Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Last Weekend-- Part 2

Sunday, Bob Stroud on his Rock and Roll Roots program played songs having to do with fall, or as some say, autumn. He sure had to dig down far for some of them, which I haven't heard of before. I'll be listing these songs tomorrow...maybe.


SEQUOIT LODGE

Liz and I drove over to Sequoit Lodge in Antioch, Illinois, and met up with a group of friends at 10:30. Julie's husband and his buddy were playing music, their first paying gig ever. And, we were there for support.

We've been to the Lodge several times on Sundays as they have great breakfasts and entertainment from 10 am to noon. Where else ya gonna get entertainment Sunday morning. The place is always packed. We did lots of cheering and the duo got several more jobs out of it.


MARS TRADING POST INN

We then drove to Mar's Trading Post Inn (dating back to the 1840s) in Wilmot, Wisconsin, just over the border). Hard to beat $1 pints, $1 meatloaf sandwiches (with chips) and $1.75 pint Bloody Marys. Stuck around for the card draw and booze and meat raffle which always packs the place.

It was very sad to hear that Dave, Mar's husband, has terminal cancer. He has always been a fixture there and the raffles just won't be the same without him. There will be a benefit for him in November.


CHOPPER'S

Leaving Mar's, we went to Chopper's on Il-173 and met Kevin and Kelly, who had boated up there. Watched some more football (we always hate when the Bears are on at night. What do Bear fans do during Sunday afternoon?) and had the 25 cent wings (love the chili-garlic) and $5 pitchers.

Not a Bad Way to Spend a Sunday Without Da Bears. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Bakers tade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

The Drive's A to Z-- Part 3

What songs can you think of that begin with the words "Hey," "Highway" and "Hot?"

Here we are on the fourth day of this monster music celebration. I have put my Beach Music listening on hold until Monday. I listened a lot yesterday: on the internet, working on the yard, boating and driving to Donovan's.

Steve Downs, the Drive's morning guy, is on the letter "I" and playing songs that begin with "I."

The last four songs:

I WANT TO MAKE THE WORLD TURN AROUND-- Steve Miller
I WANT YOU-- Bob Dylan
I WANT YOU/SHE'S SO HEAVY-- Beatles
I WANT YOU TO WANT ME-- Cheap Trick (playing right now)


SONGS BEGINNING WITH "HEY."

HEY BABY-- Ted Nugent
HEY BULLDOG-- Beatles
HEY HEY, MY MY (INTO THE BLACK)-- Neil Young
HEY HEY WHAT CAN I DO-- Led Zeppelin
HEY JOE-- Jimi Hendrix
HEY JUDE-- Beatles
HEY NINETEEN-- Steely Dan
HEY TONIGHT-- CCR
HEY YOU-- Pink Floyd


SONGS BEGINNING WITH "HIGHWAY." Since I'm pretty big into 'em.

HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED-- Bob Dylan
HIGHWAY STAR-- Deep Purple
HIGHWAY TO HELL-- AC/DC


SONGS BEGINNING WITH "HOT."

HOT BLOODED-- Foreigner
HOT DOG-- Led Zeppelin
HOT FOR TEACHER-- Van Halen
HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME-- Sly & the Family Stone
HOT LEGS-- Rod Stewart
HOT ROD LINCOLN-- Commander Cody-- and a GREAT Road Song!!

They just played:

I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU-- Kiss
I WILL FOLLOW-- U2 (playing at this moment)

Loving It!! --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Last Weekend-- Part 1

We didn't do everything I planned, but most.

SATURDAY

We did get to the Cub Scouts pig roast in Fox lake at the Lakefront Park. Hard to beat a heaping bbq pork sandwich with ear of corn, slaw and pork and beans for $5. And, for a good cause.

We drove from there to Dock's in Wauconda, Illinois, where we sat out by the Tiki Bar on a chilly day, but at least some of the sides were closed and they had outdoor heaters which took some of the edge off.

We saw Terry Spizzeri and his nephew on keyboards put on a great four hour show covering all sorts of music from the last 50 years as well as Irish songs. Terry's m,other was Irish, but father Italian, hence the name. We were shocked that he remembered us after the 15 years we didn't see him. Great time, but cold. $3.25 bottles of beer.

I had thought about having a bonfire, but was sufficiently cold enough from Dock's, so didn't. Earlier, I had even considered boating, but, too cold.

I also saw the last part of the NIU-Minnesota game after the Indiana game was over on the Big Ten, er-Eleven, er-Twelve Network. Believe it or not, Northern actually beat a Big Ten, er-Eleven, er-Twelve team, for only the third time in our history!! It was close, but we still won.

Good Times in the Area. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is called a small medium at large.

The Drive's A to Z-- Part 2

How many songs can you name starting with the words "Down" and "Fire?"


If you go to the Drive's website and click on the A to Z box, you can register to win an ipod loaded with all 2,100 songs. I put my name in. That would be my first ipod, but with my luck, I know I won't win. But that would launch me into the download age. I still buy CDs.

Speaking of which, I need to get out and buy the new Kenny Chesney one.

By the way, yesterday, I posted the Monday update on my http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com blog.

DOWN BY THE RIVER-- Neil Young
DOWN BY THE SEASIDE-- Led Zeppelin
DOWN ON ME-- Janis Joplin
DOWN ON THE CORNER-- CCR
DOWN TO THE WATERLINE-- Dire Straits
DOWN UNDER-- Men at Work


FIRE-- Crazy World of Arthur Brown
FIRE-- Jimi Hendrix
FIRE-- Bruce Springsteen
FIRE AND ICE-- Pat Benatar
FIRE DOWN BELOW-- Bob Seger
FIRE ON HIGH-- ELO
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN-- Grateful Dead

What, no "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor?

They just finished quite a four-song set of different genres.

FOOTLOOSE-- Kenny Loggins
FOR ROCKER-- Jackson Browne
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY-- O'Jays
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK-- AC/DC

Well, I've Seen Fire and Rain. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: He had a photographic memory that was never developed. (Like Me.)

The Drive's A to Z Update-- Part 1

How many classic rick songs can you think of beginning with the words "California," "Call" and "Can't?"


Imagine a radio station playing 2,100 songs over a period of eight days and doing ot alphabetically. That is exactly what Chicago's WDRV, the Drive, is doing on their A to Z which started Monday and is expected to run through sometime this coming Monday.

Right now, at 7:38 am CSDT, they are playing "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" by Elvin Bishop which means they are on the letter "F."

They do stream at www.wdrv.com and you can see a list of songs they have played.

Since I didn't post yesterday, I'll catch up.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING-- Mamas and Papas
CALIFORNIA GIRLS-- Beach Boys
CALIFORNIA MAN-- Cheap Trick (new one on me)


CALL ME-- Blondie
CALL ME THE BREEZE-- Lynyrd Skynyrd (RIP Leonard Skinner)
CALL ON ME-- Bad Company
CALL ON ME-- Chicago
CALLING DR. LOVE-- Kiss


CAN'T BUY ME LOVE-- Bearles
CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING-- REO Speedwagon
CAN'T FIND MY WAY BACK HOME-- Blind Faith
CAN'T GET ENOUGH-- Bad Company
CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD-- ELO
CAN'T STAND LOSING YOU-- Police
CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKIN'-- Rolling Stones
CAN'T YOU SEE-- Marshall Tucker
CANT'CHA SAY-- Boston

They just finished "Foolin'" by Def Leppard and "Fooling Yourself" by Styx.

Give It a Listen. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A hard boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

Monday, September 27, 2010

It's a Summer Thing 1970-- Part 4

Better hurry up and finish this before the end of the month this Thursday.

LONG, LONG TIME-- LINDA RONSTADT-- first solo effort and a Top 40 hit. (Boy, did I have a crush on her!)
LOOKIN' OUT MY BACK DOOR-- CCR-- their latest, "A" side. (The best-ever group!)

COTTAGE CHEESE-- CROW-- From the "NorthLand", or Minnesota if you want to call it that. Top Ten in Chicago. We had it on Rock and Roll Roots Vol. 1. (Thanks a lot Minnesota Twins said the White Sox fan. Bob Stroud will be releasing his Rock and Roll Roots Vol. 12 CD in early November with those great shows at the two Borders stores starring many of the great Chicago 60s bands.)
MISSISSIPPI QUEEN-- MOUNTAIN-- a supremely expressive player there, Leslie West. Great album called "Climbing." (Probably something to do with mountain.)

LET IT RAIN-- ERIC CLAPTON-- from his first solo album, self-titled. Closes out the release.
25 OR 6 TO 4-- CHICAGO-- In Top Ten on Labor Day weekend 1970.

ONLY LOVE CAN BREAK YOUR HEART-- NEIL YOUNG-- just released third solo album "After the Goldrush" first single release.
SOLITARY MAN-- NEIL DIAMOND-- a couple of Neils on different paths.

Finishing Up the Summer, Next. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A lot of money is tainted. Taint yours and Taint mine.

No Ten at Ten; Drive's A to Z

Tuned into 97.1, the Drive www.wdrv.com about 40 minutes ago to listen to Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten, but, there was NO Ten at Ten.

It turns out the station started their very popular A to Z, where they go into the station's library and pick out over 2,000 songs and arrange them alphabetically and play them non-stop until they reach the end of "Z."

If you can't have Ten at Ten, this is just as good. I'll be listening a lot over the next several days, probably to Friday.

Bob Stroud just finished playing "Always With Me, Always With You" by Joe Satriani.

They started A to Z at 7 am with Genesis' "Abacab" and still will be in the letter "A" for quite awhile.

I'd definitely give it a listen and it streams live.

Love That "A to Z." --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Local Area Network in Australia-- the LAN down under.

Mickey's Guy, "Buzz Price"

HARRISON "BUZZ" PRICE ((1921-2010)

ENGINEER PICKED OUT DISNEY SITES

Died August 15th at age 89.

Michael Eisner, former Disney CEO said Mr. Price "was as much responsible for the success of the Walt Disney Co, as anybody except Walt Disney himself.

In 1953, Walt Disney asked for advice on where to build his first theme park, Price, an engineer, analyzed population trends, land prices, accessibility and climate (as well as Route 66) and chose a 160-acre orange grove in Anaheim, California.

Mr. Price later remembered, "We hit it right on the nose, dead center."

He also recommended orange groves near Orlando, Florida for a second Disney theme park. We all know what happened there.

Disney later urged Price to open his own firm, which he did in 1958.

This man sure made an impact on the cultural and tourism landscape of the nation. I've been to both parks, but wouldn't go back. Too may kids and people. Plus, too expensive.

From August 20th Chicago Tribune by Valerie J. Nelson

Harrison Alan Price was born May 17, 1921 in Oregon City, Oregon. "Buzz" was a family nickname.

Little Steven's Top Ten Bill Murray Movies

Two weeks ago, Little Steven did an Underground Garage show on one of my favorite actor/comedians, Bill Murray in honor of his birthday, September 21, 1950, which puts him a tad older than me by a year.

Steven played songs from the near 50 movies and songs that were appropriate to him. Of course, there were lots of his SNL lounge singer bits.

TOP TEN COOLEST BILL MURRAY MOVIES EVER

10. Five-way tie: Where the Buffalo Roam, Lost in Translation, Razor's Edge, Broken Flowers and Meatballs

9. Tootsie
8. Ed Wood
7. Wild Thing
6. Ghostbusters
5. Caddy Shack
4. Stripes
3. Groundhog Day
2. Mad Dog and Glory
1. The Rutles: All You Need is Cash

My Top 5

5. Stripes
4. What About Bob
3. Caddy Shack
4. Ghostbusters
1. Groundhog Day

Real Funny Guy. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Every calendar's days are numbered.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Mary Schmich on Stuff You May Not Know About Fall

We're a few days into my absolutely favorite season of the year now, fall. The trees are turning, mums are blooming, apples ripening and that lousy winter right around the corner so you have to enjoy it while you can. Oh yes, then there's that sport.

Mary Schmich had a column in the September 22nd Chicago Tribune that I found of interest.

1. Why is the first day of fall so hard to remember? Because it changes each year. This year it was the 22nd. next year the 23rd.

2. Is there a difference between autumn and fall? The British prefer autumn and North Americans fall. Fall is easier to rhyme, so perhaps it's a poetic thing.

3. Are the day and night of equal length on the autumn equinox? "Equinox" comes from the words equal and night. Actually the equal day comes on this Sunday.

4. Are Chicago trees changing earlier this year? Doris Taylor of the Morton Arboretum says no.

5. But there are already a lot of leaves in the gutters and ground. Taylor says that June's heavy rains caused trees to sprout a lot of leaves. The following dry spell is causing some premature leaf falls.

More Fall to Come. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: You feel stuck with your debt when you can't budge it.

What to Do This Weekend?

Maybe I can get out for a Boat Float today. A bit on the cool side, but at least sunny.

The Cub Scouts the Legion sponsors is having a pig roast at the Fox Lake Lakefront Park on Nippersink Lake for $7 a plate, not a bad price for roast pork.

One of our favorite performers, Terry Spizzeri will be out on the deck of Dock's overlooking Bang's Lake in Wauconda. Even with a name like that, he is one of the best and most fun Irish singers around. He played at my 40th birthday party many, many, many years ago.

Northern's Huskies play the Minnesota Gophers tonight on the Big Ten, er Eleven, er Twelve Network. I'll record it and watch it later at Margaritaville, our downstairs bar.

I also plan to have a bonfire out on the Grand Strand patio out by the gazebo. I can then enjoy the newly whitened concrete aggregate.

SUNDAY

Again, no Bears at noon. We'll probably go to the Sequoit Lodge in Antioch for their breakfast and live music from 10-noon.

Then to Choppers for 25 cent wings and $5 pitchers and perhaps Mar's Trading Post in Wilmot, Wisconsin, for the Liquor and Food raffle and then maybe to Twin Lakes for the Ultimate Bloody Mary for $3.50 at Main Street and some NTN at Donovan's Reef.

That Should Keep Me Busy. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

JSIS: Leonard Skinner Dies (Not the Band)-- SOS Fall Migration-- Bears Stink Monday Nights-- Huskies vs. Gophers

JSIS-- Just Some Interesting Stuff


1. LEONARD SKINNER DIES (NOT THE BAND)-- 1933-2010. Where the band Lynyrd Skynyrd got their name from the Jacksonville, Florida, high school gym teacher who once took a group member to the office for having too long hair. See Dead Page on my Cooter's History Thing Blog http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com.


2. SOS FALL MIGRATION-- Going on right now in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. SOS stands for Shagging On the Strand. Beach Music fans and bands flock to the coast for almost a week of partying and dancing the shag, the official dance of South Carolina. Wish we were there, maybe next year after the eyes.


3. BEARS STINK MONDAY NIGHTS-- Almost don't know what to do on Sunday since Da Bears don't play to Monday night. I sure wish they never had to play Monday night games because the Bears, for some reason, STINK that night. I'd sure like to know the record on Monday nights, probably 5-30.

And, we have to play the arch-rival Green Bay Packers.


4. HUSKIES VS. GOPHERS-- NIU takes on the University of Minnesota tonight. Probably another loss as we don't play the Big Ten, er Eleven, er Twelve that well. At least it will be televised on the Big Ten, er Eleven, er Twelve Network so will get to watch it.

Last week, we gave the University of Illinois a good run before, of course, losing.

What to Do, What to Do. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

Friday, September 24, 2010

It's a Summer 1970 Thing-- Part 3

More songs from September 5, 1970.


IN THE SUMMERTIME-- MUNGO JERRY-- With still two or three weeks left before the official end of summer, this one still works. (The song that would NEVER GO AWAY>)
OVERTURE FROM TOMMY-- THE ASSEMBLED MULTITUDE-- group of studio cats. In the Top Ten Labor Day weekend.

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE-- BEATLES-- From "Let It Be," their final release, a John tune.
JUNK-- PAUL McCARTNEY-- melancholy little number from his debut solo album "McCartney" from side 1. On side 2, there was the instrumental of it called "Sing-A-Long Junk." (Guess Sir Paul ran out of stuff for the album.)

OUT IN THE COUNTRY-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- Brand new follow up to "Mama Told Me Not to Come." Hit bound.
THE SHAPE I'M IN-- BAND-- Their third album just released before Labor Day weekend from side 2. (I'm a big Band fan.)

(I KNOW) I'M LOSING YOU-- RARE EARTH-- another great Motown classic cover.
LUCIFER-- BOB SEGER SYSTEM-- released a new album called "Mongrel" just a few weeks earlier.

Taking Me Back Alright. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Of you don't pay your exorcist, you'll get repossessed.

JSS: White Sidewalks-- Not Much Boating-- No Harvest Moon for Us-- But, Fireworks

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.


1. WHITE SIDEWALKS-- Yesterday, I had my friend Lance come up with his pressure washer to do some long overdue power washing of the sidewalks and patios around the house. The new white ones sure create a glare and can cause eyestrain in direct sunlight


2. NOT MUCH BOATING-- Between the weather and Liz's eye appointments, I've only been out on the boat twice since returning home from North Carolina. I have to get some more in as the end of the season is fast approaching and we get those earlier and earlier nightfalls.


3. NO HARVEST MOON FOR US-- I didn't know that a Harvest Moon was a full moon that occurs on the first official day of fall. And, we had one Wednesday, but we couldn't see it because of all the clouds. Too bad, I would have liked to be able to say I'd seen one. You know, "Shine On


4. BUT, FIREWORKS-- Coming back from a local restaurant last night, Liz and I saw fireworks out to the south, not something you expect to see on a Thursday night in September. It was the bonfire and fireworks display that Johnsburg High School has every night before their homecoming game.

I rushed around to the back of the house and could see them quite easily from near the gazebo. We used to be able to see them from the deck, but some clown, who shall remain nameless, planted too many trees at the back of our property and...they grew.

Nice fireworks display.

Just Some Stuff-- RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

It's a Summer 1970 Thing-- Part 2

Going back to the Summer of 1977 one last time. After all, it's Labor Day Weekend and everyone is back on school now. School definitely puts a crimp on summer fun. Plus, it's a seasonal thing you know.

These were songs on your radio and in your record collection (that would be albums and singles, or 33 and a thirds and 45s for you young folks) back 40 years ago.

This show played on September 5th and the songs were all from September 5, 1970.

CRACKLIN' ROSIE-- NEIL DIAMOND-- climbing the charts
CUT ACROSS SHORTY-- ROD STEWART-- new album "Gasoline Alley", album #2 for him. Quite a marriage of music he's got going in that old Eddie Cochran classic, dobros, slide guitars and fiddling all over the place. (Not today's Rod at all.)

MAKE IT WITH YOU- BREAD-- their first Top Ten hit, still played on the radio. (Their first album, "On the Water" is still one of my favorites. I'm on my second copy.)
IT'S A SHAME-- SPINNERS-- Motown, written by Stevie Wonder (I love that jangling guitar.)

TEACHER-- JETHRO TULL-- latest from their new album "Benefit." (Should have been Top Ten. A great topic song for this time of the year.)
NEW SPEEDWAY BOOGIE-- GRATEFUL DEAD-- from "Working Man's Dead."

Let's get That Old '67 Tempest Fired Up. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: She was engaged to a boy with a wooden leg, but she broke it off.

Beach Music Top 40 for 1954-- Part 3

Before starting the third hour, which I am lostening to right now, before I have to leave for another eye doctor appointment for Liz. Seems like that is all we do these days.

Fessa John gave some background on the Beach charts for 1954, saying it marked the end of the first era when Hurricane Hazel ravaged the east coast, destroying many of the places featuring BM. The following year the R&B that Beach Music folk had been listening and shagging (the dance) to for ten years started hitting the national pop charts.

#20 DON'T STOP DAN-- Checkers-- Almost a complete cover of the Beach Music Anthem "Sixty Minute Man" which came out in 1951, but was banned in most places. The Checkers changed a few lyrics and had a hit with it.
#19 LOVEY DOVEY-- Clovers-- from DC/Baltimore
HM-- WHATEVER YOU'RE DOIN', KEEP ON DOIN' IT- Du Droppers
#18 I'LL BE TRUE-- Faye Adams and Joe Morris Orch.

HM-- AIN'T CHA GOT ME WHERE YOU WANT ME-- Ella and Buddy Johnson--brother and sister act from Darlington, SC.
HM-- A PRETTY GIRL, A CADILLAC, & SOME MONEY-- Ella and Buddy Johnson
#17 BANANA SPLIT-- Kid King's Combo-- a local star in Nashville, Tn. known as Skippy King. His band backed up many of the Excello label artists.
#16 YOUR CASH AIN'T NOTHIN' BUT TRASH-- Clovers--Billy Mitchell on lead vocals

HM-- ROCKET IN THE ROCKET ROOM-- Larks (Wonder what this one's about?)
#15 RUB A LITTLE BOOGIE-- Champion Jack DuPree
#14 I'M SLIPPIN' IN-- Spiders
#13 GOOD GOOD WHISKEY- Amos Milburn
#13 LET'S HAVE A PARTY-- Amos Milburn

#12 LITTLE MAMA-- Clovers
#11 SH-BOOM-- Chords-- Actually two groups had a hit with this one. The other was the white band called the Crew-Cuts. This is the original. (And the one featured in the movie "Cars" when they strolled down the refurbished and neoned main street of Radiator Springs.

Listening to these, you definitely know where Rock and Roll came from.

A Really great Year for Music, and Before Rock and Roll. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: In democracy, your vote counts. In feudalism, your count votes.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Beach Music Top 40 for 1954-- Part 2

#30 OUTSIDE OF PARADISE-- Ray-O-Vacs
#29 TRYING TO GET TO YOU-- Elvis and the Eagles
HM-- GIVE ME YOUR LOVE-- Larry Darnell
#28 DON'T YOU KNOW-- Ray Charles

HM-- HEY, LITTLE SCHOOLGIRL/YOU DONE ME WRONG-- Fats Domino
#27 HONEY LOVE-- Drifters
#26 TEN DAYS IN JAIL-- Robins
HM-- TAKE OUT YOUR FALSE TEETH DADDY-- Margie Day

#25 IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME-- Ray Charles
IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME-- Little George Benson
#24 WIGGLE WAGGLE WOO-- Stick McGhee
#23 BEER BARREL BOOGIE-- Platters

#22 HEY BARTENDER-- Floyd Dixon
#21 OVER THE RAINBOW-- Checkers
#21 YOU'VE BEEN FOOLING AROUND-- Checkers

Mighty Good Stuff. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. (I didn't get this one at first.)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Beach Music Top 40 for 1954-- Part 1

I'm listening to Fessa John Hook's Beach Music Survey of the the Top Ten songs for 1954. I was 3 at the time, so don't remember any, but am familiar with some of the songs. Other songs I've never heard before.


#40 Get It off Your Mind-- Robins
#39 I'm Stuck-- Five Jets
HM Oh What a Fool-- Joseph "Mr. Google Eyes" August (really, a Google back in 1954?)
#38 Tick Tock-- Marvin and Johnny

#37 'Lizabeth-- Thrillers
HM I'm a Wine Drinker-- Bards
#36 Honey Hush-- Big Joe Turner
HM Love Contest-- Ruth Brown

#35 Shim, Sham, Shimmy-- Champion Jack DuPree
#34 My man's an Undertaker-- Dinah Jackson
#33 Jungle Juice-- Stick McGhee and His Buddies
HM Fifty Five Seconds-- Otis Williams and the Charms
#32 I Ain't Drunk-- Jimmy Liggins
#32 Talkin' That talk-- Jimmy Liggins
#31 A Dollar Down-- Louis Jordan and His Tympany 5

You can hear all four hours at
http://www.cashboxmagazine.com/countdowns/beachmusicweekly.html

Good Stuff, Maynard! --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead give away.)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Heading for North Carolina: Part 11-- Home

September 7th.

I drove the National Road and US-40 west from Zanesville, Ohio, to Hebron, about twenty miles east of Columbus. I did stop to look at the Eagle Nest Monument, a large rock commemorating the concrete paving of the National Road from Zanesville to Hebron from 1914-1916, part of an experiment to see what the best road materials were. Concrete proved to be best.

I drove this whole stretch.

I was sad to see Clark's restaurant in Jacksontown was closed and had a sign about a final auction of all equipment for this weekend. Guess that is a s final as it gets. They were noted for their special fried chicken and homemade pies, which I was able to enjoy both a few years back.

Superslabbin' It Home, Next. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired. (Boy, was that bad!)

JSS: New CBS Season-- And, Speaking of Hawaii-Five-- Bring on Ryno, Get Rid of Manny-- Wait Till Next Year for Sox

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. NEW CBS SEASON-- Looking forward to watching three of my favorite shows premiering on CBS tonight: 7 How I Met Your Mother, 7:30 Rules of Engagement, 8 Two and a Half Men. I will check out the new sitcom Mike and Molly and drama Hawaii Five-0. Both new shows sound good.


2. AND SPEAKING OF HAWAII FIVE-0-- CBS is debuting the "New" Hawaii Five-0 tonight. Exactly 42 years ago, the original Hawaii Five-0 debuted, September 20, 1968, with Jack Lord and James MacArthur. It ran for twelve years on CBS. I wonder how well this new one will do?


3. BRING ON RYNO, GET RID OF MANNY-- Now that the baseball season ends for both the Cubs and Sox, it is time for the North Siders to get with it and let former Cub Ryne Sandberg manage next year and for the South Siders to get rid of Der Manny and all those cute ringlets.


4. WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR FOR SOX-- Last week, things weren't looking good for the White Sox who were six games behind the Twins and they were to play three games versus Minnesota at home. Well, the Sox got swept. Then, to prove the point, got swept by Detroit. The Sox are now ten games back and in danger of losing second to the Tigers.

And yet, Der Oz says he'll keep his best lineup in there. Time to start playing the rookies and utility players to see who is a fit fir next year.

At Least I Won't Feel Obligated to Watch Any Playoff Games. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.

Friday, September 17, 2010

A Rough Eight Days for Liz

My poor wife sure had about as rough of a little over a week as a person can have with two eye operations and three trips to the doctor.

The 9th, she had the cataract in her left eye removed at Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry. There were complications. We went to her eye doctor Friday and he set up an appointment with a retina specialist in Crystal Lake for the 13th.

On that Monday, the specialist set up another operation for the 16th, this time at the Woodstock Hospital. This operation was a success yesterday. But, today, we had another appointment with him in Crystal Lake.

That would be enough to stress anyone. Fortunately, both operations were outpatient, but, Liz was a victim of those nasty automatic blood pressure machines at both hospitals. They should be used to torture terrorists, they are so painful.

However, local restaurants have gotten richer because after the appointments we've stopped at IHOP in McHenry, Dock's in Wauconda and today at Main Street in McHenry.

Liz Is Sure Glad These Past 8 Days Are Over, But She Still Has to Have the Cataract in Her Right Eye Removed.

The Good and the Bad One-Word Titles

From the July 25th Chicago Tribune "Eureka! Finding the right one-word title is hit or miss" by Julia Keller.

In yesterday's Movie Scratches, I mentioned seeing the movie "Inception" which I enjoyed. Julia Keller came up with a lits of what she considers to be good and bad one-word titles in all sorts of areas.

ALL-TIME BEST ONE-WORD TITLES

GUNSMOKE-- (1955-76) TV series
JAWS-- (1974) novel
LOST-- (2004-2010) TV series (I liked it at first, but got too confused and quit)
BABE-- (1995) movie (never saw it)
HERATBROKE-- (1982) song by Guy Clark (I liked Ricky Skaggs' version)
OKLAHOMA-- (1943) musical (Now I have that song in my head, thanks Julia.)


ALL-TIME WORST ONE-WORD TITLES

SCRUBS-- (2001-2010) TV series (I liked it until the last two years.)
INCEPTION (2010) movie (I liked it)
SAW-- (2004) movie (I recently saw "Saw" and like it.)
BEOWULF-- (AD 800-900) poem

These were the ones I knew.

I Don't Always Agree, But makes for Interesting Thinking. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Reading while sunbathing makes you well read.

Heading for North Carolina: Part 10-- Ohio

September 6th, Labor Day, I left Goldsboro for home. I hadn't been on interstates during a holiday in many years. Near Raleigh-Durham Airport on I-40 I passed about six state troopers who had cars pulled over in one short stretch. That was enough to make me be very aware of my speed the rest of that day.

Took I-40 to Winston-Salem and then US-52 north past the very interesting Pilot Mountain to Mt. Airy, NC, Andy Griffith's hometown and basis for Mayberry, with visions of one of those great Snappy Lunch pork chop sandwiches (and, I was even there before their 1:30 closing time) but they were closed for the holiday (even though there were a lot of people on the streets).

I had to go to Plan B and had a Wilber's bbq dinner in the parking lot of the local McDonald's.


THE REST OF THE WAY

I got on I-77 and took it through the Virginia panhandle, getting gas at Wytheville (always one of the cheapest places to get gas (and definitely before you get to the super expensive West Virginia.

I stopped at the last rest area in West Virginia before you get to Ohio and found a stand giving out free hot dogs and coffee for Labor Day travelers. I've heard of free coffee along the interstates on holidays, but had never been to one. Mighty nice of the volunteers.

I continued into Ohio and to Cambridge where I got off and drove the National Road/US-40 to Zanesville, one of my favorite old road drives anywhere past those two S-Bridges and the Y-Bridge in Zanesville. I checked into the Super 8 on the west end of town. I've stayed there two other times. A good place to stay on this area.

Last Day Coming Up. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Condoms should be used in every conceivable occasion.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Movie Scratches: Schmucks-- Inception-- Guys-- Eat

Taking a quick look at the recent movies I have seen in the theater.

53. DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS-- 8-4-- Fox Lake $4-- Careful which "Losers" you invite.


54. INCEPTION-- 8-10-- Fox Lake $5.50-- Who's dream is it, anyway? Exactly how many levels are there and who is on which one?


55. THE OTHER GUYS-- 8-11-- Fox Lake $4-- Beware the Gator and let the Peacock fly. Not exactly your super cops.


56. EAT, PRAY, LOVE-- 8-24-- Fox Lake $5.50-- Watching Julia eat and balance her way through Rome, India and Bali.

Maybe a Coke Would Go With the Popcorn? --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

White Sox Frank Thomas' Number Retired-- Part 1

As we grieve the Sox dropping out of contention for the AL Central's championship, I came across an article in the August 29th Chicago Tribune about White Sox great Frank Thomas having his number retired on that date. By Dave van Dyck.

He was one of my favorite all-time Sox players and put up numbers that should have him in baseball's Hall of Fame, but I doubt he'll ever make it. And, he didn't take steroids to do it! However, there was a marked deterioration in Big Frank's attitude when the Sox signed attitude-problem Albert Belle from the Indians. Plus, there was the acrimonious departure of Thomas from the Sox.

He is one of my favorite Sox players, but my favorite player is Harold Baines.

His number was 35.

"You can put it on the board: Sox retiring Thomas' number Sunday" to paraphrase Hawk Harrelson.

SOME OTHER THOMAS NUMBERS:

7-- in 1989, Thomas was the 7th player taken overall in the draft. The Cubs chose Earl Cunnigham right after him. Cunningham never made the majors, nor did the Cardinals' #6 Paul Coleman. Jeff Jackson was taken by the Phillies before Thomas and he never made it to the Big League either.

11-- the number of games total that Thomas played at Triple A in 2005, all on rehab assignment. He played one season with Double A Birmingham before joining the Sox.

More to Come. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

It's a Summer 1970 Thing-- Part 1

While I was in North Carolina, Liz was nice enough to record Bob Stroud's final salute to the Summer of 1970, Part 4, on September 5th.

I was starting my sophomore year at Northern Illinois University and my parents had moved to Georgia because of Dad's transfer. Sophomore year, I lived at the Delta Sig house out on Greenbrier Road in Fraternity Row, a short distance north of campus.

This was Stroud's fourth installment of his now annual salute to summers gone by. He started back in 2007 with the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love, 1967.

This was what your radio sounded like and what some of your records sounded like 40 years ago on Labor Day Weekend.

HAND ME DOWN WORLD-- GUESS WHO-- their latest one.
TIGHTER AND TIGHTER-- ALIVE AND KICKING-- one-hit wonder

SOMETHING'S COMING ON-- BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS-- from BS&T 3, side 2
SPILL THE WINE-- ERIC BURDON & WAR-- still in the Top Ten

"Imagine me, a long-haired leaping gnome..." --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: A hangover is the Wrath of Grapes.

Going Back to 1967-- Part 2

The songs played on Ten at Ten. They have one show in the am and then rebroadcast it on the pm.

NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN-- MOODY BLUES--
I THINK WE'RE ALONE-- TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS-- If Bubble Gum could be compared to a fine wine, there you go.

HEY JOE- JIMI HENDRIX-- This week is the 40th anniversary of his death.
HAPPY TOGETHER-- TURTLES-- Knocked the Beatles' "Penny Lane" off the charts in February.

DAYDREAM BELIEVER-- MONKEES-- Hot #1 December 1967.
FOOL ON THE HILL-- BEATLES-- Paul McCartney's song from the "Magical Mystery Tour" album.

BACK DOOR MAN-- DOORS-- Channels Howling Wolf from their '67 debut.
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH-- BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD-- written by Steven Stills.

HAPPY JACK-- WHO-- Top 3 song in UK, #24 in the US.
COLD SWEAT-- JAMES BROWN-- Funk Masterpiece. What does James Brown feed his horse? H'AAAY!!

Listeners vote each day for their favorite song. This day's contest was won by "Nights in White Satin." I told Liz because this is one of her two all-time favorite songs. The other one is "Daydream Believer" which was also on the Top Ten today. I asked her which one she would vote for and she said she couldn't make up her mind.

I voted for "For What It's Worth" as I am a big Buffalo Springfield fan.

"There's Something Happening Here. What It Is Ain't Exactly Clear." --RoadDog

NO PUN INTENDED: A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Going Back to 1967

Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten, hosted by Seaver yesterday, went back to 1967. Probably my favorite-ever year if I had to pick one. I was a sophomore at Palatine High for part of it and junior for the rest. I started my first job at Burger King and met Liz. I also started getting into journalism with the school paper (probably why I do these lousy blogs).

I once had a 1967 Pontiac Firebird convertible (but not back then). I'd sure like to still have it, but I sold the car when there was just too much expensive work that needed to be done.

Every two songs they play, there is a break where they play news clips, give information about the year and sometimes play commercials.

From 1967: A commercial for the Dodge Coronet and sportscar Charger. All part of what they were calling the Dodge Rebellion.

The Green bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I.

Rolling Stone Magazine published their first issue (I subscribed to it for many years until I'd never heard of too many of the groups they talked about.)

The Monkees went to #1 for the first time.

There was a really weird song out called "I'm a Mechanical Man. (The lyrics were by Charles Manson. I wonder if that is THAT Charles Manson?

There was also a commercial for Wrigley Spearmint gum.

Sings Up Next. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Shotgun wedding-- a case of wife or death.

.

Heading for North Carolina-- Part 9-- Family Day-- Are We Ever Scattered About!

Sunday, September 5th, it was good being with family. My sister Julie was staying at my mom's house. Alex and Alyson came by for bbq before heading back to Bluffton, SC.

Later, we had more bbq with my brother Bob, his wife Judy and his son Andy and family.

It is a rare day when we can get everybody together as we are one spread out family. Alex and Alyson, like I said, live in Bluffton. Julie lives in Richmond Hill, Georgia (near Savannah). Her daughter goes to UGA in Athens, Ga..

Liz and I live in Spring Grove, Illinois (near Chicago). Bob and Judy live next door to Mom in Goldsboro, NC. His son Andy and family live in White House, Tennessee, north of Nashville.

I guess this Dad being transferred so much while we were growing up had a lot to do with this dispersion.

That Sure Makes It Quite a Logistical Problem to Get Everyone Together. --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Dijon Vu-- the same mustard as before.

Monday, September 13, 2010

It's Them, Not Me: What's with This GAS GOUGE??

Gas while on my recent trip was anywhere from $2.60 to as low as $2.37 in one place in Tennessee. When I left Illinois August 28th, it was $2.70 around our area. I came back September 7th it was $2.80. Yesterday, I saw it at $2.90 and $2.92 in Fox Lake.

Many places in Crystal Lake had it at $3.00 and one Mobil station in Island Lake was even $3.10!!! These are the highest prices of the SUMMER.

COME ON GUYS, THE "SUMMER DRIVING SEASON" IS OVER!!!

What's up? Are the hedgie-wedgies out ti make some more money? What about those investy-bankies?

This SHOULD not be happening.

Come on GRBs. Give Us a Break!! --RoadDog


NO PUN INTENDED: Practice safe eating-- always use condiments.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Want Some Syrup with That Coffee?

Call it a Senior Moment or whatever you will, but yesterday at the IHOP, I was thinking about getting their Rooty Tooty Rich 'N Fruity breakfast and ordered coffee while contemplating.

The waitress bought my cup and a container of coffee. We ended up ordering omelets with pancakes. I like their pancakes because of the choice of four syrups they have in the basket. I love variety.

But then, I saw another syrup container appear on the table and it was warm. I wasn't sure why the waitress would bring another syrup to the table when we already had four. I tried it on a pancake but it came out much faster than syrup should. I decided it tasted more like coffee (Coffee on Your Pancakes?) so poured it into my half empty coffee cup. That sure made the coffee super sweet and a bit thicker.

At this point I truly had no idea what I had in front of me. I asked the waitress the next time she came by and she said she had warmed up some syrup. I felt a bit foolish asking for another cup of coffee.

Moral of the story is to beware of strange-looking containers of syrup (or was it really coffee that appear on your table at IHOP.

A little later that day, on my way home, was when the horses looked funny at me. Perhaps it was because of the great coffee/syrup caper.

Pass the Syrup, Please.--RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: A household hint. Stop dusting and you can use your coffee (or syrup) table as a message board.

Beach Music 1960 Top Ten

Fessa John Hook, one of the best Beach Music deejays and a walking encyclopedia on that kind of music, has a Beach music Top 40Countdown every week as well as a Top 40 Beach List for every year since at least 1960. Both can be found on the Cashbox Magazine site http://cashboxmagazine.com/countdowns/beachmusicweekly.html.

I'm listening to it right now. These are the Top ten and you will recognize some of the titles and groups. HM means Honorable mention.

10. Surely (I Love You)-- Roscie Gordon
HM Atlanta-- Bubber Johnson
#9 Finger Poppin' Time-- Midnighters
HM Got to Find My Baby-- Chuck Berry

#8 Beyond the Sea-- Bibby Darrin
HM I Get the Blues When it Rains/The Clock-- Roy Hamilton
#7 Love Potion #9-- The Clovers
#6 Let's Go, let's Go, Let's Go-- Midnighters

#5 Fannie Mae/Lost in a Dream-- Buster Brown
#4 Time After Time-- Frankie Ford
HM Don't Start Me to Talkin'-- Johnny Darrow
HM Temperature 110-- Sonny Boy Williamson

#3 This Magic Moment-- Drifters
#2 Dance With Me-- drifters
HM Every day, Every Way-- Hollywood Flames
HM I Don't Want Nobody (To Have My Love But You)-- Buddy and Ella Johnson

HM Fine Little mama-- Elmore James
#1 Do You Believe-- Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs
#1 Stay-- Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

Go to the site and you can listen to both charts as well as a Blues Countdown.

Good music, Maynard. --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: Any day on this side of the flower bed IS A GOOD DAY.

A Day of Football and Saufen Und Spiel

Lots of good football games on today. I watched Northwestern beat Illinois State and Georgia unfortunately lose to South Carolina. There will be no joy at my sister's today. Kansas played a great game and upset ranked Georgia Tech.

Right now, I am catching parts of the Michigan-Notre Dame game and Iowa and Iowa State. I like Iowa and am not happy Iowa State neat my Huskies (NIU) last week in an all-Lincoln Highway matchup in Ames, Iowa. Go Hawkeyes.

And speaking of great football, anybody who say the East Carolina-Tulsa game last Sunday saw a great one. By the third quarter it became apparent that whoever had the ball last would win. That score went back and forth the whole game until ECU scored on a 40-yard "Hail Mary" pass as time expired to win. Go you pirates!!

We were joking that ESPN had moved the game from Saturday to Sunday because of Mom's 80th birthday party Saturday.

Then, there was that great Monday night game between Boise State and Virginia Tech, two teams that used to be Mid-Major like NIU (which plays North Dakota today) but both have climbed out of that pack. Once, I had hopes NIU would do that as well, but doubt that will ever happen.

Later, I am going to the Saufen und Spiel's beer and Banjo Night in Johnsburg, Illinois. Saufen und Spiel is like Oktoberfest and honors the towns German heritage. I haven't been to this event before so will check it out.

Football and Oktoberfest. Now That's My Idea of Fall! --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: Homemade gifts are the perfect way to say I've got lots more time than money.

How's Your House?-- Part 1

From July 9th Chicago Tribune "meanwhile, back at the ranch, homes getting smaller" by Mary Ellen Podmolik.

She brought up some interesting trends in new homes.

Researchers have found that the median home-size now is 1,500 square feet as compared to 1,610 in 1973. Lot sizes are down from .36 acre in 1973 to .27 last year.

The house size number surprised me as I thought houses were much bigger today, but I'm not surprised at the drop in property size because of expense. Loz and I started in a 1000 square foot home in Round Lake on a 60 by 120 foot lot in 1975, but in 1992 moved to Spring Grove on an acre and 2200 square feet. Both homes were ranches and had basements.

Most homes have six or more rooms and three or more bathrooms. Our first one had six rooms and one bathroom. Today, we have nine rooms, two baths and two half baths. Back in 1973, only 19% of homes had two or more bathrooms.

I guess you might say we are moving on up. I'm sure our tax man thinks so anyway. I am floored by how much I pay for property taxes.

More to Come. --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: Celebrate Ben Franklin's birthday. GO FLY A KITE!!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Has a Horse Ever Called You A**hole?

I think that might have happened to me today. As we were driving back from McHenry after turning off Il-31 on Pioneer Road, a McHenry County Scenic Drive, we went by a farm which has horses.

I could see that all five were out by the corner of the fence by the road. I just couldn't resist slowing down and hollered out the window, "What are you guys doing there?"

Suddenly all five pairs of eyes were upon me and I'm sure I heard one of them calling me an "A**hole." Or, maybe he/she neighed it.

What did I think horses would be doing there. Perhaps eating grass?

I just always feel the natural inclination to slow down and moo at cows and neigh at horses (although my neighs need some serious work. I do have the moos down quite well, though.

When we pass by ol' Larry the Llama, I always want to yell his sound out the window, but I don't know what sound a llama makes.

How Did Those Horses Know? --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: The only way I'll drop ten pounds is by shopping in England (and that won't buy you much, either).

Where Were You in 1968?-- Part 2

Some of the things happening in 1966:

"Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?"
"There's a great future in plastics."

Sixty Minutes debuts on CBS.

Mattell's Hot Wheels debuts.

You could buy a Polaroid Swinger camera for $19.95. That was a chunk of change back then.

Guess what war was going on over in Southeast Asia?

Mayor Dailey may not be running for mayor, but Good Ol' Bob Stroud says he will remain as mayor of Ten at Ten (and, of course Rock and Roll Roots) for the foreseeable future.

The City of Chicago was the site of the Democratic Convention and we all know what happened then.

"The police are there to preserve disorder." Which Dailey said that?

Women's Lib organizations targeted the Miss America Contest for some reason.

The Motor Trend Car of the Year was the 1968 Pontiac GTO. Let's do some Wide-Tracking.

Was That War EVER GOING TO END? --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: Big surprise...even my blood type's negative.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Where Were You in 1966?

Bob Stroud went back to the year 1966 on August 20th for his daily Ten at Ten show on Chicago's The Drive Radio Station Monday to Friday. He spotlights a year and sometimes a theme such as doctors or cowbells. Not only does he play ten songs, but also plays news and commercials from the year and, of course, gives lots of information about the tunes he plays.

Ten at Ten 1966 (only 44 years ago if you remember it) In parentheses are my quotes.

WILD THING-- TROGGS-- a number one hit from the summer (You make my Heart Sing)
DAYDREAM-- LOVIN' SPOONFUL--

BLACK IS BLACK-- LOS BRAVOS-- band out of Spain (I always thought they were from Mexico)
YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON-- SUPREMES-- A couple years later Vanilla Fudge turned it into something truly psychedelic.

DEVIL WITH A BLUE DRESS ON & GOOD MOLLY MISS MOLLY-- MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS-- biggest selling single for them combining two Little Richard songs.

(WE AIN'T GOT) NOTHING YET-- out of New York off their delicious first album "Psychedelic Lollipop." (You want psychedelic!! You can't handle psychedelic!!)


WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN-- PERCY SLEDGE-- soul star and Rock and Roll hall of Famer. (One of the great sad slow-dancing songs ever.)
GOOD THING-- PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS-- a Top Ten song from their album "Spirit of '67"

SLOOP JOHN B-- BEACH BOYS-- From "Pet Sounds" closing side 1.
PAINT IT BLACK-- ROLLING STONES-- From their "Aftermath" album which featured nothing but Jagger/Richards songs.

Mighty Good Music back in the Sixties. --RoadDog


MAXINE should have said: There should also be a support group for women who clean the house before the maid arrives to clean it.

Heading for North Carolina-- Part 8-- Mom's 80th Birthday

The main reason I was in North Carolina was Mom's 80th birthday and we had a "small" get-together for her at the Goldsboro First Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall September 4th where we had about 200 friends and family members in attendance.

We originally figured on having it at Wilber's in the side room and then the Hatch House out at Waynesborough which she was instrumental in opening. But the numbers of people wouldn't fit in it.

We had it catered by Wilber's BBQ and had three cakes, one for each phase of her life: a blue one for her childhood, white one for teaching, and brown one for her family, her grandkids call her "Mud."

She is very involved with her church, the First Baptist and is a member of many organizations including the Woman's Club, Garden Club, Bridge Club, Salvation Army Auxiliary, Wayne County History Association, Daughters of the American Revolution and Waynesborough Historical Commission.

We played music from World War II all evening and each of us kids gave short talks as did many of her friends.

Quite a Woman.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Heading for North Carolina-- Part 7-- Goldsboro-- Getting My Fill of BBQ and Music

I was in Goldsboro from August 30th to September 6th.

In that time I got as much Carolina bbq that I must admit I had had enough, at least until next time.

It was great getting together with family as well. My sister Julie, her son Alex and daughter-in-law Alysson, my brother Bob and his wife Judy as well as his son Andy, wife Andrea and kids Charlie and Aylin. The letter A for names runs deep in my family.

Sad to see Mom's dog Coco on her last days and SamIAm, the cat was feisty and a good fighter.


MORE MUSIC: BLUEGRASS, BEACH MUSIC AND ROOTS MUSIC

Tuesday, I went to the Wayne County Museum and saw an excellent two-piece father-daughter Bluegrass band.

Thursday I saw a Beach Music band called Legends of Beach play at Goldsboro's Center Street Jam. Most are former members of the Embers, a regional Beach Band that's been around since the 60s. They are led by the Godfather of Beach Music, Jackie Gore. He wrote and sang the Beach Music national anthem "I Love Beach Music."

Then, it was over to the Wayne County Arts Council building where the Camelots were playing Roots Music in honor of the Smithsonian's Traveling Roots Music exhibit which will be there for another two weeks.

Eatin', Greetin' and Tappin' in Goldsboro. --RoadDog


MAXINE SAYS: There should be a support group for women who can't put dishes into the dishwasher dirty.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Heading for North Carolina 2010-- Part 6-- North Carolina Bound

I got off I-40 on the east side of Asheville at the Biltmore exit and went to a McDonald's for a break. Lots of "Forever Lights" and traffic, but this was the fanciest McDonald's I've ever been in. It was three stories high, had columns, parque floors, plants, and even a player piano in the corner. Definitely worth a stop if you're ever in the area.

I also stopped to eat bbq at Butch's BBQ and Breakfast in Morganton. It was alright barbecue, but I've had better.

Got gas around Burlington, which is usually the cheapest along I-40. Gas in Asheville is usually higher.

I was happy to get around the Durham-Raleigh traffic hassle with just one stop near RDU airport where there was a lot of road construction. After about a mile crawl, it was smooth sailing despite getting into the early part of rush hour.

I love the new US-70 bypass around Clayton as it saves a real lot of time.

Arrived at Goldsboro about 5 pm.

Finally at Mom's. --RoadDog

Heading for North Carolina 2010-- Part 5-- North Carolina Bound

I took the interstate bypass around Knoxville, half expecting a traffic jam at 8 am, but never saw one.

I was getting down on gas, but wouldn't fill up until I got east of the Tn-66 exit for Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. I have always found he stations east of there to be cheaper than anywhere else. I went to the Pilot Station at Dandridge (Exit 417) and got gas for the cheapest on the trip so far, $2.37.

Gas in Gibson City, Illlinois Aug. 28th was $2.60
Aug. 29th Vincennes, Indiana $2.59
Aug. 29th London, Kentucky $2.50
Aug. 30th Whitsett, NC $2.48


THANK GOODNESS IT'S OPEN AGAIN

It sure was nice being able to drive through the mountains of North Carolina on I-40. This road had been closed for about two years after a major rock slide. Earlier this spring, I had to take US-52 in Winston-Salem to Wytheville, Virginia and then I-81 back to Knoxville.

Definitely a lot easier with I-40 open.

Fancy McDonald's Next. --RoadDog

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Heading for North Carolina 2010-- Part 4-- Kentucky to Tennessee

AUGUST 29th-- Sunday-- Part 2

Took I-64 to I-65 through Louisville and after some driving, found a White Castle to enjoy their $2.99 Snack Pack (3 A-1 Sliders, fries and drink). I especially like the new A-1 sliders.

Got on US-150/US-31E and took it to Bardstown where the two split. Drove US-150 to Perryville, Kentucky where I went to the Civil War Battle of Perryville. I looked at some of the battlefield and the museum, then headed to Mount Vernon, by US-75 where I met up with my buddy Denny G. who was just finishing up a weeklong drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway which is celebrating its 75th anniversary of the start of it.

Then drove I-75 to London, Kentucky, where I got off and liked the $2.50 gas and found the NTN site I was looking for right next door, Shiloh Roadhouse. Played a couple games then back on I-75 to the Tennessee stateline where I got off at Jellico and took US-25W. Denny had said this is quite a beautiful drive and he was absolutely right. Took it to La Follette and back on the interstate to just north of Knoxville where I spent the night.

Superslabbing It Across NC Next. --RoadDog

Heading for North Carolina 2010-- Part 3

AUGUST 29th-- Sunday-- Part 1

This was my day to really drive US-150. I spent quite a bit of time in Vincennes, Indiana. I knew about its Revolutionary War history where George Rodgers Clark captured the British fort and about this being where Abraham Lincoln's family crossed over the Wabash River into Illinois.

But, I didn't know the town was the capital of Indiana Territory and home to William Henry Harrison before he became president and where he had a lot of dealings with Indians.

US-150 is aligned with US-50 until Shoals where the two split. The drive from Loogootee (how's that for a name) to Paoli goes through Hoosier National Forest and is really great drive, right up there with Ind-46 from Columbus to Bloomington.

Lots of curves, hills, tree tunnels, rock sides and just great driving. I highly recommend it. Paoli has a beautiful downtown square (actually more of a circle and a courthouse.

Continued on to Louisville, Kentucky.

Kentucky, Next. --RoadDog

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Heading for North Carolina 2010-- Part 2

Just got back on the internet at Mom's house in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

AUGUST 28th-- SATURDAY

I didn't get away from home until a little after noon, even with Liz not going with me. My excuse was yardwork and even had to cut the grass.

Took the usual Il-47 bypass around the Chicago hassle. Took it to close to its southern terminus by I-74 then to Danville. I didn't know it, but US-150 also goes to Danville so got on it. It is aligned with Il-1 (Illinois Highway 1) down to just west of Terre Haute where it crosses over into Indiana.

In Indiana, it joins with US-40 and the National Road. US-150 then goes south on US-41 and is called the Dixie Bee Highway. This is also part of the old Dixie Highway.

Took it to Vincennes where I spent the night and played NTN at my 901st site, the BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings).

Day One of Trip. --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date-- Part 2

Continuing with Mom's Music Countdown as per September 14th through the years. Again, she knew all of these, even the ones back when she was too young to be aware of music. She must be a reason I'm so much into music.


1944 SWINGING ON A STAR-- BING CROSBY
1943 SUNDAY, MONDAY OR ALWAYS-- BING CROSBY
1942 (I'VE GOT A GAL IN) KALAMAZOO-- GLENN MILLER
1941 GREEN EYES-- JIMMY DORSEY
1940 I'LL NEVER SMILE AGAIN-- TOMMY DORSEY-- Ten years old.

1939 THE MAN WITH THE MANDOLIN-- GLENN MILLER
1938 CHANGE PARTNERS-- FRED ASTAIRE
1937 THE BIG APPLE-- TOMMY DORSEY'S CLAM BAKE SEVEN
1936 A FINE ROMANCE-- FRED ASTAIRE
1935 I'M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE-- LITTLE JACK LITTLE-- Five years old.

1934 LOVE IN BLOOM-- BING CROSBY
1933 LOVE IS THE SWEETEST THING-- RAY NOBLE
1932 WE JUST COULDN'T SAY GOODBYE-- GUY LOMBARDO
1931 SWEET AND LOVELY-- GUS ARNHEIM
1930 IF I COULD BE WITH YOU ONE HOUR TONIGHT-- McKINNEY'S COTTON PICKERS-- The day Mom was born.

Number One Songs This Date-- Part 1

From Josh Hosley's site.

Instead of the usual Number One songs on the first day of the month, I will be jumping ahead to the 14th because of my mom's 80th birthday. I will be doing every year from 1930 to 1950.

2009 I GOTTA FEELING-- BLACK EYED PEAS-- Mom was 79.
2000 MUSIC-- MADONNA
1990 (CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOUR) LOVE AND AFFECTION-- NELSON-- Mom was 60.
1980 UPSIDE DOWN-- DIANA ROSS
1970 AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH-- DIANA ROSS

Not surprisingly, Mom did not know much about the songs from here up. Had she known the Black eyed Peas that would have scared me. However, from here now, she knew all of them except a couple.

1960 THE TWIST-- CHUBBY CHECKER-- Mom was 30.
1950 GOODNIGHT IRENE-- GORDON JENKINS & THE WEAVERS

1949 YOU'RE BREAKING MY HEART-- VIC DAMONE
1948 TWELFTH STREET RAG-- PEE WEE HUNT
1947 NEAR YOU-- FRANCIS CRAIG
1946 FIVE MINUTES MORE-- FRANK SINATRA
1945 TILL THE END OF TIME-- PERRY COMO-- Mom was 15

More to Come. --RoadDog