Archives: October 2003

Almost forgot; Chicago are in NZ at the same time as AMERICA. Playing two shows, 31st Jan, and 6th Feb. The photo advertising the concerts has 8 people in it; are these some of the originals? Dont know much about this band, but do love their songs. Ive read here about combined shows with America. Is Robert Lamm still with them, and if so I wonder whether he and Gerry meet up for a drink/jam, considering they are a long way from home?

Im not sure what the promotion of the AMERICA tour in Aussie has been, but I can tell you the daily newspapers in NZ have been advertising it, and last weekend the two major weekend papers both had big colour adds, AMERICA, On The Road. So good to see the promoters are getting in early and pushing the show; the guys dont play here til Feb. 3rd. Tickets went on sale this past Thursday; they have jumped in price from $90 NZ two years ago, to $130 this time. Doesnt matter though, as we are in the front row again. Is that ticket price similar to what the American prices are? Back in '84, front row seats were $20, US$10!

This is way off topic but I'm sure a majority of everyone celebrates Halloween....Moser/Serge you beat me to it! Hope you have a safe, fun one! I better get going before all the candy is emptied from the shelves.

Robyn and everyone else in Southern California glad to hear it's raining! Yes, please let us know how you're doing?

Have a great weekend all...

Vic,

Wow, a white Christmas in the desert! How surreal and all the more magical an experience, maybe, it will happen again soon, since it's been 18 years. New Orleans has not had a white Christmas since before I came to live here in 1964, it actually snowed a lot for Christmas 1963 (my wife tells me). We've had snow thereafter but before or after, it usually happens in mid January. Anyhow, it's a rare event here and it comes every decade or so. The last big one was in 1989 a few days before Christmas, but it had all melted by Christmas Eve. As in Dan Fogelberg's song "The snow turned into rain"...:0(

That's nice and special that your wife decorates up until Christmas Day. It's sounds very traditional. We've taken the pragmatic route and have everything done by early December. The varying sizes are: (2) 7.5', (4) 6', (3) 6.5', (3) 3', (1) 2'. We have them scattered all through the downstairs of the house. The den has 6, the living room 3, the foyer 1, the dining room 2, and breakfast room 1. It's a lot of work but it is rewarding once it's all done. Vic, it's great that you found Botero interesting, his paintings are whimsical and serious at the same time.

Robyn, glad to hear that rain has arrived to southern California. I've been watching the situation closely. My best wishes go out to all the victims. I too have relatives and friends in the area and have been genuinely concerned.

"Un afectuoso saludo" to the former America member that gave us "Today's the Day", one of my all time favorite America songs. Well, tomorrow is Dan's day, so have a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dan!

Happy Halloween everybody!

Sir Joe

Just wanted to off topically wish everyone a Happy Halloween. Hope you have fun trick or treating. Warmest Halloween I can remember which is way cool...better than last year's snow flurries.

Saw the Northern Lights for the first time in my life last night. Very neat...all kinds of crazy colors in the night sky from directly overhead down to the horizon.

Been thinking about you guys in California and hoping that you are okay--especially Mary and Windwave. If you're out there, how about a shout?

Happy Friday, Everyone.

It is beginning to rain in the area. What a relief.

I was just wondering how Mary H. was doing. She has mentioned before in her posts here that she lives in the San Bernardino mountains. I hope and PRAY that she and her family are okay.

It is finally raining here on the Central Coast of Calif. I hope it is raining down in Southern Calif., to help those firefighters!

Sir Joe, Wow! 13 trees, of varying sizes. How small is the smallest? How big is the biggest, and what are the sizes, in between? When I told my wife, about the 13 trees, she immediately started asking questions. She wants details. Linda starts decorating right after Thanksgiving. She adds a little every day, right up to the day before Christmas. Christmas in Arizona is probably similar to Christmas in California, minus the "surf", of course. We actually had a White Christmas in 1985. My favorite "Holiday Harmony" tune would be, "Winter Holidays", with "The First Noel", as a close second. You mentioned the artist, Botero. I looked him up, through Google search engine, on the web. Very interesting. ; ). I've seen some of his prints, displayed in a Table Talk store, here in town. "Chubby" people, indeed.

Since I will probably be off line tomorrow, I would like to take a monent to wish Dan a very Happy Birthday.

Robyn, don't know if you're taking a poll...but I'm kind of partial to Christmas in California too although it's a little hard to reconcile with a New England upbringing. Tough choice...they're all great but Sleigh Ride is right up there at the top of the list too. Although Winter Holidays got a lot of airplay in my area and also heard it quite often at Macy's, immediately recognized Dewey's voice! I've listened to it a few times although it's kind of funny listening to it before Halloween but I still won't think about doing any shopping till a week before Christmas! What do you have to do to promote HH? Is it like Jimnak mentioned...steady stream of requests/emails to radio stations?

Hey Goanna, you must've spent all your $$$ on tickets? Maybe even your Christmas bonus?

Once again, my thoughts & prayers go out to everyone in the LA area(the Band and all the other folks in LA) Steve, so sorry to hear about your relatives. Hope everyone is safe? Also hoping the worst is over and praying for rain.

Take care all!

Dan C. ~ I couldn't agree more. Take care my brother!

It's such a pity that it takes the holiday spirit for some people to grow up and be nice to one another. DanC.

Beth & Steve - thanks a lot for the tip on "Hark!" I'll also be looking for that in the stores!! Beth - funny about your reaction while hearing it in the store - I'd be the same way!

Yes - I'm changing my vote; "A Christmas To Remember" is a great choice (or, of course, whatever Dewey & Gerry might suggest)!

Beth, I think it was on the Chat Folder rather than the web site which means it was only there temporarily. The Chat Folder entries get purged systematically and I try to move most of the text to the Archives before that happens. However, I don't move any of the pictures or soundclips there. Sorry about that.

Ok, I looked, couldn't find....the interview with Dewey we were talking about at last night's live chat.....you know, the one where he says he owns a home in Land o'Lakes, WISCONSIN!!!

Steve, can you help me out?

Peace

Jason, the concerts have NOT been confirmed yet so you may want to hold off. My personal opinion is that they will probably happen but until Erin confirms it, it's not a sure thing. You may want to hold off a little longer booking the flights and hotels. As soon as Erin has them confirmed, she'll let me know and I'll post it here. Unfortunately, these things take time.

Hi all,

Any news re this future gig. I've actually booked myself some tickets (row 6 from the front i'm told). However, i need to book flights, and hotels and the sooner i do it the better.

If the concert doesn't happen I know I'll get my money back for the tickets. However, I wouldn't be able to get a refund on flights, hotels etc.

Cheers

Jas

Hi Everyone :) Gotta be short and sweet here! Let's see if I am capable of being that! LOL!!! :)

Regarding Holiday Harmony ~~ Neat Idea Sheldon, it would be nice to hear from Gerry & Dewey as to what song they would want to hear played on the radio... I have mentioned Holiday Harmony in my emails to my fave radio station dj... and I have mentioned that I would love to hear all 3 of the new ones played, am I GREEDY or what? I hope you will be treated to all 3 of them at the show you will be heading to on Dec 13th. :)

Hi Beth ~~~ Sorry about kinda disappearing from live chat last night, a cousin of ours that is just a year older than me, is in the hospital and we got a call from her hubby, when I got back to the puter, I was Booted, I signed back on & no one was there. ~~ It was nice talking to you, Jenna, KarenL, Robyn, AM Girl, Studs :) & Kevin it was neat to see you pop in for a little bit, I hope you will send your pics into Steve for us to see. :)

Regarding Hark the Herald Angels, I have heard it played on my fave station a couple of times over the years. They do a great job on it, thanks Beth for the info on this album that has it on, I will have to look for it.

Hey there DanC ~~~ I have listened to my Holiday Harmony about 8 times already... I love Christmas to Remember ~~ it gives me one nice Visual for sure, but I am torn, I also Love Christmas in Calif, cause I think it would be neat to head out on a big plane and spend the Holiday season there in SUNNY Calif... and then there is Winter Holidays ~~ How can I say what this song does to me, I think it Warms me instantly, it manages to capture the magical essence of what I love about the theme my living room takes on, and How I love to turn off the lights late at night, with just the lights of my tree on, and get lost in this for sure! :)

Hi Stephen ~~ Just wanted to say thanks again for sharing your pics and hidden past treasures with us. It will be neat to know more about this lost song of Gerry's...

Hey there Mo ~~ Too much about the SansSpecs, I too found this particular pic of Gerry studying this cd sheet without his specs on, sooo Nice! :)

Hey there Reddddd ~~ The sun finally is shining here today, and the temps are heading up into the 60's. The dj played Don Henley's Boys of Summer, and said it was great having to reach into the glove compartment and pull out the shades this morning... I am still hoping to hear The Eagles will be coming closer my way for a show... :) ;)

Hi Anita ~~ Pretty neat you getting showered with emails containing pics of Gerry without his specs ~~ WOW!

Hey Mary ~~ Windwave(Mark) & my long lost busy busy friend Klaus ~~ My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, I sure hope you will be kept out of Harms way from these terrible fires. :)

Cheers Jimmmmmmbob ~ Goanna & holiday ~~~ I would love to head over your way on a big plane and get to take in all the nice sights and sounds this coming Feb 2004. :) Enjoy !!!!! :)

Hey there JoeB ~~ Nice to see your post, why soo short tho, I would love to hear your perspective on the Aurora show, soo come back and tell us all about it. Hmmm ~~ My wondering mind is wondering how your All about the 70's CD show is coming along, It would be great to get to hear you on the weekend on my fave station... I gotta mention it to Brian the dj, :)

Last but not least ~~~ I JUST LOVE MY HOMECOMING Audio DVD ~~ Yes Yes Yes ~~~ I love how all the songs come to life and surrounds me in my living room. :)

Have a great day everyone ~~ I tried, but I guess I managed to write a Forever Post again ~~ Oh well that is just me ~~ You all by now should know how much I love AMERICA and letting my thoughts flow from my fingertips! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~~ Allll around Listen and you can hear the sound, Alllll around ~~ Sing it for me Gerry :) :) :)

For all of you Gerry fans out there, there is a pic of Gerry in the Highway Box Set booklet that has him holding a guitar, without his glasses.
Thank you Steve and Beth, I will look for that Christmas CD in the stores.

If you go to the Miscellaneous Album Photos web page on the America Fans web site and scroll down near the bottom, you'll see a picture of the Christmas albume that Beth described. There are several other Christmas compilation albums that also include "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by America. You will typically find them in the Christmas audio section of stores such as KMart, Wal-Mart, etc.

2002 - America in Sydney
2003 - Jackson Browne in Perth (OZ West Coast)
2004 - America in Perth

wow - we are very pleased and very blessed to host the very best

Hello to all the old hands (and heads) still posting on this site.

Chris

Sheldon's idea to ask G&D is an excellent one!

Moser,

You are correct about Gerry in that picture

When my brother showed him the cd info, Gerry was looking at it over the top of his glasses for a minute or so. He then told Dewey to put his glasses on and come over and see this long lost material that he was amazed we had.

I had never realized that all of the times we have talked to Gerry over all of the years that we had never seen him without his specs

Good observation !!!!


Stephen

Rich S & Karen, I have a copy of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, which the guys did record and which is on a Christmas collection. The first time I heard it was while I was shopping at Wal-Mart, it played over the PA system! I'm sure I made quite a funny site, talking to the speakers in the ceiling..."This is America! Can anyone else hear this?! It's America doing this song!"

The CD is titled "Christmas Classics" copywrite 1995, portion of the proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network and City of Hope/Pediatrics.

Also on this CD:
Came Upon Midnite Clear / Johnny Mathis
Grown Up Christmas List / Natalie Cole
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Belinda Carlisle
Ave Maria / Barry Manilow
Christmas Carols / Bing Crosby
Away in a Manger /Tanya Tucker
What Child Is This / Moody Blues
Silent Night / Boys II Men
Oh Come All Ye Faithful / Air Supply
Winter Wonderland / Dionne Warwick
O Holy Night / Reba McEntire
Christmas Needs Love / Andy Williams
Chritmas Cometh Caroling / Kenny Loggins
The First Noel / Kenny Rogers
HAve Yourself a Merry Little / Judy Garland
Auld Lang Syne / Ann Wilson
Wonderful Christmastime / Paul McCartney

My copy of this CD has a green cover, titles printed in white, with a generic picture of the perfect happy family by the Christmas tree. Two Copywrite credits: 1995 Kid's Music, and 1995 Handleman Music.

I would guess you could try to pick it up outof the Christmas bins at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc....

Happy Holidays!

Peace

I'm heading off to work and am going to listen to Holiday Harmony so I can remember what all the songs sound like. When I got this CD last year, we were in the midst of moving to a different house and I was usually distracted when I was listening to it (doing other things). Maybe I'll change my "vote". (Any excuse to justify getting to listen to it this soon :) I know it's all good!! Karen

I was just wondering if Gerry & Dewey have a song from HH that they would like us to request to the radio stations? Maybe Steve L. can find out for us - or if G&D read this, maybe they can let Steve know.. My personal choice - "Christmas To Remember"..

Sheldon

Hey there, Rich S - thanks for mentioning that story! Must have been really neat to watch. I'm glad you like hearing them sing that song, too. Let's hope they're listening and will keep it in mind for us if they ever decide to record another album of holiday music! Karen L

Hi all!

Johnny,You are right about "Holiday Harmony" being a good platform for a new beginning. Christmas seems to bring out the best in all of us.

Our house does look very nice after all the decorations are out, but the process of putting them out can be tiring and messy, our kids 19 and 22 look at our toil and stare in amazement. Actually Angie (19) helps a little, Michael hasn't found it cool enough yet...

LOL..Only you would have made the connection of 13 trees to the number of songs on Holiday Harmony. LOL,I enjoyed it.:0)

I'm going to contact a couple of my favorite radio stations here in New Orleans. WTIX, Kool95 and Magic101.9 and see if they play selections from Holiday Harmony. If any of you have suggestions on how to approach them, I would greatly appreciate it. I may do so via a letter as I did once for Carole King and it was successful.

Sergio

Hi Erin,

Please can the guys bring some "On Tour" tee shirts and memorabilia....

I promise I will empty my wallet...!!!



Goanna

Hi Steve / Gang,

I called my son up on the phone the other day and made sure he was going to get tickets to see "America" in Hobart, Tasmania,,,, Now, for those of you on the other side of the globe who don't know where Tasmania is... get your old school atlas out and have a look at the map of Australia. There you will find at the bottom of OZ a detached island, called "Tassie" (pronounced TAZZY in OZ language)....

It can be the coldest place on earth sometimes, and is one of the closest points of call to the Antartica from Australia...

anyway, I think the cold has finally gone to my son's head, he now tells me that Metallica are coming to "Tassie" around the same time, what to do, what to do.... he was breed on "America" from the time he was born.... so,,, I've bought him a ticket as well for xmas,,,, so now his indoctrination can continue......."No Family member is Safe" come to think of it...I'm running outta $... now that's gotta be worth some kudos Steve...don't you think...

One evening in the early '80s as I was turning off the TV during a Christmas special, who came on but none other than Dewey and Gerry sitting there with their guitars singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Nevertheless I stayed to watch the rest of their performance and I have always remembered that. Years later on this site I heard the clip of that song again. I too hope that they record that one!

Just got off the live chat ~ what happened to you Nancy!! Thanks all for a wonderful debate and letting me vent!

Can someone point me in the direction of Steve Orchard's interview with Dewey? Is it still linked here on the chat folder? I suppose I should've gone to look for it before I asked, sorry.

Just so we're clear, my pick for holiday song is A Christmas To Remember.

Peace

Discussing "Holiday Harmony" is a great way to start a new beginning here on the folder! All the songs from "Holiday Harmony" are wonderful so I'm for whichever song the rest of you guys select as the song to promote. Each song is absolutely worthy!

Wow, Sir Joe, it must be great visiting your home during the holiday season with all the decorations you have described. Thirteen Christmas trees...that's one for each Christmas song on "Holiday Harmony".

I second that emotion.
The public acceptance of new HOLIDAY songs is generally a slow process, the field is of course very crowded. Each year a steady stream of requests to the radio stations will slowly, but steadily build the steam necessary to support HOLIDAY HARMONY as an all time Holiday Classic. After all HOLIDAY HARMONY is superb & superior & deserves to be at the top of the heap. Hey it took almost 40 years for the movie It's a Wonderful Life to become a Classic. Some of the best & long lasting things grow slowly & steadily rather than in a burst that quickly ends in a heap. HOLIDAY HARMONY !

I hear you Dan about not playing it until Thanksgiving Day weekend but
we must be prepared for promoting the song we like best. Perhaps we can get a 8 1/2 by 11 paper with the album cover and say last year it was Winter Wonderland this year A Christmas to Remember or whatever of the three we pick and email and US Mail it to the list of radio stations we bombarded last year. We'll need to do this soon - I'll do whatever ever is needed ...... I know that a few of the radio stations in CT especially 107.9 WEBE was especially intrigued by the album and said they thought America sounded as good as ever - they are truly a very visible TOP 40/AC station.

No surprise here, my vote is for the same tune that grabbed me last year, which I thought should have been the one promoted then, A Christmas To Remember..by the way, as hard as it's going to be, I'm holding out playing Holiday Harmony till the day after Thanksgiving... Hey Nancy....DanC.

Thought I'd check to see if I've missed the point - are we just trying to promote the Holiday Harmony songs written by Dewey & Gerry (all excellent, of course)-or, are any songs on their album ok to choose? I just threw out the one that has stuck in my mind from last year (Sleigh Ride). It's just that it's also nice hearing THEM sing traditional songs, written by others - gives one a fresh outlook on older songs, and it's still promoting their album!

Side note - I just listened to the sound clip of "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" from the Heard album (via the America CDs link on the America Fans page), and that sure is nice. Maybe they can put out another Holiday album sometime, with more (different) holiday songs. I wouldn't get tired of it! (Dewey, Gerry . . . are you listening? :)

That's very cool about the "lost song" and the photos of G&D from the West Collingswood concert showing them checking out the CD. It will be interesting to hear the song title (or maybe it was already mentioned and I missed it).

Also,enjoyed reading John L's concert review and John B's Part 3 interview with Dan P.

Hey You People,

Relax.

Peace,
Joe B

I couldn't wait any longer - just put the CD in now so I could make sure I'm naming the song I'm thinking of correctly.

And . . . leave it to me to be different from you all, AGAIN (my history of liking the Encore album cover and the song "Call of the Wild")! ((I think that's ok?)) I love all the songs, but the one that sticks in my mind is Sleigh Ride. I especially love it when Gerry sings, "our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we". I think it is all because it matches the pace of the cheerful hustle and bustle of everyone getting ready for the holidays. Any song we choose would be fine with me, though!

Mo, you are certainly are an eagle-eye! That does indeed appear to be Gerry sans glasses in that pic! By the way, several fans have been kind enough to forward pix of Gerry sans glasses, and I'd be happy to forward them to anyone who writes to me.

Mr. Baratta,
Thank you for sharing your photos. That must have been a great experience. I am curious about something. In the fourth picture, is it my imagination or is it really a sideview of Gerry without his glasses? Do you recall if he took off his glasses, perhaps to read whatever it is that he's showing to Dewey? I ask because it would be a very timely shot since Anita had brought up the subject on the Ventura Highway board of how rare it is to see a pic of Gerry without his glasses. Do you recall?

Kevin,

Check out the pictures of the West Collingswood, NJ concert posted on the main page of the America Fans website

That will explain it

What's the deal with this? Is it a one-song CD? Are there other songs on the CD?

Kevin.

Winter Wonderland was the song that got most of the airplay last year. It made the Radio and Records Adult Contemporary charts the week of Christmas hitting number 26 if I recall correctly.

I love all the songs on the CD. Hopefully one or two will get picked up by the radio stations this Christmas season and make the charts again!

Thank U so much ! Can't wait. This material makes me REAL curious indeed ! ;-)
Gen.

I should have the info soon on the cd with Gerry's song from when he was 15 yrs old.

I will forward it to Steve as soon as I get it

Also, I listened to the whole Christmas CD at work this morning...helps me forget the fact that it's still almost 80 here in Reno.

Erin :o)

Hope everyone is well and that the dust is truly settling. :) I would imagine that Dewey and Gerry weren't "crushed" by recent events on the chat folder, but it would be interesting to hear their reactions.

Nancy! I'm sorry you didn't get to listen to your favorite band during your MRI! That machine is loud, though, isn't it? Let me know what happens, been thinking about you.

Steve, was sorry to read about your relatives. I'm glad they made it out and hope everything is as well as can be expected for them. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and yours. I have in-laws in Rancho Cucamonga, and we've been on pins and needles too. Fortunately they haven't had to leave their place yet. Looks like the wind is supposed to be shifting soon, though, so things could get even more hairy. My sister-in-law tells me the destruction is heartbreaking to see... I can only imagine.

Sure going to miss those Views, Gerry! Thanks for the little extra shot of beauty and humor in my days.

Holiday Harmony song... "Christmas to Remember," I think. Tough call.

Sergio! 13 trees! Love it! I would have that many, too, if I thought I could fit them all into the house and keep the Wild Bunch out of them. If it doesn't move, decorate it, that's my motto! My one tree (No theme, but plenty of kid-made decorations), knickknacks, mistletoe and many many lights go up the day after Thanksgiving and come down the first weekend in January.

Ooh! It's Wednesday! Hope it doesn't get so busy that I don't have time to sign on tonight - I sure enjoyed chatting last week. Have a good one!

TommieGirl

I like Christmas To Remember because it really reminds me of Christmas when I was little..going to my grandparents house, and doing all the fun stuff with them. That song helped me get through last Christmas, the first without my grandmother.

Erin :o)

Kim,

No need to apologize, a lot of people call me Serge, its the French version of my name...Yes, we have themed trees, our most original one is our "Noel Gras" tree, all the ornaments on it are of chubby people (I don't know if you are familiar with the famous Colombian painter "Botero"? but the ornaments look like the people that inhabit his paintings) plus ornaments of desserts, drinks and other rich foods. It's whimsically over the top. A great source of fun and a conversation piece during the holidays.

In Holiday Harmony,

Serge

Oops, sorry Sergio I mis-typed your name. My best friends husband's name is Sergio and she calls him Serge and I wasn't paying attention.
Kim

Well, I'll confess - I listened to my HH cd for the first time a week or so ago. It was cloudy, rainy and had cooled off some down here so I was in the Christmas mood (that and the fact I have already started my shopping so I needed a little inspiration). It is now in my car and the kids and I are already listening to it as we drive around.

As for my vote I have a hard time choosing between A Christmas to Remember and Winter Holidays. I agree with you Serge, that "Remember" is how I remember my Christmas, but I love the harmonies on Winter Holidays so I guess that will be my vote.

Serge - THIRTEEN trees... I'm impressed!!!! It's all I can do to get my one up. (Which goes up the day after Thanksgiving) Do you all have theme trees? I bet your house is absolutely gorgeous for the holidays.

Kim

"Holiday Harmony" will begin official "airplay" at our house this weekend on Nov. 1st. Goodbye Halloween decorations and in with Christmas (Thanksgiving is celebrated but not decorated, I think my wife does have a few tiny Hallmark pilgrims and turkeys somewhere on display)...Call it crazy, but at our household, Christmas is very special and comes but once a year and for an extended stay through January. My wife collects Christmas ornaments and in order to display her vast 30 year collection we have to put up 13 Christmas trees (of varying sizes) and two fully decorated wreaths. Each with a theme. Since we both work, we have to start extra early so that we can have all the trees up by early December. Now, back to the subject at hand :0), I like all the songs on "Holiday Harmony", but my most favorite of all by our musical heroes is "Christmas in California" (my vote), although "Christmas to Remember" lyrically describes our household the best. I can't wait to slip it into my retro mini "Wurlitzer" jukebox, turn on the neon and the bubbles and let the music fill the air...Aaaaah, off into winter wonderland I go....Bless the birth of our Lord!
ö¿ö
~
Sir Joe

Well, once again the guys are gonna make me break my rule of not listening to Christmas music till after THANKSGIVING! I like Christmas in California ( gee I wonder why!) but there was one other song I liked as well. So we have one vote for Christmas to Remember ( thanks Beth)

Does anyone know how to get a copy of this tape? I see it offered as a laserdisc everywhere, but I have only been able to find it in the European PAL format. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi guys! I have been lurking.....I hope our turmoil really is cooling off.....sorry for all hurt feelings.....Do I have to share with you my story of breaking up a fight on our Main Street last month?? (smile)

Anyhoo......I'm at a loss for the official title of the song I would promote of the Harmony CD.....it's the one where Dewey sings, "Please Remember....." in the chorus.

It makes me cry. A beautiful Christmas song invoking wonderful childhood memories......Christmas is Love......

Peace

You've got my promise.

Now what song from Holiday Harmony are we going to promote?

Its my belief Gerry and Dewey are not THAT concerned with whats written on this folder. These guys travel the world playing their songs; a lifestyle most can only dream about. Remember when there was the 'From A Moving Train'? What happened to that? Please can we hear from Dewey? And Gerry? Your words...?

Robyn,

Sure, of course, I am for being nicer to each other. I'd like to see that commitment from you and all others across the "board" as well...Let's give it a try.

Sergio

Rich,I'm a big fan of the DVD-Audio format,and I'm also anticipating
I'll enjoy the Super Audio CD format too. I have a new player coming in the next week that plays both formats,so I anticipate having some fun! "Homecoming" was the first DVD-Audio title I bought,and it just blows away its regular CD counterpart! Not only that,it played and sounded just fine in a regular DVD player! I'm a big proponent of 5.1 Surround sound,and while I wouldn't call myself a big "Audio-phile",I'm just a normal person who enjoys good quality music. I would encourage anybody who is interested in Home theater to indulge in the DVD-Audio format. You will not be disappointed!

Jars of Clay is performing this coming Friday here in my home town. I'm taking an America CD to work tomorrow to let a co-worker hear the original version of "Lonely People". The co-worker doesn't know anything about America. She's planning to attend the concert and will report back to me whether or not it's performed.

<<I can't help but wonder what "our guys" are making of all this?>>

It probably reminds them somewhat of the days when they were together as a trio. You know, "Dan + Ger = DANGER"?

Jerry Springer must be loving this.

Hey John,

Sounds like it was another great night in Vancouver! What a great town, it's great they did a long set too. Hope it's not years before you see them again? Hope you can make an effort to get to Washington or other surrounding areas next time they head your way. Yeah, Don't cross the River is an excellent tune! Whether it was sung by Dan or Gerry.

Gerry, sure going to miss your Hotel window photo's...we're going to get withdrawals. Hope y'all enjoy some time off!

Stephen, great photo's, that was cool that you got a private performance of Riverside! What a great experience, what I wouldn't give to hear that.
Nancy, hope you get good results back from the MRI...don't know how you manage to type so much? Cathy - great to hear from you! So sorry for everyone in the LA area, as someone else said you're in our thoughts & prayers...never thought I'd wish the rainy season would kick in so soon. Maybe we could do a big rain dance.
Jars of Clay is going to be at a local club soon, was thinking of getting tickets. I'm not normally a fan of christian music but I'd like to hear their version of Lonely people.

Take care all!

Hi Rich S - you are not going to believe this, but as you were posting this I was researching what other America DVDs are available (I have two) and was focusing on this one to buy next! I've noticed this title before but haven't had the time to really look into what it is and how to get it, until I just made the time tonight. Thanks for your thoughts on it. I might just order it tonight! Homecoming is the only early America album I don't have, and this DVD looks like it has some really nice pictures. Thanks again! Karen

Steve,
I'm really sorry to hear about your sisters In-Laws, I can't imagine how devistating that must be.........but thank God they got out safe.

We'll include them in our prayers.

<<Somewhere along the line this folder seems to have misplaced it's sense of humor. Excuse me but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE?>>

That's an excellent question, Robyn. I have the answer. The sense of humor was lost when I had an America trivia contest here a little over two years ago and someone didn't see the humor in it. Someone got pissed-deluxe at me and it went downhill from there.

I don't know how many of you out there have listened to the Homecoming Audio DVD but it is excellent. Homecoming has always been one of my favorite America albums and to hear the quality of sound the DVD offers is more than I expected. I have a pretty good surround sound system at home for movies and I noticed that songs on movie soundtracks somehow always sound better than the CD so I tried the DVD audio. You can hear every instrument and vocal clearly and seperately. Any fan of America will enjoy this greatly.

Hi Nancy,
Be sure to let us know the results. They gotta be good... I do hope they are!
Thinking of you...
Gen.

Yes, Cathy, the Gerry doll IS Ben from the Puzzle Place! It originally belonged to nephew...but niece claimed it as "Gerry". They are in constant battle over who "owns" it now.

Regarding all the "hub bub" on the folder lately...reminds me of the first time I met Dewey and Gerry...we had a conversation about how they feel when a fan has a negative opinion on perhaps a song or album ,and then voices it on the chat folder. Dewey made a little joke and said with exaggerated sadness how crushed he feels when that happens. Gerry immediately chimed in with the observation that they (America) had the best fans and chat folder around, especially compared to other bands. I believe he then went on to tell about troubles on the Beach Boys folder, and negatives that appear on that site. I can't help but wonder what "our guys" are making of all this?

More than sorry for your relatives...Are all these LA very unfortunate people getting enough support & help ???
Gen.

I'm really sorry, Steve. I didn't know.

Sergio, I will if you will. Let's try to be nicer to each other.
Steve sorry for your relatives loss! I am glad to hear they got out in time. It is really bad here there is smoke and ash everywhere. Kinda puts this stuff in perspective if you know what I mean.

Danae, many people have lost their homes because of some large fires that are raging out of control in California. My sister's father-in-law, brother-in-law, and 2 nephews all lost their homes that sat on a 5 acre plot. They barely made it out of their houses with the clothes on their backs and a few photographs.

Errrr... What happenned in L.A.?

I heard Lonely People in the car on the way to work this morning...all you L.A. people are in my thoughts and prayers!! Everyone be safe!!

Erin :o)

Robyn,
If kinder, more humorous days on this chat folder is what you desire, then START by "practicing what you preach"...Where has YOUR kindness been of late? Observe the "Golden Rule" and like a boomerang, kindness is bound to come right back to you...simple and true~
just another "PET THEORY" from

Sir Joe

KevinS wrote :<<Oh, and does anyone know what they are up to lately?>>
Hopefully they are entering the studio right now to record their brand new record !!! If so, they might be heading for a Spring 2004 release... Oh! don't wake me up, please !... hehehe
Gen

Somewhere along the line this folder seems to have misplaced it's sense of humor. The thing that was unique about it was the kind way people treated each other. Excuse me but WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED HERE?

Kevin, If I "attack" someone, as you put it, here on the chat folder, or they "attack" me, at least we have the opportunity to respond, and defend ourselves. That's an option that Pedro Martinez, Grady Little, Bill Buckner, and the entire Red Sox organization, didn't have with your scathing assessment of their recent, and not so recent, misfortunes and bad judgment. And, you weren't exactly concerned, with the feelings of any Red Sox fans, that might be here, on the folder.

Hi Everyone ~~ Look out ~~ It feels like forever since I have posted! I just got done reading Part 3 of Dan's Interview ~~ WOW John B this is one AWESOME interview, I am loving how Dan is sharing soo much of the early day history with us. I look forward to Part 4 ~~ I could handle this being an ongoing Interview, till we get caught up till 2004. Thanks John B & Dan for sharing your time and talents with us.

Hey there Kevin ~~ Hmmmm ~~ You got my memory a stirring up here too with this Remembrance question... I have been thinking alot about the Homecoming songs the last couple of days and Yes I too can remember this Great Group that is a nice soulmate for life... I fell asleep last night with here in my comp chair with my AMERICA songs playing in my headphones, I hit the replay button on "Only In Your Heart" at least 10 times, sing it for us Gerry, Dewey & Dan ~~~ Wake up from an illusive dream, you've got to Change the Scene, its getting soooo hard to see to the end, Break Down all of the Walls you can, you need a helping hand, I'm sure there's someone there just for you, who's trying to make it too, cause it's Only In Your Heart, this thing that makes You want to Start it allll again, lalalallalaladadadadadada, Only in Your Heart this thing that makes you want to start it all again, You Can't Disregard Your Friends ~~~ Yeah I too long to hear what's going on with Our Guys, I sure hope Gerry & Dewey, Richard, Woodz & Willie are enjoying their time off, and I sure hope they get the Hankerin to get together with Andrew in the Studio... Nice! :)

Thanks Stephen B for sharing your great pics from the NJ show, and WOW I just loved the way Gerry & Dewey were soo caught up in this Neat Info you brought along to show them... I too like Gen would love to get to hear a sample of this song Gerry did at 15.. WOW! :) ~~ I bet your little boy gets the biggest Smile on his face now, each time he picks up his guitar to play it ~~ Sooo Neat of Gerry & Dewey to sign it and, Too Much Gerry playing it a bit! ~~ Nice Memory Keepsakes for sure! :)

Gerry is here singing Stereooooo, stereoooo, we live our lives in Stereooooo :) Thanks a bunch for the Pics Gerry ~~ I too found the Saskatoon pic enchanting! ~~ Hmm I wonder how many magical stories have taken place in this Castle! ~~ On the other hand your pic from Vancouver had a neat wondering mind perspective, I looked at that one window wayyyy uppp there and saw that one blind not fully down, and I thought WOW, how I would have loved to be looking out that window with a camera taking a pic from the opposite direction.... Gerry I sure hope you will spoil us with a couple of Bonus Pics, while you are off. ~~ It will be awesome getting to see all of these faraway places this winter and spring through your eyes! Thanks for taking us along! ~~ Keep on spoiling us okay? :)

Hi John L ~~~ I loved reading your review late saturday night, just before heading to lalalalala land. I can tell you left there walking on the clouds. Sooo great you getting to hear Hank Linderman playing for Woodz at this show, I too just loved getting to hear Baby It's Up To You, and Yes From a Moving Train too... Thanks for sharing the little adlibs with us too, brought a smile to my night... :)

Hi macchiefs & kimacabrina ~~ Too neat SGH being in this movie Radio, I will be watching out for it on my Pay Per View for sure! :)

Cheers Jimmmmmmmmmbob ~~ I too loved the part about Dan saying how they would take the parts of the songs and just start putting them together, such great Magic for sure! ~~ I will say it again, I would have loved to be a little mouse there nibbling on this nice chunk of cheese :) I hope all is going well for you there in NZ, are the leaves out on the trees yet???? :)

Hi Tommie girl, Cathy R, Gen,Valynda ~~ Thanks abunch for your thoughtfulness, I did go and have my MRI done, they didn't let me put on my AMERICA cd, they said I wouldn't be able to hear it anyway, and boy were there right, this machine sure can make the racket. I am glad it is over with, and I should be getting to know the results a little later this week from my Orthapedic doc... I don't have much pain, my fingers are still soo tingly and numb and the top part of my arm has a dull stiff ache.... the dr said he doesn't like how my reflexes have left my wrist, funny I never even noticed this... All of your well wishes are appreciated! :)

Hmmm ~~ Off topic here ~~ I got to see Oprah's show with Elizabeth Smart and Her Family late last night. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since her nightmare, it was nice of them to allow us to see her now and to share some of the details with us of this. My prayer for her is that Time will completely erase these cruel and lifestealing events from her mind and heart. ~~ Sting & his wife is on Oprah today ~~ WOW gotta see this one too! :)

Regarding the Fires out in Calif ~~~ I sure wish I could send Buckets of Rain there to help put these out. I hope relief will shower down on them soon. :)

Okay gotta get now, take care all and have a good day! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ If every venture was a path of no avail, I'd still be rolling down this never ending trail, if we had a destination in our sights, we would be helpless as the passing in the night, From a Moving Train,(feel the engine humming, hear the motor running) from a moving train ( You gotta see the light, see the light) and if by chance you find a Woman that you might love along the way, You better hold her tight and tell her everythings alright, or she might jump along the wayyyyy, from a Moving Train, from a Moving train ( you gotta see the light, see the light) You can get on board.... Sing it for me Gerry & Dewey ~~~ Such a great Gem for sure :) ;)

Just wanted to thank Gerry, Dewey and everyone else who made that night very memorable.

Hearing Gerry play Riverside backstage for my brothers and I was very cool.

As soon as I get the info on that old Gerry material, I will forward it to Steve to post on the Chat folder.

These Guys are simply a Class Act who truly care about their fans and we all appreciate it

Kevin ~ It's Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, I think. The guy from England is Graham Nash. Wasn't the guy that got religion and left the band named Neil Young? I think he's the one that sang the song about a horse. But that can't be right. That's four guys instead of three. Hmmm.

After reading all these posts attacking one another lately, it got me thinking about simpler times.

Does anyone remember this band from the early 70s? They had a couple of big hits, one about some horse or something. Three dudes. I think they were from England or one of those other places up in Canada. One got religion and left the group. It's on the tip of my tongue. I can't quite recall their name.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and does anyone know what they are up to lately?

KevinS.

Yeah! i'll second that ! And fascinating story about that cd ... Gerry must have been really surprised... Hope Steven will post the info on the cd and MAYBE we could even get to hear a digitalized version of if thanks to our divine webmaster ;-)... I know, I'm asking for more again, but then hearing a 15-year-old Gerry sing on psychedelic music seems to me the thing I wouldn't want to miss. A million thanks Steven for the info & photos anyway!
Gen.

Stephen - thanks so much for those great photos! Looks like you had a great time!! Would have loved to been there to listen to Gerry playing "Riverside" on that guitar!

Sheldon

Vic,
sorry if you hate me, coz i don't hate you.... But right now, my (extraordinary) power of perception (hihihi) advises me not to give the dog a bone ! Care for your susceptible teeth, man !
Gen.

"Caroline is calling everyone in town
First she calls them friends and then she puts them down
She can't be what she wants to be
Though she never really tries..."

Been away for a few days. I can't believe the arrogance...


Genevieve wrote: <<... Moreover, you (Johnny) ONLY have the power to search your heart and deep, really deep inside, know if you genuinely meant good in your posts.>>

and:

<<Anyway, I know there's MUCH MORE to you (Johnny) than that so-called 'search for truth' capacity (an expression which has always sounded very pretentious to me, so don't take it personally please)>>


So, Genevieve, is Johnny the ONLY one that has the power to search his heart and deep, really deep inside, to know if he genuinely meant good in his post, as you said, or do you, ALSO, have that power to search his heart, really deep, maybe even, really, really, really, REALLY, deep, since you claim to know that there is so MUCH MORE to him than his so called 'search for truth'? And who would be better qualified, to identify "pretense", than you, Genevieve? I'm surprised you didn't quote a dead poet somewhere in your post. That's really impressive when you do that. And isn't this what some here call "judging"? Hmmmm ~~~~ "I can say I hate when someone judges me, it sure can be damaging to ones True Spirit!" ~~~~ hmmmmm.

<<If my message was able to be an eye-opener as how exterior people could interpret your 'inquiry' as harassment (seems I was not the only one) it's just fine for me... >>

It is fortunate that you are here to assist those, who are not gifted with your powers of perception, to "get it". ;-)

Hi everyone, just catching up on reading some of the posts from the past week.~~Valerie, I hope that your new concert venue is able to book Styx for a show. Let me know if they do. It was so nice to see them again this summer.~~~Nancy, so sorry to hear about all of your problems with your arm. Hope your MRI came out okay. Let us know how you are doing.~~~Gerry, I always love your pictures. Thanks so much for sharing them with us.~~Mo, thanks for the pictures of the Topsfield Fair show.~~Nina, so nice that you could take your niece and nephew to the show. Your niece's Gerry doll is cute and does remind me of him. I'm wondering if the doll is of a character from a TV show that my son used to watch when he was very small. The show was called the Puzzle Place and it was on PBS. There were puppets on the show and one of them was named Ben. Nina, do you know if this doll is from that TV show? It's funny that I can remember so much about it, but it really sticks in my mind because it was the very first TV show that my son used to watch. He's nine now and can't remember it at all, but it has special memories for me because I can recall how cute his reactions to it were.~~Well it's late and I'm rambling. Better get some sleep.~~Cathy

I was surfing the net tonight to find some links to the Hobart, Tasmania concert venue and I discovered that 101.7 HO-FM is sponsoring the concert and allowing some lucky listeners to win tickets. So, if you're in the area, listen to the Party Mix on Saturday nights and you might be a winner.

Guess Who is from Winnipeg, one province over to the right if you are looking north. One Canadian province = one American state... sort of, except they are usually bigger in size and smaller in population and the political structure will be way different. Winnipeg is most kindly referred to by us Canucks ( slang for Canadians - sort of like Yankees) as Winterpeg because of its long cold winters. Saskatoon also has long cold winters. Any other useless drivel ya wanna know, eh?
j

Saskatoon is a couple of hundred miles north of Montana in Saskatchewan. If I'm not mistaken, the Guess Who is from there as well. They once had a song called "Running Back to Saskatoon" that was pretty good.

Here's a link to the Saskatoon city web page: http://www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca/. If I'm not mistaken, you can make out the hotel that Gerry took a picture of at the top of the main home page.

Central Canada I believe. Home of Joni Mitchell, I think.

Where is Saskatoon? That picture is absolutely beautiful!

Hi everyone,
I am so glad to read that Sister Golden Hair is in a current movie! Now I will go and see it for sure!

I went to see Rick Springfield in concert on Friday night. Have many of you seen him LIVE before? Wow, that guy can rock! And he is still pretty darn good looking at 54! (But not as good looking as my Dewey, of course!)

I was so happy that this Chumash Casino/Resort has opened up a huge venue to host concerts. I believe this was the Grand Opening month for performances. There aren't many places near me that hold concerts, (other than my local Fair in the summer,) and this is only 2 hours from my home. So of course I immediately spoke to a manager and requested my favorite band- AMERICA! Hopefully they will consider booking them!
He mentioned that they are working on getting STYX soon. I am also a STYX fan so that will be a lot of fun! (Speaking of STYX, Hi Cathy R.!) Bye for now, Valerie

My family also went to Radio. I really liked it and was also pleasantly suprised to hear SGH. Just a warning though - if you tend to cry at movies - take a hankie!!! I boo-hooed halfway through the darn thing.

Kim

Ventura Highway was used on a radio contest this morning. The first person to call in and tell the DJ the "name" that was used in the song was the winner. Ah, come on, I'm sure you know the answer (LOL).

THANKS for the tip on SGH being in this movie! Our sons are anxious to see it anyway, and it does sound good. But now I know there's also a little something extra in it I know I'll enjoy. America can just keep showing up in more places, and it will be fine with me! Too bad it's not on the CD though - I wonder why?

Gerry's photo reminds me of a couple of the lyrics from "Amber Cascades" minus the rain:

Granite charades are played in the rain
Till we fall through a sand CASTLE window
To avoid the pain

Or, perhaps, PANE in this case. Keep those photos coming, Gerry! :0)

Does anyone know the name of the hotel that is in Gerry's photo in Saskatoon? It looks so much like the 100 year old Banff Springs hotel in Banff. I had the pleasure of staying there for this past New Years, great hotel!

The movie Radio, which premiered this weekend. has Sister Golden Hair in the soundtrack, although it is not on the CD.
The movie, by the way, is a true story and is quite heartwarming.

Nice pic, Gerry! So, apparently, leading a rock star's life can OCCASIONALLY look like a fairy tale... ;-)
Better than the Disney thing IMHO...
Gen.

Johnny wrote :
<< I truly have no desire to continue with any more discussion of these matters. >>

Neither have I honestly... Moreover, you ONLY have the power to search your heart and deep, really deep inside, know if you genuinely meant good in your posts. If my message was able to be an eye-opener as how exterior people could interpret your 'inquiry' as harassment (seems I was not the only one) it's just fine for me...
Anyway, I know there's MUCH MORE to you than that so-called 'search for truth' capacity (an expression which has always sounded very pretentious to me, so don't take it personally please).
Guess if I didn't love this board as much, I would have never mentioned my perso impression on the topic... sorry I can't be indifferent to the way we all regard and treat one another here, because I do love the people just as they are. Mea Maxima Culpa....
Gen.

Wow...beautiful!

Erin :o)

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Saskatoon, SK.

Hi John! Thanks for the great review!! Glad to hear you had a good time. I loved the story about Willie! It's a wonder things like that don't happen more often with the hectic touring schedule. It's nice they were all good enough sports about it to share the laugh with the audience. Karen

Hi Gerry - please do not let the bad views ever stop you from sending the VFTHW pictures. In my opinion, that's the fun of it - you never know what you'll get! Many times those bad views are kind of humorous anyway (like the plain brick wall, etc.)! Besides, your bonus shots and the great views you do often get more than make up for any bad views. Thanks! Karen

Here goes. The Orpheum is one of those very old, refurbished theaters. Absolutely stunning. The concert wasn't sold out but there was a good crowd there (1000? maybe more as I couldn't see the balcony) Concert started with the opening act "Chilliwack", a local band that had a string of hits in the 70s and a resurgence (sp?) in the 80s. I don't think they ever really made it in the States. They had a lot of fans at the concert and gave a pretty good set. After a brief intermission America took the stage opening with Riverside. Gerry announced after, that we would be treated to the long set ( and received a loud ovation for it). It was great to hear some tunes that I haven't heard before (Hangover, Baby It's Up to You, Moving Train). I know many of you have the opportunity to go to several concerts each year but it has been 4 years since I saw the guys in California and 6 or 7 since they last performed with the Vancouver Symphony ( Gerry made reference to the VSO, complimenting them and joking that Hangover wasn't on the playlist when they played with them ).

Both Gerry and Dewey seemed to be in great spirits, having a little more banter with the crowd than I have heard in the past. Perhaps it was the fact that this was the last concert for about 6 weeks. Gerry told a very funny story ( and maybe this is one that makes it into the repetoire each night but it sounded fresh) about leaving Utah the night before via bus to go to the airport in Salt Lake City to fly to Vancouver. Got to Immigration and realized they were a person short. Willie, apparently, was still asleep on the bus which was now headed back for Memphis. They were eventually able to get in touch with the driver who had no idea that he still had a sleeping passenger but was able to get Willie back in time for the flight.

Some other highlights for me... Don't Cross the River. This has always been my least favorite song but they had a few different nuances in it and it was excellent. I loved it. Hank Linderman ( do I have the last name right), was playing lead for Woodzy. No mention why and maybe it was mentioned here on the folder in the past and I glaced over it, sorry. He didn't miss a beat. At one point, during Moving Train, I think there was a mixup with backing vocals but no one could tell as, being the professionals they are, they brought it together quickly. ( of course, I could be worng here too, and perhaps I was missed a beat and not the guys) Richard sounded excellent and right at home.

Didn't get All My Life which was too bad but everyone left feeling more than satisfied. Our seats were ok, not close enough for my liking though so by the time I got to the stage at the end, Pete had given out all the guitar picks and the set list. I asked him if Gerry and Dewey would be signing stuff after and he said no. I could have probably waited by the back stage door but I had to get up and catch an early ferry home ( kids soccer games ).

Had a blast so thank you Dewey, Gerry, Willie, Hank and Richard. Wnjoy your time off ( hopefully you will all have a bit of a holiday and then be in the studio recording some new material - wink, wink, nudge, nudge) This should last me a while.... but please don't wait so long to come back to Vancouver. Think the next time you are in Washington I will make more of an effort to get down there.
j

I agree Gerry. Had a blast last night. Will write a full review in a few minutes once the kids are tucked into bed. Short version... awesome (what else?)
j

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Vancouver, BC. Gerry added the following note: "Sorry about this shot... great city... bad view"

I hope by now enough of you have found the "offensive" message let ft by me. IT WAS A JOKE, plain and simple. Nothing moire nothing sinister about it. I am profoundly sorry that you and I do not share the same sense of humor Johnny. I will bear that in mind in the future.

Welcome to the chat folder obboray! Always great to meet another America fan. :)

How'd the MRI go Nancy? Been thinking about you...

Off to read Part 3 of Dan's interview. Have a good weekend all!

TommieGirl

Genevieve ~ I read your post from yesterday where you stated your thoughts regarding free speech versus what you labeled as "harassment". It is most unfortunate that you feel I was harassing someone here on the folder. That is a very serious allegation directed at me that I feel compelled to address.

What you deemed as "harassment" was in reality a serious and sincere effort on my part to obtain two things. The first was a better understanding of what the other party was attempting to say, and the second was a search for the truth. Unfortunately, the other party would only supply half-answers to my inquiry, as I saw it. What answers were provided were -- in my opinion -- extremely evasive. Only upon my persistent search for a clearer explanation/understanding did answers finally come. Again, it is most unfortunate that you viewed my quest as "harassment".

If you are still convinced that I was engaged in "harassment", I strongly urge you to revisit post #29434 dated September 16. There you will find who initiated (using your word) "harassment" upon the other. You will find exactly who intruded into a conversation that did not previously involve them in any manner. This happened shortly after I had completed one of my Sweetwater episodes. You may also wish to revisit another post (on September 20th) between you and me regarding this same subject as I'm now discussing. It's post #29549.

In closing, I think all of us here on the folder have been subjected to enough of this as well as other recent areas of disagreement. I think we all have grown quite weary. I truly have no desire to continue with any more discussion of these matters. However, if it's your desire to submit a rebuttal, it is your privilege. Or, if you wish to write me direct via an email message (to spare everyone here), my address is: yeehaa56@hotmail.com

I think I'll now go read John B's "Part 3" interview with Dan P.

Wishing you a nice weekend,
Johnny

Today, I discovered the site of Radio Gold. It's an excellent greek radio station that plays the best songs of the 60's, 70's and 80's -as you understand, it also plays America!
You can enter www.radiogold.com, to find more info. It's in English, so you can read it.
Radio Gold has created some exceptional music collections. Their editor is Nicos Mastorakis, the owner of the station. You can find a wide range of songs of 60's, 70's and 80's, with just a click on the red rectangle you see on your screen. You will find artists like Bob Dylan, Beach Boys, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Eric Clapton, Eagles and, of course America.

John Beaudin fabulous interviews & a fabulously rich Web site. You guys really do your homework for your interviews, the AMERICA interviews are some of the best I have read. Andrew Gold interview was excellent also. Great insight into AMERICA !
Don't forget HOLIDAY HARMONY ! their latest.

Sorry I forgot to give the URL of the Dan Peek interview. It can be found here http://www.smoothjazzcanada.com/interview_dan_peek.htm

Thanks

John

John Beaudin
www.smoothjazzcanada.com

Thanks JohnB for part three of the Dan interview. I found it fascinating that Dewey would have bits of his songs and Dan and Gerry would then come in and join all the pieces together to make it a whole song, a process which in other bands would have the 3 of them credited as the songwriters. Ive wondered too, if say in the case of Three Roses, which has just brilliant rhythm guitar, if it was Dewey playing the main rhythm, or now Im wondering if it was Dan. Ive never heard that song played live with quite the same, is passion the word Im looking for? It maybe because there were a number of overdubs possibly in the studio, which obviously cant be recreated on stage.

Welcome, obboray! Glad to hear you got to experience the Aurora show. I LOVED the Aurora show!!! Like you said, the experience was as good as it gets. I've been re-living it all week :)

Unfortunately the pictures did not come out (it's a new camera for us - we're still not used to it).

New here. Just a quick "history." I got to Okinawa from "the desert", 29 Palms, Ca., as a scared, young Marine on the way to Nam in Jan., '72. (Thank God, I didn't get in the war!) The VERY first song I heard when I got to my hooch was "A Horse With No Name!" Being so new & young & impressionable & just from the desert, that song, & America, just totally won me over. I've been a big fan ever since. But I can see by reading all these posts that I'm not quite as big a fan as some of you guys!! I've been to every concert (I think, except one) America has played in & around Chicago. And I never go to concerts! Like I tell my buddies & anyone else who asks, they just do it for me. Anyway, I'm not sure why, but last week in Aurora was as good as it gets for me. They were just great! Nice to see some other people who like their music as much as I do.

Hi everyone! I am sorry it took so long to get part three of the "Dan Peek interview" up. My sweetie Shannon who does most of the transcribing in the Pop section is nine months pregnant so she's slowed down her pace quite a little. Part four of the interview will deal with royalty stuff and more on the relationship between Dan, Dewey and Gerry and that will be up in November sometime.
Thank you all for your feedback.

If they are going to Greece, how about Turkey. A good friend of mine lives there and would give me another incentive to go.

Mark

Help help! Does anybody know anything about Greece?

I only meant that we can choose to ignore and/or deflect communication that doesn't interest us, and that it's probably better to do that than go down the slow, slippery slope of imposing strictures. Maybe my afternoon coffee hasn't kicked in, but I'm not fixing on what "and the other way round" means.

Hi Everyone ~~ TGIF :)

Just wanted to say thanks for all the well wishes! I will go and get my MRI done this evening at 8:30 pm. Yep I am taking one of my Hwy CD's along for them to pop in the CD player... I was debating on taking my Holiday Harmony, so it is possible I will take both and let them choose... Whichever one I am sure they will hear some of the great hidden gems that need to be heard!

Hmmm ~~ I love all 3 of the new songs from Holiday Harmony and I was thinking why can't they all be heard, they are each unique in their own way, and ooooh sooo nice!

Well gotta get, take care and have a great weekend, time to set those clocks back an hour tomorrow night. Enjoy your extra hour of Dreams!

See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ One full circle round, round, round, One more calender coming down, late edition scandalize, every headline full of lies, Houses in White ooooh how they take me back, there was a time, when I lived inside, and now I think twice, I walk quickly by houses in white, Once I saw it all soo clear, miles and miles away from here, the bridge of trust was burned back there, we all have ashes in our hair, Houses in White, ooooooh how they take me back, there was a time when I lived inside, but now I think twice, I walk quickly by Houses in White ~~~ Sing it Gerry ~~~ Oooooooh how I love this song..... Ooooooh how I can get taken away in its mystery! :)

HOLIDAY HARMONY destined to be a Holiday classic.

I wonder what surprises AMERICA has planned for that European tour in 2004.

Hi Robyn - difficult to choose but I would be happy with either "Christmas In California" or "Christmas To Remember" (did I get those titles right??).. really anxious to start playing the cd regularly - I've been sneaking in a few plays of a few of the songs here & there!!

Mo - thanks for those pictures, they were great! Always great to see photos if you can't be at the show in person...

Nancy - hope you are feeling better or will be feeling better soon!!

Have a great weekend everyone-
Sheldon

Christmas in Cal is still my favorite too. Though we don't have a tradition for Xmas carols on radio or tv here, I will e-mail RTL because they did a few spinnings of the cd last year on a one & a half month basis... which is incredible for a xmas cd here!
Gen.

I love all three - Christmas in Cal is my favorite, A Christmas to remember is the warmest for the holidays but the Winter Holiday gets my vote - maybe because of it's Old Man Took flavor and I always thought it should have been a third single off of Holiday (Of course I thought baby it's up to you and glad to see you......)

"don't let the features you read control the tickets you buy ..."

and the other way round...obviously...

Gen.

The Winter Holidays will soon be here ( I know because my local Savon has an aisle of Halloween Costumes and an aisle of Christams decorations!) So what song from "Holiday Harmony" do you think we should beseech our local radio stations to play?

"don't let the features you read control the tickets you buy ..."

It's better than having the features wiped from the pages.

Thanks Erin & Steve for posting the info. Seems anyway fans are often obliged to run some financial risks, as we are caught 'entre 2 feux' to use the French imagery, hmmm... hope the tour does get confirmed... SOON. Gen.

And they whirled and they twirled and they tangoed
Singin' and jingin' the jango
Floatin' like the heavens above
It looks like muskrat LOVE .......

TO ME and with all due respect to some people here, personal harassment (like hounding someone and systematically tracking her/his so-called lack of consistance and possible changes of mind/direction) IS NOT free speech...it is simply no less than harassment. Happily, to this day on this folder, we have been able to refuse anything that would go like 'brainwash first, then free speech' !!! Hopefully, it all goes on just that way... Cos well, what doesn't kill us sets us free...
Gen.

Erin Edwards has asked me to post the following for her: "Hey everyone. As most of you know, we are currently putting together a European tour for 2004. We are working on shows in France, Italy, England and Scandinavia. Please be advised that these shows are all still tentative. As soon as I have confirmed cities and dates, I will send them to Steve. Please let him or me know if you have any questions."

A couple of comments on all of this. One, it mystifies me that people invest their time and energy posting some of the stuff I see here. It's not even that it has the potential to offend (as, evidently, some postings have done for some folks). It's just that some of it seems pointless in light of the reason most folks bother looking at, and posting on, this folder. Two, when I'm surfing through the cable TV channels at home and I come across programming that I'm either not in the mood for or that strikes me as drivel, I change the channel. If my kids (9 and 13) are in the room, I'm more vigilant than normal, and I err on the side of caution. That is, if it even looks like it might go to a place I don't like, I change it. However, I don't think to myself that no one should be able to view the programming I just found wanting. I just move on. Same goes for here. I turn to this board for informaiton, dicussion and debate about the band, its members, its music, its influences, its impact, related acts, etc., etc. With all due respect to some nice people here, I generally don't care about the weather where folks are posting, what they think of the Florida Marlins or what they had for breakfast, etc. As soon as a posting starts to veer off topic, or as soon as I come to the end of the "relevant" section and see, say, a "jokes" section set off by itself, I close it out.

No, no middle ground apparently. Instead, I see it as a double standard. I was instructed basically to "put a lid on it" when I pointed out omissions and what I saw as inconsistent statements compared to ones in the past. So much for my "free speech"; whereas, another basically has Card Blanche to post whatever here.

"It's Life"

YaHoOO!!!!

Let us know how you are (neck and arm) asap. Hey, we all care for you here!
Gen.

John,
ENJOY the gig tonight ! And tell us EVERYTHING when you're back, please! :-)
Gen.

Just a precision, since i've been asked via several e-mails : the Olympia is NOT a big venue with (only )2,200 seats, as compared to venues like the Zenith or Bercy which have between 18,000 & 20,000 seats each...so you fans must not wait too long to do your booking job, or else...
Gen.

Sergio, very well said my friend, but I'm afraid it has fallen on deaf ears. The WebMaster has spoken and it would seem that the chat folder, also, has spoken and you, Johnny and me, are in the minority. That's okay with me.

I haven't posted in awhile, so I thought I'd send something out before I forget how!

Gerry - thank you for the palm tree picture; I LOVE palm trees! I'm fascinated by them; probably because I quite often dream of visiting tropical places (especially in February or March)! We'll be going through serious VFTHW withdrawal when you and Dewey and the guys are not touring as much over the next few weeks.

I remember reading recently that Gerry talked about how America is Classic Rock, not oldies. I'm happy to report that I heard HWNN on our local classic rock station on the way home from work Wednesday!! I hope that station keeps those America songs coming!

Do any of you like Lyle Lovett's music? I do, and I was disappointed to realize we missed seeing him in concert in Madison, WI, the other night - Tuesday, I think it was. My husband and I heard he was coming to town and said we should think about going but then never did more about it. (See, with America that would never happen. I don't think about it; if they come to Madison, we go! Tickets are bought right away. If America is playing somewhere in the general area, I at least think long and hard about whether I can make it work. If I can reasonably arrange to get there, we go!) Anyway, this other radio station was talking the next morning about Lyle's concert and "Lyle sightings" the day he was in town. They said after dinner he walked in the front door of the Civic Center for the concert, even stopped and talked to some people on the way in. Sounds like it would have been fun. I love "If I Had A Boat" and his song about taking a bear out to lunch with you. (Hopefully some of you know what I'm talking about?)

At least I'll never miss an America concert in town, thanks to this wonderful web site and Steve keeping the schedule up to date for us all. (I wonder how many of their shows I missed before the internet??) We don't go to very many concerts at all. This year was our record - went to three! Mike won tickets to see Richard Thompson, and we saw America twice. (It has to really be worth it - lots of work to arrange for the kids to go somewhere, etc. Of course, America always fits into our "worth it" category!) Mo - I was quite the opposite of you. When Gerry asked me how many times over the years I've seen America in concert, I proudly said, "THREE!", thinking that was a lot! Well, now I'm up to FOUR, but have a long way to go to catch up to you.

Take care, everyone - I'm off to help one of the boys with building a model of a landslide. (??!!!?? If you have any helpful suggestions, I could really use some.)

Karen

Jenna wrote: <<Hey Gen, if it's possible maybe you could take a road trip or a holiday to Granada or Murcia, Spain the following week? Those should be some great photo's. Hope it's official? They're going to have some serious jetlag. >>

I'm afraid I will have to take a short holiday to see them in Paris already... Don't think I would have the heart to take a flight back right after the show... But Granada & Murcia are places I know and really love. One of my best friends was born in a town not far from Granada named Santa Fe. And crossing the Sierra Nevada was a great experience.
Gerry should be able to take awesome shots over there...lots of palm and orange trees.!!! LOL
For the moment, the show hasn't been officially confirmed but the tickets are on sale and I received mine today via Mr Mailman. Hope the promoter gets the official licence. Seems they already had a lot of internet booking for the gig... so many of us would be disappointed if it were to be cancelled :-(

Heading into Vancouver on the 8:20 ferry tomorrow morning. Doing some buying for the library in our school and then it will be concert time!!!! I will post a review when I get back Saturday afternoon.
j

Ah...springtime in Paris, sounds like it's shaping up to be a great World tour. Great news for you folks in Paris and the UK! It's great that Paris is just a short ride on the underground from London.

Hey Gen, if it's possible maybe you could take a road trip or a holiday to Granada or Murcia, Spain the following week? Those should be some great photo's. Hope it's official? They're going to have some serious jetlag.

Personally, I'd like to see more recipes posted on this site.

KevinS.

Hi all,
My, my, my, what shallow definitions some of you out there have for "Free Speech"...Nobody here is asking to control what we have to express/say, or our points of view, and for one, no one here treasures that privilege more than me (I lost my homeland (Cuba) to a totalitarian ruler who thinks only his way and/or what he says is the Law).

I believe what some of us would like to see is that we keep a level of dignity and decency in our posts. Individuals, such as Red Oak, should refrain from insulting ethnnic groups, and making smutty pornographic remarks/insinuations. The guidelines we would like to see established are no more rigorous than what the media already practices. So,is that a lack of free speech or press? Of course not, they are wisely established so as to not offend others, keeping a level of dignity and moral responsibility in check. Why should a chat folder for a great Rock and Roll group such as America be a "soap box" or platform for insulting or lascivious chatter?

Nancy, I agree we should feel comfortable coming to this chat board,and read the posts here without fear or tension. I believe some guidelines should be established to assure that for everyone. This chat board should be a forum to discuss how America's music affects our day to day life, the concerts and the memories we might have through their music. An off topic joke is ok, but I ask why offend?

My two cents,

Sir Joe

When America works on there next cd sure would like to hear that nylon string (Pages)again somewhere. ...maybe G.B.'s Deering banjo and/or mandolin.

By the way, checked out Jeff L.'s site and he's got a couple updated soundclips. His song "at the depot" really works for me.

To Steve: continued thanks for doing these sites. You're a straight shooter and run a tight ship. very much appreciated.

carry on...

Yep Me Again :)

Thanks a Bunch for the great Palm Tree Pic Gerry and thanks Steve for delivering it right on Key! It is too much here right now to the right of my house the sky is Crystal Clear Blue Eyes and to the Left of my house the blue is covered by those big dingy colored cotton ball clouds. The S word has been mentioned by Mr Weatherman, heck it even was sleeting here yesterday. ~~ Thanks again Gerry for bringing a brighter Perspective to our day! ~~~ I gotta a hankerin to hear that ooooh soo nice line in your Christmas in California ~~~ Headin' on down the coast
Over surf and sand
The warm wind in your hair
Make no mistake, it's here
Holiday fun, good cheer
It's Christmas time for sure
In California

People say it can't be true
That the spirit lives here, too
But you'll find Chrismtas everywhere
Under palm trees, sun and moon ~~~ Sing it for us Gerry! I hit the replay on this song 4 times on Sat. it helped keep a smile on my face as I was putting the finishing touches on my dreaded call report! :)

Right back at you Tommie ~ it's sooo much fun sharing the gift of gab! ~~~ Hmmmm Mo where were you at last night? We were looking forward to hearing all about your show. It was great getting to hear all about AM Girls big night, and how neat it was getting to hear Gerry sing All My Life ~~ WOW!!!!! :):):)

Take care, Nancy :)

It takes one more moment of time in your life
One more light to reveal
One more place in the sun to turn ripe
One more kingdom to feel

You are one more posse to pass in the night
One more con to conceal
One more tiger to paint on a stripe
One more player to deal ~~~~ Sing it for us Dewey :)

Just signed on trying to think of a way to say EXACTLY what Nancy said in her post about the easiness and accepting nature of this chat folder. Granted, I've been away for a while, but whenever I post or hit the Chat Room I am always made to feel like I belong there. I know that doesn't happen on every fan site! I hope all can be resolved without backbiting or a mass exodus. Right there with you, Nancy. Well typed. :)

Nancy, Jenna, AmGirl, ee, KarenL, Spice - was great chatting with you last night! It's soooo good to be back! Hope to see you next week.

My hubby and daughter are buddies again - she's kissing up in a big way after her little faux pas, and he's loving every minute of it. She definitely has her daddy right where she wants him. LOL

Off to be a mommy. Have a good one, all!

Great VFTHW Gerry! :)

-TommieGirl

There has just been a new DVD release of the UK music show THE OLD GREY WHISTLE TEST in which AMERICA featured on the very 1st show. All my pent up excitement was unfounded however as they're not on it.

Bugger...

Jas

Trust me not to be viewing this site when all the action occurs. America in Paris. America in Spain. And there I am booking a trip to New York for the Spring!

How ironic can you get. Hopefully though I'll be able to get over to Paris on the trusty EuroStar and finally see the boys.

Any news on a London gig? That would be a proper HOMECOMING...

Jas

Great view from the window! Makes Utah look tropical...and it wasn't a rooftop. Steve, It's unfortunate you couldn't make it.

St. George is in southern Utah and isn't too far from Las Vegas so it is a very warm climate (and handles palm trees quite nicely). When Brigham Young sent settlers to that area they tried to raise cotton so it got the name Utah's Dixie. America will be playing in the Burns Arena on the Dixie State College campus.

I didn't know Utah has palm trees...cool picture!

Erin :o)

Nancy, ask and ye shall receive. Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in St. George, UT. Because of previous commitments I won't be able to make it to the concert tonight (besides the fact that it's a 5 hour drive each way and a school/work night). The guys should be treated to some very warm October weather in Utah's Dixie with partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 94. A perfect environment for Gerry's palm tree. If anyone reading the Chat Folder makes it to the concert (you Las Vegas guys, etc.), be sure to let us know all about it.

Hi Everyone ~~ Kinda a Grey ~ Cold ~ Dreary day here, where did the Sunshine gooooo ~~ Gerry sing it for us ~~~ Thank the Morning for bringing U, hope You never turn your head and run, and thank the sun for shining too, Hope the Darkness Never Comes Again, What it does to Meeeee isn't good to seeee, You say that fortune brought you sailing cross the sea, I don't believe you, I don't see how its true, I think my Dreaming brought you hereeee, and if I wake tomorrow will you still be hereeee.... Once a Miser, Twice a Son, Threes the Devil, Fours alot of FUN, One for living, one and all, start a battle, who's the first to fall, hope it isn't me, have to wait and seeeee ~~~~ Such a great song Gerry :)

Hi John L ~~~ Only 1 more day to go now,Lucky you getting to see AMERICA live ~~~ Go Ahead get more Pumped! :) Have a Great time, and come back and share the Magic with Us Okay? :) ~~~ My inquiring mind is wondering if you will get to here Gerry sing "All My Life" too. WOW!!!!

Hi there Tommie girl ~~It was great sharing the Gift of Gab with You, Jenna, Spiceman,ee American Girl & KarenL ~~ I second Mo's priceless ~~ I sure do love the SPONTANAETY of what comes out of the Mouths of Babes! :) Nice ~~ In fact that is one of the things that I love about Posting, and reading others Posts. Hmmmm ~~ Wouldn't it be a shame if we weren't allowed to feel that we could be Spontaneous with our posting... I can remember back to when I first started reading this chat folder, and that wasn't very much till I started posting... I remember, I was sooo nervous clicking on the Send button, cause I wasn't sure if what I had to say would fit in here, I was unsure if this was something I wanted to try, and I will tell you all, I had never posted on any kinda chat folder or message board before this one. I only post here, and I have posted 2 times on the EAGLES message board at L&M site, but I haven't found that easiness there, that easiness that I loved about this chat folder... I somehow feel that is threatened here, I must admit, I have not been posting here as much, because of the way it is getting to be here. I will say that I think we are all Adults here and can appreciate some Fun & Humor to bring a Laugh or a Grin to our day. I can say I would much rather read a Joke or Story or Lyrics with some Spice, than to come and read Insinuations and Pointing Fingers at Others.... Hmmmm ~~ I thought only my son's age group did that! I like what Steve L said his about his intentions for this chat folder, that he wanted it to be a place where all the fans of AMERICA could come and share things about AMERICA and get to know one another, and to share our experiences, in doing this. Well you all know me by now, I kinda just let things pour out from my fingers, I know that is what I love about Posting and reading others posts, I can appreciate One for Their True Colors! I wonder what would be better for a younger reader to read here, what would stick in their mind more... what would leave them with a message of how one should be towards others... hmmm ~~ I would think the joke or story would be read and then disregarded, and that seeing others judging others would have a more damaging affect. After all is there anyone of us here that would like to be preJudged? ~~ I can say I hate when someone judges me, it sure can be damaging to ones True Spirit! :( ~~ Just my 2 cents on this! ~~~ Cheryl Crow is here singing ~~~ The first cut is the deepest ~~~ 2 much! If only People would learn to think before they Judge others!

Hi Goanna ~~ Yes, Yes, Yes ~~ I love Free Speech! I am glad that you and your Family treated each other to such nice preChristmas gifts, I will look forward to your Review Post and it would be neat to see some Pics from across the pond! :) I have always wanted to go to your part of the world! :)

Hi there Dave M ~~ Nice to hear you and your family will be heading to Paris to see AMERICA in 2004. Be sure and share this experience with us.

Bonjour Thierry ~~~ Happy for you too, my French is too rusty to attempt. Have a great time seeing them! :)

Off Topic here, but with future intentions of AMERICA's new songs getting played on the radio~~~ I have been emailing back and forth with Jack the morning dj at my fave radio station. I have been listening to this station since 1983, Jack sure has a Neat way of getting my morning started with a Smile, Laugh, Grin, he has a Great Sense of Humor that I can Appreciate. I had mentioned in one of my emails for him to come and check out this site, I told him that Steve L has the full cup of Tea here... and that I love drinking in all of it.. He has a top ten list that he does each day, and he has covered soo many topics... I have always loved the Spontanaety of his show. What a Picker Upper! A Nice touch of Honey & Spice to my morning cup of Tea! ~~ They keep me smiling by playing AMERICA's Older Gems throughout the day, soon I hope to hear the Holiday Harmony songs playing, and I am a Hopin & Waitin Patiently to hear them say and Now here is a Brand New Song from the Group AMERICA! WOW!!! :)

Well I gotta get now, have a great day all, I love for the most part, how we all share the Gift of Gab here... I gotta say tho, I am having withdrawel symptoms Gerry ~~~ When are you gonna be sending us another VFTHW or Bonus Pic! ~~ It sure would brighten my day! ~~ You have us sooooo Spoiled! :) Thanks :)

See ya, Nancy :) ~~~ Hmmmm Sade's song "Sweetest Taboo" kinda wraps up my thoughts today Nicely! ~~ Thanks Steve L for this Chat Folder, thanks for allowing me to ramble on here. ~~~ Hey there Red you keep on bringing smiles my way Okay!

~~~~ If I tell you, If I tell you how I feel, will you keep on bringing out the Best In Meeee ~~ You're giving me, you're giving me the Sweetest Tabooo, there's a quiet storm, that's you,.... sometimes I think that You're just toooo Good for me... ~~~~ You got the Biggest Heart, sometimes I think you're just too good for me ~~~ Keep giving me the Sweetest Taboo ~~~ will you keep on bringing out the Best in Me ~~~ Sing is Sade ~~ I feel in sooo many ways, that finding AMERICA here on the net and this chat folder, that it Has Brought out the Best of Me, and has brought a Nice touch of Honey & Spice to my everyday! ~~ I sure would miss it,if I were to lose it! :) ;) :)

David, Starting to get e-mails from UK friends saying they are planning to come too but still hoping there will be some UK concerts as well... which I would also attend if possible...
Hope we all get to meet.
Gen.

I second you views RC & Goanna.

Gen.

SOOO SORRY about that, but my hand is still covered with bandages... The homage song is called It's ALL Over ! Feel bad about this typing incorrection. Sorry again.
Gen

Free Speech!!! Free Speech!!!

George Bush visted Australia today on his wirlwind tour of 21 hrs in our country... Some of our politians protested at his actions in the middle east and beyond,,, his reply I loved...here's the daily news grab of the visit;

Iraq

Mr Bush again outlined his argument for going to war and paid tribute to Australia's defence forces.

"The nature of the terrorist threat defines the strategy we are using to fight it," he said.

The President said the United States and Australia acted in Iraq to remove a grave and gathering danger and he spoke of the vibrant and strong relationship.

"Our alliance is strong, we value more than ever the unbroken friendship between the Australian and American peoples," he said.

Mr Bush also praised Australia's military efforts.

"The world has seen the bravery and skill of the Australian military," he said.

"Your special operations forces were among the first units on the ground in Iraq.

"And in Afghanistan, the first casualty among America's allies was Australian: Special Air Service Sergeant Andrew Russell."

The speech sparked a rowdy response from Greens Senators Bob Brown and Kerry Nettle who were asked to leave the chamber but refused.

The disruption did not faze Mr Bush.

"I love free speech," he said.

Others protested silently - one Labor MP wore a white armband; others including the Democrats refused to clap or stand
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it's our right to express free speech, I enjoy the content on this website and for the "easy going nature" that I feel when I read the posts... and there's a likeness to some degree in everyones attempt to put forward their point of veiw... and I hope this doesn't change. People who love "America" are in fact that easy going natured type of person... (and I hope I'm not offending when I say this). At the end of the day it's all about showing in part commonsense & dignity when we express our veiw and our opinion towards others...

Goanna

FYI, Matt has added a lot of fresh new material to his web pages lately: 2 videos ( the original video for Looking At You and the live version of Handgun from a recent gig) and the audio sounclip for a brand new song called It's Alol Over, he wrote the other night as a homage to late Elliott Smith... Be sure you get to see/hear these @ http://mattbeckley.com/

The LAY & soundclips are to be found in the media section, but the live video extract is in the forum pages under the ' Rock Live' heading. Please, you good and opiniated people here, don't forget to post a (nice! ;-) little comment. Thanks.
Gen.

Yes, Vic, thanks here also for your question. Now we all know it's not unacceptable to post sexist jokes against the female gender; ethnic jokes such as one regarding "Mexicans and Jews"; and sexually explicit jokes and stories that have no pertinence whatsoever to the topic of AMERICA.

The next time my young niece logs-on here to read the postings, I'll be sure to remind her not to read a certain person's postings because of certain types of unacceptable subject matter. I'm "sure" she'll "not" be curious about a single thing her uncle has instructed her not to read. If she should read them, it's not a totally lost cause. She might even learn some math. After all, where else could she learn the "fluid capacity of Monica Lewinsky's mouth"?


A (filthy) mind is a terrible thing.........

2 more days before I get to see the guys in Vancouver! Just getting a little pumped.
j

Tommie Girl, your story is priceless...it made me laugh. Thank you.

I had to share this...

We were going through a few boxes last night and found my husband Dale's collection of LPs. Among them was "America Live," one of his all-time favorites. My twelve-year-old daughter looked at all the pictures and said, "Wow, Dad, you and Gerry could have passed for twins in the 70s!"

Well! This made my husband's day, especially since I'm a Gerry Girl. Dale's chest puffed up with pride... and then came my daughter's follow up. She scrutinized Dale carefully and said, "He aged better than you did, though."

Took all the wind right out of my husband's sails! LOL My daughter blushed purple and tried to backpedal, but of course it was too late... she finally gave up and bolted out of the room. Dale and I laughed and laughed.

Cathy - thanks for your good wishes - I know just what you mean about having little time to post. It's good to be back. :) Nancy - I'll be thinking about you tomorrow - good luck!

Have a good one, All!

-Tommie

Being in the UK, this is the nearest I get to America - just bought my tickets. last time I saw America was 1999 (I think) in Germany. Will be going with wife and our two boys(ages 9 and 13)- Thank God for Airmiles!!!!!

Need to clarify something lol..
In regards to my comment about adult material, I was referring to jokes or subjects that are geared to an adult's understanding or humor lol.. NOT that "other" type of adult material.
:-)

Hi Steve,
I visit the board and read, but I don't post often as you know. I will say that this is one of the best fan based sites/boards that I have participated in, and I have seen many of them.
I have seen many boards closed down or made private(in general and not just fan based ones) because of flame wars, trolls(ie:trouble makers), personal conflicts, rumor mongers, etc. Comes with the territory.

But I've gotten to know the posters, how they think, who they have "friendly" battles with lol. If someone posts something I may not care for,I don't read it. No one is forcing me to read the entire post. If someone posts something I may not agree with, it's their opinion and I can choose whether or not to respond.

You have created a place where people can express opinions, feelings about a favorite group, but can also post about "off topic" stuff. A lot of places don't allow that, nor do they allow negative opinions about the artist(s)or other things. People have to agree to disagree at times, which the posters here generally do. It is your right as webmaster to edit/delete posts that you feel are personal attacks against someone.

As far as family friendly,the website itself is, and the chat folder, for the most part, is as well. People just have to be aware that the majority of posters here are adults, and posts may contain adult material, along with "teasing" among friends and different types of humor lol..

Just my 2 cents....
RC

Erin wrote : <<awesome...paris is one of my favorite places anywhere...what a perfect place to see america!!>>

Though I LOVE my part of the country much more than I do the capital, I got to agree with you anyway. Moreover, the Olympia Hall is such a mythical place for the French and I think for many musicians worldwide. Exactly one week after America, B Wilson will be playing this same venue... Hope Spring 2004 is here soon !
Gen

It's tongue in cheek - I'd say G & D are very modest people

I'm curious, are there any moral or ethical, guidelines or parameters that one should observe, when posting on the chat folder, and do you consider this a family friendly site?

Good question Vic. I have never posted any guidelines for what should or should not be posted on this Chat Folder although I have edited some posts in the distant past when they involved personal attacks on other individuals. I really don't have the time or the desire to monitor or police what gets posted here but it's my hope that if people don't like what's being posted that they let the particular individual who makes the posts aware of that. It could be done by sending them a personal mail message or by posting a non threatening note here.

I'm guessing that your question comes in response to Red Oak's recent post which included "SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE". While it's true that I don't care for what he posted, I guess there are some people here who enjoy it. So, is this a family friendly site? There's no way I can answer that question because I don't control what's posted. The America Fans web site certainly is a family friendly site and for the most part I think the contents of this Chat Folder are.

I hope that answers your question. I welcome comments and input from others. When I created this Chat Folder it was to give America Fans a chance to talk about America and to share experiences that allow us to get to know each other better (whether or not it involved America). I guess those would be the only guidelines that I had in mind.

Thanks for the question.

Steve L., I'm curious, are there any moral or ethical, guidelines or parameters that one should observe, when posting on the chat folder, and do you consider this a family friendly site?

Mo B ~ I found one particular statement by you in your latest concert review to be exceptionally thought provoking. It's this: "When I mentioned that to Gerry [attending eight shows this year and it being the last]...he said I should probably cut back."

That leads me to ask: What did you take that to mean coming from Gerry?

Johnny,

I too noticed how this person used the Eagles.Com in his fictitious e-mail address. Perhaps it's his favorite or #1 group...

On another more pleasant topic mentioned here earlier today- Guillermo Albelo of "Etcétera" recently wrote me a friendly "hello" e-mail, and what a nice "Isleño" (Islander) he is. Hola Guillermo! (Saludos de un isleño a otro):0) Muy buena suerte con tu nuevo disco!

It seems Matt Lauer and Carmen San Diego have nothing on our busy traveling band...Down Under, Europe, and only two months of the year revealed...Very impressive line up so far! I sure hope they drop by New Orleans again or somewhere nearby. I know my cousins and friends in Miami will catch them at Gulfstream Park. So nice to hear they will be visiting Granada and Murcia in Spain too. Eons ago (1967), I was lucky to visit Spain for 3 months, my maternal grandfather's homeland, and I was able to experience the country's sights and culture, a truly beautiful and enchanting place. I am sure Gerry will have a field day taking pictures from "las ventanas". I look forward to his camera being this chat folder's "window to the world".
Hasta la vista,
Sergio

Fabulous pics Moser!! I mean it...they made my day, and the pic for "Dewey's Girls" made my week! My heart LEAPT!! We can always count on you!

Cindy from the South

Hi, Tommie Girl~~~I haven't had much time lately to keep up with the chat folder and even less time for posting, but I saw your message about making sure that you got your America cd out of your car. I was the one that posted about a similar experience. Sorry to hear that you had an accident. I'm glad that no one was seriously hurt. When I grabbed the America tunes out of my car I thought the car was on fire because there was smoke pouring out of the hood. Fortunately there was no fire and I later learned that the car had a blown head gasket, but it was very scary when it happened. Glad to hear that you are doing well after your surgery and settling in after your move. Thanks for the update.~~~Cathy

With the mention of the Eagles this morning here on the folder, did anyone else notice that the person who posted as "JD Souther" on the VH.Com message board used the fictitious email address, "JD Souther@Eagles.Com"? I know that Souther has a direct connection with the Eagles but I would have thought this person would have used an email address something more like "JD Souther@JDSouther.Com"; "JD Souther@WhenYou'reOnlyLonely.Com"; or "JD Souther@Ronstadt.Com".

awesome...paris is one of my favorite places anywhere...what a perfect place to see america!!

Erin :o)

This morning on Arrow93, "Uncle" Joe played HWNN and mentioned that on this date in 1972 Ventura Highway was released. He jokingly said that the success of this single, coupled with the success of HWNN gave the band "carte blanche" with the record company, enabling the band to get in all sorts of trouble. At leat I THINK he was kidding!

Ur welcome Beth, glad 2 help, but don't enjoy them 2 much, or I will have to post more, haha.

I know what you think
"The girl means business so I'll offer her a drink"
Looking mighty proud
I see you leave your table, pushing through the crowd
I'm really glad you came, you know the rules, you know the game
Master of the scene
We've done it all before and now we're back to get some more
You know what I mean

Voulez-vous (ah-ha)
Take it now or leave it (ah-ha)
Now is all we get (ah-ha)
Nothing promised, no regrets
Voulez-vous (ah-ha)
Ain't no big decision (ah-ha)
You know what to do (ah-ha)
La question c'est voulez-vous

Red - You had me rolling on the floor laughing with your jokes!! Thanks, I needed that!

Yep it is Me again ~~

Please store my Have a Good Hump Day in your Memory Bank Hold folder for tomorrow.... I am only functioning on 3 hours of sleep this morning.... sooo I guess I got ahead of myself... Hahhahahaha! Oh well at least I am done with that Call Report... I am beginning to think I am developing a test phobia to seeing it arrive every quarter... See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ I believe that people will always kling together in the lonnnnng lonely night, and tho I know tomorrow, will somehow be brighter, I don't believe I'll fall in Love again, no I don't believe I'll fall in Love againnnnnn ~~~ Wow what a beautiful song by Dan Seals ~~ I Don't Believe I'll Fall in Love Again ~~~~ :) My oooh soo favorite verse of this song is ~~~ I believe the Glory of Love and its Beginnings can change your world overnight, and I have seen the splendor and the Magic of the Moment, when I realize this time it's right, and I have heard the Promise of Always and Forever, and overlooked the chance that it could be, and I have seen the sorrow, and the heartache when its over, and I don't believe I'll fall in love again, where does it goooo, and why does it leave you, I don't know, noooo I don't knowwww, and how can it take you up sooo high, and leave you all alone..... :) ;) :)

Hi Nancy! Thanks for the wishes & compliments. Hopefully, on March 7th you'll get a review AND a bunch of pics!!!
Gen.

<<Genny May, good to see u may be seeing Gerry & Dewey soon. Ur devotion and spirit moves us all and its about time u r rewarded 4 ur perseverance.>>

Ooooh, Red! That IS for sure one of the nicest things I've ever been told... snifff snifff ... now you make me sentimental ! G ! Thought I had eventually gotten rid of that bleeding heart... seems NOT after all... Blame YOU for taking advantage of my present weakness due to some recent VERY GOOD news ! Hahaha.....
You're the best of us all !
Gen.

Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ A Mild Fall day here, I am feeling much better now that I got my dreaded Call Report finished, and a day to spare to deadline! :)

Hi Kimacabrina ~~ Yep it is great to see this chat folder back up and working right again, hmmmm I guess Steve L booted the DNS Demons to the venturahwy message board, or it musta been all of us clicking on to see what was happening and we overloaded their sign on limit! :)

Thanks Mo ~~~ What a way to start the day off, I loved getting to see your pics, sooo neat how you set them up in this photo gallery, Thanks for capturing the days magic for sure, nice to see pics of all the Chat Folder Fans that were there. Nice Smiles everyone, I can appreciate them easily, it's always great to see AMERICA Live.... Jackson Browne says it best in his song Load Out\Stay ~~~ when it comes to moving me, you know you guys are the champs.... but the bands on the bus & they're waiting to go, gotta drive all night, we do sooo many shows,... we just pass the time in the Hotel rooms, until the lights come up & then we remember why we came ... People you got the power over what we do, People Staaaaaaaaaayyyyy just a little bit lonnnnnnnnnngerrrrrrr, we wanna play just a little bit lonnnnnnnnger, if your Mother don't mind, and the Union don't mind, if we leave it all behind, oooooooooooh won't you staaaaaaaaayy just alittle bit longeerrrrrrr, play one More Song, Please sayyyyyyy YOU willlllllllllll, oooooooh won't you stayyyyyy just a little bit longer, just one more sonnnnnng ~~~ Gerry, Dewey, Woodz, Richard & Willie, Pete & Erin ~~~ I sure hope you all head back to PA in 2004, Hint ~ Hint ~~ The Johnstown War Memorial is newly remodeled and it would be an Awesome dream come true for me to head there to see AMERICA for sure! :) I will Have HOPE! :)

Hi there Tommmmie Girl ~~~ Nice to hear from you after all this time, glad to hear all went well with your surgery and that your close call accident, wasn't anymore serious. I hope things continue to go well for you and your family there in your new home and at your new job! :) Keep on enjoying all of AMERICA's great songs and nice that your Daughter is moving them up next in line to BOYS on her fave list. :)

Hey there Reddddddd ~~ Thanks a Bunch for your well wishes, I plan on taking either one of my Highway CDs or my Definitive AMERICA cd with me to listen to while I am in that MRI Tube.... that oughta keep me from letting the chlostrophobic bug get ahold of me... :) Hmmm ~~ Good Question ~~~ Hmmmm what is my top personal 5 harmonizing groups ever ~~~ 1. AMERICA ~~ 2. EAGLES ~~ 3. Beach Boys ~~ 4. Three Dog Night ~~ 5. Firefall ~~~ Geeeee Red ~~ My list could go on here lonnnnnnnnger..... I will agree with you ABBA had a Unique way of making some nice Harmonizing songs. :)

Last but not Least ~~~ You're welcome Gen ~~ Red said it nice, your patience & perserverance is finally being rewarded... I will look forward to reading your Review of your Big Night March 7th 2004 ~~~ WOW ~~~ Just goes to show how far a little bit of HOPE can take you! :)

Okay I gotta get now, have a good HUMP DAY everyone, hope to make it to Live Chat tonight, if my big brown eyes can stay awake long enough... See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ sooooo love me like the last time, we could ever be together, let's make it like the last time, cause if this world wouldn't be here tomorrow.... it's sooo easy to believe it will be neverending... but I knowwww even tho we feel this way there can be no guarantees, in a world that keeps changing... soooo love me like the last time, that we could ever be together, let's make it like the last time..... cause if this world wouldn't be here tomorrow, forever, for always.... we got to live each moment, as if the Chance may never come again, and if tomorrow never falls, it won't matter at all, it won't matter at all, at alllll ~~ Love me like the last time we could ever be together ~~~ Sing it for us England Dan :) ;) ;)

THANKS Mo ! Very nice pics!!!! The guys look GORGEOUS on them... and you got soooo close, hmmm!
Loved the Gerry doll too.
I might post a comment or two soon ... Thanks for sharing.
Gen.

Salut Larsen!
TROP TOP COOL de te voir ici (pour parler d'jeun..s!) Hahaha! C'est si rare!
Merci de rappeler le lien pour l'Olympia. Je dis 'rat pelé' car Steve l'avait posté dans son précédent message... en anglais!

T'as raison! Faut pas déconner !...

Bizzzz à toi et à bientôt.
Gen.

Now that Mo has me awake, other than the Eagles, who are the best harmonizing groups ever to grace the airwaves. The following is my personal top 5:

1. Eagles
2. Abba
3. Beachboys
4. 3 Dog Night
5. America

Genny May, good to see u may be seeing Gerry & Dewey soon. Ur devotion and spirit moves us all and its about time u r rewarded 4 ur perseverance.

Nanceroo, how is the neck 2day? Did u originate the phrase "pain in the neck" or was that someone else? :);) Hope ur checkup goes well on Thursday and that u receive the best of news.

In closing:

SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE

PART I

What is a Yankee?
The same as a quickie, but a guy can do it alone.

What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?
The position of the dirt bag.

Why is divorce so expensive?
Because it's worth it!

What's the fluid capacity of Monica Lewinsky's mouth?
One US leader.

What do you see when the Pillsbury Dough Boy bends over?
Doughnuts.

Why is air a lot like sex?
Because it's no big deal unless you're not getting any.

Why is Chelsea Clinton so homely?
Because Janet Reno is her real father.

The mind is a terrible thing.........................

Awesome Mo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You made my day........ The Gerry doll was gr8 2. Looks like u all had a gr8 time. Did u see Don, Glen, Timmy or Joe in Winslow? Did u see Eagles avenue there, also? Tx again.

RedOak,
Make sure you check the caption of the final pic out.
Thanks,
Mo

Finally...
http://www.pbase.com/moser/america_pics
Hope this works.
Happy Tuesday, Everyone

Well, thank heavens this folder is back up, because I just tried to check the VH site and received the following message "This account has surpassed its bandwidth allocation...". Not sure what that means but at least one site is working.

Ya'll have a great day!

Kim

Pour reserver ou acheter en ligne le billet pour le concert Parisien, c'est là :
http://www.olympiahall.com/spectacles.asp

ENFIN !!!!!!

America à l'Olympia de Paris le 07 mars 2004.

Bon, Dewey, Gerry ! Quand vous voulez vous m'envoyez des pass pour les backstages ;o)
Il me faut plein de nouvelles photos pour mon French site : http://perso.club-internet.fr/larsen/index2.htm

En attendant avec impatience le printemps 2004 je vous souhaite bon courage et bonne route...

Thierry dit Larsen.

Thanks everyone for the nice words & thanks Steve for posting the info... Hope it'll be useful to some other French fans I know & who are also regular visitors to this site. I can't think they would sell the tickets if the concert was not scheduled for good (?)

Great to see they are also going to Spain. Granada is one of the most beautiful Spanish cities with its magnificent mix of Arab & European architecture & gardens. Sure Gerry should get to take beautiful shots over there... I wish they will play other places nearer my hometown, like Montpellier and Barcelona... Left hand fingers crossed (right hand got wounded last week-end,so...) but the left side is where the heart is, isn't it?
Have a great week everyone!
Gen
PS: Mo, I hope to see your pics very soon...;-)
PS2: a very personal 'bisou' to Eric in Paris ... HE will know why !

I received a message from Guillermo Albelo tonight indicating that America has scheduled two concerts in Spain (March 12 and 13 in Murcia and Granada). He said he is also trying to get two more concerts in the Canary Islands, one where he lives in Tenerife and the other in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria (March 14, 15). I must emphasize that these concerts have NOT been confirmed but it sounds like America will be logging a lot of miles the first part of 2004.

Guillermo also mentioned that in two weeks his group Etcetera will finish the recording of their new album. It includes several covers such as "A Horse With No Name", "Lovely Night", "California Dreamin'" and "It Never Rains In Southern California".

Before the snow hits here in Conneticut, I'm selling 3 of my money trees from my farm. A person can only take care of so many trees.

That's very tempting, Greg. Now, if I can just find that money tree in my back yard....

Steve,,,,

"Come on Down" you'll be well looked after.... and we'll show some real "Downunder" hospitality..... book ya ticket mate..!!!!
I'll pick you up at the airport...!!!!

Goanna

While the Chat Folder was down I received a message from Genevieve indicating that America will be playing the Olympia in Paris, France on Sunday, March 7th at 6 pm. This hasn't been confirmed yet but since Gen has already purchased her tickets, it's likely true.

Here's the link to purchase the tickets:

http://www.olympiahall.com/spectacles.asp

Congratulations Gen and thanks for sharing the information with us!

As many of you are already aware, the Chat Folder wasn't working for part of Sunday and Monday. The problem was with the DNS tables on the Internet but it has been resolved. Welcome back everyone and happy posting!

Been forever since I've been online - I think the only post I've made in 6 months has been Gerry's birthday wish. But I was always made to feel welcome when I came online, and so thought I would update you.

Surgery went wonderfully - I can't believe how much better I feel. Our move to Washington went smoothly, and we're settling in nicely in Federal Way, about 30 miles south of Seattle. (Not crazy about the area, but loving the work.) My little ones are growing like weeds, and my oldest daughter is turning into an America fan or the first order! Still working on the boys...

I had an experience that made me think of something I had read here - who was it that had the car accident and made sure they got the America CD out of the car? I swear, the same thing happened to me last month! I got hit by a woman in a little Dodge Stratus (She had no insurance... what a mess). Nobody was badly hurt, but she took my right side out - no possible way to drive my van - the police took my statement and called the towing company. And as the tow truck came around the corner to haul my ride away, I leaned through my window and grabbed my America CD. LOL My husband just shook his head when I told him the story that night. "Now that's dedication," he said. True. :) I knew that at least one person here would understand completely!

I missed the concert at the Tulalip in September (Augh!) but am eagerly watching the boards to see when Dewey and Gerry will be back in my neck of the woods. Hope all is well with all of you. Thanks for making me feel at home when I get the time to be here.

-Tommmie

Hi Everyone :) Hmmm ~~~ I am soooo happy to see this connected right this time.... I gotta go tho and get ready for Work, sooooo Lets get this chat folder booming again ~~~ Let the Posting Beging Now!!!! :) :) :) See ya later, Nancy :)

~~~~ how sweet it is to be loved by you, how sweet it is, I needed the shelter of someones arms, and there you were, I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were... I wanna stop and thank you baby, yes I dooooo, how sweet it is to be loved by you, feels soooo fine.... Sing it for us James Taylor :)

AMERICA Europe 1st half 2004, for sure. France maybe.

We've just returned from a long lunch with a group of friends. America has always been a topic of conversation in their company since we were late arriving at one of the gatherings back in '91 after attending an early show at St George Leagues Club. (It was a small crowd that night and I remember Dewey saying that the audience should join them for a Chinese meal in the club.)
We are usually the ones giving the America information, but one of our friends told us today that he heard Gerry being interviewed on Sydney radio one morning during the week. What a shame that we were at work! It was on the station that we listen to in the mornings. It was great to hear that the tour is being publicized and hopefully the mighty Opera House will be full, unlike that early show back in '91.

Check out the updated concert list for 2004 on the America Fans web site. It includes stops in Hawaii, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and the continental USA. Now, what do I have to do to get a job helping Pete so I can go to all those wonderful places????? (LOL)

Gerry...Dewey...Willie...Michael...Rich...Pete...Bill

We would like to thank all of you for a wonderful night on Friday.
The concert was awesome(as usual)and we all had a great time.Hope
to see you soon.

Regards,
The Baratta(Leoni) Family

P.S. Gerry,we will e-mail the info you asked for, to Steve Lowry
as soon as we get a chance.

Of course, the subject was supposed to say 6 to GO. No wonder I failed typing in grade 10.
j

Only 6 days to go until the guys play Vancouver.
j

jimnak, have a GREAT time tonite in Aurora!!! I'll be there for sure!

Thanks friends for the well wishes - hopefully our pictures come out, if so we'll submit them.

just outside of Chicago. Anyone going ?
AMERICA has a long & storied past in the great midwest.
From McCormick place, Arie Crown, the Auditorium, Alpine Valley, Holiday Star theatre, Ravina. Cobo Hall etc,etc.
Great shows, great crowds. Hey it won't be long b/4 it's HOLIDAY HARMONY time !

Thanks Steve, I'll buy my front row reserved tickets the day they go on sale and then warm up my digital camera.

Gerry, You do a very nice job with the views you're given but... they need to get you a room with some better views!!

The Gulfstream Park web site has America on their concert schedule for Sunday, February 8, 2004. Tickets will go on sale in November.

You said, "(Every time I hear his speaking voice, I get butterflies in my stomache! Moser I'm sure that you know what I mean! I would guess that you have similar reactions to Gerry!!)" Shamefully, yes.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Philadelphia, PA.

Wouldn't it be nice to help the guys in the composition of their songs, by suggestin' them a subject to write lyrics for?
It wil be like a game. May I start?

Ok. I start. Since I am a student in junior-highschool, and also a teenager -I have my 14th birthaday on March-, I believe it would be a good idea to write something about the problems of our age, our full days, our meetings, the relationships with our friends, parents, teachers e.t.c.
I also have a second suggestion. Does anybody know a song by the Scorpions called "Daddy's Girl"? It says, "sweet little child, you know nothing but a cold wold outside"... Anyway. it's about the love of a father for his daughter. They could write something similar.
I can't think of anything more. It's YOUR MOVE now! lol

Lucky you! You saw America live again!

"Nina's niece is the youngest "Gerry Girl" I've met at 4 and 1/2. "
So, that means Danae isn't the youngest fan? :(

"Hold me up...I feel faint...Gerry was wearing blue jeans. Life is good."
Mo, be careful! Let me remind you Gerry is married and father of two children! Lol! I really like to tease you Molly, so don't take that seriously. That was one of my silly jokes.

"I was taking a bunch of shots and was waiting for my turn to get a close up of the guys--hopefully with me and some of my family if possible. "
Hope you post them soon!

"...the youngest "Gerry Girl" I've met at 4 and 1/2. "
So, even little girls that don't go to school yet like Gerry? Ðïéïò åßóáé ðéá áãüñé ìïõ, ï ãéïò ôïõ ÐÜñôáüëá;(wanna me to translate that?)

Well, that's all! I wish you had a good time in the concert, my friend.

Love,
Zouzou (that's how Dad call's me)

Hi everyone!
Thanks for your review Moser. Can't wait to see the pics...

Hi Nancy!
I've been trying to post a message for you since Wednesday but systematically receive an 'Undelivered Mail Returned to Sender' message... Will try again later.
Gen.

Hi Everyone :) Another chilly rainy day here, Mr Wind has cut short Falls Golden Parade! Ouch! :( Ooooooh my where did this week go too! I had my PT this morning and then headed to the Orthapedic Dr. to find out what my nerve test results were. ~~ I am in kinda a Fog here in my head, cause what he told me, I wasn't really expecting. It appears I do have nerve damage in between my C6 & C7 in my neck and now I gotta go and have a MRI done on my neck and also some regular neck xrays. I said to him, WOW, this is too much, my neck doesn't bother me at all! Then he got his little neck model and showed me where he feels there is either a fractured disc, or a bulged one or he said he can't rule out something else that is putting the pressure on my nerve there, causing this tingling and numbness in my fingers as well as my upper arm getting stiff and spasming up. ~~ WOW, there all had myself thinking was, I hope he doesn't want to rebrake my arm so it can heal correctly. He said I may have to have surgery or it could possibly be taken care of by steroid injections in my neck ~ OUCH !!! ~~~ Somebody pinch me and Wake me up.... Darn I was soooo stupid not to just let that **** laptop drop!

Thanks Nina, Alan, Paul & Mo for all of the Topsfield happenings, sounds like it had to be one Magical show for sure. ~~~ Hmmmm what great seats, Nice to hear that Nina's neice got to show Gerry her Gerry Doll, and soooo great of Gerry & Dewey taking time to sign things too... Hey Alan that is nice you getting your Highway Box Set signed by all 3 of them ~~ WOW! ~~ So great to hear that all of you guys got to meet each other and Nice to hear that DaisyJane64 was there. Hmmmm but I am wondering ~~ was Rob there? If you were there with your friends Rob, I would love to hear your review too. ~~ Alan you had me cracking up when you said that the Leaf Peepers were out in full force on the hwy. ~~ Too much, as a matter of fact my in laws, and my sister in law and her hubby were doing exactly that last weekend, they drove through a part of upper Mass., they just came home last night, and were shocked to see soo many wind blown leaves on the ground and bare trees. ~~ Hey Mo thanks for sharing the neat info about Gerry having a Carl Wilson button & mB pin on his guitar strap... I will look forward to seeing your pics when you get them put on here to check out... Hmmmm if I were you I would just hang onto this 4th Decade Tour High for as long as you can, you will have plenty of time to come up with a 5th one later.... All I can say is WOW!!!! Nice :)

Hey there American Girl ~~ Only 1 more day to go till the Aurora show ~~ Yes Yes Yes ~~ Have a great time and I will look forward to seeing your review. :)

Mr Mailman, Hey there DanC ~~ Can You hear me Now ~~ If by chance you and your Mrs. are heading out to the Aurora show, I hope you too will come and post about it. ~~ I hope you didn't have those strong gusts of wind there in your delivery area on Wed... the winds here were soo strong, that when I was leaving my PT treatment, it pinned the van door against me and wouldn't let me move it.... If you don't have one of those little postal trucks yet, you will have to give Red a Call and maybe he can get ahold of a Nelleybelle for you. :) :) :)

Thanks Beth & Robyn for the info about Matt's song clip, I will be sure and check it out. ~~ I did go and catch up on the news on Matt's site ~~ sooo neat that airplanes and the disappointed are being played on the radio up in Oregon... I was listening to my mB cd over the weekend, I do enjoy hitting the replay button on soo many of the songs. Sooo happy for you Matt! :)

CHEERS Jimmmmmmmmmmbob & Goanna ~~~ I will second your WOW Goanna, sooo great that AMERICA is heading your way again... Hey there Jimmmmmmmbob ~~ Hmmm sooooo You were trying to write a longer post than me Nancy ~~ too much, I must say you did write a lonnnnnnnng one, and Yes, what an AWESOME AMERICA High you experienced the other year.... Hmmmmm you say how could you top that.... welll I can Picture YOU joining Gerry Dewey,Richard, Woodz & Willie, for the Horse encore, and that would be soooo cool to see you do the ZZTop move with them. ;)

Well I gotta get now, this has been another busy, busy week for me. Tonight is Senior night at my son's high school and we have to go for the half time ~~ He play's on the school Golf Team and has played since he was in 8th grade. ~~ Our annual CU Members Dinner Meeting is on Sunday and I gotta get some more things ready for that.

Take care everyone and have a great weekend! ~~ Hey Gerry & Dewey, I hope it isn't sooo windy and rainy in NJ this evening! I look forward to seeing the VFTHW pic. ~~ Have a great time Deb & Keith! Come tell us all about it. See ya, Numbfinger Nancy :)

~~~~ Just say GoodBye, Goodbye for now, till I see you again ~~~ I'm the sunlight, that's where I'll be, in the moonlight, close your eyes and you'll see me, In the sunlight, in the twilight, I'll be the morning and the evening star, I will be there with You, wherever you are ~~~ Life is Strange, such Joy & Pain, every trail & kiss may be meant to be, maybe destiny that leads us down a Path like this ~~~ Sooo it's good nite, things go wrong, but its alright, we're all just passing through here at the speed of light... ~~~ Sing it for me Celeste Prince ~~~ Wherever you Are from the Sweet November soundtrack ~~~ Wow what a song! :) :) ;)

Just wanted to post and say that we're really excited about the show tonight in West Collingswood, NJ. I work a few minutes away and just checked out the venue. Big old place...nice. No buses or activity yet, however. Is anyone else going?

It's a special night for us and we're taking my sister and her hubby as a birthday present for my sis plus their anniversary was Wednesday. I guess we have alot to celebrate.

I know they'll both be hooked just like we were after our first show.

Take care everyone and I'll try to check back this weekend with a mini review.

Deb and Keith :o)

Okay, so we (Nina, DJ, and me) got our spots at the front. Now, we just had to wait two hours for the show! We took turns doing the obligatory food/drink/restoom runs so as not to lose our spots. We got to meet Alan, Kay Sue, Ed, and family. They had some car trouble in the morning and got there about 45 minutes after the gate had opened. Fortunately, they were still able to get right up front, in the second row on Dewey's side. It was nice to meet them. I've got a picture of them to post later.

We saw Woodz, Rich, Willie, and two tiny glimpses of Gerry. I didn't talk to any of them but did talk to Pete. I asked if we were going to get the short or long set but he wasn't telling. He said it was a surprise. Also, I asked him whose picture was on the button that Gerry has on one of his guitar straps. I thought it might be George Harrison but could never get a close look. Pete said it is a Carl Wilson button. Well that makes sense. On another strap, Gerry has an mB pin. Also fitting.

As show time drew closer, the grandstand started to fill up. There were three sides of bleachers and the ground seating area in the middle. The place was packed. After waiting through the opening act and the introduction of Mrs. Essex County 2003 and Mrs. Essex County 2004 (Yes, Mrs. not Miss), we finally got to see our heroes. Hold me up...I feel faint...Gerry was wearing blue jeans. Life is good.

They started with Riverside with Pete's famous introduction. It was great. They did play the long set, thankfully. The crowd was very into it and sang along with almost every song. We were treated to a dancer or two in the left aisle for most of the show. One lady was VERY into it--sort of channeling a mixture of Janis Joplin and Elaine from Seinfeld. You gotta love self-expression.

The set lasted about an hour and a half. By the time they played Sister Golden Hair, the crowd was mostly on its feet and remained there for Horse. They had a guest guitarist for Horse. His name was Rusty something. I don't recall his last name. He seemed to have fun and joined in on the "Horse Dip." It was a great show, very lively and fun.

I was really hoping the guys would come out to meet the crowd afterward since both Nina and I had family in tow. Nina's niece is the youngest "Gerry Girl" I've met at 4 and 1/2. She had down the chant and all. I was really hoping she would get to show him her Gerry doll. It was a striking resemblance. I loved it and was hoping she would get the chance to have Gerry sign it.

We waited for about 10 minutes and just as Jeff was about to give up, Gerry came out with Sharpie in hand. Soon, Rich and Dewey followed. The kids in our group all had plastic toys they had won at the fair and got the guys to autograph the toys. It was nice of them. They were all very friendly and accommodating.

I was on the opposite side of the mob from Nina but could see that she got a chance to speak to Gerry with her niece and show him the doll. I couldn't tell what he said but he seem amused and showed the doll to Dewey then signed it for her. I'm sure she was thrilled.

I was taking a bunch of shots and was waiting for my turn to get a close up of the guys--hopefully with me and some of my family if possible. DJ asked me to take a shot of her with Gerry. I was hesitant since it was her last shot and I didn't want to mess it up but she talked me into it. Unfortunately, when I took her camera, I handed mine to my niece who handed it to my husband who walked out of the arena with it. In order to get my chance at a picture now, I would have to go find him and get back into the back of the crowd. I didn't think the guys would be there that long so I didn't even try. Boo hoo. Oh well, I suppose I've gotten enough pictures, but it's always nice to take more.

Well that was the last show of the Fourth Decade Tour. I got to go to eight shows this year. When I mentioned that to Gerry after taking the picture with DJ, he said I should probably cut back. You know, he's probably right but I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had this year (concerts, cross country trip, PGA Championship) for anything. Turning 40 has been a blast. What the heck am I gonna do for 50 to top this year??!! Better start planning now. Happy Friday, Everyone.

Yes, there is a curse over the Boston Red Sox. Not The Curse of the Babe, though. The Curse of Ignorance. The curse of a team so racist, it took them 12 years to integrate after the rest of the Major League Baseball. A team so foolish, it turned down Hank Aaron and Willie Mays because they weren't "Red Sox" material (meaning white). A team so inept, it leaves a gimpy first baseman in a game while his superior defensive replacement watches from the dugout as the World Series slips under a first baseman's glove. A team so foolish that its manager leaves a heartless, gutless pitcher in long enough for the Yankees to snatch their ticket to the World Series right out from their cold, dead hands. Yes, there is a curse. The curse of ignorance. Babe Ruth has nothing to do with that.

KevinS.

Hi all, especially to Nina, Moser, Alan, Paul and the rest of you that got to attend the Topsfield concert.
It sounds like you all had such a Great time! (I am a little envious!) It would be so cool to meet some fellow chatters!
Moser, your description was still very colorful even though it was brief. I love hearing about the concerts, every time! All of that "icing on the cake" just sounds Wonderful!! I too really love it when Dewey and Gerry talk on stage during their shows! It just makes the whole experience so much more exciting! I would have been thrilled to hear Dewey being so talkative. (Every time I hear his speaking voice, I get butterflies in my stomache! Moser I'm sure that you know what I mean! I would guess that you have similar reactions to Gerry!!)

American Girl, I am so happy for you! I do hope you get an autograph!
I will have to wait until next year to see them again. Hopefully the 2004 concert schedule will include many California shows!

Bye, Valerie

Go Marlins!!

My long awaited America concert in Aurora is almost here! WOW! I'm SO EXCITED!!! Maybe this time I can get an autograph...

Yeah, Johnny, underhanded/dishonest individual(s) like that get me angry, usually has me seeing RED...Hopefully, they will crawl back into their hole or under their rock and leave our musical heroes alone.

Sir Joe

And, I want everyone to know...that Moser beat me to the front near the stage (I'm slow and chubby...she's YOUNGER and peppy) and STILL gave the front spot to me so niece could be way up close! Is that an angel, or what? Thank you Mo! (I wonder how long it took Gerry and Dewey and band to get to the fair from their hotel? I saw a Sheraton in the distance while we were stuck in traffic at the Topsfield exit. Looks like the closest place for them to stay. It might have taken them two hours, also!)

LOL! Terry ~ I think the (im)poster who posted those messages were probably drinking BOTH!

Hi y'all. Not trying to be coy about not posting a Topsfield review. I was just trying to post the pics and the review at the same time. Unfortunately, I have not yet gotten to post the pics. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow night I will have the time.

Here's the review in the meantime. (I will post a link to the pics later when they are up.) My reviews are basically always the same: the show was awesome. It doesn't really matter much to me if the sound is off or what songs they play or whatever. If they're playing live and I get to be there, that's awesome all by itself. If they happen to play better than usual, talk more than usual, or sign stuff after the show then it's just icing to me. I guess this show would definitely fall into the icing category then. They played great, it was a beautiful day, I got to meet some fellow chatters, the guys came out after the show, and Dewey was downright animated and loquacious during the concert. He was so talkative that at one point he looked at Gerry and said, "You just want me to shut up and play, don't you?" Gerry said no and they both laughed. It was cute.

Okay, backing up a bit...the Topsfield Fair is a lovely idea but they really need to do something about the AWFUL traffic problem. I read here on the folder that traffic is usually an issue but I never imagined it could be that bad. I was staying with my in-laws in Clinton and it only took us an hour to get to the Topsfield exit off of 95. I figured we were golden b/c the Mapquest directions I had said that the fair was only a half of a mile or so from there. It was more like two miles as it turns out. And, it took us TWO hours to go the two miles to the parking lot. Can you imagine? I was definitely in a panic mode. I was hoping to get there in time to sit right up front and could just picture my chances slipping away with each minute. I wondered if the band would be helicoptered in or what. What a mess.

Finally once we got there (all nineteen of us), the kids and everyone headed to the midway and I headed to the grandstand to hopefully get in line for seats. I was relieved when I got there that the line was not too long yet. I immediately saw Nina. She was standing with another girl who turned out to be DaisyJane64 (Lisa). After the introductions, we were pleased to find out that the gate was going to be opened in about 15 minutes or so. We formed our strategy plan for getting as close to the front as possible. It worked. We were the first and second set of blankets on the "Gerry side" of the stage. Very cool.

Hey, sorry but I've got to get to work. I will write more later.
Happy Thursday, Everyone.

Jack Daniel's or Southern Comfort? Hmmm... that's a tough one, being meself a rum drinker.

A really sad thought is the possibility that the person(s) who posted as "JD Souther" and "Brad" may be someone who also posts here. It would be very pathetic if this were the case. Personally, I think it was just one person posting as two different people.

Paul,

A shame there was another fellow chatter so close and I didn't get to meet you or your family. Rich was talking to a few people at different times. If you saw him talking to a couple of guys - one brown-haired and wearing a black america t-shirt and the other black-haired and wearing a Boston Red Sox cap, then you saw me and my brother.

Alan

Give the song a listen and let Matt know what you think. I have been fortunate enough to hear this wonderful new song live seveal times. I played it for my officemates, one of whom commented to me later in the day that the song was STILL going thru her head.

Just a note to let you know, Matt has provided a link to a new song on his website, look at his forum, new album topic. Song is "Someday" and is worth the time!!

I've been hovering around....hope to chat this evening!

Peace

It's good to see that this particular page keeps folks accountable, and those who post here keep the bar pretty high in terms of content, as well as respect toward other posters. For a real contrast, consider that the two surviving members of Badfinger -- each of whom was making an Internet message board available to loyalists as a means of keeping in touch -- pulled those boards down because of the bitter feuding, hate-mongering and outright slander that was being posted daily among the (deeply) factionalized members of the hardcore Badfinger fan base.

Hey thanks guy for the great reviews ! How lucky you were/are ! Hope to hear Mo's story too. Mo, are you back to earth yet??? LOL How was the gig from your point of view,hum? Did I miss your report? And anyone planning to post pics? So great Rich posted this beautiful one, btw! Thank you, Mr C!
Gen.

Alan,

What a great review and account of your America concert experience. Thanks for sharing it with us, especially all the chatter between you and Gerry, Dewey and Rich. What a thrill it must have been!
Sir Joe
ô¿ô
~

WOW.....!!!! wer'e so excited you could hardly hold us back when we saw the concert updates on the web.....

The guys will need to put a second round of concerts on because I reckon the interest is going to go through the roof...!!!

Thanks guys for making the effort to come and visit downunder, and thanks Steve for your prompt posting of the dates....

p.s. Our family are still jumping up and down with joy...!!! best news all year....

Goanna & Co.

By the way Steve, does Dewey ever read the chat folder?

Yes, Alan, he does. Thanks for sharing the great review with us. I think I know exactly how you felt.

Hi Alan ~ Thanks for sharing your America show adventure. I really enjoyed reading about it! Someday, I hope to have my "Highway" booklet with Dan's autograph already on it (signed by him WITH a SHARPIE, LOL!) with Dewey and Gerry's autograph added to it. And to think, I had the booklet with me at the Sweetwater, TX show. Oh well, next time, I hope.

Johnny

It sounds like I had a similar experience. Fought traffic and got there got there with my wife and 3 kids at about the same time and planted on the benches off to your right. I certainly did see Rich Campbell talking to a few fellas before the show, which must have been you.

It was a great evening with great music. Meeting fellow chatters and with the band afterwards hopefully made up for a long day. (My kids would kill me if they knew they missed an opportunity to meet Dewey and Gerry - I'm keeping that one to myself.)

What an awesome show at Topsfield Fair last night!!! My wife (Kay Sue), my oldest daughter (Tamara), youngest daughter (Megan) and I all went. We met my brother Ed there (from South Lancaster, MA).

The day did not get off to a great start. We had car trouble which put us behind schedule almost an hour and a half (we had planned to leave around 10:00 and get there a few hours before the show to take in some of the fair, but it was almost 11:30 before we were on the road). Then we hit construction on the Maine Turnpike and 3 lanes went down to 2. With a lot of "leaf peepers" heading back to wherever they came from (mostly MA as far as we could tell from the license plates), it was stop-and-go traffic for about 20 minutes before the right lane opened up again. Of course, once we got into Topsfield, it was stop-and-go (mostly stop) for almost an hour before we found parking. We were actually quite lucky - although we didn't thnik so after we drove past parking lot after parking lot with "Lot Full" signs. We finally got to Parking Lot C around 3:45 (so much for checking out the fair) and they still had some openings. Turns out it was right across the road from the gate closest to the grandstand where America played. The gate was already open, but not many people had gone in yet. We brought chairs this year and were able to set up in the second row, center stage! To our right, there were a couple of blankets spread out on the ground with people on them. We recognized Nina right away and said hi. She introduced us to Moser and Lisa from the chat folder. It is always great to meet fellow chatters in person at these shows, and both seem like very nice, friendly people.

Once the chairs were set up and we settled in, everyone decided they needed to use the rest room after the long drive. I didn't have to go that bad, so I offered to stay with our stuff while the others went. While I was waiting, this guy walks over to talk to a couple of people in the front row. I knew he was with the band because he came from the stage area, but assumed he was part of the stage crew. A minute later, Mo came over and whispered to me “That’s Rich Campbell, the new bass player!” I had only seen America once since he joined the band (Hatch Shell) so I hadn’t seen him enough to recognize him by sight, yet. I wanted to go introduce myself and say hi, but I didn’t quite dare. Then Ed came back so I left to use the rest room.

When I got back, Ed was talking with Rich! I hurried over and assimilated myself into the conversation. He chatted with us for about five minutes, and I found out after he left that Ed had been talking to him for about 5 minutes before I got there. What a nice guy! Very down-to-earth. I found out that he has been a huge America fan from his early teens and it has been a dream of his to play with the band. He said that he used to sit around and figure out how to play all their songs on the guitar. Sounds like my best friend Scott and I when we were teenagers! Thanks Rich for "hanging" with us for a few minutes!

The show was the long set, which I was hoping for. I’ll leave the details of the show to one of the others who went (Mo? Lisa?). I'll just say it was great to hear Company, Baby It’s Up To You, Woman Tonight, To Each His Own (with a cool new intro) and Wheels (as well as all the "regulars" of course). The band sounded great and I thought Rich really did a great job trading off solos on his bass w/ Dewey on Woman Tonight. As Nina said, the boys were quite jovial and did a fair amount of bantering back and forth. It was a fun show.

As I had hoped, Dewey and Gerry came out to sign autographs after the show. There were a lot of people and I had 4 things that I brought to have signed (Highway, Complete Greatest Hits, Grand Cayman and a vintage America T-shirt, circa 1978). I didn’t want them to lose patience with me signing all that stuff with so many other people there, so I gave one item to each member of my family to get signed. Megan got the t-shirt and when she held it up for Gerry to sign he exclaimed “Where did you get that?” I was right behind Megan and I said “It’s mine! 1978 – Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine!” He showed it to Dewey and some of the other guys back stage and said “Hey guys, look at this!” Then he turned back to Megan and said “I’ll give you a $100 for this!” Megan’s eyes got wide and she got a big smile on her face and said “Sure!” I promptly said “No!” although I’m sure Gerry was joking. He was obviously quite amused to see the shirt, though.

When it was my turn, I handed Gerry my box set with Dan Peek’s autograph on it. When he saw that, he said “Where’d you get this? I don’t even have one of these!” I explained that I bought it from Dan’s web site and had requested it be autographed. He then said “I don’t know, it was probably Tom Peek that signed it!” Then he showed it to Dewey and they kind of laughed about the fact that it was signed in ball-point pen. One of them (can’t remember which) made a comment about Dan still living in the “pre-Sharpie era.” Somehow, I knew they would give me a hard time about it. It was all in good fun, of course.

By the way Mo, thanks for pointing out to Gerry that I was “Alan from the Chat Folder”. Now maybe he’ll remember who I am when he reads my posts (which, according to our esteemed web-master SL, he does often). By the way Steve, does Dewey ever read the chat folder?

All in all, it was a day that started out really bad, but by the end of it couldn’t possibly have been any better! We were all on Cloud Nine all the way home from the show. When I woke up this morning, I was STILL on Cloud Nine!

America is the greatest!!!

Alan

FYI - Rich has posted a photo from the Topsfield concert at the top of his Access Backstage With Rich Campbell web site. Thanks Rich!

Hi all! Looking at the world through "foliage colored" glasses today! Topsfield Fair (once you braved the traffic to arrive there) was wonderful! What should have been an hour and 15 min trip...took two and a half hours! (And we actually dodged some traffic because we knew a short cut!)

Niece and nephew are in heaven as they got to see their heroes perform. Nephew almost didn't come, as he's seen the guys play twice before (jaded at seven????)...but his actual quote at the end of the day was: "Boy, am I glaaad I came!" Niece bonded with Moser immediately and traded "Gerry Gerry Gerry" screams with her all day, initiating her officially into the "Gerry's Girls" club!

The boys were in a jovial mood...changing the banter a bit for all of us "frequent attendees"! Nice to see Mo and family, Lisa and hubby, Alan and family...we sat close together and presented a unified America Fans front! I'm sure they'll log on soon to share specifics of the day.

We waited at end of show for the guys to come out so we could say HI and get niece's Gerry doll signed. Gerry was amused by the Gerry doll and had to admit the resemblence! Didn't get to talk to Dewey as we had to get the kids home at a reasonable hour for school today!

Gerry...Thanks for your kindness to the kids and the picks you threw to them...We love you!

JimBob, you're right that the guys will be playing in New Zealand. I have updated the concert list to show that they will be playing in Aukland on February 3.

Hi everyone; unlike Australia, there's been nothing mentioned about a concert in New Zealand.Though I dont doubt it will happen. Made me think,though. As Ive written often, I saw the guys for the first time in 1984, then it was a whole 18 years til I had the pleasure again.18 YEARS! And now they're coming back! First time round they signed the Anthology songbook. All I can say to you Moser, if you have been tongue tied at times at meeting Gerry, I was like, a blathering idiot!Fast forward to last year,Im 41, lots more confident than the last time round, hell, I got my Martin signed(guitar to those that dont know), Gerry's now 50,(not 32 like before), I get my photo taken at Auckland Airport with them, and then have 2 nights in a row(in the front row, middle, I might add, then travel through 300 miles of the finest country in NZ, to see them again, in an out door setting! I have a video whereby STING speaks of never being able to repeat, or recreate a feeling(in his case, the Shea Stadium concert)and thats what Im saying to you guys...How can I better it?? What to doooo.....BTW. Stings new CD is GREEEEEEEEAT! Later all! (I just wanted to beat Nancy for the longest post!)

Hi all,
Did anyone catch the HGTV special titled, "Rock Gardens"? It featured John Oates of Hall and Oates, showing off his beautiful land and gardens in Colorado. The show also had Micky Dolenz (Monkees)at his home in Southern Calif., and other rock stars sharing a bit of their private lives. This got me to thinking, I would sure enjoy knowing a little bit more about Dewey and Gerry and their hobbies etc. Wouldn't it be cool for them to be on a TV special like that?

Nancy- That Soundstage Show sounds Great! One can dream!

Danae- Love the collage!
Bye, Valerie

Hi there Everyone :) Wow ~~ The Autumn colors are surrounding me from every angle, it is one beautiful day. I find my thoughts drifting to the east of me.... by now Mo & Family & Nina & neice & nephew, and Rob should all be there anxiously awaiting those oooooh sooo familiar words that give you the spinetingling chills "Let's Welcome AMERICA" Yes ~ Yes ~ Yes ~~ Have a great time at the show everyone that was lucky enough to head there today. :)

Thanks Gerry for the neat VFTHW pics, yesterdays pic kinda fitted into my friday's theme. Seeing those roof vent pipes reminded me of how good it feels to have my new bathroom sinks and faucets installed now, Mr Plumber finally came here on friday. I had my Human Nature & Hourglass & Highway Box Set CD's playing the whole time he was here.... Then the Rutland Va VFTHW pic was kinda like a silent infomercial... seeing that Progressive Ins. Jeep Cherokee parked there by the Ramada was too much along with some of the wind scattered, fallen, colored leaves ~~ Hmmm I hope there wasn't any accident there in the parking lot! ~~~ Today's pic kinda ties in both the parking lot along with the rooftop perspective views.... the leaves are still greener there, than here in my neck of the woods, Yellows, Oranges & REDS are surrounding me from every angle. ~~ A Great day to take in this show there in Topsfield. Brings to my mind the song Catch that Train.... I bet it would be awesome to take a train ride along the New England States about now ~~ WOW! :) Gerry & Dewey I hope you get some more glimpses of the coloring landscapes while you are here in the Northeast.

Thanks Johnny ~~ that was a tough trivia question... thanks for sharing this neat not soo known info with us. :)

Caio Bruno ~~ Best wishes to you and your family!

Hi Danae ~~ That was a pretty neat newspaper collage you made there. Wow, some really Vintage AMERICA pics for sure!

WOW Red ~~ You mentioning Boston's song Foreplay\LongTime ~~ that is one ROCKIN song for sure, that takes me back to some of my teenager days... 2 Much :) ~~~ Hey be sure and take a look at Mr Moon tonight, it was an AWESOME sight to behold all weekend long here. :) ~~ The dj on the radio at my physical therapy place this morning said that The Eagles rocked the Mellon Arena, in Pittsburgh, Pa and that Joe Walsh stole the second half of the show, as he always does. Then he played Joe's oooh soo familiar rockin song "Rocky Mountain Way", I am hoping they will add another show closer my way here in Pa.... I haven't given up HOPE yet of getting to hear Timothy B sing "I Can't Tell You Why" WOW!!! :) Timmy is here singing ~~~Soooo Iiii go on down the road, one more little town, that I don't know, I'm running late and I'm running low on cold coffee and the radio, and things we like to dooo ~~~ Every song is YOUUUUUUUUUUU ~~~ Sing it for me Timmy :)

Okay I gotta go now, See you all later, I look forward to hearing all about the shows from the last couple of days.... So come on everyone that went, get Postin bout it! :) See ya, Nancy :)

~~~~ YEAHHHH ~~ It's been such a Lonnnnnnnnnnnnng time, I think I should be going yeahhhhh, and time doesn't wait for me, it keeps on ROLLIN ~~ There's a Lonnnnnnnng road, Ive gotta stay in time with, I've got to keep on chasin that DREAM, tho I may never find it ~~ I'm always just behind it ~~~ Yes a great song Sing it and Play it Boston :) ;) :)

Hi Genevieve and Johnny and all fan of Dewey+Gerry+Band
bruno

Gerry, Thanks...love the autumn foliage in the distance! So many rooftops. Looks like a beautiful day in New England.

Thanks for the reply Kevin. Actually, most radio commercial don't/didn't bother me. It just always bothered me when the D.J. would say something like "25 songs in a row w/out interuption" then interupt after doggone near every song.

I usually try to keep my posting(s)related to music but I still am a (lukewarm) baseball fan.

Pedro is a headhunter and what I use to refer as a "big sissy". It doesn't matter if it's the playoffs... he should've been tossed when he (if what the announcers said/say was true) pointed at his head in a threatening manner towards the opposition... However, I don't know what else Pedro could have done when Don Z. rushed him. I'm thinking that if Don Z. would've gotten hold of Pedro that things could've/ would've turned into in something worse... especially for Zimmer.

I think Roger C. is a headhunter at times... the pitch he threw to Manny Ramirez however was no where near (watch the replays) his head and Ramirez was lookin' for a fight. He should've been tossed too.

Folks, don't mind my lack of puntuation, spelling and so on... I was in love with my 9th grade english teacher. The distaction was just too much!

Carry on...

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Danvers, MA.

Jeff: So far, I like it. But I've only had it for about a week. A huge choice of stations, no commercials (and that coming from a guy who writes commercials) and ESPN radio. That's all I need.

Of course, if I want the traffic reports, I can always go to the AM or FM stations.

KevinS.

I just got back from vacation and am catching up. Jars of Clay is a great band. I'm normally not into music that is overtly Christian - as Jars of Clay is -- but these guys have great lyrics and great arrangements. I haven't listened to any of their more recent stuff but I definitely need to check out their version of Lonely People and their new CD. Yet another example of a quality band covering an America song.

Rich

Rich

Duzn't matter, he should respect the elderly. You wouldn't shove ur parents to the ground, would u?

Go Cubbies...............

Brad Delp.
Maybe Mr. Zimmer should have stayed on the bench and not rushed Pedro.

Duz any1 know who the lead singer is & was 4 the rock group Boston? That guy was amazing. Such a strong voice & such gr8 music from that group. I especially like Foreplay/Long Time from the first album. Reminds me of the action in the corn fields from days gone by.:);):);) Speaking of Boston(the baseball team), I have lost any passion for them winning anything this year or ever. Throwing a 70 yr old man down to the ground is just absurd!!!! Pedro needs to pick on someone his own age. Anyway, now I hope they lose & lose big. Speaking of sports............

Sports Quotes

Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson on being a role model: "I wan' all dem kids to do what I do, to look up to me. I wan' all the kids to copulate me."

New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first."

And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the 'Skins say: "I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl," Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I'd run over Joe's Mom, too."

Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings."

Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann, 1996: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."

Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh: "I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes."

The mind is a terrible thing............

Yes, I think if you look carefully at the reflection in one of the ground floor windows you can see majestic Killington as well! Perhaps more color from the stage at today's daytime show in Topsfield. Paul

Kevin, what's your take on satelite radio? I'm thinking of going that route.

jb

Thanks for the trivia Johnny. I wasn't aware of that until now.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Rutland, VT. Gerry said we should note the color of the autumn leaves.

HINT:

1) The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

ANSWER:

1) "harder" as in America's former road manager, Scott Harder

HINT:

2) BASSIST, but few knew he was back in 1970.

ANSWER:

2) Scott Harder was/is a bass player.

HINT:

3) Woodz and he were part of the REMEDY.

ANSWER:

3) Woodz and Harder were fellow members of a band named TURNQUIST REMEDY. They recorded an album that was released in 1970 titled, "Iowa By The Sea". From my understanding, Woodz wrote all the songs but one which was a cover song. Another song was co-written by him.

When AMERICA was looking for a guitar tech, Harder mentioned the job opening to his former band mate. Woodz auditioned and the rest is history!

As a side note, Woodz reads the folder but only about once a month.


(Ciao Bruno! I hope all is well with you, Maria, and the Boys!!!)

Heard "To Each His Own" on XM radio station, The Loft, yesterday.

Nice surprise.

KevinS.

Danae, thanks for sharing your collage! I love it. I've been thinking of starting an America scrapbook because I've printed so many articles and cool pictures I need to begin storing them in a better way! (I suppose most of you have already done that!)

Hi Nancy! I agree with you; I've always loved Peter Cetera's voice. I have no idea what he looks like, but I love his voice! I also like your Soundstage idea! I hope it comes to be. We'd be on Cloud 9. And the DVD would be a must!!

Hi all. Hope everyone is well. I remember reading some postings lamenting the traffic at Topsfield. How much extra time is needed getting to the site. Any help from experienced New Englanders would be most appreciated.

Paul

Hi Bruno ! Sooo Good to hear from you tonight!
Hope you are fine as well as the whole family over there in Italy. Let us know.
By the way, did you add you red dot the the America Fans map???
See you here again soon, I hope.

Gen.

For those who are interested, they can read a past message of mine, with the title "ARGH". There, I say everything!

Danae, Genevieve,...Bruno, messages from Europe

In the Anniversary of Discovery of America dear Hi-Ciao to all friends of America (Country and Band).
Thanks Cristoforo Colombo.
Hi Bruno

Hi all!
Danae, GREAT wall paper, indeed. Good photo choices. And I, too, Jimnak hope to welcome them here in Europe very soon. This, eveyone already knows here ! :-)

Just a word to say that in their weekly newsletter, Melodic.net rock report confirm that Jars of Clay will release their new album "Who we are instead" on Nov.4th on Essential records.
Here´s the full trackinglist:
1. Sunny Days
2. Amazing Grace
3. Lonely People
4. Only Alive
5. Trouble Is
6. Faith Enough
7. Show You Love
8. Lesser Things
9. I'm In The Way
10. Jesus Blood Never Failed
11. Jealous Kind
12. Sing
13. My Heavenly

Have a great Sunday.
Gen.

ps: Nancy, did you get my e-mail?

I just found a cd of Simon & Garfunkel we have. I used to listen to it a lot when I was 9 years old.
My favorite song is "The Sounds Of Silence". I also like "The Bridge Over Troubled Water", "The Boxer", and "Mrs. Robinson". But something I don't like about Simon and Garfunkel: I find them too sad.

Hello darkness, my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dare
Disturb the sound of silence.

"Fools" said I, "You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Take my arms that I might reach you."
But my words like silent raindrops fell,
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made.
And the sign flashed out its warning,
In the words that it was forming.
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets
are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls."
And whisper'd in the sounds of silence.

"Excellent !"

Do you really mean that? I think the Montage wallpaper was far better.

"For that AMERICA in Europe 1st part of 2004."
Áðü ôï óôüìá óïõ êáé óôïõ Èåïý ô' áõôß.
That means: From your mouth to God's ears.

Excellent ! For that AMERICA in Europe 1st part of 2004.

Thanks for posting, Steve.

Danae has created a different kind of Wallpaper which she calls the newspaper collage. It is made up of pictures that are found in the newspaper articles on the America Fans web site. Click here to see Danae's newspaper collage.

Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ Just another late Saturday night and my music is blasting in my headphones..... Hmmmm I am PUMPED at the moment... well why you may ask.... well could be that this song that is playing has me wound up ~~~ but that is just the part of it.... Playing in my headphones is a song that could easily make me put the metal to the pedal... Vertical Horizon is singing WE ARE ~~~ and I don't why, or where we are....I get up sometimes, like somebody else, like wasting time like someone else.... take a look out the window, take a lover on the radio, cause I don't know why, don't know how, don't know where we are..... What a ROCKIN Song ~~ Yep I can get into some of my son's music at times, and hit the replay button too.... Now back on course for my reason for posting tonight. ~~ Well about 2 hrs ago, I was gonna post and then I hit the channel button on the remote control and upon coming to the PBS station I stopped to see who was on Austin City Limits and Steve Winwood was singing an older song from the 70's (not one of his), forgive me I am sooo wound up I can't think of the song title now... I knew it at the time LOL!!!! ~~~ Soooo then he sang his version of Give me some Lovin and then thanked everyone for the great evening.... Then they said Soundstage was coming up next and I waited to see who was on .... and boy what a surprise layed in store for me..... WOW Double WOW! Yes I am wound up still just thinking about this ~~ Okay I know I am ramblin here... well the Soundstage logo came on and said with Peter Cetera and his special guest Amy Grant..... I smiled instantly, I knew it was gonna be a good show... Darn why didn't I tape it.... Amy opened with her oooooh sooo familiar song Baby Baby and then sang her new song Simple Things and then sang one of her Christian songs... and darn I have heard it before, but the title is in another language and I am thinking Latin for some reason.... She sounded really good and looked even happier and better (Life with Vince ~Vince~Vince ~ must be agreeing with her) ~~ Wooooooo :)~~ Then it was time for Peter to take the stage and Boy did he Look Good ~~ Nice :) ~~ I have always been a fan of Chicago's (AMERICA has a hold of my heart tho) and I appreciate Peter's as well as Robert Lamm's contributions to Chicago and James Pakow (such a sad early loss) some of my most favorite songs of James was I've Been Searchin So Long as well as the song that was our Prom theme the year my hubby and I graduated "Color My World" and the one that I sang over and over again of his "Just You'n Me" ~~~ WOW what memories of these songs.... Hmmm I know there I went again.... Sorry :) ~~ Peter sounded really great and sang ooooooh soo familiar songs one right after the other.... and he was backed up by a Full Orchestra and everyone played in such a well blended synchronized sound.... It was downright spinetingling chills, and Happy Tears were flowing as I silently sang along word for word with all of these great songs.... Yep I do know most of Peter's songs by heart, have played them oooh soo many times. He is here singing in my headphones ~~~ It only takes a second to love, it only takes a second to hurt, and it's Just Like Love to be the hardest thing, It's Just Like Love ( what a great song from his solo album Another Perfect World)for the one song that he sang for the Karate Kid movie with Cher, there was a lady that played the tamborine and marroccos and a bongo drum (i think that is what she was playing, may be wrong), she sang Cher's part in the song The Glory of Love, and he melted me for sure when he sang his oooh soo nice song Forever Tonight ~~~ oooooh baby gonna take forever tonight, wanna stay in this moment forever,I'm gonna give you all the love I got, wanna take forever tonight, fill U up with all the love, when we close the door all I need is in your eyes oooooooh Iiii wanna take forever tonight..... touch my lips oooooooo im on fire, you're the only 1 I'll ever desire ~~ Oooh I loved getting to hear him sing this song.... Peter ~ Peter ~ Peter :) ~~~ wow, then Amy joined him on stage and they sang their duet song Next Time I Fall In Love ~~~ and then he sang a song I wasn't that familiar with hmmm some of the lyrics were ~~~ the Love of a Good Woman.... it was over sooo fast and I couldn't help thinking in the back of my mind..... This would be an AWESOME Setting for Gerry & Dewey to get some really nice exposure for a brand new CD, and it would open up the door for a very nice show.... they could invite some special guests to join them.... like hmmmmm Dan Peek could come and do Hat Trick, Head & Heart and Everyone I Meet is From Calif... Timmy could join them singing a song or 2, Christopher Cross, Robert Lamm, Brian Wilson... Gerry could sing a couple of his solo songs and maybe even treat us to a song from the Like a Brother collection.... and they too could have a full Orchestra to back them up, that way we could get the effect of this... and I thought they could have Matt come and do an opening song as well as Jeff Larson ( what great exposure this would be for them) and one final Guest that came to my mind ~~ David Dickey could join them for a song too.... WOW would I bust my butt to get to wherever this show is filmed at to Experience this Visual I had.... WOW Now can You all SEE what has me sooo WOUND Up at 2 am in the morning......... WOW wouldn't that be an AWESOME One of a Kind Show! Yes Yes Yes ~~~ Ooooooooh Erin ~~~ Hmmmmm could something like this come to be..... could you check into it..... Gerry & Dewey do you think I am crazy having this Visual..... How does doing a Soundstage show sound to you guys???? At the end of this show, it said you could call and order a DVD of this show.... I would also get that tooo indulge in Over & Over Again & Again.... Hmmmmm Think about it Okay? Thanks :)

Hmmmm ~~~ Before 2 hours ago.... I was gonna post something completely different..... and it seems sooo long since I posted... but I got completely taken away with this Soundstage show and Visual, I just had to let my fingers type away.... Thanks everyone for letting me burst..... I will try and recapture the On topic post thoughts in another post sometime tomorrow.... but for now I am heading back to my big soft pillow and to some really nice dreams! Nitey Nite all, NightOwl Nancio :)

~~~ More than eveeeeer, You've been on my mind, being Lonely ought to be a crime, watching tv just to pass the time, but all I think about is Youuuuuu, and if You're thinking about me tooo, I know, you know what to dooooo, Oooooooh I wished the phone would ring, I'd do anything just to hear your voice Ooooooh Baby, whyyyy, why do we have to fight, can't we both be right, I wish the phone would ringggg, rinnnnnnnng ~~~ Hmmm do any of you remember this Snappy song by the Female 80's group called Expose ~~~~ I Wish The Phone Would Ring... One of their songs that I love is called Seasons Change and their oooooooh soooooooo nice one called " When I Think Of Him" ~~~~~ With you, I will always be, waiting in the night, and not having you by myside, it's not a dream, we all need love and understanding, we must break through with a love thats everlasting, we'll be as one, I can seeee it in your eyes, ~~~ When I look at him , and he turns to me, and says we're more than friends, and its how true love should beeee.. Take it from there Expose.... :) :) :)

GO "HORSE"!!!

:0)

GO CUBS!!!!!

Anyone going to the Rutland show tomorrow?

HINTS: The bigger they are, the harder they fall. That is the BASIS of my trivia question. Rather, BASSIST, but few knew he was back in 1970. Woodz and he were part of the REMEDY.

Sayin' "my men", I mean, some good friends in school, who are all two years older than me, and they are all boys! Here they are!
Petros: A funny guy. He has a sister in my age, Sophia, and he is very strict with her! Example: Sophia is not allowed to wear short skirts. Petros tries to keep his sister away from boys. I don't blame him... He is almost 16 years old, and he has seen more than us. As he says "Put yourself in my place. Let's say you're the big brother and you have a younger sister. Do you want the others to tell you that your sister is immoral?"

Thodoris: He's extremely tall, and he makes me feel too short when he stands next to me. He is very calm, and he can't show resistance to people who challenge him or offend him. We were both in a very big trouble last year, and we couldn't go anywhere in school without Petros -he was our "lawyer".

Michalis: has a great sense of humor. He dislikes two girls from another class and he always keeps telling us how annoyant they are. Gives useful advices.

Thalis: Michalis' best friend. He is very friendly and clever. Also very polite. He has helped me many times.

I feel like the Snow-White when I'm with them! lol

I just read about the concerts in Australia and I am ektos eaftou (out ofself)!!


CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN ME WHY IN AUSTRALIA AND NOT IN GREECE?


It's unexplainable, so don't try. What do I have to do to makr the guys come here for a concert? Look, we have the Olympics this year! It's a chance for them to come! They seem like hating Greece and Greeks! Why don't they come? In venturahighway.com, in the question "a place you haven't been and you want to visit", Dewey, between others, says THE GREEK ISLES!
Does anybody know who is their manager, so I go and slap him? (Don't take that seriously, we often say that in Greek)
I just added Greece in Globaldust. Hope someone sees it...
I forgot to tell you something! Our artistic class teacher, has told us that when she was younger, she liked America a lot, and she still does! (She also likes Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Scorpions and Deep Purple, but that's not important...)
I wish the guys read that message. And, Steve, since you have contact with them, tell them something!

¢íôå, ãéáôß äåí áíôÝ÷ù Üëëï ðéá. Èá öïõíôÜñù áðü êáíÝíá ðáñÜèõñï, êáé ìåôÜ èá Ý÷åôå üëïé óáò ôýøåéò! Åõôõ÷þò Þ äõóôõ÷þò ðïõ ïé áðåéëÝò åßíáé ãñáììÝíåò óôá ÅëëçíéêÜ êáé äåí ôéò êáôáëáâáßíåôå. Ôþñá èá åðáíáëÜâù ôçí êåíôñéêÞ éäÝá ôïè ìçíýìáôïò:
ÃÉÁÔÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ;;;;;;;;

No, not Doug Suman.

I just want to add a comment regarding this "Truth" thing thats going on...When I interviewed Dewey earlier this year,we talked about the Brad situation. His comments couldn't be further from the "Truth."
Dewey had nothing but kind things to say about Brad. And while I can't elaborate about all of it,I believe it was made clear to me that Brad had decided to move on of his own will,and the band wishes him well. Hey lets be honest: He'd been with the band over 20 years anyways! Wouldn't YOU be tired of the road after all this time?
As I said in a response to the JD Souther posting on the Ventura Highway site earlier,"Never get into a pissing contest with a Skunk!"

My two oldest kids are big Jars of Clay fans, so I am familiar with their music. I was pleasantly surprised that they will be covering Lonely People. America's influence is being felt in the next generation of bands and performers. There's a goldmine of forgotten America songs just waiting to be mined by some younger artists.

Vic,

Very well said! I have to say that there are lot of cynical, mean spirited people that post inappropriate things on every chat board, inclusive of this one and sadly that is how they get their kicks. True and honest fans need to support the members of America past and present, after all it is thanks to them that this chat folder even exists. Our focus as fans should be to celebrate their positive accomplishments, their musical memories, and their talents, the very things that got us ALL here to begin with. It is for them alone to sort out their personal demons should they have any...Not only was this disgruntled fan inappropriately smearing Dewey's name, he also slandered the equally talented JD Souther.

I got that fake eBay email...what a scam.

erin :o)

I know it's a small inconvenience to require people to register before they can post on this Chat Folder. But the reason I do it is precisely for the reason that you have stated. We don't ALWAYS agree with each other on this chat folder, etc., but at least there is some accountability because we generally know who is posting the message. In order to post something here you have to have a valid e-mail address because that's the only way you can get the initial password sent to you. Before I required people to register, we had similar problems here.

Robyn, I pretty much agree with you. Anyone can post anything on the Ventura Highway site, under any email address they want, implying that they are someone other than who they really are, and call it "the truth". And yes, I agree that it was mean spirited of JD Souther, whether he be "The" JD Souther or not, to go there and post what he did about Dewey and Brad, with absolutely no proof or documentation. (I personally, DON'T believe it) As Jimnak said, ~ anyone can write anything with no accountability~ on that site. And as Johnny said, ~it wouldn't phase my love for Dewey or America, whether true or not~ That is, "the truth".

HOW DID WOODZ BECOME THE GUITAR TECH FOR AMERICA? IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT CIRCUMSTANCE LED TO HIS BEING HIRED AS THE TECH OR WHO POINTED HIM TOWARD THE JOB?

Good question Johnny. I don't know the answer but I'll take a stab at it. I'm guessing that the Professor, Doug Suman, had something to do with it.

It's R2D2 and his girlfriend!

Boy, the mean spirited things people post some times! It never ceases to amaze me that people can want to be cruel in the guise of giving "the truth"

Margaret and Ross just returned from a 2850 km trip in a week to find the Australia dates that I had posted. Then Margaret found an ad in The Sydney Morning Herald 10 October 2003. Click here to see a copy of the ad. Thanks Margaret for sharing it with us.

Alan...I just checked America's concert tour schedule and they DON'T have a show scheduled the day after Topsfield which means there is a good chance you'll be able to get your CD signed after the show. Gerry and Dewey usually come out, as you may remember, and autograph items to the left side of the stage.

IF anybody knows that they are NOT going to do this (Erin?)(Gerry?) (Dewey?) please let us know ASAP because I've got a 4 year old who'll be VERY disappointed if she can't "Talk" to Gerry and Dewey! THANKS SO MUCH!

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Alexandria, VA.

The Yahoo crossword puzzle for today has an America clue.
Powerful America hit song? (With "A")

Ok, I obviously missed something. What is up with the message board on Ventura Highway comment #4868??? Can anyone enlighten me? This doesn't sound like anything near the truth to me! I'm flabberghasted! A) If it is the truth? I can't believe it.
B) If it's not - why would anyone be so cruel?

Chris - it happened to me too, it just means you are already logged in (I think it logs you in as soon as you register).
Go and add your dot now! (dont' forget, you'll have to log in now that you've been out!)

I'm just catching up on the messages after being away for the week. Thanks Steve for the Australian and NZ dates. Can't wait!

Rob ~ I have never heard of the Loud Family. It's cool what you mentioned about one of their albums being titled, "Plants And Birds And Rocks And Things". Regarding Jars of Clay, I mentioned on Dan P's website that they will be appearing in my home town this month. I said on the 26th, but it's actually on Halloween night for whatever that's worth. The show is advertised as being an acoustic show along with another Christian band named Caveman's Call. I'm not sure of the spelling of the band's name, but that's what it sounds like. I asked a co-worker who will be attending the show to let me know if Jars of Clay perform "Lonely People".

Jason ~ I have not heard of the band that you mentioned, Thrills. I sure hope you can catch one of the AMERICA shows when you're in the States! It would be only right.

Brad ~ I, too, enjoyed reading your concert review. Thanks for the details you posted. It's cool that you were able to get the cover of "Holiday Harmony" autographed by Gerry!

Hi Kim ~ I hope Derek is doing well following his new course of treatment. Perhaps the only Episode IV is that of Derek's -----> Sweetwater I.V. Episode as in "IntraVenous".

The following is for anyone. Here's another trivia question that's just as true as any that I've ever asked here. As many of us here probably know, Woodz first became associated with AMERICA as the guitar tech. My question is this:

HOW DID WOODZ BECOME THE GUITAR TECH FOR AMERICA? IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT CIRCUMSTANCE LED TO HIS BEING HIRED AS THE TECH OR WHO POINTED HIM TOWARD THE JOB?

Hey everyone,
I am excited that Jars of Clay are covering the song "Lonely People". I would describe Jars of Clay as a Christian rock band that sounds kinda like Toad the Wet Sprocket, Collective Soul, REM, Counting Crows etc. They had a hit song in 1996 or so called Flood. The main line of the song is "Lift me up/I need you to hold me/Lift me up/I'm weak and I'm drowning". It was played on rock radio quite a bit and some adult contemporary stations as well. Here is a link to their website on the all music guide:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=2:04:40|PM&sql=B8snsa9wgy23k
I also was wondering if anyone had heard of a band called the Loud Family that covered "A Horse With no name" on a compilation in the early 90s. I am thinking I might like their music, because they are compared on the ALl Music Guide to REM , and they actually entitled one of their albums "Plants and Birds and Rocks and THings".
Maybe someone has heard of them or has more information about the version of Dewey Bunnell's great song that they do.
Just some thoughts.
Rob
Go Red Sox by the way, the series is at 1 and 1, but we have Pedro pitching for us in the Game 3 this Saturday in Boston.

I appreciate everyone's responses to my question about the album covers - it was very fun to hear your thoughts!! Looks like I'm the lone one for Encore; and I didn't take an official count, but Harbor and Homecoming sure were mentioned a lot!! What I liked best was how everyone put such thought into why their choice was their favorite and shared that in their posts. I have to say I just love the settings many of their pictures are taken in. Very scenic. I actually have MANY favorites, but if I had to pick one, it's still Encore. Maybe it's the black & white old-fashioned look of it, or the starkness of the telephone poles against the sky. Not to mention they are very nice pictures of the guys. So, thanks again everyone! Karen, aka K.I.D.

Hey Red Oak! Glad you survived the chat with us gals ok! Did you know that I had recently mentioned the song, "Driver's Seat", or is it a coincidence that you just happened to put those words out there in your last post? Either way, cool! My husband was just mentioning it's one of his songs he's tempted to speed by. A song from his youth, he says. I like the song as well. Have a good weekend! Karen

Hey Valerie,
You may been one of the couple of thousand who voted for Gary Coleman? (haha) I think Angelyne got a couple thousand too (can't imagine what their platform's could've been?) Yes, please pray for us Californians!!:)
Mo, thanks for the info about Phil Hartman, he certainly had many varied talents. Have a wicked good time.

Great news about Jars of Clay doing a cover of Lonely People! Yeah, the original has to be the better version! I must be musically challenged...I never heard of Jars of Clay till just recently. I thought they may have been a rap or hip hop band?
Jen

Hi Steve,

I have been away from the chat folder and am trying to catch up (busy week), so others may have responded to this as well. If so, I apologize if this is redundant. The practice you are talking about is called "phishing" (don't know why, perhaps someone who dislikes the band "Phish" named it). I work at a bank and were all notified of this type of identity theft a couple of weeks ago. Ironically, the very next day, I recieved a similar notice to what you describe, supposedly from Citibank. Like your e-mail, it had the official company logo and looked "real". I happen to have a couple of credit cards w/ Citibank, but 2 things made me suspiciouis right away: 1) the grammar was horrible in text of the message (like those instruction manuals you get that you can tell are written in English by some Korean guy that barely has a grasp of the language) and 2) I have never given Citibank my business e-mail address. Just yesterday I got one from PayPal which was even more convincing. Again, I got it at work and I have never given PayPal my work address. If I had recieved that one at home, I might have actually fallen for it.

I didn't follow the links on either of these, but I understand they "spoof" the address of the actual site to make it look like you are actually going there, but they are really redirecting you to another site which looks idcentical to actual site.

I've also been getting a lot of e-mails at work that look like they are from Microsoft, claiming to be a notification of a new security patch that needs to be installed. These messages carry a virus with them. Luckily, our AV software stops them dead and removes the virus before I ever see the message.

The point is, these guys are getting more and more clever all the time. You've got to be really careful with anything you receive via e-mail.

Alan

Brad,
I enjoyed your concise concert review. Your review captured the spirit of the night. Thanks,
Sergio

Hi, all

It's been a while. I've been busy at work and not so busy lazing on a beach in Kefalonia in Greece. What have i missed?

I note that AMERICA are touring Australia/New Zealand again next year. Rats! And I was hoping for a London slot. Maybe my wish will come true one day.

I'm planning a trip to New York early next year (1st time in the states!)as UK flights are so cheap at the moment. (£190 return).

Can anyone recommend me a reasonable hotel in the centre?

Cheers

Jas

PS: Have the band the THRILLS had any success in the states as yet. You may recall me recommending them a few months ago as a 70s West Coast retro band. Since then they have done fantastical well in the UK which is quite extraordinary as most of the modern music I like has no success what so ever. John Mellencamp's new CD "Trouble No More" is well worth searching out as well.

Mexican Jews



Sid and Al were sitting in a Mexican restaurant.



"Sid," asked Al, "are there any Jewish people in Mexico?"



Sid replied. "I don't know, why don't we ask the waiter?"



When the waiter came by, Al asked him, "Are there any Mexican Jews?"



"I don't know Senor, let me ask," the waiter replied, and he went into the kitchen.



He returned in a few minutes and said, "No sir, No, Mexican Jews."



"Are you sure?" Al asked.



I will check again, sir." the waiter replied and went back to the kitchen.



While he was still gone, Sid said, "I cannot believe there are no Jews in Mexico. Our people are scattered everywhere."



When the waiter returned he said, "Sir, no Mexican Jews."



"Are you really sure?" Al asked again. "I cannot believe there are no Mexican Jews."



"Sir, I ask everyone," the waiter replied exasperated.



"We have orange Jews, prune Jews, tomato Jews and grape Jews, but no one ever hear of Mexican Jews!


TX TO ALL THE GALS LAST NIGHT FOR AN INVIGORATING CHAT.

Doing alright
A little jiving on a Saturday night
And come what may
Gonna dance the day away

Jenny was sweet
Show a smile for the people she needs
I'm trouble, let's drive,
I don't know the way you came alive

News is blue (the news is blue)
Has its own way to get to you
What can I do (what can I do)
When I remember my time with you

Pick up your feet
Got to move to the trick of the beat
There is no lead
Just take your place in the driver's seat

Driver's Seat - Sniff'n the Tears

So did Katy according to Steely Dan. Boy, I also hate dishonest people. Just kiddin'.

Come on, Mo B, you're no dummy. Surely you get my point, no? The Sweetwater story has become Stillwater(s). Like Dan's bio episodes, mine has come to a screeching halt. Maybe to be resumed in the near future.

So who did ya vote for?

Not the winner

<< I was going to vote for Angelyne!... >>

So who did ya vote for? Angelyne's platform(s) provided a lot! ;)
As with Gary Leonard, I'm sure her official photos would also be good.

Hello, everyone. As promised, here is a report from the Cumming, GA concert from October 7th.
As usual, the band was in fine form and played an excellent 90 minute, 23 song set. It was almost the same as the set list from earlier this year that Steve Lowry has listed on the web page, with some minor reshuffling. The order was:
1. Riverside 2. Ventura Highway 3. You Can Do Magic 4. Don't Cross the River 5. Daisy Jane 6. To Each His Own 7. Company 8. Three Roses
9. I Need You 10. I Need You (Beatles) 11. Baby It's Up to You
12. Wheels Are Turning 13. Tin Man 14. The Border 15. Woman Tonight 16. Only in Your Heart 17. California Dreamin' 18. Lonely People
19. Hangover 20. Never Be Lonely 21. Sandman 22. Sister Golden Hair
23. A Horse with No Name
I have seen America in concert 12 times since 1990, and this was probable the most bizarre place they have performed of those 12. The concert was at Cumming's annual Country Fair and took place in an open air, covered hall with a dirt floor. It is usually used for agricultural shows, rodeos, etc.
This was the first time I have seen them since Rich Campbell joined. He did an excellent job on bass and seems to fit in well. Like many of us who have seen them several times, I always look forward to hearing the more obscure songs over the hits. My favorites from the show were definitely "To Each His Own" and "Company". I also enjoy the way they connect "Baby" and "Wheels" with a musical bridge in between. Before they played "Lonely People", Gerry mentioned the new Jars of Clay cover of the song. Jars of Clay is acutally performing tonight at the same County Fair! After the song, Dewey playfully said "take that Jars of Clay!". Gerry also said during the show that "these are NOT oldies, this is Classic Rock - there is a difference" and that "you can look it up - we are slimmer than the typical Classic Rock band."
I saw Gerry briefly after the show, and he was kind enough to autograph my "Holiday Harmony" CD. Unfortunately, Dewey was no where to be seen. It was a great night, and I hope to see them again soon! Brad Askew

Hi:
I've been trying to add my town, but everytime I try to regester it tells me that 'The longin is all ready in use' Ive tried different
names & passwords also different e-mail addresses. I would be much obliged if anyone could help me.thank you
Chris

Okay, I lied...I didn't go to bed yet. I just wanted to thank Steve L. for the 2...0...0...4 concert tour webpage. Yea, new dates for next year. Fill those dates in quickly now. Think NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, NORTHEAST. The 350 mile radius rule could probably apply for another year or two until the hub puts his foot down. Good thing he's easy.

Hey, Johnny...what the heck does your Sweetwater IV post mean? I'm sorry but it was WAY over my poor head. Is there more to the Sweetwater story? Sure would like to hear it.

Later dudes. Off to la la land.

Yes, Karen, it has been added as a permanent link on the LINKS web page. And no, it wasn't a stupid question. I'm tired, too, so I'm heading off to bed.

In just one day, we have put about 12 or so fans "on the map." If you hit the top 20 listing on this site, you will see that it wouldn't be hard to get onto that list. The 20th spot only has 73 fans listed. So, sign up, everybody, maybe we could get into the top 20 within a week or so. That would be wicked cool. (Got my New England slang going on with "wicked." Gotta practice up for the trek to Topsfield.) FIVE DAYS TO TOPSFIELD. Can't wait to see you Nina, DJ, Alan, and Rob. Wish I could see you, too, Bonesy. Well, and, of course you guys too, Gerry, Dewey, Michael, Willie, and Rich. And maybe even ERIN. Can't wait...so excited...bringing a boatload of peoples with me...sisters-in-law...brothers-in-law...nieces...nephews...kids...husbands...sorry...husband (singular)...possibly even mother-in-law...gawd almighty. Thank goodness for group discounts!!! Okay off to bed. Thanks for a great chat tonight, ladies and RED OAK. Someday we'll have to meet up and raise a little hell in person. GIRLS' NITE FOR SURE.

...not unlike an AMERICA trio reunion, maybe some day in the near future.

A Useless Country Music Triv Question: What song did both the late Johnny Cash and the late Red Foley both record (as well as the late Bob Hope)?

Triv Answer: GOOD NIGHT IRENE

(The above song is better known among my brothers and me as: "GOOD NIGHT (Nazi) IRENE")

Erin, I agree completely. I've never seen the show, I've never been West, but I am still a fan. Siegfried was on Larry King tonite, it was very touching. I'm convinced the tiger was not trying to hurt him. Siegfried said Roy fell, and the tiger was trying to drag him to "safety" which is what tigers do. He said the tiger thought of Roy as one of them, and the "neck grab" is something tigers do to their young. It's just that, of course, like Siegfried said, humans can't take it. They are in my prayers.

Cindy from the South

Boy, I just shouldn't even bother with technology this late at night! :) Steve - I see you DID add this as a link under "What's New". Does that also mean it will be a permanent link somewhere, even when it's no longer "new"? Hopefully that's not a stupid question - I'm tired; very busy day at work! Thanks!!

Cool! I've often wondered how to keep track of where everyone is, and that's one of the most fun & interesting things about this group. I wasn't able to bookmark this. Steve - do you think you could ever please add this as a link to "our" website?? Just a thought. Also, I never know how a user name is going to work; and it ended up showing me as "KID" instead of Karen. (K.I.D. were my initials before I got married.) So just so you know, KID is me, Karen L.

I was going to vote for Angelyne! ( or maybe Gary Leonard, at least the official photos would be good--Gary is a local photographer)

Hi Jenna, Yes, I voted in the recall election. My kids kept asking me who I was going to vote for. So I was teasing them "Arnold of course, Arnold Jackson!" You remember Gary Coleman from the old show in the 70's- Different Strokes. Just in case some of you didn't know, he was one of the one-hundred plus candidates on the ballot! Please pray for us Californians!!!! Ha-Ha!
Bye, Valerie

As a HUGE fan of Siegfried and Roy (seriously, HUGE) I can't believe he's in the hospital fighting for his life...I know that the tiger did what tigers will do, but it's still something I never thought would happen...and on his birthday, too. I had the good luck to see their show 6 times in the past 10 years, and it breaks my heart that it's gone for good...but at least Roy is alive...will everyone please keep him in your prayers....if anyone can pull through this, he can.

Erin :o)

Did it & that was fun ! Thanks pcbwu ! Hope everyone does it & the whole map turns red ! Hey ! D&G sure have fans all over the planet, no?

Hummm, btw, RED is the color i'm seeing right now ! LOL I didn't know those blonde jokes were still in (?) Apparently they are...:-)
Gimme time Red to gather my picadors & I'll soon join the corrida... and btw, you are the bull, huh! OLE!
Gen.

SHE WAS SO BLONDE...
... she thought a quarterback was a refund ... she thought General Motors
was in the army ... she thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats ... at the bottom
where it said "sign here" she wrote Libra
SHE WAS SOO BLONDE...
... she took a ruler to bed to see how long she slept ... she sent a fax
with a stamp on it ... she thought Tupac Shakur was a Jewish holiday ...
under "education" she put "Hooked on Phonics"
SHE WAS SOOO BLONDE...
... she tripped over a cordless phone ... she spent 20 minutes looking at
the orange juice can because it said "concentrate" ... she told me to meet
her at the corner of "walk" and "don't walk" ... she asked for a price check
at the Dollar Store
SHE WAS SOOOO BLONDE...
... she tried to put M&Ms in alphabetical order ... she studied for a blood
test ... she sold her car for gas money ... when the sign said "AIRPORT
LEFT" she turned around and went home
SHE WAS SOOOOO BLONDE...
... when she heard that 90% of crimes occurred near home, she moved ... she
thinks Taco Bell is the Mexican phone company ... she thought if she spoke
her mind, she'd be speechless ... she thought she could not use her AM radio
in the evening

Happy Hump Day:);):);)

JawKnee Reb

I stumbled across this site - it's kind of neat. I hope everyone will go and add your town the map, so far I'm the only lonely little dot from Tottenham Ontario Canada! Let's see how near and far America fans are! Hope this link works:
http://www.globaldust.com/detail.php?id=4382

Karen, If I have my America lore correct, the late Phil Hartman drew the History cover art--a very cool cover, indeed.

<<Hopefully Europe is next!?>>

Big bunch of people here who hope so...

Hey Karen,

Interesting question about Covers (you're right, this must've been discussed before?) I thought Holiday, Homecoming & Hat Trick were great. Loved the silhouette's and sunsets on the back covers of the last two. I always thought History was a cool album cover too; who ever designed that cover was pretty creative & inventive. It was interesting how they combined the covers of Hat Trick, Holiday and Hearts into one cover. Kim, I thought the same thing about needing a magnifying glass to read the liner notes on those cd's (never did read those liner notes.)

Great news for you folks down under that America is heading your way soon! Hopefully Europe is next!?

Anyone in California vote in the nutty recall election today?

Another "classic shot of the parking lot " ( an obscure James Taylor reference.....)
Thanks again Gerry.

Johnny - Where's your Sweetwater story Part IV????!!!!

I second that request, Kiri. I enjoyed the first 3 installments and look forward to the fourth.

Hi all ! Hi Nancy!

Corusgirl ! Say TFF fan??? That' s MEEEEE ! definitely :-)
Talking about the new upcoming TFF album Roland has confirmed that the titles of two tracks are, "'Closest Thing To Heaven"' and  "Killing With Kindness".  The working title is: "Everyone Loves A Happy Ending" ... That will probably re-open ancient wounds here, but ... ;-)

For more info, there's an interesting article @
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/going_out/music/rolandorzabal.shtml
And if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, there's a great audio interview of Roland - yeah call him that : this guy's been my teenage love, so, makes him sorta an intimate, no?.. :-) Very insightful about the reunion, old stuff but also his work with Bjork-esque E. Torrini (love her too) and why they chose to release the next cd with Arista (and not Sony for ex).
Oh, L A people, please just shut your ears towards the end! That's our Roland!
As he says, this next album will probably be well worth the wait... And since it was due for this fall, I'll still be waiting for a while, apparently!
Gen.

corusgrl - Hey there, I just read the same Tears For Fears report in our newspaper.

Covers - Hat Trick, Homecoming & Harbor (love the poster). I hated the Alibi cover, but it has grown on me over time. Which brings me to the one thing I dislike about cd's--I miss the the LP covers. With an LP you got decent size cover art, liner notes you could read without a magnifying glass, art on the album sleeve and on occasion some really great posters (ie Hat Trick and Harbor).

Off Topic - My girlfriends here at work discovered that Huey Lewis was going to be at the Bass Performance Hall (which has been described as the last great performance hall built in the 20th century--and it truly is beautiful) here in Fort Worth on the 14th, so we decided to make a girls night of it. After forking over $70 per seat (gulp-I will admit if it was America I wouldn't have a problem w/ that price at all), I am having a little bit of buyers remorse and was wondering, has anyone out there seen HL recently and if so what were your thoughts of the show? I saw Huey Lewis and the News back in the 80's in Odessa, TX and it was a great concert. In that concert they performed a portion of the set acappela (sp?)and it was awesome.

Johnny - Where's your Sweetwater story Part IV????!!!!

Ya'll have a great evening.
Kim

Hello Everyone

I know there are a few of the above named band fans on this folder. Did anyone know they had reformed and have an album coming out next February?

It was on the music news here in the UK today.

Bye

Hey Auntie Nee,
I sent you an email and it got bounced. Do you know of a good place to have Sunday brunch in Leo/Fitch? Or, perhaps we should scope Topsfield for a Holiday Inn Sunday Brunch? (!!) I will call you from Mass. Maybe Cindy can join us. I know we have an extended family thing to go to on Sat--dinner or cook-out dependent on the weather. Speaking of weather, pray for a beautiful fall day for the 13th! See you soon.

Hey Robsl...I actually "matriculated" at Fitchburg State College in my undergraduate days! It truly is a small world! You live 15 min. away from FSC...I live about 30 min. away. I'm sure we've been at the same America shows, but have been like ships that pass in the night! Introduce yourself next time! I don't think we've ever spoken face to face?

Nancy...I can't tell you HOW MUCH I am looking forward to the Topsfield show! It's been a stressful school year already and I honestly drag myself out of bed on some days with the thought: "If I can only make it to Topsfield...!" An added bonus about going to the show this weekend is that I get to bring niece and nephew, thusly experiencing it through their eyes! They are both sooooo excited! Nephew, who has seen America perform twice, has been prepping Niece for the show! You've got to understand....Gerry and Dewey are spoken of with the same reverence as Santa Claus! This is NOT just a musical group to them. It's Auntie Nee's "boys"!

Hi there Everyone ~~ Look Out ~~ It feels like FOREVER since I posted! LOL!! Dan is here singing ~~ God I'm Glad to seeeeee Youuu ... :) Fall has definitely arrived, and I guess we are having what the weatherman says is Our Indian Summer the next couple of days, Darn ~~ I gotta get my windows cleaned yet! ~~ I sure hope everyone had been taking a Glimpse at the Awesome almost Full Moon, it was brilliant looking last night! ~~ I had my PT app. this morning and the receptionest there is due any day now with her baby girl,she is kinda feeling those oooooooh I wish this was overwith blues. I can remember when I was almost due with my daughter and feeling this way and my aunt said to me well it is almost the full moon, soo be ready to go. I told Christie(the receptionest) this and she said Alright I will be Ready! :)

Thanks Steve L ~~ for sharing your thoughts so far about Robert Lamm's new cd, I took a couple listens to "Another Sunday" and I gotta second pcbwu's commments about it being like Chicago in the 21st century. Right from the start, it took me back to the early Chicago sound, and I really like how strong Robert's voice is on this song. This was neat getting to hear Gerry's Jazzy sound, WOW ~ that Piano segment was something new for sure, Gerry's musical abilities amaze me! Nice! ~~ I have gone to Robert's site and have checked out the other songs... I just gotta hold off on hitting the order button, still kinda catching up here on unexpected auto repair bills, along with the fall taxes... I called my dj friend Brian at lunch today, I requested Poco's Crazy Love, cause he had just played Sister Golden Hair right before lunch time, so I told him thanks, always nice hearing my AMERICA songs playing on the radio. I then mentioned to him about Gerry working on some of the songs with Robert Lamm on his new cd and that there is a chance that Gerry & Dewey will be working with Andrew Gold on a new CD. He said really, then he said well didn't Gerry Beckley do an album with Robert Lamm and Carl Wilson, and I said yep he sure did, he said that he had heard there were some really good songs on this album and I said Yep you are right about that. Then he said sorry, I don't wanna cut you off short, but I gotta a contest to do after this song.... I said no problem, have a great day! :) ~~ It was nice hearing Poco's Crazy Love ...

Thanks Gerry for the VFTHW pic ~~ Yep Mo you hit it right on target with that lyric line, sure does look like a fairly new paved parking lot. :)

Hi there Brad Askew ~~ Nice hearing that you will be taking in the show there in Ga. tonight, have a great time and Yes Please do come back and let us know all about it.

Hey there Red ~~ I did do that Dr Phil no lifer test and my score was a 35 ... ~~ I sure hope you have been checking out the Moon, Van the Man's song sure can add to the Magic of a Full Moon anytime! :)

Hi KarenL ~~ I have been giving some thought to my favorite Album covers, and I didn't realize it would be sooo hard to just pick one. My first one is Homecoming (I have sat and looked at this album cover, front, unfolded and back sooooo many times :)), 2nd. would be The View From the Ground Cover, 3rd. Your Move, 4th Hideaway, 5th Hearts, 6th HourGlass ~~ I too find it soooo easy to escape into the cover of the Harbor album and my poster has been looked at many times and then neatly tucked back in the cover for safekeeping As well as my Hat Trick poster.. Gee it is sooo hard to really say I like any of these better than the others, I love them all, I can say this, my most favorite recent CD cover pic is on the Holiday Harmony ~~ WOW :) Good question Karen, and that was too much about your 1st Communion experience, it brought to mind my neices 1st Communion day last May and they had a real live Lamb in Church and at Offetory time, the lame was brought up by all the children in front of the church and upon arriving there, the little lamb musta been scared and decided to do his dirty work right there on the carpeting, well it kinda broke the nervousness of all the kids and parents, and everyone had a good laugh from it. :)

Hey Mo ~~ Too much about a Goat holding up your son's football game. I too had a revisit song that I wanted to turn up and push on the gas pedal on my way to work on monday evening.... Mister Mister's song Broken Wings... U2 has some great songs too, I know that the replay button has been hit on " I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" lots of times. ~~ Hmmm the morning DJ is a Red Sox fan too! ~~ Hey You and Nina & whoever else is going to the Topsfield Fair show have a great time and be sure to tell us all about it afterwards! :)

Hey there Gen ~~ Thanks for the tip about the new clips on Jeff L's project page.... I really liked that instrumental one and the one called Seeing Red, by the sound of it, is gonna be one Rocking song! I have them all in a row saved on my winamp list and have listened over and over to them. Nice, for sure I will be placing my order for this when it is available. :) Still am working on my dj friend to give Jeff's cd a listen.

Hi Rob ~~ Thanks for sharing your Arlo Guthrie review with us. Hmmm pretty neat you going to the very college where he played at. Hope your classes are going well for you! ~~ Keep on enjoying all of this great music. :)

Hey Johnny ~~ Hmmm too much that Jars of Clay doing a version of Lonely People for their new cd, that oughta be interesting to hear how they do it. ~~ I am looking forward to the 3rd part of Dan's interview with John B.

Regarding that EBay spam email.... I too have been recieving it quite a bit, and I must say I almost filled out the info. but never went through with it, sooo I am sure glad I didn't now. Thanks Steve for sharing all of this internet fraud with us. Kinda scarey to think of the wrong people getting ahold of one's personal info.

Well I gotta get back to my work now, I am almost back on track again... Things are going a little more smoothly with this qrtrs. work. Take care and enjoy your day all, Nancy :)

~~~ times like that night were in my mind crystal clear, you were on my mind that day, you were on my mind that night And Forever, And Forever.... ~~~ Sing it for me Dewey ~~ Yep nice album cover on Silent Letter too... as well as Perspective... just too hard to choose! I love them all! :)

The Archive Section of the America Fans web page has a Concert Playlists section which has set lists from 1972 up to 2003. The latest set list posted was from the September 20th concert in Anaheim, CA. That set list will likely be very similar to those for the upcoming concerts. It includes 2 songs from View From The Ground: "You Can Do Magic" and "Never Be Lonely".

Good picks Speach ! For me it will be Hourglass, Hat Trick, Alibi and America please !
Yes the Hourglass cover art is flirting with perfection according to my perso standards.

In order, my favorite covers are Hearts, Holiday, View From the Ground and Hourglass. The first two covers project a band in the summer of its years -- supremely confident, at the top of its game and full of itself. The latter two project (for me) two guys possessed of the humility, humanity and wit that comes with being "older but wiser."

Hey everyone,
A week and a half ago, I went to see Arlo Guthrie in concert in Fitchburg, MA. I live aboput 15 minutes away from the venue and I am currently taking courses at the college that he played at, Fitchburg State. Some people asked me to write a review. So here it is.

Arlo was great, and his stage presence was a large part of the show. I guess this is what he is famous for, keeping the crowd entertained with his music and his stage presence, his great personality full of anecdotes and wit. He comes across as a regular guy, which is great, that's something I like about Gerry, Dewey, and the guys , too. They just come across as very regular guys who love playing their music for people night after night. The first couple songs of the show were played by Arlo's daughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie, along with her husband, Johnny Irion (I think that is his name). They played some cool southern -sounding folk material, they both played guitar and duetted w/vocals. Sarah Lee said for one of the songs that she had just written it while on the way up to Massachusetts.
Then Arlo came out and Sarah Lee and Johnny became backing musicians, they would stay out for the rest of the night. Arlo also had his son Abe Guthrie playing keyboards and a guy playing steel guitar and banjo. He wasn't related to them and I'm trying to think what his name was. He was very talented anyway. Very good band to back him up.
He played a lot of songs that are from his back catalogue including "The Motorcycle Song" "Coming Into Los Angeles" "City of New Orleans". He also played some songs from his most recent album which came out in 1996, and these songs sounded pretty good. He played "Alice's Restaurant" for a couple minutes and then he just kinda started talking and the whole story of it got kinda off the tracks and so he just went into something else. That was kinda funny. He also played some Woody Guthrie songs including "This Land Is Your Land" and "It's a Hard Road, Dead or Alive".
The last song he played was one that I wasn't that familiar with. I think it's called "Gabriel's Mother Hiway Bar Blues" or something like that. He also recited the text of his children's book, which was cool. The book is called "Mooses" I believe.
All in all, it was a great night of music played by a great band. Arlo Guthrie is really a great songwriter, even though his father was a huge figure of legendary status, Arlo's music and talent stand on their own.
I am still thinking about going to the TOpsfield Fair show on Monday Columbus Day.
Go Red Sox!
I was reading your post Nina and I realized you must live in my area of massachusetts. I think we figured this out before. I guess it's a small world.
That's great to hear that America is playing Australia and New Zealand in the coming year. Their British and European must be hoping that they will come by Europe during the coming year as well. I am glad to be living in America, where America plays quite a bit. I definitely feel for those who live in Europe and haven't gotten to see America in quite awhile. But they could always decide to tour all over the place.
Take care people,
-Rob
You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant.
Walk right in, it's around the back,
Just a half a mile from the railroad track.
You can get anything you want, at Alice's Restaurant.

Listened to the song, and I enjoyed it. It is "Chicago in the 21st century" for sure. I would like to hear more before I bought it though. Chicago is a band I've always liked, knew their music, yet never bought a record. Isn't that weird how that happens sometimes?

Any idea of there is any set lists available for the current tour. Wife says she will go if they are doing some songs from "View from the Ground"!!! Figure that!!!

I am waiting to go to the Alexandria, VA concert on the 9th. First time to America concert. Following them for ages though!!!

Its okay.

Thank you Steve. That song (to me) sounds like it would pretty much fit in the smooth jazz format.

I got my copy of Robert Lamm's "Subtlety & Passion" yesterday and I'm still reserving judgment on what I think about it. I've only listened to it once and my initial impression is that it's a good album - not great, but not bad, either. I suspect that as I listen to it a few more times it will grow on me and I'll really like it. There are a few songs that I do like more than the others, especially "Gimme Gimme", and "The Mystery Of Moonlight". Gerry co-wrote "Another Sunday" and sings backing vocals on "Another Sunday", "The Mystery Of Moonlight", and "Somewhere Girl". For a few days you can listen to a soundclip of "Another Sunday" by clicking on this link. To me it has a very classic Chicago sound with a touch of Gerry mixed in. Let me know what the rest of you think.

...paved Paradise and put up a parking lot.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Cumming, GA.

Hi Greg, Lili, Margaret, Ross, Mick, Phil, Sue, and others from down under. I just received the official list of Australia and New Zealand concerts. I'll be updating the concert list on the America Fans web site as soon as possible. Enjoy!

Australia
1/17/04 / Perth / Burswood Dome
1/20/04 / Wollongong / Entertainment Centre
1/22/04 / Brisbane / Concert Hall
1/25/04 / Melbourne / Concert Hall
1/26/04 / Melbourne / Concert Hall
1/28/04 / Canberra / Royal Theatre
1/30/04 / Sydney / Sydney Opera House
1/31/04 / Sydney / Sydney Opera House
2/1/04 / Newcastle / Civic Theatre

New Zealand
2/3/04 / Auckland / Civic Theatre

Thanks to Erin Edwards for all her hard work in putting this together and getting us the information.

Mo, I used to be a bigtime baseball fan. ...remember many a night with my little transistor radio (under my pillow with the volume as low as possible) listening to the Reds playing the Giants, Dodgers, and Padres on the west coast. Because of the 3 hr. Pacific to Eastern time difference a 7:00 p.m. game there stated at 10:00 here. By the time the post game shows were done it would be pushing 1:00 a.m. and I had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to do chores.. cows, pigs, chickens and so on. Talk about being dog tired going to school...whoa! But at the time I was into it that much. These days I'd consider myself a lukewarm fan. I don't watch or listen to that many games. However, I do look at the boxscores in the paper regularly.

Now for the current baseball happenings... I was rooting for the Giants in the first round of the playoffs. They're gone so now I'm pulling for the Cubs ...even if Sammy corks his (practice) bat(s). American league? ...guess I'm going with the Yanks as their Triple A team is in my State.

I've been getting into NASCAR the last couple of years. There are so
many variables involved in winning a race. Every second literally counts. I'm impressed with the efforts the last few yrs. in making it safer for the drivers.

Go Cubs!

Alibi.

go red sox....also, go cubs!

Hi all,
My favorite album cover is the one from "Hearts". I think in this photograph the trio looked their very best, it was taken during their heady youthful days, when they were riding high atop the charts after four successful albums; solid ones that established them as an accomplished folk-rock band with a string of hits behind them. This pleasant attitude comes through the camera lens, depicting them happy, friendly, serenely confident, and not too "hippyish" like in their first 3 albums. The album cover shows the trio neatly groomed with the majestic Golden Gate bridge in the backdrop framing their success, which again by 1975, they were comfortably established at the TOP!

Thanks, Johnny for the tip on Dan. I look forward to listening Jars of Clay's cover of the America classic "Lonely People". Congratulations Dan!

Take care everybody,

Sergio

There's some interesting news on Dan Peek's website regarding his song, "Lonely People". Congrats Dan!

Bring on those Yanks!!!

Hope you're okay Johnny Damon.

Manny, Manny, Manny
('Bout friggin' time.)

Varitek, Varitek, Varitek

Speaking of creatures hanging out where you don't want them (Moser's goat story) - I came home from work today and our house had been invaded by those Asian Beetles. I'm not sure how they are different than Lady Bugs, but I think they are. Is this invasion happening across the country, or just in southern Wisconsin? ((Dewey - are they taking over northern Wisconsin too??))

You've inspired me, Mo - I'm getting out my "U2 Best of 1980-1990" and zooming right to "I Will Follow". Maybe it will inspire me to get going on the housework and get the boys to do their homework and take their baths.

Hello, all. Brad Askew here. I have not been actively reading the folder in recent months but decided to "stop in" to catch up on the posts. I hope you are all well.
Thanks for posting your message, Steve, regarding the phony Ebay emails. I am an Ebay user and get these type messages all the time. Fortunately, I had been made aware of them by Ebay and other legitimate websites and never responded to them. It is good to make others aware.
The good America-related news for me is that I hope to go see them in concert tomorrow night in Cumming, GA! It is about a 90 minute drive for me. If I get to go, I will post a message reviewing the show, set list, etc. Take care, Brad

Pardon me for venting, but I just received a mail message which some of you may have received as well. It was SUPPOSEDLY from E-Bay and it said the following:

Dear eBay User,
During our regular udpate and verification of the accounts, we couldn't verify your current information.
Either your information has changed or it is incomplete. As a result, your access to bid or buy on Ebay has been restricted.
To start using your eBay account fully, please update and verify your information by clicking below :

http://ebay.com/ebay_security_update.html

Regards,

eBay

**Please Do Not Reply To This E-Mail As You Will Not Receive A Responce**

The message used the official E-Bay logo and looked legitimate. However, I've never purchased anything from E-Bay so I was sure that this message was being sent to a bunch of people (i.e., SPAM) in an effort to do something dishonest. I decided to click on the link (it actually goes to http://ebays-secure.com/ebay_security_update.html) which gives the impression that it's an official E-Bay web site. At the top of the page is the E-Bay logo and a banner that says "Security Update". It then askes for information such as my eBay user ID and pssword, my first and last name and birthdate, my social security number, and my credit card information including the CVV2 code and my ATM PIN. Give me a break!. Before I even read what they wanted I knew this was fraudulent because all security web pages will begin with HTTPS not HTTP. Then when I read what information they wanted, I was positive they were after my information so they could use it illegally.

The reason I bring this up is because thousands of people each year fall for things like this and once these dishonest people have your information, they can ruin your credit, steal all your money, and make the rest of your life miserable. It's known as identify theft and it costs those affected billions of dollars each year.

I'm sure that most of you would never fall for anything like this but some of you are new to the Internet world and may think this is a valid request. Afterall, E-Bay is a good thing and they would never use your information illegally. The only problem is that this didn't really come from E-Bay. If I can keep even one person from being tricked, then my ranting and raving was worthwhile. Never, EVER give anyone on the Internet your personal information unless you know for sure who it is and how the information will be used. I've dealt with Internet companies and web pages for so many years now that I can spot a phoney in an instant. Still, they make it look very real.

Be safe and practice caution.

As I said above, I HATE DISHONEST PEOPLE! I guess that's why I like Gerry and Dewey so much.

Rich...I'll vote for that Cubs vs Red Sox face-off! I don't know if people from other parts of the country understand the heartbreak we New England folk have suffered year after year after year! Our hopes have been dashed so many times...We really ARE long overdue. We're afraid to get our hopes up, yet every year we DO!

Mo...Your hubby, Jeff, is probably too young to remember the Carl Yaztremski/Tony Conigliaro years?...I was in Jr. High at the time...what a team THAT was! 1967?

See you at Topsfield! (Do you have any free time before Monday? I assume you're staying in Clinton? If you get bored, call me...and I'll meet you for brunch, lunch, etc. on Saturday or Sunday. Leominster/Fitchburg is about half way between our two towns. We can begin the celebration early!

All I can say is go YANKEES from New York. Love to face them red sox again but they have to still get through Oakland yet.

Hey there it's me again,
I meant to entitle that last post "Red Sox" or "Re: Red Sox"
Uh oops.
Sorry guys.

To those of you who have said Go Red Sox...I second that! I am a huge Red Sox fan! Trot Nixon for President!!! David Ortiz for President! This is really exciting for us Sox fans. Good luck to the Cubs too. I want them to get to the world series.
Take care all.
-Rob

Regarding Robyn's question about music that makes you drive fast, I have another one to add to the list--U2's "I Will Follow." Cranked it up this morning on the way to work to wake me up. I figured I better use the cruise control to keep it at 45 and stay out of trouble. But, the need for speed was definitely there.

Bones, thanks for the heads up on the mower idea. I'll have to check around and see if they are available in our area yet.

PS to Nina: See you in a week, sister.

PEDRO! PEDRO! PEDRO!

Nina,
Jeff, the hub, is a diehard member of Red Sox Nation having been born and raised in Massachusetts. So, I guess I am too, by association. It's like this, when the Red Sox win, life is good with Jeff. And vice versa, so it's always best to hope for the win.
I agree with Rich. I would love to see the Sox and the Cubs in the Series, although some people might consider it a sign of the apocolypse!

Nina, how about the Cubs and the Sox in the series. The two longest WS droughts in the two classic ball parks. And this is from a S Fla Marlins fan!

Mines got to be Harbor too, but there's always been something about Homecoming that I loved.

Indulge me for a moment, please...

GOOOOOOOOOO RED SOOOOOOOOOX!!!!!!!!

We now return you to our regularly scheduled chat folder.

--I've been away a while but I have to say, LADD,well done for the HEARTS review. You are correct, pretty much, in what you say, but a little late? Like some years? Ladd, you are so into these guys, and have such an opininon; how can you not want to just get the music right now and then comment? You seem to be an expert, but...--

Well Jimbo, there's nothing like hearing an album for the first time, particularly when you're talking about magic like trio-era America. A lot of you had the luxury (in my mind) of growing up and waiting expectantly for each album. That's a great thing--the anticipation, the yearning, that first listen (there is no listen like the first listen for an America record, period).

I'm trying to artificially create that, and to extend the wonder I can receive from these great albums. I only buy one every 1 1/2 or 2 years or so...it's worked well for me so far and it allows me to get familiar enough with the previous album to really hear the changes that occur between albums (where the sound goes).

-Ladd

Hi all !
Have a listen to J. Larson's new audio samples. Seing Red and also this Untitled Instrumental piece with  Hank Linderman playing the Congas...

My favorite America album cover is the cover of the first album. I love the fact that the three of them are just hanging out and they seem to be having a good time, just talking. I like candid pictures rather than posed ones. The picture of the three Native Americans behind them is cool too. I like the picture on the back cover of that album where they are in what I think is a greenhouse. (That makes me think of "In the greenhouse..."
I also like the cover of "Alibi" just cuz it is so weird and intriguing. I mean, I look at it and I think um "It's a severed head of a doll." It's interesting that this album is perhaps their most mainstream in terms of sound , production style, etc, and the cover on the other hand is very experimental, almost the type of cover you would expect to find on an indie rock or punk album. It's really interesting.
I love the "Human Nature" album cover too. Who drew that , does anybody know? Maybe it says it on the album booklet, I will have to go look that up.
The "Hat Trick" album cover is cool too. With the large piece of glass that looks like an easel. That one is very interesting and thought-provoking too. America has a lot of good album covers.
Here is my list of my top ten favorite album covers (this can be of any band) this is all i.m.o. ...
1. "Born to Run” Bruce Springsteen
2. “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” Bob Dylan
3. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon and Garfunkel
4. "America" America
5. “What’s Going On” Marvin Gaye
6. “Rubber Soul” The Beatles
7. “The Marshall Mathers LP” Eminem
8. “Nashville Skyline” Bob Dylan
9. “Run-D.M.C.” Run-D.M.C.
10. “Elvis Presley” Elvis Presley
I kinda wish some other America albums had made that list. I will have to make it a top 20 sometime when I have a chance. Hope to hear your comments and lists. Take care everyone.
-Rob

Silent Letter. How could you beat a life-sized picture of Gerry and Dewey's faces? Least favorite for the converse reason is Human Nature with no faces at all. Whoever came up with that idea truly did have their head in the clouds. Good question, K.L. Thanks.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, my fave cover is the Harbor cover, just looking at it gives me an escape to paradise.DanC.

I thought it would be fun to share what our favorite AMERICA album covers/sleeves are, aside from the songs that are on them. (I hadn't kept up regularly with this chat folder until early this year, so maybe you have had this "conversation" before. If so, let me know! I'd like to take a peek at those posts to see what people had to say, just for fun.) I think my favorite is "Encore". Those pictures just seem to capture how I think Gerry & Dewey must really be. Can't explain it, that's just what I think when I look at that album. So, what are everyone else's favorites??

Perhaps the goats were part of the grounds crew. You know Mo, they have these things called lawnmowers they use to cut the grass now a days.

Hi Rich S - I'm happy to see one of my favorites on your list, "Call of the Wild". I LOVE that song!! I know we all have our favorites that are all different, but I don't see anyone else mentioning that song much and have often wondered why. Have fun seeing them when they come to South Florida!

Mo - that must have been quite entertaining! We have yet to have that happen at our football games, BUT . . .

At one of the first communions, before they had a chance to shut the back doors of the church, a big old friendly dog brought up the rear as the kids who were making their first communion all walked in! Our priest commented that we must have a new usher. It was pretty funny!

I noticed that at the Anaheim show the guys did a 24 song set. As America is coming to South Florida again soon, here is the set list I'd suggest keeping in mind what they typically play, sequence and those songs I'd like to hear again live.

Riverside
Ventura Highway
You Can Do Magic
Don't Cross The River
Daisy Jane
Wind Wave
Monster
Norman
Amber Cascades
I Need You
She Loves You (Beatles)
Baby It's Up To You
Cornwall Blank
Midnight
Till The Sun Comes Up Again
Lonely People
Call Of The Wild
Hangover
California Dreaming
Sandman
Never Be Lonely
Sister Golden Hair
California Revisited
Horse With No Name

You know you live in the boondocks when the officials at your kids' football game have to pause and wait for two goats to be shooed out of the end zone.

Take the Psychological Test and see if you can score good enough for Dewey & Gerry to want to meet you after a show.

Dr Phil's test.
(Dr Phil scored 55. He did this test on Oprah - She got a 38) Some folks pay a lot of money to find this stuff out. Read on. This is very interesting! Don't be overly sensitive! The following is pretty accurate and it only takes 2 minutes. Take this test for yourself and send it to your friends. The person who sent it placed their score in the subject box. Please do the same before forwarding to your friends. Don't peek but begin the test as you scroll down and answer. Answers are for who you are now ..... not who you were in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready. This is a real test given by the Human Relations Dept. at many of the major corporations today. It helps them get better insight concerning their employees and prospective employees.


It's only 10 simple questions, so.... grab a pencil and paper, keeping track of your letter answers. Make sure to change the subject of the email to read YOUR total. When you are finished, forward this to everyone you know and also send it to the person who sent this to you. Make sure to put YOUR score in the subject box. Ready?? Begin....


1. When do you feel your best?
a) in the morning
b) during the afternoon & early evening
c) late at night


2. You usually walk...
a) fairly fast, with long steps
b) fairly fast, with little steps
c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d) less fast, head down
e) very slowly


3. When talking to people you....
a) stand with your arms folded
b) have your hands clasped
c) have one or both your hands on your hips
d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair


4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b) your legs crossed
c) your legs stretched out or straight
d) one leg curled under you


5. When something really amuses you, you react with...
a) big appreciated laugh
b) a laugh, but not a loud one
c) a quiet chuckle
d) a sheepish smile


6. When you go to a party of social gathering you...
a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed


7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted....
a) welcome the break
b) feel extremely irritated
c) vary between these two extremes


8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a) Red or orange
b) black
c) yellow or light blue
d) green
e) dark blue or purple
f) white
g) brown or gray


9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep...
a) stretched out on your back
b) stretched out face down on your stomach
c) on your side, slightly curled
d) with your head on one arm
e) with your head under the covers


10. You often dream that you are...
a) falling
b) fighting or struggling
c) searching for something or somebody
d) flying or floating
e) you usually have dreamless sleep
f) your dreams are always pleasant





POINTS:


1. (a)2 (b) 4 (c) 6 ________________________

2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 ________________________

3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 ________________________

4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 ________________________

5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2 ________________________

6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 ________________________

7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 ________________________

8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 ________________________

9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 ________________________

10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1 ________________________


Now add up the total number of points. ________________________



OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self- centered and who is extremely dominant. Others may
admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.


51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.


41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention,
but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.


31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who
makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.


21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. they see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really
surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually
decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly
by your careful nature.


UNDER 21 POINTS: People think your are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Thanks for the info John.

Vancouver concert info
Oct. 24 - Orpheum Theatre - 8:00 pm - tickets @ www.ticketmasters.ca
w/ Chilliwack ( a popular 70s act here named after a town outside Vancouver - so they alone will bring in a bunch of people so it should sell out)
j

That's great news about the guys coming to Vancouver, John. I wasn't aware of that concert. If you can let me know the venue and any other information, I'll get it added to the concert list. Thanks and enjoy the show!

Ohhh! Hi Jimbob!!!!! Sooo GREAT to hear from you !
Sorry I didn't receive your mail... maybe having pbs with my in-box. Had to increase security against spams recently, so accidentally it may have affected the reception of myu messages.
Please try to send your message again... you can also use my wanadoo e-address.
Happy about the good news for you. Hope they are coming to your place.
Gen.

Hi everyone here too !

Ladd, upon reading my post concerning your HEARTS comments, I think it seemed a bit negative. Sorry if it came across that way to you! Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughts on that great recording, I enjoyed reading it! Gidday Johnny, Nancy and Sergio. Hi to you too, Gen. I mailed you but Im thinking perhaps it didnt go through. Hope you are well and happy. Cheers, Jim.

Gidday, Jimbob! It's always good to hear from you especially after your absence here.

It was also good to hear from "Goanna" (Greg G.) from Australia. Greg, I hope you're still enjoying your AMERICA brass belt buckle!

John L ~ That's great news regarding America coming your way soon. I'm happy for ya!

Vic ~ I thought the same as you regarding Gerry's VFTHW being somewhat like the cover of "Perspective" when I first viewed his picture.

Sir Joe ~ The guys in New Orleans...so very close yet "Nothing's So Far Away (As Yesterday)". It will make attending next time that much more wonderful.

Cheers Steve!

Reminds me of "Perspective" from a different perspective.

Yes Me again :)

Dewey & Gerry are singing ~~~ Alll the people in the Whole Wide World, Whole wide worldddd, don't mean a thing if you ain't got your girl.... cause I only want you to stayyyyy with meeee, with meeee, with meeeee.... and I just gotta repeat my fave line of this song ~~ You were Shining Like a Living Jewel, Inside I KNEW Time Stood Still with Youuuuuuu ~~~ Wow what nice Lyrics... :) :) :)

Hi there Jimnak ~~~ You and I were Posting at the same time and I just wanted to say a Big You Betcha to your <<<< HOLIDAY HARMONY on the la radio soon >>>> Yes Sireeeeeeee ~~ I have already mentioned to my DJ friend that I hope he will bring lots of Smiles to my days, by playing the songs off of the Holiday Harmony CD!!!! ~~~ Just like Timothy B sings ~~ We gotta stir the Ashes and Feed the Fire.... get that spark ignited.... sooo that when the New CD comes to be, we have that spark ready to spread like wildfire..... I can't wait to hear Mr DJ say and now here is a Brand New Song by AMERICA! :)

Nitey Nite again all, Nightowl Nancio :) Hey Red Keep the Snoring volumn down I can Hear you through the Wind! :)

~~~ I'd like every single moment, but this time we will be much stronger, I've been sailing Close to the Wind, help me find shelter, I've been sailing close to the wind, ~~~~ but inside it's warm and safe, I got you by my side.... Sing it Gerry & Dewey ~~~ Don't Be afraid of the Storm..... :)

Me Again :)

Alright John L ~~ Nice to hear that an AMERICA show is coming your way again. Hmmmm ~~it's Okay if you want to say you are Really Alot Pumped UP about discovering this in yesterday's newspaper! ~~ I liked that visual.... I hope to see a show announcement for One coming close to Me again for sure! ~~ Pretty neat how your cloud nine subject line kinda explains Gerry's VFTHW ~ Minn picture... Dewey is here singing ~~~ Elevation to a place high above, the combination, you and me and our love, determination to spend my life with youuuu, looking at you face to face with my world, the quiet beauty, not just like any girl, moving slowly from the dark into view, looking like a Young Moon in the Heaven, Mother to the Stars Young Moon guide us tonight..... We are here in this moment shining twice as bright, we are here for you to see, Bright Lights, lonnnnng shadows, tonight we can handle all of the doubts we may hold inside, it is a New Day things are different now, we got each other, looking like a YOUNG MOON ~~~ WOW I just love listening to this song and letting my fingers get carried away..... Sing it AGAIN & AGAIN Dewey!

Okayyyyyy it has been a lonnnnnnnnnnng day and My Big Brown Eyes are sooooooooooooooo tired.... soooo I am off to Dreamland and Dewey is here singing ~~~ I was dreaming of Youuuuuuuu Feeling luckeeey, I was Dreaming of you feeling luckyyyyeee ~~~ abandon everything that went before, ahead now lies another open dooor, abondon everything that went before.... I was on a Sleeper Train bound for anywhere, and I was gazing out the window in a Lonnnnnng stare.... thinking about your Eyes, feeling good to be alive, I was dreaming of youuuuuu feeling Lucky..... Sing me off to Dreamland Dewey & Gerry :) :):) Train kept rollin......... :) Nitey Nite all, Nancy :)

Go John Go !
AMERICA live, nothing like em' ever was !
HOLIDAY HARMONY on the la radio soon ...

Ok, I am floating. America is playing Vancouver Oct.24!!!! It was in yesterday's paper( which I didn't bother to look at until today, damn) so the best seats I could get are row 24 but still.. life is good.
Now, I only hope that Gerry and Dewey hang around to sign some stuff afterwards. Think the last time they were in Vancouver was about 6 or 7 years ago. I am just a little pumped up.
j

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Minneapolis, MN.

Hi Hooooo Everybody ~~ TGIF ~~ It is sooooo Chilly here, but my day started off with a nice touch of Magic! :) ~~ Today was my favorite radio stations 20th Anniversary and I had did a search on Google for happeinings in Pa on 8-3-1993 and came up with my favorite radio stations site listed on the first search page finds... Soooo I emailed Jack and gave him the site address to explore... and I wrote a short Reminiscing email of my years listening to Key95 and also requested he play "You Can Do Magic" for me. ~~ Sooo upon my radio alarm coming on just as Jack was talking about my email and then said and here Nancy is the song you requested AMERICA's You Can Do Magic ~~ Wow what a way to get me going for sure! :) :) :)

Thanks Gerry for this Into the Night ~ New Orleans pic.... Hmmm I wonder if by chance the Orange Slice Mr Moon was kinda hidden by one of those tall buildings. I know he was shining brightly here the last couple of nights. ~~~ The sky was crystal clear and it was oooh sooo cold, went down into the 20's last night! Chilly Brrrrrr!

Hey there Sergio ~~ Pretty neat Gerry & Dewey being there in your part of the world. I hope they did get a chance to sample some of these places you mentioned.

Hey there Jimmmmmmmmm(bob) ~~ Wow ~~ Great to hear from You! ~~ I can just hear them Bird singing there in NZ with their accent! ;) Hmmm ~~ I think that when AMERICA heads over your way for a show that you & Fran should make arrangements to meet your Sister& her hubby there to take in this show. On my way home from my physical therapy treatment, I could soon the light shadow of the orange sliced moon, probably about the same time you would have been able to see it shining there in your night sky ~~ Too Much ~~ Take care :)

Hey there Mo ~~ I don't have any of Toad the Wet Sprocket's albums, but I do like their song "Something Always Happens" as well as "All I Want" & "Walk On the Ocean" ~~ they sure do have a nice accoustic sound to their songs. I find it quite easy to hit the replay!

Hey there Reddddd ~~ I hope you parked Nelleybelle early and headed home. ~~ I got to hear Van the Man sing Brown Eyed Girl while I was riding that stationery bike that I gotta keep on Pushin & Pulling the hand levers with to get my arm back in shape... and while Grippin the green playdoh I heard the Archie's song Sugar Sugar, Honey ~ Honey ~~ you are my candy boy and you got me wanting you.... Hmmm remember that song I Believe in Music by The Galary? It sure is a great song with an oooh sooo true message! ~~ It would be neat to see Gerry & Dewey do a new version of this song! :) ;) :)

Hmmmm BONES ~~ Upon seeing your Warning post about Warts last night, it got my inquiring mind a wondering, what is your perspective on why touching or holding a Toad can cause Warts??? ~~ We have this great big Toad that is sooo neat, I do believe it is one of the little ones my son Adam caught and kept in a foam cooler in our basement one winter when he was in 3rd gr. He had 4 different frogs in this cooler and it was too much they lived all winter on gold fish food and then in the spring he took them into school for a science class show and tell and then left them loose.... This ooh sooo big toad is the friendliest Toad I have ever come across, when you talk to him or bend down to touch him, he just takes his head and kinda raises it up for you to touch him. I admit I did pick him up one time way back when he was littler and I did end up getting a wart that I had to have removed from the inside of my one finger... :) Hmmm it is too much how many memories come rushing back to us with just the mention of a word ~~ LOL!!! :)

Well I gotta head upstairs to get my supper out of the Oven, Jeff is coming home this weekend too! Nice :) Have a great weekend all ~~ See ya, Nancy :)

Midnight rolling in, sunlight
Reaching out for your return

As you were running through the tunnel of life
And soon you'll dance around the fire of fright
Tonight

When you're standing on the corner
And the sun is getting hot
Does this day begin to worry you a lot ~~~ Sing it for us Dewey ~~ Hmmm Ladd ~~ i just love this song from Hearts.... One great gem for sure!

I remember sidewalk laughter down New Orleans, LA
A hot wet night at the fight with you
Had to push through the crowds and talk
Very loud it's true

But you were on my mind that day
You were on my mind each day
You were on my mind that day and forever ~~~ This VFTHW Pic brought this great song to my mind instantly... Sing it for us one day Dewey ! :)

You are, what you are, too far
Golden star, a ruby light

I agrre Gerry takes some wonderful, interesting and often humorous shots. Keep 'em coming, please!

ÓôáìÜôá íá ðáßæåéò ìå ôïí ðüíï ìïõ!
(pronounced as:)
Stamata na paizeis me ton pono mou!
(means:)
Stop playing with my pain!

Gerry, What a great photo! Looks just like a postcard, hope y'all having fun in New Orleans?

the rumor on the street is that AMERICA may be heading outside the USA for various shows in the 1st quarter of 2004, Steve will get the specifics once plans are solidfied. By the way the holidays will be here soon, HOLIDAY HARMONY on ye old music machine !

Right after I posted, I checked the World Tour (complete list) and I answered my own question...PRIVATE IN NEW ORLEANS, I wish I would have had the right connections to get invited...Oh well, maybe they will return to one of our many casinos and venues. Dewey and Gerry, if you are reading, there's the "Treasure Chest", "Boomtown", "Bally's", and the Grandaddy of them all "Harrah's", plus we have the world famous "Jazz Fest" every year in the Spring, last Spring we had Crosby, Stills and Nash, so when will you be joining the roster??? (hint, hint!)

JimBob,

So nice to hear from you, well, it may not be spring here, but it is fall in New Orleans and we are having beautifu dry cool weather for a change (It is usually muggy and hot from May through September) Hope that Johnny's prediction comes true and you are able to see our favorite group down under. I am glad that Steve is confirming Johnny's original prediction last week.

Ladd, your review of "Hearts" was excellent, but how can you say you are disappointed by a powerhouse album like "Holiday"? With songs like "Another Try", "Tin Man", "Hollywood", "Lonely People", "Old Man Took", "Glad To See You" and "What Does It Matter"...How can it disappoint??? Give it a second and third listen, it is one of their best efforts...Oh well, just an opinion from one that bought the album back in 1974, and preserves it in its original shrink wrap...

Mo,

I don't know where Bananas Foster originated, but they do make an awesome version at Brennan's Restaurant in the French Quarter, they prepare it right in front of your eyes- a delicious flaming beauty. "N'Awlins" it is, that is with a "Brooklyn" sort of accent, we don't speak with the traditional southern twang in New Orleans.


Have a great weekend everyone,

Sergio

JimBob, yes it's true that the guys are working things out so they can go "down under" next year. The details haven't been finalized yet so I can't give you any specifics but I will just as soon as possible.

Gidday you guys; spring time in New Zealand, and if Johnny is correct it means the guys are heading this way?? Sydney Opera House is a GREAT venue for sure, what a suberb building;(thats for you,Margaret!), but NOO ZEALAND is where its at!! Ive been away a while but I have to say, LADD,well done for the HEARTS review. You are correct, pretty much, in what you say, but a little late? Like some years? Ladd, you are so into these guys, and have such an opininon; how can you not want to just get the music right now and then comment? You seem to be an expert, but ......

Hey guys,is it true AMERICA will be hitting the Southern Hemisphere? Sure HOPE SO!

Mmmm...Bananas Foster. I love Bananas Foster. The hub, Jeff, makes a wicked good Foster. Actually he found the recipe in a book called Chefs of New Orleans. Is that where it originated, Sergio? By the way, how do you say New Orleans? Nawlins? Does that sound about right? Never been there--maybe some day. Happy Friday, Everyone.

Wow!!Did I miss something here???Was there a concert in the Crescent City that I missed? Or is Gerry just getting some much needed R & R in our beautiful and care free city?

Gerry if your are listening don't forget to try breakfast at Brennan's and the delicious "Bananas Foster". Then try Commander's Palace for dinner on the corner of Washington and Coliseum Streets. You can't go wrong.

The view you are seeing is taken from the Riverfront Hilton, which leads me to think that this is where Gerry is staying... The big lit up building is Harrah's Casino and directly behind it your can see the Sheraton and Marriott Hotels on world famous Canal St.

I wish there was a concert here I could go see you guys perform! What a treat that would be...Have a wonderful time hear, ya hear!!

Great shot Gerry. I haven't travelled a great deal so far, but New Orleans I have been to!

Cindy F.T.South

Thanks Mo. I'm gonna check them out. Can't believe I've never heard of them, thought I was up on these things!

Cindy F.T.S.

Caution - Wart Zone Ahead

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in New Orleans, LA. I think you're really going to like this one!

No need to get ur dander up there Mojo!! It will just be a short set concert opening for Kansas at a college. Not much damage to the vocal chords on this one. Plus, they'll have time for pics with Steve. Carry on.

AY! OH! Now, listen here just one darn minute. No more of this adding shows to the "off time" from late Oct. to early Dec. Ya hear? That's the (rumored) time to work on THE ALBUM. Don't go cutting into that block of time anymore. Understood?

Thank you. And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

I don't know much about the movie since I've never seen it, but I can tell you what I do know. First of all, here's a link to a web page about the Cry-Baby soundtrack. It was released in 1990 and one of the singing groups was known as Baldwin and the Whiffles. Gerry was part of that group which sang Sh-Boom and Mr. Sandman in the movie. You can listen to soundclips of both songs by going to the sound index page on the America Fans web site and then scrolling down to the Miscellaneous Albums section. The Real-Audio soundclips of those two songs are near the bottom of that section.

Yes Gerry provides the singing voice for the Preppy singing group (the Wiffles????) anyway the music is nice....

Regarding a previous post from Danae; did Gerry B. sing in that movie "Cry Baby"? I've never watched the whole film all the way through, but see it from time to time on television. Never have I seen or heard Gerry...but then again, I wasn't listening for him either. Somebody explain this to me please. Thanks!

FYI - The St. George concert has been confirmed by Erin.

Well John Waters films ARE rather, well, quirky. Some people love them and some people really loathe them. Cry Baby is a send-up of 50's motorcycle movies, and from that aspect is is fun. But if you haven't seen a lot of them ( and I suspect you haven't!) then you would not get the point and it would seem really dumb. But I agree, the music is what makes it.

Through the magic of shrewd marketing, Toad was lumped in with the early 90s "alternative" blitz, gaining credibility with the flannel-shirt-set despite having absolutely zippo in common, in terms of their work, with Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the other "buzz" and "grunge" bands with whom they were identified. I actually like their stuff, but it's no wonder they are reviled today as posers by a lot of folks who still look back fondly on that whole "Seattle scene" movement of the early 90s. Their music didn't belong in that niche, but I suspect they were happy to ride with it since it got their videos played on the "Buzz Bin" program, and got their new releases placed next to Pearl Jam's and Soundgarden's in the Tower displays at the front of the store.

To my ears, the Hearts LP struck an excellent balance between the relatively restrained acoustics of yore, and the group's fixation with late-Beatle-period flourishes. The wheels may not have exactly come off with "Hideaway," but they sure wobbled a bit (again, to my ears) on that record. I mean, "Hideaway" Parts I and II?

We wrote a test in geography last Tuesday. After the test, I made some crazy thoughts, and jumping from the one to the other, I ended to a really crazy result!
So, you already know how our geography professor speaks. I remembered the word "mougos" in greek. "Mougos" is an adjective and means the person who can't speak. "Mougi" is the feminine. (Those are very familiar words, argot) From the word MOUGI, I invent the nickname MOUGANA! From Mougana I jump to "Madonna". Then, I imagine my teacher trying to sing "Open Your Heart"! You may find it cold as a joke, but you can't imagine how much I laughed!
I'm insane.

I watched Cry Baby some days ago. I have nothing against Johnny Depp, but I must say THIS IS THE WORST FILM I'VE EVER SEEN.
Silly scenario, bad actors, foolish quotes, but good soundtrack. If there was not Gerry, this film might was never released! AND IF YOU WANT TO KNOW, I WATCHED IT JUST TO HEAR GERRY SINGIN', OK? And I watched only the half one!
Hey, Mr. Beckley, you see what I do for you?
======================================================================
Steve, can you ask Gerry how he accepted to sing in such a silly movie?

According to the Dixie State College web site, America and Kansas will be playing at the Burns Arena on Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:30 pm. Here's a link to the web page where you can buy tickets. I haven't confirmed this with Erin, yet, but since the tickets are available, I'm guessing that it's correct.

http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21329

Tickets for the December 12th America show at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavillion, go on sale today October 2nd. Tickets can be purchased online at http://musictoday.com/artist_layout.asp?band_id=1048 or by calling the box office at 561-243-7922 ext. 318.

Thanks to Jason Colanino for the info!

From Artist Direct on the web:
So named in honor of a sketch by the Monty Python comedy troupe, Toad the Wet Sprocket's mellow, melodic folk-pop sound made them one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the early 1990s. Singer Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning (the nephew of '50s hitmaker Mark "Teen Angel" Dinning) and drummer Randy Guss formed the group in 1986 in their native Santa Barbara, California; after honing their skills in area bars, they entered a nearby studio in 1988 and recorded their debut LP, Bread and Circus, in just eight days at a cost of $650. Originally sold as a homemade cassette in Santa Barbara record stores, the album made its way to the Los Angeles offices of Columbia Records, which signed Toad only after agreeing to the band's request to reissue Bread and Circus in its original form, without any alterations or remixes. The somber Pale, produced by Marvin Etzioni, followed in 1990; after years of persistent touring, Toad the Wet Sprocket's commercial breakthrough followed with 1991's Fear, as the single "All I Want" -- quite nearly left off the album -- became a Top 20 hit. Another single from the LP, "Walk on the Ocean," was also a success. Three years later, Toad returned with Dulcinea, which generated another Top 40 hit with the single "Fall Down"; In Light Syrup, a collection of unreleased material, appeared in 1995. Coil, Toad the Wet Sprocket's fifth proper LP, followed in 1997. The group split in July 1998; their Greatest Hits collection was promised for later that year, but didn't appear. However, P.S.: A Toad Retrospective, did surface in 1999. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

A santa barbara band name comes from a monty python sketch

Mo, I have 4 or 5 albums of them. I really like them. Don't think they are together amymore. Their song " All I Want" is one that everyone would recognize. A great sound.
j

They had a hey day in the early to mid-90's, I think. I only have the one album, Dulcinea. I don't even know how many others they may have. Anyway, it is good.

Bonesy, Hope you don't run over those poor helpless toads in your driveway. Hey, by the way, why do we call the place where we park a driveway and the place where we drive a parkway? Go figure.

Moser, I have never heard of that group. If you like it, I will probably like it also. The group's name is Toad the Wet Sprocket? Where did you hear about them?

Cindy F.T.S.

Hey Mo, I don't have the album but every now and then I do see a toad in my driveway.

Hi SteveO, I'll 2nd or 3rd that sentiment! Ordered this CD a few weeks ago and just got it. Great CD, agreed "Another Sunday" is outstanding
and great vocals. Great contributions...doesn't Gerry ever take a vacation?

Hi, sorry for the goofy test. How's everyone? I've been having some harsh reality and bad drama over the summer, haven't spent much time here. Hope to see some folks at the Chat later!

Thanks, Steve!

Does this work?

Just wanted to comment on how good the new Robert Lamm CD,"Subtlety & Passion" is. Lamm is the original voice of Chicago,and this disk harkens back to the classic days of that band--doesn't hurt that Lamm also enlists the Horn section from his group to help out either!
Gerry Beckley co-wrote "Another Sunday" with Lamm,and its one of the standout tracks from the disk--Gerry also sings background vocals,as well as on 2 additional tracks on the disk. Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles also lends a hand with vocals. While the disk is not currently in stores,it can be purchased via www.robertlamm.org

I'm listening to Toad the Wet Sprocket's album, "Dulcinea." It is the only album of theirs that I have. It is awesome. Does anyone else have any of their stuff or like it? I don't know much about them--just that the tunes are good.

Hi gang. Just wondering if anyone here was planning on attending the show at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in West Collingswood, NJ. Keith and I will be going along with my sister and her husband. We don't have very good seats though. But we don't care...August was the last time we saw them....that's much too long of a wait if you ask me.

We did get to see Al Stewart at a very small coffee house in PA a few weeks ago. What a GREAT show. We got to meet him afterward and got a pic with him and he signed his biography for us. Nice guy!

Hope everyone is doing well. Take care!

Deb and Keith

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Last Revised: 5 November 2003