Ten Clowns You Don't Want to Mess With

From the May 4, 2010 List Universe.

10. Krusty from the Simpsons
9. Pulcinella from England's Punch
8. Ronald McDonald-- he has body guards.

7. Doink-- WWF Wrestling
6. Killer Clowns from "Killer Clowns from Outer Space.)
5. Ubu Roi?
4. "Poltergeist" Clown-- This one really creeped me out.

3. The Joker-- Heath Ledger
2. Pennywise from "It" Another one who creeped me out.
1. Pogo-- The clown played by John Wayne Gacy. Not only would he creep you out, he would kill you as well.

Go Ahead, Make Me Laugh. --RoadDog


WILL ROGERS SAYS: Politics have became so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.

Movie Scratches: Factor-- Valor-- Carter-- Hunger

A Dog's-eye view of today's movies.


13. FACTOR X-- 3-6-- FOX LAKE $5.50-- How to completely wreck a house in one night. High schoolers run amuck.


14. ACT OF VALOR-- 3-7-- FOX LAKE-- Free-- Terrorists and Bad Guys Beware. Be VERY AWARE!!!


15. JOHN CARTER-- 3-19-- FOX LAKE $5.50-- Ex-Confederate finds love again...on Mars!!


16. HUNGER GAMES-- 3-28-- FOX LAKE $4-- One winner, no two, no one again, alright TWO!! The cannon sounds.

Every Blooming THing: Late March

Spring has sprung much earlier than usual thanks to all this warm weather. I've been spending a lot of time outside cutting down dead stalks, thinning out perennials and avoiding the hundreds of little bees all over the place right now.

I even had to cut the grass for the first time in 2012 on Tuesday.

The Bradford pears trees are all in full white and the weeping cherry is also in bloom. Forsythia bushes are beginning to wane. Rhododendrons mighty purple and azaleas full of buds.

The Japanese lilac trees are already leafed-out.

Daffodils continue and are joined by hyacinths and tulips.

The color explosion has arrived!!

And, Lovin' It!! --RoadDog

Dr. Beach's Top Ten Beaches, 2010

OK, a bit late, but....

He uses 50 different criteria such as sand color, noise, litter and accessibility to rank the beaches.

COOPER'S BEACH-- Southampton, NY
SIESTA KEY-- Flor.
CORONADO BEACH-- San Diego
CAPE HATTERAS-- N.C.
MAIN BEACH-- East Hampton, N.Y.

KAHANAMOKU BEACH-- Waikiki, Haw.
COAST GUARD BEACH-- Cape Cod, Mass.
BEACHWALKER BEACH-- Kiawah Island, S.C.
HAMOA BEACH-- Maui, Haw.
CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK-- Key Biscayne, Fla.

I was walking on a pretty good one this past Sunday, Topsail Beach, NC.

A Good Day at the Beach.... --RoadDog

To Topsail Beach, NC

I did get to go to one of my favorite places, Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Mom has a town home there on the second row, meaning that it is in the second row of homes from the ocean. Just a row of cottages and a street separating it. But with the way the ocean is coming in, who knows, it might get to be front row, as Bob Uecker would say.


MARCH 23RD

Took US-117 to the extension to I-40 all the way to Rocky Point near Wilmington where we got off I-40 and back on US-117 to Paul's Place for some of their great hot dogs (since the 1920s).

Then to the place. Watched the NCAA games.


MARCH 24TH

Hit and miss with the weather. Sunny then threatening, then rain off and on. Spent time out on deck and taking stuff down from outside walls as the decks, stairs and exterior are to be replaced starting Monday.

Friend and Topsail Beach Commissioner Julian Bone stopped by and said there will be beach replenishment with sand taken from Topsail Inlet to deepen it.

We were going to go into Holly Springs to eat, but had a huge downpour and the roads in Topsail Beach and Surf City really get flooded when that happens so stayed in and Mom made up her famous spaghetti. Watched more b-ball games. Real big storm after midnight.


MARCH 25TH

Took a long walk on the beach with lots of jellyfish washed up on it. Watched some of the Kentucky game but a blow out so stopped. Enjoyed some more deck time before leaving.

A Day or Two at Da Beach. Good Livin'. --RoadDog

Flashing Back to 1967-- Part 3

Some more songs from that year.

SHE HAS FUNNY CARS-- Jefferson Airplane
SOUL MAN-- Sam and Dave
COME ON DOWN TO MY BOAT-- Every Mother's Son
I'VE BEEN DRINKING-- Rod Stewart
THE BEAT GOES ON-- Sonny and Cher

WHITER SHADE OF PALE-- Procul Harum
SHE'S LIKE A RAINBOW-- Rolling Stones
LET IT ALL HANG OUT-- Hombres
LOVE ME TWO TIMES-- Doors
SWEET HOME CHICAGO-- Magic Sam

SEE EMILY PLAY-- Pink Floyd
SWEET SOUL MUSIC-- Arthur Conley
I'M WAITING FOR THE MAN-- Velvet Underground
I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW-- Tommy James & the Shondells
MORNING DEW-- Grateful Dead

NY MINING DISASTER 1941-- Bee Gees
FRIDAY ON MY MIND-- Easy Beats
DOCK OF THE BAY-- Otis Redding
FOXY LADY-- Jimi Hendrix
BOOGALOO DOWN BROADWAY-- Fantastic Johnny C
HAPPOY JACK-- Who

Good Stuff, Maynard. --RoadDog

Flashing Back to 1967-- Part 2

Continuing with WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback from March 17th

HIGHER AND HIGHER-- Jackie Wilson
MR. SOUL-- Buffalo Springfield
BROWN EYED GIRL-- Van Morrison
ALONE AGAIN, OR-- Love
ONE MORE HEARTACHE-- Butterfield Blues Band

PUSHING TOO HARD-- Seeds
WILD HONEY-- Beach Boys
LITTLE WING-- Jimi Hendrix
I CAN SEE FOR MILES-- Who
SUNNY AFTERNOON-- Kinks

I'M A MAN-- Spencer Davis Group
SO YOU WANT TO BE A ROCK AND ROLL STAR-- Byrds
A DAY IN THE LIFE-- Beatles
THE LETTER-- Box Tops
COLD SWEAT-- James Brown

Remember Any of These? --RoadDog

Mom's Yard

I always enjoy coming to North Carolina during the spring as the state is a month ahead of us in northern Illinois as far as plants and flowers blooming. However, we're way ahead of schedule this year because of all of that welcome warm.

The dogwood trees are bursting into bloom and azaleas are out. Of course, their azaleas are a lot bigger than ours in Illinois. And mom has at least 14 different kinds of azaleas and about seven colors and ten different camellias, which she said were especially beautiful this year, but are past bloom.

Unfortunately, the daffodils are also pretty much gone.

The spirea bushes are all white and verbena are blooming.

Mom provided the flowers for the vases at yesterdays Salvation Army barbecue and they were quite colorful.

Liking Those Flowers. --RoadDog

Flashing Back to 1967-- Part 1

March 17th, Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT in Chicago went back to 1967. Between the songs and stories, it was a real trip back for me.

Of course, back in the days of the sixties, those songs were really short, so there were a lot of them on the show.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR-- Beatles-- Well, it was a tour going back 45 years.
GROOVIN'-- Young Rascals
PAPER SUN-- Traffic
FUNKY BROADWAY-- Wilson Pickett-- The "Wicked Pickett"
KIND OF A DRAG-- Buckinghams-- Chicago's own.

TALES OF BRAVE ULYSSES-- Cream
INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS-- Strawberry Alarm Clock-- How's that for psychedelic?
RESPECT-- Aretha Franklin
BACK DOOR MAN-- Doors
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- Soul Survivors

FAKIN' IT-- Simon and Garfunkel
SOUL FINGER-- Bar-Kays-- Otis Redding's backup band, also victims in that tragic crash.
STEPPIN' STONE-- Monkees-- Beatles, Part 2.
THERE IS A MOUNTAIN-- Donovan
MERCY MERCY MERCY-- Cannonball Adderly

Good Stuff Maynard. --RoadDog

Arrived in North Carolina

March 20th

Drove to Milwaukee, stopping at the White Castle in Kenosha for our slider crave. Bought a Civil War book at that great bookstore in the terminal. Connected at O'Hare and through to Raleigh-Durham. Rented car at Thrifty and drove to Goldsboro.

MARCH 21st

Set up for barbecue at the Salvation Army in Goldsboro, then to Lenten service at the Presbyterian church and Bible study at the First Baptist at night.


MARCH 22nd

I really wasn't needed at the Salvation Army bbq, but was there if needed. Great Wilber's bbq, though. Afterwards, some work around the house and now, b-ball. Too bad Wisconsin lost.

Back in the Home State. --RoadDog

I Remember These Guys

From the March 20th Listverse "10 Sixties Icons Still Active Today"

10. David McCallum
9. Bill Cosby (We saw him about five years ago at the grand opening of Northern Illinois University's Convocation Center.)
8. Clint Eastwood
7. Robert Wagner
6. Cher

5. Mick Jagger
4. Betty White
3. Tony Bennett
2. Stevie Wonder
1. Paul McCartney

And, I Remember 'em All. --RoadDog

St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1

How to enjoy a St. Paddy's Day.

First, I listened to Wendy Rice do her Saturday Morning Flashback Show on WXRT in Chicago to 1967, a mighty fine year for me back in my high school days of yore. I'll be listing the songs she played this week if my mother's laptop in NC works.

Then, it was off to Pearle's to drop off out taxes on our way over to Lake Villa, Illinois, for their annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Much bigger crowd than usual because of temps in the upper 70s and sun. Absolutely beautiful.

Met the real Irish folk, Kevin and Kelly in front of Gallati's, the old George's Cedar Inn where I deejayed after the parade for 15 years. This officially ends my deejay career as it is where I deejayed the last two times in 2010 and 2011. George sold it last spring.

Gallati's really fixed the place up as it was in bad shape and were selling beer to watch the parade with and doing a bang up business. The parade was extra long with primaries and voting coming up Tuesday. If I see another politician or hear another ad, it will be TOO SOON.

Kind of sad after seeing Milwaukee's one last Saturday. Not much to it. Just ONE bagpiper and only one small group of bouncing hairs. One neat float had someone's real wedding reception. Now, that was truly unique.

Getting Our Irish On. --RoadDog

Brackets Pretty Typical

I sure like being able to pick the games I want to see now with all games televised. I'm a big Carolina fan, but if the Tarheels are blowing somebody out by thirty points, I hated watching that game, especially if a "Little Guy" school was beating a "Big Guy" or there was a close game going on.

Hey, the tournament has to be about excitement, about underdogs accomplishing the unimaginable, unbelievable plays, teams you've never heard of like Norfolk State.

And speaking of that, big congrats to Norfolk State and Lehigh, both #15s, beating #2s Missouri and Duke (two of my favorites). I would have loved to see the #15s go to the Sweet 16, but sadly they didn't. And big tip of hat to Ohio, the lone representative of the MAC and still in.

My bracket looks like it bled out as usual. I really like college b-ball and watch it a lot, but when it comes to picking at the end, my wife beats me picking schools she likes.

Still left:

SWEET SIXTEEN: Kentucky, Baylor, Mich State, Louisville, Marquette, Kansas, UNC, OSU, Syracuse

FIELD OF EIGHT: Syracuse, UNC, Kansas, Mich State, Kentucky

FINAL FOUR: Mich State, Syracuse, UNC

Bring On Thursday. --RoadDog

And a Happy St. Paddy's To Ya

We will be going over to Lake Villa, Illinois, for their annual St. Patrick's Day parade. This will be their 16th one. Afterwards, there is a band and food at the VFW.

Then later tonight, it's Donovan's Reef in Twin lakes, Wisconsin, for corned beef and cabbage and plenty of green beer and a LTJ (Lap Top Jockey).

This will be the first time in 14 years that I will not be deejaying at George's Cedar Inn on Main Street for the parade. This is where the idea for the parade began all those years ago, when George and another guy decided folks should not have to go to Chicago for a St. Patrick's parade. Why not have one closer to home.

George hired me the second year they had it and I'd been there every year since. I'd be there today, except George, who is in his 70s, sold the place. I was still deejaying there the last two years even though I had already retired from deejaying. The deal was that as long as George had the place, I'd deejay this party. I didn't even charge him the last two years.

Oh Well, Things End. Things Begin. --RoadDog

An Unseasonably Warm Friday

OK, what do you do on a Friday so warm and fair? Yesterday was a day to savor. We're still waiting for our usual lousy weather to catch up with us. Bob Stroud went back to 1968 for his Ten at Ten show on the Drive, 97.1 FM in Chicago. Sat out on the deck (OD) enjoying the sun and warmth while he played: HOOKED ON A FEELING-- BJ Thomas RIDE MY SEE-SAW-- Moody Blues ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER-- Jimi Hendrix STREET FIGHTIN' MAN-- Rolling Stones WONDERFUL WORLD-- Louis Armstrong WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS-- Joe Cocker DANCE TO THE MUSIC-- Sly and the Family Stone FIVE TO ONE-- Doors MONY MONY-- Tommy James & the Shondells THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL-- Beatles Then, Frank and Canadian Al came by and we went up to Popeye's in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their great fish fry (made even better with Frank's 60th birthday coupon). We drove up there along the original alignment of US-12 from Richmond, Illinois and Genoa City, Wi. in Frank's convertible. Later, went out to El Puerto Mexican Restaurant and Bar on Nippersink Lake and watched a beautiful sunset with the Usual Suspects. Everyone has spring fever and were out in force. Was it ever crowded. Then, there were some really fine NCAA games at Margaritaville in my basement. A Good Day. --RoadDog

JSS: Heaven Help Us!!!-- Boat Chompin'- First Flowers

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. HEAVEN HELP US!!!-- The politicians are UPON us as primary voting draws near this Tuesday. Way TOO many phone calls. Way TOO many ads and commercials. WAY TOO MUCH MUDSLINGING. I'm voting for he or she who slings the least.


2. BOAT CHOMPIN'-- With all the warm weather (it's been in the 70s all week) everyone here in the Chain of Lakes land is chompin' at the bit to put our boats in the water. Yesterday, we saw a couple out on Nippersink Lake in Fox Lake, Illinois.

I'm hoping to get ours out when I get back from NC in a couple weeks. The last several years we didn't get out until June or July.

That is, of course, if we can afford the gas which is always much higher on the water.


3. FIRST FLOWERS-- I have our first daffodil in water in the house!! The smell of spring!!!

Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog

Twenty Barroom Classics in Honor of St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow-- Part 2

If you go to the WXRT site and find this list, you can see videos to most of these songs. And there are some I wasn't familiar with before this list.

11. WARM BEER AND COLD WOMEN-- Tom Waits
12. ALABAMA SONG-- Doors-- My second favorite Doors song.
13. I'M DRINKING AGAIN-- Ry Cooder
14. RED WINE AND WHISKEY-- Katrina and the Waves
15. SALLY MACLENNANE-- Pogues

16. FACE DOWN AT FOLK CITY-- Rockes
17. HAVE A DRINK ON ME-- AC/DC
18. WHY DON'T WE GET DRUNK AND SCREW?-- Jimmy Buffett (A love song of a different sort.)
19. WHISKEY, YOU'RE THE DEVIL-- Clancy Brothers
20. MARIA'S RIPTIDE LOUNGE-- The Juleps

Where's That Green Beer? --RoadDog

Twenty Barroom Classics in Honor of St. Patrick's Day Tomorrow

From WXRT's Morning Guy, Lin Brehmer. www.wxrt.com.

Lin's been known to tap one-two-three alcoholic beverages at times, especially this weekend. These are his Top Twenty quaffing songs.

1. HONKY TONK WOMAN-- Rolling Stones
2. UNEMPLOYED-- Michael McDermott
3. HEY, BARTENDER-- Koko Taylor
4. SLOPPY DRUNK-- David Bromberg
5. DOWN DRINKING AT THE BAR-- Loudon Wainwright

6. DRUNK GIRLS-- Led Soundsystem
7. HERE COMES A REGULAR-- Replacements
8. I GOT LOADED-- Los Lobos
9. ONE BOURBON, ONE SCOTCH, ONE BEER--
10. O'REILLY AT THE BAR-- Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks

Ten More!! Gimme Ten More. --RoadDog

JSS: Sore-- Warm-- Blago-- Bracket Time

JSS-- Just Some Stuff


1. SORE-- One thing about the early days of working in the yard. The joints and muscles are screaming. I'm paying for it.


2. WARM-- The reason I'm getting yardwork done this early is that the weather is unseasonably warm, in the 70s the past two days and predicted to continue for the next week. Who needs to go to Florida for Spring Break. We can have it right here. Been getting some use out of the deck, or, as I call it OD.


3. Blago-- What a waste! He must be related to dear old Jesse J. with his love of getting his mug on camera. We were at Tommy's here in Spring Grove, Illinois, getting our $10 large pizza and enjoying those buck bottles of Miller products and Channel 7, ABC, was outside his home airing the whole thing. He scheduled his departure for the news.

Enjoy prison, gov.


4. BRACKET TIME-- Filled 'em out yesterday and today. Getting my red pen ready to bleed all over my wrong picks.

Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog

Where Were You March 4, 1976?-- Part 3

DREAM ON-- AEROSMITH-- Almost three years old at this time, originally released 1973 on their debut album. (Guess Steven didn't do so well on Idol.)
SKY HIGH-- JIGSAW-- One-hit wonder from the UK. (I forgot how much I liked this song. I was sure singing along.)

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT-- EAGLES-- Their first million-selling single. (And they had a bunch of them after that.)
LOVE IS THE DRUG-- ROXY MUSIC--

FIFTY WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER-- PAUL SIMON-- The #2 song in Chicago. "Hit the bus, Gus.")
CALL ON ME-- CHICAGO-- From the #1 album this date, Chicago Greatest Hits, spending its 12th consecutive week at #1. A track from it, a hit from '74.

SATURDAY NIGHT-- BAY CITY ROLLERS-- Tartan Rock. (I remember our next door neighbor's kid Alice, about eleven at the time, was a huge fan of the Bay City Rollers at the time.)
DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT)-- FOUR SEASONS- #1 song in Chicago. We'd heard their first #1 song 14 years earlier back in 1962. They were also in the '66 Time Warp for this day. (How can you not like those Jersey Boys.)

Hey, BCR, How Do You Spell Saturday? --RoadDog

Taking On Milwaukee Last Weekend

We got our Irish going in that grand old German city by the lake which is surprisingly Irish after all.

We were shocked by a huge gas gouge on the way up, $4 everywhere.

Parked by the Hilton and enjoyed the hour and a half parade. I don't think there could be anymore kilted bagpipe bands and bouncing hair straight arm dancers going down the street. And then, that Wacky Wheel leprechaun.

Checked into the Hilton and rested a bit watching that close UNC-NCSU semifinal game. Kelly got our room for $45. That's good even for a Motel 6 these days.

Took the bus over to the Irish Cultural Center in an old church just west of the Marquette University campus. $2 to get in and more hair bouncing on the main stage. Saw two Irish bands in two different rooms and had two-three beers or four-five and corned beef sandwiches.

The last one closed with that wacky "Scotsman" song.

Back to the Hilton for more drinks at its Miller Time Pub.

B-Gosh and B'Goraa. "Lad, I Don't Know Where Yer Been, But I See Ye Won First Prize." --RoadDog

Where Were You March 4, 1776?-- Part 2

MY LITTLE TOWN-- SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-- A duo we heard back in the '66 segment. They reunited for this 45 and then it was included on each of their solo album releases. Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years and Art Garfunkel's.
EVIL WOMAN-- ELO-- (One sweet sound from Fred Lynne and band.)

FOX ON THE RUN-- SWEET-- Falling down the charts. Back to back songs from Sweet. Where else you gonna get back-to-back songs from Sweet except Rock and Roll Roots?
ACTION-- SWEET-- Their brand new single.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY-- QUEEN-- Just starting to climb the charts from their great release Night at the Opera. (How do yo make a better song than this. However, when I hear this, I just keep thing Wayne's World.)
LOVE HURTS-- NAZARETH-- Band from Scotland.

YOU SEXY THING-- HOT CHOCOLATE-- (Such a song from such a group.)
DREAM WEAVER-- GARY WRIGHT

Happy 200!! --RoadDog

Where Were You March 4, 1976-- Part 1

This past March 4th Bob Stroud went back to that date 1976 to do the second part of his Time Warp on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV, the Drive, in Chicago.

Back on that date, we had been living in our new house at 1013 Morningside in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, for less than a year. Liz and I were both teaching in the Round Lake School syste,. I was in my third year teaching 7th and 8th graders at Magee Middle School and Liz was in her second year teaching first graders at Beach Elementary School.

We had a great group of neighbors and did a lot with them.

And, of course, it was the big US bicentennial celebration.

These were the songs playing on the radio (still WLS and WCFL, but also a lot of FM stations. My comments in parentheses.

OVER MY HEAD-- FLEETWOOD MAC-- First single release from an album titled simply Fleetwood Mac that would really start it off for this band featuring two new players, Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Written by Christine McVie and sung seductively by her. (I remember being confused, remembering the original lineup of Fleetwood Mac as being all guys. Where did this girl's voice come from?)
SQUEEZEBOX-- WHO-- From Who By the Numbers (Were they singing about an accordion?)

GOLDEN YEARS-- DAVID BOWIE-- From Station to Station album.
SING-A-SONG-- EWF-- Their horn section used by many, including Chicago (And Chicago had a pretty good horn section already.)

Poor Old Dad Never Gets to Sleep at Night. --RoadDog

It's Them, Not Me: Don't Look Now--$4+ GAS!!!

We had the big push to just shy of $4 ($3.99.9, now, that's really just shy of $4), then we actually had it drop off to $3.87 here in northeast Illinois. (Thursday I bought gas in Twin Lakes, Wi., for $3.80.) We stayed home last Friday, but Saturday driving to Milwaukee, were shocked to see gas along Wi-50 and I-94 at $4!!

What happened Friday to cause that jump? I didn't hear anything about it. I sure wish there was a site where we could read Big Oil's excuse each day. At least we would have something to chuckle about as they reach into our pockets for even more money.

That gas stayed at $4 all the way up to Milwaukee.

Coming home Sunday, we did find a really busy station in Oak Creek, Wisconsin with gas for $3.86. Gas in Illinois was anywhere from $4 to $4.10 (it is always more expensive.

Can't Wait to See the Quarterly Profits of the Big Oil GRBs at the end of This Month. --RoadDog

JSIS: Lockhorns-- Girl Scouts-- Attendant Amuck

JSIS-- Just Some Interesting Stuff

1. LOCKHORNS-- Always love reading the Lockhorn comics. From the March 4th Chicago Tribune. Mr. Lockhorn looks at his wife and says, "I'll put the toilet seat back down when you return the driver's seat to its original position." I have about cut myself in half getting into the car after Liz drives it.


2. GIRL SCOUTS-- A bog happy birthday to one of the finest organizations anywhere, the Girl Scouts. My wife was a member for a while as well. I already bought my cookies, did you?


3. ATTENDANT AMUCK-- Revolting passengers. I sure don't know what was worse on that American flight Friday. Was it the attendant who went nuts or all those passengers filming it with hopes of making money off their film.

All you saw were the cell phones being held up. How sad. Shouldn't you try to be doing something useful?

You'd Expect That at High School. --RoadDog

Off to Milwaukee for St. Patrick's

In just a few hours, we're heading to Milwaukee for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and celebration at the Irish House.

Most years I can't go because if deejaying in Lake Villa, Illinois, for their St. Patrick's Day Parade and then the party back at George's Cedar Inn, which I did for eighteen years. I'd still be there today, except the place was sold, so here I go north!!

Where's That Green Beer? --RoadDog

Where Were You March 4, 1966?-- Part 4

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING-- BYRDS-- New album out, Turn Turn Turn. From side 2 and by Bob Dylan, released in 1965. Title tune of their latest album.
HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED-- BOB DYLAN-- (OK, how's that for a Road Song?)

NOWHERE MAN-- On the "A" side. On the album, but not the one we got here. You had to buy the 45 if you wanted it.
BEATLES-WHAT GOES ON-- BEATLES-- On the "B" side. John and Paul wrote it so Ringo could sing it. This one was on Rubber Soul, but not in the UK and the rest of the of the world. (Hey, if Ringo can sing it, I sure can do it on karaoke.)
I'VE JUST SEEN A FACE-- BEATLES-- Lead off selection on the US Runner Soul.

ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY-- BOB LIND-- One hit wonder.
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN-- LOU CHRISTIE-- The single had been at #1.

GLORIA-- SHADOWS OF KNIGHT-- Pretty proud of our hometown boys, In top ten locally and rising on the national charts as well with their version of a Them classic released the year before. "A" side.
DARK SIDE-- SHADOWS OF KNIGHT-- "B" side. Jimmy Sohns and the Boys.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'-- MAMAS AND PAPAS-- The #1 song in Chicago March 4, 1966.

Next, we jump ahead ten years to March 4, 1976. Still a long time ago.

"Everything's Gonna Be Alright This Morning." Let's Spell Out Her Name. --RiadDog

Where Were You March 4, 1966?-- Part 3

The music of 46 YEARS AGO!! Gosh!!

I CAN'T LET GO-- HOLLIES-- brand new (Digging those vocals.)
I FOUGHT THE LAW-- BOBBY FULLER FOUR-- Their first hit with an old Crickets song. (Buddy Holly anyone?)

BATMAN-- MARKETTS-- The hit ABC TV program had its own hit Top 40 recording. There were a couple different ones out there. One by Neal Hefty who wrot the song and this one.
SURE GONNA MISS HER-- GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS-- brand new. (Jerry's son.)

HOMEWARD BOUND-- SIMON AND GARFUNKEL--follow up to "Sounds of Silence."
WOMAN-- PETER AND GORDON-- More British Invasion. Song written by Paul McCartney.

19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN-- ROLLING STONES-- Top Ten.
WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU-- FOUR SEASONS-- Some guys from the Jersey Shore who never needed a TV show to gain notoriety, unlike the current day misfits. (I was wondering what this meant, then remembered there is some sort of a TV show out called "The Jersey Shore.)

Good Stuff, Maynard. --RoadDog

Every Bloomin' THing-- Early March

Nothing major to report as far as flowers. I've seen some bulbs coming up, though, so it won't be long.

Yesterday, I took delivery on the lawn tractor from Buck brothers who did the tune up and other things to get the John Deere ready for the season. My LX-176 tractor with Piranha deck for mulching is 18 years old now. We moved in during the the winter of 1992 and the whole summer of 1993, I was working on the landscaping so didn't need to cut the grass.

However, the first time I cut grass in the summer of 1994 with the push mower, I knew that wasn't the thing to use to cut an acre and bought the tractor at Schmidt in Wisconsin.

This year, it needed a new battery and a few other things. Came to $306. I didn't have anything done last year.

Speaking of batteries, not only did the tractor not start because of the battery, but the two vehicles I had parked behind it didn't start either. First, the '05 Dodge Dakota in the drive way wouldn't turn over. A quick jump and it did though. Then the '85 Firebird in the garage wouldn't either, but a jump started it right up also.

Was It Something About That Side of the Garage That Hurt the Batteries? --RoadDog

Movie Scratches: Black-- Safe-- War-- Mysterious

A Dog's-Eye View on the Movies at the Theaters.

9. WOMAN IN BLACK-- 2-15-- FOX LAKE $4-- Little Harry Potter's all grown up. Did he die?


10. SAFE HOUSE-- 2-15-- FOX LAKE $4-- Something's dirty at the CIA. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Keeping the dirty little secrets.


11. THIS MEANS WAR-- 2-22-- FOX LAKE $4-- It's Spy Vs. Spy (Remember Mad Magazine) for the love of m'lady.


12. MYSTERIOUS ISLAND: JOURNEY 2-- 2-22-- FOX LAKE $4-- Who's ready for adventure and pure hokey.

Senior Citizens Talk More Than High School Kids. --RoadDog

Off to See the Eagles: Day 2, February 28th: Dem Eagles

We weren't sure how successful we'd be on our annual trip out to the Mississippi River to see the bald eagles because of the lateness of the winter and the wonderful winter we are having this year, finally.

Perhaps the eagles didn't need to come down this far south to feed and since there probably wasn't any ice on the river, they wouldn't be congregating by the lock and dams as much.

Not so, though.

We found bald eagles right away at our first stop at he Dubuque, Iowa, lock and dam. At least we wouldn't be shut out. We finally found a bald eagle in the tree by the park by the Bellevue lock and dam. We hadn't seen one there in the last five or so years. This is where we first got a real close up look at one on our first eagle trip way back when.

By the end of the day, we had counted a total of 62 bald eagles, including one floating downriver on a log in Clinton.

Stayed at the LaQuinta in Davenport, had drinks at Applebees, Miller Time and Kelly's and grazed at the Golden Corral. Came back and enjoyed the pool.

A Good Day for Seeing Eagles. --RoadDog

Where Were You March "Forth," 1966?-- Part 2

Continuing with Stroud's "Marching Orders" back to March 4, 1966.

AT THE SCENE-- DAVE CLARK FIVE-- The British Invasion just over two years old now and the Brits just keep on coming like the Spencer Davis Group. This more established group keeps having hit after hit. (Not as familiar with this one, but sure glad they finally made the Hall of Fame.)
MY WORLD'S EMPTY WITHOUT YOU-- SUPREMES-- (Almost caught myself doing the choreography again. Man, they can get ya movin'.

DAYDREAM-- LOVIN' SPOONFUL-- Brand new (Good old Jon Sebastion.)
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING-- NANCY SINATRA-- Walking right on to top of the charts, from Frank's little daughter. #2. (I Am Woman, hear me roar.)

STRAIGHT SHOOTER-- MAMAS AND PAPAS-- A couple tracks from one of the hottest new albums, a debut, If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. Great new songs from one John Phillips.
GO WHERE YOU WANNA GO-- MAMAS AND PAPAS-- These are deep tracks. In another year or so this would be a hit for the Fifth Dimension. (Yep, we had Mama Michele for looking and Mama Cass for the singing.)

Do What You Wanna Do. --RoadDog


WILL ROGERS SAYS: Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.

Another Duhhh Moment: The Pepperoncini Incident

Well, back in January, I walked into the girls' bathroom at McGuire's in Destin, Florida, because I didn't read the sign on the doors carefully enough. Well, actually, I was set up for that one, at least that's my excuse.

However, yesterday, I made another mistake when ordering pizza at J's Sports Bar & Grill in Ingleside, Illinois. They have half-price pizza on Mondays (along with $1.25 domestic pints). That, along with NTN makes the place a natural stop on that day.

And, their pizza is some of the best we've ever had. We are especially fond of the BLT Pizza. But, yesterday, we thought we'd try a different one and decided, well I decided, on the J's Beer Pizza which has pepperoncini peppers, sausage, onions, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Only, I read the first item as pepperoni for some reason. Liz tried to warn me, but for some reason, I didn't listen. It came and we ate. I found that I don't like pepperoncini peppers. Man, those are just a bit too hot!! It was a lot better when we picked them off.

Needless to say, I'm not ordering the Beer Pizza again.

Can't See Out of One Eye, Blind in the Other. --RoadDog

Four Days, 6 Bars, 1 Festival, 1 Band

We got home from the bald eagle trip to the Mississippi this past Thursday and took it easy.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wi. for NTN and Italian bombers. We had eight Top Twenties. First time with the changes NTN has brought about. At last, they are showing some care about us oldsters playing during the afternoon instead of the young crew they seem to be going after.

SATURDAY MARCH 3RD

Belated Mardi Gras party at Route 12 Bar and those great $4 black angus burgers. Should have had Louisiana-style food, though. Then, Captain's Quarters, $2.50 Coronas and the UNC-Duke basketball game. Who'd have figured it would be such a Tarheel blowout?

SUNDAY MARCH FORTH

As in, March Forth! Learn something new all the time. Into Round Lake Park to AJ's Horsin' Around and an afternoon party with Terry Spizziri and Nephew. Lots of Irish music getting ready for that upcoming day. It will be strange for me after deejaying at Cedar Inn the last 15 years, Its no longer open.

MONDAY MARCH 5TH

To J's in Ingleside for half price pizza (more on that in next post) and NTN with the Usual Suspects: Painter, Dazed, Drunk, Bill K, Klofmn, Pops, Liz and myself. Three Top Twenties. A stop at the Legion on the way home for 50 cent drafts.

Found out Renee's great-g-g-g grandfather was at the Alamo.

Wow, NIU upset Eastern Michigan in the first round of the MAC Championship Tournament. Who'd have figured that!!??

Always Good Times in the Area. --RoadDog


WILL ROGERS SAYS: If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out of it?

Where Were You March 4, 1966?-- Part 1

Yesterday, Bob Stroud could have done his Rock and Roll Roots show on the Drive, 97.1 FM in Chicago on songs with the word march or sound of marching in it in honor of March 4th, the date and command.

But, he did it on songs playing on the radio here in Chicago on WLS and WCFL back on March 4, 1966 and then jumped ahead ten years to that date in 1976.

I was a freshman at Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois. Back then, freshmen and sophomores went to this school while juniors and seniors went to Palatine High School. Palatine, at the time was experiencing a huge growth with subdivisions opening all over the place. One of the biggest was Winston Park, where we had moved three years earlier.

My sophomore year, I went to Palatine as they had split the two schools. All freshmen still went to Fremd and all seniors went to Palatine still. The sophomore and junior classes were split, however. The next year, my junior, both schools were entirely split and thus began a real rivalry.

So, we got to be the lowest class two years running.

YOU BABY-- TURTLES-- Second hit following "It Ain't Me Babe." Much more pop oriented than their first folk rock one. ("It Ain't Me" was written by Bob Dylan. I was a big Turtles fan and their greatest hit album was one of the first I bought.
KEEP ON RUNNING-- SPENCER DAVIS GROUP-- Our very first taste of one Steve Winwood, their initial release here in the US. (As fine of garage rock as you can get.)

Bringing back the Memories. --RoadDog

March 4th March Forth

Well, I was not aware of this March Forth stuff until yesterday, March 4th, when reading the comics in the Chicago Tribune. Two comic strips featured the idea.

Frazz had the teacher in her classroom saying "Here's one: When is a date a command?" She then proceeds to march around. Then one of the kids says to Frazz "Turns out the world's tiredest joke can be made tireder." To which Frazz says, "I May 2nd that." I never thought of that either.

Then Mutts, by Patrick McDonnell had the dog taking a nap by a tree and sees the cat leading other animals in a march past him. The dog says "March 'Fourth'"

I had never thought of it.

Learning Something Every Day. --RoadDog

It's Them, Not Me: $4 Achieved

On our eagle trip Tuesday, we did see our first gas station with $4 gas by the I-80 bridge over the Mississippi River in Iowa. Well, actually $3.99.9, but we all know that price is really $4. Wednesday, we got gas in Dixon, Illinois, for $3.58 and then it was $3.70 the rest of the way to Dekalb. Thursday, it was $3.80 in Dekalb.

Yesterday, driving over to Round Lake Park to see Terry Spizzirri, we saw that Fox Lake was at $3.98 and $3.99 and all other stations were at $4. So, we arrived at the $4 level quite early in this year's "Summer Driving Season" as Big Oil used to use for an excuse for jacking up prices.

Hey, I knew this was coming. They "kept" gas prices over $3 all fall and winter. Whenever it got down to $3.20 around here, reasons were "found" to raise it back up. When they "keep" prices up over winter, you know they are preparing to go up to new heights.

Some are calling for $5 gas around here. I should say that we live in McHenry County, next to Lake County in northeast Illinois, outside that rip-you-off city called Chicago where gas prices are always higher than most of the country.

Last year, we got to $4.25. I'm thinking their plans are to raise it to $4.50 this year, drop it back to around $3.70 for a low next fall and shoot for the $5 mark the following year.

Saddest part of all of this is that many of those involved are Americans, whose greed goes beyond caring what they do to their fellow Americans.

These GRBs Are Sure Not Nice People. --RoadDog

Goodbye Davy Jones: 11 Essential Tunes-- Part 3: "Daydream Believer"

6. SHADES OF GRAY: THE HEADQUARTERS-- transitional album wit the band contributing songs.

5. CUDDLY TOY-- written by harry Nilsson-- from the Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones album.

4. WHEN LOVE COMES KNOCKIN' (AT YOUR DOOR)-- From More of the Monkees album. Written by Neil Sedaka and Carole Bayer Sager.

3. DAYDREAM BELIEVER-- by John stewart, maybe Jones' most famous performance from The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees, the first Monkees album NOT to go to #1. released after the show was canceled.

2. LOOKOUT (HERE COMES TOMORROW)-- Written by Neil Diamond. A long-time favorite of Monkees fans. (Me too!)

1. GIRL-- from the Brady Bunch episode-- cut track with Marcia looking adoringly on.

I agree with O'Connor, the Monkees Need to Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. --RoadDog

And, speaking of music, tomorrow (the 4th), Bob Stroud s doing a Time Warp back to march 4, 1966 for an hour and a half and then jumping forward to March 4, 1976 for another hour and a half. It streams live at www.wdrv.com from 7 to 10 AM CST.


Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

Goodbye Davy Jones: 11 Essential Tunes-- Part 2

In saying goodbye to Davy Jones of the Monkees, here is a list by Rob O'Connor of eleven songs as lead vocalist or solo.

The Monkees were assembled in 1966 by Bert Schneider and Bob Rafelsont. Don Kirschner supervised the first two Monkees albums.

11. THE GIRL FROM CHELSEA-- written by the Gerry Goffin/Carole King team. Recorded in 1965, before joining the Monkees.

10. VALLERI-- A Boyce-Hart song from fifth album The Birds, the Bees & the Monkees.

9. I WANNA BE-- Another Boyce-Hart song from 1966's The Monkees album.

8. I'LL BE TRUE TO YOU-- Gerry Goffin-Russ Titelman, from the debut album also.

7. THE DAY WE FALL IN LOVE-- From 1967's second album. Wonder who came up with the title More of the Monkees?

More to Come. --RoadDog


WILL ROGERS SAYS: Alexander Hamilton started the US Treasury with nothing-- and that was the closest our country has ever been to being even.

Goodbye Davy Jones: 11 Essential Tunes-- Part 1

From March 1st Yahoo! "List of the Day Remembering Davy Jones: 11 Essential Tunes."

I'll be doing an entry on my Cooters's History Blog about Davy Jones. We were driving eastward from the Quad Cities listening to a country station when we heard the news of his death. You wouldn't expect to hear that from a country deejay.

Liz and I just looked at each other. Hey, both of us were big Monkees fans, shoot, I liked the Boys Bands from ten years ago. Good music is good music, especially when written by any of the greats. And that is exactly who the Monkees had writing for them.

Along with that great slap-stick, "Hard Day's Night"-like TV show, all those zany activities and them singing one of their songs. It was the Beatles meet Elvis Presley. Back then, it was hard to get to see your favorite bands on TV.

Then, "Daydream Believer" is Liz's all-time favorite song. She says it reminds her of me. (Get big head now.) It is even her ring tone. It always gets a positive reaction when it goes off. I've even heard people start singing. Whenever it comes on the radio or a juke box, Liz grabs for her phone.

"It's Because I'm Short. I Know." --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date: March 1st-- Part 2

1969 EVERYDAY PEOPLE-- Sly & the Family Stine
1968 LOVE IS BLUE-- Paul Mauriat
1967 RUBY TUESDAY-- Rolling Stones-- What wouldn't she say?

1966 BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS-- S/Sgt. Barry Sadler-- Where is John when you need him?
1965 MY GIRL-- Temptations-- How do those first chords go again?
1964 I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND-- Beatles-- Imagine a Beatle song being one back then.
1963 WALK LIKE A MAN-- Four Seasons

1962 DUKE OF EARL-- Gene Chandler-- Frank, there is more to this song than just the chorus. Definitely a bad karaoke choice for two white boys.
1961 PONY TIME-- Chubby Checker
1960 THEME FROM 'A SUMMER PLACE'-- Percy Faith

1959 STAGGER LEE-- Lloyd Price
1958 DON'T/I BEG YOU-- Elvis Presley
1957 YOUNG LOVE-- Tab Hunter-- Stolen from Sonny James.

1956 LISBON ANTIGUA-- Nelson Riddle
1955 SINCERELY-- McGuire Sisters
1954 SECRET LOVE-- Doris Day-- Getting all bright-eyed.
1953 TILL I WALTZ AGAIN WITH YOU-- Teresa Brewer

1952 CRY-- Johnny Ray & the Four Lads
1951 IF-- Perry Como-- Back in the days of short song titles.
1950 CHATTANOOGA SHOESHINE BOY-- Joe Foley-- Just a tad pi nowadays.

1942 MOONLIGHT COCKTAILS-- Glenn Miller
1932 ALL OF ME-- Louis Armstrong

1922 APRIL SHOWERS-- Al Jolson
1912 DOWN BY THE OLD MILL STREAM-- Harry MacDonough
1902 ARKANSAW TRAVELER-- Len Spencer-- Honest, that's how they spelled the state.

The Night Was Clear and What Was Yellow? --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date: March 1st

From Josh Hosler Number Ones This Sate. Check it out for every #1 song in every year. Based on Billboard Charts.

2012 PART OF ME-- Katy Perry
2002 ALWAYS ON TIME-- Ja Rule featuring Ashanti
1992 TO BE WITH YOU-- Mr. Big-- As good of a slow-dancing song as it gets.

1989 LOST IN YOUR EYES-- Debbie Gibson
1988 FATHER FIGURE-- George Michael
1987 LIVIN' ON A PRAYER-- Bon Jovi

1986 KYRIE-- Mr. Mister
1985 CARELESS WHISPER-- Wham!
1984 JUMP-- Van Halen-- Love that synthesizer
1983 BILLIE JEAN-- Michael Jackson Sure heard this a time ir two or three.

1982 CENTERFOLD-- J. Geils Band I read it for the articles and cartoons.
1981 I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT-- Eddie Rabbitt And country makes an incursion.
1980 CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE-- Queen

1979 DA YA THINK I'M SEXY-- Rod Stewart gone disco.
1978 (LOVE IS) THICKER THAN WATER-- Andy Gibb
1977 LOVE THEME FROM 'A STAR IS BORN'-- Barbra Streisand

1976 LOVE MACHINE-- Jacksons
1975 BEST OF MY LOVE-- Eagles
1974 SEASONS IN THE SUN-- Terry Jacks
1973 KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HIS EYES-- Roberta Flack

1972 WITHOUT YOU-- Nilsson
1971 ONE BAD APPLE---- Osmonds How do we go from the previous year to this?
1970 BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER-- Simon & Garfunkel

You Know What They Say About the Bad Apple in a Barrel. --RoadDog


WILL ROGERS SAYS: An economist's guess is liable to be as good as anybody else's.

Off to See The Eagles: Grant's Road, Galena, 'Buque

February 27th, it was off on our annual Mississippi River trip to see those magnificent bald eagles. Due to this being February (we usually go during January and it being such a warm winter, we weren't expecting much. Drove to Marengo, Illinois and picked up US-20, U.S. Grant Memorial Highway and took it to Galena. This is one of the prettier drives anywhere in the US, especially after you get to Stockton. Anybody thinking Illinois is flat needs to drive this road.

On the way, we stopped at the Freeport/Stevenson County Visitors Center, one of the best we've ever been to.

Galena was Grant's hometown before the Civil War and for a short time before he became president. The main street is lined with 1840s buildings, truly "A Town That History Forgot."

Went into some stores and had a coupla brews at the VFW before having dinner at The Log Cabin. We ate there on our honeymoon 38 years ago and the place hasn't changed a bit, other than the prices.

Then, we went to Dubuque and checked out the Grand Tap by the court house (used to be a gas station) and Paul's Bar near the bridge. This place has been in business since 1948. Rumored to have the best burgers in town and lots of big game trophies along the walls.

Last stop back at the Swiss Inn Motel and bar where we watched the end of that Daytona 500, which we really thought would never end.

A Busy Day. --RoadDog