Vietnam Vets Remember-- Part 2: Operation Union II

Pete Haley was almost killed in Operation Union II.

It was a search-and-destroy mission in the Queson Valley and involved the 5th Marine Regiment.  It lasted from May 26 to June 5, 1967.  The North Vietnamese lost 594 killed and 23 captured according to U.S. counts.

The Marines lost 110 killed and 241 wounded.

Facing a battalion of North Vietnamese Army regulars, Marines in Haley's unit called in an artillery barrage.

As the enemy got closer to the Marines, so did the artillery shells.  An air burst shell rained shrapnel down on the North Vietnamese and Marines alike, and Haley caught a piece in his arm.

Corpsmen patched Haley up there, and he stayed in the fight, he said.  When it was over, he went to the rear for medical treatment, and he received the Purple Heart medal.

--RoadDog

Vietnam Vets Remember-- Part 1: Operation Union II

Continuing with my honoring the veterans on Memorial Day 2017.

From the May 29, 2017, Indianapolis (Indiana) Star "Vietnam vets remember those from forgotten war" by Ron Wilkins.

"Memories remain, though bitterness has diminished.

"Pete Haley's eyes brighten as he laughs and recalls his youth, his days in the Marine Corps and the lighter moments in South Vietnam, while his friends sitting around the Veterans of Foreign Wars' bar wasted no time busting his chops -- you know, just for the fun of it.

"But the joy drained from the 70-year-old Battle Ground veteran's voice when asked about who he thinks about on Memorial Day.

" ' A lot of my buddies," Haley said as the smile briefly faded from his face.  'May (1967) was a bad month....We had several guys killed on Operation Union II.'"

Remembering Our Veterans This Memorial Day 2017

I missed going to the Fox Lake American Legion Post #703's ceremony at the Fox Lake train station today as I was on my way home from Indianapolis, Indiana, where some friends of mine and I had rented a RV parking spot at the American Legion Post #500 in Speedway, right across from the IMS, Indy 500.

I have gone to the Indy 500 the last six or seven years, but before that always went to the ceremony in Fox Lake.

A Salute To Our Troops, Our Defenders.

Turned 66, But Not On 66

Yesterday my odometer clicked over to 66, but I wasn't on Route 66.

But, we plan to be on Route 66 a lot this year since we are both 66.

Like Paul McCartney, we plan to drive the entire length of the Mother Road this fall.  Doing 66 when you're 66 has long been a dream.

Also, no posts for a few days as I am heading out to Indianapolis for this little old race they have there this time of the year.  Friday is Carb Day and along with final runs, we will be seeing two great bands:  Bare Naked Ladies and the Steve Miller Band.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for May 26, 1967: "Don't You Care"

1.  SOMEBODY TO LOVE--  Jefferson Airplane
2.  I GOT RHYTHM--  Happenings
3.  MIRAGE--  Tommy James & the Shondells

4.  HIM OR  ME--  Paul Revere & the Raiders
5.  DON'T YOU CARE--  Buckinghams
6.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion
7.  MIDNIGHT HOUR--  Michael & the Messengers

8.  RELEASE ME--  Englebert Humperdink
9.  HERE COMES MY BABY--  Tremeloes
10.  WINDY--  Association

39.  STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND--  American Breed   Another Chicago group.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When the Truth is Found To Be Lies."  --Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You're the employee of the month at the local coffee house and you don't even work there.

"Somebody To Love"

North Carolina A & T and Kutztown University

NORTH CAROLINA A&T

The Bears' second pick in Round Four, Tarik Cohen, came from NC A&T.

Located in Greensboro, N.C., the third largest city in the state with a population of 270,000.   Full name North Carolina Agricultural and Technology State University.

A historically black college founded in 1891, now has 10,725 students.  Teams are nicknamed the Aggies and are in Division 1's Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

One of their noted alumni was Ronald McNair, Class of 1972, who died when the Space Shuttle Challenger blew up.

KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Guard Jordan Morgan played at Kutztown and was drafted by the Bears in the 5th Round.

Located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, (population 5,012) in eastern Pennsylvania near Philadelphia.  Established in 1866 as Keystone Normal School, name changed to Kutztown in 1928.

Student enrollment 10,000.  Teams called Golden Bears and participate in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference  Divison II.

--RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You spend your vacations visiting "Maxwell House."

Ashland University

Yesterday, I posted about the players the Bears drafted a few weeks ago.  I'd never heard of the schools three of them came from so did some research.

ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

The Chicago Bears' Second Round choice was Adam Shaheen from Ashland University.

Located in Ashland, Ohio.  Located in northern Ohio, near Lake Erie.   Founded in 1878.  5,700 students.  Ashland, Ohio, has a population of 20,361 and was established in 1815 as Uniontown, but changed its name to Ashland as another city in Ohio already had the name.

The teams are named the Eagles and are in Division II's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

That Ashland.  --Roaddog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You lick your coffee pot clean.

Bears Draft Three Non-Power Five Conference Players

In the recent NFL Draft, my Chicago Bears drafted five players... and three were not from those GRB Power Five Conferences.

1st--  Mitch Trubisky, QB  North Carolina   (Let's hope this is not another Bear wasted quarterback choice.  Our track record for QBs is Very Bad!!  And that goes with our sorry qbs Cutler, Grossman and McNown.

2nd--  Adam Shaheen  TE, Ashland

4th--  Eddie Jackson, Safety  Alabama

4th--  Tarik Cohen, RB  North Carolina A&T

5th--  Jordan Morgan, G  Kutztown

I'd never heard of Ashland or Kutztown.

--RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You can take a picture of yourself from ten feet away without using a timer.

WLS Top Ten for May 19, 1967: "Here Comes My Baby"

Talking about 50 years ago.

1.  MIRAGE--  Tommy James & the Shondells
2.  I GOT RHYTHM--  Happenings
3.  SOMEBODY TO LOVE--  Jefferson Airplane

4.  DON'T YOU CARE--  Buckinghams
5.  MIDNIGHT HOUR--  Michael & the Messengers
6.  HERE COMES MY BABY--  Tremeloes
7.  HIM OR ME--  Paul Revere & the Raiders

8.  SAY SOMETHING STUPID--  Frank and Nancy Sinatra
9.  CAN'T SEEM TO MAKE YOU MINE--  Seeds
10.  SWEET SOUL MUSIC--  Arthur Conley.

39.  STEP OUT OF YOUR MIND--  American Breed   WLS Pushing Our Local Chicago Bands Again.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Spotlight On Lou Rawls Y'all, Ah Don't he Look Tall Y'all." Answer Below.  --  RoadDog


"Sweet Soul Music"

Listening to the Radio This Morning

Right now I am listening to both Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.  Linn Brehmer and Mary Dixon are doing their morning show live at the Dunkin' Donuts in Deerfield, Illinois, for the Cop On the Rooftop effort to raise money for Special Olympics, a good cause.  Sure pity those cops on the rooftop today as it is absolutely miserable to be outside.

Most weekday mornings I listen to WXRT and WVCO, 94.9 FM, the Surf, out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Well, actually Loris near North Myrtle Beach.  They play Beach Music.  Their morning man, Stevie B plays some of the best Beach and oldies ever.  I mean, he digs deep.  Way deep.

And, I am jealous of Myrtle Beach's weather today with sun and temps in the lower 80s.  I'll trade our blustery, overcast and 40s temps.

Of course, I can get WXRT over the local airwaves, but the Surf requires the internet.

I Love the Internet.  --RoadDog

JSS: Miserable Weather Today-- Not the Fault of the Round Lake Spring Carnival-- McHenry Moose Spring Carnival

JSS--  Just Some Stuff.

1.  MISERABLE WEATHER TODAY--  It is 38.4 degrees right now, overcast and with blustery winds.  That is just plain miserable weather.  And that is considering the 80s and sun we had the last two days, even though quite windy.  I wish those Canadians would keep their cold weather and quit sending it here.  No sitting out FP or OD for me today.  (FP--front porch, OD-- on deck)  WXRT's Lin Brehmer pretty well summed up the weather of late.  He said:  "Yesterday it was summer.  Today it is winter.  Tomorrow it is spring."

2.  NOT THE FAULT OF THE ROUND LAKE SPRING CARNIVAL--  However, we can't blame this on the infamous Round Lake Beach Spring Carnival which closed last Sunday.  This carnival has brought weather like we have today ever since 1977 with few exceptions.  That is 40 years of crummy weather and the last twenty it has been held for two weekends in a row.

However, May 5-7 wasn't too bad and last weekend was really nice.  Maybe its streak is over?

3.  McHENRY MOOSE SPRING CARNIVAL--  Just like the groans the Round Lake carnival brings with its arrival, the McHenry Moose Lodge's spring carnival has been bringing the crummy weather for the last fifteen years.  They were actually taking credit for it when we all know it is Round Lake's fault.  The fact was, they had theirs at the same time as the one in Round Lake.

However, they changed dates this year and are having their carnival this weekend.

This Would Make This Crummy Weather THEIR FAULT!!!  JSS  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The only time you're standing still is during an earthquake.

National Museum of African-American Music Groundbreaking

It will be at 5th Avenue and Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.  The groundbreaking was held April 18 and they expect to be in the building by 20-20.

The 2017 Legends Luncheon was held to honor Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, Teddy Riley and David Porter.

Always Great To Have More Museums, Especially One To that Great Black Music.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You have to watch videos in fast-forward.

Music Deaths: Sylvia Moy, Songwriter for Stevie Wonder

SYLVIA MOY, 78

Died April 15, 2017.

Wrote "Uptight (Everything's Alright," "My Cherie Amour" and "I Was Made to Love Her" for Stevie Wonder.

Also wrote "It Takes Two" for Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston and "This Old Heart of Mine" for the Isley Brothers.

Movie Scratches 2017: Beauty-- Kong-- Rangers-- Zookeeper's

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

25. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST--  4-10--  Fox Lake, $6--  He booked and saved her into falling in love with him to break the spell.  Another princess movie.

26.  KING KONG: SKULL ISLAND--  4-11--  Woodstock, $5--  So good, I just had to see it on the big screen a second time.  A hot dog, beer and opening day at Wrigley Field, a World War II vet's dream comes true.

27.  POWER RANGERS--  4-13--  Fox Lake, $6--  Morphin' sure ain't easy, especially with the kookie robot and wall guy.

28.  THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE--  4-24--  Round Lake Beach, $6--  German-occupied Warsaw, Poland  Saving Jews at the zoo.  I really liked that little running camel until the Nazis killed him.  I would nominate this one for Best Picture.

Sticky Cup-Holders.  --RoadDog

2017 Country Hall of Fame Class-- Part 2: Jerry Reed and Don Schlitz

Jerry Reed, from Atlanta, became a country star in the 1960s and was known for his finger-style picking that earned him the nickname "Guitar Man."  This was also the title of one of his signature songs.

Other hits were "When You're Hot, You're Hot" and :"Amos Moses."

He starred opposite Burt Reynolds in the "Smokey and the Bandit" films.  He died in 2008 at the age of 71.

Don Schlitz, 64, is from Durham, North Carolina and has written dozens of top country hits including "The Gambler," "On the Other Hand," "Forever and Ever, Amen," "The Greatest" and "When You Say Nothing At All."

His songs were cut by Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Mary Chapin Carpenter, the Judds, Tanya Tucker and many others.  He has won three CMA Songs of the Year and two Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Love That Country Music.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You sleep with your eyes open.

2017 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees: Jackson, Reed and Schlitz

From the April 6, 2017, Chicago Tribune.

Country stars Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed and songwriter Don Schlitz will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.

Alan Jackson, 58, from Newnan, Georgia, broke out in 1990 with his neo-traditional style of honky-tonk music.  Some of his hit songs include "Chattahoochee," "She's Got Rhythm (And I Got the Blues) and the one that got everyone so badly after 9/11 "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)."

He has earned two Grammy Awards and was named Entertainer of the Year three times by the Country Music Association.

Two More.  RoadDog

Got Our Kicks on 66 This Past Weekend-- Part 3: Pontiac to Towanda

May 7, 2017, Sunday

We went to downtown Pontiac to get a Red Carpet Corridor button (all towns had a different one) but found out they had all been given out yesterday.

Drove to Chenoa and found out the same thing.  No buttons.  They must have been popular.

We then went to Lexington and walked on Main Street awhile, but didn't find any place with buttons.  It is nice to see that the old Filling Station restaurant will be reopening as Kelly's on 66.

Last stop was Towanda where we found about a half mile of the unused old Route 66 lanes converted into a half-mile long classic car show with lots of people and cars.  Sorry to see Schenk's Garage is essentially no more.

We then drove home.

Always a Great Time on the Mother Road.  --RoadDog

Every Blooming THing, Mid-May 2017

The lavender creeping phlox are in full bloom all over the yard as are a yellow perennial (I don't know the name of it, though).

The various hostas are either fully open or about to be.  The lilacs on the west side of the house are blooming.  The trees have all lost their blooms, but the sunburst honeylocusts in the front are about to leaf in that shot of yellow.

I am still busy raking leaves out of the flower beds and trimming off the branches of the Bradford pear tree that was blown down last fall and burning them.  Also, now is the time to trim all the burning bushes and I sure have a lot of them.  Trimming bushes is one of the hardest things I do in the yard.  Next week I start trimming the yews (and I have a lot of them also).

I have also been doing a whole lot of transplanting.

I have a good-sized crop of dandelions, but am working on them.

--Color All Season.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.

Missing My Mom On This Mother's Day

Last year, for Mother's Day, my brother Bob and sister Julie got together with Mom for this day.

It was the last time I saw her as she died in June.

All I can say is to listen to C.W. McCall's "Roses for mama."

Enjoy Your Mother While You Can.

Got Our Kicks on Route 66 Last Weekend-- Part 2: Pontiac

MAY 6, SATURDAY

Into Pontiac, past the Meramec Caverns barn which is looking worse for wear.  Past the Log Cabin restaurant and to the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum where I paid my dues for the association and saw Bob Waldmire's minivan (we we saw so many times before at various festivals.  Went through his bus outside and walked around the wonderful square and that beautiful old court house.  Drove out to I-55 and got a room at the Super 8.

Went back downtown and saw the Kentucky Derby at the Mill Street Tap, then went to Bob and Ringo's and J & J's Bar.  We were happy to find Bull's Place, a bar and gambling place, right by the motel so had a few more cocktails there before walking across the parking lot to our room.

To Towanda.  --Road66

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 7: "I Got Rhythm"

The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard chart.

10.  I GOT RHYTHM--  Happenings   (#3)  From Paterson, New Jersey.
9.  SWEET SOUL MUSIC--  Arthur Conley   (#2)
8.  YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES--  Dave Clark Five   (#7)

7.  LITTLE BIT OF ME, LITTLE BIT OF YOU--  Monkees   (#2)
6.  SOMEBODY TO LOVE--  Jefferson Airplane   (#5)
5.  HIM OR ME--  Paul Revere & the Raiders   (#5)
4.  SAY SOMETHING STUPID--  Frank and Nancy Sinatra   (#1)

3.  HERE COMES MY BABY--  Tremeloes   (#3)
2.  MIRAGE--  Tommy James & the Shondells   (#10)
1.  DON'T YOU CARE--  Buckinghams   (#6)

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When The Truth Is Found To Be Lies."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 6: ""Release Me"

15.  I WAS KAISER BILL'S BATMAN--  Whistling Jack Smith   (#52)  A studio production team from Liverpool, England.  This guy could sure whistle, which he did (and danced) during the whole song.  Give it a listen.

14.  CAN'T SEEM TO MAKE YOU MINE--  Seeds    (#41)

13.  RELEASE ME--  Englebert Humperdink    (#4)   His first and biggest hit.  Had 23 Top 100s.

12.  MIDNIGHT HOUR--  Michael & the Messengers   (No rank)  The Messengers were a Milwaukee group so this was probably another WLS push to local talent.

11.  GIRL, YOU'LL BE A WOMAN SOON--  Neil Diamond   (#10)   Always reminds me of a Gary Puckett and Union Gap song for some reason.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Love You So Much Can't Count All The Ways."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You haven't blinked since the last lunar eclipse.


"Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon"

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 5: "On a Carousel"

20.  YELLOW BALLOON--  Yellow Balloon   (#25)  Their only hit.  Pop quintet from Oregon.

19.  ON A CAROUSEL--  Hollies   (#11)  Allan Clarke lead singer.  Graham Nash left the group in 1968 and became part of CSN.

18.  MY GIRL JOSEPHENE--  Jerry Jaye   (#29)  From Arkansas.  His only hit was a cover of Fats Domino.

17.  SIX O'CLOCK--  Lovin' Spoonful    (#18)  One of my favorites by them.

16.  HAPPENING--  Supremes   (#1)  One of their 12 #1s.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Hey! Life look At Me, I Can See the Reality."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"The Happening"

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 4: "At the Zoo"

25.  GROOVIN'--  Young Rascals   (#1)  Blue-eyed soul pop quartet from New York City.  "On a Summer Afternoon," you know.

24.  AT THE ZOO--  Simon & Garfunkel   (#16)    The "B" side of "59th Street Bridge Song."

23.  MUSIC TO WATCH GIRLS BY--  Andy Williams   (#34)  He had 39 Top 100s 1956-1976  Was this a game show song?  Check out all the hip movement on the girls in the video on You Tube.  Even Don Knotts has a group of gals.

22.  CREEQUE ALLEY--  Mamas and Papas   (#2)  The last of six Top tens for them.  Two of them were from the Mugwumps who were also in this Top 40 at #35.  This song was about the Mugwumps.

21.  BUY FOR ME THE RAIN--  Nitty Gritty Dirt Band   (#45)   Country-folk-rock band from Long Beach, California  One of my first introductions to country rock.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "John and Mitchy Were Gettin' Kind of Itchy."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  Juan Valdez has named his donkey after you.

"Creeque Alley"

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 3: "Little Bit of Soul"

30.  RESPECT--  Aretha Franklin   (#1)  "The Queen of Soul" took an Otis Redding song and made it her own.  Surprisingly, one of only two #1s.  The other one came in 1987.

29.  CASINO ROYALE--  Herb Alpert   (#27)  Title song from the movie featuring David Niven and Peter Sellers.  Blow those horns!!

28.  CLOSE YOUR EYES--  Peaches and Herb   (#8)  Soul duo from Washington, D.C..  Does slow soul get any better than this?

27.  GIRL--  Pride & Joy   )No Billboard ranking)  From Highland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.  Once again, WLS backing our local talent.  never heard this two-minute song.  Man, Chicago Rock was great back then.

26.  LITTLE BIT OF SOUL--  Music Explosion    (D)   (#2)  Biggest hit of two Top 100s.  Does Garage Rock get any better?

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "What You Want, baby I Got It."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Respect"

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 2: "Get Me To the World On Time"

Once a month I do the entire WLS Top 40 and do some research on songs that I don't know.

35.  SEARCHIN'--  Mugwumps   (No Billboard ranking)  This band had members who went on to form the Mamas and Papas and Lovin' Spoonful.  This is the song that "Elvira" by the Oak Ridge Boys was based on.   Give it a listen. Monday Mornin' Feels So Bad Words to "Searchin' but music to "Elvira."

34.  TOO MANY FISH IN THE SEA--  Mitch Ryder   (#24)  Last hit as Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels as Ryder went solo after this where he had five Top 100s.

33.  GET ME TO THE WORLD ON TIME--  Electric Prunes   (#27)  Seattle psychedelic band.  One of two Top 100s.

32.  FRIDAY ON MY MIND--  Easybeats   (D)  (#16)  Formed in Australia and moved to England in 1966.

31.  MELANCHOLY MUSIC MAN--  Righteous Brothers   (#43)  Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield, blue-eyed soul duo.  I had to listen to it as I'd never heard it before.  It begins slow and then builds to a crescendo, Wall of Sound style.

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "Monday Mornin' Feels So Bad, Ev'rybody Seems To Nag Me."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You answer the door before people knock.

"Friday On My Mind"

Got Our Kicks on 66 This Past Weekend-- Part 1: Joliet to Odell

We sure had a great time on Route 66 in Illinois this past weekend.  We drove the Mother Road from Joliet to Towanda (just north of Bloomington-Normal) and made many stops.

SATURDAY MAY 6

We drove to Joliet, toured the museum and then we did he stretch of 66 which we don't usually go on between Joliet and Dwight.

Really sad to see the site of the former Riviera Roadhouse outside of Gardner where we sure had great times there.  Glad we were able to meet the Krafts, and, of course, Bob holding "court" in his bar.  We had root beer floats at the Trolley car Diner and 66 cent pork sliders at Vino's in Gardner.

Stopped at the old gas stations in Dwight and Odell and then went to the Illinois Route 66 Museum and Bob Waldmire bus in Pontiac.

--Road66

WLS Top 40 for May 12, 1967-- 1: "Oogum Boogum Song"

Fifty Years Ago, 1967

The number after the artist is the highest the song got on the Billboard Top 100 chart.  (D)= debut  Facts taken from Joel Whitburn's  "Top Pop Singles 1955-1993."

40.  SUNSHINE GIRL--  Parade  (D)  (#20)  Trio from L.A..  Their only hit.  starts slow, but speeds up.  A great Summer of Love song.  (We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of it this year as well.)

39.  A BEAUTIFUL STORY--  Sonny & Cher   (#53)  They had twenty Top 100s.

38.  OOGUM BOOGUM SONG--  Brenton Wood   (#34)  Born Alfred Smith.  His first hit of four Top 100s.  .  His biggest hit was "Gimme Little Sign" (#9)

37.  MY BABE--  Ronnie Dove   (D)  (50)  Had 20 Top 100s..  A real happy-go-lucky song.

36.  ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER HEARTACHE--  5th Dimension  (#45)  L.A.-based vocal group, their second hot.  Sounded a lot like the Mamas and Papas on this one.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Sometimes It Just Don't Pay To get Out Of Bed."  (Answer Below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You speed walk in your sleep.

"Another Day, Another Heartache"

Music Deaths: Fred Gerace and Terry Fischer (Siegel)

FRED GERACE, 69

First tenor with Little Joey and the Flips.  "Bongo Rock"  (#44-1962)  Sounded a bit like the Dovell's "Bristol Stomp." but a good song.  Their only Top 100 hit, but I listened top other songs on You Tube.  Good stuff.

TERRY FISCHER (SIEGEL), 70

Died March 28, 2017.

One-third of the Murmaids  "Popsicles and Icicles (#3-1964).  One of the best songs of the era. Try not to hum along or move along to this song.   But I always thought it was an all-girl group.

Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor This Weekend: Getting Our Kicks

We are planning on leaving shortly for a short trip down our favorite road in our favorite state.  That would be Route 66 in Illinois.

We'll be starting in Joliet and make our way to Towanda, just north of Bloomington-Normal.

We went on this once before, but haven't been on it for a long time.  I figure to reup my membership in the Route 66 Association of Illinois at the Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac.

Great To Be Back On the Road.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You get a speeding ticket when you're parked.

WLS Top Ten for May 5, 1967: "You Got What It Takes"

Fifty Years Ago.

1.  DON'T YOU CARE--  Buckinghams
2.  LITTLE BIT OF ME, LITTLE BIT OF YOU--  Monkees
3.  SAY SOMETHING STUPID--  Frank and Nancy Sinatra

4.  HERE COMES MY BABY--  Tremeloes
5.  ON A CAROUSEL--  Hollies
6.  YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES--  Dave Clark Five
7.  MIRAGE--  Tommy James & the Shondells

8.  CALIFORNIA NIGHTS--  Leslie Gore
9.  HIM OR ME--  Paul Revere & the Raiders
10.  HAPPENING--  Supremes

Name That Tune (From the above songs):  "I See You Standing In the Alleys and the Hallways."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Mirage"

Record Store Day Albums-- Part 2: The Super Groups

Like the Smash Hits album, this one cost $3 (plus an extra buck off for Record Store Day).

AtCO records, 1841 Broadway, New York, New York.  Division of Atlantic Recording Corporation.  1969  SD 33-279.

See how many performers you can name.  Answers below.

Side One

1.  HOW CAN I BE SURE--
2.  WORDS--
3.  I FEEL FREE-

4.  MR. SOUL--
5.  ELEANOR RIGBY  (Not the Beatles)

Side Two

1.  I CAN'T SEE NOBODY--
2.  STRANGE BREW--
3.  COME ON UP--

4.  TAKE ME FOR A LITTLE WHILE--  (the psychedelic version)
5.  IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA--
6.  BLUEBIRD--

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "Oh, Won't You Come With Me, and Take My hand."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You ski uphill.

1.  Rascals,   2.  Bee Gees,   3.  Cream,   4.  Buffalo Springfield,    5.  Vanilla Fudge

1.  Bee Gees,    2.  Cream,   3.  Rascals,   4.  Vanilla Fudge    5.  Iron Butterfly    6.  Buffalo Springfield

"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"

WLS Best-Selling Records of the 1960s

This appeared on their April 28, 1967 Silver Dollar Survey.

I'M A BELIEVER--  Monkees   (1967)
WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL--  New Vaudeville Band   (1967)
HANKY PANKY--  Tommy James & Shondells   (1966)

CHERISH--  Association   (1966)
DOWNTOWN--  Petula Clark   (1965)
I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND--  Beatles   (1964)
LIMBO ROCK--  Chubby Checker    (1963)

I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU--  Ray Charles    (1962)
WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW--  Shirelles   (1962)
THEME FROM "A SUMMER PLACE"--  Percy Faith   (1960)

Name That Tune (from above songs):  "Those Happy Hours That We Once Knew."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

SOME INTERESTING & IRONIC PREDICTIONS:  "Rail travel at high speeds is not possible because passengers, unable to breathe would die of asphyxia!"  --Dr. Dion Lardner   1830

"I Can't Stop Loving You"

JSS: Frost Advisory-- Miserable Weather-- Round Lake Spring Carnival Curse

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  FROST ADVISORY--  Hard to believe, but this morning we had a frost advisory.  The temperature on our front porch this morning was 34 degrees.

2.  MISERABLE WEATHER--  And, we have had really crummy weather the last week.  Most days it was overcast and threatening storms as well as unseasonably cold and a 10-20 mph wind that blew the cold right through you.

Temp forecast highs:  Today 55, Thursday 52, Fri. 55,  weekend--  mid-50s.

3.  ROUND LAKE SPRING CARNIVAL CURSE--  Yesterday, I went to Round Lake Beach, Illinois, to see a couple movies (since it was too crummy to work in the yard).  I didn't see it going to the theater, but on the way back, there IT WAS.  The various trucks of the infamous Round Lake Spring Carnival were parked out in the parking lot of the stores where they set up every year at the corner of Rollins and Cedar Lake roads.

Actually, with how bad the weather was last weekend, we were joking that the "Carnival must be in town."  It wasn't, but its weather sure was.

Everyone in the Round Lake Area (there are four Round Lake towns) knows about the carnival curse.  With the exception of a couple years, the weather has been crummy ever since I worked it for the Round Lake Area Jaycees back in 1977.

The CURSE of the CARNIVAL.  --RoadDog

Now You Can Get Your 'Cheezborgers" at Jewel (And They Aren't Even Real Cheeseburgers)

From the April 13, 2017, Chicago Tribune "Billy Goat 'Cheezborger' patties coming to Jewel-Osco freezers" by Samantha Bomkamp.

"The famous 'Cheezborgers' sold by Billy Goat Tavern, a Chicago institution, will soon be available at Jewel-Osco stores."  However, the patties won't be coming with cheese.  Just "Borgers" I reckon.

They are available in two sizes: a 3.2 ounce version called "The Original" and a third pounder dubbed "The Curse Breaker."  (You know, the Cubs and all).

The Billy Goat Tavern has been open in Chicago since 1934 and a 1978 Saturday "Night Live" skit featuring John Belushi gave the humble restaurant legendary status.  "Cheezborgers" and other menu suggestions made by owner William "Billy Goat" Sianis, a Greek immigrant, became widespread catch phrases and included "no fries, cheeps!" and "no Pepsi, Coke!" although this was later reversed.

For Cubs fans, Sianis holds another place in lore.  He tried to take his pet goat to Game 4 of the 1945 World Series to bring the Cubs luck against the Detroit Tigers.  But the goat was denied entrance and Detroit won the Series.  As legend has it, Sianis placed a curse on the Cubs.  It would be another 71 years before the Cubs went to another World Series.

Ain't 'Fraid of No Goat.  --RoadDog

SOME INTERESTING AND IRONIC PREDICTIONS:  "Ronald Reagan doesn't have that presidential look,"  United Artists executive after rejecting him for the lead role in the 1964 film "The Best Man."

Music Deaths: J. Geils

Musician J Geils, founder of the J. Geils Band, known for such peppy early '80s pop hits as "Freeze Frame" and "Centerfold," died April 11, 2017 in his Massachusetts home of natural causes. he was 71.

The J. Geils Band was founded in 1967 and broke up in 1985 but reunited off and on over the years.  The band was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the fourth time last fall but was not selected for the 2017 class.

And, they should really be in the Hall of Fame.  One of my favorite groups, both in their R&B era and the '80s.  My Homeroom Angel.

Live or TV: Best Way to Watch Your Sports-- Part 4

IDEAL LIVING-ROOM VIEWING

4.  COLLEGE BASKETBALL--  A good thing to watch on your couch anytime, but especially that March thing, especially now that every game is shown in its entirety on the four stations.  I always hated having to watch a Duke (and I am a big Duke fan) blowout of some little school I've never heard of before when two other schools are having a close game.

Of course, if that little no-name school is beating Duke, i want to watch it.

But, I really hate it when teams go into foul mode at the end and that last minutetakes 10minutes, especially when the team being fouled keeps scoring and a close game becomes a blow-out.

5.  NBA--  Even though their intensity level isn't up to the college b-ball one, but it usually doesn't matter until the last two minutes in the fourth quarter anyway.

6.  NHL--  They really need to come up with a way to make that puck bigger while it is in play going up and down the rink, but not for shots on goal.  Hey, and slow-motion replays.  Those guys move really, really fast.

"He Shoots!  He SCORES!!  --RoadDog

Live or On TV: Which Is the Best Way To Watch-- Part 3

IDEAL LIVING ROOM VIEWING:

1.  NFL--  With all that HD and instant replay and BIG SCREENS!!  You betcha.  Plus, no lines for bathroom or snacks...well, hopefully.

2.  COLLEGE FOOTBALL--  Same reasons as NFL.  And, no one moving down your aisle to go somewhere.  Not to mention rain or REAL COLD.

3.  MLB--  Great pacing and time to do other things, like cut your grass, take a nap.

"It Might Be, It Could Be."  --RoadDog

Live or On TV: Which Sport Is Best for Each-- Part 2

BEST SPORTS TO WATCH IN PERSON

4.  NBA--  See the physicality that goes into the game.  The nail each other.

5.  College Basketball   How do you beat the fun when two top rivals clash.

6.  NFL   You really get the sense of how little game action there is between all the stoppages and time outs.  Also, you'll probably not have a good seat.

--RoadDog

Live Or On TV: Which Sport Is Best For Each-- Part 1

From the May 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune.  By Teddy Greenstein.

They had a panel choose sports in the Chicago market.

BEST SPORTS TO WATCH IN PERSON (My Comments, their rankings):

1.  NHL -- Of course, my biggest problem with hockey is following the puck.  It is way too small.

2.  MLB-- I agree with that.  Nothing like the crack of the bat, the pace of the game, which allows for conversation.

3.  College Football--  Well, it's the whole thing, from tailgating, seeing old friends (especially at Homecoming) and those marching bands.  I also like high school football games for  much the same reason, other than drinking.

Hut, Hut, Hut!!  --RoadBall

SOME INTERESTING AND IRONIC PREDICTIONS:  "Television won't last because people will soon get tired of staring at a little box every night.  Bad investment!!""  D. Zanuck, Producer 20th Century Fox.