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

Saturday, February 26, 2011

World's Slowest Walgreen's

We'd like to nominate the one in Panama City Beach. Unfortunately, some of our prescriptions ran out while we were down here, so had to get them refilled.

Last year, this was a very time-consuming affair, as they did not have it ready to go when they said they would. That was a two-hour wait.

This year, they had it ready, but it took twenty minutes to get it.

Yesterday, we went to McDonald's as it really looked like a rain day in the morning, but cleared up nicely so sat out by the deck and enjoyed the sun and sounds. A company must have the beach lounge and umbrella concession as they were putting up large groups of them all up and down the beach.

Gas is now around $3.40 thanks to the GRBs trying to make a profit on the troubles in oil countries overseas. Thanks guys. Hope you choke on those profits.

We ate lunch at Krystal's and split dinner at the Barefoot Beach Club overlooking the beach. We also went to Donovan's Reef. Big surprise there.

Last Day, Sigh. --RoadDog


NEW SONGS FOR BOOMERS: The Bee Gees' "How Can You Mend a Broken Hip"

Friday, February 25, 2011

Where's the Time Going?

Hard to believe we've been here eight days now. How time does fly when you're having "rhum," er beer.

Yesterday was the worst as we never did get but scattered (very scattered) glimpses of sun. Sitting here in McDonald's typing away again. Thank you Mickey Ds for having this free, strong wifi.

Sun's out on what was supposed to be a rainy morning, so looks like time to catch some rays.

Yesterday, we went back to Sandpiper Tiki Bar, played NTN, enjoyed the buck drafts, and were entertained by a performer along with lots of partyin' snowbirds. Then went to Y-Not Lounge where there was karaoke going on with a guy who could really do George Jones and Bocephus.

Then, on to Dusty's for $1.50 16-oz. drafts and split a delicious fish and chips dinner.

Then, to Donovan's Reef, where we met up with the Mayor and crew for some more karaoke.

Sure Gonna Miss This in a Few Days. --RoadDog


NEW SONGS FOR BOOMERS: Bobby Darin's "Splish, Splash, I Was Having a Flash"

Thursday, February 24, 2011

It's Them, Not Me: Dadburn GRBs

With all this unrest going on in Libya and other Middle East countries (and rightfully so because their dictators have stolen from the people long enough) I see our GRBs here are going to take advantage of the situation to make even more money by buying and selling oil futures which will cause us to pay more at the pump.

But, who cares, as long as they make their money, they don't care about how much misery and harm they inflict on regular folks. By GRBs, I refer to investors (even small ones) and, of course, Big Oil.

Prices here in Panama City Beach are already around $3.20. Hope we will be able to afford to drive home, but with all the predicted snow around Chicago, perhaps we may stay a little longer.

That sure burns me, however, when I see that I have to pay more for my gas and these oil companies start making those unbelievable profits.

There Ought to Be a Law. --RoadDog


NEW SONGS FOR BOOMERS: Ringo Starr's "I Get By with a Little Help from Depends"

Worst Day So Far

Sitting outside the room right now, with the sound of Gulf waves washing ashore about sixty yards away and the smell of salt in the air.

Considerably cooler this morning, but warming up nicely to a high of 74 degrees. It was overcast, but the sun is peaking through. It has been sunny and warm since we arrived Friday afternoon. Hard to believe we have just two full days left before time to go home.

But then again, I see that we're under a winter storm warning again with temps in the lower 30s and 3-5 inches. Maybe I'll stay a little longer.

Some company must have beach concessions as they are setting up hundreds of wooden chaise lounges by the water. They bare going up and down the beach in loaded pick up trucks.

Figure on catching some sun before going over to the Sandpiper Tiki Bar later to play NTN/Buzztime, drink buck drafts and listen to a performer.

I can think of worse ways of spending an afternoon, like shoveling snow.

No Snow! No Snow! --RoadDog


UPDATED BABY BOOMER SONGS: Herman's Hermits-- "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker"

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

When the Going Gets Tough...

The tough go to the beach.

Ate at the Loveless Cafe near Nashville, Tn., on Thursday morning and well worth the stop.

Drove to Alabama and stopped to play NTN at sites around Huntsville, Birmingham and finally at the Mellow Mushroom in Prattville (outside Montgomery), where we spent the night at another Rodeway Inn.

Friday, it was on to Panama City Beach, check into the Driftwood Lodge, shopping, a great sandwich at Krystal's, drinks at the Calypso and karaoke and more drinks at Donovan's Reef. The mayor and court were there as well as our favorite kj.

Temps in the 70s, can definitely live with that.

Bring On the Sun!! --RoadDog

Friday, February 18, 2011

On the Road Again-- Feb. 16th

Much later start than I wanted, but that is usual. Left at 10 am. Took the usual avoid Chicago hassle with Il-47 all the way to I-74 by Champaign, then into Indiana and US-41 to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where we spent the night.

Stopped for lunch at McDonald's in Yorkville and had another stop in Gibson City, Ill., for dessert.

Listened to CDs, tapes and the radio. Heard about a horrible two-people collision in Vincennes, Indiana. I guess they just walked into one another or something.

In Kentucky, we took the Penneyrile Parkway which will become I-69 eventually. It was built as a toll road with the promise that once it was paid off, the tolls would drop. That is exactly what happened. Imagine that happening in Illinois? Not too likely.

Had a huge meal at Captain D's called their Double Shrimp and fish along with two sides and hush puppies for $7.99. Too full to consider the Key Lime pie.

Tomorrow, On To the Loveless. --RoadDog

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Getting Ready for the Beach

Heading down to Panama City Beach and hoping for better weather than we had last year which was way too cold for me. All the regular snowbirds there said it was the coldest winter they ever remember.

But, hey, it was still 20 to 40 degrees warmer than here in Northern Illinois.

We have reservations at the usual place, the Driftwood Inn, where we have stayed the last three years now. Out idea of a great place on the beach, a smaller mom and pop operation. Forget those huge towers.

We stay at what they call the cabana rooms. Walk out the door to the room and the next place going south is the Gulf of Mexico. And the price, $57 a day is very reasonable.

One trip this month to Florida wasn't enough for me, even with 40 to 50 degree weather forecast for here over the next several days.

When the Going Gets Tough, You Know Where I'm Headed. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half (Well, that seems to be just a bit severe for punishment.)

Ten at Ten Love Songs

Yesterday, in honor of that day, Bob Stroud devoted his Ten at ten to that sort of song.

FOR YOUR LOVE-- Yardbirds
OPEN ARMS-- Journey
ALL MY LOVIN'-- Beatles
FEEL LIKE MAKIN' LOVE-- Bad Company
MY FUNNY VALENTINE-- Elvis Costello

ALL MY LOVE-- Led Zeppelin
LOVE ME TENDER-- Elvis Presley
LOVE IS LIKE OXYGEN-- Sweet
LOVE IS THE DRUG-- Roxy Music
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE-- Queen

Listeners get to vote on Best of Show. I voted for "For Your Love" by the Yardbirds. As of yesterday, the votes stood at Beatles first, Led Zeppelin second, Elvis Presley third and Yardbirds fourth.

Kiss and Say Goodbye. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft (Sure hope it wasn't SBD.)

Monday, February 14, 2011

My Top Three All-Time Eagles Songs

While on the subject of the Eagles, these are my top three favorites by that group, besides all of them.

1. TAKE IT EASY-- This was my 3rd favorite until we got into that whole Route 66 thing. You know, "Standing on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona." This town has taken full advantage of it with a display featuring a girl driving by on a flatbed Ford.

It was neat to stand there during their annual "Standing on the Corner" days and hearing a band play it live. Then, I heard it coming out of speakers of a souvenir store on that famous corner.

2. ALREADY GONE-- Dump me, I'll really show you!!

3. HEARTACHE TONIGHT-- An Eagles rocker if there ever was one and now, the name of a really fine Tribute Band.

Of Course, I Like All of Their Music. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- New Study for Obesity Looking for a Larger Test Group (I guess having a "smaller" one wouldn't be of much help.)

My Rockin' Valentine-- Part 2

Continuing with Stroud's songs.


SOMEBODY TO LOVE-- Jefferson Starship
LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH-- Steve Stills
LOVE YOU SO MUCH-- New Colony Six
BURNIN' LOVE-- Elvis Presley
LOVE SONG-- Elton John

SOMEBODY TO LOVE-- Queen
LOVE STINKS-- J. Geils Band
WINTERTIME LOVE-- Doors
YOU MAKE LOVIN' FUN-- Fleetwood Mac
AN OLD FASHIONED LOVE SONG-- Three Dog Night

I JUST WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU-- Foghat
GIMME SOME LOVIN'-- Spencer Davis Group
THERE GOES ANOTHER LOVE SONG-- Outlaws
NEVER-ENDING SONG OF LOVE-- Delaney & Bonnie
READY FOR LOVE-- Bad Company

CRAZY LOVE-- Poco
LOVE ALIVE-- Heart
DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE-- Mamas and Papas
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE-- Beatles

Already Treated My Valentine to the China Buffet. How 'Bout You? --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- Man Struck by Lightning; Faces battery Charges (Now that's completely re-volt-ing.

My Rockin' Valentine-- Part 1

Who says Rock and Roll has nothing to do with love. There are lots of rock songs dealing with that and Bob Stroud played a whole bunch of them yesterday on his My Rocking Valentine show of Rock and Roll Roots, WDRV, the Drive, here in Chicago.

Here are his songs:

LOVELY TO SEE YOU-- Moody Blues
I LOVE YOU-- Zombies
LOVE IS ALL AROUND-- Troggs
BABY I LOVE YOU-- Aretha Franklin
PLAY ON LOVE-- Jefferson Starship

JIMMY LOVES MARRYANNE-- Looking Glass
PUT A LITTLE LOVE IN YOUR HEART-- Jackie DeShannon
BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY-- Peter Frampton
GIVE ME LOVE (GIVE ME PEACE ON EARTH)-- George Harrison
SAY YOU LOVE ME-- Fleetwood Mac

FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE-- Elvin Bishop
DO YOU LOVE ME-- Dave Clark Five
LOVE IS LIKE AN ITCHING IN MY HEART-- Supremes
SILLY LOVE SONGS-- Wings
OH MY LOVE-- John Lennon

HELLO I LOVE YOU-- Doors
HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG-- Marshall Tucker Band
TEENAGE LOVE AFFAIR-- Rick Derringer
LOVIN' TOUCHIN' SQUEEZIN'-- Journey
COME AND GET YOUR LOVE-- Redbone

Come On and Kiss Me, Right? --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge. (Don't think I'll be driving on it any time soon.

For Buddy Coz Out in Vegas-- Casino Tricks

My buddy Coz is out in Las Vegas right now and evidently behaving himself as there have been no calls to collect money.

Back on Feb. 8, 2010, List Universe had their list of Ten Tricks Casinios Use On You. Again,they have more info, I just list them.

10. No clocks
9. No windows
8. Mucho lights, sounds and activity (owners love it when people ar the craps table get to yelling)

7. Ambience
6. Bathrooms, cashiers and restaurants located way in back so you have to pass all those temptations.

5. Nearly winning. Smaller payouts tempt folks to gamble more
4. Freebies and cheap stuff
3. Alcohol

2. Keep big-rollers happy

1. Labyrunth design with giant mazes.

Coz Won Locally Before He Went. Wonder How Much He'll Have When He Returns? --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE-- Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide. (Didn't they just say that?)

Eagles Tribute

This past Saturday, Liz and I went as guests of Laura and Ed, over to the Woodstock, Illinois, Opera House where we saw a really good Eagles Tribute Band, Heartache Tonight.

Before that, we had dinner at the very crowded Angelo's Family restaurant, across the street from the Opera House. This place was originally supposed to be the site of the Tip Top Cafe where a lot of the action in the movie "Groundhog Day" took place, but it ended up being filmed in a vacant building across the square, which is now open as a Greek restaurant, but is plaqued outside as a movie site.

We had seats in the balcony and any seat in the place is a good one. A local bluegrass band, True Blue, opened with a couple songs.

A recorded message came on about the whole Tribute Series (Fleetwood Mac next Saturday and Johnny Cash after that) saying that even the Chicago Symphonic Orchestra is a Tribute band. After all Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart and others have been dead for quite a few years. Plus, groups age and can no longer play like they originally did. Made sense as I have never thought about it like that.

Heartache Tonight, named after an Eagles song, consists of six musicians who have a long list of band credits among them and are extremely talented. Not only are they musically tight, but they have the vocals down as well. If you closed your eyes, you were at an actual Eagles concert, it was that good.

They opened with "Heartache Tonight" of course and then proceeded to play many of the Eagles hits. Every so often they also played one of the solo efforts. The last song was at 11 and then there was the encore song, so I was bit tired.

Well worth Seeing If You Get the Chance. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES: Cold Waved Linked to Temperature. (And I have an idea it might be cold temperatures at that.)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Where Were You February 6, 1969?-- Part 3

Here are some more songs playing on your radio this date.

BACK IN THE USSR-- BEATLES-- Another two-sided hit. Always love the jet sounds at the beginning.
BIRTHDAY-- BEATLES-- How do you get a better birthday song? Especially when I'm not yet 64, but Paul and Ringo are.

CRIMSON & CLOVER-- TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS-- This song always reminds me more of the summer for some reason. A whole new sound from the "Hanky Panky" and "Say I Am" days.
HANG 'EM HIGH-- BOOKER T. & THE MGS-- That's as in Memphis Group.

HELLO IT'S ME-- NAZZ-- Good old Todd and his first group.
TOUCH ME-- DOORS-- Did Jim have this in mind in Miami?

Jumping Ahead Ten Years Next. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE: If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile. (Enough said.)

JSS: Winter Break?-- The King's Speech-- 1973-- Hope the Birdies Appreciate It

JSS-- Just Some Stuff

1. WINTER BREAK?-- Since January, here in northeast Illinois near the Wisconsin border, we've only had maybe four days over freezing, but it looks like we'll be getting a respite for a week or so with temps between 32 and even a high of 38 DEGREES!!

We have plenty of snow to melt as well. There was at least 14 inches on the ground before that Blizz '11 thing.

And, from when I got back on the 8th to yesterday, it was downright cold!!


2. THE KING'S SPEECH-- Yesterday, I saw the movie "The King's Speech" that has been getting all the Oscar hoopla. I'd have to say it definitely is deserving of it.

Why is it that all movies have to be geared for the kids and teens. We need more like this.


3. 1973-- I just spent the last four hours recording Wendy Rice's WXRT Saturday Morning Flashback, this year to 1973. We'll be listening to it on the drive to Panama City next week. Recorded them on cassettes, that's right, audio cassettes. Remember them.


4. HOPE THE BIRDIES APPRECIATE IT-- Just shoveled my way out to the bird feeder and filled it up, this time not falling into any snowdrifts. I never even got one thank you chirp. I tell you, I can't get any respect.

Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE: War Dims the Hope for Peace. (No kidding? Wonder How That Happened?)

WLS Silver Dollar Survey for January 28, 1966

I came across this at the website of Chicago's 94.7 WLS-FM, which has proudly taken up the music played by the late great WLS-AM from 1960 to when it turned to all yap.

Growing up (at least after the Beatles arrived in 1964) this was my favorite radio station, followed closely by WCFL-AM 1000.

On Jan. 28, 1966, I was in my second semester as a sophomore at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois.

1. WE CAN WORK IT OUT/DAYTRIPPER-- BEATLES
2. BARBARA ANN-- BEACH BOYS
3. SOUNDS OF SILENCE-- SIMON & GARFUNKEL
4. I CONFESS-- NEW COLONY SIX
5. LIGHTNING STRIKES-- LOU CHRISTIE

6. NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE-- T-BONES
7. SHE'S JUST MY STYLE-- GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS
8. LIES-- KNICKERBOCKERS
9. SANDY-- RANDY & THE DAYTONAS
10. ZORBA THE GREEK-- HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS

11. I FOUGHT THE LAW-- BOBBY FULLER FOUR
12. SHE'S A MUST TO AVOID-- HERMAN'S HERMITS
13. MY LOVE-- PETULA CLARK
14. YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO BE SO NICE-- LOVIN' SPOONFUL
15. ANDREA-- SUNRAYS

16. A WELL RESPECTED MAN-- KINKS
17. BIG BRIGHT EYES-- DANNY HUTTON
18. THE MEN IN MY LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE-- MIKE DOUGLAS
19. I SEE THE LIGHT-- FIVE AMERICANS
20. JENNY TAKE A RIDE-- MITCH RYDER & DETROIT WHEELS

I must admit not remembering #17 and #19.

Bringing Back Any Memories? --RoadDog

QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE: Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant. (Doesn't he have to be proven guilty first?

Friday, February 11, 2011

Where Were You February 6, 1969?-- Part 2

Continuing with Stroud's Time Warp back to 1969. All these songs were playing on Chicago radio stations (WLS and WCFL).


PROUD MARY-- CCR-- Yep, my all-time favorite group, JF and the boys.
I STARTED A JOKE-- BEE GEES-- At this point I was still wondering if these guys were the Beatles performing under an alias or not.

RAMBLIN' GAMBLIN' MAN-- BOB SEGER SYSTEM-- Still sounds like they said "F----- World" at one point.
INDIAN GIVER-- 1910 FRUITGUM COMPANY-- I don't care what they say, Bubble Gum Music was fun. "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy."

EVERYDAY PEOPLE-- SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE
THINGS I'D LIKE TO SAY-- NEW COLONY SIX-- My favorite 60s Chicago band.

CROSSROADS-- CREAM
BUILD ME UP BUTTERCUP-- FOUNDATIONS

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- MARVIN GAYE-- Where are those California grapes when you need them?

More '69 to Come. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINE: Miners Refuse to Work After Death. (Yeah, no more life insurance.)

Facing Down the Blizzard: Day 3-- Feb. 2nd-- Part 1

Groundhog Day, but doubt that the old varmint saw his shadow, probably couldn't even leave his burrow and definitely couldn't be transported to his place of prognostication.

Looked out the windows at first light and saw nothing bur drifts and white, more than I've seen since we moved here back in 1992. This was one really strong storm.

I took video of the mess and Liz took still pictures.

Ir was still snowing and blowing so no use going out to start the clean up.

We have two really big drifts across the front of the house and I'm sure the garage as well. The deck is completely buried up to within a foot of the top of the rails and we have one drift up against the bay window back there which is at least six foot high.

Dan's driveway doesn't look too bad, but the neighbors to his west have a big drift across their driveway. Absolutely no traffic on the street. Finally saw a guy come down it on a snowmobile and later a guy came by cross country skiing in the tracks of it.

I definitely have to wonder if the guys and I are going to be able to leave tomorrow for Florida. I may not even be able to get out of my driveway before then.

Too Much of This Global Warming If You Ask Me. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES: Panda Mating Fails; Vet takes Over. (Hmmn. Isn't there a law against such behavior.)

Movie Scratches: Fockers-- Groundhog-- Dilemma-- Mechanic

A quick look at recent movies I've seen.


9. LITTLE FOCKERS-- 1-26-- Fox Lake $4-- OK, dumb play on words aside, a zany and crazy group of characters.


10. GROUNDHOG DAY-- 1-29-- Woodstock Free-- An annual tradition to see the movie in a theatre that was in the movie. The movie's Alpine Theater is the Woodstock Theatre.


11. DILEMMA-- 1-31-- Fox Lake $5.50-- What's a best friend to do when a friend's wife is cheating on him? Poor Vince takes a beating.


12. THE MECHANIC-- 2-9-- Fox Lake $4-- What he fixes can really kill you. And, he does it with style.


Yuck!! Sticky Floor. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES: Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers. (Well, that would sure stop me from doing it.)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Where Were You February 6, 1969?-- Part 1

This past Sunday, I was in Cape Coral, Florida, so didn't get to hear Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Time Warp back to 1969, so any comments will be mine.

I was a senior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, and enjoying the old Senior Lounge with that 45 jukebox. After school, I worked at the Burger King on Northwest Highway and I was still going steady with Liz.

TIME OF THE SEASON-- ZOMBIES
LOVIN' THINGS-- GRASS ROOTS-- Should be in the RnR HoF, if they are not already.

SON OF A PREACHER MAN-- DUSTY SPRINGFIELD
I'M GONNA MAKE YOU LOVE ME-- SUPREMES AND TEMPTATIONS-- Two of those GREAT old Motown groups, together.

GOING UP THE COUNTRY-- CANNED HEAT-- Great song, but what were they doing to it at Woodstock?
I GOT A LINE ON YOU-- SPIRIT

I Remember These Songs. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES: Experts Say Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash.

Facing Down the Blizzard: Day 2, Feb. 1st

Ok, now its, Feb. 1st and this Blizzard thing isn't here, but it sure is snowing quite heavy all morning. Probably snowed all night, but still nothing we couldn't keep up with here in the Midwest. Just standard fare. Probably four inches of snow since yesterday, but hard to tell because of blowing.

Took the snow blower out and cleared it off.

Reports say we could get another 24 inches of the rotten white stuff. The ol' blower can handle maybe six inches at the most. Might just get overwhelmed.

Gas still $3.08 at Citgo. What gives there?


ON THE SNOWY ROADS

Got more cash for Thursday's trip, if that happens. We had a great breakfast at the Dill Pickle in Spring Grove.

Nice village snowplow deposited road snow onto the foot of the driveway and knocked over a garbage can. They didn't come back to pick it up (that's where my taxes go). Garbage guys nice enough to pick up the can and empty it.


A SHORT BREAK

At 1:45 pm, we got a break in the snow, but winds cranking up and a lot of blowing. Took advantage of it and filled up bird feeder and pushed snow away from furnace out take and in take.


DA BLIZZ '11


It's now 4:06 pm and the blizzard thing is here in force. It is everything they said it would be. Howling winds and white out conditions. Hunkered down in the house, but no snow clearing until its over.

Expecting to lose electricity so Liz has tubs filled with water for flushing and heat cranked up. The furnace is gas, but blowers are electric and the well pump is also electric. No electricity and no water or heat throughout the house.


GIVING BROTHER A HARD TIME

Called brother Bob and told him I had broken my leg slipping on the snow and he needed to come here from North Carolina to clear all this snow off the driveway and sidewalk. Back in the Blizzard of 1967, I had a broken foot and he had to clear off all that snow. To this day, he claims I broke my foot on purpose to get out of shoveling.

Too dark to see anything so watching TV.

(Taken from my journal.)

Snow, Snow, Go Away. --RoadDog


QUESTIONABLE HEADLINES: Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Movie Scratches: Grit-- Country-- Witch-- Swan

A quick look at some current movies.


5. TRUE GRIT-- 1-12-- Fox Lake $4-- Close to the original, but an ornier and grittier Rooster.


6. COUNTRY STRONG-- 1-21-- Fox Lake $5.50-- Definitely worth buying the soundtrack. Ol' Tim can act just as well as he can sing.


7. SEASON OF THE WITCH-- 1-25-- Fox Lake $5.50-- "We're going to need some more Holy Water. Fightin' Muslims and demons.


8. BLACK SWAN-- 1-26-- Fox Lake $4-- Pretty ballerina with some pretty big problems.

Love That Kettle Corn Salt. --RoadDog


TIMES CHANGE: (Last One) 1978-- "Whatever" --//-- 2010-- Depends

Monday, February 7, 2011

Get Me to the Beach

Earlier today, the group took a trip over to the Chase Bank so Uncle Al could get proof of that he had money in the bank so he could make an offer on the condo.

While waiting for the real estate agent to call back, we drove to Ft. Myers Beach and was that ever crowded for a Monday. Some folks must not work.

Passed a spot with several emergency vehicles, a couple fire trucks and a bomb disposal unit. Decided not to stay there.

Drove south along the beach and took a walk out along a state beach at an inlet after paying $2. Sadly saw a medium-sized turtle dead along the shore with a deep cut, probably from a propeller.

Drove way far south, then over to I-75 and north back to Cape Coral. Went grazing at the Corral for lunch. Way full right now and I should know to stay away from the desserts.

Back at the hotel right now. Uncle Al and the rest of the group are out with the realtor looking at more condos after two deals fell through.

I tried to sit out by the pool, but way too windy and I also got sunburned again so am inside.

Planning on a car show out by Parrot Bay later tonight.

Is It Summer Yet?

Alas, Back to Sub-Freezing Tomorrow Night. --Parrot

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Congratulations Green Bay Packers!!

Just got back to the hotel from friend Dave's house where we watched the Super Bowl game outside on his lanai (?). Imagine sitting outside Feb. 6th and not freezing!!

We had been down earlier to Harbour Cove, I think, where they had a 30 foot TV set up for the game, but there were no tables that weren't reserved. Dave offered his house for a site so we were forced to sit outside, drink, toast and cheer.

I was the only real Packer fan, but everyone else was pulling for them since the Bears weren't there. Sure glad the Steelers had all those turnovers or they would be the ones celebrating.

Packers Win Super Bowl!! --RoadDog

Almost Forgot About That Rotten Weather

It's been awhile now since that snowy Wednesday and my back and arms have recovered.

Lately, ever since Thursday, I've been suffering through 80 degree weather here in South Florida in Cape Coral. Today was overcast, but it was sunny the whole rest of the time.

Makes me wonder why I am staying uip in Illinois and putting up with all these crummy winters.

Even Got a Sunburn. --RoadDog

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Facing Down a Blizzard-- Day 1-- Part 2

Continuing with yesterday's pre-bliz stuff. January 31st.


WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH...AND A GOUGE

The tough go to a movie. I saw the hilarious "Dilemma" with two of my favorite actors, Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. Those guys are f-u-n-n-y!!! It was snowing heavily when I got out of the show. Had the bliz gotten here early?

What I saw afterwards was not so funny, though. The BP station in Fox Lake, Illinois, was at an outrageous $3.04 at 1 pm on my way to Menard's. Coming back at 3:30, it was $3.20!! Now, I call that a gouge. Why? Somebody wants to make obscene profits again. Oh yes, there's that blizzard thing coming in and problems in Egypt.


THE SLOWEST LADY-EVER

Went home and put the 2-cycle oil in the gas container for the snow blower as I was about out of what I need for that bliz thing. We drove to the Citgo in Spring Grove to get a gallon of gas to mix with it. It is probably not a good idea to go to a service station right before a major bad weather event is predicted to hit. I found out the hard way.

Then, fifteen minutes went by. Let me explain. Traffic was backed up considerably on Spring Grove Road and I had to wait to get up to the entrances to the station. And the stop light on US-12 definitely favors traffic on that much more heavily traveled road. When I did get up to the first entrance, it was blocked by a truck.

Had to wait some more between the two entrances. I saw an open pump. Oh Boy!! I'll get my gallon and our light just turned green. Finally!! Oh, no!! A lady in an SUV is waiting to turn left into the station and the guy two cars in front of me lets her turn in front of him.


NO PUMP FOR ME

What a nice guy. Who says civility and chivalry are dead...BUT, she proceeds to MY vacant pump!!

There are no open pumps so I wait. She gets out, inserts credit card and starts pumping and gets back in her vehicle. She pumps...and pumps...and pumps some more. How low was she and how much gas does her tank hold? Maybe its full and she is just listening to a favorite song on those hearing aid things people put in their ears these days.

Wow, two pumps just open up. Wait, somebody's behind me and blocking me. Two cars get the pumps. Wait, the car in front of Forever Lady just pulled away and the guy behind me is gone. Whip, zizz and I pull around her and get to the pump to put in my measly little gallon of gas. And I got there just as a guy pulls off 12 to get that pump.


STILL $3.08

I should mention that our little Citgo station is notorious for always having one of the most expensive prices anywhere in the area, usually at least ten cents more. But it was at $3.08 before I started my ordeal to get that gallon of gas. I kept having visions of the price jumping to $3.30 while I am waiting.

It didn't. At least one break for my fun fifteen minutes.

I got my gas. Finally.


MY REWARD

Then, it was to the Dill Pickle restaurant across US-12 and a great deal on a pizza: 18 inches with sausage, pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms and onions for $6. Mondays are half-price pizza.

That helped ease my bad mood.

And, Forever Lady WAS STILL THERE at the Station When I Filled Up My Gallon of Gas. I Forgot to Look to See If She Was Still There When We Left the Pickle. Might Have Been. --RoadDog


TIMES CHANGE: 1978-- Disco // 2010-- Costco

It's Them, Not Me: Mobil-Exxon's Obscene Profits

Just in time for you wallet, news comes that the dear folks at Mobil-Exxon have posted absolutely H-U-G-E profits for the last quarter, over $9 billion!! That is a 53% increase in the previous quarter's profits.

It makes you wonder how come they're doing so well when everybody else if hurting so much? I know I hurt every time I go to a gas pump and fill up.

Of course, these profits have ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with these increased prices we're suffering through and it "ain't even summer driving season yet. What will they do then? I don't think it will be nice, whatever they gouge.

Isn't this what messed up the economy a few years back when they went over $4 bucks a gallon.

I tell you, I've had enough of the new Axis of Evil: Big Oil, Investors and the Middle East.

And I should add, the price of gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, jumped from a ridiculously high $3.04 at 1 pm yesterday to $3.20 by 3:30! How's that for gouging?

Can You Pump It? --RoadDog


TIMES CHANGE: 1978-- Screw the System!! // 2010-- Upgrade the System

I Feel Your Pain-- Part 2

The second comic strip that pretty well sums up my relationship with today's fast-moving technology.

From the Jan. 28, 2011, Chicago Tribune.


THE PICKLES COMIC STRIP

Earl is lying back in his easy chair trying to read the paper (newspaper, what's that?) and every frame, their cat, Muffin, is in a different position on him.


FRAME 1

Earl's wife comes in and says, "We should take a video of muffin doing something cute and put it on YouTube." Muffin on Earl's stomach.


FRAME 2

Earl looks up from paper, "That's a great idea. I'm all for it, one hundred percent." Muffin now by Ear's head on top of chair.


FRAME 3

Wife, "Really? Do you even know what YouTube is?" Muffin now back on Earl's stomach.


FRAME 4

Earl says, "No, but I've Been in favor of putting this cat in a tube, or a box, or anything to get her away from me."

Imagine, a Friendly Cat? --RoadDog


TIME CHANGES: 1978-- Rolling Stones // 2010-- Kidney Stones

Number One Songs This Date-- Part 2

I do this at or near the first of every month.

1964 I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND-- Beatles-- Definitely had an impact on little old me.
1963 WALK RIGHT IN-- Rooftop Singers-- Yep, and sit right down.
1962 PEPPERMINT TWIST-- Joey Dee and the Starliters-- See what Chubby started.

1961 WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW-- Shirelles
1960 RUNNING BEAR-- Johnny Preston-- Who'd he love?

1951 THE TENNESSEE WALTZ-- Patti Page-- Tennessee's State Song
1941 FRENESI-- Artie Shaw
1931 THE PEANUT VENDOR-- Don Azpiazu-- One of my favorite songs.

1921 WANG WANG BLUES-- Paul Whiteman-- I've just got to hear a song with a title like that.
1911 PLAY THAT BARBERSHOP CHORD-- Bert Williams
1901 MA BLUSHIN' ROSIE-- Albert Campbell-- Any relation to the Riveter?

1901-- 110 Years Ago!! --RoadDog


TIME CHANGES: 1978-- Hoping for a BMW 2010-- Hoping for a BM

Number One Songs This Date-- Part 1

From Josh Hosler www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneinHistory/SelectMonth.htm.

Based on Billboard Charts.

Going back in history and the decade of the 1960s, the number one song on February 1st.


2011 GRENADE-- Bruno Mars
2001 IT WASN'T ME-- Shaggy (Well, that's my story anyway.)
1991 THE FIRST TIME-- Surface

1981 CELEBRATION-- Kool & the Gang-- I wonder how many times this song has been played at weddings. I know I played it every wedding I deejayed.
1971 KNOCK THREE TIMES-- Dawn-- What happened to Tony? Always liked those strikes on the pipe.
1970 VENUS-- Shocking Blue-- Always sounded like she said something else.

1969 CRIMSON & CLOVER-- Tommy James & the Shondells-- A long way from "Hanky Panky."
1968 GREEN TAMBOURINE-- Lemon Pipers-- Want a little psychedelic with that?
1967 I'M A BELIEVER-- Monkees-- Right, Shrek and Donkey?

1966 MY LOVE-- Petula Clark-- Rockin' with the Pet.
1965 YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN' FEELIN'-- Righteous Brothers.-- Hey, they weren't really brothers. Always think about "Top Gun" when I hear it.

More to Come. --RoadDog


TIME CHANGES: 1978-- Going to a new, hip joint 2010-- Receiving a new hip joint