A 2019 Route 66 Trip to Lebanon, Missouri-- Part 1: To Springfield, Illinois

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Drove the usual way on Illinois Highway 47 to Dwight.  Then drove Route 66 to Chenoa and then to I-55 for the rest of the day to Springfield, Illinois.  First time ever that we were unable to  get a room at the Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center which was booked for a horse show and golf tournament in town.  Also, no room at the nearby Comfort Inn.

We went south to Toronto Road and got the last room at the Motel 6 and then back for our Cozy Dog fix.  Watched the first part of the Stanley Cup Game 7 contest between the St, Louis Blues and Boston Bruins.  Springfield is 100 miles from St. Louis and about half and half St. Louis and Chicago fans.  We saw the rest of the game at Motorheads on Route 66 on Toronto Road.  The place was packed with Blues fans.

We pulled for the Blues (even though we are Blackhawk fans) because they Midwest and no one wants to see another Boston/New England team win anything.

--RoadDog

Sure Gonna Miss Stan and Aretha

This past week has been a hard one with deaths.  First, we had Chicago great hockey player Stan Mikita die last week.  I have been wearing a Mikita #21 tee-shirt and a #21 jersey around in his honor and am surprised at how many people come up to me to talk about Stan Mikita.

Then Tuesday we heard that Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul and one of my favorite performers was near death and this morning she died.  When I heard Bob Stroud say something about her on WDRV, I started listening to You Tube's mix of her songs.  Right now I am listening to my "Aretha's Best" CD.

I'll be listening to a lot of her music the next couple days.

--RoadDog

Live Or On TV: Which Sport Is Best For Each-- Part 1

From the May 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune.  By Teddy Greenstein.

They had a panel choose sports in the Chicago market.

BEST SPORTS TO WATCH IN PERSON (My Comments, their rankings):

1.  NHL -- Of course, my biggest problem with hockey is following the puck.  It is way too small.

2.  MLB-- I agree with that.  Nothing like the crack of the bat, the pace of the game, which allows for conversation.

3.  College Football--  Well, it's the whole thing, from tailgating, seeing old friends (especially at Homecoming) and those marching bands.  I also like high school football games for  much the same reason, other than drinking.

Hut, Hut, Hut!!  --RoadBall

SOME INTERESTING AND IRONIC PREDICTIONS:  "Television won't last because people will soon get tired of staring at a little box every night.  Bad investment!!""  D. Zanuck, Producer 20th Century Fox.

The End of the "Blackhawk Dynasty"?

I remember back in 2015, when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, their third time since 2010.  Everyone was going around with the word "Dynasty" on their lips.  After they were swept by the Nashville Predators last night, I have to wonder about it.

The Hawks logo, is "One Goal" with a Stanley Cup on it.  For most of these sad four games, I would have been more than happy to settle for just one goal.  Three goals in four games for a #1 seed, just isn't very impressive.

Hopefully the coach will learn the importance of going into the playoffs hot, something the Hawks were not, losing their last four games and going 2-6 in the last eight.  No resting players when you're losing.  Now, they will have five-six months to rest.

Well, one good thing to come of it, I now have a real lot of time freed up.  Those playoff games seem like they go on forever and ever.  I am a Blackhawk fan, but not really a big hockey fan for anyone else.  If a hockey game happens to be on in a bar I'm in, I'll watch it, but otherwise not.

Plus, there is the amount of money I spend for souvenirs when the Hawks win the Cup.

A Big Savings For Me.  --RoadDog

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 2: 'Hawks, Pizza and Beer

FEBRUARY 4, SATURDAY

We then went over to Lord Stanley's on Lincoln Highway, on DeKalb's Main Street.  We got seats at the bar and watched the first two periods of the Blackhawks game.  Lord Stanley's (named after the Stanley Cup, is a big hockey bar, especially for the Blackhawks.

They also have a great special: one of their famous 16-inch pizzas with one topping and two pitchers of beer for $19.  A real hard deal to beat.

Drove back to the Red Roof Inn, parked and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and saw the end of the 'Hawk victory.

--RoadDog

DeKalb and Woodstock This Weekend-- Part 3: Pizza, Beer and a Hawks Win!

Continued from Tuesday, February 7.

February 4, Saturday

After the basketball victories, we drove downtown to Lord Stanley's, right on the Lincoln Highway.  This place gets its name for the Stanley Cup (which was given by Lord Stanley of Canada).  And, this is a big hockey place, especially when the Chicago Blackhawks are playing.  And, they were playing tonight.  We've always wanted to see a 'Hawks game there, so this was a chance.

The jukebox was turned off and all TVs were on the game and lots of cheering.

Also, they have a famous food and drink special: two pitchers of beer and a 16-inch, one topping pizza for $19.  We were always too full from football homecomings when we got there, but their pizza sure looked and smelled good.  It was.

We watched two periods and then drove back to the motel and walked across Lincoln Highway to Pizza Pros and watched the end of the Blackhawks victory.

A Really Fun Day.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  The taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

Heading to DeKalb This Weekend: Huskies & 'Hawks

Tomorrow, we are going to DeKalb, Illinois, for our winter homecoming.

The women's Huskie team plays a game at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3:30.

Then,we will go over to Lord Stanley's Bar on Lincoln Highway, yep, that Lincoln Highway which runs right through downtown DeKalb.  Lord Stanley's used to be the Shamrock when we were students and for many years afterwards.  This is when we used to do the Lincoln Crawl to see how many bars we could hit.

Lord Stanley's is named for the Stanley Cup and it is probably one of the biggest hockey bars anywhere around.  And, it is especially a Blackhawks bar.  And, the Blackhawks are playing tomorrow night.

We Should surely be getting our sports fix tomorrow.

Go Huskies!  Go Hawks!!  --RoadDog

A Munger-Moss Motel Trip-- Part 7: Rich Henry and Springfield

APRIL 25TH, MONDAY

Drove past that ever-impressive Chain of Rocks Bridge on I-270 and on to I-55, getting off at Staunton and actually finding Rich Henry's Rabbit Ranch with no trouble.  Rich's was the first regular Route 66 stop we made on our first trip on the road and a big reason we ended up caught in the 66 fever.  Thanks a lot Rich.

Then Route 66 to Litchfield and I-55 to Springfield.  Checked into the Route 66 Hotel and then drove to a new place, Costelloe's.  This is owned by the the former members of Coz's, a famous Springfield restaurant.  Then to Curve Inn and to the Filling Station at the Route 6 Hotel where we watched the St. Louis Blues-Chicago Blackhawks playoff game.  It was game 7, winner goes on to the next round, loser goes home.

Sadly, we went home.

--RoadDog

Predatory Ticket Policy of the Dear Old Nashville Predators

From the Jan. 13, 2016, Chicago Tribune "Smack! Predatory ticket policy?  Can we sue them?" by Steve Rosenbloom.

Sadly, the Nashville Predators are not the only NHL team to make uit hard for Chicago Blackhawk fans to see their games on home ice.  The Tampa Bay Lightning also take it to the extreme.

And, the Hawks play the Predators tonight, but, fortunately at home, not theirs.  Attention Predator fans, you're welcome to attend here.

What the Predators are upset with is hawks fans taking over their stadium.  To keep the numbers to a minimum, they make it really hard for our folks to get tickets.

--RoadDog

Blackhawk Difference Makers: 2010, 2013 and 2015-- Part 1

From the June 18, 2015, Chicago Tribune.

Comparing the hockey and not-so-hockey of the 2010, 2013 and 2015 Blackhawks championships.

First 2010, second 2013 and third 2015.

TO WHOM JONATHAN TOEWS HANDED THE CUP:  Marian Hossa  //  Michal Handus  //  Kimmo Timonen

MYSTERY:  What's that fuzzy growth on Patrick Kane's chin?  //  What could possibly go wrong for the Bruins in 17 seconds?  //  Is Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop hurt or what?

WINNING GOALIE:  Antti Niemi  //  Corey Crawford  //  Corey Crawford

CUP OPPONENT:  Philadelphia Flyers  //  Boston bruins  //  Tampa Bay Lightning

VILLAIN:  Chris Pronger  // Milan Lucic //  Thunderstorms

Not Finished Yet.  --RoadDog

OK, I Wasn't Saying Much About It, But...HAWKS WIN! HAWKS WIN!!

Even though I didn't say much about it, I sure was watching and cheering as I do for all of MY teams.  I don't usually mention the games as it is the kiss of death if I do.  I write, they lose.

But, now that the Blackhawks clinched their third Stanley Cup in six years, I feel safe to say something.

Not that Liz and I are superstitious or anything like that.  But, there is no need to tempt fate by doing something different that might result in a loss.

This is why I wore my "Fear the Feathers" tee shirt under my Bobby Hull Blackhawk jersey the whole Stanley Cup playoff with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  This is why I have worn my black Blackhawk hat with the American Legion poppy attached to it ever since the Hawks had to win that fifth game against the Detroit Redwings back in May of 2013.  They overcame a 1-3 deficit in games to win 4-3.

This is why Liz wears certain clothing and has her "Pucky" stuffed bear and "Tommy Hawk" Tyco always-stands-up ball figure as well as air horn bottle opener and "Chelsea Dagger" on her cell phone.

This is why we get after folks playing "Chelsea Dagger" during the game, not until the winning air horn goes off.

Those Lightning players were every bit as good as out guys and I'm sure they'll be back.  Hopefully, their ownership and city will be a little more friendly to Blackhawks fans next time.

Let's Do that "Chelsea Dagger" Chant!!  --RoadDog


SOME CRAZY SAYINGS (Last One):  Marathon runners with bad footwear suffer the agony of defeat.

Thanks For Nothing, NBC!!!

NBC didn't get many viewers today.  We would HAVE liked to watch the Black Hawks-Kings NHL game, but it is only shown on NBC Sports, which we DO NOT GET!!  Plus, it comes on at 8 PM, pretty late for us.

We might have gone to see it at a local watering hole, but here in Spring Grove, Illinois, everybody closes for holidays.

It's time for NBC to change its GRB ways!!!

Well,Here's One We Won't See.  --RoadDog

I've About Had It With NBC

More specifically, NBC Sports.

Why do they keep putting the Black Hawk games on so late.  Every game this second playoff round has been on between 8:15 and 8:45 PM!!!  That's too late for old folk like me (62).  Maybe ok for the kids, but too late for me.

And, even more maddening, all the games are on NBC Sports Channel, something that does not come with our cable package.  If your home team is playing in the playoffs, they should be available on a local over-the-air station, not just cable.  Here in Chicago that would be WCIU or WGN.

Anyway, I plan on not watching tomorrow's game (on at 8, of course) in protest.

Considering the low quality of most NBC offerings these days, perhaps they should just cancel regular programming and show the NHL Hockey playoffs.

And a Big Boo to NBC!!  --RoadDog

Congrats to Canada: You've Got the Gold, Now KEEP Your Cold!!!!

Greatly disappointed yesterday when the Canadian NHL players beat the American NHL players to go on to the gold game in the Winter Olympics in Sochi. Of course, I think having NHL players really defeats the purpose of the games (just like with NBA players in the Summer Olympics). //// And, even worse, the Canadian women defeated ours in the "ONLY" real gold medal game in Olympic hockey the day before when the Canadian women came back from being down 2-0 with just 3:30 to go in the third period to tie it up and won in overtime. //// With all that success, perhaps our neighbors to the nortn will be good enough to put some reins on all this crummy weather they're sending us this winter. //// You've Got the Gold, Now Keep Your Cold and Snow. --RoadDog

Recent Stanley Cup Sightings: The People's Cup

As I mentioned before, the Stanley Cup is a touring championship trophy. Regular folks get to see and touch it, not just the millionaires and upper crust.

Liz received a photo from her long time friend, Michael (who plays in the band New Odyssey) and he was sitting and smiling broadly next to the Stanley Cup. He said it was on his Bucket List.

At some point this month (probably during the Illinois State Fair), it will be on display at the Executive Mansion (Governor's home) in Springfield. On July 29th, the Stanley Cup was carried to the Jimmy Buffett concert on Northerly Island (by Chicago's Lakefront) by Patrick Kane.

It was also in St. Peter's, Missouri, at a children's hospital, carried there by St. Charles native and Blackhawk player Brandon Bolling.

Sure Gets Around. --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 11 (And, Last One)

Lots of confetti during the parade and lots of that "Chelsea Dagger" song. Also,  more at the end of the speeches. Plus, we got "Sweet Home Chicago," the Blues Brothers version, of course.

A bit surprising to actually see Coach "Q' actually smiling. You never see him smiling at games. One constant frown. The players sure had gruff, strained voices...the result of partying ever since clinching the Cup four days earler.

Oh, to be young and have won the Stanley Cup!!

Go Hawks!!!!   --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 10: It's a Kissing Thing

Without a doubt, the Stanley Cup has to be the ugliest championship trophy in all the professinal leagues. Usually the bowl part of the trophy is the largest, but not on this one, which makes it stand out all the more. 

And, another player tradition is to hoist it into the the air, lower it to the face and kiss it. Can you imagine the germs?

But, then again, while I was at the Indy 500 at the end of May, I noticed many folks getting down on their knees to kiss the bricks that extend into the infield area from the track which marks the beginning and finish line of the race.  I understand racers kiss it as well.

I did wonder what was on the bottom of the Stanley Cup trophy and saw that there is a piece of plastic down there, indented in enough so that there is a place to put the finger grasp for the hoisters. I imagine I'd kiss it if I got the chance, undeserving as I am.

--RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 9: Up On the Stage

I saw the players signing each others' jerseys on the numbers. For sure a nice keepsake of a special time. Kane said, "That's hockey, baby!" as he gave the belt to goalie Corey Crawford as best player in the playoffs.

Crawford definitely had quite the playoffs. Then, Cory got up and got away with several "F" bombs on live TV. Then Toews went to the podium with the Stanley Cup which has to be the most-handled sports trophy in the world.

I'd like to know how many Hawks fans have handled and touched it since it was won on June 24th and this is just four days later. One definite thing players have to do is hold it up, lower it to their lips and kiss it.

Tradition, Baby!! --RoadDog

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 7

It was kind of strange to see "Star-Spangles Banner" singer Jim Cornelison without his usual tux belting out the song.  And then there was the United Center yelling and cheering during the song by a million plus people.

They had a montage of the 16 games the Hawks won in the playoffs in order to get the Stanley Cup.  Neither Liz or I could remember who the Hawks played first those six weeks ago.  Turns out it was the Minnesota Wild.  Then, that real hard series against Detroit when, at one point the Hawks were down three games to one, but won those last ones.  Then, it was last year's winners, the LA Kings and then the previous Cup winners, the Bruins.

Team owner Rocky Wirtz got up and said he had to give his speech in one minute and 17 seconds, a real magic number around here as in the last game, with the Hawks down 2-1 with just that amount of time remaining, the Hawks scored twice in 17 seconds then held on to win it all.

There was no sitting whatsoever in Grant Park for the whole thing.  Glad I wasn't there as my feet would be hurting, especially after the walk from Union Station there.

Governor Pat Quinn was roundly booed when he said a few words.  Mayor Emmanuel was up and down so fast there wasn't much chance for him to get booed.

Not Through Yet.  --RoadDog


POLICE COMMENTS TO PERPS:  Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second?  Because that's the speed of the bullet chasing you.

Blackhawks Parade and Rally-- Part 6: Stanley and the Others

The Stanley Cup has to be the most touched and handled trophy of any professional sports.  As a matter of fact, most regular folks do not get a chance to even see the NFL, NBA or MLB championship trophies.  Just millionaires and that sort get to see them.

Well, the Stanley Cup is really "The People's Cup."  It tours, it goes places.  Even now, local stations have a "Where Is It Now" segment to tell where the Cup is and where it will be.  Recently, it was in a Chicago suburb with one of the Hawk front office people (they get to take it for a day as well).  He had "donated" it to a church who charged $25 for a chance to have a photograph taken with it for charity.  One guy put his young baby in the cup bowl.  Now, that will be a cherished keepsake.

I also have to say it is probably the ugliest with the base of it being so much bigger than the cup.

As the buses arrived at Grant Park, we got to see trophy row with Der Stanley and four other trophies the Hawks won this year.  One was for winning the Western Conference, another for the Campbell and the Con Smyth.

One guy interviewed said this was his 8th championship rally that he'd been to: 5 for the Bulls, two for the Hawks and one for the Sox.

Goalie Ralph Emory shoukld do well in free agency since the Hawks were 17-1 in games where he tended the net.  Sorry that he will be leaving as he is a really good goalie, but I'm sure he wants to be the number one goalie, something that wil not be happening with the Blackhawks.

Chelsea Dagger.  --RoadDog

POLICE COMMENTS TO PERPS:  If you run, you will only go to jail tired.