Yes - it's all how we look at it.  Schlepping across the world when there's family at home has to get old after awhile...REALLY OLD.  And I love travel.

Then again, I think I remember being beaten to a pulp here last Spring (I think) for suggesting that when musicians who have worked for more than a year on a new release, we shouldn't download it for free without knowing that we are stealing.  Is the relationship of musicians' struggling and this mentality really lost on some people here?

UK date announced? Tanglewood June 19

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/entertainment/ci_29298634/brian-wilson-chris-botti-join-tanglewood-2016-lineup

Berkshire....That's England right?

Edit

Ahhh Massachusetts. You yanks confuse us sometimes!

Remain calm, wait and see.  Patience is everything, I've learned...Well, maybe I haven't learned it, but just wait.  It's really early.

...And on it goes.  Sorry, the "bona fide sound check" comment didn't come across as innocuous, since the argument went on and on and on - when most of us were hoping to enjoy others' comments about the shows.  Again, thanks to Charles for the great photos and to the others who posted comments about the concerts.  As far as picking apart the VIP experience...um, you get great seats, can enjoy the more intimate pre-show activities, and get to meet and get a photo with a musical genius of our time.  I don't see a problem here.

Brief Florida Theater review:  I've never seen Brian so relaxed and happy, and he's never sounded so good.  I believe Al Jardine is in possession of  a Lazarus Pit.  And I didn't find Blondie distracting at all.  If his antics were not acceptable to Brian and gang, I'm sure he would be stopped.

Best early birthday gift ever!

Thanks, Charles.  These shows bring things into perspective, don't they?  Joyous stuff.

Debbie -

What I clearly meant, is that the marketed VIP "sound check" and what the musicians do as a "sound check rehearsal" - a VIP Soundcheck is an "event" where 4 or 5 songs are selected to showcase, usually connected with a VIP experience.  Generally, prior to this event is a full or expanded rehearsal.  That is the sound check.  

For example - the Brian - Jeff Beck Tour, I was in the lobby waiting for the "VIP experience" Sound Check" - during that time, while in the lobby, we could hear Blondie rehearsing at sound check (who was not billed to appear but was there) doing Sail on Sailor.  There was a sound check before the "VIP Sound check event."  

This is consistent with many acts who offer a "VIP experience" including a "sound check" but the reality is that the band does their own rehearsal.  I live very close to a major outdoor high profile venue, where one can drive by and listen to any number of "sound checks" done prior to the actual VIP sound check "experience" occurs that appears to the be industry practice.  

You're overthinking it. The whole thing is a soundcheck/rehearsal and they just allow VIPs in for some of it, and Really-VIPs for all of it. It's ALL rehearsal and all useful for the band, especially after a long break. It's not some dog and pony show.

Ontor - when I replied to mojoman3061 - it was thanking him for his review of Brian's show. That got lost. Somehow the dissecting and parsing that gets spun out of control.  I look through a different lens. Another thread-jack. This was a compliment to another fellow poster.  

And, I fully stand by what I wrote. I am over-thinking nothing.  Just thinking through all the levels of what a ticket to an event is.

1 - You buy a show ticket and you are a licensee to be admitted to a venue for a certain amount of time.  

2 - You buy a ticket + sound check ticket = enhanced admission privilege.  You leave after the sound check.  Your license expired.  You come back for the full performance.

3 - You buy a ticket + sound check ticket + VIP photo op = super-enhanced status license to be in the venue.  You are buying a license to participate in an "event."  You leave after the photo session. Your license expired.   And then you come back for the performance.

Generally the enhanced event or VIP tickets are limited to a small subset of the overall ticket holders.  They are often a marketing tool used by promoters.

So, it is an "event" - and if you are invited by the band to "sound check" - more likely than not you will be seeing a rehearsal, which is longer in length than an "event" sound check, more ad-libbed and less scripted than a sound check "event" as part of a marketed "experience." And has a setlist that is planned.  

Are they enjoyable?  Of course.  Do you sometimes hear a few extra songs?  Yes, you do.  (My heart nearly stopped  hearing Brian do "I'm Waiting for the Day" during the Brian-Beck sound check.)

Black's Law Dictionary 6th ed. "Ticket - in contracts, a slip of paper containing a certificate that the person to whom it is issued, or the holder, is entitled to some right or privilege therein mentioned or described..."(theater tickets are included.)  

Personally, when I was helping run school music performances, we needed to do "sound check" or rehearsal so that kids who were used to singing only in a classroom learned to project into a large space such as an auditorium, not be afraid to look up into the gallery area, smile (pun intended) and become acclimated with the mic placement, for certain singers who would be doing an introduction, leading the group or doing a solo.  It is not the BB's but a "sound check" none the less.  I would bring my classes in to the auditorium, more often with my "enhanced poetic license" so they got used to going up and down the stage stairs safety (4 and 5 year olds.) A big space they aren't used to can be a little scary for a small child.  

The general definition is

http://musicians.about.com/od/glossary/g/soundcheck.htm

Hope it copies.  

Who exactly thread-jacked this?  People were discussing their experiences at Brian's shows, and suddenly they weren't getting a "bona fide soundcheck," whatever that is, according to your definition.  Apparently, you're trying to legally define it here.  Why not start this on another, appropriate thread?

Debbie - this is making a mountain out of a molehill in my view. The overall gist of what I wrote was both a compliment to the poster, and Brian's performance.

"Thread jacking," is a board behavior that has systematically and continuously degraded the quality of this forum.  You responded to the interjection of  "#notthebeachboys" (the more recent Smile Brian) post.  

They got a "sound check" that was likely different from a band rehearsal and as part of a purchased "sound check" package that is now becoming an music "industry standard." It is a special event and it has legal significance, as among the varying degrees of permission to experience a level that is above and beyond the main event admission level.  

It is not confined to Brian's band, or The Touring Band, or The Beach Boys C50.  Nothing is personalized here, meant as an offense, nor should be taken as an offense.  I did not hit an "ignore button" for the most offensive handle #notthebeachboys which is absolutely a pejorative term targeted to be offensive.  

So, I can buy a "sound check" ticket for Brittany Spears.  I know full well, that it is not a full rehearsal.  I know it is a "highlights" event.  Are you suggesting that any one of these bands is only practicing a half dozen songs before a show?  They are so competent and exacting that they are doing "phrasing" of individual songs as I did teaching music.  

This "behavior" and not "content" or "perspective" needs to be addressed.  It is a distraction from the music.  And it suggests that it is "ratified" or tolerated/endorsed by the powers-that-be.  There is no need for a separate thread.  

    

Note:  I am modifying this to show that this was an excerpt from the above quote, this is not my opinion, but a quote I was referencing.  Sorry for the confusion:
 ..."Are you suggesting that any one of these bands is only practicing a half dozen songs before a show?  They are so competent and exacting that they are doing "phrasing" of individual songs as I did teaching music..."  

No. All the suggestions have been yours.  I think that's my point. (My reply)

Debbie -

What I clearly meant, is that the marketed VIP "sound check" and what the musicians do as a "sound check rehearsal" - a VIP Soundcheck is an "event" where 4 or 5 songs are selected to showcase, usually connected with a VIP experience.  Generally, prior to this event is a full or expanded rehearsal.  That is the sound check.  

For example - the Brian - Jeff Beck Tour, I was in the lobby waiting for the "VIP experience" Sound Check" - during that time, while in the lobby, we could hear Blondie rehearsing at sound check (who was not billed to appear but was there) doing Sail on Sailor.  There was a sound check before the "VIP Sound check event."  

This is consistent with many acts who offer a "VIP experience" including a "sound check" but the reality is that the band does their own rehearsal.  I live very close to a major outdoor high profile venue, where one can drive by and listen to any number of "sound checks" done prior to the actual VIP sound check "experience" occurs that appears to the be industry practice.  

You're overthinking it. The whole thing is a soundcheck/rehearsal and they just allow VIPs in for some of it, and Really-VIPs for all of it. It's ALL rehearsal and all useful for the band, especially after a long break. It's not some dog and pony show.

Ontor - when I replied to mojoman3061 - it was thanking him for his review of Brian's show. That got lost. Somehow the dissecting and parsing that gets spun out of control.  I look through a different lens. Another thread-jack. This was a compliment to another fellow poster.  

And, I fully stand by what I wrote. I am over-thinking nothing.  Just thinking through all the levels of what a ticket to an event is.

1 - You buy a show ticket and you are a licensee to be admitted to a venue for a certain amount of time.  

2 - You buy a ticket + sound check ticket = enhanced admission privilege.  You leave after the sound check.  Your license expired.  You come back for the full performance.

3 - You buy a ticket + sound check ticket + VIP photo op = super-enhanced status license to be in the venue.  You are buying a license to participate in an "event."  You leave after the photo session. Your license expired.   And then you come back for the performance.

Generally the enhanced event or VIP tickets are limited to a small subset of the overall ticket holders.  They are often a marketing tool used by promoters.

So, it is an "event" - and if you are invited by the band to "sound check" - more likely than not you will be seeing a rehearsal, which is longer in length than an "event" sound check, more ad-libbed and less scripted than a sound check "event" as part of a marketed "experience." And has a setlist that is planned.  

Are they enjoyable?  Of course.  Do you sometimes hear a few extra songs?  Yes, you do.  (My heart nearly stopped  hearing Brian do "I'm Waiting for the Day" during the Brian-Beck sound check.)

Black's Law Dictionary 6th ed. "Ticket - in contracts, a slip of paper containing a certificate that the person to whom it is issued, or the holder, is entitled to some right or privilege therein mentioned or described..."(theater tickets are included.)  

Personally, when I was helping run school music performances, we needed to do "sound check" or rehearsal so that kids who were used to singing only in a classroom learned to project into a large space such as an auditorium, not be afraid to look up into the gallery area, smile (pun intended) and become acclimated with the mic placement, for certain singers who would be doing an introduction, leading the group or doing a solo.  It is not the BB's but a "sound check" none the less.  I would bring my classes in to the auditorium, more often with my "enhanced poetic license" so they got used to going up and down the stage stairs safety (4 and 5 year olds.) A big space they aren't used to can be a little scary for a small child.  

The general definition is

http://musicians.about.com/od/glossary/g/soundcheck.htm

Hope it copies.  

Who exactly thread-jacked this?  People were discussing their experiences at Brian's shows, and suddenly they weren't getting a "bona fide soundcheck," whatever that is, according to your definition.  Apparently, you're trying to legally define it here.  Why not start this on another, appropriate thread?

[Bicyclerider]

I was at the Biloxi show last night.  I may have run into Bicyclerider and/or NOLA BB Fan and not known it.

I took notes, and I have some songs in a different order from Bicyclerider's list.

After California Saga, I have In My Room through Don't Worry Baby, then One Kind of Love (from NPP), Sail Away, Wild Honey, Sail on Sailor, Darlin', Forever, The Right Time, Do It Again, Pet Sounds, WIBN, Sloop, God Only Knows, and Good Vibrations.

For the encore I have Little Saint Nick, Rhonda, Barbara Ann, Surfin' U.S.A., Fun Fun Fun, and Love and Mercy.

Brian was in good form.  My notes about his "God Only Knows" performance are "Talky, like Rod Stewart."

I got to go to the soundcheck and the meet-and-greet.  As I walked in, they were doing "Forever."  When they finished, Brian said, "Hello, meet-and-greet people."  They did "Forever" again, with Brian saying he'd sing all the verses.  It seemed important to him that he be the one to sing it, and he did an excellent job each time.  Next was "Don't Worry Baby."  Brian stopped it in the first bar--"No!  Too fast!"

After a few more songs, those of us doing the meet-and-greet were dismissed (as were Brian, Al, and Blondie).  We lined up to get into a room next to the stage while the band continued the soundcheck.  "Our Prayer" gave me goosebumps--I could see them on my arms!

We were allowed into the meet-and-greet one party at a time (that is, if a couple came to the show together, they got to go in at the same time).  I got to shake hands with Brian, Al, and Blondie, and I told Brian I was glad he got to finish SMiLE.  He was pleasant, and Al and Blondie were friendly.  I didn't say much more than "I'm glad to meet you" because the setup didn't exactly encourage leisurely hanging around.

At the concert, Brian sang "Girl Don't Tell Me," and I noticed Nicky Wonder (as he was introduced) playing a "Ticket to Ride" lick behind Darian's vibes.  I was amazed at "Wild Honey" with Blondie.  He took two guitar solos, walking all over the stage during each, and Paul (Mertens? Von Mertens?) had a tenor sax solo between Blondie's solos.

Matt Jardine was in the back row at the far left (from the audience's perspective) for most of the show.  He came down front, next to his dad, for "Don't Worry Baby."

More later if anyone's interested ;-)

Thanks, Mojoman3061 - I enjoyed that rundown of Brian's show.  I love when he just yells out some orders during sound check. Brian misses nothing.  And, I don't think it is really the bona fide sound check in terms of a "real rehearsal" where they cover everything but it is a great event to see a couple of songs that might not be performed. 

Love that he did Forever (on Dennis' b-day) - maybe they will keep that in.  I'd love to see them accompany You Are So Beautiful because Dennis did such a stunning job with it and the audience went crazy.  It sounds like a great setlist and encore with Little St. Nick!  - just so cool. Thanks again for your review.   

Olkay, I'm confused.  What would a "bona fide sound check" be?

Rab's farewell has to be the most dignified exit I could imagine for this Board.  He actually expressed himself respectfully and with care for others here when most of us (me included), just get disgusted with the absurdity of so much of what is posted and leave (for a time or forever).  Wading through the bile and nasty comments of a bunch of people on a fan Board who are hostile to their acknowledged musical genius, his work and gifted band members struck me as a ridiculous process, but there was some good information and there were good people, so I bothered.  But the numbers of those worth reading are dwindling.

Those posting that Rab will be back may be mistaken unless the tone of this place changes.  Ugliness and hostility become boring, too.  Those accusing some of us of "boo-hooing" are missing the point.  We're primarily disgusted and exhausted by sad creatures who get some sort of thrill out of being hatefully provocative - then blaming the mods for a cesspool of content that they create.  The mods are here to enforce the rules of the place and as members can provide a small part of the content.  They have a thankless job.  If you want better content, create it.  If you want this to be a hostile free-for-all, knock yourselves out.  There are better places to go.

In the mean time, I'm going to another Board or two to see if I can find Rab and people like him there.  I want to hear his completed BBs-Love mash-up - so far it was amazing.  I'm feeling pretty certain it won't be that hard to find him and others I've also enjoyed here.  

Mot going back as far as the Neanderthal people, onla back to 1600BC, but still interesting:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebra_sky_disk

Thanks Micha - Yes, love the Nebra Sky Disc as well...

One of the guests at the Thanksgiving table yesterday is an archaeologist working on a Neanderthal site. Fascinating stuff!

I'll bet, Emily!  Archaeologists are now finally accepting Archaeo-astronomers to various degrees.  It was quite a battle, apparently that hasn't exactly ended.  Certain very defensive scientists protecting their turf often look like the obsessive fans and collectors on SS. Logic doesn't always prevail.  One thing we have a pretty good idea about from Neanderthal times is what the sky looked like then, and it's become quite obvious that as hunter-gatherers, they learned to look at the skies for timing the seasons, the related running of the herds of animals, etc.  It was quite a handy tool and there on every clear night. It doesn't take long to build calendars as such.  I saw the Ice Age Art exhibit at the British Museum in April 2013, and the sky-related objects were profound.  It was one of the most moving experiences of my life...seriously.  The beauty and brilliance of our ancient ancestors is a stunning thing to see.  I'll bet your archaeologist friend enjoys the same.

You know, he didn't go into it, but he mentioned astronomy as one of the areas in which there's evidence that they were much more sophisticated than previously thought.

That's great to hear.  Anyone looking at the ceiling of Lascaux cave (and other ancient sites) who knows astronomy basics would recognize Taurus the Bull and the belt of Orion painted in their correct locations there. It's exciting stuff.  A way our really ancient ancestors can speak to us.

Fantastic news, hope this snowballs into a nice shelf full of awards over the next few months!

Given all the awards Paul Dano already has, he'll need to add another shelf, I fear.  He probably won't mind.

I'm sure we'll be seeing many more of these awards for various people who contributed to Love & Mercy.  It was a brilliant film, worthy of its subject.  All this, and the charity work that the First Lady honored in her letter alone would have made for a stellar year for Mr. Wilson.  But then he had this phenomenal tour that has included Brian's best performances in memory and the No Pier Pressure release.  

It's a good time to be a fan. 

I guess this thread has changed from "Talk About Awards for Love and Mercy" to "Awards for Love and Mercy."

intramural squabblers?

I'm with Emily on this one...maybe too many syllables to be catchy, but perfectly said...

One of the guests at the Thanksgiving table yesterday is an archaeologist working on a Neanderthal site. Fascinating stuff!

I'll bet, Emily!  Archaeologists are now finally accepting Archaeo-astronomers to various degrees.  It was quite a battle, apparently that hasn't exactly ended.  Certain very defensive scientists protecting their turf often look like the obsessive fans and collectors on SS. Logic doesn't always prevail.  One thing we have a pretty good idea about from Neanderthal times is what the sky looked like then, and it's become quite obvious that as hunter-gatherers, they learned to look at the skies for timing the seasons, the related running of the herds of animals, etc.  It was quite a handy tool and there on every clear night. It doesn't take long to build calendars as such.  I saw the Ice Age Art exhibit at the British Museum in April 2013, and the sky-related objects were profound.  It was one of the most moving experiences of my life...seriously.  The beauty and brilliance of our ancient ancestors is a stunning thing to see.  I'll bet your archaeologist friend enjoys the same.

I forgot to mention, the particular site that has excellent, quick daily articles on astronomy in particular and science in general.  http://earthsky.org/

It gives great naked-eye star-gazing techniques for those learning the sky in addition to more technical articles.

There is also a very fine organization looking to protect dark skies where we have them and encourage less light-pollution where it's a problem.  I love their articles as well:  http://darksky.org/
When we start looking into what light pollution is doing to all animals (like endangered sea turtles whose newborns normally guided by the night sky die mistaking light pollution for the direction they need to follow), and those animals include us, psychologically.

If you happen to also enjoy archaeology, this organization in on the cutting edge of archaeo-astronomy.  http://www.archeoastronomy.org/content/who-we-are/
I was lucky enough to attend the 2015 conference in Malta, and it was absolutely fascinating.

Could I point out (my first post on this thread, so no need to search) that it's a family weekend in the US from today through Sunday (Thanksgiving today), and that 2 of the 3 mods are from the US?  Maybe this could be given a rest until the mods can actually have a life and be with their families?  Not everyone has 24/7 to devote to SS (thank heavens), and the mods are volunteers who have to review all this and respond to all of you, on top of other threads, including the equally insane world of the Sandbox.  And NONE OF US knows what goes on behind the scenes that they also have to address. 

Maybe our "thanksgiving" should be to appreciate these volunteers enough to let them (and those involved in whatever the apparent argument is) time to respond?  Nothing in the drama of this board is a matter of life or death.  And we might want to remind ourselves that we don't know what goes on behind the scenes, period.  Unless and until we know the whole story, we're not equipped to comment, really.

Steve...It's so great to have an expert here.  Thanks for sharing.

I have a wonderful program called "Starlight" that allows me to see what the sky (generally) would look like from any given place on the planet, and I can right click on any constellation or star and get the technical data and mythology, which makes the whole sky-viewing experience a bit more magical and fun.  I also have TheSkyX which is another wonderful one. 

I'm just not rich enough for the telescope I want.  Obviously, I covet yours.

Rab, that was truly wonderful.  Thanks so much for all the efforts.  It was a joyful listen.

I see how little I'm on this site that I missed it until now...

No, but they may well engage in another game of chicken. And sometimes there are unintended consequences. Nobody thought WWI would be the result of Ferdinand's assassination, either.

Good point. So many different objectives being fought for in such a small region, interferences with NATO, Putin being pushed to the edge by extremism...it's like a match being lit next to a powder keg.

I responded to this on my phone at work but it didn't go through and, well, nobody cares, but long story short, I'm attempting to recreate the gist of it here and now.

The idea of "Putin being pushed ... by extremism" is one I don't put a ton of stock in. Not to say Russia isn't having its own issues with extremism, both recently and going back quite some time. But he's been quite the instigator in many circumstances recently, which is why I mentioned a game of chicken earlier. I don't think he wants a war against anyone of substance. But I think he has been calling the west's bluff repeatedly: Crimea and Ukraine; flying into other nations' airspace repeatedly; doing military exercises more or less right on other countries' borders. I'm not saying he's the devil incarnate or that any other nation is an angel: I don't believe any of that. But I do think this kind of (presumably shirtless, knowing Vlad) chest-beating is a serious risk to international stability. All it takes is one miscommunication. Say, a fighter being shot down on the Turkish border...

(And to be clear, I also agree more or less with TRBB that Turkey's administration is extremely troubling and ought not be considered a strong ally, with its recent march away from its secular past.)

I agree whole-heartedly with this post.  Putin is a very problematic guy with tendencies toward extremism, pugnaciousness and despotism.
Sometimes people think too much in sides, and that if someone is on one "side" that person smells of roses and is to be supported in all cases and if they are on the other "side" everything they do or say must have a foundation in evil. Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is your friend, but be careful not to support that situational friend to the degree that, when the situation changes, you've empowered that friend beyond reason.
A little like the Mujahideen.

Yes, we know from whence Putin came, and that doesn't make me think of him as balanced in any way.  Sadly, I do think politics and grand-standing for the various nations' highly emotional people is part of the mess that creates no coordination in the efforts in Syria.  With everything that is wrong in how our gov't works (or doesn't), thank heavens our US President isn't inclined to go for the dramatic soundbite over reasonable assessment of a situation.

[As to a question I was asked: yes, Brian was not only fascinated by astronomy and astrology, but seemed to be a "natural" at comprehending both, somewhat like his music, where clearly he's a total master. Oddly, after studying for years in the mythology/astrology realm (which includes astronomy and history for anyone who's real), I discussed an astrology chart again with Brian after about 15 years, and he remembered specifics only an astrologer would (actually, it was a comparison between his and Carl's birth charts)...I think it's safe to say, whatever Brian has tapped into, it's a special place that the "intelligence of the Universe" smiles upon.When people would compare Brian to Mozart, I once said - nah, Pythagoras - the guy who invented the musical scale and understood the workings of the universe as well as anyone in his time.]

Thanks Rab and all contributors.  I have to say that I haven't set up my camera with my (inadequate) telescope, so I won't be the source of many photos other than links.

As to a question I was asked:  yes, Brian was not only fascinated by astronomy and astrology, but seemed to be a "natural" at comprehending both, somewhat like his music, where clearly he's a total master.  Oddly, after studying for years in the mythology/astrology realm (which includes astronomy and history for anyone who's real), I discussed an astrology chart again with Brian after about 15 years, and he remembered specifics only an astrologer would (actually, it was a comparison between his and Carl's birth charts)...I think it's safe to say, whatever Brian has tapped into, it's a special place that the "intelligence of the Universe" smiles upon.

When people would compare Brian to Mozart, I once said - nah, Pythagoras - the guy who invented the musical scale and understood the workings of the universe as well as anyone in his time.

One of the coolest things I've ever read on this forum. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Thanks Rab. SB and Emily.  It was cool to experience, too!  The guy is amazing.  The most fascinating person I ever met, and I've been pretty lucky getting to know great people.  The most perceptive person, too - which is clearly a blessing and a curse - given that you're dealing with humanity...

[Dr. FeelgoodWe trust doctors with our lives. They heal us when we’re ill and guide us on a path toward healthy living. In Hollywood being famous doesn’t make you immune to sickness so what happens when the person celebrities entrust with their well-being uses that power to seek fame, make big bucks or execute something far more sinister? REELZ original series Dr. Feelgood examines the terrible true stories of physicians whose practice led to controversy, mystery and tragedy for their notable clients. Each one-hour episode delves into one celebrity’s search for happiness through physical enhancement, weight loss or performance booster and the prolonged debate that followed. Can doctors in the immediate orbit of celebrities remain objective and clear-headed in their diagnoses and treatments? And where does the responsibility lie: with the client who wanted and took the drugs—or the expert who prescribed them?]

Guess there really isn't any irony in the fact that an upcoming episode of this show focuses on Brian & Landy: 

Dr. Feelgood

We trust doctors with our lives. They heal us when we’re ill and guide us on a path toward healthy living. In Hollywood being famous doesn’t make you immune to sickness so what happens when the person celebrities entrust with their well-being uses that power to seek fame, make big bucks or execute something far more sinister? REELZ original series Dr. Feelgood examines the terrible true stories of physicians whose practice led to controversy, mystery and tragedy for their notable clients. Each one-hour episode delves into one celebrity’s search for happiness through physical enhancement, weight loss or performance booster and the prolonged debate that followed. Can doctors in the immediate orbit of celebrities remain objective and clear-headed in their diagnoses and treatments? And where does the responsibility lie: with the client who wanted and took the drugs—or the expert who prescribed them?

The trailer for this that I saw showed Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Brian!

http://www.reelz.com/dr-feelgood/

Ed - I hope they do a decent job (although I'm certain you and I will both cringe, among a few others, even if the job is decent).  I imagine the series will get a boost from L&M - at least Brian's episode.

Russia shot down a Korean Airlines commercial flight when it accidentally wandered into Siberian airspace and nobody went to war.  I'm hoping, as was said here, it's in no one's interests for NATO and Russia to become even more polarized.  Obviously, this isn't a good scenario for anyone, other than ISIL, nor is inflammatory talk by Presidential candidates throwing red meat to the emotional masses.

Thanks Rab and all contributors.  I have to say that I haven't set up my camera with my (inadequate) telescope, so I won't be the source of many photos other than links.

As to a question I was asked:  yes, Brian was not only fascinated by astronomy and astrology, but seemed to be a "natural" at comprehending both, somewhat like his music, where clearly he's a total master.  Oddly, after studying for years in the mythology/astrology realm (which includes astronomy and history for anyone who's real), I discussed an astrology chart again with Brian after about 15 years, and he remembered specifics only an astrologer would (actually, it was a comparison between his and Carl's birth charts)...I think it's safe to say, whatever Brian has tapped into, it's a special place that the "intelligence of the Universe" smiles upon.

When people would compare Brian to Mozart, I once said - nah, Pythagoras - the guy who invented the musical scale and understood the workings of the universe as well as anyone in his time.

The only factual error that annoys me is that when they watch the stars at night it's not real stars on a real sky. Those constellations don't exist.

I don't like the Kubrickesque sequence either, but other than that, great movie! Thumbs up.

As a star-gazer I get the problem.  We ALL have our little "things," including me.  I got really excited when I saw a film yesterday that actually showed Orion rising.  Then again, 99% of the films don't bother and we're supposed to be focused on the characters normally anyway, so I just let it go...I love this film so much, I'm not about to quibble with the artists!

I remember reading that Neil Degrasse Tyson complained to James Cameron that the stars in the movie Titanic were all fake and not factually placed. Cameron, for a DVD re-release, not only put in the real placement of the stars, but placed them exactly where they would've been on the night the Titanic sank.

I'm a fellow stargazer here myself! I'm just starting to get into astro-photography, I may make a sandbox thread if anyone here has any interest discussing space subjects (upcoming meteor showers, eclipses, etc), as well as posting any photos.

The Sandbox would be the place, and I'm certainly interested.  Caught one of the S. Taurid Meteor Shower last Sat early morning and loved it.  Time to take the discussion elsewhere, I think.  Thanks Rab!  Maybe PM me when you put it up, if you feel like it?

Very, VERY good news!  I hope everyone understands how beneficial an award would be to both Brian and Mike and the whole BBs legacy.  It's not like they made any of the Beach Boys look bad...just one more pragmatic than the others.  This is a class-act film with real, Oscar-winning/nominated/contender people.  This is a first, as it isn't a documentary, and I keep seeing new BB fans come out of it.

The only factual error that annoys me is that when they watch the stars at night it's not real stars on a real sky. Those constellations don't exist.

I don't like the Kubrickesque sequence either, but other than that, great movie! Thumbs up.

As a star-gazer I get the problem.  We ALL have our little "things," including me.  I got really excited when I saw a film yesterday that actually showed Orion rising.  Then again, 99% of the films don't bother and we're supposed to be focused on the characters normally anyway, so I just let it go...I love this film so much, I'm not about to quibble with the artists!