The Rolling Stones’ Tour of the Americas ’75 was originally intended to reach both North and South America. The plans for concerts in Central and South America never solidified however, and the tour covered only the United States and Canada.

After the departure of Mick Taylor, this was the Stones’ first tour with new guitarist Ronnie Wood. Announced on April 14 as merely “playing with the band on the tour,” it would not be until December 19 that Wood would be officially named a Rolling Stone. Gone was the familiar horn section and the tour now featured Billy Preston on keyboards and Ollie E. Brown on percussion. Bobby Keys made a guest appearance on “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Brown Sugar” at the Los Angeles shows.

The announcement of the tour became famous in itself. On May 1st, reporters were gathered inside the Fifth Avenue Hotel on 9th Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village to attend a press conference where the Stones were scheduled to appear. But the Stones never went into the hotel. The handful of curiosity seekers standing outside the hotel were instead treated to the sight of a flatbed truck rolling down Fifth Avenue carrying the Stones, their instruments and a wall of amps. The truck stopped in front of the hotel entrance and the band played an extended version of “Brown Sugar.”

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Lara Slife made her directing debut with “Born To Lead: The Sal Aunese Story: ”The First Samoan quarterback, who enters a down and out football team and takes it to the National Championship.”

CLICK HERE for the website.

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Active Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 6 servings

This lighter version of the classic wedge salad replaces bacon and cheese with extra crunch and earthy flavors from bits of sesame seeds and seaweed in the Japanese spice mix furikake. The dressing, essentially a coconut-based ranch, gets its body from coconut cream. For a subtle allium bite, it’s spiked with fresh chives. Make this the grand opener for a dinner party or the main event at lunch.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

Coconut milk is 10% fat, while coconut cream has twice as much and makes for richer dishes. (Be careful to not confuse coconut cream with cream of coconut, the sweet syrupy stuff used for piña coladas.) Manufacturing standards allow for plenty of leeway in terms of fat and solids content so check the ingredient list on the can and opt for the fewest ingredients possible. Most supermarkets, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Asian food stores, carry coconut cream.

What is furikake?

Furikake is a Japanese condiment made with sesame seeds, seaweed, dried herbs, and fish flakes. There are lots of flavors of furikake; in our tests, we used a nori kimi furikake (just salt, sugar, nori, and sesame seeds).

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Use leftover dressing just like you would use any traditional ranch: on another salad, as a dip for crudités or wings, in wraps, or with grilled salmon or shrimp. It would also be great as a dressing for potato salad or macaroni salad (which you can also sprinkle with some furikake!). The coconut cream firms up and thickens the dressing as it chills – if you prefer a thicker dressing, leave it in the fridge for longer; if you prefer a thinner consistency, let it come up to room temp before serving.

Make ahead

While the salad is best dressed right before serving, the dressing itself can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Suggested pairing

Choose a substantial, oaky Chardonnay, such as Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay.

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 cup well-stirred coconut cream (from 1 can)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Salad

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce (about 2 1/4 pounds), outer leaves removed, cut into 6 wedges
• 2 tablespoons furikake
• Black pepper, for garnish

Directions

1. Make the dressing
   Whisk together buttermilk, coconut cream, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard in a medium bowl. Season with additional salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
2. Make the salad
   Arrange lettuce wedges on individual plates. Pour 1/4 cup dressing over each wedge. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon furikake, and garnish with black pepper. Serve remaining dressing on the side.

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Question: What are some of the “things” or activities that people who live in Hanover do for fun?

There are numerous activities in Hanover that locals enjoy, including surfing on the Leine River right in the heart of the Old Town district. A surfable wave has been created there by installing a hydraulically controllable system, allowing water sports enthusiasts to engage in ‘rapid surfing.’

During summer, the annual Maschsee Lake Festival transforms the promenades around the Maschsee shores into one of Northern Germany’s largest open-air parties, featuring various stages and a wide array of entertainment acts.

In the winter, locals and visitors come together and drink mulled wine at the Christmas market. There are more than 100 festively decorated stalls selling culinary delights, as well as local goods, such wooden toys from the Erzgebirge.

Question: What’s one thing the public probably does NOT know about Hanover?

One lesser-known fact about Hanover is its status as one of Germany’s greenest cities. The capital of Lower Saxony boasts over 2,100 acres of public green spaces, including the ‘green lung’ of the city, the Eilenriede, which alone extends to about 1,600 acres in the city’s center, nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park. The city center also features Maschpark and Maschsee Lake, along with historic parks like the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, which include a renowned baroque garden.”

A hidden gem of the city is the singing manhole cover in the city center. A Germany-wide unique piece surprises onlookers with unexpected music and adds a playful touch to the cityscape.

Question: What has Hanover contributed to the world?

Hanover has made significant contributions to the world, particularly in the realm of music technology. It is the birthplace of the first vinyl record, the production site of the first music cassette, and the location where the first CD was pressed. These innovations have played a crucial role in Hanover being designated a ‘UNESCO City of Music’ in December 2014, a title that celebrates the city’s ongoing influence on musicians and music technology.

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The Rolling Stones’ 1978 Tour of America took place during June and July of 1978, following the release of the group’s successful “come-back” album “Some Girls.”  (The album‘s lead single “Miss You” reached #1 in the U.S. in August of that year.) Keith Richards’ pending trial for heroin trafficking cast somewhat of a pall over the 25-concert event, with many speculating the tour might just be the band’s last.  One of the opening acts was Peter Tosh, who was sometimes joined by Mick Jagger for a duet on “Don’t Look Back”.  The tour used a stripped-back minimalist stage show compared to the previous Tour of the Americas ’75 and Tour of Europe ’76, in part due to the emergence of the punk rock scene and its emphasis on music and attitude rather than presenting a grandiose stage extravaganza. 

Rock critic Robert Christgau wrote that the 1978 Tour was an improvement over the group’s previous go-around, “especially when Mick [Jagger] stopped prancing long enough to pick up a guitar and get into the good new songs from Some Girls.” The tour is widely believed among fans to be one of the band’s greatest, largely because it was in many ways back to basics both in musical and visual terms. It featured a mixture of classic Stones numbers (“Tumbling Dice,” “Star Star,” “Happy”, “Brown Sugar,” etc.) mixed with blues and Chuck Berry covers, as well as a healthy dose of songs from then newly released “Some Girls” LP. It was the first tour featuring songs written with Ronnie Wood as an official member of the Rolling Stones, and his contributions from this period are considered by many Stones fans as some of his greatest with the band. 

Guest artists that played with the Stones during individual shows included Linda Ronstadt, Sugar Blue, Doug Kershaw, Bobby Keys and Nicky Hopkins. Opening acts included Van Halen, Journey, Peter Tosh, Patti Smith, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Foreigner, Kansas, Etta James, Furry Lewis, Atlanta Rhythm Section, April Wine, The Outlaws, and the Doobie Brothers.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

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Did you know that the star-studded movie, The Conqueror, featuring John Wayne, Susan Hayward and Agnes Moorehead was filmed in a nuclear-infected desert sand that caused the early deaths of the actors and movie crew? Our City Tonight’s host Jim Gordon does a one-on-one interview with Writer/Director, William Nunez about his powerful, new documentary, “The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout”.

Interview with travel author Steve Burgess

Exclusive Interview: Jim engages in a lively conversation with Steve Burgess, delving into the inspirations and experiences that shaped his new book, “Reservations.” Travel Tales: Hear firsthand stories of adventure, mishaps, and unforgettable moments from Steve’s extensive travels around the globe. Expert Insights: Gain valuable tips and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of travel, perfect for both seasoned travelers and those dreaming of their next getaway. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a fan of Steve Burgess’s writing, or simply love a good story, this segment from “Our City Tonight” promises to entertain and inspire. Join us for a journey through the pages of “Reservations” and beyond.

About the Book: “Reservations: The Pleasures & Perils of Travel” is a delightful and insightful exploration of the highs and lows of travel. Steve Burgess combines wit, wisdom, and a keen eye for detail to capture the essence of what makes travel both exhilarating and unpredictable.

Dr. Audrey Birnbaum on Our City Tonight

In-Depth Interview: Join Jim and Leeta as they delve into a riveting conversation with Dr. Audrey Birnbaum, exploring the incredible true story behind her book, “American Wolf.” Historical Insights: Discover the harrowing journey of a Nazi refugee who transformed into an American spy, uncovering untold tales of bravery, resilience, and espionage. Author’s Perspective: Gain unique insights into Dr. Birnbaum’s research process, her motivations for writing the book, and the historical significance of her work. This episode is a must-watch for history buffs, espionage enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by stories of courage and transformation. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that brings history to life through the eyes of a master storyteller.

About the Book: “American Wolf: From Nazi Refugee to American Spy” tells the extraordinary story of a young refugee’s escape from Nazi persecution and his eventual role as a spy for the United States. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Dr. Birnbaum sheds light on a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful piece of history.

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There was a rumor that Ms. Trudeau was intimate with one of the Stones during the Mocambo Gigs. The rumor no longer persists, due to Ron Wood’s website, where he admitted that he was indeed intimate with Ms. Trudeau.

In 2022 much to the delight of their patient fans, the Rolling Stones officially released a 23-song cd from culled from those two gigs which is “arguably the best live release from the Ron Wood years.” (*It should be noted that four of the songs from the El Mocambo were officially released previously on their double-live LP, “Love You Live.”)

Songs performed by the Stones at the El Mocambo in 1977:

March 4 Set list

1. Route 66
2. Honky Tonk Women
3. Hand of Fate
4. Fool to Cry
5. Crazy Mama(Live premiere)
6. Crackin’ Up
7. Around and Around
8. Melody(Live premiere)
9. Star Star
10. Worried About You(Live premiere)
11. Let’s Spend the Night Together
12. Little Red Rooster
13. Luxury
14. Brown Sugar
15. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

March 5 Set list

1. Honky Tonk Women
2. All Down the Line
3. Hand of Fate
4. Route 66
5. Fool to Cry
6. Crazy Mama
7. Mannish Boy
8. Crackin’ Up
9. Dance Little Sister
10. Around and Around
11. Tumbling Dice
12. Happy
13. Hot Stuff
14. Star Star
15. Worried About You
16. Let’s Spend the Night Together
17. Worried Life Blues
18. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
19. Rip This Joint
20. Little Red Rooster
21. Luxury
22. Brown Sugar
23. Jumpin’ Jack Flash

*There was a rumor that Ms. Trudeau was intimate with one of the Stones during the Mocambo Gigs. The rumor no longer persists, due to Ron Wood’s website, where he admitted that he was indeed intimate with Ms. Trudeau.

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I have to address how serendipity and good fortune come together; When I was in Grade 11 (I am Canadian so ‘Grade 11′ is the nomenclature as opposed to the ’11th Grade’, which is how I hear my American cousins say it), I was selected for a special new course. Twenty select students were chosen from Grade 11 and Grade 12. It was called the Sooke River Course and we got to go out in the field and learn about our natural surroundings and our history. We became biologists, paleontologists, anthropologists and all-round explorers.

Assignments such as excavating, by hand, an indigenous native Indian midden, or wading out in teams, in the mouth of the Sooke River at low tide to measure out two-square-metre grids with string and spikes over a zone of sea grasses and other plants, then documenting and reporting everything we could see within our square, be it plants or other creatures. I remember there were large white fleas bouncing about that annoyed us on that sunny day.

The Sooke River Course only existed for the year 1979 and I was fortunate enough to be part of this fabulous experiment.

When I give thought about Three Things You Don’t Know About Sooke, British Columbia, I am compelled to share 3 things you really don’t know about Sooke and will never learn about on TripAdvisor. *I am not trying to insult users of TripAdvisor, of which I am one… I am just saying… you know what I mean.

First up: The Belvedere Hotel.

Up in the bush behind the Sooke River Hotel and Castle Pub (another establishment which is no longer there), I could never imagine there once stood a fancy hotel. I grew up in this village, how could I not know about it, nor my mother nor grandparents?!

As a class we walked a short single lane dirt road revealing two old tire lanes which rapidly vanished into bushes and trees. Our instructors guided us through the forest to the top of the hill where we came upon the stone and concrete foundation the old Belvedere Hotel. Mother Nature had aggressively taken it over. It was so dark in the forest that one could barely notice it.

We stood in the forest and got our history lesson. It was so powerful you wondered if there were ghosts here. Why had it never been part of the fascinating conversations of adults when I was growing up? Long gone? Out of sight, out of mind? What a discovery for me.

The hotel burned down in 1934. One of the first things we were told was about Emily Carr, staying here and painting. The hotel was visited by British Royalty, The Prince of Wales, powerful political players and famous personalities. Now the forest had grown back and you could no longer see the harbour nor the wharf. It was gone and lost in time. It was called the Belvedere Hotel.

Second up: Grouse Nest

Since childhood, Grouse Nest was always a well-known secret. An exclusive hideaway lodge resort. Not a place for us regular folk. It is rural and the big entrance is still hidden deep in the dark forest canopy. Recently, I was on Gillespie Road and I failed to find it – I was going by memory and hadn’t been there for 30 years so it too, may have been obscured by Mother Nature.

Grouse Nest is on private property so you certainly felt like you were trespassing if you entered. I once turned down the perfectly paved driveway back in the seventies but it only took 30 meters for me to feel like I was not where I was supposed to be. I got scared and backed up to Gillespie Road, which can be dangerous because Gillespie is one of those island roads that is tangled like a map of the brain. It may be rural and quiet but a car could still come around the bend and hit you.

I heard stories. Frank Sinatra stayed there. That one is confirmed … but Elvis Presley? … that could be a rumour. I heard one simple story of a brilliant teenage girl in a gathering of wealthy folks who failed to tell the chef that she was a vegetarian. She ate what was served and later, when asked why, she discreetly replied that she didn’t want to insult the chef.

For a time, when I was young, people would notice float planes landing at Grouse Next, which is in deep on the shore of the Sooke Basin, and speculation would abound as to whom it was. John Wayne, we heard.

By the late 70’s, activity at Grouse Nest went to sleep. How could they maintain the property and keep up with yearly property taxes? Grouse Nest is still there today and is still the biggest secret. I personally know nobody who can tell me anything about it, where I might trust I am getting first-hand knowledge. Visit, Mysterious East Sooke ‘Grouse Nest’ up for sale – Sooke News Mirror

Third up: The Sooke Potholes

Growing up in 1960s & 70s, Sooke was sweet and enchanting. No traffic lights, no McDonald’s restaurant, no bumper-to-bumper traffic. The Sooke Potholes swimming spot was alive every summer like our own private Six Flags Amusement Park. Nowadays it is a beautiful government controlled Provincial Park and as a local, to me at least, that’s a form of ruin. I got over it. Once again, I believe you understand.

1960’s – Chevy’s, Ford pickups, hot rods, station wagons. 1970’s – the AMC Gremlin, Ford Pinto, hot rods, Kawasaki motorcycles. Picture a dirt road that bumbles alongside the river where everybody clamors for a space on the shoulder to park their vehicle and the children tumble out of the car, excited to go swimming in their favourite pothole. My mother had a black and white Polaroid she enjoyed showing people of me, her fat little toddler, at the second pothole ‘eating the beach’ as she would say. Yep, that’s me in my diaper grabbing sand, pebbles and stones and putting it all in my mouth. I saw that picture many times throughout my life.

What I am about to tell you may now sound like folklore and is as real as I am. I recently traveled back to the potholes because I was researching ideas for the three things I might talk about. It’s been 40 years since I had been to the potholes, which is sad because we once lived on Sooke River Road about 2.5 kilometers from the potholes, which is at the end of Sooke River Road. I had never seen the provincial park that was built, but I had heard about it. Wow, nicely paved asphalt and dedicated parking lots at different elevations and stations. Public restrooms, information boards, bear and mountain lion caution signs.

The road never went that far when I lived in Sooke. My goodness, it goes all the way up to the falls. And groomed walking trails go much further. The potholes themselves seem to look much different than the way I remember them. Could it be erosion or drought? I don’t quite recognize the place we all went swimming and recreating for all of our young years until it was time for further education or career paths. It is still as beautiful as ever though. It even looks less trodden now.

However, it is the names of each pothole that is missing. The government abandoned them and to make my dream worse I could find absolutely nothing online that referred to the names of the potholes. The government instead gives no names to the potholes but rather gives names to the beaches: Crescent Beach, Sand Pebble Beach, Skipping Rock Beach, Ripple Rock Beach

It feels like a government conspiracy that the names we all knew them by have been erased from history. The Potholes is not something you didn’t know about Sooke. Everyone knows about the potholes. They might be the reason one bothers to travel to Sooke. What you don’t know is the names everyone, including our mayors, knew the potholes by and I fear that once our generation is gone so might be the real names.

I remembered two of them easily, but I was having trouble recalling all four of them, so I used Facebook Messenger to reach out to get help with my slipping memory. (My sincerest thanks to Eric Carlson, Laurie Vanderkerkhove and Carol Michaylenko for all coming to my aid.)

The first pothole, which appeared less like a pothole on my recent visit and more like a place in the river to simply go swimming, is called Bradley (Crescent Beach). The second pothole is called Little Lady (Sand Pebble Beach). That’s where I ate the beach. The third pothole is called Wielers (Skipping Rock Beach). There were never any signs to be found back in the old days. We just knew them by their names, so it is phonetical – which is why Eric, Laurie and Carol each came back with a different spelling; Wielers, Wylers, Whylers. This pothole has the best beach and it was my favourite one to swim in. Larger with deeper spots but in areas, shallow enough that the summer sun kept it at a nice temperature.

The potholes are geologically old so the rocks are all smooth. Nice to make slides with and nice to jump off of. The fourth pothole is called Beer Bottle (Ripple Rock Beach). Now, I never used to swim at Beer Bottle because it is where the older high school kids swam. They were cool. I felt too young and abided by the unwritten social rules. I could never see them from Wielers but I could hear them, jumping off the cliff edges and laughing and hooting. I remained in my station.

The potholes were a wonderful place to go growing up. It was thee place! In the off season we could go explore and feel like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Once I had reached high school age, my good friend John Jacobsen and I built rafts to go down the Sooke River, starting at the potholes. What a thrill. I wonder how much danger we were in? The currents and rapids can be pretty aggressive downstream. There have been drownings, unfortunately.

What you don’t know is the names everyone knew the potholes by and I fear that once our generation is gone so might be the real names. Visit and Swim at the Potholes and put it on your Vancouver Island Bucket List Swim At the Potholes – Vancouver Island Bucket List.

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I just returned from a dinner party by chef star, Steve Mandel, at his home in Long Beach, CA. The bumper-to-bumper car journey from LA was predictably long, but it was well worth the drive.

The group of attendees was small, with just five of us, but the centerpiece of the party, Gochujang Chicken Bowls, was abundant, healthy and delicious.

The late afternoon party commenced with cocktails, appetizers and fun conversation. Once Chef Steve presented his colorful, and heavenly-good in aroma masterpiece, we were more than happy to oblige, which I did two more times.

But first: what exactly is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that’s sweet, spicy, and savory all at the same time, perfect for sauces and marinades. You can find it in many Southern California supermarkets and Korean specialty stores. If you live outside of SoCal, you can probably order it online.

It took a little smooth talk in order for Chef Steve to reveal the specifics of his recipe: I generally don’t share my recipes with others, Audrey, but I’ll make a rare exception for you. Thank you, chef, said I. I cross my heart and promise not to share the recipe with the readers of Traveling Boy.

So, if I read my notes correctly, the recipe for Gochujang Chicken Bowls went something like this:

• For the sauce: you’ll whisk together water, low sodium soy sauce, Gochujang, with toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), freshly grated ginger and garlic, and a little arrowroot starch or cornstarch to help the sauce thicken up.
• Chicken: you’ll need some lean chopped chicken, white and dark meat works, but my preference is for breasts or thighs. Pan fry or stir fry the chicken in a wok
• Mix-ins: then mix in roasted cashews and fresh basil for extra texture and flavor.
• Options: serve over rice or noodles.
• To garnish: top off the bowl with toasted sesame seeds, reserved scallions (the green part from your green onion!) and extra fresh basil.
• Chef Mandel pointed out: “You can revise the toppings with condiments of your choice. But you’re on your own with that.”

Recap:

Gochujang Chicken Bowls should take around 30 minutes to make. All you have to do is whisk up the sweet and spicy Korean Gochujang sauce, stir fry colorful veggies and protean enhanced chopped chicken, and then simmer it all together until it’s nice with fluffy rice or noodles, with options to serve with garnishes.

It’s saucy and delicious, and makes the ideal dinner party; and best enjoyed devoid of Chef Steve’s Boston jokes, which not funny at all.

And, yes, with thanks to Chef Steve Mandel for this rare occurrence of sharing a recipe.

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