The May 15th Chicago Tribune At Play Section had two articles by Phil Vettel and Monica Eng about which you prefer at a restaurant: good food or good service.
Eng said she goes for the food, regardless of bad treatment. Vettel thinks service is primary.
I fall somewhere in between. The food has to be really good AND REASONABLY-PRICED. But. I get angry if I have my "invisible shields" up and am ignored by the wait staff. I also will not wait more than a few minutes for a table. I really don't like lines and will go somewhere else.
Give me Food or Give Me Service!! --RoadDog
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.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Stinking Football
Not much fun for me this weekend in football. Wisconsin didn't even show up for the Champs Sport Bowl in Orland. Central Michigan (MAC) lost as well. Then Northern Illinois lost in the Independence Bowl to Louisiana Tech. We could have won, but gave up too many big plays and had too many drive-stopping penalties. But, we really didn't deserve to be in a bowl game with that 6-6 record.
The less said about the Bears, the better.
Crying in My Beer. --RoadDog
The less said about the Bears, the better.
Crying in My Beer. --RoadDog
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Typical Nasty Weather-- Part 4
Most of that snow is now gone. It's amazing what 50 degrees and rain will do to twenty-plus inches of white stuff.
Then, yesterday, we had veritable downpours and drizzle off and on most of the day. I did take advantage of one break to cut my shaggy hair on the deck. Liz gets a bit perturbed if I do it in the house.
I also was able to fix some Christmas decorations outside that had fallen. Before, there was too much snow to get at it. I was also finally able to get a beer bottle frozen at the bottom of a cooler int he garage extricated from the ice as well.
But, then the winds came, and howl they did. Most of last night, but no damage that I know of. Temps below freezing today.
Bob Stroud opened his Rock and Roll Roots show today with "I Am a Rock" by Simon & Garfunkel, you know, "In a deep and dark December." The next song was Cleveland, Ohio's, Choir, singing "It's Cold Outside" which was recorded here in Chicago in 1967.His Salute today was to ELO as Jeff Lynne turns 61 this week. Also, lead vocalist of the Guess Who, Burton Cummings turns 61. Del Shannon would have been 69.
One Rough and Weird Winter So Far, AND, We Haven't Even Got to the Brunt of It Yet!!-- RoadDog
Then, yesterday, we had veritable downpours and drizzle off and on most of the day. I did take advantage of one break to cut my shaggy hair on the deck. Liz gets a bit perturbed if I do it in the house.
I also was able to fix some Christmas decorations outside that had fallen. Before, there was too much snow to get at it. I was also finally able to get a beer bottle frozen at the bottom of a cooler int he garage extricated from the ice as well.
But, then the winds came, and howl they did. Most of last night, but no damage that I know of. Temps below freezing today.
Bob Stroud opened his Rock and Roll Roots show today with "I Am a Rock" by Simon & Garfunkel, you know, "In a deep and dark December." The next song was Cleveland, Ohio's, Choir, singing "It's Cold Outside" which was recorded here in Chicago in 1967.His Salute today was to ELO as Jeff Lynne turns 61 this week. Also, lead vocalist of the Guess Who, Burton Cummings turns 61. Del Shannon would have been 69.
One Rough and Weird Winter So Far, AND, We Haven't Even Got to the Brunt of It Yet!!-- RoadDog
While on the Subject of White Christmas
We surely had a White Christmas this year, with at least 20 inches of the stuff on the ground here along the Illinois-Wisconsin border. That is, until yesterday when the rain and 50 degree temps melted a lot of it away.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the Chicago Tribune ran an article with all sorts of interesting "White Christmas" facts and stuff. "I'm dreaming of a ...White Christmas (by the numbers)
40-- Percentage of Chicago Christmases that are considered "White Christmases" where at least one inch of snow on the ground at 6 AM
2003-- the most recent "white Christmas" in Chicago until this year
1951-- the year of Chicago's "whitest Christmas" with 17 inches on the ground
2000-- Chicago's second whitest with 12 inches
100-- Number of consecutive days with one-inch-plus snow in Chicago's snowiest winter, 1978-1979. Only one inch on the ground Christmas Day, however. (No kidding here. Until last winter, that was the last of what I call "Bad" winters.
1940-- the year Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas"
101-- Irving Berlin's age when he died in 1989
1954-- Year the movie "White Christmas" was released
1942-- Bing Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" released in the movie "Holiday Inn"
11-- Number of weeks Crosby's song topped the charts in 1942
5-- Ranking by ASCAP of the top-most performed holiday song
12,000,000-- Dollars spent on rentals of the movie "White Christmas
So, Who's Dreaming of a White Christmas? Probably Those Rotten Snowmobilers Who Won't Come Over and Clear My Driveway. I Mean, If They're Getting Something They Want, It's the Least They Could Do. --RoadDog
Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the Chicago Tribune ran an article with all sorts of interesting "White Christmas" facts and stuff. "I'm dreaming of a ...White Christmas (by the numbers)
40-- Percentage of Chicago Christmases that are considered "White Christmases" where at least one inch of snow on the ground at 6 AM
2003-- the most recent "white Christmas" in Chicago until this year
1951-- the year of Chicago's "whitest Christmas" with 17 inches on the ground
2000-- Chicago's second whitest with 12 inches
100-- Number of consecutive days with one-inch-plus snow in Chicago's snowiest winter, 1978-1979. Only one inch on the ground Christmas Day, however. (No kidding here. Until last winter, that was the last of what I call "Bad" winters.
1940-- the year Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas"
101-- Irving Berlin's age when he died in 1989
1954-- Year the movie "White Christmas" was released
1942-- Bing Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" released in the movie "Holiday Inn"
11-- Number of weeks Crosby's song topped the charts in 1942
5-- Ranking by ASCAP of the top-most performed holiday song
12,000,000-- Dollars spent on rentals of the movie "White Christmas
So, Who's Dreaming of a White Christmas? Probably Those Rotten Snowmobilers Who Won't Come Over and Clear My Driveway. I Mean, If They're Getting Something They Want, It's the Least They Could Do. --RoadDog
Saturday, December 27, 2008
JSS: Movies-- Black Monday?-- Bears Win!!-- Bowling
Just Some Stuff.
1. MOVIES-- I've seen two movies this week. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" cost $3 at the McHenry Theater. A good remake and some really nasty little metallic critters. I saw "For Christmases" at the Fox Lake Theater for free using a customer card. See seven movies and the eighth is free if it's been out for two weeks. This movie featured some of the most dysfunctional families I've ever seen. I especially liked her grandmother.
2. BLACK MONDAY?-- While out shopping and seeing the movie Monday in McHenry, I'd have to say the crowds were bigger than on Black Friday in the past. Il-120 was almost gridlocked. I finally gave up waiting in the line at Borders. Parking lots were packed. Perhaps many others like myself were unable to leave their houses over the last week because of the weather. From last Friday to Tuesday, I had to stay put for three of five days.
3. BEARS WIN!!-- It was a Monday Night Football Game and the Bears USUALLY stink when playing this game. They did...until the second half. Then we had a game and they beat the much disliked Packers!! And still have a shot at the playoffs. Go Bears!!
4. BOWLING-- and speaking of football, I've been following some of the college bowl games. Really enjoyed the Boise State-TCU game. Texas Christian is a much-underrated team. The Hawaii Bowl was boring as Notre Dame blew out Hawaii. Pulling for North Carolina and Wisconsin today. Then, tomorrow, it's the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana featuring my Northern Illinois (with our whopping 6-6 record) against Louisiana Tech which usually beats us. Never could understand why, a few years ago with a 10-2 record and victories over Alabama, Maryland (both ranked at the time) and Iowa State, and we sat home. Now, at 6-6 mediocrity, we go to a bowl game. Go Huskies. Hope it is better than the last time when TCU embarrassed us.
Just Some Stuff-- RoadDog
1. MOVIES-- I've seen two movies this week. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" cost $3 at the McHenry Theater. A good remake and some really nasty little metallic critters. I saw "For Christmases" at the Fox Lake Theater for free using a customer card. See seven movies and the eighth is free if it's been out for two weeks. This movie featured some of the most dysfunctional families I've ever seen. I especially liked her grandmother.
2. BLACK MONDAY?-- While out shopping and seeing the movie Monday in McHenry, I'd have to say the crowds were bigger than on Black Friday in the past. Il-120 was almost gridlocked. I finally gave up waiting in the line at Borders. Parking lots were packed. Perhaps many others like myself were unable to leave their houses over the last week because of the weather. From last Friday to Tuesday, I had to stay put for three of five days.
3. BEARS WIN!!-- It was a Monday Night Football Game and the Bears USUALLY stink when playing this game. They did...until the second half. Then we had a game and they beat the much disliked Packers!! And still have a shot at the playoffs. Go Bears!!
4. BOWLING-- and speaking of football, I've been following some of the college bowl games. Really enjoyed the Boise State-TCU game. Texas Christian is a much-underrated team. The Hawaii Bowl was boring as Notre Dame blew out Hawaii. Pulling for North Carolina and Wisconsin today. Then, tomorrow, it's the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana featuring my Northern Illinois (with our whopping 6-6 record) against Louisiana Tech which usually beats us. Never could understand why, a few years ago with a 10-2 record and victories over Alabama, Maryland (both ranked at the time) and Iowa State, and we sat home. Now, at 6-6 mediocrity, we go to a bowl game. Go Huskies. Hope it is better than the last time when TCU embarrassed us.
Just Some Stuff-- RoadDog
Thursday, December 25, 2008
State Street, That Great Street, Especially at Christmas
Flashback 1958, by Nancy Watkins in the Nov. 16th Chicago Tribune.
I always look forward to that last page of the Tribune Magazine every Sunday to see what delights Nancy has brought me in her weekly Flashback page. Not only is there an old picture, but also all sorts of interesting information related to it.
Nov. 16th she showed a picture a picture taken Nov. 13, 1958, of 250,000 standing in State Street admiring the new $250,000 street lights when they were first turned on.
I'll quote her opening statement: "We moan about the crowds and the parking and the weather. But we know deep down that shopping on State Street knows no equal for revving up the holiday spirit, ever since Marshall Field's unveiled its first Christmas window display in 1897."
SANTA LOST HIS PANTS-- Ten days later in the parade, Santa's pants fell down, but fortunately he was wearing another pair underneath, (You know how cold it can get in Chicago.)
HENRY LYTTON, 1888-- Hub Store owner Henry Lytton was seen dressed in a tuxedo sawing wood in a display window. he had lost a bet.
1938-- Year of the first State Street parade.
7 and 3/4 TONS- weight of each clock at the corner of Marshall Field's, er, Macy's.
33%-- The percent of adults who say they'll shop online because of the high cost of gasoline.
I sure enjoyed my trip to State Street earlier this month. Fly Metra, the Only Way to Go.
Thanks, Nancy. Another Great Job. --RoadDog
I always look forward to that last page of the Tribune Magazine every Sunday to see what delights Nancy has brought me in her weekly Flashback page. Not only is there an old picture, but also all sorts of interesting information related to it.
Nov. 16th she showed a picture a picture taken Nov. 13, 1958, of 250,000 standing in State Street admiring the new $250,000 street lights when they were first turned on.
I'll quote her opening statement: "We moan about the crowds and the parking and the weather. But we know deep down that shopping on State Street knows no equal for revving up the holiday spirit, ever since Marshall Field's unveiled its first Christmas window display in 1897."
SANTA LOST HIS PANTS-- Ten days later in the parade, Santa's pants fell down, but fortunately he was wearing another pair underneath, (You know how cold it can get in Chicago.)
HENRY LYTTON, 1888-- Hub Store owner Henry Lytton was seen dressed in a tuxedo sawing wood in a display window. he had lost a bet.
1938-- Year of the first State Street parade.
7 and 3/4 TONS- weight of each clock at the corner of Marshall Field's, er, Macy's.
33%-- The percent of adults who say they'll shop online because of the high cost of gasoline.
I sure enjoyed my trip to State Street earlier this month. Fly Metra, the Only Way to Go.
Thanks, Nancy. Another Great Job. --RoadDog
Santa Been Good to Me
Mighty, mighty good. And I didn't think I was all that good.
ROAD-RELATED STUFF
GPS-- as in Tom Tom. Actually for Liz from Mom, but I'll sneak it out as well. It will be especially helpful when looking for NTN sites while on the road.
WILBER'S SIGN AND BUILDING-- Mom got me a watercolor original of my favorite 'cue place in Goldsboro, North Carolina. This is by well-known NC artist Brenda Behrs who happens to live next door to Mom. I had Wilber Shirley sign a business card which I will put on the front of it.
BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL, TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO, PICTURE-- Liz had this framed for me. This is one of the best-known motels along old Route 66. We were fortunate to get to spend a night back in the fifties. The new owners spent many hours and days out in front until they got just the right sunset. They certainly did. Between the motel's neon and the sky, this is awe-inspiring.
KEN TURMEL'S ROUTE 66 POSTMARKS PRINT-- Roadie Ken Turmel took a ride along the Mother Road after he was bitten by the bug and stopped at every town along the way that had a post office and had them postmark a map of the route. I won this one at the Munger-Moss anniversary celebration several years back, but had never had it framed. Thanks Liz.
OTHER STUFF
I had mentioned to Liz that I liked John T. McCutcheon's 1907 "Injun Summer" cartoon. She ordered a print from the Chicago Tribune and had it framed as well. Thinking of putting it up by Terry Redlin's "Aroma of Fall" print in the living room.
Four ten brick packs of cassette tapes (Yup, I still use 'em), a huge NIU floor mat, a Chicago Bears sweatshirt with "Roaddog " on the back, and a Topsail Beach sweatshirt.
Thanks Santee Clause. --RoadDog
ROAD-RELATED STUFF
GPS-- as in Tom Tom. Actually for Liz from Mom, but I'll sneak it out as well. It will be especially helpful when looking for NTN sites while on the road.
WILBER'S SIGN AND BUILDING-- Mom got me a watercolor original of my favorite 'cue place in Goldsboro, North Carolina. This is by well-known NC artist Brenda Behrs who happens to live next door to Mom. I had Wilber Shirley sign a business card which I will put on the front of it.
BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL, TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO, PICTURE-- Liz had this framed for me. This is one of the best-known motels along old Route 66. We were fortunate to get to spend a night back in the fifties. The new owners spent many hours and days out in front until they got just the right sunset. They certainly did. Between the motel's neon and the sky, this is awe-inspiring.
KEN TURMEL'S ROUTE 66 POSTMARKS PRINT-- Roadie Ken Turmel took a ride along the Mother Road after he was bitten by the bug and stopped at every town along the way that had a post office and had them postmark a map of the route. I won this one at the Munger-Moss anniversary celebration several years back, but had never had it framed. Thanks Liz.
OTHER STUFF
I had mentioned to Liz that I liked John T. McCutcheon's 1907 "Injun Summer" cartoon. She ordered a print from the Chicago Tribune and had it framed as well. Thinking of putting it up by Terry Redlin's "Aroma of Fall" print in the living room.
Four ten brick packs of cassette tapes (Yup, I still use 'em), a huge NIU floor mat, a Chicago Bears sweatshirt with "Roaddog " on the back, and a Topsail Beach sweatshirt.
Thanks Santee Clause. --RoadDog
Jeff Foxworthy on Chicago Winters
The Redneck himself says that you know you're from Chicago if... Especially poignant this year with all this winter stuff we're having.
If your local Dairy Queen closes from September to May. (Well our local Dog N' Suds closes from October to March.)
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time.
If you've switched from heat to the AC in the same day and then back again.
If you drive 75 mph through two feet of snow during a raging blizzard (Our first trip on Route 66 encountered a snowstorm back in 2002 and we figured I-55 would be safer. Not safer!!! The trucks were slamming through the snow and blizzard at 80 mph. Never been so scared in my life.)
If you design your kids' Halloween costumes to fit over snow suits.
If you think driving is better in the winter because the pot holes are filled with snow. (No kidding there. US-12 yesterday was an obstacle course.)
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car. (I measure by gallons of gas. Last year I used a gallon and a half. The three years before that about a gallon. Since Dec. 4th this year, just shy of a gallon.)
THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY GOOD.
If you know all four seasons of the year: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. No Kidding!!!
Still Diggin' Out. Gimme a Break. --RoadDog
If your local Dairy Queen closes from September to May. (Well our local Dog N' Suds closes from October to March.)
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time.
If you've switched from heat to the AC in the same day and then back again.
If you drive 75 mph through two feet of snow during a raging blizzard (Our first trip on Route 66 encountered a snowstorm back in 2002 and we figured I-55 would be safer. Not safer!!! The trucks were slamming through the snow and blizzard at 80 mph. Never been so scared in my life.)
If you design your kids' Halloween costumes to fit over snow suits.
If you think driving is better in the winter because the pot holes are filled with snow. (No kidding there. US-12 yesterday was an obstacle course.)
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car. (I measure by gallons of gas. Last year I used a gallon and a half. The three years before that about a gallon. Since Dec. 4th this year, just shy of a gallon.)
THIS ONE IS ESPECIALLY GOOD.
If you know all four seasons of the year: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. No Kidding!!!
Still Diggin' Out. Gimme a Break. --RoadDog
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
JSS: More Snow-- Passed the Digital Test-- And Speaking Of...-- And It Cost $165-- LPs/Cassettes to CD--
Just Some Stuff
1. MORE SNOW-- Snowed all morning until around noon and we got another 4 inches. At least it warmed up so no frozen fingers. Since Friday, we have gotten about 20 inches. That's enough. Stayed home Friday, Sunday and Tuesday because of it.
2. PASSED THE DIGITAL TEST-- A local station had a test last week where they switched over to all digital broadcast so people could see if they had signal. Glad to say we did. The cable company said we would, but you hear lots and lots of stories from folk.
3. AND SPEAKING OF...-- However, Monday I did buy a digital converter at Circuit City. It was $20 after the $40 coupon. I like to lug an old set out to the gazebo and watch games during the summer. All of our TVs are still analog, with the oldest at 25 years and newest at around ten.
4. AND IT COST $165-- I had mentioned the "rain" we got in the basement from the main floor a couple weeks ago. Good thing I was at Margaritaville because we might not have noticed it until the veritable flood.
We had a guy come out and look at it. It took him about 15 minutes and he found a small plastic tube that controls the amount of water let into the washer was plugged up. A couple snips and it was working and we were out $165. Good work if you can get it, but at least I have nice clean clothes.
5. LPS/CASSETTES TO CD-- Also, about two weeks ago, I went to Kohl's and bought one of those old-timey radios that have a phonograph, cassette and Cd players. It also records cassettes, and records to CD. Who says I "ain't caught up with the rest?" Wait a minute, CDs are on their way out. What's a download?
Can't Keep Up With the Rest, and I Don't Drink Starbucks or Bottled Water. --RoadDog
1. MORE SNOW-- Snowed all morning until around noon and we got another 4 inches. At least it warmed up so no frozen fingers. Since Friday, we have gotten about 20 inches. That's enough. Stayed home Friday, Sunday and Tuesday because of it.
2. PASSED THE DIGITAL TEST-- A local station had a test last week where they switched over to all digital broadcast so people could see if they had signal. Glad to say we did. The cable company said we would, but you hear lots and lots of stories from folk.
3. AND SPEAKING OF...-- However, Monday I did buy a digital converter at Circuit City. It was $20 after the $40 coupon. I like to lug an old set out to the gazebo and watch games during the summer. All of our TVs are still analog, with the oldest at 25 years and newest at around ten.
4. AND IT COST $165-- I had mentioned the "rain" we got in the basement from the main floor a couple weeks ago. Good thing I was at Margaritaville because we might not have noticed it until the veritable flood.
We had a guy come out and look at it. It took him about 15 minutes and he found a small plastic tube that controls the amount of water let into the washer was plugged up. A couple snips and it was working and we were out $165. Good work if you can get it, but at least I have nice clean clothes.
5. LPS/CASSETTES TO CD-- Also, about two weeks ago, I went to Kohl's and bought one of those old-timey radios that have a phonograph, cassette and Cd players. It also records cassettes, and records to CD. Who says I "ain't caught up with the rest?" Wait a minute, CDs are on their way out. What's a download?
Can't Keep Up With the Rest, and I Don't Drink Starbucks or Bottled Water. --RoadDog
More Funny Blagojevich Stuff
Newly listed on e-Bay.
Obama's Illinois Senate Seat. Current high bid is $36 out of 12 bids. Includes free shipping.
NEVER TRUST A CUB FAN-- A photo of Blagojevich wearing a Cubs hat.
A large group of political cartoons are making the rounds as well. Mighty funny stuff.
The older of Blago's lawyers sure seems full of himself.
Do the Right Thing. --RoadDog
Obama's Illinois Senate Seat. Current high bid is $36 out of 12 bids. Includes free shipping.
NEVER TRUST A CUB FAN-- A photo of Blagojevich wearing a Cubs hat.
A large group of political cartoons are making the rounds as well. Mighty funny stuff.
The older of Blago's lawyers sure seems full of himself.
Do the Right Thing. --RoadDog
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Typical Nasty Weather-- Part 3
Snowing AGAIN!! Enough said!!
Yesterday, I went to the local mechanic at Five Star, and Ralph plugged a computer in and found the engine light was because of a brake light switch that was probably activated by the rocking back and forth to get the truck out of the snowdrift on Sunday. He fixed it and NO CHARGE. Nice guy and Merry Christmas.
Bitterly cold again. My fingers were really yelping after I got in from clearing the drifts off the driveway the first time. Felt I was going to freeze walking the distance from where I parked to the McHenry Indoor Theater. Same with the walk from there to Bambino's to play NTN (and THEY were closed, thanks a lot).
I've been shopping on Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving and today I saw easily as many folks out and about. I imagine a lot of them were there because of the lousy weather keeping people in. We lost Friday, most of Saturday, and Sunday to the bad stuff. And now we have the snow today which will be continuing through Christmas Day.
Lately, when the weather folk predict snow and cold, they are right on the mark.
I have to mix oil with my gas in the snow blower and already this month, I've almost finished a gallon. Last year I ended up using a gallon and a half.
Let Me Out, I've Had Enough. --RoadDog
Yesterday, I went to the local mechanic at Five Star, and Ralph plugged a computer in and found the engine light was because of a brake light switch that was probably activated by the rocking back and forth to get the truck out of the snowdrift on Sunday. He fixed it and NO CHARGE. Nice guy and Merry Christmas.
Bitterly cold again. My fingers were really yelping after I got in from clearing the drifts off the driveway the first time. Felt I was going to freeze walking the distance from where I parked to the McHenry Indoor Theater. Same with the walk from there to Bambino's to play NTN (and THEY were closed, thanks a lot).
I've been shopping on Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving and today I saw easily as many folks out and about. I imagine a lot of them were there because of the lousy weather keeping people in. We lost Friday, most of Saturday, and Sunday to the bad stuff. And now we have the snow today which will be continuing through Christmas Day.
Lately, when the weather folk predict snow and cold, they are right on the mark.
I have to mix oil with my gas in the snow blower and already this month, I've almost finished a gallon. Last year I ended up using a gallon and a half.
Let Me Out, I've Had Enough. --RoadDog
Top 20 Greatest Christmas Songs-- NBC
A couple weeks ago, NBC ran a list of 20 songs they deemed as the greatest yuletide tidings. I agree with some and not the others. Not all were sung by the ones who made them popular.
Here's the list:
20. Most Wonderful Time of the Year-- Andy Williams
19. Jingle Bell Rock
18. The First Noel
17. The Chipmunk Song
16. Silent Night
15. What's This?
14. Christmas Tree
13. Feliz Navidad
12. Jingle Bells
11. Joy to the World
10. Merry Christmas Baby
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
8. Do You Hear What I Hear?
7. Little Drummer Boy
6. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
5. Channakuh Song
4. Blue Christmas
3. All I Want for Christmas is You
2. The Christmas Song
1. White Christmas--Hard not to go with this one.
An extra one was Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.
How Many More Days Until Christmas? --RoadDog
Here's the list:
20. Most Wonderful Time of the Year-- Andy Williams
19. Jingle Bell Rock
18. The First Noel
17. The Chipmunk Song
16. Silent Night
15. What's This?
14. Christmas Tree
13. Feliz Navidad
12. Jingle Bells
11. Joy to the World
10. Merry Christmas Baby
9. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
8. Do You Hear What I Hear?
7. Little Drummer Boy
6. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
5. Channakuh Song
4. Blue Christmas
3. All I Want for Christmas is You
2. The Christmas Song
1. White Christmas--Hard not to go with this one.
An extra one was Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.
How Many More Days Until Christmas? --RoadDog
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's Them, Not Me: Fred Basset-- The Gov's Load-- New Illinois Motto-- The Gov Speaks
Don't It Just Burn Ya!!!
1. The Dec. 12th Fred Basset comic strip was pretty good. You see Fred tied up outside a store with "No Dogs" on it as well as a "No Smoking" sign. A guy is leaning up against the window smoking a pipe and Fred says, "We're a couple outcasts."
2. THE GOV'S LOAD-- Columnist McCaleb in the Dec. 19th Northwest Herald: "Mother nature dumped a lot of snow on us early Friday (no kidding, about 12 inches), Later on in the day, Governor Rod Blagojevich dumped a load on us of a completely different nature.
As much as I hate shoveling, I think I prefer the snow to what the governor gave us.
3. NEW ILLINOIS MOTTO-- Forget the "Land of Lincoln." The new one should read, "Illinois, Where Our Governors Make License Plates."
4. THE GOV SPEAKS-- As mentioned earlier, Friday, the governor held a news conference and said he'd done nothing wrong and won't resign: "I will fight! I will fight! I will fight until my last breath. And, I'm not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob. I am dying to answer these charges. I am dying to show you how innocent I am."
Load Out!!
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining on You!! --RoadDog
1. The Dec. 12th Fred Basset comic strip was pretty good. You see Fred tied up outside a store with "No Dogs" on it as well as a "No Smoking" sign. A guy is leaning up against the window smoking a pipe and Fred says, "We're a couple outcasts."
2. THE GOV'S LOAD-- Columnist McCaleb in the Dec. 19th Northwest Herald: "Mother nature dumped a lot of snow on us early Friday (no kidding, about 12 inches), Later on in the day, Governor Rod Blagojevich dumped a load on us of a completely different nature.
As much as I hate shoveling, I think I prefer the snow to what the governor gave us.
3. NEW ILLINOIS MOTTO-- Forget the "Land of Lincoln." The new one should read, "Illinois, Where Our Governors Make License Plates."
4. THE GOV SPEAKS-- As mentioned earlier, Friday, the governor held a news conference and said he'd done nothing wrong and won't resign: "I will fight! I will fight! I will fight until my last breath. And, I'm not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob. I am dying to answer these charges. I am dying to show you how innocent I am."
Load Out!!
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining on You!! --RoadDog
Typical Nasty Weather-- Part 2
My fingers have finally thawed out enough to type this. I was just out in 0 degree weather with a bit of a breeze and using the ol' snow blower. Yesterday, Sunday, it was subzero and a west wind to 30 mph doing a lot of snow drifting. Early on, I decided not to risk a trip up to the Wisconsin bars like last Sunday. Those north-south roads sure get a lot of drifting.
About 3 PM, I decided to drive the Dakota over to Billy's for some gyros and Italian beef, but got stuck in the driveway. It took a lot of rocking back and forth to get back into the garage. That snow was about two feet high in spots. I couldn't tell that from inside the house. Even worse, the check engine light came on and wouldn't go out. I'll have to take it somewhere to be checked so that will cost a bit.
Today, I had to come in because of the cold and still have about half the driveway to clear. Sad to say, but the neighbors across the street didn't get any drifting yesterday. That's simply not fair. If I get it ....
We have snow forecast for tonight and even more for Tuesday. At least it will warm up to ALMOST freezing. That would be an improvement.
Going to Someplace "Hot." --RoadDog
About 3 PM, I decided to drive the Dakota over to Billy's for some gyros and Italian beef, but got stuck in the driveway. It took a lot of rocking back and forth to get back into the garage. That snow was about two feet high in spots. I couldn't tell that from inside the house. Even worse, the check engine light came on and wouldn't go out. I'll have to take it somewhere to be checked so that will cost a bit.
Today, I had to come in because of the cold and still have about half the driveway to clear. Sad to say, but the neighbors across the street didn't get any drifting yesterday. That's simply not fair. If I get it ....
We have snow forecast for tonight and even more for Tuesday. At least it will warm up to ALMOST freezing. That would be an improvement.
Going to Someplace "Hot." --RoadDog
Saturday, December 20, 2008
It's Them, Not Me: On the Docket-- Alas, CDs, I Knew Them Well-- Obama Celebration-- Want a Space Shuttle?
1. ON THE DOCKET-- On the agenda at Springfield, Illinois' state capitol is whether or not to impeach our governor and what to do with the US Senate seat vacated by Obama. Do you think the gov is innocent? He thinks he is. I also figured that senate seat had been empty ever since Obama was elected to it. He was campaigning for president the whole time.
2. ALAS, CDS, I KNEW THEM WELL-- Digital sales have surpassed CD sales at Atlantic. I imagine they will soon exceed CD sales everywhere. First they took away my albums, then cassettes, now this. Give me a break, guys.
3. OBAMA CELEBRATION-- Well, that big to-do in Chicago's Grant Park back on Nov. 4th ended up costing the city $1.74 million. Good publicity and good times for the estimated 240,000 who attended, but, WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT? Please Mayor Daley, NO MORE TAXES!!
4. WANT A SPACE SHUTTLE?-- The Space Shuttle Endeavor got a piggyback ride from California to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on its modified 747. All the shuttles will be retired in a few years and NASA is looking for places to put them. It will be costly though. I think one would look good in my driveway, but imagine the neighborhood association would put a kabosh on it. They won't even let me keep my boat out there. Unpatriotic if you ask me.
Don't look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
2. ALAS, CDS, I KNEW THEM WELL-- Digital sales have surpassed CD sales at Atlantic. I imagine they will soon exceed CD sales everywhere. First they took away my albums, then cassettes, now this. Give me a break, guys.
3. OBAMA CELEBRATION-- Well, that big to-do in Chicago's Grant Park back on Nov. 4th ended up costing the city $1.74 million. Good publicity and good times for the estimated 240,000 who attended, but, WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR IT? Please Mayor Daley, NO MORE TAXES!!
4. WANT A SPACE SHUTTLE?-- The Space Shuttle Endeavor got a piggyback ride from California to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on its modified 747. All the shuttles will be retired in a few years and NASA is looking for places to put them. It will be costly though. I think one would look good in my driveway, but imagine the neighborhood association would put a kabosh on it. They won't even let me keep my boat out there. Unpatriotic if you ask me.
Don't look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
Friday, December 19, 2008
JSS: Lake Geneva-- Technology 1 Dog 0-- Da Birds-- Da Loss-- Da Pear Trees
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. LAKE GENEVA-- We took Kora to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for a late birthday lunch at Popeye's overlooking the lake. Great food as usual. Kip and Susie joined us. Afterwards we drove over to Grand Geneva which puts on a great "Christmas in the Country" light show on the grounds and go over the top for decorations inside. There were some unbelievable gingerbread house creations. Enjoyed sipping Cokes by the fireside.
2. TECHNOLOGY 1 DOG 0-- Went to the Wal Mart in Lake Geneva to get a replacement pedal for the stationary bike. Found one, but all the checkout lanes were busy so figured to try the self-checkout line. Just my luck to get behind a girl with lots and lots and lots of stuff. I waited patiently, then, when I ran the old card through , it declined it. The employee stationed there to help said, "Hey, it didn't take your card." No kidding.
Went to a regular checkout line and got behind another lady with lots of stuff, but finally got to make my purchase after about ten minutes of waiting to spend my money.
Thanks a lot Wal-Mart.
3. DA BIRDS-- Between clearing snow off the driveway today, the yard was over run with cardinals and chickadees who were after the seeds left on the wildflowers and trees. I got some great video of the cardinals. All that red against the white snow was something. However, the party was broken up when a hawk swooped down on one unfortunate bird. Rotten hawk!!!
4. DA LOSS-- Yesterday, we had the $1 bottles of beer and $1 burgers at Mar's in Wilmot and then went to Donovan's to play NTN and I was in the final four championship round of the NTN tournament. I won the first round and led the championship one until the very last question when Alfons beat me. Too bad for me it was a movie question, something that he excells in and I stink at. So, he won the $50 and I settled for $10. Nice going there, Alfons!!!
5. DA PEAR TREES-- Tried singing the 12 Days of Christmas driving along the long road up to the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wednesday. Didn't do well despite the lighted displays. That is TOO much to remember.
There's a Partridge in a pear tree which is easy to remember. Speaking of pear trees. My Bradford pear trees, all three of them, still have their leaves. You'd think by now they would have dropped.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
1. LAKE GENEVA-- We took Kora to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for a late birthday lunch at Popeye's overlooking the lake. Great food as usual. Kip and Susie joined us. Afterwards we drove over to Grand Geneva which puts on a great "Christmas in the Country" light show on the grounds and go over the top for decorations inside. There were some unbelievable gingerbread house creations. Enjoyed sipping Cokes by the fireside.
2. TECHNOLOGY 1 DOG 0-- Went to the Wal Mart in Lake Geneva to get a replacement pedal for the stationary bike. Found one, but all the checkout lanes were busy so figured to try the self-checkout line. Just my luck to get behind a girl with lots and lots and lots of stuff. I waited patiently, then, when I ran the old card through , it declined it. The employee stationed there to help said, "Hey, it didn't take your card." No kidding.
Went to a regular checkout line and got behind another lady with lots of stuff, but finally got to make my purchase after about ten minutes of waiting to spend my money.
Thanks a lot Wal-Mart.
3. DA BIRDS-- Between clearing snow off the driveway today, the yard was over run with cardinals and chickadees who were after the seeds left on the wildflowers and trees. I got some great video of the cardinals. All that red against the white snow was something. However, the party was broken up when a hawk swooped down on one unfortunate bird. Rotten hawk!!!
4. DA LOSS-- Yesterday, we had the $1 bottles of beer and $1 burgers at Mar's in Wilmot and then went to Donovan's to play NTN and I was in the final four championship round of the NTN tournament. I won the first round and led the championship one until the very last question when Alfons beat me. Too bad for me it was a movie question, something that he excells in and I stink at. So, he won the $50 and I settled for $10. Nice going there, Alfons!!!
5. DA PEAR TREES-- Tried singing the 12 Days of Christmas driving along the long road up to the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wednesday. Didn't do well despite the lighted displays. That is TOO much to remember.
There's a Partridge in a pear tree which is easy to remember. Speaking of pear trees. My Bradford pear trees, all three of them, still have their leaves. You'd think by now they would have dropped.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Typical Nasty Weather
I must admit, we've been somewhat pampered during our notorious winters here in the Midwest over the last 30 years, that was, until last December. Last December was full of cold and snow and this one is shaping up as a second go-around.
It has been cold and snowy ever since I got back December 4th. This last weekend was nice with temps up to the 50s and a lot of snow melt, but, OTHER THAN THAT...Yuck!!!
I had to clear snow off when I got back. Then one other time. Tuesday night I was out again. Then, this morning I was out twice clearing snow. The first time it was about 8 inches and another 3 later on.
With the exception of this past weekend and one other day, the temperature has not been over freezing either.
Looks Like It Might Be Time for a Trip to the WARM. --RoadDog
It has been cold and snowy ever since I got back December 4th. This last weekend was nice with temps up to the 50s and a lot of snow melt, but, OTHER THAN THAT...Yuck!!!
I had to clear snow off when I got back. Then one other time. Tuesday night I was out again. Then, this morning I was out twice clearing snow. The first time it was about 8 inches and another 3 later on.
With the exception of this past weekend and one other day, the temperature has not been over freezing either.
Looks Like It Might Be Time for a Trip to the WARM. --RoadDog
It's Them, Not Me: Arnie Duncan-- Best Buy-- Dead Confederate-- Above and Beyond Political Malfeasance
Some Stuff of Interest from the News.
1. ARNIE DUNCAN has been nominated for Secretary of Education. he is the head of schools in Chicago and an innovator. Hopefully he will have a major overhaul of the No Child Left Behind, a good idea, but poorly implemented and funded.
2. BEST BUY's third quarter profit was off 77%. But the thing is that they still made a profit. It's an economy thing and perhaps some folks will learn that they don't have to have the very latest in technology all the time.
3. DEAD CONFEDERATE-- a group from Athens, Ga. (also home of REM and B-52s) is making some noise with its new album "Wrecking Ball." I've heard some of it and it's mighty good stuff.
4. ABOVE AND BEYOND POLITICAL MALFEASANCE-- Political comic Will Durst on Illinois' Gov. Blago: "Hats off to the Illinois governor for shooting so high above and beyond the normal arc of political malfeasance that he probably annoyed NASA by interfering with satellite traffic.'
"...I mean, finally finding someone getting caught acting crookeder than a dump truck full of dissembled wire hangers."
He is the fourth Illinois governor since 1974 to be "offered a long-term residency at the Gray Bar Hotel." The state capitol in Springfield "seems to work as a halfway house in reverse."
Pretty Good Stuff There, Will.
Don't Look Back, They May be Gaining. --RoadDog
1. ARNIE DUNCAN has been nominated for Secretary of Education. he is the head of schools in Chicago and an innovator. Hopefully he will have a major overhaul of the No Child Left Behind, a good idea, but poorly implemented and funded.
2. BEST BUY's third quarter profit was off 77%. But the thing is that they still made a profit. It's an economy thing and perhaps some folks will learn that they don't have to have the very latest in technology all the time.
3. DEAD CONFEDERATE-- a group from Athens, Ga. (also home of REM and B-52s) is making some noise with its new album "Wrecking Ball." I've heard some of it and it's mighty good stuff.
4. ABOVE AND BEYOND POLITICAL MALFEASANCE-- Political comic Will Durst on Illinois' Gov. Blago: "Hats off to the Illinois governor for shooting so high above and beyond the normal arc of political malfeasance that he probably annoyed NASA by interfering with satellite traffic.'
"...I mean, finally finding someone getting caught acting crookeder than a dump truck full of dissembled wire hangers."
He is the fourth Illinois governor since 1974 to be "offered a long-term residency at the Gray Bar Hotel." The state capitol in Springfield "seems to work as a halfway house in reverse."
Pretty Good Stuff There, Will.
Don't Look Back, They May be Gaining. --RoadDog
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