"Still In Saigon": 40th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon

It is hard to believe that 40 years ago, the end of South Vietnam came about when Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces entered South Vietnam's capital, ending that long, long war that had started in the 1950s with the French and had taken such a toll on the United States from the 1960s to 1973.

This was a war that I thought we'd still be fighting.  It had started when I was in 7th grade and continued all through high school and even through college.

Fortunately, I did not graduate college until 1973 and by that time, our forces were no longer doing the fighting, but we still had a presence in South Vietnam.  But, I will never forget the desperate South Vietnamese whom we had supported and now trying to get out for fear of what retributions may be in store for them from the winners.  That helicopter falling off the aircraft carrier is still in my mind.

To Savannah

APRIL 24TH

Ate at Cook-Out and I had their great (and cheap) bbq plate.  Drove to Savannah from Augusta.  Surprisingly there is no interstate connecting the two cities.

Arrived in Savannah and found the hotel, then drove around.  The squares are very frightening to drive.

Found Savannah's best-known dive bar, Pinkie Msters, and had drinks.

Checked into the Holiday Inn Express on Bay Street downtown and that is where I had the fun and games with that mocking luggage cart (read my RoadDog's RoadLog blog about this).

Had drinks in the hotel bar and then walked over to the Chart House on the river for the rehearsal dinner.  Stopped at JJ Bonerz (a Packer bar) and Churchill's (an English bar) on the way back to the hotel.

--RoadDog

Great Smokey National Park, Highway 28 and the End of the Confederacy

APRIL 23RD, 2015:  Drove through both major drives through the National Park after buying our Golden Senior Pass at the visitor center.  ($10 for life getting into all national parks for free, such a deal.)  We hadn't intended on driving the first section, but made a wrong turn coming out of the center.

Once in Cherokee, N.C., we eventually got on NC-28 which eventually became Ga.-28, then S.C.-28.  Beautiful but tiring mountain driving the whole way.

Then all the traffic and traffic lights you could ever want in Anderson, S.C. and then Abbeville, S.C., and Washington, Georgia, two places playing a role in the end of the Confederacy.  *See my Saw the Elephant blog/

Ended up in Augusta, Ga. and watched the Hawks lose and Bulls win at Hooters.

--RoadDog

500 Miles, Lots of Interstates, Cincy Chili and Gatlinburg

APRIL 22ND, 2015

Still Extremely Cold!!  Global Blah-Blah-Blah my foot.

Drove over 500 miles as the old Proclaimers song said today, almost exclusively on interstates.  Left Champaign on I-74 and took it to Indianapolis then to Cincinnati and the bypass around it to I-75.  Stopped at a Skyline Chili for that great Cincy chili.

Then south in I-75 to Lexington and Knoxville, Tennessee.  Now on I-40 heading east.  Decided to stop at Tn.-66 and go through the tourist mecca of Sevierville , Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  Got a room at the Four Seasons Motel in downtown Gatlinburg and did some barhopping to the Shamrock and Old Hickory Holler (new and selling legal moonshine.  The first two places had entertainment (the Holler had a bluegrass band).

Then to Pucker's, Hogg's and Crawdaddy's.

--RoadDrivingDog

Too Late, Too Cold and Too Late Again

Tuesday, April 21st, resulted in a very late, late leave time for us.  We didn't get away until 2:30 p.m., which put us right in the middle of rush hour from Huntley and Yorkville, Illinois, along Illinois Highway 47.  That road has a lot of traffic at anytime, but much worse during rush hour.

And, I am happy to report that we hit around 2/3 of the many, many stoplights on red, especially the forever one at Main Street in Huntley.

We stopped at the Route 66 Old Family Cafe in Dwight to eat, so got out Route 66 fix.

For this late in April, we had to dress warmly as it was big-time C-O-L-D!!!  Enough of this Global Blah-Blah-Blah.  It is way too cold for me.

We got to Champaign, Illinois, off I-74  and checked into the Super 8 Motel and watched the first three periods of the Blackhawk-Predator hockey playoff game at the TGIF's across the street.  Talked with a girl from Nashville, Tennessee, who was a big Predator fan.

I always hate it when the Hawks start at 8:30.  That is way too late.  Sadly, it was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation at 11:10. And, Friday's started closing at 11.  Liz and I went back to the motel and watched the first overtime and watched the first overtime, still no score.  i then fell asleep and the game went to the third before tthe Hawks won.

That Is Way Too Late.  --RoadDog

Which Classic Rock Musicians Are Really Earning the Dough in 2014

Forbes' Highest Paid musicians of 2014, June to June include: Eagles at #3 with $100 million, Bruce Springsteen #5 with $81 million, Paul McCartney #8 with $71 million, Rolling Stones #19 with $47 million, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd with $46 million and Elton John at #21.

In case you're wondering about the top two:  Dr. Dre #1 with $620 million for the sale of his Beat Co. to Apple and Beyonce at #2 with $115 million.

Good Work If You Can Get It.  --RoadDog


OLD IS WHEN.. ."Getting a little action" (even without bathtubs) means I don't need to take any fiber today.

WLS Top Ten for April 30 1965

All of these WLS Surveys are from the Oldies Loon site.

1.  MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER--  Herman's hermits
2.  TIRED OF WAITING FOR YOU--  Kinks
3.  TICKET TO RIDE/YES IT IS--  Beatles

4.  I KNOW A PLACE--  Petula Clark
5.  COUNT ME IN--  Gary Lewis & Playboys
6.  THE LAST TIME--  Rolling Stones
7.  DO YOU WANT TO DANCE--  Beach Boys

8.  I'M TELLING YOU NOW--  Freddie & the Dreamers
9.  IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT--  Gerry & the Pacemakers
10.  I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU--  Seekers

"Please Don't Wear Red Tonight."  --RoadDog


OLD IS WHEN...You are cautioned to slow down by a doctor instead of by the police.

Record Store Day TODAY!!-- Part 3: Going

I know where I am going to be this afternoon.

I will definitely be at The Vinyl Frontier in McHenry, my home mom and pop record store.  But I am also thinking of possibly getting up to Track One Vintage Stereo in Antioch, Illinois at 348 North Avenue.

Plus, there is Black Circle Records in nearby Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at 772 W. main Street.

I like having at least a few record stores around me.

Every Record Store Day I like to think back on my three all-time favorite record stores, all now gone, but at least two I think still operate online.

RECORD RACK--  In Goldsboro, North Carolina.  Bought a whole lot of Beach music in there and had long talks with gene and Stan.

RECORD REVOLUTION0--  DeKalb, Illinois.  A definite stop anytime I was at NIU.

FULL CYRKLE RECORDS--  Crystal Lake, Illinois.  Always enjoyed talking records with Skip and, especially Shawn.

Be There or be Square.  --RoadDog

2015 Movie Scratches: Exotic-- Cinderella-- Insurgent-- Longest

A Dog's-Eye View of Today's Movies.

25.  SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL--  3-31--  Fox lake, $5--  Love, senior-style, in India.  Learn to just go for it.  (Even Route 66.)

26.  CINDERELLA--  4-1--  Fox Lake, $4.50--  So, that's how she got her name.  Loved the transformations of te footmen and driver, horses and coach.

27.  DIVERGENT: INSURGENT--  4-10--  Fox Lake, $6--  Mighty confusing and never knew if it was for real or a simulation.  I am fairly sure the goof guys won.

28.  THE LONGEST YARD--  4-15--  Fox lake, $4.50--  Clint' son, Scott Eastwood, the bull rider, falls for an artsy gal.  And, there is another, older love story as well.

Believe it or not, seniors talking through the whole movie.  --

You'd Think They'd Know Better.  --RoadDog

WLS Survey for April 23, 1965

Since I may not be able to post it on the 23rd.  Here's a jump ahead a week.

1.  MRS. BROWN, YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER--  Herman's Hermits
2.  I KNOW A PLACE--  Petula Clark
3.  TIRED OF WAITING FOR YOU--  Kinks

4.  I'M TELLING YOU NOW--  Freddie & the Dreamers
5.  DO YOU WANT TO DANCE--  Beach Boys
6.  NOW THAT YOU'VE GONE--  Connie Stevens
7.  THE GAME OF LOVE--  Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders

8.  COUNT ME IN--  Gary Lewis & the Playboys
9.  I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU--  Seekers
10.  GO NOW--  Moody Blues

--RoadDog


OLD IS WHEN...You don't care where your spuse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.

Record Store Day Tomorrow-- Part 2: Flipping Those Albums

Many artists are releasing vinyl for the event.  A new favorite of mine, St. Paul & the Broken Bones love their home state of Alabama and are releasing an Alabama-shaped record tomorrow,  It was recorded live at the Alabama Theater.

Two stores here in northern Illinois who will be participating are Sunshine Daydream--Hippie Store at 7085 Rand Road, by the Wal Mart in Lake Zurich.

Also, it is good to see a record store back in DeKalb, Illinois to replace my big fav, Record Revolution.  The new one is Green Tangerine Records at 1150 S. Fourth Street.  DeKalb also used to have Apple Tree Records which was a great place as well.

Getting Ready for My Kind of Day.  --RoadDog


OLD IS WHEN:  Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot!!

Music Deaths 2014: "Bread and Butter" and "Long Tall Texan"

Music Deaths come from the Oldies News site.

LARRY HENLEY, 77  DIED DEC. 18, 2014

Was the falsetto lead singer on the Newbeats hits "Bread and Butter (#2 1964), "Run baby Run" (#12 1965) and "Everything's Alright" (#16 1964).  He later wrote Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" (#1 1989).


HENRY STRZELECKI, 75, Died December 30, 2014.

From injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident.  Session bass player and wrote Murry Kellum's "Long Tall Texan.  Played on over 500 top ten country hits.

Record Store Day This Saturday-- Part 1: A Trip Back in Time

Now just two days away, Record Store Day (RSD) will be celebrated here in the United Sartes as well as U.K., Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Mexico, Italy and Spain.

This is a day for us old folks as we get to pay our respects to those old mom and pop record stores and again do that special album flips through the racks looking for that special treasure.  Just a couple months ago, I found the Jaime Brockett albums with "Ballad of the USS Titanic" on it.  A real experience at my usual local, The Vinyl Frontier, record store in McHenry, Illinois.

Not only do I enjoy flipping those albums, but CDs are almost as much fun.

I have been to most of the RSDs and plan to hit two of them Saturday.

And, I am really happy to be seeing more and more young people (a lot of high school students) who are coming into the stores.  I thought those of my ilk were going the way of the dinosaurs in this era of up and downloading.

Finally, a Day for Me!!  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for April 16, 1965

1.  I'M TELLING YOU NOW--  Freedie & the Dreamers
2.  I KNOW A PLACE--  Petula Clark
3.  THE GAME OF LOVE--  Wayne Fontana

4.  TIRED OF WAITING FOR YOU--  Kinks
5.  GO NOW--  Moody Blues
6.  LAND OF A 1000 DANCES--  Cannibal & the Headhunters
7.  MRS. BROWN YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER--  Herman's Hermits

8.  DO YOU WANT TO DANCE--  Beach Boys
9.  GOLDFINGER--  John Barry
10.  NOW THAT YOU'VE GONE--  Connie Stevens

Six of the top seven songs were British Invasion.

Thanks a Lot, Beatles--  RoadDog


THE LAST YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE iF:  You don't know anyone without at least two first names (i.e., Joe Bob, Faye Ellen, Billy Ray, Mary Jo, Bubba Dean, Joe Dan, Mary Alice).

So Long Percy Sledge

If I played his "When a Man Loves a Woman" one time, I played it hundreds of times back when I was deejaying.  Whenever I wanted a song guaranteed to get folks up for some slow dancing, this would be the one.  Even if they had already been dancing three or four slow ones, they'd dance one more.

And just about every wedding wanted this one played, despite the fact it wasn't a very good one for true love as the song is about a man whose heart has been broken by a mean woman, but he still loves her.

Anyway, Mr. Sledge died earlier this week.

Every Blooming THing: Mid April

The grass is green and growing fast.  I will probably have to cut it by this weekend (after I clear the pine cones off the yard).

Lots of last year's leaves in the flower beds.

Fighting a losing battle with Mr. Bushy Tail (squirrel) over the bird feeders.

The crocus and a couple other small flowers are blooming as are my many, many daffodils.  The hyacinths are also open.  Between the daffodils and hyacinths, i really have the smell of spring.

Trees budding out nicely as are deciduous bushes.

Lots of winter kill on bushes, especially boxwoods, again.

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1975-- Part 3

And, speaking of music from 1975, this morning at 10 a.m. CDST, Seaver goes back to 1975 on the Drive's, 97.1 FM at www.wdrv.com and it streams.

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT--  Neil Young
OVER MY HEAD--  Fleetwood Mac
WALK OUT THE FRONT DOOR--  Bonnie Raitt
NIGHTRIDER--  ELO

LOW RIDER--  War
SISTER MOONSHINE--  Supertramp
HOW LONG--  Ace
ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY--  Ian Hunter

ONE OF THESE NIGHTS--  Eagles
I'M NOT IN LOVE--  10 CC
REAL MEN--  Todd Rundgren
REDONDO BEACH--  Patti Smith
KATMANDOU--  Bob Seger

--RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF: You know what applique is.

Going Back to 1975-- Part 2

LIVELY UP YOURSELF--  Bob Marley
LAS VEGAS--  Emmylou Harris
FREEWAY JAM--  Jeff Beck
WISH YOU WERE HERE--  Pink Floyd

STAND BY ME--  John Lennon
BOTH ENDS BURNING--  Roxy Music
FAME--  David Bowie
BORN TO RUN--  Bruce Springsteen

KASHMIR--  Led Zeppelin
FIGHTING MY WAY BACK--  Thin Lizzy
TUSH--  ZZ Top
ALL THAT YOU DREAM--  Little Feat

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1975-- Part 1

From the WXRT, 93.1 FM Saturday Morning Flashback to 1975, Johnny Mars sitting in for Wendy Rice.  Back in 1975, we moved into our first house in Round Lake Beach, Illinois..

These songs played from 8 to noon this past Saturday.

SQUEEZE BOX--  Who
ALMOST SATURDAY NIGHT--  John Fogerty
LETTING GO--  Wings
THUNDER ROAD--  Bruce Springsteen

SAGA OF HURRICANE--  Bob Dylan
ROLL 'EM EASY--  Linda Ronstadt
FIRE ON THE BAYOU--  Meters
STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS--  Paul Simon

LANDSLIDE--  Fleetwood Mac
GIVE ME AN INCH--  Robert Palmer
I'M ON FIRE--  Dwight Twilley
KATY LIED--  Steely Dan

More to Come.  --RoadDog

Not Saying Baseball Players Are Paid Too Much, But...-- Part 2: And the Rest of the Story

From the April 1, 2015, Chicago Tribune "The List: Money ball: 2015 baseball payrolls."

The approximate 2015 average salary projects to be a record $4.25 million according to an AP study.

Here are the Top Ten teams and highest paid player (rounded off)

1.  DODGERS--  $272,789.040 // Clayton Kershaw, $31 million

2.  YANKEES--  $219,282,196 //  CC Sabathia $ $24 million

3.  RED SOX--  $187,407,202 //  Hanley Ramirez $20 million

4.  TIGERS--  $173,813,750 //  Justin Verlander $29 million

5.  GIANTS--  $172,672,111  //  Matt Cain $21 million

6.  NATIONALS--  $164,920,505 //  Jayson Werth $22 million

7.  ANGELS--  $150,933,083  //  Josh Hamilton $$25 million

8.  RANGERS--  $142,140,873  //  Prince Fielder $24 million

9.  PHILLIES-- $135,827,500  //  Ryan Howard $$25 million

10.  BLUE JAYS--  $122,506,600  //  Jose Reyes, $22 million

And You Wonder Why It Is So Expensive to Go Out to the Old Ball Game.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You would wear pink or an applique sweater.

Not Saying Baseball Players Are Paid Too Much, But...-- Part 1: Sox and Cubs

Reflecting on the 2-4 White Sox and whatever the Cubs record is, I think 3-2.

The $10 million+ Club of the Sox:

Jose Abreau--  $11,330,000
John Danks--  $13 million
David Robertson--  $11,500,000
Melky Cabrera--  $14 million
Adam LaRoche--  $12,500,000

Lowest Paid Sox player--  Micah Johnson with $507,500

Cubs salaries

John Lester--  $26 million
Miguel Monteo--  $12 million
Edwin Jackson--  $13 million
Jason Hamel--  $10 million

Lowest-paid--  Dallas Beeler with $508,000.

I seem to remember back in the 1960s when Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale held out for $100,000 each.  This is  lot, but wait until you see tomorrow's numbers.

Oh Well.  --RoadDog

Record Review: The London American Story

When I travel, I always carry along several CDs that I haven't yet listened to.  I switch between local radio stations and the CDs.

This was a double CD that I had bought at Half-Price Records in Palatine, Illinois.

The U.K. label Decca Records had used the London name on its U.S. arm since the 1930s.  They launched the London label in the U.K. in 1949.

This double CD included songs released on both sides of the Atlantic.  Many are instantly recognizable, while others are not.  Most were recorded in the early 1960s.

Some of the recognizable ones " "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darrin, "This Magic Moment" by the Drifters, "Let the Little Girl Dance" by Billy Bland, "Alley Oop" by the Hollywood Argyles "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie...." by Brian Hyland and ""Mr. Custer" by Larry Verne.

But what I liked most about these CDs were the huge number of ones I had never heard before.

This was a real nice slice of the early 60s music experience.

"What's the Indian Word for Friend?"  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You can't spit out the car window without pulling over to the side of the road and stopping.

Kicking Off the Summer Boating Season (Sort Of)

Yesterday, we more or less "officially" kicked off the summer boating season, even though our boat, School's Our...Forever" is still in the barn out in Hebron, Illinois.

It was the next best thing, though.

We went over to Papa Gus' in Fox Lake and signed up for the 2015 Chain Crawl and had beverages with a number of Chainers who are also full of anticipation, including Usual Suspects Glenn and Barb.  Also met up with several McHenry boating friends we met at various Chain Crawl events.

They were going to several other places for sign ups in Fox lake, but we left and went over to Hello Folks to watch Mitch Stevens perform, and, as usual, it was a mighty good time.

I was able to talk with Rick (where we keep our boat when it's in the water) and were sad to find out he had had a fire in his garage a month ago.  Mitch was joined by a guy on the steel guitar which made for an interesting sound.  We were joined by Glen and Barb and Kevin and Kelly.

You can't beat having entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m. on a Saturday.

Stopped on the way home at the Legion and talked with several regulars.

A Good Rime Had By All.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You call binoculars opera glasses.

Music Deaths in 2014: Bobby Keys

BOBBY KEYS, 70 Died Dec. 2, 2014.

Saxophonist on the Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar.  Also played sax on Dion's "The Wanderer," John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," Joe Cocker's "Cry Me a River" and George Harrison's "What Is Life."

Also performed with Buddy Holly, Buddy Knox and Bobby Vee.

Music Deaths in 2014: Jimmy Ruffin

JIMMY RUFFIN, 78,  Died Nov. 17, 2014.

Motown singer best known for his #7 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted."

He was the brother of David Ruffin of the Temptations and cousin of Melvin Franklin of that group as well.

He also had a song I liked a lot called "I've Passed This Way Before" which went to #17 in 1967.

Wow! Back on the Internet for First Time Since Thursday Night's Storm

The tornadoes that caused a mass of destruction across northern Illinois on Thursday, knocked out our cable TV and internet which finally restored a few hours ago.  Our provider in MediaCom which is based out of Iowa and has our town as well as the counties out west of DeKalb, Illinois, that were hit.  We had tornado warnings and storms here in northeast McHenry County, but  because those areas to the west were hit, we lost service here as well.

Then, when I went back o n this old 'puter, I found I had been banished out to Siberia or some other foreign place as I had never seen the home page before.  Thankfully, Liz was able to get me squared away, so here I am.

Computers Dealing With a Fairly Backwards Guy here.  Best Just Leave Me Be.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  The fathest south you've ever been is the perfume counter at Neiman Marcus.

WLS Top Ten for April 9, 1965

1.  I.M TELLING YOU NOW--  Freddie & the Dreamers
2.  THE GAME OF LOVE--  Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders
3.  I KNOW A PLACE--  Petula Clark

4.  GO NOW--  Moody Blues
5.  LAND OF 1000 DANCES--  Cannibal & the Headhunters
6.  STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE--  Supremes
7.  TIRED OF WAITING FOR YOU--  Kinks


8.  GOLDFINGER--  John Barry
9.   DAYS A WEEK-  Beatles
10.  ONE KISS FOR OLD TIMES SAKE--  Ronnie Dove

The Top Four Songs Were All British Invasion.  --RoadDog

Rock Deaths in 2014: "Mexican Hat Rock"

DAVE APPELL, 92  Died Nov. 18, 2014.

Leader of the instrumental group Applejacks who had top 40 hits with "Mexican hat Rock (#16 in 1958) and Rocka-Conga" (#38 in 1959).  I just listened to them on You Tube.  Now you can Hat dance and Conga while your rock and roll.

Later, he became the leader of the house band on the Cameo and Parkway labels and backed Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell and the Dovells.

He also co-wrote many of the labels' hits including "Let's Twist Again, "Mashed Potato Time" and "South Street."

After that, he co-produced Tony Orlando & dawns hits "Knock Three Times" and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon."

And, I had never heard of him before.

Rock Deaths in 2014: "Baker Street"

These rock deaths taken from the Oldies Music News site.

RAPHAEL RAVENSCROFT, 60.  Died October 15, 2014.

Played the iconic saxophone on Gerrty Rafferty's #2 song "Baker Street" in 1978.  He was paid just 28 pounds for this and reportedly, the check bounced.

One of my all-time favorite songs.  It was chosen Best of Show in Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV this past Tuesday, April 7th.

Finishing Up Oktoberfest

I came across a list of favorite Oktoberfest that folks like their oom-pah bands to play on those huge Munich tents.  I am not sure if they only have oom-pah bands playing or if perhaps some rock bands play as well.

These surprised me:

Seven Nation Army--  White Stripes
Sweet Home Alabama--  Lynyrd Skynyrd
We Are the Champions--  Queen

I Will Survive--  Gloria Gaynor
La Bamba--  Ritchie Valens
Born in the USA--  Bruce Springsteen

Don't Stop Believing--  Journey
No Woman, No Cry--  Bob Marley
You Shook Me All Night Log--  AC/DC

A Couple German ones:

Furstenfeld
Wahn Sinn Holle, Holle, Holle

Of course, a favorite Oktoberfest local group of ours here in Northern Illinois is the DeKalb Footstompers.  They are a four-piece group with the traditional drums and guitar.  But they get quite different with accordion and tuba.  You haven't lived until you hear them play Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze."

In the Mood for A Brat and a Beer, No Foam, Please.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You don't have any hats in your closet advertising feed stores.

How to Correctly "Ein Prosit"

As I said, the first time I ever heard it was from an Oom-pah band called Der Dumpkoffs playing at the Mount Charleston Lodge near Las Vegas, Nevada.  We sure had a great time with their antics and this song.

Ein Prosit (Eyn Proz-it) Sing it twice.

Der Gemutlichkeit (Dar Gay-mute-lish-kite)  I salute our friendship & good times.

Do it twice.

Then comes the countdown in German: Eins, Zwei, Drei.

Then G'suffa (zuffa)  Where you take a big ol' drink.

Then, someone says either "Zicke Zache, Zicke Zache

or, Ticke-Tacke, Ticke-Tacke

Then you respond Hoi, Hoi, Hoi.

Or, Something Like This.  It's All So Fast.  --RoadPrositDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF: The last time you smiled was when you prevented someone from getting on an on-ramp to the highway.

Top Ten Oktoberfest Songs-- Part 2

Continued from yesterday.

4.  MOUNTAIN MOTHER--  Sierra Madre--  Spanish Sparkles

5.  COUNTRY ROADS--  John Denver (Wouldn't have expected this one.)

6.  THE DONKEY SONG--  Esellied--  The only traditional German song to make the list.

7.  HANDS TO HEAVEN--  Where you have to put your beers down, raise your hands and clap along.

8.  ANGLES--

9.  SWEET CAROLINE--  Oh, No!!  Oh, No!  You can't get away from this one anywhere.

10.  COWBOYS AND INDIANS--  Cowboy und Indianer--  the Lasso Dance.

Do I See a Stein Over There?  --RoadDog

Funny and Interesting Lollapalooza Names-- Part 3

Appearing on August 2, 2015:

Bassnectar
TV on the Radio
FKA twigs
The Chainsmokers

Moon Taxi
Shakey Graves
Alison Wonderland
the Wombats

Black Tiger Sex Machine
Zebra Katz
the Lonely Biscuits
A$AP Rocky

Never Let It be said Rock and Roll Doesn't Come Up With Some Interesting Names.  --RoadDog

And, the Drive's Champion Classic Rock Album...

The results are in now.  The champion classic rock album of all time, as voted by the Drive's, 97.1 FM WDRV in Chicago, listeners is...

It was a Beatles battle pitting Rubber Soul against Abbey Road.

The winner is...  Abbey Road.

Well, I voted for Rubber Soul, but I lost this, and, of course, the NCAA Tournament game when Duke beat Wisconsin.  And, the Sox got blown out as well.

--RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You don't have at least one can of WD-40 somewhere around the house.

The Drive's Final Four and Championship Classic Albums

FINAL FOUR

BEATLES --  Abbey Road
STYX--  Grand Illusion

BOSTON--  Boston
BEATLES--  Rubber Soul

CHAMPIONSHIP

BEATLES--  Abbey Road
BEATLES--  Rubber Soul

I voted for Rubber Soul.

--RoadDog

The Drive's Elite Eight Classic Album Bracket

Somehow, it is not surprising to see so many Beatles albums left.

BEACH BOYS--  Pet Sounds
BEATLES--  Abbey Road

STYX--  The Grand Illusion
BEATLES--  White Album

BOSTON--  Boston
BEATLES--  Sgt. Pepper's

CARS-  Cars
BEATLES--  Rubber Soul

--RoadDog

Championship Tonight! Go Badgers!!

This past Saturday we had one great game and that was Wisconsin beating Kentucky.  I was figuring Kentucky all the way but sure hoped somebody would be able to beat them.  I was sure given hope the weekend before when Notre Dame came so close.

Watched the first half of the Michigan State-Duke game at the American legion while watching a band.  Then, we moved to Antonio's in Spring Grove for the last half and the Wisconsin game.

Previously, it was my belief that my town was not much interested in college sports, but I sure found out differently at Antonio's where pretty much everybody was watching and cheering the the Badgers.

So, tonight, I record "Better Call Saul" on AMC and flip back and forth between the Wisconsin Duke game and the White Sox season opener.

I am also a bit of a Duke fan so either one winning will be alright with me.  But it would be great to see a Big ten victory.  Duke has sure won a lot more national championships than Wisconsin.

Go Sox, Go Badgers.  --RoadDog

Top Ten Oktoberfest Songs-- Part 1

Well, a little late.  Use it to get ready for this fall.

Is it polka music?  No say the Germans who refer to it as oom-pah music (as do I).  easy to sing along to and upbeat.  I wonder how the American bandstand kids would rate it.

Of course, regardless, the "Ein Prosit" song has to be played at least every 10-15 songs.  That would be the toasting song.

here are the Top ten Songs.  I forgot to write down the source (probably toasting too much).

1.  I Salute You--  Ein Prosit  (I first heard it played by Der Dumpkoffs in Las Vegas.)
2.  The Flier Song--  Fliegerleid (Actually a kids' animal song.)
3.  Hey baby-If You'll be My Girl--  DJ Otzi, European version

Ein Prositing All the Way.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You think more money should go to important scientific research at your university than to pay for the salary of the head football coach.

The Final Four Bracket According to Best Fight Songs

I went on You Tube just now and listened to the fight songs of the last four teams and have my own bracket to championship for them.

GAME ONE

Michigan State Fight Song
       vs.
Duke Blue Devil Fight Song

This was a close one, but I have to go with Michigan State

GAME TWO

On Wisconsin
     vs.
Kentucky Fight Song

Hands down, Wisconsin wins easily.

CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHT SONG

On Wisconsin
      vs.
Michigan State Fight Song

Winner and Still Champion, NIU Fight Song.

Well, On Wisconsin since we are not there.

--RoadDog

Final Four Today

The Elite Eight games last Saturday and Sunday were as good of games as you can get.  Even the Duke-Gonzaga game was a great one until the end when Duke blew them out.

And then, there was that Notre Dame-Kentucky game.  Had that last Irish shot game in, the game just might have replaced the Duke-Kentucky Christian Laettner shot that made that game the greatest in college basketball-ever.

Anyway, I know what I'll be doing starting at 5 p.m. tonight.  It promises to be two interesting games.

It's Duke vs. Michigan State.  I like both teams.

Then, Kentucky vs. Wisconsin and I have a definite favorite here.

On Wisconsin.  --RoadDog

Top 15 College Fight Songs

You Tube

Since today is Final Four, here are some college fight songs to get you in the mood.  I definitely do not agree with this ranking, though.

You can hear all 15 in a ten minute medley.

15.  Oregon
14.  Georgia
13.  USC
12.  Auburn
11.  Ohio State

10.  Arkansas
9.  Florida
8.  Clemson
7.  LSU
6.  Oklahoma

5.  Texas
4.  Michigan
3.  Nebraska
2.  Alabama
1.  Tennessee (My nephew would be so proud.)

What about Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Illinois, Georgia Tech and good old NIU?

Getting in Cheering Mode.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for April 2, 1965

1.  I'M TELLING YOU NOW--  Freddie & the Dreamers
2.  THE GAME OF LOVE--  Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders
3.  8 DAYS A WEEK--  Beatles

4.  FERRY CROSS THE MERSEY--  Gerry & the Pacemakers
5.  STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE--  Supremes
6.  LAND OF 1000 DANCES--  Cannibal & the Headhunters
7.  GOLDFINGER--  John Barry

8. KING OF THE ROAD--  Roger Miller
9.  GO NOW--  Moody Blues
10.  CAN'T YOU HEAR MY HEARTBEAT--  Herman's Hermits

Six of these were British Invasion songs. See if you can guess which ones.

--RoadDog

Past Movie Scratches: Sixteen-- Weird-- Grease-- Huntsman-- Heartbreak-- Braveheart

Past Movie Scratches--  A Dog's Eye View of movies seen on TV.

73.  SWEET SIXTEEN--  The nerd gets the homecoming queen while the stud sulks.

74.  WEIRD SCIENCE--  Nerds make the perfect girl who shows them the way.

75.  GREASE--  Johnny gets another dance craze started.

76.  SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN--  Definitely not the Disney version.

77.  HEARTBREAK RIDGE--  Clint takes misfits and whips them into first-class marines, just in time for Grenada.

78.  BRAVEHEART--  Never trust a guy named "Longshanks."

--RoadDog

YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You hsve never planned your summer vacation around a gun-n-knife show.

2015 Movie Scratches: Chappie-- DUFF-- Run-- Home

A Dog's Eye View of today's movies.

21.  CHAPPIE--  3-9--  Fox lake, $6--  Not so ignorant robot in the end.  One of the cutest robots ever in his early learning stages.

22.  DUFF--  3-18--  Fox Lake, $4.50--  Designated Ugly Fat friend. Everyone has one.  Turns out, she wasn't.  High schoolers can be so mean.

23.  RUN ALL NIGHT--  3-18--  Fox lake, $4.50--  A father-son reunion under extremely trying circumstances.  The philosophy according to Liam.

24.  HOME--  3-31--  Fox lake, $5--  Oh and Tip cross cultures and become friends.  It's a Boov Boov World.

Avoiding Spring Breakers at the Theater.  RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You don't think that Ted Kennedy had an accent.

Rock Deaths: Bob Montgomery, Edward Blivins and Millie Kirkham

BOB MONTGOMERY, 77

Died Dec. 4, 2014.  Sang in a duo with Buddy Holly before Holly went solo.

Wrote "Misty Blue" #3 1976 for Dorothy Moore.  Produced the forever gag song "Honey" for Bobby Goldsboro.

EDWARD "SONNY" BLIVINS, 78

Died Dec. 3, 2014.

Founder and singer with the Manhattans who had an early hit with "I Wanna Be Your Everything" #25 pop, #45 R&B.

The group had their biggest success in the 1970s with "Shining Star" #5 in 1980 and "Kiss and Say Goodbye" #1 in 1976.

MILDRED "MILLIE" KIRKHAM, 91.

Died Dec. 14, 2014.

Original high soprano backup to Elvis Presley.  Sand on "Blue Christmas," "Don't" "The Wonder of You" and "Surrender.

Also sang on Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" and Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry."

The Drive's Sweet 16 Classic Rock Albums

Still Time to Vote as they are on the Elite 8 now.

TOM PETTY--    Damn the Torpedoes
BEACH BOYS--  Pet Sounds

ELTON JOHN--  Goodbye Yellowbrick Road
BEATLES--  Abbey Road

WHO--  Who's Next
STYX--  Grand Illusion

BEATLES--  White Album
JOURNEY--  Escape

WINGS--  Band on the Run
BOSTON--  Boston

CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL--  Cosmo's Factory
BEATLES--  Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club

CARS--  Cars
DOORS--  Doors

BEATLES--  Rubber Soul
RUSH--   Moving Pictures

CCR sure has its work cut out for it.  I imagine they will be gone by the Elite Eight.

Sure Are a Lot of Beatle Albums.  --RoadDog


YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  Instead of referring to two or more people as "y'all," you call them "you guys," even if both of them are women.

Emission Testing-- Part 2: March 26th

Who says emission testing can't be fun?  We took the 2005 Dakota to Crystal Lake for its emission test this past Thursday.  It passed.

Then, we drove over to the Riverside Pub in Burton's Bridge and used out last Chain Crawl coupon and then went to Herman's Low-Life Bar and Grill, a real throwback to the 1920s and much original.  We always meet up with some friendly folks there.

Last stop was at Broken Oar on the Fox River (actually all three places were on the Fox River, though you have to go through some channels to get to Herman's.

Broken Oar has $1 pints on Thursdays as well as 50 cent wings and always draws a big crowd.  We were lucky to find two places at the bar. Had a nice conversation with  a man who turned out to be Jay Cutler's wife's stepfather.  It was an interesting conversation.

--RoadDog

YOU MIGHT BE A YANKEE IF:  You would rather your son be a lawyer than to grow up to get his own TV fishing show.