I didn't mention it here, (I did in my other blog, Cooter's History Thing), but Monday, December 1st, marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic Our Lady of Angels fire in Chicago in which 92 children and three nuns died.
I came across an article in the December 4th Marin (Ca) Independent Journal about the fire and a Navato resident by the name of Jonathan Cain. He is an OLA survivor and was also the keyboardist and a songwriter with the popular band Journey.
He attended the ceremony this past Sunday at Chicago's Holy Family Church where candles were lit and the names of victims read aloud. Some of the victims' relatives wore lapel pins with their pictures.
And, Cain played a song that he had written this past November about the event, "The Day They Became Angels." It will tear you up. The article had a link to the song. Quite an evoking scene painted in music and words, and by a survivor.
JONATHAN LEONARD FRIGA
As he was known back then was an eight-year-old in third grade, Room 101, on the ground floor of the school. When they smelled smoke, his class was herded outside and saw the black smoke and heard the screams of their classmates. One nun climbed a ladder to save those trapped on the second floor while another took the class inside the church located next door. They prayed.
Jonathan didn't stay long, figuring that being in a building next to one that was on fire was not a good idea. He went back outside and looked around in shock. "I ran home to find my mother on her knees (praying)" From their window above the deli about six blocks away, they could see a mushroom cloud. He remembers that the surviving children did not have the opportunity to have people available to deal with their post-traumatic stress like they do today.
A Very Sad Story Indeed.
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
It's a Chicago Thing, Gouge Then Gouge Again
An article in yesterday's Chicago Tribune about the new and more expensive Chicago parking meters. I mentioned it in yesterday's JSS.
I think Mayor Daley is making a big mistake, getting paid BIG up front, but losing the revenues for 75 years which will be much more than the $1.2 billion the city gets now.
The 36,000 meters generate $20 million a year. Neighborhood meters go from a quarter an hour to a buck nect month and then to $2 by 2013. Prime downtown ones go from $3 now to $6.50 in five years. WHAT A RIPOFF!!!!
Yet another reason NOT to go to Chicago. And we're not even going to talk about those exorbitant parking garages and facilities.
I used to go to Chicago a lot (about 50 miles away), but have stopped since they put street parking by places you want to go by sticker only. That was thanks to night games at Wrigley.
If You Go Downtown, Be Prepared to Pay and Pay and Pay. --RoadDog
I think Mayor Daley is making a big mistake, getting paid BIG up front, but losing the revenues for 75 years which will be much more than the $1.2 billion the city gets now.
The 36,000 meters generate $20 million a year. Neighborhood meters go from a quarter an hour to a buck nect month and then to $2 by 2013. Prime downtown ones go from $3 now to $6.50 in five years. WHAT A RIPOFF!!!!
Yet another reason NOT to go to Chicago. And we're not even going to talk about those exorbitant parking garages and facilities.
I used to go to Chicago a lot (about 50 miles away), but have stopped since they put street parking by places you want to go by sticker only. That was thanks to night games at Wrigley.
If You Go Downtown, Be Prepared to Pay and Pay and Pay. --RoadDog
JSS: The Fessa-- C-O-L-D-- Water From the Ceiling-- Snowblower Started
JSS-- Just Some Stuff.
1. THE FESSA-- Just sitting here typing away and listening to the Fessa, that'd be Fessa John Hook, doing his Beach Music Top 40 Countdown at Endless Summer. Sure is great getting some Beach Music all the way up here in the Northlands along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. AND, while it's snowing outside.
Some really great songs so far are: Mercy- by Duffy, Carina/Jacqueline by James Hunter, Think by Angel Risoff, Any Other Way by Sensational Epics, Love That Girl by Raphael Saadiq.
The Top Five:
#5. Mercy-- Duffy
#4. Shoo Da Wop-- Mr. David
#3. Turn Back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters
#2. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniels
#1. Hey Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
2. C-O-L-D-- Sure picked a bad time to come home. If I hadn't had to DJ tonight, I might have stayed a bit longer in NC. It doesn't appear that we'll get over freezing in the next week and all the snow just keeps piling up with no chance to melt off. We also had a mean December last year.
3. WATER FROM THE CEILING-- Last night, I was in Margaritaville watching Ghost Whisperer (OK, I like that show), when all of a sudden water started torrenting down through a basement light feature. Turns out, there was something wrong with the water coming into the washer upstairs. Also started getting water through a nearby heat vent. You wouldn't expect to get water from above while in the basement. Wet floor to say the least. ALL SORTS OF FUN CLEANING UP THIS MESS. Don't know what's wrong with the washer.
4. SNOWBLOWER STARTED-- On a happier note, yesterday I mixed the oil and gasoline in the old snowblower, turned on the choke, primed it, turned the key, pulled the cord...AND IT STARTED UP RIGHT AWAY. Sure needed it as we got quite a bit of snow while I was gone.
I had forgotten to fire it up before leaving. Sure glad it started.
5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS-- Liz has the inside looking like a winter wonderland as we put up WAY TOO many Christmas decorations. But, they look good. I had put up all the outside lights before I left and had to set the timers (some of which had to be taken inside to thaw out). I have a few strands I'll have to work on, but the house is ablaze with color bith inside and out.
Just a Few Things. --RoadDog
1. THE FESSA-- Just sitting here typing away and listening to the Fessa, that'd be Fessa John Hook, doing his Beach Music Top 40 Countdown at Endless Summer. Sure is great getting some Beach Music all the way up here in the Northlands along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. AND, while it's snowing outside.
Some really great songs so far are: Mercy- by Duffy, Carina/Jacqueline by James Hunter, Think by Angel Risoff, Any Other Way by Sensational Epics, Love That Girl by Raphael Saadiq.
The Top Five:
#5. Mercy-- Duffy
#4. Shoo Da Wop-- Mr. David
#3. Turn Back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters
#2. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniels
#1. Hey Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
2. C-O-L-D-- Sure picked a bad time to come home. If I hadn't had to DJ tonight, I might have stayed a bit longer in NC. It doesn't appear that we'll get over freezing in the next week and all the snow just keeps piling up with no chance to melt off. We also had a mean December last year.
3. WATER FROM THE CEILING-- Last night, I was in Margaritaville watching Ghost Whisperer (OK, I like that show), when all of a sudden water started torrenting down through a basement light feature. Turns out, there was something wrong with the water coming into the washer upstairs. Also started getting water through a nearby heat vent. You wouldn't expect to get water from above while in the basement. Wet floor to say the least. ALL SORTS OF FUN CLEANING UP THIS MESS. Don't know what's wrong with the washer.
4. SNOWBLOWER STARTED-- On a happier note, yesterday I mixed the oil and gasoline in the old snowblower, turned on the choke, primed it, turned the key, pulled the cord...AND IT STARTED UP RIGHT AWAY. Sure needed it as we got quite a bit of snow while I was gone.
I had forgotten to fire it up before leaving. Sure glad it started.
5. CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS-- Liz has the inside looking like a winter wonderland as we put up WAY TOO many Christmas decorations. But, they look good. I had put up all the outside lights before I left and had to set the timers (some of which had to be taken inside to thaw out). I have a few strands I'll have to work on, but the house is ablaze with color bith inside and out.
Just a Few Things. --RoadDog
Friday, December 5, 2008
NIU Planning Feb. 14th Observance
This Feb. 14th will mark the one year anniversary of the murders of five students on the campus of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb last Valentine's Day.
Gayle Dubowski, 20
Catalina Garcis, 20
Juliana Gehant, 32
Ryanne Mace, 19
Daniel Parmenter, 20
Sixteen others were injured.
NIU President John Peters said a "dignified and simple" observation will be held that day, beginning with a 10:30 AM memorial ceremony at the Convocation Center, an opportunity to view the thousands of objects sent by people from across the country and a candlelight vigil at 6:30 PM at MLK Commons.
The future site of the memorial and artist renderings of it will be shown. Also, there will be a luncheon for the first recipients of the Forward Together Forward Scholarship Fund which was set up to honor the slain. Up to five students will receive $4,000 scholarships.
This was especially difficult for my wife and me because we are both alumni.
That Was a Sad Time Indeed. --RoadDog
Gayle Dubowski, 20
Catalina Garcis, 20
Juliana Gehant, 32
Ryanne Mace, 19
Daniel Parmenter, 20
Sixteen others were injured.
NIU President John Peters said a "dignified and simple" observation will be held that day, beginning with a 10:30 AM memorial ceremony at the Convocation Center, an opportunity to view the thousands of objects sent by people from across the country and a candlelight vigil at 6:30 PM at MLK Commons.
The future site of the memorial and artist renderings of it will be shown. Also, there will be a luncheon for the first recipients of the Forward Together Forward Scholarship Fund which was set up to honor the slain. Up to five students will receive $4,000 scholarships.
This was especially difficult for my wife and me because we are both alumni.
That Was a Sad Time Indeed. --RoadDog
JSS: Recession Here We Are-- Chicago Parking Rip-Off-- Work for a Buck-- Obama Tour
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. RECESSION HEREWE ARE-- How about this breaking news. The guv'ment finally admitted we are in a RECESSION. I'm so glad they told me. I had no idea. AND, we've been in it for a year now. As the kids say, "No Duh!"
2. CHICAGO PARKING RIP-OFF-- Parking in Chi-Town, already a rip-off, is getting to be even a BIGGER rip-off. Parking meters have been turned over to a private service and soon, it will cost a buck an hour to park at a meter, and no more of those FREE holidays or Sundays. Yet more reasons NOT to go to town.
Of interest, it costs $17 for the first hour to park at Millenium Park and toll on the Skyway is 50% higher than it was in 2004.
3. WORK FOR A BUCK-- That was mighty big of Ford CEO Allan Mulally to say he was willing to work for $1 a year. Here that, all you overpaid CEOs?
4. OBAMA TOUR-- Now, you can take your very own Barack Obama Tour to the spots he was at in Chicago. This is roughly the same price as what it will cost you to park, so enjoy.
Question: Among retirees, what is considered formal attire? ANSWER: Tied Shoes (or sandals with black socks)
Ain't Things Just Peachy? --RoadDog
1. RECESSION HEREWE ARE-- How about this breaking news. The guv'ment finally admitted we are in a RECESSION. I'm so glad they told me. I had no idea. AND, we've been in it for a year now. As the kids say, "No Duh!"
2. CHICAGO PARKING RIP-OFF-- Parking in Chi-Town, already a rip-off, is getting to be even a BIGGER rip-off. Parking meters have been turned over to a private service and soon, it will cost a buck an hour to park at a meter, and no more of those FREE holidays or Sundays. Yet more reasons NOT to go to town.
Of interest, it costs $17 for the first hour to park at Millenium Park and toll on the Skyway is 50% higher than it was in 2004.
3. WORK FOR A BUCK-- That was mighty big of Ford CEO Allan Mulally to say he was willing to work for $1 a year. Here that, all you overpaid CEOs?
4. OBAMA TOUR-- Now, you can take your very own Barack Obama Tour to the spots he was at in Chicago. This is roughly the same price as what it will cost you to park, so enjoy.
Question: Among retirees, what is considered formal attire? ANSWER: Tied Shoes (or sandals with black socks)
Ain't Things Just Peachy? --RoadDog
Back Home Again
As much as I like traveling, it's always great to get back home again. I got in at about 7:30 PM last night after driving from White House (north of Nashville), Tennessee, where I spend Wednesday night with my nephew and his family.
WEDNESDAY
I left Goldsboro, NC, Wednesday morning and drove US-70 to I-40 and took it all the way to the outskirts of Nashville and then some backroads to their house. Gas was generally around $1.60 to $1.65 with the exception of around Asheville, NC, where it is always ten to twenty cents higher. Ate at the Golden Corral in Winston-Salem. I highly recommend these restaurants when you're on the road.
Interesting sight on the superslab was the pickup truck with a gun rack containing a rifle and an umbrella under it. I guess he didn't want to get wet while shooting something.
Enjoyed Andy and Andrea's kids, Charlie and Aylin, and got to watch some of Charlie's favorite movie "Cars" which was on TV for the first time. Maybe we'll have another Route 66er as he gets older. Charlie is 5 and Aylin two and a half.
THURSDAY
Yesterday, I took I-65 all the way to Remington, Idiana, about half way between Chicago and Indianapolis, and then US-24 to Il-47. Had lunch at a KFC buffet in Lafayette, the Home of Purdue University. This place was not to far from the B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings) where we once had to drive back to after I forgot my drivers license which I had to turn in to get NTN boards.
Got the cheapest gas the whole trip at a Pilot station a little south of Indianapolis. It was, get this, $1.50 ($1.49.9)!!! Never thought I'd see gas under $2 again. Something I can definitely live with.
Also got gas at the Becker BP station in Dwight, Illinois, for $1.63. This station is right by the old Route 66 and sells lots of Mother Road memorabilia and is done in a Route 66 motiff, even the Burger King located in the store.
Superslabbin' and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog
WEDNESDAY
I left Goldsboro, NC, Wednesday morning and drove US-70 to I-40 and took it all the way to the outskirts of Nashville and then some backroads to their house. Gas was generally around $1.60 to $1.65 with the exception of around Asheville, NC, where it is always ten to twenty cents higher. Ate at the Golden Corral in Winston-Salem. I highly recommend these restaurants when you're on the road.
Interesting sight on the superslab was the pickup truck with a gun rack containing a rifle and an umbrella under it. I guess he didn't want to get wet while shooting something.
Enjoyed Andy and Andrea's kids, Charlie and Aylin, and got to watch some of Charlie's favorite movie "Cars" which was on TV for the first time. Maybe we'll have another Route 66er as he gets older. Charlie is 5 and Aylin two and a half.
THURSDAY
Yesterday, I took I-65 all the way to Remington, Idiana, about half way between Chicago and Indianapolis, and then US-24 to Il-47. Had lunch at a KFC buffet in Lafayette, the Home of Purdue University. This place was not to far from the B-Dub (Buffalo Wild Wings) where we once had to drive back to after I forgot my drivers license which I had to turn in to get NTN boards.
Got the cheapest gas the whole trip at a Pilot station a little south of Indianapolis. It was, get this, $1.50 ($1.49.9)!!! Never thought I'd see gas under $2 again. Something I can definitely live with.
Also got gas at the Becker BP station in Dwight, Illinois, for $1.63. This station is right by the old Route 66 and sells lots of Mother Road memorabilia and is done in a Route 66 motiff, even the Burger King located in the store.
Superslabbin' and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
WKRP is Back
WKRP is back on the air again in Cincinnati, and this time for real. A low-power TV station in the city has changed their call letters to those used by the radio station in the popular 1970s sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati."
It was formerly WBQC to promote its new digital format.
While in Cincinnati a couple weekends ago, I went by the building where the station's studios were located, the Flim Building, actually the home of the Cincinnati Enquirer. I had always thought it to be in the taller building with columns on the top.
If I had to pick one all-time favorite sitcom, it would be "WKRP in Cincinnati." It is too bad the network kept changing its times and days throughout its run, or it would have been even more popular.
Dr. Johnny Fever Would Be SO PROUD. --RoadDog
It was formerly WBQC to promote its new digital format.
While in Cincinnati a couple weekends ago, I went by the building where the station's studios were located, the Flim Building, actually the home of the Cincinnati Enquirer. I had always thought it to be in the taller building with columns on the top.
If I had to pick one all-time favorite sitcom, it would be "WKRP in Cincinnati." It is too bad the network kept changing its times and days throughout its run, or it would have been even more popular.
Dr. Johnny Fever Would Be SO PROUD. --RoadDog
Bare Naked Ladies
Just saw Bare Naked Ladies perform a Christmas song on the Regis show on ABC. You'd think that a group with a name like that would be wild and crazy. Nothing further from the truth on this count. They are one of the most clean cut groups around.
They are also a favorite band of mine. I especially like their "One Week," "If I Had a $1,000,000," "It's All Been Done," and "Brian Wilson" songs. I have several of their CDs. I especially like the chorus to "It's All Been Done."
They were formed in Canada in 1988 and are classified as alternative rock. Their live shows are noted for humor.
Give It a Listen. --RoadDog
They are also a favorite band of mine. I especially like their "One Week," "If I Had a $1,000,000," "It's All Been Done," and "Brian Wilson" songs. I have several of their CDs. I especially like the chorus to "It's All Been Done."
They were formed in Canada in 1988 and are classified as alternative rock. Their live shows are noted for humor.
Give It a Listen. --RoadDog
Monday, December 1, 2008
Trip to Kinston, NC
Took a trip today out to Kinston, NC, about 28 miles from Goldsboro.Mom had an old picture she wanted given to a history organization there, plus, I wanted to see the full-scale replica of the CSS Neuse and, I had also reported on quite a few Civil War stories out of the city in my Saw the Elephant Blog.
On the way in, I saw a sign for the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitors Center and decided that would be the place to go. I gave them the reproduction and information of Simon Bright, who turns out to be an important person in local history dating back to pre-Revolutionary War.
Spent a lot of time in the center and found out a lot about the two Civil War battles fought there as well as on the Confederate ironclad ram Neuse.
Next stop was bbq at King's which dates back to the 1930s. Mighty fine eastern Carolina-style 'cue, cole slaw, fried okra, tea and hush puppies.
Drove around the town and found the CSS Neuse II, a full-scale 150 foot reproduction of the ship. If you've ever wanted to know what a Confederate ironclad looks like, this is where to go.
Last stop was out at the actual remains of the Neuse's hull which is currently housed in a partly open building, but there are plans to build an enclosed, climate-controlled structure to stop the vessel's deterioration.
Kinston, Your Stop for Civil War History. --RoadDog
On the way in, I saw a sign for the Kinston-Lenoir County Visitors Center and decided that would be the place to go. I gave them the reproduction and information of Simon Bright, who turns out to be an important person in local history dating back to pre-Revolutionary War.
Spent a lot of time in the center and found out a lot about the two Civil War battles fought there as well as on the Confederate ironclad ram Neuse.
Next stop was bbq at King's which dates back to the 1930s. Mighty fine eastern Carolina-style 'cue, cole slaw, fried okra, tea and hush puppies.
Drove around the town and found the CSS Neuse II, a full-scale 150 foot reproduction of the ship. If you've ever wanted to know what a Confederate ironclad looks like, this is where to go.
Last stop was out at the actual remains of the Neuse's hull which is currently housed in a partly open building, but there are plans to build an enclosed, climate-controlled structure to stop the vessel's deterioration.
Kinston, Your Stop for Civil War History. --RoadDog
Friday, November 28, 2008
On the Road-- Cincinnati
Saturday, the 22nd, Denny and I met Jennifer and Pat at the Echo, a great breakfast place dating to the 30s. I had a famous GERMAN SAUSAGE goetta breakfast plate. Goetta is a Cincinnati specialty made by simmering pork parts in stock with spices, onions, and oats. This is mighty good.
We went to the 1800s observatory and then downtown where I saw the location of the Flim Building where my favorite all-time TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati" supposedly took place. I always had the wrong building pegged as the site.
Took a tour of the great art deco edifice, Union Terminal, and the Sign Museum after that. See http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com. for more on these places.
We ate at Terry's for dinner and had some great burgers. Although this is a new place, it looks like it dates from the 20s.
After Pat and Jennifer left, Denny and I hit two more places for NTN, Coaster's and 2 Putt, and then saw the Goshorn Brothers at 20 Mile Station, which dates back to the 1840s, and, was twenty miles from Cincinnati. The Goshorn Brothers were members of one of my favorite groups, Pure Prairie League.
Mighty Good Time in the Queen City. --RoadDog
We went to the 1800s observatory and then downtown where I saw the location of the Flim Building where my favorite all-time TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati" supposedly took place. I always had the wrong building pegged as the site.
Took a tour of the great art deco edifice, Union Terminal, and the Sign Museum after that. See http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com. for more on these places.
We ate at Terry's for dinner and had some great burgers. Although this is a new place, it looks like it dates from the 20s.
After Pat and Jennifer left, Denny and I hit two more places for NTN, Coaster's and 2 Putt, and then saw the Goshorn Brothers at 20 Mile Station, which dates back to the 1840s, and, was twenty miles from Cincinnati. The Goshorn Brothers were members of one of my favorite groups, Pure Prairie League.
Mighty Good Time in the Queen City. --RoadDog
Doing That Thanksgiving Thing
Had a great family dinner at Mom's place with Bo, Jeff, Gayle, and Samantha from Graham's side of the family. Also, Alex and Annsley (my sister's children), Julie (my sister), my brother Bob and wife Judy, and Mom.
Mom made up a great turkey, Julie crab dip, Gayle macaroni and cheese and collards, and Judy sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. I didn't make anything, but helped eat it. Ate way too much.
We also were celebrating Julie's 52nd and Bo's 74th birthday.
Earlier, I had gone over to K-Mart which was open, and bought a DVD player for $15 after a $15 rebate. I was shocked to see them asking $10 for a string of clear Italian lights. Mom needed two new strands, but I wasn't going to pay that price. I got two 100-light strands at Walgreen's for $4, much more reasonable.
DID THE SHOPPING THING TODAY
At least it wasn't at 4 AM or some horribly early time. But, we still went out at 10:30 AM. Lots of people out and about for some reason.
Went back to Walgreen's which had cassette bricks of ten for $5 instead of the usual $7. It is getting harder and harder to find cassettes, which I still use for recording. Eventually I am sure I won't be able to find them anywhere. Thanks a lot PROGRESS.
Belks at Berkeley Mall was having some really great sales and I bought quite a few items and an ECU sweatshirt at Penney's.
Had a nice family meal at McCall's out on the US-70 Bypass. It was buffet, but I concentrated on BBQ and cole slaw as well as the Calabash shrimp.
The Way to Spend a Thanksgiving. --RoadDog
Mom made up a great turkey, Julie crab dip, Gayle macaroni and cheese and collards, and Judy sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. I didn't make anything, but helped eat it. Ate way too much.
We also were celebrating Julie's 52nd and Bo's 74th birthday.
Earlier, I had gone over to K-Mart which was open, and bought a DVD player for $15 after a $15 rebate. I was shocked to see them asking $10 for a string of clear Italian lights. Mom needed two new strands, but I wasn't going to pay that price. I got two 100-light strands at Walgreen's for $4, much more reasonable.
DID THE SHOPPING THING TODAY
At least it wasn't at 4 AM or some horribly early time. But, we still went out at 10:30 AM. Lots of people out and about for some reason.
Went back to Walgreen's which had cassette bricks of ten for $5 instead of the usual $7. It is getting harder and harder to find cassettes, which I still use for recording. Eventually I am sure I won't be able to find them anywhere. Thanks a lot PROGRESS.
Belks at Berkeley Mall was having some really great sales and I bought quite a few items and an ECU sweatshirt at Penney's.
Had a nice family meal at McCall's out on the US-70 Bypass. It was buffet, but I concentrated on BBQ and cole slaw as well as the Calabash shrimp.
The Way to Spend a Thanksgiving. --RoadDog
Monday, November 24, 2008
On The Road-- Home to Cincinnati
This last Friday, I left for my Thanksgiving trip back to North Carolina to be with family.
I took the usual way to avoid the Chicago hassle, Illinois-47 all the way to I-74 by Champagne, and then east through Indianapolis to Cincinnati, where I met up with my buddy Denny.
Gas was still $2 along Il-47 in the northern part, but dropped to $1.88 in Morris and remained in the $1.60 to $1.70 range most of the rest of the way. Never expected to see gas under $2 again so will enjoy it until Big Oil sends it back up to $4-plus next spring.
Friday night, we did some NTNing at three places: Blue Goose, Peg's and Bargos. We're both hooked on NTN.
Had planned to get some of Cincy's famous chili at a Skyline Chili place, but arrived at 11:01 and they closed at 11. Had to settle on a nearby White Castle. Oh well.
No Chili for Me!! --RoadDog
I took the usual way to avoid the Chicago hassle, Illinois-47 all the way to I-74 by Champagne, and then east through Indianapolis to Cincinnati, where I met up with my buddy Denny.
Gas was still $2 along Il-47 in the northern part, but dropped to $1.88 in Morris and remained in the $1.60 to $1.70 range most of the rest of the way. Never expected to see gas under $2 again so will enjoy it until Big Oil sends it back up to $4-plus next spring.
Friday night, we did some NTNing at three places: Blue Goose, Peg's and Bargos. We're both hooked on NTN.
Had planned to get some of Cincy's famous chili at a Skyline Chili place, but arrived at 11:01 and they closed at 11. Had to settle on a nearby White Castle. Oh well.
No Chili for Me!! --RoadDog
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Where Were You October 26, 1972?-- Part 2
Continuing with the songs being played on Chicago's WLS and WCFL, both AM stations.
HONKY CAT-- ELTON JOHN-- just falling off the charts
I'LL BE AROUND-- SPINNERS-- some of the spectacular Philadelphia Soul
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING-- CHI COLTRANE
GARDEN PARTY-- RICK NELSON & THE STONE CANYON BAND--Little Ricky Nelson also got started back in the 50s. James Brown was still recording as well and had started back in the 50s.
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS-- ARLO GUTHRIE
GO ALL THE WAY-- RASPBERRIES
YOU'RE STILL A YOUNG MAN-- TOWER OF POWER-- from Oakland Bay
BURNIN' LOVE--ELVIS PRESLEY-- the third 50s artist still in the charts in 1972-- all still going strong.
BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY-- DANIEL BOONE-- The Number One Song from this date, 36 years ago. English singer-songwriter who swore he was a direct descendant of Daniel Boone. A one-hit wonder.
A great Stroud quote from the show: "Isn't it amazing how much great music was out at one time. Every time I do a Time Warp, it always astounds me that one particular date in time can give you so much great music. It was a feeding frenzy. Everybody creatively feeding off everybody else back in the era."
Great Memories in These Time Warps. Thanks, Bob. --RoadDog
HONKY CAT-- ELTON JOHN-- just falling off the charts
I'LL BE AROUND-- SPINNERS-- some of the spectacular Philadelphia Soul
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING-- CHI COLTRANE
GARDEN PARTY-- RICK NELSON & THE STONE CANYON BAND--Little Ricky Nelson also got started back in the 50s. James Brown was still recording as well and had started back in the 50s.
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS-- ARLO GUTHRIE
GO ALL THE WAY-- RASPBERRIES
YOU'RE STILL A YOUNG MAN-- TOWER OF POWER-- from Oakland Bay
BURNIN' LOVE--ELVIS PRESLEY-- the third 50s artist still in the charts in 1972-- all still going strong.
BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY-- DANIEL BOONE-- The Number One Song from this date, 36 years ago. English singer-songwriter who swore he was a direct descendant of Daniel Boone. A one-hit wonder.
A great Stroud quote from the show: "Isn't it amazing how much great music was out at one time. Every time I do a Time Warp, it always astounds me that one particular date in time can give you so much great music. It was a feeding frenzy. Everybody creatively feeding off everybody else back in the era."
Great Memories in These Time Warps. Thanks, Bob. --RoadDog
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Where Were You October 26, 1972?
Back on Oct. 26th, Bob Stroud Time warped to that date in 1967 and the same date in 1972.
I was a senior at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, while my family lived in Dunwoody, Georgia. I was taking all these education classes and getting ready to student teach in the spring of '73.
Most of the courses were fairly worthless, but the observations were of great use. I finally started getting mostly "A"s for grades. Pretty easy stuff.
Here are the songs playing in Chicago on this date. Stroud's comments follow.
ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA AND THE BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU-- JOHNNY RIVERS-- Covering an old Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns classic.
WITCHY WOMAN-- EAGLES-- Their second hit.
GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- DANNY O'KEEFE-- One-hit wonder
VENTURA HIGHWAY-- AMERICA-- just breaking into the local charts
USE ME-- BILL WITHERS-- Mick Jagger would cover this on one of his nineties albums.
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- DOOBIE BROTHERS-- From their second album and the first time most of us had heard of this band.
ELECTED-- ALICE COOPER-- In 1972, the election was between Nixon and McGovern. From album "Million Dollar Baby."
COULDN'T I JUST TELL YOU-- TODD RUNDGREN-- From his current album "Something, Anything." Follow up to "I Saw the Light."
TIGHTROPE-- LEON RUSSELL--
More to Come. --RoadDog
I was a senior at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois, while my family lived in Dunwoody, Georgia. I was taking all these education classes and getting ready to student teach in the spring of '73.
Most of the courses were fairly worthless, but the observations were of great use. I finally started getting mostly "A"s for grades. Pretty easy stuff.
Here are the songs playing in Chicago on this date. Stroud's comments follow.
ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA AND THE BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU-- JOHNNY RIVERS-- Covering an old Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns classic.
WITCHY WOMAN-- EAGLES-- Their second hit.
GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES-- DANNY O'KEEFE-- One-hit wonder
VENTURA HIGHWAY-- AMERICA-- just breaking into the local charts
USE ME-- BILL WITHERS-- Mick Jagger would cover this on one of his nineties albums.
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC-- DOOBIE BROTHERS-- From their second album and the first time most of us had heard of this band.
ELECTED-- ALICE COOPER-- In 1972, the election was between Nixon and McGovern. From album "Million Dollar Baby."
COULDN'T I JUST TELL YOU-- TODD RUNDGREN-- From his current album "Something, Anything." Follow up to "I Saw the Light."
TIGHTROPE-- LEON RUSSELL--
More to Come. --RoadDog
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fast-Falling Real Estate Prices
My friend Frank has been watching prices falling in Cape Coral, Florida, and I must admit, they are something else. You can get a condo for anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 and a regular house, even one on a channel, for around $100,000 to $150,000. Things are really bad there with so many houses being owned by banks outright.
Almost gets me to thinking about getting a second place, but I sure don't want the hassle, and really don't think I can afford it. Not so much about the initial cost, but the upkeep and taxes.
Came across an article about the ten places in the US with the fastest-falling real estate prices.
10. Salem, Oregon
9. Port Saint Lucie, Fl
8. Visalia, Ca
7. Miami, Fl
6. Orlando, Fl
5. El Centro, Ca
4. Bakersfield, Ca
3. Cumberland, Md
2. Yuma, Az
1. Virginia Beach, Va
If prices are that low in Cape Coral, what must they be in these places?
Thinking, Just Thinking. --RoadDog
Almost gets me to thinking about getting a second place, but I sure don't want the hassle, and really don't think I can afford it. Not so much about the initial cost, but the upkeep and taxes.
Came across an article about the ten places in the US with the fastest-falling real estate prices.
10. Salem, Oregon
9. Port Saint Lucie, Fl
8. Visalia, Ca
7. Miami, Fl
6. Orlando, Fl
5. El Centro, Ca
4. Bakersfield, Ca
3. Cumberland, Md
2. Yuma, Az
1. Virginia Beach, Va
If prices are that low in Cape Coral, what must they be in these places?
Thinking, Just Thinking. --RoadDog
JSS: Christmas Decs-- Bears-Packer Party Sunday-- No More Ugly Static-- Cleaning the Basement-- NIU Football On TV Again
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. CHRISTMAS DECS-- Cold today, but sunny, so will brave the frozen tundra and start putting up the outside Christmas decorations. I'll be leaving town for awhile Friday and would like to have them up by Thanksgiving. Smattering of snow last night, but no accululation. Not much fun putting decs up with snow around.
2. BEARS-PACKER PARTY SUNDAY-- Sunday, we had about 17 people over for the Bear-Packer game. Absolutely horrible game for us Bears fans. Talk about not bothering to show up!! Still, had our "juice," mostly of the rally variety. Then played Name That Tune afterwards.
3. NO MORE UGLY STATIC-- Last week, I was messing around with the corner TV in Margaritaville. This last June, lightning knocked out the VCR and I finally got around to putting the new DVD/VCR in a couple months ago. Ever since, there has been REALLY annoying static whenever the screen was really white or there were letters or numbers show. That is a bad combination for an athletic contest.
I was thinking perhaps I needed a new DVD or TV, but checked all the wires and connections. Still had static. I even tried new cords. Static.
Accidentally hit the menu for the new DVD/VCR and found that the problem was that I was set on Channel 3 and it needed to be Channel 4. Works great now.
Some might consider this a "Duh." But, in my defense, I JUST DIDN'T KNOW.
4. CLEANING THE BASEMENT-- One other good thing about the Bear-Packer party, it got me to clean up the basement for the first time in months. I was shocked to see there was actually a bar top. The big problem now is that I don't know where a lot of stuff is. It may have been messy before, but at least I had a reasonable idea where things were.
5. NIU FOOTBALL ON TV AGAIN-- The Northern Huskies will be on ESPN2 again for the third week in a row. Whatever happened to Saturday college football. Let's hope we do better against Kent State tonight than we did against Ball State (blowout) and Central Michigan (blowout-comeback-loss in overtime).
Just Some Thoughts-- RoadDog
Questions for retired Folks-- How many days in a week? Answer-- Seven. 6 Saturdays and a Sunday.
1. CHRISTMAS DECS-- Cold today, but sunny, so will brave the frozen tundra and start putting up the outside Christmas decorations. I'll be leaving town for awhile Friday and would like to have them up by Thanksgiving. Smattering of snow last night, but no accululation. Not much fun putting decs up with snow around.
2. BEARS-PACKER PARTY SUNDAY-- Sunday, we had about 17 people over for the Bear-Packer game. Absolutely horrible game for us Bears fans. Talk about not bothering to show up!! Still, had our "juice," mostly of the rally variety. Then played Name That Tune afterwards.
3. NO MORE UGLY STATIC-- Last week, I was messing around with the corner TV in Margaritaville. This last June, lightning knocked out the VCR and I finally got around to putting the new DVD/VCR in a couple months ago. Ever since, there has been REALLY annoying static whenever the screen was really white or there were letters or numbers show. That is a bad combination for an athletic contest.
I was thinking perhaps I needed a new DVD or TV, but checked all the wires and connections. Still had static. I even tried new cords. Static.
Accidentally hit the menu for the new DVD/VCR and found that the problem was that I was set on Channel 3 and it needed to be Channel 4. Works great now.
Some might consider this a "Duh." But, in my defense, I JUST DIDN'T KNOW.
4. CLEANING THE BASEMENT-- One other good thing about the Bear-Packer party, it got me to clean up the basement for the first time in months. I was shocked to see there was actually a bar top. The big problem now is that I don't know where a lot of stuff is. It may have been messy before, but at least I had a reasonable idea where things were.
5. NIU FOOTBALL ON TV AGAIN-- The Northern Huskies will be on ESPN2 again for the third week in a row. Whatever happened to Saturday college football. Let's hope we do better against Kent State tonight than we did against Ball State (blowout) and Central Michigan (blowout-comeback-loss in overtime).
Just Some Thoughts-- RoadDog
Questions for retired Folks-- How many days in a week? Answer-- Seven. 6 Saturdays and a Sunday.
My Big Duh for Today...At Least, I Hope, But Still Lots of Time
This morning, after taking the garbage containers out to the street, I couldn't get the garage door to go back down. Somewhat mad because we had just installed a new opener in June (lightning knocked the other one out), I tried several different ways of getting the door closed. It would start like it was going to close, then, nothing.
At 9, I called the company who put it in, and talked to their secretary. After explaining the problem, she told me to go out and look to see if something was blocking the "electric" eye. It was, and now it works. THE OLD GARAGE DOOR OPENERS DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRIC EYE. AT LEAST THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKING TO IT.
There is one secretary who thinks I'm not the sharpest blade in the silverware drawer. I hope and imagine she gets lots of calls about this problem. It's like looking all over Lowe's for something, asking, and, of course, it is right behind you and the clerk gets that look upon their face.
No, DUH!!! Dumb Is As Dumb Does. --RoadDog
Questions for retired folks: When is a retiree's bedtime? Answer-- Three hours after they fall asleep on the couch.
At 9, I called the company who put it in, and talked to their secretary. After explaining the problem, she told me to go out and look to see if something was blocking the "electric" eye. It was, and now it works. THE OLD GARAGE DOOR OPENERS DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRIC EYE. AT LEAST THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKING TO IT.
There is one secretary who thinks I'm not the sharpest blade in the silverware drawer. I hope and imagine she gets lots of calls about this problem. It's like looking all over Lowe's for something, asking, and, of course, it is right behind you and the clerk gets that look upon their face.
No, DUH!!! Dumb Is As Dumb Does. --RoadDog
Questions for retired folks: When is a retiree's bedtime? Answer-- Three hours after they fall asleep on the couch.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tenth Anniversary of Dad's Death-- November 16, 1998
Hard to believe that Dad has been gone for ten years as of yesterday. Seems like just a few years. I was really hoping that I'd be able to spend more time with him now that I am retired, but that was not to be.
East Carolina University lost one of its greatest fans and he still has a scholarship in the business school. A child of the depression, he was always mindful of his money.
And, Dad loved working in his yard and playing the stock market. I guess he wouldn't be so fond of it now.
Then there were those great stories he would tell. I sure wish I could reel them off like he did.
I can still see him sitting out on that sun porch.
I'll be visiting his grave next week.
While I was visiting Mom this past April, she showed me a manuscript Dad had typed which I imagine was part of a job application. I put it on another blog of mine, http;//cootershistorything.blogspot.com. Go to April 7, 2008. It is in three parts.
Interesting reading. My Dad was quite the go-getter.
Sure Glad I Had Him as My Father.
East Carolina University lost one of its greatest fans and he still has a scholarship in the business school. A child of the depression, he was always mindful of his money.
And, Dad loved working in his yard and playing the stock market. I guess he wouldn't be so fond of it now.
Then there were those great stories he would tell. I sure wish I could reel them off like he did.
I can still see him sitting out on that sun porch.
I'll be visiting his grave next week.
While I was visiting Mom this past April, she showed me a manuscript Dad had typed which I imagine was part of a job application. I put it on another blog of mine, http;//cootershistorything.blogspot.com. Go to April 7, 2008. It is in three parts.
Interesting reading. My Dad was quite the go-getter.
Sure Glad I Had Him as My Father.
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