September 21 - 30, 2010
These are the scripts Joe Benson used on the air at 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles. They all received final editing by Jan Benson, without whom the task would have been far too daunting. Remember to give credit where credit is due, and enjoy!
September 21, 2010
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder is 63.
On this day in 1966, during his flight to London in search of a record deal as well as fame & fortune, James Marshall Hendrix changed the spelling of his nickname to Jimi. Upon his arrival in England, Jimi only had a few short days to assemble a band before he'd be kicked out of the country for lack of a work visa. So within a week the brand new Jimi Hendrix Experience was performing on stage.
On this day in 2006, original Bad Company bassist Raymond "Boz" Burrell died of a heart attack at his home in Spain. He was 60 years of age.
Freshening Up Band On The Run
On November 2nd, Paul McCartney is reissuing the best selling album of his post-Beatles career. The fully remastered "Band On The Run" will be released in several formats. Included in the four-disc collector's edition will be an audio documentary, a new interview with Sir Paulie and a booklet of photos taken by Linda McCartney. Rock & Roll!
Own Peter's Les Paul
One of Peter Frampton's personal Gibson Les Paul guitars will hit the auction block for the NASH2O charity to support flood relief efforts in Nashville. The guitar, along with instruments once owned by Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill and others, will be auctioned off on October 12th to help the MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief Fund, Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund and Middle Tennessee fire and rescue departments. Right so!
Macca For The OzzMan
Word is that Jack Osbourne has convinced Sir Paul McCartney to share his thoughts about Ozzy Osbourne in "Wreckage Of My Past," the documentary Jack's making about his dad. Not surprising that the Prince of Darkness himself was skeptical about Macca's participation, actually telling Jack, "I said 'he ain't got the time to do an interview about me, he's got thousands of things to do' and Jack said 'I've asked him and he agreed and he's done it' and I said 'Whaaaat?!'. Now I'm as excited as everyone else to see it but he won't let me see the video." Other interview subjects for the documentary include Ozzy's circle of friends, his family and his former Black Sabbath bandmates.
R.I.P. Mr. Skinner
Former high school gym teacher Leonard Skinner died at the age of 77 early Monday at a nursing home in Jacksonville, Florida. A strict teacher in the Sixties who cracked down on hippies with long hair, Skinner was the inspiration for a group of rebellious students to name their band Lynyrd Skynyrd. In later years, Skinner became friends with the band. Rest in peace.
It was Coach John Wooden who said: "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "It's the quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important."
It was Napoleon Bonaparte who said: "Never ascribe to malice that which can adequately be explained by incompetence."
Tribute To John Bonham
This Saturday, 8pm: Joe will host the all star Bonzo: The Groove Remains The Same event at the Key Club in Hollywood. Thirty years after the death of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, over 18 of L.A.'s finest drummers will perform in tribute to Bonzo. Included in the line-up are Bonham's son Jason, Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge/Rod Stewart), Vinny Appice (Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath), Kenny Aronoff (Mellencamp/Fogerty/legendary studio great), James Kottak (The Scorpions), Chris Slade (The Firm/AC/DC), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers/Chickenfoot), Brian Tichy (Foreigner/Billy Idol/Ozzy) and Simon Wright (AC/DC/Dio). Rock on!
September 22, 2010
Vocalist David Coverdale of Whitesnake is 59.
Joan Jett is a rockin' 52.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles appeared on the cover of "Time Magazine."
On this day in 1985, the first Farm-Aid concert, organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to help the nation's farmers, was held in Champaign, Illinois and raised $10 million.
Stand Up Bruce
Bruce Springsteen will "stand up" for a good cause again this Fall. Actually, he'll perform at the fourth annual "Stand Up For Heroes" benefit on November 3rd in New York. Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart and Tony Bennett will also be on the bill. The annual fundraiser is organized by the Bob Woodruff Foundation to benefit injured service members and their families as they re-assimilate into their communities. This year's "Stand Up" event will be presented in partnership with the New York Comedy Festival at The Beacon Theatre.
Gnomeo Gnomeo
Can't wait to see "Gnomeo & Juliet," the animated comedic version of Shakespeare's classic love story told with garden gnomes... with songs by Elton John! But wait — there's more! Ozzy Osbourne voices a character, as does Emily Blunt and Michael Caine. The film's trailer is running at iTunes.Apple.com, and the movie itself will come out on February 11th.
BCC Kicks It Off
Not only did Black Country Communion release their self-titled debut album this week, they made their official live debut as well! The supergroup — comprised of singer/bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer Jason Bonham, guitarist Joe Bonamassa and keyboardist Derek Sherinian — performed for 90 people at the John Henry Rehearsal Studios in London Monday evening. As you would expect, fan filmed footage of the show can be found on YouTube.
Wot Did Ozzy Say?
In his 40+ years of public life, Ozzy Osbourne has made many astute comments and downright goofy utterances — so you just knew that someone would have to compile them for a book! "The Wit & Wisdom of Ozzy Osbourne," due out in November, will feature the Prince of Darkness' best quotes, risqué retorts, odd observations and articulate ponderings (really!). This should be great reading!
It was W.C. Fields who said: "Start off every day with a smile and get it over with."
It was Louis Brandeis who said: "Behind every argument is someone's ignorance."
It was Jimmy Kimmel who said: "Experts say the decrease in crime could be due to the aging of the population, increased incarceration, and many criminals finding jobs in the banking industry and on Wall Street."
September 23, 2010
Jazz legend John Coltrane would have been 84.
Ray Charles would have been 80.
Bruce Springsteen is 61.
On this day in 1965, Bob Dylan released the song "Positively 4th Street" as "Yesterday" by The Beatles entered the charts.
On this day in 1967, The Doors released "People Are Strange."
On this day in 1972, Elton John's "Honky Cat" peaked at #8 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, "Double Vision" by Foreigner entered the singles charts.
On this day in 1978, Boston played the first of two "Summer Fest" dates at Anaheim Stadium.
On this day in 1989, Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down A Dream" peaked at #23 on the charts.
American Idol Judges (Finally)
Anybody surprised by yesterday's announcement of the 2010 "American Idol" judges needs to leave the building right now! Yep, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and singing movie star Jennifer Lopez will join original "A.I." cast member Randy Jackson as judges for the upcoming season. Tyler's official statement about ditching his band for the talent show: “I am gonna bring rock to this roller coaster!” Who could ask for anything more?
Metallica/Kinks
One of the highlights of last year’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts was Metallica’s killer performance with Ray Davies of The Kinks. Now comes word that the group has recorded “You Really Got Me” for Ray’s upcoming collaboration album, "See My Friends." The album, which comes out on November 1st, will also includes Kinks songs Ray recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora among many others. And you should check out video of Metallica and Ray in the studio at Metallica.com!
Hall Of Fame Noms
Bright and early next Tuesday morning, the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame will announce their next round of nominees. The Hall’s nominating committee met last week in New York to compile the ballot, which will be sent to 500 music industry insiders and previous inductees who will vote on who they feel should be honored. The top vote-getters will be revealed in December and will be inducted on March 14th in New York.
Sad STP
Sad but true. The recently reunited Stone Temple Pilots have been forced to reschedule at least a dozen tour dates so they can "take a short break." Word is that last Sunday STP took the stage an hour late in Houston. Frontman Scott Weiland seemed disoriented, opening with a long rant and delivering "odd and confusing" banter throughout the night. At one point, he even admitted that he was drinking again. If that return to his old ways wasn't enough, earlier in the tour Scott was accused of lip-synching to a backing track. There's also been talk of persistently low ticket sales that may have factored into the decision to take a break. Whatever the cause, STP is on hiatus once again.
It was Steven Wright who asked: "If you shoot at a mime, should you use a silencer?"
It was Kurt Vonnegut who said: "Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God."
It was Samantha Norman who said: "Best friends listen to what you don't say."
September 24, 2010
Linda McCartney would have been 69.
On this day in 1966, The Beatles' song "Eleanor Rigby" peaked at #11 on the charts.
On this day in 1966, Jimi Hendrix arrived in London with his new manager, Chas Chandler of The Animals. It was on that flight from New York that Hendrix changed the spelling of his name from "Jimmy" to "Jimi."
On this day in 1977, Styx released "Come Sail Away." Four months later, it peaked at #8.
On this day in 1977, "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac peaked at #3 as "Telephone Line" by ELO topped out at #7 on the charts.
On this day in 1978, Boston played the second of two "Summer Fest" dates at Anaheim Stadium. Massive mayhem ensued.
On this day in 1979, Led Zeppelin's final studio album, "In Through The Out Door," hit #1.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of Rush as well as more of Joe's conversation with guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/singer Geddy Lee... Check out the promo and Stream on!
Tribute To John Bonham
Tomorrow night, 8pm: Yer Uncle Joe will host the all star Bonzo: The Groove Remains The Same tribute at the Key Club in Hollywood. Thirty years after the death of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, over 18 of L.A.'s finest drummers will perform in tribute to Bonzo. Included in the line-up are Bonham's son Jason, Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge/Rod Stewart), Vinny Appice (Heaven & Hell/Black Sabbath), Kenny Aronoff (Mellencamp/Fogerty/legendary studio great), James Kottak (The Scorpions), Chris Slade (The Firm/AC/DC), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers/Chickenfoot), Brian Tichy (Foreigner/Billy Idol/Ozzy) and Simon Wright (AC/DC/Dio). See you there!
Standing On A Corner
After the Jackson Browne/Glenn Frey song "Take It Easy," the first track on the Eagles debut album, became a big hit in the Summer of 1972, many of us wondered about the lyric "Well, I'm a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona." Turns out there really is a Winslow, Arizona, and this weekend the small town is hosting the "12th Annual Standin' On The Corner Festival." To check out the action, you just need to be at Second Street and Campbell in downtown Winslow. Of course, there'll be an auction of a guitar autographed by the Eagles themselves, a local talent show and an Eagles' tribute band called "Hotel California." There may even be a "girl in a flatbed Ford" cruising around.
Home Sweet Home
Looking for a new crib or a crash pad with some history? The late Jerry Garcia's California estate is for sale. Located in the Marin County community of Nicasio, 30 miles north of San Francisco, is on the market for $3,995,000. The Grateful Dead icon's five-bedroom, six-bath, 7,000 square-foot home is on 11 acres with a 73,000 gallon pool and views of the Pacific Ocean, neighboring Berkeley, and Marin County's Mount Tamalpais.
If that's too far out of town for your tastes, the late Ronnie James Dio's five-bedroom, five-bath Encino home is up for sale. You can grab the 5,000 square-foot property for $3,333,000 knowing that it has 200-year-old floors and 18th and 19th century antique windows. While you still won't be able to sing like the hard rock icon as you pad around the two kitchens, you will have a blast inviting friends over.
It was writer Gore Vidal who said: "A good deed never goes unpunished."
It was Mark Twain who said: "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
It was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said: "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
September 27, 2010
Guitarist/songwriter Randy Bachman of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive is 67.
Singer/actor Meatloaf is 63.
On this day in 1967, The Beatles spent several hours at Abbey Road Studios recording "I Am the Walrus."
On this day in 1979, just moments after beginning the tune "Better Off Dead," Elton John collapsed on-stage at the Universal Amphitheatre during an exhausting two man show with percussionist Ray Cooper. Even though he claimed he was suffering from exhaustion brought on by the flu, Elton returned after a 10 minute intermission to finish the nearly three-hour-long concert. Thank God Ray didn't have to sing!
On this day in 1986, bassist Cliff Burton of Metallica was killed when the band's bus crashed. He was only 24.
Ozzy To Israel
Of course it's only business, but just think about this situation in a "big picture" kind of way for a moment. Ozzy Osbourne is playing his first ever show in Israel tomorrow. And it's not just a simple little gig — it's a full on OzzFest! As for the reason he hasn't performed in Israel before, he simply said: "I was drunk for too many years." Korn, Soulfly and the Israeli metal band Betzefer join the OzzMan in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
No Mas Max
Not that either guy has to ever worry about pulling another paycheck, but drummer Max Weinberg won't be joining Conan O'Brien when Conan debuts his new late-night show in November. After 16 years as O'Brien's bandleader, Max is planning on working with his own east coast band when he's not gigging as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.
Guess He Didn't Like It
It's one of the oldest retail stories in the world. Designer Karen Mathews has filed a lawsuit against mega-poppa/occasional crooner Rod Stewart over allegations that he didn't pay for his wedding suit in 2007. Mathews says that Roddy ordered $7,500 worth of custom-made clothes, but never paid his entire bill. Although the attorney's fees could be ten times the disputed bill, a court date in Los Angeles Small Claims Court is set for November.
Slowhand Matchbox
Soon you can own Eric Clapton's Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso as well as Nick Mason's multi-million dollar Ferrari 512-S race car. Sort of. Mattel's Hot Wheels Elite brand is issuing 5,000 numbered collectors editions of each. No garage or service contracts are required.
It was Oscar Wilde who said: "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you place the blame."
It was Walter Cronkite who said: "There's no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free or you are not free."
It was George Bernard Shaw who said: "England and America are two countries separated by a common language."
Wot a Language!
The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
The cowboy decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
I did not object to the object.
The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when the does are present.
September 28, 2010
On this day in 1968, Janis Joplin announced that she was leaving Big Brother & the Holding Company next month because she and the band "weren't growing together anymore." Ah, the Sixties!
Hall Of Fame Noms
Maybe next year for Deep Purple and Rush. The nominees for the 2011 inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame were made this morning. The eclectic mix includes Alice Cooper, the Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi, Chic, Neil Diamond, Donovan, Dr. John, the J. Geils Band, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Chuck Willis. Ballots will next go out to a group of previous inductees and industry insiders. The top vote-getters of that balloting will enter the Hall on March 14th in New York City.
Most Stolen/Highest Sign Of All
Of the 250,900 street signs stolen in New York City last year, "Joey Ramone Place" was the most stolen sign of all! In an attempt to discourage thieves, officials have now raised the Ramone sign from it's previous 12-to-14-feet off the ground, to 20-feet. Guess you could say Joey's sign is now the highest one in New York!
But Will He Dance And Sing?
Over qualified? Perhaps. Green Day guitarist/singer Billie Joe Armstrong is subbing in the Broadway production of the band's "American Idiot" this week only. Billie, who wrote and sang the original songs on the extremely successful "American Idiot" album, will take on the role of St. Jimmy while regular cast member Tony Vincent leaves to attend to a family matter. After Mr. Armstrong's run on the boards, Vincent's understudies will fill the role for any additional time the actor needs.
Fresh Styx
Styx have released their seven-song "Regeneration, Volume 1" EP on their official Facebook page. Along with the six re-recorded favorites is a brand new track called "Difference In The World." The EP will also be available throughout the group's "The Grand Illusion"/"Pieces Of Eight" tour in which they'll be performing 1977's "The Grand Illusion" and 1978's "Pieces Of Eight" in their entirety. No Southland dates have been announced for that trek — yet.
It was Glenn Turner who said: "Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere."
It was Thomas Hobbes who said: "Words are wise men's counters, but they are the money of fools."
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: "For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness."
September 29, 2010
Rock & Roll Icon Jerry Lee Lewis is 75.
Guitarist/singer Mark Farner of Grand Funk is 62.
Guitarist Mike Pinera, who worked with Blues Image, Iron Butterfly and Alice Cooper, is 62.
On this day in 1959, the cartoon show "Rocky & His Friends" debuted on ABC-TV. The first characters to be introduced were Rocket J. Squirrel and Bullwinkle J. Moose as the heroes, along with Boris and Natasha as their enemies. Dudley Do-Right came on the scene a little bit later.
On this day in 1963, The Rolling Stones began their first-ever tour of the U.K. supported by The Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley.
On this day in 1964, The Beatles recorded "Every Little Thing," "I Don't Want to Spoil the Party" and "What You're Doing" with producer George Martin at Abbey Road Studios.
On this day in 1967, drummer Mickey Hart joined The Grateful Dead.
On this day in 1967, BBC Radio broadcast a production of Shakespeare's "King Lear" at 7:30pm. Not only was John Lennon listening, he also recorded a bit of the broadcast to use in The Beatles' song "I Am the Walrus."
On this day in 1972, Cat Stevens played a sold-out show with an orchestra at L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium. He was supporting his #1 album "Catch Bull At Four."
On this day in 1973, Grand Funk Railroad hit #1 with "We're An American Band."
On this day in 1977, AC/DC released their "Let There Be Rock" album.
On this day in 1979, "Bad Case Of Loving You" by Robert Palmer peaked at #14 on the charts.
On this day in 1984, "Drive" by The Cars peaked at #3 on the charts.
On this day in 1989, Glenn Frey joined Don Henley onstage in Los Angeles for the first time since the breakup of the Eagles, eight years earlier.
On this day in 1992, Peter Gabriel released his "Us" album.
On this day in 1996, it was announced that Julian Lennon was the anonymous buyer who had purchased Paul McCartney's handwritten recording notes for the song, "Hey Jude," at auction for about $40,000. The song was written by McCartney for young Julian when John Lennon separated from his mother, Cynthia, in 1968.
This weekend, over 90 stations will air OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson featuring the music of David Bowie as well as conversation with Bowie, drummer Aynsley Dunbar and producer Ken Scott... Check out the promo and Stream on!
Hall Of Fame Noms
Maybe next year for Deep Purple and Rush. The nominees for the 2011 inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame were announced yesterday. The eclectic mix includes Alice Cooper, the Beastie Boys, Bon Jovi, Chic, Neil Diamond, Donovan, Dr. John, the J. Geils Band, LL Cool J, Darlene Love, Laura Nyro, Donna Summer, Joe Tex, Tom Waits and Chuck Willis. Ballots will next go out to a group of previous inductees and industry insiders. The top vote-getters of that balloting will enter the Hall on March 14th in New York City.
Roddy To Vegas
Looks like a trial run for a longer engagement. Rod Stewart will do an eight-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas between November 6th and the 21st. So, what took him so long to do this?
Sir Elty's Mum's Garage Sale
After moving into a smaller house, Sir Elton John's mom is auctioning off 38 years of memorabilia from her famous son on October 19th. This is your big chance to buy real Elton John tour jackets, over 100 gold and platinum discs, and VIP passes used by Sheila to get into her son's gigs. And as the Gorringes auction house spokesperson said, "Some (items) are autographed but, as his mum said, 'Why would he sign it for me? I'm his mum.'" Indeed!
All Hail Rush
While they didn't get invited to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame party in New York, Rush will receive the "Living Legend" award at the 2010 Marshall Classic Rock Roll of Honor Awards in London on November 10th. With that honor, the Canadian trio joins a list of rock's elite that includes Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper, Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister and Iggy Pop.
Rumblings In Velvet Revolver Land
Although things have been quiet for a while in the Velvet Revolver camp, drummer Matt Sorum says that the group will be auditioning two singers in the next few weeks in a fresh attempt to get the band back up to full force. V.R.'s guitarist, Slash, confirms that they want a new vocalist ready to go once his current solo tour finishes.
It was golfing legend Gary Player who said: "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: "Shallow men believe in luck and circumstances. Strong men believe in cause and effect."
It was Paul Gauguin who said: "There is always a heavy demand for fresh mediocrity. In every generation the least cultivated taste has the largest appetite."
Bad Company
Saturday! Saturday! Saturday!: Following another Uncle Joe Meet & Greet at the KLOS Cool Patrol Booth at the L.A. County Fair, Joe will introduce Bad Company on the L.A. County Fair's main stage for one of the band's last reunion shows.
September 30, 2010
Drummer Dewey Martin of Buffalo Springfield fame would have been 68.
Marc Bolan, who really was T. Rex, would have been 63.
On this day in 1955, James Dean, the icon of cool, died in an automobile accident at the age of 24.
On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan began his recording career. His harmonica playing in a session for Caroline Hester's debut album captured the attention of record executive John Hammond, who signed Bob to a solo deal the next day. The rest, as they say, is history.
On this day in 1966, guitarist Noel Redding was offered the job of bass player in Jimi Hendrix's new band, the Experience.
On this day in 1967, "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison peaked at #10 on the charts.
On this day in 1969, Crosby Stills & Nash's debut album was certified with "Gold" status, a half-million copies sold. Unfortunately, on that same day, David Crosby's girlfriend, Christine Hinton, died when her Volkswagen collided with a school bus in California.
On this day in 1971, Yes began their first tour with keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who had just joined the band the previous month.
On this day in 1978, Aerosmith's version of "Come Together" peaked at #23 on the singles chart.
On this day in 1982, Bruce Springsteen released his most haunting album, "Nebraska."
On this day in 1997, The Rolling Stones released their "Bridges To Babylon" album. The album didn't do so well, but the following tour was one of their most successful — both artistically and commercially.
2012
Feb. 1 - 15
Feb. 16 - 29
2011
Dec. 1 - 10
Dec. 11 - 20
Dec. 21 - 31
Nov. 1 - 10
Nov. 11 - 20
Nov. 21 - 30
Oct. 1 - 10
Oct. 11 - 20
Oct. 21 - 31
Sept. 1 - 10
Sept. 11 - 20
Sept. 21 - 30
Aug. 1 - 10
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Aug. 21 - 31
July 1 - 10
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July 21 - 31
June 1 - 10
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June 21 - 30
May 1 - 10
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April 1 - 10
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March 1 - 10
March 11 - 20
March 21 - 31
Feb. 1 - 10
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Feb. 21 - 28
Jan. 1 - 10
Jan. 11 - 20
Jan. 21 - 31
2010
Dec. 1 - 10
Dec. 11 - 20
Dec. 21 - 31
Nov. 1 - 10
Nov. 11 - 20
Nov. 21 - 30
Oct. 1 - 10
Oct. 11 - 20
Oct. 21 - 31
Sept. 1 - 10
Sept. 11 - 20
Sept. 21 - 30
Aug. 1 - 10
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Aug. 21 - 31
July 1 - 10
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July 21 - 31
June 1 - 10
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June 21 - 30
May 1 - 10
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May 21 - 31
April 1 - 10
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April 21 - 30
March 1 - 10
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