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

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Passing of My Friend Martin S. Kadner

I was very saddened to learn last night that Marty Kadner, a friend of mine and a fellow teacher for thirty years at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois, died.  Unfortunately, we lost contact after he retired.  My friend Kip said he had found out on Monday and given a call to me, but unfortunately, I didn't get the message until Tuesday morning and didn't get a call back until Tuesday night.  He and his wife had gone to the funeral and burial service.

I went to his obituary in the Chicago Tribune and it didn't have much information, just that Marty was 68, a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of a Bronze Star and that he had taught many years at Magee.  He was buried at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Joliet.

His wit and sharp tongue got us through some trying times at school.  If I didn't know better, I'd say his brother from another mother was Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch) from the TV shows "Homicide" and "Law and Order: SVU."

Marty was not a dog lover, but we once ran into him at Bill's Pizza in Mundelein and he went with us out to Lamb's Farm when we found and picked out Brandy to be our puppy.  The poor guy ended up holding Brandy on the way back to Bill's.  But he dogged through it.

Marty put out an occasional little newsletter called Burnt Offerings, something that he started when the district ceased giving us out Christmas bonus turkeys.  This was one of the funniest things to read I ever set hands to.  He had a way with words worthy of Mike Royko.  If not a teacher, he could have been a journalist easily.

He graduated from Southern Illinois in Carbondale and loved that area of the state.  He always planned to retire there and spend his days fishing.

I was amazed at how many students entered onto the Legacy to thank him.  He brought that wit and dry, really dry, humor into the classroom.

My Life Was So Much Better for Having Known Marty.

I'm Sure he Is Off Somewhere, Probably Fishing and Making His "Observations."


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

A Football Weekend

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25--  Went boating in the afternoon.  Then attended the big rivalry game between Richmond-Burton and Johnsburg high schools.  Richmond-Burton won.  Then went to hear Arthur Wolff play outside at the Grove in Spring Grove.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26--  Went to the Grant High School Homecoming parade in Fox Lake, then boating.  Listened to Bill Baker call the plays on the radio as NIU lost 17-14 to Boston College and then went over to Nauti-Knots on Bluff lake to help close them down.  We were sad to learn they were closing on Sunday.  We saw the place out in style.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27--  Went over to Twisted Moose in McHenry to watch the Bears embarrass themselves against the Seahawks.  It was sad.  Also sad is the fact that the Twisted Moose is also closing for good this Wednesday.  But, we had a great time and enjoyed their half-time pizza/pasta buffet.

A football Kinda Weekend.  --RoadDog


YOGI-ISMS:  When you come to a fork in the road, take it.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Going Back to 1967-- Part 1: "Incense and Peppermints"

Saturday, WXRT, 93.1 FM went back to 1967 on its Saturday Morning Flashback.  Lots of great music from the year I was a sophomore and junior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois.  This was also the year that I met and started going steady with Liz.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR--  Beatles
GROOVIN'--  Rascals
PAPER SUN--  Traffic

FUNKY BROADWAY--  Wilson Pickett
KIND OF A DRAG--  Buckinghams
TALES OF BRAVE ULYSSES--  Cream

INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS--  Strawberry alarm clock
RESPECT--  Aretha Franklin
BACK DOOR MAN--  Doors

Name That Tune: "When You Know She's Been Untrue" (Answer Below)   --RoadDog


YOGI-ISMS:  I always thought the record would stand until it was broken.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Going Back to 1967 Right Now

Give a listen to WXRT's Saturday Morning Flashback to 1967 which has just started.  It goes to noon on www.wxrt.com.  Central Time Zone.

Johnny Mars hosts it today for Wendy Rice.

--Going Back, Way Back.  Hard to Believe This Is 48 Years Ago!!  --RoadDog

A Football Kind O' Weekend

We finally have decent weather so that I can get out to some football games this weekend.  Last night I went to a Big North Conference rivalry game between Richmond-Burton (where kids in our subdivision in Spring Grove, Illinois, go to school) and Johnsburg (which is the village to the south of us).

It was tied 15-15 at half time, but our Rockets won 29-22.

Today, i am going to Grant High School in Fox Lake, Illinois, Homecoming parade in a few minutes and then to the game at 1.  Plus, NIU will be playing Boston College this afternoon.

Then Sunday, we have the Sad Bears game.

--RoadDog


YOGI-ISMS:  Nobody goes there anymore because it is too crowded.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Every Blooming Thing-- Late September 2015

The days are getting shorter and nights a bit cooler, but right now we are having some summer like weather with temps in the 70s and plenty of sunshine.

The color goes on, however.  The sedum have their red heads glowing and the mums are doing their mum thing with lots of colors.  The asters are blooming as well as are some sort of wild daisy thing where each plant gets hundreds of little bitty white blooms.  Most of the goldenrods are now brown though.

The bees are very much attracted to these plants and I have to be careful moving around them.

I have been doing a lot of work on the south ends of the east and west pine islands, which just don't get a lot of color.  I have been transplanting daisies, black-eyed Susans and trimming back the lavender and planting blue salvia.

Hoping for Color Next Summer.  --RoadDog


YOGI-ISMS:  I think Little League is wonderful.  It keeps the kids out of the house.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

"Not Too Long Ago" by the Uniques-- Part 2: The Uniques

From Wikipedia.

The Uniques were a Louisiana band primarily based there and in Kentucky, active from 1965-1970.  They recorded most of their material at Robin Hood Studios in Tyler, Texas, and released it on Paula Records of Shreveport, Louisiana.  Their two biggest hits were "Not Too Long Ago" and "All These Things."

One of its members was the future country star Joe Stampley, who would re-record these for his country career.  "All These Things" was written by Art Neville.

In the fall of 2010, the group was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame during their 45th anniversary tour.  Original members present were Joe Stampley, Bobby Stampley, Ray Mills, Jum Woodford and Mike  Love.

More Than You Ever Thought You'd Know About the Uniques.  --RoadDog


YOGI-ISMS:  The future ain't what it used to be.



Wednesday, September 23, 2015

So Long Yogi

It was a sda thing tro learn this morning that baseball's Yogi Berra died yesterday at age 90.  he was born in 1925 and spent 19 years as a player, unfortunately mostly with the New York Yankees.  He is considered one of the greatest catchers in the history of MLB.

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972 and a 15-time All-Star, Yogi Berra compiled a lifetime .285 batting average, hit 358 home runs and had 1430 RBIs.  He was also a manager and coach.

He grew up in St. Louis.

Of course, he was noted for his unusual quotes and I absolutely loved him in the Lite Beer  and Aflac commercials.  That duck's expressions and head shaking while listening to Yogi speak on that barber chair is making me laugh right now.

I was intending to use these at the end of my first daily post on this blog, but I will just present my list now.

YOGI SAYS:

It's like deja vu all over again.

We made too many wrong mistakes.

You cab observe a lot by just watching.

A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore.

He hits from both sides of the plate.  He is amphibious.

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.

If you don't know where you're going, you might end up some place else.

A Classic.  --RoadDog


YOGI SAYS:  I really didn't say what I said.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

"Not Too Long Ago" By the Uniques-- Part 1


One of the really great songs from the 1960s, unfortunately, one that most people do not know.  Give it a listen on You Tube.  I'd heard it before as a Beach music song.

I noticed it on the March 5, 1965, WLS Silver Dollar Survey where it was at #35.  It was right behind #31 "Go Now" by the Moody Blues, #32 "Orange Blossom Special" by Johnny Cash, #33. "Hurt So Bad" by Little Anthony & the Imperials and #34 "Stranger in Town" by Del Shannon.

I didn't recognize it from the title until I listened to it.  Hey, that's a beach song!!  It is also as good of a 1960s pop song as you're going to get.

From You Tube:  Southern pop quintet that featured later country singer Joe Stampley doing the singing.  Record produce by Dale Hawkins and recorded and the Paula label.  It reached #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 on March 20, 1965.

Hey, I'm a huge Moe and Joe fan.  I didn't know that.

"Now I've Got Tears in My Eyes."  --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  Work is good, but it's not that important.  Money is nice, but you can't take it with you.


Monday, September 21, 2015

About This Last Weekend

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH--   The weather sure didn't cooperate as the storms that began Thursday afternoon and continued all night.  They threatened all day today as well, but nothing materialized.  No boating, so decided it was a good time to go to Liz's parents graves at Memory Gardens in Arlington Heights to change the flowers and U.S. flag.  Ambrose was an Army major in World War II.

Afterwards went to Half-Price Books and White Castle in Palatine, Illinois (two of my favorite places).  I was planning to go to the Richmond-Burton football game, but it started raining just before I left.  Just as well as the game was postponed until Saturday.  Ended up with the Usual Suspects at the Legion.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH--  Went to a friend's 65th birthday party and watched the amazing NIU Huskies nearly beat #1 Ohio State before losing 20-13.  Not bad for a little old school out in the corn fields, especially one that was a 35-point underdog.

Mitch Edwards played music for the party and we caught birthday boy Kenny by surprise.

Then went to the Grove in Spring Grove and saw a guy sing and play a lot of great classic rock outside in the biergarden.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH--  Went to the Squaw Bar in Ingleside and sat outside in their annex and watched the horrible Bears game against the Cardinals.  Then went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and enjoyed the happy hour, but not the Cubs loss.  The Sox lost as well, so Chicago was a three-time loser today.

Football and Bands.  Not Bad.  --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  If you wake up breathing, congratulations!  You have another chance.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

What About Those Five Emprees?-- Part 4: No Impressions Here

Continued from Sept. 14.

Their song "Little Miss Sad" had some success in other regions, but did best here in Chicago where it peaked at #3 on the WLS Survey.on August 27, 1965.  They were just behind the Beatles at #2 with "Help!" and Sonny and Cher at #1 with "I Got You Babe."  Pretty good company.

The song went to #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Most of the few recordings the band made were covers..  They did record an album and released a few singles through to 1968.

They were originally named the Five Empressions, but changed their name to Five Emprees after the soul group Impressions got an injunction against them.

Their big hit's "B" side was "Hey Lover" which was originally done by Debbie Dovale (cowritten by Don Covay).  I liked the Five Emprees' version better than Debbie Dovale's.

--RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.  It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Movie Scratches: Ultra-- Impossible-- Sinister-- U.N.C.L.E.

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

49.  AMERICAN ULTRA--  8-25--  Round Lake Beach, $5--  Move over James Bond.  there's a new and stoned secret agent in town.  The stoner who thinks he might be a robot.

50.  MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION--  8-26--  Fox lake, $5--  "Open the door, Benjy!"  "That doesn't sound too impossible."  Is she or isn't she.

51.  SINISTER 2--  9-8--  Woodstock, $5--  Making movies of their evil deeds for the mean-old, Michael Jackson-looking, Boogie Man.

52.  MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.--  9-8--  Woodstock, $5--  Should be Men and Gal from U.N.C.L.E..  "He tore the trunk of my car off."

Made My Quota.  52 Movies in a Year.    --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, Will this matter one year from now?  How about one month?  One week?  One day?



Thursday, September 17, 2015

WLS Top Ten for September 17, 1965: "Help!"

1.  HELP!--  Beatles
2.  THE IN CROWD--  Ramsey Lewis
3.  HANG ON SLOOPY--  McCoys

4.  I GOT YOU BABE--  Sonny & Cher
5.  YOU WERE ON MY MIND--  We Five
6.   ACTION--  Freddie Cannon
7.  THE WORLD THROUGH A TEAR--  Neal Sedaka

8.  IT AIN'T ME BABE--  Turtles
9.  CATCH US IF YOU CAN--  Dave Clark Five
10.  HEART FULL OF SOUL--  Yardbirds

Name That Tune:  "Go Away From My Window, leave At Your Own Chosen Speed."  (Answer Below)  --RoadDog


"It Ain't Me Babe"


Bears Rockin' Tailgate Party-- Part 2: "Start Me Up"

RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL--  Van Halen
START ME UP--  Rolling Stones
SOMEBODY TO LOVE--  Queen

SPIRIT IN THE SKY--  Norman Greenbaum
CRAZY OVER YOU--  Heart

HEARTBREAKER--  Led Zeppelin  (It must be some sort of law, but if you play this song, you have to play the next one.)
LIVING LOVING MAID--  Led Zeppelin

SOLSBURY HILL--  Peter Gabriel
BAD MOON RISING--  CCR  (My ringtone)
LIMELIGHT--  Rush

KEEP ON ROCKIN' IN THE FREE WORLD--  Neil Young
GIVE A LITTLE BIT--  Supertramp
READY FOR LOVE--  Bad Company

SWEET CHILD O' MINE--  Guns 'N Roses
ROCK AND ROLL BAND--  Boston

Name That Tune:  "When I Die and They Lay Me to Rest, Gonna Go To the Place That's the Best."  --RoadDog


"Spirit in the Sky"



Bears Rockin' Tailgate Party-- Part 1: "Flirting With Disaster"

Last Sunday, Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, "The Drive" had a two hour block of great tailgating music leading up to the noon game versus the rival Green bay Packers.  We didn't win, but played well.  At least we had some great music getting ready for it.

SWEET HOME CHICAGO--  Blues Brothers
SHARP DRESSED MAN--  ZZ Top
THE JOKER--  Steve Miller Band

INVISIBLE TOUCH--  Genesis
BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
ERUPTION/LONG TIME--  Boston

EMINENCE FRONT--  Who
FLIRTING WITH DISASTER--  Molly Hatchett
MY BEST FRIEND'S GIRL--  Cars

THE CHAIN--  Fleetwood Mac
TWIST AND SHOUT--  Beatles
LONELY OLD NIGHT--  John Mellancamp

Name That Tune:   "Get Your Motor Runnin', Head Out On the Highway."   --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  If he.she says that you are too good for him/her- believe them.

"Born to Be Wild"





Wednesday, September 16, 2015

About Last Weekend: Saufen und Spiel, Why Go Anywhere Else?

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH--  I went to Fox Lake and saw "The Visit."  Boy, that was one creepy movie that just got creepier.  Makes you wonder about  "To Grandmother's house we go."  We then met up with the Usual Suspects at 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road in Antioch and enjoyed the $2 craft pints and watched Terry and Gregg Spizzirri play music from across the ages as they call it.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH--  Went to Stormy Monday on Fox Lake for an End-of the Summer party.  Then went to the Legion on Nippersink Lake and enjoyed a great blues band while chowing down on bbq chicken, corn on the cob and fixins while we had the SAL gun raffle and a benefit for Joe Gliniewicz where $4,000 was raised.  Too tired to go over to Johnsburg to watch the Rolling Stone tribute band Hot Rocks playing at Saufen und Spiel.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH--  Went to the Bears/Parade party at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg where they had a tent set upside and were grilling brats.  Watched the Saufen und Spiel parade pass by the tent and then the Bear-Packer game on a big screen under the tend.  Sdaly, Da Bears lost, but played well.

Then went to the Saufen und Spiel grounds by the Johnsburg Community Center  (Johnsburg has a lot of German folks) and enjoyed Hans & the Harmones and a German oompah band.

Ein, Schwein.  --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

#1 Songs in Chicago 1950-1980-- Part 2 "Harper Valley PTA"

For the week of September 13th.

1965.  HELP!--  Beatles
1966.  CHERISH--  Association
1967.  ODE TO BILLIE JOE--  Bobbie Gentry
1968.  HARPER VALLEY PTA--  Jeannie C. Riley
1969.  SUGAR SUGAR--  Archies   (Go ahead and TRY not to sing it.)

1970.  WAR--  Edwin Starr
1971.  GO AWAY LITTLE GIRL--  Donny Osmond
1972.  BRANDY (YOU'RE A FINE GIRL)--  Looking Glass  (One of my favorite all-time songs.)
1973.  LET'S GET IT ON--  Marvin Gaye  (I can't help but think of that "King of Queens" episode.
1974.  (YOU'RE) HAVING MY BABY--  Paul Anka with Odia Coates

1975.  FALLIN' IN LOVE--  Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds
1976.  IF YOU LEAVE ME NOW--  Chicago
1977.  BEST OF MY LOVE--  Emotions
1978.  THREE TIMES A LADY--  Commodores
1979.  MY SHARONA--  Knack
1980.  MAGIC--  Olivia Newton-John

Name That Tune:  "Absolutely Nothing, Say It Again, Y'all." (Answer Below)   --RoadDog


"War"

#1 Songs in Chicago 1950-1980-- Part 1 "Bel Blu Dipinto Do Blu"

#1 Songs in Chicago for the week of September 13th.

From the Oldies Music Site.

1950.  GOODNIGHT IRENE--  Gordin Jenkins
1951.  BECAUSE OF YOU--  Tony Bennett
1952.  I WENT TO YOUR WEDDING--  Patti Page
1953.  EH! CUMPARI--  Julius LaRosa  (One of the most fun songs of all time.)
1954.  SKOKIAAN--  Ralph Marterie

1955.  YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS--  Mitch Miller  (I'm humming it right now.)
1956.  TONIGHT YOU BELONG TO ME--  Patience & Prudence
1957.  WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOING ON--  Jerry Lee Lewis  (First rock and roll song on the list.)
1958.  NEL BLU DIPINTO DI BLU (VOLARE)--  Domenico Modugno
1959.  SLEEP WALK--  Santo & Johnny  (Probably one of the best instrumentals of all time.)

1960.  MR. CUSTER--  Larry Verne  (Hey, I don't want to go.)
1961.  THE MOUNTAIN'S HIGH--  Dick & Dee Dee
1962.  SHERRY--  Four Seasons
1963.  BLUE VELVET--  Bobby Vinton
1964.  THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN--  Animals

Name That Tune.  "Chi Si sone?  U friscalettu."  (Answer Below)  --RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:    Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

""Eh! Cumpari"

Monday, September 14, 2015

A Happy Birthday to Mom

My mom, Barbara, turns 85 today.  That's a lot of years.

And for an 85-year-old, she is still quite active.  Actually,it is hard to get in touch with her by phone.  Seems like every day she has several meetings and functions to attend.  I'd sure like to be going so well at that age.

Love You, Mom.

What About Those Five Emprees-- Part 3: British Invasion Harmonies

With all the stuff going on this last week, I am finally able to get back to this which I last wrote about on September 5th.

There is another recording of "Little Miss Sad" by a Tampa-St. Pete, Florida, band called the Savages.  Actually, I liked their version better than the Five Emprees' one.  But both covers were as good as garage rock gets.

The All Music Site had this to say about the Five Emprees' "Little Miss Sad" which went all the way to #3 in Chicago.  This was a big one around here for what can be considered a local band.

"Driven by an infectuous ascending riff, close British invasion-influenced harmonies, and the kind of Trini Lopez-influence that Neil Diamond would popularize with songs like "Cherry, Cherry."

Great Song, Easy to Dance To.  I Give It a 9.6.  --RoadDog


THE TEN RULES OF LIFE:  The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are "I apologize" and "You are right."



Saturday, September 12, 2015

Movie Scratches: Ant-- Minions-- Gift-- Trainwreck

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

45.  ANT MAN--  8-10 --  Fox Lake, $6--  Getting small, getting strong and running the ants.  Another fine Marvel Comic movie.

46.  MINIONS--  8-12 --  Fox Lake, $5--  Where it all began.  England may never be the same.

47.  THE GIFT--  8-19 --  Fox Lake, $5--  The past comes back to haunt you big time.Weirdo Mordo gets his payback.

48.  TRAINWRECK--  8-20 --  Round lake Beach, $7--  One really messed up gal meets Mr. Right, loses Mr. Right and gets him back.

Don't You hate It When the Salt Comes Out Too Fast.  -=-RoadDog

Way Too Much To Do

I really hate it when there is too much going on around here to do it all.  Even with this very cool weather that arrived yesterday.

We've already decided not to go out to the NIU-Murray State game in DeKalb.  We do plan to go to the Joe Gliniewicz benefit at out Fox Lake American Legion at 5 p.m..  There will be food and a band.  later, we hope to get over to Saufen Und Spiel in nearby Johnsburg.  a Rolling Stones tribute band called Hot Rocks is playing.

We also have a rib cook-off at Route 12 Bar and Grill and an End-of-the-Summer Party at Stormy Monday.

Decisions, Decisions.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for September 10, 1965

1.  HELP!--  Beatles
2.  I GOT YOU BABE--  Sonny and Cher
3.  THE "IN"CROWD--  Ramsey Lewis

4.  HANG ON SLOOPY--  McCoys
5.  YOU WERE ON MY MIND--  We Five
6.  IT AIN'T ME BABE--  Turtles
7.  CATCH US IF YOU CAN--  Dave Clark Five

8.  HEART FULL OF SOUL--  Yardbirds
9.  ACTION--  Freddie Cannon
10.  HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME--  Mel Carter

Name That Tune:  "Go Away from My Window.  Leave At Your Own Chosen Speed." (Answer below)  --RoadDog


"It Ain't Me Babe"

WLS' Best Selling #1 Songs for September 3, 1965: "I Can't Stop Lovin' You"

These were #1 songs on the WLS Silver Dollar Survey that had sold the most copies from 1960 to 1965 that had been #1 on their survey.  This also had when the song was popular.

1.  SATISFACTION--  Rolling Stones--  July-August '65
2.  DOWNTOWN--  Petula Clark--  Jan. '65
3.  MRS. BROWN YOU'VE GOT A LOVELY DAUGHTER--  Herman's Hermits--  April-May '65
4.  I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND--  Beatles--  Jan.-Feb. '64
5.  SHE LOVES YOU--  Beatles--  March '64

6.  TWIST AND SHOUT--  Beatles--  March-April '64
7.  DOMINIQUE--  Singing Nun--  Nov. '63
8.  I CAN'T STOP LOVIN' YOU--  Ray Charles--  June '62
9.  PRETTY WOMAN--  Roy Orbison--  Sept.-Oct. '64
10.  EIGHT DAYS A WEEK--  Beatles--  March '65

11.  WHERE DID OUR LOVE GO--  Supremes--  Aug. '64
12.  SHERRY--  Four Seasons--  Sept. '62
13.  LOVE ME DO--  Beatles--  May-June '64
14.  THIS DIAMOND RING--  Gary Lewis--  Feb. '65
15.  RAG DOLL--  Four Seasons--  July '64

16.  SUKIYAKI--  Kyu Sakamoto--  May-June '63
17.  SOLDIER BOY--  Shirelles--  May '62
18.  A HARD DAY'S NIGHT--  Beatles--  July-Aug. '64
19.  MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK--  Angels--  Aug.-Sept. '63
20.  IT'S MY PARTY--  Lesley Gore--  May '63

Name This Tune From the Above:  "No One Could Look As Good As You."  --RoadDog  (Answer below)


THE TEN RULES OF LIFE:  You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape.  If it doesn't move and should, use WD-40.  If it moves and shouldn't, use duct tape.

"Pretty Woman"

Friday, September 11, 2015

Remembering 9/11 in 2015

I have already put up my U.S. flags.  I also now have a blue light for the driveway, both to honor our fallen Lt. Gliniewicz and, of course, the police and fire personnel in New York City who gave their lives that day.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Labor Day Weekend 2015-- Part 2

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH--  Listened to Bob Stroud's trip back to the Summer of '75 on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV in the morning.  We went to Sunnyside Tavern with hopes of having our raffle ticket drawn and winning $150.  But to no avail.  Then drove over to 'Cuda's on Grasslake Road for Bloody Marys.  We were impressed with the number of signs as well as black and blue ribbons all along the road.  The funeral procession for murdered Fox Lake police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz will travel down Grasslake Road tomorrow.

We then went to Nauti-Knots and sat out by the tiki bar on Bluff lake..  Last stop was at Lake View Place overlooking Grasslake.  Came home and had a bonfire out on the patio.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH--  This day was largely one for "G.I. Joe" as people called Joe Gliniewicz.  We went to the American Legion and watched the funeral and then went outside for the funeral procession.  Estimates put somewhere around 1,500 police vehicles in it.  A very moving affair.

Waited at the Legion for a couple hours as traffic had really been backed up.

--RoadDog


THE 10 RULES OF LIFE:  Never give yopurself a haircut after three margaritas.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Labor Day Weekend 2015-- Part 1

We kicked off our Labor Day weekend on Thursday.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3RD:  After cutting the grass, we paid our $4,931 property taxes.  And, that is only half of our taxes!!  Ouch!  We then went boating and stopped at the Dog 'N Suds in Ingleside for some Charcoburgers and mugs o' root beer.  There are only about seven left in the U.S. and we have three of them within twenty miles of us.  Then went to Sunnyside Tavern.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4TH:  Went to McHenry and bought some flowers on sale at Wal-Mart and Home Depot.  After yardwork, I went boating and then to the Johnsburg-Mendota High School football game.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH:  Put up our NIU Huskies stuff for our game vs. UNLV later tonight.  We went to the Legion and saw the excellent band called the 3 Aces playing 50s-60s and country in the afternoon.  Then went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.  Met the man who now owns the old Hatch Farm in Spring Grove there.  Fred Hatch is credited with making the first agricultural silo in the world.  Came home and watched NIU win the game in a close one.  Then enjoyed our Margaritaville bar in the basement and my ultimate jukebox while watching other college games.

--RoadDog

One Last Trip Back to the Summer of '75-- Part 3 "Ballroom Blitz"

HOUSES OF THE HOLY--  Led Zeppelin
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT--  Manfred Mann
BORN TO RUN--  Bruce Springsteen

DAISY JANE--  America
DR. WOO--  Steely Dan
BALLROOM BLITZ--  Sweet

MAN ON SILVER MOUNTAIN--  Rainbow
MAGIC--  Pilot
WILDFIRE--  Michael Murphy  (I put this one in the Bobby Goldsboro "Honey" category.)

LANDSLIDE--  Fleetwood Mac
FAME--  David Bowie
PLAY ON LOVE--  Jefferson Starship

I'M NOT IN LOVE--  10CC
THIRD RATE ROMANCE--  Amazing Rhythm Aces
I CHEAT THE HANGMAN--  Doobie Brothers

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC AND THE BROWN DIRT COWBOY--  Elton John  #1 Album in Chicago.

Name That Tune "That Burns Your Change To Keep You Insane."  --RoadDog


THE LAST INSURANCE CLAIM:  QA bull was standing near and a fly must have tickled him because he gored my car.

"Fame"

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

The Funeral Procession for Lt. Joe Gliniewicz


Yesterday we had the funeral, procession and burial of Lt. Joe Gliniewicz here in western Lake County.  Liz and I saw the procession go by the American Legion Post 703 in Fox Lake, Illinois, where he was a member.

We joined around 100 people in our little section along US-12 (Rand Road).  Thousands lined the 19-mile route from Antioch High School where the funeral took place to Fox Lake where he was a police officer and back to Antioch for his burial.

This was surely one of those things that don't happen very often, thankfully.  All along Grasslake Road and US-12 were heavily decorated with black and blue ribbons and lots of U.S. flags.  I carried a flag.  Plus, there were lots of homemade signs.

We went to the Legion to await the procession and watched the funeral.  The place was packed.  I was surprised to see a friend of mine, the Reverend Lisle Kauffman, get up and speak.  And, the speech Joe's brother gave was one of the saddest I've ever heard.



One Last Trip Back to the Summer of '75-- Part 2: "Welcome to My Nightmare"

THERE GOES ANOTHER LOVE SONG-- Outlaws
SWEET EMOTION--  Aerosmith
WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS--  War

BEAUTIFUL LOSER--  Bob Seger
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE--  Alice Cooper
TUSH--  ZZ Top

FEEL LIKE MAKIN' LOVE--  Bad Company
LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID--  Wings
MAGNETO AND TITANIUM MAN--  Wings

PINBALL WIZARD--  Elton John
DREAMBOAT ANNIE--  Heart
REAL MAN--  Todd Rundgren

Name that Tune:  "Sometimes I Feel Like I'm Getting Kinda Low."  --RoadDog


"There Goes Another Love Song"

One Last Trip Back to the Summer of '75-- Part 1: One of These Nights"

Bob Stroud did his last of four Rock and Roll Roots shows this past Sunday, September 6th on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.

He was playing the songs playing on the radio and on our stereos from 40 years ago.

I was starting my third year of teaching at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois.  I no longer was teaching 9th graders as they had all been moved to the high school, but I still had 7th and 8th graders.  This was also our first year in our first home, built by Fairfield Builders at 1013 Morningside in Round Lake Beach.  Our dog Brandy was getting used to her new yard after living first in the apartment in Vernon Hills.

Liz was starting her first full year as a first grade teacher at Beach School in Round Lake Beach.  We were spoiled with very short drives to our respective schools.

SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT--  Elton John
DANCE WITH ME--  Orleans
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS--  Eagles

Name That Tune:  "Can't You See the Music Is Just Starting?  --RoadDog


INSURANCE CLAIMS:  There were plenty of lookers-on but no witnesses.

"Dance With Me"





Monday, September 7, 2015

Saying Goodbye to Lt. Joe Gliniewicz


In a short time we will be leaving to take a drive along Grasslake Road in Lake County, Illinois.  Right now, visitation is taking place in Antioch and there will be a funeral, all taking place at the Antioch High School to handle the huge crowds expected.

After that, they estimate there will be around 1000 cars in a funeral procession to take place over 19 miles along ILL-Hwy 59, Grasslake Road, US-12 and Rollins Road before returning to Antioch for the burial.

They'll be coming to Fox Lake.  Yesterday, we were on Grasslake Road and the whole way is covered with black and blue ribbons, signs, half mast flags and other things to say goodbye to "GI Joe."

This has been a very sad week for everyone around this area.

A Fitting Goodbye.

Local Policeman Killed in Fox Lake, Illinois-- Part 4: Blue Lives Matter, Too

SEPTEMBER 2ND, WEDNESDAY

This was the first thing I checked online when I got on the computer.  Sadly, by 10 a.m., the murderers had not been caught,  The police are still searching the big area south of Fox Lake from Sayton Road along US-12, Rollins Road and Ill. Highway 59.

Personally, I believe the killers must be a long way away from here.  I know if i had done what they did, my first thing to do would be to get as far away as possible.

The authorities are keeping pretty much mum on any evidence they have and rightfully so.  There is some question as to Joe Gliniewicz's gun.  yesterday we heard that they had taken it.  This morning the Tribune said the gun had been found.

A big fathering is planned for late afternoon at the Fox Lake Lake Front Park on Nippersink Lake.  Several thousand are expected.  We at first planned on going until we heard how many people were going to be there until we heard how many were expected.  Lake Front Park can only hold so many cars, so parking would be a huge problem not to mention sitting and standing.

We went to Donovan's and watched the ceremony.  At first, there did not appear to be many people there and we thought that we should have gone, but by the time it started, it was standing room only.  We watched it at Donovan's.  Everybody in the place was also watching and conversation mostly ceased.  One of out buddies there is Jerry who is a retired Chicago policeman.  He was livid over the whole thing and understandably so.  All you hear nowadays is cop brutality to blacks, but they have a really dangerous job.  I'd hate to think what would happen to good people if the cops weren't there.

Not only did Joe Gliniewicz, "G.I. Joe" as he was called, have Fox Lake connections, but also he grew up in nearby Antioch, Illinois, and graduated from that high school.  This is also where he lives with his wife and four sons, two of whom are active duty military.

Two Villages Mourn Their Own.

Local Policeman Killed in Fox Lake-- Part 3: Joe Gliniewicz

SEPTEMBER 1ST, TUESDAY

As I drove north on US-12 (Rand Road) the short distance, about two miles, to Fox lake, I began seeing lot of police and emergency vehicles.  The area starting where Ill-59 breaks off of US-12 had cop cars about every 150 feet, all facing he heavy undergrowth where they thought the three murderers were hiding.

By the time I got to South Sayton it was wall-to-wall police with several tents.  Evidently this was the headquarters of the manhunt.

Needless to say, Liz was watching all the breaking news on TV and following it on Face Book  Not only were there many policemen from the local area, but FBI and ATF.  It was the main topic of conversation at several places we went to afterwards. Later we met our friends Sue and Paul at Half-Times in Johnsburg.  This morning they had been in northern part of the Lower Michigan Peninsula at their cabin and had heard about it within an hour after 8 a.m. when the murder took place.

Sue bicycles with a woman from near the where the murder took place and when she had gone out for a ride, a policeman said this would not be a good day to do it and told her why.  She went on Face Book and told Sue.  Like I said, we didn't know anything until after 1 p.m..  They listened to the events unfolding on their drive home.

Sadly, at the end of the day, the murderers had not been caught.


Saturday, September 5, 2015

Local Policeman Killed in Fox Lake-- Part 2: Joe Gliniewicz

September 1, 2015

Murders are a rare thing in this area of northeast Illinois and this one, of a policeman, was particularly unnerving.  After I found out what had happened on Tuesday, I went to several businesses in Round Lake and overheard clerks and patrons talking about it.  I drove Il-134 to US-12 south of where the police were searching for the three men who killed "GI Joe" as he was called.

I went to the Menard's and the people there told me that there were a lot of heavily armed law enforcement people behind the store.  The clerk out in the nursery section said today was her birthday and she was worried about being outside all by herself.  She said she would now be like her mother, whose birthday is on September 11th.

About this time, we started hearing all sorts of emergency vehicle sirens and looked out to the road and saw lots of them driving very fast and heading in our general area.  I figured this would be a good time to get out of there and left.

I went to Bay Road and had to wait a real long time to turn onto US-12 heading north toward Fox Lake.  It seemed that every time our turn light would go green, another cop car would come roaring through, causing us to miss several lights.


What About Those Five Emprees?-- Part 2: From Benton Harbor, Michigan

Being ranked at #3 with their "Little Miss Sad" to the Beatles at #2 with "Help" had to be really something to the  lads from Michigan, especially in those days of Beatlemania.

Their song had originally been released by the Addrisi Brothers.  The song was also done by the Savages in the Tampa-St. Pete, Florida, area in the mid-1960s.

As I said yesterday, I had some problems finding information about them because of the fact they went by several names.

From Rock and Roll Legends site.

The Five Emprees were from Benton Harbor, Michigan, (in the southwest corner of the state) and hit the Billboard Hot 100 in the fall of 1965 despite having to overcome a small record label, limited distribution and promotion.  They had to change their name because of an injunction from a famous Hall of Fame group.  This is when they called themselves the Five Impressions.

Little Miss.  --RoadDog


INSURANCE CLAIMS:  Three women were talking to each other and when two stepped back and one stepped forward I had to have an accident.



Friday, September 4, 2015

What About Those Five Emprees?-- Part 1: Ranked #3, Right Behind the Beatles

This is the group that had the number 3 song with "Little Miss Sad" in Chicago fifty years ago on August 27, 1965.  The number two spot was held by the a little old band from Liverpool.


RoadDog with a little song called "Help."  Pretty good for a group I'd never heard of before.  So, I had to do some more research on them.

I had some problems finding them because of several differing names.

And, they were still performing as of 2010.

Some of the lyrics to "Little Miss Sad"

Who sold blues in the sound of a drumbeat
Work out your cares to the rhythm of dancing feet
Yeah, you got it, so boldly let it go now
Well old man worry just ain't got a chance now.

Hey Little Miss Sad
Stop sitting alone and blue
C'Mon and smile
I Wanna Dance With You.

Not Too bad for a Little Old Group from Michigan.  --RoadDog


INSURANCE CLAIMS:  Cow wandered into my car.  I was afterwards informed that the cow was half-witted.



Music Deaths: Fireballs and Toto

KEITH McCORMICK, 74.    Died April 10, 2015.

Founding member of the String-A-Longs who had a hit with "Wheels" (#3-1963).  Also was co-writer with his aunt on Fireballs hits "Sugar Shack" (#1-1963) and "Daisy Petal Pickin'" (#15-1964).

MIKE PORCARO, 59.  Died March 15, 2015.  Bass player with Toto.




Music Deaths: Stan Freberg

STAN FREBERG, 88.  Died April 7, 2015.

Provided the voices in many Warner brothers and Walt Disney cartoons.  "Time for Beany" children's YV show.

Noted for his catchy TV and radio commercials in the 1960s that included Jeno's Pizza Rolls, Contadina Tomato Paste "Who put 8 great tomatoes in that little bitty can?" and Sunsweet Prunes "Today the pits, tomorrow the wrinkles."

Also noted for his recording parodies of "Sh-Boom" (#14-1954), "The banana Boat Song" (#25-1957) and "Heartbreak Hotel."  Also "Dragnet on Radio" and "St. George and the Dragon" (#1-1953).


Thursday, September 3, 2015

WLS Top Ten Survey for September 3, 1965: "Catch Us If You Can"

From FIFTY years ago.

1.  I GOT YOU BABE--  Sonny and Cher
2.  HELP--  Beatles
3.  CATCH US IF YOU CAN--  Dave Clark Five

4.  LITTLE MISS SAD-- Five Emprees
5.  THE IN CROWD--  Ramsey Lewis
6.  HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME--  Mel Carter
7.  IT AIN'T ME BABE--  Turtles

8.  YOU WERE ON MY MIND--  We Five
9.  HEART FULL OF SOUL--  Yardbirds
10.  HANG ON SLOOPY--  McCoys

I'll wr5ite about "Little Miss Sad" by the Five Emprees tomorrow.

"When I Woke Up This Morning."  --RoadDog


:"You Were On My Mind"

About Last Weekend

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27TH--  Boating to Captain's Quarters for 35 cent wings and 35 cents potato skins.  American Legion for Randy.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH--  No football because of rain that never materialized.  American Legion on Nippersink Lake.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH--  The Grove in Spring Grove grand opening.  Blues Band and Pig Roast.  Rib Cookoff at Route 12 Bar and Grill.  Band.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH--  Nauti-Knots Tiki Bar on Bluff Lake.   Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake.  .  Band.  Lakeview Place on Grasslake.

Lots to Do Around Here.  --RoadDog


INSURANCE CLAIMS:  She suddenly saw me, lost her head and we met.


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

One of the Greatest Ever Top 40s This Week 50 Years Ago

Just taking a glance at the last post's Top Ten as well as these great songs:

We Gotta get Out of This Place
I Live for the Sun
Action
Do You Believe in Magic
You've Got Your Troubles
Hang on Sloopy
Who'll be the next in Line
Unchained Melody
You Were On My Mind
Heart Full of Soul

I'd sure argue that this was one of the best-ever Top 40s.

Can you name the artists?

Sure Would Be.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 Survey for August 27, 1965: "It Ain't Me Babe"

10.  NOTHING BUY HEARTACHES--  Supremes
9.  IT AIN'T ME BABE--  Turtles
8.  THE IN CROWD--  Ramsey Lewis

7.  LIKE A ROLLING STONE--  Bob Dylan
6.  CATCH US IF YOU CAN--  Dave Clark Five
5.  DOWN IN THE BOONDOCKS--  Billy Joe Royal
4.  HOLD ME, THRILL ME, KISS ME--  Mel Carter

3.  LITTLE MISS SAD--  Five Emprees
2.  HELP--  Beatles
1.  I GOT YOU BABE--  Sonny and Cher

And, how about that song #3?  Ever heard of the Five Emprees?  I hadn't so looked them up.  Find out about them tomorrow.  In the meantime, go to You Tube and give it a listen.  They evidently still perform.  Right behind the Beatles,  How cool is that?

"They Say We're Young and We Don't Know."  --RoadDog


"I Got You Babe"

WLS Top 40 From August 27, 1965: "Who'll Be the Next in Line"

20.. HANG ON SLOOPY--  McCoys
19.  I'LL TAKE YOU WHERE THE THE MUSIC IS--  Drifters  Beach Music.  An underrated classic.
18.  GIVE ME ALL YOUR LOVE--  Gerry & the Pacemakers   I've also seen it named "Give All Your Love to Me."Not one of their better efforts, but built up to a Wall of Sound finish.

17.  PRETTY LITTLE BABY--  Marvin Gaye  I was not familiar with it, but a good one.
16.  MOON OVER NAPLES--  Bert Kaempfert  The instrumental version.  You'd recognize it as "Spanish Eyes."
15.  I'M A HAPPY MAN--  Jive Five  Beach Music  Great sound, great Motown moves.
14.  WHO'LL BE NEXT IN LINE--  Kinks

13.  UNCHAINED MELODY--  Righteous Brothers
12.  YOU WERE ON MY MIND--  We Five  Four Guys and a Gal.  The Gal had a Beatles haircut.
11.  HEART FULL OF SOUL--  Yardbirds

"....Lives in a Very Bad Part of Town."  --RoadDog


INSURANCE CLAIMS:  If the other driver had stopped a few yards behind himself the accident would not have happened.

"Hang On Sloopy"


Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Local Policeman Killed in Fox Lake, Illinois: How I Found Out About It

Today will certainly be a day to remember in this area of Illinois.  At around 8 a.m., a Fox Lake police lieutenant, Joe Gliniewicz,  was killed by three culprits when he broke up what appears to be a robbery.

I didn't know anything about it when I left home here in nearby Spring Grove, right up US Highway 12 about four miles from Fox Lake.  This was at about 12:40 p.m..  The first idea that I had that something was going on was when I took Sayton Drive by the Walgreens on US-12 and could not go east on Rollins Road as it was blocked by police.  I then saw a helicopter, but with all the road construction going on in the area, figured that was yet another closed road.

But when I saw two WGN sound vans parked in the shopping plaza, I knew something was going on. I would have called Liz to tell her to check the news, but I was driving and it is against the law to talk on cell phones in Illinois.

 I took Grand Avenue to Il-59 and then Wilson Road back to Rollins and into Round Lake Beach to see "Man From Uncle" at the Regal Theater on Rollins.  When I got to the door of it, I saw a sign that they were temporarily closed due to a problem in the area.  Since the attempted shooting last week, Regal Theaters have instituted a search policy for anyone bringing bags into their theaters.  They are being very careful about the crazies.

A woman came out and told me that a cop had been shot in Fox Lake and that there were several suspects on the loose.  The theater would be closed until this was over.

--RoadDog