Past Movie Scratches: Wonderful-- Story-- Life-- Shooter-- Abiding-- Armageddon-- Ryan

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

133.  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"--  12-24--  That poor bridgetender.  "You look like an angel I'd get."  "You'll see a lot of strange things from now on."   Was that a bell ringing?

134.  A CHRISTMAS STORY--  12-25--  "Oh, Fudge."  Schwartz gets his (for no reason).  Good old Cleveland Street.  Higbee's.  My favorite Christmas movie.

135.  IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE--  12-25--  Sadly, I am sure I could have a real good time in Pottersville.

136.  SHOOTER--  12-28--   Just who do you believe?  A certain set of shooting skills.

137.  LAW ABIDING CITIZEN--  12-28--  "You can't fight fate."  Definitely someone you don't want to anger.  Quite a skill set.

138.  ARMAGEDDON--  12-29--  A wacky group of wise crackers off to save the world.  Get off that nuclear weapon!

139.  JACK RYAN:  SHADOW RECRUIT--  12-30--  You just can't trust those Russians.  Getting more than he bargained for.

--RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn'y grow in it?

Past Movie Scratches: Story-- Story-- Oz-- Malificent-- Godfather-- Despicable-- Taken-- Trek

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I Saw in 2019.  Well since we are now in 2021 I figure this is as good of a time as any to finish 2019.

Let's see, it's Christmas time.  What possible movie could I be watching twice in a row?   No clue.

121.  A CHRISTMAS STORY--  12-25--  Mouth soap is a leading cause of blindness in kids.

122.  A CHRISTMAS STORY--  12-25--  The vaunted Triple Dog Dare.

123.  THE WIZARD OF OZ--  12-25--  How to kill a witch.  Drop a house on her or throw water at her.  Regardless, Dorothy is getting good at it.

124.  MALIFICENT--  12-25--  She was nicer than I thought.  People made her that way.  Mean old humans.

125.  THE GODFATHER II--  12-27--  We see Michael move the family and business to Nevada and attempt to go legit and how his dad became the Godfather.

126.  DESPICABLE ME 3--  12-27--  Gru meets his brother Bru as they battle Mullethead Brad, 80s child star gone bad.  Great 80s music and "The Dance Fight."

128.  STAR TREK--  12-28--   The prequel as we see how the gang got together.  "Are you out of your Vulcan mind?"

--RoadFlick

Past Movie Scratches: Hunter-- Phantom-- Clones-- Resident-- Guardians-- Story

See if you can guess the movies in the title above.

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2019

115.  THE LAST WITCH HUNTER--  12-20--   Been hunting witches for a real long, long time.

116.  STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE--  12-20--  We meet the future Darth Vader, the son of a slave and real nice kid.  That real ugly Sith guy gets his.  So does Liam.

117.  STAR WARS:  ATTACK OF THE CLONES--  12-21--  Aniken grows up, falls in love and starts drifting over to the Dark Side.  It's da Clones vs. Da Droids.

118.  RESIDENT EVIL:  AFTERLIFE--  12-23-- Running from the umbrellas and zombies.

119.  GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY--  12-24--  My favorite group of Superhero oddballs.

120.  A CHRISTMAS STORY--  12-24--  The famed Furnace Fighter, Christmas Tree Trader, Tire Changer and Bumpkus Dog Hater.

Waiting for Commercial Break.  --RoadDog

Between 'A Christmas Story' and All That Christmas Music, Are You Ready for A to Z Rock?

I have been listening to my many, many Christmas albums, cassette tapes and CDs the last three weeks.  I love them, but am a bit to the Had Enough Stage. I put them away tomorrow until December next year.

Plus, since 7 pm last night I've been watching may favorite seasonal movie of all time, "A Christmas Story."  This sure takes you back to another time.  Imagine parents leaving their young kids in a line to see Santa these days and then going elsewhere in the huge store.  They'd be arrested in this day and age.

Anyway, I've seen the movie two full times and watched parts several more times.  I've almost got the dialogue down by now.

Yesterday, Chicago's WDRV, 97.1 FM started their annual end-of-the-year Rock and Roll A to Z Countdown.  It will go until sometime after the new year starts, they don't at this time know exactly what.  They add lots of songs every year, so its not the same old, same-old.  Lots of deep cuts as well.

They are up to the letter C  "Chicago, We Can Change the World" by Graham Nash right now.

I'll be listening to this a lot starting tomorrow.  It streams, of course.

TRIVIA TEASER:  What Everly Brothers song includes the lyrics:  "When I Want You In My Arms, When I Want You And All Your Charms."  Answer below.  --RoadDog

"All I Have To Do is Dream"

WLS Top 40 for January 12. 1970-- Part 2: "Come Together"

I get these from Oldies Loon WLS Surveys.

35.  TRACES / MEMORIES--  Lettermen     #47    Way, way too sappy for me.  But, great harmonies.  Give me some "Honey."  Formed in Los Angeles in 1960.

34.  SHE BELONGS TO ME--  Rick Nelson     #33     Not the Ricky Nelson we knew from 50s.  Starting a comeback.

33.  PSYCHEDELIC SHACK--  Temptations      #7    (D)  The Temps get psychedelic with a new Motown sound.

32.  SHE--  Tommy James  / Shondells       #23      I don't remember it.  The new TJ sound and short at 2:03.   Their last Top 40 as a group.

31.  COME TOGETHER #1   / SOMETHING  #3 --  Beatles  An interesting video of the band, their wives and girlfriends at the time "Something" was recorded.  A very hairy group.

Name That Tune (from the above songs):   "Let Me Tell You 'Bout A Place I Know, To Get In Don't Take Much Dough."  Answer below.  --RoadDog


"Psychedelic Shack"

Past Movie Scratches 2018: Carol-- Story-- Clause-- Deadpool-- Dennis

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2018

108.  A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 12-25--  Animated Charles Dickens.  Marley's mouth falls open and then there's that really scary Ghost of Christmas Future.

109.  A CHRISTMAS STORY, 12-25--  "Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie."

110.  THE SANTA CLAUSE, 12-26--  Be sure to read the fine print.  All that facial and weight gain problems.

111.  DEADPOOL, 12-27--  So that is how he got his name.  Talk about your foul-mouthed, wise-cracking super hero.

112.  A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS, 12-28--  A well-meaning Dennis causing havoc.  Poor Mr. Wilson.

The Soap Expert.  --RoadRalphie

Past Movie Scratches 2018: Krampus-- Gremlins-- Kumar-- Express-- Story

Past Movie Scratches--  Movies I saw on TV in 2018.

103.  KRAMPUS, 12-20--  If I were you, I'd keep believing in Santa.  Not ready for the Hallmark Channel.

104.  GREMLINS, 12-20--  Just add water and presto, Mr. Hyde.Funniest bar scene ever.  "Hi-Ho."

105.  A VERY HAROLD & KIMAR 3D CHRISTMAS, 12-23--  Friendship's back on again thanks to Santa and lots of smoke.  How many times can you kill Christmas trees.

106.  POLAR EXPRESS, 12-23--  It's a bell thing.  I really liked Santa's big take-off ceremony.

107.  A CHRISTMAS STORY, 12-24--   I triple dog dare you."  Running from the bullies.

--RoadDog

DID YOU KNOW.  It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

JSS: "A Christmas Story"-- The Drive's A to Z-- "The Last Jedi"

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  "A CHRISTMAS STORY"--   My all-time favorite Christmas show starts in a few hours and runs a 24-hour marathon on both TNT and TBS.  I will watch it straight through at least twice and definitely will catch parts here and there.  Watch out for whose dogs?  We will be having out Christmas dinner at a Chinese buffet, a regular tradition, but no Chinese goose.

2.  THE DRIVE'S A TO Z--  It started at 6 am this morning and will run until sometime after New Years Day.  They do take a stop from midnight to 6 am.  There will be over 2,000 songs arranged alphabetically by title.  It streams at www.wdrv.com. 

First song was "Abacab" by Genisis.    They are up to "At the Station" by Joe Walsh right now.

3.  "THE LAST JEDI"--  The last two weekends, I have watched all the first seven "Star Wars" movies on TNT as I get ready to see the Rise of Skywalker after schools go back in session.  This Sunday they will run "Rogue One" at 1 pm, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" at 4 and "The Last Jedi" at 7.  I'll be recording on my VHS tape.

--RoadWalker

A Dickens Christmas, Chili Cookoff and Top Christmas Movies

DECEMBER 13, THURSDAY--  Finished putting up Christmas decorations.  Movie "The Possession of Hannah Grace"  Subdivision decorations and "Miracle on 34th Street."

DECEMBER 14, FRIDAY--  Legion for 50-50.

DECEMBER 15, SATURDAY--  "It's a Wonderful Life" Antioch's Dickens Christmas with statues along the streets.    Stores and the Lodge.  Sunnyside in Johnsburg.

DECEMBER 16, Sunday--  Fox Lake American Legion for Bears game (Win). Also, chili cookoff.  I love chili cookoffs.

I now am missing just one of my top four Christmas movies and that is "A Christmas Story," but I know TNT and TBS will have their marathon Christmas Eve and Day so am not worried.

My Top 4 Christmas Movies:

#1 .  "A Christmas Story"
#2.   "Christmas Vacation"
#3.   "It's A Wonderful Life"
#4.   "Miracle On 34th Street"

--RoadDog

FOOD COMMENTS:  "I told my doctor I get very tired when I go on a diet, so he gave me some pep pills.   Know what happened?   I ate faster,"    Joe E. Lewis

About Last Weekend-- Part 2: Big Wind Blows Down the Tree, Musical "A Christmas Story"

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19:  That wind continued to howl all night.  I looked out the window from time to time during the night to see how the Bradford pear tree was doing.  It still stood, but looked smaller than before.  At daylight, I looked out and a good 50-70% of the tree was down, sadly the most colorful part.  Something I sure didn't want to happen.  Some of the bushes around it were somewhat crushed in spots.  Looks like I'll have some cutting to do, but, hey, firewood!  What do they say about when life gives you lemons?

We went to the matinee play at the Woodstock Opera House for the musical "A Christmas Story" put on by the Town Square Players, a local theater group.  "A Christmas Story" is my favorite Christmas movie and I wanted to see how it could be turned into a musical.  They did a great job and, with the exception of two songs, we really enjoyed the play.  How those young kids can remember all those lines is beyond me.  Well Done.

Ate at Wendy's and went to Sunnyside Tap on the way home.

--RoadTongueOnthePole

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT OKRA:  Some say okra is a vegetable; others say it's a fruit.

North Carolina Summer 2016-- Part 9: One More Day at the Beach

JULY 27, WEDNESDAY

The usual coffee, newspaper and breakfast on the front deck.

I called a real estate appraiser to come over and give me an idea what the condo was worth, but he was busy today and way too hot.  He'll come over tomorrow.

This was the hottest of a whole bunch of hot days as of yet.  It was brutal.  Even those nice breezes you get at the beach weren't there in the morning.

Eventually, it did get a breeze and I took a walk along the beach.

Later took a ride to Surf City and crossed the landmark old (1950s) swing bridge that will be replaced starting in the fall and saw a place with a whole lot of cars out front and decided to check it out.  After some difficulty find a parking spot, I went inside the Shuckin' Shack.  Fortunately, there was a seat at the bar.  They had $2.50 bottles of Red Stripe on Wednesdays, so ordered several.

Best of all, they had lobster rolls on the menu, something I've been wanting to try for a long time.  It is like a lobster hot dog with chunks of that delicacy.  It was as good as I thought.

The entertainer at the Trailer Bar had not yet started so went back to Mom's place and sat out on both front decks and watched another sunset.

--  RoadDog

A Good Christmas Eve

Yesterday, I took the empty key back to the liquor store and got my $40 deposit back.  Then I went to Menard's and Home Depot and bought some 50% off lights.  I came home and put two strands up and then found I had to replace an outdoor timer on the deck.

We drove over to McHenry Savings Bank to see the miniature train display, but they had already closed.  We then went to Windhill Pancake Parlor in McHenry for lunch and were the last ones in there as they were closing early for Christmas Eve.  Great pot roast and, of course, these folks really go above and beyond when it comes to Christmas lights and decorations.

We also drove by the PLAV building (Polish Legion of American Veterans) and were happy to see the outside bar lights on.  The place had caught fire Mother's Day 2014.  Talked with Jerry and were given a tour of the place.  They've only been open since Monday.

Last stop was at Sunnyside Tap in Johnsburg.

We drove around a couple neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights, including ours.  Even if I do say so, our house is right up there with the best.  Came inside and just had to watch one whole complete showing of my all-time favorite Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story."  I love the marathon on TNT.  I've been watching parts of it off and on today and will watch it one more time.

A Good Christmas Eve.  --RoadDog

And, a Happy Thanksgiving to You

Finally have some sun here in Goldsboro, North Carolina, after overcast ever since I got here.  It rained and drizzled ever since Monday night.

Getting ready to sit down to an extremely good-smelling turkey that Mom has cooked for us.

I kind of felt like Ralph's old man in "A Christmas Story" as I was helping move the turkey from pan to platter,  What did Ralphie call him, "a real Turkesaurus?"

Watched the Macy's Parade in NYC and now getting ready to watch Da Bears play the Lions.  We'' have to see what our resident turkey, Scary Jay is going to do.  Will the good or bad Jay be with us today?  We'll know in about three hours.

Gobble, Gobble.  --RoadDog

A Good Time Over the Weekend (Other Than the Bears)

FRIDAY, the 9th

Helped serve the annual Christmas dinner to the North Chicago VA Hospital folks at the Fox Lake American Legion in the afternoon.

Met the usual suspects at the Route 12 Bar


SATURDAY, the 10th

Saw my favorite Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story" on the big screen at the Woodstock, Illinois, Theatre for $1. An almost full theatre, about half and half kids and adults. Adults did more laughing than kids.

Then a McRib at the local McDonald's.

Lastly, the annual Army-Navy football party at the Fox Lake American Legion. I was pulling for Army to win after nine straight losses, but it was not to be. Obama there for first time. Must be coming up on election time.


SUNDAY, the 11th

Christmas party at Captain's Quarters. First half of Bears game. Route 12 Bar and second half. Overtime at friends' house.

Other Than Da Bears, Da Good. --RoadDog


HOW'S THAT AGAIN: Barking at a knot...meaning that your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot on a tree.

Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Turns 70-- Part 2

The Red Ryder air rifle was introduced in 1938 and named for a popular comic strip and movie star by that name. Another part of its popularity lay with its resemblance to the famed Western Winchester rifle. Of interest, it is still in production.

The Red Ryder never existed in its movie form with a compass and sundial in its stock. Author Jean Shepherd came to Daisy before the movie was filmed and wanted three guns made for it. He insisted that he had had one like it as a child.

The Daisy Company told him that the Red Ryder never had it, but one of their models, the Buck Jones, did. They think he most likely had both and when one broke, Shepherd merged the two together.

Daisy actually made these guns in 1983 and 1984. I imagine one would be worth a lot now. they also made them for the film's 20th and 25th anniversaries.

Maybe I'll get Either That or a F-R-A-G-I-L-E Lamp Under the Tree Tonight. --RoadDog


SIXTIES HITS REVISED-- Leslie Gore "It's My Procedure and I'll Cry If I Want To."

Daisy Red Ryder BB Gun Turns 70-- Part 1

From the December 20th Chicago Tribune.

Ralphie Parker really, really wanted one and made it his life's mission to get one for Christmas in any manner necessary.

Bass Pro Shops sell the 200-shot range model air rifle and it is considered one of the most popular BB guns in history. I'm trying to remember if I had one, but am drawing a blank. I know we had air rifles, but don't think they shot bbs. Probably a good thing considering my brother Bob and my friends' wars.

Of course all the adults other than his dad would say was, "You'll shoot your eye out." Om 2009, over 10,000 people were admitted to emergency rooms for pellet and BB gun injuries.

The value of one can reach $300.

Some men have been spotted buying them for themselves. In that great movie, "A Christmas Story," Ralphie mentions the gun almost 30 times.

Of course, the annual marathon starts tomorrow on TBS where it will be shown eleven times over a 20-hour period.

I Didn't Shoot My Eye Out, But Didn't Have One Either. --DaCoot

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

I am getting into the Christmas spirit even if 144 years ago a Union fleet was commencing one of the biggest bombardments ever in history up until that time on Fort Fisher, guarding Wilmington, North Carolina.

Earlier today, General "Beast" Butler had exploded a ship loaded with powder in an effort to knock the earthen walls of the fort down, but had not succeeded in much more than waking the garrison up.

The date, December 24, 1864.


"A CHRISTMAS STORY"

I'm getting set to watch this movie a couple times on TBS. I have been writing a lot about the house featured in the story in my travel blog:

http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com

I see that AMC is running a "Christmas Vacation" marathon this year. No doubt cashing in on the success of TBS. I'll see that one at least once as well. Go squirrel, Go little squirrel!!!


FESTIVUS

According to the Chicago Tribune, we missed it. It was Wednesday. Was it George or Kramer's family holiday on that Seinfeld episode?

You can get a 6-foot Festivus tree at festivuspoles.com out of Milwaukee for $39. Such a deal.

Happy Festivus to You and Yours. Let us now have the airing of grievances.

Desperately Seeking Egg Nog, But Will Settle for Irish Cream. --RoadDog


Military Humor: You might be a Taliban if you wipe your butt with your hand but consider bacon unclean.

"A Christmas Story"

I have been making entries the last two days on the house featured in my all-time favorite Christmas movie, "A Christmas Story." The actual house is still there and the interior has been recreated to look like the one in the movie (interior shots were filmed on a sound stage).

You can see the entries at http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot

The man who survived both mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

While on the Subject

Here some more info on the movie "A Christmas Story." This being my all-time favorite Christmas movie.

Ralphie was in the quest for a Red Ryder air rifle.

Although set in Hammond, Indiana, the film's exteriors were shot in Cleveland, along with the store scenes at Higbee's department store.

Jack Nicholson was considered for the role of Ralphie's father. Now, that would have been really weird.

Movie fan Brian Jones bought the house used in the movie for $150,000 on e-Bay and invested another $250,000 in it before opening it to the public last year.

You can order your own major awards, the infamous leg lamp, including full-size ones at
http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/.

There is also a lot of other "A Christmas Story" information at this site, including information about Higbee's department store.

From December Midwest Living Magazine.

How Many Times Can You Watch "A Christmas Story" Before You Go Nuts

I watched it three times during TBS' 24-hour marathon starting at 6 PM Christmas Eve. To the best of my knowledge, I did not go crazy. Liz and Kora, however, thought I had lost it. Hey, I really LIKE this movie.

Not only do I like what transpires, but also, it was just in another time and era. I liked the old city, the overloaded electric sockets, old schools. Everything. The spoken lines were great too.

If you're a fanatic, you should be able to answer these questions with ease. Answers Below.

1. What is the ultimate dare for a kid?

2. What was the name of the bully?

3. Who had the Old Man's greatly-hated hounds?

4. What was the Old Man's "major prize?"

5. What happened to it?

6. Where did they end up having Christmas dinner? Why?

7. What did Ralphie want more than anything else?

8. What happened when Ralphie got his chance to ask Santa for the object of his desire?

9. After Ralphie used the "F" word, how did his mom punish him?

10. Ralphie lied to his mom about where he had head the "F" word. Who did he blame it on?

Three Times, and I Didn't Go Insane. --RoadDog

Answers
1. I Triple Dog Dare You

2. Farkus

3. Bumpus hounds

4. a leg lamp

5. it mysteriously got broken. Mom was the biggest suspect.

6. Chinese restaurant, Bumpus' hounds got in and ate the turkey.

7. bb gun

8. He forgot what to ask for.

9. soap in the mouth

10. Schwartz