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

Monday, October 31, 2011

A Ten at Ten Halloween

From Bob Stroud and WDRV, Chicago's Drive.

In Honor of the Spooks.

CLAP FOR THE WOLFMAN-- Guess Bhoo
I PUT A SPELL ON YOU-- Creedence Clearwater Resurrection
SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL-- Ozzy Boosbourne

DEVIL IN DISGUISE-- Elvis Nasty Move Presley
SCARY MONSTERS (AND SUPER CREEPS)-- David Boo-ie
THRILLER-- Michael Weird By Himself Jackson
DEAD MAN'S PARTY-- Oingo Boingo

DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT-- King Harvest Reaper
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE-- Alice Scary By Himself Cooper
FRANKENSTEIN-- Edgar Cold and Dreary Winter

Like, Too Scary. --RoadDog

Some More Survival Tips to People in Horror Movies

** Don't check under the bed (or in the closet).

** Don't get stuck with the pretty one (they always get it first).

** Don't be a horny teenager. (More teenagers get it from the monster while in pursuit of sex than from any other reason.

** Whenever you hear the creepy music, head for the hills. This means the evil is nearby.

** When you see something weird, get out!! Same if you hear something weird.

** Make sure that someone in your group is slower than you at all times.

** Figure on several scares by accident (like a friend coming up behind you and tapping your shoulder) before you die.

Live Longer By Being Careful. --RoadDog

Fall Color Patrol: Geneva Lake, Wisconsin

Hit the road over the last four days as we are getting some fall color, finally. It's been a strange fall for tree color. No mass color explosion, just gradual. Some trees already have lost all leaves, others are now changing and some haven't started losing them yet. Not sure if I like it or not. I like having color over a long period, but also like that big "blast" of fall foliage.


FRIDAY, October 28th

Drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Patches of color in residential section by the downtown. Snake Road was absolutely brilliant!! Couldn't have hit it at a better time. Drove it three times.

Had the fish fry at Daddy Maxwell's in Williams Bay. Never had lemon pepper haddock. Great stuff.

Drove North Lake Shore Drive to Delavan and then took South Lake Shore Drive to our two favorite side roads on the South Shore. We had a lot of color. Had a close encounter with a deer and stopped for a brew at the Owl Tavern, dating to 1908.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef on the way home for NTN and Happy Hour.

That Snake Road Was Really Worth the Whole Trip. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Top Ten Survival Tips for People in Horror Movies

I sure had a great time reading this List Universe offering from June 12, 2011, especially after watching the movie "Halloween" earlier this week. Boy, if anyone EVER needed to read this, it is Jamie Lee Curtis.

10. DOUBLE CHECK the back seat when getting into a car.
9. HIDE-- if you can find a good hiding place, STAY PUT.
8. RUN FOR YOUR LIFE-- especially if you have no weapon, but expect to stumble and fall at least twice.

7. DON'T BE A HERO-- Don't come to rescue of others. After all, they got themselves into the mess in the first place.
6. AVOID THE UNDEAD-- This goes without saying.
5. NO HUMAN SPEAKS IN TONGUES-- even if the person is a family member, if it starts saying strange stuff, kill them.

4. MOVE OUT!-- Always a good idea.
3. TRAVEL IN NUMBERS-- The monsters might get the other ones first and be satisfied or too occupied to go after you.
2. GET LOADED-- As in lots of weapons, the more the better.

1. MAKE SURE IT'S DEAD-- They always come back.

I've Got Some Other Ideas Also. --RoadDog

Every Blooming THing: Late October

It's been a bit of a strange fall color thing around here this year. A lot of trees had color and are now completely bare, others are just becoming colorful and still many more haven't started changing at all. Instead of one mass of fall color at once, we're getting it in increments.

Our subdivision in Spring Grove, Illinois, is particularly striking right now. The neighbors have sure planted a nice variety of fall color trees. My sugar maple is getting a nice yellow now and the twenty burning bushes quite a red. Plus, there are the several hundred mum plants bursting forth in all sorts of colors, but mostly yellow.

I am especially proud of the mums out by the driveway culvert.

The tall grasses are getting tasseled nicely.

Enjoy it Now, Because Soon It Will Be Gone. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Always borrow money from a pessimist. he won't expect it back.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Top Ten Horror Movies

In honor of Halloween, List Universe presented this repeat of their September 2, 2007, list of top horror movies. As usual, they also have pictures and a write-up. I'm just listing 'em. An asterisk means I haven't seen it.

10. Ringu*
9. Jaws
8. Poltergeist (When that skull popped out of that closet, well, let's just say....)
7. Texas Chainsaw Massacre

6. Carrie
5. Les Diaboliques*
4. Rosemary's Baby

3. Psycho
2. Exorcist
1. The Shining (If Jack can't play a deranged person, no one can.)

Like, Boo!! --RoadDog

Here's Some Halloween Music for You

I have decided a lot of the songs the Drive has been playing can be considered Halloween. Here is a list of those songs since midnight so far today.

VICTIM OF LOVE-- Eagles
VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR-- Buggles
VOODOO CHILD (SLIGHT RETURN)-- Jimi Hendrix
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE-- Bon Jovi
WAR-- Edwin Starr (If a war isn't the most frightening thing, I don't know what is.)

WASTED ON THE WAY-- CSN
THE WEIGHT-- Band
WEREWOLVES OF LONDON-- Warren Zevon
WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT-- John Lennon
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE-- Guns 'N Roses

WELCOME TO THE MACHINE-- Police
WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS-- Led Zeppelin
WHEN THE WHIP COMES DOWN-- Roling Stones
WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME-- U2
WHIP IT-- Devo

WHIPPING POST-- Allman Brothers
WHITER SHADE OF PALE-- Procul Harum
WHO ARE YOU-- Who
WHO'S CRYING NOW-- Journey

WHO CAN IT BE NOW?-- Men at Work
WILD NIGHT-- Van Morrison
WILD THING-- Troggs
THE WIND CRIES MARY-- Jimi Hendrix

Scary Enough for Me. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 28th

Day nine of the show, and we're about finished, unfortunately. That means, no listening to WXRT, WNCT, Little Steven, Bluesbreakers or Fessa John Hook's Beach Countdown.

The absolute strangest song was played yesterday. "Take This Job and Shove It" by Johnny Paycheck is not what I would call classic rock. But I still sang along with it. Great song.

Songs played since I've been up this morning:

WHITE RABBIT-- Jefferson Airplane
WHITE ROOM-- Cream
WHITE WEDDING-- Billy Idol
WHITER SHADE OF PALE-- Procul Harum
WHO ARE YOU-- Who (Or is it that CSI show?)

WHO CAN IT BE NOW?-- Men at Work
WHO DO YOU LOVE-- George Thorogood
WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN-- CCR
WHO'S CRYING NOW-- Journey
WHOLE LOTTA LOVE-- Led Zeppelin (Sure hooked me on the group. Always reminds me of NIU's Tune Room.)

WHOLE LOT OF ROSIE-- AC/DC
WHY CAN'T THIS BE LOVE-- Van Halen
WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS-- War
WILD HORSES-- Rolling Stones
WILD NIGHT-- Van Morrison

WILD THING-- Troggs (You make my heart sing.)
WILD WILD NIGHT-- Talking Heads
WILD WORLD-- Cat Stevens
WILL IT GO ROUND IN CIRCLES-- Billy Preston
THE WIND CRIES MARY-- Jimi Hendrix

WIND OF CHANGE-- Scorpions
THE WINDOW-- Steve Miller Band

Sure Missing My Halloween Songs. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z Word Thing: What and When

WHAT


WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES-- Doobie Brothers
WHAT ABOUT LOVE-- Heart
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU-- Romantics (One of my all-time favorites.)
WHAT IS AND NEVER SHOULD BE-- Led Zeppelin
WHAT IS LIFE-- George Harrison

WHAT IT TAKES-- Aerosmith
WHAT YOU NEED-- Inxs
WHAT YOU'RE DOING-- Beatles
WHAT'S ON MY MIND-- Kansas
WHAT'S YOUR NAME-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT-- John Lennon


WHEN

WHEN I'M 64-- Beatles (Four years from now, well, 3 years and 7 months actually.)
WHEN IT'S LOVE-- Van Halen
WHEN IT'S OVER-- Loverboy
WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN-- B.B. King
WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS-- Led Zeppelin

WHEN THE MUSIC'S OVER-- Doors
WHEN THE WHIP COMES DOWN-- Rolling Stones
WHEN THE WORLD IS RUNNING-- Police
WHEN YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES-- Night Ranger
WHEN YOU DANCE-- Neil Young

Sure Gonna Miss This Drive Event. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOLIAN SENTENCE: The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Done Seen It All: Butt Paste, Labels, Monsters, Butt Paste Part 2

Let's file this under things I never expected to see. Maybe it's a Halloween thing.


1. BUTT PASTE-- Received an offer to save a buck on original formula, all natural or maximum strength Boudreaux's Butt Paste. More on that later.


2. LABELS-- And believe it or not, received another offer for 250 easy peel self stick address labels. And I have my choice of them in white, gold, clear, rainbow, American flag or silver. And, for the amazingly low price of $3.65!! Oh yes, and it comes in an easy to use Label Dispenser.

The only problem is, I'm kinda up to my **** in my address labels with more coming in all the time, especially as Christmas approaches. The organizations looking for donations have made sure of that.

3. MONSTERS-- Cartoon Parade in the Oct. 9th Parade Magazine had two Godzilla-like monsters destroying a city, with one about to do in a neat-looking old building. The other one turns and says to him, "Not that one--we'll have the Historical Society after us."

Good one. I belong to several historical and preservation groups. Now, if we could just get Walgreen's and CVS to leave those historical structures alone.


4. BUTT PASTE, Part 2: Now, that would be a good name for a band. Actually, Boudreaux's Butt Paste is made for babies and is a diaper rash ointment skin protectant invented by Louisiana Pharmacist George Boudreaux in 1978, way too late for my baby days.

Find out more at www.buttpaste.com

Well, I never. --RoadDog

A Halloween Spooktacular on the Drive

A few of the songs played on the Drive's A to Z that might be considered to have Halloweenish overtures.


The Stroke-- Billy Squier


Strange Brew-- Cream
Strange Magic-- ELO
Strange Way-- Firefall


Spooky-- Atlanta Rhythm Section

Spirit in the Night-- Manfred Mann's Earth Band
Spirit in the Sky-- Norman Greenbaum
The Spirit of the Radio-- Rush
Spirit in the Material World-- Police

By the way, Bob Stroud'a annual Halloween Spooktacular Rock and Roll Roots show will be this Sunday, 7 to 10 am CDST on www.wdrv.com.

Like...BOO!! --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 27th

Now playing the letter "S" which was begun yesterday just before noon. They are wondering whether the letter will be able to make it to noon today, for a 24-hour stretch.

These are songs I've heard since getting up this morning.

SUICIDE BLONDE-- Inxs
SUITE: JUDY BLUE EYES-- CSN
SUITE: MADAME BLUE-- Styx
SULTANS OF SWING-- Dire Straits
SUMMER BREEZE-- Seals & Crofts

SUMMER IN THE CITY-- Loving Spoonful
SUMMER OF '69-- Bryan Adams
SUMMERTIME BLUES-- Who
SUN KING MEDLEY-- Beatles
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY-- U2

SUNDOWN-- Gordon Lightfoot
SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT-- Corey Hart
SUNNY AFTERNOON-- Kinks
SUNSET GRILL-- Don Henley

SUNSHINE-- Jonathan Edwards
SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE-- Creams
SUNSHINE SUPERMAN-- Donovan
SUNSPOT BABY-- Bob Seger

One More Day to Go. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z Word Thing: Sugar-- Stroke-- Street- Still

How many songs can you name beginning with those words?



SUGAR MAGNOLIA-- Grateful Dead
SUGAR MOUNTAIN-- Neil Young



THE STROKE-- Billy Squier


STREET FIGHTING MAN-- Rolling Stones
STREET OF DREAMS-- Rainbow
STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA-- Bruce Springsteen



STILL THE ONE-- Orleans
STILL THE SAME-- Bob Seger
STILL THEY RIDE-- Journey
STILL...YOU TURN ME ON-- Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Stroke Me, Stroke Me. --RoadDog

Still Rockin': The Drive's A to Z

Yesterday, while I was listening in the morning, the Drive, WDRV in Chicago, was playing songs beginning with the word "Rock" or some form of it. I tuned in late and missed the first ones.

Here they are:

ROCK AND A HARD PLACE-- Rolling Stones (Keith Richards' song)
ROCK AND ROLL-- Led Zeppelin
ROCK AND ROLL AIN'T NO NOISE POLLUTION-- AC/DC
ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT-- Kiss (OK, Showtime!)
ROCK AND ROLL BAND-- Boston

ROCK AND ROLL GIRLS-- John Fogerty (Yeah, CCR!)
ROCK & ROLL, HOOTCHIE COO-- Rick derringer (Wasn't he with the McCoys?)
ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC-- Beatles
ROCK AND ROLL NEVER FORGETS-- Bob Seger (Wish I could say that.)
ROCK AND ROLL PART TWO-- Gary Glitter (One of the great all-time sports songs.)

Remember, streaming at www.wdrv.com


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need one to skydive twice.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

It's Them, Not Me: I Support the Occupy Movement

This past weekend, we were in Chicago and saw the Occupy Chicago group in front of the Chicago Board of Trade Building on Jackson Street. There were about 70 on the corner opposite and they were chanting, beating a variety of drums and with plenty of placards.

When returning, they were joined by even more people who were having a march down the sidewalk. However, many of these people were supporting a variety of causes that had nothing to do with what I figure the main purpose of the Occupy Movement is. Some of them had posters about the police killing innocent people.

The Occupy Movement seems to have started in New York City with an Occupy Wall Street group, but has spread all over the US. If I am correct, the purpose is to show that a lot of US citizens are getting tired of the super rich getting richer while the rest of us suffer in this economic situation I hear called more and more, The Great Recession. This was brought on by those super rich and their efforts to get even richer.


IT'S THE GRBS

For quite some time I have been referring to these people as GRBs, standing for Greedy Rich Boys (or you can substitute another last word). GRBs largely consist of investment bankers, stock market folk and especially hedge funds.

Sadly, it seems that the government is supporting the GRBs, something I see every time I look at my Certificates of Deposit. That situation is horrible.

The Occupy Movement, however, has to start getting its agenda together. Groups jumping aboard with other goals need to be excluded. A national guiding group is needed as well to coordinate efforts.

The key is to let the government and GRBs know that many people know what they're up to and are extremely unhappy about it.

Hey, the GRBs have their Tea Party Movement backing them. Now, us regular folk have their own group.

Like the guy in that movie said, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!!"

Mad As Hell. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: Long and Keep

Taking a specific look at the list for songs beginning with the words "Keep" and "Long."

There were just 17 songs beginning with the letter "K" with five of them starting with the word "Keep."



KEEP ON LOVING YOU-- REO Speedwagon
KEEP ON SMILING-- Wet Willie
KEEP PUSHIN'-- REO Speedwagon
KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF--
KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE-- Queen



Songs beginning with the word "Long."

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD-- Beatles
LONG COOL WOMAN-- Hollies
LONG DISTANCE RUNAROUND-- Yes
LONG LIVE ROCK-- Who
LONG LONG WAY FROM HOME-- Foreigner

THE LONG RUN-- Eagles
LONG TIME-- Boston
LONG TIME GONE-- CSN
LONG TRAIN RUNNIN'-- Doobie Brothers
LONG TWIN SILVER LINE-- Bob Seger

Took a Long Time. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 26th

Since I've been up this morning. Hey, that would be a good song title.

It was a real Rockin' Experience this morning.

ROCK AND ROLL STEW-- Traffic
ROCK AND ROLL WOMAN-- Buffalo Springfield
ROCK CANDY-- Montrose
ROCKIN' IN THE USA-- John Mellancamp
ROCK ME TONIGHT-- Billy Squier

ROCK 'N ME-- Steve Miller Band
ROCK 'N ROLL FANTASY-- Bad Company
ROCK OF AGES-- Def Leppard
ROCK ON-- David Essex
ROCK STEADY-- Bad Company

ROCK THE CASBAH-- Clash
ROCK THIS TOWN-- Stray Cats
ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE-- Scorpions

ROCKET-- Def Leppard
ROCKET MAN-- Elton John
ROCKIN' AROUND WITH YOU-- Tom Petty
ROCKIN' AT MIDNIGHT-- Honeydrippers
ROCKIN' DOWN THE HIGHWAY-- Doobie Brothers
www.wdrv.com

Rocked Me Right Off the Office Chair. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

A Monday in Retirement: Goodbye 2011 Boating Season

I just hate this retirement hassle.

Yesterday on the internet and posting to these blogs. Chicago sports fans should take a look at my history blog at http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com. I'm doing a Chicago sports relics from the Tribune.

We went boating and eagle hunting. Didn't find any bald eagles, but did find two likely nests on Fox Lake.

Took the boat out of the water at the Legion with little difficulty. Since I only move the boat usually twice a year, I am not very good at backing that trailer into the water. Then, there's the fun of getting the boat positioned onto the trailer.

Drove it over to Midwest Marine on Lake Marie, dropped it off and had a season celebratory pitcher at the Sand Bar and talked with a couple who graduated from NIU on 1976 and remembered a lot of local restaurants and places in the northwest suburbs, including that great Honey Hill Beach in Wauconda.

Then went to Tommy's in Spring Grove and had some sandwich wraps.

Tough Life, But Somebody's Got to Do It. --RoadDog

Another Pretty Good Weekend

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23rd.

"The House Is Rocking" on Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive from 7 to 10 am. He played songs about houses.

Then caught some rays OD.

Went out boating and then saw the last half of Da Bears game in London at Squaw Creek Bar with the usual suspects. Sat outside for a bit after the game. Then went to The Dawg House and watched the second half of the Packer game. It looks like the Vikes found themselves a quarterback.

Came home and watched the World Series game. Still not sure who I want to win it.

Great Weather for This Late in the Season. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: Words--- Big-- Me-- Mary-- Man-- Midnight

How many songs can you name beginning with those words?








BIG BALLS-- AC/DC
BIG CITY NIGHTS-- Scorpions
BIG LOG-- Robert Plant
BIG LOVE-- Fleetwood Mac

BIG MONEY-- Rush
BIG SHOT-- Billy Joel
BIG TEN INCH-- Aerosmith
BIG TIME-- Peter Gabriel
BIG YELLOW TAXI-- Joni Mitchell


ME AND BOBBY McGEE-- Janis Joplin
ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOLYARD-- Paul Simon



MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB-- Stevie Ray Vaughan
MARY JANE'S LAST DANCE-- Tom Petty
MARY, MARY-- Monkees


MAN ON THE CORNER-- Genesis
MAN ON THE MOON-- REM
MAN ON THE SILVER MOUNTAIN-- Rainbow
THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD-- Nirvana


MIDNIGHT BLUE-- Lou Gramm
MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS-- Grass Roots
MIDNIGHT CRUISER-- Steely Dan
MIDNIGHT RAMBLER--Rolling Stones
MIDNIGHT RIDER-- Gregg Allman


Sure Gonna Miss All This When It's Gone. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 25th

Now on Day 6 and in the letter "M."

Since I've Been up:

MONY MONY-- Billy Idol
MOONDANCE-- Van Morrison
MOONSHADOW-- Cat Stevens
MORE THAN A FEELING-- Boston
MOTHER-- Pink Floyd

MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER-- Rolling Stones
MOTHERLESS CHILDREN-- Eric Clapton
MOVE IT ON OVER-- George Thorogood
MOVE OVER-- Janis Joplin
MOVIN' ON-- Bad Company

We listened to the Drive a lot yesterday on out day of boating. Also while taking it over by trailer to be winterized and then back home.

If You Like Music, Ya Gotta Hear This. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Behinf every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Another Pretty Good Weekend

FRIDAY--

After some financial planning, we went to Gasoline Alley for buck beers overlooking Grasslake. They're having neighbor problems and no drinking on deck so left after one.

Went to the nearby Dry Dock Bar of Grasslake Road and enjoyed buck beer until overrun with a coven of witches.


SATURDAY--

Took the train downtown to an appreciation luncheon for Liz's old school, Our Lady of Grace, in the Union League Club. Pretty fancy.

Saw the Occupy Chicago folks out in front of the Chicago Board of Trade on Jackson Street (old Route 66). There was also a march and plenty of police in attendance. reminded us of the old anti-war demonstrations back in the 60s-70s.

Played NTN at the Snuggery in Union Station. Back in Fox Lake, went to the Squaw Bar for their Children of Fallen Soldiers benefit. Band and deejay playing. Bought two Chinese lanterns for launch, but didn't stay to see them go up.

Stopped at a new place, Vinny's Dawg House, in Fox Lake and watched some of the World Series and BlackHawk game. Came home and watched the end of that unbelievable Wisconsin-Michigan State game.

Too Much Fun. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 24th

Songs beginning with the same word.

JAILBREAK-- ACDC
JAILBREAK-- Thin Lizzy
JAILHOUSE ROCK-- Elvis Presley


JEALOUS AGAIN-- Black Crowes
JEALOUS GUY-- John Lennon


OVERTURE/IT'S A BOY-- Who
IT'S A LONG WAY TO THE TOP-- ACDC
IT'S ALL I CAN DO-- Cars
IT'S ALL OVER NOW-- Rolling Stones

IT'S ALL TOO MUCH-- Beatles
IT'S IN THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT-- Eric Clapton
IT'S LATE-- Queen
IT'S MY LIFE-- Animals

IT'S ONLY LOVE-- Beatles
IT'S ONLY ROCK AND ROLL-- Billy Joel
IT'S SO EASY-- Linda Ronstadt

IT'S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME-- Rolling Stones
IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT-- REM
IT'S TOO LATE-- Carole King

Which Song Was From the Album Glass Houses? --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: October 24th

Now on 5th day of playing those 2000+ songs.

It was kind of neat that Sunday, they took a break and Bob Stroud featured The House is Rocking on his Rock and Roll Roots program, and when they started playing A to Z again, they were soon at the word Home. Wonder if he did that on purpose?

Since I tuned in this morning:

JESSICA-- Allman Brothers
JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT-- Doobie Brothers
JET-- Paul Mccartney & Wings
THRESHOLD/JET AIRLINER-- Steve Miller Band
JINGO-- Santana

JOHN BARLEYCORN-- Traffic
JOHNNY B. GOODE-- Chuck Berry
JOIN TOGETHER-- Who
THE JOKER-- Steve Miller Band
JOSIE-- Steely Dan

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF YOUR MIND-- Amboy Dukes
JOY TO THE WORLD-- Three Dog Night
JUKEBOX HERO-- Foreigner

I Used to be a Jukebox Hero, But Can't Afford and Can't Figure Out Those New Jukebozes If They Even Still Call Them Jukeboxes. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Why do Americans choose from just two pwoplw to run for President and 50 for Miss America?

Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Drive's A to Z

Since we have Halloween fast approaching, how about Rock's really EVIL songs?

EVIL WAYS-- Santana
EVIL WIND-- Bad Co.
EVIL WOMAN-- ELO


EVERY SONGS

EVERY LITTLE THING SHE DOES-- Police
EVERY NIGHT-- Paul McCartney
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY-- Rod Stewart
EVERY ROSE HAS A THORN-- Poison


An Eye for an Eye.

EYE IN THE SKY-- Alan Parsons Project
EYE OF THE TIGER-- Survivor
EYES OF SILVER-- Doobie Brothers

They're in the letter "F" now. Appears they expect it A to Z to end Thursday.

Listenin' to My Radio. --RoadDog

Friday, October 21, 2011

Hey, Hey...McRib's Back!!

Today, we planned on going to a local Mexican restaurant in Fox Lake, Illinois, only to find it was closed for repairs.

Disappointed, we opted for the local McDonald's.

And, much to my joy, there on the menu board...McRibs!!!

Well, that instantly decided my dining choice.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy. --RoadDog

The Drive's A to Z: Can't

Earlier today, the letter "B" ended with the Cars' "Bye Bye Love" and the "Cs" began with Bruce Springsteen's "Cadillac Ranch." I would have chosen the New Colony Six's "C-A-D-I-L-L-A-C."

They played eight songs beginning with the word "Can't." How many can you name?

Answers below.






CAN'T BUY ME LOVE-- Beatles
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 YOU OUT OF MY HEAD-- ELO
CAN'T STAND LOSING YOU-- Police
CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKING-- Rolling Stones
CAN'T YOU SEE-- Marshall Tucker Band

Added bonus.

CAN'TCHA SAY-- Boston

The Drive's Rock A to Z: October 21st

Been listening to WDRV's A to Z since this morning. As much as I lobe Beach Music, this takes precedence.

So far this morning:

CANARY IN A COAL MINE-- Police
CANDLE IN THE WIND-- Elton John
CANDY-O-- Cars
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY-- Elton John
CAROUSELAMBRA-- Led Zeppelin
CARPET CRAWLERS-- Genesis

CARRY ON-- CSNY
CARRY ON WAYWARD SON-- Kansas
CARS-- Gary Numan
CASEY JONES-- Grateful Dead
CASTLES MADE OF SAND-- Jimi Hendrix

This time, they are really digging deep for some of these songs. Definitely not your same-old, same-old classic rock.

Rock On, WDRV!! --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Drive's A to Z About to Begin

Less than a half hour to go before Chicago's WDRV, the Drive, begins their week long, or more, odyssey to play classic rock songs starting with the letter "A" all the way to "Z". Over 2,000 songs. Always a good listen at www.wdrv.com.

That's what I'll be tuned into every chance I get.

FIRST SONG PLAYED: "ABACAB" by Genesis.


ONE LAST LOOK AT OCTOBER 9, 1968

Bob Stroud, on WDRV's Rock and Roll Roots, likes to come off commercial break with a snippet of another song that was on the radio back then.

HELP YOURSELF-- Tom Jones
FOOL ON THE HILL-- Sergio Mendes & Brazil '66
YOU ARE MY SPECIAL ANGEL-- Vogues-- Originally by Bobby Helms in 1957. He was better known for the Christmas classic "Jingle Bell Rock." (Guess I'll have to dig that one our soon.)
I'M BLACK, I'M PROUD-- James Brown
OVER YOU-- Gary Puckett & the Union Gap

It's a "Five O'clock World" (Loved the Drew Carey Show bit on this song) Somewhere, Right Jimmy? --RoadDog

Where Were You October 9, 1973?-- Part 3

MY MARIA-- B.W. STEVENSON-- (A peronal favorite of mine. I also liked the brooks and Dunn version.)
ANGIE-- ROLLING STONES-- World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band from Goat's Head Soup. (So sweet, it's hard to believe they did it.)

All in the family. They might as well be brothers. The "Brothers Set."

THAT LADY-- ISLEY BROTHERS-- Featuring the great guitar work of Ernie Isley. (My favorite I.B. song.)
RAMBLIN' MAN-- ALLMAN BROTHERS-- From Brothers and Sisters (Keeping it all in the family.)
CHINA GROVE-- DOOBIE BROTHERS-- Top Ten from The Captain and Me. (And a song that reminds me of the drive out to Galena, Illinois, for our honeymoon. Takes me right back.)

THE HURT-- CAT STEVENS-- According to WCFL Survey, the number one song in Chicagoland. (A great one by the Cat before he went all religious on us. Not one you usually think of when you think of his hits.)

I Was Earning a Grand Total of $8300 a Year Teaching Back Then. Strangely, Though, We Lived Fairly Well On That Amount. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Before There Was a Ringo

From Oct. 17th AP "Early Paul McCartney letter offers drummer tryout" by Gregory Katz.

This could have been the greatest missed opportunity of all time, but it is possible that some young drummer in Liverpool was offered a chance to try out for a new group called the Beatles in 1960. He didn't get the job, obviously. Why he didn't is not known.

The letter was found stuck inside a book at a Liverpool yard sale recently. It was handwritten by Paul McCartney, an offered this person a try out just a few days before the group left for a two-month gig in the red light district of Hamburg, Germany. This is where the group really honed its skills.

The letter will be auctioned in November by Christie's, which expects about $11,000. It was discovered by a collector of antique coins who regularly checks out yard sales.

The letter was dated August 12, 1960, two years before Pete Best was dropped for Ringo Starr. McCartney was replying to an ad in the Liverpool Echo simply saying "Drummer_Young_Free." At the time, McCartney was on guitar and Stuart Sutcliffe was playing bass.

McCartney was unavailable for comment, probably on his honeymoon. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say.

Shoot! I Could Have Had a V-8!! --RoadDog

Where Were You October 9, 1973?-- Part 2

Songs on your radio back all those years ago.

KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR-- BOB DYLAN-- Actually part of an album soundtrack "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid."
HIGHER GROUND-- STEVIE WONDER-- Playing all the instruments from his new albums Inner Visions.

JIMMY LOVES MARY-ANNE-- LOOKING GLASS-- Had given us "Brandy" a year earlier. (Two really fine pop tunes.)

LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK-- PAUL SIMON-- with the Dixie Hummingbirds.
ALL I KNOW-- ART GARFUNKEL-- First solo hit and Paul's former partner.

FREE RIDE-- EDGAR WINTER GROUP-- From the album They Only Come Out At Night. (One of the songs that reminds me so much of our drive from the wedding in Dekalb, Illinois, on August 25, 1973, to our honeymoon in Galena.

Good Stuff. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If in an emergency, notify:" I always put "DOCTOR."

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Where Were You October 9, 1973?-- Part 1

After finishing the first hour and a half back in 1968, Bob Stroud jumped ahead five years.

October 9th of 1973, I had been teaching 7th, 8th and 9th graders a grand total of six weeks. I was just eight years older than those freshmen. Liz was working at General Finance Corporation in Evanston, Illinois. I was teaching at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake.

She was driving her parents' 1968 Chevy to work and I drove the 1973 Ford Pinto to work from our apartment in Des Plaines, Illinois, off Golf Road near the Golf Mill Shopping Center.

JUST YOU "N" ME-- CHICAGO-- (Play me some horns.)
SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALRIGHT FOR FIGHTING-- ELTON JOHN--A 45 release from the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road out months before the album was.

RUBBER BULLETS-- 10CC-- Our introduction to this UK band.
PHOTOGRAPH-- RINGO STARR-- (Who'd have figured Ringo would do so well?)

More to Come. --RoadDog

JSS: 40th-- A to Z-- Getting Cold-- Raking Pine Straw-- Mighty Pretty Flowers

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. 40TH-- OK, it was windy and it was a bit cold, but yesterday we went out in the boat for the 40th time. That is always our objective and didn't really think we'd make it this year due to the very late time we put the boat in the water and the unpredictable weather.


2. A TO Z-- This Thursday at 9 am, WDRV FM, 97.1 FM in Chicago starts their famous Rock A to Z marathon. They will play songs by titles from then and continue for at least eight days. You can listen at www.wdrv.com.


3. GETTING COLD-- Frost on the vehicles this morning and the sweet potato vines don't look to good either. Hope I didn't leave them out too long. Brought a bunch of the deck plants inside, plus Liz is putting the lighted pumpkins in the front windows so those plants found their way to the sunroom as well.


4. RAKING PINE STRAW-- Just got in from raking the pine straw up from the east pine island. Hey, free mulch. And I have to get it up before cutting the grass for hopefully the last time of the season. Still have the west pine island to rake.


5. MIGHTY PRETTY FLOWERS-- The mums are outdoing themselves this year. The house is a blaze of yellow from one end to the other and along the sides. Had to go take pictures. Had to come in and warm up now.

Forty, Now We Can Relax. --RoadDog

So, That's Why

Yesterday, returning home from a rather chilly boating expedition and dinner at the Mega restaurant in Fox Lake, we approached Sunset Road off US-12 and were preparing to make a turn on it when we saw that it was closed.

So, we continued on to Johnsburg/Wilmot Road and turned left onto Johnsburg Road. before we could get to Sunset, we were once again stopped. This time we had to do a u-turn. Back on US-12 again, we turned in at the road by our bank and entered the subdivision by the back way. Third time's the charm.

Puzzled by the road closings, we went out to Sunset and headed east. We were stopped again at the crest of the hill going down to Johnsburg Road. But, this time we could see a cherry picker doing something to the telephone pole.

We knew the light had been out, but making so many road closures wouldn't explain a simple bulb replacement.

When we got home, we found that power had been out. Just love resetting those VCRs.

This morning, liz sent me an article explaining it. yesterday, about 3:20 pm, a woman crashed into the telephone pole, breaking it. She was taken by helicopter to a local hospital. The intersection of Sunset and Johnsburg reopened ar around 7 pm.

Miles and Miles to Go to Get Home. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.

Monday, October 17, 2011

A trip Out to the Country-- Part 2

October 15th-- Saturday

Met up with some NIU folks at the alumni tailgating section and had a great meal at the College of Education tent where we met the dean and some profs.

Decided not to see the game at Huskie Stadium because it was too cold with the wind.

Drove downtown and went to Sully's and watched the first half of the game (with NIU losing 15-13). Then staked our seats at the bar at Lord Stanleys's and watched the second half when Northern came roaring back to win 51-22!

The Dekalb Footstompers played their 38th straight NIU Homecoming show and had the place jumping as usual.

Stopped at Pizza Pros for beer nuggets and a few more drinks before turning in.


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th

Breakfast of Champions at White Castle. Home. Then watched the Packers win at Donovan's in Twin Lakes. Watched Da Bears actually play some football at Margaritaville.

All In All, Not a Bad Weekend. --RoadDog

JSS: Route 66-- End Boating?-- World Series-- Too Much Fun

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. ROUTE 66-- Real happy to see a front page article in the October 15th Chicago Tribune on our beloved Route 66 here in Illinois "Foreigners' ultimate road trip" by Vikki Ortiz Healy. You should check it out. Too bad foreigners seem to know and love the old road better than most Americans.

Like I tell foreigners, "You get to see the real America with the "Good, the bad and ugly." And take a trip back to the 40s-50s as well.


2. END BOATING?-- Thinking of taking the boat out one more time, making our goal of 40 times for the season, despite not starting until after the 4th of July and some pretty bad September weather. Not great today, only about 60 degrees, but let's hit out goal.


3. WORLD SERIES-- Watched the Brewer-Cardinal game last night. Too bad. Same with the Tiger-Ranger game. I was hoping for an all-Midwest World Series with Brewers vs. Tigers. At least we did get one Midwest team in.

Not sure who to pull for now. The Cards are my 4th favorite team (Brewers 3rd) and they are Midwest. Texas is American League (my favorite) and even though in the Series last year, have a history of losing going back to their Washington Senators days (even though they and equally hapless Kansas City As swept my all-time favorite team, the 1967 White Sox at the end of that season to knock us out of the World Series). I'll have to think about it.


4. TOO MUCH FUN-- One great weekend this past. Relived the glory daze of our college experience to the fullest at Northern Illinois' 104th Homecoming. Met our college dean, some profs, some bar owners, lots of alumni and lots of drunks.

Went to one new restaurant and one new bar. Did the Lincoln Crawl (as in the famous old Lincoln Highway), hitting seven bars on it in the space of a half mile. NIU won!! Got our fill of beer nuggets. And, then, the Dekalb Footstompers did their usual fun show at Lord Stanley's.

What to Do next. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of a pool and throw them fish.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

A Trip Out in the Country-- Part 1

Yesterday, we drove to Sycamore, Illinois, and had a fish fry at the Towne Square Restaurant, checked into the Best Western Motel in Dekalb and did the Lincoln Crawl (bars along the Lincoln Highway (Il-38) in the downtown starting with Andy's, then to Hometown, O'Leary's (located in the old J.C. Penney's building) and ending up at Fatty's by the motel.

This morning I went to the Homecoming parade from downtown to NIU. We'll be leaving soon for some serious tailgating over by the Barsema Alumni Building. Then, the game vs. Western Michigan.

A good time should be had at Lord Stanley's starting at 6 when the Dekalb Footstompers take the stage.

Enough Fun? --RoadDog

Friday, October 14, 2011

What Disc Jockeys Fear the Most

Today on WXRT's Lin's Bin, dj (now standing for download jockey) Lin Brehmer, answered a listener's letter concerning what disc jockeys fear the most. His answer?

Five seconds of dead air space in the radio station. The other djs at the station agreed with him. Terri Hemmert had an interesting story and nightmare story.

In the old days, dead air might be caused by miscuing a record, or one that ended too abruptly. Terri mentioned that she dreamed of leaving the booth and having a song end before she could get back.

When I was deejaying, that was a fear as well. I especially had problems getting songs up because I used cassette tapes. I would talk to cover up goofs. many, many times, I got the next song up just as the song I was playing ended. I have to admit that I was pretty good at covering goofs. Plus, at a bar, people aren't listening that closely anyway.

Oops. --RoadDog

Where Were You October 9, 1968?-- Part 4

MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS-- GRASS ROOTS-- In the Top Ten, the latest from the band featuring the late-great Rob Grill. (Man, they sure had some great music.)
SOUL DRIPPIN'-- MAUDS-- Chicago's Mauds, backed by the CTA's (Chicago) horn section. (Wonder how they came up with their name?)

IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA-- IRON BUTTERFLY-- Climbing the charts. (A long song, but pretty well summed up the era. I'll have a Gadda with a drum solo.)
GREENBURG, GLICKSTEIN, CHARLES, DAVID SMITH AND JONES-- CRYAN' SHAMES-- Great song with an impressive production. Chicago's own in the Top Ten. (If you've never heard it, you really need to give it a listen.)

FIRE-- THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN-- Number 1 in Chicago by a one-hit wonder. (Sure sounded crazy at the start and throughout the whole song. That's two "Fire" songs being played back 43 years ago. Wonder what ever happened to old "Crazy?)

Play That Old Music for Me. --RoadDog

Where Were You October 9, 1968?-- Part 3

SHAPES OF THINGS TO COME-- MAX FROST & THE TROOPERS-- Top Ten from the movie "Wild in the Streets." (Wasn't that the one where you'd have to be killed at age 30?)
THE SNAKE-- AL WILSON-- (The last five songs were) a set that was a good cross section of the kinds of music on your radio 43 years ago today. The last two songs included in the Rock and Roll Roots CD series. (Now 12 Cds worth of take-you-back music.)

ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER-- JIMI HENDRIX-- Brand new. (Bob Dylan was so proud.)
FIRE-- FIVE BY FIVE-- A little garage band. They somehow snuck into the Top 40 here in Chicago in their cover version of a Jimi Hendrix song. (Jimi was so proud.)

HEY JUDE-- BEATLES-- Double-sided hit in the Top Ten here in Chicago. (A real big surprise to have a Beatles song on the charts back in the sixties.)
REVOLUTION-- BEATLES-- Actually, today is John Lennon's birthday. Hard to believe he would have been 71 today. Forty-three years ago, he was 28.

Don't Pick Up Snakes. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Where Were You October 9, 1968?-- Part 2

I was sports editor of the school paper, the Cutlass (since we were the Palatine Pirates), and covered football. The year before, our Pirates had won just one game, and as a result played in a lot of homecomings in 1968 (for some reason, high schools like to schedule a weak opponent for homecoming).

However, we surprised them and ended up with a 7-2 record, ruining a lot of homecomings. We only lost to Wheeling (thanks to their Jack Bastable who ran over us) and our-ever nemesis, Arlington, who always beat us in every sport. We did beat arch rival Fremd.

Bob Stroud's quotes follow song. Mine in parentheses.

INDIAN RESERVATION-- DON FARDON-- Played this song all summer long this past summer on our series of the 40th anniversary of the Summer of 1971. The song then was "Indian Reservation" by the Raiders (Paul Revere and the Raiders) who had the hit. This was the song's first time out as a pop hit in October '68 by the British singer and called "The Lament of the Cherokee Indian reservation."
ELENORE-- TURTLES-- latest song. (One of their most under rated songs. Great vocals.)

WHITE ROOM-- CREAM-- (I became a big fan after their "Sunshine of Your Love" and a trip to North Carolina where some buddies had the album Fresh Cream which we listened to a WHOLE LOT.)
QUICK JOEY SMALL-- KASTENETZ-KATZ SINGING ORCHESTRAL CIRCUS-- A Slab of Bubble Gum. (I loved, and still do love, my Bubble Gum Music.)

I GOTTA GET A MESSAGE TO YOU-- BEE GEES-- An hour to live before he goes to his final resting place. (Still not sure, but was this really the Beatles singing under an alias?)
MAGIC CARPET RIDE-- STEPPENWOLF-- Brand new. Debuted in local charts 43 years ago this week. (Aah! Senior Lounge. Takes me right back.)

Go You Pirates!! And, Before People Walked Around Saying Aaarrrggghhh. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

When Disco Saved Beach Music-- Part 5

The last hour of Fessa John Hook's show on how Disco Saved Beach Music. An asterisk means I'm not familiar with the song.

WALK AWAY FROM LOVE-- David Ruffin
IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU-- Yvonne Elliman
THE GAME IS OVER-- Brown Sugar*
SECOND TIME AROUND-- Shalamar

I COULD DANCE ALL NIGHT-- Archie Bell & the Drells
I LOVE THE NIGHTLIFE-- Alicia Bridges
MR. MELODY-- Natalie Cole*
SHOO DOO FU FU OOH-- Lenny Williams

I'LL GO WHERE YOUR MUSIC TAKES ME-- Tina Charles
DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT-- Dionne Warwick
BEIN' WITH YOU-- Tavares*
LET'S GO SOMEWHERE AND MAKE LOVE-- Jackie Moore

BABY DON'T CHANGE YOUR MIND-- Gladys Knight & the Pips*
THIS SONG WILL LAST FOREVER-- Lou Rawls

Disco? Imagine That? --RoadDog

Boating and Lake Geneva

October 11th.

Out boating in the morning on Fox Lake. Liz will be starting her second job as boat mechanic as she got the running lights to come on again. Floated and took a run up by the old bald eagle nest on Ackerman Island, by the Grasslake Bridge. No eagles, but we'd heard they had been seen at other places on the island sotook a run up the channel to Port 'O Blarney and then continued up to Captain's Quarters but didn't see any.

Later, we drove to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and took a ride around the whole lake looking for fall foliage. There was some, but it looks like most of it will be next week.

Had a great shrimp and chips meal at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the Riviera Boat Docks and Geneva Lake in Lake Geneva.

Planning on going back next week and might try to take a boat cruise around the lake.

Loving This Fall Now. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE (I now can spell it without looking, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?): To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is called research.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

And, Away We Boat

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous Columbus Day and we used it to go downriver on the Fox River with friends. We have a standing tradition to do this unless it is too cold or wet.

To go to the Broken Oar Bar, you have to go through the locks at the McHenry Dam. Helped a pontoon boat when its engine caught fire and towed them to Broken Oar. Great $2 half pound burgers and fried for $2 and $5 pitchers.

Then a short cruise to Hermann's Rest-A-While Bar, a real fun place.

Upriver and then to Old Bridge Bar in McHenry and then to the Legion. This became our first night outing and we weren't too happy to learn that the running lights weren't working.

Finally got back to home port. Watched the first half of the Bears game at the Dill Pickle. Then home to Margaritaville for the end. Those Lions are the real deal.

Out on the Chain and Feelin' No Pain. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Evening news is where they begin with the words "Good Evening" and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Where Were You October 9, 1968?-- Part 1

Yesterday, Bob Stroud Time Warped us back to that date 43 years previous and played what we were listening to here in Chicago on WLS and WCFL.

I was a senior at Palatine High School and going steady with my wife Liz, also a senior. We had met the year before when she transferred from Madonna High School in Chicago. We had Mr. Denny for Social Studies Survey, his first year of teaching and one of our all-time favorite teachers. We both had a class with him back in the 1980s when we were getting our Masters +30 from IRI. he remembered us and said that he can always remember his first classes, better than what came later. Very true, we also find remembering our first classes easier. Just a few weeks ago, we were in a place and Liz met one of the girls who had been in her first class, 1st grade at Beach School in Round Lake Beach, Illinois.

We were enjoying Senior Lounge at Palatine, especially with that great juke box and woe be it for an underclassman to try to crash into it.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS-- MARY HOPKIN-- Brand new in your radio on the Apple label. Written and produced by Paul McCartney. First of two top 40 hits by her. Both written by Paul, the second being "Goodbye." (By the way, congratulations to McCartney on his marriage this past Saturday.)

TIME HAS COME TODAY-- CHAMBERS BROTHERS-- Top ten here in Chicago.

More Good Stuff Coming Up. --RoadDog

Football and a Festival

SATURDAY, OCTOBEER 8th--

Saturday, it was an old town square and fall foliage on the way to Dekalb. Took a ride around Woodstock Square, dating to the 1850s, and did see tree color in some places (but most still on its way).

We were guests of the university at the Kent State football game which was won 40-10. Never thought we'd get to drink legally in Huskie Stadium. Then, there was a stop at Marengo Settlers Festival on the way back (Il-23 blocked off downtown).


SUNDAY, OCTOBEER 9th--

Stroud Time Warped to Oct. 9, 1968, and Oct. 9, 1973. Listening to his first two songs from '68 right now, "Those Were the Days" by Mark Hopkin and "Time Has Come Today" by the Chambers Brothers. Recorded on my 'lil old cassette deck. Then listened to the WMIL Top Country 35 On Deck. Had $5 pizza and pitchers at All-Sports, boating, then $5 pitchers at the Squaw Bar.

A Great Fall Weekend here in the Midwest. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese at the mousetrap.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

JSS: Great Boating-- Fall Foliage-- NIU Football-- Music Alert!!!

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. GREAT BOATING-- Now that we have our fall weather back, we've taken advantage of it for some boating. We've been out everyday this past week. Thursday was just a boat float. Yesterday we went through Fox Lake, Grasslake and Lake Marie. We had lunch at the Sandbar.

And, we weren't the only ones out. A lot of people were taking advantage of it and I'd say there were as many boats on the water as you'd see on a Saturday during the summer.


2. FALL FOLIAGE-- Our subdivision here in Spring Grove is ablaze with color. Everywhere you look there are reds and yellows. My Amur Maple is the brilliant red and the birch and honeylocust trees are there golden yellow.


4. NIU FOOTBALL-- In a few hours, we leave for Dekalb for the Northern Illinois-Kent State game. We are special guests of the college because of our scholarship that we just funded in education.

Hope to see some fall color on the way there and back.


5. MUSIC ALERT!!!-- In just a few minutes, WXRT 93.1 FM, here in Chicago goes back 40 years to 1971 for their Saturday Morning Flashback. They stream live from 8 to noon.

Then Sunday, Bob Stroud goes into Time Warp mode to the music in your radio October 9, 1968, for an hour and a half, then jumps ahead five years to October 9, 1973. He streams live on WDRV 97.1 FM, from 7 to 10 am.

Get Into Mr. Peabody's Way-Back Machine. --RoadDog

Hey, just accidentally hit the key to the right of the "R" and it gives a whole new meaning to me. Maybe it is more appropriate.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Da Bears at Da House-- Part 2

Nearly 100 ex-players, coaches and staff will be meeting President Obama, also a Bears fan, of sorts.

Sadly, some of the more memorable names will not be there.

Foremost would be running back Walter Payton, who died of cancer at 45.

Safety Dave Duerson killed himself earlier this year after suffering from brain damage inflicted by all the hits on the field.

Also absent will be William "The Refrigerator" Perry who has health issues.

However, on hand will be the "Punky QB" Jim McMahon, speedy wide receiver Willie Gault and Richard Dent, Super Bowl XX MVP and newly elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Dan Hampton is going because he doesn't like Obama.

Personally, getting together with the guys as well as an invite and chance to meet the President and see the White House would have me there whether I liked the president or not.

I can't name more than about half the present Bears, but know the '85 team like it was just yesterday, not 26 years ago.

Da Bears! --RoadDog

Going for the Funnies: Rock and Roll

From the September 25th Chicago Tribune.

THATABABY by Paul Trap

This is a new one in the Tribune.

FRAME 1: The Mom has a radio (or is that an iPod hookup, probably is) and it is playing "Here we are, now entertain us."

Dad says "Gah! You're playing Nirvana to the baby?!"

FRAME 2: Mom, "?" Dad, "His ears aren't ready for that! Please look at my chart!"

First we lay the foundation with a heavy rotation of CHUCK BERRY.

Then we hook him with harmony with those boys from the beach, the BEACH BOYS.

Next, we hop across the pond to embrace the BEATLES before roughing up the edges with the garage rock of the KINKS.

Scratching the dark underbelly of the STONES. And turning it up to Eleven with the arena rock bombast of the WHO.

We're now in position to scale Mount ZEPPELIN.

At the summit we go back to the basics with the RAMONES, Get ornery with JOHNNY ROTTEN and the boys and fight the good fight with the CLASH!!

Now we set the table for grunge with the PIXIES, and then, and only then, is the boy aurally adjusted for some NIRVANA!

LAST FRAME: Mom, "There's nothing there from the 80s."
Dad, "Didn't you hear? The '80s were expunged from the musical record."
Baby, "No Dexys?"

Sounds a bit Classic Rock to me. But, Dad has a good idea, except for the '60s part. That was some great music. At least there was no Snoop Dogg, rap or hip-hop.

What, No CCR? --RoadDog

Going for the Funnies: Fall

My favorite part of any Sunday is the color funnies which I save for dessert.

September 25th Chicago Tribune.

MUTTS Comic Strip

The car is looking at a green tree in FRAME 1.

"Hmm...What are you thinking..."

FRAME 2: "A Blonde" (tree has yellow leaves)

FRAME 3: "A Redhead" (tree has red leaves)

Frame 4: "Or Brunette?" (tree has brown leaves)

FRAME 5: "I Can't wait to see!" (tree back to green)

That's Me. I Can;t Wait for My Fall Color. --RoadDog

Da Bears at Da House-- Part 1

As in White House.

From the October 5th Chicago Tribune "This trip long overdue for '85 team" by Peter Nicholas.

I'm sure looking forward to seeing some of this tonight. Another chance to see our all-time favorite Bears team get together again to relive that magical year.

Everyone remembers that really frigid January day when the Bears had their parade in Chicago after winning Super Bowl XX the previous Sunday. A visit to DC to say hi to President Reagan was in the offing but never came to pass, because they day after the parade came the Challenger explosion.

Reagan never met "The Fridge." The visit was never rescheduled, "nor, did they reprise 'The Super Bowl Shuffle.' the rap tune that became a pop culture sensation. Players got hurt or retired (I still say that Da Bears would have won one or two more Super Bowls had qb McMahon stayed healthy). Coaches moved on. Hopes faded for of a Bears dynasty, or even another championship."

Gary Fencik, a free-safety for the team, remembers watching the shuttle explosion at his locker in Hallas Hall, "I saw the takeoff and saw the accident and pretty much realized at that point that our celebration was over." Fencik is now a partner in a private equity firm.

There Will never be Another Team Quite Like Our '85 Bears. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

JSIS: iPhones-- College Trips-- Where's the Beef?

JSIS-- Just Some Interesting Stuff


1. iPHONES-- Evolution of Apple's iPhone. Yesterday I posted about the various iPhones, but later saw that I had the names wrong. According to the Chicago Tribune, it was: Original iPhone (2007) iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G (@008), iPhone 3GS (2009), iPhone4 (2010) and now the iPhone 5.

Do we really need to upgrade every year like that?


2. COLLEGE TRIPS-- Oct. 5th Chicago Tribune article on freshmen at Addison Trail High School outside Chicago taking a field trip to the University of Wisconsin in Madison to get them interested in college. Great idea, but I suggest the field trips be to Northern Illinois University in closer-by Dekalb.

This could get the students more fired up about their grades after seeing the payoff.

Parents should also take their high school children on visits to colleges.


3. WHERE'S THE BEEF?-- is back. Oct. 5th Chicago Tribune. The new commercial of the kid walking around with the vintage "Where's the Beef" tee shirt and looking amazed when every older folk calls it back to him is a fun trip back down memory lane for me.It was 27 years ago when Chicagoan Clara Peller made the famous quote pitching for Wendy's. She died a few years later in 1987.

Liz says a friend of hers worked on the set and had to hide behind the counter because Clara could not remember when to say her line. When it was time, he'd tug on her dress to cue her. That is why she always looked a bit shocked when she said it.

Now, companies seem to have learned that a little bit of humor, right Aflac duck and Mayhem, goes a long way. These are commercials I stop what I'm doing to watch.

That Was One Funny Commercial. --RoadDog

Movie Scratches: Help-- Contagion-- Drive-- Killer

A Dog's Eye View of movies I've recently seen.

The first number refers to how many I've seen, then date, where and how much.


49. THE HELP-- 9-15-- FOX LAKE $5.50-- Gives a whole new meaning to eating pie.


50. CONTAGION-- 9-21-- FOX LAKE $4-- Whatever you do, don't touch.


51. DRIVE-- 9-23-- FOX LAKE $5.50-- He's good, but gets into bad situations.


52. KILLER ELITE-- 9-27-- FOX LAKE $5.50-- Killing's easy. Forgetting's hard.

I Hate Sticky Floors. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A-Boating I Go

Heading out for some boating this afternoon as we're finally getting decent weather after the coldest September in Chicago recorded history.

Also went boating the last three days, bringing our total outings to 32. Still hoping for 40.

Sunday and Monday were just boat floats.

Yesterday, we went out with buddy Frank and cruised Fox Lake, Nippersink Lake and Pistakee Lake. We went through some channels off Pistakee and saw the place Frank has a short sell bid on.

Also stopped at Oak Park Bar Lounge and the Aquarium, Home of the Minnow Club.

Even a Bad Day of Boating Is Still Better Than a Good Day at ____.

It's Them, Not Me: iPhone5 and Cassette Tapes

Well, yesterday, the much-anticipated release of the iPhone5 came out. People flocked to buy it. I didn't. Many are looking to get rid of their antiquated iPhone4s.

Well, I don't even have an iPhone4, or even an iPhone 3 for that matter. Come to think of it, I never had a 1 or 2 either.

Am I going to buy an iPhone5? Nope. I'll wait for the iPhone6 in a couple months. Nope, I won't buy that either.


CASSETTE TAPES

Yesterday, Lynn Braemer, dj (or uj, upload jocket) on WXRT 93.1 FM in Chicago and cohort Mary Dixon mentioned a small comeback of the cassette tape as a musical entity. Evidently, the Chicago Sun-Times had an article about it.

The two of them beban snickering and crackig wise about my beloved cassette tapes, which I still record on and listen to, despite the increase in difficulty of obtaining them

I was one of the first people to get a cassette recorder back in 1969 and have used them ever since. I was one of the last TJs before I retired completely earlier this year.

Bring Back the Cassette Tapes!! --RoadDog

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

When Disco Saved Beach Music-- Part 4

Beach Music had about run its course in the mid-1950s, when Disco burst on the scene (with a big help from good old John Travolta). Its arrival reinvigorated the scene and the shag dance.

Another hour's worth of Fessa John Hook's music. Asterisk means I hadn't heard it before.

I JUST CAN'T GET YOU OUT OF MY MIND-- Four Tops
GOT TO GIVE YOU UP-- Marvin Gaye
1000 LAUGHS-- Eloise Laws*
SATURDAY NIGHT SUNDAY MORNING-- Thelma Houston*

A LITTLE LOVIN' (KEEPS THE DR. AWAY)-- Racs*
NIGHT FEVER-- Bee Gees
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S RIGHT-- Evely "Champagne" King*
I CAN'T FIGHT YOUR LOVE-- Modulations*

LOVE REALLY HURTS WITHOUT YOU-- Billy Ocean
HANG ON IN THERE BABY-- Johnny Bristol
I LOVE YOU-- Donna Summer
ANYWAY YOU WANT IT-- Enchantment

EASY COMING OUT, HARD GOIN' IN-- William Bell
LET ME BE GOOD TO YOU-- Lou Rawls

Think You Know Your Disco? --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: War does not determine who is right--only who is left.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Good Times here in NE Illinois

FRIDAY-- Gasoline Alley too crowded, so ended up at American Legion.


SATURDAY-- Mineola Chili Run: Boating on the Chain. Drinking at the Sandbar, American Legion, Oak Park. Eating and Drinking at the Mineola and Fairmount Shores.

Pirate Run at the Mineola. Invaded by those nefarious sea drunks.

Oktoberfest at the Fox Lake Beach Park.


SUNDAY-- Bears party at Squaw Bar. Bears win. Boating. Drinks and Chili on Deck at the Turkey Bar. Hello Folks for NTN and more.

Oom-Pah!! --RoadDog

Grading the TV Season...So Far

From the Oct. 2nd Chicago Tribune "Grading the TV Season."

Of the twenty new shows debuting this season.


Ones I've watched have an asterisk. They had comments, but the ones shown are mine.

FIVE BEST:

Prime Suspect (NBC)* Girl trying to crash the Good 'Ol Boys Network. I bet she does.

New Girl (Fox)

2 Broke Girls (CBS)* A new "Odd Couple"

Terra Nova (Fox)* I like any scifi, especially with dinosaurs.

Secret Circle (CW)

I agree with the ones I've seen. All good shows.


THE FIVE WORST

Charlie's Angels (ABC)

Free Agents (NBC)* Seen all shows so far. isn't catching on with me and may stop watching.

The Playboy Club (NBC)* Despite the title, it's still a man's world. So far, the moral would be, "Don't mess with the bunnies."

Hart of Dixie (CW)

Unforgettable (CBS)*

I definitely disagree with "Unforgettable" being on the worst list. It's a new way to solve crime. But then, I liked "Numbers."

I Have Some Other Good Ones So Far As Well. --RoadDog

Every Bloomin' THing: Early October

The various sedum and many, many, many mums are carrying the color right now.

Plus, the golden rods are near the end of their run. I have some sort of plants with hundreds of little white blooms that is at its top right now.

No trees changing yet.

Best to steer clear of the sedum and those white plants as they are covered with stinging varmints.

I'll have to put up the Halloween decs in the next week as it is that time of the season.

Just ate my second nut-covered caramel apple, something that says to fall to me. have to get over to Meijer's to get a gallon of the apple cider as well. Now that it's October, I can burn on the weekends through November.

I consider fall to be September and October. Forget November, although it's technically a part of fall. We just finished the coldest September in Chicago history, so hoping I;ll get some fall now.

Temps in the 70s this week, so hope to get some final boating in.

Love That Fall. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Number One Songs This Date, October 1st-- Part 4

DECADE OF THE 50s


1959 MACK THE KNIFE-- BOBBY DARRIN-- Well, that shark sure has sharp teeth.
1958 IT'S ALL IN THE GAME-- TOMMY EDWARDS
1957 HONEYCOMB-- JIMMIE RODGERS

1956 DON'T BE CRUEL/HOUND DOG-- ELVIS PRESLEY-- The Pel gets a two-sided
1955 THE YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS-- MITCH MILLER-- Follow that bouncing ball.
1954 HEY THERE-- ROSEMARY CLOONEY

1953 VAYO CON DIOS-- LES PAUL AND MARY FORD
1952 YOU BELONG TO ME-- JO STAFFORD

1951 BECAUSE OF YOU-- TONY BENNETT-- I was a little over 4 months old and Tony's still singing.
1950 GOODNIGHT IRENE-- GORDON JENKINS AND THE WEAVERS

1941 PIANO CONCERTO IN B FLAT-- FREDDY MARTIN
1931 WHEN THE MOON COMES OVER THE MOUNTAIN-- KATE SMITH

1921 SONG OF INDIA-- PAUL WHITEMAN-- This guy was on a roll with the number one song for five straight months with three different ones: My Mammy and Cherie #1 each for two months.
1911 ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND-- ARTHUR COLLINS & BYRON HARLON

1901 UNCLE JOSH'S HUSKIN BEE DANCE-- CAL STEWART

You Ain't Nothin' But a _____ ____. --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date, October 1st-- Part 3

DECADE OF THE 60S

1969 SUGAR, SUGAR-- ARCHIES-- OK, now TRY to get this out of your head.
1968 HEY JUDE-- BEATLES-- Imagine a month in the 60s after 1964, without a Beatles song at or near #1.
1967 THE LETTER-- BOX TOPS0-- A little blue-eyed soul if you please.

1966 CHERISH-- ASSOCIATION-- These guys could sure harmonize together.
1965 HANG ON SLOOPY-- McCOYS-- Rick and the boys have the official Ohio Rock and Roll song.
1964 OH, PRETTY WOMAN-- ROY ORBISON-- One of those great music riff openings.

1963 BLUE VELVET-- BOBBY VINTON-- Back in his "Blue" phase.
1962 SHERRY-- FOUR SEASONS-- Jersey Boys making good.

1961 TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY-- BOBBY VEE-- Filled in for Buddy Holly after the crash.
1960 MY HEART HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN-- CONNIE FRANCIS

Sherry, baby. --RoadDog

Going on a Chili Run/Oktoberfest

Despite the cool temps today, I'm going out with friends on a boat for the Mineola Chili Run in a few hours. We'll be going to five places on the Chain of Lakes, starting and ending at the Mineola, a small-scale version of the Grand Hotel in Mackinac. (Not in good shape, though.)

Should be a good time if I don't freeze.

Then, it's off to the Fox Lake annual Oktoberfest at Lakefront Park for brats, more beer, a German oompah band and a rock band to cap off the day.

Out on the Chain and Feeling No Pain. --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date, October 1st-- Part 2

I'll be expanding to including the #1 songs from the 50s to 80s.


DECADE OF THE 70S

1979 SAD EYES-- ROBERT JOHN
1978 KISS YOU ALL OVER-- EXILE-- Country goes nasty. Not to be confused with Dr. CC's song.
1977 STAR WARS THEME/CANTINA BAND-- MECO-- Think this might have had something to do with that movie?

1976 PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC-- WILD CHERRY-- Just the song we needed for the bicentennial.
1975 FAME-- DAVID BOWIE
1974 I HONESTLY LOVE YOU-- ONJ-- That pretty gal from Australia, Olivia.

1973 HALF BREED-- CHER-- And "Papa would have shot him if he knew what he'd done."
1972 BABY, DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME-- MAC DAVIS-- "Lord, It's Hard to Be Humble" with a name like that.

1971 MAGGIE MAE/REASON TO BELIEVE-- ROD STEWART-- Here we go again at the Sig Ep house at the University of Georgia.
1970 AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH-- DIANA ROSS

Wake Up Maggie, I Think It's Time to Go. It's Late September and I really Should be Back at ____. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: We never really grow up, we only learn how ro act in public.

Number One Songs This Date, October 1st-- Part 1

It's a new month, time to take a look at the number one songs this date going back 110 years. Personally, I don't remember most of them before 1955...but you never know who might be reading.

Big thanks to Josh Hosler for his Number One in History website: www.joshhosler.biz.

2011 MOVES LIKE JAGGER-- MAROON 5/CHRISTINA AGUILERA
2001 FALLIN'-- ALICIA KEYS
1991 GOOD VIBRATIONS-- MARKY MARK

DECADE OF THE 80S

1989 MISS YOU MUCH-- JANET JACKSON
1988 DON'T WORRY, NE HAPPY-- BOBBY McFERRIN-- Darm, now I've got that song stuck in my head. If you see me whistlin', don't think I've flipped out.
1987 DIDN'T WE ALMOST HAVE IT ALL-- WHITNEY HOUSTON-- Pre-Bobby, not McFerrin either.

1986 STUCK WITH YOU-- HUEY LEWIS-- Could this guy make a great pop song or what?
1985 MONEY FOR NOTHING-- DIRE STRAITS-- Great video back when MTV was really music.
1984 LET'S GO CRAZY- PRINCE-- Before he did that name thing.

1983 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART-- BONNIE TYLER
1982 JACK AND DIANE-- JOHN COUGAR-- Or do you call him John Mellancamp.

1981 ENDLESS LOVE-- DIANA ROSS/LIONEL RICHIE
1980 ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST-- QUEEN-- I lost count of how many times I played this one at weddings.

And Your Chicks for Free. --RoadDog


PARAPROSDOKIAN SENTENCE: If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.