Past Movie Scratches: Dirty-- Airplane-- Star-- Ant-- Birds-- Ghostbusters

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 1968.

49.  DIRTY DANCING--  6-23--  A pre-"Dancing With the Stars."  And some of the greatest music ever.  Definitely a different era.

50.  AIRPLANE--  6-27--  Still seeing new things every time I watch it.

51.  STAR WARS (7):  THE FORCE AWAKENS--  7-28--  Meet Solo's and Princess Leia's son gone over to the Dark Side like Grandpa.

52.  ANT MAN--  8-5--  Little and Big ant.  One of those Marvel movies.  I like Marvel movies.

53.  ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE--  8-12--  "We climbed the wrong mountain!!"  Eye Brows gets redemption.

54.  GHOSTBUSTERS 4--  8-18--    This time, it's the gals turn.  Lots of cameos.

--RoadDog

TRIVIA:  During the Black Sox Scandal in the 1919 World Series, Chicago White Sox players conspired with gamblers to intentionally lose against which team?


Cincinnati Reds

Past Movie Scratches: Pirates-- African-- Yuma-- Jurassic-- Cowboys-- Vinnie

Movies I saw on TV in 2018.

43.  PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:  ON STRANGER TIDES--  5-5--   Mermaids, Blackbeard, Fountain of Youth, and "Your sword smells funny."

44.  AFRICAN QUEEN--  5-12--  Leaches.  Why they have leeches.  Stay out of the water.  Make fun of the rhinos.

45.  3:16 TO YUMA--  5-15--  Ben Wade is not all bad.

46.  JURASSIC PARK--  6-16--  "Must go faster!!"   T-Rex is gaining.  Don't hide in outhouses.

47.  COWBOYS--  6-20--

48.  MY COUSIN VINNIE--  6-22--    Hapless New York lawyer gets his grits in a Southern court.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for April 28, 1969: "The Boxer"

That's right, fifty years ago.  Where does time go when you're having fun?

Thanks to the Oldies Loon site for these WLS surveys.   WLS and WCFL were our two REALLY BIG stations for those of us of a teen persuasion back in those days.

The top two songs were both from the musical "Hair."

1.  HAIR--  Cowsills
2.  AQUARIUS / LET THE SUNSHINE IN--  Fifth Dimension
3.  GITARZAN--  Ray Stevens

4.  SWEET CHERRY WINE--  Tommy James & Shondells
5.  GIMME GIMME GOOD LOVIN'--  Crazy Elephant
6.  THE BOXER--  Simon & Garfunkel
7.  IT'S YOUR THING--  Isley Brothers

8.  DON'T GIVE IN TO HIM--  Gary Puckett / Union Gap
9.  MERCY--  Ohio Express
10.  PINBALL WIZARD--  The Who


DEBUTS

23.  GET BACK--   Beatles
35.  TOO BUSY THINKING ABOUT MY BABY--  Marvin Gaye


37.  ATLANTIS--  Donovan
38.  MORNING GIRL--  Neon Philharmonic

39.  I COULD NEVER IE TO YOU--  New Colony Six
40.  NOTHING BUT A HEARTACHE--  Flirtations

Name That Tine (from the above songs):  "From Atlanta Georgia, To The Gulf Stream Water."  --Answer below.  --  RoadDog


"Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' "

JSS: 3 Inches of Snow This Morning-- Got Limbs?-- Squirrel Wars, Part 2

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  3 INCHES OF SNOW THIS MORNING--  It was just so wonderful to wake up to 3 inches of snow on the ground this morning.  DON'T even think about calling it Global You-Know-What!!!  At least the white stuff was nice enough to stay off the roads, drive ways and sidewalks.

And we had another 8 inches of snow on April 14.

2.  GOT LIMBS?--  I've got plenty.  And since it rained and snowed all day yesterday and is in the process of melting today, not likely I'll get a chance to do any burning this weekend.  We can only burn on the weekends in April and May.

3.  SQUIRREL WARS,  PART 2--  Well, after being overwhelmed by three squirrels intent on getting at the bird feeders (and their close allies, the chipmunks) a few weeks back, I brought in the big guns, two store bought feeders designed specifically to thwart those bushy-tailed rats.

So far, success, but I'm sure they'll figure out a way to get that seed.

Good Thing I Kinda Like Those Squirrel Varmints.  --RoadDog

Last Weekend: Burning the Limbs, Route 12 Bar, Legion and a Band

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Spent a whole lot of time out in the yard trying to burn the many, many limbs I have collected this past month when we had a whole lot of pine limbs brought down by a heavy snowfall as well as cutting down an overgrown apple tree and seriously trimming an overgrown Bradford pear tree as well as some overgrown bushes.

Sadly, I am not the best at getting fires going and didn't have a whole lot of success until the last 30 minutes.

We drove over to the Fox Lake American Legion to see the Affects, a 50s-60s band, but the place was way too crowded, so ended up meeting Barb and Glen at the Route 12 Bar where we split a burger.  We took another shot at seeing the band and this time we found seats so enjoyed ourselves.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

We met Kora at the Grand Buffet in McHenry, Illinois.  This is a Chinese buffet with lots of shrimp and crab dishes.  Sadly, Kora is moving to Arizona in a week.

We then went to Half-Times in Johnsburg and sat outside on a really nice day and got together with Sue and Paul who are moving to New Mexico at the end of May.  Then, we went to Sunnyside.

All people mentioned are members of our Usual Suspects group, so a bunch of them are moving.

--RoadDog

TRIVIA:  Who saved his political career from a scandal with the dramatic "Checkers" speech in 11952?


Richard Nixon

Last Weekend: Gas Gouge, Famous Freddie's, Legion, Yard Work,

Another busy weekend for us.

THURSDAY. APRIL 18

Gas gouge in Fox Lake, Illinois, with gas at $3.10.  I was kind of hoping we wouldn't see it that high again.  Oh well.  Saw the creepy movie "Pet Sematary."  Stephen King can sure write a creepy story.  We went to Famous Freddie's on Pistakee Lake for 25 cent wings and $1 Hamm's 12 ounce beers and then to the Legion on Nippersink Lake.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

I was going to see movies, but remembered most schools are off today because of Good Friday which means parents will be sending their kids to the movies.  I don't much care for crowds.  Met Usual Suspects Barb and Glen at the Legion for 50-50, which Barb won.

It's rare that we win 50-50.

--RoadDog

TRIVIA:  Which actress was censured by the U.S. Congress in the 1950s after deserting her Swedish husband and children for film director Roberto Rossellini?


Ingrid Bergman

I Really Knew My College Football Team Logos

I took a test on Arca Max Comics given by Sideline Topix.  On it you were to give the name of the college by looking at the school's logo.  It definitely helps to know the school nickname.

I had to guess on the Baylor Bears and Washington State Cougars, but got them right.

I'd have to say the Oregon Ducks is absolutely the worst looking logo.  Of course, ducks just don't strike fear into the hearts of most folks.

Some of the answers would have been really hard except for the made-up names.

The teams were all Power 5 conference members until the final 12.

Take it at Sideline Topix.  "Can you name the college football team by the logo."

Where Was Northern Illinois?  --RoadDog

Movie Scratches: Dragon-- Alita-- Captive-- Captain

Movie Scratches--  A Dog's Eye view of today's movies seen at the theater.

9.  HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON:  THE HIDDEN WORLD--  3-6--  $5, Fox Lake--  Toothless gets a girlfriend then splits to a safer place.  Is this really the last movie?  I hope not.

10.  ALITA:  BATTLE ANGEL--    3-6--  Fox Lake, $5--  Don't mess with Alita.  Getting to know your past.  Motorball is a mighty tough sport.

11.  CAPTIVE STATE--  3-15--  $6, Fox Lake--  Beware the roaches  Those aliens are not as nice as they seem to be.  Sometimes you have to lose to win.

12.  CAPTAIN MARVEL--  3-15--  $6, Fox Lake--   Don't you hate it when you find you are fighting for the wrong side.  Whatever you do, don't pet the cat.

Real Nice Seats in Classic Cinemas Now.  --RoadDog

TRIVIA:  The Teapot Dome bribery scandal occurred with the administration of which U.S. president?


Warren G. Harding

It's A Creedence Thing For Me: "Lodi" and CCR Getting Back Together?

I was listening to Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots just a little while ago, 7 am to 10 am Sundays on WDRV, 93.1 FM, Chicago, the Drive, something I do most every Sunday (I record Terri Hemmert's Breakfast With the Beatles, 8 to 10 am on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM on my cassette tapes to listen to during the week.)

Anyway, Stroud played "Lodi" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and that song, of course, perked up my ears and is one that really takes me back to my college days because it was my fraternity's song (Delta Sigma Phi), that we sang about a special girl.  Only our words were different.  I couldn't tell you them here, but believe me, at our parties, we really belted our version out.

The new words were written by Cyzck and Beasey.

But, after the song, Stroud said the words I gave been waiting so long to hear, that Doug Clifford, Stu Cook and John Fogerty have been meeting and talking about burying the hatchet.  John's brother Tom Fogerty has since died.  When the band broke up in 1972, there were really hard feelings.

I consider CCR my favorite 1960s band.

Can a tour be long in coming?

CCR Forever.  --RoadFan


EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:    Q:  What would you get if you crossed the Easter Bunny with an over-stressed person?   A:  An Easter basket case!!

WLS Top Ten for April 21, 1969: "Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show"

Fifty Years Ago in Chicago.

1.  IT'S YOUR THING--  Isley Brothers
2.  AQUARIUS / LET THE SUNSHINE IN--  Fifth Dimension
3.  GITARZAN--  Ray Stevens

4.  SWEET CHERRY WINE--  Tommy James / Shondells
5.  MR. SUN, MR. MOON--  Paul Revere / Raiders
6.  DON'T GIVE IN TO HIM--  Gary Puckett / Union Gap
7.  BROTHER LOVE'S TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW--  Neil Diamond

8.  GIMME GIMME GOOD LOVIN'--   Crazy Elephant
9.  YOU'VE MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY--   Blood, Sweat & Tears
10.  HAIR--  Cowsills


DEBUTS

27.  HAWAII FIVE-0--  Ventures
35.  LOVE--  Mercy

39.  SEATTLE--  Perry Como
40.  OH HAPPY DAY--  Edwin Hawkins Singers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "C'Mon Everyone, We Got To Get Together Now."    Answer below.  --RoadDog

EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:  Q:  How is the Easter Bunny like Shaquille O'Neal?    A:  They're both famous for stuffing baskets.


"Sweet Cherry Wine"

Music Deaths: Reggie Young, Session Player with Memphis Boys

REGGIE YOUNG, 73

Died January 17, 2019

Lead guitarist in the American Sound Studio house band, the Memphis Boys.  One of the best session players.

He played with Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, the Box Tops and Johnny Cash among many others.  He was an original member of Bill Black's Combo who opened for the Beatles in 1964.

The Memphis Boys played on 120 hit pop, country, rock and soul songs 1967 to 1971.

Some of them "Suspicious Minds", "Kentucky Rain", "Don't Cry Daddy" and "In the Ghetto."  In the early 1970s he backed Jimmy Buffett on three albums as a member of the Coral Reefers.

For more songs he appeared on, go to Wikipedia.  It is an impressive list.

Down in the Boondocks--  Billie Joe Royal
Sweet Caroline--  Neil Diamond
Drift Away--  Dobie Gray

JSS: No Movies For Me-- Weather-- Wood-- Decent Weather

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  NO MOVIES FOR ME--  Today I had intended to go to the Fox Lake Theatre to see a couple movies, but then remembered it being Good Friday and a lot of schools out which would mean crowds as parents look or something for their kids to do.

The kids are OK, but I don't like crowds.

2.  WEATHER--  This weather has sure been something lately.  This past Sunday, I went out and burned some leaves, but was chased in by snow.  We figure we got eight inches!!!  That's a lot for April, even here. By Tuesday, however, it was all gone.

But my buddy Paul ended up taking two days between bad weather out west and here to get home.  Also, Bob Stroud, on Chicago's WDRV took two days to get back home from Florida.

3.  WOOD--  Anybody looking for some wood to burn, I have many piles out back of the house.  Some of the limbs are from pine trees that fell in an earlier winter storm.  Others from trees that were trimmed or taken down.

4.  DECENT WEATHER--  And speaking of weather and wood, I'm hoping for a good weekend (meaning weather) to burn some of my stockpiles of wood this weekend.  We can only burn on weekends in April and May.

Just Some Stuff.  --  RoadDog

EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:  Q:  What do you get when you cross a rabbit's foot with poison ivy?   A:  A rash of good luck.

Music Deaths: Peter Tork of the Monkees

PETER TORK, 77

Died February 21, 2019

Real name Peter Halsten Thorkelson.

American musician, composer and actor, best known a the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees.  He grew up in Connecticut and in the mid-sixties was part of the Greenwich Village folk scene.  He was an accomplished musician and a friend of Stephen Stills.

He moved to Los Angeles with Stills and  was recruited for the comedic and manufactured band, the Monkees, based on the Beatles. and became a star during the TV show's run 1966-1968.

Now, like the Beatles, there are only two Monkees remaining.

Music Deaths: Peter Posa of New Zealand

PETER POSA, 77

Died 3 February 2019

Guitar instrumentalist from New Zealand.  Most famous for his 1962 instrumental song "White Rabbit" which hit the top of the Australia and New Zealand pop charts.

This is a great song, clocking in, unfortunately, at just 2:06.  Go to You Tube and give it a listen.   Also"

 "Mad Hatter"
"Guitar Boogie"
"Gizmo"
"Grasshopper"
"Gonk"

This guy could really pick those strings.

The Doolittle Raid, April 18, 1942

From the April 18, 2019, Springfield (Ohio) New-Sun.

The attack was a psychological blow to the Japanese, who moved four fighter groups and  recalled top officers from other combat areas in order to guard Japan from another American bomber attack.

Two months after the Raid, Jimmy Doolittle received the Congressional Medal of Honor from FDR.  Richard Cole received a Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the war, the Doolittle Raiders decided to meet every year until only two remained .  That happened in 2013 and Richard Cole and the other one uncorked a bottle of vintage cognac from 1896, the year of Jimmy Doolittle's birth., for a final toast.  This bottle and the goblets they used can be found at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.

Today, we are saying our final goodbye to the last Doolittle Raider.

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969, The Top 10-- Part 7: "Only the Strong Survive"

The number behind the artist is the highest the song got on the Billboard Hot 100.

10.  GALVESTON--  Glen Campbell    #4
9.  BROTHER LOVES TRAVELING SALVATION SHOW--  Neil Diamond   #22
8.  ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE--  Jerry Butler     #4

7.  DO YOUR THING--  Watts 103rd Street Band      #11
6.  DON'T HIVE IN TO HIM--  Gary Puckett / Union Gap     #15
5.  MR. SUN, MR. MOON--  Paul Revere / Raiders     #18
4.  HAIR--  Cowsills     #2

3.  YOU MAKE ME SO VERY HAPPY--  Blood Sweat & Tears     #2
2.  AQUARIUS / LET THE SUNSHINE IN--  Fifth Dimension     #1
1.  IT'S YOUR THING--  Isley Brothers    #2

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Can't tell You, Who To Sock It To."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"It's Your Thing"

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969-- Part 6: "Rock Me"

Fifty Years Ago.

15.  WILL YOU BE STAYING AFTER SUNDAY--  Peppermint Rainbow       #32    Mamas and Papas II.  Real good song, though.  Watch the video.  Their biggest of two hits.

14.  GIMME, GIMME GOOD LOVIN'--  Crazy Elephant     #12     I am writing a lot about this in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.    One of my absolute favorites.  A geography lesson, but way too short at 1:57.

13.  ROCK ME--  Steppenwolf     #10  -  Their third straight Top Ten.  Takes me right back to Palatine High School and Senior Lounge.  This song played a whole lot.

12.  I CAN HEAR MUSIC--  Beach Boys     #24    Those vocals.  Carl on vocals.   Everyone else on harmony except Mike Love who was getting paid for doing not much of nothing.

11.  SWEET CHERRY WINE--  Tommy James / Shondells     #7  Follow up to #1 "Crimson And Clover."   A different song from Tommy compared with his earlier songs.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "From Atlanta, Georgia, To The Gulf Stream Water."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Gimme, Gimme Good Lovin"   Go to my RoadDog's RoadLog blog to find out more than you ever thought you'd know about this song, one of my all-time favorites.

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969-- Part 5: "Pinball Wizard"

That's right, fifty years ago.   The number behind the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100.

20.  PINBALL WIZARD--  Who      #19    As soon as you hear that guitar, you know the song.  Then the bass jumps in.  That deaf, dumb and blind kid could sure play that silver ball!!    Roger, Pete, John and Keith.

19.  TWENTY FIVE MILES--  Edwin Starr    #6   More great Soul.  That great walking intro.   Born Charles Hatcher in Nashville in 1942.

18.  GITARZAN--  Ray Stevens     #8     Real funny video.  Loved Jane and the Monkey.  Just too funny.  But Ray could really sing a silly song.   Right Streak?  Right Ahab, the Arab?

17.  THE BOXER--  Simon & Garfunkel     #7   One of my favorite songs by them.  And I had a lot of favorite songs by them.    Recorded as Tom & Jerry in 1957.

16.  TIME IS TIGHT--  Booker T. & the MGs       #6     If I ever get back into deejaying there is a good chance this would be my intro.  What a great instrumental.  Not that "Green Onions" wasn't good, either.  maybe I'll use that one.  One or the other.   Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn became members of the Blues Brothers.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "He's Free As The Breeze, He's Always At Ease."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Gitarzan"

Record Store Day Today!!!

It is finally here.  The day to visit your local mom and pop record store and flip through those vinyl albums and take a trip back in time.  None of that there downloading here today.  It is a real touch thing.  And, buy some albums which will be cheaper than buying the new vinyl albums which are way too expensive.

I'll be heading over to my local record place, The Vinyl Revolution Records in McHenry, Illinois, to get my taste.

Check out the Record Store Website for one near you.

Also, WXRT, 93.1 FM in Chicago is doing 1991 on Saturday Morning Flashback from 9 to noon, CDST.  After that, in honor of Record Store Day, they will be playing vinyl record sides from noon to midnight.

They stream at www.wxrt.com.

Too Much Fun.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 49 for April 14, 1968-- Part 4: "Traces"

I listen to all Top 40 songs on You Tube each month when I do the Top 40.  Really takes you back.   Highly suggested.

25.  TRACES--  Classics IV      #2     Their biggest hit.  So very laid back.    How do you get more laid back?   Formed in Jacksonville, Florida with Dennis Yost on vocals.

24.  CHOKIN' KIND--  Joe Simon     #13    From Louisiana.  Moved to Oakland, California.  This was #1 R&B for three weeks.  Some great Soul Music and that ramblin' bass.

23.  DIZZY--  Tommy Roe    #1    His biggest hit.     Again, just try not to sing along or move to this song.  Bet you can't.

22.  MERCY--  Ohio Express     #30    Never heard it before, but great Bubble Gum Music.  I love Bubble Gum Music.  At just 2:08.  Seriously, this needs to be longer.  Give a listen on You Tube.

21.  MEMORIES--  Elvis Presley     #35   Elvis putting his stamp on this classic.  Sounds like a Frank Sinatra arrangement.

Name That Tune  (from the above songs):  "First Time I Saw You, Girl, I Knew That I Just Had To Make You Mine."    Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Dizzy"

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969-- Part 3: "To Know You Is To Love You"

Fifty Years Ago this week.

The number behind the artist is the highest the song got on Billboard's Hot 100 Pop Chart.

30  THE COMPOSER--  Diana Ross / Supremes     #27    Not a better-known one, but solid Motown.  Dig the flower album cover.

29.  TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU--  Bobby Vinton       #34   Singing that old classic.  A huge hit for the Teddy Bears in 1958.

28.  MY WAY--  Frank Sinatra.    #27   Does it get more Frank than this?

27.  EARTH ANGEL--  Vogues    #42     "Earth Angel (Will You be Mine)"  Could these guys ever harmonize.   #3 for the Crewcuts in 1955.

26.  THE LETTER--  Arbors     #20     Their biggest hit.  A psychedelic, way laid-back version.  Did I hear the sound of a toke at one point.  Far Out, Man.  Formed at the University of Michigan.

Name That Tune (From the above songs):  "And Now The End Is Near, And So I face The Final Curtain."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"My Way"

Lest Ye Forget or Didn't Know: Tomorrow, April 13, Is Record Store Day

Always a big day for me.  A day to get back to my past.  A day to Flip Through the Albums.  A day to be amazed at all the young folks looking at albums instead of downloading.

It's RECORD STORE DAY.

I'll be heading over to my favorite mom and pop record store, The Vinyl Frontier, in McHenry, Illinois.  And, then maybe over to Siren Records, also in McHenry.  I feel lucky to have not one but two record stores that close to me.

I'll be buying several albums and several CDs.

My favorite record stores that are no longer with us:

Full Cyrkle Records in Crystal Lake, Illinois
Record Revolution in DeKalb, Illinois
Record Rack in Goldsboro, N.C.

If you're not sure where a mom and pop record store is nearest to you, go to the site and they will tell you.

I should also mention that you should tune into Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM tomorrow as they will do a Saturday Morning Flashback to 1991 from 9 am to noon and then the rest of the day and night will be all album sides.  And, I mean album sides played on vinyl.  It streams.

Not That I Need Another Record or CD.  --RoadDog

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969-- Part 2: "Runaway Child, Running Wild"

35.  RUNAWAY CHILD, RUNNING WILD--  Temptations     #6    Not one of their bigger hits, but classic Motown sound all the way.  Well, at #6, I guess it was.

34.  IT'S ONLY LOVE--  B.J. Thomas     #45    A nice slow song that I don't remember, but it grows on you with listening.   Good old Billy Joe Thomas.

33.  TIME OF THE SEASON--  Zombies    #3     Their last hit.  Always a strange sort of a song.  Always have liked that intro.

32.  FIRST OF MAY--  Bee Gees    #37    A forgotten nugget for those Aussie lads.   One of 41 Top 100s on the Billboard charts.

31.  THE WAY IT USED TO BE--  Englebert Humperdinck       #42   I don't remember this slow song.  But, he's so lonely.   Born in India.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "When Love Runs High."   Answer below.  --RoadDog



"Time Of The season"

WLS Top 40 for April 14, 1969-- Part 1: "Grazing In the Grass"

That's right.  Fifty years ago.

(D) means Debut.  The number after the group is how high the song got on the Billboard Top 100.

40.  SINGIN' MY SONG--  Tammy Wynette   (D)    #75   Doesn't get much more country than this (and on the pop charts) Dig the slide guitar.

39.  I'VE BEEN HURT--  Bill Deal / Rhondells    (D)     #35   BEACH MUSIC.  Only 2:08, unfortunately.  Could have used more time.    Classic Call and response.

38.  THESE EYES--  Guess Who   (D)    #6  One of my all-time favorites.  Their first hit with new singer Burton Cummings.

37.  MINNIE SKIRT MINNIE--  Wilson Pickett   (D)     #50    Pure Wicked Pickett.  never heard it before, though.  And, she was the "Baddest thing around."   From Prattville, Alabama.

36.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Friends of Distinction     #3     Their biggest hit.    A Fifth Dimension knock off.  So that how Hugh's song goes.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Yes You Told Me A Whole Lot Of Lies."  Answer below.  --RoadDog



"I've Been Hurt"

Richard E. Cole, the Last Doolittle Raider, Dies

From Wikipedia.

A sad thing as a big piece of American history passed away with him.  But we won't forget.

RICHARD EUGENE COLE

(September 7, 1915 - April 9, 2019)

A career military officer in the U.S. Air Force (and Army Air Corps before that).   He was one of the 80 airmen who took part in the famed Doolittle Raid on Japan on April 18, 1942.  (He died just nine days before the 77th anniversary of the raid.)  In it he served as co-pilot to Jimmy Doolittle in the lead airplane.  (They had the least amount of deck from which to take off that day.)

He eventually reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Cole remained in China after the raid until June 1943 and served again in the dangerous China Burma India Theater from October 1943 to June 1944.  He later served as U.S. Operations Advisor to the Venezuelan Air Force from 1959-1962 before retiring in 1966.

In 2016, he became the last living Doolittle Raider.

A Hero Among heroes.

Richard Cole, Last WW II Doolittle Raider Dies at 103

From the April 9, 2019, Chicago Tribune.

Retired Lt. Col. Richard "Dick" Cole, the last of the 80 Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, who carried out the daring U.S. attack on Japan during World War II, has died at a military hospital in Texas.  He was 103.

A spokesman says Cole died Tuesday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, but gave no additional details.

The Greatest of the Greatest Generation.

Is It Spring? Nope, Not Yet

I just came in from raking pine straw up by the east pine island and am thawing my fingers out.  Man, it is real cold out there and a big wind blowing the cold on you as well as overcast.  I started seeing stuff falling off the pines, or so I thought.  Must be pollen, but wait!!!  They are white.  It was SNOW.  My working agreement clearly states that I do not have to do raking in the snow, so I came inside to thaw out.

Temperature is 38 degrees.

Yesterday and Monday, we had sun and low 70s.  Very nice and everyone was getting spring fever.  Now this!!!

Sunday I brought in three daffodils from the yard and have some others blooming and several hundred getting ready to bloom.  Hyacinths are getting ready to bloom as well.  Plus, all the rain on Sunday and the grass has turned green all over the place.

Spring or Not Spring.  Make Up Your Mind Mother Nature!!!!  --RoadDog

Old Friends, Stucky's and Sunnyside Tap

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

We went to Stucky's in Johnsburg, Illinois, and enjoyed the$1.50 pints and mac and cheese bites for $4 and talked with Rich (from Donovan's), Double D (the NIU football fan) and others.  This place is becoming a major hangout for us.  Stucky's also has $1.50 draft on Tuesdays.  Otherwise a draft will set you back $2.50.

Then, we went to Sunnyside Tap, about a quarter mile away and talked with more friends.  Sunnyside is a real "Cheers" place.  Generally, we know most every person in there, if not by name, then by face.  Always somebody to talk with and not a whole lot of "Idge" phone staring.  Most times that does occur is to look up some bit of "pertinent" information concerning a conversation.

Sunnyside Tap has Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. everyday,when a draft pint is $1.50.  Pints cost$2.50 otherwise unless its Monday, when it is $1.50 all day.

Can you guess which days we're most likely be at these places?

--RoadDog

EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:  Q:  Why does Peter Cottontail go hopping down the bunny trail?  A:  Because he is too young to drive.

Old Friends, the Legion, a Band and Some Bodacious NCAA Games

APRIL 6, SATURDAY

I was able to get out in the yard to burn the huge number of limbs and trees that were either dropped by winter storms or cut down by Jerry, but those pine limbs are just too fresh to burn well, so did not have much success.

Liz and I went to the Fox  Lake American Legion at 3 pm, and met Glen and Barb and enjoyed listening to the three-piece band, the Neil Rose Band, playing 60s music.  Sure enjoyed their playing "Don't Bogart That Joint" song which I have never heard a band do live before.  That was a great song from that even greater "Easy Rider" soundtrack.

Watched some of the greatest college basketball games ever in the NCAA Elite 8.  Texas Tech defeated #1 Seed Gonzaga 75-69 and Virginia beat Purdue 80-75.

Sports just doesn't get much better than this.

--RoadDog

EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:  Q:  What do you call an egg from outer space?   A:  An "Egg-stra terrestrial."

Old Friends, a Procession and the Legion-- Part 1

We actually are having spring-like weather these days.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Met my old buddies, Magee teachers at the Bristol 45 Diner in Bristol, Wisconsin.  I sure enjoy these monthly meetings and all the memories and where are they now?  Also, some really fine omelets here, especially their Mediterranean omelet.

On the way back, I saw the funeral procession of Illinois State Trooper Gerald Ellis who was killed last week in the line of duty.  We had several hundred people gathered at the place I was at.  There had to have been 300 police cars from all over Illinois and even as far away as Louisiana and Texas.  I had my Blue Line U.S. flag with me.

The police still have a lot of support and respect from us, even if some people don't like them.  There was not one single BLM person out there.  Well, Blue Lives Matter to us.

For more on the funeral procession for Officer Ellis, go to my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

Met friends Barb and Glenn, and Kevin and Kelly at the Legion that night.

--Ro

I'd Celebrate That!!!! April 8 - 11: Appomattox Day on Tuesday, April 9

**  I'd celebrate it.

APRIL 8

DOG FARTING AWARENESS DAY--  Yep, they do.  Just don't blame them when you fart.

NATIONAL DOG FIGHTING AWARENESS DAY--  **  This is terrible.  And, what it has done to the reputation of pit-bulls is absolutely horrible.


APRIL 9

APPOMATTOX DAY--    Lee Surrenders.  Well, being of Southern persuasion I can't say that I celebrate this day.  But I am glad that the war was finally over.

NATIONAL FORMER POW DAY--  **  What they had to endure for us is unimaginable.


APRIL 10

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS DAY--  **  It is amazing how cruel some people are to animals.

SALVATION ARMY FOUNDERS' DAY--  **  One of the great relief organizations anywhere.


APRIL 11

NATIONAL PET DAY--  **  Those pets have us trained so well.

INTERNATIONAL LOUIE LOUIE DAY--  **  The song's writer, Richard Berry was born on this day in 1935.

SUBMARINE DAY--  **  When the U.S. bought its first submarine, the Holland, in 1900.

Remember Those Prisoners.  --RoadDog

EGGCELLENT EASTER JOKES:  Q:  What is the Easter bunny's favorite kind of music?  A:  Hip-Hop of course.

WLS Top Ten for April 7, 1969: "You've Made Me So Very Happy"

These were the top ten songs in Chicago 50 Years Ago.  That long ago?

1.  AQUARIUS / LET THE SUNSHINE IN--  Fifth Dimension
2.  IT'S YOUR THING--  Isley Brothers
3.  YOU'VE MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY--  Blood, Sweat & Tears

4.  HAIR--  Cowsills
5.  GALVESTON--  Glen Campbell
6.  ROCK ME--  Steppenwolf
7.  DO YOUR THING--  Watts 103rd Street Band

8.  ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE--  Jerry Butler
9.  MR. SUN, MR. MOON--  Paul Revere & the Raiders
10.  DIZZY--  Tommy Roe


DEBUTS

30.  GUITARZAN--  Ray Stevens
34.  THE WAY IT USED TO BE--  Engelbert Humperdinck

35.  THE FIRST OF MAY--  Bee Gees
37.  TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU--  Bobby Vinton

38.  EARTH ANGEL--  Vogues
39.  THE COMPOSER--  Diana Ross / Supremes
40.  GRAZING IN THE GRASS--  Friends of Distinction

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Still Hear Your Sea Winds Blowin', I Still See Her Dark Eyes Glowin'."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Galveston"

Seven Ways the Beatles Changed Boomer Childhood

Terri Hemmert, our Beatle enthusiast here in Chicago on WXRT, 93.1 FM, who has a show on Sundays from 8-10 am called Breakfast With the Beatles found this bit of information and passed it on to us.

1.  The Beatles made music a necessity.  (It sure did for me.  It had a huge impact on my life.)

2.  It displaced traditional childhood past times.  Like toys.  (Well, not really in my case.)

3.  The youngest Beatle fans started continually hanging out with older ones.  (Not me.)

4.  Children became aware of appearance and wanted to look cool.  (I didn't dare cross my parents in this situation.)

5.  They displaced traditional male role models.  (Like I said, I would not dare cross my dad.)

6.  Children became consumers when they became fans.  (To an extent.  I didn't have much money and my dad thought records were a waste of money. I didn't buy my first 45s until 1965, and even then, on the sly.)

7.  They created global and generational consciousness in younger boomers.  (There was no doubt but the Beatles were OUR music, not our parents.)

Something To Think About.  --RoadDog

EGGCELLENT  EASTER JOKES:  From April 2019 Wassup Magazine.    Q.  What does the Easter Rabbit get for making a basket?    A.  Two points just like everyone else.

Every Blooming THing-- Early April

No work outside today, April 4, because of rain and cool temps, but I have been working outside a lot.  I've been raking pine straw (makes great mulch in the pine islands on the east and west sides).  Also, gathering lots and lots of branches taken down by winter storms and especially that February storm that had the branches of the pine trees touching ground.  I lost a lot of large branches that way.

My neighbor Joe had a guy come over cutting a tree down and he was nice enough to come over and finish cutting up the part of the Bradford pear tree by the deck that had been blown down a couple years back.  I had that guy come over and cut down a lot of the same tree that had continued standing as it was overgrown and also cut down the volunteer apple tree(s) by the southwest corner of the house that also had overgrown.

He then cut down a lot of the lower branches of the pine trees in both pine islands.

Since then, I have been busy at Frances' Back 40 in the southeast corner of the yard cutting various bushes back which had overgrown.

I've also been working in the flower beds and am happy to report lots of bulbs coming up and the daffodills by the heat exchange ARE BLOOMING!!!

Maybe Spring Is Finally Here.  --RoadDog

Was That Ever A Great Weekend for College B-Ball!!

As boring as the games were the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, this past weekend more than made up for it.  We had four of the greatest games I've ever seen. (Actually, five when you count the Friday Duke-Va. Tech game.

And, even better, BOTH of the One-And-Doner teams are gone.  (Teams that start all or mostly all freshman who will be gone to the NBA next year.)   That was my biggest fear that the championship game would be played between Duke and Kentucky.  I figured I wouldn't watch if they were.

And, Duke used to be one of my favorite teams, but not anymore.  I'm thinking of burning my Duke hats and shirts.

We watched in bars and at home.  We're planning on watching the Final Four on Saturday at Half-Times in Johnsburg which attracts more of a college crowd.

Friday, Duke barely squeaked by Va. Tech 75-73.  Then Saturday Texas Tech upset #1 Gonzaga 75-69 and Virginia beat Purdue 80-75.  But Sunday was the best when Auburn beat Kentucky 62-58 and best of all, Michigan State defeated Duke 68-67.

This was a real fun weekend.

Final Four!!  Hope They Keep the Close Games Going.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  A swarm of 20,000 bees followed a car for two days because their queen was trapped inside.

Foolin' Me With the Music: "Everybody Plays the Fool"

For some reason, Bob Stroud went to a Foolin' subject for today's Ten at Ten which was on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM, the Drive.  It will stream again tonight at 10 pm Central.

FOOL FOR THE CITY--  Foghat
EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient
FOOL IN THE RAIN--  Led Zeppelin

FOOLIN'--  Def Leppard
FOOL ON THE HILL--  Beatles
FOOLING YOURSELF--  Styx
FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE--  Elvin Bisgop

A FOOL FOR YOUR STOCKINGS--  ZZ Top
FOOLISH HEART--  Steve Perry
WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES--  Doobie Brothers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The Man With The Foolish Grin Is Keeping Perfectly Still."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Fool On the Hill"

I'd Celebrate That!!! April 1-4: Fool Me All of the Time

APRIL 1

APRIL FOOLS' DAY--  **  Not me, but you.  I'll never forget the time at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, when Jeff moved his parents' furniture outside onto the beach.  Real funny.  But they didn't think so.

NATIONAL SOURDOUGH BREAD DAY--  **  One of my favorite breads.

NATIONAL PENNIES DAY--  **  I still bend down to pick one up.


APRIL 2

NATIONAL FERRET DAY--  **  Just don't let the Budweiser lizard see you petting the ferret.

NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY DAY--  **  Still one of life's little joys, especially with an extra glob of jelly.


APRIL 3

AMERICAN CIRCUS DAY--  **  Sad to see us losing them.

NATIONAL WALKING DAY--  **  Like they told me at work.  "Go take a hike."


APRIL 4

INTERNATIONAL CARROT DAY--  **  My personal favorite carrot is the healthy and highly edible carrot cake.

NATIONAL BURRITO DAY--  **  A favorite.  (Observed the first Thursday in April)

404 DAY--  Computer speak for Not Found.   That's OK, I'm lost around 'puters anyway.

Carrot Cake.   MMMMMMMMmmmmm.  Good.  --RoadDog

TOP TEN TRIVIA:  10% TO 20%   of power outages in the U.S. are caused by squirrels.  Those bushy-tailed Rats.