I just put the two US flags out a little while ago and also flew them Saturday and Sunday. In a couple hours we're off to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for the annual parade.
A big thanks to all our veterans because "Freedom Ain't Free." It was and is their service that keep the baddies away from our doors. This especially hits home now as we lose so many of the "Greatest Generation," those who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. We still have one World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, alive. And we just lost the oldest Medal of Honor winner, World War II veteran Joe Finn (see the May 28th Dead Page entry in http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com).
I was happy to see one branch of service that never gets much attention for what they did in World Wars I and II, the US Merchant Marine, is at long last getting credit. Member Louis LePan, 83, today will serve as the first-ever grand marshal for Saginaw, Michigan's annual Memorial Day parade. (See today's Cooter entry for his story.)
Merchant Mariners had the dubious job of transporting supplies through enemy submarine-infested waters so the troops could carry on the fight. Those serving on ammunition and tanker ships were at particularly dangerous station.
About Time. --RoadDog
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Congratulations to Our Veterans
A we celebrate their day this coming Monday, I have my flags up and will keep them flying all weekend. Monday, we will go to the annual parade in Twin lakes, Wisconsin, small town America at its best.
Thank you, veterans.
Like they say, "Freedom ain't free."
Thank you, veterans.
Like they say, "Freedom ain't free."
JSS: The Money Clip-- Can Birds Swear?-- Flashback 1971
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. THE MONEY CLIP-- As a joke, Liz bought me a really nice money clip for my birthday this past Monday. You can always tell how much fun I have when we're out partying by noting how many crinkles and messed up bills I have in my pockets the next day. The better the time, the more crumpled bills.
Unfortunately, it didn't work correctly. However, like I would really take the time to put those dollar bills in the clip anyway.
2. CAN BIRDS SWEAR?-- Yesterday, I was sitting out OD (On the Deck) and could have sworn I heard some of my little feathered friends swear-chirping at me for being too near the bird feeder and scaring them away. Hey guys, I'm the one who fills that thing up and IT IS MY DECK!!
Ungrateful little dinosaurs!
3. FLASHBACK 1971-- Listening to "Proud Mary" right now by Ike and Tina Turner on Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT, 93.1 FM in Chicago and she's taking me back to my college days.
Some great songs from then "Mercedes Benz" by Janis Joplin, "Going Mobile" by the Who, "City of New Orleans" by the write and Chicagoan "Go Cubs Go" Steve Goodman, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, "Madman Across the Water" by Elton John and Chicago" by CSN.
Taking Me Back.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
I wonder: Can you cry under water?
1. THE MONEY CLIP-- As a joke, Liz bought me a really nice money clip for my birthday this past Monday. You can always tell how much fun I have when we're out partying by noting how many crinkles and messed up bills I have in my pockets the next day. The better the time, the more crumpled bills.
Unfortunately, it didn't work correctly. However, like I would really take the time to put those dollar bills in the clip anyway.
2. CAN BIRDS SWEAR?-- Yesterday, I was sitting out OD (On the Deck) and could have sworn I heard some of my little feathered friends swear-chirping at me for being too near the bird feeder and scaring them away. Hey guys, I'm the one who fills that thing up and IT IS MY DECK!!
Ungrateful little dinosaurs!
3. FLASHBACK 1971-- Listening to "Proud Mary" right now by Ike and Tina Turner on Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT, 93.1 FM in Chicago and she's taking me back to my college days.
Some great songs from then "Mercedes Benz" by Janis Joplin, "Going Mobile" by the Who, "City of New Orleans" by the write and Chicagoan "Go Cubs Go" Steve Goodman, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, "Madman Across the Water" by Elton John and Chicago" by CSN.
Taking Me Back.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
I wonder: Can you cry under water?
Friday, May 28, 2010
JSS: Playing That NTN-- CD-Rs and DVD-Rs-- Dockers' Party
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. PLAYING THAT NTN-- Liz and I spend way too much time playing this often maddening game. So far this week, on my birthday, Monday, we played at Hello Folks in Fox Lake. We keep records if we have a Top 20: #10, #4 Parrot #20 and #16.
Tuesday was a multi-birthday party for three of us at Donovan's in Twin Lakes: #9, #1 Imotis #6 Parrot #19, #3 Dazed #13, #2, #8, #19, #14, #9 Roadog #8 and #1 Heliam #4.
Yesterday, it was back to Donovan's for the buy one draft at $2, get one free Thirst Thursday, half-price pizza regular day: #5 Babs #4 Parrot #18, #10, #14, #6 Parrot #14 Roadog #15, #10, #2 Parrot #1 Whodah #6 Malibu #8, #15, #6 Malibu #5 and #14.
We need to get a life.
2. CD-RS AND DVD-RS-- Wednesday, we stopped at Office Max in McHenry so Liz could get ink cartridges and I stocked up on their $15 special 100 CD-R spindles so got two to add to about six others I have. As of yet, I have never recorded a CD, but the days of my cassette tapes, which I still use, are rapidly drawing to an end.
I also got a 100 spindle DVD-R even though I've never recorded on those either.
Sadly, there is a good chance that both of these will be relegated to the old technology junk heap before I even record one.
3. DOCKERS' PARTY-- I was planning to see the new "Shrek Forever" movie, but stopped by Docker's in Fox Lake to see if any of my old teaching buddies were there and welcome them to their temporary "retiredom."
Well, that hour turned into a fast four hours. I was glad to see that both middle schools were there since they've been split for two years now. As a result, there were plenty from both, including two of my old team members, Suzanne and Diane. Greg was also there. He is the guy who took my place, even though he is several months older than me.
Hollis will be retiring in two more years. The Mack was there also. He is as crazy as ever although looking considerably older.
Sure Hard to Believe I've Been retired for a Full Four Years Now!! --RoadDog
1. PLAYING THAT NTN-- Liz and I spend way too much time playing this often maddening game. So far this week, on my birthday, Monday, we played at Hello Folks in Fox Lake. We keep records if we have a Top 20: #10, #4 Parrot #20 and #16.
Tuesday was a multi-birthday party for three of us at Donovan's in Twin Lakes: #9, #1 Imotis #6 Parrot #19, #3 Dazed #13, #2, #8, #19, #14, #9 Roadog #8 and #1 Heliam #4.
Yesterday, it was back to Donovan's for the buy one draft at $2, get one free Thirst Thursday, half-price pizza regular day: #5 Babs #4 Parrot #18, #10, #14, #6 Parrot #14 Roadog #15, #10, #2 Parrot #1 Whodah #6 Malibu #8, #15, #6 Malibu #5 and #14.
We need to get a life.
2. CD-RS AND DVD-RS-- Wednesday, we stopped at Office Max in McHenry so Liz could get ink cartridges and I stocked up on their $15 special 100 CD-R spindles so got two to add to about six others I have. As of yet, I have never recorded a CD, but the days of my cassette tapes, which I still use, are rapidly drawing to an end.
I also got a 100 spindle DVD-R even though I've never recorded on those either.
Sadly, there is a good chance that both of these will be relegated to the old technology junk heap before I even record one.
3. DOCKERS' PARTY-- I was planning to see the new "Shrek Forever" movie, but stopped by Docker's in Fox Lake to see if any of my old teaching buddies were there and welcome them to their temporary "retiredom."
Well, that hour turned into a fast four hours. I was glad to see that both middle schools were there since they've been split for two years now. As a result, there were plenty from both, including two of my old team members, Suzanne and Diane. Greg was also there. He is the guy who took my place, even though he is several months older than me.
Hollis will be retiring in two more years. The Mack was there also. He is as crazy as ever although looking considerably older.
Sure Hard to Believe I've Been retired for a Full Four Years Now!! --RoadDog
Thursday, May 27, 2010
It's Them, Not Me: Academic Pay at the U of I
In this day and age of rising costs for everything, especially college tuition, I found this article in the May 13th Chicago Tribune to be of interest. The incoming president at the University of Illinois, Michael Hogan says his priority will be addressing finances and costs.
His salary will be $620,000 next year, third highest at the school.
The others:
2nd Pier Cristoforo Giulianotti $650,000 Chief of the Department of General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
4th Ronald Cuenther $600,000, Director of Intercollegiate athletics
5th Enrico Benedetti $526,250 Head of department of Surgery
6th Dimitri Azar $510,625 Head of Department of Ophathalmology (WHAT?) and Visual sciences
7th David Schwartz $504,000 Head of Department of Anestheioly
8th Sarah Kilpatrick $485,604 Head of department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
OTHER PROMINENT EMPLOYEES
Stanley Ikenberry $450,000 Interim President
Bruce Weber $405,000 Basketball Coach
Perhaps some of these salaries might be part of the problem Oh yes, I left off the number one salary, and that would be Football Coach Ron Zook at $1,052,500 which comes out to how much for each victory he had last year?
File Under Things That Make You Go H-m-m-mmm. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it is called........................................ golf!!
His salary will be $620,000 next year, third highest at the school.
The others:
2nd Pier Cristoforo Giulianotti $650,000 Chief of the Department of General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
4th Ronald Cuenther $600,000, Director of Intercollegiate athletics
5th Enrico Benedetti $526,250 Head of department of Surgery
6th Dimitri Azar $510,625 Head of Department of Ophathalmology (WHAT?) and Visual sciences
7th David Schwartz $504,000 Head of Department of Anestheioly
8th Sarah Kilpatrick $485,604 Head of department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
OTHER PROMINENT EMPLOYEES
Stanley Ikenberry $450,000 Interim President
Bruce Weber $405,000 Basketball Coach
Perhaps some of these salaries might be part of the problem Oh yes, I left off the number one salary, and that would be Football Coach Ron Zook at $1,052,500 which comes out to how much for each victory he had last year?
File Under Things That Make You Go H-m-m-mmm. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it is called........................................ golf!!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
To 3-D or Not to 3-D
Later today, I am thinking of going over to the Fox Lake Theatre to see the new Shrek movie. OK, I have to admit that I am a big fan of the series and am sad this one is supposedly the last one.
The theatre is nice enough to offer it in both 3-D and 2-D. Richard Roeper in the April 6th Chicago Sun-Times wrote about the movie "Clash of the Titans" another 3D movie that raked in over $64 million opening weekend. He said it was really Two-and-a-half-D as it was filmed regular then converted because "the latest 3-D craze is apparently unstoppable, with at least70 3-D films" scheduled in the next couple years.
I have noticed the overabundance of these films. Seems like every time you turn around, here's another one. At least we offered the choice of regular or jump-out at us.
I'll be choosing 2-D as the glasses bother my eyes and 3-D does cost 2 bucks more.
By the way, Roeper says that the New York Post claims that "release the Kraken" has already become a "cultish catchphrase."
Hey, "Donkey." --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
The theatre is nice enough to offer it in both 3-D and 2-D. Richard Roeper in the April 6th Chicago Sun-Times wrote about the movie "Clash of the Titans" another 3D movie that raked in over $64 million opening weekend. He said it was really Two-and-a-half-D as it was filmed regular then converted because "the latest 3-D craze is apparently unstoppable, with at least70 3-D films" scheduled in the next couple years.
I have noticed the overabundance of these films. Seems like every time you turn around, here's another one. At least we offered the choice of regular or jump-out at us.
I'll be choosing 2-D as the glasses bother my eyes and 3-D does cost 2 bucks more.
By the way, Roeper says that the New York Post claims that "release the Kraken" has already become a "cultish catchphrase."
Hey, "Donkey." --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
JSS: Has It Been 4 Years?-- Finished-- Yardwork-- Robin Update
JSS-- Just Some Stuff.
1. HAS IT REALLY BEEN 4 YEARS?-- Round Lake Schools are getting out for summer today. It was four years ago that the day also marked my last day of teaching. I find it impossible that it has now been four years of retirement. Where did the time go?
2. FINISHED-- We had several bottles of champagne at Donovan's yesterday celebrating my 59th on Monday, Ken's 59th yesterday and Marcia's today. That and chocolate cake compliments of Jerry. We had two number one NTN rankings as well.
The celebrations are over now and just in time, I need a break.
3. YARDWORK-- I have been working every day on the flower beds. It sure doesn't take them long to get overgrown. But I really enjoy it. very few things in life are finer than working with those plants, getting your hands dirty, listening to tunes, and enjoying the sun.
4. ROBIN UPDATE-- I have seen our baby robins several times in the last week. On my birthday, I saw a robin giving another robin a worm, very likely one of the babies.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: You know you're getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
1. HAS IT REALLY BEEN 4 YEARS?-- Round Lake Schools are getting out for summer today. It was four years ago that the day also marked my last day of teaching. I find it impossible that it has now been four years of retirement. Where did the time go?
2. FINISHED-- We had several bottles of champagne at Donovan's yesterday celebrating my 59th on Monday, Ken's 59th yesterday and Marcia's today. That and chocolate cake compliments of Jerry. We had two number one NTN rankings as well.
The celebrations are over now and just in time, I need a break.
3. YARDWORK-- I have been working every day on the flower beds. It sure doesn't take them long to get overgrown. But I really enjoy it. very few things in life are finer than working with those plants, getting your hands dirty, listening to tunes, and enjoying the sun.
4. ROBIN UPDATE-- I have seen our baby robins several times in the last week. On my birthday, I saw a robin giving another robin a worm, very likely one of the babies.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: You know you're getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Finishing Up the Ol' Birthday Celebration
It started last Monday and ends today. It used to be that I could have done it all in one day, but with advancing age, I just can't "celebrate" like I "useta."
Monday-- Hello Folks, Fox Lake, Il.-- $1.50 pints. American Legion 50 cent drafts
Tuesday-- Mulligans-- McHenry, Il.--$1 bottles
Wednesday-- Tommy's-- Spring Grove, Il.-- $1 bottles
Thursday-- Donovan's-- Twin Lakes, Wi.-- buy one, get one free drinks all day
Friday-- Donovan's-- $2 pints ($1.50 during happy hour)
Saturday-- At Home Cocktails OD (On the Deck) and in Margaritaville (Downstairs Bar)
Sunday-- At Home Bloody Mary in gazebo-- The Sand Bar Twin Lakes ($1.50 Bloody Mary's)-- Main Street-- Twin Lakes ($3.50 Ultimate Bloody Marys)-- Donovan's
Monday, actual birthday-- Hello Folks, American Legion, Tommy's ($3 23-ouncers).
Today heading for Donovan's again. This time friend and fellow-NTN-player Marcia and I will split a champagne toast. Her birthday is tomorrow.
I Think I need a Break!!-- RoadDog
Thought for the Day: I look this way because I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Monday-- Hello Folks, Fox Lake, Il.-- $1.50 pints. American Legion 50 cent drafts
Tuesday-- Mulligans-- McHenry, Il.--$1 bottles
Wednesday-- Tommy's-- Spring Grove, Il.-- $1 bottles
Thursday-- Donovan's-- Twin Lakes, Wi.-- buy one, get one free drinks all day
Friday-- Donovan's-- $2 pints ($1.50 during happy hour)
Saturday-- At Home Cocktails OD (On the Deck) and in Margaritaville (Downstairs Bar)
Sunday-- At Home Bloody Mary in gazebo-- The Sand Bar Twin Lakes ($1.50 Bloody Mary's)-- Main Street-- Twin Lakes ($3.50 Ultimate Bloody Marys)-- Donovan's
Monday, actual birthday-- Hello Folks, American Legion, Tommy's ($3 23-ouncers).
Today heading for Donovan's again. This time friend and fellow-NTN-player Marcia and I will split a champagne toast. Her birthday is tomorrow.
I Think I need a Break!!-- RoadDog
Thought for the Day: I look this way because I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Baseball Codes-- Part 2
6. Don't help the opposition make a play such as bracing them to keep them from falling into your dugout. (And you just thought they were being unfriendly.)
7. Relievers take it easy on other relievers when pitching to them.
8. Follow the Umpire's Code when addressing them on the field. Not doing so can get you ejected.
9. Pitchers should stay in the dugout at least until the end of the inning when they get pulled. (Oh yes, and don't punch anything with your pitching hand.)
10. Pitchers never show up a fielder after they commit an error.
Well, at least the Cubs won yesterday, but the Sox got blown out. Who had the Marlins in the 13-run pool?
Gonna be a Long season. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra. Well, actually with me Algebra wasn't a problem. But English was.
7. Relievers take it easy on other relievers when pitching to them.
8. Follow the Umpire's Code when addressing them on the field. Not doing so can get you ejected.
9. Pitchers should stay in the dugout at least until the end of the inning when they get pulled. (Oh yes, and don't punch anything with your pitching hand.)
10. Pitchers never show up a fielder after they commit an error.
Well, at least the Cubs won yesterday, but the Sox got blown out. Who had the Marlins in the 13-run pool?
Gonna be a Long season. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra. Well, actually with me Algebra wasn't a problem. But English was.
Now, That's REALLY Gettin' Down Da Road
Today I turn 59.
I plan on spending it doing stuff I really like to do.
I've already sat out on the front porch and listened to the birds, drinking my coffee and looking at the yard, and, in keeping with my age, had that old rockin' chair going.
I'm on the 'ol 'pute right now doing research and writin' away. I've found out about a Confederate ironclad that was being built in Tarboro, NC, before being destroyed by Union forces in 1863 and the Cook and Brother Armory in Athens, Ga., that had originally been in New Orleans before the fall of that city caused them to move to Georgia. I never knew about either of these.
Now, I am going to 4-blog to my four blogs starting here.
Later, it's yardwork then NTN at Hello Folks and then back home to enjoy the arboretum, gazebo and deck before watching the CBS Monday night lineup.
That's my idea of a good birthday, but, hey, I do this most days. What's so special about it? Living the Good Old Days.
Oh yes, thanks Mom!!!
The Next One is the B-I-G One!! --RoadDog
I plan on spending it doing stuff I really like to do.
I've already sat out on the front porch and listened to the birds, drinking my coffee and looking at the yard, and, in keeping with my age, had that old rockin' chair going.
I'm on the 'ol 'pute right now doing research and writin' away. I've found out about a Confederate ironclad that was being built in Tarboro, NC, before being destroyed by Union forces in 1863 and the Cook and Brother Armory in Athens, Ga., that had originally been in New Orleans before the fall of that city caused them to move to Georgia. I never knew about either of these.
Now, I am going to 4-blog to my four blogs starting here.
Later, it's yardwork then NTN at Hello Folks and then back home to enjoy the arboretum, gazebo and deck before watching the CBS Monday night lineup.
That's my idea of a good birthday, but, hey, I do this most days. What's so special about it? Living the Good Old Days.
Oh yes, thanks Mom!!!
The Next One is the B-I-G One!! --RoadDog
Saturday, May 22, 2010
It's Them, Not Me: Property Taxes
I finally got up the courage to open my property tax letter for this year since it is due in 16 days, well the first half is anyway.
Even though my assessed evaluation went down a little over $2,000, my bill went up $11!!! You really should expect it to go down and by at least $100 to $200, but mine went UP!! Not by much, mind you, but since when does down equal up?
I was told that the $500 tax increase last year, even though the value of the house dropped by about a third, was because the taxes reflected two to three years ago. So, I have to do the proverbial Chicago Cubs wait until next year thing.
Maybe my ship will come in (or go out) next year.
So, think of me in two weeks when I have to write out a check for $4,185 and that's just the half of it.
Who Needs Money Anyway Except the Hedgie-Wedgies and GRBs. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The older we get the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Even though my assessed evaluation went down a little over $2,000, my bill went up $11!!! You really should expect it to go down and by at least $100 to $200, but mine went UP!! Not by much, mind you, but since when does down equal up?
I was told that the $500 tax increase last year, even though the value of the house dropped by about a third, was because the taxes reflected two to three years ago. So, I have to do the proverbial Chicago Cubs wait until next year thing.
Maybe my ship will come in (or go out) next year.
So, think of me in two weeks when I have to write out a check for $4,185 and that's just the half of it.
Who Needs Money Anyway Except the Hedgie-Wedgies and GRBs. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The older we get the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Baseball Codes-- Part 1
As I sit through another exasperating summer of Chicago baseball, I came across a list of baseball's unwritten codes on the Yahoo Sports Blog. Jason Turbow compiled it, taking them from his book "The Baseball Codes."
Here's his Top ten:
1. Don't swing at the first pitch after back-to-back home runs.
2. Don't work the count when your team is up or down by a lot of runs.
3. When hit by a pitch, don't rub the spot.
4. Don't stand on the dirt cutout at home plate while the pitcher is warming up.
5. Don't walk in front of a catcher or umpire when getting into the batter's box.
Remember What They Say About Payback. --RoadDog
Here's his Top ten:
1. Don't swing at the first pitch after back-to-back home runs.
2. Don't work the count when your team is up or down by a lot of runs.
3. When hit by a pitch, don't rub the spot.
4. Don't stand on the dirt cutout at home plate while the pitcher is warming up.
5. Don't walk in front of a catcher or umpire when getting into the batter's box.
Remember What They Say About Payback. --RoadDog
Pretty Good Weekend-- Part 5-- Barhopping Our Way Home
When we left the Fair Diddley, I remembered seeing a bar in Woodstock near Il-47 several times and wanting to check it out, only I wasn't absolutely sure where it was.
THE RED MILL
We found it easily, though and it turned out to be the Red Mill, dating back to 1934 by a cemetery near the new Fleet and Farm, but it was moved to its current site on Lake Street east of 47 in 1954. The current owners have had it for 13 years and both mother and son were there. Definitely a locals and motorcycle-type bar and a good crowd for a Sunday afternoon so we ended up sitting at a table.
Deals are $1 drafts on Mondays, $2 on Thursday and every day, a pitcher of beer and dozen wings for $9.95. We opted for the last one and they weren't the little B-Dub baby wings either. Mighty good eating.
THE GAMBLER
Then, we drove to the Gambler Bar in downtown McHenry on Green Street. Really big crowd cheering the Blackhawks on to their victory over San Jose and a party going on. Again, it was too crowded to sit at the bar, so ended up at a table, but each one has its own private TV.
Cheered the Hawks on while downing the $1 bottles of beer.
MULLIGAN'S
Last stop was at Mulligan's, north of McHenry on Il-31. They've been open for five years now in a little strip mall. The place was really crowded with a baggo tournament going on. You had to watch out for flying bean bags.
They had $5 pitchers and half price appetizers, so we got an order of ribs for $4. Those were some really great ribs.
Ran into buddy Kenny who plays NTN with us at Donovan's. He was there with some of his friends from the McHenry class of 1967 who he hadn't seen for years, but met via Facebook.
Pretty Good Time in the Area. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Have you ever noticed that when you put the two words The and IRS together it spells "THEIRS?"
Friday, May 21, 2010
Pretty Good Weekend-- Part 4-- Fair Diddley
Sunday, May 16th, we drove over to Woodstock, Illinois, for their 42nd annual Fair Diddley at the Historic Woodstock Town Square. This was the first time we had ever been. Each year, they block off the square and have over 300 arts and crafts vendors selling their wares. So many people come to it that they even have off-square parking at the McHenry County government offices with free shuttles.
We chose to park near the square and after some looking, found a spot a couple blocks away.
We had a beautiful day for it as well. I am happy to report that we didn't buy anything, although we came close to spending $25 on a Northern Illinois University item.
There were 325 vendors at this year's event and several places where you could buy food. My overall opinion was that the wares sold were a bit on the expensive side, but it is always fun to look at the creative things they come up with.
Some signs that I particularly liked were:
Life hasn't been the same since a house fell onto my sister.
No Matter How Bad Life Gets, At Least I'm Not a White Sox Fan.
Beware, Dog Can't Hold It's Liquor.
Porta-Back Yarda
Man Cave-- Enter At Your Own Risk.
Sure You Can Trust the US Government, Just Ask an Indian.
Pretty Good Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: With aging, eventually you will reach the point where you start lying about your age and start bragging about it.
We chose to park near the square and after some looking, found a spot a couple blocks away.
We had a beautiful day for it as well. I am happy to report that we didn't buy anything, although we came close to spending $25 on a Northern Illinois University item.
There were 325 vendors at this year's event and several places where you could buy food. My overall opinion was that the wares sold were a bit on the expensive side, but it is always fun to look at the creative things they come up with.
Some signs that I particularly liked were:
Life hasn't been the same since a house fell onto my sister.
No Matter How Bad Life Gets, At Least I'm Not a White Sox Fan.
Beware, Dog Can't Hold It's Liquor.
Porta-Back Yarda
Man Cave-- Enter At Your Own Risk.
Sure You Can Trust the US Government, Just Ask an Indian.
Pretty Good Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: With aging, eventually you will reach the point where you start lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
So, Who Were They? Ventures-- Crazy Elephant
These are some lesser-known groups that had hits back on April 25, 1968.
VENTURES
The Ventures had the hit the hit "Hawaii Five-O" from the hit TV series by the same name. They were an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington. Their other really big hit was 1960's "Walk, Don't Run."
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 when they were presented by none other than John Fogerty.
"Book 'em, Dano."
CRAZY ELEPHANT
Crazy Elephant had a hit the same date with "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'" and are considered an American Bubblegum pop band. They were essentially a studio band put together by the Godfathers of Bubblegum, Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz.
The song was sung by former member of the 1950s band Cadillacs, Robert Spencer, who had a 1955 hit with "Speedo"
A true one-hit wonder, it hit #12 on both US and UK charts.
I don't care what they say, I loved my Bubblegum Music.
So That's Who Those Guys Were. --RoadDog
"From Atlanta, Georgia, to the Gulf stream waters."
Thought for the Day: The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he is really in trouble.
VENTURES
The Ventures had the hit the hit "Hawaii Five-O" from the hit TV series by the same name. They were an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington. Their other really big hit was 1960's "Walk, Don't Run."
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 when they were presented by none other than John Fogerty.
"Book 'em, Dano."
CRAZY ELEPHANT
Crazy Elephant had a hit the same date with "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'" and are considered an American Bubblegum pop band. They were essentially a studio band put together by the Godfathers of Bubblegum, Jerry Kasenetz and Jeff Katz.
The song was sung by former member of the 1950s band Cadillacs, Robert Spencer, who had a 1955 hit with "Speedo"
A true one-hit wonder, it hit #12 on both US and UK charts.
I don't care what they say, I loved my Bubblegum Music.
So That's Who Those Guys Were. --RoadDog
"From Atlanta, Georgia, to the Gulf stream waters."
Thought for the Day: The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he is really in trouble.
Where Were You April 25, 1974?-- Part 3
Some other Top 20 songs in the Billboard charts according to Dave McAleer's"The Book of Hit Singles."
TSOP (THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA)-- MFSB
BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME-- GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS--
SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS-- JOHN DENVER-- How sweet.
THE LORD'S PRAYER-- SISTER JANET MEAD-- I'm sure that I have never heard this one before.
SEASONS IN THE SUN-- TERRY JACKS-- One of those special gag songs.
LOOKIN' FOR A LOVE-- BOBBY WOMACK-- He did it before the J. Geils Band
A VERY SPECIAL LOVE SONG-- CHARLIE RICH-- The Silver Fox gets a country song on the pop charts.
DANCING MACHINE-- JACKSON FIVE-- Was Mikie still with the group?
JUST DON'T LET ME BE LONELY-- MAIN INGREDIENT
DARK LADY-- CHER--
Some interesting songs on the British charts, Top Twenty:
ANGEL FACE-- GLITTER BAND
REMEMBER ME THIS WAY-- GARY GLITTER-- What's all this glitter stuff?
BILLY DON'T BE A HERO-- PAPER LACE-- Their US hit "The Night Chicago Died" went to #1 in August. Still wondering where Chicago's East Side is, though. Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods had a hit with "Billy" in the US.
EMMA-- HOT CHOCOLATE--
SEVEN DAYS OF RHYE-- QUEEN-- Was this the "Bohemian Rhapsody" Queen?
WATERLOO-- ABBA-- Was this their first Top Twenty?
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK-- BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS-- Who'd have figured they'd be back all these years later.
Taking Me Back 36 Tears. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: There's always a lot to be thankful for. For example, I am sitting here thinking about how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
TSOP (THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA)-- MFSB
BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME-- GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS--
SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS-- JOHN DENVER-- How sweet.
THE LORD'S PRAYER-- SISTER JANET MEAD-- I'm sure that I have never heard this one before.
SEASONS IN THE SUN-- TERRY JACKS-- One of those special gag songs.
LOOKIN' FOR A LOVE-- BOBBY WOMACK-- He did it before the J. Geils Band
A VERY SPECIAL LOVE SONG-- CHARLIE RICH-- The Silver Fox gets a country song on the pop charts.
DANCING MACHINE-- JACKSON FIVE-- Was Mikie still with the group?
JUST DON'T LET ME BE LONELY-- MAIN INGREDIENT
DARK LADY-- CHER--
Some interesting songs on the British charts, Top Twenty:
ANGEL FACE-- GLITTER BAND
REMEMBER ME THIS WAY-- GARY GLITTER-- What's all this glitter stuff?
BILLY DON'T BE A HERO-- PAPER LACE-- Their US hit "The Night Chicago Died" went to #1 in August. Still wondering where Chicago's East Side is, though. Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods had a hit with "Billy" in the US.
EMMA-- HOT CHOCOLATE--
SEVEN DAYS OF RHYE-- QUEEN-- Was this the "Bohemian Rhapsody" Queen?
WATERLOO-- ABBA-- Was this their first Top Twenty?
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK-- BILL HALEY & HIS COMETS-- Who'd have figured they'd be back all these years later.
Taking Me Back 36 Tears. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: There's always a lot to be thankful for. For example, I am sitting here thinking about how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Pretty Good Weekend-- Part 2-- It's a Radio Thing
Sundays I normally stay off the old 'pute and catch up on my journal while listening to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots (WDRV 96.9 FM) and Rick Jackson's Country Hall of Fame (WMIL 106.1 FM). Bob Stroud was playing songs that charted higher in the UK than US for The Who in honor of Pete Townsend's 65th birthday, May 19th.
Stroud played quite a few Who songs I hadn't heard of before. It was amazing how much success they had in Britain where there was no carry over to the US. It wasn't until their sixth single "Happy Jack" that they were able to crack the US Top Forty.
Rock and Roll Roots is from 7 to 10 am on Sundays and can be heard streaming at www.wdrv.com.
Rick Jackson's show is on WMIL out of Milwaukee and is also 7 to 10 am. I generally listen to one or the other and sometimes record one (on my CASSETTE TAPES) and listen to it later. Both shows give lots of interesting information.
Today, I lost reception on Jackson's show after about 30 minutes (we are right on the fringe of the reception area) and I listened to another great show, Terri Hemmert's Breakfast with the Beatles on WXRT, 93.1 FM. It is also Sunday mornings. If there is anyone who knows more about the Beatles, I'd sure like to know who. She probably even knows more than Bob Stroud and that's saying a lot.
I'll Have to Continue This Tomorrow Since I Got Off on a Bit Too Much Radio. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
Stroud played quite a few Who songs I hadn't heard of before. It was amazing how much success they had in Britain where there was no carry over to the US. It wasn't until their sixth single "Happy Jack" that they were able to crack the US Top Forty.
Rock and Roll Roots is from 7 to 10 am on Sundays and can be heard streaming at www.wdrv.com.
Rick Jackson's show is on WMIL out of Milwaukee and is also 7 to 10 am. I generally listen to one or the other and sometimes record one (on my CASSETTE TAPES) and listen to it later. Both shows give lots of interesting information.
Today, I lost reception on Jackson's show after about 30 minutes (we are right on the fringe of the reception area) and I listened to another great show, Terri Hemmert's Breakfast with the Beatles on WXRT, 93.1 FM. It is also Sunday mornings. If there is anyone who knows more about the Beatles, I'd sure like to know who. She probably even knows more than Bob Stroud and that's saying a lot.
I'll Have to Continue This Tomorrow Since I Got Off on a Bit Too Much Radio. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
Where Were You April 25, 1974?-- Part 2
Some songs compliments of Bob Stroud to bring back a memory or two.
(I'VE BEEN) SEARCHING SO LONG-- CHICAGO
BAND ON THE RUN-- WINGS-- my favorite big hit by Sir Paul. Always reminds me of driving the van from the Holiday Inn in Wheeling-Northbrook back and forth to O'Hare Airport.
OH MY MY-- RINGO STARR-- I definitely enjoyed ol' Ringo's post-Beatle output. The last two songs, of course, by ex-Beatles. I still have to think twice when spelling the insect by the same name.
LET IT RIDE-- BTO-- How do you get more rock than this? Great cruising-down-the-road tune.
MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS-- MARIA MULDAUR-- How do you get less rock than this? Some kind of different song.
COME AND GET YOUR LOVE-- REDBONE-- Some Indian Rock.
I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG-- JIM CROCE--
TUBULAR BELLS-- MIKE OLDFIELD-- I don't know if this song or the movie scared me more.
HOOKED ON A FEELING-- BLUE SUEDE-- One of the best-ever starts to a song. When deejaying I was very likely to play the beginning two-three or more times in a row. Everybody say "Ooga Chaka."
JET-- WINGS-- Another Sir Paul effort.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON- THREE DOG NIGHT--
BENNIE AND THE JETS-- ELTON JOHN-- #1 song in Chicago.
Good Stuff, Lulu, Good Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: If you think there is good in everybody then you haven't met everybody.
(I'VE BEEN) SEARCHING SO LONG-- CHICAGO
BAND ON THE RUN-- WINGS-- my favorite big hit by Sir Paul. Always reminds me of driving the van from the Holiday Inn in Wheeling-Northbrook back and forth to O'Hare Airport.
OH MY MY-- RINGO STARR-- I definitely enjoyed ol' Ringo's post-Beatle output. The last two songs, of course, by ex-Beatles. I still have to think twice when spelling the insect by the same name.
LET IT RIDE-- BTO-- How do you get more rock than this? Great cruising-down-the-road tune.
MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS-- MARIA MULDAUR-- How do you get less rock than this? Some kind of different song.
COME AND GET YOUR LOVE-- REDBONE-- Some Indian Rock.
I'LL HAVE TO SAY I LOVE YOU IN A SONG-- JIM CROCE--
TUBULAR BELLS-- MIKE OLDFIELD-- I don't know if this song or the movie scared me more.
HOOKED ON A FEELING-- BLUE SUEDE-- One of the best-ever starts to a song. When deejaying I was very likely to play the beginning two-three or more times in a row. Everybody say "Ooga Chaka."
JET-- WINGS-- Another Sir Paul effort.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON- THREE DOG NIGHT--
BENNIE AND THE JETS-- ELTON JOHN-- #1 song in Chicago.
Good Stuff, Lulu, Good Stuff. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: If you think there is good in everybody then you haven't met everybody.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Pretty Good Weekend-- Part 1
Saturday, Liz and I drove to Antioch, Illinois, to support their Garden Club in their annual plant sale. They finance all the town's many park gardens and do a great job. Bought two plants and some bake sale items.
We then went to the new Ace Hardware by 173 and 59 and bought a 48-plant flat for $9.99 and that is a really good price these days, but I can remember buying flats for $4.99 on sale.
Next stop was at the Sandbar Bar and Grill on Lake Marie, one of the increasingly endangered bars on the Chain of Lakes. They were hosting a benefit for a young 38 year-old woman who had died leaving an unemployed husband and two sons. She was diagnosed with numerous brain tumors and died in a few months.
It was for a good cause, but we had fun getting into the raffles, drinking and eating, all of which went for her family. Spent time both inside and outside.
They also had a rock band, but I only recognized a few of the songs they played; all newer stuff.
Even though the weather is not what I consider to be good for boating, there were quite a few folks out pushing the season.
A great way to kick off the 2010 boating season and for a really good cause.
Good Timin' in the Chain of Lakes Area. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Did you ever notice the Roman numeral for 40 is XL. Would that be extra large?
We then went to the new Ace Hardware by 173 and 59 and bought a 48-plant flat for $9.99 and that is a really good price these days, but I can remember buying flats for $4.99 on sale.
Next stop was at the Sandbar Bar and Grill on Lake Marie, one of the increasingly endangered bars on the Chain of Lakes. They were hosting a benefit for a young 38 year-old woman who had died leaving an unemployed husband and two sons. She was diagnosed with numerous brain tumors and died in a few months.
It was for a good cause, but we had fun getting into the raffles, drinking and eating, all of which went for her family. Spent time both inside and outside.
They also had a rock band, but I only recognized a few of the songs they played; all newer stuff.
Even though the weather is not what I consider to be good for boating, there were quite a few folks out pushing the season.
A great way to kick off the 2010 boating season and for a really good cause.
Good Timin' in the Chain of Lakes Area. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Did you ever notice the Roman numeral for 40 is XL. Would that be extra large?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Where Were You April 25, 1974?-- Part 1
Bob Stroud jumped ahead five years to April 25th of 1974.
I was completing my first year of teaching 7th, 8th and 9th graders at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois, and living in Des Plaines, commuting in my 1973 green Ford Pinto with standard transmission.
I had a lot of preparations with two classes of freshman for World Geography, one class of 8th grade US history, one class of 8th grade geography elective and two classes of 7th grade geography elective. The elective classes changed every quarter.
Liz was still working at General Finance in Evanston, Illinois.
All comments are mine as I only heard a few parts of the show on the radio as I was driving around the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.
ROCK ON-- DAVD ESSEX
THE LOCOMOTION-- GFR-- the first of two covers. Little Eva would be so proud.
MOCKINGBIRD-- JAMES TAYLOR AND CARLY SIMON- Charles and Inezz Foxx would be so proud.
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY-- O'JAYS-- For all you hedgie-wedgies and GRBs out there.
Listening on My Drive to and from Round Lake. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: He who hesitates is probably right.
I was completing my first year of teaching 7th, 8th and 9th graders at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois, and living in Des Plaines, commuting in my 1973 green Ford Pinto with standard transmission.
I had a lot of preparations with two classes of freshman for World Geography, one class of 8th grade US history, one class of 8th grade geography elective and two classes of 7th grade geography elective. The elective classes changed every quarter.
Liz was still working at General Finance in Evanston, Illinois.
All comments are mine as I only heard a few parts of the show on the radio as I was driving around the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.
ROCK ON-- DAVD ESSEX
THE LOCOMOTION-- GFR-- the first of two covers. Little Eva would be so proud.
MOCKINGBIRD-- JAMES TAYLOR AND CARLY SIMON- Charles and Inezz Foxx would be so proud.
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY-- O'JAYS-- For all you hedgie-wedgies and GRBs out there.
Listening on My Drive to and from Round Lake. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: He who hesitates is probably right.
So Who Were They?: Edwin Starr, Buchanan Brothers
Both of these artists were featured on Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Time Warp to April 25, 1969. So, I did a little research on them in Wikipedia as most folks don't know that much about them.
I always wonder how much of Stroud's interesting anecdotes are from memory or did he look them up?
EDWIN STARR "Twenty-five Miles"
1942-2003. His biggest hit "War" an antiwar song, went to #1" Born Nashville, Tennessee, but moved to Cleveland. First big hit "Agent Double 'O' Soul" also "SOS: Stop Her On Sight."
BUCHANAN BROTHERS "Medicine Man, (Part 1)"
Not to be confused with a 1940s country band consisting of brothers Chester and Lester Buchanan.
A late 60s studio band consisting of Terry Cashman, Gene Pistilli and Tommy West who released several singles of which "Medicine Man" was the biggest. Terry Cashman is best-known for his 1981 hit "Talkin' Baseball. He also wrote "Sunday Will Never Be the Same" which was recorded by Spanky and Our Gang. He also produced for Jim Croce.
There really isn't a lot of information on this Buchanan Brothers. I always thought they were a black group, but they weren't.
Now, You Know. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The easiest way to find something you lost is to buy a replacement.
I always wonder how much of Stroud's interesting anecdotes are from memory or did he look them up?
EDWIN STARR "Twenty-five Miles"
1942-2003. His biggest hit "War" an antiwar song, went to #1" Born Nashville, Tennessee, but moved to Cleveland. First big hit "Agent Double 'O' Soul" also "SOS: Stop Her On Sight."
BUCHANAN BROTHERS "Medicine Man, (Part 1)"
Not to be confused with a 1940s country band consisting of brothers Chester and Lester Buchanan.
A late 60s studio band consisting of Terry Cashman, Gene Pistilli and Tommy West who released several singles of which "Medicine Man" was the biggest. Terry Cashman is best-known for his 1981 hit "Talkin' Baseball. He also wrote "Sunday Will Never Be the Same" which was recorded by Spanky and Our Gang. He also produced for Jim Croce.
There really isn't a lot of information on this Buchanan Brothers. I always thought they were a black group, but they weren't.
Now, You Know. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The easiest way to find something you lost is to buy a replacement.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Movie Scratches: Losers-- Vengeance-- Iron-- Nightmare
A Dog's Eye View of Current Movies.
The first number stands for how many movies I've seen this year. The numbers separated by a hyphen stands for the date, then where I saw it and how much I paid.
33. THE LOSERS-- 5-5-- Fox Lake $4-- "A" Team Redux. Yellow Pintos, bobble head dogs and a REALLY BAD MAX.
34. FURRY VENGEANCE-- 5-5-- Fox Lake $4-- It's greedy corp-types vs. the forest animals, and THEY WIN. Poor Brandon, what more can happen.
35. IRON MAN II-- 5-12-- Fox Lake $4-- Way too much technology for this old fogie. It's the triangle vs. the circle now.
36. NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET-- 5-12-- Fox Lake $4-- Sleep tight, don't let Freddie bite or slash. So, he really was guilty.
Do You really Need to Get Up Again? --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
The first number stands for how many movies I've seen this year. The numbers separated by a hyphen stands for the date, then where I saw it and how much I paid.
33. THE LOSERS-- 5-5-- Fox Lake $4-- "A" Team Redux. Yellow Pintos, bobble head dogs and a REALLY BAD MAX.
34. FURRY VENGEANCE-- 5-5-- Fox Lake $4-- It's greedy corp-types vs. the forest animals, and THEY WIN. Poor Brandon, what more can happen.
35. IRON MAN II-- 5-12-- Fox Lake $4-- Way too much technology for this old fogie. It's the triangle vs. the circle now.
36. NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET-- 5-12-- Fox Lake $4-- Sleep tight, don't let Freddie bite or slash. So, he really was guilty.
Do You really Need to Get Up Again? --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
JSS: Real Empty Nesters Now-- Cassette Catastrophe-- NTNin'
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. REAL EMPTY NESTERS NOW-- The four baby robins literally flew the coop this morning. Liz said she looked out at 6 am and they were all there, then, 45 minutes later, only one remained and withing a minute, he took off as well, but required a deck landing and then one on the rail before he was off in the world.
Kind of sad, but we are happy all four made it.
2. CASSETTE CATASTROPHE-- While recording Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten radio show where he plays ten songs from one year, the cassette dubbing machine ate the cassette tape and even when I got the tape out, it wouldn't record any more. So, now all it is good for is playing the radio and cassettes.
Fortunately, I have several extra dubbing machines so am still in business.
3. NTNIN'-- Yesterday, we played NTN at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and, despite some really difficult questions, managed to have quite a few top twenties, which is what we always aim for. I hate it when we are having problems with the questions and obviously more than a few people have seen the questions recently.
Barb the bartender, got me signed up under my ROADOG name at Hello Folks in Fox Lake, Illinois.
I guess I have spent an adequate amount of time protesting this switch from the old way of logging in. The new way isn't really all that bad, I just hate the fact that everything I know is constantly changing, even when I don't want it to.
Sure enjoyed the buy one-get one drinks and half price pizza.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Thiught for the Day: The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
1. REAL EMPTY NESTERS NOW-- The four baby robins literally flew the coop this morning. Liz said she looked out at 6 am and they were all there, then, 45 minutes later, only one remained and withing a minute, he took off as well, but required a deck landing and then one on the rail before he was off in the world.
Kind of sad, but we are happy all four made it.
2. CASSETTE CATASTROPHE-- While recording Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten radio show where he plays ten songs from one year, the cassette dubbing machine ate the cassette tape and even when I got the tape out, it wouldn't record any more. So, now all it is good for is playing the radio and cassettes.
Fortunately, I have several extra dubbing machines so am still in business.
3. NTNIN'-- Yesterday, we played NTN at Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and, despite some really difficult questions, managed to have quite a few top twenties, which is what we always aim for. I hate it when we are having problems with the questions and obviously more than a few people have seen the questions recently.
Barb the bartender, got me signed up under my ROADOG name at Hello Folks in Fox Lake, Illinois.
I guess I have spent an adequate amount of time protesting this switch from the old way of logging in. The new way isn't really all that bad, I just hate the fact that everything I know is constantly changing, even when I don't want it to.
Sure enjoyed the buy one-get one drinks and half price pizza.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Thiught for the Day: The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Movie Scratches: Alice-- Titans-- Dragon-- Date
A quick look at today's movies.
29. ALICE IN WONDERLAND-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- Which came first? The "Wizard of Oz" or "Alice in Wonderland?"
30. CLASH OF THE TITANS-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- It's humans vs. the gods and Perseus, the demigod from movie #15. And don't forget the Kraken.
31. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON-- 4-13-- Fox Lake free-- Dragon School and Vikings with Scottish accents battle dragons until the least likely makes friends with them. How to make a dragon cute like the one in "Shrek."
32. DATE NIGHT-- 4-14-- Fox Lake $4-- Shows you what might happen if you steal someone else's dinner reservations.
Pass the Milk Duds. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Birds of a feather flock together...then do their business on your car.
29. ALICE IN WONDERLAND-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- Which came first? The "Wizard of Oz" or "Alice in Wonderland?"
30. CLASH OF THE TITANS-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- It's humans vs. the gods and Perseus, the demigod from movie #15. And don't forget the Kraken.
31. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON-- 4-13-- Fox Lake free-- Dragon School and Vikings with Scottish accents battle dragons until the least likely makes friends with them. How to make a dragon cute like the one in "Shrek."
32. DATE NIGHT-- 4-14-- Fox Lake $4-- Shows you what might happen if you steal someone else's dinner reservations.
Pass the Milk Duds. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: Birds of a feather flock together...then do their business on your car.
Tuesday's Trip to Dekalb, Illinois-- Teacher's Scholarship
May 11th, Liz and I drove to Dekalb and met with two Northern Illinois Officials, including the Dean of the College of Education, to sign papers to start out teacher scholarship program at the school.
We've been thinking about doing this for a long time and it is about time to get started on it. It will be fully funded in two years, so, in the meantime, we are putting in $1000 to kick-start it.
Afterwards, we were given a private tour of Altgeld Hall, the original building on campus. It is usually referred to as "The Castle on the Hill" and that is exactly what it looks like. It was in bad shape, but has been fully restored and updated to be used in the 21st century.
I'd strongly recommend anyone visiting Dekalb visit this building and the beautiful Lagoon and NIU entrance way along Castle Drive. This particularly applies to anyone driving the Lincoln Highway.
Most people just drive by campus, but this will only take a few minutes and will be definitely worth it. Even better, take a tour of the building and view the art museum which features WPA Art until the end of the month.
Doing That Huskie Thing. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: A penny saved is a government oversight.
We've been thinking about doing this for a long time and it is about time to get started on it. It will be fully funded in two years, so, in the meantime, we are putting in $1000 to kick-start it.
Afterwards, we were given a private tour of Altgeld Hall, the original building on campus. It is usually referred to as "The Castle on the Hill" and that is exactly what it looks like. It was in bad shape, but has been fully restored and updated to be used in the 21st century.
I'd strongly recommend anyone visiting Dekalb visit this building and the beautiful Lagoon and NIU entrance way along Castle Drive. This particularly applies to anyone driving the Lincoln Highway.
Most people just drive by campus, but this will only take a few minutes and will be definitely worth it. Even better, take a tour of the building and view the art museum which features WPA Art until the end of the month.
Doing That Huskie Thing. --RoadDog
Thought for the Day: A penny saved is a government oversight.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Movie Scratches: Remember-- Tub-- Wimpy-- Hunter
A Dog's Quick Look at the movies.
25. REMEMBER ME-- 3-31-- Fox Lake $4-- 9-11
26. HOT TUB TIME MACHINE-- 4-6-- Fox Lake $4-- Only old Chevy knows. Way too much F___.
27. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID-- 4-6-- Fox Lake Free-- The perils and trials of life in junior high school. A new Kevin Arnold.
28. BOUNTY HUNTER-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- An updated "It Happened One Night."
Give Me Some of That Garlic and Parmesan Salt for the Popcorn. --RoadDog
Kids On How You Know If Two People Are Married: You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kid. Derrick, age 8.
25. REMEMBER ME-- 3-31-- Fox Lake $4-- 9-11
26. HOT TUB TIME MACHINE-- 4-6-- Fox Lake $4-- Only old Chevy knows. Way too much F___.
27. DIARY OF A WIMPY KID-- 4-6-- Fox Lake Free-- The perils and trials of life in junior high school. A new Kevin Arnold.
28. BOUNTY HUNTER-- 4-7-- Fox Lake $4-- An updated "It Happened One Night."
Give Me Some of That Garlic and Parmesan Salt for the Popcorn. --RoadDog
Kids On How You Know If Two People Are Married: You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kid. Derrick, age 8.
JSS: Robins-- TNCW Continues-- Hebron, Antioch and Woodstock
JSS-- Just Some Stuff.
1, ROBINS-- Things are getting mighty crowded in that little nest as the four robins continue to get bigger. I don't think it is going to be too long before they fly away now. Those feathers must really itch as they are constantly scratching.
I always wondered why there wasn't bird excrement in the nest when I take it down. Like with cats and dogs, the mother (and possibly father) take it in their mouths and out of the nest. The babies present their rear end which causes the parents to bend over and accept it.
2. TNCW CONTINUES-- This morning it was 44 degrees with a high forecast today of 50 and a 40% chance of rain. essentially a repeat of yesterday. Even though the carnival must have left Round Lake, it continues with the TYPICAL NASTY CARNIVAL WEATHER.
Maybe the carnival decided to stay for another weekend. That would sure explain it.
3. HEBRON, ANTIOCH AND WOODSTOCK-- Any way, better weather is forecast for this weekend. Hopefully I'll get out to Hebron and pick up the boat and get it into the Chain by next week.
Saturday, there will be a plant sale in Antioch to pay for the upkeep of the village landscaping. Sunday, historic Woodstock Square hosts the annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show with 300 vendors attending.
Good Times in the Area Once We get Rid of the TNCW. --RoadDog
Maxine: Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with sagging tattoos and rap music will be Golden Oldies.
1, ROBINS-- Things are getting mighty crowded in that little nest as the four robins continue to get bigger. I don't think it is going to be too long before they fly away now. Those feathers must really itch as they are constantly scratching.
I always wondered why there wasn't bird excrement in the nest when I take it down. Like with cats and dogs, the mother (and possibly father) take it in their mouths and out of the nest. The babies present their rear end which causes the parents to bend over and accept it.
2. TNCW CONTINUES-- This morning it was 44 degrees with a high forecast today of 50 and a 40% chance of rain. essentially a repeat of yesterday. Even though the carnival must have left Round Lake, it continues with the TYPICAL NASTY CARNIVAL WEATHER.
Maybe the carnival decided to stay for another weekend. That would sure explain it.
3. HEBRON, ANTIOCH AND WOODSTOCK-- Any way, better weather is forecast for this weekend. Hopefully I'll get out to Hebron and pick up the boat and get it into the Chain by next week.
Saturday, there will be a plant sale in Antioch to pay for the upkeep of the village landscaping. Sunday, historic Woodstock Square hosts the annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show with 300 vendors attending.
Good Times in the Area Once We get Rid of the TNCW. --RoadDog
Maxine: Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with sagging tattoos and rap music will be Golden Oldies.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Where Were You April 25, 1969?-- Part 3
Using Dave McAleer's Book of Hit Singles, these are some other songs in Billboard's Top Twenty for the month of April that weren't on Bob Stroud's list.
DIZZY-- TOMMY ROE-- Very underrated guy. He sure had a lot of hits.
GALVESTON-- GLEN CAMPBELL-- pickin' and cryin'
ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE-- JERRY BUTLER-- Chicago's Ice Man
TIME OF THE SEASON-- ZOMBIES-- Rod Argent and crew.
RUN AWAY CHILD, RUNNING WILD-- TEMPTATIONS-- Love that Motown.
TRACES-- CLASSICS IV--
PROUD MARY-- CCR-- My all-time favorite group.
DO YOUR THING-- WATTS 103RD STREET BAND-- And the Isley brothers had "It's Your Thing" at the top of the Chicago charts.
DON'T GIVE IN TO HIM-- GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP-- He just wants one thing, girl. But, I don't and will always respect you.
INDIAN GIVER-- 1910 FRUITGUM COMPANY-- I don't care what they say, I love my Bubble Gum music.
HOT SMOKE & SASSAFRASS-- BUBBLE PUPPY-- Garage rock with a touch of psychedelic thrown in. Should have gone to #1.
A Good Year for Music. --RoadDog
Ten-year-old Alan's take on who a guy should marry: You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
DIZZY-- TOMMY ROE-- Very underrated guy. He sure had a lot of hits.
GALVESTON-- GLEN CAMPBELL-- pickin' and cryin'
ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE-- JERRY BUTLER-- Chicago's Ice Man
TIME OF THE SEASON-- ZOMBIES-- Rod Argent and crew.
RUN AWAY CHILD, RUNNING WILD-- TEMPTATIONS-- Love that Motown.
TRACES-- CLASSICS IV--
PROUD MARY-- CCR-- My all-time favorite group.
DO YOUR THING-- WATTS 103RD STREET BAND-- And the Isley brothers had "It's Your Thing" at the top of the Chicago charts.
DON'T GIVE IN TO HIM-- GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP-- He just wants one thing, girl. But, I don't and will always respect you.
INDIAN GIVER-- 1910 FRUITGUM COMPANY-- I don't care what they say, I love my Bubble Gum music.
HOT SMOKE & SASSAFRASS-- BUBBLE PUPPY-- Garage rock with a touch of psychedelic thrown in. Should have gone to #1.
A Good Year for Music. --RoadDog
Ten-year-old Alan's take on who a guy should marry: You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
Saturday Morning Flashback Goes to 1970
Every Saturday morning, Wendy Rice hosts a four hour show on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM, one really fine radio station. It goes from 8 am to noon. April 10th, she spotlighted 1970. Along with the tunes, you gets lots of history. It really takes you back, especially if you lived through it. Even better, for those of you outside the Chicago area, it streams over the internet.
You can even go to the website and listen to the whole show whenever you want.
Paul McCartney released his first post-Beatle solo album with the hit "Maybe I'm Amazed."
Some other songs that I liked:
ONLY YOU KNOW AND I KNOW-- DAVE MASON-- Played all the instruments himself.
ONE TOKE OVER THE LINE-- BREWER & SHIPLEY-- Wonder what they were talking about?
ALL RIGHT NOW-- FREE-- One of the great all-time rock songs. How do you get better?
MILES FROM NOWHERE-- CAT STEVENS-- What a voice, what a style.
LET IT RAIN-- ERIC CLAPTON-- I really like the guitar intro.
BALL OF CONFUSION-- TEMPTATIONS-- Sure loved that Motown Sound.
ROADHOUSE BLUES-- DOORS-- Put on the travelin' music.
MOONDANCE-- VAN MORRISON--
TAKE ME TO THE PILOT-- ELTON JOHN-- No doubt that the 70s were his decade.
NATURE'S WAY-- SPIRIT
WAR-- EDWIN STAR-- "What are you good for? Absolutely _____!!"
Notable debuts: Mary Tyler Moore Show and Monday Night Football.
Give Her Show a Listen. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why do tugboats push those barges?
You can even go to the website and listen to the whole show whenever you want.
Paul McCartney released his first post-Beatle solo album with the hit "Maybe I'm Amazed."
Some other songs that I liked:
ONLY YOU KNOW AND I KNOW-- DAVE MASON-- Played all the instruments himself.
ONE TOKE OVER THE LINE-- BREWER & SHIPLEY-- Wonder what they were talking about?
ALL RIGHT NOW-- FREE-- One of the great all-time rock songs. How do you get better?
MILES FROM NOWHERE-- CAT STEVENS-- What a voice, what a style.
LET IT RAIN-- ERIC CLAPTON-- I really like the guitar intro.
BALL OF CONFUSION-- TEMPTATIONS-- Sure loved that Motown Sound.
ROADHOUSE BLUES-- DOORS-- Put on the travelin' music.
MOONDANCE-- VAN MORRISON--
TAKE ME TO THE PILOT-- ELTON JOHN-- No doubt that the 70s were his decade.
NATURE'S WAY-- SPIRIT
WAR-- EDWIN STAR-- "What are you good for? Absolutely _____!!"
Notable debuts: Mary Tyler Moore Show and Monday Night Football.
Give Her Show a Listen. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why do tugboats push those barges?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Every Bloomin' Thing-- Early May
The sunburst honey locusts have their leaves out now and that means big time yellow which makes for a nice contrasts.
Lilacs have started to fade a bit as has the yellow perennials that put on such a nice show earlier this spring. The spreading phlox is still blooming, with the purples showing up the best, but also white and red. The tall wild phlox are just starting to bloom as are the daisies, and there are a lot of them.
The candy tufts are all white.
The last of the tulips are losing their blooms.
Most of the hostas are at size and the irises are getting ready to go to town.
Still doing lots of work on flower beds, a never-ending chore. Often I wish I hadn't made so many. It sure would be much easier just to cut the grass.
LAWN TRACTOR PROBLEMS
I was unable to cut the grass last Thursday because the good old John Deere tractor wouldn't start. There was absolutely nothing when I turned the key. Friday, I called the place I have it tuned up every year and they were going to pick it up today.
Going too long between cuttings this time of the year isn't too good of an idea. My buddy Frank suggested a jump start and it turned on. Saturday, it wouldn't turn on again, but a couple hours of trickle charge and it did.
i tried it again this morning and it started so cancelled their picking it up.
Two years ago, it needed a new battery and this past winter, they had to replace the regulator. Let's hope I have no more problems. But the tractor is getting old as I bought it in 1994.
Cut, Cut, Cut That Grass. --RoadDog
Camille, age ten, tells when is the right time to get married: Twenty-three is the best age, because you've known that person FOREVER by then.
Lilacs have started to fade a bit as has the yellow perennials that put on such a nice show earlier this spring. The spreading phlox is still blooming, with the purples showing up the best, but also white and red. The tall wild phlox are just starting to bloom as are the daisies, and there are a lot of them.
The candy tufts are all white.
The last of the tulips are losing their blooms.
Most of the hostas are at size and the irises are getting ready to go to town.
Still doing lots of work on flower beds, a never-ending chore. Often I wish I hadn't made so many. It sure would be much easier just to cut the grass.
LAWN TRACTOR PROBLEMS
I was unable to cut the grass last Thursday because the good old John Deere tractor wouldn't start. There was absolutely nothing when I turned the key. Friday, I called the place I have it tuned up every year and they were going to pick it up today.
Going too long between cuttings this time of the year isn't too good of an idea. My buddy Frank suggested a jump start and it turned on. Saturday, it wouldn't turn on again, but a couple hours of trickle charge and it did.
i tried it again this morning and it started so cancelled their picking it up.
Two years ago, it needed a new battery and this past winter, they had to replace the regulator. Let's hope I have no more problems. But the tractor is getting old as I bought it in 1994.
Cut, Cut, Cut That Grass. --RoadDog
Camille, age ten, tells when is the right time to get married: Twenty-three is the best age, because you've known that person FOREVER by then.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Where Were You April 25, 1969?-- Part 2
TIME IS TIGHT-- BOOKER T. & THE MGS-- an instrumental. MGs stands for Memphis Group.
I CAN HEAR MUSIC-- BEACH BOYS--
HAIR-- COWSILLS-- The Partridge Family TV show based on them.
AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN-- FIFTH DIMENSION-- These last two songs from the play "Hair." Great album, even if I never got a chance to see the play.
MR. SUN MR. MOON-- PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS--
BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW-- NEIL DIAMOND-- After this song you don't have to hear that sermon in church.
HAWAII FIVE-O-- VENTURES-- Dun Dun Dun Dun-- Din Dun. Go ahead and hum it.
GET BACK-- BEATLES-- 'A' side. Who'd have figured the Beatles would have ANOTHER two-sided hit?
DON'T LET ME DOWN-- BEATLES-- 'B' side.
SWEET CHERRY WINE-- TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS-- I got mighty tired of this.
THE BOXER-- SIMON & GARFUNKEL-- My second favorite S&G song after "Cecilia."
GITARZAN-- RAY STEVENS-- This guy can REALLY sing a FUNNY song.
GIMME GIMME GOOD LOVIN'-- CRAZY ELEPHANT-- A garage rock classic. "From Atlanta, Georgia to..."
IT'S YOUR THING-- ISLEY BROTHERS-- The Number 1 song in Chicago. "Do what you wanna do."
Just a "few" Memories Here. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?
I CAN HEAR MUSIC-- BEACH BOYS--
HAIR-- COWSILLS-- The Partridge Family TV show based on them.
AQUARIUS/LET THE SUNSHINE IN-- FIFTH DIMENSION-- These last two songs from the play "Hair." Great album, even if I never got a chance to see the play.
MR. SUN MR. MOON-- PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS--
BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW-- NEIL DIAMOND-- After this song you don't have to hear that sermon in church.
HAWAII FIVE-O-- VENTURES-- Dun Dun Dun Dun-- Din Dun. Go ahead and hum it.
GET BACK-- BEATLES-- 'A' side. Who'd have figured the Beatles would have ANOTHER two-sided hit?
DON'T LET ME DOWN-- BEATLES-- 'B' side.
SWEET CHERRY WINE-- TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS-- I got mighty tired of this.
THE BOXER-- SIMON & GARFUNKEL-- My second favorite S&G song after "Cecilia."
GITARZAN-- RAY STEVENS-- This guy can REALLY sing a FUNNY song.
GIMME GIMME GOOD LOVIN'-- CRAZY ELEPHANT-- A garage rock classic. "From Atlanta, Georgia to..."
IT'S YOUR THING-- ISLEY BROTHERS-- The Number 1 song in Chicago. "Do what you wanna do."
Just a "few" Memories Here. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why does "fat chance" and "slim chance" mean the same thing?
Where Were You April 25, 1969?-- Part 1
For the third month in a row, I didn't get to write down Bob Stroud's comments on his Rock and Roll Roots Time Warp. But, at least this time I got to listen to part of the show as we were in the Chicago suburbs for Liz's school's 100th anniversary.
April 25, 1969, I was getting ready to graduate from Palatine Township High School in Palatine, Illinois. I was enjoying Mr. Denny's Social Studies Survey Class and probably getting ready to go to prom with Liz.
I was sure happy to be leaving as sports editor of the Cutlass, the school paper.
I had already been accepted at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.
All comments are mine.
ROCK ME-- STEPPENWOLF-- This song played all the time in the Senior Lounge at Palatine High School. Always reminds me of it.
TWENTY-FIVE MILES-- EDWIN STARR-- If you're only going to have two really big hits, this one and "War" are good choices.
THESE EYES-- GUESS WHO-- Canadian rockers.
YOU MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY-- BST-- Blue-eyed blues.
PINBALL WIZARD-- WHO-- From the Rock Opera "Tommy."
MEDICINE MAN (PART 1)-- BUCHANAN BROTHERS-- One of my favorites from this time. One-hit wonders.
Rock me All Night Long. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?
April 25, 1969, I was getting ready to graduate from Palatine Township High School in Palatine, Illinois. I was enjoying Mr. Denny's Social Studies Survey Class and probably getting ready to go to prom with Liz.
I was sure happy to be leaving as sports editor of the Cutlass, the school paper.
I had already been accepted at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb.
All comments are mine.
ROCK ME-- STEPPENWOLF-- This song played all the time in the Senior Lounge at Palatine High School. Always reminds me of it.
TWENTY-FIVE MILES-- EDWIN STARR-- If you're only going to have two really big hits, this one and "War" are good choices.
THESE EYES-- GUESS WHO-- Canadian rockers.
YOU MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY-- BST-- Blue-eyed blues.
PINBALL WIZARD-- WHO-- From the Rock Opera "Tommy."
MEDICINE MAN (PART 1)-- BUCHANAN BROTHERS-- One of my favorites from this time. One-hit wonders.
Rock me All Night Long. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?
Friday, May 7, 2010
JSS: Drinking on the Cheap
JSS-- Just Some Stuff.
1. DRINKING AND EATING ON THE CHEAP-- Tuesday and Thursday, Liz and I really ate and drank cheaply. Tuesday, we went to Mulligan's Saloon in McHenry, Illinois, on Il-31, and had their $5 sandwiches and $1 domestic bottles of beer.
Thursday, it was up to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, (named after the movie) to play NTN and we got the half-price pizza (16-inch, three-topping for $9.50) and enjoyed buy one, get one free drinks. So, our pints came to a buck.
2. GAS GOUGE-- Gas prices around here jumped13 to 17 cents on Wednesday. OK, there's that oil spill going on, but that oil wasn't even being pumped at the time. Plus, the price of oil dropped a lot this past week.. So, how come it went up so much. Could it be GRBs?
3. THAT DARN CARNIVAL-- Temps tomorrow are predicted to be a high of 50 degrees and down to 30 degrees with possible frost Sunday morning. I know what is calling all this. That carnival needs to be stopped.
Give Me Cheap Drinks and Food Anytime. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why do we say something's is out of whack? What is a whack?
1. DRINKING AND EATING ON THE CHEAP-- Tuesday and Thursday, Liz and I really ate and drank cheaply. Tuesday, we went to Mulligan's Saloon in McHenry, Illinois, on Il-31, and had their $5 sandwiches and $1 domestic bottles of beer.
Thursday, it was up to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, (named after the movie) to play NTN and we got the half-price pizza (16-inch, three-topping for $9.50) and enjoyed buy one, get one free drinks. So, our pints came to a buck.
2. GAS GOUGE-- Gas prices around here jumped13 to 17 cents on Wednesday. OK, there's that oil spill going on, but that oil wasn't even being pumped at the time. Plus, the price of oil dropped a lot this past week.. So, how come it went up so much. Could it be GRBs?
3. THAT DARN CARNIVAL-- Temps tomorrow are predicted to be a high of 50 degrees and down to 30 degrees with possible frost Sunday morning. I know what is calling all this. That carnival needs to be stopped.
Give Me Cheap Drinks and Food Anytime. --RoadDog
OXYMORON: Why do we say something's is out of whack? What is a whack?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Cruising the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor in Illinois-- Part 3
This past Sunday, May 2nd, we spent most of the day in Towanda.
We first went to the party in the park and listened to a great local country band called Cattle Bandits who played a great variety of country songs and, of course, their version of "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."
We then went to Kicks on 66, the only business in town other than a gas station. This used to be a Route 66 gas station in an earlier life, but now is a very popular bar and grill. The place and its biergarden were packed with folks walking over from the classic car show being held on the now-closed south bound lanes of the old 66 bypass.
They are noted for their pig wings, but had run out when we go there. We had a great pulled pork and pork tenderloin sandwiches. Beer is always $2,50 a bottle for domestic.
Next, we checked out the hundred or so cars along Route 66. I especially liked a mint condition 1967 Firebird and another 1968 one.
Last and longest stop was at the Schenk's Garage. Dawn and Mark Schenk are Route 66 "Nuts" of the highest order and have converted their garage into a 66 Nirvana. They had one of the best bands we've ever seen called Hillbilly Jones. Three pieces, including a stand up base and could those guys really cook.
We'd like to thank the Schenks for inviting us when we stopped by the day before.
Drove 66 back to Gardner to pay a visit to the Riviera which we heard had reopened. It was closed, so were forced to continue into Braidwood and have a banana split at the Polka-Dot.
A really Fine Weekend. --RoadDog
OXYMORON-- If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?
We first went to the party in the park and listened to a great local country band called Cattle Bandits who played a great variety of country songs and, of course, their version of "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."
We then went to Kicks on 66, the only business in town other than a gas station. This used to be a Route 66 gas station in an earlier life, but now is a very popular bar and grill. The place and its biergarden were packed with folks walking over from the classic car show being held on the now-closed south bound lanes of the old 66 bypass.
They are noted for their pig wings, but had run out when we go there. We had a great pulled pork and pork tenderloin sandwiches. Beer is always $2,50 a bottle for domestic.
Next, we checked out the hundred or so cars along Route 66. I especially liked a mint condition 1967 Firebird and another 1968 one.
Last and longest stop was at the Schenk's Garage. Dawn and Mark Schenk are Route 66 "Nuts" of the highest order and have converted their garage into a 66 Nirvana. They had one of the best bands we've ever seen called Hillbilly Jones. Three pieces, including a stand up base and could those guys really cook.
We'd like to thank the Schenks for inviting us when we stopped by the day before.
Drove 66 back to Gardner to pay a visit to the Riviera which we heard had reopened. It was closed, so were forced to continue into Braidwood and have a banana split at the Polka-Dot.
A really Fine Weekend. --RoadDog
OXYMORON-- If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?
JSS: That Nasty Carnival-- NTN in Bloomington-- That Rod Argent--
JSS-- Just Some Stuff I'be been up to.
1. THAT NASTY CARNIVAL-- If you're living in the Midwest and wondering why the weather has been so bad and unpredictable since Friday, I know the answer. That horrible Round Lake (Il) carnival is back in town. Since 1976, they have been coming and with the exception of one time, the weather has been horrendous.
It opened last weekend and runs through to this Sunday. Whoever it is that keeps having them back should stop.
2. NTN IN BLOOMINGTON-- This past weekend, we were on a Route 66 trip for the Red Carpet Corridor, a ninety mile stretch of the Mother Road from Joliet to Towanda, and played at two NTN Buzztime sites in Bloomington, Illinois: Maguire's and BW# (Buffalo Wild Wings).
They weren't new places to us though. We played at Maguire's back on our first Route 66 trip in March 2002. This is not one of your standard cookie cutter chains. Quite unique and claim to be THE PLACE FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY and with a name like that, no big surprise.
BW3 was B-Dub as usual and even more crowded because of the Kentucky Derby
3. THAT ROD ARGENT-- I am listening to WNCT 1070 AM playing Beach, Boogie and Blues right now with Allan Vick on the internet. I'm also listening to the Zombies Greatest Hits, most famous for "She's Not there," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season." But, their other songs are pure Second Wave British Invasion 60s music and worth a listen. Especially "Don't Cry for Me," "I Can't Make Up My Mind" and "You Make Me Feel So Good."
I didn't know that Rod Argent was the keyboardest. he later went on to found the British band Argent in 1968, along with fellow Zombies Russ Ballard and Chris White and they had the big hit "Hold Your Head Up" which went to #5 in the US.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
OXYMORON-- If a word is misspelled in a dictionary, how would we ever know?
1. THAT NASTY CARNIVAL-- If you're living in the Midwest and wondering why the weather has been so bad and unpredictable since Friday, I know the answer. That horrible Round Lake (Il) carnival is back in town. Since 1976, they have been coming and with the exception of one time, the weather has been horrendous.
It opened last weekend and runs through to this Sunday. Whoever it is that keeps having them back should stop.
2. NTN IN BLOOMINGTON-- This past weekend, we were on a Route 66 trip for the Red Carpet Corridor, a ninety mile stretch of the Mother Road from Joliet to Towanda, and played at two NTN Buzztime sites in Bloomington, Illinois: Maguire's and BW# (Buffalo Wild Wings).
They weren't new places to us though. We played at Maguire's back on our first Route 66 trip in March 2002. This is not one of your standard cookie cutter chains. Quite unique and claim to be THE PLACE FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY and with a name like that, no big surprise.
BW3 was B-Dub as usual and even more crowded because of the Kentucky Derby
3. THAT ROD ARGENT-- I am listening to WNCT 1070 AM playing Beach, Boogie and Blues right now with Allan Vick on the internet. I'm also listening to the Zombies Greatest Hits, most famous for "She's Not there," "Tell Her No" and "Time of the Season." But, their other songs are pure Second Wave British Invasion 60s music and worth a listen. Especially "Don't Cry for Me," "I Can't Make Up My Mind" and "You Make Me Feel So Good."
I didn't know that Rod Argent was the keyboardest. he later went on to found the British band Argent in 1968, along with fellow Zombies Russ Ballard and Chris White and they had the big hit "Hold Your Head Up" which went to #5 in the US.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
OXYMORON-- If a word is misspelled in a dictionary, how would we ever know?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
We've Got a New Crop of Baby Robins
Mr. and Mrs. Robin were actively building a nest over the past month. Almost every year they build one on the light leading out to the deck, a very protected spot. I try to scare them off and even destroy the nest, but they are quite persistent.
We're not sure if it is the same pair or even perhaps the baby robins from previous seasons. It does, however, mean that we can't use the main door we usually use to get out to the deck, but we sure have a great time watching our adopted little family.
Monday, both robins were constantly flying back and forth with worms and once I saw a head pop up. Well, actually more of wide-open beak which I think makes up most of just-hatched robins.
Yesterday, Liz was watching and saw two more beaks rising out of the nest and she got some pictures. Today, when I returned home from the movies, she had photographic evidence of a fourth beak in the nest. Last year, we only had three (and for a long time thought there was only one).
We Are Quite Proud of "Our" Babies. --RoadDog
OXYMORONS-- Why is the third hand on a watch called the second hand?
We're not sure if it is the same pair or even perhaps the baby robins from previous seasons. It does, however, mean that we can't use the main door we usually use to get out to the deck, but we sure have a great time watching our adopted little family.
Monday, both robins were constantly flying back and forth with worms and once I saw a head pop up. Well, actually more of wide-open beak which I think makes up most of just-hatched robins.
Yesterday, Liz was watching and saw two more beaks rising out of the nest and she got some pictures. Today, when I returned home from the movies, she had photographic evidence of a fourth beak in the nest. Last year, we only had three (and for a long time thought there was only one).
We Are Quite Proud of "Our" Babies. --RoadDog
OXYMORONS-- Why is the third hand on a watch called the second hand?
40th Anniversary of Kent State-- Part 2: NIU Got Violent
I will be continuing this story on my Cooter's History Thing Blog http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com.
I had thought that the violence at Northern Illinois University had started within a few days after Kent State. There was unrest, but the real frightening times didn't erupt until almost two weeks later.
I definitely thought I was witnessing the end of the United States at the time. I'll never forget watching the students and police clash by Lincoln Hall, where I lived, and then the explosions that took place west of the dorm by the physical plant.
Quite a Scary Time to Live Through. --RoadDog
OXYMORONS: Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?
I had thought that the violence at Northern Illinois University had started within a few days after Kent State. There was unrest, but the real frightening times didn't erupt until almost two weeks later.
I definitely thought I was witnessing the end of the United States at the time. I'll never forget watching the students and police clash by Lincoln Hall, where I lived, and then the explosions that took place west of the dorm by the physical plant.
Quite a Scary Time to Live Through. --RoadDog
OXYMORONS: Is it good if a vacuum really sucks?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Number 1 Songs This Date-- Part 2
1950 "The Third Man" Theme-- Anton Karas
1940 Tuxedo Junction-- Glenn Miller
1930 "Stein Song" University of Maine-- Rudy Vallee
1920 Suwanee-- Al Jolson
1910 By the Light of the Silvery Moon-- Billy Murray & Haydn Quartet
1900 When You Were Sweet Sixteen-- Jere Mahoney
RUDY VALLEE-- from Wikipedia-- Born in Vermont in 1901, died 1986. No relation of Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons. Given name Hubert Prior Vallee. Family from Quebec. His group called Connecticut Yankees. "The Stein Song" is probably his best-known song. Also did "The Drunkard Song, sometimes called "There's a Tavern in the Town."
Served in the Coast Guard in World War II.
BILLY MURRAY-- from Wikipedia-- No relation to actor Bill Murray. One of the most successful recording artists of the Acoustic Era from 1900 to 1920s. First singer to make his living solely from singing.
OFF SUBJECT, but John Lennon's lyrics to "A Day in the Life" from 1967's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album will go up for auction at Sozeby's and is expected to bring in $500,000 to $700,000.
I Just Might Have $600,000 Lying Around? --RoadDog
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing AND the lawnmower is broken.
1940 Tuxedo Junction-- Glenn Miller
1930 "Stein Song" University of Maine-- Rudy Vallee
1920 Suwanee-- Al Jolson
1910 By the Light of the Silvery Moon-- Billy Murray & Haydn Quartet
1900 When You Were Sweet Sixteen-- Jere Mahoney
RUDY VALLEE-- from Wikipedia-- Born in Vermont in 1901, died 1986. No relation of Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons. Given name Hubert Prior Vallee. Family from Quebec. His group called Connecticut Yankees. "The Stein Song" is probably his best-known song. Also did "The Drunkard Song, sometimes called "There's a Tavern in the Town."
Served in the Coast Guard in World War II.
BILLY MURRAY-- from Wikipedia-- No relation to actor Bill Murray. One of the most successful recording artists of the Acoustic Era from 1900 to 1920s. First singer to make his living solely from singing.
OFF SUBJECT, but John Lennon's lyrics to "A Day in the Life" from 1967's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album will go up for auction at Sozeby's and is expected to bring in $500,000 to $700,000.
I Just Might Have $600,000 Lying Around? --RoadDog
A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing AND the lawnmower is broken.
40th Anniversary of Kent State Today
On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guard troops at Kent State University opened fire on an Anti-Vietnam War rally and killed four and wounded eleven others. This ignited protests and violence at college campuses all across the United States.
I was a freshman at Northern Illinois University at the time. I didn't like the war, which I thought was never going to end. It started when I was in 7th grade and went on all through high school and showed no signs of letting up. Actually it was getting worse. A few days earlier, President Nixon had announced that the US was attacking Cambodia to cut off supply routes.
This set off a new wave of protest and marches.
The war was particularly looming for males my age because of the draft. There was a lottery where every year boys turning 18 had their birthdays placed in a drum and pulled to give a number. The lower your number, the more likely you were to be drafted.
I was too young for the first lottery and was #31. I was hoping that since this was very low, I'd get a high number for when it counted. Not with my luck. I was #22. That meant go to college or Vietnam. Since I wanted to be a teacher, college was definitely already in my plans. But a lot of boys were there to avoid the draft.
To Be Continued. --RoadDog
My wife said, "Whatcha doing today?"
I said, "Nothing."
She said, "You did that yesterday."
I said, "I wasn't finished."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Just Some Interesting Stuff: MTV Loses Music-- Good Work If You Can get It-- 3d Pop
Just Some Interesting Stuff-- Interesting Tidbits
1. MTV LOSES MUSIC-- First, they stopped promoting music videos, now they have removed the words "Music television.' Too bad. I really liked that station when we got cable back in the 80s.
2. GOOD WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT-- I see that new Chicago Bear Julius peppers just bought former Bull B. J. Armstrong's 12-room, 5,923-foot home in Highland Park for $1.8 million. I guess it helps when you have a six-year $91.5 million contract. How much does a Bears ticket cost now?
3. 3D POP-- Personally, I don't like 3D and see the movies in 2D when I can, but the kids like it. It seems a whole lot of movies are in 3D these days. A look at 3D movies as a percentage of box office grosses between, 2009 to April and 2008 shows 2008 at 3.2% and today 19.1%.
Just Some Interesting Stuff. --RoadDog
1. MTV LOSES MUSIC-- First, they stopped promoting music videos, now they have removed the words "Music television.' Too bad. I really liked that station when we got cable back in the 80s.
2. GOOD WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT-- I see that new Chicago Bear Julius peppers just bought former Bull B. J. Armstrong's 12-room, 5,923-foot home in Highland Park for $1.8 million. I guess it helps when you have a six-year $91.5 million contract. How much does a Bears ticket cost now?
3. 3D POP-- Personally, I don't like 3D and see the movies in 2D when I can, but the kids like it. It seems a whole lot of movies are in 3D these days. A look at 3D movies as a percentage of box office grosses between, 2009 to April and 2008 shows 2008 at 3.2% and today 19.1%.
Just Some Interesting Stuff. --RoadDog
Cruising the Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor in Illinois-- Part 2
Chenoa was next and we couldn't find anything at all downtown by the gazebo. Finally found Redbird Antiques and got our puzzle piece (all 12 towns had puzzle pieces you could collect) and were told it the food and entertainment had been moved to a park because a building near the Chenoa Pharmacy was in danger of collapsing into the street.
Lexington had garage sales downtown, but the main party was on Old Route 66. I finally got the pork chop sandwich I had been wanting at Chenoa along with a decent corn dog and root beer float.
Towanda had a really nice festival going on in the park with a band, food, and lots of vendors. We stopped at Schenk's Garage on the way out and Dawn told us she was having a band on Sunday and invited us.
We actually were able to follow Route 66 signage through that pesky subdivision in Normal and saw the Sprague Gas Station. Played NTN at Maguire's and Buffalo Wild Wings (where we saw the Derby). Also had a drink at Mugsy's and got a room at the Super 8. Split an order of fried onion at the nearby Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon.
A Pretty Good Day on the Road. --RoadDog
Lexington had garage sales downtown, but the main party was on Old Route 66. I finally got the pork chop sandwich I had been wanting at Chenoa along with a decent corn dog and root beer float.
Towanda had a really nice festival going on in the park with a band, food, and lots of vendors. We stopped at Schenk's Garage on the way out and Dawn told us she was having a band on Sunday and invited us.
We actually were able to follow Route 66 signage through that pesky subdivision in Normal and saw the Sprague Gas Station. Played NTN at Maguire's and Buffalo Wild Wings (where we saw the Derby). Also had a drink at Mugsy's and got a room at the Super 8. Split an order of fried onion at the nearby Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon.
A Pretty Good Day on the Road. --RoadDog
Number One Songs This Date-- Part 1
From Josh Hosler's website.
Number one songs according to Billboard for May 3rd, through the years.
2009 Boom Boom Pow-- Black Eyed Peas-- These guys are hot, well, two guys and a girl.
2000 Maria Maria-- Santana
1990 Nothing Compares to You-- Sinead O'Connor-- Talking about making somebody else's song your own!!
1980 Call Me-- Blondie
1979 Reunited-- Peaches & Herb
1978 Night Fever-- Bee Gees-- How high can you disco?
1977 Hotel California-- Eagles-- Couldn't avoid this song even if you wanted to.
1976 Welcome Back-- Jon Sebastian-- Vinny and the rest of the Sweathogs.
1975 He Don't Love You (Like I Do)-- Tony Orlando & Dawn
1974 Loco-Motion-- GFR
1973 Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree-- Tony Orlando & Dawn-- Their decade.
1972 The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face-- Roberta Flack
1971 Joy to the World-- Three Dog Night-- What was the name of that bullfrog.
1970 American Woman/No Sugar Tonight-- Guess Who
1960 Stuck on You-- Elvis Presley-- One of my fav Elv songs.
Can't Get Jeremiah Out of My Head. --RoadDog
Number one songs according to Billboard for May 3rd, through the years.
2009 Boom Boom Pow-- Black Eyed Peas-- These guys are hot, well, two guys and a girl.
2000 Maria Maria-- Santana
1990 Nothing Compares to You-- Sinead O'Connor-- Talking about making somebody else's song your own!!
1980 Call Me-- Blondie
1979 Reunited-- Peaches & Herb
1978 Night Fever-- Bee Gees-- How high can you disco?
1977 Hotel California-- Eagles-- Couldn't avoid this song even if you wanted to.
1976 Welcome Back-- Jon Sebastian-- Vinny and the rest of the Sweathogs.
1975 He Don't Love You (Like I Do)-- Tony Orlando & Dawn
1974 Loco-Motion-- GFR
1973 Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree-- Tony Orlando & Dawn-- Their decade.
1972 The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face-- Roberta Flack
1971 Joy to the World-- Three Dog Night-- What was the name of that bullfrog.
1970 American Woman/No Sugar Tonight-- Guess Who
1960 Stuck on You-- Elvis Presley-- One of my fav Elv songs.
Can't Get Jeremiah Out of My Head. --RoadDog
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Cruising the Route 66 Red Carpet in Illinois-- Part 1
Yesterday, Liz and I took a drive south along Illinois Highway 47 to the 4th Annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival taking place in four towns from Joliet to Towanda, a total of 12 communities.
We first drove around Woodstock to look at the ruins of Grace Hall, the historic square where a farmers' market was going on, and various "Groundhog Day" movie sites along with the half mile of blooming lilac bushes along Lake Street.
We arrived in Dwight, out first Route 66 town and got to go into the Becker Gas Station for the first time. It was in bad shape, but the town has since preserved it and turned it into a tourist office. It was closed when we first started 66in' and always closed the last several years.
Then, we went to the Standard station in Odell and to Pontiac where we toured the 66 Museum and had out first trip to the new Walldogs Museum on the square. There was a carnival going on in the square as well as vendors. We had our first-ever "Walking Taco" from the Pontiac Lions Club.
More to Come. --RoadDog
We first drove around Woodstock to look at the ruins of Grace Hall, the historic square where a farmers' market was going on, and various "Groundhog Day" movie sites along with the half mile of blooming lilac bushes along Lake Street.
We arrived in Dwight, out first Route 66 town and got to go into the Becker Gas Station for the first time. It was in bad shape, but the town has since preserved it and turned it into a tourist office. It was closed when we first started 66in' and always closed the last several years.
Then, we went to the Standard station in Odell and to Pontiac where we toured the 66 Museum and had out first trip to the new Walldogs Museum on the square. There was a carnival going on in the square as well as vendors. We had our first-ever "Walking Taco" from the Pontiac Lions Club.
More to Come. --RoadDog
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Drive's A to Z Update-- It's All Over
Sad to see, but knew it was coming. All good things must end and this great mass of songs is over until the next time.
Yesterday, Bobby Skafish played "Zoo" by the Scorpions and at 4:58, it was over. The next-to-last song was "Ziggy Stardust" by David Bowie. There were no letter "X" songs.
THE DRIVE'S "WILD" SONGS
Wild Horses-- Rolling Stones
Wild Night-- Van Morrison
Wild Thing-- Troggs
Wild Wild Life-- Talking Heads
Wild World-- Cat Stevens
Wildest Dreams-- Asia
Wildfire-- Michael Martin
There were 24 songs beginning with the word "You" starting with "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by BTO and ending with "You Wreck Me" by Tom Petty.
It all began April 22nd when Bobby Skafish played "Abacab" by Genesis.
Sure Gonna Miss It. --RoadDog
Yesterday, Bobby Skafish played "Zoo" by the Scorpions and at 4:58, it was over. The next-to-last song was "Ziggy Stardust" by David Bowie. There were no letter "X" songs.
THE DRIVE'S "WILD" SONGS
Wild Horses-- Rolling Stones
Wild Night-- Van Morrison
Wild Thing-- Troggs
Wild Wild Life-- Talking Heads
Wild World-- Cat Stevens
Wildest Dreams-- Asia
Wildfire-- Michael Martin
There were 24 songs beginning with the word "You" starting with "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" by BTO and ending with "You Wreck Me" by Tom Petty.
It all began April 22nd when Bobby Skafish played "Abacab" by Genesis.
Sure Gonna Miss It. --RoadDog
The Carnival Strikes Again
Call it a curse or a coincidence, but yesterday we had powerful storms come through the area and, the Round Lake spring carnival opened. For the past 34 years, with one exception, this event has brought on the horrible weather.
Yesterday, Liz and I driove into Round Lake Beach for our dentist appointments. While she was in the chair, I drove over to our insurance agent to pay some car premiums. Inside, I saw a poster for the carnival and uttered, "Oh, no!" The agent said, "Right, the carnival has come to town. You know what that means."
This curse dates back to 1976 when I was a Round Lake Jaycee and we were sponsoring the carnival. I had to man a ticket booth and drove to it. It was a perfect day in April with temps in the upper 70s and sun. Within an hour, temps had dropped 30 degrees and a stiff north wind and clouds made it miserable to be in that booth.
Ever since them, with one exception, we have had horrible and lousy weather whenever that confounded thing has showed up. Most people also know of the curse.
So, if the rest of this weekend turns out bad, you know the reason why. And, i should add, the carnival is still in town next weekend, so, don't be surprised.
Hate That Old Carnival. --RoadDog
Yesterday, Liz and I driove into Round Lake Beach for our dentist appointments. While she was in the chair, I drove over to our insurance agent to pay some car premiums. Inside, I saw a poster for the carnival and uttered, "Oh, no!" The agent said, "Right, the carnival has come to town. You know what that means."
This curse dates back to 1976 when I was a Round Lake Jaycee and we were sponsoring the carnival. I had to man a ticket booth and drove to it. It was a perfect day in April with temps in the upper 70s and sun. Within an hour, temps had dropped 30 degrees and a stiff north wind and clouds made it miserable to be in that booth.
Ever since them, with one exception, we have had horrible and lousy weather whenever that confounded thing has showed up. Most people also know of the curse.
So, if the rest of this weekend turns out bad, you know the reason why. And, i should add, the carnival is still in town next weekend, so, don't be surprised.
Hate That Old Carnival. --RoadDog
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