Pigeon Problems-- RoadDog's News and Observation

The November 14th Chicago Tribune had an article about the pigeon problem in US cities. Besides rats and squirrels, and now, apparently some coyotes, pigeons have adapted themselves to living in urban areas better than any other non-domesticated animal. The tall buildings are an excellent substitute for the canyons they inhabit in the wild.

Whenever I go into Chicago, they are everywhere. Some won't even move until you almost step on them.

And, there are a LOT of them, and even more all the time. Many cities are trying to control them, even from removing their eggs, birth control, to using birds of prey to swoop down on them. In Brooklyn, NY, city councilman Simcha Felding has proposed an ordinance that would make it illegal to FEED pigeons and punishable by a $1,000 FINE if you break the law.

This proposal has pigeon-lovers up in arms.

But, what are you going to do. Feeding the pigeons only increases their numbers, but I'm sure they can forage for enough food in the garbage. Of course, the very worst thing they do is leave their droppings all over everything, especially statues, which they consider to be their very own private bathroom.

I remember being in a hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, and right across the road was a statue of Sir Walter Scott, author of Ivanhoe and many other Scottish books. The body was black from all those years of early industry, but the head and shoulders was a striking white from you-know-what. Another time, I was in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. Now, if you want to talk pigeons, this has to be the largest concentration of themin the world. I was surprised to see all the open air eateries. I don't know that I'd like to eat out on that square.

Of course, I never had the pleasure of a pigeon dropping on the head, and I'm sure if it ever does happen, I will be a bit more anti-pigeon.

I Don't Mind a FEW Pigeons...But.... --RoadDog

RoadDog is a Golden Retriever

My uncle Bo sent me this website and I took the test to see what kind of breed of dog I'd be. Well, obviously, I am a ROADDOG, but, unfortunately, that is not an AKC Recognized Breed. I always thought of myself as more of a mutt. So...what if?

After answering ten questions to the best of my ability, and some of them would NOT have been my choice, I received the results.

I came out as a Golden Retriever, a kind of dog that abounds at my sister's place in Georgia. At last count, I think she has four or five including her son Alex's small kennel, and, of course, the grand old matron of the clan, Sadie, and her son Duke.

According to the write up for the Golden Retriever, I am laid-back and loyal. I'm just as happy chilling on the couch as I am out chasing frisbees in a park somewhere. My brain is always thinking and I won't settle for being the underdog.

This is a bit scary, that they would know me that well.

You can see what kind of dog you are at:
http://www.dogshowusa.com/games/profiler/whatbreedru.shtml

Barking Up the Wrong Tree. --RoadDog

Dwight Sings Buck-- Part 2

Buck Owens was the founder of the Bakersfield Sound. Merle Haggard, another one of my favorite performers, is also a practitioner of the sound. Don Rich, a member of Buck's band was also in on the creation of this sound.

Dwight Yoakam revitalized the Bakersfield Sound (also called Bakersfield Honky Tonk with his "Little Sister" and "Guitars, Cadillacs, and Hillbilly Music." He had 17 top ten country songs and sold more than 23 million albums. I have more than a few of those.

Back Owens died March 25, 2006.

I remember John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival "Listening to Buck Owens" while looking out their backdoor. That would be great if John Fogerty would also do an album of Buck Owens music. Oh well. wishful hoping.

The 15 tracks on "Dwight Sings Buck" makes for a great road cruisin' companion if you can afford the gas.

Great Music to Listen to While Travelin' Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog

Dwight Sings Buck

A couple weeks ago, I was in Wal-Mart looking at the records, well CDs when I came across an album I deemed worthy of purchase. It was called "Dwight Sings Buck" and was sung by Dwight Yoakam, one of my favorite country performers. He was singing songs of his mentor, one Buck Owens. Buck is also one of my favorites, especially when I'm driving down the road.

Even better, it was on sale for $9.99.

He took 15 of Buck's songs and didn't just imitate him, but kept his essence.. Great stuff. It was released on Dwight's birthday, October 23rd. "The one of a kind new album celebrating and honoring his friend and mentor Buck Owens." The first release off it is "Close Up the Honky Tonks" and the video is currently playing on CMT. How about this, it is also available in a limited edition vinyl record. How's that for keeping with the roots.

--RoadDog

If That Don't Take the Merry Out of Christmas!

Came across a story on Yahoo saying that Santa Clauses in Sydney, Australia, were instructed not to say "Ho Ho Ho" because of fear of offending women.

Have we sunken to the rap and hip-hop level that badly? This is definitely a sad development.

What are they supposed to say, "Ha Ha Ha" or "Mer Mer Mer?"

Then, there is the story of some stores refusing to allow the Salvation Army to set up those traditional kettles outside their doors. Is that a Scrooge thing or what?

Can't We Just Have a Regular Christmas? --RoadDog

Favorite Teams in AP NCAA Football Top 25

For some unknown reason, good old NIU isn't in it. What gives? Perhaps the 2-8 record might have something to do with it. But, a few years back, the Northern Huskies were in the top twenty for a good part of the year. Oh Well.

These are my favorite teams in the Top 25.

#4 Kansas- Good to see this after all those losing seasons. What basketball?
#5 West Virginia-- ACC fan
#8 Georgia- I went here for a year. Plus my sister Julie graduated from there and niece Annsley attends now.
10. Virginia Tech- I'm an ACC fan
16. Virginia-- I'm an ACC fan
17. Boise State- Got to pull for the "little guys."
19. Tennessee-- Also an SEC fan. Nephew Andy went here.
20. Illinois-- Big Ten fan. Plus, got to pull for home state.
22. Kentucky-- great season after being a losing program for all those years. What basketball?
24. Wisconsin-- Favorite Big Ten team
25. Connecticut-- Doing well for this young of a football program.

"Huskies, Come On You Huskies. And Win a Game or Two." Huskie Fight Song. They did. --RoadDog

College Mascots

Came across a story on Yahoo about the top ten college live mascots. My sister Julie will be happy. Nephew Andy will not.

They also gave a short history of how the animal came to represent the school.

This list was taken from America's Best On Line at www.americasbestonline.net/cmascots.htm.

1. General Scott (mule) Army. Legend has it that when Navy showed up for an 1899 game with their "smelly" goat, Army decided they needed a mascot. The stubborn army mule was pressed into service. Cadets ran out and found a passing mule-drawn wagon and used it.

2. Uga- (bulldog)- Georgia-- Herschel Walker took Uga to the Heisman Awards ceremony, saying Uga looked better in a tux than he did. Receives extra points for attacking an Auburn player at a game.

3. Bevo-(Texas Longhorn cow)- Story has it that Texas A&M, after a particularly humiliating loss to Texas, branded a Longhorn cow with 13-0, the score of the last A&M victory over Texas. They sent it to U. Texas. The creative Texas lads turned the 13 into a "B" and the hyphen into an "E", added a V in the and kept the 0, hence the name "Bevo." As the article said, making lemonade out of lemons.

4. Ralphie- (buffalo)- Colorado is actually a she.

5. Bill the Goat- Navy- first used in 1913. Now on Bill XXXI.

6. Traveller- (white horse)--USC- first appearance in 1961. Gallops around the stadium after USC TDs.

7. Falcon-- USAF-- first collegiate mascot to perform free and untethered.

8. Mike the Tiger-- LSU--tradition is that for every Mike growl before a game, LSU will score a TD. We saw Mike on our visit to Baton Rouge. He could have cared less to be in our presence, Stuck Up Tiger!!!

9. Renegade- (horse) -FSU ridden by Chief Osceola. How come they can keep Chief Osceola, and we had to give up Chief Illiniwek?

10. Reveille (American collie)- Texas A&M- In 1931, cadets in a car hit her. Took her back to campus to care for her. When "Reveille" was blown the next morning, she started barking.

How come NIU's Victor E. Huskie isn't on the list? Is it because we're having a horrible season?

I'll give the ten runner-ups eventually, as well as the 25 Worst Mascots.

Sorry, Andy. No Smokey Here. Get That Grin Off Your Face, Julie. So Uga Was #2. --RoadDog

Pretty Good Weekend for Football

As football weekends go, this was one of the better ones.

My alma mater, Northern Illinois, actually WON a game against Kent State. It was our SECOND victory of the season 2-8. Then there was that great Illinois upset of #1 Ohio State and Wisconsin did a number on Michigan. I like all the Big Ten, excuse me, Eleven, teams except the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

Northwestern beat Indiana. #22 Tennessee beat Arkansas and #10 Georgia did the same to #18 Auburn.

That Navy-North Texas game must have been really something with Navy winning 74-62. Imagine 136 points in a game!!

Yesterday, the Pack rolled easily and now have an 8-1 record. Favre is having a great year and he finally has a good team around him.

My favorite pro team, the Bears played an equally inept Oakland team. For a long while it looked liked the final score would be 3-3 until the fourth quarter when things started happening. The Raiders scored a field goal, then Rex Grossman connected on a long TD pass. Final score was a 17-6 Bears victory to bring the record to 4-5.

A lot of rebuilding has to be done for next year. We need a qb, another rb, an offensive line, and a defense. Last year, it was the defense that got the Bears to the Super Bowl, but something happened this year. The heart is just not there, and I'm not just talking about Briggs' driving habits.

Love That Football. --RoadDog

Fall is Apple Time

One thing I really like about fall, besides the tree colors and ESPECIALLY the smell of burning leaves, is the great apple crop.

I have to have my peanut covered caramel apples, especially those from Chicago's Affy Tapple Company. They've been making them since 1948. http://www.affytapple.com/

Then, there is the great apple cider. I'm not talking about apple juice, I'm talking about that really dark stuff. Stuff with a kick.

I stock up on these items as well as fresh apples. I have heard about a new apple that is supposed to be the best around these days, the honey crisp. Saturday, I finally found some at the local Spring Grove Jewel grocery store. It was quite expensive at $2.50 a pound, so I got one. Whoever came up with this is a genius. This was the BEST apple I've ever eaten.

I like my apples hard and a bit tart. Granny Smith's are also a favorite. While in Australia, we went by the place where they came into being.

Lovin' Those Fall Apples. --RoadDog

McRibs Are Back!!!!

Without a doubt, my favorite offering from McDonald's is the McRib sandwich. This sandwich's appearance guarantees a few stops while it is available. And, for $2.19, it is a good deal, used to be $1.99, but that non-existent inflation, you know.

Here in Fox Lake, Illinois, you can get a meal for about $4.

It made my poor, sick drive home from Tennessee a much better time when I got off I-65 by Remington, Indiana, and saw it advertised at the local McD's. Real fast stop.

Then that savory, tasty treat that I've been waiting for all these past months.

Other McD items I like: Johnsonville brats (also seasonal), the $1 double cheeseburger, and the steak, egg, and cheese breakfast bagel.

Of course, McDonald's history goes back to Route 66 in San Bernardino, Ca., with the original McDonald's, and the very first Ray Kroc McDonald's in nearby Des Plaines, Il., on the historic US-12. I've been told, Ray Kroc could often be found out cleaning the parking lot.

Crazy 'Bout Dem McRibs. --RoadDog

Play that Old Music

Here is a set list for all three sets the Lakes Area Community Swing Band played last night. Frank Sinatra songs and Rat Pack ones are shown with a #. Glenn Miller is shown by *.

And now, ladies and gentleman. From high atop the ballroom of the American Legion overlooking the beautiful and shimmering Nippersink Lake by downtown beautiful downtown Fox Lake, Illinois, I bring you, the Glenn Miller Orchestra featuring vocals by Frank Sinatra.

First set

1. Star-Spangled Banner
2. In the Mood *
3. Chattanooga Choo-Choo *
4. String of Pearls *
5. What Do You Do in the Infantry
6. Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree
7. Autumn Leaves
8. Beyond the Sea
9. L-O-V-E
10. The Way You Look Tonight
11. I've Got You Under My Skin #
12. Stardust #
13. La Cucaracha
14. Moonlight in Vermont

Set 2

1. Liechtensteiner Polka
2. Sentimental Journey
3. On the Street Where You Live
4. My Funny Valentine #
5. Ain't That a Kick in the Head #
6. More
7. Slow Boat to China
8. Girl from Ipanema
9. Someone to Watch Over Me
10. Witchcraft #
11. Misty
12. Moon River
13. American Patrol *
14. Moonlight Serenade *
15. Take the "A" Train

Set 3

1. Beer Barrel Polka/In Heaven There is No Beer
2. Tuxedo Junction *
3. Waltz Medley- Carolina Moon/Could I Have This Dance
4. Strangers in the Night #
5. Makin' Whoopie
6. Zoot Suit Riot
7. Summer Wind #
8. In the Mood *
9. Mack the Knife
10. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
11. My Way #
12. New York, New York #
13. Mood Indigo
14. America the Beautiful

And That's All Folks. Great Night, Great Band, Great Friends. --RoadDog

Happy 81st Birthday Route 66 and US Highway System

Not only is today Veterans Day, but also, it was on this date back in 1926 that the whole US Highway System was established. That would include Route 66 and all numbered US highways from 1 to 100.

Roads with termini (ends)east and west received even numbers, and those north and south received odd numbers.

The east-west roads started in the north with US-2 and worked their way southward. The more important transcontinental roads ended with zero. The north-south roads started on the east coast with US-1 and worked their way to the Pacific. The key ones ended with one or five. These were usually the ones going from Canada all the way to the southern borders of the US.

This replaces a system of naming roads, like the Lincoln or Dixie highways, that were causing great confusion as the numbers of cars increased. It was a necessary thing to do.

Then, in 1955, the Interstate System replaced the US Highways as the primary mode of transportation. I'm sure glad they did. I couldn't even imagine how bad things would be if we still were using the US Highways as the main way to get around.

Liz and I are more than a little hooked on old roads, as you may well know.

Happy Birthday US Highways, and Especially Route 66. --RoadDog

Thank a Vet

If you're enjoying your freedom right now, you really should thank a vet. There are those who are jealous of us and who would be more than happy to take it away. Only that thin line of brave Americans stand between their objective.

Today is their day and one well-deserved.

In my family, my cousin Graham was a Navy pilot in Vietnam. Uncle Delbert was in WWII and at the Battle of the Bulge. Cousin Phillip was in the Navy. Daddy Graham, my grandfather on my mother's side, was in WW I. Nor Nor, my grandfather on my dad's side was in the Merchant Marine during WW I.

A Salute to Those Who Served. --RoadDog

Mom Would Have Liked This Music

While at the Veterans Day Dance, I kept thinking that Mom really would have liked to have been there. This is her kind of music. Don't ever get into a Name That Tune contest with her on this music from the 30s and 40s. You won't have a chance.

I remember our trips and car rides of the past. We kids were in the back. Mom and Dad were in the front seat. Unfortunately, the radio was up front as well. And guess who got to listen to THEIR music. Something about seniority I guess. We were not too happy about this, but this was in the days before Walkmans and of course, today's Ipods. Kids today don't know how lucky they are when it comes to car trips.

I really hated what Andy calls "Atlanta" music. That was the station my parents listened to on the many times he stayed with them while growing up.

It wasn't until I started listening to Big Band and Swing music records at my in-laws that I started liking it. I really like it now and have quite a collection, as well as the ones I got from them.

The Lakes Area Community Swing Band covered them all. I'll give you the set list in another entry.

Now, a Glenn Miller and Sinatra Fan. --RoadDog

Old Folks Dancing...Well, Older Anyway

Last night, Liz and I went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the Veterans Day Dance. It featured the Lakes Area Community Swing Band, a sixteen piece group with two singers who volunteer their time doing what they evidently really love. This is a very tight group and we had quite a show. They did lots of Glenn Miller and Rat Pack songs, especially those of Frank Sinatra.

It cost $5 a person or $8 a couple to get in. I didn't much like all the reserved tables. Hope they had to pay more. We also had hors-doeuvres which were attacked en masse. Now, I'm a pretty good hors-doevrer, I mean, I always get my share, but these folks made me look like I didn't know how to get any. They were fast. I did not know old people could move that fast.

The floor was full most of the time, especially on the slow songs. Also, a lot of them enjoyed the polkas. The mirror ball dappled the floor, walls, and folks. We had a really fun time and talked with a lot of our friends. Naturally, this was mostly attended by us older folks. I was especially glad to see a lot of seventy and even a few eighty year-olds enjoying themselves, and some even dancing. We are fast-losing the "Greatest Generation" to the ages now.

This was definitely something that the few WWII vets and those of the Korean War could enjoy.

Big Band and Swing, Now, There's Some Mighty GOOD Stuff. --RoadDog

I Was a Marine For a Short Time --Part 2

Like I was saying, I was going to be drafted and in all likelihood, going to Vietnam. I figured that if I was going, I might as well go as an officer, so I started looking around at officer candidate programs in the Armed Forces.

I selected the Marine Corps which offered me a second lieutenancy upon graduation of college and six months more of basic. I would have to go to two six week courses at Quantico, Va., outside of Washington, DC. The first between sophomore and junior year and the second between junior and senior.

I signed up and spent six of the hardest weeks of my life in 1971. The first three, I just could do anything Corps-style and had enough drill instructor time to last a lifetime. Those guys were rough. Fortunately, I had gone through pledging a fraternity and with the treatment I got there, I was able to handle the stuff they'd do and in-your-face. Other guys in my platoon had not pledged and found this difficult.

I transferred from Northern Illinois University to the University of Georgia for junior year. I was known as the "guy with no hair" because of my USMC haircut. Remember, this was still the time of the hippies. I decided to finish college at Northern, but had to take some extra courses at Georgia the summer between junior and senior years so contacted my person in OCS, Officer Candidate School, and thought I had it worked out so that I would be able to do my six weeks after graduation and then the six months of basic.

However, I must not have, because several months later I received my Honorable Discharge. Evidently, with the war actually winding down, believe it or not, they didn't need that many more second louies.

With such a short service, I really don't consider myself a veteran, although I can still join the American Legion.

So that Was My Short Time in the Corps. --RoadDog

I Was a Marine For a Short Time --Part 1

I was a Marine for a very, very short time.

I didn't think the Vietnam War would EVER end. It really got hot while I was in junior high school and went all the way through my high school years and college.

The first year they had the draft lottery, I wasn't eligible, and I had the number 31. I was happy with that as I figured the next year, when it would count, I'd surely get a higher number.

Wrong!!! The year it counted, I was number 22. I was getting an all-expense paid "vacation" to Vietnam compliments of Uncle Sam. That is, I'd go after college. I had always intended to go to college anyway, something you had to do if you wanted to be a teacher. But , that war just WASN'T going to end. And after four years, I would be eligible for the draft, and with a 22, I was gone.

Stay Tuned. --RoadDog

Happy 232nd Birthday USMC

One of the greatest fighting groups ever assembled, the United States Marine Corps, is celebrating a birthday today. They were founded on today's date in 1775 under authorization of the Continental Congress.

I was originally going to go to the monthly breakfast meeting of the Camp Douglas Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Des Plaines, Illinois, but the carpool fell through.

On my way back home, I remembered a Marine group was having a breakfast at the Lakes American Legion Post 703 in Fox Lake. The parking lot was full, but after some driving, I found a spot.

I paid my $7 and saw the ceremony leading up to the breakfast. Quite impressive, including, of course, the singing of The Marine's Hymn, and I mean all THREE verses.

Breakfast consisted of Heavy-Duty coffee guaranteed to put hair on your chest, scrambles eggs and SOS, ____ on toast, a term lovingly given for a sausage gravy on toast.

This was the Tom Grosvenor Memorial Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast and fund-raiser for Toys for Tots. Proceeds from the breakfast going for that great cause. In the past, they had it at the VFW in Wauconda, but they had outgrown the facilities there, so moved here.

The original meeting was held Nov. 10, 1983, at Hoff's Kitchen in Grayslake. From that date it has been held annually. Tom Grosvenor died in 2001 and it was renamed in his honor.

After breakfast, a microphone was passed around to everyone in attendance and each person had a little to say about their connection to the Corps.

I have some of the comments at http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com/

OO-Rah Corps. --RoadDog