Trump wants to bypass the government contracting process

Trump has no respect for government regulations that ensure a fair bidding process for government contracts.

Trump administration plans to bypass Congress on weapon sales

This administration has no respect for Congressional oversight.

Notes on Exile On Main Street

Three miscellaneous notes on the great 1972 Rolling Stones album

The Butter Queen was real

The lyrics to “Rip This Joint” include the line “‘Cross to Dallas, Texas with the Butter Queen”. The Butter Queen was a real person. She used a stick of butter for sex acts. Here’s more information on her.

The Butter Queen ia interviewed in the film Mad Dogs & Englishmen about Joe Cocker’s tour of the US in 1970. The interview starts in the 41st minute.

Three Ball Charlie

Three Ball Charlie is the guy with three balls in his mouth on the Exile on Main Street cover. His picture has also been on t-shirts. He was a sideshow performer. Here’s Mick Jagger wearing a tank top with his picture.

The Exile on Main Street album cover and postcards

The album cover and interior contents were designed by John Van Hamersveld (born in Baltimore. He designed many album covers including Magical Mystery Tour by the Beatles.

The picture is of a small poster signed by John Van Hamersveld of part of a billboard advertising the album when it was released. The poster was in color.

Here are two articles on it:

Cover Story – The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main Street”, with artwork by John Van Hamersveld

The impact of John Van Hamersveld’s artwork on The Rolling Stones’ ‘Exile on Main Street’

The photographs on the outside are by Robert Frank. The postcards use photographs by Norman Seeff.

Tattoo Parlor by Robert Frank – used on the cover

Covers: Heroes and Villains

“Heroes and Villains” is my favorite Beach Boys song and was the follow up single to “Good Vibrations in 1967. The song’s lyricist, Van Dyke Parks, performed it live 2010. The song’s other author, Brian Wilson has also performed it.

Irish officials don’t want to meet with Trump at his golf course

The meeting should not be held at his property.

Over two dozen Trump nominees won’t endorse the Brown vs. Board of Education decision

Today is the 65th anniversary of this landmark Supreme Court decision against school segregation. I can’t understand why you wouldn’t agree with it….unless you’re a racist.