RIP Rick Derringer

American rock guitarist and singer Rick Derringer, who shot to fame at 17 when his band The McCoys recorded Hang On Sloopy, has died aged 77. He also had a hit with Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo and earned a Grammy Award for producing “Weird Al” Yankovic’s debut album. Derringer died on Monday in in Ormond Beach, Florida, according to a Facebook announcement from his caretaker, Tony Wilson. No cause of death was announced. Derringer’s decades in the music industry spanned teen stardom, session work for bands like Steely Dan, supplying the guitar solo on Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart and producing for Cyndi Lauper.

His best-charting album was All American Boy in 1973, which included the instrumentals Joy Ride and Time Warp. He also worked extensively with brothers Edgar and Johnny Winter, playing lead and rhythm guitar in their bands and producing all of their gold and platinum records, including Edgar Winter’s hits “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride” (both in 1973). He produced Yankovic’s Grammy Award-winning songs “Eat It” (1984) and “Fat” (1988). Additionally, Derringer produced the World Wrestling Federation’s album The Wrestling Album (1985) and its follow-up, Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II (1987). Those albums featured the entrance song for Hulk Hogan, “Real American“, and the theme for the  Demolition  tag team, “Demolition”. Derringer also produced three songs from the soundtrack of the 1984 Tom Hanks film Bachelor Party.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Derringer worked extensively as a session musician, playing on albums by Steely Dan – including Countdown to Ecstasy, Katy Lied and Gaucho — Todd Rundgren, Kiss and Barbra Streisand. He played on Air Supply’s Making Love Out of Nothing at All. In the mid-1980s he began working with Lauper, touring in her band and playing on three of her albums, including the hit True Colours. He toured with Ringo Starr and The All-Starr Band. In 2001, Derringer, Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice released the album Derringer, Bogert & Appice (DBA): Doin’ Business as… on the German record label Steamhammer Records. Starting in 2001 Derringer, his wife, and their children released the first two of four Christian music albums, all through Panda Studio Production.

Facts About Carry On My Wayward Son By Kansas

The band Kansas formed in Topeka, Kansas in 1975 and the song Carry On My Wayward Son saved the band from pop music obscurity! Steve Walsh handled lead vocals and guitar, with Kerry Livgren on guitar and keyboards, Phil Ehart on drums, Robby Steinhardt on violin, Rich Williams on guitar, and Dave Hope on bass. Members would come and go…and return…and leave again over the years…as the band continues to tour to this day…but that is in the future timeline, from a “Carry On” standpoint.

  • “Carry On Wayward Son” was written by guitarist Kerry Livgren and featured on their 4th album Leftoverture.
  • Livgren, who became an evangelical Christian in 1980, says that his hit record was not meant to take on any religious meaning….although It contains “searching” and other ideas.
  • Livgren is quoted: “I felt a profound urge to ‘Carry On,’ to continue the  search.” Further, “I saw myself as the ‘Wayward Son’ alienated from the ultimate reality, and yet striving to know it.”
  • Landing at #11 on the Hot 100 charts in early 1977, “Carry On Wayward Son” was the band’s first pop chart hit, and first hit on top-40 radio! And, it was a last-minute addition to the “Leftoverture” album!
  • Kerry Livgren wrote this hit-record-to-be…a mere two days before the band started recording the album!
  • As the studio sessions were coming to a close, and Kansas was polishing the songs that had been recorded for the new album…not adding new ones..Livgren said “I’ve got one more song that you might want to hear.” The guys knew a hit record when they heard it, and “Carry On Wayward Son” was not only a last-minute add to the album, it was made the lead song.
  • The album  was a commercial success, going platinum 5 times.
  • “Carry On Wayward Son” often makes lists of the greatest rock songs of all time….and it has earned Kerry Livgren a reputation as one of the most respected musicians and lyricists in rock ‘n’ roll!
  • “Carry On Wayward Son” is considered the unofficial theme song for the television series  Supernatural. It is heard in the final episode of almost every season of the show, in “The Road So Far” synopses of previous episodes. At San Diego Comic-Con in 2017, Kansas appeared at the Supernatural panel and played the song live.
  • The song was featured in the season 3 official trailer of the Reacher Amazon Prime Video series.
  • It was used by the professional wrestling faction The Elite members Kenny Omega, “Hangman” Adam Page, and The Young Bucks as their ring entrance music as of November 19, 2022 in AEW.

I Hope We Can Move Away To Another Apartment

Are you happy living where you live?

Not really! I mean it is home but we have been dissatisfied living here for many years. My apartment is a small 3 bedroom apartment near the heart of the city. However it is only 7 floors and we are on the 7th floor. We have just 14 apartments in this building and only 1 lift. Back in 2006 we moved here because we were selling our house for paying off my dad’s business funds and we needed to move in quick. This was the place that was easily available and move in ready.

There were a couple of other places that we could have taken if we had more time. So we picked this one. And we moved in. It took some time to get used to. But now it’s time we moved on. I currently live alone as my parents are with my sister at her place due to my father’s health issues. We, meaning my sister and I have talked about selling this apartment and moving to her building. We have a couple of options and to be honest, I would love for that to happen.

I wish we could already be living there in a nice big 3 bedroom apartment that has more space per room as well as the bigger living cum dining room. And the extra bathroom. Plus living next to my sister and brother-in-law will be good for us. I wish I could make it happen right now. I would.

Prompt from Journaling Prompts from The Coffee Monterz Co . Com

Southampton 1 Arsenal 2

Martin Odegaard came off the bench to score an 89th-minute winner for Arsenal that sent Southampton to a Premier League record 30th defeat of the season.

Kieran Tierney had given the visitors a first-half lead with a goal on his final Arsenal appearance but Ross Stewart’s 56th-minute header looked to have rescued a point for Southampton. However, Odegaard fired a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner to claim all three points. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were nearly left to rue missed opportunities after converting just one of their many chances during a dominant first-half performance. Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli all went close before Tierney, who is returning to Celtic at the end of the season, made the breakthrough in the 43rd minute, slotting home Ben White’s cross at the near post.

Southampton, who had a penalty claim for handball against Declan Rice waved away in the first half, had looked dangerous on the counter-attack, particularly through Kamaldeen Sulemana, and deserved their 56th-minute leveller, Stewart rising highest at the far post after Jay Robinson’s shot had earned the hosts a corner. Rice nearly bundled home a second for Arsenal but his effort was cleared off the line, while Bukayo Saka had a goal ruled out for offside before substitute Odegaard grabbed the late winner.

The result does nothing to alter either sides’ league position, with Arsenal finishing the season in second place and already relegated Southampton bowing out at the bottom. While five teams were fighting it out for three Champions League places, Arsenal had secured their spot with a week to spare by beating Newcastle at Emirates Stadium last Sunday. After conceding on Sunday, Raya shared the award with Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels, who also kept 13 clean sheets.

Which Teams Have Been Relegated From The Premier League in 2024/25?

The Premier League relegation battle is often one of the most engaging elements of an English league season — at least, if you’re not a fan of a team facing the drop. On the final day of the 2024-25 season, let’s see which team got relegated. The teams who finish the season in the bottom three places of the Premier League table – 18th, 19th and 20th – drop down to the Championship, the second tier of English football. Those teams are replaced in the Premier League for the following season by three promoted clubs – the sides who finish first and second in the Championship, plus the winners of that division’s end-of-season playoffs.

For the second season in a row, the three teams who had earned promotion to the Premier League only a year before will be heading straight back down to the Championship. Ipswich’s defeat to Newcastle in April rubber stamped what everyone had been expecting for weeks, as Kieran McKenna’s men saw survival become impossible as a result. On first viewing, it might not be that surprising. The three teams that come into the Premier League are the worst three over the course of the next season? Sure, makes sense.

On April 6, Southampton became the first club relegated from the Premier League this season, their fate sealed by a 3-1 loss at Tottenham. The Saints claimed the draw they required to pass Derby County’s worst-ever points total of 11 from the 2007/08 season when they battled to a 0-0 stalemate with Manchester City on May 10. They will try to avoid that humiliation without Ivan Juric, who was sacked as manager on April 7. Juric lost 12 of his 14 Premier League games in charge after replacing Russell Martin earlier in the season.

Leicester City have also changed managers this season, with Ruud van Nistelrooy replacing Steve Cooper. But the former Manchester United striker could not arrest the Foxes’ grim slide and a 1-0 defeat to champions-elect Liverpool on April 20 sealed their fate.

The following weekend, Ipswich Town completed the set as Ben Johnson was sent off and Champions League-chasing Newcastle United ran out 3-0 winners at St James’ Park. It means that, for the first time in Premier League history, the relegation places are all confirmed with four games of the season remaining.

What Is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon is a cured pork product, often made from the lean loin of a pig, and is typically smoked and sliced into rounds. It’s a leaner alternative to traditional American bacon, offering a distinct flavor and nutritional benefits. Unlike traditional bacon, which is made from the fattier belly, Canadian bacon is often referred to as “back bacon” in Canada.

Key Characteristics of Canadian Bacon:

Leaner: It’s made from the pork loin, resulting in a leaner cut compared to American bacon, which is made from the belly.

Mild Flavor: Canadian bacon has a mild, sweet pork flavor, often described as having a more ham-like taste.

Ready to Eat: It’s usually pre-cooked and sliced, making it convenient for breakfast, snacks, or quick meals.

Nutritional Benefits: Canadian bacon is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, while being lower in fat and calories compared to traditional bacon.

Versatile: It can be added to various dishes beyond breakfast, adding a flavorful and protein-rich element.

“Back Bacon”: While “Canadian bacon” is the term used in the United States, in Canada it’s simply called “back bacon,” and may be coated in cornmeal.

Nutritional Information (per 2-ounce serving): Approximately 89 calories, Around 12 grams of protein, About 3 grams of total fat, Saturated fat: Roughly 1 gram, and Unsaturated fat: Approximately 2 grams.

Here Are Some Facts About The Captain America Movies Within The MCU

Captain America Movies in the MCU
There are currently 4 released solo Captain America films :

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

  • Director: Joe Johnston
  • Setting: Primarily during World War II
  • Plot: Steve Rogers, a frail man, volunteers for a super-soldier experiment and becomes Captain America to fight the Nazis and HYDRA.
  • Notable Characters: Peggy Carter, Red Skull, Bucky Barnes

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

  • Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
  • Genre: Political thriller/superhero
  • Plot: Steve Rogers uncovers a conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. while facing an old friend-turned-enemy: the Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes).
  • Notable for: Shifting the MCU tone to darker, more grounded storytelling.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

  • Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo
  • Plot: After a mission goes wrong, the Avengers are divided over government control, leading to a clash between Team Cap and Team Iron Man.
  • Significance: Introduced Black Panther and the MCU version of Spider-Man.

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

  • Starring: Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America
  • Plot: It focus on Sam Wilson stepping into his role as Cap following The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, as he investigates a conspiracy involving U.S. president Thaddeus Ross
  • Significance : Harrison Ford debuts in the MCU that sees him take over the role of Thaddeus Ross and the Red Hulk.

Too Yumm Sour Cream & Onion Veggie Stix

Too Yumm is brand of packaged snacks that an Indian F&B company, Guiltfree Industries Limited (GIL). They claim to offer healthier and guilt-free snacking options which consumers can have anytime, anywhere, as much. Well, I dunno but it does seem lighter than mosts chips and snacks like that. Too Yumm has potato chips, potato sticks, multigrain chips, rings and veggie sticks.

I bought a couple of packets of their veggie stix or Veggie Stix as it is branded as. Vegetables can be utterly delicious! These scrumptious treats are crafted from authentic vegetables that have been dehydrated, pulverized, blended with exotic seasonings and flours, and then baked to crispy perfection.

Ok so now to the taste of the Sour Cream & Onion veggie stix. They generally receive positive reviews, with many users praising the crispy texture and enjoyable flavor. Some reviewers mention that the product is a good snack for tea or coffee time. I gotta agree that these are tasty and crispy and light. Tangy and savory they go well with coffee, tea or your favourite soft drinks. I enjoyed the 2 bags and would like more. I give them an 8.5 outta 10!

Behind The Myth Of Vampires

The myth of vampires is one of the most enduring and widely recognized legends in human history. Rooted in folklore, religion, and societal fears, the vampire myth has evolved over centuries and across cultures, culminating in the iconic figure we know today.

Origins and Early Beliefs

The concept of vampirism dates back thousands of years and appears in many ancient cultures:

  • Mesopotamia: Some of the earliest vampire-like creatures appear in ancient Mesopotamian mythology. The Lilu and Lilitu demons were believed to prey on humans, particularly infants and pregnant women.

  • Ancient Greece and Rome: Stories of creatures like the Empusa, Lamia, and Striges—female monsters that fed on blood—are found in classical literature.

  • Eastern Europe: The modern vampire myth as most people recognize it originated in Slavic and Romanian folklore. These vampires were often reanimated corpses that rose from the grave to drink the blood of the living.

Common Characteristics in Folklore

Traditional vampire myths share several common traits:

  • Blood-drinking: The vampire sustains itself by consuming the blood of the living.

  • Undeath: Vampires are often the reanimated dead or cursed individuals who cannot die naturally.

  • Aversion to sunlight, garlic, and holy symbols.

  • Shape-shifting: Many legends attribute vampires with the ability to transform into animals, especially bats or wolves.

  • No reflection and inability to enter homes without invitation.

Historical and Cultural Factors

Belief in vampires was often fueled by misunderstandings of disease and decomposition:

  • Plague outbreaks: During epidemics, people sought supernatural explanations for death and disease, leading to increased fear of the undead.

  • Corpses and decay: Before modern embalming and burial practices, corpses often exhibited signs—such as bloating or bleeding from the mouth—that were misinterpreted as signs of vampirism.

Literature and Popular Culture

The vampire myth entered Western popular culture primarily through literature:

  • “The Vampyre” (1819) by John Polidori: One of the first modern vampire stories in English literature.

  • “Carmilla” (1872) by Sheridan Le Fanu: A novella with a female vampire and themes of seduction and fear.

  • “Dracula” (1897) by Bram Stoker: The definitive vampire novel that solidified many aspects of the modern vampire myth.

Since then, vampires have appeared in countless books, films, and television shows, evolving with cultural trends:

  • Classic films: Nosferatu (1922), Dracula (1931).

  • Romantic vampires: Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles, Twilight, True Blood.

  • Modern reinterpretations: Vampires as metaphors for addiction, sexuality, or otherness.

Symbolism and Appeal

Vampires resonate with many psychological and social themes:

  • Immortality and death: Fear of death and the allure of eternal life.

  • Sexuality: Vampires are often portrayed as seductive and dangerous.

  • Power and control: Vampires often dominate or manipulate their victims.

Conclusion

The myth of vampires continues to thrive because it taps into deep human fears and desires. From ancient superstition to modern metaphor, the vampire remains a powerful symbol in our collective imagination.

Scariest Places In The World : ChĂąteau de Brissac and the Ghost of the Green Lady

ChĂąteau de Brissac is a castle located in the commune of Brissac-QuincĂ©, the department of Maine-et-Loire, France. The castle is recorded to have been built during the 11 th century, and has a long and interesting history. Like many castles around the world, the ChĂąteau de Brissac is said to possess its own resident ghost. This is the ‘la Dame Verte’ or Green Lady, who is said to be the ghost of an unfaithful wife murdered by her husband during the 15 th century.

Dubbed as the ‘tallest castle in France’, the ChĂąteau de Brissac is said to have originally built as a castle by the Counts of Anjou during the 11 th century. During the 15 th century, the chĂąteau was rebuilt as a fort-like structure by one of Charles VII’s ministers. During the French Wars of Religion, which broke out during the 16 th century, the chĂąteau was made into his possession by Henry of Navarre (who would later reign as Henry IV of France). When Henry became the King of France, the chĂąteau was given to Charles II of CossĂ© as a reward for his support. Charles was also awarded the title ‘Duke of Brissac’.

The Green Lady : One of the most infamous residents of the ChĂąteau de Brissac is the ‘la Dame Verte’ or Green Lady, who is the chĂąteau’s resident ghost. The Green Lady is said to be the ghost of a woman by the name of Charlotte de BrĂ©zĂ©, who was the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII and his mistress, Agnes Sorel.

She was also the half-sister of King Louis XI. In 1462, a marriage was arranged between Charlotte and Jacques de Brézé, a nobleman. It has been claimed that the marriage was politically motivated, and that the two did not love each other. Additionally, it has been said that the two individuals had quite different characters. For instance, Jacques is said to have enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, whist Charlotte was more inclined to a sophisticated life.

On May 31, 1477, Jacques is said to have returned from a hunting trip, had dinner with his wife, and then went to his room. It seems that the couple did not sleep in the same bed, and in the middle of the night, a servant woke Jacques up to inform him that his wife was having an affair with a man by the name of Peirre de Lavergne. Jacques caught his wife and her lover red-handed, and in a fit of rage, murdered the adulterous couple. Apparently, Jacques moved out of the chñteau shortly after the murder, as he could not stand the moaning of his late wife’s and her lover’s ghosts.

Today, it is claimed that only the ghost of Charlotte remains in the Chñteau de Brissac, as there are no reported sightings of Pierre’s ghost (who perhaps might have moved on at some point of time). The dukes of the chñteau and their families are said to have grown accustomed to her presence, though it is claimed that guests have been frightened by her. Her favorite haunt is said to be the tower room of the chapel, where she can be found in her green dress, hence the name ‘Green Lady’. Additionally, it has been claimed that the ghost’s face has holes in place of her nose and eyes, perhaps a reflection of what was done to her when she was murdered. Her moans are also said to be heard throughout the chñteau in the early hours of the morning.

The Fate of the Library of Alexandria: A Tragic Loss of Ancient Knowledge

The Library of Alexandria stands as one of the most iconic symbols of human intellectual achievement and one of the greatest cultural tragedies in history. Founded in the 3rd century BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, the library was envisioned as a center for learning and a repository for all the world’s knowledge. Its rise and mysterious fall have captivated historians, scholars, and the public for centuries, largely because it represents both the heights of scholarly ambition and the fragility of human achievement in the face of conflict and change.

The origins of the Library of Alexandria trace back to the reign of either Ptolemy I Soter or his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus. These rulers, successors to Alexander the Great in Egypt, sought to establish a hub of learning that would rival Athens. Situated in one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world, the library quickly became a magnet for scholars, scientists, philosophers, and poets from across the Mediterranean. At its peak, the library may have housed between 400,000 and 700,000 scrolls, covering subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, and philosophy. Figures such as Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes are believed to have studied or worked there, contributing to its reputation as the greatest scholarly institution of the ancient world.

Despite its grandeur and influence, the Library of Alexandria did not vanish in a single cataclysmic event. Instead, it appears to have suffered a slow decline through a series of unfortunate incidents and political upheavals. One of the earliest and most cited episodes occurred in 48 BCE during Julius Caesar’s civil war. As Caesar set fire to ships in Alexandria’s harbor, the flames are believed to have spread to parts of the city, potentially damaging the library or associated storage facilities nearby. However, sources vary on the extent of the destruction, and it is unclear whether the main library building was affected.

The Roman era brought further instability. While the library may have continued under Roman rule, there is evidence of neglect and possible damage in subsequent centuries. A significant blow came in 391 CE when the Serapeum—an annex of the Library and a temple to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis—was destroyed by Christian zealots during a period of religious upheaval. This act marked a turning point, as the rise of Christianity increasingly clashed with pagan institutions and knowledge systems that had flourished under earlier empires.

Another oft-cited but controversial account involves the Muslim conquest of Alexandria in the 7th century. According to later Islamic sources, the Caliph Omar allegedly ordered the destruction of the remaining books, claiming that if the writings agreed with the Qur’an they were unnecessary, and if they disagreed, they were heretical. However, this account is widely debated and considered by many historians to be apocryphal or fabricated long after the fact. There is no contemporary evidence to support it, and some scholars argue that by the time of the conquest, the Library had already ceased to exist in any meaningful form.

The true story of the Library of Alexandria’s destruction is ultimately a tale of gradual erosion rather than dramatic obliteration. A combination of fires, wars, religious conflict, political instability, and cultural shifts contributed to its decline over centuries. Its loss was not just the destruction of a building, but the disappearance of vast quantities of ancient knowledge—some of which may never be recovered.

Despite the mystery surrounding its fate, the legacy of the Library of Alexandria endures. It has become a powerful symbol of intellectual curiosity and a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of knowledge. In 2002, Egypt inaugurated the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina near the site of the ancient library, aiming to rekindle the spirit of learning and scholarship that once defined the city. In the digital age, efforts to preserve information globally—through digital archives, cloud storage, and open-access platforms—echo the library’s original mission to gather and safeguard the world’s knowledge.

In conclusion, while the precise details of the Library of Alexandria’s destruction remain unclear, its impact on human history is undeniable. The dream it represented continues to inspire generations, reminding us that knowledge is a treasure worth protecting at all costs.

What Is Spinoza’s God Concept?

Baruch Spinoza, a 17th-century Dutch philosopher, proposed a radical redefinition of God that diverged sharply from traditional religious views. In his seminal work, Ethics, Spinoza equated God with Nature, encapsulated in the Latin phrase Deus sive Natura (“God or Nature”) .

Spinoza’s Concept of God

Spinoza posited that God is not a distinct, anthropomorphic entity who governs the universe, but rather the singular, infinite substance that constitutes all of existence. Everything that exists is a part of this substance, and nothing can exist outside of it. This perspective aligns with pantheism—the belief that God and the universe are identical. However, Spinoza’s view is more nuanced. He argued that God possesses infinite attributes, but humans can comprehend only two: thought and extension (i.e., mind and matter).

Implications of Spinoza’s View

In Spinoza’s framework, God does not act with purpose or intention. There is no divine plan or moral judgment. Instead, everything unfolds according to the necessity of God’s nature, which is synonymous with the deterministic laws of the universe. This deterministic view eliminates the traditional notion of free will. Human actions and desires are seen as part of the natural order, arising from the same necessity that governs all things .

Reception and Influence

Spinoza’s ideas were controversial in his time, leading to his excommunication from the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Many contemporaries labeled him an atheist, though he maintained a belief in God—albeit a non-traditional one. His philosophy later influenced thinkers like Albert Einstein, who expressed belief in “Spinoza’s God,” appreciating the idea of a deity revealed through the harmony of natural laws rather than one concerned with human affairs.

In summary, Spinoza’s God is not a personal, interventionist deity but the totality of existence itself—a singular, infinite substance encompassing all that is. This conception challenges traditional theistic views and offers a naturalistic understanding of divinity.

The Final Countdown – Europe

The Final Countdown is the third studio album by the Swedish rock band Europe. Released on 26 May 1986 through Epic Records, the album was a commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and reaching high positions in charts worldwide. The Final Countdown is the first album to feature keyboardist Mic Michaeli and drummer Ian Haugland and the last to feature founding guitarist John Norum until 2004’s Start from the Dark. John Leven & Joey Tempest handled bass and vocals as usual.

We start of with their biggest hit & probably best ever song, The Final Countdown is a song by the Swedish rock band Europe, released in 1986. Written by their lead singer Joey Tempest, it was based on a keyboard riff he made in the early 1980s, with lyrics inspired by David Bowie’s “Space Oddity“. Originally intended only to be a concert opener, it is the first single and title track from the band’s studio album of the same name. The music video by Nick Morris, made to promote the single and featuring the band’s live performances in both Solna & Stockholm, has received over 1.2 billion views on YouTube. It was based on keyboard riff that Tempest came up with and Leven asked him to write a song based around the riff. The song was #1 in France, Austria, Italy, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden and the UK. And top 10 in the US & Canada.

Next on the list is their second big hit on the album – Rock The Night. Initially written in 1984, the version we know became second international single from the album. The 1986 release became a Top 10 hit in France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Belgium, Ireland and Switzerland, and peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart and #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in early 1987. The music video sees the band walking into a Hard Rock Cafe and they start singing as a live video of the same song plays on tv. Next up we have Carrie, the ballad on the album and a Top 30 hit in several territories worldwide, #9 in Canada & #3 in the US. It’s a song about breakup but still being in love.

Danger On The Track is a song about being alone and in danger of being attacked by strangers and not knowing what to do. Ninja is a song that admires the ancient warriors and their exploits during war and fights and dreaming of being one of the brave ones. Cherokee is the next single released in 1987. It was the fourth single released internationally from the album and reached number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The video for Cherokee was filmed in September 1987, in Almería, Spain. It was filmed a half mile from where Sergio Leone shot the famous Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western A Fistful of Dollars. Lyrically the song is about the plight of the Cherokee tribes and how they had to survive following the forceful removal & displacement by the US government in between 1830 and 1850.

Another ballad is the beautiful Time Has Come about the dreams and longings of the lonely adventurer  who is coming back home from his adventures & exploits. Heart Of Stone is a song about still longing for the one you love, despite the fights and arguments. On The Loose was initially written and featured in a Swedish film of the same name. Lyrically it is about the exploits of a young man living out on his own and playing by his own rules. Love Chaser released in 1986 as a single only in Japan and featured in the soundtrack album of the Japanese movie Pride One.  It’s basically about someone who is longing for the object of their affection and is determined to do anything to get them.

In support of the album’s release, Europe went on their first leg of the Swedish tour and then Japan for 6 dates. During that tour, guitarist and band co-founder John Norum told the other band members that he wanted to leave the band, due to musical differences with the rest of the band and their manager. He continued with the band through the second leg of the Sweden tour, as well as a promotion tour around Europe including TV appearances and interviews. He made his last appearance with the band for a Sky Channel broadcast at the club Escape in Amsterdam, Netherlands on 31 October 1986. Norum was then replaced by Kee Marcello, appeared in the music videos for “Rock the Night“, “Cherokee” and “Carrie,” before making his first TV appearance with the band at Peters Popshow in Dortmund, West Germany on 12 December 1986.

In January they toured Europe before playing a 23 night run across the US and then later Canada and back to Europe again to end their world tour. I saw & heard The Final Countdown video back in 1986 when I was 10. This was the first rock song/band I knew and I became an instant fan. I played the album to my cousins and every cousin bought this album later the next year.

A Busy & Slightly Tiring Weekend But I Got To Have Lunch With A Buddy

It’s been a busy weekend. Not that relaxing but I do like parts of it. Saturday I had an appointment to see a dermatologist to follow up from last month. So after the maid came in and cooked a simple meal for me and then left, I changed and booked a cab to get to the clinic. I waited in the hot waiting room and waited to get a seat and had to stand for a while. I fielded a couple of phone calls and then finally I was called. I met the docs (the junior one was first) and they said that due to the infection it would be best to get admitted so they could give me anti-biotics for 3 days.

As I was alone and my only possible bystander, my sister, was away in Bangalore I couldn’t get admitted so instead the doctor increased the dosage and gave me some meds. I had to walk to their main building and take the antibiotics shot in their casualty. I also got a bit dehydrated and hence they gave me a dip along with me drinking water from my own bottle. By 5pm I came back home and had a late lunch and then napped for a while. By 7:30 pm I was feeling much better so I drank some more water and an apple and then decided to only have biscuits for dinner and then went to bed early. I had a nice long sleep and felt much better in the morning.

Sunday morning I relaxed and watched some tv shows. By 12:15 pm I was ready and went to the hospital for Day 2 of the anti-biotics shot. After a while there, I came home and my buddy Anil was on his way over. He was at his grandparents place just a couple of bus stops over and I asked him to join me at my home for lunch. We ordered chicken noodles and chilli chicken from his favourite place, Chiyang. We ate and drank some Sprite and chatted for a while. By 4 pm he left and I went to lie down and watch some more tv. I did that till 6 pm and then listened to some music. I made chicken sandwiches for dinner with the left over chicken just as the Arsenal vs Newcastle United game was starting.

By 11 pm I was watching more sitcoms and fell asleep by 12:30 pm. It was a busy and slightly tiring weekend!

Arsenal 1 Newcastle United 0

Another superb Declan Rice strike earned Arsenal victory over Newcastle to secure the Gunners a place in next season’s Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side were flat and uninspiring before Rice’s exquisite curling finish from outside the box ensured second-placed Arsenal ended their home campaign on a winning note. The Gunners had David Raya to thank in the first half as Newcastle – who remain in a good position for a Champions League spot – threatened despite missing leading scorer Alexander Isak. The scorer of 23 Premier League goals was absent with a groin injury. However, Raya was required to make smart saves to deny Bruno Guimaraes, Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Sven Botman inside the opening 20 minutes as third-placed Newcastle made a fast start.

But Rice’s 55th-minute goal – a first-time shot from 20 yards following Martin Odegaard’s pass – changed the atmosphere inside Emirates Stadium. The win moves Arsenal on to 71 points. Of the teams below them only sixth-placed Manchester City, who are on 65 points with two games remaining, can match Arsenal’s tally. But the Gunners’ goal difference is substantially better. Newcastle go into their final game at home to Everton knowing victory will seal them a top-five finish – barring a near-impossible swing in goal difference. There was relief from Arsenal when Simon Hooper blew the final whistle. The last few weeks have been a struggle but Arteta can finally start planning for another Champions League campaign after a first home win since 1 April.

His side will be sure of runners-up spot, behind champions Liverpool, if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday – but even if they do, second place will be theirs if they avoid defeat in their final match at already-relegated Southampton next Sunday. Arsenal’s players stayed out on the pitch after full-time to show their appreciation to fans