Shot Across the Bow

Thank Abraxas It's Friday

"Surf's up, Earthlings! Get it? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

So, This Happened...

Cover of February 15 issue

Yesterday evening National Review magazine, which more than any other publication is responsible for shaping my political worldview, announced its editorial opposition to the candidacy of Donald Trump for the Republican Party nomination for president.

Among other things, the symposium 
of conservative writers and thinkers who contributed editorially put forth the strongest, most principled conservative opposition yet to the Trump phenomenon.

For its efforts, the magazine got dis-invited from its role as co-sponsor of the February 25 Republican presidential debate. That is certainly understandable, but NR is to be commended for placing principle over its own bottom line.

I first began reading National Review after seeing its founder, William F. Buckley, Jr., on an episode of his Firing Line debate program in 1967. I quickly became a fan, and when I was old enough a subscriber. I know that Bill would be proud of the principled stand his magazine is taking, and I am proud to support it in every way that I can.

"Trumpo delenda est, eh?"

Something like that, yeah...

Mixed Emotions

Final bow last night

So, my guitar hero
Joe Bonamassa played the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall in New York City last night, and is scheduled to play there again tonight. I'm happy for Joe getting to play such a prestigious venue, and thrilled for my fellow Joe fans who get to see him there.

But...


I can't help worrying about the massive storm that is supposed to hit the east coast beginning today. I want all my Bona-buddies to get back home safely, and I want Joe and the band to travel safely as well (they're headed to Germany after tonight's show).

"Time for a prayer to St. Christopher."

Lots of them, yes...

Turns Out Trump Does Stand for Things

From the pen of Henry Payne, whose editorial cartoons you should read often, as I do.

Until Next Time...

In mid-July of 1965 The Beach Boys began recording Pet Sounds, the album which would eventually come to be seen as the group's masterpiece.

Due mostly to Brian Wilson's perfectionist streak, it took nearly a year to complete the album's 13 songs. Released in May 1966, the album was a mild disappointment commercially, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 200, in part because the music was a drastic departure from the band's familiar sound.

In the fullness of time, the album was embraced by critics and the public alike. It has received multiple platinum certifications, and was selected for the Grammy Hall of Fame. It turns up on almost every "Best Albums" list, and tops several of them. It is a landmark in American popular music.

Original 45 rpm single

Fifty years ago today (January 22, 1966) the instrumental tracks were recorded for "Wouldn't It Be Nice."
The song would eventually become the third single released from Pet Sounds, and would reach No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. It is easily the most popular song from the album, and my personal favorite.






Today's send-off is the 1997 remastered stereo version, created for The Pet Sounds Sessions boxed set. Enjoy...