2022 Movie Scratches: Amsterdam-- Devotion-- Black Panther-- Father Stu-- Violent Night

2022 Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw at the theater.  I did not go to any movies between when Liz died on September 23 and December.

21.  AMSTERDAM--  9-13--  Fox Lake--  $5--  A very historic who-dun-it.

22.  DEVOTION--  12-9--  Fox Lake--  $6--  Be there for me and his wingman certainly was, including crash landing his plane to save him.

23.  BLACK PANTHER--  12-9--  Fox Lake--  $6--  It's the Wakandans vs. the blue-skinned underwater-living descendants of the Mayans.

24.  FATHER STU--  12-13--  Fox Lake--  $5--  A ne-er-do-well finds his true calling as a priest then has his ultimate test of faith.

25.  VIOLENT NIGHT--  12-13--  Fox Lake--  $5--What did Santa do on the barmaid.  One wild and crazy Santa.  All the blood and gore you could possibly want in a Christmas movie.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why is it called hamburger when it is made of BEEF?

2022 Movie Scratches: Minions-- Pets-- Bullet-- Invitation

2022 Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw in the theater in 2022.

17.  MINIONS:  THE RISE OF GRU--  8-9--  Woodstock--  $5--  How Gru got so despicable.    Hard to teach a Minion kung fu.  

18.  D.C. LEAGUE OF SUPER PETS--  8-30--  Fox Lake--  $5--  Talk about your motley  crews of pets with super powers and how the rest of the D.C. Superheroes got their pets.

19.  BULLET TRAIN--  8-30--  Fox Lake--  $5--  Brad Pitt sure isn't James Bond.  Talk about your  fickle hand of fate.  One of the best movies I've seen.

20.  THE INVITATION--  9-8--  Fox Lake--  $6--  Be very selective if invited to strangers' parties.  Quite proper English and mean old Victoria.

Like I Said Before.  Good To be Back At The Movies.  --RoadDog

2022 Movie Scratches: Thor-- Elvis-- Crawdads-- Nope

Movie Scratches for 2022--  Movies I saw in the theater.

13.  THOR:  LOVE AND THUNDER--   7-21--  Fox Lake--  $6--  A love story of a different sort.  An Zeus is a real codger.

14.  ELVIS--  7-28--  Fox Lake, $6--  As bad as the Colonel was, Elvis wouldn't have been as big without him.  I didn't see the whole movie the first time as I started coughing a lot and that's just not the thing to do these days.

15.  WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING--  8-4--  Fox Lake-- $6--  Now I understand about all those praying mantis mentions.   A real hard life for the Marsh Girl.

16.  NOPE--  8-8--  Fox Lake--  $6--  A real "One-Eyed, One Horned Flying Purple People Eater."   Horses and a mad chimp.  So, that's why all those balloon men. 

--RoadDog

2022 Movie Scratches: Bob's-- Maverick-- Elvis-- Dominion

Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw at the theater in 2022.

9.  BOB'S BURGERS MOVIE--  6-14-- Woodstock--   $5--   Love the characters, especially frequent diner Teddy.  But do they have to sing about everything?  It gets annoying.

10.  TOP GUN MAVERICK--  6-27--  Fox Lake--  $6--   "You told me not to think!"   The Mav and Goose's son make up.

11.  ELVIS--  7-12--  Woodstock--  $5--   The Colonel was certainly a Flim-Flam man.  Was the Colonel a good guy or a bad guy.  Tim Hanks for Best Actor Oscar.  Great music.

12.  JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION--  7-14--  Fox Lake--  $6--  Bringing back the old cast (well, at least the ones not eaten).  Barbasol Shaving Cream and spittinig dinosaurs.  Dinosaurs and humans living together in a Ghostbusters thing as Bill Murray can tell you.

$6 Matinees at Classic Cinemas.  $5 on Tuesdays.  --RoadMovie

2022 Movie Scratches: Ambulance-- Lost-- Strange-- Beasts

Movie Scratches for 2022--  Movies I saw at the theater this year.

5.  AMBULANCE--  4-21-  Fox Lake--  $6--  All that screen action will wear you out.  Has there ever been  a better chase?  And so many funny moments.

6.  LOST CITY--  4-28--  Fox Lake--  $6--  When fiction becomes the real thing.What has happened to our Harry Potter?

7.  DOCTOR  STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS--  5-10--  Woodstock--  $5--  The good doctor can sure take a beating, but keeps on ticking like the old commercial used to say.  And, of course, there's that third eye.

8.  FANTASTIC BEASTS:  THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE--  5-13--  Fox Lake--  $6--  That Creedence sure reminds me of Professor Snape.  What?  No Depp?  Still, like the Niffler and Bowtruckles.

--RoadFlick

2022 Movie Scratches: Godfather-- Batman-- Morbius-- Uncharted

Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw at the theater in 2022.

The last movie I had seen at a theater was in February 2020 and then, COVID-19!!  I finally went back to see my first movie since then on March 24 of this year.  Before that, I had been trying to see 50-60 movies a year.

And, what better movie to get back into a theater than the 50th anniversary of that great movie "The Godfather."  I show the date I saw it, where and how much.

1.  THE GODFATHER--  3-24--  Fox Lake--  $6--  Still making those offers which can't be refused fifty years later.  What a way to return to the movies after that virus thing.   The last movie I had seen in a theater was on February 28, 2020, when I saw "Birds of Prey."

2.  THE BATMAN--  3-31--  Fox Lake--  $6--  You've sure got a lot of cats.  That Riddler was pretty deep.

3.  MORBIUS--  4-12--  Woodstock--  $5--  Watch out for the cure's side effects.  All batty.  A vampire with a conscious.

4.  UNCHARTED--  4-14--  Fox Lake--  $6--    Feed the cat. Where'd they hide the gold?  A cross between Indiana Jones and National Treasure.

Good To be Back.  --RoadMovie

Past Movie Scratches: Ghostbusters-- Ghostbusters-- Abominable-- European-- Vacation-- Vegas

Past movie scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

103.  GHOSTBUSTERS--  11-20--  "He slimed me!!"  Who chose the Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man?  "I feel like the floor of a taxi cab."

104.  GHOSTBUSTERS II--  11-20--  "We be fast and they be slow."  The Saleri Brothers get their revenge.  The big lady to the rescue.  "Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher."

105.  ABOMINABLE--  11-23--  Returning baby to his parents on Mt. Everest.  Yetis aren't so bad.

106.  EUROPEAN VACATION--  11-25--  Clark destroys Stonehenge and starts a riot at Oktoberfest.  And that poor Monty Python guy.

107.  VACATION-- 11-25--  The pea-green Family Truckster.  Getting directions in a bad neighborhod.  You sure couldn't do that scene today.  Then there is that gal in the red sports car and swimming pool.  Aunt Edna.  "I love a parade."  One disaster after another.

108.  VEGAS VACATION--  11-25--  The blackjack dealer sure "owned" Clark.  The dam tour, Wayne Newton and Cousin Eddie.  And son "Papagio" can't lose.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  When the stars are out they are visible.  But when the lights are out, they are invisible.

Past Movie Scratches: Goblet-- Phoenix-- Hallows-- Chamber-- Jurassic-- Wick

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV nin 2021

97.  HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE--  11-13--   Dragons and Merfish and the maze.  Ot was "The Shining" all over again.  He's back.  He's really, really back.  The guy whose name can not be said.

98.  HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX--  11-13--  The new Dark Defense Arts teacher, Miss Umbrage.  The Wall of Cats, the Walls of Edicts.  Dumbledore's Army.

99.  HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2--  11-15--  The final battle.  It is the Dark Lord No Nose and his Deatheaters vs. Hogwarts.  Neville Longbottom the Hero.  We find out a lot of answers.

100.  HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS--  11-16--  Welcome to Quiddish.  Glyfindor wins thanks to Harry.  Hermoine thwarts Professor Snape.

101.  JURASSIC WORLD--  11-16--  Old Blue comes through in a pinch.  Training Raptors.

102.  JOHN WICK--  11-18--  Like Rambo all over again.  He's impossible to shoot, but he never misses.  "You shot my dog!"  More violence an shooting than you can believe.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How come Superman could stop bullets with his chest, but always ducked when somebody threw a gun at him?

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 13: Heading Home on Our Last Anniversary

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022

There was a still a clown hanging around this morning outside our room, only now wearing a bathrobe and later tourist clothes (but still with clown face painted on)  Not something you'd expect to see outside your door in the morning.  And, actually, a little bit unsettling.

Went to the Grant Hills Motel office for coffee and today's Dubuque newspaper.  The manager asked if we were going to stay another day, but Liz had already told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home.  I told her that we didn't want to stay and she said that was alright as they still didn't have any room cancellations.

Read the newspaper outside and we headed for home at 10:30.  I had considered driving the Stagecoach Road on the way home, but Liz said she wasn't feeling well, so took the usual US-20 route.

Instead of going on the US-20 bypass around Freeport, we took Business US-20, the original US-20 through town. It sure seemed like we went a long way on it.

When we got home after a 353 mile drive for our anniversary, I cut the grass and then we went to Sunnyside and the McHenry American Legion.

Little did I know at the time, but this was to be my last anniversary with Liz and that we only had less than a month before her death.  Today, December 23, is the third month since she died.

Sure Going to be a Strange Christmas This Year.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 12: Filming for a TV Pilot Show

AUGUST 26, 2022

Back to Grant Hills Motel and it was getting quite crowded with people walking all over the place.  There was even a movie crew there setting things up and testing a drone for aerial shots.  We knew that we couldn't get the room for tomorrow night because of a big wedding taking place nearby, so thought they must be there to film it.  With a twenty-person film crew, what kind of big deal wedding was that going to be?

We went inside, got our drinks and back outside to sit and watch the goings on.  Again, this is why we like mom and pop motels.  That sitting outside on a pleasant night is just the ticket.

We later learned that the film crew (and actors) were there to film a pilot for a new TV series or possibly a film about clowns.  There was one guy in a particularly striking (and a little scary) clown outfit.  They had already filmed some exterior shots around the motel.

And, they even filmed a segment in the room next to ours where a bad cop went in and killed two people.  The two people in the room were not actors but motel guests who had been asked to do the honors.  We had even talked to them a bit when we arrived back at the motel.

The cop had a fake gun (probably because of the accidental killing of a cast member in a big Hollywood film shoot earlier this year).

Watch Out for the Clowns and Cop.  --RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 11: Drinkin' at the VFW

Back at our favorite drinking spot in Galena, the VFW on Main Street.  They have $2 drafts.  The cheaper we pay for beer,  the better in our book.  Plus, we almost always we find locals to talk with.  My idea of a great bar.  And, you don't see every other person in the bar deeply involved with their "Smart Phone."

Talked with one guy who had brought his own limes into the bar.  We just had to ask why?  He said that even though the bartenders wash their hands when they go to the bathroom, but they handle money and money is covered with germs.  Makes sense, but I don't think I'll be toting limes alon with me.

Sadly, just before we left, I found out that they have craft and import beers for $3.25.  I had a couple, but would have had more at that price had I known of the special.

Cheaper Beer Is Better Beer.  --RoadDog

Past Movie Scratches: Halloween-- Wax-- Fly-- Resurrection-- Jaws-- Jaws

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

91.   HALLOWEEN H2O--  10-15--   How's Mikie learn to drive?This time he's at a rich kids' school.  Whio

92.  HOUSE OF WAX--  10-20--  It's a melting situation.  Some pretty gross ways to die.

93.  THE FLY--  10-23--   Some of the grossest changing ever.  Yuck!!

94.  HALLOWEEN RESURRECTION--  10-30--  Laurie goes to psychiatric hospital.  Michael follows her there and bedlam and mayhem take place.

95.  JAWS--  11-1--  Quinn gets his.  Don't go into the water.

96.  JAWS II--  11-1--  Do what Dad says or get eaten by a shark.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do feet smell and noses run?

WLS Top Ten for Week of Dec. 18, 1972: 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'

1.  I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy

2.  ME & MRS JONES--  Billy Paul

3.  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations

4.  YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green

5.  IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond

6.  CLAIR--  Gilbert O'Sullivan

7.  VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America

8.  IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin/Blue Notes

9.  ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA BOOGIE WOOGIE FLY--  Johnny Rivers

10.  I'M STONE IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Stylistics

********************************

DEBUTS

20.  LIVING IN THE PAST--  Jethro Tull

29.  LONG DARK ROAD--  Hollies

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All The Things That We've Been Through."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"If You Don't Know Me By Now"

Past Movie Scratches: Play-- Die-- Hard-- Halloween-- Transylvania-- Carrie

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

85.  CHILD'S PLAY--  9-21-- Meet Good Guy Chuckie.  So this is how he got that way.  "This is the end, friend."

86.  DIE HARD--  9-24--  A Christmas hostage situation.  It's Cowboy John.  "Yippie Yi Kay."   It's John vs. Hans.  A real Christmas story.

87.  DIE HARD 2--   9-25--   You're in my little pond now.   John takes a beating but keeps on ticking.

88.  HALLOWEEN II--  10-1--  Why doesn't she ever look behind her?   You don't know what death is.

89.  HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA  2--  10-2--  The wedding, pregnancy and a baby.  Is he a vampire or not?

90.  CARRIE--  10-9--  Don't cross her.

--RoadDog

WLS Top 29 Songs for Week of Dec. 11, 1972-- Part 5: 'Summer Breeze'

These were the Top Ten Songs in Chicago a half century ago according to Powerhouse WLS, 890 AM.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.    The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Charts.

10.  *CLAIR--  Gilbert O'Sullivan       #2      Clair is the young daughter of his former agent.  She was three at the time.  That's her giggling at the end of the song.

9.  IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--   Harold Melvin / Blue Notes    #3

8.  SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts      #6      Jim Seals died recently in June.  He is the brother of England Dan Seals.

7.  *ME & MRS. JONES--  Billy Paul     #1    (for three weeks)    Cheatin's never been finer.

6.  *VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America     #8

5.  *IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond      #5

4.  I  CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash      #1  (for four weeks)

3.  *YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green     #3

2.  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations      #1

1.  *I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy    #1

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "In Numbers Too Big To Ignore."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Am Woman"

WLS Top 29 Songs for Week of Dec. 11, 1972-- Part 4: 'I'm Stone In Love With You'

Yep, still fifty years ago.

15.  SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH ME--  Austin Roberts     #12      I don't remember it.   From Newport News, Virginia.

14.  OPERATOR--  Jim Croce      #17      And kids today would say "Operator?   What's an operator?"

13.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo    #2    Born July 31, 1943.

12.  ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU--  Johnny Rivers     #6      Just a rockin' good song.  Tickle those ivories.

11.  I'M STONE IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Stylistics      #10     From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   The unique voice of Russell Thompkins, Jr.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "See The Number On The Matchbook Is Old And Faded."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Operator"

WLS Top 29 Songs for Week of Dec. 11, 1972-- Part 3: 'Dialogue'

Fifty years ago.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts in Chicago.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Charts.

20.  *SWEET SURRENDER--  Bread       #15       Imagine Bread doing a slow song.  Wonder how many babies ended up getting made because of a Bread song?

19.  IF I COULD REACH YOU--  5th Dimension    #10    Their last Top Ten.

18.  *FUNNY FACE--  Donna Fargo      #5      Country goes pop.  The pride of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, which was also Andy Griffiths home town and the one Mayberry was based on.

17.  *DIALOGUE--  Chicago       (Parts 1 & 2)     #24        Great blend of horns.  Great music.  Are they in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame yet?

16.  *CORNER OF THE SKY--  Jackson Five      #18     I don't remember this song.  From the Broadway musical "Pippin" starring Ben Vereen.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You Kiss The Tears Away.  You Smile At Me And Say."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Funny Face"

WLS Top 29 Songs for Week of December 11, 1972-- Part 2: 'Keeper of the Castle'

25.  *I WANNA BE WITH YOU--  Raspberries      #16       So much energy in this song.  That's Eric Carmen singing.  Band formed in Mentor, Ohio.

24.  *SUPERFLY--  Curtis Mayfield      #8         That great opening.  Just oozes Soul.

23.  *SITTING--  Cat Stevens      #16     One of my favorite Cat songs and with that unique voice of  his.  Go to You Tube and give it a listen.

22.  WALK ON WATER--  Neil Diamond       #17      Sure didn't remember this one.    A slow-fast song.  Follow up to "Play Me."

21.  KEEPER OF THE CASTLE--  Four Tops     #10      Not one of their better-known songs.  This is a father's job.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Oh I'm On My Way, I Know I Am."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Sitting"

WLS Top 29 Songs for Week of December 11, 1972-- Part 1: "You're So Vain"

These were the songs on the Top 29 of Chicago's WLS, 890 AM fifty years ago.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song for on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

29.  YOU'RE SO VAIN--  Carly Simon     #1      Anybody not know this one?

28.  SUPERSTITION--  Stevie Wonder        #1    He once said:  "Just because a  man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision."  So much talent.

27.  PIECES OF APRIL--  Three Dog Night       #19       That's Chuck Negron singing.   Written by David Loggins.

26.  YOUR MAMA DON'T DANCE--  Loggins & Messina       #4      Always a favorite of mine.  What about your daddy?  Talk about your square parents.   Jim Messina was a member of Buffalo Springfield and Poco.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "We Knew No Time For Sadness.  That's A Road We Both Had Crossed."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Pieces of April"

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 10: Cajun Jack's and the VFW

FRIDAY,  AUGUST 26

I was sitting out by the Grant Hills Motel's pool at 12:45 pm.  It was nice when the clouds rolled by, but very hot when they were gone.  They are cutting the grass and I sure love the smell of fresh mown grass.  One of those great smells of summer.

I've seen a place in Elizabeth called Cajun Jack's advertised quite often and we drive by it every time we  go to Galena.  But, we'd never stopped in.  Any place with a name like that will be of interest.  So, today was the day we would check it out.

They have great decor outside and inside.  We ordered beers and got a half order of Cajun chips with steak and all sorts of fixins' for $9.  We could not finish it.  We just had one draft beer apiece and would have had more had we known that they were just $1.75.  That is a good price these days.

Back to the motel then downtown Galena and, like yesterday, almost unbelievably found a parking place right in front of the VFW where I wouldn't have to parallel park.  This is especially hard these days since I lost my depth perception.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 9: A 'Great" Morning at a Mom and Pop Motel

Continued from November 13th.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2022

Got my coffee from the office as well as a free copy of today's Dubuque (Iowa) Telegraph-Herald.  The price of it is now $1.50 Monday to Saturday.  A little bit higher but definitely better than the Chicago tribune which is now $4 daily.  I will be cancelling my subscription, sadly, soon.  I love having a print paper in my hand, but not at $140 every two months.

Sat outside the room, had my coffee and read the paper.  Now that's good living to me.

The neighbors in Room 14 left for breakfast and a boat ride  in Dubuque, but will not be coming back to the motel.  Too bad, we sure had a nice conversation with them last night.  Those old Mom and Pop motels are very conducive to sitting outside your room and talking with fellow travelers, something you can't do in newer motels.

I watched some of "South Park," a really funny adult cartoon show which unfortunately attracts a lot of kids to watch it.  It is hilarious, but things they talk about and cursing should not be for kids.

--RoadDog

81st Anniversary of Pearl Harbor: Herbert Jacobson-- Part 4: The USS Oklahoma Rolled Over

Seven of my blogs today will be about Pearl Harbor and this story which started in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

During the attack, the Japanese hit the USS Oklahoma with numerous torpedoes and the ship rapidly rolled over and sank.  Many of the men, including Herbert Jacobson, were trapped in the upturned hull and a few were cut free through intense efforts of sailors and civilian Navy Yard employees.

But the attack resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen aboard the USS Oklahoma, including Herbert Jacobson.  In all, 2,402 Americans were killed that day, when Japanese forces attacked much of the U.S. Pacific fleet.

It took several years before the remains of the 429 deceased USS Oklahoma sailors entombed in the ship to be recovered.  Many of the remains were commingled because there was so little left of the bodies.

Continued in my Not So Forgotten:  War of 1812 blog.

Past Movie Scratches: Men-- Robot-- Die-- Hard-- Fantastic-- Beetlejuice

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

79.  MEN IN BLACK II--  9-16--  You know what they say about postal workers.

80.  I ROBOT--  9-17--  The Robot Revolt.  What's the First Law?

81.  DIE HARD 2--  9-18--  Why shoot them once when you can shoot then four times?  Just another Merry Christmas with John McLain.

82.  DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE--  9-18--  Simon Says.  Having a REAL bad day..

83.  FANTASTIC FOUR--  9-19--  Stretch, Rock Invisible & Flame.

84.  BEETLEJUICE--  9-21--  "Day-O."  That horrible human problem.  Never trust the living.  Watch out for those Sand Worms.

--RoadDog

Past Movie Scratches: Goodfellas-- RED-- RED-- Forrest-- Brother-- Hunter

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2021.

73.  GOODFELLAS--  9-2--  The rise and fall of Henry Hill.  All that great music.  "Do I amuse you?"

74.  RED--  9-3--  Retired Extremely Dangerous.   Retirees not to be messed with.

75.  RED--  9-3--   Making a mess of Paris.  Watch out for that Korean guy.  This doesn't mean I'm not going to kill you later.

76.  FORREST GUMP--  9-9--  Loved that Bubba.  Lt. Dan.  The Running Man.

77.  OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOU--  9-9--   Keeping ahead of that man and all that Dapper Dan pomade.  It takes two weeks to get anything.

78.  THE LAST WITCH HUNTER--  9-15--  Witches, they are among us.  Beware the Witch Queen.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of Dec. 4, 1972: 'I Can See Clearly Now'

From OldiesLoon.

These were the Top Ten songs and debuts in Chicago fifty years ago today according to WLS, 890 AM.

1.  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations

2.  I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy

3.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo

4.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

5.  SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts

6.  YOU OUGHT TO BE MINE--  Al Green

7.  IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin/ Blue Notes

8.  IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond

9.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners

10.  VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America

********************************

DEBUTS

20.  CORNER OF THE SKY--  Jackson Five

24.  WALK ON WATER--  Neil Diamond

25.  KEEPER OF THE CASTLE--    Four Tops

27.  I WANNA BE WITH YOU--  Raspberries

28.  YOUR MAMA DON'T DANCE--  Loggins & Messina

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Got On Board A WestBound 747."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"It Never Rains in Southern California"

Past Movie Scratches: Jaws-- Torino-- Rock-- Prince-- Doom-- Grail

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 20221.

67.  JAWS--  8-25--  "This is going to be the best summer we've ever had."  Well, before the uninvited guest showed up in the water.  What was that about the boat's size?

68.  GRAN TORINO--  8-26--  The spitting contest.  "Get off my lawn!"  The persistant Padre.  Toad and Miss Yum Yum.

69.  THE ROCK--  8-30--  "Mr. Director, you have a very serious problem.  It seems that Alcatraz has just reopened."

70.  HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE--  8-31--  Jenny loves Harry.  How Harry learned about Holcruxes.  Tom Riddle is Voldemort.

71.  INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM--  9-1--  She sure screams a lot.  Quite the meal at the maharaja's.   An unbelievable roller coaster ride.

72.  INDIANA JONES AND THE HOLY GRAIL--  9-1--   He really hates the Nazis.  Love the maps.  Be sure to choose wisely.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why does your alarm go off by going on?

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of Nov. 27. 1972: Part 1: 'I Am Woman'

That's right, fifty years ago.

1.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

2.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo

3.  I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy

4.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners

5.  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations

6.  SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts

7.  IF I COULD REACH YOU--  5th Dimension

8.  YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green

9.  IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin & Blue Notes

10.  WITCHY WOMAN--  Eagles

*******************************

DEBUTS

21.  ME & MRS. JONES--  Billy Paul

22.  DIALOGUE--  Chicago

24.  FUNNY FACE--  Donna Fargo

27.  SWEET SURRENDER--  Bread

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Gone Are The Dark Clouds That Had Me Blind."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Can See Clearly Now"

WLS Top Ten for Week of Nov. 20, 2022: 'Nights in White Satin'

 These were the Top Ten songs and debuts in Chicago 50 years ago.

1.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

2.  I'LL BE AROUND-- Spinners

3.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo

4.  I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy

5.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield

6.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues

7.  PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations

8.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

9.  WITCHY WOMAN--  Eagles

10.  IF I COULD REACH YOU--  Fifth Dimension

********************************************

DEBUTS

25.  SOMETHING'S WRONG WITH ME--  Austin Roberts

26.  ROCK 'N ROLL SOUL--  Grand Funl

27.  SUNNY DAYS--  Lighthouse

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "In Numebrs Too Big To Be Ignores."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Am Woman"

WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of Nov. 13, 1972-- Part 4: 'I Am Woman'

Fifty years ago.  That's half a century for those who are counting.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Charts.

10.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers      #11       Their first big hit.      On the video, they had two drummers and 4 guitarists.

9.  *WITCHY WOMAN--  Eagles      #9       Too late for Halloween?  That's Don Henley singing.

8.  *IF I COULD REACH YOU--  5th Dimension       #10     Their last Top Ten.

7.  *I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy      #1      Hear me now!!  Hear her roar!!

6.  *I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo      #2

5.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners      #3     This song really brings back the memories.

4.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield    #4

3.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson    #6      His last Top 40 song.

2.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues    #2   Their biggest hit.

1.  *I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash    #1 for 4 weeks

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "A Chance To Share Old Memories And Play Our Songs Again."   Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Garden Party"

WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of Nov. 13, 1972-- Part 3: 'Summer Breeze'

These were the Top songs in Chicago back fifty years ago this week according to WLS, 890 AM.  

*  Means it was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

15.  *SUMMER BREEZE--   Seals & Crofts      #6      Their first big hit.  Jim Seals & Dash Crofts.   From Texas.

14.  *I BELIEVE IN YOU--   Gallery      #22     Well, ya gotta believe in something.  That be a good thing.  Why not music?   Mac Davis wrote it.    Follow up to their biggest hit "Nice to Be With You."

13.  *THUNDER AND LIGHTNING--   Chi Coltrane      #17     That gal could sing.  Quite the pipes.   Her only top 40 hit.  

12.  *PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE--  Temptations       #1     Motown at its best.

11.  GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe      #9     Bluesy & laid back.   His only Top 40 hit.  From Washington state.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It Was The Third Of September That Day I Will Always Remember, Yes I Will."  Answer below.  --  RoadDog

"Papa Was a Rolling Stone"

WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of Nov. 13, 1972-- Part 2: 'It Never Rains in Southern California'

20.  *ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA - BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU--  Johnny Rivers     #6     That boogie piano.

19.  *IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond       #5     If no rain, where do those mudslides come from?   Born in London, England.

18.  *VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America      #8       That's Dewey Bunnell singing lead.  

17.  *YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green     #3      That music, those instruments and that voice!!   Not one of his better  known songs.  Part of 6 straight Top Tens from 1972-1973.  

16.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley       #2       Thought I was at a tent revival.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Chewing On A Piece Of Grass, Walking Down The Road."  Answer below.  --  RoadDog

"Ventura Highway"

WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of November 13, 1972-- Part 1: 'I'm Stone in Love with You'

That's right, a half century ago these were the big songs on Chicago's Powerhouse WLS, 890 AM.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

27.  *I'M STONE IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Stylistics    #10  With that unique voice of Russell Thompkins, Jr.  From Philadelphia.

26.  *CLAIR--  Gilbert O'Sullivan     #2       Dig the whistling.  Follow up to "Alone Again (Naturally)"  Real name Raymond O'Sullivan.   A song about the 3-year-old daughter of his manager.

25.  *CRAZY HORSES--  Osmonds     #14      This is a great Halloween song.  Weird.  Who says the Osmonds can't rock.  This could be Heavy Metal.  Seriously.  Give it a listen if you don't remember it.  Especially watch the video.

24.  *OPERATOR--  Jim Croce      #17      My favorite Jim Croce songs.  Too bad we didn't have him longer.  Just imagine all those great songs he might have had.

23.  *IF YOU DON'T KNOW ME BY NOW--  Harold Melvin       #3      Hard to imagine a song that is more of a belly rubber.    His group?  The Blue Notes.

22.  *BEN--  Michael Jackson     #1      A song about a rat?  Title song from the movie.

21.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient     #3     Again, this songs always reminds me of driving the Ramblin' Wreck ('63 Rambler station wagon)  on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois, my senior year at NIU.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "See, The Number In The Matchbook Is Old And Faded."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Operator"

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 8: Toasting 49 Years and That Little Bottle of Blue Nun

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We walked over to the VFW, about a block away and enjoyed their $2 drafts and especially enjoyed talking with the other folks there.  You can almost always strike up a conversation at this "Cheers" kind of a place.  Hopefully, the Gold Room will be better the next time we go there as it is a "Cheers" kind of place also.  Yesterday, we only had one and then done.

Returned to the motel and had our Riesling wine while we toasted 49 years of being wed and Amby and his little bottle of Blue Nun.

We didn't have anyone sitting outside their room last night, but tonight was different.  The people in the rooms next to us were outside and we had a great talk with them.  One couple were farmers from near Galesburg.

Sitting outside your room and talking with fellow travelers is one of our favorite things about staying in a mom and pop motel.

--RoadTalk

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 7: Galena's Log Cabin Restaurant

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We then drove to downtown Galena and amazingly, found a parking space, one that I could pull into and not have to back into (again, my depth perception has faded).  It was right in front of where we were going to eat our anniversary dinner, The Log Cabin Steakhouse (with that great old sign hanging over the sidewalk).  This is where we ate our first meal together on our honeymoon.

As we walked up to the door, they opened it as they open at 4 p.m. and that was the time.  We were the first customers of the day.  I had thought of having one of their notable steak dinners, but they started at $38, a bit more than I wanted to pay.  Instead, I got my usual catfish dinner for $19.95, only this time I had it made up Greek style.  Liz ordered the cod dinner.

The place looks exactly as it did 49 years ago.   Another reason we like it so well.

As usual, we got a hot loaf of bread and a relish tray with some of the best cheese spread anywhere.  I also got a baked potato with the order.

We had plenty left over.  Thankfully, our room at Grant Hills Motel has a minifrig.

--RoadAnniversary

Veterans Day 2022

A day to thank our veterans for their service.  It is too bad that so many don't.  

I have or will write about veterans in all blogs today except one.

I was admiring the Ukrainian flag I have flying as I pulled out of the driveway and then remembered, "Hey, Veterans Day."  Pulled back in and put the big  U.S. flag on the garage and the smaller one out by the mailbox.  I already had a U.S. flag flying from the gazebo.

Went to Fox Lake to participate in the Veterans Day ceremony, but was unable to find it.  I sure wish the village and Legion would put out more information on these things.  So, drove over to McHenry and also could not find it at Veterans Park, so then figured that perhaps the ceremony would be at 11:00.  I had time to kill so went to Wendy's for breakfast.

Drove by Veterans Park, but no ceremony.  Same with Miller Park.  Then went to the VFW and caught the very end of it.  Oh well.

Later  tonight, I will be going to the Fox Lake Legion.

Thank You Veterans.  --RoadThankful

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 6: Some More on That Little Blue Nun and a 'Sharknado'

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

The actual date of  our 29th wedding anniversary.

Some more on that little bottle of Blue Nun Riesling wine.

At one time, Blue Nun Riesling wine was one of the biggest selling wines in the United States, especially from the 1940s to 1970s.  That was because our servicemen and women stationed overseas during World War II started drinking the wine and when they returned to the States, continued drinking it.  Sadly, as they died, their kids did not keep on drinking it.  That is why it is impossible to find it now.  Even Binny's in Chicago, a huge chain, does not carry it.

Oh well, regular Riesling wine will suffice for us.  And, overall, Riesling is making a comeback, so we can hope that Blue Nun will as well.

Back to the motel and put one bottle in the minifrig and watched what has to be one of the dumbest movies of all time "Sharknado 3."  So bad that it was good.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 5: Those Crazy Iowa Gas Prices and the Little Blue Nun

If you want traffic, you got traffic on the Iowa side of that bridge.

I found a station advertising $3.70 a gallon and doubled back against a lot of that traffic to fill up.  However, as I was putting the gas in, I saw that I was paying $4.10 a gallon.  WHAT??  What gives here?  Have I been victimized again by crazy Iowa gas prices? You've got to keep an eye on gas prices here.  Often regular is more expensive than midgrade.

I then saw that there were two kinds of regular at the station:  Regular and Regular Supreme.  And, I had chosen poorly and been victimized by Iowa gas prices again.  I am going to have to talk to my buddy Mark about gas prices in "HIS" state.

After that expensive gas fill up, we drove back across the bridge and stopped at one of our favorite liquor stores, Van's in East Dubuque.  I bought two bottles of Barefoot Riesling wine to keep Liz's dad's tradition going.  Ambrose (Amby) gave us a small bottle of Blue Nun wine for our honeymoon.  He knew that we didn't like wine (well, Ripple and Annie something or other were acceptable in a pinch).  

Well, every year for the first 44 anniversaries we would get a bottle of Blue Nun to drink.  But, sadly, no one carries it anymore.  But, it is a Riseling wine and you can find them easily, so we drink as close to a Blue Nun thing as we can.

--RoadDog

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 4: Hanging Out and Going to Dubuque

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

There were three motorcyclists who stayed at the Grant Hills Motel last night and we said hello as they passed by, but as cyclists often are, they only wanted to talk with each other.  Not with car folk like us.

I sat out by the pool and wrote in the journal.  The clouds were gone, sunshining and actually getting hot.  Cars, trucks, motorcycles and lots of SUVs going by on US-20 (the U.S. Grant Highway)  The U-Haul trucks are parked by the side of the pool.  The motel also rents them.

Liz and I drove to Dubuque, Iowa.  US-20 from Main Street in Galena all the way up the hill is really torn up with construction.  Galena High School is called the Pirates and they have the same dopey-looking logo as our Palatine High School Pirates.

Anyone who thinks Illinois is a flat state need only drive US-20 from Freeport to Dubuque to change their mind.  Passed the Swiss Inn in East Dubuque, Illinois.  We have stayed there often and like it especially because there is a bar attached to it.

We crossed the Mighty Mississippi on the bridge and were expecting to find cheaper gas prices in Iowa.  From the bridge there is quite a climb up a hill to get to the main store area of Dubuque on US-20.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do you fill out a form by filling it in?

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of November 6, 1972: 'Listen to the Music'

That's right, half a century ago.

1.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues

2.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

3.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

4.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield

5.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners

6.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers

7.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

8.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

9.  GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe

10.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo

******************************

DEBUTS

20.  SUMMER BREEZE--  Seals & Crofts

21.  AMERICAN CITY SUITE--  Cashman & Dill

22.  YOU OUGHT TO BE WITH ME--  Al Green

26.  ELECTED--  Alice Cooper

27.  OPERATOR--  Jim Croce

28.  CRAZY HORSES--  Osmonds

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Everybody's Misused Him, Ripped Him Off And Abused Him."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Freddie's Dead"

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 3: Bringing It All Back

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25

We were married on this date 49 years ago.  The ceremony took place at the Newman Center in DeKalb right by the campus of Northern Illinois University where we both graduated.  The reception also took place in DeKalb at what was the Holiday Inn on Lincoln Highway (that Lincoln Highway, America's first transcontinental paved highway).  It is now still there and is a Red Roof Inn.  It is right across the street from one of out favorite places, Pizza Pros.

We sat outside for awhile and I went to the office for coffee and a Dubuque newspaper.  Yep, they still give guests a newspaper.  How quaint.

Forty-nine years ago, I woke up in our apartment in Des Plaines and Liz woke up at her parents' house in Palatine.  Then, we drove to DeKalb.

I didn't know Dubuque had three colleges: the University of Dubuque, Clarke College and one other one.  Plus, one of their parks is named Comsikey Park.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How does a building burn up as it burns down?

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary-- Part 2: Galena's Gold Room, Paradise and VFW

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24

We then drove back to downtown Galena and began the long look to find a parking space somewhere.  It is a popular tourist spot, so always a lot of cars (especially on the weekends).  Of course, a new problem is that my depth perception has really gotten bad, so parallel parking would not be a good idea.  We saw several good parallel parking spaces of course.  

I dropped Liz of outside one of our favorite watering holes in Galena, the Gold Room and then spent another ten minutes looking for a spot and finally found one at a good distance from the Gold Room.  Walked back and we went inside.  Sadly, the place was dead so just had one beer and left.

We were planning to eat at Dirty Gurt's nearby, but they are closed on Wednesdays.  Continued walking and found a likely place called Paradise Pub & Grub and stopped in.  They had a spaghetti special so I got that and Liz had a pork loin sandwich.

Next stop was at our favorite drinking place in Galena, the VFW which still has their $2 Busch Light pints so thoroughly enjoyed them.

Went back to the Grant Hills Motel and sat outside.  Unfortunately, no one else did. so it was just Liz and me.  Folks need to know that when you have a motel like that, you should sit outside.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:   Why is QUITE A FEW the same as QUITE A LOT?

Our 49th Wedding Anniversary

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24

This was the first time Liz and I had been farther than about twenty miles from the house since March 2020 because of the COVID thing.  I had driven as far away as 35 miles to Marengo a couple times (and even to the Indy 500, but friends drove).

We went to Galena, Illinois, where we went on our honeymoon in August 1973.  This was before it became such a popular place as it is today. 

We took Il-47 to Il-176 and then US-20 (US-20 is the U.S. Grant Highway in Illinois because of his living in Galena) the rest of the way.   We stayed at the Grant Hills Motel just south of Galena.  This is an old mom and pop kind of motel where you park right outside your room.  We especially like this place because you can sit outside at night and talk to other people staying there.

This was a 130 mile trip.  That is really not that far, but since this was way farther than I had driven since 2020, I was quite tired when I got there and had to take a nap. 

After that, we drove on US-20 past the that neat old downtown to Wal Mart to stock up on beer and a bottle of Jim Beam for that outside sitting at night.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If it was just a three-hour trip, why did Mrs. Howell have so many clothes?

Past Movie Scratches: Dead-- Andreas-- Geostorm-- Ghostbusters-- Divergent-- Egypt

Past Movie Scratches -- These were movies I saw on TV in 2020.

61.  DEAD POOL 2--  8-15--  Love the bartender and Juggernaut.

.

62.  SAN ANDREAS--  8-15--  The Mother of All earthquakes.  Unbelievable rescues.  Not the ideal way to meet your new girlfriend.

63.  GEOSTORM--  8-17--  Real slow until the end then came the storms and a presidential kidnapping.  That was cool with all the tornadoes at once like that.

64.  GHOSTBUSTERS--  8-19--  The gals take a shot.  Lots of cameos by the first Ghostbusters.

65.  DIVERGENT:  INSURGENT--  8-20--  Looking for the box.

66.  GODS OF EGYPT--  8-24--  Pretty dumb escapism with all that brotherly love.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for October 30, 1972: 'Freddie's Dead'

These were the Top Ten songs (and Debuts) in Chicago fifty years ago according to WLS, AM 890.

1.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues

2.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

3.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

4.  USE ME--  Bill Withers

5.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

6.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient

7.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield

8.  I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

9.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners

10.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers

*****************************

DEBUTS

27.  VENTURA HIGHWAY--  America

28.  ROCKIN' PNEUMONIA/BOOGIE WOOGIE FLU--  Johnny Rivers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "It's Gonna Be A Bright, Bright Sunshiny Day."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"I Can See Clearly Now"

A Fish Fry, a Lake View, Steak Fry, Legion and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

Met the usual folks at Kelly's in Trevor, Wisconsin, for their fish fry.  Afterwards, we went to Lake View on Grasslake and sat out on the deck and enjoyed the $1.50 drafts and the wonderful view.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20

Went to the Spring Grove Fireman's Steak Fry at Horse Fair Park.  A delicious meal even after all those long lines to get it.  Enjoyed the band for awhile.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21

Went to the McHenry American Legion and later to Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do feet smell and noses run?

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of Oct. 23, 1972: 'Garden Party'

Oops, forgot to print this last Sunday.

These were the Top Ten and Debut songs in Chicago fifty years ago.

1.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient

2.  USE ME--  Bill Withers

3.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

4.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues

5.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

6.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

7.  GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries

8.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield

9.  TIGHTROPE--  Leon Russell

10.  GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe

*****************************

DEBUTS

12.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers

18.  THUNDER AND LIGHTNING--  Chi Coltrane

20.  WITCHY WOMAN--  Eagles

25.  I AM WOMAN--  Helen Reddy

28.  I'D LOVE YOU TO WANT ME--  Lobo

I don't know about you, but this is quite a list of debuts.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Just What I'm Going Through They Can't Understand."  Answer below.  --ToadDog

"Nights in White Satin"

Music Deaths: Naomi Judd of the Judds

NAOMI JUDD, 76

Died 30 April 2022

Singer with the mother-daughter country group Judds.

Between 1983 and 1991 had an amazing run of success in country music, releasing six albums, winning five Grammy Awards and nine Country Music Association awards.

From 1984 to 1989 they had fourteen #1s including:

"Mama He's Crazy"

"Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)"

Music Deaths: Charles McCormick of Bloodstone and Susan Jacks of the Poppy Family

CHARLES McCORMICK, 75

Died 12 April 2022

Bass player and vocalist with Bloodstone.

They had a #10 song on the pop charts in 1973 with "Natural High."

*********************************

SUSAN JACKS, 73

Died 25 April 2022

Singer, performed with the Poppy Family.

They had a  #2 song in 1970 with "Which Way You Goin' Billy."

Oh, Those Pontiacs, Trivia at Donovans and Alan Snyder at Sunnyside

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

Went to the Car Show at the McHenry Moose Lodge which was featuring Pontiacs.  Too bad I couldn't take my '85 Firebird because of a flat tire and I can't get it started.  They had several GTOs and Trans Ams, but no regular Firebirds.  A 1968 Pontiac Tempest brought back memories as we used to have a '67 Tempest, the poor man's GTO.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia with Uncle Jeffie.

THUSDAY, AUGUST 18

Went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg, Illinois, and saw Alan Snyder do his show.  Great music and trivia.

I Sure Miss Pontiacs.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do we ship by truck and send cargo by ship?

Mayor's Fish Fry, Two Legions, Sunnyside Shuffle, Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Liz and I met Glen and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park.  A great deal for AUCE for $9 for seniors.  Unfortunately, the line for refills was always too long so I didn't get seconds.  Too bad as it was excellent fish.

Afterwards, we all went to the Fox Lake American Legion (across Nippersink Lake from the Lake Front Park) and played 50/50.  They now have pull cards on Fridays where you either pay full price, half price or 50 cents for your drink.  I had two full price ($2 pints), a half price and a 50 cents.

***********************************

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and eventually, doing what everyone calls the Sunnyside Shuffle, were able to move from a table to the edge of the bar and finally the horseshoe part, the primo seating and most fun with others.

***********************************

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

Liz and I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed brats, beer, ice cream and the excellent oompah band Die Musikmeisters.  Then, we went to McHenry for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a tribute to our World War II and Korean War veterans.  Sadly their numbers are getting lower every year so now Vietnam War veterans have been added. Enjoyed the sounds of Bill's Little Big Band.

Afterwards, we went to the McHenry Legion.

Always Something Going On Around Here.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you rip a hole in a net, you have less holes than you started with.

A Movie, Meal and the Civil War As Well as Wings and a Concert

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9

Bob Stroud played Ten at Ten from that great college year for me, 1972, including "Ventura Highway" by America and "Sunshine" by Jonathan Edwards.  Took me back.  

Drove to Woodstock and saw the movie "Minions:  the Rise of Gru."  Gotta love those little yellow guys.  Then met some Civil War buffs at 3 Brothers restaurant in Il. Highway 47 and then to The Woodstock Library for a presentation on the USS Merrimac(k)/ CSS Virginia.  I especially like presentations on anything Civil War Navy.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

Trivia at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

*******************************

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

Went to Captain's Quarters on Fox Lake and had those great 50 cent wings and a good talk wih a Sox fan where we figured out that the Sox really have stunk up the place this season.  Drove to Wisconsin and got gas just over the border for $3.87 ($3.86.9) which is 45 cents cheaper than in Illinois.  A whole lot of Illinois folks near the border do this these days.

Then went to Antioch's It's Thursday concert featuring a good party band, 28 Days.

Why Go Anywhere Else?  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How can a SLIM CHANCE and a FAT CHANCE  be the same, while a WISE GUY and a WISE MAN aren't.

Two Legions, a PLAV, 1972 and Two Bands

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Liz and I went to the Fox Lake Legion in the afternoon and saw the excellent 3 Aces Band play from 3 to 6.  Always love entertainment in a Sunday afternoon, especially with $2 drafts.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7

Bob Stroud played his third installment of his annual Ode to Summer fifty years ago (1972) and I recorded on cassette tapes.  These were the songs on the radio and in our record collections and the first three songs:  "Join Together" by the Who, "Immigration Man" by Crosby & Nash and "Back Stabbers" by the O'Jays.

We went over to McHenry for the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAC) street party.  It was all you can drink and eat for $15 as well as a band.  I sure got my money's worth.  I know a lot of people at the PLAV and there were a lot of McHenry American Legion members there as well (many hold dual memberships).

Afterwards, went to the McHenry Legion.

--RoadDog

WLS Top Ten for Week of October 17, 1972: 'Garden Party'

These were the top songs in Chicago fifty years ago.

1.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

2.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient

3.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

4.  USE ME--  Bill Withers

5.  GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries

6.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues

7.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis

8.  TIGHT ROPE--  Leon Russell

9.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

10.  PLAY ME--  Neil Diamond

***************************

DEBUTS

15.  FREDDIE'S DEAD--  Curtis Mayfield

20.  I'LL BE AROUND--  Spinners

26.  I CAN SEE CLARLY NOW--  Johnny Nash

27.  I BELIEVE IN MUSIC--  Gallery

28.  LOVING YOU JUST CROSSED MY MIND--  Sam Neely

29.  IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond

Name That Tune (from the above songs): "Letters I've Written, Never Meaning To Send."   Answer below.  --RoadDog

Round Lake, Crawdads, Johnny's and Two Legions

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 

Liz and I went to Round Lake for our dentist appointment and Liz's haircut.  Drove around the old spots; we lived there for 17 years.  We were hoping to stop for those delicious Charcoburgers  at the Ingleside Dog 'N Suds, but it was way too hot to eat outside.

I saw the movie "Where the Crawdads Sing" at the Fox Lake Theatre.  Later we went to the McHenry American Legion for drinks and karaoke.

***********************

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

Met Kevin and Kelly at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do you recite at a play, but you play at a recital.

Music Deaths: Charles McCormick of Bloodstone and Andrew Woolfolk of Earth, Wind & Fire

CHARLES McCORMICK, 75

Died 12 April 2022

Bass player and lead vocalist of Bloodstone.

The group had a #10 song with "Natural High" in 1973 and a #34 song with "Outside Woman" in 1974 on the pop charts.

Formed in Kansas City, Missouri.  The group starred in the 1975 movie "Train Ride to Hollywood."

*********************************

ANDREW WOOLFORK, 71

Died 25 April 2022

Saxophonist and member of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Membeof the group from 1973 to 1985.  This was when the group was at its peak with 16 songs on the pop charts ranking at #16 to #1, including:

"Shining Star"  (#1-1975)

"Sing a Song"  (#5-1976)

"Got to get You Into My Life"  (#9-1978)

"September"  (#8-1978)

 

WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 4: 'Saturday In the Park'

What were you doing fifty years ago this week?  Here are some songs that might help bring back the memories as they were the top ones in Chicago a half century ago.  A HALF CENTURY AGO?

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got ion the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

10.  PLAY ME--  Neil Diamond   #11

9.  SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago   #3

8.  *USE ME--  Bill Withers       #2      Just so funky.  Always enjoy the intro.

7.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays     #3

6.  *BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presly     #2      Probably my favorite Elvis song.

5.  BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night     #1

4.  *EVERYBODYPLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient    #3

3.  *GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries    #5   Their highest ranking song and only Top Ten.

2.  *BEN--  Michael Jackson    #1   His first solo #1.

1.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis        #1      This was its third week at #1 onthe WLS chart.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "My Friends Feel It's Their Appointed Duty."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Use Me"

WLS Top 27 Songs for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 3: 'Bights in White Satin'

These were the top songs in Chicago fifty yerars ago.  That's half a century for those of you whio are counting.

* Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Charts.

15.  *YOU WEAR IT WELL--  Rod Stewart    #13      His songs from 1971-1973 sure take me back to my college days.

14.  BEAUTIFUL SUMMER-- Daniel Boone       #15        Probably one of the most fun songs  ever.   Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  Just try not to sing along.  This was his only Top 40, making him a ___ ___ ______.

13.  *GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson     #6     Not the Ricky Nelson of Ozzie and Harriet.  Definitely a country vibe to this song.

12.  *TIGHTROPE--  Leon Russell       #11    Like no other.   Born Claude Russell Bridges.   

11.  *NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--  Moody Blues      #2      Liz's all-time favorite song.   Believe it or not, this was their highest charting song ever.     They had two other Top Tens.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):   "I Had Nothing To Do On This Hot Afternoon."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"You Wear It Well"

WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 2: 'Listen to the Music'

Fifty years ago in Chicago.

20.  *LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers   #11    Their first hit song for the group formed in San Jose, California.

19.  *GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe    #9     Born in 1942 in Washington state.  His one and only Top 40 song.

18.  *GOOD FOOT (PART 1)--  James Brown      #18     Why he is called "The Godfather of Soul."  How funky can you get?  Whole Title "Get On the Good Foot--  Part 1."

17.  SPEAK TO THE SKY--  Rick Springfield     #14     Love the banjo and tuba in this song  Imagine those in a pop/rock song!  Hard not to move to this song.  His first hit of 17 Top 40s.

16.  *WHY-  Donny Osmond       #13     That old song.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're Not A Kid at  Thirty-Three."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues"

WLS Top 27 for Week of October 9, 1972-- Part 1: 'Thunder and Lightning'

These were the top songs in Chicago according to WLS, 890 AM, fifty years ago.

*  Means the song was climbing the charts.  The number behind the artist is how high the song got on the Billboard Hot 100 National Chart.

27.  *DON'T EVER BE LONELY-- Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose     #23      I had forgotten this nugget.  If you don't remember it, check it out on You Tube.

26.  *IF I COULD REACH YOU--  Fifth Dimension       #19     What a voice.  That Mariyn McCoo and gang could really sing well together.

25.  *THUNDER AND LIGHTNING--  Chi Coltrane      #17      For some reason I always thought  it was a black woman singing this song, but it wasn't.  One kickin' song.   Born in Racine, Wisconsin.  Her one and only top 40 tune.

24.  RUN TO ME--  Bee Gees   #16     A forgotten Gibbs brothers song.

22.  CITY OF NEW ORLEANS--  Arlo Guthrie      #18     Written by Chicago's Steve Goodman.  A real American tapestry.  His only Top 40.  Also famous for that great "Alice's Restaurant."

21.  *STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN--  Mel & Tim       #19     I'd forgotten about this song but what a great smoothie as Herb Kent would call it.  Their second of two Top 40s, the other one being "Backfield in Motion" (#10 in 1969).

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Penny A Point Ain't Nobody Keeping Score."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"City of New Orleans"

A Chain O' Lakes Oldie, a Long-Time Owner and Harley Wayne

MONDAY, AUGUST 1

We met Kevin and Kelly at Oak Park Lounge on Pistakee Lake where they were celebrating owner Tom Fuch's 46th year of owning the place.  That's a real long time to run a bar, especially considering that even though he grew up in the Johnsburg area, he had never gone there before buying it.  Talk about your on-the-job learning.

And, Oak Park Lounge is a Chain O' Lakes original, built in the 1890s and looking pretty much the same since then.  We had some drinks with Tom.

Afterwards, we went to Sunnyside Tavern for a couple or three more brews.

**********************************

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

A history day for me, and I love history.  I drove out to Marengo, Illinois, and had lunch at The Spot, home of the 3/4 pound cheeseburger for $7.99.  What a deal and what a meal.

Then, I went to the McHenry County History Museum in Union and met with Bob and Ellen, who are busy working on a book about McHenry County's Harley Wayne, a captain in the 15th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War who was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.

They let me peruse some primary source materials about him and I even put in a couple suggestions for the book.  Later, Bob and I took a walk by Harley Wayne's mansion which is just a couple blocks from the museum.

Congratulations Tom.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you can make amends, can you just make one amend?

$3.95 for an Iced Tea!!?? Two Legions and No $1.1 Billion for Me

FRIDAY, JULY 29

Met Kevin and Kelly at Diamond Deli in Fox Lake, Illinois, for the fish fry.  Patti, who for so many years was our waitress at Dino's Den was our waitress.  A great fish fry, but I was taken totally aback at the charge for Liz and my iced teas, $3.95!!  Now, that is WAY too much.

Stopped at the new park in Fox Lake and sat outside for awhile and listened to the bands School of Rock and 176 Wide. I wasn't impressed with either group.

Went over to the Fox Lake Legion and played 50-50.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

Well, I didn't win the $1.1 billion+ in the MegaLotto, so reckon I'll just have to keep typing the blogs. Not that I earn a cent from them. Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg.

SUNDAY, JULY 31

Went to the McHenry America Legion.

$3.95 for an Iced Tea?  Ya Gotta Be Kiddin'.--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why is it that a writer writes, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce, humdingers don't hum and hammers don't ham?

No 'Dumb Ass Trivia', A Taste of Carolina, Elvis, a Band and $1.1 Billion?

WEDNESDAY  JULY 27

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, and met Kevin and Kelly and played trivia with Uncle Jeffie and his "Smarty Pants Trivia."  Should be called "Dumb Ass Trivia."

Came home and heated up a Brookwood Farms pit cooked Carolina-style pork bbq which is as close to Wilber's as you can get.  A little taste of Carolina.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

Went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw the movie "Elvis."  Great music.  

Went to Antioch and ate at the Burger King before going to the village's It's Thursday music festival and saw an excellent band called Pet Rocks.  On the way home, stopped at Liz's Spring Grove Liquor Store and bought a couple raffle tickets for Mega Lotto which was "only" $1.1 billion.  We don't usually play, but when it gets that high, oh well.  Who knows?

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Tell a man there are 400 billion stars and he will believe you.  Tell him a bench has wet paint, and he just has to touch it.

Past Movie Scratches: Jaws-- Guardians-- Bee-- Showman-- Godfather-- Shawshank

See if you can guess the names of the movies in the title of this post.

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

55.  JAWS 2--  8-7--  He's BACK.  Well, not him, but a relative?  Sheriff Brady thinks so.  The big shark has a shocking experience.

56.  GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY--  8-8--  "I am Groot."  He can say a lot with those three words.  And those great cassette tapes and songs.  I am still recording on cassettes.  My favorite Marvel crew.

57.  BUMBLE BEE--  8-9--  Those Bots and Cons take a beating but keep right on ticking.  Our favorite yellow fella.

58.  GREATEST SHOWMAN--  8-10--    Rags to riches story. with lots of great singing and choreography.

59.  GODFATHER 2--  8-10--  Moving to Nevada and definitely stay off Michael's bad side.  All that and the Cuban Revolution.

60.  SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION--  8-11--  Quite a story.  Red and the sad librarian who had been institutionalized.  A jerk warden gets his and a magnificent tree.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Boxing rings are square.

WLS Top Ten for Week of October 2, 1972: 'Baby Don't Get Hooked on Me'

Just half a century ago.  What a long strange trip this has been.

1.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis   Second week at #1

2.  BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night

3. SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago

4.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays

5.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

6.  GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries

7.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient

8.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

9.  USE ME--  Bill Withers

10.  PLAY ME--  Neil Diamond

**************************

DEBUTS

21.  TIGHTROPE--  Leon Russell

23.  LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers

27.  GOOD FOOT (PART 1)--  James Brown

29.  GOOD TIME CHARLIE'S GOT THE BLUES--  Danny O'Keefe

30.  STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN--  Mel & Tim  

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She Was Morning And I was Night Time."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Play Me"

Past Movie Scratches: Pets-- Olympus-- Fifty-- Godzilla-- Equalizer-- Kingdom

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I watched on TV in 2021.

49.  THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS--  7-23--  Along came Liam.  Fun and games down on the farm.  Find the ball.

50.  OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN--  7-26--  You don't want Mike Benning sneaking around when you take over the White House.  Right, bad guys?

51.  FIFTY FIRST DATES--  7-28--  Like a first kiss fifty times.  It was deja vu all over again.

52.  GODZILLA--  7-29--  Good ol' Godzilla saves the world from the two bad ones.  Hey, it's an alpha thing, you know.

53.  THE EQUALIZER 2--   8-5--  Have black Malibu will Lyft and solve your problems.  Making things right the hard way.

54.  JURASSIC WORLD:  FALLEN KINGDOM--  8-6--   Outrunning the lava flow and falling rocks.  (Well, and dinosaurs.)

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Quicksand works slowly.

WLS Top Ten for Week of September 25, 1972: 'Saturday in the Park'

These were the Top Ten songs and Debuts on Chicago's WLS, 890 AM, fifty years ago.

I was enjoying being back at NIU for my senior year.

1.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis

2.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays

3.  SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago

4.  BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night

5.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

6.  GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries

7.  ROCK AND ROLL PART 2--  Gary Glitter

8.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredeient

9.  HONKY CAT--  Elton John

10.  BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY--  Daniel Boone

************************

DEBUTS

24.  BRANDY--  Looking Glass   (This had been #1 the month before, so either a mistake or it had dropped off the charts and reappeared.)

25.  WHY--  Donny Osmond

27.  GARDEN PARTY--  Rick Nelson

28.  THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS--  Arlo Guthrie

29.  IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA--  Albert Hammond

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "All The Time They Want To Take Your Place."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Backstabbers"

A Storm, Civil War Round Table, Oak Park Lounge, Sunnyside and Beatles

SATURDAY, JULY 23

We had quite the storm last night with plenty of lightning, thunder and some of the worst hail we've ever seen.  Beware all the roofing companies who'll be about now.

Went to Panera Bread in Cryustal Lake, Illinois, for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group on Lee and His Generals.  Stopped at Wendy's in McHenry on the way home and had one of their Biggie Bags for $5, a good deal in these days of no deals.

Stopped at the Pink Harrison cabin which was plaqued earlier this month.  Liz did not know it was there.  We had wanted to see the afternoon band at the Lakehouse on Pistakee (Lake), but it was too crowded, so ended up at Oak Park Lounge for a couple beers.  That is real old-time Chain of Lakes.  Then stopped at Sunnyside in Johnsburg on the way home.

********************************

SUNDAY, JULY 25

Bob Stroud Root Saluted the Beatles' "Something New" album which was released this date in 1964 during the force of Beatlemania.  I realize the later Beatles songs were much better efforts, but to me the early ones were the real "FUN" ones.  Recorded the show on cassette.  Songs on the album:

I'll Cry Instead

Things We Said Today

Any Time At All

When I Get Home

Slow Down

Matchbox

Tell Me Why

And I Love Her

I'm Happy Just to Dance With You

If I Fell

Komm, Gib Mir Deine Hand

Went to the McHenry American Legion and Sunnyside in the afternoon.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you replace  the "W" with a "T" in "What, Where & When", you would have the answer to each one.

Thor, Corniciones, NTN and Stormy Monday

THURSDAY, JULY 21

I went to the Fox Lake Theatre and saw "Thor:  Love and Thunder."  I never figured I'd like the Marvel Comics movies, but I sure do.

Liz and I went to Corniciones in Antioch, Illinois, to play NTN and have dinner.  We haven't played NTN much since the virus hit and had a hard time remembering our sign ins.  Not likely we'll be back with their $4 draft pints.

We had planned on going to It's Thursday to see the concert, but it was too crowded.  Then thought to stop at Anastasia's, but it too was crowded.  

Ended up driving to Stormy Monday on Fox Lake to see what was happening there.  It wasn't crowded so stayed for one that ended up a whole lot more when we got in a talk with the owner.  This place used to be our main hangout back when it was Costello's in the 80s and 90s.  Always a great view of Fox Lake and especially those sunsets.

Way Too Much for a Beer.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  100 years ago, everyone had a horse, only the rich had a car.  Today, everyone has a car and only the rich have horses.

Whoppers, Old Cars and Old Friends

MONDAY, JULY 18

We drove to McHenry, Illinois, and had Whopper dinners at Burger King.  Still one of my favorite burgers after all these years.  We then walked around the Green Street car show admiring the rides, especially ared '67 Firebird convertible, my favorite oldies car.

We saw the same band as yesterday, Aging Teen Idols, who were providing entertainment.

Afterwards went to Sunnyside and had a great time with the Stucky folks:  Angie, Wayne and Carrie.

TUESDAY, JULY 19

Met the Sunnyside folks at Granny's Diner on the Fox River River in Johnsburg and had that excellent chopped steak, two eggs over easy, gash browns and bread.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

National Hot Dog Day,  One of my favorite foods.  Didn't have one though.  Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, for trivia and happy hour.

--RoadDog

WLS Ten for Week of September 18, 1972: 'Rock and Roll Part 2'

These were the Top Ten songs in Chicago back fifty years ago this week according to powerhouse radio station WLS, 890 AM.

1.  BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night

2.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays

3.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis

4.  SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago

5.  ROCK AND ROLL PART 2--  Gary Glitter

6.  ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY)--  Gilbert O'Sullivan

7,  LONG COOL WOMAN--  Hollies

8.  I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Al Green

9.  BRANDY--  Looking Glass

10.  GUITAR MAN--  Bread

***********************************

DEBUTS

25.  YOU WEAR IT WELL--  Rod Stewart

26.  BEN--  Michael Jackson

27.  NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN--   Moody Blues

28.  USE ME--    Bill Withers

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "Girl You're Getting That Look In Your Eyes."   Answer below.  --RoadDog

'Waiting for the Sun' & Aging Teen Idols

SUNDAY, JULY 17

Bob Stroud had a special treat on his Rock and Roots show today on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  Today was the 52nd anniversary of the release of the Doors album "Waiting for the Sun" and he played it in its entirety throughout his show and gave lots of interesting information about it in the process.

It has my all-time favorite Doors song "Hello, I Love You" which always reminds me of going out to Honey Hill Beach in Wauconda with my co-workers at the Palatine Burger King on Northwest Highway.  (Burger King was where Photo's is located now.)

In the afternoon, Liz and I drove over to Chopper's on Illinois Highway 173 in Antioch and sat out on their deck overlooking a channel to the Chain of Lakes and enjoyed our friend's band, Aging Teen Angels, playing all sorts of oldies and Beatles songs.  Also enjoyed the $2 draft and 65 cent wings.

Aging Teen Idols.  Isn't that a great name for an oldies band that also plays their own originals?

We were surprised when buddy Coz and girlfriend Eileen came by so enjoyed talking with them on an absolute prefect day to be outside.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Every time you clean, you make something else dirty.

WLS Top 26 for Week of September 11, 1972-- Part 4: The Top Ten Songs, 'Back Stabber'

That's right, fifty years ago.  If you remember thesesongs you are more than a half century old.

*  means the song was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high the song got on the Billboad Hot 100 National Charts.

10.  *BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night      #1     Reminds me of driving the ol' Ramblin' Wreck ('63 Rambler station wagon) on the Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois.

9.  *SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago    #3    Pound that piano, bring in the horns.

8.  ROCK & ROLL PART 2--  Gary Glitter    #7

7.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays    #3   

6.  YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM--  Jim Croce     #8     Sure wish we'd had him around longer.

5.  LONG COOL WOMAN--  Hollies     #2    Just when you thought they were finished.

4.  *BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis    #1 for three weeks.

3.  ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY)--  Gilbert O'Sullivan    #1   It was #1 for six weeks.

2.  *I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Al Green   #3

1.  BRANDY--  Looking Glass.     #1    This is its third straight week in a row at #1 on the WLS survey.  It was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week.

I don't know about you, but this is one of the best Top Tens I've ever seen.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "People Dancing, People Laughing, A Man Selling Ice Cream."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Saturday in the Park"

WLS Top 26 for Week of September 11, 1972-- Part 3: 'Guitar Man'

* means it was climbing the charts.  The number after the artist is how high it got on the Billboard Hot 100 National charts.

15.  BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY--  Daniel Boone     #15     Reminds me of driving the old Ramblin' Wreck around Athens, Georgia during the summer.  A song to get you going on a Sunday morning.  I love it when he repeats the words.  Born Peter Lee Stirling in Birmingham, England.  His only Top 40 hit.

14.  *GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries      #5     That's Eric Carmen on lead vocal  Great guitar work.  What exactly were they talking about?  Their only Top Ten.

13.  GOODBYE TO LOVE--  Carpenters    #7    The fuzz guitar was by Tony Peluso.  Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis.  From New Haven, Connecticut.

12.  GUITAR MAN--  Bread      #11     Still love that guitar intro.

11.  HOLD YOUR HEAD UP--  Argent      #5      Quite the jam on this one.  Leader Rod Argent was also a member of the Zombies.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Never Knew How Complete Love Could Be."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Go All the Way"

WLS Top 26 Songs for Week of September 11, 1972-- Part 2: 'Everybody Plays the Fool'

20.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient     #3     This songs takes me right back to driving the famed Ramblin' Wreck along Lincoln Highway in the fall of 1972, my senior year at NIU.  Vocal trio from the Bronx, New York.

19.  MOTORCYCLE MAMA--  Sailcat     #12     Just 2:12 long.  A very interesting album cover.  Pop duo from Alabama.  Their one and only-ever hit.

18.  RUN TO ME--  Bee Gees      #16     Such harmony.  Trio of brothers from Manchester, England.  Moved to Australia in 1958 and returned to England in 1967.  At first I thought they were the Beatles performing under a different name.

17.  POWER OF LOVE--  Joe Simon      #11     I'd forgotten this one.  Too bad.  Died in 2021.  This guy oozed soul.  Written by Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Joe Simon.

16.  HONKY CAT--   Elton John        #8     A real honky tonk song for Elton.  Kind of gets your body moving.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "You're The Queen Of My Highway."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Motorcycle Mama"

WLS Top 26 Songs for Week of September 11, 1972-- Part 1: 'Pop That Thang'

These were the top songs in Chicago according to WLS fifty years ago this week.

*  means the song was climbing the charts.  The number behind the artist is how high the song got on the Billboad Hot 100 National Charts.

26.  *WHY--  Donny Osmond    #13       Frankie Avalon had a big hit with it at #1 in 1960.

25.  *SPEAK TO THE SKY--  Rick Springfield      #14      The song that put him on the map.  He had many more songs than the only one I could remember for a long time, which was "Jessie's Girl."

24.  BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley      #2      Probably my favorite Elvis tune  Get me that "Hunka Hunka Love."

23.  IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG--  Luther Ingram       #3        Love the start of this song and the instruments coming in and out throughout the song.  Talk about oozing Soul.

22.  *POP THAT THANG--  Isley Brothers      #24     Trio of brothers from Cincinnati.

21.  *PLAY ME--  Neil Diamond     #11   Born in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "She Was Morning And I Was Night Time."   Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Play Me"

Past Movie Scratches: Lethal-- Weapon-- Anchorman-- Alien-- Aliens-- Happening

Paqst Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2021

43.  LETHAL WEAPON 3--  6-22--  Best not to mess with the gal police officer.  It was the burning of Atlanta all over again.  All sorts of wise-crackin' going on.

44.  LETHAL WEAPON 4--  6-22--  The original Iron Man.  What do you do with a loose shark in your boat?  How to really, really sink a boat.

45.  ANCHORMAN 2:  THE LEGEND CONTINUES--  7-11--  "Why do we have to tell people what they want to hear?"  Getting the gang back together and what a zany group are they.  The Battle of the News Crews.

46.  ALIEN--  7-21--  Where's that guy.  Not a stowaway you'd want on your spacecraft.  Creepy mouth with another mouth in it that could extend.

47.  ALIENS--  7-21--  Now there are more of them and they aren't any nicer.  The Marines did NOT kick ass and take names.  But the aliens sure did.

48.  THE HAPPENING--  7-22--  It's the wind or maybe the plants that make people go nuts.  Then there was that strange lady.

--RoadDog

9/11 Ceremony in Johnsburg, Illinois --Part 2

I was unable to post my annual 9/11 commemoration in my blogs yesterday, but am doing it today.  The first part is in today's RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

Johnsburg, Illinois, is about three miles from our house in Spring Grove along Johnsburg Road.  The ceremony was to start at 9.  It rained all morning, all the way there and by golly it rained even harder as they got the flags set up in a line along Johnsburg Road between the bank and Johnsburg Library.

They were still putting the flags out when I arrived.  Too bad the grass had not been cut in awhile as I got my feet quite wet walking over to them from the bank's parking place.  There were probably 12 people there busy putting in holders for the flags in the ground.

Despite being wet, the flags were fluttering and flapping in the strong wind.  It looked good.  

Once the 30 U.S. flags and several 9/11 flags were in place, we had a few words from a woman that really struck home about what happened that day and how America rebounded.  Then a wreath was placed and a prayer given.

Most of the people out there were members of the McHenry Moose Lodge's Legion Riders.

Upon conclusion, I drove around to where I would pass them and honked the horn.  I had heard some say that they were disappointed because in the past when they did this, people would honk their horns.  I got a lot of smiles and waves.

I Want to Thank those people for the commemoration.

Past Movie Scratches: Homecoming-- Bee-- Hell-- Jungle-- Tombstone-- Bohemian

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2021

37.  SPIDER MAN:  HOMECOMING--  6-14--  Wait till you meet your girlfriend's dad.

38.  BUMBLE BEE--  6-15--  "There's a door in my way."  Are all Decepticons that bad?  Bumble Bee holding the fort and taking a beating for the Autobats.

39.  HELL BOY--  6-15--  The Blood Queen.  Reuniting her with the rest of her body.  Fighting giants.  Hell Boy takes a licking, but keeps on ticking.  Moral:  Quit when your're a head.

40.  JUMANJI:  WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE--  6-16--  It all started in detention.  "I think we're in the game."  Teamwork wins the day.  Beware the drums.  Don't lose your stripes.

41.  TOMBSTONE--  6-17--  Cool, cool Doc.  The Earp Boys and Doc take care of of businessatthe O.K. Corral and elsewhere.  "We did our good deed for today."

42.  BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY--  6-21--  What does that particular style of mustache say about a person..  The struggles of a band and Freddie.  Great, great music.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  Do twins ever realize that one of them is unplanned for?

Summer of 1972 Again-- Part 12: 'Long Cool Woman'

Sure enjoyed this trip back to the Summer of 1972 compliments of WDRV's Bob Stroud.  That's fifty years ago, HALF a CENTURY.

LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS--  Hollies

I JUST WANT TO MAKE LOVE TO YOU--  Foghat

SATURDAY IN THE PARK--  Chicago

YOU'RE STILL A YOUNG MAN--  Tower of Power

ROCKS OFF--  Rolling Stones

LIVING IN THE PAST--  Jethro Tull

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC--  Doobie Brothers

RUNNING BACK TO SASKATOON--  Guess Who

SMOKE ON THE WATER--  Deep Purple

BRANDY (YOU'RE A FINE GIRL)--  Looking Glass    The Number 1 song in Chicago on September 4, 1972.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "What A Good Wife You Would Be."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

""Brandy"

Summer of 1972 Again-- Part 11: 'Join Together'

Songs on your radio and in your record cllection on September 4, 1972.

HOT N' NASTY--  Humble Pie

YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM--  Jim Croce

JOIN TOGETHER--  Who

IF I WERE A CARPENTER--  Bob Seger

HOLD YOUR HEAD UP--  Argent

AMERICA--  Yes

PEACEFUL EASY FEELING--  Eagles

COCONUT--  Nilsson

CONQUISTADOR--  ProculHarum

CELLULOID HERO--  Kinks

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "I Like The Way Your Sparkling Earrings Lay Against Your Skin So Brown."  Answer below.  --   RoadDog

"Peaceful Easy Feeling"

Summer of 1972 Again-- Part 10: 'Guitar Man'

This past Sunday, Bob Stroud had his fourth and final installment of his annual "Summer of" series on summers of fifty years ago.  That would make it the songs on our radios and in our record collections on September 4, 1972.

I was back in DeKalb, Illinois, getting ready to finish up my senior year at Northern Illinois University.  As much as I was having a really good time in college, I knew it was time to move on with my life.

HONKY CAT--  Elton John

LIFE IS A CARNIVAL (LIVE)--  Band

HAPPY--  Rolling Stones

BURNING LOVE--  Elvis Presley

TWISTIN' THE NIGHT AWAY--  Rod Stewart

BLACK AND WHITE--  Three Dog Night

STAR MAN-- David Bowie

GUITAR MAN--  Bread

DIALOGUE PARTS 1 & 2--  Chicago

GO ALL THE WAY--  Raspberries

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "The Ink Is Black, The Page Is White."  Answerbelow.  --RoadDog

"Black and White"

McHenry Fiesta Days and Christmas in July

SATURDAY, JULY 16

Between the Pink Harrison cabin and Oak Park Lounge, we paid our respects to the old Chain O' Lakes before it upscaled.  

Came home and then Liz and I drove over to McHenry for the annual Fiesta Day festival.  In the past they had Art in the Park where crafters had stands in Veterans Park and streets were closed off for bands, crafts and lots of partying.  

This was one of our favorite days of the year.  We used to call it "Drunk in the Park."  And it was quite the party.  There would be several bands playing in the street and every bar (and there are a lot of bars in McHenry) would be selling beer which you could drink in the street.

We usually hung out at the Tables for Ladies bar on the corner where they would have a portable bar set up outside, cooked brats and had a band as well.   

On the way home we stopped at Sunnyside where they were having the annual Christmas in July party.  They had already had a decorated golf cart parade and had tables and a bar set up outside and a band called The American Psychos playing some great tunes from the 1980s.

Sure Miss That "Drunk in the Park."  RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  What if oxygen was actually killing you and it takes  75 to 100 years to do it

WLS Top Ten (and Debuts) for Week of September 4, 1972: 'Rock & Roll Pt. 2'

These were the Top Ten songs in Chicago back fifty years ago.

1.  BRANDY--  Looking Glass

2.  LONG COOL WOMAN--  Hollies

3.  ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY)--  Gilbert O'Sullivan

4.  HOLD YOUR HEAD UP--   Argent

5.  I'M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU--  Al  Green

6.  YOU DON'T MESS AROUND WITH JIM--  Jim Croce

7.  BACK STABBERS--  O'Jays

8.  ROCK & ROLL PT. 2--   Gary Glitter

9.  GOODBYE TO LOVE--  Carpenters

10.  BABY DON'T GET HOOKED ON ME--  Mac Davis

**************************

DEBUTS

24.  HONKY CAT--  Elton John

25.  PLAY ME--  Neil Diamond

27.  EVERYBODY PLAYS THE FOOL--  Main Ingredient

28.  POP THAT THANG--  Isley Brothers

By the way, Bob Stroud's Summer of 1972 Roots Salute will be replayed tonight from 9 pm to midnight CDST on Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM.  It streams and he'll be playing some of these songs.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):  "What They Do?  They Smile In Your Face."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"Back Stabbers"

Johnny's Cafe, Legion, Ray Chevrolet, USO, BBQ, Plaquing a Cabin

JULY 15,  Friday

Met the usual suspects at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake, Illinois, and afterwards, adjourned to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50.

JULY 16, SATURDAY

Went over to Ray Chevrolet (where we bought our last two Malibus) in Fox Lake for their cookout to raise money for the USO and met Glen and Barb.  Outstanding brats for just $2 as well as a classic car show.  

We then went over to where Pink Harrison's used to be on Pistakee Lake.  The McHenry County Historical Association was plaquing one of the original vacation cabins and there was a huge crowd in attendance.  Makes you think that History might just have a chance.

Oak Park Lounge is right next to it and is an original Chain  O' Lakes bar and resort.  Pictures of it on display show that it still looks much like it did in the 1930s.  Had a couple brews there.  It opened in the 1890s.

--RoadOld