2024 Indy 500-- Part 2: 'Emo'

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Drove back to the IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and parked by Tom's.  Walked the short distance to the race track and paid $20 to get in for Legends Day.

Sue and Paul wanted to walk around so I just stayed by the Pagoda and talked with race fans.  Some had been coming for over thirty times.  Many had stood in line for a long time to get autographs and take pictures of the racers in tomorrow's running of the famous race.

A guy came by and was drawing lots of attention.  I asked another fan who he was and he said "Emo."  Emo didn't mean anything to me so looked the name up on the cell phone and found out he was Emerson Fittipaldi, who won the Indy race twice, once in 1989 and again in 1993.

His grandson is running in the Indy 500 this year.

Back to the campground and had a very pleasant evening sitting outside.

--RoadDog

Still Using Cassettes (Hopelessy Behind the Times)

FRIDAY, JULY 1

Went to Quality Tire in Spring Grove to check on the Malibu and then to McHenry to check out some garden centers at Wal Mart and Home Depot and then bought three 5-pack Maxell cassette bricks and a Sony Radio, Cassette and CD boombox player using a 30% off coupon.  Nowadays a cassette brick costs $9.99 at Meijers which is the only place I know of to buy a brick.  The boom box usually cost $69.99.

Gas on Illinois Highway 31 was $5.15 and $5.05.  Getting better, but still way TOO expensive

Stopped at the Spring Grove Jewel on the way home and bought six 12-packs of Diet Coke for Liz at 3 for $10, a real good deal these days of inflation in pretty much everything.  (Sale prices on these used to be 4 for $10.)

I see that USC and UCLA are going to join the Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.  That will make it the Big 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  Time for a name change.  Another case of the rich get richer among the so-called Power Conferences.  I liked the old days where conferences were based on regional location, but not no more.

Picked up the Malibu which ended up with $460 in repairs.

Met the usual suspects at Johnny's Cafe in Fox Lake and then went to the Fox Lake American Legion.

But, I Like Cassettes, and, Even More Important, Know How toUse Them.  -RoadDog

Last Week: An Automotive Double Whammy, Pizza, Sunnyside and Trivia at Donovan's Reef

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 

Well, great news, the '11 Malibu is ready from Ray Chevrolet as we're down to just the '05 Dakota running at present, but it has been making strange noises.  Went in and paid my $1,743 for the repairs after I hit the raccoon.  As I pulled out of Ray Chevrolet in the truck, all of a sudden it started to jerk and shudder and I made it into the next BP station.  Then got it back to Ray Chevrolet.

Oh boy, an automotive double whammy.  They were nice enough t take me home in their courtesy vehicle.

Later had a great pizza at Half-Times in Johnsburg (for half-price and $1 14 ounce drafts, then went to Sunnyside.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15

It will cost $1,050 to repair the truck.  Ouch!  That was on top of the $1,500 to repair the Malibu.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16

This was one really windy day, by an equally windy night.  Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and had a real good time with Uncle Jeffy in trivia.

Ain't Owning Cars a Lot of Fun?  --RoadDog

THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO SAY:  It sounds like English, but I can't hear a word you say.

JSS: Missing Bob Rohrman-- Recreational Marijuana-- Firefighters' Steak Fry

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  MISSING BOB ROHRMAN

Bob Rohrman died Tuesday, September 1, 2020.  And, I miss his wacky TV commercials for his family-owned auto group were standard TV fodder and who put the ROAR in ROHRman.

2,  RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA COMMERCIALS--  And, on the subject of commercials, now I hear commercials telling people to save money on their recreational marijuana by getting a doctor's excuse.  I really never thought I'd be hearing these on the radio.

Of course, we have had legal marijuana sales here in Illinois for a year now and every month they set new sales records.  And a whole lot of the cost you pay for it is taxes.  Hey, our state is broke so nice to have the revenue.  As for us, we have yet to go buy any.  Personally I have enough problems with drinking and don't need another problem.

We also have never played any of the gambling slot machines that seem to be everywhere in the state these days.  I'm waiting for them to start putting them in bathrooms.

3.  FIREFIGHTERS' STEAK FRY--  Today, the Spring Grove Firefighters are having the annual Steak Fry, so we will be going over to that.

--RoadDog

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE, THE BEHIND YOU LAW:  When you finally give up looking for that item in a store and ask an employee where something is, you know very well that it will be right behind you.

The $3800 Six Mile Auto Trip, Nov. 10, 2020-- Part 3: Since Then

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

The guy came from the Chevy dealer and towed the car there.  Later that afternoon, we got a phone call about the damage to the car.  I planned on paying for it myself if it was under $1000, but it sure wasn't.  To do the mechanical repairs (with damage to the radiator and various other parts up front, it came to $2100.  To get the grill and front bumper replaced the whole price came to $3800.

Quite a bit more than I wanted to pay for.  So, I called our State Farm agent (not Jake from State Farm) and made a claim.  After giving the information, we were assigned a claim number and told their person would contact the dealer and work out something.

The contact, however we found out, was to be virtual in these virus days.

We have not heard from anyone as of yet, but will be calling today to find out where we stand and what will be done.

Just several years ago, we had four vehicles and now we are down to just one, a 2005 Dodge Dakota.

Kind of Would Like to Have At Least Two Vehicles, Though.  --RoadAlmostCarless

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why are you "in" a movie, but "on" TV?

The $3800 Six Mile Auto Trip Nov. 10, the Next Day

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11

And that is considering that since March 16, I haven't driven further than 25 miles from home.  With this virus, it is just no fun to drive anywhere.  We even dropped plans to join family in Savannah, Georgia, this coming Thursday for Thanksgiving.  We had that in the plans for a year and a half.

That storm, as bad as it was, was over in about an hour.

Anyway, the next day, I walked out by the car and saw the garage floor was very wet under the front of the car(perhaps, I thought, from all the rain we had) but there was nothing by the back tires.

I looked at the front of the 2011 Malibu and could see the license plate and holder were a bit bent and he bumper under it was dented as well.  Then I saw a piece of wood jammed in there, but I couldn't loosen it. (Nor could I get the hood up after I pulled the inside lever to do it.  I couldn't find the latch in the engine.)

I started the car, and it started right up.  Backed it out of the garage and drove around a couple blocks.  It ran well.  No warning lights came on either.

Parked it on the driveway which was dry, figuring I would see if it was still leaking.  I went out a few hours later and the driveway was covered with some sort of liquid.

I called our Chevy dealer to have it towed in the next day.

Watch Out for Them Motivating Big Tree Branches.--RoadWreck

POINTS TO PONDER:  Why do we press harder on the remote when we know the batteries are getting weak?

The $3800 Six Mile Auto Trip Last Tuesday-- Part 1: One Helluva Storm

We had had an almost unbelievable streak of warm weather for almost seven days in early November, so we had been taking advantage of it.  

However, Tuesday, November 10, it was supposed to end and in a big fashion with storms rolling through and really big winds.  Of course, that was the sky-is-falling weather forecasters so it was something you had to see.

We were down in Johnsburg sitting outside enjoying a late lunch (wow, sitting outside comfortably with just a sweatshirt and short pants in November here in the Midwest.  Wow!!) and then it began looking like the weather folks might be right.  Some really bad-looking black clouds were rolling in from the west and the wind was picking up.  (We were sitting outside because of the virus and no dining inside.)

Around 4:15, a big blast of wind and a smattering of raindrops hit, sending customers chasing after chairs, tables and umbrellas and then we and others decided it was time to hightail home.  We got to the car just ahead of a downpour.

Driving north on Johnsburg Road, we could see the rain coming down horizontally.  Trees were bending over alarmingly.  The pavement was becoming slippery.  We stopped at Ringwood Road for the sign, proceeded through the intersection and about a quarter mile north, I saw a large tree branch blown down and start across the road.  This was maybe a hundred feet in front of us.

Slammed on the brakes, but had to let up when I started skidding.  The branch was sliding across the road, but enough in it so that we were going to hit it.  We did.

The car continued going with no problems and we drove the last couple miles to home.  Parked in the garage and we could see no damage.

Hopefully, we wouldn't have any damage, but would have to wait until the next day to take a look in the daylight.

That Was Too Close.  The Heart Was Racing.  --RoadSmash

THINGS TO PONDER:  If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2.

Shouldn't Have Gone to That Car Show: A '67 Firebird for Sale!!

Yesterday, Monday, September 25, I went over to the final Green Street Car Show in downtown McHenry, Illinois, as the featured cars were Pontiacs, which remains my all-time favorite vehicle.  I have had a '67 Tempest, '67 Firebird convertible, '85 Firebird and two Grand Ams.

My all-time favorite car remains the Firebird, but since Firebirds were phased out and later the whole Pontiac line, I was thinking of getting a Corvette for my next middle (older) age crisis car, until they came out with the new Camaros.  Everyone called the 1967 Firebird a middle age crisis car back in 1987 when I bought it.

But, yesterday, I came across a '67 Firebird that was for sale.  It is not in perfect shape, but definitely good enough for me and a whole lot better shape than the '85 Firebird which we (well, I) still have.  It has a 400 engine and the price is right at $10,000.  Though, it had an 8-track player and I would have to do something to get a cassette/CD player and FM radio.

We have four vehicles right now: '85 Firebird, 2003 Malibu, 2005 Dodge Dakota and 2011 Malibu.  I don't need another vehicle so would have to sell one, maybe two.  All of these we've had since brand new.  We paid cash for all of them as well.

But, I am seriously considering it, but trying to come up with reasons not to buy it.

Somebody Help Me.  --RoadDog

JSS: The Lincoln Gag-- The House Flipping Gag-- What's With the Tubs?

JSS:  Just Some Stuff.

1.  THE LINCOLN GAG--  I don't know about you, but I almost gag whenever one of those disgusting Lincoln automobile commercials come on with the equally gagging Matthew McCaunaughy.  YUCK!!

2.  THE HOUSE FLIPPING GAG--  I also am tired of all those house-flipping commercials on the radio.  The ONLY guys making money "flipping houses" are those ones running the programs.

3.  WHAT'S WITH THE TUBS? --  And then, there are those confusing bathtubs on those ED commercials.  I still haven't figured out how they have sex sitting in two different bathtubs.

Inquiring Minds Would Like to Know.  Please Make Them Stop!!!   --RoadDog

STUPID UNITED STATES LAWS:  In Massachusetts an old ordinance declares goatees illegal unless you first pay a special license fee for the privilege of wearing one in public.  (Glad I shaved mine off, I guess.)

JSS: Senior Moment-- Recall, Oil Change & Rotation-- K.C.'s Cabin-- NIU St. Valentine's Day Massacre-- NIU Memories-- Gas Gouge-- WBRF

JSS--  Just Some Stuff

1.  SENIOR MOMENT--  On the way over to Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, I turned accidentally into the American Legion parking lot and was wondering why I was in that parking lot.  Then I remembered, I wasn't going there.  What was it that the trooper said back on that old "Please Mr. Custer" song?

2.  RECALL, OIL CHANGE & ROTATION--  We took the '11 Malibu over to Ray Chevrolet for the Chevy Recall, an oil change and tire rotation.

3.  K.C.'S CABIN--  While waiting for the '11 to be finished, we drove the '03 Malibu to K.C.'s Cabin for their buy one, get one breakfasts.  Great deal.  The two of us ate for $12 including coffee and Coke.

4.  NIU ST. VALENTINE'S MASSACRE--  It dawned on us that we were at K.C.'s Cabin on Feb. 14, 2008, when we saw NIU on TV.  Unfortunately, it was because of the murders of five students.

5.  NIU MEMORIES--  On the way home, we were listening to 103.9 FM, the Fox and they played "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin.  That reminded us of NIU's Tune Room at the University Center where that song often played back in 1969-1970.  That reminded us of the Pow-Wow Room next to it where most fraternities would claim a table for the day a good place to meet friends in between (and during) classes.

6.  GAS GOUGE--  Gas in Fox Lake, Illinois, was up to $2.49.  That is a 27 cent increase since Thursday!!
 
7.  WBRF--  I am listening to Classic Country 98.1 FM in Galax, Virginia, right now on the internet.  I always listen to it while driving back and forth to North Carolina.  Some really fine country oldies music.  They are talking about cold with lows near 18 degrees tonight and windchill watches Saturday-Sunday as low as 20-25 below zero.

"What Am I Doing Here?"  --RoadDog

To Rain Or Not To Rain, To Crawl Or Not To Crawl-- Part 1

Busy day yesterday, and, sadly, a lot of miles for Big Oil. It misted, sprinkled all morning until 2, then the weather cleared up, but poured at 6:30.

First, I went to McHenry, for my yearly physical, then Crystal Lake for '03 Malibu emissions test (passed). Then, since so far south, Chain of Lakes Chain Crawl along the Fox River.

First stop at Dead End Saloon in Fox River Grove, right at the US-14 bridge. Next, Pier 99 (the Old Port Barrington) but they wouldn't open until 3. Next we went to Hermann's Low Life Bar in Barrington Shores and a great pizza. This is a place that hasn't changed much since the 1920s.

Farther north, we stopped at River's Edge. They weren't open yet, but signed the passport anyway. A lot of places on the water have reduced hours (and some closed) because of the continuing recession.

Maybe things are better for the GRBs who got us into it in the first place, but not for most "regular" folks.

Heading Northward. --RoadDog

JSS: New Car?-- New SCV Camp?-- First Grass Cutting-- Other Vehicles

JSS-- Just Some Stuff.


1. NEW CAR?-- Today, we go out to look at new Chevy cars. I just couldn't bring myself to buy a foreign car. We're interested in the new Cruze, Malibus and Impalas. I also want to look at the Camaro, but Liz is totally against one of those. Says it's too hard to get into and out of.

We have a 2003 Malibu right now with 103,000 miles and figure its time to get another one. We want to keep it and sell or trade the truck.


2. NEW SCV CAMP?-- Met with SCV (Sons of Confederate Veterans) Division Commander John Jeffers last week about starting a new camp here in Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois. We have the number of men needed, but no name as of yet until we have a general meeting. I have agreed to be interim camp commander.


3. FIRST GRASS CUTTING-- Saturday, after coming back from watching the Bulls lose to Indiana at Tommy's (down by 18 points, they were within 2 in the last seconds before losing), I found the grass dry enough to cut for the first time this year. Hope I will be able to afford the gas to continue cutting it.


4. OTHER VEHICLES-- Besides the Malibu, we have a 2005 Dodge Dakota truck with 36,000 miles. I like it, but it only gets 13 miles around town and 18 on the road, something I can't handle with $4+ gas.

The other vehicle is a 1985 Pontiac Firebird with 94,000 miles on it. It runs, but needs engine, body and interior work. I haven't decided what to do about it.


Wonder If We'll Be getting a New Car? --RoadDog


STUPID QUESTION: If Wiley E. Coyote has enough money to buy all that Acme stuff, why doesn't he just buy dinner?

To Walk or Get Driven to School?

The July 14th Chicago Tribune reports that, according to a study, fewer American students who live close to school are walking to school, especially kids in the South.

This, coupled with computer games and schools cutting physical education classes and recess due to budgetary restraints, has led to a major obesity problem with kids.

The study, which is being published in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, is based on a random telephone survey of 7,400 families with children ages 9-15.

In 1969, about 90 percent of children who lived within a mile of their school, either walked or biked to it. In 2004, just 48 percent did that at least once a week.

There are quite a few reasons for this. "Many suburbs and newer cities lack sidewalks so safety is an issue. Also, many families have extra cars and some parents aren't concerned about exercise for their children. Plus, some children think walking is 'uncool.' "

I would like to add that children today have to be the most-spoiled kids ever. They expect their parents do to everything for them- and RIGHT away.

Many kids are driven to school these days. A very common parental excuse is that they fear for their safety. I don't hear of many kids getting shot or abducted on the way to school among those who still do it under their own power.

Kids being driven to school, even when they can get bus service has become a major problem at the Round Lake, Il, schools, especially since 2000. Coming to school and leaving means doing battle with a major traffic jam. I don't remember it being like that when I started teaching back in 1973, or for that matter, up until the last six years. Existing schools have a great difficulty provided a way to do this and it becomes a major factor in the construction of new buildings.

Then, again, with these high gas prices due to Big Oil's excuse of increased usage, one would have to wonder why parents insist on driving their little darlings?

To the best of my memory, I always walked or rode a bus. I remember definitely walking to Cardinal Drive School in Rolling Meadows, Il, for 6th grade, and for two years at Winston Park Junior High in Palatine.

Let My People Hit the Pavement. --RoadDog

All the Blues You Can Use

The Chicago Blues Festival is this weekend and bills itself as the world's largest blues festival. And, it's FREE!!! Something rare in Chicago where it seems everyone is intent on getting as much money as they can from you, from the outrageous parking costs, to the 10% downtown sales tax.

I am a big fan of the blues. Most Mondays, I tune into Tom Marker's Bluesbreakers Show on WXRT, 93.1 FM, and listen to an hour of new and old blues songs and the information he gives out. At one time, our classical station had a great blues/soul show on after midnight featuring Mr. A. They changed formats and now is The Drive playing classic rock, but I sure do miss Mr. A and would like to know if he is still on the air somewhere.

Like Marker says, Chicago is the World Capital of the Blues. A major destination for tourists are the various blues clubs around the city. Buddy Guy's Legends is probably the best known. They will be moving from the building soon, but relocating elsewhere. Plus we have the Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor.

There will be lots of acts at several stages, but some of the "big" names are:

Thursday- Artie "Blues Boy" White, Larry McCray
Friday- Eddie Bo, Elvin Bishop
Saturday- Ronnie Baker Brooks, Siegal-Schwall Blues Band
Sunday- Bobby Blue Bland, Dorothy Moore

I'm considering taking a ride on the Metra train. It drops you off at UnionStation, about ten blocks from Grant Park, where the festival is taking place. Great deals on the weekends, $5 unlimited rides for both days. Plus... Union Station and Grant Park are on ROUTE 66!!!!

This Day in History
1944- D Day

Automotive History
1932- the first federal gas tax, 1 cents a gallon
1933- the first drive in movie theater opens in Camden, NJ

Bluesin' It in Chicago. --RoadDog

Hittin' the Road-- Part 2

Saturday, we plan to meet members from the Iowa and Illinois chapters of the Lincoln Highway Association at a joint meeting in Franklin Grove. This will be my first LHA meeting.

Saw a report on the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway site about a 1923 original LH shelter that has been restored in Aurora, Illinois. The Aurora Automobile Club built it as a place for tourists to stop in the days before motels. Back in the 1920s, municipalities across the US built 5000 of these to provide travellers with a place to stay as more and more people hit the roads.

It was last used by a band of gypsies in the early 40s and was enclosed during WWII and used as a Civil Defense Shelter. Since then, it was abandoned and seriously deteriorating until funds were found and it was restored.

Always good news to have something old preserved.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway. --RoadDog