WILD GOOSE CHASE: Today would be the...

WILD GOOSE CHASE: Today would be the 87th birthday of Newport Beach’s most famous resident, Marion Michael Morrison. That’s the late Oscar winner John Wayne, of course. It’s also a big day for Ermal Williamson, who works part time as a John Wayne look-alike. . . . Not only will Williamson be in costume this morning at the Duke’s statue at John Wayne Airport, he’ll join the crowd in Newport Beach who signed up for a private Duke birthday party aboard the Wild Goose, formerly the actor’s boat.

ALL-AMERICAN TRAVEL: It pays to complain, sometimes. Cathy Davidson of Hillsborough, N.C., was not happy with an American Airlines ticketing agent at John Wayne Airport. She thought she was being overcharged on a change in a non-refundable ticket. . . . She complained to Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s ombudsman. The magazine called American on her behalf. Result: A $145 refund. The magazine’s advice: In all disputes, ask to see a supervisor.

COSMIC EAGLE: You didn’t get in on those pricey tickets for the Eagles reunion at the Irvine Meadows starting Friday? You could check out a singer-songwriter who helped their career take flight in the early ‘70s. . . . Jack Tempchin, who wrote the Eagles hits “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone,” leads his bluesy band, the Cosmic Ramblers, every Tuesday night at the Marine Room Tavern in Laguna Beach--8 to midnight, no cover charge. And, yes, he does his Eagles songs.

MERRY ENGLANDER? Local political consultant Harvey Englander has a busy campaign season--he represents both county supervisor candidate Haydee V. Tillotson and 70th Assembly District contender Marilyn Brewer. But friends and political foes say something big is in the works at Englander’s firm. . . . Englander acknowledges only that he’s been considering a business merger with a Washington firm. He’s declining further comment, except to say nothing will happen before the June 7 election.