic teat...

Adrian Smith In Two New Projects
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Smith is also in a new band called The Primal Rock Rebellion. This also has three former members of Sikth – vocalist Mikee W. Goodman, bassist James Leach and drummer Dan Foord – plus Murder One guitarist Dan Marshall and ex-Vacant Star keyboard player James Manning.

A change in the air - 2011's technical revisions
Posted at Formula1.com

The sound of champagne corks may still be ringing in the ears after 2010's title celebrations, but F1 waits for no man...

Bonus Track Of The Day: Triumph
By mdome at Classic Rock

...Now you can download the song Spellbound for free right here. Just right click on the link...

In Remembrance Of Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio, one of the most extraordinary singers, songwriters and entertainers of all time, passed away early Sunday morning - May 16, 2010. He was a brave and determined man, but stomach cancer won the battle anyway.

Forgive me for not posting something sooner, but besides being busy with the ever crumbling world that is my personal life, I have spent much of the free time that I do have grieving over the loss of Ronnie.

Not too long after Sunrise on Sunday morning, I signed off the internet. The last thing I had read was that Ronnie James Dio was still alive, and that reports of his death were merely rumors. The first thing I saw when I got back on the internet on Monday, was confirmation that he did pass away. It was just a little later on, while I was taking my dog for a short walk.

He had lived a lot and given a lot during his time on this Earth, but 67 years isn't all that old, and I know he had a lot more to give. The force that was Ronnie James Dio lives on in the people who loved and respected him. His influence can be heard in many a rock singer's vocal style.

I'm sure fans new and old are pulling out their Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell records, CD's and DVD's, emersing themselves as I have done, and playing RJD recordings over and over again.

It's been a while, but I had the pleasure of going to five or so Black Sabbath and Dio concerts with Ronnie as lead singer. They were all good and satisfying times. Memories I shall cherish until my own demise. Thank you, Ronnie!

In remembrance of Ronnie James Dio, I've chosen to include a few videos of him singing what I know was one of his favorite songs to sing. From the very first Rainbow album, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow (1975), I offer "Catch The Rainbow". I just can't seem to get enough of this tune right now, and I don't feel like picking only one video. Each of the following includes different pictures and live action. My favorite is the last one, apparently a small intimate show, where Ronnie is obviously very happy. It's not the whole (long version of the) song and recorded somewhat poorly from one side of the small stage, but I love watching him enjoying life. I wish he could be doing so right now.


Service announcements from the official website:

Public Memorial Service For Ronnie James Dio
5/19/2010 2:21:32 PM

There will be a Public Memorial Service for Ronnie James Dio on Sunday, May 30th at 2:00 PM at The Hall Of Liberty located at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068.

This will be a celebration of the life and music of Ronnie James Dio and is open to all of his friends and fans from around the world.

For those of you that will be flying in from out of town or out of the country, we have made special rates at various local hotels available to you! Just go to our official Facebook Page for hotel information!

Official Ronnie James Dio Facebook Fan Page

The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund
5/19/2010 11:59:40 AM

Wendy Dio has requested in lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Ronnie James Dio "STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND". Please send your donations to the Niji Entertainment Group, 12400 Ventura Blvd. #624, Studio City, CA 91604 USA. From all of us at Niji Entertainment Group, we thank you! For those that want to use Paypal, a link will be set up at RonnieJamesDio.com .


For the long version by Rainbow, live in Munich, Germany in 1977:
Part 1 (10:35) here, and then Part 2 (7:47) here
- Oberhoffer posted May 18, 2010.

Original Rainbow audio with pics, vids - akrug79 posted May 18, 2010



Original Rainbow audio w/ pictures - BJB333333 posted May 17, 2010



Dio at Sofia, Bulgaria in 1998 - angelpriest posted May 04, 2008



Dio at Gothenburg, Sweden 1997 - japiedio posted Nov. 21, 2008

The Latest Updates On Singer Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk on January 17, 2007.

In case you missed them, I just wanted to share with you the latest updates posted by singer Ronnie James Dio (Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell) and his wife Wendy on his web site.

It was reported in late November of 2009 that Ronnie had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, after having taken ill earlier that month. Fans were advised to send get well cards and letters to the fan club. Wendy then wrote about the beginning of his treatment in last update I posted here. Here we go now, with one from Ronnie just before Christmas, and the last one from Wendy came this past Wednesday.


Holiday message from Ronnie
12/21/2009 at 1:46:54 PM

Happy holidays everyone,

I'd like to take the time to thank everyone for the most wonderful gifts I have ever received. The list includes your good wishes, your prayers, your support, your tears and laughter, your anger and rejoicing, and most of all the unwavering love you've bestowed upon me. I guess I've always felt that we were one person and that you've allowed me to be our spokesman, but until this time of my greatest peril the truth was perhaps slightly hidden. It is hidden no more. Together we' shall face the foe and live on to climb higher mountains and explore greater magic. Together we cannot fail. Please accept my never ending love and dedication to you all. So it is written, and so it shall be.

MAGIC,
FROM RONNIE JAMES DIO


An Update on Ronnie from Wendy
01/13/2010 at 6:57:50 PM

After a few hiccups between Christmas and New Year’s, such as a blood clot, a trip to the emergency room, and a three day stay at the hospital, we had a quiet holiday spent with family and close friends. Ronnie and I just returned from Houston, where Ronnie had his third chemo treatment, and all seems to be going well. Ronnie and Simon Wright went to see Avatar, which he thought was amazing! He has also been writing more chapters for his book.

While at M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre on his second trip, he met a DIO fan named Carmen who has been having treatment every other day for a year, and is eagerly awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Ronnie and Carmen have become fast friends. Carmen is a very positive happy person whose existence, like Ronnie’s, depends heavily on music and sports. On the third trip, we also met his mom and sister, whose total support is so important to all cancer patients. They have become part of our family as well.

The support we get from all of our friends and fans is such a blessing to Ronnie and I.

Ronnie, Geezer [Butler], Tony [Iommi] and Vinny [Appice] will be doing some interviews in the upcoming weeks to be included in the new 30th anniversary Heaven and Hell DVD due out sometime this year.

We would like to thank Simon Wright, who has been such a help with everything and a good, good friend, of course our doctor at MD Anderson, Dr. Ajani, and especially our family doctor, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, without whose quick diagnosis and help with all the nurses and hospitals, we would be lost. His care and compassion is unwavering.

Thanks again to all of Ronnie’s friends and fans, and --- by the way ---- Ronnie has not lost any hair yet!

------ Wendy Dio

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