The Midday Distraction #31: Maree McRae

The vocalist in today's show -- wrapping up month one of what will likely be a three-month series -- comes to us courtesy of Ariel Publicity.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Maree McRae: "It's a Shame"
• Maree McRae: "Breeze"
• Maree McRae: "I Can't Be There No More"

(Total play time: 10:47)

Links to buy Maree McRae's music and items relating to this day in history follow below; commissions from anything you might buy are much needed at this time, so please consider buying something.

Jan. 31 is World Leprosy Day. Guy Fawkes was executed on this day in 1606 for his part in the Gunpowder Plot. Austrian composer Franz Schubert was born this day in 1797. Alvan Graham Clark discovered the white dwarf star Sirius B (a companion to Sirius) this day in 1862 at Northwestern University. Western novelist Zane Grey was born this day in 1872. Musicologist Alan Lomax and Catholic monk and author Thomas Merton were both born this day in 1915. American baseball player Jackie Robinson was born this day in 1919. Writer and journalist Norman Mailer was born this day in 1923. The company 3M began marketing Scotch Tape this day in 1930. Japanese writer and Nobel laureate Kenzaburo Oe was born this day in 1935. Composer Philip Glass was born this day in 1937. Bluesman Charlie Musselwhite was born this day in 1944. American actor Glynn Turman was born this day in 1946. Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne died this day in 1956. Australian actor Anthony LaPaglia and American actress Kelly Lynch were both born this day in 1959. British comic book writer Grant Morrison was born this day in 1960. Ham the Chimp traveled into outer space on the Mercury-Redstone 2 flight this day in 1961, which was also the birthday of British singer Lloyd Cole. The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" topped the U.S. singles chart this day in 1965. British actor Dexter Fletcher was born this day in 1966. British actress Minnie Driver was born this day in 1970; American bluesman Slim Harpo died the same day. Other chart-topping singles on this day: Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" (1973), Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon" (1984), and Tiffany's "Could've Been" (1988). McDonald's breached the Soviet Union this day in 1990, opening its first restaurant in Moscow. Latvian-born comic book artist Gil Kane died this day in 2000. Canadian speculative fiction author Gordon R. Dickson died this day in 2001. Texas-based political columnist and writer Molly Ivins died this day in 2007.

The Midday Distraction #30: Yalcin Konuk

Today's show features a couple of tracks from a singer-songwriter native to Turkey.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Yalcin Konuk: "No No"
• Yalcin Konuk: "Benim"

(Total play time: 9:58)

I did a Q&A with Yalcin a little over a year ago that you might find interesting.

Items pertaining to this day in history may be found in the carousel at right. I've recently learned I'll be without a job come April, so your help donating to support my podcasts or buying items linked below is much appreciated.

Edward Bransfield spotted the Trinity Peninsula this day in 1820 and laid claim to the discovery of Antarctica. But it was all downhill after that. Richard Lawrence tried and, sadly, failed to assassinate President Andrew Jackson this day in 1835, the first assassination attempt against an American head of state. The Trail of Tears genocide probably would have happened even if he'd succeeded -- the policy wheels were set in motion by Jackson's predecessor -- but still, if there was a chance it might have altered the course of that bit of history, you've gotta cheer for Lawrence there. Today's an ill-fated day, though: Betsy Ross, the seamstress for the first American flag, died this day in 1836; Adolf Hitler was sworn in as German chancellor this day in 1933; American war criminal-as-vice president Dick Cheney was born this day in 1941; Mohandas Gandhi was assassinated this day in 1948; Martin Luther King Jr.'s home was bombed this day in 1956; British forces killed 14 unarmed civil rights marchers in Northern Ireland this day in 1972 in an event called Bloody Sunday; Richard Skrenta wrote the first known computer virus this day in 1982; and Coretta Scott King died this day in 2006. About the only other bright spots today: a successful trial for a preventative sickle-cell disease treatment in 1995 and the 2003 legalization of gay marriage in Belgium, the second nation to do so.

The Midday Distraction #29: Mediva

Now for something completely different, here's some medieval music given modern arrangements.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Mediva: "Estampie"
• Mediva: "O Roso Bella"

(Total play time: 15:11)

The music in today's show comes via Magnatune -- still not evil after all these years. You can also buy one of their albums below, but there's another that is only available at Magnatune.

Today is Constitution Day in Gibraltar. The English-born American patriot and freethinker Thomas Paine was born this day in 1737. President Andrew Jackson ordered the first use of federal soldiers to put down a labor dispute this day in 1834 -- so not only was he a genocidal sort, he was a strike-buster. (Asshole.) Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" was published in the New York Evening Mirror this day in 1845. Russian writer Anton Chekhov was born this day in 1860. American author and environmentalist Edward Abbey was born this day in 1927. Actor Tom Selleck was born this day in 1945. Actor Terry Kinney and queen of all media Oprah Winfrey were both born this day in 1954. Journalist and curmudgeon H.L. Mencken died this day in 1956. Actress Heather Graham was born this day in 1970. Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" was the top single in the US this day in 1974. Actor Justin Hartley (Green Arrow on the Smallville TV series) was born this day in 1977; actor Freddie Prinze died the same day. Actress April Scott (photos brought to you by the word "damn" -- and the acronym NSFW) was born this day in 1979. Comic Jimmy Durante died this day in 1980. Blues-rocker Jonny Lang was born this day in 1981. The one-hit-slow-dance-wonder "When I'm With You" by Sheriff was No. 1 this day in 1989. Bluesman Willie Dixon died this day in 1992. Terrorist Eric Rudolph bombed an Alabama abortion clinic this day in 1998, killing one person and wounding another in pursuit of a supposedly Christian, supposedly "pro-life" agenda. US President George W. Bush (also an asshole) used his State of the Union address on this day in 2002 to proclaim an "Axis of Evil" including Iraq, Iran and North Korea. First daughter-turned-mystery novelist Margaret Truman died this day in 2008.

The Midday Distraction #28: Hound Dog Taylor

Today is Data Privacy Day. Our soundtrack is provided by Theodore Roosevelt "Hound Dog" Taylor (1915-1975), a Mississippi blues-rock guitarist born with six fingers on each hand.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or open in a new tab or window):

• Hound Dog Taylor: "Take Five"
• Hound Dog Taylor: "Give Me Back My Wig"
• Hound Dog Taylor: "Gonna Send You Back to Georgia"

(Total play time: 13:25)

The music in today's show comes courtesy of Music Alley. Your purchase of the music and history-related items in the carousel below is much appreciated -- I need commissions, badly.

Roman Emperor Charlemagne died this day in 814. Saint Thomas Aquinas was born this day in 1225. The death of England's Henry VIII on this day in 1547 resulted in his 9-year-old son Edward VI being crowned as the nation's first Protestant king. Horace Walpole coined the term "serendipity" in a letter to Horace Mann written this day in 1754. Pride and Prejudice was first published in the UK this day in 1813. Robert Stroud, better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz, was born this day in 1890. A $10 million endowment from industrialist Andrew Carnegie was used to establish The Carnegie Institution this day in 1902. Painter Jackson Pollock was born this day in 1912. The US Coast Guard was founded this day in 1915. Louis D. Brandeis was appointed this day in 1916 as the first Jewish justice of the US Supreme Court. Iceland legalized therapeutic abortion this day in 1935, the first Western nation to do so. Actor Alan Alda was born this day in 1936. Irish writer and Nobel laureate William Butler Yeats died this day in 1939. The Lego Co. patented its brick design this day in 1958; the toy blocks made then are compatible with today's toys from the company. Filmmaker Frank Darabont and liberal talk radio host Randi Rhodes were both born this day in 1959. Writer Zora Neale Hurston died this day in 1960. The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand was No. 1 in the US this day in 1964. Canadian musician Sarah McLachlan was born this day in 1968. Cold Case co-star Kathryn Morris was born this day in 1969, when Tommy James & the Shondells' "Crimson & Clover" was topping the singles chart. Soul singer Anthony Hamilton was born this day in 1971. The Ohio Players' "Love Rollercoaster" was No. 1 on the US singles chart this day in 1976. Actor Elijah Wood was born this day in 1981. The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff this day in 1986, killing its crew of seven astronauts. And Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel died this day in 1996.

The Midday Distraction #27: Sabrina Shaheen

Given the problems I had with audio on early episodes, I've decided to change my plans: This daily show will now run through March, with Canadian Vagabond probably kicking off March 31 and the Mental Nomad Podcast and Pod Across America resuming in April.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or open in a new tab or window):

• Sabrina Shaheen: "Show Me"
• Sabrina Shaheen: "Veiled"
• Sabrina Shaheen: "My Love"

(Total play time: 15:03)

Special thanks to Sabrina Shaheen for sharing the music with us.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Other historical notes follow, along with an Amazon carousel that lets you buy both the featured artist's music and items related to this date in history.

European explorer Sir Francis Drake died this day in 1595. The trial of Gunpower Plot conspirators Guy Fawkes and company started this day in 1606, ending with their execution on Jan. 31. Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born this day in 1756. Congress approved the creation of the Indian Territory in modern-day Oklahoma this day in 1825, another step in the Trail of Tears genocide. The National Geographic Society was established this day in 1888. Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi died this day in 1901. Bluesman Elmore James was born this day in 1918. American journalist Nellie Bly died this day in 1922. Bluesman Bobby Blue Bland was born this day in 1930. Actor James Cromwell was born this day in 1940. Radio and TV personality Ed Schultz and comic book artist Peter Laird were both born this day in 1954. Comic book writer/artist and film director Frank Miller was born this day in 1957. MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann was born this day in 1959. Canadian musician Margo Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) was born this day in 1961, when the Shirelles' "(Will You Love Me) Tomorrow" was No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart. American actress Bridget Fonda was born this day in 1964. Scottish actor Alan Cumming was born this day in 1965. The Apollo 1 crew of Gus Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chaffee died in a fire during a test this day in 1967. American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson died this day in 1972. Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" was No. 1 this day in 1985. French professional wrestler and actor André the Giant died this day in 1993. Western Union ended its Telegram and Commercial Messaging services this day in 2006. And American novelist John Updike died this day in 2009.

The Midday Distraction #26: Colossal Head

It's my privilege to bring you three unreleased recordings from the Middle Tennessee band Colossal Head.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 file or open in a new tab or window):

• Colossal Head: "Temptation"
• Colossal Head: "Drink Her Beautiful"
• Colossal Head: "The One That I Deserve"

(Total play time: 12:05)

My deepest thinks to Micah Barnes, wacky guy from my freshman English composition class done good, for letting me play these songs. A shout-out is also due to David Crockett, my former college roommate, and anyone else I know who's on these recordings.

Items related to this day in history may be found in the carousel below; please consider buying something if it catches your fancy, or clicking the other ads at left, because commissions on your purchases would be very helpful for Ye Olde Podcaster at this point in time.

The Council of Trent issued its findings this day in 1564, defining differences between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Ye Olde Podcaster's home state of Tennessee passed America's first prohibition law this day in 1838, and we've only gotten worse in terms of ill-advisable, laughable litigation in the intervening decades. Gen. Douglas MacArthur was born this day in 1880. Abner Doubleday, the man credited with inventing baseball, died this day in 1893. Glenn H. Curtiss piloted the first successful American sea plane this day in 1911. Science fiction writer Philip José Farmer was born this day in 1918. Actor and philanthropist Paul Newman was born this day in 1925. Cartoonist and writer Jules Feiffer was born this day in 1929. Harlem's famed Apollo Theater opened in New York City this day in 1934. Comic book artist Sal Buscema was born this day in 1936. Author Jonathan Carroll and actor David Strathairn were both born this day in 1949. Singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams was born this day in 1953. TV personality Ellen DeGeneres and soul singer Anita Baker were both born this day in 1958. Actor Edward G. Robinson died this day in 1973. Actress and possible future Celebrity Crush entrant Sara Rue was born this day in 1979, and former U.S. Vice President Nelson Rockefeller died the same day. Israel and Egypt established diplomatic ties this day in 1980. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera debuted at Broadway's Majestic Theatre this day in 1988, while "Need You Tonight" by INXS was at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart. Puerto Rican actor José Ferrer died this day in 1992. U.S. President Bill Clinton took to the televisions to declare he "did not have sexual relations" with a former White House intern on this day in 1998. And speaking of sperm, a decomposing sperm whale exploded on a beach in Tainan, Taiwan, this day in 2004.

The Midday Distraction #25: Shiva in Exile

Today's featured artist bears the curious description of "Gothic Arab/Indian world music." It's a longer Midday Distraction than normal, but worth it.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Shiva in Exile: "Sah'de"
• Shiva in Exile: "We're All One"
• Shiva in Exile: "Nightheat"

(Total play time: 19:24)

Shiva in Exile comes to you courtesy of Magnatune (still not evil), which has both of their albums for sale in a variety of formats.

Burns night suppers will be held tonight in many parts of the world, honoring the 1759 birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. It's Tatiana Day -- the Day of Russian Students -- in Russia, marking the 1755 founding of Moscow University. More history items, and a chance to buy items related to them, follow.

England's Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn, his second wife, this day in 1533. Shays' Rebellion started this day in 1787, with Daniel Shays and his rebels seizing a federal arsenal to protest debtors' prisons. English writer Virginia Woolf was born this day in 1882. Nellie Bly completed her around-the-world journey this day in 1890 after 72 days. The League of Nations was established this day in 1919. Singer Etta James was born this day in 1938. The Battle of the Bulge ended this day in 1945. American gangster Al Capone died this day in 1947. English punk-poet John Cooper Clarke was born this day in 1949, and English musician Andy Cox (The Beat, Fine Young Cannibals) was born this day in 1956. President John F. Kennedy gave the first lived televised news conference from a president on this day in 1961. On this day in 1971, Charles Manson and three female members of his "Family" cult were convicted in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, and Idi Amin deposed Milton Obote in a coup to become Uganda's president/dictator. American comic book writer Geoff Johns was born this day in 1973. Canadian actress Mia Kirshner was born this day in 1975. American singer and sometime actress Alicia Keys was born this day in 1981, with Blondie's "The Tide Is High" topped the U.S. singles chart. American actress Ava Gardner died this day in 1990. "I Knew I Loved You" by Savage Garden was No. 1 in the U.S. this day in 2000. American TV producer and director Kim Manners died this day in 2009.

The Midday Distraction #24: Dudley Saunders

Here's a trio of songs from a singer-songwriter whose songs remind me a bit -- to twist a phrase from Harlan Ellison -- of cyanide-flavored Gummi bears.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Dudley Saunders: "The Rain on 8th Avenue"
• Dudley Saunders: "The Winding Sheet"
• Dudley Saunders: "Love Song for Jeffrey Dahmer"

(Total play time: 10:10)

Dudley Saunders' music comes courtesy of Ariel Publicity. Look for his music, and stuff related to this day in history, in the Amazon carousel below; any commissions you can give me would be much appreciated.

Gaius Caesar, aka Caligula, was assassinated by his guards this day in the year 41 C.E. Prospector James W. Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento this day in 1848, sparking the California gold rush. Writer Edith Wharton was born this day in 1862. The University of Calcutta was established as South Asia's first full-fledged university this day in 1857. Singers Neil Diamond and Aaron Neville were both born this day in 1941. Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon was born this day in 1947. Native American WWII hero Ira Hayes died this day in 1955. English musician and TV personality Jools Holland was born this day in 1958. Former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill died this day in 1965. Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill W. died this day in 1971. Comic actor Ed Helms was born this day in 1974. The jaunty "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" by Daryl Hall & John Oates was No. 1 this day in 1982. The first Apple Macintosh went on sale this day in 1984. English-born American actress Mischa Barton was born this day in 1986 -- kinda young to already be a has-been, but it's a rough business. Mediocre science fiction writer and Church of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard died this day in 1986. Former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall died this day in 1993. Britney Spears' "... Baby One More Time" was No. 1 this day in 1999. And the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially went to work this day in 2003.

The Midday Distraction #23: Charley Langer

The work of replacing previous episodes in this series with new audio files continues over the next few days. Everything should be back to normal by Monday afternoon, if all goes well.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Charley Langer: "Never the Same"
• Charley Langer: "Refuge"
• Charley Langer: "Gray Skies"

(Total play time: 16:07)

Today's episode of saxophone-driven jazz features music brought to you by Ariel Publicity.

The Manliest Damn Things You'll Read All Day: Today is Bounty Day on Pitcairn Island, marking the 1790 burning of the HMS Bounty; many of the island's inhabitants are descended from that ship's mutineers. An 18-year-old Henry VIII appeared incognito in an event at Richmond, England, this day in 1510, did some jousting, got some applause, and then revealed his identity.

Also on this date: American patriot John Hancock was born this day in 1737. Georgetown College (now University) was established in Georgetown, Md., (now part of Washington, D.C.), this day in 1789 as the first Roman Catholic college in the U.S. Elizabeth Blackwell became America's first female doctor on this day in 1849, receiving a medical degree in New York state. Japanese martial arts star Sonny Chiba was born this day in 1939. Charles Lindbergh pushed for neutrality toward Adolf Hitler in testimony before the U.S. Congress this day in 1941. Duke Ellington played his first Carnegie Hall concert this day in 1943. Norwegian painter Edvard Munch died this day in 1944. Actor Richard Dean Anderson was born this day in 1950. Actress Mariska Hargitay was born this day in 1964. The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" was No. 1 this day in 1966. American Renaissance man, civil rights warrior and blacklist victim Paul Robeson died this day in 1976. "Car Wash" by Rose Royce topped the U.S. singles chart this day in 1977. Dutch supermodel Doutzen Kroes (images NSFW but spectacular) was born this day in 1985. Madeleine Albright became America's first female secretary of state this day in 1997. Singer and actress Nell Carter died this day in 2003. And longtime Tonight Show host Johnny Carson died this day in 2005.

The Midday Distraction #22: The Subways

OK, I've deleted most of the previous episodes in this series and will be -- AGAIN -- re-compiling and re-posting them this weekend. I now have the registered copy of the new software, so no more pesky "audio watermark" popping up at random over the music.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• The Subways: "I Want To Hear What You Have Got To Say"
• The Subways: "Rock and Roll Queen"

(Total play time: 6:47)

You can pick up more music by this talented trio, and other stuff related to this day in history, in the Amazon carousel below.

Speaking of this day in history...

English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon was born this day in 1561. Columbia Phonograph was founded in Washington, D.C., this day in 1889. The United Mine Workers of America was established in Columbus, Ohio, this day in 1890. England's Queen Victoria died this day in 1901. Sword-and-sorcery author Robert E. Howard was born this day in 1906, the day Corrine Morgan & Haydn Quartet's "How'd You Like to Spoon with Me?" topped the U.S. singles chart. Soul singer Sam Cooke was born this day in 1931. Director Jim Jarmusch was born this day in 1953. Actor John Wesley Shipp was born this day in 1956. Founding INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was born this day in 1960. Actress Diane Lane was born this day in 1965. Comic book painter Alex Ross was born this day in 1970. The United States Supreme court handed down the Roe v. Wade decision this day in 1973, legalizing elective abortion in all 50 states; former President Lyndon B. Johnson died the same day. Singer Willa Ford was born this day in 1981. Apple introduced the Macintosh with the "1984" TV commercial during Super Bowl XVIII on this day in 1984. Actor Telly Savalas died this day in 1994. TLC's "Creep" was the top single this day in 1995. Scottish post-punk singer Billy Mackenzie (of The Associates) died this day in 1997. World War II-era cartoonist Bill Mauldin died this day in 2003. Bolivian President Evo Morales was sworn in as the nation's first indigenous president this day in 2006. Australian actor Heath Ledger died this day in 2008.

The Midday Distraction #21: Bettye Lavette

... All but about two episodes in this Midday Distraction series were re-posted overnight to scrap the spoken bits entirely and fix files that were terminating prematurely due to a flaw in the several-years-old file I was using to create them. I've bought a new piece of software for the PC to create these.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 file or open in a new tab or window):

• Bettye Lavette: "The High Road"
• Bettye Lavette: "You'll Never Change"

(Total play time: 7:49)

I really, really hope you'll take time to look at the ads at right -- containing some of Ms. Lavette's music and other items related to this day in history -- and maybe pick up something if it catches your eye. I may have to buy a new recorder to continue doing any shows that involve talking, and $40 for a podcast program wasn't an expense I was planning on, either.

The awkwardly titled The Power of Sympathy: or, the Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth -- the first American novel -- was printed in Boston on this day in 1789. France's Louis XVI was executed aat the guillotine this day in 1793. ACLU founder Roger Baldwin was born this day in 1884. Kiwanis International was founded in Detroit this day in 1915. Maj. Richard D. Winters of the "Band of Brothers" was born this day in 1918. "Al Alone" by Al Jolson was No. 1 this day in 1925. English comedian Benny Hill was born this day in 1924, and folk singer Richie Havens was born this day in 1941. English writer George Orwell died this day in 1950. Actress Geena Davis was born this day in 1956, and DJ Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C. was born this day in 1965. The Battle of Khe Sanh started in Vietnam this day in 1968. Ken Leung of Lost was born this day in 1970. Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" topped this charts this day in 1973. President Jimmy Carter pardoned most Americans who'd dodged the Vietnam draft this day in 1977. Soul singer Jackie Wilson died this day in 1984, and blues pianist-singer Charles Brown died this day in 1999. "Independent Women Part I" by Destiny's Child was No. 1 this day in 2001. And singer Peggy Lee died this day in 2002.

The Midday Distraction #20: ellen cherry

Here are a couple of songs from (New) Years, the new album from Baltimore-based singer-songwriter Kristin Putchinski, a tall and lovely lass who goes by the stage name ellen cherry. Note: Re-posted to fix file.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• ellen cherry: "1998 The Things I Long For and the Things I Have Are Not the Same"
• ellen cherry: "2002 All U Ever Said Was No"

(Total play time: 8:28)

(New) Years is a full-length album that includes but also expands upon an EP she'd released back in 2005 titled Years -- songs which reflect a character in a particular point in time, starting in 1864 and going through 2010. Amazon says it will be out in early February; iTunes already has it, and other sites may at least be taking pre-orders.

ellen cherry - (New) Years


The songs are played courtesy of Kristin with much thanks.

Amazon links to buy some of her music and things related to this day in history may be seen at right, and since my mic is busted, I'll include the historical items in text here -- think of it as a mini-Bizarro Files.

The area that now houses Rio de Janeiro was first explored by Europeans on this day in 1502. George Burns was born this day in 1896. The American Civil Liberties Union was established this day in 1920, also the birthday of director Federico Fellini and actor DeForest Kelley. Nazi bastards settled on the "Final Solution to the Jewish Question" on this date in 1942. Rainn Wilson of The Office was born this day in 1968, and musician Nicky Wire of Manic Street Preachers was born one this day in 1969. Ringo Starr's "You're Sixteen" was No. 1 this day in 1974. Swimmer and big-screen Tarzan Johnny Weissmuller died this day in 1984. The birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time in this day in 1986. Actress Audrey Hepburn died this day in 1993. Nelly and a bunch of other people topped the charts while the most disgusting fad since genital piercing with their hit song "Grillz" on this day in 2006. And Barack Obama was inaugurated a year ago today.

More from ellen cherry:

ellen cherry - heart like a Lion


ellen cherry - The Dizzy Pleasure Club, Inc.


ellen cherry - The Ellen Cherry Primer

Celebrity Crush: Ione Skye

Name: Ione Skye (images -- NSFW)
Hometown: Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, according to her Wikipedia entry. Her dad's the Scottish folk singer Donovan; her mother's a model named Enid Karl.
Best Known For: Sadly, her career probably peaked with the 1989 romantic comedy/coming of age movie/ode to stalking Say Anything... Her screen debut was the 1986 drama The River's Edge, and she played the frequently nude title character in the 1989 film The Rachel Papers.

In the 1990s, she starred in the short-lived primetime soap Covington Cross, appeared in Wayne's World, played a witch in Four Rooms and wrote, directed and appeared in the 1992 film Gas, Food and Lodging.

More recent work includes the movie Zodiac, guest turns on Arrested Development and Private Practice, and a couple of episodes of the celebrity-shrink comedy series Head Case, playing an actress named Ione Skye.
Humble Beginnings: Her career started out pretty strongly, actually.
Why I Should've Been a Musician: The hot topless woman on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Mother's Milk album cover? That's her. She was dating singer Anthony Kiedis at the time.

She later married Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys, and she's now married to Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee. There were also a male designer and a female model (the latter, Jenny Shimizu, has also been involved with Angelina Jolie) in the middle years, but the point is, Ye Olde Podcaster should have been a musician.
Why Ye Olde Podcaster Likes Her: What heterosexual male in America DIDN'T fall in love with her in Say Anything? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Her acting skills in dramatic roles -- among the emotionally numb youth in The River's Edge, as the object of young Dexter Fletcher's affections in The Rachel Papers or in the early 21st century version of The Twilight Zone -- have also shown her to be more than just the nubile beauty queen.
Shameless Commerce: Amazon and iTunes links follow. Any affiliate payments earned from your purchase or rental will help pay the hosting fees for my podcasts, so please consider clicking.

Private Practice - Private Practice, Season 2 - Know When to Fold


Head Case - Head Case, Season 1


Zodiac


Fever Pitch (Unrated)


Arrested Development - Arrested Development, Season 2 - Meat the Veals


Southlander


Guncrazy

The Midday Distraction #19: Luke Parkin

The final of today's three shows brings us back up to date, and hopefully we'll finish out the second half of the month on time.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Luke Parkin: "1-20-09"
• Luke Parkin: "Fade to Black"

(Total play time: 9:12)

Today's music comes to you courtesy of Ariel Publicity.

The Mental Nomad Podcast will return Feb. 3, a Wednesday. As for Pod Across America and Canadian Vagabond/Vagabond Canadien ... I have no idea.

I can't record audio that works at the moment, and I have no idea when I'll be able to replace my recorder, assuming there's not some technical problem I'm just not sure how to fix. So you might or might not ever hear my voice on a podcast again.

Buy Luke Parkin's music and other items related to this day in history in the Amazon carousel below (you might just Google anyone whose significance to the day isn't obvious).

The Midday Distraction #18: Osaru

Here's another episode that exists a bit out of time.Note: Reposted Jan. 20 to delete flawed vocal recordings.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Osaru: "Made Up My Mind"
• Osaru: "Start the Dancing"

(Total play time: 10:41)

The music in today's episode comes to us courtesy of Ariel Publicity.

Let me also take this occasion to wish you a belated happy Winnie the Pooh Day -- in addition to the holiday honoring civil rights martyr the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Monday was also the birthday of children's book author Alan Alexander "A.A." Milne, who was born in 1882.

Links to buy Osaru's music and some items related to the day in history follow. (You might just hit The Google to figure out why they're there.)

The Midday Distraction #17: Ann Sweeten

Some contemporary classical/New Age piano magic today. This is the SECOND repost of this file, with the audio bits gone entirely.

Here's what you'll hear (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Ann Sweeten: "Just This Side of Spring"
• Ann Sweeten: "In Gardens Fast Asleep"
  
• Ann Sweeten: "True North"

(Total play time: 14:08)

Amazon links to buy Sweeten's music and other items related to that day in history follow. You might just have to hit the Google for a bit to figure out what's what.

What, you thought edumacation would just be spoon-fed to ya? :)

Celebrity Crush: Ginnifer Goodwin

After the Epic Fail that was the audio file for today's episode (it'll be fixed and re-posted tomorrow), I now present the classic bait-and-switch to distract your attention from it, called "Look! A pretty girl!" (This one's on Big Love tonight, unless it's been pre-empted for the Golden Globes. I'll confess I didn't check. But, look! A pretty girl!)

Name: Ginnifer Goodwin (images)

Hometown: Memphis, Tenn., according to her Wikipedia entry
Best Known For: Goodwin is probably best known for her portrayal of Margene, the youngest of Bill Paxton's three wives on the HBO drama Big Love. Other roles have included the romantic dramedy series Ed, on the big screen in He's Just Not That Into You (which apparently reunited her with her Ed co-star Justin Long -- on that series, her character first dated him, then his best friend), and as Johnny Cash's first wife in the movie Walk the Line, and providing voice work for Robot Chicken (on which her sister is an animator).

Humble Beginnings: Earlier work included an appearance on Law & Order, a Comedy Central original movie called Porn n' Chicken, the comedy Win a Date With Tad Hamilton! and the Julia Roberts movie Mona Lisa Smile.
Obligatory Edgy Stuff: ... Drawing a blank here, aside from doing the photoshoot that yielded the bottom picture at right. (And she sorta looks like a tougher version of future celebrity crush entrant Rachel Bilson there -- also sometimes like she could be fellow celebrity crush Nora Zehetner's sister in some pictures.) My celebrity crushes tend to be pretty non-crazy, so maybe I should drop this category unless it's really warranted for future entries.

She's had some partial nudity on Big Love, though some of it could easily be the work of a body double.
Why Ye Olde Podcaster Likes Her: There's something endearing about her besides being cute -- it could be the honey-coated voice, it could be the alternately caring and feisty presence she brings to her roles.
Shameless Commerce: Amazon and iTunes links follow. Any affiliate payments earned from your purchase or rental will help pay the hosting fees for my podcasts, so please consider clicking.

Big Love - Big Love, Season 3


Day Zero


Robot Chicken - Robot Chicken, Season 3


Big Love - Big Love, Season 2


In the Land of Women


Robot Chicken - Robot Chicken, Season 2


Big Love - Big Love, Season 1


Walk the Line (Extended Cut)

Robot Chicken - Robot Chicken, Season 1


Mona Lisa Smile

The Midday Distraction #16: Marcia Ball

Today's episode spotlights Marcia Ball, the piano-playing blues queen of Austin, Texas. (Note: Re-posted Jan. 23 to delete flawed audio segments.)

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or open in a new tab or window):

• Marcia Ball: "Miracle in Knoxville"
• Marcia Ball: "Baby, Why Not"
• Marcia Ball: "Down the Road"

(Total play time: 14:28)

Today's National Religious Freedom Day here in the United States, marking the day in 1786 when Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was adopted.

Check out the links below to buy music from Marcia Ball and other items related to this date in history.

The Midday Distraction #15: Shayna Zaid & The Catch

[Insert cliche about the best-laid plans of mice and men and all that stuff.] Presenting a bonus episode, since today's main feature is a bit short, featuring the band that was going to be spotlighted on the day I ended up missing a podcast earlier in the month.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Shayna Zaid & The Catch: "Morning Sun"
• Shayna Zaid & The Catch: "Bonita"

(Total play time: 6:58)

The music in today's show comes to you courtesy of Ariel Publicity. And this gets us back on track to average exactly one podcast a day for 31 days. How cool is that?

Click below to pick up her music and some other items I threw in there for no reason other than liking them and hoping you might, too.

The Midday Distraction #14: Terio

Birthday greetings go out to Wikipedia, which went live nine years ago today. And with today's episode featuring Cuban music, it's also an opportunity for us all to consider whether the ongoing American embargo of Cuba -- an embargo the rest of the world ignores -- serves any purpose other than political posturing.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Terio: "The Rose"
• Terio: "Mi Corazon"

(Total play time: 8:31 -- file reposted Jan. 20 to remove bad audio)

Today's music comes to us courtesy of the good folks at Ariel Publicity. If you're a musician looking for representation, see if they're right for you.

See the carousel below for Terio's music and other items related to this day in history.

The Midday Distraction #13: Lovespirals

Skipping the introduction is allowed, I think, when the music in an episode is simply too awesome for words.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Lovespirals: "Shine"
• Lovespirals: "Ecstatic (podsafe edit)"
• Lovespirals: "Love Survives"

(Total play time: 13:19 -- reposted Jan. 23 to remove faulty spoken bits)

The music in today's show comes via Music Alley. I've played a couple of Lovespirals tracks in the past on the Mental Nomad Podcast, and I've also played some tunes from Love Spirals Downwards, the previous project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Lum.

Three related podcasts that are worth your time to check out (right-click to copy URL and paste it into iTunes or the podcast-catching software of your choice), all of which will convince you that vocalist Anji Bee has the sexiest voice in podcasting: Chillin' With Lovespirals, The Chillcast with Anji Bee and Chillcast Video.

(Edited to add: The Lovespirals have released a new episode of the band podcast since I recorded the spoken bits for this show.)

The carousel below offers you a chance to buy some Lovespirals music -- with the caveat that their latest album is available at their Web site and is not listed below -- and other items related to this date in history. Oh, and if you're in India and someone tells you to go fly a kite, don't be insulted -- it's the holiday Makar Sankranti, and flying kites is just what you do.

The Midday Distraction #12: Teresa Carpio

One appeal of this daily format is a chance to feature music that might not fit alongside other music I often play, such as the classical music earlier in the month or today's "easy listening" songs. Note: File re-posted to delete bad audio.

Here's what you'll hear today (right-click to download MP3 or to open in a new tab or window):

• Teresa Carpio: "Rainy Days and Mondays"
• Teresa Carpio: "Memory"
• Teresa Carpio: "Ooh Child"

(Total play time: 14:22)

Today's artist is a Hong Kong-based English and Cantopop singer who's been releasing music since the mid-1970s. Her songs come to us courtesy of Ariel Publicity and are from her album Hello, which is available at iTunes but not at Amazon.

Teresa Carpio - Hello


Teresa Carpio - Teresa Carpio: Greatest Hits + 2


Her greatest hits album and items related to this date in history may be found in the carousel below. Since all the songs in today's show are covers, you'll also find links to buy the original tracks in the mix below.