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

Thursday, November 29, 2012

JSIS: ECU-- Maryland-- Big Ten...Er...-- NIU

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff---  Sports

As we continue the conference musical chairs so prevalent today.


1.  ECU--  Yesterday, East Carolina University announced that it is joining the Big East Conference for football only, but continue with its Conference USA affiliation through 2013.  More money and bowls being the excuse.  Of course, there is some question as to whether they're joining a sinking ship with all the other schools leaving it. 

And like the other major conferences which used to represent geographical regions, the Big East "ain't" so East anymore, with Boise State, UCF, Houston, Memphis, SMU, San Diego State.


2.  MARYLAND--  I see that Maryland defeated the Big Ten's Northwestern in Monday night's ACC-Big Ten Challenge.  Should that even count since Maryland is now joining the Big Ten.  And speaking of geographic conferences, the Big Ten "was" a Midwest conference.  Penn State was a stretch, but they're close to Ohio.  I sure don't know about Maryland and Rutgers being Midwest.


3.  BIG TEN...ER...--  And speaking of the conference that used to be from the Midwest, should it still be called Big Ten?  Actually, it is the Big 11, er-Big 12, er-Big 13, er-Big 14.


4.  NIU--  Here's hoping that Northern Illinois just stays put in the MAC, Mid-American Conference which is a good fit.  We don't need to be in C-USA.

Here a Football, There a Football, Everywhere a New Team.  --RoadDog

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Even Mom Got Into It

For someone who has always bragged about having only bought one lotto ticket in her life, Mom just bought five of those Powerball tickets.  And, it was her idea!  And, I had to go buy them.  Not a bad thing, but one of the tickets she wanted done by family birthdays.

And, there was a line, but not too bad of a one, about six people.  The guy in front of me wanted the clerk to fill in some picks, but the clerk said he had too many customers waiting to get tickets.  I paid for 8 quick picks and was directed to an area near the back of the store to fill out a card.

I know about quick picks, but have never filled out a card to get specific picks.  And, I didn't do it correctly the first time either. I picked one number from each of five number groups across the top and then couldn't figure out what to do about the Play A, B, C, D and E across the bottom.

I asked another customer if I had it filled out correctly.  He said I hadn't and showed me how.

Not so hard when you know what you're doing.

Now, If We Just Win.  Right?!  --RoadDog 

Carolina For Thanksgiving 2010-- Day 3: Civil War Day

November 20th

A day for the Civil War, well, in the morning at least.  Drove the short distance from Hagerstown to Sharpsburg, Maryland, and the Antietam Battlefield.  Went first to Sharpsburg (the South referred to the fight as the Battle of Sharpsburg, in the North, it was the Battle of Antietam (after the creek that ran through the site).

I wanted to have breakfast in the town so drove the main street both ways looking for a little restaurant, but, other than two bars, which weren't open at 9 AM, there was nothing.  There weren't but a few little stores either.  The town itself consisted of homes that looked straight out of the 1860s and the town stretched only a few blocks off main street.

I finally found a place called the Battle View Market, between the town and the national park which served food and got an omelet, so-so at best.  They also had a small grocery section and sold dug bullets from the area.

Strange Town, That Sharpsburg.  --RoadDog

Sunday, November 25, 2012

First Me, Then Homer

Over the weekend, I got an I-Pad and am in the process of learning how to use it.  That will take awhile.  I am a notoriously slow-learner when it comes to new technology.

Then, watching the Simpsons tonight, I see that Homer got an I-Pad and had to undergo the sign-in, something akin to getting a mortgage or signing your first-born away to the Jobs.

Something About Some Sort of Conspiracy?  --RoadDog

Carolina for Thanksgiving in 2012-- Day 2: The National Road

November 19th

Made the drive from Zanesville, Ohio, with that great "Y" Bridge, courthouse, Mickey's and the two "S" Bridges between there and Cambridge.

I had never driven the stretch of the National Road east of Cambridge and its eastern terminus at Cumberland, Maryland, so the rest of the trip was all new stuff to me.  Somehow, I missed a turn by Old Washington and ended up on all sorts of rolling roads northeast of town and through an Amish area.

Back on US-40 and the National Road, I went through Wheeling, West Virginia, with that beautiful 1840s suspension bridge.  Then into Pennsylvania and a visit to George Washington's Fort Necessity, one of the opening shots of the French and Indian War.

Some of the most beautiful driving I've ever done to Cumberland.  Then on to Hagerstown, Maryland, for the night.

I've Now Essentially Driven Most of the National Road.  --RoadDog

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Where Were You November 4, 1972?-- Part 4

DON'T DO IT--  BAND--  Charting a US Top 40 hit with a song originally done by Marvin Gaye back in 1964, an old Motown thing.  Their version coming off a great new double vinyl record called Rock of Ages.  Sung by the late great Levon Helm.
LIVING IN THE PAST--  JETHRO TULL--  brand-spanking new on this date.  (And remember, the first Grammy winner for heavy metal.)

MY DING-A-LING--  CHUCK BERRY--  Embarrassing himself all the way to the top of the charts.  Part of the London Chuck Berry Sessions.  (And, there was old Fred and myself singing on top of the table.)
I DIDN'T KNOW I LOVED YOU UNTIL I SAW YOU ROCK AND ROLL--  GARY GLITTER--  Follow up to "Rock and Roll."  (And sounding very similar.)

BEEN TO CANAAN--  CAROLE KING--  First single release from new album called Rhymes and Reasons.
AND YOU AND I--  YES-- From the new album Close to the Edge.  In the Top Ten.

BLACK AND WHITE--  THREE DOG NIGHT--  (Always reminds me of driving down the Lincoln Highway in Dekalb, Illinois.
ELECTED--  ALICE COOPER--  A very swift move to come up with something just in time for the elction.

KNIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  MOODY BLUES--  The #1 Song at this point in time was almost five years old.  it was released in late 1967 on Days of Future Past.  #1 in Chicago.  (And Liz's all-time favorite song.)

Cold-Hearted Orb That Rules the Night.  --RoadDog

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

On This Big Travel Day

I was  planning on coming into Goldsboro today, but after encountering the horror of DC yesterday, decided to push on home as it were.  And, there was a traffic jam north of Richmond.

No jams south of Richmond, but plenty of traffic and the 70 mph speed limit was just a suggestion to be ignored.

And, they say that today is the busiest travel day of the holidays, perhaps even for the year.  My sister Julie arrived just a few minutes ago.  A d surprise, she wasn't  in a SUV, but a Cruze Chevy.  I never expected her to get anything other than an SUV.

From the November18, 2012, Chicago Tribune "Turkey travel" by Lolly Bowean.

GETTING THERE:  43.6 million travelers expected this Thanksgiving weekend.  Sixty percent of drivers polled say their vehicles have 100,000+ miles, so it is an aging fleet, one more likely to break down.  My 2011 Malibu just passed 12,000 upon arrival.  The '03 Malibu has about 110,000, but we just use that around town.

TRAVEL MODE:

39.1 million by auto, 3.1 million by air and 1.3 million bu other modes including trains, bus and boat.

LOGISTICS:  By percentage

DEPARTURE
Nov.19 16%
20  16%
21  45%  My sister
22  18%
23  5%  My sister's kids

RETURN
Nov. 22  10%
23  13%
24  17%  My sister
25  36%  My sister's kids
26  25%

Well, I left on the 18th and traveled until the 20th.  I'll be returning around the 29th or 30th.

ROUND TRIP MILEAGE

50-150 miles 20%
151-250 miles 18%
251-400 miles 14%
401-700 miles 20%
701-1500 miles 14%
1501+ 14%

I expect to drive about 2500 to 2600.

That's a Fact (Or Two).  --RoadDog

Where Were You November 4, 1972?-- Part 3

Well, some of us were preparing to vote in a couple days, and for me, at least, my first presidential election.  If I recall, I voted for Nixon.

These songs were playing on the radio:

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING--  CHI COLTRANE--  One hit wonder
SUNNY DAYS--  LIGHTHOUSE--  Canadian band's second U.S.Top 40 hit.  The year before they charted their first one with "One Fine Morning."

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  JOHNNY NASH--  A song that would hit #1 on the Billboard Top 100 charts.  (Early reaffae, probably my first introduction to that sound.)
YOU WEAR IT WELL--  ROD STEWART--From his newest album Never a Dull Moment.

IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  ALBERT HAMMOND--  (Good thing as if it does, you get mudslides.).)
FREDDIE'S DEAD--  CURTIS MAYFIELD-- Top Ten from Chicago's own.
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  DOOBIE BROTHERS--  Their break through single and first top ten.
GOODTIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- DANNY O'KEEFE--  A song I've always had a soft spot in my heart for.  One-hit wonder.

I'LL BE AROUND--  SPINNERS--  My favorite Philadelphia soul song of all time  (Could these guys sing or what?)
GARDEN PARTY--  RICK NELSON AND THE STONE CANYON BAND--  (What happened to the "Y"?  Ricky?)

Hey, The Walrus Was There.  --RoadDog


Carolina for Thanksgiving 2012-- Part 1: A Driving Day

On the road again and making Big Oil richer.

Well, at least I did not encounter gas more expensive than $3.70 a gallon (in Illinois of course) and generally around $3.40.  Gas in Virginia and North Carolina was as low as $3.24.  I hate how I consider that to be "cheap gas" anymore.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

After packing and then watering the plants, I set off at 9 AM.  Drove the usual way all day.  Illinois Highway 47 from Woodstock to Mahomet, a pit stop at the McDonald's in Yorkville and another in Gibson City.

Then I-74 from Mahomet to Indianapolis, with gas along the way in Crawfordsville, Indiana (usually among the cheapest $3.40).  Then, I-70 to Columbus, Ohio, and then through to Zanesville and another night at the Super 8 west of town and on US-40 (the National Road).  The motel cost $56 with tax.

Now, since I'm hooked on Cincy chili, a stop at the Skyline Chili place by Exit 29 in Dayton.  Dinner was served and eaten.

Drove About 520 Miles for the Day.  --RoadDog

Sunday, November 18, 2012

On the Road Again

Driving to North Carolina for a family Thanksgiving and leaving within the hour.

Taking Ill-Hwy-47 from Woodstock to just west of Champaign, Il. and then I-74 to Indianapolis and I-70 east, hopefully to Zanesville, Ohio, for tonight.

Then, I National Road it to Cumberland, Maryland, the eastern terminus of America's first federal road, the one that opened the old Northwest Territories to settlement.  I have never been on the stretch between Cambridge and Cumberland.

Tuesday, I plan on touring the battlefield of Antietam in Maryland.  It was fought 150 years ago.

Then, Wednesday to Goldsboro, North Carolina.

RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  Do Lipton Tea employees take "coffee breaks?"

Saturday, November 17, 2012

JSS: Christmas Lights-- Birthdays-- No Football-- No Twinkies?

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  CHRISTMAS LIGHTS--  Thursday, I finished putting up the front outside Christmas lights and finished the back ones over last weekend.  I'll be out of town for two weeks and like to get them up before it gets too cold out.  Turned the front ones on last night for a test run.  Neighbors probably thought I was jumping the gun a bit.  Just call me Sooner.


2.  BIRTHDAYS--  Last night we celebrated Kevin K's 60th birthday at Stormy Monday.  Thursday it was GeoJeff's 58th at Donovan's.  Man, my buddies are sure gettin' old.


3.  NO FOOTBALL--  Kind of a strange weekend with no football I feel necessary to watch.  The Huskies played Wednesday night and Da Bears are on Monday night.  I hate night football, but what ya gonna do? 


4.  NO TWINKIES?--  Alarming news that Hostess threatens to shut down in what appears to be an anti-union move on management's part.  Have to make sure the stockholders get their money.  That means the possibility of no more Twinkies.  I understand that there has been a run on them, just in case the Zombies try to take over.  "Zombieland"

Ho-Ho.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If Fed-Ex and UPS merged, would they call it Fed-Up?

Friday, November 16, 2012

Where Were You November 4, 1972?-- Part 2

Vote Early and Vote Often, That's the Way We Do It here in Chicago.  Sunday Mornings, We Rock Early and Rock Often with the Rock and Roll Roots Radio Program.

BURNING LOVE--  ELVIS PRESLEY--  The Reigning King of Rock and Roll  (And, one of my favorites by him.  Hey, "Hunka, Hunka.")
BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY-- DANIEL BOONE--  No, not THAT Daniel Boone, but a distant relative of...a one-hit wonder  (Definitely one you don't hear all that often, but a really fine little tune that gets in your head.)

FROM THE BEGINNING--  ELP-- On the WCFL All Hit Music Survey.
USE ME--  BILL WITHERS--  (One of the great songs ever written.  Humming it right now in my head.)

WITCHY WOMAN--  EAGLES--  One of the bug debut success story.  Their follow up to "Take It Easy."
OPERATOR--  JIM CROCE--  just debuted.  (My favorite Croce song.)

ROCK AND ROLL SOUL--  GFR--  (Before they dropped the Railroad.)
ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA AND A BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU--  JOHNNY RIVERS--  Covering an old 60s tune by Huey Smith and the Clowns.

VENTURA HIGHWAY--  AMERICA--  (Great cruising song.  Presently, I am picking the CDs I'll be listening to for my drive to NC.)
YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  AL GREEN--  Brand new.  It would go on to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts.

You Got the "Boogie Woogie Flu?"  Pop On an Old 45 and Go Forth and Play.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If lawyers are disbarred and clergy defrocked, then, doesn't it follow that electricians are delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?  What about 4-star generals?



Thursday, November 15, 2012

How Great Is That?? NIU 31 Toledo 24!!! And, George Bork!


We knew it would be a tough game...and it was.  Northern rallied to defeat its nemesis, the Toledo Rockets, late last night.  These guys have been extra tough on us over the years, and even with wins in the last three games, our all-time record against them is 11-29.

I'm just hoping they will get to dislike us as much as we dislike them.

Even better, this means that the Huskies win the Mid-American Conference's Western Division for the third straight time and will be in Detroit on November 30th to play the Eastern Division's winner for a trip to the Go-Daddy Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Jordan Lynch, our qb, had another stellar game.  They call him the tailback who can pass and rightfully so.


NIU LEGEND

We watched it with friends at Antonio's on US-12 here in Spring Grove.  At one point, a woman and her husband walked over and said she took it considering all of our NIU apparel, that we were fans.  She said her father played football for Northern back in the 60s.  Then, she said his name is George Bork.

George Bork is NIU football royalty, having set just about every school passing record in 1962 and 1963, the last year going 10-0 and winning the Mineral Water Bowl in Maryland.

And, how about this, but George Bork lives in Spring Grove also.

Just last Friday, I was in the Antioch, Illinois, Ace Hardware with my NIU colors on and a guy had come up to me and said that he had played football back in the early 60s and had been a favorite receiver of Bork.  I didn't get his name, but it could have been Hugh Rohrschneider.

Congratulations NIU.  --RoadDog

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Da Game Is Tonight!!! Toledo Vs. NIU on ESPN2 at 8 CST

We've been having quite the buildup the last week and a half for this one, the game with the Toledo Rockets and NIU has been doing everything it can to get the stadium packed.  We aren't going, though, as it starts late, 8 PM and it is mighty cold out there.  Too cold for a pair of 61-year-olds. 

We're hoping to get a bunch of Northern Huskies fans together at Antonio's here in Spring Grove, Illinois, to watch the game.  Plus, buck bottles and great Mexican food.

Toledo has been our nemesis for a long time and holds an overall 29-10 games lead over us (even though we've won the last two games).  Other news is that we are very likely going to lose our coach Doeren to one of the "Big Guys" soon as a bunch of their head coaches have been or soon will be fired.  Always a sad thing.

Of course, me printing this is the touch of death and we will probably lose as a result of it.

But, anyway, Northern has been running a Top Ten Reasons to Go to the Game for the last ten days and they are too good not to mention.  Tomorrow will be too late:

10.  HUSKIES OWN THE NATION'S LONGEST HOME WINNING STREAK
PS--  We've also won nine games in a row and 14 straight in the MAC.

9.  CELEBRATE SENIOR DAY
It's the last home game of the season and the seniors have been the most successful ever in Northern football.

8.  DID YOU SEE LAST YEAR'S NIU-TOLEDO GAME?
We won 63-60.

7.  YOU CAN GET IT ON NATIONAL TV.
The game will be televised on ESPN2.

6.  THIS KIND OF BLACKOUT IS FUN.
Everyone is to wear black.

5.  BECAUSE WE KNOW YOU'RE MISSING THE HUSKIES TODAY.
(This one was printed Saturday.)  You'll have to wait 'til Wednesday night at 8.

4.  HEY NIU STUDENTS-- IT'S FREE.
Just swipe your OneCard at the gate.

3.  WHAT ELSE YOU GONNA DO ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT?
Come to the stadium after class or work.

2.  HEISMAN CANDIDATE JORDAN LYNCH.
Trust us, this guy's good.

1.  C'MON, IT'S TOLEDO!!!
Rivalry! Hello?!?


AND, I'LL ADD.  Let's Give the "Voice of the Huskies," Bill Baker, a good excuse to get hoarse.

Go Huskies!!!  --RoadDog

Better Than Elvis?

From the Sept. 29, 2010, Listverse "Top Ten Rockers Who Are Better Than Elvis" based on song writing ability.

10.  Link Wray
9. Duane Eddy
8.  Jerry Lee Lewis
7.  Little Richard
6.  Buddy Holly

5.  Gene Vincent
4.  Eddie Cochran
3.  Bo Diddley
2.  Carl Perkins
1.  Chuck Berry

So, What Do You Think?  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If it is true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

Dead Page: That Philly Soul Sound

MAJOR HARRIS, 65

Born Feb. 9, 1947, died Nov. 9th.

Member of the "Philadelphia Sound" soul group Delfonics in the early 70s who sand "La-La (Means I Love You)" and "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind That Time)."  Left the group in 1974 to pursue a solo career, and had a #5 Billboard hit in 1975 with "Love Won't Let me Wait."

I wasn't sure I had heard it before, but went to You Tube and I definitely had.

I'm a huge fan of soul music and these are three of the best-ever songs.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Every Blooming THing: A Last Look At the Yard

As I always strive for, I had color from the beginning of the season and still have it this far into November.

The most striking aspect of the yard are my Bradford pear trees which are that red/orange color right now.  They are always the last trees to change around the subdivision. 

My barberry bushes are a burnt orange and there are still a lot of mums in full bloom, especially the red and yellow ones.  There are also some spreading perennials with some great color.

The roses are covered and believe it or not, I still have some petunias blooming.

Already Looking Forward to next Year.  --RoadDog

Fall TV Shows Winners and Losers

From Nov. 5, 2012, Yahoo! TV.

They have photos and reasons.

* means I watch it regularly


WINNERS

The Walking Dead  AMC *
Revolution  NBC *
The Arrow  CW
The Voice  NBC
Sons of Anarchy  FX
Big Bang Theory  CBS *


LOSERS

Made in Jersey  CBS
Animal Practice  NBC *
Dancing With the Stars ABC
The Mob Doctor Fox
Up All Night  NBC*
Gossip Girl  CW
Private Practice  ABC

I think "Animal Practice" could have been a good one with some overhaul, especially less monkey, administrator and the head doctor.  The other characters were great.

Spending Way Too Much Time Watching TV.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  Why is a person who plays the piano a pianist, but a person who drives a race car is not called a racist?

Monday, November 12, 2012

JSIS: MAC-- Not Yoko-- Star Wars 7

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff


1.  MAC--  This has been one of the best-ever years for the MAC, Mid-American Conference, in football.  They're having a hard time breaking into the Top 25, but Toledo, Kent State, Northern Illinois and Ohio are receiving votes.  Go MAC!!


2.  NOT YOKO--  Paul McCartney says Yoko Ono is not responsible for breaking up the Beatles.  At the time they did break up, I would say it was inevitable.  The egos of John and Paul were getting in each other's way and their collaboration was at an end, and poor George wasn't getting the opportunity to do his own thing with the band.


3.  STAR WARS 7-- Star Wars Episode 7 is planned to have a 2015 release after George Lucas had a nice little $4.05 billion payday when Walt Disney bought his company.  He will remain as a consultant on the film, which is set to start five years after "The Return of the Jedi."  I understand Harrison Ford is interested in playing a role in it.  Hey, I'm a big Star Wars fan.

"I Am Not Your Father.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Where I'll Be at 11:11 AM This Morning

I'll be at the Fox Lake, Illinois, train station to honor all those who have sacrificed and risked so much for us here in the United States.

Thank You Veterans!!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

JSIS: Big Pay Day-- Ty Cobb's Descendants-- Hell on Wheels--

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff


1.  BIG PAY DAY--  Did you hear about the man who turned a $100 game parlay into $25,772?  One of his college football picks was NIU.  Figures.


2.  TY COBB'S DESCENDANTS--  I read that Detroit great Ty Cobb's descendants pulled for San Francisco in the World Series, claiming that they had lived in the Bay area for 22 years.  Where's the family loyalty?  I bet the Cobb turned over in his grave.


3.  HELL ON WHEELS--  Glad to see that AMC renewed their "Hell on Wheels" show for a third season.  Definitely one of my favorites.


4.  JOBS' YACHT--  It was secret and is being delivered after his death.  It looks kind of like a giant i-Phone.  All aluminum and 70-80 meters long and built in Holland.  Jobs was noted for living simply, but I guess this one time he went extravagant.  Wonder if there will be a new model next year?

Just Some Interesting Stuff.  --RoadDog

Where Were You November 4, 1972?-- Part 1

Back then, we were getting ready to vote in the election, just two days off.  It was Democrat George McGovern against Republican Richard Nixon running for his second term.  Bob Stroud went back to November 4, 1972 and devoted his whole Rock and Roll Roots Show on WDRV to it this past Sunday.

This was to be the first election I could vote in.  I kind of got ripped off as the voting age had been lowered to 18, but that was after the 1968 one.  If I remember, I liked McGovern, but believe I voted for Nixon.  I was a senior at Northern Illinois University and busy taking nothing but education classes so I could do my student teaching in the spring.

GO ALL THE WAY--  RASPBERRIES--  Debuted right at the end of the summer of '72.
DON'T EVER BE LONELY--  CORNELIUS BROTHERS AND SISTER ROSE--  A poor little fool like me.

SUMMER BREEZE--  SEALS & CROFTS--  Brand new, debuted this weekend.  Should have come out for the summer, though.  (Mighty poor planning if you ask me.)
TIGHTROPE--  LEON RUSSELL--  (Quite the talented guy, but never really made it big.)

PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  TEMPTATIONS--  (No, Keith and Mick were a rolling stone.  How could Motown have produced a finer number than this?  It had it all.)
SITTING--  CAT STEVENS--  From Catch Bull At Four.  (And one of my favorites by him.)

So, Just Forty Years Ago.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If people from Poland are called "Poles, then why aren't people from Holland called "Holes'?"

Friday, November 9, 2012

JSIS: A to Z-- Early Maine Elections-- Still Some Political Ads-- America Polarized-- Puerto Rico-- Noreaster Strikes

JSIS--  Just Some Interesting Stuff


1.  A TO Z--   The Drive Finishing their nearly 2,000 songs classic rock A to Z show that started last Friday.  Sure have been enjoying it.  Not much Beach Music for me in the meantime.


2.  EARLY MAINE ELECTIONS--  On the 6th, I heard that two small Maine towns cast their votes just after midnight.  One was a tie, 5 to 5 for president, and the other fairly much an Obama landslide 23-9.

3.  STILL SOME POLITICAL ADS ON NOV.6TH--  Sadly, I was still subjected to a couple political ads on this date.  When will it end.


4.  AMERICA POLARIZED--  Looking at a map of states which went for Obama and Romney reminded me a bit of the Lincoln 1860 election, but reversed.  The Northeast, Midwest for Obama (In 1860 for Lincoln, the Republican).  The South solid for Romney, the Republican.  Guess that old saying "Yellow Dog Democrat" for Southerners can be changed to "Yellow Dog Republican."

Plus, hopefully the really rich should come to know that there are a lot of people who really are not happy with them.


5.  PUERTO RICO--  Took a vote Nov. 6th and by a slim margin, people voted to be the 51st state.  I'm thinking they should remain just as they are or become an independent country.


6.  NOREASTER STRIKES--  Sad that the Northeast was hit again, this time by a Noreaster, and those things can be just as bad as a hurricane.


Just Some Interesting Stuff.  --RoadDog

The Drive's "A to Z" November 9th-- Part 6

Into the final hours of this fine list of songs the Drive brings us semiannually.

WHITE RABBIT--  Jefferson Starship
WHITE ROOM--  Cream
WHITE WEDDING--  Billy Idol--  Played this many times at weddings.
WHITER SHADE OF PALE--  Procul Harum--  Three of the last four songs are essential hits from the 60s.
WHO ARE YOU--  Who--  For some reason always reminds me of a TV 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  (And not in the RnR HoF!!)
WHOLE LOTTA LOVE--  Led Zeppelin--  Always reminds me of NIU's Tune Room at the University Center in 1969.

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

WILD NIGHTS--  Van Morrison
WILD THING--  Troggs
WILD WILD LIFE--  Talking Heads
WILD WORLD--  Cat Stevens



HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR "WHAT" CLASSIC ROCK?  Answers below.  Name that performer.

1.  What a Fool Believes
2.  What About Love
3.  What I Like About You
4.  What Is and Never Should Be
5.  What Is Life
6.  What It Takes
7.  What You Need
8.  What You're Doing
9.  What's Your Name
10. Whatever Gets You Through the Night



1.  Doobie Brothers
2.  Heart
3.  Romantics
4.  Led Zeppelin
5.  George Harrison
6.  Aerosmith
7.  Inxs
8.  Beatles
9.  Lynyrd Skynyrd
10. John Lennon

Loved That Romantics Song.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  Why do croutons come in air-tight packages.  Aren't they just stale bread anyway?




Thursday, November 8, 2012

The Drive's "A to Z": November 8th-- Part 5

Now to the letter "S."  They sure have been digging down deep tracks this go around.  I started listening just before 6 AM.

STAY WITH ME--  Rod Stweart
STEALIN'--  Uriah Heep
STEAM--  Peter Gabriel
STEAMROLLER--  James Taylor

STILL GOT THE BLUES--  Gary Moore
STILL THE ONE--  Orleans
STILL THE SAME--  Bob Seger
STILL THEY RIDE--  Journey
STILL YOU TURN ME ON--  ELP

STIR IT UP--  Johnny Nash
STONE FREE-  Jimi Hendrix
STOP DRAGGING MY HEART AROUND--  Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty
STOP THIS GAME--  Cheap Trick
THE STORY IN YOUR EYES--  Moody Blues

STRAIGHT ON--  Heart
STRANGE BREW--  Cream
STRANGE MAGIC--  ELO
STRANGE WAY--  Fire Fall
THE STRANGER--  Billy Joel

STRANGLEHOLD--  Ted Nugent
STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER--  Beatles
STRAY CAT STRUT--  Stray Cats
STREET FIGHTING MAN--  Rolling Stones
STREET OF DREAMS--

STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA--
STROKE--  Billy Squier
STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU-- STEALER'S WHEEL
STUCK INSIDE OF MOBILE WITH THE MEMPHIS BLUES AGAIN--  Bob Dylan



QUIZ TIME.  NAME THE PERFORMERS FOR THESE "SPACE" AND "SOMEBODY" SONGS.  Answers below.

1.  Space Cowboy
2.  Space Oddity
3.  Space Truckin'

4.  Somebody
5.  Somebody Get Me a Doctor
6.  Somebody to Love
7.  Somebody's Baby




1.  Steve Miller Band
2.  David Bowie
3.  Deep Purple

4.  Bryan Adams
5.  Van Halen
6.  Jefferson Airplane
7.  Queen
8.  Jackson Browne

Pretty Addicting Stuff.  --RoadDog

Rock Hall of Fame Nominees for 2013 Induction

From the Oct. 5, 2012, Chicago Tribune.

Randy Newman
Public Enemy
Donna Summer
Rush
Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Chic
Deep Purple
Heart
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Albert King
Kraftwerk
Marvelettes
N.W.A.
Meters
Procul Harum

A lot of good ones in the class, but still no Journey. 

Of course, some of these groups could in no way be classified as Rock and Roll, but, nonetheless were very entertaining.

Then, there are two I classify as the music that tried to kill rock and roll.

I'll Have My Six Picks Later.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  If 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea...does that mean that 1 in 5 enjoys it?  Good Point.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Dead Page: He and Roy

BILL DEES  (24 January 1939-24 October 2012)

Songwriter best-known for his collaborations with Roy Orbison, in particular in co-writing "It's Over" and "Oh, Pretty Woman" two of my all-time favorites.  He also performed with Roy Orbison.  He wrote hundreds of songs, some of which were performed by Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Billy Joe Royal and gene Pitney.

I was unable to find out anything names of other songs he wrote that I knew, but just for the two sung by Roy Orbison, that would be enough.

The Drive's "A to Z": November 7th-- Part 4

I started listening at 5:30 AM and with the end of the letter "P", through the short letter "Q" and now in the "Rs".

PSYCHO KILLER--  Talking Heads
PUMP IT UP--  Elvis Costello
PURE AND EASY--  Who
PURPLE HAZE--  Jimi Hendrix

QUADROPHENIA--  Who
QUEEN OF SPADES--  Styx
QUESTION--  Moody Blues
QUESTIONS 67 AND 68--  Chicago

RADAR LOVE--  Golden Earring
RADIO FREE EUROPE-- REM
RADIACTIVE--  Firm
RAG DOLL--  Aerosmith
RAIN--  Beatles

RAIN ON THE SCARECROW--  John Mellancamp
THE RAIN SONG--  Led Zeppelin
RAINY DAY WOMEN 12 & 35--  Bob Dylan
RAMBLE ON--  Led Zeppelin
RAMBLIN' GAMBLIN' MAN--  Bob Seger System

RAMBLIN' MAN--  Allman Brothers Band
READY FOR LOVE--  Bad Company
THE REAL ME--  Who
REASON TO BELIEVE--  Rod Stewart
REBEL GIRL--  Survivor

REBEL REBEL--  David Bowie
REBEL YELL--  Billy Idol
RED BARCHETTA--  Rush


WHO "ONLY" SANG IT.  Answers below.

1.  Only Love Can Break Your Heart
2.  Only the Good Die Young--
3.  Only the Strong Survive (Not Jerry Butler)
4.  Only Time Will Tell
5.  Only Women Bleed
6.  Only You Can Rock Me
7.  Only You Know and I Know



1.  Neil Young
2.  Billy Joel
3.  REO Speedwagon
4.  Asia
5.  Alice Cooper
6.  Who
7.  Dave Mason

Sing Me a Song.  --RoadDog


MAXINE WONDERS:  Why isn't the number 11 pronounced "onety-one?"

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

That's What They Are Saying About Each Other

Thankfully, my listening to the Drive's "A to Z" has only been interrupted once by those incessant political commercials of the last two weeks.

Lots and lots and lots of mudslinging and it gets worse every time.

These are some disparaging words I've hear tossed back and forth to defame the other candidate.

Washington Politician
Springfield Politician
Blagojevich/ Blago

Madigan
Tea Party
Millionaires
Big Corporations

Tax Breaks for the above
Springfield Insiders
Springfield Gang

Taxes
Insider Information

A good anti-Madigan one said that Madigan and his cronies drove Illinois into its economic ditch and a comeback begins in the Illinois House if you vote Republican.

Like I Said Before, "Throw 'Em All in Jail."  --RoadDog

The Drive's "A to Z": Nov. 6, 2012-- Part 3

Tuned in after watching one of the funniest videos ever of Da Yoopers doing "Rusty Chevrolet."  I imagine it is also on You Tube, but thankfully, I didn't go to that site as I'd still be watching it.

Tuned into WDRV in Chicago at 7:05 AM

LUCKY MAN--  ELP--  One of my all-time favorites.  Love the Moog.
LUCKY ONES--  Loverboy
LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS--  Beatles
LUNATIC FRINGE--  Red Ryder
LYIN' EYES--  Eagles

MAD MAN ACROSS THE WATER--  Elton John
MAGGIE MAY--  Rod Stewart--  Always reminds me of the Sig Ep house at Univ. of Georgia in the fall of '71.
MAGIC--  Cars
MAGIC BUS--  Who
MAGIC CARPET RIDE--  Steppenwolf--  Always reminds me of Senior Lounge at Palatine High School '68-'69.  On the jukebox and played a lot.

MAGIC MAN--  Heart
MAGIC POWER--  Triumph
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR--  Beatles
MAGNETO AND TITANIUM MAN--  Paul McCartney
MAINLINE FLORIDA--  Eric Clapton


MAINSTREET--  Bob Seger
MAJOR TOM (COMING HOME)--  Peter Schilling
MAKE ME SMILE--  BS&T
MAMA I'M COMING HOME--  Ozzy Osbourne
MAMA KIN--  Aerosmith
MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME--  Three Dog Night


HOW "LONELY" ARE YOU?

See if you can guess who did them?  Answers below songs.

1.  Lonely Boy
2.  Lonely Is the Night
3.  Lonely nights
4.  Lonely Ol' Night
5.  Lonely People
6.  The Loner
7.  Lonesome Loser--  One of my favorites.





1.  Andrew Gold
2.  Billy Squier
3.  Bryan Adams
4.  John Mellancamp
5.  America
6.  Neil Young
7.  Little River Band



Monday, November 5, 2012

The Chicago Drive's "A to Z": Nov. 5th-- Part 2

Still chugging along to the letter "Z" after starting Friday.  Up to the letter"K" now.

"Just" songs

JUST A GIGOLO--  David Lee Roth
JUST A JOB TO DO--  Genesis
JUST A SONG BEFORE I GO--  CSN
JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME--  April Wine
JUST GOT PAID--  ZZ Top

JUST LIKE A WOMAN--  Bob Dylan
JUST LIKE PARADISE--  David Lee Roth
JUST LIKE STARTING OVER--  John Lennon
JUST MY IMAGINATION--  Rolling Stones
JUST ONE VICTORY--  Todd Rundgren

JUST THE SAME WAY--  Journey
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE--  Billy Joel
JUST WHAT I NEEDED--  Cars
JUST YOU AND ME--  Chicago

Just Your Old RoadDog.  --RoadDog

A Very Football Weekend

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

The Drive started their semiannual "A to Z."  Over a week and 2000+ songs from their massive record library.  A great way to pass some listening time, so not much Beach Music for me until next week.

Some yardwork and lengthy burning of twigs, branches and logs in the fire pit.  Then, Terry and Greg Spizzirri performing at the Route 12 Bar.


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

Drove to Dekalb and met up with Kevin (who graduated Palatine High School with us), his wife and Jerry's wife (hard to believe old Jer' died nine years ago).  Tailgated with the Sliders from WC.

Saw the NIU win over UMass 63-0, which now makes us 9-1.  It got really, really cold and we hit the bricks at the beginning of the 4th quarter.

Had celebratory drinks at Sully's on Lincoln Highway.  Drove home and went to Antonio's where we found out that our local high school, Richmond-Burton,  had lost in overtime and was unfortunately out of the IHSA playoffs.

Listened to "A to Z" both going to and returning from Dekalb.


SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

This morning, "A to Z" took a break and Bob Stroud played three hours of the music we were listening to before the 1972 presidential election.  Do you remember between whom?  A great trip back.

At noon, we went to the Squaw Bar and got together with the Usual Suspects for Da Bears.  It was another blowout of Tennessee, something like 51-20 and are now 7-1. 

Stopped at the Route 12 Bar on the way home.

All In All, A Pretty Good Weekend.  --RoadDog

Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Drive's "A to Z"-- November 3, 2012-- Part 1

Listening to Chcago's WDRV, 97.1 and 96.9 FM as they do their semiannual "A to Z" trip through some 2000 mighty find classic rock songs.  They're always adding and dropping songs and I must admit, occasionally they are not ones I've ever heard.

They started yesterday with Genesis' "Abacab" and will play on for the next seven days.  Right now, they are in letter "C".  See my lists from yesterday on my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog.

You can listen and check out the massive lists at www.wdrv.com.

Since I've been up:

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN--  Led Zeppelin
CONQUISTADOR--  Procol Harum
THE CONTINUING STORY OF BUNGALOW BILL--  Beatles
COOL THE ENGINES--  Boston
THE CORE--  Eric Clapton
COULDN'T GET IT RIGHT--  Climax Blues Band

COULDN'T STAND THE WEATHER--  Stevie Ray Vaughan
COUNTRY ROAD--  James Taylor
COVER ME--  Bruce Springsteen
COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE--  Dr. Hook
COWGIRL IN THE SAND--  Neil Young
CRAZY--  Aerosmith

CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE--  Queen
CRAZY ON YOU--  Heart
CRAZY TRAIN--  Ozzy Osbourne
CROCODILE ROCK-- Elton John
CROSS EYED MARY--  Jethro Tull
CROSSFIRE--  Stevie Ray Vaughan

CROSSROADS--  Cream
CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC--  Jimi Hendrix
CRUEL TO BE KIND--  Nick Lowe
CRUMBLIN' DOWN--  John Mellancamp
CRUSH OF LOVE--  Joe Satriani
CRYIN'--  Aerosmith
CRYSTAL--  Fleetwood Mac
CRYSTAL BALL--  Styx


And, in case you're wondering about the CAN'T songs, see if you can guess the groups who sand them.  Answers below.

1.  CAN'T BUY ME LOVE--
2.  CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING--
3.  CAN'T FIND MY WAY BACK HOME--
4.  CAN'T GET ENOUGH--
5.  CAN'T GET IT OUT OF MY HEAD--
6.  CAN'T STAND LOSING YOU--
7.  CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKIN'--
8.  CAN'T YOU SEE--
9.  CANT'CHA SAY--



1.  Beatles
2.  REO Speedwagon
3.  Blind Faith
4.  Bad Company
5.  ELO
6.  Police
7.  Rolling Stones
8.  Marshall Tucker Band
9.  Boston

Listenin' and Lovin' It.  --RoadDog

JSS: Halloween-- Boat-- '85 Firebird-- Yard-- Drive's "A to Z"-- Election Day 1972

JSS--  Just Some Stuff


1.  HALLOWEEN--  Just finished taking down the decorations (I put out a lot of lights and pumpkins in every window) yesterday.  There are still a few fallish items around.  Next week I start the Christmas decs as I like to have them on by Thanksgiving and will be in NC then.  Plus, I try to put them up outside in nicer weather.  Went to Walgreen's the day after and stocked up with some new stuff for next Halloween at half price.


2.  BOAT--  That's up for the season after getting out 43 times despite the drought and really cold and windy fall.  It is out in Hebron at the barn where we've been keeping it the past seven years or so.


3.  '85 FIREBIRD--  I just got a cheaper EA license plate (Extended Antique) as I only drive it 600-700 miles a year (and put it away for the winter and drop most insurance coverage).  I can drive it all but the winter months, but I'm not sure if winter starts Nov. 1st or Dec. 1st.  Perhaps I'll take it out for a ride and if I get pulled over, I'll find out.


4.  YARD--  Getting it ready for winter, bringing stuff in and burning yard waste.  We can still burn weekends Oct-Nov and April-May.


5.  DRIVE'S "A TO Z"--  Yesterday, Chicago's WDRV, the Drive, started their semiannual "A to Z" where they play around 2,000 songs until sometime next week (Nov. 12th?).  And, they do it alphabetically, right now playing "Cross-Eyed Mary" by Jethro Tull.  OK, now "Crossfire" by Stevie Ray Vaughan.  OK, now "Crossroads" by Cream.


6.  ELECTION DAY 1972--  Sunday, Bob Stroud goes back 40 years and will play songs from Nov. 4, 1972, for three hours, 7 to 10 AM CST, on WDRV, but remember to fall back with your time.
www.wdrv.com. Anybody remember who was running for president back then?

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


The Final answers to WHICH CAME FIRST:   Contact Lenses (1887), Lipstich (1915), Band-Aids (1920), Kleenex (1924)

Friday, November 2, 2012

It's Them, Not Me: Throw 'Em All in Jail

Help!!  I'm getting gagged with all these political ads bombarding me wherever I look or listen.  Then, the post office has to be making up some of their deficit with all the campaign stuff we're getting.

And, if you believe the ads and commercials, it doesn't matter whether the candidate is Republican or Democrat, they all must be crooks, liars, evil and hang out with the "wrong" sort. Here's a thought, lets throw 'em all in jail and get some people who don't want to be politicians take their place.

This close to the election and I haven't made up my mind for president.  Romney is one of those GRBs.  And I hate GRBs and in no way trust them at all.  Obama makes lots of promises, but he is ineffective.

Maybe I'll vote for anyone who says they will start raising the interest rates on the CDs which are ridiculously low to make it easier for the GRBs to invest and make their millions.

Has anyone figured out how much interest $10,000 in a CD gets for six months at .01%.

It's Enough to Make You Gag.  --RoadDog

Thoughts On Frankenstorm Sandy

Just Some Thoughts.

Very sad to see that the HMS Bounty sank and the Atlantic City boardwalk being partially washed away.

We had a 14 cent gas spike around here on Tuesday, but it is now back to where it was.  Usually, it takes almost a month to drop 14 cents.

Kind of strange to see David Letterman Tuesday with no studio audience.

I heard one guy on a newscast saying he was expecting to get hit hard as the east coast through there hadn't been hit badly in a long time.  Live near the Atlantic Coast and you expect a bad hurricane every once in awhile.

We're not giving the Red Cross any money as way too much of it goes to "overhead" like huge salaries for upper management.

Here in Chicago, we had those high waves along the shoreline and high winds.  The wind was blowing so hard Tuesday morning, I was considering not putting the garbage out.  I did, however, and it didn't blow over, but I did get plenty of garbage from the neighbors.

That Was One Nasty Storm.  --RoadDog

Eight Best Sports Bars

Continued from earlier this week.

4.  STATE in Chicago.  Filet mignon burger, sockeye salmon, 100 draught beers, 124 high-def TVs.  Eating good in the neighborhood.

3.  The Four's Red in Boston.  Lots of relics of sports history cover the walls.  Features clam chowder and just steps from the Boston Garden.

2.  Red Star in Brooklyn, New York.

1.  Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar in Louisiana featuring alligator, catfish and craw fish.  Try their Final Four Challenge.  If you can eat a two-foot sandwich of shrimp, craw fish, catfish, cheese fries, cookie skillet sundae and 32-ounce Coke, it's free.

Piling It On.  --RoadDog

A Look Back: Top 20 Songs November 1972-- Part 2

Apparently Bob Stroud will be doing his Rock and Roll Roots Show on WDRV Sunday from 7 to 10 AM CST on songs playing 40 years ago during the presidential election of 1972.  I know the Republican candidate was the sitting president, Richard Nixon, fresh off Watergate and that he won.  Without looking it up, I think the Democrat was either Hubert Humphrey or Eugene McCarthy.  I'm sure I'll learn which on the show.

Stroud has been back to 1972 four times already this year as his Summer series of 4 shows were all on the Summer of '72.

Anyway, we'll see how many of these songs are played.

11.  CONVENTION '72--  Delegates--  I don't remember this one, but definitely a song of the time.
12.  WITCHY WOMAN--  Eagles
13.  SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts--  Great timing guys, we're going into winter.

14.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley--  "A Hunka-Hunka..."
15.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers
16.  IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
17.  YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green

18.  GOODTIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe
19.  BEN--  Michael Jackson--  Really, a song about a rat?
20.  VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America

Cruising Back 40.  --RoadDog


THE FINAL WHICH CAME FIRST:  Band-Aids, Kleenex, Lipstick, Contact Lenses.  Answers tomorrow.



Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Look Back: Top 20 Songs of November 1972-- Part 1

From "The Book of Hit Singles: Top 20 Charts from 1954 to the Present Day" by Dave McAleer.

Going back 40 years ago.  Wow, 40 years ago and I remember hearing 'em all back then. 

1.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash--  Early reggae.
2.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo
3.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues--  Liz's all-time favorite song.

4.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners
5.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield--
6.  I AM WOMAN-- Helen Reddy--  I always think of the "Coach" episode when he and the woman's basketball coach were pimping each other "I Am Cow, Hear Me Moo."
7.  PAPA WAS A ROLLIN' STONE--  Temptations--

8.  MY DING-A-LING--  Chuck Berry--  His biggest hit.  Can you spell double -e-n-t-e-n-d-r-e?  I remember a General Finance Christmas Party with Freddie singing this on top of a little table.
9.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson--  What happened to lovable Ricky?
10.  IF I COULD REACH YOU--  Fifth Dimension  (OK, I'm not so familiar with this one.)

Really, 40 Years Ago?  --RoadDog


Answers to yesterday's WHICH CAME FIRST?:  Dr. Pepper (1886), Pepsi-Cola (1898), 7-Up (1933), Tab (1963) The first diet drink.