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

Monday, February 29, 2016

Billboard Songs Leaping to #1 On Leap Day, Feb. 29th.

From the Feb. 29, 2016, Billboard "The Only Two Songs That Have Leapt to No. 1 on the Hot 100 on Leap Days" by Gary Trust.

A total of 1,052 songs have been #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 list since it began on August 4, 1958.  But only two have reached the rarefied heights of #1 on February 29.

Back on February 29, 1964, the Beatles did it first with "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

Then, on Feb. 29, 1992, Mr. Big followed suit with the rock ballad "To Be With You."

There have been 15 Leap Days since the Hot 100 began, but only in 1964 and 1992, did Leap Day fall on a Saturday when the list is published.

Name That Tune:  "Oh, Yeah, I'll Tell You Something I Think You'll Understand."  --RoadDog


"I Want to Hold Your Hand"

WLS Top 40 for March 4, 1966-- Part 1: "It's Too Late"

From WLS Oldies Loon.  You can listen to all these songs at You Tube.

40.   SURE GONNA MISS HER--  Gary Lewis--

39.  IT'S TOO LATE--  Bobby Goldsboro  Went to #23 Billboard.    Had a #1 song in 1968 with the ultra-syrupy "Honey."  Had a TV show from 1972-1975.  A really good song.

38.  DON'T PUSH ME--  Hedgehoppers  Did not make it to Billboard's Hot 100.  Hedgehoppers Anonymous.  Second single from them produced by British music mogul Jonathan King.  Their only charting single was "It's Good News Week" which went to #48 Billboard.

37.  I CAN'T LET YOU GO--  Hollies  Actually "I Can't Let Go."  Their third hit went to #42 on Billboard and came before their breakthru hit "Bus Stop later in the summer.  From Manchester, England.  Allan Clarke doing the singing.

Name That Tune:  "Oh, I Try and I Try, But I can't Say Goodbye."  --RoadDog


"I Can't Let Go"

It Is Not Really Winter in Chicago Until This Happens-- Part 1

From the Jan. 13, 2016, Chicago Tribune "The Talk" by Mary Schmich.

As we have a winter storm warning for tonight, but so far, we can't really complain about winter as it hasn't been overly bad, even though I see we're close to normal amounts of snow.

IT'S NOT REALLY WINTER IN CHICAGO UNTIL YOU'VE:

Gone in search of long underwear.

Lost at least one glove.

Seen your heating bill and swear.

The ice turns black and lingers for at least two weeks.

Slipped on that ice.

Shoveled (or used the snowblower) at least three times.

Felt vaguely guilty about letting someone else do the shoveling.

Cursed your neighbor for not shoveling.

Forsaken nice looking shoes for ugly boots.

Winter.  UUGGHH!!  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
Teacher:  Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
Tommy:  Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.

Friday, February 26, 2016

2016 Academy Awards

I also saw two of the Best Acror nominees: Matt Damon "The Martian" and Leonardo DiCaprio "The Revenant."  My pick of these two would be DiCaprio.

For Best Actress, I saw Saoirse Ronan "Brooklyn", Jennifer Lawrence "Joy" and Brie Larson "Room."  All three put in great performances, but I would go for Saoirse Ronan.

I saw all five Best Supporting Actor nominees:  "Mark Rylance "Bridge of Spies," Sylvester Stallone "Creed,: Mark Ruffalo "Spotlight," Christain Bale "The Big Short" and Tom Hardy "The Revenant."  My pick is Sylvester Stallone.

best Supporting Actress I just saw one, Rachel McAdams "Spotlight."

For Best Visual Effects I saw four of the five nominees:  "Mad Max: Fury Road,"  "Star Wars: The Force Awakens,"  "Martian" and "The Revenant."  I pick "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Pooping the Corn for the Show.  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:

3rd grade teacher:  Willie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
Willie:  Me!!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Predatory Ticket Policy of the Dear Old Nashville Predators

From the Jan. 13, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Smack! Predatory ticket policy?  Can we sue them?" by Steve Rosenbloom.

Sadly, the Nashville Predators are not the only NHL team to make uit hard for Chicago Blackhawk fans to see their games on home ice.  The Tampa Bay Lightning also take it to the extreme.

And, the Hawks play the Predators tonight, but, fortunately at home, not theirs.  Attention Predator fans, you're welcome to attend here.

What the Predators are upset with is hawks fans taking over their stadium.  To keep the numbers to a minimum, they make it really hard for our folks to get tickets.

--RoadDog

WLS Survey for February 25, 1966: "Ballad of the Green Berets"

1.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie
2.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
3.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  Mamas & Papas

4.  LISTEN PEOPLE--  Herman's Hermits
5.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  Barry Sadler
6.  I FOUGHT THE LAW--  Bobby Fuller Four
7.  GLORIA--  Shadows of Knoght  (Chicago Boys)

8.  HOMEWARD BOUND--  Simon & Garfunkel
9.  19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--  Rolling Stones
10.  GEORGIANA--  Princetons

Name That Tune:  "Like To Tell You 'Bout My Baby."


"Gloria"


George's "Other" Birthday Today

From Neatorama "A Few Things You Might Not Know About George Harrison" by Miss Cellania.

Today, while listening to WXRT this morning, Lin Braehmer and Mary Dixon talked a bit about the confusion over George Harrison's birthday, but said they, and the radio station were going to celebrate it today.  It will be interesting to see which day major Beatles fan Terri Hemmert considers to be the "Day."

We do know for sure George's death on November 29, 2001, of lung cancer.

Anyway, here is a list of some things you might not know about George.

**  George's favorite color was purple, loved Formula One Racing, egg sandwiches and watching Monty Python on TV.

**  His favorite movie was Mel Brooks' "The Producers" (1967).

**  Birthday:  For most of his life, George thought it to be February 25, 1943, and that is the way it is listed in most Beatle books and magazines.  But near the end of his life, he changed it to February 24.  However, a family document says he was born at 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 1943.

--RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:  Teacher:  What is the chemical formula for water?
Sarah:  'H I J K L M N O!!"
Teacher:  What are you talking about?
Sarah:  Yesterday you said it was H to O!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

George's Birthday Today-- Ten for George "Something"

From Bob Stroud's February 24, 2016, Ten at Ten on WDRV, 97.1 FM in Chicago.

WHAT IS LIFE--  George
WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS--  Beatles
GIVE ME LOVE--  George

TAXMAN--  Beatles
HANDLE WITH CARE--  Traveling Wilburys
SOMETHING--  Beatles
CRACKERJACK PALACE--  George

HERE COMES THE SUN--  Beatles
WHEN WE WAS FAB--  George
MY SWEET LORD--  George

Name That Tune:  Let me Tell You How It Will Be, There's One for You, Nineteen for Me."  --RoadDog



"Taxman"

Happy Birthday to George Harrison, But Was It the 24th or 25th of February?

As in George Harrison.

Well, I was looking up the year George was born and Wikipedia and several other sources said he was born on February 25, 1943.  I was wondering why Bob Stroud wouldn't know that and had his Ten at Ten on George today, but then I found another source that said for years George Harrison thought he was born on Feb. 25th, but near the end of his life said  it was actually February 24th.

My Favorite Beatle.  --RoadDog

Name Game Songs-- Part 2: "Sweet Jane"

MARY LOU--  Steve Miller
ELEANOR RIGBY--  Beatles
MICHELLE--  Beatles

HELP ME RHONDA--  Beach Boys
PEG--  Steely Dan
JUDY IN DISGUISE--  John Fred & Playboy Band

ALL THE GIRLS LOVE ALICE--  Elton John
JACK AND DIANE--  John Cougar
SWEET JANE--  Velvet Underground

Name That Tune:  "Well Since She Put Me Down I've Been Out Doin' in My Head."  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS( From the February 2016 Orange Peel):  Teacher:  John, how do you spell "crocodile?"
John:  "K-R-O-K-D-A-I-L"
Teacher:  No, that's wrong!
John::  Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
Why teachers get gray hair so young.

"Help Me Rhona"




Tuesday, February 23, 2016

And I Also Saw All the Best Director Nominees

Yesterday I wrote that I had seen all eight movies nominated for Best Picture.

I also saw all five movies where their directors were nominated for best.

George Miller--  Mad Max: Fury Road

Lenny Abrahamson--  Room

Tom McCarthy--  Spotlight

Adam McKay--  The Big Short

Alejandro G. Inarritu--  The Revenant

My pick:  "Mad Max: Fury Road."

--RoadDog


Name Game Songs-- Part 1 "Jackie Blue"

From the April 29, 2012, Rock and Roll Roots Show on WDRV, 97.1 FM Chicago.

HELEN WHEELS--  Paul McCartney
MISS JUDY'S FARM--  Faces
ALONG COMES MARY--  Association

CROSS-EYED MARY--  Jethro Tull
GLORIA--  Them
JIMMY LOVES MARY-ANNE--  Looking Glass

JACKIE BLUE--  Ozark Mountain Daredevils
JENNY TAKE A RIDE--  Mitch Ryder & Detroit Wheels
AMIE--  Pure Prairie League

MOLINA--  CCR
MONY MONY--  Tommy James & Shondells
BETTY LOU'S GETTING OUT TONIGHT--  Bob Seger

Name That Tune:  "I Can See Why You Think You Still Belong to Me."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You realize that it only takes two fingers to steer your car.

"Amie"

Monday, February 22, 2016

A First for Me, I Saw All Eight Movies Nominated for Best Picture

Usually, the most I see of the movies nominated for Academy award for Best Picture might be half, but for some reason, I saw all eight this year, thanks to Classic Cinemas bringing back "The Room" and "Brooklyn."

Besides those two, I also saw:

Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
Spotlight
The Big Short
The Martian
The Revenant.

All of them were great in one aspect or another, but, if I had to pick an absolute favorite, it would be "Brooklyn."

I still think the Academy awards should have two categories:  Movies People Have Seen and Movies People Haven't Seen.

--RoadDog

Popular Songs That Never Went Past #2 on Billboard-- Part 2: "We Are Family"

13.  GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN--  Cyndi Lauper
12.  UNDER THE BRIDGE--  Red Hot Chili Peppers
11.  WE ARE FAMILY--  Sister Sledge

10.  BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY--  Queen
9.  HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME--  Sly & the Family Stone
8.  RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS--  Carpenters

7.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
6.  PARTY ALL THE TIME--  Eddie Murphy
5.  DANCING IN THE DARK--  Bruce Springsteen  "Jessie's Girl" by oft confusing Rick Springfield was an even bigger hit.
4.  START ME UP--  Rolling Stones

3.  MATERIAL GIRL--  Madonna
2.  PROUD MARY--  Creedence Clearwater Revival    Who also had a lot of other #2s.
1.  Y.M.C.A.--  Village People

Name That Tune  "Head Out On the Highway."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You discover that asphalt has a liquid state.

"Born to Be Wild"

Friday, February 19, 2016

Movie Scratches: Brooklyn-- Room-- Choice-- Caesar

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

17.  BROOKLYN--  2-10--  Fox Lake, $5--  Coming to a new life in America from Ireland, finding one, and then finding one back in Ireland.  Best movie I've seen in a long time, and I've seen a lot of movies.  Thank goodness for Mrs. Kelly setting her straight.

18.  THE ROOM--  2-16--  Fox Lake, $5--  It was his whole world for his whole life of five years.  Getting out of "The Room" was only the beginning of their problems.  I have now seen all nine movies nominated for Best Picture, first time I've seen all of them.

19.  THE CHOICE--  2-16--  Fox Lake, $5--  "You bother me."  She didn't like him at first, but sure came around.  Sure enjoyed all those beautiful coastal scenes around Wilmington, North Carolina.

20.  HAIL CAESAR!--  2-18--  Fox Lake, $6--  "I struck an actor in anger."  Considering the nut jobs he had to deal with I'm surprised he didn't strike more.  More crazies than you can shake a stick at.

I Sure Want to Thank Classic Cinemas for bringing back "Brooklyn" and "The Room."  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for February 18, 1966: "Lightning Strikes"

1.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie
2.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
3.  LISTEN PEOPLE--  Herman's Hermits

4.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  Mamas & Papas
5.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  Barry Sadler
6.  I FOUGHT THE LAW--  Bobby Fuller Four
7.  BARBARA ANN--  Beach Boys

8.  MY LOVE--  Petula Clark
9.  I CONFESS--  New Colony Six
10.  WE CAN WORK IT OUT/DAY TRIPPER--  Beatles

Name That Tune:  "Breaking Rocks In the Hot Sun."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Potatoes cook underground.  This is convenient because all you have to do is pull one out and add salt, pepper and butter.

"I Fought the Law"

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Popular Songs That Never Made It Past #2 on Billboard-- Part 1: "Tears In Heaven"

From the July 16, 2012, Rob O'Connor List of the Day "We're #2!  Popular Songs That Never Made It to #1."

Some of these did make it to #1 on other Billboard charts, but not the pop one.

25.  THEME FROM "GREATEST AMERICAN HERO (BELIEVE IT OR NOT)"--  Joey Scarbury
24.  TEARS IN HEAVEN--  Eric Clapton
23.  FERGALICIOUS--  Fergie

22.  YOU BELONG TO THE CITY--  Glenn Frey  Also #2 with "The Heat Is On"
21.  IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS--  Puff daddy
20.  THE SWEET ESCAPE--  Gwen Stefani

19.  OPEN ARMS--  Journey  Never had a #1.
18.  ELECTRIC AVENUE-- (5 weeks at #2 in 1983)
17.  WITH YOU--  Chris Brown

16.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues  (reached only #103 the first time out)
15.  COMPLICATED--  Avril Lavigne
14.  RAMBLIN' MAN--  Allman Brothers

Name That Tune:  "Now In the Streets There Is Violence."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You step outside at 7:30 a.m. and break into a sweat.

"Electric Avenue"

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

A Good Time Last Weekend

FRIDAY, FEB. 12--  Met friends at 'Cuda's in Antioch, Illinois and enjoyed their fish fry and $2 craft beer pints.  Then went to the Legion in Fox Lake.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13--  Went to the Legion to listen to the 18-piece Lakes Area Swing band playing all that Big Band music for their Valentine's Day Dance.

SUNDAY, FEB. 14--  We went to the Boy Scout Pig Roast at the Johnsburg, Illinois,  and then to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake.

MONDAY, FEB. 15--  Played NTN with friends at J's in Ingleside with four Top 20s, despite other places having seen the questions before.  Enjoyed their famous BLT pizza at half price.  Then went to the Legion in Fox Lake.

--RoadDog

Going Back to 1973-- Part 3: "Get Up Stand Up"

ON THE WAY DOWN--  Little Feat
GIVE ME THREE STEPS--  Lynyrd Skynyrd
ALL THE WAY FROM MEMPHIS--  Mott the Hoople

CHINA GROVE--  Doobie Brothers
WATCH THAT MAN--  David Bowie
GENERATION LANDSLIDE--  Alice Cooper

GET UP STAND UP--  Bob Marley
OUTLAW MAN--  Eagles
GIVE ME LOVE--  George Harrison

ROSALITA--  Bruce Springsteen
I CAN'T STAND THE RAIN--  Ann Peebles
RIGHT PLACE WRONG TIME--  Dr. John

BAND ON THE RUN--  Paul McCartney & Wings
BROTHER LOUIE--  Stories

Name That Tune:  "I Was Cutting the Rug Down At a Place Called the Jug."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Farmers feed their chickens crushed ice to keep them from hard boiled eggs.

"Give Me Three Steps"

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Going Back to 1973-- Part 2: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"

DRIFT AWAY--  Dobie Gray
WHO'S THAT LADY--  Isley Brothers
BRINGING HOME THE BACON--  Procul Harum

I KNOW WHAT I LIKE IN YOUR WARDROBE--
MY LOVE--  Bill Quateman
GYPSEY MAN--  War

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY--  Joe Walsh
5:15--  Who
KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR--  Bob Dylan

HIGHER GROUND--  Stevie Wonder
JESSICA--  Allman Brothers
LET'S GET IT ON--  Marvin Gaye

Name That Tune:  "Day After Day I'm More Confused."   --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Shade determines the best parking space, not distance.

"Drift Away"

Monday, February 15, 2016

Going Back to 1973-- Part 1: "Sitting in Limbo"

From the Feb. 13, 2016, Saturday Morning Flashback to 1973 with Wendy Rice on WXRT, 93.1 FM, Chicago.

HEARTBREAKER--  Rolling Stones
BOHDHISITTVA--  Steely Dan
YOU'BE BEEN IN LOVE TOO LONG--  Bonnie Raitt

SPIRITS IN THE NIGHT--  Bruce Springsteen
SITTING IN LIMBO--  Jimmy Cliff
TAKE IT EASY--  Jackson Browne

SAIL ON SAILOR--  Beach Boys
HYPNOTIZED--  Fleetwood Mac
TIME--  Pink Floyd

DANCING DAYS--
ONE MAN'S CEILING IS ANOTHER MAN'S FLOOR--  Paul Simon
YOU CASH AIN'T NOTHING BUT TRASH--  Steve Miller Band

Name That Tune:  "Standing On the Corner in Winslow, Arizona."  --RoadDog



"Take It Easy"

Past Movie Scratches: Gladiator-- Gun-- Terminator-- Black-- Jaws-- Tremors

Movies seen on TV in 2015.

25.  GLADIATOR--  Comotus "The Really Naughty."  "Unleash Hell!!"

26.  TOP GUN--  "I Feel the Need...FOR SPEED!!"  Dr. Green as "The Goose."

27.  TERMINATOR: SALVATION--  The machines still after that John Connor guy.
28.  MEN IN BLACK--

29.  JAWS--  "You're gonna need a bigger boat."

30.  TREMORS--  Fishing for giant earthworms with real bad attitudes.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You can make instant sun tea.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Valentine's Day Murders on NIU Campus, Eight Years Ago Today

And we haven't forgotten it.  We were at K.C.'s Cabin in Spring Grove, Illinois, in the afternoon and had just ordered hamburgers when we looked at the TV screen and remarked to each other, "Man, that sure looks like the NIU campus."

The sound was off, but eventually we saw the words saying there had been murders at NIU's campus in DeKalb.  A whole bunch of people in the bar started watching and one couple got very concerned, saying they had a child there.  They tried to call, but couldn't get through.

A heavily-armed outsider entered Cole Hall and opened fire on the class in session there, killing 5 and wounding another 21.  I know his name, but will not ever use it as I don't think mass murderers' names should ever be used.

At least he did do something right in his life and killed himself.

We wore Northern Illinois stuff when we went out earlier today.

Not Ever to be Forgotten.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Movie Scratches: Finest-- Boy-- Grandpa-- Pride

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

13.  THE FINEST HOUR--  2-3--  Fox Lake, $5--  Almost unbelievable rescue battling a huge storm in Massachusetts.  Those waves wore me out.

14.  THE BOY--  2-4--  Fox Lake, $6--  The boy doll turns out to be the all-grown up mental case.

15.  DIRTY GRANDPA--  2-4--  Fox Lake, $6--  A different kind of "bro" trip.  Grandpa steers grandson away from a horrible wedding decision.  Way, Way, Way TOO much swearing.

16.  PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES--  2-10--  Fox Lake, $5--  Paul McCartney's twin has strange way of romancing a gal between fighting the brain eaters.

Some Real Funky Seats.  --RoadDog

Music Deaths: Maurice White, EWF

MAURICE WHITE, 74  Died Feb. 4, 2016.

Drummer, songwriter, producer and founding member of Earth Wind & Fire.  Born in Memphis, moved to Chicago as a teen and worked as a session drummer at Chess Records, recording for such acts as Etta James, Muddy Waters, the Impressions and the Dells.

Played on nine albums for Ramsey Lewis starting in 1966.  In 1969, he went to Los Angeles and formed the Salty Peppers which evolved into Earth Wind & Fire with his brother Verdine (and later brother Fred) and Philip Bailey.

Some of their big hits:

Mighty Mighty (#4 R&B, #22 Pop)
Shining Star (#1 R&B and Pop)  the song that really broke them into the public eye.
That's the Way of the World  (#5 R&B, #12 Pop)
Sing A Song  (#1 R&B, #5 Pop)
Got To get You Into My Life  (#1 R&B, #9 Pop)
September  (#1 R&B, #8 Pop)
Boogie Wonderland  (#2 R&B, #6 Pop)

Maurice retired in 1992 and produced for the Emotions, Deniece Williams, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond.

Earth Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and Vocal group hall of Fame in 2004.  Maurice was inducted into the Songwriting Hall of Fame in 2010.

One of my all-time favorite groups.


The Ten Worst One-Hit Wonders of Summer: "Macarena"

From the June 18, 2012, List of the Day by Rob O'Connor.

Hear the songs and read more about his reasoning at the site.

10.  MACARENA--  Los del Rio  (1996)
9.  DAWN OF CORRECTION--  The Spokesmen  (1965)
8.  TELEPHONE MAN--  Meri Wilson  (1997)

7.  BITCH--  Meredith Brooks
6.  GENERAL HOSPI-TALE--  The Afternoon Delights  (1981)
5.  I WANNA  BE BAD--  Willa Ford  (2001)
4.  ON MY OWN--  Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald  (1986)

3.  WHO LET THE DOGS OUT--  Baha Men  (2000)
2.  ALMOST PARADISE--  Mike Reno and Ann Wilson  (1984)
1.  WHOOMP! (THERE IT IS)--  Tag Team  (1993)

Name That Tune:  "There's a Party Over here, A Party Over There."  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW THAT IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  The temperature drops below 95 degrees and you put on a sweater.

"Whoomp! There It Is"


Thursday, February 11, 2016

WLS Top Ten for February 11, 1966: "California Dreamin'"

1.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie
2.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
3.  BARBARA ANN--  Beach Boys

4.  I FOUGHT THE LAW--  Bobby Fuller Four
5.  WE CAN WORK IT OUT/ DAY TRIPPER--  Beatles
6.  SOUND OF SILENCE--  Simon & Garfunkel
7.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  mamas and Papas

8.  I CONFESS--  New Colony Six
9.  NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE--  T-Bones
10.  MY LOVE--  Petula Clark

Name That Tune:  "You Keep Saying You Got Something For Me."   --RoadDog


"These Boots Are Made for Walking"

The Best of Louisiana Music-- Part 2: "Mardi Gras in New Orleans"

6.  LES FLAMMES D'ENFER (THE FLAMES OF HELL)--  Eddie LeJeunne,  D.L. Menard and Ken Smith
7.  BIG CHIEF, PT. 1--  Professor Longhair
8.  MOJO HANNAH--  Aaron Neville

9.  J'AURAID DU T'AIMER (I SHOULD HAVE LOVED YOU)--  Jimmy C. Newman and Cajun Country
10.  CARNIVAL TIME--  Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias
11.  IMITATION OF LOVE--  Johnny Adams

12.  OPELOUSAS SOSTAN--  Mamou
13.  BLACK DRAWERS--  Chuck Carbo
14.  HOT TAMALE BABY--  Buckwheat Zydeco

15.  MARDI GRAS IN NEWORLEANS--  Dirty Dozen Brass Band
16.  SO SWELL WHEN YOU'RE WELL--  James Booker

17.  STREET TALK--  Bo Dollis and Willie Tee with Dr. John
18.  BLUES DU SAOULARD (DRUNKARD'S BLUES)--  Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
19.  WATCH THAT DOG--  John Delafose and the Eurnice Playboys

Name That Tune:  "I Can Hear the Jukebox Play."  --RoadDog


YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You burn your hand opening the car door.


"Opelousas Sostan"


Wednesday, February 10, 2016

The Best of Louisiana Music-- Part 1: "Your Mama Don't Know"

From the second-line beat of New Orleans rhythm and blues, to the exuberant street music of the brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians, to the bayou dancehall sounds of Cajun and zydeco, there's no place like Louisiana for good time music.  Here are 19 of the best Mardi Gras  party tracks ever, performed by many of Louisiana's best-known artists."

If you're only going to get one CD of this kind of music, this is the one I would recommend.  It is put out by Rounder records "The Best of Louisiana Music"  CD AN 08.  Copyright 1993.

1.  BON TEMPS ROULER--  Beausoleil
2.  I NEVER FOOL NOBODY BUT ME--  Ira Thomas

3.  LOOK-KA PY PY--  Meters
4.  YOUR MAMA DON'T KNOW--  Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
5.  IF YOU'S A VIPER--  Rebirth Brass Band featuring Kermit Ruffins

Name That Tune:  "You See me There, Well I Ain't No Fool."  --RoadDog


"Bon Temps Rouler"

Mardi Gras.. Again: All that King Cake

Well, we got our fair share of King Cake yesterday and got our beads.

We drove to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and bought a huge and delicious King Cake at Bodi's bakery downtown.

They make an excellent cake for $23.  And, it is huge.

Sadly, Sal didn't have any Louisiana/Mardi Gras food, nor were there any Hurricane or Grenade specials at Donovan's Reef.

A whole lot of folks got their first taste of King Cake, though.

Seven Second Jerry got the baby.

Bad For You, But, Oh, So Good.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  The birds need potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Last Night, We had Our Annual Lundi Gras Celebration: "Party Town"

In other wirds, Fat Monday, the Day Before the Big Day.

Tom marker, on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM devoted his whole hour-long Bluesbreakers show to the music of Louisiana.  Always a must-listen show for me.

Here's what he played:

We will be driving to Twin lakes, Wisconsin in a short time and picking up our King Cake and going over to Donovan's Reef for own lil' Mardi Gras.

PARTY TOWN--  Marcia Ball
RED BEANS--  Snooks Eaglin
BONEYARD--  John Cleary

These next three songs written by Allen Toussaint:

A CERTAIN GIRL--  Ernie K. Doe
HOLY COW--  Lee Dorsey
RULER OF MY HEART-- Irma Thomas

These next two performed y Allen Toussaint:

YES WE CAN CAN--  Allen Toussaint
WHIRLAWAY--  Allen Toussaint

MEET DEM BOYS ON THE BATTLEFRONT--  Anders Osbourne and Big Chief Monk Bourdreaux
CAN'T STOP THE FUNK--  Neville Brothers
MARDI GRAS DAY--  Kermit Ruffin and Rebirth Brass Band

BASIN STREET BLUES--  Henry Butler

Name That Tune: "Driver of My Soul, Where Can You Be."  --RoadiGrasDog


"Ruler of My heart"

Well, Since It's Mardi Gras... ""Go To Mardi Gras"

Go to the WXRT website where they have "Five Classic New Orleans Songs to Celebrate Fat Tuesday."  Plus, the station is playing Mardi Gras music off and on all day.

IKO IKO (JOCK-A-MO)--  Dr. John

HEY POCKY WAY--  Meters

GO TO MARDI GRAS--  Professor Longhair

FIRE ON THE BAYOU--  Neville Brothers

WORKING IN A COAL MINE--  Allen Toussaint

Videos accompany all of them.

Let's Get Celebrating.  --RoadDog

Name That Tune:  "My Grandma and Your Grandma, Sitting By a Fire."



"Iko Iko"




Past Movie Scratches: Avengers-- Avatar-- Shrek-- Shrek-- Valor-- Shrek

Movies seen on TV last year.

19.  THE AVENGERS--  Bad Boy Loki causes the gang to get put together:  Iron Man, Captain America, The Hulk and Thor.

20.  AVATAR--  Mean old greedy humans plan to do away with the Indians...again.  Dazzling scenery and color in Pandora.

21.  SHREK--  The princess has a big green secret.  Donkey skills the show and Farquhar comes up short.

22.  SHREK 2--  Meet the in-laws and do the potions.  A not-so-nice Fairy Godmother.

23.  ACT OF VALOR--  The Seals saving us against those mean old fanatical jihadists.

24.  SHREKTHE THIRD--  King, king, who wants to be king?  prince Charming sure does.  Hail King Artie!!

--RoadDog


Music Deaths: Signe Anderson, Original Jefferson Airplane Singer

SIGNE ANDERSON, 74  Died Jan. 28, 2016  (Same day as bandmate Paul Kantner)

Jefferson Airplane's original lead singer.  Sang on the group's "Jefferson Airplane takes Off" before she quit to raise her child and moved to Oregon.  She can be heard on tghe live album "Jefferson Airplane Live at Fillmore Auditorium 10/15/66 Signe's farewell."

Replaced by grace Slick.

I sure didn't know there was another female singer in the group before Grace Slick.


Top Paying Jobs

From the Nov. 5, 2012, Yahoo! Finance/ Money

In case you're off to college.

1.  Neurosurgeon--  Median pay $368,000.  Top pay $643,000

2.  Petroleum Engineer  Median $161,000  Top pay $265,000

3.  Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA)--  Median $159,000,  Top $205,000

4.  Petroleum Geologist--  Median $149,000  Top $247,000

5.  Dentist  Median  $147,000   Top $253,000

6.  Actuary--  Median $136,000  Top  $208,000

7.  Blogger--  me--  Median  $0,  Top $0.

And, Before This, I was a Teacher.  Where'd I Go Wrong?  --RoadBroke

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You find out you can get sunburned through your car window.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Music Deaths: Paul Kantner Jefferson Airplane and Starship

PAUL KANTNER, 74.  Died January 28, 2016.

Founder, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Jefferson Airplane/Starship.  Jefferson Airplane formed when he and Marty Balin met and decided to form a folk/rock group.  Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, drummer Skip Spence.

A major force in the San Francisco-flower scene.

You had to love "White Rabbit,"  "Somebody to Love" and "Volunteers."



Music Deaths: Glenn Frey

GLENN FREY, 67  Died Jan. 18, 2016.

Guitarist, songwriter and vocalist with the Eagles.  Born in Detroit.  Was in several bands before the Eagles and played on Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man."  Moved to Los Angeles after that.

There, he worked with J.D. Souther and met Randy Meisner, Bernie Leadon and Don Henley who were hired as Linda Ronstadt's touring backup band.  In 1971, they formed the Eagles.  Frey sang lead on most of the band's hits, and there sure were a lot of them.

Including my favorite Eagles song, "Take It Easy."

Friday, February 5, 2016

Movie Scratches: Spotlight-- Fifth-- Star-- Panda

Movie Scratches--  Movies I have seen in the theater this year.

9.  SPOTLIGHT--  1-21--  Fox Lake, $6--  The Catholic Church trying unsuccessfully to hide something horrible because of the efforts of a small group of dedicated journalists.

10.  THE FIFTH WAVE--  1-25--  Fox Lake, $6--  They want Earth, but without the humans.  Rotten U.S. Army.  definitely sequel time.

11.  STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS--  1-28--  Fox Lake, $6--  The Force is strong with her.  A new generation of Jedi.  Han Solo killed by his and Leia's son.  OK, it was the second time I saw t at the theater, but some things just need to be seen on the big screen.

12.  KUNG FU PANDA 3--  2-3--  Fox Lake, $5--  Po meets real Dad, trains clunky relatives and battles Chai.  he also founds his chi.

I Like the Selection of Seasoning for Free at Classic Cinemas.  RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  The trees are whistling for the dogs.


Music Deaths: Mic Gilette, 64: Tower of Power

MIC GILETTE, 64.  Died Jan. 16, 2016.

Founding member and horn player with Tower of Power on such hits as "You're Still a Young Man (#29-1972) and "So Very Hard to Go" (#17-1973).

Played with the Oakland-based group from 1966-1984 when he quit to spend more time with his family.

Played on sessions for Rod Stewart, Santana and the Rolling Stones.

Music Deaths: Clarence Reid, 76: Risque Songs

CLARENCE REID, 76

Recorded an answer to the Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing" entitled "Nobody But You Babe" which went to #40 in 1969.

he wrote and produced for Sam and Dave, Gwen McCrae and Betty Wright and also recorded risque party songs under the name "Blowfly."  Including "Shittin' on the Dock of the Bay."

--RoadDog

Thursday, February 4, 2016

WLS Top Ten for February 4, 1966: "These Boots Are Made for Walking"

1.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie
2. I CONFESS--  New Colony Six   Chicago's own ranking ahead of the Beatles!!
3.  BARBARA ANN--  Beach Boys

4.  WE CAN WORK IT OUT/ DAY TRIPPER--  Beatles
5.  SOUNDS OF SILENCE--  Simon & Garfunkel
6.  LIES--  Knickerbockers
7.  NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE--  T-Bones

8.  MY LOVE--  Petula Clark
9.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
10.  SANDY--  Ronny & the Daytonas

Name That Tune:  "Listen To Me Baby, You Gotta Understand."  --RoadDog



"Lightning Strikes"

Past Movie Scratches-- Part 3: Animal-- Secretariat-- Groundhog-- Hunger-- Fokkers-- Potter

Movies seen on TV in 2015.

13.  ANIMAL HOUSE--  "Christ, seven years of college down the drain."

14,.  SECRETARIAT--  Big Red loves to pose, eat and run.

15.  GROUNDHOG DAY--  "Morons, your bus is leaving."

16.  HUNGER GAMES--  It's regular folks in the Districts killing each other for the plastic, shallow people of the Capital.

17.  LITTLE FOKKERS--  The "Godfokker" of the Byrnes.

18.  HARRY POTTER: CHAMBER OF SECRETS--  Battling giant spiders and the big ol' Snake.

--RoadDog

Past Movie Scratches: Crusade-- Crystal-- Mirror-- Stealth-- Precinct-- Jump

Past Movie Scratches:  Movies watched on TV in 2015.

7.  INDIANA JONES:  THE LAST CRUSADE--  Choose well or die with the Holy Grail, the Fountain of Youth.  We meet Indy's dad, Sean Connery.

8.  INDIANA JONES:  THE CRYSTAL SKULLS--  Now battling the evil Commies instead of the evil Nazis.  Indy survives a nuclear explosion, waterfalls, Indians and aliens.

9.  MIRROR, MIRROR--  A new Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.  Loved the dwarfs.  They were like the Hobbit's dwarfs.

10.  STEALTH--  A computerized military jet (no human pilot) goes rogue.

11.  ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13--  Dirty Cops vs. Good Cops.  A crisis makes strange bedfellows.

12.  WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP--  Hustling basketball in L.A.  Woody proves it ain't so.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Yes, it gets hot in Florida.  But did you know it got this hot?


Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Past Movie Scratches: Museum-- Jump-- X-Men-- See-- Taken-- Recall

These are older movies I saw on TV in 2015.

1.  NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN--  Battling the Bad Guys again, this time in D.C. with big-mouth Custer and flirtatious Amelia Earhart.

2.  21 JUMP STREET--  Cops go undercover at high school.  B.M.O.C.

3.  X-MEN ORIGINS: THE WOLVERINE--  And You THOUGHT you had a bad brother?  Nice Viktor.

4.  NOW YOU SEE ME--  Using magic to take money.  Did not expect the conclusion.

5.  TAKEN 2--  When will the bad guys learn to leave Liam well enough alone?  And, especially don't mess with his family.

6.  TOTAL RECALL--  Spousal abuse"  Both ways.  What's the real story?  Crazy elevators.

--RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  You find out that a seatbelt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

The Groundhog Speaketh: Early Spring (I'm So Happy)

Great news from the animal world, two resident groundhogs have made their prognostications.  Punxsutawney Phil in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, did not see his shadow, nor did more local Woodstock Willie, about 17 miles from here in Spring Grove, Illinois.

Winter is a season to hurry up and get through once we get past Christmas and New Year's.

This one hasn't been too bad so far.  A whole lot better than five years ago when we had the Groundhog Day Blizzard, one of the worst I ever experienced.  We have some snow nut friends who were caught yesterday in the blizzard that hit Utah and points east.  Fortunately, they were able to get to a truck stop in their RV.  You love the snow, pay the price.

We did have a sneak 11-inch November snow and an extremely heavy and wet rain/snow event that deposited anywhere from 4 inches to as much as 12 where it drifts across my driveway the Monday after Christmas.  I was finally able to get the Christmas decorations sitting on the ground out of the ice on Sunday.

I'll be watching some of the 24-hours of "Groundhog Day" movie marathon on Comedy Central today.

Little Furry friends.  --RoadDog


Good Times Last Weekend

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29  Went to Popeye's (not the fried chicken chain) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their most excellent fish fry overlooking the famous Riviera Docks on Geneva Lake.  Great view and plenty of nautical effects as well as some of the best broiled and fried fish, potato pancakes and seasoned fries, cole slaw and hush puppies you're going to get anywhere.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on the way home.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30--  The whole weekend I spent a lot of time chopping back the ice/snow from the sides of the driveway as we had temps into the 40s.

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for their annual Groundhog Days Festival.  This is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed.  Listened to Bob Hudgins, movie site manager, for a bit as he led a large group to the many movie sites around the famed Woodstock Square and downtown.

I walked over to Wayne's Lanes, featured in the movie and watched part of te movie.  Outside of the bowling alley was where they got into the car before going on the chase where they ended up on the railroad tracks.

Last stop was at the Public House by the old courthouse, where the "Drink to World Peace" scenes were filmed, but it was too crowded so came home.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31--  Celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Championship at the Squaw Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, by watching the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and the game.  Huge , loud and appreciative crowd cheering the whole way.

Good Times For All.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Hot water comes out of both taps.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Music Deaths: Gary Loizzo-- Part 2

The group found themselves in great demand for radio commercials and did them for Coca-Cola, American Airlines, Partridge Weiners and the TV show "Temperature's Rising."

The group later changed its name to the R&B Ask Rufus, later shortened to Rufus after Gary Loizzo's departure.  This led to fame for the new lead singer Chaka Khan.  Gary then founded a suburban recording studio where he engineered and sometimes produced acts like Styx, REO Speedwagon, Survivor and Dennis De Young.


Music Deaths: Gary Loizzo of American Breed-- Part 1

GARY LOIZZO, 70, Died Jan. 16, 2016.

Lead singer and vocalist of Chicago's American Breed in the 1960s.  The band formed as Gary and the Knight Lites and had some minor local success with "If I'm Lonely Tomorrow."  You Tube has a lot of Gary and the Knight Lites songs.

The band was discovered by officials of ACTA Records who were snowed in during the Chicago Blizzard of 1967 and the name changed to American Breed.

"Step Out of Your Mind" (#24-1967,"  "Bend Me, Shape Me" (#5-1968) and "Green Light" (#39-1968) were their big hits.  They also charted locally with "Ready Willing and Able."




Chicago Soul Legend Otis Clay Dead at Age 73

From the Jan. 10, 2016, Chicago Tribune Obituaries by Howard Reich.

OTIS CLAY 1942-2016.

He was pegged at various times as a soul singer, gospel titan or a high-energy showman.  he was all of that and more.  He had roots in Mississippi who came to Chcago.  he was a one-time Grammy award nominee and had late 1960s hits with "That's How It Is (When You're in Love" and in the early 1970s "Trying to Live My Life Without You" which became a hit for Bob Seger.  In the 80s, he had "When the Gates Swing Open."

people who influenced him were Duke Ellington, Thomas A. Dorsey, Sam Cooke and Muddy Waters among many others.

Clay was a 2013 inductee, died January 8, 2016, at age 73

In concert, he was a galvanic force and those shows were outstanding.

I got out my two cassettes and two CDs and listened to them over and over after I heard of his death.