WLS Top 40 for September 2, 1968-- Part 2: "Hey Jude / Revolution"

35.  SPECIAL OCCASION--   Smokey Robinson / Miracles    (D)    #28  Not one of his better known songs, but pure "Smokey."

34.  LISTEN HERE--  Eddie Harris     #45   Never heard of this one before.  A jazz instrumental that grows on you with repeated listenings.  Born in Chicago in 1936.  Listen to to the Atlantic version on You Tube.

33.  MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS--  Grassroots   (D)    #5   Their biggest hit.   One of my favorite groups back then.

32.  PLEASE RETURN YOUR LOVE TO ME--  Temptations     #26   Great slow Motown song.

31.  HEY  JUDE / REVOLUTION--  Beatles   (D)     "Hey Jude"  #1,  "Revolution"  #12.  You Tube has versions of the Beatles playing these songs live on a TV show, well worth watching.

Name That Tune  (from the above songs):  "The Sound Of Your Footsteps Telling Me You're Near."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  In your little black book you list both girls you know by IP address.


"Midnight Confessions'

WLS Top 40 for September 2, 1968-- Part 1: "The Snake"

These were the top 40 songs in Chicago on WLS AM 890 fifty years ago.

(D) means debut   The number behind the artist is the highest the song got on Billboard's Top 100.

40.  ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE TO REMIND ME--  Dionne Warwick   (D)     #65    Full title "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me."  Slow start, builds to crescendo.  Classic Dionne.  hard to believe it only got to #65.

39.  GIRL WATCHER--  O'Kaysions   (D)     #5  Beach Music before we knew it was Beach Music.  White group.  Should have been a Gary Puckett & the Union Gap song.  Originally called and still performing as the Kays.

38.  I'VE NEVER FOUND A GIRL--  Eddie Floyd     #40  Full title "I've Never Found A Girl (To Love me Like You Do)"  That Stax Records out of Memphis, Tennessee.  Great belly rubber.

37.  I MET HER IN CHURCH--  Box Tops   (D)   #37    Blue-eyed soul at its best.    The end will place you in a black church.

36.  THE SNAKE--  Al Wilson   (D)    #27   His first hit.  Women, beware of that snake you're hanging with.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Walk Along Those City Streets You Used To Walk Along With Me."  --Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You feel like living life like the movie "Tron" wouldn't be so bad.


"Always Something There To Remind Me"

See If You Can Guess the Sport From These Song Titles

Today, Bob Stroud played his Ten at Ten on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM on Tim Luzzo's topic, a sport.  See if you can guess the name of the sport from these song titles.

FIXING A HOLE--  Beatles
DRIVE--  Cars
SULTANS OF SWING--  Dire Straits

HIT ME WITH YOUR BEST SHOT--  Pat Benatar
30 DAYS IN THE HOLE--  Humble Pie
THE STROKE--  Billy Squier
IRON MAN--  Black Sabbarh

SWINGTOWN--  Steve Miller Band
LOVING CUP--  Rolling Stones
PAPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG--  James Brown

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're A Real Tough Cookie With A Long History."  Answer Below.  --RoadDog

Answer to the Ten Songs:  Golf

You can hear the Ten at ten at 10  p.m. tonight CSDT on www.wdrv.com.

"Hit Me With Your Best Shot"

Just Got Back From Our 45th Anniversary Trip

Liz and I just got back from a seven day trip out to the Mississippi River and back for our 45th wedding anniversary.  The trip covered seven days, 401 miles and three states.

We were married in DeKalb, Illinois, on August 25, 1973, and went to Galena, Illinois, for our honeymoon.

This trip was out to Galena for four days and to Dubuque, Iowa, for two days.

And, by coincidence, this year August 25 fell on a Saturday, the same day we were married.

We went to a lot of bars in Galena and stayed at the Grant Hills Motel, a mom and pop place.  Enjoyed sitting outside the room and talking with other  travelers, something you can't do in the new motels.

I also did a lot of history at the Washburne and U.S. Grant homes and the LST-325 World War II ship in Dubuque.

A Real Good Time.  --RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for August 26, 1968: "Sunshine of Your Love"

Fifty Years Ago this week.

1.  PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE--  Rascals
2.  1,2,3 RED LIGHT--  1910 Fruitgum Company
3.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf

4.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Jose Feliciano
5.  JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE MIND--  Amboy Dukes
6.  ALICE LONG--  Boyce / Hart
7.  SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE--  Cream

8.  HARPER VALLEY PTA--  Jeannie C. Riley
9.  DO IT AGAIN--  Beach Boys
10.  YOU KEEP ME HANGIN' ON--  Vanilla Fudge

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I've been Waiting So Long To Be Where I'm Going."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You think having twice as many computers as there are people in the house is  a bare minimum.

"Sunshine of Your Love"

I'd Celebrate That!! August 27 to September 2: Chop Suey Day

AUGUST 27, MONDAY--  Just Because Day** Why not?

AUGUST 28, TUESDAY--  Cherry Turnover Day**

AUGUST 29, WEDNESDAY--  Chop Suey Day**

AUGUST 30, THURSDAY--  Gulf Awareness Day**  International Whale Shark Day**  Those are some big sharks.

AUGUST 31, FRIDAY--

SEPTEMBER 1, SATURDAY--

SEPTEMBER 2, SUNDAY--

Good Times in the Neighborhood-- Part 2: Bars, A Steak Fry and A Band

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Still working on Frances' back 40 in the southeast corner of the yard.  maybe I'll get it finished.

We went to Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg and then to the Spring grove Fireman's annual steak fry at Horse Fair Park.  For $20 you get a big steak, baked potato and piece of pie.  And, for a good cause.  They had one of the new DJs there, you know, the ones who just play music and make an occasional announcement.  No interaction with people at all.  For that you have to go to a karaoke person.  A DJ is supposed to interact with people.

We then stopped at the newly opened Spring Grove Pub & Pizza on US-12 and talked with the owner.  This used to be one of our favorite places called Tommy's and we are sure glad it has reopened.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19

Brother Bob's 65th birthday.  Happy birthday Bob.

More work on Frances' back 40 (named for Liz's mom).  Then we went to Stucky's in Johnsburg and sat out on the deck and really had a great time with the Bart Alonzo Band which featured that greatest of country instruments, the steel guitar.

Another Fun Weekend.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You think having twice as many computers as there are people in the house is a bare minimum.

Good Times in the Neighborhood-- Part 1: It's Thursday Concert, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16

We drove to the Sand Bar on Bluff Lake for a Chain Crawl passport stamp and that their Thursday special with $1 tacos.  Great view of the lake from the many windows.  We then went to Antioch for the last It's Thursday concert, this time by Dixie Krush who did more modern country music and did a great job.

We were saddened to hear of the death of Aretha Franklin even though we had been informed on Tuesday that it was near.  I spent many of the next days listening to her music both on You Tube and the three Greatest Hits CDs I have.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17

I have been busy the last several days working on Frances' Back 40 in the southeast corner of the yard which had gotten very overgrown.  Making slow progress.

Met the usual Suspects at the Legion and Kelly won the 50-50 for the first time.  The Cubs won for the second  time in a row by a 1-0 score.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Jukebox in my basement while watching the end of the Cubs game.

--RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You're mad because all your friends got goodnight kisses after prom, but  your sister just slugged you in the arm and said, "Thanks bro."

I'd Celebrate That!!! August 20 to 26: Our 45th Anniversary

AUGUST 20, MONDAY--  Radio Day**  And, I love my radio.  Listen to it all the time.  Chocolate Pecan Pie**  Never heard of a chocolate pecan pie, but willing to try.  Do you say peacan or puhcan?

AUGUST 21, TUESDAY--  Senior Citizen Day**  Hey, a day for me!!  Ten or 20% off?

AUGUST 22, WEDNESDAY--  Tooth Fairy Day**  I got quarters.   As  long as they aren't the Tooth fairies in "Hellboy II."

AUGUST 23, THURSDAY--  Sponge Cake Day

AUGUST 24, FRIDAY--  Waffle Day**  Peach Pie Day**  Pie, I must have PIE!!  Any kind of PIE!!

AUGUST 25, SATURDAY--  Liz and my 45th Wedding Anniversary**    Kiss and Make Up Day**  Banana Split Day**

AUGUST 26, SUNDAY--  National Dog Day**  Pet and get a wag.  Better yet, take one for a walk.

Happy Anniversary Liz.  As My dear Old Dad Used to Sing "45 Years With the Wrong, Wrong Woman."--RoadDog

Happy 20th Birthday WVCO, the Surf: The Voice of Beach Music

August 19, 1998, this FM radio station switched format to a Beach Music/Oldies one.  It is located in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and at the epicenter of the Beach Music world.  That is the music that fans shag to, which is also the state dance, kind of a slow bop.

This is also a station I listen to most mornings while going through e-mails or typing away at these blogs.  I also listen to Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM.

Right now, at 8:27 a.m. EDST Jim Morgan is playing and they are doing all kinds of birthday activities.

When we first started going to Myrtle Beach in the 1980s, we listened to WNMB which had Billy Smith in the morning and played Beach Music.  Billy Smith was a real experience, or the Old BS'er as he called himself.

Anyway, Happy Birthday, The Surf.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You have a poster on your wall of the Linux penguin.

WLS Top Ten for August 19, 1968: "Born To Be Wild"

Happy Birthday to my brother Bob, who is a LOT older than this playlist.

1.  PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE--  Rascals
2.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
3.  1,2,3 RED LIGHT--  1910 Fruitgum Co.

4.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Jose Feliciano
5.  CLASSICAL GAS--  Mason Williams
6.  JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE MIND--  Amboy Dukes
7.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors

8.  ALICE LONG--  Boyce / Hart
9. SEALED WITH A KISS--  Gary Lewis / Playboys
10.  SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE--  Cream

I count three of the all-time greatest classic rock songs here.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're Still My Favorite Girlfriend."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Alice Long"

Keeping Busy-- Part 3: A Farewell to New Odyssey At Parish Fest

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

Did the usual FP (Front Porch) and OD  (On deck) and listened to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots on WDRV. 93.1 FM from 7-10 a.m. and recorded Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles on WXRT, 93.1 FM.

Liz and I went up early to get a table at St. John's Parish fest in Johnsburg, Illinois.  An elementary school friend of Liz's plays guitar and many other instruments in the the group New Odyssey which was playing today and had for the last ten or so years.  They bill themselves as "Three Guys, 30 Instruments" because they play 30 different instruments during the course of a show.

The do a ten-song Beatles medley and play all 30 of them in the ten-twelve minutes.  Quite a show.  They also play Beatles songs in one medley where the drummer wears a Sgt. Pepper's drum coat and plays that.  Quite impressive.

Sadly, after 40 years, this is their last year performing together.

Of course, there is all kinds of great food at the Parish Fest and we took advantage of much of it.  Plus, plenty of ice-cold beer.  I got a free beer when one of the people serving saw me in my Stan Mijita shirt.

Sure Going to Miss New Odyssey.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You become physically ill at the mention of RIAA, and visibly excited at the mention of object-oriented programming.  (Now ask me if I have any idea what this was/is all about.)

Keeping Busy-- Part 2: Burger Shack and Sunnyside's "Adult Battleship"

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

We drove over to Burger Shack on Fox Lake for a Chain Crawl passport stamp.  For many years it used to be Korpan's Landing and then went rapidly through a succession of owners and names.  Burger Shack is this year's name.  It is too bad as they have one of the best views on the Chain of Lakes from inside the bar and that is not even mentioning the huge deck.

No draft beer either, just bottles so it is $3 a drink.  But, buy two and get a free burger and they sure smelled good.

We left there to drive over to Half-Times in Johnsburg for Customer Appreciation Day with all sorts of food and drink specials, including $1 pint drafts.  But, we stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg to check out their "Adult Battleship" game.  Just couldn't imagine how they'd do it.

Turns out, there was a good-sized kiddie pool divided in half.  Each half had four pieces of Styrofoam, each with two Solo cups (red, of course) with the objective of throwing a ping pong ball into the cups.  Get both cups and you sink your enemy's ship.

They seemed to be having a great time.

We had a really good time inside with the usual cast of characters.

Sunnyside, Your "Cheers" Kind Of A Bar.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  Before going to the bathroom you inform your friends you're off to download and log out.

Sure Gonna Miss Stan and Aretha

This past week has been a hard one with deaths.  First, we had Chicago great hockey player Stan Mikita die last week.  I have been wearing a Mikita #21 tee-shirt and a #21 jersey around in his honor and am surprised at how many people come up to me to talk about Stan Mikita.

Then Tuesday we heard that Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul and one of my favorite performers was near death and this morning she died.  When I heard Bob Stroud say something about her on WDRV, I started listening to You Tube's mix of her songs.  Right now I am listening to my "Aretha's Best" CD.

I'll be listening to a lot of her music the next couple days.

--RoadDog

Keeping Busy-- Part 1: No Odyssey, PLAV, Half-Times, Yard, Legion and Margaritaville

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

We had rain threaten all day, but, unfortunately, didn't start until a couple hours before we were to see New Odyssey play their music at Veterans Park in McHenry, but the show was cancelled.  We did enjoy $1 miniburgers and $1.75 bottles at the PLAV  (Polish Legion of American Veterans) in McHenry and $1 pints at Half Times in Johnsburg.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Still no boat, the latest that we have never had the boat out in a season.  Difficulties getting parts being the reason.  Still working in the yard.  I can never seem to catch up in the yard.  My fault though as I planted way TOO many plants, bushes and trees.

Went to the Legion for 50-50, but didn't win.  Came home and enjoyed Margaritaville and the Ultimate Julebox in the basement.

No Band, But Found Something Else To Do.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE BECOMING A GEEK WHEN:  You have a monitor tan.\

Going Back to the Summer of 1978-- Part 10: "Miss You"

These were the songs your radio and in your record collection August 5, 1978.  Forty years ago for those of you counting.  (Hey, that's close to a half century.)

CHANGING OF THE GUARD--  Bob Dylan
MISS YOU--  Rolling Stones
TWO OUT OF THREE AIN'T BAD--  Meatloaf

BYE BYE LOVE--  Cars
BAKER STREET--  Gerry Rafferty
WHENEVER I CALL YOU FRIEND--  Kenny Loggins & Stevie Nicks

ON TOP OF THE WORLD--  Cheap Trick   Pride and joy of Rockford, Illinois.
CHAMPAGNE JAM--  Atlanta Rhythm Section
ROLL WITH THE CHANGES--  REO Speedwagon    Pride and joy of Champaign, Illinois

DRIFTWOOD--  Moody Blues
FEEL LIKE A NUMBER--  Bob Seger
KING TUT--  Steve Martin   Wild and Cra--zee Guy!!

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Well, Another Crazy Day, You'll Drink the Night Away."  Answer below.   --RoadDog

HOW COME:  Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray?  I don't want to have to restart my collection.


"Baker Street"

I'd Celebrate That!!! August 13 to 19: Rum Day Thursday

From the August 2018 Calendar.  ** Means it is one I'd drink to

AUGUST 13,  Monday:  Filet Mignon Day**  Boy, I'd eat that.--- Left Handers Day**  Try shaking hands with one.

AUGUST 14,  Tuesday:    Creamsicle Day**

AUGUST 15,  Wednesday    Relaxation Day**    I can relax to that.0---Lemon Merengue Pie Day**  For eating or in-the-face?

AUGUST 16,  Thursday--  Tell a Joke Day**  But I forget the punch line    Rum Day**   Time flies when you're having "rhum."

AUGUST 17,  Friday--  Thrift Shop Days**   It's like a treasure hunt.  You never know what you'll find.

AUGUST 18,  Saturday--  Fajita Day**  Just don't touch the plate.

AUGUST 19, Sunday--  Aviation Day**  I used to like to fly, but they just don't treat me right on the airlines anymore.    Soft Ice Cream Day**

Lots To Ponder Over.  RoadDog

HOW COME:  You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.  (I might add, this is especially true when you're retired.)

Way Too Much To Do Today

Just one of those summer weekends in northeastern Illinois with way more things I'd like to do than I can accommodate.

The Fox Lake American Legion is having their annual Legion picnic.  Always something we like to attend...

But, the St. John's Parish Fest in Johnsburg is today and they have one of our favorite bands, New Odyssey playing.  And, this is the last time for the band because they are breaking up after 40 years together.

And, the Keep the Spirit of '45 salute to the veterans of World War II and the Korean War takes place at Veterans Park in McHenry.

Not to mention bands playing this afternoon at various bars around the Chain of Lakes.

Unfortunately, these are all afternoon affairs.

Decisions, Decisions.  --RoadDog

Happy Eight-One-Two-One-Eight Day

As in 81218.

As in Sunday 8/12/18

Not too often calendar dates line up in order from either side like this.

--Road81218

WLS Top Ten for August 12, 1968: "Born To Be Wild"

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

1.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf
2.  CLASSICAL GAS--  Mason Williams
3.  PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE--  Rascals

4.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors
5.  SEALED WITH A KISS--  Gary Lewis & Playboys
6.  TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME--  Vogues
7.  1, 2, 3 RED LIGHT--  1910 Fruitgum Company

8.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Jose Feliciano
9.  STAY IN MY CORNER--  Dells
10.  SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE--  Cream

Quite a varied Top Ten in Chicago.

Name That Rune (from the above songs):  "Every Time I Try To Prove I Love You."  Answer below.  RoadDog


"1. 2, 3 Red Light"

TV Shows That Inspired Hit Spinoffs-- Part 2: 'Cheers Begat 'Frasier'

8.  "Happy Days" inspired "Laverne and Shirley" (8 seasons)

9.  "The Daily Show" inspired "The Colbert Report"

10.  Diff'rent Strokes" inspired "The Facts of Life"

11.  "Cheers" inspired "Frasier"

12.  "Star Trek" inspired "Star Trek: The Next generation" and "Star Trek: Discovery"

13.  "Law & Order" inspired "Law & Order": Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"

14.  "The Tracey Ullman Show" inspired "The Simpsons"

I'd like to add:

"CSI" inspired "CSI Miami" and "CSI New York"

"NCIS" inspired "NCIS:  LA" and "NCIS: New Orleans"

Too Much Time Spent Watching TV.  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  Bad decisions make good stories.

TV Shows That Inspired Hit Spinoffs-- Part 1: 'JAG' Begat 'NCIS'

From the May5, 2018, Cheat Sheet  "'The Big Bang Theory' and More Popular TV Shows That Inspired Hit Spinoffs"  Brenden Morrow.

1.  "JAG"   inspired "NCIS", now in its 15th season
2.  "All In the Family" (9 seasons) inspired "The Jeffersons" (11 seasons)
3.  "Breaking Bad"  (5 seasons) inspired "Better Call Saul"

4.  "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" inspired "Angel"
5.  "Big Bang Theory" inspired "Young Sheldon"
6.  "All That" inspired Ken and Kel and a bunch of others.  Never heard of these shows.

7.  "Perfect Strangers" inspired  "Family Matters"

And More.  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Music Deaths: George Cameron of Left Banke

GEORGE CAMERON, 70

Died June 24, 2018

Original member and drummer with Left Banke.  He was on both Top 20 Hits "Walk Away Renee"  (#5-1966) and "Pretty Ballerina"  (#15-1967).

They had a sound like no one else.

High class rock and roll.

Going Back to Summer 1978-- Part 9: "Feeling That Way/Anytime"

That's right, 40 Years Ago.

FEELING THAT WAY--  Journey
ANYTIME--  Journey   Is there any deejay who has never played these two songs back-to-back?

LOVE WILL FIND A WAY--  Pablo Cruise
WITH A LITTLE LUCK--  Paul McCartney & Wings
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER--  Talking Heads

ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG--  Billy Joel    What about those Catholic girls?
LISTEN TO HER HEART--  Tom Petty
AIN'T TALKING ABOUT LOVE--  Van Halen

LIFE'S BEEN GOOD--  Joe Walsh

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "We Can Make This Whole Damn Thing Work Out."   Answer below.  --RoadDog


"With A Little Luck"

Walks of Famers and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

From Oldies Music News.

Congratulations go out to Andy Kim who has been added to the Walk of Fame in Canada.

Congratulations to Brenda Lee and Ray Stevens who are now own the Music City (Nashville) Walk of Fame.

Also, congratulations to these new members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame:

Robert "Kool" Bell, George Brown and James J.T. Taylor   These three from Kool and the Gang.

Neil Diamond received the Johnny Mercer Award.

--RoadDog

HOW COME:  Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

Going Back to the Summer of 1978-- Part 8: "Hot Blooded"

These were the songs on the radio and in your record collection playing on your stereo forty years ago on August 5, 1978.

DON'T LOOK BACK--  Boston
RUNAWAY--  Jefferson Starship  (I miss the Airplane, though.)
STILL THE SAME--  Bob Seger

CANDY'S ROOM--  Bruce Springsteen
FOLLOW YOU, FOLLOW ME--  Genesis
HOT BLOODED--  Foreigner

SO IT GOES--  Nick Lowe
THERE'S NO WAY OUT OF HERE--  David Gilmour

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Always Won Everytime You Placed A Bet."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Still the Same"

Good Times In the Area Last Weekend-- Part 2: History, Radio, PLAV

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

The NAC, National Athletic Club, where we went for a drink and get our Chain Crawl passport book signed and was celebrating its 125th anniversary, is a survivor.  When the Chain of Lakes area was booming as a tourist destination back in the 1890s to 1920s, many organizations featuring hunting and fishing moved out to the area.  The Mineola Hotel, one of our most famous structures started out as a hunting club.

To my knowledge, the NAC is one of the last of such organizations around.

The Fox Lake American Legion started out as a boat building company.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Well, Bob Stroud went back to the Summer of 1978, the 40th anniversary  of it and played songs from August 5, 1978 that were playing on the radio or in your stereo collection.  Big fun listening to and recording that on cassette tapes.

We drove to McHenry for the PLAV's (Polish Legion of American Veterans) annual street party.  For $10 you got all the food (brats, Polish, burgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob and a variety  of salads and desserts, plus all the beer you could drink.

We enjoyed one of our favorite bands, The Three Aces, playing all that old country and pop songs as well as karaoke.

Last stop was at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.

Too Much Fun.  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  Map Quest and Google Maps really need to start their directions on #5.  I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my driveway and neighborhood.

Good Times In the Area Last Weekend-- Part 1: Movie, Legion, Anniversary and Bands

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

One of the biggest fogs ever this morning.  Couldn't even see across the street.  Saw the movie "Mission: Impossible - Fallout."

Met the Usual Suspects at the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50, as usual.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Enjoyed listening to 1971 on Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT from 9 to noon.  That was a college year for me.  After lunch at Burger King, we went to the National Athletic Club on Fox Lake for their 125th anniversary and got our Chain Crawl passbook signed and enjoyed the band Redeye Express.

Then, we went to the Fox Lake American Legion on Nippersink Lake and were entertained by Jonathan from 3 to 6.  Where are you going to get entertainment in the afternoon?

-Last stop was at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.

Way Much Fun.  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  Was learning cursive really necessary?

Remembering Glen Campbell-- Part 2: A Movie, TV Show, and More Hits

His boyish good looks got him a role opposite John Wayne in the 1969 movie "True Grit and his own TV show "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" on CBS from 1969 to 1972.

Over the years, the hits continued with songs like "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."  And, he had lots of honors:  six Grammys, 1968 CMA  Entertainer of the Year, three American Music Awards and, later, induction into the Country Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement.

However, he did not have much luck in the marriages.  He had three divorces and engagement to fellow country star Tanya Tucker.  He finally met Kimberly Woolen in 1982 and remained married to her for the rest of his life.

The end became known when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2011.

--RoadDog

I'd Celebrate That!!! August 6 to 12: Frozen Custard Day

AUGUST 6, MONDAY--  Rootbeer Float Day**  Few things finer.   Fresh Breath Day*8  Out dog Brandy never had fresh breath.

AUGUST 7, TUESDAY--  Sea Serpent Day    Raspberry & Cream Day

AUGUST 8, WEDNESDAY--  Frozen Custard Day**  Preferably without brain freeze.

AUGUST 8, THURSDAY--  Book Lovers Day**  Nothing Finer than a book, if only I got around to reading them.

AUGUST 10, FRIDAY--  Lazy Day**  I do that most days.   S'mores Day**  Yes, we have no s'mores.

AUGUST 11, SATURDAY--  Play In the Sand Day**  Dig those toes down deep on that favorite beach.    Bowling Day**  Just don't drop the ball on your foot.

AUGUST 12, SUNDAY--  Middle Child Day**  Right, Bob.

Something For Most.  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 7: "Classical Gas"

Hard to believe, but these songs are a half century old.  Fifty Years.

10.  PEOPLE GOT TO BE FREE--  Rascals   #1
9.  STAY IN MY CORNER--  Dells    #10
8.  JUMPING JACK FLASH--  Rolling Stones    #3

7.  STONED SOUL PICNIC--  5th Dimension      #3
6.  HURDY GURDY MAN--  Donovan      # #5
5.  SEALED WITH A KISS--  Gary Lewis & the Playboys     #19
4.  CLASSICAL GAS--  Mason Williams     #2

3.  BORN TO BE WILD--  Steppenwolf      #2
2.  TURN AROUND LOOK AT ME--    Vogues   #7
1.  HELLO, I LOVE YOU--  Doors    #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She's Walking Down the Street, Blind To Every Eye She Meets."


"Hello, I Love You"

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 6: "Light My Fire" (Not By the Doors)

Fifty Years Ago.

15.  LIGHT MY FIRE--  Jose Feliciano     #3    His biggest hit.A whole new take on the Doors classic.

14.  SOMEBODY CARES--  Tommy James & the Shondells     #53   Never heard it before, but it grows on you.  Typical James pop.  Tommy James was born Tommy Jackson in Dayton, Ohio, in 1947.

13.  1, 2, 3 RED LIGHT--  1910 Fruitgum Co.    #5   Went from #36 last week to #13.    How about having this song, #11 and "Sunshine of Your Love" on the same chart at the same time?  I don't care, I love my Bubble Gum Music!!

12.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Hugh Masakela    #1   His biggest hit.  More cowbell.  We need more cowbell!!!

11.  AUTUMN OF MY LIFE--  Bobby Goldsboro   The "King of Schmaltz."  "Honey" anyone?  But you can't help but hum along.  He seems to be more into painting nowadays.  I did really like "Little Things"  (#13-1965).

Name That Tune (from the above songs):    "Ev'ry Time I Try To Prove I Love You."  Answer below.  RoadDog

HOW COME:  There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

"1, 2, 3 Red Light"

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 5: "Sky Pilot"

20.  DON'T TAKE IT SO HARD--  Paul Revere & the Raiders    #27   Pride and joy of Portland, Oregon.

19.  SKY PILOT--  Animals     #14   Actually, they were Eric Burdon & the Animals at this point.  One of my all-time favorite songs and clocking in at 7:30.  Can you believe bagpipes in a Top 40 song?

18.  SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE--  Cream     #5     Their first hit (they only had 5 Top 100s.)  One of the greatest guitar riff openings in rock history and what about those drums.

17.  HALF WAY TO PARADISE--  Bobby Vinton     #23   From Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania.  Ya think maybe he's in love?

16.  LADY WILLPOWER--  Union Gap     #2    The first song as Gary Puckett and the Union Gap.   Their first four songs all went Top Ten.  Another horny song, and I don't mean the instruments.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It's Getting Near Dawn When Lights Close Their Tired Eyes."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Sunshine of Your Love"

A Drinking Day-- Part 2: 54-Cent 14 Oz.Drafts at Half-Times

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Kevin and Kelly went over to Bootleggers on Grasslake Road in Antioch where they had 50 cent winds and $1 draft pints.

We decided to go to Half-Times in Johnsburg for their specials.  First, we had $1 domestic pint drafts, then, from 7 to 9, they had 54 cent 14-ounce drafts in honor of Chicago Bear great, Brian Urlacher going into the Hall of Fame and the Bears were playing an exhibition game in Canton, Ohio, the Home of the NFL Hall of Fame.  Of course, 54 was Urlacher's jersey number.

They decided those 4 cents were too much hassle so we got the beers for 50 cents.  When is the last time you went to a bar and got 50 cent drafts?

Sure went down mighty good in these hottest of days we're having.

Go Urlacher!!  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

Yesterday Was a Drinking Day As It Turned Out-- Part 1: $2 Draft Imports and Crafts

Yesterday, August 2, 2018, was one of those days with way too much going on and not enough time to be in two places at the same time at once as it were.

I had originally planned to go to Antioch for their It's Thursday where they had the band Class of 1968 playing, you guessed it, 60s songs and a classic car show as well.  I also had thoughts of the Thursday night concert in McHenry's veterans Park if that didn't pan out.

But, I had talked with friends Kevin and Kelly about going to Bulldog Ale House in McHenry on Illinois Highway 31 south of town.  On Thursdays, they have all of their draft beers at $2 a pint.  And, not just domestic, but all their import and craft beers.  And, they have 40 drafts on tap!!  I like import and craft beers, but don't like paying $4 to $6 for them, so this is a REAL GOOD deal.

I had four beers, including a sunset wheat, Modello, Pilsner Urquel and a Heinekin.  We also had 89 cent chicken tenders

--RoadDog

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 4: "Journey to the Center of Your Mind"

Yep, 50 Years Ago.  My, how time flies when you're having fun.  The number after the artist si how high it got on the Billboard Top 100.

25.  SLIP AWAY--  Clarence Carter    #6   Way before his "Strokin'" days.  Classic guitar work at the beginning.

24.  TWO BIT MANCHILD--  Neil Diamond     #66   Lesser-known song, but every bit a Neil Diamond song.

23.  SOUL LIMBO--  Booker T. & the MGs    #17   Would be a great intro-outro song for some deejay.  Hard to out soul this song.

22.  JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF YOUR MIND--  Amboy Dukes    #16  Was that lead singer a Roger Daltry wannabe?  Who was that lead guitarist?   (Ted Nugent)

21.  ALICE LONG--  Boyce & Hart     #27    Full title "Alece Long (You're Still My favorite Girlfriend)".  And they didn't want to know who Alice was.    These two guys could write and sing great songs. Wrote songs for the Monkees and "Pretty Little Angel Eyes" among others.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're Still My Favorite Girlfriend."  Answer below,  --RoadDog

HOW COME:  Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument that you realize you're wrong.

"Alice Long"

WLS Top 40 for August 5, 1968-- Part 3: "Indian Lake"

30.  I CAN'T STOP DANCING--  Archie Bell & the Drells   #9    Follow up to "Tighten Up"  which went to #1 earlier in 1968.

29.  INDIAN LAKE--  Cowsills    #10   This song always brings memories of driving out to Honey Hill Beach in Wauconda, Illinois, with the night crew of the Burger King in Palatine.  We sure had a good time there.

28.  DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME--  Mama Cass    #12  Her first solo hit after the mamas and Papas.

27.  FACE IT GIRL, IT'S OVER--   Nancy Wilson      #29   Born in Chillicothe, Ohio in1937.

26.  YOU KEEP ME HANGING ON--  Vanilla Fudge    #67  in 1967,  Rereleased in 1968 and went to #6.  Psychedelic-rock quartet formed in New York in 1966.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Set me Free Why Don't You babe."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"You Keep me Hanging On"

Every Blooming THing, Early August: The Yard's At It's Color Peak

From mid July to mid August, the yard is at its colorful peak.  It has big color throughout the year which is why I have so many perennials that bloom at different times.  But, right now is peak time.  There are flowers blooming all over and in masses.

There are still some wild daisies and regular daisies in bloom, but fast fading.  And, the hundred or so hostas all have their blue and white flower spikes going.  The biggest color comes from hundreds of black-eyes Susans and purple coneflowers.  Also, my tall phlox are going to town, as are a lot of daylillies.

July was a very dry month, though, requiring a lot of watering now of both the flowers, bushes and trees as well as grass areas that turn brown.  The lawn tractor is set to 3 inches, from two and a half inches to help the grass.

I am doing a lot of trimming and weeding as well as planting.

--RoadDog

HOW COME (From the July 2018 Wassup Magazine, Lake County):  Sometimes I look down at my watch three consecutive times and still do not know what time it is.

Remembering Glen Campbell-- Part 1: That Old $5 Guitar Leads to Something

From the July 29, 2018, Parade Magazine by M.B. Roberts.

Glen Campbell died at age 81 on August 8, 2017 of Alzheimer's disease.

He grew up on a farm near Delight, Arkansas, about 90 miles southwest of Little Rock.  When he was 4 years old, he received $5 three-quarter-size Sears, Roebuck and Co. guitar by mail order from his uncle.  And, he immediately took to those strings.

By age 6, Glen was performing on the local radio and in his teens playing in bars.  In tenth grade, he quit school and moved to Albuquerque where he played in his uncle's band.  By the early 1960s he was in Los Angeles working with a now-famous group of session musicians called The Wrecking Tour, playing on records for Elvis, Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys (including  "Pet Sounds" in 1966) and even filled in for Brian Wilson on Beach Boys' tours in '64 and '65.

Later in the 60s, he began charting his own hits, including "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Wichita Lineman."

One of My All-Time Favorites.  --RoadDog