ROLLING STONE: On Nov. 9, 1967, a squinting John Lennon, clad in the attire of a British World War II commander, stared off the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

That was the first. The magazine turns 50 today.

In that first issue, Lennon was portraying his character “Private Gripweed” from the film “How I Won the War.”

Soon that cover become a coveted spot, a marker of success in the music business — so much so it prompted the band Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show to playfully croon, “Wanna see my smilin’ face on the cover of the Rollin’ Stone.”

On March 29, 1973, Dr. Hook did indeed have their smiling faces on the cover, but it wasn’t a photograph: it was a caricature of some of the band members. The cover simply identified the band by saying, “What’s-Their-Names Make the Cover.”

The song was penned by Shel Silverstein — a songwriter who is probably better known for another creative pursuit of his: writing children’s poetry.

SNOW: We’ve seen people drive at the start of winter, and it’s definitely worthwhile to remind people who haven’t driven in snow in several how to do so safely.

With a chance of snow in tonight’s forecast, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation did just that, offering these tips:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.

• Turn on your headlights.

• Stay in your lane.

• Increase your following distance.

• Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.

• Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.

• Use defroster and wipers.

• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.

• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.

• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.

• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.

• Always buckle up and never drink and drive.