This past Sunday, Bob Stroud took a road trip on his weekly Rock and Roll Roots Show. Me being a big-time Roadie, I just had to listen to it. Not every song was a road song as he always does birthdays, and makes me feel old (Thanks a lot, Bob). When he does a birthday, he also plays a song by them.
Since these are Road Songs, I will also list them on the RoadDog's Roadlog Blog. But, since music is such a BIG part of my life, I'll list them here with my comments.
2120 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE-- ROLLING STONES-- Instrumental recorded in a visit to Chicago's Chess Studios, located at that address. The Stones were much influenced by music from here.
VENTURA HIGHWAY-- AMERICA-- Come on, let's get those harmonies going.
EASY STREET-- EDGAR WINTER GROUP-- Never heard of this one before
ON THE ROAD AGAIN-- CANNED HEAT-- Favorite song by them
EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR HEART-- SOUL SURVIVORS-- Great party song. Get those dancing shoes on.
HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED-- BOB DYLAN-- Great song about the BLUES HIGHWAY. I especially like the intro. Like no other Dylan song.
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD-- BEATLES-- Don't much like this one even if Sir Paul is on Route 66 right now. Too slow and gag.
WHY DON'T WE DO IT IN THE ROAD-- Beatles-- Is this nasty or not? Do what?
CAREFREE HIGHWAY-- GORDON LIGHTFOOT-- How do you beat a good Gord song?
TAKE THE HIGHWAY-- MARSHALL TUCKER BAND-- Great song except that extended jam. Still like "Fire on the Mountain" the best.
To Be Continued...
Keep on Rocking Down the Highway. --RoadDog
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
And Speaking of Michael Phelps
Yahoo Topics had an article today about Michael Phelps' eating habits. Due to his training, he eats. And eats, and eats.
Whereas most men his age consume 3000 calories a day, he loads up at 12,000 for energy in his 30 hour training week.
The average menu for a day:
BREAKFAST: 3 fried egg sandwiches, 2 cups of coffee, 5-egg omelet, bowl of grits (is he Southern?),3 pieces of French toast, and 3 chocolate pancakes. You'd have to wonder how long it takes him to eat all that?
LUNCH: 1 pound pasta, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, 1000 calorie energy drink.
DINNER: 1 pound pasta, one lage pizza, 1000 calorie energy drink.
Well, I Reckon if You Work Out That Hard, You Need All Those Calories. --RoadDog
Whereas most men his age consume 3000 calories a day, he loads up at 12,000 for energy in his 30 hour training week.
The average menu for a day:
BREAKFAST: 3 fried egg sandwiches, 2 cups of coffee, 5-egg omelet, bowl of grits (is he Southern?),3 pieces of French toast, and 3 chocolate pancakes. You'd have to wonder how long it takes him to eat all that?
LUNCH: 1 pound pasta, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, 1000 calorie energy drink.
DINNER: 1 pound pasta, one lage pizza, 1000 calorie energy drink.
Well, I Reckon if You Work Out That Hard, You Need All Those Calories. --RoadDog
The Olympics
I've been watching the Olympics (something I've never done much before). I was extremely impressed with the opening ceremonies on Friday, especially the way the Olympic Torch was lit with the guy running sideways around the top of the stadium.
The gymnasts are something to behold, especially those on the still rings. Anything they do is 100% their effort. The performance of the one Chinese guy left my jaw agape. How in the world do they do that?
Then, that'ssome mighty fast swimming. In some cases, the top four finishers ALL break the world record.
Then, there is that Michael Phelps show. Once he gets going, no one is going to catch him.
I'm of course, pulling for the good 'ol USA, but China is going to be quite an obstacle to overcome. Especially since their athletes are essentially pros, having been in train since before age 5.
Regardless, these are some unbelievable efforts for all concerned.
Come on Red, White, and Blue. --RoadDog
The gymnasts are something to behold, especially those on the still rings. Anything they do is 100% their effort. The performance of the one Chinese guy left my jaw agape. How in the world do they do that?
Then, that'ssome mighty fast swimming. In some cases, the top four finishers ALL break the world record.
Then, there is that Michael Phelps show. Once he gets going, no one is going to catch him.
I'm of course, pulling for the good 'ol USA, but China is going to be quite an obstacle to overcome. Especially since their athletes are essentially pros, having been in train since before age 5.
Regardless, these are some unbelievable efforts for all concerned.
Come on Red, White, and Blue. --RoadDog
Lake Geneva Here We Go
Yesterday, we decided it was too much of a chance of rain to go boating, so we went to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, about 20 miles away, just over the border. This is a major tourist destination for "Flatlanders" as we Illinois-folk are sometimes referred to by "Cheeseheads."
THE DRIVE
We took US-12 through beautiful antique Richmond, Illinois, and past one of the few remaining Dog 'N Suds on the north side of town. Then, we got on Highway H in Genoa City which features an excellent restaurant on the main street called Keller's with that great old sign. There is also Fitzgerald's at the Octagon House which is famed for their Door County Fish Boil.
Highway H is actually the original US-12 before the freeway was built. We especially like this route because there is little traffic and it goes through rolling hills, past farms, lots of silos, and The Upper Crust restaurant in Pell Lake, also a favorite and unique eating experience.
UPON ARRIVING IN LAKE GENEVA
At Wisconsin Route 120, Highway H cuts off to the east, but continue through the intersection as this is still the original US-12. You will now be on Wells Street. Along a three mile stretch there are about seven old mom and pop-type motels, including one with cabins. This is where most regular folk (non-millionaire) stayed when visiting.
To Be Continued...
A Good Day in Cheesehead Land, --RoadDog
THE DRIVE
We took US-12 through beautiful antique Richmond, Illinois, and past one of the few remaining Dog 'N Suds on the north side of town. Then, we got on Highway H in Genoa City which features an excellent restaurant on the main street called Keller's with that great old sign. There is also Fitzgerald's at the Octagon House which is famed for their Door County Fish Boil.
Highway H is actually the original US-12 before the freeway was built. We especially like this route because there is little traffic and it goes through rolling hills, past farms, lots of silos, and The Upper Crust restaurant in Pell Lake, also a favorite and unique eating experience.
UPON ARRIVING IN LAKE GENEVA
At Wisconsin Route 120, Highway H cuts off to the east, but continue through the intersection as this is still the original US-12. You will now be on Wells Street. Along a three mile stretch there are about seven old mom and pop-type motels, including one with cabins. This is where most regular folk (non-millionaire) stayed when visiting.
To Be Continued...
A Good Day in Cheesehead Land, --RoadDog
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Top Ten Rockers
On Cooter's History Thing blog, I covered List Universe's Top Ten catastrophic non-war shipwrecks. I also came across their list of top ten rockers, complete with videos.
Music is a big part of my life, as I sit here listening to the soundtrack from "Teachers." I actually knew some of the teachers they parodied in that movie.
Here they are:
10. Beach Boys
9. Motorhead
8. Queen
7. Pink Floyd
6. Who
5. Rolling Stones
4. Jimi Hendrix Experience
3. Led Zeppelin
2. Elvis Presley
and, Number 1... The Beatles Guys
What, No Creedence Clearwater Revival?!!!
Music is a big part of my life, as I sit here listening to the soundtrack from "Teachers." I actually knew some of the teachers they parodied in that movie.
Here they are:
10. Beach Boys
9. Motorhead
8. Queen
7. Pink Floyd
6. Who
5. Rolling Stones
4. Jimi Hendrix Experience
3. Led Zeppelin
2. Elvis Presley
and, Number 1... The Beatles Guys
What, No Creedence Clearwater Revival?!!!
JSS-- Boating-- Yardwork-- Gas Under $4-- First Thumb Therapy
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. BOATING-- We're having perfect boating weather this last week, temps in the 80s and breezes to cool you off. We've been out boating this last Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday. We rarely go out on the weekends because of the crowds, and especially the infamous "Weekend Warriors." They are a bit too crazy for us.
So, we're getting a bit of use out of that hole in the water in which we like to throw money. We mostly float around, reading newspapers and magazines, working crossword puzzles, and listening to WDRV on the radio, classic rock, you know.
2. YARDWORK-- The thumb is a bit better, so I've been able to start "catching Up" with the yard and has that ever gotten ahead of me. Sadly, this was to be the FIRST-EVER summer I figured to keep up with it, but lost seven weeks. Let's just say, the weeds prospered and all theplants overgrew.
I've been working on the front yard and west side, but have at least a month's work more to go.
3. GAS UNDER $4-- Thank you GRB Big Oil folks. Finally got the prices down, BUT anything ABOVE $2 is TOO EXPENSIVE. Perhaps these high prices led to those unbelievable profits just released.
Gas in Fox Lake is $3.88 to $3.92. Gas in Round Lake is $3.94.
4. FIRST THUMB THERAPY-- The doctor who did the operation suggested I go to thumb therapy as I still can't get full use of the thumb. Yesterday, I went for the first appointment, and after a lot of testing and measuring, I was given several exercises to do with it. Let's hope I soon get the use back.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
1. BOATING-- We're having perfect boating weather this last week, temps in the 80s and breezes to cool you off. We've been out boating this last Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Monday. We rarely go out on the weekends because of the crowds, and especially the infamous "Weekend Warriors." They are a bit too crazy for us.
So, we're getting a bit of use out of that hole in the water in which we like to throw money. We mostly float around, reading newspapers and magazines, working crossword puzzles, and listening to WDRV on the radio, classic rock, you know.
2. YARDWORK-- The thumb is a bit better, so I've been able to start "catching Up" with the yard and has that ever gotten ahead of me. Sadly, this was to be the FIRST-EVER summer I figured to keep up with it, but lost seven weeks. Let's just say, the weeds prospered and all theplants overgrew.
I've been working on the front yard and west side, but have at least a month's work more to go.
3. GAS UNDER $4-- Thank you GRB Big Oil folks. Finally got the prices down, BUT anything ABOVE $2 is TOO EXPENSIVE. Perhaps these high prices led to those unbelievable profits just released.
Gas in Fox Lake is $3.88 to $3.92. Gas in Round Lake is $3.94.
4. FIRST THUMB THERAPY-- The doctor who did the operation suggested I go to thumb therapy as I still can't get full use of the thumb. Yesterday, I went for the first appointment, and after a lot of testing and measuring, I was given several exercises to do with it. Let's hope I soon get the use back.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Boy, Did We Have a Thunder-Whumping, Lightnin' Spewin' Storm
This past Monday, the Chicagoland area was visited by one of the worst storms in recent history. There wasn't a lot of damage and, fortunately, no deaths, but any way you want to look at it, that was one bodacious storm.
I missed a lot of it while at the movie theater, but, on the way home, the sky was fairly constantly lit up. Reminded me of the electrical storms we used to have in North Carolina. Some bolts would start at one corner of the sky and go all the way across it.
During the storm, there were 90,000 lightning strikes in the Chicagoland area, about as many as we get in six months. At the storm's height, there were 800 strikes a minute. Now that is a really charged storm.
We got some much-needed rain, but not as much as you'd expect. Unfortunately, there were no Japanese beetle fatalities. Drats.
At 11 pm, I watched another storm roll in to the south of us. It was like watching strobe lights.
Mighty Big Storm. --RoadDog
I missed a lot of it while at the movie theater, but, on the way home, the sky was fairly constantly lit up. Reminded me of the electrical storms we used to have in North Carolina. Some bolts would start at one corner of the sky and go all the way across it.
During the storm, there were 90,000 lightning strikes in the Chicagoland area, about as many as we get in six months. At the storm's height, there were 800 strikes a minute. Now that is a really charged storm.
We got some much-needed rain, but not as much as you'd expect. Unfortunately, there were no Japanese beetle fatalities. Drats.
At 11 pm, I watched another storm roll in to the south of us. It was like watching strobe lights.
Mighty Big Storm. --RoadDog
Monday, August 11, 2008
More Good "Thumb" News and Some Really Good Eatin', But 'Spensive
This past Tuesday, I had an appointment in Crystal Lake with the lady doctor who operated on my thumb. She also was extremely pleased with the progress made, and scheduled me for one more check up in a month. Again, she scared me saying that she didn't have much hope for saving the thumb. I knew it was serious, but NOT THAT SERIOUS!!! Liz knew, but the poor old patient did not know. Probably a good thing I didn't know the seriousness of it.
Who's have thought that I could end up with problems of this magnitude from a thistle. I really hate those thistles now.
1776 FOR LUNCH
In celebration, we drove over to US-14, Virginia Street in Crystal Lake and Northwest Highway throughout most of Chicagoland, and stopped at a place I've been wanting to eat at for quite some time, 1776. They describe it as a "Revolutionary Experience." We had thought that it was more like a coffee shop place, but found it to be an upscale restaurant with upscale prices. We normally stay away from places like this, but were already inside when we found out.
Fortunately, we had the lunch menu, which was cheaper (I imagine). Oh well, we're in the mood to celebrate the good news from the doctor, so we went ahead and ordered. I had the best pizza I've ever had. It was a lobster pizza with big chunks of the creature along with caramelized onions and two types of peppers and loaded with cheese. It would be classified an individual pizza and cost $14. Man, was that ever a good pizza and even as small as it was, I couldn't finish it.
Liz had a $9 Angus burger with some of the best fries I've ever had. They were done perfectly. Okay, I snitched a few off her plate.
Recommending 1776 and Watch Those Gosh Darn Thistles. --RoadDog
Who's have thought that I could end up with problems of this magnitude from a thistle. I really hate those thistles now.
1776 FOR LUNCH
In celebration, we drove over to US-14, Virginia Street in Crystal Lake and Northwest Highway throughout most of Chicagoland, and stopped at a place I've been wanting to eat at for quite some time, 1776. They describe it as a "Revolutionary Experience." We had thought that it was more like a coffee shop place, but found it to be an upscale restaurant with upscale prices. We normally stay away from places like this, but were already inside when we found out.
Fortunately, we had the lunch menu, which was cheaper (I imagine). Oh well, we're in the mood to celebrate the good news from the doctor, so we went ahead and ordered. I had the best pizza I've ever had. It was a lobster pizza with big chunks of the creature along with caramelized onions and two types of peppers and loaded with cheese. It would be classified an individual pizza and cost $14. Man, was that ever a good pizza and even as small as it was, I couldn't finish it.
Liz had a $9 Angus burger with some of the best fries I've ever had. They were done perfectly. Okay, I snitched a few off her plate.
Recommending 1776 and Watch Those Gosh Darn Thistles. --RoadDog
How About This, a $4 Meal...For Two!!!
In this day of MUCH HIGHER prices everywhere, this is a bit of a refereshing news.
Thursday and Friday, Liz and I went to two places and both ate for $4...and WERE FULL when we finished.
THURSDAY-- we boated over to Captain's Quarters and Fox Lake and foundthe place even more crowded than usual. And, for good reason, on Thursdays, wings are 25 cents as are loaded potato skins. We split a dozen wings and four skins. Drinks, of course, were extra, but what a deal.
FRIDAY-- Before boating, we stopped at Hello Folks in Fox Lake, right across from the channel where we moor the boat, and had their 99 cent Chicago-style hot dogs and 99 cent tater tots. Three hotdogs and one split order of tots later, we were full, and on our way out to the water.
Love That Cheap Eatin'. Made up for 1776 in Crystal Lake. --RoadDog
Thursday and Friday, Liz and I went to two places and both ate for $4...and WERE FULL when we finished.
THURSDAY-- we boated over to Captain's Quarters and Fox Lake and foundthe place even more crowded than usual. And, for good reason, on Thursdays, wings are 25 cents as are loaded potato skins. We split a dozen wings and four skins. Drinks, of course, were extra, but what a deal.
FRIDAY-- Before boating, we stopped at Hello Folks in Fox Lake, right across from the channel where we moor the boat, and had their 99 cent Chicago-style hot dogs and 99 cent tater tots. Three hotdogs and one split order of tots later, we were full, and on our way out to the water.
Love That Cheap Eatin'. Made up for 1776 in Crystal Lake. --RoadDog
That Was a Pretty Good Weekend Too-- Part Two
Continuing...
AUGUST 2nd- Saturday-- Went boating over to McDonald's for breakfast. How many folks can say they "boated" to McDonald's? Definitely a lot more crowded than it is during the week, when we usually go. We normally don't go boating on the weekends, leaving It to the folks we call weekend warriors. We've always been lucky and had the opportunity to use the Chain during the week since we were teachers and off during the summer. Now, of course, we are retired, so can even do it during September and October.
During the afternoon, we drove to Genoa City, Wisconsin, for their Genoa City Fest, and had some great corn on the cob and watched the Salt Creek Boys. They did excellent on country and bluegrass music, but should not have attempted to cover the Beatles.
We then drove over to Donovan's in Twin Lakes and were happy to find that the old NTN was still playing so ended up staying a bit longer than we expected. Unfortunately, there were not too many places still playing the old NTN, but we dominated in first place the whole time.
AUGUST 3RD-- SUNDAY-- Bob Stroud featured the music of August 3, 1968 on his Rock and Rol Roots show this morning. So that brought back a lot of memories (see August 3 entry).
Afterwards, we drove back to Twin Lakes for those most excellent bloody marys at Main Street. Bartender Ray is the master of the bloody. Watching him make one is ALMOST as much fun as drinking it. Then, there's all the rest of the stuff he puts in, including a shrimp. All for $3!!
Then, played some more of the "Old NTN" at Donovan's and once again dominated. However, dominating twenty places isn't as much fun as dominating the 3000 that usually play. Alfons put on a lot of oldies on the jukebox and everyone had a great time singing along until Sparky put Pink Floyd on. You can't much just sing-along with those guys, like you can the oldies. Anybody know "Monday, Monday?"
Now, This Was a Pretty Good Weekend. --RoadDog
AUGUST 2nd- Saturday-- Went boating over to McDonald's for breakfast. How many folks can say they "boated" to McDonald's? Definitely a lot more crowded than it is during the week, when we usually go. We normally don't go boating on the weekends, leaving It to the folks we call weekend warriors. We've always been lucky and had the opportunity to use the Chain during the week since we were teachers and off during the summer. Now, of course, we are retired, so can even do it during September and October.
During the afternoon, we drove to Genoa City, Wisconsin, for their Genoa City Fest, and had some great corn on the cob and watched the Salt Creek Boys. They did excellent on country and bluegrass music, but should not have attempted to cover the Beatles.
We then drove over to Donovan's in Twin Lakes and were happy to find that the old NTN was still playing so ended up staying a bit longer than we expected. Unfortunately, there were not too many places still playing the old NTN, but we dominated in first place the whole time.
AUGUST 3RD-- SUNDAY-- Bob Stroud featured the music of August 3, 1968 on his Rock and Rol Roots show this morning. So that brought back a lot of memories (see August 3 entry).
Afterwards, we drove back to Twin Lakes for those most excellent bloody marys at Main Street. Bartender Ray is the master of the bloody. Watching him make one is ALMOST as much fun as drinking it. Then, there's all the rest of the stuff he puts in, including a shrimp. All for $3!!
Then, played some more of the "Old NTN" at Donovan's and once again dominated. However, dominating twenty places isn't as much fun as dominating the 3000 that usually play. Alfons put on a lot of oldies on the jukebox and everyone had a great time singing along until Sparky put Pink Floyd on. You can't much just sing-along with those guys, like you can the oldies. Anybody know "Monday, Monday?"
Now, This Was a Pretty Good Weekend. --RoadDog
That Was a Pretty Good Weekend Too-- Part One
JULY 31ST--THURSDAY-- The infectious disease doctor said I was good to go and I was off the antibiotics and best of all, the picc was to come out TOMORROW!!! Just that news alone would make it a VERY GOOD WEEKEND. Celebrated with a great Polish buffet at the Warsaw Inn on Il-31 south of McHenry. Cost, $7.50 senior citizen. SENIOR CITIZEN?? WHO???
Later, spent my $3 for the matinee at the McHenry Indoor Theater to see "Hell Boy II." You just gotta like the Hell Boy. Cigar smokin', beer drinkin', cat lovin, really big Red Guy with sanded-down horns.
Then went over to the gazebo at Veterans Park and saw the McHenry College Jazz Ensemble and McHenry City Band play outside in a free concert.
AUGUST 1st-- FRIDAY-- Went over and had that lousy picc removed in the morning, something that only took about five minutes and then to McDonald's for a celebratory ice tea.
Liz had a hair appointment in Round Lake, so went with her. While she was there, I drove over to Magee Middle School where I taught for 31 years. It is being remodeled and will reopen for students again in a few weeks (if it is finished). They have done a great job with it, but unfortunately the beautiful trees in the front were taken down for expanded parking lot and driveway. Every fall, we had some magnificent oranges and then white blooms in the spring. Too bad.
I was also worried that they were going to change the name, but saw that the words Magee Middle School were in stone on the front entrance, so I guess you could say it was set in stone. I walked through the office, but too much work was going on elsewhere, so that was the extent of my walk.
Good to have the old school back and looking even better than ever. Hey, ya looking for a new teacher? Nahhh!!
We then went to Pizza Hut and had their pizza and salad buffet for $6. Great deal. This place has been in the same building since we first moved to Round Lake Beach in 1975, one of the few businesses to stay that long on Rollins Road.
LATER
I drove over to Richmond, about seven miles away from Spring Grove, for their weekly car show. Lots of oldies, including a 1930s Buick with lots of wood on it. No Firebirds, though, but a couple Camaros.
A deejay from Y103.9 FM oldies station was playing there and actually spinning 45s, none of the computer stuff, so we can call him a real deejay. The term DJ comes from disc jockey and albums and 45s were called discs.
Can't Beat Good Fun in the Area, Especially When That Picc Comes Out. --RoadDog
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Good Weekend-- Part 2 July 26th and 27th
Saturday, July 26th. After leaving Hello Folks, I drove over to Baja Benny's, located on Fox Lake and with an incredible view. Just an absolutely perfect day and they had a deejay playing out on the deck. However, I wasn't impressed. He was another one who mostly just played music and said very little.
A guy was turning 50 and part time he does pig roasts,and he was having one for everybody in the place and, best of all, not charging anything. Nothing like a pig roast, especially when it's free. He had chips and corn as well.
Eatin' Pig, Listenin' to Music, Out on a Lake. Now, How is That Bad?
Sunday, July 27th-- Liz and I went over to Captain's Quarters, across Fox Lake from Baja Benny's and had a great time watching Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 bring the Florida Keys to the Chain of Lakes. They played from 3 to 7 and the music was mostly their own.
I'd best describe his work as like Jimmy Buffett. We've seen him before out at Blarney Island on Grasslake. Plus,we almost got to see them perform at Flor-abama on the Florida- Alabama line this past February.
Talked with Howard before the showand foundout he was originally from the area, but had gone to theKeys one winter, and decided to stay.
They have three albums: Livin' in Key West Time, Meet Me in the Keys, and a third one I don't remember the name.
Some of their songs:
Meet Me in the Keys
Where Bananas Grow
Where the Heck is Kokomo
I Like the Islands
Looe Key Tiki Bar
Mile Marker 24Una Mas Cerveza
Mangrove Mama's
Paradise
Plus,a definite added attraction is the 1957 Johnson 5 horsepower outboard motor that has been altered to be a really fine margarita mixer and the crowd gets free ones!!!
Of course, if you've ever been to the Keys, you know that distances are done by mile markers.
Taking US Back to the Keys. --RoadDog
A guy was turning 50 and part time he does pig roasts,and he was having one for everybody in the place and, best of all, not charging anything. Nothing like a pig roast, especially when it's free. He had chips and corn as well.
Eatin' Pig, Listenin' to Music, Out on a Lake. Now, How is That Bad?
Sunday, July 27th-- Liz and I went over to Captain's Quarters, across Fox Lake from Baja Benny's and had a great time watching Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 bring the Florida Keys to the Chain of Lakes. They played from 3 to 7 and the music was mostly their own.
I'd best describe his work as like Jimmy Buffett. We've seen him before out at Blarney Island on Grasslake. Plus,we almost got to see them perform at Flor-abama on the Florida- Alabama line this past February.
Talked with Howard before the showand foundout he was originally from the area, but had gone to theKeys one winter, and decided to stay.
They have three albums: Livin' in Key West Time, Meet Me in the Keys, and a third one I don't remember the name.
Some of their songs:
Meet Me in the Keys
Where Bananas Grow
Where the Heck is Kokomo
I Like the Islands
Looe Key Tiki Bar
Mile Marker 24Una Mas Cerveza
Mangrove Mama's
Paradise
Plus,a definite added attraction is the 1957 Johnson 5 horsepower outboard motor that has been altered to be a really fine margarita mixer and the crowd gets free ones!!!
Of course, if you've ever been to the Keys, you know that distances are done by mile markers.
Taking US Back to the Keys. --RoadDog
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Changes in NTN-- Not Impressed
Saturday, July 26th, I drove over to Fox Lake and played NTN at Hello Folks, or, at least thought I was going to play NTN. It wasn't the NTN that I know. It is the "NEW" NTN and I can say that I WAS not impressed at all.
Games are all 15 minutes long and have ten questions instead of the usual "OLD" 15 questions in 30 minutes. Plus, these are all Wipe Out format, where no clues are given. If you don't have an idea of an answer, you just lose all points and get a zero.
I saw nothing about Players Plus Points, not that they mean anything, but, it is nice to see how much time you've wasted playing the game.
Sure hope they don't adopt this new version, but if they do, it will free up quite a bit of time as I probably won't play it much anymore. Word has it this is being done to attract the younger crowd. I doubt the twenty-somethings will play it much as they don't have the knowledge base and are interested in other things when at bars.
Get the Young, Lose Us Old Farts. --RoadDog
Games are all 15 minutes long and have ten questions instead of the usual "OLD" 15 questions in 30 minutes. Plus, these are all Wipe Out format, where no clues are given. If you don't have an idea of an answer, you just lose all points and get a zero.
I saw nothing about Players Plus Points, not that they mean anything, but, it is nice to see how much time you've wasted playing the game.
Sure hope they don't adopt this new version, but if they do, it will free up quite a bit of time as I probably won't play it much anymore. Word has it this is being done to attract the younger crowd. I doubt the twenty-somethings will play it much as they don't have the knowledge base and are interested in other things when at bars.
Get the Young, Lose Us Old Farts. --RoadDog
Sunday, August 3, 2008
An Unexpected Pleasure
Yesterday, we stopped at Donovan's on the way back from the Genoa City Days Festival, and found that the old NTN was still on the TVs. Well, we had to stop and play a lot of games. We will definitely miss the old format.
There were only about 20 places that were playing and am guessing that everyone else had already been switched over to the new format. We kind of dominated the remaining ones with a #2 and about eight #1s as a bar and as individual scores.
Played with F Gump, Larry (from Hello Folks), Gemini, and Cancer.
Here's Hoping We Like the New Format. --RoadDog
There were only about 20 places that were playing and am guessing that everyone else had already been switched over to the new format. We kind of dominated the remaining ones with a #2 and about eight #1s as a bar and as individual scores.
Played with F Gump, Larry (from Hello Folks), Gemini, and Cancer.
Here's Hoping We Like the New Format. --RoadDog
Where Were You August 3, 1968?
Listened to good old Bob Stroud do his weekly Rock and Roll Roots Show earlier today and he featured the music and news from this date 40 years ago. I was preparing to be a senior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois. I was sports editor of the paper, the Cutlass, and the yearbook and considering a possible career in journalism, if I didn't end up as a teacher. I was still dating Liz, with whom I am about to have a 35th wedding anniversary.
I was also beginning to think about the college I wanted to attend. College was even more important in 1968 because, if you didn't have a high draft lottery number, you were most likely going to Vietnam when you graduated.
WORKING FOR THE KING AND THE GALLOYS
I was earning about $1.25 an hour working at the Burger King on Northwest Highway near Hicks Road and having a great time. Owner Bob was more like a big kid himself and would sometimes participate in our shenanigans, including the infamous ice/water fight on the roof.
During the day, the night crew would go up to Honey Hill in Wauconda for an afternoon of fun and frolic in the water. Bob would get mad when we reported for work and were worn out. "I know where you people have been, but it will make no difference. I don' care how tired you are. You're still going to work and WORK hard.
Right, Boss.
SONGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED
The number one song on WLS and WCFL was "Hello, I Love You" by the Doors, probably my favorite Doors song.
Others favorite songs on the radio:
Sunshine of Your Love
Sky Pilot
Journey to the Center of Your Mind
Indian Lake
Jumping Jack Flash
Born to Be Wild
Pictures of Matchstick Men
In-a-Gadda-da-Vida
Magic Bus
Takin' a Trip Back. --RoadDog
I was also beginning to think about the college I wanted to attend. College was even more important in 1968 because, if you didn't have a high draft lottery number, you were most likely going to Vietnam when you graduated.
WORKING FOR THE KING AND THE GALLOYS
I was earning about $1.25 an hour working at the Burger King on Northwest Highway near Hicks Road and having a great time. Owner Bob was more like a big kid himself and would sometimes participate in our shenanigans, including the infamous ice/water fight on the roof.
During the day, the night crew would go up to Honey Hill in Wauconda for an afternoon of fun and frolic in the water. Bob would get mad when we reported for work and were worn out. "I know where you people have been, but it will make no difference. I don' care how tired you are. You're still going to work and WORK hard.
Right, Boss.
SONGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED
The number one song on WLS and WCFL was "Hello, I Love You" by the Doors, probably my favorite Doors song.
Others favorite songs on the radio:
Sunshine of Your Love
Sky Pilot
Journey to the Center of Your Mind
Indian Lake
Jumping Jack Flash
Born to Be Wild
Pictures of Matchstick Men
In-a-Gadda-da-Vida
Magic Bus
Takin' a Trip Back. --RoadDog
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Good Weekend-- Part 1
Last weekend was a good one.
Friday, after hydrotherapy at the hospital in McHenry, I drove one of the most beautiful drives in the area, Bull Valley Road, over to Woodstock. Talk about your tunnel driving; where the trees form a canopy, plus all the beautiful homes.
I went to the Woodstock Theater (the one featured in the movie "Groundhog Day") and paid the $4 matinee price to see "The Dark Knight" which was enjoyable. I didn't think there could be a better Joker than Jack Nicholson, but, I was wrong.
The annual Woodstock Music Festival was underway, not to be confused with the famous one out in New York. Back in 1969, I actually drove out to Woodstock after I heard my favorite band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, was playing. I had the wrong Woodstock, however.
Listened to the last couple songs of one band, then took a walk around the historic square and talked with some of the people who used to live at Village Cove with Frances when the place was assisted living. Now, it is strictly apartments. I wouldn't mind living on that great square when the time comes.
Came back to the festival site, which is in the parking lot next to the theater, and saw my favorite local blues band, Howard and the White Boys. Howard is black and the other three members are white. We've been following Howard and his band since the late 70s back when they used to play at Andy's in Dekalb. (This is also where we first saw Mr. Myers and their great Caribbean sounds, a group we saw a few weeks ago during the Taste of Antioch celebration.)
If you like blues, this is a band you'll want to see. They did some jamming, but not a lot. I love the blues, but, for some reason, blues bands find it necessary to jam most songs when they play. I am not a fan of jamming.
Saturday Up Next. --RoadDog
Friday, after hydrotherapy at the hospital in McHenry, I drove one of the most beautiful drives in the area, Bull Valley Road, over to Woodstock. Talk about your tunnel driving; where the trees form a canopy, plus all the beautiful homes.
I went to the Woodstock Theater (the one featured in the movie "Groundhog Day") and paid the $4 matinee price to see "The Dark Knight" which was enjoyable. I didn't think there could be a better Joker than Jack Nicholson, but, I was wrong.
The annual Woodstock Music Festival was underway, not to be confused with the famous one out in New York. Back in 1969, I actually drove out to Woodstock after I heard my favorite band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, was playing. I had the wrong Woodstock, however.
Listened to the last couple songs of one band, then took a walk around the historic square and talked with some of the people who used to live at Village Cove with Frances when the place was assisted living. Now, it is strictly apartments. I wouldn't mind living on that great square when the time comes.
Came back to the festival site, which is in the parking lot next to the theater, and saw my favorite local blues band, Howard and the White Boys. Howard is black and the other three members are white. We've been following Howard and his band since the late 70s back when they used to play at Andy's in Dekalb. (This is also where we first saw Mr. Myers and their great Caribbean sounds, a group we saw a few weeks ago during the Taste of Antioch celebration.)
If you like blues, this is a band you'll want to see. They did some jamming, but not a lot. I love the blues, but, for some reason, blues bands find it necessary to jam most songs when they play. I am not a fan of jamming.
Saturday Up Next. --RoadDog
Great News-- Part 2
Yesterday, I went to the infectious disease doctor and after looking at the thumb, he said I no longer needed to go to hydrotherapy and, BEST OF ALL, the picc would come out. That means no more nurse visits, blood pickups or supply drop offs.
Plus, with the picc out, I regain use of my left arm. I don't know why the picc was put in my left arm anyway. It should have gone into the right arm as that hand was already out of commission. With the picc in the left arm, I essentially lost use of both hands.
Today, I went to the hospital ambulatory unit, and in 15 minutes, the picc was out. Freedom!!!!
Now, I'll have to work the thumb to regain use, but at least this is on my time.
Sure Hope I Don't Have to Do This Again. --RoadDog
Plus, with the picc out, I regain use of my left arm. I don't know why the picc was put in my left arm anyway. It should have gone into the right arm as that hand was already out of commission. With the picc in the left arm, I essentially lost use of both hands.
Today, I went to the hospital ambulatory unit, and in 15 minutes, the picc was out. Freedom!!!!
Now, I'll have to work the thumb to regain use, but at least this is on my time.
Sure Hope I Don't Have to Do This Again. --RoadDog
Great News-- July is Over!!
My great thing for this month is the end of July. This past July (and a good part of June) was not the best in memory. It was actually quite bad, starting off with time in a hospital, the first time I've been in one since high school and that was just an overnighter.
Then, I had a picc put into my left arm and Liz had to give me ivs of antibiotics, plus, I had to go to the hospital every day for hydrotherapy , packing, and wrpping of the thumb. Then there were lots of visits with the three doctors involved with my case.
What I like about being retired is the ability to get up in the morning and decide what I want to do. This is not DECIDING what I want to do. It's a more like a job. Be here, go there, do that.
But, yesterday and today, things really changed for the better.
Sure Glad the Month is Over!!! --RoadDog
Then, I had a picc put into my left arm and Liz had to give me ivs of antibiotics, plus, I had to go to the hospital every day for hydrotherapy , packing, and wrpping of the thumb. Then there were lots of visits with the three doctors involved with my case.
What I like about being retired is the ability to get up in the morning and decide what I want to do. This is not DECIDING what I want to do. It's a more like a job. Be here, go there, do that.
But, yesterday and today, things really changed for the better.
Sure Glad the Month is Over!!! --RoadDog
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