I Was Back in Woodstock... Again for 'Groundhog Day'

This past Sunday, I drove the eighteen miles from the house to Woodstock, Illinois, to partake in the last day of the town's annual Groundhog Days festuival which started on February 1.

I was too late for the pancake breakfast at the Moose Lodge (where the dance/bachelor auction was held in the movie), but managed to get a seat to see the movie on the big screen at the Woodstock Theatre (where the scene with Bill Murray as Bronco Billy and his date went to see the movie "Heidi.")  I found out earlier that day that his date was the wife of Chicago Bear player Gary Fencik of the Super Bowl XX champs.

From the February 2, 2023,  WTAJ, Rochester, NY.  "Bill Murray's 'Groundhog Day' celebrates 30th anniversary" by Bill Shannon.

ANYWAY, SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MOVIE:

**  Bill Murray's character, Phil Connors, evolved into a much nicer human being during the film.  At times when  director Harold Ramis would explain a scene, Murray would ask him:  "Good Phil or bad Phil?" so he would know how to play the character.

--RoadHog

Missing Sports These Days and What To Do About It: Run Those Old Games

I sure do miss sports on TV.  To me, a mighty fine time is sitting at my downstairs bar (Margaritaville) with others or by myself, drinking beer or cocktails, eating snacks and watching a sporting event on the corner of the bar TV.  That, of course, with the tunes playing on my Ultimate Jukebox  (300 of my absolute favorite CDs).  The sound will be just so that the game can just be heard a little above the music.

I can still do all that, all, that is, except watch a sporting event.  Now, if I can figure out how to hook up the VHS VCR to that corner TV,  I could watch the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX game, or all the Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series games (which I have recorded on VHS).  But, alas, I can't figure out how to do that.

But, what I can recommend to the broadcast TV stations is rerunning great games of the past.  Personally, I'd like to see the entire 1985 Bears season, the Blackhawk Stanley Cup Champion series of 2010, 2013 and 2015.  Also the Cubs 2016 World Series Champions.  Of course, the 90s Bulls and you-know-who.

Oh yes, then, any game where NIU beats Toledo in football as well as our great 2003 season when we beat Maryland, Iowa State and Alabama (that's right ALABAMA).   Two notable players from that team were Michael Turner and P.J. Fleck.  And, of course, the man who made that year possible, Coach Joe Novak.

I'd also like to see some games of the 1967 and 1983 White Sox, 1969 Cubs (or any 1965-1969 Cubs game for that matter) and some of Walter Payton's greatest games.

That Would Get Me Through My Sports Negativity.  Think About It.  --Roadog

LAUGHTER HELPS WITH THE "V":  If you truly believe God loved you, you would touch your face.

Partying in the Winter

Despite all the many, many gray, overcast days we've been having, we still managed to enjoy ourselves.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

We went over for those great breakfasts at KC's Cabin in Spring Grove (corner of Il-173 and Wilmot Road).  (Buy One, Get One 1/2 Price)  Later that night, it was Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsbirg and Jim Sieg performing.  This is one really fun entertainer.  If you can't party with Jim, you can't party.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Wendy Rice's Saturday Morning Flashback on WXRT featured 1982 and some real great music.  Got together with the Usual Suspects at a showing of Super Bowl XX, which, to us, is THE only Super bowl as it was the one our 1985 Chicago Bears played in.  You know, "Super Bowl Shuffle," Sweetness and the Fridge.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Show on WDRV in Chicago was devoted the Chicago's Blizzard of 1967, all three hours of it.  Now, that was some REALLY GOOD MUSIC.    I listed all the songs he played earlier this week.

We went to the Hickory Lodge in McCullom Lake, Illinois, for their $5 small pizza special and $5 draft pitchers.  Stopped at Sunnyside Tavern on the way home.

Who Says You can't Have Fun in the Winter?  --RoadDog

YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE WHEN:  You're so jittery that people use your hands to blend their margaritas.

Good Times Last Weekend

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29  Went to Popeye's (not the fried chicken chain) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their most excellent fish fry overlooking the famous Riviera Docks on Geneva Lake.  Great view and plenty of nautical effects as well as some of the best broiled and fried fish, potato pancakes and seasoned fries, cole slaw and hush puppies you're going to get anywhere.

Stopped at Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on the way home.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30--  The whole weekend I spent a lot of time chopping back the ice/snow from the sides of the driveway as we had temps into the 40s.

Drove to Woodstock, Illinois, for their annual Groundhog Days Festival.  This is where the famous movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray was filmed.  Listened to Bob Hudgins, movie site manager, for a bit as he led a large group to the many movie sites around the famed Woodstock Square and downtown.

I walked over to Wayne's Lanes, featured in the movie and watched part of te movie.  Outside of the bowling alley was where they got into the car before going on the chase where they ended up on the railroad tracks.

Last stop was at the Public House by the old courthouse, where the "Drink to World Peace" scenes were filmed, but it was too crowded so came home.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31--  Celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX Championship at the Squaw Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, by watching the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and the game.  Huge , loud and appreciative crowd cheering the whole way.

Good Times For All.  --RoadDog

YOU KNOW IT'S JULY IN FLORIDA WHEN:  Hot water comes out of both taps.

Good Times Last Weekend

FEB. 5, THURSDAY:  Spent $631 for furnace repairs (not so fun).  Went to Donovan's and watched the movie "Groundhog Day."  Went to Tommy's on the way back home and ordered a Stan Mikita Blackhawk throwback hockey jersey.

FEB. 6, FRIDAY:  Went to Grayslake, Illinois,  and had breakfast with old buddy Kip at Fred's Diner.  Then the world's largest Ace Hardware store in Round Lake.  Went to Radio Shack for watch battery and met Kevin and Kelly at Squaw Bar.  Then to the American Legion.

FEB. 7, SATURDAY:  Enjoyed Flashback to 1986 and then saw the Bears when they were good at Super Bown XX, from 1986.  Afterwards, we went to Hello Folks and saw Mitch Edwards play for a couple sets.

FEB. 8, SATURDAY:  Went to Burger King for those outstanding ten chicken nuggets for $1.49 deal.  Then saw the Blackhawks beat St.Louist the Twisted Moose in McHenry.  They blow the air horns, turn on the flashing red lights and play Chelsea Dagger for every Hawk score and win.  Hawks won 4-2.

Went to Antonio's afterwards.

--Good Times.  --RoadDog

Flashback to 1986: That Super Bowl Shufflin' Year-- Part 1

Wendy Rice's "Saturday Morning Flashback" show on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM is to 1986.  A year that kicked off with the only REAL Super Bowl we've had, Super Bowl XX with Mike Ditka and the boys marching to Bear glory, such a far cry from today's mess.

It streams at www.wxrt.com and goes to noon, CST.

Songs played so far:

MEMPHIS THING--  Rob Jungklas
RIGHT NEXT DOOR--  Robert Cray  (One of my favorite songs off that great Strong Persuader album)
MISSIONARY MAN-- Eurythmics
CARDBOARD BOXES--  Loudon Wainwright III

WILD WILD LIFE--  Talking Heads
BRILLIANT MISTAKE--  Elvis Costello
I KNOW WHAT I KNOW--  Paul Simon
IT'S IN THE WAY THAT YOU USE IT--  Eric Clapton

DEAR GOD--  XTC
GUITAR TOWN--  Steve Earle  (Another favorite)
I TOUCH ROSES--  Book of Love
KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF--  Georgia Satellites  (Also a favorite)

I STILL BELIEVE--  Call
RAT IN THE KITCHEN--  UB40

Give It a Listen.  --RoadDog


DOLDEN YEARS BUMPER STICKERS:  I was always taught to respect my elders.  Now I don't have anyone to respect.

Da Bears at Da House-- Part 2

Nearly 100 ex-players, coaches and staff will be meeting President Obama, also a Bears fan, of sorts.

Sadly, some of the more memorable names will not be there.

Foremost would be running back Walter Payton, who died of cancer at 45.

Safety Dave Duerson killed himself earlier this year after suffering from brain damage inflicted by all the hits on the field.

Also absent will be William "The Refrigerator" Perry who has health issues.

However, on hand will be the "Punky QB" Jim McMahon, speedy wide receiver Willie Gault and Richard Dent, Super Bowl XX MVP and newly elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.

Dan Hampton is going because he doesn't like Obama.

Personally, getting together with the guys as well as an invite and chance to meet the President and see the White House would have me there whether I liked the president or not.

I can't name more than about half the present Bears, but know the '85 team like it was just yesterday, not 26 years ago.

Da Bears! --RoadDog

Still Our Favorite Bears-- Part 2

The face of the Bears was no doubt, Da Coach, otherwise known as Mike Ditka. People still go to his restaurant on East Chesnut to pay $27 for a pork chop. Expensive, but "damn good pork chop.

If I had anything against the man, it was having to see him on TV back in the 80s selling any and everything. And he is still selling everything from cigars, wine, sweater vests, vacation packages, Arena Football tickets and words of inspiration. I seem to recall he even pitched for a male enhancement product at one time.

But there was no negating his passion of the football field. If you wanted to know how the game was going, all you had to do was observed Ditka's face.

Sadly, however, we lost the heart of that team, Walter Payton, far too young. Then, there is the rookie, the Fridge, who isn't doing well health wise.

As far as the '85 Bears, "The style of ball they played, the manner in which they dominated and the way they connected with the public made them unique in the history of pro football. There could never be another 1985 Bears."

After all, how many NFL teams have had their own Saturday Night Live skit?

Lovin' Dem Bears, Well, Da Bears. --RoadDog


YOU'RE A FLORIDIAN IF...Flip-flops are for everyday wear if you're not barefoot or Step on a Flip Top.

Still Our Favorite Bears-- Part 1

We're so happy that the Bears are back in the playoffs again and also happy that the coach (not Da Coach) finally shows some expression.

But our all-time favorite team was the one from a quarter century ago, can it really have been 25 years ago? I still know most of the players names, more than I can say about this year's batch.

Back in November, the '85 Bears held a reunion in Chicago with quite a few in attendance. Hey, the 1985 Bears have never gone away.

Dan Pompei had an article in the November 5, 2010 Chicago Tribune about our Da Bears.

Many of us still have a VCR tape of Super Bowl XX tucked away somewhere. I know I have. Of course, many folks no longer have anything to play it on. I also still have yellowed newspaper clippings and my copy of "Super Bowl Shuffle."

That Friday, at least 25 of Dose Bears showed up at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago to talk about that special season and some fans paid up to $199 a ticket to see Da Guys.

Pompei says there was a delightful transparency about those '85 Bears.

Chicago loved Dose Bears and Dose Bears loved the city right back, By Pompei's count, 20 of them still live here. You constantly hear of them being somewhere, signing autographs or opening a store.

And, I'm Not Finished Yet. --RoadDog


YOU'RE A FLORIDIAN IF... You think a six-foot alligator is pretty average.

Big Game in Town: Colts Vs. Patriots

Well, not Chicago, but one I'll watch anyway.

That would be the matchup of the two unbeatens in the NFL, the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Now, I don't normally watch any NFL games unless its Da Bears or Da Pack, my two favorites. That's right, I like both teams, but definitely pull for the Bears when they play each other. I'll also watch a game if I'm at a bar and it's the only thing on TV.

However, this game today, is a BIG one.

I used to feel a bit sorry for the Patriots because the first time they went to the Super Bowl they lost against that great 1985 Bears team and it was a blow out. Then the second time was to the Packers, both at New Orleans' Super Bowl. However, of late, the Patriots have MORE than made up for those two losses.

I'm pulling for the Colts.

And, besides, the Colts are my third favorite team. A bunch of buddies and I used to go to Indianapolis for a game each year back when they were bad and you could get tickets, but those are hard to reasonably come by any more. Also, Tony Dungey is one of my favorite coaches after Mike Holmgren.

Plus, Indianapolis is a Midwestern team. Then there is Peyton Manning who also quarterbacked one of my favorite colleges, Tennessee.

Sad to see that the Patriots rallied to win the game.

Let's Go Colts!!!!! --RoadDog

NOT Happy with the Bears Schedule this Season

I like my college and pro football to start between noon and 1 PM, and I am definitely not getting that this year. Six games start at noon, five at around 3 PM, and five at around 7:30 PM. That's ten of the sixteen starting too late.

Of course, this won't stop me from watching Da Bears, but, I'm not happy about it. I guess it's the price you pay for success as in last year's NFC Championship. I'll just have to become a night owl.

At least there are NO Monday Night Games. Da Bears do not play well on Monday night, and those games go on and on and on. You might say they stink. The only game we lost in that great Super Bowl XX season was a Monday night game. Then, remember that near Arizona debacle of last season-- on a Monday Night of course.

Bring Back Those Noon Games!!! --RoadDog

The Danimal and The Wild I-Talian in Spring Grove, Il

Yesterday, our new Jewel-Osco store opened in my little old town of Spring Grove. Guess we're not so little anymore. What next, a Walgreen's and Kohls? Population is still around 4000, but we are right in the way of Chicago's outward move, even though we're about 50 miles away. It's coming right up US Highway 12.

In honor of the grand opening, they had the Danimal there signing autographs and saying hi from 6 to 8 PM. Unfortunately, I didn't know about it, and arrived at 9, so missed him. Sigh!!! Now, for some of you NON-BEAR fans, Danimal was the name give to Dan Hampton for his ferocious defensive play. He was one of DABEARS, those swaggering winners of Super Bowl XX!!!

He was born in Oklahoma City in 1957 (OKC, by the way, is on ROUTE 66). He is in the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH, and played for DA BEARS from 1979-1990, the glory years.

He played college ball with the Arkansas Razorbacks where he was an All-American his senior year and had 18 qb sacks. He was the Southwest Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 1978.

He was drafted by the Bears in the first round and was a key defenseman from 1979 to 1990, going to four Pro Bowls. He set a career record with 82 sacks with the team and helped rank as the defense giving up the fewest rushing TDs, yardage, and total yards during that time.

He did not take part in the "Super Bowl Shuffle" video as he felt it was too cocky.


DICK BIONDI- "The Wild I-Talian"

One of the all-time great disc jockies will be at the Jewel today to meet and greet. He has spent much of his career here in the Chicago area.

He started in Buffalo, NY in the 50s and came to Chicago's 50,000 watt WLS, 890 AM in 1960 where his show was heard over a lot of the US. From 1963 to 1967, he was at KRLA in Los Angeles before returning to Chicago, this time at WLS's arch rival WCFL at 1000 AM. He was there until 1972.

As I remember it, a comment he made on-air got him fired and then he went to WNMB in North Myrtle Beach for a decade. Wonder if he played BEACH MUSIC and knew Billy Smith?

In 1984, he returned to Chicago for his third tour, this time at Oldies Station WJMK, 104.3 FM. That station closed, and today, he is back with the True Oldies Station.

This guy lived through a whole lot of Rock and Roll. He says, "I tell you, I'm never going to stop. I'm not interested in rusting away." He doesn't stop, just gets fired. One source I used to get this info said he was fired 21 times in 32 years. I would have to believe he was rehired quite a few times.

The depth of his knowledge is legendary. He still does live deejay shows as well as in-studio.

There is some discussion as to whether he was the first deejay to play a Beatles record, "Please, Please Me" back in February 1963. Also, Mr. Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak, won a contest on the Dick Biondi Show and got to be a guest teen deejay.

He has been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame and is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH.

Two of My Favorites. --RoadDog

THIS DAY IN HISTORY- 1786- THE US Constitution was ratified and became the Supreme Law of the Land. Where would we be without it? Happy 221st birthday!!!

Fergie & Butthead at Antioch Menard's

For the grand opening of the new Menard's in nearby Antioch, Illinois, the store had three race car drivers (I'm originally from NC but do not follow NASCAR at all) and they two of my all-time favorite Chicago sports figures: Fergie Jenkins of the Cubs and Kevin Butler of the Bears.

For those of you who are southern, a Menard's is similar to Lowe's and Home Depot.

FERGIE JENKINS- born in 1943 in Canada. He compiled quite a major league pitching record while playing mostly for the Cubs. He is the 29th winningest pitcher of all time with 284 between 1965 and 1983. He is also the only Canadian ever elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

He led the league in wins twice, complete games 9 times, and won 20 or more six straight seasons 1967-1972. He was also the NL Cy Young Award winner in 1971.

In his first full-year of pitching, he compiled quite a record: 20 wins, 280 strikeouts, and a 2.80 ERA. During his career, he pitched 49 shutouts.

He was one dominating pitcher. I used to really love it when he'd pitch against Bob Gibson of the Cardinals, Juan Marichal of the Giants, or Don Drysdale of the Dodgers. That was some matchup. Whenever the Cubs played the Dodgers, you'd have a Sandy Koufax-Jerome Holtzman leftie battle and then a Fergie Jenkins-Don Drysdale rightie game.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see him Monday.

KEVIN BUTLER- A clubhouse goof off who often wore a headband with "Butt-head" marked on it for the popular MTV show of the time and his first three letters of his last name. This was a guy who knew how to kick the ball, both in college and the pros.

He was born in Savannah, Georgia, where certain members of my family live and attended the University of Georgia, where I also went for a year and again, some relatives have gone, and one is there right now.

From 1981-1984 while a Bulldog, he kicked 77 field goals and 122 extra points. During that time, UGA was 38-8-2, went to two Sugar Bowls, one Cotton Bowl, and one Citrus Bowl. He completed 52.4% of field goals from 50 plus yards out. His longest was a 60 yarder that won the game against Clemson in 1984.

The, he joined my favorite NFL team in time for that magical 1985 season, the Super Bowl Shuffle, and Super Bowl XX. Ah, those were great times to be a Bear fan. In 11 seasons as a Bear, he became the all-time scoring leader, surpassing Walter Payton's record of 750 points with 1,116.

He'll be there tonight from 6 to 8, and I'm hoping to make it out to see him.

Who are Those Guys? --RoadDog