Weird Stuff Going On Around Here: Earthquakes and THE WARM

Took the garbage receptacles out to the street this morning in shorts and tee shirt. That would be January 31st!! That's supposed to be winter. Last year, we were bracing for what turned out to be the second biggest (or was it third?) snowfall ever in the Chicagoland area, the Groundhog Day Blizzard.

And, then, this morning I wake up to read that we had an earthquake here in McHenry County last night at 9:45 PM. It was around a 2.5 on the old Richter Scale, very minor.

I was watching the movie "Taken" at the time. Just a few days ago, I saw "2012." Sure glad I wasn't watching that and then felt the earthquake. Might just have "skeered" me a tad.

The earthquake had an epicenter along Chapel Hill Road, about 5-6 miles from the house.

Makes You Think. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Old words and phrases that aren't used so much any more. Sparking...(courting.) Didn't Joni Mitchell have an album called Court and Spark?

Was It the Blizzard of '67 or Great Snow Storm of '67? Music to While Away All That Snow

Yesterday, Bob Stroud devoted his entire Rock and Roll Roots Show to the songs being played on WLS and WCFL that helped us young folks, I was 15 at the time, get through all that snow. He also included tracks from the albums in our collections.

I have found that there is some question as to what the event should be called. According to my wife, Liz, in Chicago, where she lived at the time, they called it the Snowstorm of '67. Out in ths uburbs where we lived (Palatine) we called it the Blizzard of '67.

The blizzard/snow storm was actually over by Jan. 28th, but the digging out and getting things back on schedule was going on big time.

From the show: "It was 45 years ago this past week that Chicago experienced its worst blizzard to date. This is the 45th anniversary of the Great Snow Storm of '67."

Bob Stroud's comments first. Mine in parentheses.

THE BEAT GOES ON-- SONNY AND CHER--
LOVE IS HERE AND NOW YOU'RE GONE-- SUPREMES-- (Nothing like that good old Motown. Loved the choreography.)

YOU HEAR ME CALL YOUR NAME-- ASSOCIATION-- Some of us got it for Christmas, the new Renaissance album. From side 2. (Right, I'm sure my dad would go out and buy me one of those stupid albums.)
I THINK WE'RE ALONE-- TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS-- Brand new and hit-bound. (And Tiffany wasn't even alive yet.)

TELL IT TO THE RAIN-- FOUR SEASONS-- (One of Liz's favorite Four Seasons songs. Was she ever belting this out while it was playing.)
GIMME SOME LOVIN'-- SPENCER DAVIS GROUP-- Getting our first taste of Steve Winwood.

Was That... a Snowflake? No, It Was "Suzy Snowflake." --RoadDog

How to Spend a Non-Football Weekend

Well, I don't really consider the NFL Pro Bowl a real football game.

FRIDAY

We went to Lake Geneva, Wi,, and had the great fish fry at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. One of the best anywhere. Then to good old Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes for NTN and Liz's belated champagne birthday toast. We were at the other Donovan's in Panama City Beach, Fl., for the real one Jan. 10th.


SATURDAY

Just hung around home' a nice thing to do after all those weeks on the road. I did clear snow off the driveway, but no big accumulation.


SUNDAY

Bob Stroud was doing his Rock and Roll Roots show on the Blizzard of'67 here in Chicago, the biggest snowfall ever in the city. Snow was coming down as he did it and I was sure hoping we didn't have a repeat of 45 years ago. We didn't, but I still had to get out and shovel the driveway again.

Ate at Arby's for the first time in a long time, then went to AJ's Horsin' Around in Round Lake Park where we saw Terry Spizzirri and Nephew entertain for the annual bar bus trip (six bars in six hours). That guy puts on a great show and we all had fun. What else you wanna do on a Sunday afternoon with NO FOOTBALL!!

Play me Some Irish Music!! --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Skedaddle...(Get out of here mighty fast.)

WLS Top 40 for January 27, 1967: The Blizzard of '67

Courtesy of Rusty Evans.

These were the songs playing on the radio when we got all that snow that my brother Bob had to clear off all by himself. (See my Cooter's History Thing Blog.)

I'll list the Top Twenty.

1. I'M A BELIEVER/STEPPIN' STONE-- Monkees
2. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH-- New Colony Six (Chicago's Own)
2. GEORGY GIRL-- Seekers
4. SNOOPY VS. THE RED BARON-- Royal Guardsmen
5. PUSHIN' TOO HARD-- Seeds

6. YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET-- Blues Magoos
7. KIND OF A DRAG-- Buckinghams (Chicago'sOwn)
8. WORDS OF LOVE/DANCING IN THE STREET--
9. I HAD TOO MUCH TO DREAM-- Electric Prunes (Did I dream we got a lot of snow?)
10. 98.6-- Keith

11. RUBY TUESDAY-- Rolling Stones
12. GIMME SOME LOVIN'-- Spencer Davis Group
13. STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE-- Four Tops
14. NOW WINTER'S DAY-- Tommy Roe (Definitely an appropriate song.)
15. TELL IT LIKE IT IS-- Aaron Neville

16. WHERE WILL THE WORDS COME FROM-- Gary Lewis & Playboys
17. GIRL WATCHER'S THEME-- Bob Crewe Generation
18. KNIGHT IN RUSTY ARMOR-- Peter and Gordon Tom Jones
19. GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME--
20. COLOR MY WORLD-- Petula Clark

Who Knows, I Might Have Been Recording Some of Thes on My Trusty Grundig Reel-to-Reel Recorder. --RoadDog

Back to 1973

Wendy Rice is one hour into her four-hour Saturday Morning Flashback Show on Chicago's WXRT and I'm along for the ride. You can hear it streaming at www.wxrt.com.

Along with the songs, she gives info about the year.

So far:

DANCING WITH MR. D.-- Rolling Stones
YOU'VE BEEN IN LOVE TOO LONG-- Bonnie Raitt
IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY-- Sly & the Family Stone
SAIL ON SAILOR-- Beach Boys
THE JEAN GENIE-- David Bowie

LONG TRAIN RUNNIN'-- Doobie Brothers-- Always reminds me of that summer and the wedding.
SUFFICIENTLY BREATHLESS-- Captain Beyond
BODHISATTVA-- Steely Dan
GIVE IT TO ME-- J. Geils Band
I THINK IT WAS THE WINE-- Siegel-Schwall Band

LET'S GET IT ON-- Marvin Gaye-- I can't hear this one without thinking of that King of Queens episode.
ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)-- Bruce Springsteen & E. Street Band
MYSTERY TO ME-- Fleetwood Mac
MIND GAMES-- John Lennon

Going Back for Another Two and a Half Hours. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Scarce as Hen's Teeth...(Something difficult to Obtain)

Going Back to the Cold: More Good Eatin'-- Curvin' It-- Home

JANUARY 21ST-- SATURDAY

Woke up to the cold here in northern Mississippi and the long pants and sweatshirt I was hoping to put on in St. Louis came on early. Drove I-55 to Memphis, crossed into Arkansas and then did the foot of Missouri north to Sikeston.

Bypassed Lambert's and went to Dexter BBQ, which I had heard about and written about in my RoadLog. Every bit as good as I'd heard. And definitely you need to try their wine and cheese dressing. Some of the best ever.

Through St. Louis by the Arch and into Illinois. Had to stop for our taco fix at the Jack in the Box in Litchfield, a must stop even though we weren't real hungry. Checked into the TraveLodge in Springfield and then went on to the Curve Inn for drinks and partying. Real "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights."


JANUARY 22ND-- SUNDAY

Stopped at the Bonanza Sirloin Pit in Lincoln where their rolls are too good to be thrown, hear that Lambert's!!? And their pass around rolls and chocolate chip cookies are something else.

Foggy and icy driving most all of today. Not much fun.

But got home at 5 pm after 19 days on the road.

Good to Be Home. --RoadDog

Going Back to the Cold: Good Eatin' and Vicksburg

JANUARY 20TH-- FRIDAY

Last drive along the coast to Gulfport and then US-49 to Jackson. Lunch at the Country Fisherman Buffet in Mendenhall, Ms. Lots of Southern dishes, but wish they put labels on selections. Some are not identifiable. Some really good eating and Blue Bell ice cream for dessert.

Took US-20 to the gambling hot spot at Vicksburg. Well, that's what it seemed like with all those billboards. But, wasn't there some sort of Civil War thing that happened there?

Paid our $8 a car to enter the park and drove it, seeing nary a wild hog as they had reported. The Illinois Memorial was the most impressive. Very impressed with the USS Cairo.

"I'm Going to Jackson" again, then I-55 to Canton. Stopped for a bathroom break at McDonald's and they had McRIBS!!! Wasn't hungry, but wasn't going to pass up McRibs, so had a meal.

Drove to Grenada and got a room at the Knight's Inn. Went next door to McAlister's for a night cap, but they were food only. However, behind the place was the Tiki Hut, a real hot bed of Ole Miss. Great time, reasonable drinks, tiki decor and a band. Not a bad second choice.

And, the weather today in the mid-70s so still tee shirt and shorts time.

Getting Closer to Home. --RoadDog

Where Were You January 1, 1972?-- Part 6

NEVER BEEN TO SPAIN-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- New single written by the late great Hoyt Axton (The father on the movie "Gremlins."
LOW SPARK OF HIGH-HEELED BOYS-- TRAFFIC-- title track (Also known as the song that would never end.)

ROCK STEADY-- ARETHA FRANKLIN-- Out only as a 45.
SWEET SEASONS-- CAROLE KING-- From the album Music.

MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER-- ELTON JOHN--

SUNSHINE-- JONATHAN EDWARDS-- The Number One Song in Chicago as you battle the day after all that New Year partying.


Whenever Stroud comes back from commercial break, he plays a bit of another song out back then.

JOY-- APOLLO 100
PRECIOUS AND FEW-- CLIMAX-- Sonny Gervaci was the lead singer of a group called the Outsiders who in the 60s had hits like "Time Won't Let Me." Now, here in the 70s, he was in a band called Climax.

THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT-- ROBERT JOHNS-- a remake of an old song by a group called the Tokens.
I'D LIKE TO TEACH THE WORLD TO SONG-- HILLTOP SINGERS-- If all of a sudden you want to quench your thirst with a Coca-Cola, I understand. A Cole commercial on your TV. (Wonder how they came up with the group name.)

Darn, Got That Tune in My Head Now, "I'd Like to Teach...." Darn You, Stroud, You Scalawag!! --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Scalawag...(a rascal or unprincipled person)

Mississippi Here We Come-- Breaking in NTN-- Throwing Rolls-- Knock Knock

JANUARY 18TH-- WEDNESDAY

Left Fort Walton Beach and took US-98 to Pensacola Beach and "broke in" the new NTN site at Rip Tides in the Holiday Inn Resort with two Number Ones. Had another bout with them "Throwed Rolls" in Foley, Alabama.

On to Biloxi. NTN at Shep's Fort Bayou and again looked for the Adventures Bar for NTN, but couldn't find it. Hooter's at night.


JANUARY 19TH-- THURSDAY

Drove out to Waveland on Louisiana border and played NTN at Knock Knock Bar. A rare time for NTN. There were ACTUALLY folks playing it, a rare occasion. Saw the 8-foot high Katrina watermark in the bar. Drove along shore back to St. Louis Bay. Still recovering from Katrina damage.

Sat out by the pool for some rays. Drinks at Hooter's and Hog Heaven BBQ and Blues.

Time to Head Home. --RoadDog

Where Were You January 1, 1972?-- Part 5

Now, that would be 40 years ago. If you remember that, you're gettin' kinda old.

A real,real big hit was Don McLean's "American Pie," but I already wrote about it way back on Part 3, which was a repeat of Part 4, as I found out.

WITCH QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS-- REDBONE-- (Good old Indian Rock!)

DAY AFTER DAY-- BADFINGER-- From album Straight Up. George Harrison started producing it but abandoned it while working on Bangladesh. Todd Rundgren got the call from America to finish it.
MONEY-- BADFINGER-- Flipside of "Day After Day."
WITHOUT YOU-- NILSSON-- While Badfinger was recording with Todd Rundgren, down the hall Harry Nilsson was recording this Badfinger song. He asked them to stop by and hear what he was doing with it.

JEALOUS GUY-- JOHN LENNON-- From his Imagine release, one of the Top Ten albums.
BLACK DOG-- LED ZEPPELIN-- The record company wanted them to release it as a single and the band said no, that's just not going to happen.

One Last Trip Back Coming Up. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Red up... (clean the house)

We're Back!!

Drove onto our snow-covered driveway last night after a 19 day trip down to the Gulf Coast and some 2,790 miles. Since Friday, we were on the good old superslab, I-55 almost all the way from Jackson, Mississippi, to Dwight, Illinois. The southern terminus is in New Orleans and northern in Chicago.

Spent the next hour unloading the car and then had to water the plants, all of which appear to have survived.

This was a great trip, our second-longest-ever, almost three weeks. We stayed in Mobile, Alabama; Panama City Beach, Florida; Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Biloxi, Mississippi, for our main stops.

We also spent a night on the way down and way back in Springfield, Illinois. On the road nights were spent at Canton and Meridian, Mississippi.

Always Good to Get Home, Though. --RoadDog

Where Were You January 1, 1972?-- Part 4

Continued from earlier this month.

These were songs playing on your radio, 40 years ago.

FOOTSTOMPIN' MUSIC-- GFR-- From Top Ten album E.Pluribus Funk (as they changed direction to more pop.)
BITTER BLUE-- CAT STEVENS-- From Teaser and the Firecat album in the top ten. A deep cut from side two. (This is the album that got me into Cat Stevens.)

STAY WITH ME-- FACES-- From the great new album A Nod Is As Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse. First single release. (I always thought this was Rod Stewart out singing on his own.)
FAMILY AFFAIR-- SLY AND FAMILY STONE-- From There's a Riot Going On.

More to Come. --RoadDog

Death of Joe Paterno

Last night at the Curve Inn in Springfield, Illinois, while watching the Louisville-Pittsburgh basketball game, we kept seeing flashes across the bottom of he screen that the family of Joe Paterno was going to the hospital to see him for the last time.

This morning, I see that he is dead at age 85.

The man had a brilliant career that was marred at its end by a horrendous situation, one that cost him his job (and rightfully so). But I kind of figured that he would not last long whenever the day came that he could not coach his team. It sure didn't.

I never liked Penn State until the time I went to Evanston, Illinois, to see them play Northwestern about ten years ago. I was really impressed when the 75-year-old coach ran onto the field at the head of his team.

We were sitting near the Penn State fans who wanted all sorts of horrible things to happen to him as the team was in the middle of a down time with losing seasons, something they weren't used to under Paterno's leadership.

If they want to know what losing is about, they should have gone to Northern Illinois, where I did.

After that, I became a Penn State and Joe Paterno fan.

So Long Papa Joe. --RoadDog

Walked into a McRib

Now, if that just doesn't flat out make my day!!

We spent yesterday driving across the state of Mississippi, even got gas for less than $3.20...twice.

But one definite high point was a bathroom break in Canton at a McDonald's. Whenever we stop at a place of business to use their facilities, we buy something, usually in the $1 range, so I was at the counter looking to buy a McDouble when, what did my eyes espy, but a big ad for McRibs.

No question what I was going to order. One McRib Value Meal coming right up. Even though there was a considerable delay for change and then very slow service, I waited.

There are few food choices I'll wait for, and you-know-what is one of them.

And, now, I'll have to make the call, Lambert's in Sikeston, Mo., later today, or the McDonald's to see if they ave you-know what.

Decisions, Decisions. --RoadDog

To Fort Walton Beach: Grazing, Bar Hoppin' and the Bathroom Incident

JANUARY 16TH-- MONDAY

Drove to Destin and grazed lunch at Golden Corral. Played NTN at Harry T's, right on the inlet, checked into the FEB Best Western. Enjoyed the gulf view from our 5th floor balcony. More NTN at Angler's, then Fudpucker's and some interesting characters at Swizzle Stick Lounge at hotel.


JANUARY 17TH-- TUESDAY

A day to relax on balcony and enjoy view. Grazing at the Golden Corral for supper No NTN at the Oasis, bathroom incident at McGuire's (read about it on my RoadLog blog). Good party at Swizzle Stick with Michael Stone singing.

Watch Them McGuire Bathroom Doors! --RoadDog

Waiting Till Next Year-- Grazing-- Fort Walton Beach

JANUARY 15TH-- SUNDAY

Still in Panama City Beach. A great day for catching rays, so did. Da Pack playing and expected a win. Saw first half at Salty Sue's and second at Buffalo Wild Wings. Lots of Packer fans at both places pulling for them, but to no avail. Not sure what team that was playing. Not the Pack of this past season.

Said our goodbyes to the folks at Donovan's Reef.


JANUARY 16TH-- MONDAY

Drove to Destin and did grazing at Golden Corral. Checked in at Best Western and enjoyed sun. Went to Harry T's, Angler's, Fudpucker's and Swizzle Stick Lounge at the Best Western.

How Much You Getting Paid to Catch a Ball. --RoadDog

Gulf Coast Trip 2012: Still Hanging Around PCB

JANUARY 13TH-- Friday

Still cool. Did some grazing at Ceci's Pizza. Sure are a lot of kids on school trips there. I think we picked the wrong time to go to school. I could see them taking us to a pizza place during school hours. Let's face it, the ultimate field trip.

So, its the first of three Friday the 13ths this year, which I also find is leap year.

Went to the Sandpiper, Dusty's and ended up at Donovan's Reef.


JANUARY 14TH-- Saturday

Breakfast at the upscale Another Broken Egg. Friend Dallas from Donovan's works there. Absolutely great Mardi Gras omelet. Weather improving and sat out by deck enjoying the sun.

Donovan's again at night.

A Fine Time. --RoadDog

The Gulf Out the Door

Sitting here a-typin'away with warm Gulf breezes blowing in the open balcony and waves crashing ashore five stories down here in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where we arrived yesterday afternoon.

A perfect day with temps set at 72 degrees. There is a possibility of rain showers this afternoon. At home, high today expected to be 32 and 3-5 inches snow expected.

The beach outside our balcony is a different sort of dazzling white. As in sand.

Next two days here/home:

60 degrees/22 degrees
52 degrees/12 degrees

Getting ready to go out on the balcony and crack into a Corona.

Got to Enjoy It While We Can. --RoadDog