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

Jus' Hangin' Around PCB: Bars and NIU T-Shirts

JANUARY 11TH-- WEDNESDAY

Considerably colder than we would like, but still better than at home. Drove all along the Beach Drive to the west end of Panama City Beach (PCB) and crossed the bridge into Panama City and had wings and played NTN at Joe's Corner Pub.

Later we came back and had a pitcher at Dusty's and finished up the night at Donovan's.


JANUARY 12TH-- THURSDAY


Went to McDonald's for breakfast and it was nice enough (still a bit chilly) to catch some rays outside.

Drove the short distance to local hangout Sharky's which opened for the season today and enjoyed their happy hour. One guy in there reminded us greatly of Ernest T. Bass. Then to Reggae J's and Buffalo Wild Wings at Pier Park. As usual enjoyed the antics of J, the resident macaw parrot, and of course those $6 wings and $1.50 happy hour bottles.

Walked over to BW3 and passed University shop and took a look around. As a joke, I asked if they had any Northern Illinois stuff. Unbelievably, they did, so had to buy it. Who'd have figured NIU would have stuff all the way down here at PCB?

Sure made our day.

Ended up at Donovan's as usual. It was the deadest I've ever seen the place at night.

Lovin' It. --RoadDog

JSIS: B53 Bomb-- McRib

While on vacation, I catch up on the vast backlog of magazines I accumulate at home.

These two things are from the Nov. 7, 2011, Time Magazine.


1. B53 BOMB-- The last B-53 bomb, the most powerful bomb in our arsenal was dismantled. It was hundreds of times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

You have to wonder how you dismantle an item of destruction like that. I'd have to think VERY CAREFULLY. None of Bill Cosby's "Oops" here.


3. McRIB-- Anyone who knows me knows that I am a worthy McRib nut of the highest order. And we had them out back in November. McDonald's played us a bit though, saying they were ending sales of them Nov. 14th, a date I had carefully marked down. They kept selling them until almost Christmas, though.

The Time article said, however, they are on sale year-round in Germany.

Eating my McRib in my Liederhosen, Hat and Huge Stein of Beer. --RoadDog

All in All, This Will Do Very Well

We haven't been very happy with the cool temperatures we've had here in Panama City Beach, Florida, this past week, but it has been warmer than back home in northern Illinois.

Temps for today and the next two according to Weather Bug. PCB first, home second:

Today 64 Home 28
Tomorrow: 65 Home 35
Tuesday: 68 Home 26

I'll find a way to live with it.

Somehow, Really. --RoadDog

To Panama City Beach: Throwed Rolls, NTN and Bars

January 9th

Left Mobile and drove to Foley, Alabama, where we once again ducked them throwed rolls, this time at the second Lambert's Cafe. Then played NTN at a new site called Happy Harbor in Gulf Shore.

On to Panama City Beach and checked into our room right on the beach. Had cocktails at Dusty's and met the Mayor and all at Donovan's Reef South, here in PCB.


Januaary 10th--

Liz's 61st birthday. Went to Wal Mart to stock up for the stay here and also got one of those delicious Mardi Gras King Cakes to serve as her birthday cake. Played NTN at Applebee's Beaches, our 949th NTN site. I'm pretty sure none of the NTN folk who run the business can say they have been to that many.

Went to Donovan's Reef and celebrated Liz's birthday and had cake back in the room.

Liz says this is the warmest she's ever had it for her birthday.

Happy Birthday Liz. --RoadDog

You Know What Today Is: Paraskevidekatriaphobics

From Jan. 13th USA Today.

Clue above. And there are three of them this year. April 13th and July 13th you get to experience them again. We usually get just two, and bagging three won't happen again until 2040.

Well, I ave up trying to pronounce it, but that's the long word in the blog title. It is even too hard to spell while looking at it.

Was there a movie series about the day.

So, Happy Parasidtenicalekiudtsg to You, Too. --RoadDog

JJSIS: Oyster Shuckin' at Wintzell's

JSIS-- Just Some Interesting Stuff from the Gulf.
From the Jan. 9th Mobile Press-Register.

OYSTER SHUCKIN'-- Alabama Oyster-Shucking Contest to be held at Wintzell's Oyster House at 605 Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile, this weekend, Jan.4th.. That would be the original Wintzell's.

Contestants must shuck two dozen oysters and will be judged on speed, quality and presentation with seconds added for mistakes.

The winner of last year's Seafood Show in Boston (where the idea came from) had a time of one minute, 36 seconds.

At any given day at Wintzell's restaurants statewide, between 15,000 and 25,000 oysters are shucked and served.

We were at this place and I strongly suggest a trip there if you're ever in Mobile. Great seafood, even if you're like me and love oysters, but can't eat them anymore after I got ahold of a bad one.

We've been over to Dusty's Oyster House here in Panama City Beach several times and sat at the bar where they do their oyster shuckin' and man are those guys fast. Somehow, they had gotten a copy of the Press-Register and were all fired up to go until I told them the contest was for Alabama residents only.

Just Ain't Fair to Florida!! --RoadDog

The End of a Great Huskie Football Season...And We Didn't Even Lose Our Coach!!

This past Sunday's victory over Arkansas State in the Go-Daddy Bowl marks the end to one of the great Huskie football seasons since we've been 1A. We won 11 games for the second year in a row and went to our second bowl game in a row.

I certainly would have liked to see all that pan out into a Top 25 ranking, but that was not to be. But, not bad, USA Today ranked us at #26 and AP at #28.

A quick look at the scoring in the Go-Daddy Bowl:

First 12 minutes: ASU- 13 NIU 0
End 1st Quarter: ASU 13 NIU 7
End 2nd Qyarter: NIU 21 ASU 13
End 3rd Quarter: NIU 28 ASU 13
End 4th Quarter NIU 38 ASU 20

This ranks up there with the great 2010, 2003 and 1983 seasons.

2010: 11-3 Won Humanitarian Bowl
2003: 10-2 Beat Iowa State, Maryland and ALABAMA!! But no bowl, believe it or not.
1983: 10-2 Won the California Bowl.

And, I should mention, that unlike at the end of 2010 and 1983, we did not lose our coach as happens with so many mid-level football programs when they have success. But, I expect it won't be long before that happens.

Congratulations You NIU Huskies!! --RoadDog

Bowl Day in Mobile

JANUARY 8th--

Drove by the home of Raphael Semmes and located the Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Went to a Books-A-Million and bought a Pearl Harbor magazine, World War II book and Civil War book.

We had planned to take the bus to the stadium, but didn't want a repeat of last night's disaster, so drove. We had no problems other than lack of signage as to where we were supposed to park. Mobile seems to be real good at supplying you with partial directions and information and letting you figure out the rest on your own.

We finally were surrounded by NIU Huskie fans at the tailgate party, a great relief after living in ASU-land since Friday. Great barbecue and drinks before the game.

Mobile did a great job filling the stadium with locals. Northern had maybe 2,000 fans and Arkansas State over 8,000 and those guys were pumped and got even louder as NIU did nothing the first 12 minutes and they led 13-0. Northern finally rallied and had a 21-13 lead at half.

We went on to win 38-20!! Sure took those boisterous Red Wolves fan out of the game.

I didn't think the game would ever end. It started at 8 and the last second ticked off at 11:59 PM.

Stuck around for the awards, then got lost going back to the motel.

At Least We Won!! --RoadDog

Beach Boys Reunite

From Jan. 9th USA Today.

Well, what's left of them anyway, but the important thing is that they have put aside past differences and will be on the road doing their music this summer on a 50-date tour starting in April at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Brian Wilson will be rejoining cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine and will also have Bruce Johnston, who has been a member since 1965 and David Marks who played with the band in the early 60s and late 90s.

Dennis Wilson died in 1983 and Carl Wilson in 1998.

Nothing says summer and cars and sixties better than this band. I may just have to get myself out to see a show if they get near to Chicago.

After All, Who Doesn't Love a Beach? --RoadDog

Just Hanging Around Mobile, Alabama: Semmes Thing, Wintzell's, Bars and a Mardi Gras Parade

JANUARY 7th

We went off looking for Confederate Admiral Raphael Semme's grave and found it. Then had lunch at Wintzell's, a famous oyster place downtown and then hit a couple bars, the Blind Mule (billing itself as Huskie headquarters) and a new place called The Bar (Biggest Deck in Town).

Back to the Baymont and rest before catching bus downtown for the Go-Daddy Mardi Gras parade. A whoile lot bigger than the ones we have at Panama City, Florida. Great fireworks display afterwards and then got to meet Diesel, the NIU huskie mascot.

A real pain finding a bus back. Then went over to O'Charlie's for a night cap.

All day, we were badly outnumbered by Arkansas State fans. Getting "real"tired of their howling and ASU's.

Perhaps We Can Shut Them Up Sunday. --RoadDog

A Mobile Good Time

January 6th-- Friday

After arrival in Mobile, we drove over to the All Sports Bar nearby. We'd played NTN there before, but they no longer have it. Friendly people. one guy had just dropped in to pick up tickets to the game, but was "forced" to stay for many drinks. Another lady said that she had a great place to watch tomorrow's Mardi Gras parade from.

Then went to Baumhower's and played NTN. A LOT of Arkansas State fans, but one table of NIU ones.

Last was O'Charlie's where we talked with both an NIU and Arkansas State fan. We had a great football talk and found out some more info on our adversaries.

The motel parking lot has about twenty ASU vehicles. We had five.

Definitely outnumbered Here, But Will Put Up the Good Fight. --RoadDog

Arrival: Met the "Enemy" and One Friendly Stomper

Arrived in Mobile, Alabama yesterday after a drive from Canton, Mississippi. Total miles for trip from home a bit over a thousand.

Took US-98 from Jackson, Ms., to here. Played NTN at three places in Hattiesburg, home of the Southern Mississippi Eagles: Buffalo Wild Wings ($5 for two pops), Sidelines ($2 for a pop and a beer) and Corner Sports Bar ($4 for two pops) out by Camp Shelby.

There sure are not a lot of places to stop between Hattiesburg and the Alabama line, especially if you've had all those drinks. We finally found one, pulled in and this is where we first met our friends, the enemy. There were two car loads there doing the same thing we were. Gave them a big Red Wolves (their nickname) howdy.

Checked into our motel out by Airport Road and as we were putting on our Huskie gear, the guy next door came over and said, "Go Huskies!" He looked familiar, then I realized it was none other than the tuba player from one of our favorite bands, the Dekalb Footstompers, Rick. He flew in last week and had been playing music on Bourbon Street in New Orleans (he is also a retired school teacher).

The last time I had talked with him was at Lord Stanley's in Dekalb before their Homecoming show.

Should Be a Good Time, Now. --RoadDog

Two Days on the Road

JANUARY 4th

Drove Route 66 from Dwight to Springfield. Found the sign at Ernie Edwards' Pig Hip Restaurant was down in Broadwell. Got our Cozy Dog Fix in Springfield. Happy to find out that George Ranks bar, on Route 66, is once again open. Played NTN at Third Base Bar and had drinks at the Curve Inn and Southside Pub, both on Route 66.


JANUARY 5th

Big mileage day, 586 miles, all I-55. Had our Jack-in-the-Box taco fix in Litchfield. Lost about thirty minutes because of accident south of St. Louis. Ate at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston. Mo., ducking them throwed rolls.

Cheapest gas of trip south of there, $3.10. Lots of traffic around Memphis. Drove to Canton, Mississippi, where we spent the night.

Hope to Make Mobile by Tonight. --RoadDog

Where Were You January 1, 1972?-- Part 3

FOOTSTOMPIN' MUSIC-- GFR-- Top Ten from album E. Pluribus Funk.
BITTER BLUE-- CAT STEVENS-- From Teaser and the Firecat. The album was in the Top Ten--a deep cut from side two. (I really liked this album.)

STAY WITH ME-- FACES-- From the great new album A Nod Is As Good As a Wink to a Blind Horse., the first single release. (I always thought this was just a Rod Stewart song for some reason.)
FAMILY AFFAIR-- SLY & THE FAMILY STONE-- From the album There's a Riot Going On.

EVERYTHING'S COMING OUR WAY-- SANTANA-- Good deep track from side two of Santana 3.
AMERICAN PIE-- DON McLEAN-- Hands down the most intriguing song of the era, climbing its way up to #1 on the singles chart here in town. Not there yet, but would be in another week. Somewhat of a new-comer, Don McLean, although he had releases before this, but this was the one that really put him in the forefront. (I tried singing it on karaoke once. Won't do that gain. Boy, does he sing fast.)

Still Some More to Come. --RoadDog

Pretty Good New Year's Celebration

Now, it can be said.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30TH--

One last get-together with the Usual Suspects at Route 66 Bar to toast good friends with PBR.


SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011--

We were part of a group of First Nighters in more ways than the fact it was going to be the first night of the new year. Last February, the motel at favorite stomping ground, Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, caught fire and was partially gutted.

This past June, construction began on it and we figured it would be open by September. Of course, delays, and they finally opened for business today. Quite a few regulars got rooms as well.

Went to Main Street at 5, but they were too crowded (having an early New Year's celebration. So ended up at Laurin's Landing for a couple or three.

Lots of friends at Donovan's and grabbed spots at the bar. Buck pints!! No band, but open juke box and had a great time with it. Good food out at 9. Stayed up way too late, 2:30 am.


SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012--

Recorded Bob Stroud's Time Warp this morning back to January 1, 1971, forty years ago. That was a trip.

Then Ultimate Bloody Marys at Main Street and back to Donovan's for Da Bears and Da Packers, both wins!!

Home and Crash!! --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Pretty is as pretty does...(Your actions are more important than your looks.)

Where Were You January 1, 1972?-- Part 2

HAVE YOU SEEN HER-- CHI-LITES-- (Some Good Old 70s Chicago Soul. That's what the Chi stood for.)
LEVON-- ELTON JOHN-- (I was just getting into his music.)

THEME FROM SHAFT-- ISAAC HAYES-- (If there ever was a "tougher" song, I'd like to know what it was.)
LOOKING FOR A LOVE-- J. GEILS BAND-- (I liked this song, but it wasn't until "Centerfold" that I really got into this band. Great soul.)

TWO DIVIDED BY LOVE-- GRASS ROOTS-- Latest single.
MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP-- LED ZEPPELIN-- From Zep. 4.

WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS-- GEORGE HARRISON-- From the Concert for Bangladesh. His bud, Eric Clapton, stepping in to help like he did on the studio version.
SOME PEOPLE NEVER KNOW-- WINGS-- a respectable ballad from the pen of Paul McCartney, included in the very first Wings album, Wildlife.

RESPECT YOURSELF-- STAPLE SINGERS-- Chicago's own.
WHITE LIES, BLUE EYES-- BULLET-- UK one-hit wonder.

Taking Me Back. --RoadDog

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

This past Sunday, Bob Stroud went back 40 years ago to January 1, 1972, and played the music on the radio and in our record collections as he likes to say.

His 7 am start was especially hard on me as I hadn't gotten to bed until 2 am and hadn't slept very well, but I really wanted to hear the Time Warp.

Back 40 years ago, I was a junior at the University of Georgia. I had been thinking of returning to Northern Illinois and had lost my room at the dorm and assigned to a new dorm. It turned out that my new roommate was the governor's son. He convinced me that his dad was governor when he went back "home" to get his stereo and it turned out to be the Governor's Mansion.

As usual, the quotes are from Stroud unless in parentheses, which would be mine.

HEY BIG BROTHER-- RARE EARTH-- Coming out of Detroit, Michigan. (Some Motown Blue-Eyed Soul.)
BACK TO CALIFORNIA-- CAROLE KING-- Final selection from her new album, Music, the follow up to Tapestry.

LET'S STAY TOGETHER-- AL GREENE-- (Or, the Right Reverend Greene as the Beach Music deejays like to say.)
NO ONE TO DEPEND ON-- SANTANA-- Featured on their third album, Santana 3, a top ten album here in Chicago. (Definitely a bit of that Latino feel to this one.)

SCORPIO-- DENNIS COFFEY-- An instrumental by a Detroit session guitarist. (I knew I'd heard the song, but with no words, sure couldn't name it.)
AN OLD-FASHIONED LOVE SONG-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- Just falling off the charts. One of two of their songs on your radio. Written by Paul Williams.

Good Stuff Maynard. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? PERT-NEAR...(Pretty near)

Number One Songs This Date, Jan. 2nd-- Part 2

1969 I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- Marvin Gaye-- Where are those California raisins?
1968 HELLO GOODBYE-- Beatles (Imagine a Beatles #1 song in the sixties?)
1967 I'M A BELIEVER-- Monkees-- Go Shrek!!
1966 WE CAN WORK IT OUT-- Beatles
1965 I FEEL FINE-- Beatles

1964 THERE! I'VE SAID IT AGAIN-- Booby Vinton-- Before he went "Blue: and before you-know-who from Liverpool.
1963 TELSTAR-- Tornadoes
1962 THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT-- Tokens
1961 ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT-- Elvis Presley
1960 EL PASO-- Marty Robbins-- Country hits the charts.

1959 THE CHIPMUNK SONG-- David Seville & the Chipmunks
1958 AT THE HOP-- Danny & the Juniors
1957 SINGING THE BLUES-- Guy Mitchell
1956 SIXTEEN TONS-- Tennessee Ernie Ford
1955 MR. SANDMAN-- Chordettes-- Always like the Golden Girls version.

1954 OH! MY PA-PA-- Eddie Fisher
1953 I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS-- Jimmy Boyd
1952 CRY-- Johnny Ray
1951 THE TENNESSEE WALTZ-- Pattie Page
1950 RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER-- Gene Autry-- Monkey Ward's was so proud.

1942 CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO-- Glenn Miller
1932 TIGER RAG-- Mills Brothers
1922 WABASH BLUES-- Isham Jones
1912 LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART-- Columbia Male Quartet
1902 ANY OLD PLACE I HANG MY HAT 'IS HOME SWEET HOME' TO ME-- Will Denny

How Many Did You remember? --RoadDog

Number One Songs This Date, January 2, 2012-- Part 1

Taking a look back at the number one songs this date all the way back to 1802, 110 years ago. Other than the number one hit today and the #1 back in 1902, I've heard 'em all.

From Josh Hosler's excellent site based on Billboard Charts.

2012 SEXY AND I KNOW IT-- LMFAO
2002 HOW YOU REMIND ME-- Nickelback
1992 BLACK OR WHITE-- Michael Jackson

1989 EVERY ROSE HAS A THORN-- Poison-- Talk about your hair bands.
1988 FAITH-- George Michael
1987 WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN-- Bangles (or was it the Go-Gos?). OK, fess up, who besides me did the dance?
1986 SAY YOU, SAY ME-- Lionel Richie1985 LIKE A VIRGIN-- Madonna-- The Lady Gaga of her day.

1984 SAY, SAY, SAY-- Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney
1983 MAN EATER-- Hall & Oates
1982 PHYSICAL-- Olivia Newton-John-- Our girl-next-door gets a bit "dirty."
1981 (JUST LIKE) STARTING OVER-- John Lennon
1980 PLEASE DON'T GO-- K.C. & Sunshine Band

1979 TOO MUCH HEAVEN-- Bee Gees-- These guys were kinda hot back then.
1978 HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE-- Bee Gees-- What'd I tell you?
1977 YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STAR (TO BE IN MY SHOW-- Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis
1976 SATURDAY NIGHT-- Bay City Rollers-- How do you spell Saturday again.
1975 LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS-- Elton John

1974 TIME IN A BOTTLE-- Jim Croce
1973 YOU'RE SO VAIN-- Carly Simon
1972 BRAND NEW KEY-- Melanie
1971 MY SWEET LORD/ISN'T IT A PITY-- George (Please Don't Sue Me) Harrison
1970 RAINDROPS KEEP FALLING ON MY HEAR-- B.J. Thomas

Good Stuff. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN? Persnickety...(overly particular or snobbish)