Again, I was on the road that day so all comments are mine. Too bad though. Stroud always has some really great information to give about the tunes. I'm still not sure how much comes right from him and how much he has to look up.
KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR-- BOB DYLAN-- One of my favorite Dylan songs.
I GOT A NAME-- JIM CROCE-- Imagine what this guy could have done had he not died so soon after making it.
HELEN WHEELS-- PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS-- Sir Paul's tribute to driving. A British "Get Your Kicks on Route 66" if you will.
MIND GAMES-- JOHN LENNON-- Who was the better post Beatle, Beatle? I liked them all, but will still have to go with George, who was my favorite Beatle all along.
PAINTED LADIES-- IAN THOMAS-- And we're not talking about Victorian houses here, either.
HELLO, IT'S ME-- TODD RUNDGREN-- Der Todd pre-drum bangin' all day.
Give me Some of That Sweet Soul Music. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a fence: "Salesmen welcome. Dog food is expensive."
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.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
JSS: Bears Snowed Under-- Gushy, Gushy Gush-- 12-14-10-- Crummy Weather
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. BEARS SNOWED UNDER-- The Bear-Patriot game Sunday was a complete disgrace. We've now played the best two reams I've seen in the NFL, the Giants and the Patriots and both completely dominated us.
At least, I didn't have to waste any time watching the second half (which the Bears actually won 7-3. Unfortunately, the score was 34-0 in the first half.
Some Bear weather. I felt sorry for the die-hards who attended at Soldiers Field. Maybe the Bears should give them their money back for the embarrassment.
2. GUSHY, GUSHY GUSH-- Besides the mess on the field, Bear fans were subjected to the biggest gush-fest ever. I'd have to say that whoever those CBS announcers were, they must have been the biggest New England fans ever born. I finally had to turn down tghe sound by the second quarter.
3. 12-14-10-- Today's date is sure a strange-looking combination.
4. CRUMMY WINTER-- A little while ago, I had to get a screwdriver and pry the garage doors open so that I could take the garbage out to the street. My fault though. I should know by now that whenever it rains and we then have a hard freeze that I should open the doors and inch as they WILL FREEZE to the floor.
Now, You Know. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a taxidermists window: "We Really Know Our Stuff."
1. BEARS SNOWED UNDER-- The Bear-Patriot game Sunday was a complete disgrace. We've now played the best two reams I've seen in the NFL, the Giants and the Patriots and both completely dominated us.
At least, I didn't have to waste any time watching the second half (which the Bears actually won 7-3. Unfortunately, the score was 34-0 in the first half.
Some Bear weather. I felt sorry for the die-hards who attended at Soldiers Field. Maybe the Bears should give them their money back for the embarrassment.
2. GUSHY, GUSHY GUSH-- Besides the mess on the field, Bear fans were subjected to the biggest gush-fest ever. I'd have to say that whoever those CBS announcers were, they must have been the biggest New England fans ever born. I finally had to turn down tghe sound by the second quarter.
3. 12-14-10-- Today's date is sure a strange-looking combination.
4. CRUMMY WINTER-- A little while ago, I had to get a screwdriver and pry the garage doors open so that I could take the garbage out to the street. My fault though. I should know by now that whenever it rains and we then have a hard freeze that I should open the doors and inch as they WILL FREEZE to the floor.
Now, You Know. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a taxidermists window: "We Really Know Our Stuff."
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Really Fine Tribute to Ron Santo
From the December 5th Chicago Tribune "Santo gave city his heart; Chicago returned the favor" by John Kass.
before I start, John Kass is probably one of the biggest White Sox fans who has ever lived. He really doesn't like the Cubs, either. I also am a big Sox fan, but I will pull for the Cubs when they're not playing the Sox.
But, both of us agree that the late Ron Santo was something else.
"In Chicago, Ron Santo is a name that is all about heart. He wasn't the prettiest baseball player at third base, or the smoothest broadcaster. He wasn't tricky or slick. Sometimes he'd groan in the booth, or cheer...."
"He'd stand at the plate in the days before batting gloves, stooping to pick up a handful or two of dirt. He'd rub his hands with it, rubbing them past the wrists to dry them of sweat. Then he'd pick up his bat and stare into the cold eyes of pitchers with names like Gibson, Ryan, Koufax and Drysdale."
"The fact that Santo isn't in the Hall of Fame--after a career of five consecutive Gold Gloves, nine All-Star appearances and 342 home runs--is an indictment of baseball."
John Kass is sure Santo will get into the Hall now. But he always said he hoped he wouldn't get in because he died. If he didn't get in while he was alive, he sure didn't want to get in out of pity.
I kind of agree with him, but if he does get in, I can live with that as well. Future visitors will get to see what baseball is all about (not your Miltons and Mannys).
If Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub, then Ron Santo is the heart of the Cubs.
And remind me to tell you my Ron Santo story.
We Sure Lost a Great One. --RoadDog
before I start, John Kass is probably one of the biggest White Sox fans who has ever lived. He really doesn't like the Cubs, either. I also am a big Sox fan, but I will pull for the Cubs when they're not playing the Sox.
But, both of us agree that the late Ron Santo was something else.
"In Chicago, Ron Santo is a name that is all about heart. He wasn't the prettiest baseball player at third base, or the smoothest broadcaster. He wasn't tricky or slick. Sometimes he'd groan in the booth, or cheer...."
"He'd stand at the plate in the days before batting gloves, stooping to pick up a handful or two of dirt. He'd rub his hands with it, rubbing them past the wrists to dry them of sweat. Then he'd pick up his bat and stare into the cold eyes of pitchers with names like Gibson, Ryan, Koufax and Drysdale."
"The fact that Santo isn't in the Hall of Fame--after a career of five consecutive Gold Gloves, nine All-Star appearances and 342 home runs--is an indictment of baseball."
John Kass is sure Santo will get into the Hall now. But he always said he hoped he wouldn't get in because he died. If he didn't get in while he was alive, he sure didn't want to get in out of pity.
I kind of agree with him, but if he does get in, I can live with that as well. Future visitors will get to see what baseball is all about (not your Miltons and Mannys).
If Ernie Banks is Mr. Cub, then Ron Santo is the heart of the Cubs.
And remind me to tell you my Ron Santo story.
We Sure Lost a Great One. --RoadDog
Where Were You November 21, 1973?-- Part 1
From Bob Stroud's Rock and Roll Roots Time Warp from November 21, 2010.
I was teaching 7th, 8th and 9th grade at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois. This was my first year teaching and I wasn't adapting too well. I was ready to teach high school and these DEFINITELY weren't high school students. I sure looked forward to the Friday After School parties in Grayslake at the Last Chance Saloon.
We were living at some apartments in Des Plaines, Illinois and Liz was a secretary at general Finance Corporation in Evanston. I drove the 1973 Ford Pinto back and forth to school while Liz drove her parents' Chevy.
These were the songs playing in our radio back then.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY-- JOE WALSH-- No longer with the James Gang.
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD-- ELTON JOHN-- Our neighbor at the apartment complex had every one of Elton John's albums and he let me record them.
JIMMY LOVES MARY-ANNE-- LOOKING GLASS-- Follow up to "Brandy."
CHINA GROVE-- DOOBIE BROTHERS-- This song always reminds me of driving out to our honeymoon in Galena, Illinois, after our marriage.
Life is Just One Big Song. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- Optometrist's office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
I was teaching 7th, 8th and 9th grade at Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois. This was my first year teaching and I wasn't adapting too well. I was ready to teach high school and these DEFINITELY weren't high school students. I sure looked forward to the Friday After School parties in Grayslake at the Last Chance Saloon.
We were living at some apartments in Des Plaines, Illinois and Liz was a secretary at general Finance Corporation in Evanston. I drove the 1973 Ford Pinto back and forth to school while Liz drove her parents' Chevy.
These were the songs playing in our radio back then.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY-- JOE WALSH-- No longer with the James Gang.
GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD-- ELTON JOHN-- Our neighbor at the apartment complex had every one of Elton John's albums and he let me record them.
JIMMY LOVES MARY-ANNE-- LOOKING GLASS-- Follow up to "Brandy."
CHINA GROVE-- DOOBIE BROTHERS-- This song always reminds me of driving out to our honeymoon in Galena, Illinois, after our marriage.
Life is Just One Big Song. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- Optometrist's office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
Another Crummy Winter
Sure looks like we have another one.
After the rain turning to snow Saturday night, we had snow and very strong winds all day yesterday. So bad, that we canceled going to breakfast with friends at St. Bede's and then also decided not to go out with friends to Fire Wood in McHenry to watch the Bears.
Then today, the high was 9 degrees with wind chills to -20. Again, I had a hard time starting the snow blower and then had to deal with a couple foot to foot-and-a-half drifts across the front of the garage and sidewalk. On top of that, I forgot to raise the garage doors a little and the rain froze and that was another problem to get up.
Tomorrow, we have a real warm spell coming with temps supposed to get to 11 degrees.
This is the fourth year in a row that we've had a rotten winter.
Last year, we got snow early in December and it stayed with us until March. This year, again, we got snow early in December.
Curse Those Snowmobile Folks Who Are Gettin' TOO HAPPY!! --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a maternity room door: "Push! Push! Push!!"
After the rain turning to snow Saturday night, we had snow and very strong winds all day yesterday. So bad, that we canceled going to breakfast with friends at St. Bede's and then also decided not to go out with friends to Fire Wood in McHenry to watch the Bears.
Then today, the high was 9 degrees with wind chills to -20. Again, I had a hard time starting the snow blower and then had to deal with a couple foot to foot-and-a-half drifts across the front of the garage and sidewalk. On top of that, I forgot to raise the garage doors a little and the rain froze and that was another problem to get up.
Tomorrow, we have a real warm spell coming with temps supposed to get to 11 degrees.
This is the fourth year in a row that we've had a rotten winter.
Last year, we got snow early in December and it stayed with us until March. This year, again, we got snow early in December.
Curse Those Snowmobile Folks Who Are Gettin' TOO HAPPY!! --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a maternity room door: "Push! Push! Push!!"
Friday, December 10, 2010
Where Were You November 21, 1968?-- Part 3
Continuing with Bob Stroud's Time Warp Nov. 21, 2010 back to that date 42 years earlier.
SHAME, SHAME-- MAGIC LANTERN
CINNAMON--DEREK-- "Hey, let me in. Who was Derek anyway?
THOSE WERE THE DAYS-- MARY HOPKINS-- Was this an early Apple Records (Beatles) release?
ABRAHAM, MARTIN AND JOHN-- DION-- That would be Lincoln, King and Kennedy.
SHAKE-- SHADOWS OF KNIGHT-- How can some people refer to this as Bubble Gum Music?
HOLD ME TIGHT-- JOHNNY NASH-- Was that some reggae?
FIRE-- FIVE BY FIVE-- Great song, but, who were they?
MAGIC CARPET RIDE-- STEPPENWOLF-- Ahh, memories of the Senior Lounge jukebox at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois.
LOVE CHILD-- SUPREMES-- The #1 Song in Chicago. Not as big of a deal today as it was back then.
Next, We Jump Ahead Five Years to November 21, 1973. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a Non-Smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
SHAME, SHAME-- MAGIC LANTERN
CINNAMON--DEREK-- "Hey, let me in. Who was Derek anyway?
THOSE WERE THE DAYS-- MARY HOPKINS-- Was this an early Apple Records (Beatles) release?
ABRAHAM, MARTIN AND JOHN-- DION-- That would be Lincoln, King and Kennedy.
SHAKE-- SHADOWS OF KNIGHT-- How can some people refer to this as Bubble Gum Music?
HOLD ME TIGHT-- JOHNNY NASH-- Was that some reggae?
FIRE-- FIVE BY FIVE-- Great song, but, who were they?
MAGIC CARPET RIDE-- STEPPENWOLF-- Ahh, memories of the Senior Lounge jukebox at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois.
LOVE CHILD-- SUPREMES-- The #1 Song in Chicago. Not as big of a deal today as it was back then.
Next, We Jump Ahead Five Years to November 21, 1973. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a Non-Smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
It's Them, Not Me-- The New Gas Gouge-- Who 'Dun It?
The price of a barrel of oil has hit $90. The price of a gallon of regular here in northeastern Illinois is at $2.95 to $3 with a lot of stations keeping it at $2.99.9 so people won't realize that big number 3 is up front.
How does the price of gas go up, despite plentiful supplies and weak demand in the United States and Europe? Our law of supply and demand should dictate a drop in price, not an increase.
We now learn the problem is "investor optimism" regarding an improved economy. That means the GRB hedgie-wedgies, Wall Street, and Day-Traders are doing a number on us AGAIN in their quest for profit.
Hey guys, what part of no economy improvement don't you understand and didn't you folk start the economic setback back a few years ago when you went for that $4 gas?
People whose jobs you cost are still unemployed to the tune of almost 10%.
It's definitely time for the government to do something about you.
How about world-wide closing down all stock and commodity markets until you develop a conscience or learn to play better with each other.
How about taxing obscene profits to the tune of 80-85%?
These Guys Really Need Constraints on Their Greed. --RoadDog
How does the price of gas go up, despite plentiful supplies and weak demand in the United States and Europe? Our law of supply and demand should dictate a drop in price, not an increase.
We now learn the problem is "investor optimism" regarding an improved economy. That means the GRB hedgie-wedgies, Wall Street, and Day-Traders are doing a number on us AGAIN in their quest for profit.
Hey guys, what part of no economy improvement don't you understand and didn't you folk start the economic setback back a few years ago when you went for that $4 gas?
People whose jobs you cost are still unemployed to the tune of almost 10%.
It's definitely time for the government to do something about you.
How about world-wide closing down all stock and commodity markets until you develop a conscience or learn to play better with each other.
How about taxing obscene profits to the tune of 80-85%?
These Guys Really Need Constraints on Their Greed. --RoadDog
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Number One Songs This Date-- December 9th-- Part 2
1964 MR. LONELY-- Bobby Vinton-- Doing something not blue.
1963 DOMINIQUE-- The Singing Nun-- OK, stop humming it right now!!
1962 BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY-- Four Seasons-- Jersey Boys making good.
1961 PLEASE, MR. POSTMAN-- Marvelettes-- Was this Motown's first hit?
1960 ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT-- Elvis the Pelvis
1950 THE THING-- Phil Harms
1940 ONLY FOREVER-- Der Bingle
1930 THREE LITTLE WORDS-- Duke Ellington
1920 THE JAPANESE SANDMAN-- Paul Whiteman-- And we were still asleep 21 years later.
1910 MEET ME TO-NIGHT IN DREAMLAND-- Henry Burr
1900 WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN-- George J. Gaskin (Otherwise called the "Jailbait Song."
A Trip Back Into History. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On an electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."
1963 DOMINIQUE-- The Singing Nun-- OK, stop humming it right now!!
1962 BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY-- Four Seasons-- Jersey Boys making good.
1961 PLEASE, MR. POSTMAN-- Marvelettes-- Was this Motown's first hit?
1960 ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT-- Elvis the Pelvis
1950 THE THING-- Phil Harms
1940 ONLY FOREVER-- Der Bingle
1930 THREE LITTLE WORDS-- Duke Ellington
1920 THE JAPANESE SANDMAN-- Paul Whiteman-- And we were still asleep 21 years later.
1910 MEET ME TO-NIGHT IN DREAMLAND-- Henry Burr
1900 WHEN YOU WERE SWEET SIXTEEN-- George J. Gaskin (Otherwise called the "Jailbait Song."
A Trip Back Into History. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On an electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."
Number One Songs This Date-- December 9th-- Part 1
Taking a look at number one songs on this date all the way back to 1900.
Thanks to Josh Hosler at www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneinHistory/SelectMonth.htm.
2010 RAISE YOUR GLASS-- Pink (Haven't heard it, but I'm Old.)
2000 INDEPENDENT WOMEN-- Destiny's Child
1990 BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (THE POSTMAN SONG)-- Stevie B (Don't remember it.)
1980 LADY-- Kenny Rogers-- Crying Tears in my Beer.
1970 THE TEARS OF A CLOWN-- Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (Give Me Some of that Good Old Motown!!)
1969 NA NA HEY HEY KISS HIM GOODBYE-- Steam-- Thank you Nancy Faust!!
1968 I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- Marvin Gaye-- Raisins, anyone?
1967 DAYDREAM BELIEVER-- Monkees-- Liz's all-time favorite song and ringtone.
1966 GOOD VIBRATIONS-- Beach Boys-- Not feeling it with all that cold outside today.
1965 TURN! TURN! TURN!-- Byrds-- gettin' Biblical on us.
So, Lady was #1 the day John Lennon was killed thirty years ago yesterday.
Continuing. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- At a tire store: "Invite us to your next blow out."
Thanks to Josh Hosler at www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneinHistory/SelectMonth.htm.
2010 RAISE YOUR GLASS-- Pink (Haven't heard it, but I'm Old.)
2000 INDEPENDENT WOMEN-- Destiny's Child
1990 BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (THE POSTMAN SONG)-- Stevie B (Don't remember it.)
1980 LADY-- Kenny Rogers-- Crying Tears in my Beer.
1970 THE TEARS OF A CLOWN-- Smokey Robinson & the Miracles (Give Me Some of that Good Old Motown!!)
1969 NA NA HEY HEY KISS HIM GOODBYE-- Steam-- Thank you Nancy Faust!!
1968 I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- Marvin Gaye-- Raisins, anyone?
1967 DAYDREAM BELIEVER-- Monkees-- Liz's all-time favorite song and ringtone.
1966 GOOD VIBRATIONS-- Beach Boys-- Not feeling it with all that cold outside today.
1965 TURN! TURN! TURN!-- Byrds-- gettin' Biblical on us.
So, Lady was #1 the day John Lennon was killed thirty years ago yesterday.
Continuing. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- At a tire store: "Invite us to your next blow out."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Where Were You November 21, 1968?-- Part 2
Continuing with the songs in your radio back 42 years ago. Again, I was on the road so these are my comments.
FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE-- STEVIE WONDER-- Still swinging that head back and forth and looking up through those sun glasses back then.
NOBODY-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- Mighty fine blue-eyed soul.
THINGS I'D LIKE TO SAY-- NEW COLONY SIX-- A great slow-dancing song by a Chicago favorite.
QUICK JOEY SMALL-- KASENETZ-KATZ SINGING ORCHESTRAL CIRCUS-- They must have had a great time naming this group. The Kings of Bubble Gum Music (and I really liked Bubble Gum music).
KENTUCKY WOMAN-- DEEP PURPLE-- Old Neil wouldn't even recognize it.
HANG 'EM HIGH-- BOOKER T. AND THE MGs-- The house band at Stax. The MGs stood for Memphis Group.
WHO'S MAKING LOVE-- JOHNNIE TAYLOR-- While You're out makin' love with somebody else.
WHITE ROOM-- CREAM-- Boy, were these guys great!! Who'd have thought three guys could make that much great noise?
Me and My Radio. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On another plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE-- STEVIE WONDER-- Still swinging that head back and forth and looking up through those sun glasses back then.
NOBODY-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- Mighty fine blue-eyed soul.
THINGS I'D LIKE TO SAY-- NEW COLONY SIX-- A great slow-dancing song by a Chicago favorite.
QUICK JOEY SMALL-- KASENETZ-KATZ SINGING ORCHESTRAL CIRCUS-- They must have had a great time naming this group. The Kings of Bubble Gum Music (and I really liked Bubble Gum music).
KENTUCKY WOMAN-- DEEP PURPLE-- Old Neil wouldn't even recognize it.
HANG 'EM HIGH-- BOOKER T. AND THE MGs-- The house band at Stax. The MGs stood for Memphis Group.
WHO'S MAKING LOVE-- JOHNNIE TAYLOR-- While You're out makin' love with somebody else.
WHITE ROOM-- CREAM-- Boy, were these guys great!! Who'd have thought three guys could make that much great noise?
Me and My Radio. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On another plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
Kill Sets NIU Program Back
I was afraid of this, and it did happen. Northern has a great season then has to go looking for a new coach. One of the "Big Boys," whose program is in disarray snaps him up.
I was going to write about a particularly gushy story about Kill's work ethic and family pride in Friday's Chicago Tribune and am glad I didn't. We now see his true colors. A typical college football coach working his way up to fame and glory at the top.
I was wondering why the Huskies were so ill-prepared to play Miami of Ohio Friday. Question answered, the coach had other things on his mind.
Well. actually, Northern got a piece of what they did to Southern Illinois. We "stole" him from them just like Minnesota "stole" him from us.
Let's take a look at what Jerry Kill accomplished with NIU. Two straight .500 seasons, one good season, three non-MAC Championships (including this last one that should been), two bowl losses and a losing record against the Big Boys. Not all that impressive.
I would, however, say he built a fine nucleus for success at Northern and hopefully it will continue. But most likely, next year will be a down one for Northern.
I am also sure he will turn Minnesota's football program around, but will be gone as soon as one of the even bigger boys come a callin'. Then, they will be looking for a new coach.
I understand why he did it, but he sure didn't make any fan of me.
Shades of Gary Barnett! --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
I was going to write about a particularly gushy story about Kill's work ethic and family pride in Friday's Chicago Tribune and am glad I didn't. We now see his true colors. A typical college football coach working his way up to fame and glory at the top.
I was wondering why the Huskies were so ill-prepared to play Miami of Ohio Friday. Question answered, the coach had other things on his mind.
Well. actually, Northern got a piece of what they did to Southern Illinois. We "stole" him from them just like Minnesota "stole" him from us.
Let's take a look at what Jerry Kill accomplished with NIU. Two straight .500 seasons, one good season, three non-MAC Championships (including this last one that should been), two bowl losses and a losing record against the Big Boys. Not all that impressive.
I would, however, say he built a fine nucleus for success at Northern and hopefully it will continue. But most likely, next year will be a down one for Northern.
I am also sure he will turn Minnesota's football program around, but will be gone as soon as one of the even bigger boys come a callin'. Then, they will be looking for a new coach.
I understand why he did it, but he sure didn't make any fan of me.
Shades of Gary Barnett! --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Flying My Flags for Pearl Harbor Day
Today, I put the US flag out on the mailbox and put another one on the deck in honor of the event that transpired 69 years ago that caused the US to enter World War II in a big way. That would be the Japanese surprise attack on US military forces at Pearl Harbor; one of the worst defeats ever suffered by American forces.
I will be posting several Pearl Harbor stories on my history blog at http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com.
My mom remembers her dad trying vainly to straighten out several sets of c-9 light bulbs when the announcement came on the radio. It was one of those sort of events likes Kennedy's assassination and 9-11 where everyone old enough remembers where they were and what they were doing.
This year's observance in Pearl Harbor is especially poignant because over 200 veterans who were there during the attack are expected and the umbrella group for them, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is considering disbanding because age is doing what the Japanese couldn't do to them. All of them are in their upper 80s or low 90s. The last surviving Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor died earlier this year.
While teaching, my classes always observed this date. Once I started teaching US history (but only up to the beginning of the Civil War, like I ever got that far) a one day unit turned into a three day one. Believe me, my kids knew about Pearl Harbor, even though schools today largely overlook it.
A Day to Remember That Freedom "Ain't" Free. --RoadDog
I will be posting several Pearl Harbor stories on my history blog at http://cootershistorything.blogspot.com.
My mom remembers her dad trying vainly to straighten out several sets of c-9 light bulbs when the announcement came on the radio. It was one of those sort of events likes Kennedy's assassination and 9-11 where everyone old enough remembers where they were and what they were doing.
This year's observance in Pearl Harbor is especially poignant because over 200 veterans who were there during the attack are expected and the umbrella group for them, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association is considering disbanding because age is doing what the Japanese couldn't do to them. All of them are in their upper 80s or low 90s. The last surviving Pearl Harbor Medal of Honor died earlier this year.
While teaching, my classes always observed this date. Once I started teaching US history (but only up to the beginning of the Civil War, like I ever got that far) a one day unit turned into a three day one. Believe me, my kids knew about Pearl Harbor, even though schools today largely overlook it.
A Day to Remember That Freedom "Ain't" Free. --RoadDog
Chicago Cub Ron Santo Dies
All day Friday, WGN ran specials on Santo's life as well as had many people tell their memories of the man.
One I particularly enjoyed was told by 1960s Cub second baseman Glenn Beckert about Santo's first day in the Cub broadcast booth. It was a windy day at Wrigley and right after Santo welcomed listeners to Wrigley Field, he spilled his coffee all over his lap. The next words out of his mouth (and over the airwaves) was "Son of a B____!!" Beckert says he knew Santo was going to be a special one after that.
If Pete Rose was Charlie Hustle, then Ron Santo was Mr. Cub hustle. Then there was his jumping up and clicking his heels after a close Cub victory and always the famous "Oh n-o-o-o-!!" after a dropped ball by the Cubs in an important game.
Just because the Cubs didn't win a pennant or a World series during Santo's tenure at third is no reason for him not to be in the Hall of Fame. After all, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins are all in it. Maybe some think that three members from a losing team is already too many, but that should not be.
Time for His Rightful Place. --RoadDog
One I particularly enjoyed was told by 1960s Cub second baseman Glenn Beckert about Santo's first day in the Cub broadcast booth. It was a windy day at Wrigley and right after Santo welcomed listeners to Wrigley Field, he spilled his coffee all over his lap. The next words out of his mouth (and over the airwaves) was "Son of a B____!!" Beckert says he knew Santo was going to be a special one after that.
If Pete Rose was Charlie Hustle, then Ron Santo was Mr. Cub hustle. Then there was his jumping up and clicking his heels after a close Cub victory and always the famous "Oh n-o-o-o-!!" after a dropped ball by the Cubs in an important game.
Just because the Cubs didn't win a pennant or a World series during Santo's tenure at third is no reason for him not to be in the Hall of Fame. After all, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins are all in it. Maybe some think that three members from a losing team is already too many, but that should not be.
Time for His Rightful Place. --RoadDog
NIU Blows MAC Championship
I should have figured I shouldn't have written about Northern's season as that always puts a whammy on them (or for that matter, any team I support and write about).
I really thought we would win the game and the coach, Jerry Kill, obviously had other things on his mind (which I found out today) to such an extent that he did not get the team up for this game.
One thing for sure, Miami of Ohio came to play, but Northern still was the better team.
We watched it at Tommy's in Spring Grove, Illinois, and had a few other Huskie fans watching with us. Unfortunately, they wouldn't turn the sound up , which took away a lot of the enjoyment. Plus, they kept switching to other stations people requested, but always turned it back when we said, "HEY!!?"
This was a great game between two really good teams, especially considering that Miami was 1-11 last year, what a turn-around!!
With less than two minutes left in the game and NIU ahead 21-20, the RedHawks were on their own 38 with a fourth and 20. Unbelievably, they pulled off a 31-yard tipped pass play for a 1st down on the Huskie 31. Two plays later, they had a TD and won the game 26-21.
Well, at least this time, Northern will go to a bowl game, the Humanitarian in Boise, Idaho. One that we are not going to.
A Great Year, But It Could Have Been Better. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a septic rank truck: "Yesterday's Meals on Wheels."
I really thought we would win the game and the coach, Jerry Kill, obviously had other things on his mind (which I found out today) to such an extent that he did not get the team up for this game.
One thing for sure, Miami of Ohio came to play, but Northern still was the better team.
We watched it at Tommy's in Spring Grove, Illinois, and had a few other Huskie fans watching with us. Unfortunately, they wouldn't turn the sound up , which took away a lot of the enjoyment. Plus, they kept switching to other stations people requested, but always turned it back when we said, "HEY!!?"
This was a great game between two really good teams, especially considering that Miami was 1-11 last year, what a turn-around!!
With less than two minutes left in the game and NIU ahead 21-20, the RedHawks were on their own 38 with a fourth and 20. Unbelievably, they pulled off a 31-yard tipped pass play for a 1st down on the Huskie 31. Two plays later, they had a TD and won the game 26-21.
Well, at least this time, Northern will go to a bowl game, the Humanitarian in Boise, Idaho. One that we are not going to.
A Great Year, But It Could Have Been Better. --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- On a septic rank truck: "Yesterday's Meals on Wheels."
Friday, December 3, 2010
Where Were You November 21, 1968?-- Part 1
November 21, 1968, I was a senior at Palatine High School and sports editor of the paper. We were getting into basketball season after a successful 7-2 football season with losses to the hated Arlington Heights High School and Wheeling where Jack Bastable ran all over us.
Not bad considering that the previous two years we only won three games total. As a result, we sure played a lot of homecomings against other schools.
I was on the road so didn't get to hear Bob Stroud's Time Warp so all comments are mine.
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- MARVIN GAYE-- Can you hear this and not think raisins for some reason.
ELENORE-- TURTLES-- One of my favorite groups that just never seems to get the respect they deserve. Are they even in the Hall of Fame?
BOTH SIDES NOW-- JUDY COLLINS-- good folk stuff.
STORMY-- CLASSICS IV-- Better watch out for that girl. You'll never know what she is doing next.
And You Were Wondering How I found Out? --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- At a podiatrists office: "Time Wounds All Heels."
Not bad considering that the previous two years we only won three games total. As a result, we sure played a lot of homecomings against other schools.
I was on the road so didn't get to hear Bob Stroud's Time Warp so all comments are mine.
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE-- MARVIN GAYE-- Can you hear this and not think raisins for some reason.
ELENORE-- TURTLES-- One of my favorite groups that just never seems to get the respect they deserve. Are they even in the Hall of Fame?
BOTH SIDES NOW-- JUDY COLLINS-- good folk stuff.
STORMY-- CLASSICS IV-- Better watch out for that girl. You'll never know what she is doing next.
And You Were Wondering How I found Out? --RoadDog
FUNNY SIGNS-- At a podiatrists office: "Time Wounds All Heels."
JSS: Ron Santo-- Outside Christmas Lights-- Inside Christmas Lights-- NIU Game
JSS: Just Some Stuff.
1. RON SANTO-- In honor of Ron Santo, today I am going to do something I said I'd never do until the Cubs play in a World Series...and that is wear my Cubs hat. I make it a rule not to wear Cub stuff because of their Yuppie fans, and besides I am a Sox fan (but back the Cubs unless they play the Sox).
One time, I broke down and bought the hat, but have never worn it.
However, today, I will don it in honor of Number 10.
2. OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I put them up before I left for North Carolina, but noticed some of them didn't come on before I left. After some exploration this morning, I found the offending strand and will replace it.
Plus, I think I might have plugged too many strands into the outlet so will take care of that as well.
3. INSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- As if I didn't have enough Christmas decorations in NC, I also have to decorate Margaritaville in the basement and set up the village under the tree. But, I enjoy do that stuff so will probably survive.
4. NIU GAME-- I put up the Huskie banner in the yard with difficulty because of the frozen ground. We plan on watching part of it at Tommy's and the rest at Margaritaville.
Just Some Stuff and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog
Thanks for these, Uncle Bo.
FUNNY SIGNS: In a gynecologist's office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
1. RON SANTO-- In honor of Ron Santo, today I am going to do something I said I'd never do until the Cubs play in a World Series...and that is wear my Cubs hat. I make it a rule not to wear Cub stuff because of their Yuppie fans, and besides I am a Sox fan (but back the Cubs unless they play the Sox).
One time, I broke down and bought the hat, but have never worn it.
However, today, I will don it in honor of Number 10.
2. OUTSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I put them up before I left for North Carolina, but noticed some of them didn't come on before I left. After some exploration this morning, I found the offending strand and will replace it.
Plus, I think I might have plugged too many strands into the outlet so will take care of that as well.
3. INSIDE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- As if I didn't have enough Christmas decorations in NC, I also have to decorate Margaritaville in the basement and set up the village under the tree. But, I enjoy do that stuff so will probably survive.
4. NIU GAME-- I put up the Huskie banner in the yard with difficulty because of the frozen ground. We plan on watching part of it at Tommy's and the rest at Margaritaville.
Just Some Stuff and Good to Be Home. --RoadDog
Thanks for these, Uncle Bo.
FUNNY SIGNS: In a gynecologist's office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
Ron Santo 1940-2010
Liz came in this morning to wake me up saying that WGN TV was running a special on Ron Santo, one of my all-time favorite baseball players from one of my all-time favorite teams, the 60s Cubs.
I was sleeping in late getting over all the driving I did the last two days, just short of 1200 miles. It then occurred to me, "Uh-oh, a special on Ron Santo, that is never good, especially this time of the year." I had to ask, "Did he die?"
Yes, he did.
If there was ever a player who was the Cubs before they became Yuppified, Ron Santo was the guy. Sure, you've got your Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Glen Beckert and others, and they were all great, but Ron Santo was my guy. He was always my favorite, especially after I got to meet him way back in 1967.
With his stats, it was always a complete shame he wasn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
And, I'm Not Finished Yet. --RoadDog
A Great Person.
I was sleeping in late getting over all the driving I did the last two days, just short of 1200 miles. It then occurred to me, "Uh-oh, a special on Ron Santo, that is never good, especially this time of the year." I had to ask, "Did he die?"
Yes, he did.
If there was ever a player who was the Cubs before they became Yuppified, Ron Santo was the guy. Sure, you've got your Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Glen Beckert and others, and they were all great, but Ron Santo was my guy. He was always my favorite, especially after I got to meet him way back in 1967.
With his stats, it was always a complete shame he wasn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
And, I'm Not Finished Yet. --RoadDog
A Great Person.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
NIU's 2003 Season: A Touch of Greatness
Tomorrow, Northern goes for its 11th victory of the season when they play Miami of Ohio in Detroit for the Mid-American Conference's Championship game. It promises to be a tough game as that school is always one of the best in the conference.
The last time Northern achieved this level of excellence was 2003 when we were actually ranked as high as #10 in the polls.
The results of the year:
20-17 W Maryland (ranked #14 at the time) 20-17 at home
42-17 W Tennessee Tech at home
16-13 W Alabama (ranked #21 at the time) away
24-16 W Iowa State at home
30-23 W Ohio (overtime)at home
40-24 W Central Michigan away
37-10 W Western Michigan at home
18-34 L Bowling Green away
48-23 W Ball State at home
40-9 W Buffalo away
30-49 L Toledo away (Good Old Toledo)
38-24 W Eastern Michigan at home
Despite the two late-season losses, expectations were high of a visit to a bowl, but that was not to be. However, Toledo did go.
No Wonder We Don't Like Those Guys!! --RoadDog
DOORMATS WITH ATTITUDE: We Gave at the Office.
The last time Northern achieved this level of excellence was 2003 when we were actually ranked as high as #10 in the polls.
The results of the year:
20-17 W Maryland (ranked #14 at the time) 20-17 at home
42-17 W Tennessee Tech at home
16-13 W Alabama (ranked #21 at the time) away
24-16 W Iowa State at home
30-23 W Ohio (overtime)at home
40-24 W Central Michigan away
37-10 W Western Michigan at home
18-34 L Bowling Green away
48-23 W Ball State at home
40-9 W Buffalo away
30-49 L Toledo away (Good Old Toledo)
38-24 W Eastern Michigan at home
Despite the two late-season losses, expectations were high of a visit to a bowl, but that was not to be. However, Toledo did go.
No Wonder We Don't Like Those Guys!! --RoadDog
DOORMATS WITH ATTITUDE: We Gave at the Office.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)