Media Today

[Rick Plant]

George Tickner, co-founder of Journey, dies at 76
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/06/entertainment/george-tickner-journey-guitarist-death-cec/index.html


George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist, dies at 76

The former Journey and Frumious Bandersnatch man contributed to the former group’s first three albums


Journey's 1975-era line-up: (L-R) Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Neal Schon, George Tickner and Aynsley Dunbar (Image credit: Gems / Getty)

Former Journey rhythm guitarist George Tickner has passed away at the age of 76, according to a Facebook post from the band's long-tenured guitarist, Neal Schon.

“Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news,” wrote Schon. “George Tickner, Journey's original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums, has passed away. He was 76 years old. Godspeed, George… thank you for the music.

“We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely. Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members. So heartbreaking… I think we need to do a group hug, JJ's!”

Journey formed in San Francisco in 1973 following an amalgamation of members from two acts: namely, lead guitarist Schon and keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie, who had both played in Santana; and rhythm guitarist Tickner and bassist Ross Valory of the psych-rock band, Frumious Bandersnatch.

The band’s combined experience and contacts – not least, the patronage of Santana manager Herbie Herbert – saw them quickly perform to large crowds at early shows.

Indeed, their first gig was to an audience of 10,000 at San Francisco’s famed Winterland Ballroom. That was quickly follow by a Hawaii festival performance to a 100,000-strong crowd.

Tickner played with the group from the outset and, following their signing with Columbia, helped to write and record the band’s 1975 self-titled debut album. Among his writing credits on that album are the songs Topaz, Mystery Mountain and the album’s expansive opening statement, Of A Lifetime.

Following the album’s release, the prospect of a heavy touring schedule and the opportunity to study medicine at Stanford on a full scholarship led Tickner to leave the group.

Schon took over as the sole guitarist at that point, but Tickner remained involved in music in various forms. He contributed to the writing of Journey’s next two albums, 1976's Look Into The Future and 1977's Next, and later opened a studio, The Hive, which he co-founded with Valory.

Various members of Journey recorded at the facility, and Tickner once again reunited with his former bandmates when they were awarded with a star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame in 2005 (pictured above).

Schon has also shared a six-string tribute to the departed Tickner on Twitter, writing simply: “Some late nite Strat blues. Prayers for George.”

https://www.guitarworld.com/news/journey-founding-rhythm-guitarist-george-tickner-dies-aged-76



Journey - "In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations" (1975)

Listen:

[Rick Plant]

And some people still want to deny climate change and this climate crisis.

Earth reaches hottest day ever recorded 4 days in a row
Even higher temperatures are expected in July and August as El Niño strengthens.
https://abc30.com/hottest-global-temperature-record-days-on-earth/13474129/


Earth reaches hottest day ever recorded 4 days in a row

Watch:

[Rick Plant]

Twitter Blue accounts fuel Ukraine War misinformation
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66113460


Peter Nero, a Grammy-winning pianist and ex-conductor of the Philly Pops, dies at 89



PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Peter Nero, a Grammy-winning pianist who interpreted pop songs through classical and jazz forms and served as the Philly Pops’ conductor for more than three decades, has died. Nero was 89.

Nero died Thursday at Home Care Assisted Living Facility in Eustis, Fla., according to his daughter, Beverly Nero, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Services will be private.

Nero colored his renditions of pop songs — from Cole Porter and George Gershwin to the Beatles and Bob Dylan — with classical, swing, Broadway, blues and jazz melodies. He often called his sound “undefinable” and was not offended when others called it “middle of the road.” (He once told a newspaper, “Middle of the road and doing great business.”)

Recruited by Philadelphia concert promoter Moe Septee, Nero started the Philly Pops orchestra in 1979, the year Arthur Fiedler died. Fiedler is credited with virtually inventing the modern version of the pops orchestra in Boston, and Nero hoped to rival it in popularity.

“I’d like to beat the pants off them,” Nero said at the time.

Nero’s orchestra wasn’t as prominent as Boston’s, but it did tout routine sellouts in Philadelphia, no doubt helped by Nero’s lively playing style and warm stage presence.

In his work as both performer and conductor, Nero returned frequently to Broadway tunes, Hollywood themes and Gershwin, the subject of the Philly Pops’ first concert. But he also dipped into Motown’s catalog and farther afield to bands such as Procol Harum and an album devoted to disco and ‘70s love songs.

In 1975, he lamented to The Washington Post: “I find it impossible to use a lot of the new material that’s coming out. There is some rock material in my repertoire ... but a lot of rock groups are selling a sound, not music. You take the tune apart and there’s nothing there to work with.”

He led the Philly Pops until 2013, exiting his leadership role when the orchestra said it could no longer afford him.

By his own admission, Nero struggled early in his career — under the name Bernie Nerow — during stints in New York and Las Vegas. But he found his stride in his late 20s playing in New York’s club circuit.

He was signed to RCA by Stan Greeson, who saw a potential star and had him change his name to Peter Nero. A steady stream of early 1960s club shows led to regular radio and TV appearances and two dozen RCA albums over the span of a decade.

Nero earned Grammy Awards in 1961 for best new artist and in 1962 for best performance by an orchestra or instrumentalist for his record “The Colorful Peter Nero.”

A 1963 album, “Hail the Conquering Nero,” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard pop album chart. It included versions of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean” and “Mack the Knife.”

He also charted with a version of “Theme from `The Summer of ’42,’” a song written by Michel Legrand for the 1971 movie. Nero’s version hit No. 21 on the Billboard pop singles chart.

Nero also wrote the score for the 1963 Jane Fonda film “Sunday in New York” and made an appearance in the movie.

Born Bernard Nierow in 1934, Nero was raised in Brooklyn. He started taking piano lessons at age 7 and, by age 11, he was said to have been able to play Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D Major from memory. He later won a scholarship to take classes at Juilliard, won several talent contests and graduated from Brooklyn College.

When headlining, Nero disliked having a set list and would pick songs on the spot. The idea of mixing styles and genres carried over to the Philly Pops.

“My programs for the Philly Pops may open with ‘Die Meistersinger,’ then ‘Chariots of Fire,’ then Enesco’s Rumanian Rhapsodies, then a television theme,” Nero told The New York Times in 1982. “I keep going back and forth, and the audience bought it from the beginning.”

https://apnews.com/article/peter-nero-obituary-44f5c4efda924ff88a45235e633b59ac



Peter Nero "Theme from Summer Of '42"

Listen:

[Rick Plant]

People Are Searching For Woman Who Has Meltdown & Gets Off Plane After Claiming To See A Man Who Was Not Real
https://news.yahoo.com/people-searching-woman-meltdown-gets-041500238.html


Florida is under a malaria alert, and there are now more cases of the mosquito illness



Health officials have confirmed two new cases of malaria have been contracted in Southwest Florida as a statewide health advisory for the mosquito-borne illness remains in effect.

That brings the total to six cases since the first infection was reported in late May. All six cases were reported in Sarasota County, with the most recent two confirmed the week of June 25-July 1.

All of the locally contracted cases were Plasmodium vivax malaria. P. vivax is the most common type of malaria infection in humans. It is less fatal than other types but can still be life-threatening.

Health officials confirmed finding three mosquitoes carrying the parasite in Sarasota County in early June.

Malaria is only transmitted via mosquito bite. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever and chills. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical help within 24 hours of symptoms, health officials say.

Residents are urged to use bug spray, avoid areas with mosquitoes, and wear protective clothing outside.

Sarasota County government has posted on social media that mosquito spraying is happening near the coast in Venice and Englewood, between University Boulevard and 17th Street east of Interstate 75, and north Sarasota between Bahia Vista Street and Fruitville Road. Manatee County shared a map of where mosquito spraying regularly occurs.

Sarasota and Manatee counties remain under a malaria health alert that was issued on June 19. A statewide advisory was issued on June 26, when the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention also issued an advisory.

No recent cases have been recorded in Miami-Dade, Broward or Monroe counties in South Florida.

Here are some tips from the state health department to reduce mosquito exposure.

Drain standing water

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has been collected.

Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.

•Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and keep them appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover your skin

•Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

•Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanoate, and IR3535 are effective.

• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

•Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

•Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Tips on mosquito repellent

•Always read the label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

To protect children, read the label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. Mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended for children younger than two months old.

•Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

•Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (10–30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

•Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

© Miami Herald

[Rick Plant]

Biden visits UK: President says US-UK relationship rock solid



US President Joe Biden has described relations with the UK as "rock solid" during talks in London with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Biden said he "couldn't be meeting a closer friend and a greater ally". Mr Sunak hailed the UK and the US as "two of the firmest allies" in Nato.

They also discussed a US move to give Ukraine controversial cluster bombs to defend itself from Russia's invasion.

Ukraine's membership bid will be high on agenda at Tuesday's Nato summit.

All 31 Nato members attending the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, agree that Ukraine cannot join the military alliance during the war - amid fears this would lead to a direct conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has himself said he does not expect Kyiv to join the bloc until after the war - but he wants the summit to give a "clear signal" on Ukraine's bid.

Several Nato members in Eastern Europe are pressing for a fast-track membership for their neighbour - but others, including the US, are seen as more hesitant, fearing this could lead to a direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia.

Speaking to CNN, President Biden said Ukraine's membership bid was "premature".

Referring to the US pledge of cluster bombs for Ukraine - something which caused unease among Nato allies - Mr Sunak's official spokesman said it "was a difficult choice for the US".

But the spokesman added that the decision had been "forced on them by Russia's war of aggression".

The weapons have been banned by more than 100 countries, including the UK, because of the danger they pose to civilians.

The spokesman said Sunak was upholding the UK's requirements under an international convention banning the weapons.

The US says it has received Ukraine's reassurance that the munitions will not be used in Russia or in urban areas.

President Biden also held separate talks on Monday with King Charles at Windsor Castle - the pair's first meeting since the King was formally crowned in May.

Mr Biden received a royal salute and listened to the US national anthem performed by the Welsh Guards before entering the castle for the talks.


King Charles and US President Joe Biden inspect the Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-66156581

[Richard Smith]

Even the leftist media is disgusted and perplexed by Old Joe's unwillingness to acknowledge his four-year old granddaughter.  What a scumbag.

[Richard Smith]

According to the leftist media, the GOP is no longer pro-military because a few promotions have been held up in opposition to the military's pro-abortion stance.  Keep in mind that the corrupt GOP establishment has funded endless wars to the tune of trillions of dollars over the last several decades.  But holding up those promotions mean they are against the military.  That is the level of stupidity that Americans must deal with.  Inflicting millions of deaths for no good cause in endless war is fine according to our state sponsored media.  Just don't interfere with abortion. 

[Rick Plant]

For the first time in 160 years, the US Marine Corps is left without a confirmed commandant because Senator Tommy Tuberville is holding up HUNDREDS of military promotions because of the Pentagon's abortion policy.

Tommy Tuberville is jeopardizing our national security over an issue that a majority of Americans support.

Republicans, and this clueless traitor doesn't care about the military or the safety of Americans.

Former military officials are calling this traitor out. Good for them! 
 

From CNN:

Collins: Seven former U.S. Defense secretaries, including two who served under Trump, disagree with you and they signed a letter to senate leaders saying your actions are harming military readiness and this risks damages National Security.

Watch: https://twitter.com/i/status/1678578466743021570



We Can Think of Few Things as Irresponsible': 7 Former Defense Secretaries Blast Hold on Military Promotions



Seven former defense secretaries who served in administrations from both parties are warning that a Republican senator's hold on nearly 200 military promotions hurts military families and emboldens U.S. adversaries.

"There are also real-world impacts on the families of these senior officers," the former defense secretaries wrote in a letter released Thursday by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. "Most cannot move and resettle their families; their children cannot enroll at their next schools on time; and spouses cannot start new jobs at the next duty station. We can think of few things as irresponsible and uncaring as harming the families of those who serve our nation in uniform."

The message is similar to ones current defense officials, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, have issued in recent weeks. But the letter, which was addressed to Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., raises the pressure on the senator at the center of the controversy, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., by bringing in voices from both Republican and Democratic administrations. In releasing the letter, Schumer said he hopes it encourages other Senate Republicans to push Tuberville to "drop these reckless holds."

The letter, which does not mention Tuberville by name, was signed by Trump administration Defense Secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark Esper; Obama administration Defense Secretaries Chuck Hagel, Leon Panetta and Bob Gates, who was also defense secretary under President George W. Bush; and Clinton administration Defense Secretaries William Cohen and William Perry.

Tuberville has been delaying Senate confirmations of promotions for all one-star generals and admirals and above over his objection to the Pentagon's decision to cover travel and leave for service members seeking abortions and other reproductive health care. Tuberville's hold, as the procedural mechanism he is using is known, applies right now to 196 nominees, a number that has steadily grown since he first announced the hold in February.

Tuberville has suggested he could lift his hold if he is granted a vote on the Pentagon's abortion policies, but there have been no signs the standoff will end soon.

Tuberville's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Military.com about the letter from the former defense secretaries, but he has previously rejected arguments that his hold harms the military, in part by suggesting the military has too many generals and admirals.

Tuberville has also insisted current officers will stay in their posts until their replacements are confirmed, but military officials pushed back on that argument this week too.

"One of our expeditionary forces, about 45,000 Marines, has a three-star and a one-star. That three-star will retire this summer," Gen. Eric Smith, assistant commandant of the Marines, said at a Senate Armed Services Committee subcommittee hearing Tuesday. "Long service, suffered a family tragedy as well, so he will retire. That will leave that expeditionary force with a one-star…So that's a significant amount of supervision and experience that is no longer focused where it should be on our most precious asset, the Marines in those Marine expeditionary units. That's just a small anecdote, but that is not a one-off."

In their letter, the former defense secretaries point to several key positions awaiting confirmation, including new commanders for the U.S. 5th Fleet in the Middle East and U.S. 7th Fleet in the Pacific, the new U.S. military representative to the NATO Military Committee, and the next director of intelligence at U.S. Cyber Command. They also highlighted the expected nomination of a new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff later this year.

"Leaving these and many other senior positions in doubt at a time of enormous geopolitical uncertainty sends the wrong message to our adversaries and could weaken our deterrence," the former secretaries wrote.

While the secretaries acknowledged senators can have "sincere and legitimate" concerns about Pentagon policies, they encouraged lawmakers to use other means to voice their objections, such as at hearings and in the annual defense policy bill.

"We believe placing a hold on all uniformed nominees risks turning military officers into political pawns, holding them responsible for a policy decision made by their civilian leaders," they wrote. "We, therefore, strongly urge the Senate to ensure the continued readiness of the U.S. armed forces by lifting the blanket hold and promptly voting to confirm these uniformed nominees."

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/05/04/we-can-think-of-few-things-irresponsible-7-former-defense-secretaries-blast-hold-military-promotions.html



Elizabeth Holmes’ 11-year prison sentence shortened by two years

Release date changed to 2032, records show, but reasons for change are unclear



Elizabeth Holmes’ prison sentence was quietly shortened by two years, new records show.

An update to Holmes’ profile on the website of the Bureau of Prisons now projects her release date as 12 December 2032, two years sooner than initially scheduled. A spokesman for the federal agency confirmed the update but said he could not comment further citing “privacy, safety, and security reasons” for inmates.

Holmes had reported to a minimum-security, federal women’s prison camp located in Bryan, Texas, on 30 May after being convicted in November 2022 on four counts of defrauding investors and sentenced to 11 years and three months. Her new date of release means she will instead serve about nine years and seven months.

She had been out on bail since she was indicted on fraud charges in 2018 over her role as the head of the failed blood-testing firm. During that time, she had two children with her partner, Billy Evans.

Inmates in the US can have their sentences reduced for good conduct, including completing job assignments, following orders, and completing substance abuse programs and other rehabilitation courses, the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement. That gained time can also be revoked or forfeited over disciplinary concerns or other infractions.

The reduction seen by Holmes is in line with federal sentencing guidelines, which states that people convicted of federal offenses must serve 85% of their mandated sentence, even if they get time shaved off for good conduct.

Lawyers for Holmes did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The sentencing change comes after her co-conspirator, Sunny Balwani, also saw two years shaved off of his 13-year sentence, with his projected date of release now 1 April 2034, according to the Bureau of Prisons website.

Holmes and Balwani were convicted in separate trials for their actions at the head of Theranos, a multibillion-dollar biotech company that collapsed spectacularly after reporting from the Wall Street Journal and others revealed its technology to be largely fraudulent.

Government lawyers for the prosecution teams did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Holmes will also face three years of supervised release after her sentence ends and has been ordered to pay $452m in restitution to victims of the fraud, though a judge has delayed those payments due to her “limited financial resources”.

Lawyers for Holmes have appealed her conviction, and proceedings for that process have been under way while she serves her sentence.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/10/elizabeth-holmes-11-year-prison-sentence-shortened-by-two-years