JSS--Just Some Stuff
1. THINGS GOING DOWNHILL--One thing about weather around Chicagoland. Don't like it, just wait a bit. After three outstanding days M-W, it has gotten bad. Who'd have figured catching rays OD and eating lunch outside. Rain most of yesterday, but at least warm.
Very cold today with wind gusts, rain, and even snow flurries. Next week doesn't look much better with highs in the 40s.
2. CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALREADY?-- Yesterday, on our way up to Donovan's in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, we tuned into Milwaukee's 95.7 FM which normally plays oldies. They were playing Christmas group and had been since the first. This continues until Christmas. That's pushing the season a tad. Feel sorry for their DJs. All Christmas music all the time makes Jack an unhappy lad.
3. GAS DROP-- It was $2.39 in Fox Lake and $2.42 (2.41.9) in Round Lake on my way to the triangle Restaurant in Grayslake to meet my buddy Kip. On the way back a few hours later, it was $2.37 in both. Getting better, but still aways to go. Plus, the election isover. Watch Out!!
4. SOX FAN IN WHITE HOUSE-- No more of that Texas Ranger loving stuff. We will have a White Sox fan in the White House. President-elect Obama is a Southside fan. His wife likes that team up north. Cubs?
5. WHO WERE THOSE GUYS?-- Ball State is the real deal. Ranked #16 on the national charts, the Cardinals put an old-fashioned whuppin' on my Huskies of NIU on Wednesday. We couldn't do much of anything on our way to the 45-14 disaster. And, we're not a bad team, having lost the three games before Wednesday by a total of 11 points and two of them last-minute losses.
Sure hope they get a BCS Bowl bid.
6. CMBAS-- This weekend, the Carolina Beach Music Awards are going on in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC. That's one big party with some of the best music anywhere around. Maybe I can be there next year.
GROUP OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Band of Oz, Jim Quick & Coastline Band, Craig Woolard Band, Holiday Band, Sea Cruz
www.cammy.org
Lost to the Better Team. --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.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Another Great Day Here in the Midwest
Yesterday was another day to savor.
I was OD as in Out on the Deck in the morning both soaking up rays and typing away on the old 'put.
Voted, then drove to Crystal Lake and had my final appointment with the doctor who operated on my thumb back in June. She said I didn't have to come back anymore with the great improvement. Great news.
On the way back, decided to stop at Joey T's Italian restaurant in McHenry for lunch. They are on a channel to the Fox River. We were happy to see their patio was open and took advantage of al fresco dining. How about that, eating outside on November 4th and nor freezing?
Great food (even beter with a $7 off coupon) and what a view of the boats, new and very expensive townhomes ($400,000 plus) across the channel and that beautiful new pedestrian bridge across it. Plus, listening to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sing in the sun and warm breezes.
Great food as well.
I was OD as in Out on the Deck in the morning both soaking up rays and typing away on the old 'put.
Voted, then drove to Crystal Lake and had my final appointment with the doctor who operated on my thumb back in June. She said I didn't have to come back anymore with the great improvement. Great news.
On the way back, decided to stop at Joey T's Italian restaurant in McHenry for lunch. They are on a channel to the Fox River. We were happy to see their patio was open and took advantage of al fresco dining. How about that, eating outside on November 4th and nor freezing?
Great food (even beter with a $7 off coupon) and what a view of the boats, new and very expensive townhomes ($400,000 plus) across the channel and that beautiful new pedestrian bridge across it. Plus, listening to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra sing in the sun and warm breezes.
Great food as well.
Election's Over, Congratulations President-Elect Obama
I watched the election returns off and on last night.
I was impressed with Senator McCain's concession speech which showed a lot of class. The poor man had a chance to win until the economy finally collapsed. Then, it was all over. Plus, he had the George Bush baggage to carry. A valiant effort.
As usual, President-elect Obama gave a great speech as well. No wonder he attracted so many of the young voters. He is charismatic.
Now, we will see how he intends to bring about the promised change. It will be a daunting task. This country is in its worst shape I've ever seen in my 57 years. And, I have seen some really bad times.
Hoping for the Best for Everyone Concerned. --RoadDog
I was impressed with Senator McCain's concession speech which showed a lot of class. The poor man had a chance to win until the economy finally collapsed. Then, it was all over. Plus, he had the George Bush baggage to carry. A valiant effort.
As usual, President-elect Obama gave a great speech as well. No wonder he attracted so many of the young voters. He is charismatic.
Now, we will see how he intends to bring about the promised change. It will be a daunting task. This country is in its worst shape I've ever seen in my 57 years. And, I have seen some really bad times.
Hoping for the Best for Everyone Concerned. --RoadDog
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
JSS: Election-- Circuit City-- NIU Tragedy
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. ELECTION-- It finally, FINALLY comes to an end today. This one seemed like it went on FOREVER!!! And we don't even live in a contested state. Visiting North Carolina in September and October, that was all we were assaulted with.
Either way, this will be a historical election with more people than ever voting and possibly the first-ever black president, well, half black.
Either way, Arizona and Illinois will finally get their full quotas of senators. I doubt that either candidate has represented their constituents very well. Actually, any government person should be able to have a temporary replacement while campaigning. Or, even better, should resign.
Very sorry to hear of Barack Obama's grandmother passing away, and so close to her grandson's possible election to the nation's highest position. She probably raised him more than anyone, and definitely more than his father.
2. CIRCUIT CITY-- Sad to see Circuit City stores closing. I've spent a lot of money there over the years. They were good competition for Best Buy. At least the Circuit City in McHenry, Illinois, will remain open.
I see that the current head of the company is an acting one. I wonder how much the former CEO got as a golden parachute? That is the CEO way these days. Wreck the company and leave with your millions.
3. NIU TRAGEDY-- A short time ago, the family of Dan Parmenter, one of the murdered students at Northern Illinois, planted an autumn glaze maple tree at the Lagoon on what would have been his 21st birthday.
A few weeks earlier, the family of Ryanna Mace also planted a tree at the Lagoon in honor of what would have been her 20th birthday.
Sad Times.
1. ELECTION-- It finally, FINALLY comes to an end today. This one seemed like it went on FOREVER!!! And we don't even live in a contested state. Visiting North Carolina in September and October, that was all we were assaulted with.
Either way, this will be a historical election with more people than ever voting and possibly the first-ever black president, well, half black.
Either way, Arizona and Illinois will finally get their full quotas of senators. I doubt that either candidate has represented their constituents very well. Actually, any government person should be able to have a temporary replacement while campaigning. Or, even better, should resign.
Very sorry to hear of Barack Obama's grandmother passing away, and so close to her grandson's possible election to the nation's highest position. She probably raised him more than anyone, and definitely more than his father.
2. CIRCUIT CITY-- Sad to see Circuit City stores closing. I've spent a lot of money there over the years. They were good competition for Best Buy. At least the Circuit City in McHenry, Illinois, will remain open.
I see that the current head of the company is an acting one. I wonder how much the former CEO got as a golden parachute? That is the CEO way these days. Wreck the company and leave with your millions.
3. NIU TRAGEDY-- A short time ago, the family of Dan Parmenter, one of the murdered students at Northern Illinois, planted an autumn glaze maple tree at the Lagoon on what would have been his 21st birthday.
A few weeks earlier, the family of Ryanna Mace also planted a tree at the Lagoon in honor of what would have been her 20th birthday.
Sad Times.
Out on Deck-- Again
Wouldn't it be great if all our winters here in the Midwest were like this? Typing this out right now as the temp hovers in the low 70s and full sun.
This morning, while carrying the garbage out for pickup, I noticed the front of the house had a lot of color with the golden barberries (hate those thorns) a golden orange, the sedum in colors and the five burning bushes putting on quite the display, Also, the yellow, purple, orange, and red mums.
Going for hopefully the last appointment with the doctor who operated on my thumb, and, of course, have to vote today. I also need to pick up the boat from the marina where it was winterized.
Yesterday, we washed most of the windows and found that several screens need replacing. I guess that is to be expected after being in the house for just shy of 16 years now. We moved in over Thanksgiving weekend 1992.
Tomorrow looks like another great day.
Sittin' and Lovin' It. --RoadDog
This morning, while carrying the garbage out for pickup, I noticed the front of the house had a lot of color with the golden barberries (hate those thorns) a golden orange, the sedum in colors and the five burning bushes putting on quite the display, Also, the yellow, purple, orange, and red mums.
Going for hopefully the last appointment with the doctor who operated on my thumb, and, of course, have to vote today. I also need to pick up the boat from the marina where it was winterized.
Yesterday, we washed most of the windows and found that several screens need replacing. I guess that is to be expected after being in the house for just shy of 16 years now. We moved in over Thanksgiving weekend 1992.
Tomorrow looks like another great day.
Sittin' and Lovin' It. --RoadDog
Time Warp to October 26, 1967-- Part 2
Continuing with Bob Stroud's trip back to memoryland. Other songs being played on your AM radio in Chicago. That'd be WLS and WCFL. Again, Bob Stroud's comments. Mine are in parentheses ().
EVERLASTING LOVE-- ROBERT KNIGHT-- If you're going to be a none-hit wonder, make it a memorable one and that's what he did. So memorable, that someone else cut it in 1974 and that was Carl Carlton.
PEOPLE ARE STRANGE-- DOORS-- The Doors were around with their second album "Strange Days" and this is the initial release.
HUSH-- BILLY JOE ROYAL-- The original hit version written by Joe South. A year later, Deep Purple would have it. (Early Heavy Metal.)
SOUL MAN-- SAM AND DAVE-- (Where are the Blues Brothers when you need them?)
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- SOUL SURVIVORS-- (Great Road Song, if you can afford the gas.)
BROWN-EYED GIRL-- VAN MORRISON-- first taste of a cat name Van Morison who'd just left Them and now he is solo. (Guaranteed to get folks out of the dance floor and singing.)
GLAD TO BE UNHAPPY-- MAMAS AND PAPAS-- Old thirties classic written by Rogers and Hart. The Mamas and Papas really revolutionized the sound in the mid-sixties. The sexually integrated group with males and females making beautiful music together.
PURPLE HAZE-- JIMI HENDRIX-- Our first whiff. ('Scuse me while I kiss the sky.)
DANDELION-- ROLLING STONES-- "A" side of the current Rolling Stones single. (From that Great "Their Satanic Majesties Request" album with the 3-D moving picture on the cover.)
FACE THE AUTUMN-- FAMILY-- A local band in town that boasted a female singer and recorded for the local label USA that the Buckinghams were on originally.
LET IT OUT (LET IT ALL HANG OUT)-- HOMBRES-- a one-hit wonder in the top ten. (Was this a dirty song or what?)
HOW CAN I BE SURE-- YOUNG RASCALS-- In the top ten
YOU KEEP RUNNING AWAY-- FOUR TOPS-- one of the most distinctive voices of the sixties was that of lead singer Levi Stubbs and it was a sad day when he died about a week and a half ago. (Give me that Good Old Motown anytime.)
LITTLE OLE MAN-- BILL COSBY-- old silver throat himself, taking his cue from Stevie Wonder's classic. (And you thought all Bill could do was comedy?)
And the #1 Song in Chicago-- THE LETTER-- BOX TOPS-- the little band out of Memphis and the first time out hit #1.
Sure Brought Back a Few Memories for Me. --RoadDog
EVERLASTING LOVE-- ROBERT KNIGHT-- If you're going to be a none-hit wonder, make it a memorable one and that's what he did. So memorable, that someone else cut it in 1974 and that was Carl Carlton.
PEOPLE ARE STRANGE-- DOORS-- The Doors were around with their second album "Strange Days" and this is the initial release.
HUSH-- BILLY JOE ROYAL-- The original hit version written by Joe South. A year later, Deep Purple would have it. (Early Heavy Metal.)
SOUL MAN-- SAM AND DAVE-- (Where are the Blues Brothers when you need them?)
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- SOUL SURVIVORS-- (Great Road Song, if you can afford the gas.)
BROWN-EYED GIRL-- VAN MORRISON-- first taste of a cat name Van Morison who'd just left Them and now he is solo. (Guaranteed to get folks out of the dance floor and singing.)
GLAD TO BE UNHAPPY-- MAMAS AND PAPAS-- Old thirties classic written by Rogers and Hart. The Mamas and Papas really revolutionized the sound in the mid-sixties. The sexually integrated group with males and females making beautiful music together.
PURPLE HAZE-- JIMI HENDRIX-- Our first whiff. ('Scuse me while I kiss the sky.)
DANDELION-- ROLLING STONES-- "A" side of the current Rolling Stones single. (From that Great "Their Satanic Majesties Request" album with the 3-D moving picture on the cover.)
FACE THE AUTUMN-- FAMILY-- A local band in town that boasted a female singer and recorded for the local label USA that the Buckinghams were on originally.
LET IT OUT (LET IT ALL HANG OUT)-- HOMBRES-- a one-hit wonder in the top ten. (Was this a dirty song or what?)
HOW CAN I BE SURE-- YOUNG RASCALS-- In the top ten
YOU KEEP RUNNING AWAY-- FOUR TOPS-- one of the most distinctive voices of the sixties was that of lead singer Levi Stubbs and it was a sad day when he died about a week and a half ago. (Give me that Good Old Motown anytime.)
LITTLE OLE MAN-- BILL COSBY-- old silver throat himself, taking his cue from Stevie Wonder's classic. (And you thought all Bill could do was comedy?)
And the #1 Song in Chicago-- THE LETTER-- BOX TOPS-- the little band out of Memphis and the first time out hit #1.
Sure Brought Back a Few Memories for Me. --RoadDog
Monday, November 3, 2008
Time Warp to October 26, 1967
Sunday, October 26th, Bob Stroud took his Rock and Roll Roots Show, WDRV 96.9 FM in Chicago, back to that date in 1967. It brought back some memories.
I was a junior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, and working part time at the Burger King on Northwest Highway, US-14, in town and getting paid all of a dollar an hour for my efforts.
Enjoying my history class with Mr. McKinley, but, definitely not English with Ms. Salzer, or, Flo-Baby, as we called her. I was still a week away from meeting Liz, my wife of 35 years now.
The music of WCFL and WLS AM station on your radio. Bob Stroud's comment follow and, if in () they are mine.
INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS-- STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK-- New band out of San Diego, one of two top 00 hits for them. Talk about your psychadelic!!)
WE LOVE YOU-- ROLLING STONES-- These were psychadelic times. The "B" side of their current release. John Lennon was singing in the background.
(YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE) A NATURAL WOMAN-- ARETHA FRANKLIN-- A Carole King tune by one of the Stones' favorite artists. (Always reminds me of Murphy Brown for some reason.)
SHE'S MY GIRL-- TURTLES-- Hit Bound (One of my favorite Turtles songs.)
THE RAIN, THE PARK AND OTHER THINGS-- COWSILLS-- their initial hit
LOVE IS STRANGE-- PEACHES AND HERB-- Their version exactly ten years after the original in 1957 by Mickey and Sylvia.
TO SIR WITH LOVE-- LULU-- By far the biggest movie song in the top ten and on its way to #1. It originally was the "B" side. The "A" side was was a Neil Diamond song called "The Boat That I Row," but jocks flipped it over and said "This is the hit side." (Didn't like it at the time, but do now.)
KENTUCKY WOMAN-- NEIL DIAMOND-- new single
HEY BABY, THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG-- BUCKINGHAMS-- top ten (Great Chicago group.)
More of October 26, 1967 to Come. --RoadDog
I was a junior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, and working part time at the Burger King on Northwest Highway, US-14, in town and getting paid all of a dollar an hour for my efforts.
Enjoying my history class with Mr. McKinley, but, definitely not English with Ms. Salzer, or, Flo-Baby, as we called her. I was still a week away from meeting Liz, my wife of 35 years now.
The music of WCFL and WLS AM station on your radio. Bob Stroud's comment follow and, if in () they are mine.
INCENSE AND PEPPERMINTS-- STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK-- New band out of San Diego, one of two top 00 hits for them. Talk about your psychadelic!!)
WE LOVE YOU-- ROLLING STONES-- These were psychadelic times. The "B" side of their current release. John Lennon was singing in the background.
(YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE) A NATURAL WOMAN-- ARETHA FRANKLIN-- A Carole King tune by one of the Stones' favorite artists. (Always reminds me of Murphy Brown for some reason.)
SHE'S MY GIRL-- TURTLES-- Hit Bound (One of my favorite Turtles songs.)
THE RAIN, THE PARK AND OTHER THINGS-- COWSILLS-- their initial hit
LOVE IS STRANGE-- PEACHES AND HERB-- Their version exactly ten years after the original in 1957 by Mickey and Sylvia.
TO SIR WITH LOVE-- LULU-- By far the biggest movie song in the top ten and on its way to #1. It originally was the "B" side. The "A" side was was a Neil Diamond song called "The Boat That I Row," but jocks flipped it over and said "This is the hit side." (Didn't like it at the time, but do now.)
KENTUCKY WOMAN-- NEIL DIAMOND-- new single
HEY BABY, THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG-- BUCKINGHAMS-- top ten (Great Chicago group.)
More of October 26, 1967 to Come. --RoadDog
Sitting Out On Deck on November 3rd!!
I'm sitting on the deck right now and posting this blog entry...AND, IT'S November 3rd. Florida ain't got nothin' on us. Well, at least for now. Temps are supposed to be Ianthe 70s today and the next two days, but low 40s by the weekend. A return to normalcy for this time of the year.
But, for right now, I'll sit out here in my shorts and tee shirt and just enjoy it.
Someone's burning leaves somewhere. The smell of fall while we can still burn them around here (every October and November and April and May). Several burning bushes are doing just that with those brilliant reds. The sedums are st rinking with their gold stems and red heads. Plus the red, yellow, and orange mums are still ablaze.
Most of the trees have lost their leaves, but the three Bradbury pears are still green. They're always the last to lose their leaves and get a burnt red/rust color. One maple is gold.
The tall grass plants have white plumes.
Not a Bad Day to Be OD. --RoadDog
But, for right now, I'll sit out here in my shorts and tee shirt and just enjoy it.
Someone's burning leaves somewhere. The smell of fall while we can still burn them around here (every October and November and April and May). Several burning bushes are doing just that with those brilliant reds. The sedums are st rinking with their gold stems and red heads. Plus the red, yellow, and orange mums are still ablaze.
Most of the trees have lost their leaves, but the three Bradbury pears are still green. They're always the last to lose their leaves and get a burnt red/rust color. One maple is gold.
The tall grass plants have white plumes.
Not a Bad Day to Be OD. --RoadDog
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Beach Music-- Top Five Songs
Listened to the Surf's Top 40 Beach Songs for this week this morning.
They were doing a live broadcast from Whiteville, NC's, Pecan Harvest Festival.
The Top 5:
#5. Heavy Love-- Fantastic Shakers
#4, Mama's Drinking Liquor Again-- Graveyard Ramblers
#3. Carolina's Calling Me-- Mike Stewart
#2. Hey, Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
#1. Fool If You Think It's Over-- Holiday Band
Love That Beach Music. --RoadDog
They were doing a live broadcast from Whiteville, NC's, Pecan Harvest Festival.
The Top 5:
#5. Heavy Love-- Fantastic Shakers
#4, Mama's Drinking Liquor Again-- Graveyard Ramblers
#3. Carolina's Calling Me-- Mike Stewart
#2. Hey, Mr. DJ-- Lonnie Givens
#1. Fool If You Think It's Over-- Holiday Band
Love That Beach Music. --RoadDog
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
This is making the rounds lately and I'd have to say, someone did a great job capturing some of our politicians today.
JOHN McCAIN-- "My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road."
BARACK OBAMA-- The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change. The chicken wanted change."
GEORGE W. BUSH-- The chicken is either for us or against us. There is no middle ground."
AL GORE-- "I invented the chicken."
DICK CHENEY-- "Where's my gun?"
JOE THE PLUMBER-- "I always eat my chicken at Popeye's"
COLONEL SANDERS-- "I missed one? Hey, Joe, what's wrong with my chickens?"
Pretty Good Stuff. --RoadDog
JOHN McCAIN-- "My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road."
BARACK OBAMA-- The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a change. The chicken wanted change."
GEORGE W. BUSH-- The chicken is either for us or against us. There is no middle ground."
AL GORE-- "I invented the chicken."
DICK CHENEY-- "Where's my gun?"
JOE THE PLUMBER-- "I always eat my chicken at Popeye's"
COLONEL SANDERS-- "I missed one? Hey, Joe, what's wrong with my chickens?"
Pretty Good Stuff. --RoadDog
File Under Things That Burn Me-- CEOs and CFOs
One of the reasons for out economic malaise is the utter greed of those who lead our companies.
Came across an article in the October 11th Chicago Tribune about Walgreens CEO Jeffrey Rein who left the chain. This is a man who like so many CEOs these days has a tenure of only a few years. One who comes in, shakes up a company, messes it up, and then takes off with his golden parachute.
In the past, Walgreens has always promoted from within, until now. Rein immediately began hiring senior executives from the outside, taking on debt, and wildly buying other drug companies.
Rein was the fourth CEO of Walgreens in the past ten years. Charles Walgreen, III, ran the company for thirty years before that. Unfortunately, there was nothing about Rein's "retirement" package.
ON THE SAME PAGE
On the same page was the "severance" package for United CFO Jake Brace, who pocketed more than $2.4 million. He led United through "a long and painful restructuring." Among other things, he ended the company's pension program.
For his "efforts", Brace received $10.3 million in 2006. Plus, he is getting lots and lots of stock options which he can hold on to for eight more years.
These Guys Seem to ONLY Be Thinking of Themselves and Not the Companies They Lead. --RoadDog
Came across an article in the October 11th Chicago Tribune about Walgreens CEO Jeffrey Rein who left the chain. This is a man who like so many CEOs these days has a tenure of only a few years. One who comes in, shakes up a company, messes it up, and then takes off with his golden parachute.
In the past, Walgreens has always promoted from within, until now. Rein immediately began hiring senior executives from the outside, taking on debt, and wildly buying other drug companies.
Rein was the fourth CEO of Walgreens in the past ten years. Charles Walgreen, III, ran the company for thirty years before that. Unfortunately, there was nothing about Rein's "retirement" package.
ON THE SAME PAGE
On the same page was the "severance" package for United CFO Jake Brace, who pocketed more than $2.4 million. He led United through "a long and painful restructuring." Among other things, he ended the company's pension program.
For his "efforts", Brace received $10.3 million in 2006. Plus, he is getting lots and lots of stock options which he can hold on to for eight more years.
These Guys Seem to ONLY Be Thinking of Themselves and Not the Companies They Lead. --RoadDog
Gas Prices Still Coming Down
I'm really enjoying this. Finally, a small bit of relief in these days of greed and avarice on the parts of some at the expense of the masses.
Gas here in the Fox Lake, Illinois, area has gone from $2.60 to $2.54. This past Wednesday, it was $2.50 around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and we even got a top-off in Fontana at the BP station at $2.39!!! Never thought I'd see it that low again.
I predict it will continue to drop until at least TUESDAY, and we all know what happens that day.
Of course, then, there is that wonderful OPEC group cutting the 1.5 million barrels a day production as of today. It just might go up Monday.
THEN, we will see how fast it takes Big Oil to increase the prices at the pump.
Enjoyin' the Drop. --RoadDog
Gas here in the Fox Lake, Illinois, area has gone from $2.60 to $2.54. This past Wednesday, it was $2.50 around Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and we even got a top-off in Fontana at the BP station at $2.39!!! Never thought I'd see it that low again.
I predict it will continue to drop until at least TUESDAY, and we all know what happens that day.
Of course, then, there is that wonderful OPEC group cutting the 1.5 million barrels a day production as of today. It just might go up Monday.
THEN, we will see how fast it takes Big Oil to increase the prices at the pump.
Enjoyin' the Drop. --RoadDog
Took Another Drive Around Geneva Lake in Wisconsin
This past Wednesday, my buddy Frank, Liz, and I took a drive north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and ate at Popeye's overlooking the Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. Gage Marine has done a great job of preserving some of those old early 1900s steam launches and boats.
We had a 50% off coupon and splurges on Oktoberfest meals and Frank fot that great half rotisserie chicken, started off with one of their signature broccoli and Wisconsin cheese soups.
We then walked around downtown a little. Sad to see the old arcade Game World was closed after all those years and quarters. Zebra mussels have been in Geneva Lake for several years now according to one guy working on one of the Gage Marine boats, the 1890 launch Polaris. He said that after a fast growth, their population is leveling off and the problems are not as bad. The lake has never been cleaner though.
As great as the color was the week before, it was even more peak today. And the sun was shining brightly
Drove along the south shore, through Fontana, and along the north shore of the lake. George Williams College in Williams Bay was particularly beautiful.
Then, we went along the south shore of Lake Como and the drive along Snake Road was just about indescribable. Still a lot of color in the residential area to the west of downtown Lake Geneva.
A Great Bonus Day for Us. --RoadDog
We had a 50% off coupon and splurges on Oktoberfest meals and Frank fot that great half rotisserie chicken, started off with one of their signature broccoli and Wisconsin cheese soups.
We then walked around downtown a little. Sad to see the old arcade Game World was closed after all those years and quarters. Zebra mussels have been in Geneva Lake for several years now according to one guy working on one of the Gage Marine boats, the 1890 launch Polaris. He said that after a fast growth, their population is leveling off and the problems are not as bad. The lake has never been cleaner though.
As great as the color was the week before, it was even more peak today. And the sun was shining brightly
Drove along the south shore, through Fontana, and along the north shore of the lake. George Williams College in Williams Bay was particularly beautiful.
Then, we went along the south shore of Lake Como and the drive along Snake Road was just about indescribable. Still a lot of color in the residential area to the west of downtown Lake Geneva.
A Great Bonus Day for Us. --RoadDog
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
That OPEC Sure's Burning Me!!!
While oil prices were going through the roof this past summer, the nations of OPEC didn't do a thing but rake in the money. Now that we are finally getting relief and prices dropping fast, they suddenly have decided to do something. And that's to cut production by 1.5 million barrels a day to "stabilize" prices. We know that means they don't think they're making enough money.
Nice guys!!!
I don't know if they buy anything from us, but if they do, those prices should be directly tied to the price of a barrel of oil. It goes up and what they pay goes up the same amount. Likewise if it goes down.
It's only fair.
And then, if we are giving any free aid to those countries, that is a thing of the past.
Gas here in northeast Illinois is $2.70 (269.9). I see that Oklahoma has the cheapest at $2,25. My favorite stopping place on my trips to NC, Wytheville, Virginia, always some of the lowest prices, is at $2.40.
We need to free ourselves from dependence on these guys.
Not a Fan of OPEC. --RoadDog
Nice guys!!!
I don't know if they buy anything from us, but if they do, those prices should be directly tied to the price of a barrel of oil. It goes up and what they pay goes up the same amount. Likewise if it goes down.
It's only fair.
And then, if we are giving any free aid to those countries, that is a thing of the past.
Gas here in northeast Illinois is $2.70 (269.9). I see that Oklahoma has the cheapest at $2,25. My favorite stopping place on my trips to NC, Wytheville, Virginia, always some of the lowest prices, is at $2.40.
We need to free ourselves from dependence on these guys.
Not a Fan of OPEC. --RoadDog
JSS: Palatine High School-- Cold's Here-- Injun Summer?-- Da Fridge
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. PALATINE HIGH SCHOOL-- Great to see my old alma mater, the Pirates, doing well in football again. It's been a lot of down years since the halcyon days in the nineties. Even beat those arch rival Fremd Vikings this year and will be playing them again in the first round of the IHSA playoffs. Go PIRATES!!
2. COLD'S HERE-- And how, this past weekend we cancelled a trip to Dekalb and Sycamore because of shaky weather. Then last night and the night before, winter came, briefly. Very cold and windy. Yesterday, we had snow flurries for most of the afternoon. I cleared out the west garage bay so I could put the '85 Firebird inside.
3. INJUN' SUMMER-- However, the rest of this week the temps will be warming up. Maybe we'll have that great Injun' Summer that I so love after all. Sure miss the old Injun' Summer picture and words that used to appear in the Tribune every fall. A few Halloween's ago, some neighbors on Elm Street recreated the whole scene in their front yard. I WAS IMPRESSED.
You can view the pictures and words at http://www.tkinter.smig.net/Chicago/InjunSummer/index.htm.
4. DA FRIDGE-- Sorry to see that one of my favorite Bears from that Super Bowl XX team, William Perry, aka Da Fridge is recovering from five months in the hospital with Gulliam-Barre Syndrome which causes progressive weakness. He currently is in a wheel chair.
This is one likable guy. I'll never forget that TD against the Packers on Monday Night Football October 21, 1985.
Get better soon, Fridge.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
1. PALATINE HIGH SCHOOL-- Great to see my old alma mater, the Pirates, doing well in football again. It's been a lot of down years since the halcyon days in the nineties. Even beat those arch rival Fremd Vikings this year and will be playing them again in the first round of the IHSA playoffs. Go PIRATES!!
2. COLD'S HERE-- And how, this past weekend we cancelled a trip to Dekalb and Sycamore because of shaky weather. Then last night and the night before, winter came, briefly. Very cold and windy. Yesterday, we had snow flurries for most of the afternoon. I cleared out the west garage bay so I could put the '85 Firebird inside.
3. INJUN' SUMMER-- However, the rest of this week the temps will be warming up. Maybe we'll have that great Injun' Summer that I so love after all. Sure miss the old Injun' Summer picture and words that used to appear in the Tribune every fall. A few Halloween's ago, some neighbors on Elm Street recreated the whole scene in their front yard. I WAS IMPRESSED.
You can view the pictures and words at http://www.tkinter.smig.net/Chicago/InjunSummer/index.htm.
4. DA FRIDGE-- Sorry to see that one of my favorite Bears from that Super Bowl XX team, William Perry, aka Da Fridge is recovering from five months in the hospital with Gulliam-Barre Syndrome which causes progressive weakness. He currently is in a wheel chair.
This is one likable guy. I'll never forget that TD against the Packers on Monday Night Football October 21, 1985.
Get better soon, Fridge.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Old Teaching Team
This past Friday, I found out from Kora, that the Education Association of Round Lake was holding its annual Bowling Bash at Lakes Bowl in Round Lake that same day.
Drove over and met up with all the members of my old teaching team at Magee Middle School. That would be Bob, who retired in 2004 before we moved to the new building, Diane who transferred to Village School the same year I retired in 2006, and Terri who still teaches with the team and is now back to Magee Middle School since it just reopened this fall.
We had a "team meeting" to discuss old times. We had this lineup for about ten years after Jeannie left to become administration in a different district.
Suzanne was there with her several-month old daughter. She replaced Bob when he retired. She, Terri, Diane, and myself made up the team for my my last two years of teaching.
I was just about to get after Bob for not telling me about the bash since I had just seen him the previous Saturday for the Northwestern game. But, he said that Diane had just told him the night before.
They still laugh about my worst day-ever of teaching when I stuck with the idiot squad while the rest of our sections went to a play at the high school. These were the behavior kids whose actions didn't deserve to go. Things went alright until a bomb scare delayed the return of the rest of the team and things went from bad to worse in my room.
There was no administrator in the building and sending the miscreants to the office soon became a non-option. Eventually I was forced just to make sure no one got hurt or no major damage was done to the room. By far the worst day I ever had. I'd had nightmares about such a day and here it was.
I survived, however and there were no injuries. I did make the lives of "idiot squad" miserable for the last two months of school. I was just too outnumbered that day.
Sure, It's Funny Now. But, a Good Time Reminiscing Friday. --RoadDog
Drove over and met up with all the members of my old teaching team at Magee Middle School. That would be Bob, who retired in 2004 before we moved to the new building, Diane who transferred to Village School the same year I retired in 2006, and Terri who still teaches with the team and is now back to Magee Middle School since it just reopened this fall.
We had a "team meeting" to discuss old times. We had this lineup for about ten years after Jeannie left to become administration in a different district.
Suzanne was there with her several-month old daughter. She replaced Bob when he retired. She, Terri, Diane, and myself made up the team for my my last two years of teaching.
I was just about to get after Bob for not telling me about the bash since I had just seen him the previous Saturday for the Northwestern game. But, he said that Diane had just told him the night before.
They still laugh about my worst day-ever of teaching when I stuck with the idiot squad while the rest of our sections went to a play at the high school. These were the behavior kids whose actions didn't deserve to go. Things went alright until a bomb scare delayed the return of the rest of the team and things went from bad to worse in my room.
There was no administrator in the building and sending the miscreants to the office soon became a non-option. Eventually I was forced just to make sure no one got hurt or no major damage was done to the room. By far the worst day I ever had. I'd had nightmares about such a day and here it was.
I survived, however and there were no injuries. I did make the lives of "idiot squad" miserable for the last two months of school. I was just too outnumbered that day.
Sure, It's Funny Now. But, a Good Time Reminiscing Friday. --RoadDog
In These Bad Business Times...
Received a good e-mail from a friend with some "NEW" business definitions. Had a chuckle. Here are some of them:
CEO-- Chief Embezzlement Officer
CFO-- Corporate Fraud Officer
Broker-- What my broker has made me
PROFIT-- an archaic word no longer in use
VALUE INVESTING-- the art of buying low and selling even lower
There has just got to be ones for HEDGE FUNDS, COMMODITY TRADERS, and A Better one for BROKER.
Perhaps HEDGE FUND OPERATOR-- crook
COMMODITY TRADER and STOCKBROKERS-- Chicken Little Wannabes
Laugh While You're Crying. --RoadDog
CEO-- Chief Embezzlement Officer
CFO-- Corporate Fraud Officer
Broker-- What my broker has made me
PROFIT-- an archaic word no longer in use
VALUE INVESTING-- the art of buying low and selling even lower
There has just got to be ones for HEDGE FUNDS, COMMODITY TRADERS, and A Better one for BROKER.
Perhaps HEDGE FUND OPERATOR-- crook
COMMODITY TRADER and STOCKBROKERS-- Chicken Little Wannabes
Laugh While You're Crying. --RoadDog
Got My Oktoberfest Anyway
This past weekend, we had planned to go to the NIU game in Dekalb, Il, on Saturday and the Pumpkin Festival in Sycamore on Sunday, but the weather wouldn't cooperate. I imagine super-Volunteer fans Andy and Andrea didn't have much fun at the Tennessee-Alabama game Saturday night in Knoxville.
Sure appreciate Sue for calling us with word about the Oktoberfest party being held yesterday, Sunday, at After the Fox in McHenry. I really like to Oktoberfest festivate this time of the year. A good dose of German beer, food, and music is just what the doctor ordered.
Liz and I drove to After the Fox, arriving just after noon to enjoy their fantastic Sunday Brunch for $7.50, which included omelets made-to-order, fruits, kringles, sausage and bacon and other delights. Ate at a table overlooking the Fox River.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The whole event was for a good cause, to raise money for the local food pantry which has been hurting because of the economy's downturn. Having fun and raising money at the same time is a great combination.
Almost wish we hadn't had the brunch as they had a $7 platter of three different kinds of German meats and sides that was so huge, you could split it.
Then there were the $6 Warsteiner Beer mugs inscribed with Foxtoberfest 2008. One buck went to the cause, then you could get $4 refills with another buck to the cause.
A seven piece German oompah band dressed in best Bavarian-togs entertained throughout the afternoon. They were excellent and really set the stage. I had to buy a CD from the Musikmeisters for $16, of which $5 was donated to the cause.
There was a 50-50 raffle and regular raffle for donated items including Bears and Bulls tickets, and one lucky person won a one week stay at a condo on Duck Key in the Florida Keys.
The mayor of McHenry, and I found out former Round Lake teacher, was there as well.
Sure had a good time with friends and met a new one who is a Northern Illinois Huskie fan.
THE ONLY PROBLEMS
Sadly, though, they ran out of the beer steins almost immediately. Then, even worse ran out of the Warsteiner Beer. Even if old Jim Shorts didn't much care for it, but managed to gag one down any way.
Hopefully there will be better planning in these regards for a second Foxtoberfest. However, they weren't expecting as big of a turnout. Walking to the bathroom involved "cutting your way" through the masses.
But, hey, it was the Bears bye week, so what else was there to do.
An Ooopah Here, An Oompah There. --RoadDog
Sure appreciate Sue for calling us with word about the Oktoberfest party being held yesterday, Sunday, at After the Fox in McHenry. I really like to Oktoberfest festivate this time of the year. A good dose of German beer, food, and music is just what the doctor ordered.
Liz and I drove to After the Fox, arriving just after noon to enjoy their fantastic Sunday Brunch for $7.50, which included omelets made-to-order, fruits, kringles, sausage and bacon and other delights. Ate at a table overlooking the Fox River.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The whole event was for a good cause, to raise money for the local food pantry which has been hurting because of the economy's downturn. Having fun and raising money at the same time is a great combination.
Almost wish we hadn't had the brunch as they had a $7 platter of three different kinds of German meats and sides that was so huge, you could split it.
Then there were the $6 Warsteiner Beer mugs inscribed with Foxtoberfest 2008. One buck went to the cause, then you could get $4 refills with another buck to the cause.
A seven piece German oompah band dressed in best Bavarian-togs entertained throughout the afternoon. They were excellent and really set the stage. I had to buy a CD from the Musikmeisters for $16, of which $5 was donated to the cause.
There was a 50-50 raffle and regular raffle for donated items including Bears and Bulls tickets, and one lucky person won a one week stay at a condo on Duck Key in the Florida Keys.
The mayor of McHenry, and I found out former Round Lake teacher, was there as well.
Sure had a good time with friends and met a new one who is a Northern Illinois Huskie fan.
THE ONLY PROBLEMS
Sadly, though, they ran out of the beer steins almost immediately. Then, even worse ran out of the Warsteiner Beer. Even if old Jim Shorts didn't much care for it, but managed to gag one down any way.
Hopefully there will be better planning in these regards for a second Foxtoberfest. However, they weren't expecting as big of a turnout. Walking to the bathroom involved "cutting your way" through the masses.
But, hey, it was the Bears bye week, so what else was there to do.
An Ooopah Here, An Oompah There. --RoadDog
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