Things of Interest and That Burn Me.
1. GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME-- A real big stink going on at a housing complex in Algonquin, Illinois, where the association decided to put in a pet waste container and plastic bag dispenser in October. Good idea, but not within 25 feet of a lady's door. After getting no satisfaction from her association, she took matters in her own hands and removed it and ended up getting charged with a Class A Misdemeanor and had to pay $300. Oh, well, the best-laid plans.
2. GOOD OLD NEWSPAPERS-- Newspapers are in their final gasps, what with the Chicago Tribune filing for Chapter 11, and changing its format, well, some of it, for the second time since the end of September. Then, I see that the Detroit papers are going to three- a week hard copy editions. The rest will be on the internet. I sure will miss putting my hands on good old newsprint, drinking that cup of coffee, and listening to my tunes. The Day is Coming, and coming too soon for me.
3. BURRIS/BLAGOJEVICH-- Sad to see the US Senate giving a seat to Burris. Being appointed by a person so-tainted as Blagojevich makes you wonder about his intentions. Good to see the impeachment was so conclusive. Now for the trial and let's hope it doesn't go along party lines like it did with Clinton.
4. BIG OIL...AGAIN, THANKS GUYS-- Like they haven't made enough off us in the last several years. We finally start getting some relief from their greed, and now they are gleefully causing the price to go back up EVEN though the price of a barrel is still dropping. Now, mind you, I don't have any problems with the $2 price of gas and think that is fair, just don't use that the price of a gallon of gas goes up as the price of a barrel goes up bit on us.
Plus, they make money when it goes up or down thanks to their up like a rocket/down like a feather bit.
5. GEORGE GETS REPRIEVE-- George, the 140 year old, 20 pound lobster, is free to slink along the ocean bottoms again. (The age is guesstimated by his weight.) The City Crab and Seafood Restaurant in NYC gave him his crawling/scooting papers, and released him near Kennebunkport, Maine, where no lobster trapping is allowed. PETA is happy...and so is George.
6. I-TUNES-- I don't use it, but like the idea where they will no longer charge just 99 cents per music download. Now, it is just 69 cents for oldies, and 99 cents or $1.29 for the others. Hey, when I was buying 45s way back when, they cost 99 cents. WHAT, something has gotten cheaper. Now, if I just knew how to download or had one of those IPODs.
7. GOOD SAMARITAN-- You'd better think twice before doing someone a good deed in California.A woman is suing a good samaritan for pulling her out of a wrecked car and causing damage that left her paralyzed. While I'm sorry to hear of her injury, the guy was just trying to do the right thing. Let the insurance handle it.
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
Cop Comment: "If you run you'll only go to jail tired."
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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
JSS: Goodbye Randhurst-- Old Forty Fives-- Miserable Weather-- As the Newspapers Ride Off
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. GOODBYE RANDHURST-- Sad to see that one last sale is being held Friday and Saturday of remaining Randhurst Mall items. This was the first big mall in Chicagoland and a big hangout for all my buddies while at Palatine High School in the late sixties. Sad to see it go.
2. OLD FORTY-FIVES-- Came across a great website called Old Forty-Fives while looking at a cruise place in the local area. They had a fun video to the old Statler Brothers song "Do You Remember These." Every time they mentioned something, and they mentioned a lot, you saw a picture of it. Their website also had about ten other great videos. I watched several. http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm.
That will take you to the Statler Brothers song. Drop the DYRT.htm for the whole site. Worth a look.
3. MISERABLE WEATHER-- Just got in from clearing off the driveway again, this time only about three inches, but it is mighty c-o-l-d around here. It was zero degrees this morning and only 9 degrees right now. Then, there's the wind. Temps the next couple days will be at and below zero with -30 degree wind chills. Then, there is more of that awful white stuff forecast.
4. AS THE NEWSPAPERS RIDE OFF-- I see the Chicago Tribune is coming out with a tabloid edition for people who buy it at stores and boxes. It is sad to see newspapers on their way out. It seems that everything I like is going away these days.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Cop Comment: "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them awhile."
1. GOODBYE RANDHURST-- Sad to see that one last sale is being held Friday and Saturday of remaining Randhurst Mall items. This was the first big mall in Chicagoland and a big hangout for all my buddies while at Palatine High School in the late sixties. Sad to see it go.
2. OLD FORTY-FIVES-- Came across a great website called Old Forty-Fives while looking at a cruise place in the local area. They had a fun video to the old Statler Brothers song "Do You Remember These." Every time they mentioned something, and they mentioned a lot, you saw a picture of it. Their website also had about ten other great videos. I watched several. http://oldfortyfives.com/DYRT.htm.
That will take you to the Statler Brothers song. Drop the DYRT.htm for the whole site. Worth a look.
3. MISERABLE WEATHER-- Just got in from clearing off the driveway again, this time only about three inches, but it is mighty c-o-l-d around here. It was zero degrees this morning and only 9 degrees right now. Then, there's the wind. Temps the next couple days will be at and below zero with -30 degree wind chills. Then, there is more of that awful white stuff forecast.
4. AS THE NEWSPAPERS RIDE OFF-- I see the Chicago Tribune is coming out with a tabloid edition for people who buy it at stores and boxes. It is sad to see newspapers on their way out. It seems that everything I like is going away these days.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Cop Comment: "Relax, the handcuffs are tight because they're new. They'll stretch after you wear them awhile."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Time Warp: January 11, 1972
Bob Stroud went back 37 years this past Sunday to January 11, 1972 and the same date 1977.
Thirty-seven years ago!! Has it been that long?
Back on that date, I was a junior at the University of Georgia and trying to get a Delta Sigma Phi chapter started on campus. I had pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon in the fall, but just had to try to get the old Delta Sigs started. I understand, there now is a chapter there. I did get a few friends together and had a local called Sigma Tau Epsilon
I was now living at a new dorm as I had expected to transfer back to Northern Illinois, but that had fallen through. My roommate turned out to be the son of the state's governor. His name was Jeff C and his father was one Jimmy Carter. I got to meet him at the governor's mansion in Atlanta.
My hair was starting to grow out after being pretty-well scalped at Quantico, Virginia, during my six week stay there in the USMC OCS.
These songs sure brought back some memories. Stroud's comments follow. Mine are in parentheses. ()
LOOKING FOR A LOVE-- J. GEILS BAND-- from their second album, basically our introduction to this great band out of Boston who would be with us for the next decade and after. (Became a major favorite for me after their "Centerfold" album.)
NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- brand new and hit bound. Their previous song, "Old-Fashioned Love Song" was just dropping off the charts. (Great Blue-Eyed Soul from these guys.)
WHITE LIES, BLUE EYES-- BULLET--brand new band from England, their one and only hit. (Still one of my favorites.)
SCORPIO-- DENNIS COFFEY-- What's your sign? Instrumental by Detroit session guitarist.
RESPECT YOURSELF-- STAPLE SINGERS-- Take a step back and respect yourself, from Chicago. (Music with a BIG message. I'm surprised they weren't invited to play at Obama's inauguration.)
ANTICIPATION-- CARLY SIMON-- her second hit, the first was in 1971. (It's "Slow Good." Always reminds me of that ketchup (or is it catsup?) commercial.)
More to Come. --RoadDog
Cop Comment: "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."
Thirty-seven years ago!! Has it been that long?
Back on that date, I was a junior at the University of Georgia and trying to get a Delta Sigma Phi chapter started on campus. I had pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon in the fall, but just had to try to get the old Delta Sigs started. I understand, there now is a chapter there. I did get a few friends together and had a local called Sigma Tau Epsilon
I was now living at a new dorm as I had expected to transfer back to Northern Illinois, but that had fallen through. My roommate turned out to be the son of the state's governor. His name was Jeff C and his father was one Jimmy Carter. I got to meet him at the governor's mansion in Atlanta.
My hair was starting to grow out after being pretty-well scalped at Quantico, Virginia, during my six week stay there in the USMC OCS.
These songs sure brought back some memories. Stroud's comments follow. Mine are in parentheses. ()
LOOKING FOR A LOVE-- J. GEILS BAND-- from their second album, basically our introduction to this great band out of Boston who would be with us for the next decade and after. (Became a major favorite for me after their "Centerfold" album.)
NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- brand new and hit bound. Their previous song, "Old-Fashioned Love Song" was just dropping off the charts. (Great Blue-Eyed Soul from these guys.)
WHITE LIES, BLUE EYES-- BULLET--brand new band from England, their one and only hit. (Still one of my favorites.)
SCORPIO-- DENNIS COFFEY-- What's your sign? Instrumental by Detroit session guitarist.
RESPECT YOURSELF-- STAPLE SINGERS-- Take a step back and respect yourself, from Chicago. (Music with a BIG message. I'm surprised they weren't invited to play at Obama's inauguration.)
ANTICIPATION-- CARLY SIMON-- her second hit, the first was in 1971. (It's "Slow Good." Always reminds me of that ketchup (or is it catsup?) commercial.)
More to Come. --RoadDog
Cop Comment: "If you take your hands off the car, I'll make your birth certificate a worthless document."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Can't Get a Break
Snow, snow Go Away, Come Again...to someone else.
Most of the heavy December snows melted, but we've gotten at least 14 inches since last week with a blizzard forecast and 2-4 inches of new stuff, plus more this week and then, the C-O-L-D!!!
The 2008-2008 winter season is on pace to be one of the worst, but still has a ways to go to beat the 1978-1979 winter, which dropped 89.7 inches with 100 consecutive days of snow cover. It started with 31.4 inches in December as well as a 7.6 inch New Year's treat. Then there was the Jan. 11-14th 21-inch fun time.
I didn't have a snow blower, but was young enough to just get sore (and had a much-smaller driveway). I was, however, running out of places to throw the snow. I had to really oomph it up onto the piles. Seemed like it snowed every day in January. Kind of like now.
I believe this was also the year part of the roof of the local K-Mart in Round Lake Beach, Illinois collapsed under all that accumulation.
This morning, it was a winter wonderland out there and I spent time in the study enjoying the scene. Evidently, it must have rained last night and frozen tot he trees. All those beautifully outlined bare limbs along with the snow-dappled evergreens as well as snow-covered shrubs is something to see. Almost makes winter worth, but....
Enough Already!! --RoadDog
Cop Comment-- "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that is the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."
Most of the heavy December snows melted, but we've gotten at least 14 inches since last week with a blizzard forecast and 2-4 inches of new stuff, plus more this week and then, the C-O-L-D!!!
The 2008-2008 winter season is on pace to be one of the worst, but still has a ways to go to beat the 1978-1979 winter, which dropped 89.7 inches with 100 consecutive days of snow cover. It started with 31.4 inches in December as well as a 7.6 inch New Year's treat. Then there was the Jan. 11-14th 21-inch fun time.
I didn't have a snow blower, but was young enough to just get sore (and had a much-smaller driveway). I was, however, running out of places to throw the snow. I had to really oomph it up onto the piles. Seemed like it snowed every day in January. Kind of like now.
I believe this was also the year part of the roof of the local K-Mart in Round Lake Beach, Illinois collapsed under all that accumulation.
This morning, it was a winter wonderland out there and I spent time in the study enjoying the scene. Evidently, it must have rained last night and frozen tot he trees. All those beautifully outlined bare limbs along with the snow-dappled evergreens as well as snow-covered shrubs is something to see. Almost makes winter worth, but....
Enough Already!! --RoadDog
Cop Comment-- "Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that is the speed of the bullet that'll be chasing you."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Look Back at 2008
Just catching up with the last of my journal for the year.
In 2008, we visited 106 new NTN sites, a new record for us. They were in Wisconsin (2), Illinois (25), Missouri (11), Mississippi (10), Alabama (10), Florida (18), Ohio (11), Tennessee (4), North Carolina (8), Kentucky (3), Indiana (3), and South Carolina (10).
The biggest group came in Feb-March on out "Search for the Warmth" trip down to the Gulf Coast, where we stopped at 57 places in 16 days. We also added 19 more in a 14 day trip September to October to NC, SC, and Tennessee (cumulating with the NIU-Tennessee football game).
Whenever on the road, we look up the sites and try to stop at as many as we can. That involves a lot of riding around and looking for the places as sometimes we have wrong addresses or they aren't on a major road. Lots of stops at gas stations for directions. Sometimes, we just give up.
Just Looking Back. --RoadDog
In 2008, we visited 106 new NTN sites, a new record for us. They were in Wisconsin (2), Illinois (25), Missouri (11), Mississippi (10), Alabama (10), Florida (18), Ohio (11), Tennessee (4), North Carolina (8), Kentucky (3), Indiana (3), and South Carolina (10).
The biggest group came in Feb-March on out "Search for the Warmth" trip down to the Gulf Coast, where we stopped at 57 places in 16 days. We also added 19 more in a 14 day trip September to October to NC, SC, and Tennessee (cumulating with the NIU-Tennessee football game).
Whenever on the road, we look up the sites and try to stop at as many as we can. That involves a lot of riding around and looking for the places as sometimes we have wrong addresses or they aren't on a major road. Lots of stops at gas stations for directions. Sometimes, we just give up.
Just Looking Back. --RoadDog
Just Got Back-- Part 2-- Cruisin' 66
Well, not so "Just Got", but eleven days ago. Back on Jan. 1st, I posted about a two day mini-cruise Dec. 30th and 31st.
On the 31st, we cruised Route 66's Red Carper Corridor from Pontiac to Joliet. This has a lot of the things that make the Mother Road such a treat to drive. In Pontiac, here is the old Il-4 bridge, the Rt. 66 museum, swinging bridges, one of the most beautiful court houses you'll ever see sitting in a square, the classic Bob and Ringo's bar (with all the neat stuff on the walls), the Old Log Cabin restaurant from the 20s) and the Meramec Caverns barn north of town.
Then, Odell has the 1930s Standard Oil station, the tunnel, and several Route-66-related businesses. Dwight and Odell both have Burma Shave-type signs welcoming you to the communities. Dwight had several 66 restaurants, the windmill, the Ambler-Beckler gas station, and Route 66 shields on the road.
I didn't cover all the Route 66 and other items of interest in Pontiac, Odell and Dwight either.
And Some Folks Say There's Not Much to See of Route 66 in Illinois. This is JUST 20 Miles.
On the 31st, we cruised Route 66's Red Carper Corridor from Pontiac to Joliet. This has a lot of the things that make the Mother Road such a treat to drive. In Pontiac, here is the old Il-4 bridge, the Rt. 66 museum, swinging bridges, one of the most beautiful court houses you'll ever see sitting in a square, the classic Bob and Ringo's bar (with all the neat stuff on the walls), the Old Log Cabin restaurant from the 20s) and the Meramec Caverns barn north of town.
Then, Odell has the 1930s Standard Oil station, the tunnel, and several Route-66-related businesses. Dwight and Odell both have Burma Shave-type signs welcoming you to the communities. Dwight had several 66 restaurants, the windmill, the Ambler-Beckler gas station, and Route 66 shields on the road.
I didn't cover all the Route 66 and other items of interest in Pontiac, Odell and Dwight either.
And Some Folks Say There's Not Much to See of Route 66 in Illinois. This is JUST 20 Miles.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Some New Illinois Rules
The start of 2009 brings in some new laws here in Illinois.
The biggest one is the new one where if you get a DUI, you have to blow into a tube in order to start your car. After you have, from time to time you'll have to blow again while driving (in case someone blows into it for you). Good idea, but is someone going to get rich off this, Rod?
Schools are now required to teach internet safety from 3rd grade and higher at least once a year. At some point, this should be a parental thing. There is not enough time to teach what is needed now as it it.
Parents of habitual vandals can be fined up to $30,000 in damage. Good idea. Parents need to take more responsibility for heir children's actions.
New sprinkler systems must be made to turn off when it is raining. That always gets me to see sprinklers doing their thing in a downpour. Do you really need to water in a deluge?
Inmates who throw feces or urine at prison workers will be charged with a Class 2 felony, which will add 3 to 11 years to the sentence. That's just nasty. Makes sense to me.
As far as last year's no smoking in bars and restaurants, I've heard some bar owners are reporting an increase in business after an initial fall off. Casinos, however, report a double digit drop (didn't say if it were in customers or profit). I wonder if the economy has anything to do with it?
Be Careful Here in Illinois. --RoadDog
The biggest one is the new one where if you get a DUI, you have to blow into a tube in order to start your car. After you have, from time to time you'll have to blow again while driving (in case someone blows into it for you). Good idea, but is someone going to get rich off this, Rod?
Schools are now required to teach internet safety from 3rd grade and higher at least once a year. At some point, this should be a parental thing. There is not enough time to teach what is needed now as it it.
Parents of habitual vandals can be fined up to $30,000 in damage. Good idea. Parents need to take more responsibility for heir children's actions.
New sprinkler systems must be made to turn off when it is raining. That always gets me to see sprinklers doing their thing in a downpour. Do you really need to water in a deluge?
Inmates who throw feces or urine at prison workers will be charged with a Class 2 felony, which will add 3 to 11 years to the sentence. That's just nasty. Makes sense to me.
As far as last year's no smoking in bars and restaurants, I've heard some bar owners are reporting an increase in business after an initial fall off. Casinos, however, report a double digit drop (didn't say if it were in customers or profit). I wonder if the economy has anything to do with it?
Be Careful Here in Illinois. --RoadDog
That's a Real Snow Job
And I'm getting very sick of it. We had two inches earlier in the week, five inches yesterday, and another eight inches today. More is forecast for next week and then we get hit with the added benefit of extremely cold temperatures.
It's been a rough winter so far. I have to mix my gas for the snowblower with oil. The first two years I had it, I went through just one gallon. Last year, it was one gallon, and I've just gone through a gallon this year.
Someone needs to teach that snow not to fall on roads, driveways or sidewalks. If not that, let's have the snowmobilers come over and clear the white stuff off before they go out and have fun.
Looks like I may have to move up our "Search for Warmth" southward tour.
Sick and Tired of All This White Stuff. --RoadDog
It's been a rough winter so far. I have to mix my gas for the snowblower with oil. The first two years I had it, I went through just one gallon. Last year, it was one gallon, and I've just gone through a gallon this year.
Someone needs to teach that snow not to fall on roads, driveways or sidewalks. If not that, let's have the snowmobilers come over and clear the white stuff off before they go out and have fun.
Looks like I may have to move up our "Search for Warmth" southward tour.
Sick and Tired of All This White Stuff. --RoadDog
Friday, January 9, 2009
It's Them, Not Me-- Good Old Calvin Knew
Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune ran a Sunday comic strip from fifteen years ago that pretty-well explains HOW we got into this current state of economy. It was the ever-classic Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson. How he could have predicted so well that long ago during great times is any body's guess.
Calvin is playing the role of a GRB and running a lemonade stand charging $15 a glass. Good old Susie comes up to it and is outraged.
Susie: "How do you justify charging $15?"
Calvin: "Supply and Demand."
Susie, looking around and seeing no one else: "Where's the demand?!! I don't see any demand!"
Calvin: "There's lots of demand."
Susie: "Yeah?"
Calvin "Sure! As the sole stockholder in this enterprise, I DEMAND monstrous profit on my investment!"
"And as president and CEO of the company, I DEMAND an exorbitant annual salary!"
"And as my own employee, I DEMAND a high hourly wage and all sorts of company benefits! And then there's overhead and actual production costs!"
Susie: "But it looks like you just threw a lemon in some sludge water!"
Calvin, looking smug: Well, I have to cut expenses SOMEWHERE if I want to stay competitive."
Susie: "What if I got sick from that?"
Calvin: "'Caveat Emptor' is the motto we stand behind! I'd have to charge more if we followed health and environmental regulations."
Susie, walking away: "You're out of your mind. I'm going home to drink something else."
Calvin: "Sure! Put me out of a job! It's your anti-business types who ruin the economy."
Calvin now looking extremely mad.
Then seen walking to his mother.
Calvin to his mother: "I need to be subsidized."
Funny, but not so funny if you know what I mean.
How Did Bill Watterson Know That Long Ago? --RoadDog
Calvin is playing the role of a GRB and running a lemonade stand charging $15 a glass. Good old Susie comes up to it and is outraged.
Susie: "How do you justify charging $15?"
Calvin: "Supply and Demand."
Susie, looking around and seeing no one else: "Where's the demand?!! I don't see any demand!"
Calvin: "There's lots of demand."
Susie: "Yeah?"
Calvin "Sure! As the sole stockholder in this enterprise, I DEMAND monstrous profit on my investment!"
"And as president and CEO of the company, I DEMAND an exorbitant annual salary!"
"And as my own employee, I DEMAND a high hourly wage and all sorts of company benefits! And then there's overhead and actual production costs!"
Susie: "But it looks like you just threw a lemon in some sludge water!"
Calvin, looking smug: Well, I have to cut expenses SOMEWHERE if I want to stay competitive."
Susie: "What if I got sick from that?"
Calvin: "'Caveat Emptor' is the motto we stand behind! I'd have to charge more if we followed health and environmental regulations."
Susie, walking away: "You're out of your mind. I'm going home to drink something else."
Calvin: "Sure! Put me out of a job! It's your anti-business types who ruin the economy."
Calvin now looking extremely mad.
Then seen walking to his mother.
Calvin to his mother: "I need to be subsidized."
Funny, but not so funny if you know what I mean.
How Did Bill Watterson Know That Long Ago? --RoadDog
Top Beach Songs of 2008-- Part 2
Here they are, the top twenty.
#20. Hey, Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
#19. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer-- Ruby Hayes
#18. Carinna/Jacqueline-- James Hunter (two different songs)
#17. There Goes My Baby-- Kenny Vance
#16. Mama's Drinking Liquor Again-- King Tyrone (Now, there's a title for you.)
#15. (Missed it)
#14. Said I'm Sorry-- Sonya
#13. Sweetheart-- Dion DiMucci (Is this the Dion of "Runaround Sue?)
#12. Natural Born Lover-- Louann Barton
#11. Runaway Soul- Ruby Foster
#10. Beautiful Girls (Shag Mix)-- Sean Kingston
#9. Junkyard for the Blues-- Miranda Louise
#8. Shadow Shaggin'-- Tommy Black
#7. Just a Kiss Away-- Jakie Gore
#6. How'd You Learn to Shake It Like That?-- Anna Popavak (from Yugoslavia)
#5. So Long Since I Felt This Way-- Russell Thompkins, Jr (of the Stylistics)
#4. Got It Bad for You, Baby--
#3. Don't You Wish It Were True? --John Fogerty (Good Old CCR Music)
#2. I Had to Fall in Love-- Part Time Party Time Band
#1. All the Way from Philadelphia-- Three Tenors of Soul
Now here's one great lineup. Those of you getting tired of the same-old, same-old should give a listen to this stuff.
It's the Endless Summer Around Here (despite the five inches of snow we got here in northern Illinois today.
Listen to the Fessa, the Fessa Knows. --RoadDog
#20. Hey, Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
#19. One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer-- Ruby Hayes
#18. Carinna/Jacqueline-- James Hunter (two different songs)
#17. There Goes My Baby-- Kenny Vance
#16. Mama's Drinking Liquor Again-- King Tyrone (Now, there's a title for you.)
#15. (Missed it)
#14. Said I'm Sorry-- Sonya
#13. Sweetheart-- Dion DiMucci (Is this the Dion of "Runaround Sue?)
#12. Natural Born Lover-- Louann Barton
#11. Runaway Soul- Ruby Foster
#10. Beautiful Girls (Shag Mix)-- Sean Kingston
#9. Junkyard for the Blues-- Miranda Louise
#8. Shadow Shaggin'-- Tommy Black
#7. Just a Kiss Away-- Jakie Gore
#6. How'd You Learn to Shake It Like That?-- Anna Popavak (from Yugoslavia)
#5. So Long Since I Felt This Way-- Russell Thompkins, Jr (of the Stylistics)
#4. Got It Bad for You, Baby--
#3. Don't You Wish It Were True? --John Fogerty (Good Old CCR Music)
#2. I Had to Fall in Love-- Part Time Party Time Band
#1. All the Way from Philadelphia-- Three Tenors of Soul
Now here's one great lineup. Those of you getting tired of the same-old, same-old should give a listen to this stuff.
It's the Endless Summer Around Here (despite the five inches of snow we got here in northern Illinois today.
Listen to the Fessa, the Fessa Knows. --RoadDog
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Top Beach Songs of 2008-- Part 1
Yesterday, Fessa John Hook at his Endless Summer site, counted down the top 40 songs of 2008.
#40. Little Red Rooster-- Curly Bridges
#39. Just to See Her-- Darryl Tooks
#38. Groovin'-- Jackie Wilson
#37. You Know I'm No Good-- Amy Winehouse
#36. Standing in the Rain-- Al Green
#35. Rio de Janeiro Blues-- Randy Crawford
#34. Last Good Time in Town-- Eagles
#33. Memories & Souvenirs-- Donny and Marie Drexler
#32. Do Do-- Dave Fields
#31. Mercy-- Duffy
#30. Why Am I Crying-- Rhonda McDaniels
#29. Out of My Head-- Shamille Chauffety
#28. Big, Blonde & Beautiful-- Queen Latifah
#27. Sho Do Wop-- Mr. David featuring Sir Charles
#26. I Wanna Love You-- Dr. Woo & Friends (how's this for a name?)
#25. Turn Back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters (the old English Drifters)
#24. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniel (her second chart entry)
#23. Money Honey-- Craig Woolard Band
#22. It Only Hurts When I Cry-- Raoul Malo
#21. Most of Those Pretty Young Girls-- Wee Jams
Give the Fessa a listen at Endless Summer network at www.beachshag.com
You'll be tapping those toes and moving that....
Top Twenty Coming. --RoadDog
#40. Little Red Rooster-- Curly Bridges
#39. Just to See Her-- Darryl Tooks
#38. Groovin'-- Jackie Wilson
#37. You Know I'm No Good-- Amy Winehouse
#36. Standing in the Rain-- Al Green
#35. Rio de Janeiro Blues-- Randy Crawford
#34. Last Good Time in Town-- Eagles
#33. Memories & Souvenirs-- Donny and Marie Drexler
#32. Do Do-- Dave Fields
#31. Mercy-- Duffy
#30. Why Am I Crying-- Rhonda McDaniels
#29. Out of My Head-- Shamille Chauffety
#28. Big, Blonde & Beautiful-- Queen Latifah
#27. Sho Do Wop-- Mr. David featuring Sir Charles
#26. I Wanna Love You-- Dr. Woo & Friends (how's this for a name?)
#25. Turn Back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters (the old English Drifters)
#24. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniel (her second chart entry)
#23. Money Honey-- Craig Woolard Band
#22. It Only Hurts When I Cry-- Raoul Malo
#21. Most of Those Pretty Young Girls-- Wee Jams
Give the Fessa a listen at Endless Summer network at www.beachshag.com
You'll be tapping those toes and moving that....
Top Twenty Coming. --RoadDog
Friday, January 2, 2009
Top Words of 2008
The Dec. 31, 2008 Chicago Tribune came out with a list of "Break-out words from last year. Obviously, a lot had to do with the economy.
Here they are:
LEVERAGE-- It just means no cash!!
SUBPRIME-- Not that tasty new item from Quizno's either. Quickly fell into ill repute. All folks who sold this should be in jail.
TOXIC, as in TOXIC DEBT-- Catch-phrase of the GRBs. Actually, pretty much all of these words so far are. GRBs are those wonderful folk who caused all of this: Investment Banks, Hedge Funds, Wall Street Brokers, Real Estate Agents, CEOs and Upper Management, and Commodities Traders, and Boards of Directors. Did I miss anybody?
LIQUIDITY
BAILOUT-- "If you're an ordinary Joe, this word means that your cousin posted your bons. If you're a gazillionaire on Wall Street, it means that the American taxpayer did the honors." Well put Julia Keller.
SUSTAINABILITY
AND SOME POLITICAL ONES--
JOE, THE PLUMBER-- enough said
OBAMABOT-- derogatory term for those who were so completely enamored of the president-elect.
CHANGE-- We'll see.
****ING-- Thanks Gov.!
Great job on this list, Julia Keller!! Very Funny.
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
Here they are:
LEVERAGE-- It just means no cash!!
SUBPRIME-- Not that tasty new item from Quizno's either. Quickly fell into ill repute. All folks who sold this should be in jail.
TOXIC, as in TOXIC DEBT-- Catch-phrase of the GRBs. Actually, pretty much all of these words so far are. GRBs are those wonderful folk who caused all of this: Investment Banks, Hedge Funds, Wall Street Brokers, Real Estate Agents, CEOs and Upper Management, and Commodities Traders, and Boards of Directors. Did I miss anybody?
LIQUIDITY
BAILOUT-- "If you're an ordinary Joe, this word means that your cousin posted your bons. If you're a gazillionaire on Wall Street, it means that the American taxpayer did the honors." Well put Julia Keller.
SUSTAINABILITY
AND SOME POLITICAL ONES--
JOE, THE PLUMBER-- enough said
OBAMABOT-- derogatory term for those who were so completely enamored of the president-elect.
CHANGE-- We'll see.
****ING-- Thanks Gov.!
Great job on this list, Julia Keller!! Very Funny.
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
What Are the Top Songs of New Year 1960s Style?
The Billboard charts had these songs as #1 on Jan. 1 of each of the sixties years. As you might guess, it was a bug thing.
1969-- I Heard It Through the Grapevine-- Marvin Gaye
1968-- Hello, Goodbye-- Beatles
1967-- I'm a Believer-- Monkees
1966-- We Can Work it Out-- Beatles
1965-- I Feel Fine-- Beatles
1964-- There! I've Said It Again-- Bobby Vinton
1963-- Telstar-- Tornadoes
1962-- The Lion Sleeps Tonight-- Tokens
1961-- Are You Lonesome Tonight?-- Elvis Presley
1960-- El Paso-- Marty Robbins
Must Be Getting old. I remember all of these. However, I really didn't start listening to music until 1964 after that little old BUG group came around.
I'd Give It a 97. It was Easy to Dance and Had a Good Beat. --RoadDog
1969-- I Heard It Through the Grapevine-- Marvin Gaye
1968-- Hello, Goodbye-- Beatles
1967-- I'm a Believer-- Monkees
1966-- We Can Work it Out-- Beatles
1965-- I Feel Fine-- Beatles
1964-- There! I've Said It Again-- Bobby Vinton
1963-- Telstar-- Tornadoes
1962-- The Lion Sleeps Tonight-- Tokens
1961-- Are You Lonesome Tonight?-- Elvis Presley
1960-- El Paso-- Marty Robbins
Must Be Getting old. I remember all of these. However, I really didn't start listening to music until 1964 after that little old BUG group came around.
I'd Give It a 97. It was Easy to Dance and Had a Good Beat. --RoadDog
Reflections on 2008-- A Look at Better Times in 2009
Not the greatest year at all. My fried Ed sent me this which I forwarded to many. It was just too good and sums up the year quite well.
The blacks are happy, Obama won the election.
The whites are happy, OJ is finally in jail.
The Democrats are happy, Bush is leaving.
The Republicans are happy, the Democrats will finally quit saying Bush shouldn't have been elected in 2000.
The year 2009 will be even better. Immediately after his inauguration, Barack Obama will balance the budget, revive the economy, solve the real estate problem, solve the auto industry problem, stop fires and mudslides in California, ban hurricanes and tornadoes, reverse global warming, stop identity theft, find Osama, and achieve world peace. And...on the seventh day, he will rest.
Happy Days are Around the Corner. --RoadDog
Uncle Bo also sent a hilarious look-back on 2008 by Uncle Jay. Mighty funny stuff and a great sum-up of the year that was. It is on You Tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v+TW.Xy550HYy
As Ernie Banks would say, "Things will be fine in 2009."
The blacks are happy, Obama won the election.
The whites are happy, OJ is finally in jail.
The Democrats are happy, Bush is leaving.
The Republicans are happy, the Democrats will finally quit saying Bush shouldn't have been elected in 2000.
The year 2009 will be even better. Immediately after his inauguration, Barack Obama will balance the budget, revive the economy, solve the real estate problem, solve the auto industry problem, stop fires and mudslides in California, ban hurricanes and tornadoes, reverse global warming, stop identity theft, find Osama, and achieve world peace. And...on the seventh day, he will rest.
Happy Days are Around the Corner. --RoadDog
Uncle Bo also sent a hilarious look-back on 2008 by Uncle Jay. Mighty funny stuff and a great sum-up of the year that was. It is on You Tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v+TW.Xy550HYy
As Ernie Banks would say, "Things will be fine in 2009."
It's Them, Not Me: Interest Rate Drop Hurts Me-- Newspaper Woes-- Sonic Opens-- NO Hall for Ron
Some Thing That Burn Me. As Ricky would say, "You've got some 'splainin' to do"
1. INTEREST RATE DROP HURTS ME-- Not too happy to see the interest rates drop to as low as .25%. That's good for the GRBs who got us into this mess to begin with, but not for little old me with all my CDs. Guess what else dropped? Really tired of carrying these guys on my back.
2. NEWSPAPER WOES-- Well, the Chicago Tribune, my favorite newspaper filed for Chapter 11, and I see the Detroit papers are going to be printed just three days a week. One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with a paper, drink a cup of coffee, and read. For how much longer? Curse you computers...Wait, I'm on one right now.
3. SONIC OPENS-- The 3500th Sonic restaurant opened at the beginning of December in Algonquin, Illinois. It is the first one in the Chicagoland area. The few times I've been there, the food, drinks, and ice cream were great. Hopefully we'll get one closer to the Wisconsin line. We'll file this under "Good News."
4. NO HALL FOR RON-- Another sad time for former Cub (and even White Sox) great Ron Santo, who was again denied a place in baseball's Hall of Fame. He deserves it with that wonderful career. Unfortunately, he played for the hapless Cubs and not getting into a World Series really hurt his chances. Back when I was in high school. he once gave me a ride home and had coffee with my parents, one of the highlights of my life.
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
1. INTEREST RATE DROP HURTS ME-- Not too happy to see the interest rates drop to as low as .25%. That's good for the GRBs who got us into this mess to begin with, but not for little old me with all my CDs. Guess what else dropped? Really tired of carrying these guys on my back.
2. NEWSPAPER WOES-- Well, the Chicago Tribune, my favorite newspaper filed for Chapter 11, and I see the Detroit papers are going to be printed just three days a week. One of my favorite things to do is to sit down with a paper, drink a cup of coffee, and read. For how much longer? Curse you computers...Wait, I'm on one right now.
3. SONIC OPENS-- The 3500th Sonic restaurant opened at the beginning of December in Algonquin, Illinois. It is the first one in the Chicagoland area. The few times I've been there, the food, drinks, and ice cream were great. Hopefully we'll get one closer to the Wisconsin line. We'll file this under "Good News."
4. NO HALL FOR RON-- Another sad time for former Cub (and even White Sox) great Ron Santo, who was again denied a place in baseball's Hall of Fame. He deserves it with that wonderful career. Unfortunately, he played for the hapless Cubs and not getting into a World Series really hurt his chances. Back when I was in high school. he once gave me a ride home and had coffee with my parents, one of the highlights of my life.
Don't Look Back, They May Be Gaining. --RoadDog
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Just Got Back
Yesterday, we got back from a mini trip downstate and to Indiana.
We left Dec. 30th and drove to Pontiac, Illinois. Along the way, we played at NTN sites in Plainfield (BW3 and Sports Den), a BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings) in Shorewood, and Heroes West in Joliet.
The main objective was the Riviera in Gardner. This great place, which has operated since the 1920s and reputed stop off place for Al Capone and his brother, is closing Jan. 1st. Unfortunately, it was way too crowded, so we didn't get to eat or talk with the Krafts who have owned it since the early 1970s (see Dec. 31st http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com blog.
Went to Pontiac and drove around that beautiful court house and got a room at the Super 8 out on I-55. Ate at the Baby Bull on Route 66. Two high school basketball teams were also dining there (one from up by us, Warren High School in Gurnee). A big tournament was going on. Listened to a close game between Peoria Manuel and Schaumburg.
Several teams were also staying at the Super 8.
More to Come. --RoadDog
We left Dec. 30th and drove to Pontiac, Illinois. Along the way, we played at NTN sites in Plainfield (BW3 and Sports Den), a BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings) in Shorewood, and Heroes West in Joliet.
The main objective was the Riviera in Gardner. This great place, which has operated since the 1920s and reputed stop off place for Al Capone and his brother, is closing Jan. 1st. Unfortunately, it was way too crowded, so we didn't get to eat or talk with the Krafts who have owned it since the early 1970s (see Dec. 31st http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com blog.
Went to Pontiac and drove around that beautiful court house and got a room at the Super 8 out on I-55. Ate at the Baby Bull on Route 66. Two high school basketball teams were also dining there (one from up by us, Warren High School in Gurnee). A big tournament was going on. Listened to a close game between Peoria Manuel and Schaumburg.
Several teams were also staying at the Super 8.
More to Come. --RoadDog
Third Year of This Blog
This is the third year I've been doing this blog. It all started with a May 9, 2007 entry called "Hittin' the Road-- Part 1" about a trip out to Franklin Grove along the Lincoln Highway. The blog essentially started as an attempt to get my other blog, RoadDog's Roadlog, going. I couldn't get it to come up and tried this as an experiment. I eventually got the other one going, but this one remained as my second of what is now four too many blogs.
In 2007, I had 299 entries and last year 430. So this is my 730th entry.
This is primarily a me log. The others deal with the road, Civil War, and History (primarily World War II).
http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com
http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com
http://sawtheelephant.blogspot.com Civil War
Spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME On This. --RoadDog
In 2007, I had 299 entries and last year 430. So this is my 730th entry.
This is primarily a me log. The others deal with the road, Civil War, and History (primarily World War II).
http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com
http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com
http://sawtheelephant.blogspot.com Civil War
Spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME On This. --RoadDog
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
JSS: Is Anybody Going to Win?-- 100th NTN Site-- House of Gerhard-- Mary Ann Gerlach's Wake-- Christmas Lights
Just Some Stuff.
1. IS ANYBODY GOING TO WIN?-- Yesterday, both NC State and Northwestern lost their bowl games. Is any one that I back going to win a game this bowl season? Come On!! It seems that if I like the team, they're done for. I'm not saying who I'm pulling for the rest of the way.
2. 100TH NTN SITE-- Drove to Kenosha, Wisconsin, yesterday and played NTN at my 100th new site this year, Big Shots. That is a lot of sites in a year. Whenever Liz and I travel, we try to stop at places to play the game. It was my 709th place overall.
3. HOUSE OF GERHARD-- After NTN, we drove the short distance to a German restaurant and had one of the best meals ever. I got the German combo with beef, a sausage, and one of the best smoked pork chops I've ever tasted. It came with potatoes (we had spaetzle) and soup or salad. We especially enjoyed what they called House Appetizers of mini muffins, rolls, liver pate, toasted garlic bread pieces, and kidney bean salad. It cost $19.
4. MARY ANN GERLACH'S WAKE-- Sadly, the reason for going to Kenosha was for the wake of Mary Ann Gerlach, the wife of Paul, with whom I taught for 30 years at Magee. I have never seen so many people at a wake. We had to wait over an hour to pay our respects. We did get to see some friends including the Evans, Dawsons, Rohlwings, Eakers, Babiaks and several other Magee teachers. Unfortunately, we are getting to that age when we will be seeing each other often at wakes and funerals.
Mary was born October 19, 1946 and a graduate of UW-Whitewater and marrieed Paul in 1977. She taught for 37 years after beginning her teaching career in Fort Atkinson in 1969.
5. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- On the way home, we saw some really nice Christmas displays, including the one by Breezy Hill Nursery in Wisconsin Hwy-50, and one very impressive one off Wilmot Road in Spring Grove, Illinois.
Now You Know. --RoadDog
1. IS ANYBODY GOING TO WIN?-- Yesterday, both NC State and Northwestern lost their bowl games. Is any one that I back going to win a game this bowl season? Come On!! It seems that if I like the team, they're done for. I'm not saying who I'm pulling for the rest of the way.
2. 100TH NTN SITE-- Drove to Kenosha, Wisconsin, yesterday and played NTN at my 100th new site this year, Big Shots. That is a lot of sites in a year. Whenever Liz and I travel, we try to stop at places to play the game. It was my 709th place overall.
3. HOUSE OF GERHARD-- After NTN, we drove the short distance to a German restaurant and had one of the best meals ever. I got the German combo with beef, a sausage, and one of the best smoked pork chops I've ever tasted. It came with potatoes (we had spaetzle) and soup or salad. We especially enjoyed what they called House Appetizers of mini muffins, rolls, liver pate, toasted garlic bread pieces, and kidney bean salad. It cost $19.
4. MARY ANN GERLACH'S WAKE-- Sadly, the reason for going to Kenosha was for the wake of Mary Ann Gerlach, the wife of Paul, with whom I taught for 30 years at Magee. I have never seen so many people at a wake. We had to wait over an hour to pay our respects. We did get to see some friends including the Evans, Dawsons, Rohlwings, Eakers, Babiaks and several other Magee teachers. Unfortunately, we are getting to that age when we will be seeing each other often at wakes and funerals.
Mary was born October 19, 1946 and a graduate of UW-Whitewater and marrieed Paul in 1977. She taught for 37 years after beginning her teaching career in Fort Atkinson in 1969.
5. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- On the way home, we saw some really nice Christmas displays, including the one by Breezy Hill Nursery in Wisconsin Hwy-50, and one very impressive one off Wilmot Road in Spring Grove, Illinois.
Now You Know. --RoadDog
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