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

Friday, October 31, 2014

Ten at Ten's Halloween: Ten Songs to Scare You to Death

From the October 31, 2012, Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.

1.  WEREWOLVES OF LONDON--  Warren Zevon
2.  DANCING WITH MR. D.--  Rolling Stones
3.  THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA--  Charlie Daniels Band

4.  SUPERSTITIOUS--  Stevie Wonder
5.  SEASON OF THE WITCH--  Donovan
6.  BAD MOON ON THE RISE--  Creedence Clearwater Revival  (Hey, my ring-tone.)
7.  SCARY MONSTERS--  David Bowie

8.  FRANKENSTEIN--  Edgar Winter Group[
9.  STRANGE BREW--  Cream
10.  DEVIL WOMAN--  Cliff Richard

Like, BOO!!  --RoadDog

WLS Survey for October 30, 1964

1.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison
2.  THE LEADER OF THE PACK--  Shangri-Las
3.  HAVE I THE RIGHT--  Honeycombs

4.  COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER--  Jay & the Americans
5.  DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY--  Manfred Mann
6.  TOBACCO ROAD--  Nashville Teens
7.  YOU REALLY GOT ME--  Kinks  (from #13)
 
8.  THE DOOR IS STILL OPEN--  Dean Martin
9.  I'M CRYING--  Animals
10.  WE'LL SING IN THE SUNSHINE--  Gale Garnett

--RoadDog

Paul McCartney's Set List for July 9, 2014-- Part 2

One thing about a Paul McCartney Show, you sure get your money's worth.  This one featured 39 songs.

20..  All Together Now
21.  Lovely Rita
22.  Everybody Out There*
23.  Eleanor Rigby
24.  Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
25.  Something

26.  Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
27.  Band on the Run
28.  Back in the U.S.S.R.
29.  Let It Be
30.  Live and Let Die
31.  Hey Jude

(ENCORE)

32.  Day Tripper
33.  Hi, Hi, Hi
34.  Get Back

(SECOND ENCORE)

35.  Yesterday
36.  Helter Skelter
37.  Golden Slumbers
38.  Carry That Weight
39.  The End

I Shoulda Been There.  --RoadDog

JSS: Werewolves of London-- End of Waukegan Strike-- Boat Out of the Water-- Miserable Halloween Here-- $3 Gas

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1. WEREWOLVES OF LONDON--  I'm listening to one of my Halloween cassette tapes and just heard "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon.  This song now always reminds me of the one that our music teacher made up during the 1994 Round Lake Teacher Strike to "honor" our "illustrious" school board prez.

2.  END OF WAUKEGAN STRIKE--  I was glad to find out yesterday that the Waukegan, Illinois, teacher strike finally ended, after four weeks.  We were planning on walking the line with them yesterday.  This would have been our fourth time out with them.  So much reminded me of our strike exactly 20 years earler.

3.  BOAT OUT OF THE WATER--  Monday, we took our boat out of the water and to the marina for winterizing.  We were able to get out on it 45 times this past season and it should have been a lot more except for all this crummy cold from all this Global ______.

4.  MISERABLE HALLOWEEN HERE--  With 38 degrees for a high, rain and snow as well as 30-40 mph wind.  I tell you, I can't take much more of all this Global ______.  I feel sorry for the Trick-Or-Treaters out tonight.

5.   $3 GAS--  Hard to believe, but gas prices actually dropped to $3 here in northeast Illinois yesterday.  Most will call it $2.99, but at $2.99.9, that' still $3.  It made me excited as I didn't think I'd ever see it that low again.  And I especially hate the GRBs at Big Oil for making me think $3 was CHEAP!!!

Just Some Stuff.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "That and a quarter will get you a cup of coffee."--  Tell that to Starbucks.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Paul McCartney's Set List Chicago July 9, 2014-- Part 1


From the July 11, 2014, Chicago Tribune "Paul McCartney gets it done, no asterisk required" by Mark Caro.

Even quite a few years past his "Sixty-Four" song, Paul McCartney at age 72, can still rock with the best of them and in a nearly three hour show.

Here are the songs he played at Chicago's United Center this past summer.  An asterisk means I am not familiar with the song.

1.  Eight Days a Week
2.  Save Us*
3.  All My Loving
4.  Listen to What the Man Said
5.  Let Me Roll It

6.  Paperback Rider
7.  My Valentine
8.  Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five
9.  The Long and Winding Road
10.  Maybe I'm Amazed

11.  I've Just Seen a Face
12.  We Can Work It Out
13.  Another Day
14.  And I Love Her
15.  Blackbird

16.  Here Today*
17.  New
18.  Queenie Eye
19.  Lady Madonna

"Guess You Know It's True."  --RoadDog

SAY WHAT?  "Take to the Woodshed"--  Traditional site for whuppings.



Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Every Blooming THing: Late October

Sad to the the fall season ending.

All tress except the two Bradford pears, one weeping cherry and two sunburst honey locusts have lost their leaves.  The last two are in yellow-gold splendor and the Bradford pears haven't changed yet.

The twenty burning bushes are brilliant red and the mums are still blooming.

I have been raking up the pine needles on the east ans west pine islands for that pretty (and free) mulch.

The tall grasses have those wonderful flumes out.

I have not yet begun bringing in the outside furniture, but will do so soon.  The Halloween decorations are up and we are one of only a few homes with lights for Halloween.  We're all an orange aglow at night, and with the lighted pumpkins in the front windows and all my battery Halloween toys that I have to press the buttons whenever I walk by.

Sad to See the Season Ending.  --RoadDog


SAT WHAT?  "Sounds like a broken record."--  Sounds like a, sounds like a, sounds like a broken reciord, or perhaps those old wonderful skips.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Boating, Football and Great Weather This Past Weekend

After a pretty crummy first part of October, we finally had one of those great fall weekends you have to get out and enjoy as you-know-what is just around the corner.  And, we sure did take advantage of it.

Friday, we went out boating and then i went over to Johnsburg High School for a football game (we won) on a perfect night with temps in the 60s and NO WIND.  We did have a ten minute rain shower, though, but I weathered it under the stands.

Saturday, it was boating again, our 44th time this season and then a blues jam outside in the Never Sink Inn's beer garden in Spring Grove.  Despite way too much jamming (the blues' biggest problem), it was great to sit outside in the sun wearing shorts and tee-shirts.

Sunday, we went to Richmond for an outside party for Da Bears and had a good time despite one of the worst efforts for us in a long time.  It was embarrassing, but all those ribs, drinks, and friends  helped soothe our sorrows.  And, it was shorts and jersey weather again with lots of sun.

After the game, we had a local band, Second Chapter, play.  Came home and had a bonfire out at the burn pile and put up my last strand of Halloween lights.  The house looks quite eerie now with the orange C9  lights across the deck as well as lights across the front and lighted pumpkins in the windows.

Like, Boo!!  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Telegraph your punches."  Find out in advance using really old technology.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Football, Boating and Band

One of those rare days this fall with perfect, Indian Summer weather.

I already sat out on the deck and had one of those great fall caramel apples with nuts.  In just a bit, we will go out boating, probably over to McDonald's for lunch and then a nice float while we listen to the NIU game.

Then, this afternoon, Never Sink Inn in Spring Grove is having their Blues Roctoberfest outside starting at 2 and going to 6.  They have a band playing in the beer garden.  After that, I'm thinking a bonfire out on the Grand Strand patio at the house.

Then, college football at Margaritaville.

Good Times in the Area.  --RoadDog

Friday, October 24, 2014

A Perfect Fall Weekday on Monday

Monday, October 20th was something we don't get around here much this fall, a perfect day for enjoying autumn as winter is preparing to rear its ugly head.

We went out in the late morning for a cruise around Fox Lake on our boat.  Then we drove to Geneva Lake in Wisconsin for our annual Fall Color Blast Tour around the lake.  Judging by our trees here in the neighborhood, we figured that the color must be at its peak there and it was.

We started on the south shore of the lake, driving along South Shore Drive and hit our two side trips to the shore with some remarkable tree color.  Then, we caught North Shore Drive to Williams Bay, then Wis-50 to Lake Como and a drive along those shores.

Best trip, of course was on Wisconsin Rustic Road, Snake Road.  Almost three miles of the biggest and prettiest color you'll ever see.

We then had lunch at Popeye's (not the fried chicken chain) on Geneva Lake and overlooking the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva.

Can't Beat the Old Local Color.  --RoadDog

Gas Gouge Here Yesterday

Kind of surprising with oil prices falling as they have been.

But, yesterday, in Fox Lake, Illinois, as we were driving to Waukegan to walk the picket line with the teachers there, whose strike is now at three weeks long, the price of gas was at $3.03 ($3.09.9) at all the stations at 1 p.m..  Driving back at 6, we saw the prices had jumped a cool 23 cents to $3.27.

Why, I have to ask?  Why, so we can make more profit say they.

And, I was already mad at Big Oil for making me think that anything near $3 was "cheap gas."  Actually, gas should be around $2, but there is this profit motive on their part.

By the way, we saw gas at the Round Lake station at Fairfield and Rollins at $3 (($2.99.9).  Wow, CHEAP GAS!!  Curse You Big Oil for making me think that!!

I tell You, "Ya Just Can't Do Anything for the GRBs."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Take a rain check"--  Remember the actual stub for a ball game rainout?

Deaths: Hi-Records and Dreamlovers

MABON "TEENIE" HODGES, 68--  Guitarist in the rhythm section of Hi_records in Memphis.  Co-wrote Al Green's hits "L-O-V-E" and "Here I Am (Come and Get Me).  Died June 22, 2014.

CLIFF DUNN--  Died June 22, 2014.  Member of the Dreamlovers (named after Bobby Darrin's hit song).  Had hit in 1961 with "When We Get Married #10.  Also sang backup on Cameo and Parkway Records and on most Chubby Checker songs, including "The Twist."


Deaths: Fantastic Four

RAPLH PRUITT, 74.  Died June 3, 2014.

Last surviving member of the Fantastic Four out of Detroit.  Formed in 1955 and placed five songs on pop charts in 1967. 1968 and 1975, none charting higher than 55, but did much better  on the R&B charts.

I listened to their songs on You Tube and it is too bad the pop stations didn't play their songs.  Outstanding music

YOU GAVE ME SOMETHING (AND EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT)--  #12 r&b, #55 pOP 1967
THE WHOLE WORLD'S A STAGE--  #6 r&b, #63 pop, 1967
TO SHARE YOUR LOVE
I LOVE YOU MADLY

One of those groups I just missed out on, sadly.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

WLS Top Ten for October 23, 1964

1.  HAVE I THE RIGHT--  Honeycombs
2.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison
3.  COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER--  Jay & the Americans

4.  TOBACCO ROAD--  Nashville Teens
5.  DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY--  Manfred Mann
6.  LAST KISS--  J. Frank Wilson
7.  THE LEADER OF THE PACK--  Shangri-Las (Fron #22)

8.  WE'LL SING IN THE SUNSHINE--  Gale Garnett
9.  FROM A WINDOW--  Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas
10.  CHUG-A-LUG--  Roger Miller

There She Was Just a Walking Down the Street."  --RoadDog

SAY WHAT?  "Soap Opera."--  catchier than "low-carb-lunch opera.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Deaths: Paul Revere of Paul Revere & the Raiders

PAUL REVERE DICK, 76, Died October 4, 2014.

Was a restaurant owner in Caldwell, Idaho, when he met Mark Lindsay in the late 1950s.  they started a band originally called the Downbeats, but later changed their name to revolve around Paul Revere Dick's name and dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms and were a big hit in the Pacific Northwest.

They recorded "Louie, Louie" at the same studio and around the same time as the Kingsmen, but the latter got the hit.

Moved to Los Angeles and the hits began.  In 1966: "Just Like Me (#11), ""Kicks" (#4), "Hungry" (6).  In 1967 "Good Thing" (4), "Him or Me What's It Gonna Be" (5) and "Let Me" in 1969.  They finally had a #1 in 1971 with "Indian Reservation" after they had shortened the name to just Raiders.

Mark Lindsay later had a solo career

Rolling Stone Magazine named "Kicks" as one of the all-ti,e greatest hits at #400.

Liz had a crush on Mark Lindsay.  (I think it was the little pony tail.)  To me, this was one really rocking band, right up there with the early Beatles and Dave Clark Five.

WLS Songs from October 16th That I Didn't Know

There were several songs in this Top 30 that I didn't know.  So, it was time for good old You Tube which had them covered.

15.  BABY BE MINE--  Jelly Beans  (slow song.  A quartet from Jersey City.  Their biggest hit was "I Wanna Love Him So Bad.")
18.  GALE WIND--  Egyptians (instrumental, #51 nationally on Billboard.)
20.  20-75--  (Another instrumental.  #31 nationally.  Born Ashland, Mississippi in 1928.  trumpeter and keyboardist.)

23.  I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND--  Tommy Adderly
25.  GARDEN IN THE RAIN--  Vic Dana  (#97)
27.  THE THINGS IN THIS HOUSE--  Bobby Darrin (#86.  Don't get it confused with his bigger hit, "Things" #3 in 1962.)

--RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Over the top."--  Outrageous.  Like leaving the safety of a trench in World War I to run across No-Man's Land in the face of machine guns.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Another DeKalb Trip This Past Saturday


October 18, 2014:  We drove out to DeKalb on a pretty crummy day the whole way.  It kept threatening to rain and had rained a lot in the morning before we left.

Arrived in DeKalb and went to Fatty's and got autographs from NIU football hero Jordan Lynch and the new schedule mug.  Then went to the Barsema Alumni Center for the President's reception.  Great food and Goose Island drinks as well as talks by NIU President Doug Baker and our athletic director.  Part of the Marching Huskies Band came in to fire us up with some songs, including, of course, the fight song.

We got a ride over to Huskie Stadium and had great seat back seats right by the 50 yard line.  Our offense looked good, but defense wasn't there.  We were cold enough by halftime so left with Northern having a 35-21 lead.

Stopped at White Castle for a ten pack of Sliders which we took with us and listened to Bill Baker do the play-by-play on WIND, 560 AM until the end of the game.  Northern won 51-41 in what was quite a close game.  Neither defense could stop the offense of the other team.

Stopped at Twisted Moose in McHenry for the 1st and 2nd periods of the Hawks game.  Then home.

--Brock-Perry

DeKalb Kind of a Weekend-- Part 2: Color and Settlers Days Parade

OCTOBER 12TH, 2014:

It sure hurt to have our 28-game home winning streak snapped yesterday, especially since it was homecoming.  But, Central Michigan played well, we played extremely badly.

After I had the continental breakfast at the Baymont, I took a drive around campus and the Lagoon.  Stopped there and took a walk around the beautiful body of water, always one of the prettiest spots on campus and with the castle, Altgeld Hall looming over it.  I found the stone with the plaque for William Goose (we called him Gus Goose), honorary NIU student.

Out to Sycamore Road (Il-23) and went to Lowe's, Wal-Mart and Barnes & Nobles.

Back to the hotel and then Liz and I ate at Culver's and drove to Genoa and took Genoa Road to Belvidere and then US-20 to Marengo where we watched the Packer game and the Marengo Settlers Days parade at North Side Tavern.

Then, drove to McHenry to Twisted Moose and watched Da Bears defeat the Falcons and then home.

Definitely a Football Weekend.  --RoadDog

Monday, October 20, 2014

Paul Revere's Last Ride (As In Paul Revere & the Raiders)

Sad to hear about the death of Paul Revere Dick, the leader of that great 60s group Paul Revere & the Raiders a couple weeks ago.

On October 12th, last Sunday, I was able to listen to WDRV out in DeKalb, Illinois, and heard Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots.  Stroud featured music by Paul Revere & the Raiders on his show, playing these songs in a fitting tribute to Paul Revere's life:

Steppin' Out
Just Like Me
Kicks
Louie Go Home
Hungry
Good Thing
Him or Me, What's It Gonna Be
Indian Reservation

Gone But Never Forgotten.  --RoadDog

SAY WHAT?  "Push the panic button."  World War II bomber pilots had them, for good reason.




Saturday, October 18, 2014

Another Football Weekend

I just got back from the Grant High School (Fox Lake, Illinois) Homecoming Parade on a very rainy, cold day.  I watched the whole thing from my truck as I was parked close to the parade route.  Two marching bands and most of te court was pulled along in huge cigarette boats.  The Class of '79, celebrating their 35th reunion had a float as well.  Their game will be at 1 p.m.

Round Lake also has their parade and game today.

These two schools are among the few around here who have their homecomings on Saturdays as they should be.

I didn't see any home games last night as all the local schools except these two were away.  And, believe it or not, it was cold and rainy as have been pretty much all of the home games this season.

I won't be going to either as we are going to DeKalb again for another home NIU game.  Only this one we get to go to the President's Reception and get tickets to the game in the seatback area at midfield.  Sadly, the weather is just as bad in DeKalb so not sure how long we'll watch the game.


Rah, Rah, Ree...Kick 'Em in the Knee.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Push the envelope."--  Test pilots were never satisfied.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Twenty Years Ago: The Round Lake School Teacher Strike Begins

Hard to believe it has been that long, but twenty years ago, October 17, 1994, Liz and I woke up and drove to Round Lake.  This time it was not to teach, but to walk the picket lines as after years of concessions to the school board and administration, it came time to pay the piper as it were.

The school board never negotiated in good faith in the months leading up to the strike and the months after it began.  It was their intention to "Break the Union."  That didn't happen.

We ended up staying out on the picket lines until December 13th, our first day back in the classroom.  That is 38 school days that we missed, the second longest in Illinois history.

The Union stood strong and weathered the attack and in the end received most of what was sought.

Today, Liz and I are going to drive to Waukegan, Illinois, and walk the line again, this time for the Waukegan teachers as their strike enters its 11th day.

I found my "Don't Tread On me" flag that I carried throughout the strike and it will once again float over the Tread Upon.

It Was Quite an Experience, One That No Teacher Should Have to Go Through.  --RoadDog

Thursday, October 16, 2014

WLS Top Ten R&B for October 16, 1964

1.  YOU MUST BELIEVE ME--  Impressions
2.  I HAD A TALK WITH MY MAN--  Mitty Collier
3.  RHYTHM--  Major Lance

4.  BLESS OUR LOVE--  Gene Chandler
5.  LET IT BE ME--  Betty Everett
6.  RUNNING OUT OF FOOLS--  Aretha Franklin
7.  WHY YOU WANNA MAKE ME BLUE--  Temptations

8.  PRAYER MEETING--  Jimmy Smith
9.  BABY DON'T YOU DO IT--  Marvin Gaye
10.  THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS MADE OF--  Miracles

I will be printing these every so often.

More Great Music.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten Survey for October 16, 1964

Fifty years ago.*= British Invasion group.

1.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison
2.  HAVE I THE RIGHT--  Honeycombs*
3.  DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY--  Manfred Mann*

4.  LAST KISS--  J. Frank Wilson
5.  TOBACCO ROAD--  Nashville Teens*
6.  CHUG-A-LUG--  Roger Miller
7.  DANCING IN THE STREET--  Martha & the Vandellas

8.  FROM A WINDOW--  Billy J. Kramer*
9.  WE'LL SING IN THE SUNSHINE--  Gale Garnett
10.  COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER--  Jay & the Americans

12.  JAMES BOND THEME--  Billy Stramm
13.  MATCH BOX--  Beatles*
16.  EVERYBODY KNOWS--  Dave Clark Five*

"There She Goes Just a Walkin' Down the Street."  --RoadDog

It's Album Sides Thursday Today on the Drive

October 16th, 2014.

Started at midnight on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.   Your chance to hear an entire album side without commercials from those old classics.  And,  they are playing 'em on vinyl, just like we listened to 'em.  You even get to hear the needle dropping on the record.  If you're outside of the Chicago area, you can stream it at www.wdrv.com.

So far, with side and release year:

SLIPPERY WHEN WET--  Bon Jovi (1) 1986
BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS--  Joe Walsh (1) 1978
RUMOURS--  Fleetwood Mac (1) 1977
ZENYATTA MONDATTA--  Police (1) 1980
VAN HALEN-- Van Halen (1) 1978

Since I've been up.

CRIME OF THE CENTURY--  Supertramp
WHO ARE YOU--  Who (1) 1978
LET IT BLEED--  Rolling Stones (2) 1969
BOSTON--  Boston (2) 1976

UNPLUGGED--  Eric Clapton (1) 1992
RUBBER SOUL--  Beatles (1) 1965
ESCAPE--  Journey (1) 1981

THE WALL--  Pink Floyd (1) 1979
NIGHT MOVES--  Bob Seger (1) 1976

I will continue to update the songs.  No Ten at Ten Today because of the album sides.

Just Like the Old Days.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  Technology, customs and culture come and go.  Along te way they hatch expressions that become ingrained in our language and outlive their roots.  Just in case you hear someone, especially old fogies my me, saying one, here's what they are referring to:

"Pleased as Punch."  And yet those Punch and Judy puppets always seemed so angry.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Movie Scratches: Cops-- Stands-- Expendables-- Giver

Movie Scratches:  A dog's-eye view of today's movies.

57.  LET'S BE COPS-- 8-19--  Fox Lake $5--  The new salt and pepper cops even if they aren't or how to find your calling.

58.  WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL--  8-22--  Fox Lake, $6--  Win it for the coach.  I really felt bad for the team when they lost a couple games.  But then someone pointed out that pulling for them was like pulling for Florida State or Alabama.  How could I be so fooled?

59.  EXPENDABLES 3--  8-26--  Fox Lake, $5--  Family and teamwork, that's the ticket.Recruiting new Expendables.  Bad guys being killed in droves by Stallone.  I wonder how many Stallone has movie killed in his roles?

60.  THE GIVER--  9-4--  Fox Lake, $4.50.  Hunger Games Part Whatever.  Living the blahs in a "perfect" land.

--RoadDog


DeKalb Kind of a Weekend-- Part 2: DeKalb Footstompers, Naked Nuggets


October 11th.

Watched the rest of the NIU-Central Michigan game at Lord Stanley's and it sure never got any better.  Northern had no defense and very little offense.  We played badly and they played very well and Northern's 28 game winning streak came crashing to a halt.

Oh, well, that's never been a problem before when NIU lost most of its games every year, and we weren't going to allow it to stop us from having fun this time and Da Footstompers are just the guys to get you through it.

Talked with the tuba player Rick during the game.  He is a Northern grad and an even bigger fan than we are and he was nothing short of disgusted.

Lord Stanley's filled up to standing room only. mostly us older grads.  This was the 42nd straight NIU Homecoming the DeKalb Footstompers have played (beginning at Andy's and now Lord Stanley's).

We had a mighty good time, but left after their second set to get closer to the hotel.

Stopped at Pizza Pros and had their naked nuggets (essentially plain beer nuggets but with a lot of marinara to dip them in.  Beer nuggets (fried pieces of dough) are getting quite popular in northern Illinois and to the best of our knowledge, started in DeKalb at Sgt. Pepper's.  It is becoming one of those regional delicacies.

Sure were a lot of police out on Lincoln Highway at night.  We watched a stop right by Pizza Pros where a lot of police were making a very detailed search of a car while we were eating.  At least all we had to do was walk across Lincoln Highway to get back to the motel.

"In Heaven There Is No Beer, That's Why We Drink It Here."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Pencil me in.'--  On your smartphone calendar app?

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

DeKalb Kind Of a Weekend-- Part 1: Alumni and Game


This past Saturday, October 11th, we drove to DeKalb, Illinois, for the Northern Illinois Homecoming game.  There was sporadic color among the trees along the way and in DeKalb.  We went to Wal-Mart and Village Commons Bookstore and bought some NIU souvenirs and then checked into the Baymont.

Walked over to the Alumni Tailgating area, always a good time with the tents, free food and give aways.  Saw NIU President Bill Baker walking around on several occasions and were serenaded by the NIU Marching Band.  Talked with Terri, our financial person at NIU for our scholarship.

Walked over to the party area west of Huskie Stadium and then decided not to buy tickets, despite perfect weather, because we would have to leave at half time if we wanted to get a place to sit at Lord Stanley's for the DeKalb Footstompers after the game.

Watched the first quarter on a small rise by some apartments south of the stadium.  The Huskies received the ball and in a minute had a TD and we were right by the ROTC howitzer when they fired it.  Quite loud when you're that close.  But then, the Chippewas score and then scored again and led 14-7 at the end of the quarter.

We walked back to the hotel and drove downtown to watch the second quarter at Sully's, but they didn't have it on so went to Lord Stanley's on Lincoln Highway, DeKalb's Main Street (Il. Route 38).

--More to Come.  --RoadDog

Flashback to 1968-- Part 4

PICTURE BOOK--  Kinks
BABY COME BACK--  Equals  (Eddy Grant before going solo.)
ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER--  Jimi Hendrix

TIGHTEN UP--  Archie Bell & the Drells
MR. BOJANGLES--  Jerry Jeff Walker
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS--  Joe Cocker (Before Woodstock.)

DO IT AGAIN--  Beach Boys (Bring back the early 60s in the late 60s.)
PIECE OF MY HEART--  Janis Joplin (and that group)
LOVE STORY--  Randy Newman

ITCHY COO PARK--  Small Faces (Not to be confused with the Big Faces)
SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL--  Rolling Stones

"What Did You Do There?"  --RoadDog

Flashback to 1968-- Part 3

CLOUD NINE--  Temptations
SON OF A PREACHER MAN--  Dusty Springfield
I GOT A LINE ON YOU--  Spirit

WHITE ROOM--  Cream
BLACK MAGIC WOMAN--  Fleetwood Mac (Before Santana)
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS--  Beatles

HUSH--  Deep Purple
GREASY HEART--  Jefferson Airplane
BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN--  Albert King

FIVE TO ONE--  Doors
YOU AIN'T GOIN'  NOWHERE--  Byrds
MAGIC CARPET RIDE--  Steppenwolf  (I heard this so many times on the jukebox in the Senior Lounge at Palatine High School.)

"With Black Curtains.)  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for October 9, 1964

1.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison  (4th week #1)
2.  DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY--  Manfred Mann
3.  LAST KISS--  J. Frank Wilson

4.  FROM A WINDOW--  Billy J. Kramer & Dakotas (Definitely a Beatles connection)
5.  CHUG-A-LUG--  Roger Miller
6.  DANCING IN THE STREET--  Martha & the Vandellas
7.  WE'LL SING IN THE SUNSHINE--  Gale Garnett

8.  HAVE I THE RIGHT--  Honeycombs  (One of my all-time favorite songs.)
9.  TOBACCO ROAD--  Nashville Teens  (More England that Nashville)
10.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Animals

"Makes You Wanna Holler Hi-De-Ho!!"  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for October 2, 1964

Kind of missed this the last two weeks so will catch up.  It's kind of interesting to see what songs were being played FIFTY YEARS ago!!!

1.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison
2.  DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY--  Manfred Mann
3.  LAST KISS--  J. Frank Wilson

4.  HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Animals
5.  BREAD AND BUTTER--  Newbeats
6.  CHUG-A-LUG--  Roger Miller
7.  REMEMBER (WALKING IN THE SAND)--  Shangri-Las

8.  FROM A WINDOW--  Billy J. Kramer & Dakotas
9.  IT HURTS TO BE IN LOVE--  Gene Pitney
10.  DANCING IN THE STREET--  Martha & the Vandellas

"There Is a House in New Orleans."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Off the hook."--  Crazy. like a ringing phone before voice mail.


Monday, October 13, 2014

Flashback to 1968-- Part 2

the fall of 1968, I was sports editor of the Palatine High School student newspaper, the Cutlass, and reporting the football games and having a great time.  My freshman year in the fall of 1965, our team was undefeated, but we had two big-time losing seasons after that.  Evidently, a lot of local high schools thought we were going to be bad again, so we ended up playing a lot of homecoming games.

However, we ended up with a 7-2 record, losing only to Wheeling and arch-rival Arlington.  We really messed up quite a few homecomings.  So sad.  Serves them right.

PICTURES OF MATCHSTICK MEN--  Status Quo
LIVING IN THE USA--  Steve Miller Band
I GOT THE FEELING--  James Brown

STREET FIGHTING MAN--  Rolling Stones
GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers
SWEET BLINDNESS--  Laura Nyro

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE--  Marvin Gaye
MAGIC BUS--  Who
MIGHTY QUINN--  Manfred Mann

HELLO IT'S ME--  Nazz
ROCK MY PLIMSOUL--  Jeff Beck
THE WEIGHT--  Band  (One of my all-time favorites.  I've even "attempted" to sing it at karaoke.)


Bet You're Wondering How I Knew."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Put through the wringer."  Before the spin cycle, you know.



Saturday, October 11, 2014

A Football Weekend

I went to the Johnsburg-Marengo high school game last night and stayed until after the half-time activities as it was getting way too cold (thankfully no wind, though).  The Johnsburg Skyhawks were winning 25-3.  I learned this morning that they won 42-17.  It was Johnsburg's Homecoming game.  Thursday night I watched the Homecoming fireworks from our deck.

Even better news, Palatine defeated arch rival Fremd last night 27-14!!!  That is one game you don't want to lose.

Sadly, the other three teams I support (Round Lake, Richmond-Burton and Grant) all lost and by a combined 130-13 score.  Ouch!!

In a little bit, we leave for DeKalb for NIU's Homecoming game and the DeKalb Footstompers at Lord Stanley's, their 41st NIU Homecoming they've played.  This is out 41st Homecoming since graduating in 1973.

Sunday, of course, Da Bears vs. Atlanta.

--RoadDog


Music for Your Ears

Right now, Fessa John Hook is playing the Beach Music Top 40 from 1951!!!  If you want to hear some classic rock befrer it became rock, give it a  listen at www.beachshag.com.  He'll have it on for a week.  Plus, you can get this week's Beach Music Top 40 and Saturday Night Fish Fry Blues Show.

Wendy Rice goes back to 1992 on her Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT today from 8-noon CST at www.wxrt.com.  Sunday, Terri Hemmert has her Breakfast with the Beatles from 8-10 a.m..  Sunday night from 9-11 p.m., Little Steven has his Underground Garage show.  Monday night, Tom Marker has his Bluesbreakers Show from 9-10 p.m..

Sunday, Bob Stroud does his Rock and Roll Roots show featuring music from the 60s-70s from 7-10 a.m. at www,wdrv.com.  Next week's Ten at Tens (at 10 a.m. and rebroadcast 10 p.m. CST):

Mon.--  1986
Tues.--  1978
Wed.--  1971
Thurs.--  Album Sides Thursday all day on WDRV.  A whole side of a classic album played on vinyl.
Fri.--  1981

--RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "My dance card is full."  Fox trot pairings were scheduled.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Made Our Boating Goal: 40 Times

Yesterday, we went out on the boat for the 40th time this season.  That is always our goal.  We spend a lot of money on registration, insurance, winterizing, winter storage and summerizing, dockage and gas so always figure 40 boating trips about averages it out to making it worth our money.

Yesterday, it was more than a bit cool, but we went anyway and met up with friends at Stormy Monday on Fox Lake with that great view and then to Captain's Quarters and more friends.  Captain's had 35 cent wings and 35 cent potato skins on Thursday. Cheap eating as we split ten wings and 4 skins.

Managed to get the boat back to the dock before it got dark and really cold.

Went to the Legion and watched the first period of the Black Hawks game and then the rest at home after we saw the Johnsburg High School Homecoming fireworks from the deck.

--RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Looks like the milkman."  About that unexpected new baby.  Today, that might be the UPS or Fed Ex guy.


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Let the Fur Fly-- Part 4: It's Victor E. Huskie vs. Southpaw

This past month, the Chicago Tribune has been running a Sweet 16 contest involving Chicago area mascots which has brought a lot of voting from interested parties.  Now, there are just two left for the championship and Tribune backing for inclusion in the National Mascot Hall of Fame when it opens.

And, now, the sixteen mascots are down to just two: Southpaw of the Chicago White Sox and Victor E. Huskie of NIU.  Normally, I would vote for Southpaw as I am a big White Sox fan, but not when he's up against my old school.

We find out tomorrow who is the top Chicagoland mascot.

When I voted earlier this week, the voting stood at Victor E. Huskie 59.08% and Southpaw 40.92%.

You can vote at www.chicagotribune.com/mascotpoll.

Vote Early, Vote Often As They Say in Chi-Town.  --RoadDog

Walking the Line...Again: Waukegan Teacher Strike

This past Monday, October 6th, Liz and I drove to Waukegan, Illinois, about 30 miles away, and relived something that happened to us 20 years ago.  We walked the picket line with the Waukegan teachers as their strike entered the third day.  Today is the beginning of their 6th day and it looks as if it is going to be a long strike as the board and administration only gives lip service to any negotiations.

This sure brought back memories of the Round Lake teacher strike of 1994, which started on October 17th and went on for 38 days (and I'm not talking overall days, they were actual days of school that were missed).

I have often said that if there ever was a teacher strike nearby that I'd walk the line, but the only one since I retired was at Richmond, Illinois, where kids in our subdivision go to school and I was in North Carolina at the time and it was a short strike and over by the time I got back.

We walked to honor our strike and especially for our president during the strike, Terri,  and Kim Kearby who died this past year.

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Flashback to the Music of 1968-- Part 1

This past Saturday, October 4th, WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback radio show went to the year of 1968 for four hours and played a whole lot of music that sure brought back a lot of memories for me.  Wendy Rice usually does the show, but Johnny Mars sat in for her.  He had as much information as Bob Stroud on each song.

FEELING ALL RIGHT--  Traffic
ON THE ROAD AGAIN--  Canned Heat
SUZIE-Q--  CCR

VILLAGE GREEN PRESERVATION SOCIETY--  Kinks
I THANK YOU--  Sam and Dave
ON THE WAY HOME--  Buffalo Springfield

BEND ME SHAPE ME--  American Breed
GLASS ONION--  Beatles
LEGEND OF A MIND--  Moody Blues

"Anyway You Want To."  --RoadDog


Charts in 2012-- Part 5: Greatest Hits Albums

21.  DEF LEPPARD Vault 1980-1995--  (5,020,000)  1995,  #153

22.  BON JOVI Cross Road--  (4,951,000)  1994, #158

23.  2 PAC--  (4,848,000),  #165

24.  ELVIS PRESLEY, Elvis: 30 #1 Hits--  (4,764,000)  2002, #176

25.  LENNY KRAVITZ--  (4,634,000)  2000,  #191

26.  MICHAEL JACKSON, Number Ones--  (4,615,000)  2003,  #194

27.  ERIC CLAPTON, Time Pieces--  (4,520,000) 1982, #200

Of interest, of these artists, 19 did not have another Top Ten Hit after the release of their greatest hits album.  So, it can be said that when you release your greatest hits album, that is pretty much the end of your hit-making career.

More interesting stuff:  These artists with other albums in the Top 200:  Madonna, 15; Aerosmith, 6; Eagles, 5; and Eric Clapton with 2.

I Have All of These Except #23.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Like a Rube Goldberg."--  Making the simple complicated/fun.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Charts in 2012-- Part 4; Greatest Hits Albums

16.  STEVE MILLER BAND 1974-1978 --  (5,443,00) 1978, #124

17.  AEROSMITH-- (5,331,000)  1980, #130

18.  ABBA GOLD--  (5,293,000)   1993, #132

19.  THE BEST OF VAN MORRISON--  (5.092,000) 1990, #148

20.  GUNS 'N ROSES--  (5,048,000)  2004, #152

--RoadDog


SAY WAHT?  "Let's Get Cranking."  Or turn the igniition key o your car today.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Charts in 2012-- Part 3: Greatest Hits Albums

8.  JAMES TAYLOR--  (6,976,000)  1976, #66

9,  QUEEN--  (6,888,000) 1992, #68

10.  JIMMY BUFFETT  Songs You Know By Heart--  (6,494,000)  1985, #85

11.  TIM McGRAW--  (6,137,000)  2000, #86

12.  CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL Chronicles Vol. 1--  (6,001,000)  1976, #97

13.  MADONNA The Immaculate Collection-  (5,817,000)  1990, #105

14.  ALAN JACKSON The Greatest Hits Collection--  (5,772,000)  #107

15.  EAGLES Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975--  ( 29,000,000)  #123  Actually, this is the second biggest selling album of all time, only surpassed by Thriller.  But these stats are from 1991 to 2012.

"Wastin'  Away Again in ________."  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Best Thing Since Sliced Bread."  It didn't always come sliced.



Monday, October 6, 2014

The Charts Back in 2012-- Part 2: Top 27 Greatest Hits Albums

A list of the Top 27 best-selling GREATEST HITS albums of all time since the Nielsen SoundScan began running in 1991.  Also included are units sold and date of release and overall album ranking.

1.  THE BEATLES,-- 1 (11,821,000) 2000, #6

2.  BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS--   (10,600,000) 1984, #12

3.  BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND--   (9,062,000) 1994, #27

4.  CELINE DION, ALL THE WAY...A DECADE OF SONG--   (1999 , #42

5.  JOURNEY-- (7,925,000) 1988, #43

6.  GARTH BROOKS, THE HITS-- (7,821,000) 1994, #44

7.  TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS--  (7,464,000)  1993, #55

And, I Have All Seven of These.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "Left his calling card."  Before people visited online.





Saturday, October 4, 2014

Brrr! Mighty Cold Out There, Thanks A Lot Fox Lake Oktoberfest

Completely miserable weather today, the worst since Thursday when it started getting bad and it has stayed bad.  I've had to bring the summer plants in from the frond porch and back deck as temps last night got close to freezing and today may not even break 48 degrees and become the coldest high we've had for October 4th since the 1930s.

It's already caused us to cancel going to the Richmond-Burton football game last night and out to DeKalb today for the NIU game against Kent State.  I'm just not going to sit outside in blustery, cold and rainy conditions like this.

However, we'll be leaving shortly for a band at Route 12 Bar and after that, Ron Payton playing at the Legion, both afternoon gigs.

Then, this evening Fox Lake is having their annual Oktoberfest festival at Lake Front Park, inside I'm figuring.

Actually, their having the Oktoberfest is a big part of the reason we're having this "Global _____" incident.  Every year they have it, we get bad weather.  It's like the infamous spring carnival in Round Lake which brings on bad weather every April.

Too Much of This _____ Is More Than I Can Handle.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "In technicolor"--  If only life looked like that early color film process.

Friday, October 3, 2014

The Charts Back in 2012-- Part 1

September 14, 2012, Chart Watch by Paul Green.

The Beatles greatest hits album, #1s, from 2000, charged back into the Top Five in sales because of its digital release.  As of 2012, it had sold a total of 11,821,000 copies in the United States

Nielsen Sound Scan's running list of all-time best-selling albums of all time has 27 greatest hits packages which is no surprise because of more bang for your buck.  I especially like them and the collection hits albums like the old K-Tel ones.

There are only two in the top 200 by solo female artists, Celine Dion and Madonna.

Jimmy Buffett had only one Pop Top Ten, 1977's "Margaritaville."  But his "greatest hits album "Songs You Know By Heart is in the Top Ten.

Three of the Top 200s were released in 1976:  Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicles, Eagles Greatest Hits 1971-1975 and James Taylor's Greatest Hits.

"Standing On the Corner in Winslow, Arizona"  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Every Blooming THing: Early October 2014

Not much longer of the 'good season" now.

The trees are changing and in the case of my honey locusts, turning gold and quickly dropping their leaves.  The Japanese lilac trees are turning their pretty light green, but one has dropped almost all its leaves.  The two mountain ashes have lost a lot of their leaves making the orange berries really stand out.

Of course, fall is mum time and they are really blazing away, especially with the color yellow, but many other ones as well.  I also have some sort of a wild daisy with hundreds of really small white blooms on each plant reaching their top color.

Reckon I'll Be Starting to Put Up Halloween Decorations Soon.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "In like Flynn."  Things came really easy for movie star Errol Flynn.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Let the Fur Fly-- Part 3

This is the last round of the Chicago Tribune's local area mascot voting.

There are four finalists:

LARGE MAMMAL BRACKET:  Benny the Bull with 4.83%  (Chicago Bulls)

CANINE BRACKET:  Victor E. Huskie with 50.46%  (NIU Huskies)

UNCLASSIFIED FURRY OBJECT BRACKET:  Southpaw with b 44.34% (Chicago White Sox)

FLYING THINGS AND FELINES:  Tommy Hawk with .34% (Chicago Blackhawks)

You can vote at www.chicagotribune.com/mascotpoll.

Cast Your Paws, Hooves, Feathers or Fur.  --RoadDog


SAY WHAT?  "In a straitjacket"--  An old-fashioned bind.