DeKalb Footstompers Set List 3-25-18-- Part 2: "Ring of Fire"

We were having the party for Double D's 50th birthday.  he definitely seemed to be enjoying himself.  It was good to hear the band again, a bit strange with keyboards instead of Oscar on the accordion.

Born On the Bayou
Huskie Fight Song  (NIU, you know)  "Any Huskie fans in here?"  Real big cheer.
Ring of Fire

Honky Tonk Woman
Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother  "From McHenry, Illinois, USA."
Mustang Sally

In Heaven There Is No Beer
Please Help Me I'm Falling
Shake, Rattle & Roll

Bye Bye Blackbird
I'm Your Mailman
Rocky Top

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "And, He's Not Responsible For What He's Doing."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY:    AQUADEXTROUS:  Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub faucet on and off with your toes.


"Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother"

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Today: Five Objectives of the Day

Congress outlined five objectives for National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

The primary one one to thank and honor the veterans and their families on behalf of the nation for their service.

2.  Highlight the service of the armed forces and support organizations during the war.

3.  Pay tribute to wartime contributions at home by American citizens

4.  Highlight technology, science and medical advances made during the war.

5.  Recognize contributions by U.S. allies.

While typing this, I was listening to WBRF 98.1 FM out of Galax, Virginia, and they played the song "Riding With Private Malone" by David Ball.  It sent shivers up my spine as I was typing about the Vietnam War as I am presently doing.  It always has hit me hard. The deejay obviously didn't know about today being what it is as he didn't say anything about it.  Give it a listen and watch the video on You Tube.

Right now I am listening to "Still in Saigon" by Charlie Daniels.  Another one which hits home.

I  must admit that I didn't either until I came across the article in yesterday's Chicago Tribune which I wrote about in all of today's blogs.

A Day to Reflect.

DeKalb Footstompers Set List 3-25-18--Part 1: "NIU Sorority Bitch"

So sad to see them go, but we sure had 45 years of good stompin' fun with them.  An NIU Homecoming would not be homecoming without them playing at Andy's and later Lord Stanley's.  I don't know what we'll do now.

And, three of the four members: Rick Peterson, Dave Guzzardo and Oscar Forsman have been with the group since the beginning in March 1973.

What other groups do you know of that have a guy on guitar, drums and then one on tuba and one on accordion?  I tell you, you haven't lived until you hear them play "Purple Haze."

Their third to last performance was March 25, 2018, at After the Fox in McHenry, Illinois, at Double D's birthday party, but it was open to everyone and there sure were a lot of Footstomper fans there saying goodbye.  Oscar Forsman wasn't there, but Dave's brother Rick ably filled in.

Set List:

It's All Over Now
Bad Moon Rising
NIU Sorority Bitch

Folsom Prison Blues
Margaritaville
Beyond theSea

Too Much Fun.  --RoadDog

WORDS NOT YET IN THE DICTIONARY:  (From Wassup Magazine):  ACCORDIONATED:  Being able to drive and refold a road map at the same time.   Or, for that matter, refold a road map anytime, anywhere.

Busy Weekend-- Part 3: DeKalb Footstompers, After the Fox, PLAV and Tommy's

SUNDAY, MARCH 25

As usual, listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots in the morning.

We drove to After the Fox in McHenry to see one of the last performances of one of our very favorite groups, the DeKalb Footstompers, who are calling it quits after 25 years of playing together.  Three of the four members are originals.

They just announced they have just three more shows and this was one of them.

And, a unique band they were, playing lots of oldies, polkas and quite a few of their own songs which couldn't be played around children anyway.

As we figured, the place was standing room only and we sure had a great time.  I'll write down their playlist on another post.  Afterwards, thanked them for 45 years of really good times.

Afterwards, we went to the PLAV (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry and then to Tommy's in Spring grove.

--RoadDog

Busy Weekend-- Part 2: Civil War, Half-Times, B-Ball

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Drove to Crystal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting.  Out topic was the war in Arkansas and Missouri with particular emphasis on the Battle of Pea Ridge.  Afterwards, I stopped at one of the few stores I still like to visit, Barnes & Noble and bought a CD, book and magazine.

We went to Half-Times in Johnsburg for the NCAA  Tournament game and the place was standing room only with a whole lot of cheering.  Ran into one guy who was wearing a USS Jacinto hat as his dad served on that ship during World War II.  My friend's dad had also served on that ship during the war and he had given me a Jacinto hat as well, so, that ship definitely wasn't forgotten today.

--RoadDog

Busy Weekend-- Part 1: NCIS, Fatty's, Pizza Pros, Lincoln Inn, One-Room Schoolhouse and the Legiom

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

We went to DeKalb, Illinois, to the campus of Northern Illinois University and heard the Director of NCIS, the real director, not the TV one, Andrew Traver speak.  He is also receiving the NIU Distinguished Alumni Award.

Afterwards, it was to Fatty's and Pizza Pros on Lincoln Highway to watch the NCAA Tournament games.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23

We ate at the Lincoln Inn on Lincoln Highway in downtown DeKalb, then went to an 1880s one-room schoolhouse on the way home.  We later went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50 and watched the NCAA games there and at home in Margaritaville.

This Sure Is One Great Tournament.  --RoadNCIS

Saying Our Goodbyes to the DeKalb Footstompers

In just a short time, Liz and I are going to leave to go to the After the Fox bar and grill in McHenry, Illinois,  to see one of our all-time favorite bands, the DeKalb Footstompers, play one of their last shows.  They announced a few weeks ago that they had three more shows and then it was all over.

They started in DeKalb, Illinois, back in 1973 and we have seen them many, many times since then.  They especially have played at NIU's homecomings all these years since 1973, first at Andy's and of late at Lord Stanley's.

We sure are going to miss them.

Plus, this is the last year for two other favorites of ours, Pat Dailey and New Odyssey.

In addition, another favorite of ours, Terry Spizzirri, died last summer.

Sure Gonna Miss Them.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for March 25, 1968: "I'll Always Think About You"

Fifty years ago this week.  Songs on the WLS, 890 AM, Silver Dollar Survey.

1.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six    Chicago's own.
2.  LADY MADONNA--  Beatles
3.  VALERIE / TAPIOCA TUNDRA--  Monkees

4.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap
5.  SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--  Aretha Franklin   75 years old today, 2018.
6.  LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU--  Delfonics
7.  DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding

8.  KISS ME GOODBYE--  Petula Clark
9.  SIMON SAYS--  1910 Fruitgum Co.
10.  THE BALLAD OF BONNIE & CLYDE--   Georgie Fame

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Baby Baby, Sweet Baby, There's Something I Got To Say."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog



"Since You've Been Gone"

I'd Celebrate That!!-- March 25-31: Vietnam Vets Day

**  I'd celebrate that.

MARCH 25, SUNDAY--  Medal of Honor Day**  Really hard to get one of these.  Very deserving.

MARCH 26, MONDAY--  Epilepsy Awareness Day**

MARCH 27, TUESDAY--  World Whiskey Day**   American Diabetes Association Alert**

MARCH 28, WEDNESDAY--  Manatee Appreciation Day **  With or without tee shirts.

MARCH 29, THURSDAY--  Vietnam Vets Day**  Mom and Pop Business Owners Day**

MARCH 30, FRIDAY--  Doctors Day**

MARCH 31, SATURDAY--  Oysters on the Half Shell Day**  Well, used to be able to celebrate it, anyway.

APRIL 1, SUNDAY--  Easter**

--RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  An "all-nighter" means not getting up to use the bathroom.

University of Maryland Baltimore County

I did some research on this school as I had never heard of it before.

It has 13,640 students and opened in 1966 as a result of the Baby Boom.  The US News & World Report has ranked it #1 on the Up-and-Coming Universities for six years in a row.  We know their basketball program is certainly up-and-coming now.

It was the first public college in Maryland to allow Blacks to attend.  That is something in light of what the City of Baltimore has done to its Confederate monuments.

Their athletic teams are called Retrievers after the State Dog, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

It is located in Catonsville, Maryland, about twenty minutes from Baltimore.

--RoadDog

Some More About That University Maryland Baltimore County Win

The game was tied 21 apiece at half time, when I noticed the score and turned to that channel.  Could it be the first time in 135 times that a #16 defeated a #1 in the First Round?

Virginia has the best defense in the country and is coached by Tony Bennett, son of Dick Bennett, who brought UW-Green Bay to prominence and then went to the University of Wisconsin and resurrected that program.  Both coaches are among my favorites.  Just a week ago Virginia had been cutting down the nets after winning the ACC Tournament.  Now, here they were having a hard time against a team I'd never heard of before.

As one paper headlines:  "March Madness will never be the same."

Sure Made My Day.  --RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  "Getting Lucky" means finding your car in the parking lot.

NCIS Director Andrew Traver to Speak At NIU Thursday

This is the real NCIS, not the ones on TV.  That's Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Andrew Traver will be giving a lecture "From Douglas Hall to the Pentagon -- One NIU Huskie's Journey."  Traver is NIU Class of '85.  This should be an interesting talk, especially coming from an NIU grad.  Plus, Liz and I are big fans of all three of the NCIS TV shows.

This is part of the "Experience NIU" lecture series.  It is free and will be held at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at 6 p.m..  Admission by ticket.

There will also be a reception held at 5 p.m..

Liz and I will be going to it.

Looking Forward to It.  --RoadNCIS

Wasn't That UMBC Defeat of Virginia Something?!!

Of all those great games played in the NCAA College Basketball March Madness last weekend, this was the absolute most exciting one.  This was the first time ever that a #16 seed had defeated a #1 and, not just any #1, but the #1 of the #1s.  Wow.

I was watching it in our basement bar, Margaritaville, but not until half time when I saw the score was 21-21.  Something I definitely would have to watch.  Now, I had Virginia picked to go all the way to the national championship, and what a year they had.  I am a big ACC fans and my two favorite big guy schools are North Carolina and Duke, also ACC teams.

But, I was pulling all the way for UMBC.  I eventually figured out the UM stood for University of Maryland.  Wan't sure what the BC was, though.

I just knew that Virginia was going to come back until about three minutes left.  By then, UMBC was piling on the points before winning 74-54!!

I always pull for the little guys, even if they are playing my Big guys.  Earlier this season i was so happy when little Wofford beat Carolina.  It was too bad that UMBC lost on Sunday, though.  But what a story!!

Way to Go University of Maryland Boston County!!  --RoadRetriever

12 McDonald's Food Items That Failed Spectacularly-- Part 1: McLobster

From the August 30, 2011 Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance.

1.  McLobster--  Lobster meat shoved into a hot dog bun for $5.99.  I saw it advertised in a trip to Maine, but figured I could get one back home in Illinois.  I was wrong.)

2.  McGratin Croquette--  Japan   Deep-fried macaroni / shrimp /mashed potatoes.  Now, this sounds good.

3.  Hula Burger--  Meatless for Catholics.  Grilled pineapple, slaw and cheese.

4.  McPizza--  Late 1980s.  Made-to-order, but took too long for starving patrons.

--RoadDog

The Drive Salutes the Loop On Its Last Day: "Spirit of Radio"

Surprisingly, Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive, gave a last salute to its competition WLUP, 97.9 FM, the Loop, on March 9, 2018.  Both stations played classic rock, although the Loop's music was considerably harder in some songs (which was why I stopped listening to them).

Bob Stroud, in his Ten at Ten, played songs he associated with the Loop.  He worked at that station for a long time as well.

LIGHTS OUT (Live)--  UFO
FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME--  Foreigner
MISS YOU--  Rolling Stones

FULL MOON TURN MY HEAD AROUND--  Off Broadway
HEY HEY MY MY (INTO THE BLACK)--  Neil Young
ROCK 'N ROLL FANTASY--  Bad Company
SGT. PEPPER' S / A DAY IN THE LIFE--  Beatles

SPIRIT OF RADIO--  Rush
SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA--  Survivor
HIGHWAY TO HELL--  AC/DC     Which turned out to be the last song played on the Loop.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Season Ticket On a One Way Ride."  --Answer Below.  --RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  "Gettin' a little action' means you don't need to take a laxative today.



"Highway to Hell"

WLS Top Ten for March 18, 1968: "Simon Says"

1.  VALERIE / TAPIOCA TUNDRA--  Monkees
2.  DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding
3.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six

4.  SIMON SAYS--  1910 Fruitgum Company
5.  JUST DROPPED IN--  First Edition
6.  LOVE IS BLUE--  Paul  Mauriat
7.  KISS ME GOODBYE--  Petula Clark

8.  LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU--  Delphonics  (Delfonics)
9.  LADY MADONNA / THE INNER LIFE--  Beatles
10.  SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--  Aretha Franklin

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Wonder How You Manage To Make Ends Meet."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog


"Lady Madonna"

I'd Celebrate That!!-- March 18-24" Goof Off Day This Thursday

**  I'd celebrate that.

MARCH 18, SUNDAY--  Sloppy Joe Day**

MARCH 19, MONDAY--  Certified Nurses Day**  , Poultry Day**  Umm!  Chicken Wings and Fried Chicken.

MARCH 20, TUESDAY--  Ravioli Day**

MARCH 21, WEDNESDAY--  Single Parent Day**  that's a really rough job.  French Bread Day**

MARCH 22, THURSDAY--  Goof Off Day**  Every Day for Me.    Water Day**  With my bourbon.

MARCH 23, FRIDAY--  Chip & Dip Day**  Three of my favorite words.

MARCH 24, SATURDAY--  Tortilla Chip Day**  Add some salsa.

--RoadDog

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

Way Too Much Going On This Weekend: Getting Our Green On

It's gonna be a green time in the old area this weekend, but way too much.

Later today we are going to the St. Patrick's Day party at the Legion in Fox Lake with entertainment and cb&c  (corn beef & cabbage).

But then, it gets real busy Saturday since that is the actual day of St. Patrick's Day.  Other things going on Saturday are both the Richmond/Spring Grove Business Expos, the Fox Lake Historical Society has a meeting and talk about the Mineola Hotel.  The McHenry Binny's is having free glass etching if you buy Guinness Beer.

Then, McHenry is having their McHenry ShamrockFest.  They will be dyeing the Fox River green at 10 a.m., a parade at noon and then bands all afternoon in a heated tent at Miller Point Park.  Every downtown business and bar has St. Patrick's stuff going on.  More cb&c at the PLAV.

Lake Villa also has has a parade and big party at the VFW.

Sunday, the partying continues in McHenry.

Decisions, Decisions and All That Green.  --RoadO'Dog

JSS: Girl Scout Cookies-- White-Out-- $3.14 Pies

JSS:  Just Some Stuff

1.  GIRL SCOUT COOKIES--  Looking high and low and all around, but can't find any Girl Scouts selling cookies.  I need my cookie fix.  Where are you?

2.  WHITE-OUT--  Tuesday we had snow which several times reached white-out level.  Unfortunately, I was driving in it.  Thankfully, nothing stuck.  Definitely ready for winter to be over now, but at least we don't live in the northeast.

3.  $3.14 PIES--  The last three days our local Jewel grocery store had apple pies for just $3.14.  That, of course, ended yesterday, March 14 for some reason.

Looking for Some Girl Scout Cookies.  --RoadDog

Time Songs for the Time Change-- Part 2: Time In a Bottle"

TIME FOR ME TO FLY--  REO Speedwagon
TIME IN A BOTTLE--  Jim Croce
TIME OF THE SEASON--  Zombies

ISN'T IT TIME--  Babys
BORROWED TIME--  Styx
TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE--  Rolling Stones

TIME HAS COME TODAY--  Chambers Brothers   My favorite "time" song.
TIME MACHINE--  Grand Funk Railroad
TIME PASSAGES--  Al Stewart

TIME WON'T LET ME--  Outsiders
LONG TIME GONE--  CSN
TIME--  Pink Floyd

DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?--  Chicago   Good choice for the last song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Young Hearts Can Go Their Way."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

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


"Time Has Come Today"

Time Songs for the Time Change-- Part 1: "Long, Long Time"

This past Sunday, Bob Stroud did a Rock and Roll Roots Salute to Daylight Savings Time from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. On Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  Many of the songs had to do with time.

TIME IS ON MY SIDE--  Irma Thomas
OUT OF TIME--  Rolling Stones
NO TIME--  Guess Who

GIVE ME JUST A LITTLE MORE TIME--  Chairman of the Board
LONG LONG TIME--  Linda Ronstadt
YOUR TIME IS GOING TO COME--  Led Zeppelin

NO TIME TO LOSE--  Tarney-Spencer Band
ANY TIME AT ALL--  Beatles
AIN'T WASTIN' TIME NO MORE--  Allman Brothers Band

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Life's Too Short To make a Mistake."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.


"Give Me Just a Little More Time"

The Loop's Last Songs

Chicago's WLUP 97.9 FM, the Loop, ceased being a rock station on Friday.  I recorded parts of the final day on cassette tape, including the last 30 minutes.  At midnight, the station turned into a Christian music one.

Unfortunately, the listing of songs played was hit-or-miss by the end and there were a few songs I didn't know.  Here are the last songs of Chicago's Loop:

FREEBIRD--  Lynyrd Skynyrd
END OF THE WORLD--  REM
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS--  Metallica

LIMELIGHT--  Rush
SHOUT--
**  Don't know this song

HIGHWAY TO HELL--  AC/DC--  The last song

Fairly Appropriate Song For a Last Song.  --RoadDog

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

Fish Fry, Business Expo, Bars and a Chili Cookoff Last Weekend

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

Went to the Grant Township annual Fish Fry at the Fox Lake American Legion.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

Went to the McHenry Business Expo and ran into friend Pam who used to own the Puppet Var where I deejayed for so many years.  Then went to the Polish Legion in McHenry (Illinois) and watched the Blackhawks game, Half-Times in Johnsburg where we watched the Scotland-Ireland and part of the England-France rugby games.

We went to Sunnyside, but it was so crowded we left.  Ended up at Tommy's in Spring Grove and saw some more of the England-France rugby game.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

I went to the art show at Turtle Creek in Spring Grove.  Then we went to the Moose Lodge in McHenry for their chili cookoff where I judged.  Then to Sunnyside.

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!-- Mar. 11-19: Girl Scouts Day Today and St. Patrick's

Where Do They Come Up With Some of These?  **  I'd support that.

MARCH 11, SUNDAY--  Daylight Savings Time begins **   Can Summer Be Far Behind?

MARCH 12, MONDAY--  Girl Scouts Day.**  Gotta find me some cookies and support this great organization.

MARCH 13, TUESDAY--  K9 Vets Day.  **

MARCH 14, WEDNESDAY--  Pi Day  (Oh, 3-14, I get it)  No Smoking Day**  Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day

MARCH 15, THURSDAY--  Shoe the World Day**  I hate walking around barefoot.  Something about stepping on that pop top and cruisin' in back home.

MARCH 16, FRIDAY--  Artichoke Heart Day

MARCH 17, SATURDAY--  Something About Green.**   Get me some cb and c.  Definitely Gonna Celebrate This One.  Even If I'm Not Irish.

MARCH 18, SUNDAY--  Sloppy Joe Day **

Gettin' Me Irish On, Ye Know.  --RoadDog

OLD IS WHEN:  Your sweetie says, "Let's go upstairs and make love."  You answer, "Pick one; I can't do both."  (from the Wassup Magazine)

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 7: "Dock of the Bay"

10.  EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES YOU--   Association     #10
9.  VALLEY OF THE DOLLS--  Dionne Warwick    #2
8.  TOO MUCH TALK--  Paul Revere & the Raiders     #19

7.  KISS ME GOODBYE--  Petula Clark   #15
6.  I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU--   New Colony Six    #22
5.  DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding   #1
4.  JUST DROPPED IN--  First Edition    #5

3.  LOVE IS BLUE---  Paul Mauriat   #1
2.  SIMON SAYS--  1910 Fruitgum Company     #4
1.  VALLERIE / TAPIOCA TUNDRA--  Monkees    #3 / #34

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I'd Like To Play A Game That Is So Much Fun."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Simon Says"

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 6: "I Thank You"

15.  WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW--  Four Seasons   #24   Group formed in Newark, New Jersey.

14.  I THANK YOU--  Sam & Dave     #9   Follow up to "Soul Man."

13.  A QUESTION OF TEMPERATURE--  Balloon Farm     #37   Still a strange song.

12.  DANCE TO THE MUSIC--  Sly & the Family Stone     #8    Their first hit.

11.  YOU'VE GOT TO BE LOVED--  Montanas   #58    British group.  Their only Top 100.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Tonight You're Mine Completely."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Don't even think of trying it twice.


"Will You Still Love me Tomorrow"

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 5: "La La Means I Love You"

20.  LADY MADONNA/ INNER LIFE--  Beatles    (D)   #4  Actually, the flip side was "The Inner Lite."  Something about beer?

19.  LA LA MEANS I LOVE YOU--  Delfonics      #4   Their biggest hit

18.  SPOOKY--  Classics IV    #3  Quartet formed in Jacksonville, Florida.  Their first hit.

17.  THE BALLAD OF BONNIE & CLYDE--  Georgie Fame    #7   Born in England.  His biggest and last hit.

16.  SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE--   Aretha Franklin    #8  "(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone"  Born in Memphis, Raised in Buffalo and Detroit.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "But I Can Tell You They Were The Devil's Children."  Answer Below.   --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  If it works, call everyone you know with the good news!


"Bonnie & Clyde"

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 4: "Green Light"

25.  END OF OUR ROAD--  Gladys Knight    #15  "The End of Our Road"    2:14 of great Soul.  I wasn't familiar with the name.  Kind of reminds me of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

24.  MEN ARE GETTING SCARCE--  Joe Tex    #33   Born Joseph Arrington, Jr.    Never heard of this song before.  Kind of a "Skinny Legs and All" and he even runs into her in this song.

23.  YOUNG GIRL--  Union Gap   #2   Gary Puckett and the Union Gap   Born in Hibbing, Minnesota.    This song could get you in jail.

22.  GREEN LIGHT--  American Breed   #39   Interracial group from Cicero, a suburb of Chicago.  WLS was noted for playing a lot of songs by Chicago bands.  Some of the members later became Rufus.  2:14 of great horn pop.

21.  THE MIGHTY QUINN--  Manfred Mann   #10 "Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo)"  English group formed in 1964.  I always thought it was a made up name, but Manfred Mann is the name of one of the members.  Who would name a boy with last name Mann, Manfred?  Hey, Man, Man?

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "My Love For You Is Way Out Of Line."    Answer below:  RoadDog


"Young Girl"

As Usual, I Picked Awards Poorly

Well, at least I did get to see every movie nominated for Best Picture.

BEST PICTURE--  I picked "Dunkirk."  Winner "The Shape of Water."

BEST DIRECTOR--  I picked Christopher Nolan for "Dunkirk.  Winner Guillermo del Toro "The Shape of Water.

BEST ACTOR--  I actually picked the winner.  Who's a thought?  Gary Oldman for "Darkest Hour."

BEST ACTRESS--  Actually picked right here as well.  Frances McDormand for "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Mo."

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR--  I picked Woody Harrelson in "Three Billboards."  Winner was Sam Rockwell in "Three Billboards."  Close on this one, though.

VEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS--  Here I picked Laurie Metcalf in "Lady Bird."  Winner Allsion Janney in "I, Tonya."

--RoadDog

Goodbye Chicago's Loop, 97.9 FM

I'm listening to the next-to-the-last day of Chicago's WLUP, 97.9 FM, better known as the Loop.  Chicago's Rock Station.

Come this Saturday night at midnight, the station drops the rock format and goes to Christian music.

I haven't listened to the Loop for many years, but back in the 1980s tuned in Jonathon Brandmeier in the morning.  He show was crazy with Buzz Killman, the Piranha Man and others.  Plus, he had a group called Johnny and the Leisure Suits with songs like "We're All Crazy in Chicago" and the "Moo Moo Song."  I did not listen to the other deejays.

It was the Loop which had the famous Disco demolition at Comiskey Park in 1979.

Well, Always Hate to Lose a Rock Station.  --RoadLoop

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 3: "Up On the Roof"

30.  SOUND ASLEEP--  Turtles    #57  Never heard of it and didn't like it the first time I heard it on You Tube, but it grows on you if you listen to it for awhile.

29.  I DON'T WANT TO LOVE YOU--  Barry Lee Show    (No rank)  From U.K.  grows on you as well.

28.  COUNTRY GIRL -- CITY MAN--  Billy Vera and Judy Clay    #36  A definite country sound.  Wrote hit songs for many pop, rock and country performers.  Wrote theme songs of "Empty Nest" and "King of Queens."

27.  LOVE IS ALL AROUND--  Troggs   #7  They can sing pretty when they want to.

26.  UP ON THE ROOF--  Cryan' Shames   #85   Great former Drifters song slowed way down.  WLS backing the local Chicago bands.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Feel It In My Fingers, I Feel It In My Toes."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Love Is All Around"

I'd Celebrate That!!-- Cereal Day: International Women's Day Today

**  I'd celebrate that!

TUESDAY, MARCH 6:  Dentist Day*  If they're nice and easy on the pain.  Dress Day  (Well, I don't wear one.)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7:  Cereal Day**  Especially with the crunchies.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8:  International Women's Day**

FRIDAY, MARCH 9:  Crabmeat Day**  Hey, try the White Castle Crabmeat slider.  Mighty good!!

SATURDAY, MARCH 10:  Women & Girls Day**

SUNDAY, MARCH 11:  Daylight Saving Time Begins**  Here Comes the Sun!!

Love Those Crabs.  --RoadDog

SOME OBSERVATIONS:  Maybe oxygen is slowly killing you and it just takes 75-100 years to do it.

Good Times Last Weekend: Movie, Expo, Band and Chili Cookoff

And, it was still winter, but anyway, can spring be far behind.

FRIDAY

Went to Round Lake Beach and saw the last of the nine nominated Best Picture movies, "Phantom Thread."  Sure appreciate Regal Cinemas running all them over the past three weeks.  Went to the Legion in Fox Lake for 50-50 and all that great music on the jukebox.

SATURDAY

Went to the Fox Lake Business Expo at Grant High School.  I always enjoy it and especially the food which came from the Ingleside Dog 'N Suds so had my first Coney Dog of the year (they close during the winter).  We are fortunate ro have three of the remaining Dog 'N Suds remaining close by.

 Then, the Whistlestop Cafe had some of the best pies I ever tasted.

From 3 to 6 p.m. we enjoyed one of our favorite area bands, the 3 ACES, playing all those great oldies, both pop and country.  Then we went to Tommy's in Spring Grove which has recently reopened.  Tried their new beer nuggets and they are very good.

SUNDAY

We went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for the chili cook-off, which our friend Kenny won.  Then to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois.  Home and watched the Academy Awards.

Good Times In the Area.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Make all the noise you want .....  Your senior neighbors are deaf too.

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 2: "Scarborough Fair"

35.  SCARBOROUGH FAIR--  Simon & Garfunkel    (D)   #11   "Scarborough Fair (/Canticle)  Folk-rock duo from New York City

34.  SWEET INSPIRATION--  Sweet Inspirations  (D)    #18   As good of SOUL as it gets  One of the members was Cissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston.  I could just about hear Aretha Franklin singing it.

33.  IF YOU CAN WANT--  Smokey Robinson & the Miracles   #11  I didn't recognize the title, but sure knew it when I heard it.

32.  CRY LIKE A BABY--  Box Tops    #2     their second biggest hit after "The Letter" which went to #1 in 1967.  Alex Chilton on lead vocals.

31.  CARPET MAN--  Fifth Dimension    #29  Formed in 1966 in Los Angeles.  What harmony.A real "clap-along song."  I didn't recognize the title, but had heard it.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When I Think About the Good Love You Gave Me."  Answer Below.

"Cry Like a Baby"

WLS Top 40 for March 11, 1968-- Part 1: "Jennifer Juniper"

Songs playing on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM for this week.  (D) debut.  The number after the performer is the highest it got on the national Billboard charts.

40.  JENNIFER JUNIPER--  Donovan    (D)   #28  Born Donovan Phillip Leitch near Glasgow, Scotland, in 1946.

39.  MIDNIGHT HOUR--  Mirettes   (D)   #45  Former Ikettes.  "In the Midnight Hour"  Female group doing THE SOUL version better even than Wilson Pickett.  Their only top 100.

38.  SUDDENLY YOU LOVE ME--  Tremeloes      #44   British quartet.  A really good song.  Video shows all sorts of fun in the snow.

37.  SUMMERTIME BLUES--  Blue Cheer   (D)    #14  San Francisco hard-rock group.  Psychedelicize the old classic, guys.

36.  PLAYBOY--  Gene & Debbie   #17  Their biggest hit of three Top 100s.  Gene Thomas and Debbie Nevills.  Didn't like it at first, but it grows on you.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well Lord I Got to Raise a Fuss, Lord I Got to Raise a Holler."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog


"Summertime Blues"

Just Got Back From PCB-- Part 6: Patches, Sharkey's, Eat My Pasty, Donovan's and Fireworks

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Snow back home.  67 degrees here in PCB today.   Drove to Patches with Glenn and Barb.  They were impressed.  A real locals dive bar and hard to find, but worth it.  Went to Sharkey's and sat out at that great big tiki hit by the water.

Had dinner at the British joint called Eat My Pasty which, of course serves pastys, which British miners used to eat.  Also enjoyed English beer.

Went to Donovan's and then enjoyed the Mardi Gras fireworks off the pier.  We watched from the motel.

--RoadDog

Music Deaths: Barbara Alston of the Crystals

BARBARA ALSTON, 74

Died February 16, 2018

Founder and lead singer of the Crystals who had big hits with "Uptown" (#13-1962) and "There's No Other (Like My Baby)" (#20-1962)  The group was a part of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound", but he let Darlene Love and the Blossoms sing the songs "He's a Rebel" and "He's Sure the Boy I Love."

After leaving the Crystals she became an actress and appeared on "Kojak" and "Hill Street Blues."

I did not realize that there actually two Crystals groups.  Well worth going to You Tube and listening to both of Barbara Alston's songs.  I'd never heard them before.

I get these obituaries from the Oldies Music News site.

WLS Top Ten for March 4, 1968: ""Spooky"

Fifty Years Ago, in Chicago on WLS, 890 AM.

1.  VALLEY OF THE DOLLS--  Dionne Warwick
2.  LOVE IS BLUE--  Paul Mauriat
3.  SIMON SAYS--  1910 Fruitgum Company

4.  DOCK OF THE BAY--  Otis Redding
5.  JUST DROPPED IN--  First Edition
6.  EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHES YOU--  Association
7.  SPOOKY--  Classics IV

8.  KISS ME GOODBYE--  Petula Clark
9.  TOO MUCH TALK--  Paul Revere & the Raiders
10.  I'LL ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU--  New Colony Six  (WLS backing another Chicago band)

Name That Tune (from the above songs): "I Found My Mind In a Brown paper Bag."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Have Tylenol ready in case you actually complete the act.

"Just Dropped In"

Music Deaths: Craig MacGregor (Foghat) and Vic Damone

CRAIG MacGREGOR, 68.

Died February 9,2018.

Bassist with Foghat 1975-2015.

VIC DAMONE, 89

Died February 11, 2018

Real name Vito Farinola.  Known for his hits "You're Breaking My Heart" )#1-1949, "On the Street Where You Live" (#4-1956) and "An Affair to remember" (#16-1957).

Music Deaths: Dennis Edwards of Temptations

DENNIS EDWARDS, 74

Died February 2, 2018.

Sang on Temptations hits " "Ball of Confusion,"  "I Can't Get Next to You," "Cloud Nine" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone."

From Fairfield, Alabama.  Replaced the troubled David Ruffin in the group.

The temptations were a favorite of my old fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, back in my college daze.

My Picks for Academy Awards

Yesterday, I went to Regal Cinemas in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, and saw the ninth of the nominated movies for Best Picture, "Phantom Thread."  I sure appreciate Regal Cinemas for running the nominated movies as I had seen just four of them.

I also have seen the movies of all five directors, 4 of the 5 Beast Actors, 4 of the 5 Best Actresses, 3 of the 5 Best Supporting Actors and 3 of the Best Supporting Actresses.

My picks:

Best Picture:  "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

Best Director:  Christopher Nolan for "Dunkirk"

Best Actor:  Gary Oldman in "Darkest Hour"

Best Actress:  Frances McDormand in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

Best Supporting Actor:  Woody Harrelson in "Three Billbords Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

Best Supporting Actress:  Laurie Metcalf  in "Lady Bird."

Well, My Picks, Anyway.  --RoadCritic

Two Good Things About This Time of Year: Business Expos and Chili Cookoffs

Kind of the doldrum days of winter right now.  Still here, but soon going.

But, there are two things we are having a lot of these days and I sure am enjoying and those are the chili cookoffs amd business expos.

In a few hours I will be going to the Fox Lake, Illinois, Chamber of Commerce Business Expo at Grant High School.  Tomorrow, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, is having their chili cookoff.

And, today, after the expo, the Legion is having the 3 Aces playing music from 3 to 6 p.m..  Hearing a band on a Saturday afternoon in winter is sure a treat.

Then, tonight, it is Duke vs. North Carolina in basketball for state bragging rights.

Lovin' It.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Use extra polygrip so your teeth don't end up under the bed.

Movie Scratches: Jumanji-- Panther-- Paris-- Bird

Movie Scratches:  A Dog's Eye View of today's movies.

5.  JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE--  1-23-- Fox Lake, $5--   Trading places in a big way.  Divided we fall.  United we stand.

6.  BLACK PANTHER-- 2-20--  Fox Lake, $5--  The hidden, very-advanced African kingdom.  Who wants to be king?

7.  15:17 TO PARIS--  2-20--  Fox Lake, $5--  It was like something put those three guys there to stop that terrorist on the train.  Another great Clint Eastwood effort.

8.  LADY BIRD--  2-22--  Round Lake Beach, $6--  Growing up and coming to grips with life.  Sacramento's not that bad of a town.  I can see why it has Academy Awards nominations.

Love Those $2 Nathan's Hot Dogs at Regal Cinemas in Round Lake Beach.  --RoadDog

Legendary and Landmark N.C. Pies-- Part 6: Lemon Milk and Atlantic Beach Pies

LEMON MILK PIE

Harkers Island

Also called "Down East Lemon Pie."  Ritz Crackers, lemony custard made with sweetend condensed milk.

ATLANTIC BEACH PIE

Crook's Corner, Chapel Hill

Developed bu accident but on menu for good now.  A lemon pie.  Instead of meringue, use whipped cream.  Use saltines instead of Ritz Crackers

Sure Gl;ad These Entries Are Over.  Getting Too Hungry.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Write partner's name on your hand in case you can't remember their name.

Just Got Back From PCB-- Part 5: Mardi Gras Party, Usual Suspects Join Us and Bar Hopping

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Warm enough, but really strong winds made it uncomfortable.  Bought a new king cake as we had finished the first one.  Also some food for the Driftwood Lodge/Osprey Mardi Gras party held at noon.  It was outside, but the Osprey building blocked the wind so it was fine as far as comfort, even had to take my sweatshirt off.

We were joined by friends Glenn and Barb who got a room near us for a few days.  They'd just finished a Kentucky Bourbon Cruise and had never been to PCB so we will show them around.

We took them to Dusty's. Pamona Joe's and Donovan's.

--RoadDog

All Our Losing Chicago Teams...And, We Sure "Got" A Lot of 'Em

It has sure been a long year for us Chicago fans.

The only bright spot was the Cubs who at least went to the National League Championship Series.  The rest of our main teams were pretty much all last place dwellers.

First the White Sox who embarked on that rebuilding program and had a full throttle on last place until the Tigers imploded.

Then, it was DaBears, another last place team who hopefully have been able to get over the last vestiges of the Cutler-era.  So sad.

Then, we had hope for the Bulls and Blackhawks.  The Bulls were rebuilding so we weren't sure about them.  After an absolutely horrible start to the season, they came back for awhile but are now again deep into losing.  Only seven of the thirty NBA teams have worse records.

Then, there were the Blackhawks.  Back when they won their third Stanley Cup in five years in 2015, there was talk of a dynasty.  Well, little did we know, 2015 marked the end of that dynasty.  Out of 31 NHL teams, only seven are worse.

Hurry Up Baseball Season.  --RoadDog

Legendary and Landmark N.C. Pies-- Part 5: Chocolate Chess and Vinegar Pies

CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE

Angus Barn, Raleigh

They make at least 100 of them a day and serves them warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

VINEGAR PIE

Jarrett House, Dillsboro

Most famous offering.  Using apple cider vinegar and lots of melted butter.  I don't know about this one.  The article has a recipe in case you want to try it.

Pie Me.  --RoadDog

LOVEMAKING TIPS FOR SENIORS:  Make sure you put 911 on your speed dial before you begin.