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

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Using Up the Chain Crawl Coupons-- Part 2: Hermann's Low Life Bar and NCAA Games

MARCH 24, THURSDAY--  Drove to Hermann's Low Life Bar and Grill in Port Barrington.  This place dates back to the 1920s and hasn't changed much and is a favorite of ours.  Used a Chain Crawl coupon for half off their delicious pizza.  Then we went to Broken Oar for the $1 drafts and then to Half-Times in Johnsburg for their $1 drafts.  We also had an inch of snow with the biggest snow flakes I've ever seen.  watched four really boring NCAA Tournament games.

MARCH 25, FRIDAY--  Went to Walgreen's in Spring Grove and found they were selling all their left-over St. Patrick's stuff for really, really cheap so bought a really, really lot.  We went to the Route 12 Bar and Grill and used another BOGO coupon for their burgers.  I had one of my favorites, a BleuBurger, a half-pound black angus patty with bleu cheese and thick bacon.

We then met a group of friends at the Legion in Fox Lake.  Watched NCAA Tournament games and two of four were real good ones.

I Got friends in Low Places.  --RoadDog

EXERCISE!!  I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Movie Scratches: Eddie-- Triple-- Whiskey-- Egypt

Movie Scratches:  A Dog's-Eye View of Today's Movies.

25.  EDDIE THE EAGLE-- 3-7--  Fox Lake, $6--  They said he couldn't do it (downhill skier).  he proved them wrong.

26.  TRIPLE 9--  3-9--  Fox Lake, $5--  Dirty cops battling dirty Russian Jewish gangsters as well as local low-lifes.  Hard to tell who was the bad guy.

27.  WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT-- 3-9--  Fox Lake, $5--  Tina Fey reports from Afghanistan.  WTF.  Way too much swearing.

28.  GODS OF EGYPT--  3-10--  Fox Lake, $6--  That Set was a real baddie.  Killed his brother, , grandfather and tried to do the same to his nephew.

Hard to Eat Popcorn Quietly.  --RoadDog

Using Those Chain Crawl Coupons: A Taste of the Caribbean in McHenry

MARCH 22, TUESDAY--  We went to Vickie's Place in McHenry, right on the Fox River to use another Chain Crawl coupon.  It was buy one burger, get one free.  This is a place with a definite Caribbean feel to it with a huge deck area and a big stop for boaters during the summer.

They also have some of the best and most unique burgers around.  I had a Big Kahuna which is a half pound Angus with pulled pork, cole slaw and onion straws.  Mighty good eating and it comes along with a side of seasoned fries and onion straws.

We then stopped at Sunnyside.  The big topic there was the horrible terrorist attacks in Belgium.

MARCH 23, WEDNESDAY--  We went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and the Grove in Spring Grove.

Big Kahuna Me.  --RoadDog

EXERCISE!!  I like long walks, especially when they are done by people who annoy me.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Good Times in the Area, St. Patrick's Day Continued

MARCH 20TH, SUNDAY--  OK, so St. Patrick's Day was past, but we soldiered on.    We went to the Spring Grove Fire Department Explorers pancake breakfast.  The Explorers are a part of the Boy Scouts.  We then drove over to Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake and later the Polish Legion in McHenry.  Ran into local character and good friend Jerry there.

We had thought of stopping at the VFW in McHenry, but it was too crowded, so went to Half-Times and then Sunnyside in Johnsburg where we watched a whole lot of the NCAA Tournament.

MARCH 21ST, MONDAY--  Looking at the first four days of the NCAA Tournament, it has been everything that I like about it.  I'd call 23 of the 48 games as good ones, either major upsets or good close games.  I was sure hurt by Michigan State losing to Middle Tennessee on Friday as I had them going all the way to the Championship, but was pulling all the way for Middle Tennessee.  I always support the underdogs.

We have decided to make a last effort to use up our Chain Crawl coupons (which expire at the end of the month) and went to Kross Inn in Ingleside for dinner and used a buy one, get one free one for their sandwiches.  Stopped at the Fox Lake American Legion on the way home.

I Always Wonder Why We Wait Until It Is Almost Time For Coupons to Expire Before We Really make An Effort to use Them.  --RoadDog

EXERCISE!!  I don't jog.  it makes the ice cubes jump right out of my glass!!

Monday, March 28, 2016

Check Out WDRV's Album Madness Brackets on My RoadDog's RoadLog Blog

I have been listing these on my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog since last week.  The Drive, 97.1 FM in Chicago started off with 64 classic albums, all of which you will probably recognize.

Even better, you can vote  for your favorites by going to their site.

They are now in the second round.

--RoadDog

Music Deaths: Arthur Lee Andrew Thompson (Lee Andrews & the Hearts)

ARTHUR LEE ANDREW THOMPSON, 79.  Died March 16, 2016.

Lead singer of Lee Andrews & the Hearts.  Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina and raised in Philadelphia.  His father had sung with the Dixie Hummingbirds.

His "Long Lonely Hearts" (#45 Pop, #11 R&B- 1957) became a Doo-Wop staple.

He also had "Teardrops" (#33 Pop, #3 R&B-1958) and "Try the Impossible" (#33 Pop- 1958).

Music Stuff: Elvin Bishop and Songwriters Hall of Fame

1.  ELVIN BISHOP--  Will be inducted May 4, 2016, into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis.

2.  SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME--  These 2016 inductees were announced March 2,.  They will be inducted in on June 9, 2016, in New York.  They are Marvin Gaye, Chip Taylor ("Wild Thing"), Nile Rodgers and Bernie Edwards ("LeFreak"), Elvis Costello and Tom Petty.

--RoadDog

EXERCISE!!  It is well documented that for every mile that you jog, you add one minute to your life.  This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional five months in a nursing home at $5,000 a month.

Friday, March 25, 2016

JSS: Perhaps Last Snow?-- First Flowers-- Great NCAA Tournament

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  PERHAPS LAST SNOW?--  We had a heavy snowfall yesterday for several hours, but it was warm enough on the ground and roads that none stuck on the asphalt and just maybe an inch on the ground, most of which has already melted today.  At one point we had the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen.

2.  FIRST FLOWERS--  Last weekend, I brought in three daffodils, my first of the season.

3.  GREAT NCAA TOURNAMENT--  The first and second rounds were as good as you can get.  I counted 23 of the games as great ones where it was close.  I had Michigan State picked to go all the way, but you know how that ended.  However, even though I am a big Tom Izzo fan, I always pull for the underdog, so was pulling all the way for Middle Tennessee.

No More SNOW!!--  RoadDog

Good Times in the Area-- Part 5: CB&C, A Band and Adult Easter Egg Hunt

MARCH 18TH, FRIDAY--  Went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes for Sal's corned beef and cabbage dinner.  Stopped at the Legion in Fox Lake on the way home.

MARCH 19TH, SATURDAY--  Stopped for my usual cappuccino and then to the Fox Lake/Grant Township Historical Society meeting and paid my 2016 dues.  We had an excellent talk and presentation on model trains.  There are definitely some really gung-ho model train folks.  Very informative.

In the afternoon, we went to the Legion in Fox Lake and saw Mitch Stevens performing.  The place was packed as the Legion also had an adult Easter Egg Hunt.  Enjoyed a lot more cb&c.  Watched a whole lot of NCAA basketball, as I have been doing since Thursday.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for March 25, 2016: "You Baby"

1.  CALIFORNIA DREAMING--  Mamas and Papas
2.  GLORIA--  Shadows of Knight
3.  19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--  Rolling Stones

4.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  SSgt. Barry Sanders
5.  DAYDREAM--  Young Rascals
6.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
7.  NOWHERE MAN--  Beatles

8.  YOU BABY--  Turtles
9.  ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY--  Bob Lind
10.  SHAPES OF THINGS--  Yardbirds

35.  STOP HER ON SIGHT--  Edwin Starr  (S.O.S.)  #48 Billboard.  His third hit.  Biggest hit was 1970's "War" which went to #1.
38. WALKING MY CAT NAMED DOG--  Norma Tanega  #22 Billboard.  Folk singer from California.  described as one of the weirdest forgotten songs of the 1960s.  Possible drug overtones.

Name That Tune: One of the above songs)  "Fighting Men from the Sky, Fearless men Who Jump and Die."  --RoadDog

FINAL RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older.  Then it dawned on me, they were cramming for their finals.  As for me, I'm just hoping God grades on the curve.

"Ballad of the Green Berets"

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Good Times in the Area-- Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day-- Part 4: NCAA Tournament, Bands and Green Beer

MARCH 16TH, WEDNESDAY--  Movie Day.  Saw "10 Cloverfield Lane" and "Zootopia."  Listened to friends and Irish performers Gregg and Terry Spizzirri on WRLR radio, 98.3 FM and got into an Irish sort of mood.  They'll be playing at that major Irish mecca, Irish Mill in Mundelein tomorrow.

We drove to Cabana's On the Chain on Pistakee Lake and saw Jim Sieg and his band playing all sorts of oldies and country music and then checked out the new Spring Grove Tavern in our town  It is good to have the place open again and great food, so we'll be back.

MARCH 17TH, THURSDAY--  "THE DAY"--  Liz and I went to Half-Times in Johnsburg for their $1 green beer drafts  They were having a St. Patrick's Day party and very crowded with all kinds of folks wearing the green. We especially liked the guy who appeared to be riding on the shoulders of a leprechaun.

Watched the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the best sporting event of the year.

We then went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and met up with our good Irish friends Kevin and Kelly and enjoyed the $1.25 pints and free corned beef sliders, a $3 Irish whiskey shots.  Some great upsets in the tournament with #12s Yale and Little Rock Ark. beating #5s Baylor and Purdue.

Music Deaths: Keith Emerson of ELP

KEITH EMERSON, 71.  Died March 10, 2016.

Played with the group Nice and in 1969, joined King Crimson's Greg Lake and Carl Palmer of Atomic Rooster to form Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

From 1970 to 1992 they released ten Gold Albums.  They were primarily an album-oriented group with few Top 40 singles, actually just one, "From the Beginning" (#39-1972).  However, their "Lucky Man" (#48-1971) is one of my all-time favorites, featuring Keith Emerson on that amazing moog synthesizer.

Music Deaths: George Martin "The Fifth Beatle"

GEORGE MARTIN, 90.  Died March 8, 2016.

Beatles producer from the beginning.  Sometimes referred to as "The Fifth Beatle."  Signed the Beatles to Parlophone Records in 1962.  Also worked with British Invasion groups Gerry & the Pacemakers, Cilla Black, Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas and later America, Cheap trick and the Bee Gees.

A big reason the Beatles were the huge success they became.  I like the Beatles, especially their earlier stuff.


Music Deaths: Gayle McCormick, Singer With Smith

GAYLE McCORMICK, 67, Died March 1, 2016.

Started singing in St. Louis with Steve Cummings & Klassman then went to California and took over a defunct band called Smith.  Was signed to ABC-Dunhill Records and had one big hit with the Shirelles' "Baby It's You" which went to #5 in 1969.  The band had less success after this hit and disbanded in 1971.


Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Going Back to 1967-- Part 4: "Little Bit Of Soul"

I AM THE WALRUS-- Beatles
LIVE AND LET LIVE--Love
MERCY, MERCY, MERCY--  Cannonball Adderly

LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion
I'M WAITING FOR THE MAN--  Velvet Underground
YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME HIGHER--  Jackie Wilson

SOCK IT TO ME--  Mitch Ryder & Detroit Wheels
MORNING DEW--  Grateful Dead
THE BEAT GOES ON--  Sonny & Cher

SOUL FINGER--  BarKays
SWEET HOME CHICAGO--  Magic Sam
HAPPY JACK--  Who

(WE AIN'T GOT) NOTHIN' YET--  Blues Magoos
FRIDAY ON MY MIND--  Easybeats
YOU GOT ME FLOATING--  Jimi Hendrix

SWEET SOUL MUSIC--  Arthur Conley

Name That Tune (From the above):  "Well, One and One Is Two, And Six and Two is Eight."  --RoadDog



"Sweet Home Chicago"

Good Times in the Area: Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day-- Part 3: A Tribute to Harold Ramis

MARCH 13, SUNDAY--  Getting used to Daylight Savings Time.  Pizza and pitchers at Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake.  Stop at Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

MARCH 14, MONDAY--  Took the '03 to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake to get the back lights fixed.  Went to Half-Times for their Monday Happy Hour with 1/2 price appetizers and $1 20 oz. drafts.  Really getting tired of all the political ads as tomorrow is primary day in Illinois.

MARCH 15, TUESDAY--  Took the '11 Malibu to Ray Chevrolet for recall on the seatbelt.  Enjoyed looking at the 2015-1016 Camaros and Malibus.  Probably our next car.    I tried the Taco Bell breakfast offerings, not bad for a buck.

Drove to Woodstock for the Harold Ramis Tribute at the Woodstock Theatre.  First, I saw the movie "London Has Fallen."  I then went to La Placita Taqueria Mexican Restaurant for dinner.  Great burrito.  Even better, this was where the Tip-Top Cafe was in the movie "Groundhog Day" and I sat in the spot where Bill Murray crammed all that food into his mouth.  Harold Ramis was very involved with this movie and directed it as well as co-wrote the screenplay.

I then saw the third of the movies in the tribute to him, "National Lampoon's Animal House."  This is my all-time favorite movie and it was great seeing it on the big screen again.  Until the end, this movie could have been my old fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi.  There sure was a lot of laughing and many, like me, knew the lines essentially by heart.

Laughing All the Way.  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  Why do they put up pictures of criminal in the post office?  What are we supposed to do-- write to these men?  Why don't they put their pictures on postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

Monday, March 21, 2016

Good Times in the Area-- Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day-- Part 2: A Day to Be Green on Saturday

MARCH 11TH, FRIDAY--  Had a follow up on my cataract surgery from last week in McHenry, Illinois.  We then had breakfast at Steak 'N Shake.  Love their breakfast tacos and biscuits and gravy.    For dinner we went to the grant Township Fish Fry at the American Legion in Fox Lake.  The place was unbelievably crowded, but fish excellent.  Then went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

MARCH 12TH,  SATURDAY--  We won the first round of the Battle of the Birdfeeder.  Went to Lake Villa, Illinois for the St. Patrick's parade and saw it at Black Thorn.  Afterwards we had a drink at Black Thorn (an Irish place) and then went to Tracks on Grand for some more before going over to the Lake Villa VFW (who unfortunately had their corned beef & cabbage meals closed down already (at 2:30)

They did have one of the best oldies band we've ever seen, Road Show" so enjoyed two of their sets.

Drove back to Fox Lake and stopped at Lake Front Park where the village was having their St. Patrick's party with corned beef & cabbage meals and a band, Empty Pockets.

Had Enough St. Patrick's for One Day.  --RoadDog

Good Times in the Area: Leading Up to St. Patrick's Day-- Part 1: Plenty O' Civil War and Movies

MARCH 8, TUESDAY--  Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, and met a group of Civil War Round Table members at Papa G's on the historic Woodstock Square (dating to the 1840s) for dinner.  We then had the McHenry Country Civil War Round Table on Grant and Seward at the Woodstock Library.

MARCH 9,  WEDNESDAY--  Saw the movies  "Triple 9" and "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" in Fox Lake and then went to Donovan's in Twin Lakes.

MARCH 10,  THURSDAY--  Saw the movie "Gods of Egypt" in Fox Lake.  Went to Hello Folks in Fox Lake for dinner and playing o' the NTN and $3 Guinness.  Then saw the Irish duo Banna at the Fox Lake Library.  We sure did a lot o'singing and clappin'.  Went to the Route 12 Bar and Grill on the way home.

Gettin' Our Irish On.  --RoadDog

Going Back to 1967-- Part 3: "Soul Man"

(I'M NOT YOUR) STEPPIN' STONE--  Monkees
STRANGE BREW--  Cream
ALABAMA SONG (WHISKY BAR)--  Doors

SUNNY AFTERNOON--  Kinks
SOUL MAN--  Sam and Dave
I CAN SEE FOR MILES--  Who

SEE EMILY PLAY--  Pink Floyd  (Back when I really liked them.)
THE LETTER--  Box Tops
SO YOU WANT TO BE A ROCK AND ROLL STAR--  Byrds

MR. SOUL--  Biffalo Springfield
A HAZY SHADE OF WINTER--  Simon & Garfunkel
PUSHIN' TOO HARD--  Seeds

Name That Tune:  (One of the above songs)  "The Tax man's Taken All My Dough, And Left Me in My stately Home."  (Answer Below)--  RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  Employment application blanks always ask' who is to be notified in case of emergency.'  I think you should write, "A Good Doctor!"

"Sunny Afternoon"


Friday, March 18, 2016

Some Leftover "Green": "Green Onions"

Well, we had our "Green" yesterday.  Here is some more from Bob Stroud's Ten at Ten on WDRV, 93.1 FM in Chicago from yesterday.

All songs have something to do with green.

GREEN EYED LADY--  Sugarloaf
THE GREEN MANISHI--  Fleetwood Mac
GREEN RIVER--  Creedence Clearwater Revival

GREEN GRASS & HIGH TIDE--  Outlaws
GREEN ONIONS--  Booker T. & the MGs
LIMELIGHT--  Rush
GREEN TAMBOURINE--  Lemon Pipers

LET'S STAY TOGETHER--  Al Green  (And there I was trying to figure out what there was in the song about green.  Senior Moment indeed.)
GREENSLEEVES--  Jeff Beck
MONEY--   Pink Floyd

Name That Tune:  "Well, Take Me Back Down to Where Cool Waters Flow."  --RoadDog



(Green River"

WLS Top Ten for March 18, 1966: "California Dreamin'"

1.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  Mamas & Papas
2.  GLORIA--  Shadows of Knight  (Used to play at the Cellar in Arlington Hts., Illinois)
3.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  Ssgt. Barry Sadler

4.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
5.  19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--  Rolling Stones
6.  DAYDREAM--  Lovin' Spoonful
7.  NOWHERE MAN--  Beatles

8.  YOU BABY--  Turtles
9.  ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY--  Bob Lind
10.  HOMEWARD BOUND--  Simon & Garfunkel

Name That Tune:  "You Better Stop, Look Around, Here It Comes."  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I know, when people see a cat's litter box, they always say, "Oh, have you got a cat?"  Just once I want to say, "No, it's for company."

"19th Nervous Breakdown"

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Best Sporting Event of the Year: NCAA Basketball Tournament

Which means I'll be watching a whole lot of college B-Ball the next several days.  I have my favorites, BUT always pull for the underdog, even if they are playing one of my favorites.  My two favorite conferences are the MAC, ACC and Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

My favorites by regional:

SOUTH--  Kansas, Wichita State, Buffalo, Iowa,

WEST--  Duke, Northern Iowa, Green Bay, Oklahoma

EAST--  North Carolina, Indiana, Notre Dame, West Virginia, Wisconsin

MIDWEST--  Virginia, Butler, Purdue, Iowa State, Gonzaga, Utah, Michigan State

Greatest Sports Event in the World.  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I have gotten that dreaded furniture disease.  That's when your chest falls into your drawers.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Round 2 Vs. the Squirrels Goes to the Squirrels

I shouldn't have been bragging yesterday as no sooner had I posted of my great victory over the bushy-tailed rats than I went upstairs, looked out the kitchen window and to my great chagrin, there was a gray bushy-tail feasting up on the bird feeder.

It took a lot of heavy window thumping to convince him to come down.  he then ran off and up into a tree and started watching to see what it was that had so rudely interrupted his meal.  Not seeing anything, he returned to the scene of his "crime" but took a careful walk around the area just to make sure there were no unfriendlies lurking about. He then went over to the pole and pl;aced a paw on it, but didn't climb.

Of course, I was cracking up, laughing at his prevention antics.

He then ran off.

Looks like I will have to go back to the ol' drawing board.

Dadburn Squirrels.  --RoadCan'tBeatADumbOl'SquirrelDog

Going Back to 1967-- Part 2: "Let It All Hang Out"

DOWN ON ME--  Big Brother and the Holding Company  (featuring you-know-who)
ON A CAROUSEL--  Hollies
MR. FANTASY--  Traffic

GROOVIN'--  Young Rascals  (Soon to be just the Rascals)
SHE'S A RAINBOW--  Rolling Stones  (In their psychedelic phase)
PURPLE HAZE--  Jimi Hendrix

LET IT ALL HANG OUT--  Hombres
TRAMP--  Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
HEROES & VILLAINS--  Beach Boys

SHE HAS FUNNY CARS--  Jefferson Airplane  (Always thought this was a funny name for a song.)
I THINK WE'RE ALONE NOW--  Tommy James & Shondells
BABY I LOVE YOU--  Aretha Franklin

Name That Tune:  "Scuze Me While I Kiss the Sky."  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I thought about making a fitness movie for folks my age and calling it "Pumping Rust."

"Purple Haze"

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Round One vs. the Squirrels Goes to Humans

In our continuing battle to keep those squirrels out of the bird feeders, we may have struck one for the human folk.

I had a two-liter pop bottle attached to the iron pole of the schoolhouse feeder (where I put squirrel favorite sunflower seed), but they just reached over it and proceeded to the feast.  On Friday, I added a big plastic planting bucket upside down and above the plastic 2-liter bottle.  It is attached by string to the top of the pole and very movable.

Saturday, Mr. Gray Squirrel came a calling, and to his dismay, found he kept falling off the new bucket.  There were several attempts made and much staring and tail-twitching and puzzled glances, as well as changing positions for better looks, but nothing came to him.

With a last mighty twitch, he ran off down the sidewalk and I haven't seen him back since.

I fill so proud of myself, but also am sure he will figure out a way to get his treats.

But, I WIN Round ONE!!  --RoadDog

Going Back to 1967-- Part 1: "Kind of a Drag"

From Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback show on WXRT, p3.1 FM in Chicago for March 12, 2016.

A great high school year for me at dear old Palatine in Palatine, Illinois.  I was a sophomore and junior that year.  This was the year I met Liz.

ONE MORE HEARTACHE--  Paul Butterfield Blues Band
I'M A MAN--  Spencer Davis Group
I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER--  Stevie Wonder

BROWN EYED GIRL--  Van Morrison
KIND OF A DRAG--  Buckinghams
COLD SWEAT--  James Brown

THERE IS A MOUNTAIN--  Donovan
GOOD MORNING, GOOD MORNING--  Beatles
BOOGALOO DOWN BROADWAY--  Fantastic Johnny C

Name That Tune:  "Hey, Where'd We Go, Days When the Rains Came."  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I was thinking about old age and decided that it is when you still have something on the ball, but you are too tired to bounce it!

"Brown Eyed Girl"

Monday, March 14, 2016

Gas Over $2 Here!! Now $2.20

As I figured, gas prices around here jumped about 25 cents on Friday.  Stations are selling for $2.19 and $2.20, here in northeastern Illinois around Fox Lake (right on the McHenry and Lake County border).

This makes three straight Fridays we've had 20-25 cent increases, followed by a 5-10 cent reduction before the next gouge.

Gas in Fox Lake was $1.48 on February 5, and now $2.20.  That is a 72 cent increase in just over a month.

Glad Somebody's Getting Richer.  Certainly Not Me.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for March 11, 1966: "Gloria"

1.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  Mamas & Papas
2.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  SSgt, Barry Sadler
3.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra

4.  GLORIA--  Shadows of Knight
5.  ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY--  Bob Lind
6.  19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--  Rolling Stones
7.  NOWHERE MAN--  Beatles

8.  DAYDREAM--  Lovin' Spoonful
9.  HOMEWARD BOUND--  Simon & Garfunkel
10.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie

Name That Tune:  "Doesn't Have a Point of View, Knows Not Where He's Going To."  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  I was thinking that women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans!

"Nowhere Man"

Friday, March 11, 2016

Getting Our Irish On

Yesterday, we went to Hello Folks in Fox Lake, Illinois, to eat and play NTN, then went to the Fox Lake Library and saw Banna, an Irish duo, put on their fin and sing-a-long hour of fun Irish music.

Earlier today, I brought up a wreath, , green lights, shamrocks and so forth from the basement and put them up inside and outside the house.

Tonight, we go to the Legion for the Grant Township annual fish fry.

Saturday it is the Lake Villa, Illinois, annual St. Patrick's Day parade and Irish music at the VFW.

And, that's just leading up to the "Real" day on Thursday.

Not Irish, But Irish This Week.  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND:  You know, I spent a fortune on deoderant before I realized that people didn't like me anyway.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Saying Goodbye to Lower Than $2 Gas Prices Around Here

Sadly, the gas stations are getting ready to raise gas prices between 20 cents and 25 cents by tomorrow.  Gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was $1.96 today (and still there at that price at 8:15.  I'm sure it will be at least $2.20 by tomorrow.

They have now raised the price of gas up 20-25 cents every Friday for the past three weeks and then dropped it ten cents during the week until the next Friday.

Sadly, they can raise it 20-25 cents in a matter of seconds.  But to drop 5-10 cents takes a week.

Thanks a Lot Big Oil!!  --RoadDog

Seven Bands That Changed Rock and Roll Music Forever

From the March 7, 2016 Cheat Sheet by Jeff Rindskopf.

1.  Elvis Presley
2.  Beatles
3.  Jimi Hendrix Experience
4.  Led Zeppelin
5.  Pink Floyd
6.  The Clash
7.  Sonic Youth

He has his reasons and a song by each at the site.

What, No CCR!!??  --RoadDog

RAMBLINGS OF A RETIRED MIND (From the Orange Peel Gazette):  I was thinking about how a status symbol of today is those cell phones that everyone has clipped on (or, are looking at).  I can't afford one and wouldn't know how to operate it anyway.  So, I'm wearing my garage door opener.

Music Deaths: Lenny Baker, Sha-Na-Na

LENNY BAKER, 69.  Died February 24, 2016.

Sax player with Sha-Na-Na.  Joined the group after Woodstock.  That was him you heard singing "Blue Moon" on the movie "Grease" soundtrack.


Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Music Stuff: Van Morrison, Glenn Frey, Elvin Bishop

1.  VAN MORRISON was officially knighted (as Sir Ivan) by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace on Feb. 4. The new Sir Ivan remarked that he'd been in the music business for 53 years and "that's not bad for a blue-eyed soul singer from East Belfast."

2.  GLENN FREY DRIVE--  On Feb. 11, 2016, the City of Royal Oak, Michigan and the Royal Oak School Board voted to rename a section of Willis Avenue as "Glenn Frey Drive," in honor of the Eagles'member who just died and grew up there.

3.  ELVIN BISHOP--  to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis on May 4.

--RoadDog

TEEN ATTIRE:  A teen-aged boy with spiked hair, nose ring and baggy clothes was overheard telling a friend, "I don't really like dressing like this, but it keeps my parents from dragging me everywhere with them."

Music Deaths: Sonny James "The Southern Gentleman": Johnny Cash Signed His Album for Me

SONNY JAMES, 87.  Died Feb. 22, 2016.

"The Southern Gentleman" of country music.  Born James Loden in Alabama.  Performed with his family on Mississippi and Alabama radio stations where he was called "Sonny Boy."  Korean War veteran.

Sonny James charted 72 times on country Billboard charts and had 21 #1s and crossed over to the Pop Charts 18 times with "Young Love" being by far his biggest hit.  It went to #1 in 1957.

His "First Date, First Kiss" went to #25 on the Billboard Pop charts in 1957, but the rest of his crossovers mostly peaked in the 80s.

He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hit Parade Hall of Fame and Alabama Music Hall of Fame and retired in 1983, spending the rest of his life doing his second love- fishing.

I saw him at a concert back in 1968 and bought an album, "Heaven Says Hello."  After the show, i was waiting for him to come out to sign it and saw Johnny Cash exiting and asked him for an autograph.  He said yes, but all I had was the Sonny James album, but he signed it anyway, but laughed.

So that's the story of how my Sonny James album came to have Johnny Cash's signature.




Tuesday, March 8, 2016

JSS: No More Snow-- So Sad, Part 1-- So Sad, Part 2

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  NO MORE SNOW--  As of this morning the last of the snow we got last week has officially melted here at the house in Spring Grove, Illinois.  Let's hope that ends it for the season.

2.  SO SAD, PART 1--  I saw the video of the fan keeping the youngster from getting hit in the head by a bat at a spring training game.  The kid was completely oblivious of the bat coming at his head as he was, you guessed it, completely absorbed in his cell phone.  Smart Phone Indeed!

3.  SO SAD, PART 2--  The Feb. 25, 2016, Speed Bump comic strip showed seven 4-5 year-olds sitting and one standing, all eyes glued to cell phones.  You see the word "Duck" six times above them in balloons and the word "Goose" once.

Oh, Woe Is Us.  --RoadDog

10 Great Cheesy Action Movies of the 90s

From October 19, 2012, Listverse.

Movies that manage to work despite bad acting, script, editing, effects and you-name-it.  Thanking Nicholas Cage who made the list three times.

10.  Armageddon (1998)
9.   Broken Arrow  (1996)
8.  Battlefield Earth

7.  Demolition Man (1993)
6.  Days of Thunder  (1990)
5.  Dragon Heart  (1996)
4.  Con Air  (1997)

3.  The Chase  (1994)
2.  Point Break  (1991)
1.  Face/Off  (1997)

Well, I Like Nicholas Cage.  --RoadDog

THE LAST KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
Teacher:  What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
Pupil:  A teacher.
RoadDog:  very Funny.

Monday, March 7, 2016

JSS: I Can See-- Gas Gouge-- A Band and a Hockey Game-- Congrats to NIU Basketball

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  I CAN SEE--  Thursday I had cataract surgery at Cigna Hospital in McHenry.  It is so wonderful to have sight again in my left eye.  I could see nothing but faint shadows out of it the last several months.

2.  GAS GOUGE--  On Fridays for the last three weekend, our local gas stations have jumped the price of gas up by 20-25 cents and then lowered them about ten cents during the next week before raising them again.  Thanks a lot, guys.

3.  A BAND AND A HOCKEY GAME--  This weekend, we saw a two-piece band Saturday afternoon at the Legion in Fox Lake, Illinois called the Honeymooners and then yesterday watched the Blackhawks play the Detroit Redwings.

4.  CONGRATS TO NIU BASKETBALL--  Friday, the Northern Illinois University men's basketball team closed out their regular season with their 20th win over division rival Ball State.  This was the first 20-game winning season since the 1994-1995 season and only the 4th time in our history.  Tonight we play in the first round of the MAC tournament.

My Advice to You, get Your Gas on Thursday Before the Gouge.  --RoadDog

100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics 1990s 2000s-- Part 3

There were a lot of foreign titles plus ones I didn't ever hear about, so I left them off.

Boogie Nights
L.A. Confidential
The Sweet Hereafter
Titanic
The Big Lebowski

There's Something About Mary
American Beauty
Being John Malkovich
Election
Almost Famous

Mulholland Drive
The Royal Tenebaums
The 40 Year Old Virgin
The Bourne Ultimatum
No Country for Old Men

There Will Be Blood
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
Wall-E
Avatar

The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds

--RoadDog



100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics 1990s-2000s-- Part 2

The Shawshank Redemption
Red
Babe
Before Sunrise
Clueless

Heat Living In Oblivion
Toy Story
Fargo
Scream
Titanic

The Big Lebowski
Saving Private Ryan
Fight Club
The Matrix
The Sixth Sense

Three Kings
Lord of the Rings
The Pianist
Finding Nemo
Anchorman: The Legacy of Ron Burgundy

--RoadDog

100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics 1990s and 2000s-- Part 1

From 2012 Yahoo! Movies

Goodfellas
Misery
Beauty and the Beast
The Silence of the Lambs
Terminator 3: Judgement Day

Thelma & Louise
Hard Bodies
Malcolm X
The Player
Raise the Red Lantern

Supercop
Unforgiven
Dazed and Confused
Groundhog Day
Schindler's List

Chunking Express
Ed Wood
Forrest Gump
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Pulp Fiction

--RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
Teacher:  Morris, your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's.  Did you copy his?
Morris:  No, teacher, it's the same dog.


Friday, March 4, 2016

Movie Scratches: Deadpool-- Single-- Risen-- Race

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

21.  DEADPOOL--  2-23--  Fox Lake, $5--  Interesting name.  A potty-mouthed, oversexed and smart aleck hero like you've never seen before.

22.  HOW TO BE SINGLE--  2-23--  Fox Lake, Free--  Finding and losing the love of your life in NYC

23.  RISEN-- 2-25--  Fox Lake, $6--  Christ crucified and risen and aftermath through a Roman's eyes.

24.  RACE--  2-29--  Fox Lake, $6--  Battling racism at home and Nazis in Berlin.  Four Gold Olympic Medals!!

I Like Those Occasional Free Movies.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 Survey for March 4, 1966-- Part 5: "Ballad of the Green Berets"

10.  NOWHERE MAN--  Beatles
9.  HOMEWARD BOUND--  Homeward Bound
8.  19TH NERVOUS BREAKDOWN--  Rolling Stones

7.  ELUSIVE BUTTERFLY--  Bob Lind
6.  GLORIA--  Shadows of Knight
5.  LIGHTNING STRIKES--  Lou Christie
4.  LISTEN PEOPLE-- Herman's Hermits

3.  BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS--  S.Sgt. Barry Sadler
2.  THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING--  Nancy Sinatra
1.  CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'--  Mamas & Papas

Ron Riley 7:00-9:00 p.m. Mon-Fri.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Name That Tune:  "Doesn't Have a Point of View, Knows Not Where He's Going To."  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
Teacher:  Now, Sam, tell me frankly, do you ay prayers before eating?
Sam:  No sir, I don't have to.  My mom is a good cook.

"Nowhere Man"

Thursday, March 3, 2016

WLS Top 40 Survey for March 4, 1966-- Part 4: "Magic Town"

20.  BABY SCRATCH MY BACK--  Slim Harpo   Went to #16 on Billboard, his biggest hit.  Blues-harmonica player.
19.  BATMAN--  Markettes
18.  YOU BABY--  Turtles

17.  MY LOVE--  Petula Clark
16.  GEORGIANA--  Princetons
15.  DAY DREAMING--  Lovin' Spoonful
14.  AT THE SCENE--  Dave Clark Five

13.  MAGIC TOWN--  Vogues
12.  WORKING MY WAY BACK TO YOU--  Supremes (Four Seasons) ?  Supremes
11.  I FOUGHT THE LAW--  Bobby Fuller Four

Name That Tune (From the above list.  Answer below):  "From the Time I Fall Asleep, 'Till the Morning Comes."  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:  Teacher:  George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted doing it.  Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?
Johnny:  Because George still had the axe in his hand.

"You Babe"

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

It Is Not Really Winter in Chicago Until...-- Part 3: Dirty Snow Plows

It is Not Really Winter in Chicago Until:

You've cursed at other people for declaring dibs for a parking spot.

You've greedily taken the parking spot of someone else who cleared a space but was too naive to claim t with an ugly chair.  (In other words, DIBS.)

You've planned a winter vacation to somewhere warm or at least checked into it or airfares.

The waves on lake Michigan freeze.

You've heard at least one story about someone who has slipped on the ice and broken a bone.  If you're lucky, that person isn't you.

You've flipped off or said bad things to your friendly neighborhood snow plow operator after they deposit all that super heavy snow on your driveway which you have just cleared.

--RoadDog




It's Not Really Winter In Chicago Until...-- Part 2: The Art of Declaring Dibs

After we received a quick four inches of heavy snow yesterday.

IT'S NOT REALLY WINTER IN CHICAGO UNTIL:

You've gained 5 pounds.

Everything about you -- clothes, hair, skin --  feels hideous.

You don't care how you look.  You'd rather be safe and warm than attractive.

You assure your friends who live in warm places who take sadistic pleasure in pointing out how toasty they are, that Chicago winters aren't really that bad.

You've told these folks that our winters make us tougher than everybody else.

You've spent an entire day inside because it is too cold and miserable to go outside.

Until you have declared dibs on a parking spot in the street.  (This is a Chicago institution.)

This Means War If You Take My Spot!!  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 Survey for March 4, 1966-- Part 4: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"

25.  I'M SO LONESOME I COULD CRY--  B'J. Thomas

24.  WOMAN--  Peter & Gordon

23.  CALL ME--  Chris Montez  Went to #22 on Billboard.  He was a protege of Ritchie Valence.  His biggest hit was "Let's Dance" which went to #4 in 1962.

22.  MY WORLD IS EMPTY WITHOUT YOU--  Supremes

21.  WHAT NOW MY LOVE--  Sonny & Cher    Went to #14 on Billboard.  Written in France in 1962.

Dex Card  plays all Silver Dollar Survey Hits daily 2:00 to 6:00 p.m..

Featured Albums

With Respect to Nat by the Oscar Peterson Trio

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears--  Mamas & Papas

Name That Tune: "As I Go My Way Alone, I Find It Hard for Me to Carry On.:"  RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
Teacher:  Can anybody give me an example of coincidence?
Johnny:  Sir, my mother and father got married on the same day, same time.


"My World Is Empty Without You"

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

WLS Top 40 Survey for March 4, 1966-- Part 3: "Batman"

30.  OUTSIDE THE GATES OF HEAVEN--  Lou Christie   Really great song.  Went to #45 Billboard.  Follow up to his #1 "Lightning Strikes" (which was #5 on this week's WLS Survey).Born Lugee Sacco in Pennsylvania.

29.  BATMAN--  Neal Hefti    His only top 100, went to #35.  This was the original TV them,e song you heard when you saw the show., starring Adam west and Burt Ward.  Jan and Dean even had a "Batman" that went to #66.  The Markettes also had a "Batman" on the WLS Survey at #19.  It was a biggie.  I know i watched this show and "The Monkees" all the time.

28.  WAIT A MINUTE--  Tams   OK, when I first saw the group name I thought it was that great Soul/Beach Music group out of Atlanta by that name.  Went to #76 on Billboard by Tim Tam & the Turn Ons out of Detroit.  Featured Rick "Tim tam"  Weisend.  Had that great falsetto voice and was a throw-back to 1950s Doo Wop.  Very Four Seasonish.  Also, listen to their "Cheryl Ann" song.

27.  MOULTY--  Barbarians  Went to #90.on Billboard.    Part a talk song, part a romp.  From Provincetown, Massachusetts.  Follow up to their "Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl."

26.  LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND--  Deon Jackson

Name That Tune:  "When the Angels Looked Down They Saw You Walk away."  --RoadDog


"Outside the Gates of Heaven"

WLS Top 40 Survey for March 4, 1966-- Part 2: "Answer To My Prayer"

36.  WHEN LIKING TURNS TO LOVE--  Ronnie Dove   From Herndon, Va.  Slow song.  "What a wonderful, wonderful feeling."

35.  I WANT TO GO WITH YOU--  Eddie Arnold  (Actually, Eddy)  Went to #18 Billboard.  Follow up to his biggest pop hit "Make the World Go Away."    Eddy Arnold is ranked the #1 Country Artist by Joel Whitburn from 1944-1993.

34.  PHOENIX LOVE THEME--  Brass Ring    Instrumental, one of two Top 40s for this New York studio band.  From the movie "Flight of the Phoenix."

33.  HUSBANDS AND WIVES--  Roger Miller   Went to #26 Billboard pop chart.  Slow song and follow up to "England Swings."  Born in Texas, but raised along Route 66 in Erick, Oklahoma.

32.  DON'T YOU KNOW--  Keith Everette   Didn't rank in Billboard, but went to #10 on crosstown WCFL.  Flip side was "Conscientious Objector" which called them cowards.

31.  ANSWER TO MY PRAYER--  Neil Sedaka   Went to #89 on Billboard.  His last Top 100 until 1974's "Laughter in the Rain."  Good song that should have done better.

Name That Tune:  "Two Broken Hearts Lonely, Looking Like Houses Where Nobody Lives"  --RoadDog

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS:
TEACHER:  Ellen, give me a sentence starting with 'I'.
Ellen:  I is...
Teacher:  No Ellen....  Always say, 'I am.'
Ellen:  All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.

"Husbands and Wives"