Happy Anti-Valentine's Day!

We don't "DO" Valentine's Day. It's just a fake, commercial holiday, perpetuated by the flower, candy, greeting card, etc. industries and the price markups are shameless. If you love someone, you don't need a specific day to show it. In fact, EVERY day could be Valentine's Day.  ♥♥

Here's someone with the right idea.  Meg Pickard has her own line of anti-Valentine's Day cards.  

"What's better - a partner who is a thoughtless pig all year-round but manages to sort out hearts and flowers on the 14th of February every year because the media tells them," said Pickard. "Or someone who does nothing spectacular and flashy in the middle of February but sends flowers on a random Wednesday morning and uses their own words, which may not rhyme, but mean more than any stuffed bear could ever manage? Every day is a good day to tell someone you love them, no?"

YES!!

Read about her and other, similar sentiments in this article:

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/02/10/happy-anti-valentines-day

THE TEA PARTY, CANADIAN STYLE

It's a band and a good one! They are having a little trouble with Google, however, LOL

Canadian rock band frustrated by U.S. conservatives’ adoption of Tea Party name


POSTMEDIA NEWS SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

Even someone with little interest in U.S. politics is aware of the name Tea Party, it occasionally even creeps into the Canadian political discourse as a number of provinces gear up for the polls.

But web surfers finding their way to the Teaparty.com website may be in for a surprise, it explicitly says: “No politics, just rock and roll.”

That’s because the site is home to a Canadian rock band that developed a musical style mixing Middle Eastern and other influences dubbed “Moroccan roll.”

While the name has caused some frustration to the band, more in tune with the hash sessions of famous Beat generation poets that inspired the name than right-wing politics, the website could fetch them a princely sum by some accounts.

“Last cycle, Barack Obama raised $500 million online,” Warren Adelman, president of GoDaddy.com, told Bloomberg News. “If you look at the money being talked about this time around — campaigns raising $1 billion — it’s easy to expect teaparty.com to go for well over $1 million.”

And that could be just what the band has in mind, bassist Stuart Chatwood telling Bloomberg the name has been the source of much frustration.

“So much damage has been done to our name by the political movement that we’re considering selling,” he said.

One needn’t look very far on the band’s official Facebook page to spot fans venting their frustration about the what they’re most likely to find by Googling “Tea Party.”

“Wow! I just found out you guys are back together,” Debbie Reed said about a recent reunion tour. “Now I can say ‘The Tea Party’ without thinking about morons in politics!!! You guys rock!”

Selling the site, with the name hotter than ever after the midterm election breakthrough and Republicans gearing up for the 2012 presidential vote could seem more appealing than ever.

According to Bloomberg, the offers for the site started pouring in last year, when Tea Party activists made their great stage entry in Congress.

Despite all the tales of dot-com riches, a $1-million sale isn’t that common, the news service notes, since only a few have sold in the seven figures or more, including sex.com ($13 million) and vodka.com ($3 million).

This is leaving the band breaking its head about whether to sell, develop the site, or find partners.

“We’ve considered lending the name to Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart to have them dispel some of the stuff that the Tea Party says,” Chatwood tells Bloomberg. “As Canadians we’re somewhat sensitive to all the criticism of socialized medicine.”

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

THIS DAY IN MUSIC, AUGUST 19

August 19th: On this Day

1964, The Rolling Stones played the second of six shows at the New Theatre Ballroom, Guernsey in the Channel Islands.

1964, The Beatles kicked off a North American tour at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California, to a crowd of 17,130. Playing 12 songs which made up their repertoire for the entire tour: ‘Twist and Shout’, ‘You Can't Do That’, ‘All My Loving’, ‘She Loves You’, ‘Things We Said Today’, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Can't Buy Me Love’, ‘If I Fell’, ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’, ‘Boys’, ‘A Hard Day's Night’, and ‘Long Tall Sally’. Supporting acts were The Righteous Brothers, The Bill Black Combo, The Exciters, and Jackie DeShannon.

1964, The High Numbers, (The Who) played at The Scene in Soho London, England.

1966, During a US tour The Beatles appeared at the Sam Houston Coliseum, playing two shows to over 25,000 fans. Tickets cost $5.00.

1967, The Beatles scored their 14th US No.1 single with 'All You Need Is Love'. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon, Graham Nash, Marianne Faithfull and Walker Brother Gary Leeds all sang backing vocals on the track.

1969, Joni Mitchell, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Jefferson Airplane all appeared on the ABC TV Dick Cavett Show from Television Center in New York City.

1971, Led Zeppelin kicked off a North American tour at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada. The band played to a sold out crowd of over 17,000 fans, another 3,000 fans outside the venue who didn't have tickets started a battle with local police.

1972, Chicago started a nine-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Chicago V'.

1972, David Bowie played the first of two nights at the Rainbow Theatre in England on his current 182-date Ziggy Stardust world tour.

1973, Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson were married in Malibu, California. Kristofferson had just enjoyed a number 1 country hit with ‘Why Me,’ which included Coolidge on backing vocals. The couple divorced near the end of 1979.

1974, The Three Degrees were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'When Will I See You Again.' The girl group's only UK No.1. They were Prince Charles' favourite group of the 70's.

1977, The Sex Pistols started an undercover UK tour as The Spots, (an acronym for Sex Pistols on tour secretly).

1978, The Commodores started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Three Times A Lady'. Lionel Richie wrote the song about his love for his wife, mother and grandmother hence 'Once, Twice, Three Times a Lady.'

1979, American Rockabilly singer Dorsey Burnette died from a heart attack at his home in Canoga Park, California. He wrote 'It's Late', a hit for Ricky Nelson and Shakin' Stevens.

1982, During a North American tour Queen appeared at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi.

1988, ‘Crazy’ by Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley’s, ‘Hound Dog’ were announced as the most played jukebox songs of the first hundred years. The jukebox had been around since 1906, but earlier models had been first seen in 1889.

1989, Bros appeared at a sold out Wembley Arena, London.

1996, James Brown appeared in Montauk, New York, as part of his Back at the Ranch tour. Brown who had a history of beating his wife, offered money that was raised at the event to an anti-violence organization called The Retreat, but was turned down.

1999, A TV ad featuring the late Linda McCartney urging a boycott of fishing was banned by the Advertising Clearance Centre in the UK.

1999, Lauryn Hill won New Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year at the US 'Source Hip Hop Music Awards' in Los Angeles. R. Kelly won R&B Artist of The Year; DMX won Artist Of The Year and solo and live performer Of The Year.

2000, Richard Ashcroft, Paul Weller, James, Toploader, Barenaked Ladies, Moby, Beth Orton, Joe Strummer, Feeder, Dandy Warhols and Coldplay all appeared at this years V2000 festival in Staffordshire, England.

2001, American soul singer Betty Everett died aged 61. She had the 1964 US No.6 single 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss'), later covered by Cher.

2001, British boy band Five scored their final UK No.1 single with 'Let's Dance.' Their 3rd and final No.1 was taken from their album Kingsize.

2001, A man was arrested at the V2001 festival at Chelmsford, Essex, England after clambering onto a stage and running towards Kylie Minogue, who was performing. He was later charged with breach of the peace.

2003, A man from Nottinghamshire who sent threatening emails to S Club singer Tina Barrett was jailed for six months. 41 year-old Steven Hindley, showered the singer with roses, chocolates and teddy-bears. But when the messages were ignored, he began to mention threats to the band, including a potential sniper attack. One email begged Miss Barrett to visit him at his home, claiming he was the victim of an incurable brain-tumour and had just three weeks to live.

2005, A life-size bronze statue designed by Paul Daly of Phil Lynott was unveiled on Harry Street in Dublin. The ceremony was attended by his former Thin Lizzy band members Gary Moore, Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham.

2007, Elvis Presley went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'The King.'

2007, Kanye West went to No.1 on the UK singles chart 'Stronger', the American rappers first UK No.1.

2008, Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, died aged 46. Publicist Ambrosia Healy said he died from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in June on his Virginia farm.

August 19th: Born on this day

1940, Born on this day, Ginger Baker, drummer, Cream, (1966 UK No.11 single 'I Feel Free'). Ginger Bakers Airforce.

1940, Born on this day, Johnny Nash, singer, (1972 US No.1 single 'I Can See Clearly Now', 1975 UK No.1 single 'Tears On My Pillow').

1940, Roger Cook, songwriter, as a member of Blue Mink, (1970 UK No.3 single 'Melting Pot'). Cook has had more than 80 top 30 hits, including ‘Something’s Gotten Hold Of My Heart’, ‘Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress’ , ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’ and ‘I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing.’

1943, Born on this day, Billy J Kramer, singer, (1964 UK No.1 & US No.7 single 'Little Children').

1945, Born on this day, Ian Gillan, vocals, Deep Purple, (1970 UK No.2 single 'Black Night', 1973 US No. 4 single 'Smoke On The Water').

1951, Born on this day, John Deacon, bass, Queen, (1975 UK No.1 single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' also UK No.1 in 1991, plus over 40 other UK top 40 singles, 1980 US No.1 single 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love').

1963, Born on this day, Joey Tempest, Europe, (1986 UK No.1 single 'The Final Countdown').

1970, Born on this day, MC Eric, Technotronic, (1989 UK No.2 single 'Pump Up The Jam').

1980, Born on this day, Darius, singer, 2001 UK TV's Popstars contestant, who became famous for his rendition of Britney Spears 'Baby One More Time'. (2002 UK No.1 single 'Colourblind').

1983, Born on this day, Missy Higgins, Australian singer-songwriter, (2004 Australian No.1 single ‘Scar’, 2007 Australian No.1 single 'Steer').

1989, Born on this day, Lil’ Romeo, rapper, actor Lil' (Percy Romeo Miller Jr), appeared in his own Nickelodeon show called Romeo. Son of rapper Master P, (2001 US No.4 single ‘My Baby’).

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Interesting facts about death:

A LITTLE GAELIC HUMOUR

TEN GREAT SONGS ABOUT PLACES

VIRTUALTOURIST.COM, SPECIAL TO QMI AGENCY

"Autumn in New York, why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York, it spells the thrill of first-knighting
Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds in canyons of steel
They're making me feel I'm home ..." - Billie Holiday’s rendition of "Autumn in New York" (Shutterstock.com)

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, nothing can bring back memories of a place the way music can. With this in mind, the members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of great songs about places. Some have become inadvertent anthems while others actually paint quite a dismal picture. Regardless they've become inextricably linked to their respective places.

1. "AUTUMN IN NEW YORK," BILLIE HOLIDAY
Almost nothing can ignite the sentimental side of hardened New Yorkers like this tribute to the city, and while there have been countless recordings, it is arguably Billie Holiday's restrained and languid interpretation with which most fans are familiar. The song is so evocative you can almost smell leaves when you listen to it.


2. "CALIFORNIA," MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND
Groovy, bittersweet, and made for driving the open highway, this song may not necessarily be about California directly, but it certainly evokes the feeling of it. For music aficionados the long and incredibly impressive guitar solo right in the middle of it is one for the record books.


3. "LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER," THE STANDELLS
In spite of being somewhat dark in theme (some of the lyrics revolve around a mugging experienced by the band's producer), this is a song that Bostonians consider an anthem. In fact, it was actually chosen as the official victory anthem at Fenway Park.


4. "MARRAKESH EXPRESS," CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH
If ever there were a song that made you want to get out there and see exotic lands, this is it! Although melodically laid back and mellow, lyrically this song perfectly describes the chaos of this famous ride from Casablanca to what is now Marrakech.


5. "I LOVE PARIS," ELLA FITZGERALD
For Francophiles no song could say it better. A love song to the City of Light if ever there was one, the simple lyrics reflect the deep affection admirers feel toward the world's most glorious and romantic town.


6. "TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS," JOHN DENVER
The ultimate '70s classic, this song is the official anthem of West Virginia University. Interestingly, those who've taken apart the song's lyrics say it's actually about the western part of the state of Virginia, rather than West Virginia proper.


7. "GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE," "HAIRSPRAY"
A tribute to "Hairspray" creator John Waters' hometown, this sunny and stirring hymn to the Maryland city opens the show and why wouldn't it? With lyrics like "Every night is a fantasy" it makes
Baltimore seem more like Hollywood.


8. "IT HAPPENED IN SUN VALLEY," GLENN MILLER
If this charming and uber-nostalgic song doesn't make you want to visit Sun Valley, nothing will. With lyrics like "There were sunbeams in the snow/And a twinkle in your eyes" you may end up on the slopes by sunset.


9. "AMSTERDAM," JACQUES BREL
Although it may not create the rosiest picture of this exceptionally beautiful city, it's still a favourite among those who live and travel there. While purists may argue that Brel's version is definitive,
there are those who say that David Bowie's version is better.



10. "A FOGGY DAY (IN LONDON TOWN)"
Performed by everyone from Fred Astaire to Rufus Wainwright this classic written by the Gershwin brothers makes you feel as if you're walking down Regent Street, regardless of who happens to be singing it. First introduced to the public in the 1930s it continues to
be a favourite of recording artists.



(c) 2011 VirtualTourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

http://www.dogpile.com/

Interesting search engine. Check it out :-)