GOING UP THE COUNTRY-- CANNED HEAT-- Brand New.
TOO WEAK TO FIGHT-- CLARENCE CARTER-- Follow up to his "Slip Away." Greg Allman would cover it in the 80s.
SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL-- ROLLING STONES-- From their brand new album, just three days old. It was their last full Stones album to feature founding member Brian Jones. AM radio didn't know what to do with the album, but the new FM channels did, if you could find one in town playing Rock.
WHO'S MAKING LOVE-- JOHNNY TAYLOR-- A great Blues Brother cover. John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd had their ears glued to the radio as kids.
QUICK JOEY SMALL (RUN JOEY RUN)-- KASENETZ-KATZSINGING ORCHESTRAL CIRCUS-- Its lead singer was Joe Levine, also lead singer of the Ohio Express on "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy." Also lead singer on Reunion's "Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me." (Some great Bubble Gum Music.)
I CAN'T TURN YOU LOSE-- CHAMBERS BROTHERS-- Taking an old Otis Redding tune. The follow up to "Time Has Come Today." Years later, the Blues Brothers would be all over that one. (Just like Aretha taking his "Respect" song and making it her own.)
After All, It Was You and Me. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE MEANS: Sure...go ahead = I don't want you to.
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.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Good Party-- Bad Bears
Sunday we had our annual Bears party here at the house with about 25 people coming over for the festivities. We had our usual Aldi spiral-slice, pre-cooked hams and a keg of beer. We used to have two big parties every year: one on the last day of school before Christmas vacation and one on the last day of school for the year. Now, just this one.
This is always the thing that gets me to cleaning up the basement, which, because of putting it off so long, takes quite awhile, the same with the sun room. I guess we should have more than just one party a year. I'm thinking perhaps Mardi Gras.
Next year, I will have a 50 inch flat screen as some of our guests had a problem with watching the game on a tube TV that wasn't HD. But, I've been wanting a big screen for quite awhile. Just waiting for the tube TVs to break. The 25-inch console in the basement was purchased in 1982 and still runs great except for the sound that goes in and out.
As usual, everyone brought stuff over as well, so there was plenty to eat.
The Bears started off in a way that made us think the Vikings would win too easily, scoring on the first drive and then taking advantage of an interception to score again. Then the "D" dug in. Another offense turnover resulted in another Minnesota score. Final score was 21-14 for the bad guys.
Afterwards, several people stuck around for Name That Tune until 6:30.
Better Luck Next Time. --RoadDog
This is always the thing that gets me to cleaning up the basement, which, because of putting it off so long, takes quite awhile, the same with the sun room. I guess we should have more than just one party a year. I'm thinking perhaps Mardi Gras.
Next year, I will have a 50 inch flat screen as some of our guests had a problem with watching the game on a tube TV that wasn't HD. But, I've been wanting a big screen for quite awhile. Just waiting for the tube TVs to break. The 25-inch console in the basement was purchased in 1982 and still runs great except for the sound that goes in and out.
As usual, everyone brought stuff over as well, so there was plenty to eat.
The Bears started off in a way that made us think the Vikings would win too easily, scoring on the first drive and then taking advantage of an interception to score again. Then the "D" dug in. Another offense turnover resulted in another Minnesota score. Final score was 21-14 for the bad guys.
Afterwards, several people stuck around for Name That Tune until 6:30.
Better Luck Next Time. --RoadDog
The Drive's Ten at Ten: 1968
Today, at 10 AM, Bob Stroud played ten songs from 1968 on his Ten at Ten, which will be rebroadcast tonight at 10 PM CST.
A great selection of tunes. So good in fact, it was hard for me to choose my favorite. here at the songs and Stroud's excellent comments. As usual, they played commercials, news bits and music stuff every two songs.
JUMPING JACK FLASH-- ROLLING STONES-- A 45 release in the Summer of 68.
DANCE TO THE MUSIC-- SLY & THE FAMILY STONE-- The one that finally put them on the map.
WHITE ROOM-- CREAM-- from Wheels of Fire, another double vinyl album.
ELENORE-- TURTLES-- The Turtles recorded a song they just thought was a spoof on pop records as it was loaded with so many pop-ish cliches. They didn't think much of the song and didn't think it would be much of a hit record for them and it ended up in the Top Ten. from the album The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands.
GOING UP THE COUNTRY-- CANNED HEAT-- From their double album Living the Blues. (I don't know how they could have played it worse than they did at Woodstock.)
MAGIC CARPET RIDE-- STEPPENWOLF-- From the album Steppenwolf the Second. (Ahh, yes. Memories of senior Lounge at Palatine High School.)
HAZY SHADE OF WINTER-- SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-- Included on their Bookends album. Actually this was originally out in 1966 as a 45 and wasn't released as an album until 1968.
LIVING IN THE USA-- STEVE MILLER BAND-- On a great album called Sailor. (Someone get me a cheeseburger!)
JUST DROPPED IN TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION WAS IN-- FIRST EDITION-- I had this one on a 45. A newcomer named Kenny Rogers was the lead singer. (Yep, that Kenny Rogers. Wonder if his beard was that white and perfect back then.)
BIRTHDAY-- BEATLES-- This is another one of those set lists that makes me realize just how much I spent on records. I had every one of these songs either on a 45 or album, like the White Album.
A Really Great Show Today. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE MEANS: We need to talk = I need to complain.
A great selection of tunes. So good in fact, it was hard for me to choose my favorite. here at the songs and Stroud's excellent comments. As usual, they played commercials, news bits and music stuff every two songs.
JUMPING JACK FLASH-- ROLLING STONES-- A 45 release in the Summer of 68.
DANCE TO THE MUSIC-- SLY & THE FAMILY STONE-- The one that finally put them on the map.
WHITE ROOM-- CREAM-- from Wheels of Fire, another double vinyl album.
ELENORE-- TURTLES-- The Turtles recorded a song they just thought was a spoof on pop records as it was loaded with so many pop-ish cliches. They didn't think much of the song and didn't think it would be much of a hit record for them and it ended up in the Top Ten. from the album The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands.
GOING UP THE COUNTRY-- CANNED HEAT-- From their double album Living the Blues. (I don't know how they could have played it worse than they did at Woodstock.)
MAGIC CARPET RIDE-- STEPPENWOLF-- From the album Steppenwolf the Second. (Ahh, yes. Memories of senior Lounge at Palatine High School.)
HAZY SHADE OF WINTER-- SIMON AND GARFUNKEL-- Included on their Bookends album. Actually this was originally out in 1966 as a 45 and wasn't released as an album until 1968.
LIVING IN THE USA-- STEVE MILLER BAND-- On a great album called Sailor. (Someone get me a cheeseburger!)
JUST DROPPED IN TO SEE WHAT CONDITION MY CONDITION WAS IN-- FIRST EDITION-- I had this one on a 45. A newcomer named Kenny Rogers was the lead singer. (Yep, that Kenny Rogers. Wonder if his beard was that white and perfect back then.)
BIRTHDAY-- BEATLES-- This is another one of those set lists that makes me realize just how much I spent on records. I had every one of these songs either on a 45 or album, like the White Album.
A Really Great Show Today. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE MEANS: We need to talk = I need to complain.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Where Were You December 9, 1968?-- Part 1
Yesterday, Bob Stroud went back to that date in 1968 and then jumped ahead ten years on his Sunday Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV in Chicago.
Back then, i was a Senior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, and enjoying all that being top dog implies, especially the Senior lounge and woe to any underclassman who accidentally entered.
I was sports editor of the school newspaper, the Cutlass, and covering basketball games. Liz and I were going steady and had been since the previous December. I was working part time at the Burger King on Northwest Highway (US-14) in town.
These were songs on the radio back then, 44 years ago:
THOSE WERE THE DAYS-- MARY HOPKINS-- Paul McCartney had a big hand in the song on the Beatles' Apple label. It was descending down the charts.
HOOKED ON A FEELING-- B.J. THOMAS-- Brand new and climbing the charts. Of course, then there was that great Blue Swede version, Ooga-chacka!!
SOULFUL STRUT-- YOUNG HOLT LIMITED-- a great soulful instrumental.
SON OF A PREACHER MAN-- DUSTY SPRINGFIELD-- From her great record Dusty in Memphis.
And We Thought They'd Never End. --RoadDog
Back then, i was a Senior at Palatine High School in Palatine, Illinois, and enjoying all that being top dog implies, especially the Senior lounge and woe to any underclassman who accidentally entered.
I was sports editor of the school newspaper, the Cutlass, and covering basketball games. Liz and I were going steady and had been since the previous December. I was working part time at the Burger King on Northwest Highway (US-14) in town.
These were songs on the radio back then, 44 years ago:
THOSE WERE THE DAYS-- MARY HOPKINS-- Paul McCartney had a big hand in the song on the Beatles' Apple label. It was descending down the charts.
HOOKED ON A FEELING-- B.J. THOMAS-- Brand new and climbing the charts. Of course, then there was that great Blue Swede version, Ooga-chacka!!
SOULFUL STRUT-- YOUNG HOLT LIMITED-- a great soulful instrumental.
SON OF A PREACHER MAN-- DUSTY SPRINGFIELD-- From her great record Dusty in Memphis.
And We Thought They'd Never End. --RoadDog
Go to France for That Bagel Burger and Here in the U.S., McRibs!!! Are Back!!!
From the Dec. 3, 2012, Yahoo! Finance Business Insider "McDonald's is Rolling Out Some Really Strange Burgers in France" by Kim Bhasin.
And, they're called bagel burgers. Well, around here we have a breakfast bagel with steak (real steak), egg and cheese and quite good. This is a limited time offer so you'd better hurry. There are three varieties: Red Onion, Bacon or Emmental Cheese. They come with lettuce, cheddar cheese and creamy sauce.
McRIBS
And, on a closer to home note, I just saw my first commercial for McRibs on TV.
Oh Boy, Oh Boy, O Boy!!! --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE MEANS: Do whatever you want = You are going to pay for this later.
And, they're called bagel burgers. Well, around here we have a breakfast bagel with steak (real steak), egg and cheese and quite good. This is a limited time offer so you'd better hurry. There are three varieties: Red Onion, Bacon or Emmental Cheese. They come with lettuce, cheddar cheese and creamy sauce.
McRIBS
And, on a closer to home note, I just saw my first commercial for McRibs on TV.
Oh Boy, Oh Boy, O Boy!!! --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE MEANS: Do whatever you want = You are going to pay for this later.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
JSS: Time Warps-- Snow-- Getting Respect-- Bears Party
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. TIME WARPS-- Right now, WXRT's Wendy Rice is doing her Saturday Morning Flashback Show on 1969 for four hours. It began at 8 AM and ends at noon, CST. www.wxrt.com
Although I didn't see it listed, it is about time for Bob Stroud to do his monthly Time Warp where he splits his three-hour show on WDRV between two years, playing songs we heard on the radio back then. That will be tomorrow from 7 to 10 AM. www.wdrv.com
2. SNOW-- Woke up this morning to a smattering of snow on the ground. Reckon its high-time to fire up the old snow blower to see if it works.
3. GETTING RESPECT-- I'm wearing my Northern Illinois stuff everywhere these days (like I didn't before) and am getting lots of compliments. All positive so far except for one Kirkster want-to-be at the Kross Inn. Everybody likes the Cinderella aspect and David vs. Goliath implications.
4. BEARS PARTY-- Been preparing for the Bears party tomorrow where we expect about 25 people. A lot of work, but at least it gets me to clean up and dust the areas I'm responsible for: the sunroom, basement and study.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE REALLY MEANS: Do whatever you want = You are going to pay for this later.
1. TIME WARPS-- Right now, WXRT's Wendy Rice is doing her Saturday Morning Flashback Show on 1969 for four hours. It began at 8 AM and ends at noon, CST. www.wxrt.com
Although I didn't see it listed, it is about time for Bob Stroud to do his monthly Time Warp where he splits his three-hour show on WDRV between two years, playing songs we heard on the radio back then. That will be tomorrow from 7 to 10 AM. www.wdrv.com
2. SNOW-- Woke up this morning to a smattering of snow on the ground. Reckon its high-time to fire up the old snow blower to see if it works.
3. GETTING RESPECT-- I'm wearing my Northern Illinois stuff everywhere these days (like I didn't before) and am getting lots of compliments. All positive so far except for one Kirkster want-to-be at the Kross Inn. Everybody likes the Cinderella aspect and David vs. Goliath implications.
4. BEARS PARTY-- Been preparing for the Bears party tomorrow where we expect about 25 people. A lot of work, but at least it gets me to clean up and dust the areas I'm responsible for: the sunroom, basement and study.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE REALLY MEANS: Do whatever you want = You are going to pay for this later.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Pearl Harbor Anniversary Today
Definitely something the U.S. should have been expecting. Considering American war preparations as well as Japan's increasing pressure in the Pacific, when the Japanese fleet left their homeland, then disappeared, someone should have figured out where they could hurt us the worst and also put every base in the Pacific on high alert.
After all, the Japanese had launched a sneak attack to start the Russo-Japanese War that essentially negated the Russian Pacific Fleet. If it worked once, why not do it again.
But, anyway, I will never forget.
Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th.
After all, the Japanese had launched a sneak attack to start the Russo-Japanese War that essentially negated the Russian Pacific Fleet. If it worked once, why not do it again.
But, anyway, I will never forget.
Pearl Harbor Day, December 7th.
Hey, Kirk, We're Not Forgetting
I have to admit that I had never heard of ESPN's Kirk Hernstreit before Sunday, but this is one "absolute joke" who won't soon forget. Knock my team, knock me. Some "sad state for college football!!"
And I thought sports loved a cinderella team. If NIU doesn't fit that I don't know what does. I, too, was mightily surprised to make a BCS bowl, so sure I was that the Big Guys that the Kirkster so loves would never let us in. I mean, yes, we earned the right to be there even playing by their rules which are designed to keep mid-level programs on the outside looking in.
And, I admit, the only Big Guys we played this year, Iowa and Kansas, and to a lesser extent Army, were not that good and we just barely beat the last two and lost the first and only game to Iowa in the first effort of the season (I'm sure we could have beaten them later in the season).
But, Toledo and Kent State were no slouches and ranked above us in the Top 25 when we played them near the end of the season.
We earned the trip.
And, it begins to make up a little for the 2003 season when Northern went 10-2, and beat Iowa State and Maryland when the Terps were ranked. Also, believe it or not, NIU beat a ranked Alabama that year as well. And, Northern did not go to a BCS bowl. Well, for that matter, we didn't go to ANT BOWL.
How's Them Apples? --RoadDog
And I thought sports loved a cinderella team. If NIU doesn't fit that I don't know what does. I, too, was mightily surprised to make a BCS bowl, so sure I was that the Big Guys that the Kirkster so loves would never let us in. I mean, yes, we earned the right to be there even playing by their rules which are designed to keep mid-level programs on the outside looking in.
And, I admit, the only Big Guys we played this year, Iowa and Kansas, and to a lesser extent Army, were not that good and we just barely beat the last two and lost the first and only game to Iowa in the first effort of the season (I'm sure we could have beaten them later in the season).
But, Toledo and Kent State were no slouches and ranked above us in the Top 25 when we played them near the end of the season.
We earned the trip.
And, it begins to make up a little for the 2003 season when Northern went 10-2, and beat Iowa State and Maryland when the Terps were ranked. Also, believe it or not, NIU beat a ranked Alabama that year as well. And, Northern did not go to a BCS bowl. Well, for that matter, we didn't go to ANT BOWL.
How's Them Apples? --RoadDog
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Some Top Beach Music Songs from 1957
Taken from the Fessa John Hook's Yearly Beach Music Top 40 Songs.
His weekly Top 40 Beach Music survey, yearly Top 40 and Blues Fish Fry shows can be heard on the Cashbox site. I listen to it several times a week, especially when he goes back to the 50s, 60s and 70s for the yearly. Well worth a listen.
These were songs #40 to #31 in 1957. The Fessa calls this the 2nd Wave of Beach music after Hurricane Hazel had ended the first in 1954. R$B songs were just starting to cross over to the national charts with the help of the new Rock and Roll.
40. JUICE, JUICE, JUICE-- Amos Milburn
39. TRA-LA-LA-- Lavern Baker
38. MISS ANN-- Little Richard
37. C.C. RIDER-- Chuck Willis
36. WHAT MADE MAGGIE RUN?-- Dell Vikings
35. LUCKY LIPS-- Ruth Brown
34. YOU'VE GOT ME DIZZY-- Jimmy Reed
33. MISS YOU-- Lillian Offitt
32. SO RARE-- Jimmy Dorsey
31. JUST TO HOLD MY HAND-- Clyde McPhatter
He's Doing the year 2004 this week.
Good Music, Maynard. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE MEANS: It's your decision = The correct decision should be obvious by now.
His weekly Top 40 Beach Music survey, yearly Top 40 and Blues Fish Fry shows can be heard on the Cashbox site. I listen to it several times a week, especially when he goes back to the 50s, 60s and 70s for the yearly. Well worth a listen.
These were songs #40 to #31 in 1957. The Fessa calls this the 2nd Wave of Beach music after Hurricane Hazel had ended the first in 1954. R$B songs were just starting to cross over to the national charts with the help of the new Rock and Roll.
40. JUICE, JUICE, JUICE-- Amos Milburn
39. TRA-LA-LA-- Lavern Baker
38. MISS ANN-- Little Richard
37. C.C. RIDER-- Chuck Willis
36. WHAT MADE MAGGIE RUN?-- Dell Vikings
35. LUCKY LIPS-- Ruth Brown
34. YOU'VE GOT ME DIZZY-- Jimmy Reed
33. MISS YOU-- Lillian Offitt
32. SO RARE-- Jimmy Dorsey
31. JUST TO HOLD MY HAND-- Clyde McPhatter
He's Doing the year 2004 this week.
Good Music, Maynard. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE MEANS: It's your decision = The correct decision should be obvious by now.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
JSS: Christmas Lights-- Warm Weather-- Firebird
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I had put up the outside Christmas lights before I went to North Carolina and turned them on this past Sunday. Some worked alright, others took some work on them again, but now all are hooked up to come on automatically at dusk and run four hours. Looks good as usual, especially with the inside lights and Christmas trees Liz put up.
2. WARM WEATHER-- I was a bit worried to find that I had gone off to NC without a heavy coat. hey, you expect cold weather in late November, early December, but as it turned out, I didn't need it. Sunday, we enjoyed sitting out on the deck at the Squaw Bar during breaks in the defenseless Bears game. Then, Monday, it was actually shorts and tee shirt day. Had it not been so cloudy, I would have sat out OD and caught some rays. Wow, shots and tee on December 3rd!!!
Temps are more like what is to be expected today.
3. FIREBIRD- Monday, I took the '85 Firebird out for one last run for the year. I drove it about 350 miles, just around the area. Runs great, but looks rough and does have a leak of something. I'm figuring on just keeping it until it stops running. Then, I'm thinking of one of those new Camaros or a Mustang. Late Middle Age Crisis I suppose.
Send More Warm Weather. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE MEANS: We need = I need
1. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS-- I had put up the outside Christmas lights before I went to North Carolina and turned them on this past Sunday. Some worked alright, others took some work on them again, but now all are hooked up to come on automatically at dusk and run four hours. Looks good as usual, especially with the inside lights and Christmas trees Liz put up.
2. WARM WEATHER-- I was a bit worried to find that I had gone off to NC without a heavy coat. hey, you expect cold weather in late November, early December, but as it turned out, I didn't need it. Sunday, we enjoyed sitting out on the deck at the Squaw Bar during breaks in the defenseless Bears game. Then, Monday, it was actually shorts and tee shirt day. Had it not been so cloudy, I would have sat out OD and caught some rays. Wow, shots and tee on December 3rd!!!
Temps are more like what is to be expected today.
3. FIREBIRD- Monday, I took the '85 Firebird out for one last run for the year. I drove it about 350 miles, just around the area. Runs great, but looks rough and does have a leak of something. I'm figuring on just keeping it until it stops running. Then, I'm thinking of one of those new Camaros or a Mustang. Late Middle Age Crisis I suppose.
Send More Warm Weather. --RoadDog
WHAT SHE SAYS, WHAT SHE MEANS: We need = I need
Northern's New Football Coach: Rod Carey
Thus, we begin the Rod Carey-era at NIU. This past Sunday, he was named to replace the one who "doerened" it off south. He had been the offensive coordinator at Northern, so is familiar with all the plays and players. This marks his debut as a head coach.
And what a first game to be head coach, an appearance in the BCS Orange Bowl, something I'm sure he never in his wildest dreams imagined would happen. I sure never did. There is no way the Big Boys would ever allow a mid-major like NIU to play at that level, but, hey, we did what we had to do and earned it (sorry Kirkster).
Carey played his college ball at the University of Indiana where he started at center for three years for Coach Bill Mallory, who had coached Northern during our first era of success at the Division 1A level. Back in 1983, NIU won the MAC and went on to win the California Bowl.
One of the coaches on that team was Joe Novak, who later came to Northern and stayed as head coach until his retirement instead of "doerening" it like the last two. It is to Novak that I give the most credit for Northern going to the Orange Bowl. Imagine that, a MAC coach achieving success and not vaulting to the Big Boys.
Before coming to Northern, he coached the offensive line at the University of North Dakota for three years and before that held the same position at Illinois State. From 1997 to 1999, he was at the University of Minnesota, where one of our"doerens is now. and from 2000-2006 was on the staff at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
One thing for sure, he inherits a very good team.
Here's Hoping for His Success at NIU. --RoadDog
And what a first game to be head coach, an appearance in the BCS Orange Bowl, something I'm sure he never in his wildest dreams imagined would happen. I sure never did. There is no way the Big Boys would ever allow a mid-major like NIU to play at that level, but, hey, we did what we had to do and earned it (sorry Kirkster).
Carey played his college ball at the University of Indiana where he started at center for three years for Coach Bill Mallory, who had coached Northern during our first era of success at the Division 1A level. Back in 1983, NIU won the MAC and went on to win the California Bowl.
One of the coaches on that team was Joe Novak, who later came to Northern and stayed as head coach until his retirement instead of "doerening" it like the last two. It is to Novak that I give the most credit for Northern going to the Orange Bowl. Imagine that, a MAC coach achieving success and not vaulting to the Big Boys.
Before coming to Northern, he coached the offensive line at the University of North Dakota for three years and before that held the same position at Illinois State. From 1997 to 1999, he was at the University of Minnesota, where one of our"doerens is now. and from 2000-2006 was on the staff at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
One thing for sure, he inherits a very good team.
Here's Hoping for His Success at NIU. --RoadDog
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I'm So Proud of Northern, I Could...
Regardless of the Kirkster's opinion (and who is he anyway? I know he evidently is a college sports opinionator on ESPN), I am as proud as anyone could be of my old school, Northern Illinois University.
I was so positive the Big Boys (as represented by the Kirkster) were going to find a way to keep us out of one of the big games, that I was even sort of hoping Kent State might win the MAC championship game since they were ranked higher, #16, than NIU, #21. I figured it would be harder for the MAC to get locked out.
NEVER AN EASY ROAD FOR US
Was I ever shocked Sunday night to find out Northern was going to a BCS bowl, the Orange Bowl, to play Florida State.
It has never been easy for NIU in football. As a mid-major, one of the schools the Big Boys (BB) are trying to keep down so as not to have to share the money, you do not get the primo players. You have to hope the BBs overlook some talent. Then, if you start having any success at all, the BBs immediately grab up your coach and you have to start over.
Before the last two coaches "doerened" it to the BBs, we were fortunate to have a coach stick with us for an extended period, Joe Novak, and that is why we are at where we are now. Coach Kill built on Novak's program as we hope Doeren did as well. To me, you really don't know what a coach can do until he has been at the helm for at least three years and Doeren was with us for just two.
Granted, like the Kirkster said, we did lose to Iowa by one point (after leading most of the game) in the final minute of the game (I'm sure if we played them later in the season it would have been a victory. And then, the other two bigger teams we played, Army and Kansas, weren't very good either.
But, we also had two of the last three games against ranked teams, Toledo and Kent State and won both of them.
AND THEN THERE WAS THE 2003 SEASON
Maybe this makes up a little for the 2003 season when Northern went 10-2 and beat a ranked Maryland team, Iowa State and, best of all, even a ranked Alabama team and, because we didn't win the MAC, didn't go to a BCS bowl, or for that matter, not even to any sort of bowl game.
Proud to Be Representing the MAC in the Orange Bowl. --A Real Happy Dog
I was so positive the Big Boys (as represented by the Kirkster) were going to find a way to keep us out of one of the big games, that I was even sort of hoping Kent State might win the MAC championship game since they were ranked higher, #16, than NIU, #21. I figured it would be harder for the MAC to get locked out.
NEVER AN EASY ROAD FOR US
Was I ever shocked Sunday night to find out Northern was going to a BCS bowl, the Orange Bowl, to play Florida State.
It has never been easy for NIU in football. As a mid-major, one of the schools the Big Boys (BB) are trying to keep down so as not to have to share the money, you do not get the primo players. You have to hope the BBs overlook some talent. Then, if you start having any success at all, the BBs immediately grab up your coach and you have to start over.
Before the last two coaches "doerened" it to the BBs, we were fortunate to have a coach stick with us for an extended period, Joe Novak, and that is why we are at where we are now. Coach Kill built on Novak's program as we hope Doeren did as well. To me, you really don't know what a coach can do until he has been at the helm for at least three years and Doeren was with us for just two.
Granted, like the Kirkster said, we did lose to Iowa by one point (after leading most of the game) in the final minute of the game (I'm sure if we played them later in the season it would have been a victory. And then, the other two bigger teams we played, Army and Kansas, weren't very good either.
But, we also had two of the last three games against ranked teams, Toledo and Kent State and won both of them.
AND THEN THERE WAS THE 2003 SEASON
Maybe this makes up a little for the 2003 season when Northern went 10-2 and beat a ranked Maryland team, Iowa State and, best of all, even a ranked Alabama team and, because we didn't win the MAC, didn't go to a BCS bowl, or for that matter, not even to any sort of bowl game.
Proud to Be Representing the MAC in the Orange Bowl. --A Real Happy Dog
A Look Back: The Top 20 Songs of December 1969-- Part 2
11. ELI'S COMING-- THREE DOG NIGHT-- Always reminds me of The Barn (eating place) at Grant Towers dorm at Orange Bowl-bound NIU back when I was a freshman.
12. BACKFIELD IN MOTION-- MEL & TIM-- Great soul
13. WEDDING BELL BLUES-- FIFTH DIMENSION--
14. WHOLE LOTTA LOVE-- LED ZEPPELIN-- This one takes me back to what we called the Tune Room at the University Center for NIU.
15. I WANT YOU BACK-- JACKSON FIVE-- How do you do a better soul song than this.
16. MIDNIGHT COWBOY-- FERRANTE & TEICHER--
17. SMILE A LITTLE SMILE FOR ME-- FLYING MACHINE--
18. CHERRY HILL PARK-- BILLY JOE ROYAL-- A long-time-coming follow up to '65's "Down in the Boondocks."
19. LA LA LA (IF I HAD YOU)-- BOBBY SHERMAN-- Regardless of what the Kirkster might say, I enjoyed this guy's music.
20. BABY, I'M FOR REAL-- ORIGINALS--
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE REALLY MEANS: I need = I want
12. BACKFIELD IN MOTION-- MEL & TIM-- Great soul
13. WEDDING BELL BLUES-- FIFTH DIMENSION--
14. WHOLE LOTTA LOVE-- LED ZEPPELIN-- This one takes me back to what we called the Tune Room at the University Center for NIU.
15. I WANT YOU BACK-- JACKSON FIVE-- How do you do a better soul song than this.
16. MIDNIGHT COWBOY-- FERRANTE & TEICHER--
17. SMILE A LITTLE SMILE FOR ME-- FLYING MACHINE--
18. CHERRY HILL PARK-- BILLY JOE ROYAL-- A long-time-coming follow up to '65's "Down in the Boondocks."
19. LA LA LA (IF I HAD YOU)-- BOBBY SHERMAN-- Regardless of what the Kirkster might say, I enjoyed this guy's music.
20. BABY, I'M FOR REAL-- ORIGINALS--
WHAT SHE SAYS AND WHAT SHE REALLY MEANS: I need = I want
Visions of Holiday Treats
From the November 19, 2012, USA Today "Visions of...peppermint chips?" by Bruce Horowitz.
I always like holiday goodies. After all, I am just finishing off some mighty good pumpkin ice cream from Halloween/fall. The article says that the food giants decide Americans want something else that they can't get the rest of the year.
Some of those:
Candycane, Cinnamon & Sugar, White Chocolate Peppermint and Pumpkin Pie Spice flavored Pringles
Gingerbread shakes from Red Robin (with a shot of Jim Beam for adults)
Gingerbread Cookie Sundae from Burger King
Chocolate truffle ChapStick
Baskin-Robbins has a $32.99 ice cream cake centerpiece that looks like a turkey with legs made of sugar cones.
Jones Cola had a turkey and gravy soda in 1994. This year, it has Gingerbread, Pear tree, Candy Cane and Sugar Plum.
You can get a Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks if you can afford it.
And, best of all, McDonald's is planning on bringing those McRIBS BACK!!!
Oh, Boy. Oh, Boy. Oh, Boy!!!! McRibs!!! --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: Whatever happened to preparations A through G?
I always like holiday goodies. After all, I am just finishing off some mighty good pumpkin ice cream from Halloween/fall. The article says that the food giants decide Americans want something else that they can't get the rest of the year.
Some of those:
Candycane, Cinnamon & Sugar, White Chocolate Peppermint and Pumpkin Pie Spice flavored Pringles
Gingerbread shakes from Red Robin (with a shot of Jim Beam for adults)
Gingerbread Cookie Sundae from Burger King
Chocolate truffle ChapStick
Baskin-Robbins has a $32.99 ice cream cake centerpiece that looks like a turkey with legs made of sugar cones.
Jones Cola had a turkey and gravy soda in 1994. This year, it has Gingerbread, Pear tree, Candy Cane and Sugar Plum.
You can get a Peppermint Mocha at Starbucks if you can afford it.
And, best of all, McDonald's is planning on bringing those McRIBS BACK!!!
Oh, Boy. Oh, Boy. Oh, Boy!!!! McRibs!!! --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: Whatever happened to preparations A through G?
Monday, December 3, 2012
A Look Back: Top 20 Songs from December 1969-- Part 1
From "The Book of Hit Singles Top 20 Charts" by Dave McAleer.
Today, we go back to songs that were in the Top 20 from 43 years ago, back when I was a freshman at Northern Illinois University and never ever could have imagines out football team playing in the Orange Bowl game on New Year's Eve. Things change, don't they? How 'bout dem Huskies?!!!
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE-- PETER, PAUL & MARY-- Doing a John Denver song
NA NA HEY HEY KISS HIM GOODBYE-- STEAM-- Go You White Sox!!! Thanks Nancy Faust.
SOMEDAY WE'LL BE TOGETHER-- DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES-- Before Diana "doerened" it. "Doerened" refers to NIU head coach Dave Doeren leaving Northern to take the NC State job. One who "doerens" leaves a great situation for greener pastures. Just watch out for the cowpies, Dave.
DOWN ONTHE CORNER/FORTUNATE SON-- CCR-- Still my all-time favorites. Another great two-sided hit.
COME TOGETHER/SOMETHING-- BEATLES-- Imagine the Beatles having a two-sided hit?
TAKE A LETTER MARIA-- R.B. GREAVES-- Also great when Brooks & Dunn covered it.
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD-- B.J. THOMAS-- Let's go bike riding. You can sit on the handle bars.
YESTER-ME, YESTER-YOU, YESTERDAY-- STEVIE WONDER
AND WHEN I DIE-- BS&T-- This and "Go Down Gambling" are my favorite BS&T songs.
HOLLY HOLY-- NEIL DIAMOND-- I liked this one even better than "Sweet Caroline" and sure don't get to hear it as much. Seems every karaoke has to play "Caroline."
"Sweet Caroline...dah...dah...dah" OK, Get It Out of Your Head!" --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: If a cow laughed, would milk come out of her nose?
Today, we go back to songs that were in the Top 20 from 43 years ago, back when I was a freshman at Northern Illinois University and never ever could have imagines out football team playing in the Orange Bowl game on New Year's Eve. Things change, don't they? How 'bout dem Huskies?!!!
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE-- PETER, PAUL & MARY-- Doing a John Denver song
NA NA HEY HEY KISS HIM GOODBYE-- STEAM-- Go You White Sox!!! Thanks Nancy Faust.
SOMEDAY WE'LL BE TOGETHER-- DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES-- Before Diana "doerened" it. "Doerened" refers to NIU head coach Dave Doeren leaving Northern to take the NC State job. One who "doerens" leaves a great situation for greener pastures. Just watch out for the cowpies, Dave.
DOWN ONTHE CORNER/FORTUNATE SON-- CCR-- Still my all-time favorites. Another great two-sided hit.
COME TOGETHER/SOMETHING-- BEATLES-- Imagine the Beatles having a two-sided hit?
TAKE A LETTER MARIA-- R.B. GREAVES-- Also great when Brooks & Dunn covered it.
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD-- B.J. THOMAS-- Let's go bike riding. You can sit on the handle bars.
YESTER-ME, YESTER-YOU, YESTERDAY-- STEVIE WONDER
AND WHEN I DIE-- BS&T-- This and "Go Down Gambling" are my favorite BS&T songs.
HOLLY HOLY-- NEIL DIAMOND-- I liked this one even better than "Sweet Caroline" and sure don't get to hear it as much. Seems every karaoke has to play "Caroline."
"Sweet Caroline...dah...dah...dah" OK, Get It Out of Your Head!" --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: If a cow laughed, would milk come out of her nose?
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Three Reasons Why It Would Have Been Good for NIU to Lose the MAC Championship
Thinking Back to That really exciting Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship on Friday.
1. At the time, the biggest was that Kent State, who somehow was ranked #17 in the BCS standings (NIU was #21) had a chance to go to a BCS Bowl game if they ended up #16. Not actually likely because there is no way the Big Boys of College Football would have let one of us Little Guys into a game like that. But, it would have brought some glory to the MAC and been worth some big bucks to both Kent State and the conference.
2. At least this way, Northern would understand without a doubt why we aren't going to a BCS Bowl.
3. Best of all, we could have sent the money-grubbing Doeren off to NC State with a loss.
Still Glad We Won, But.... --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive?
1. At the time, the biggest was that Kent State, who somehow was ranked #17 in the BCS standings (NIU was #21) had a chance to go to a BCS Bowl game if they ended up #16. Not actually likely because there is no way the Big Boys of College Football would have let one of us Little Guys into a game like that. But, it would have brought some glory to the MAC and been worth some big bucks to both Kent State and the conference.
2. At least this way, Northern would understand without a doubt why we aren't going to a BCS Bowl.
3. Best of all, we could have sent the money-grubbing Doeren off to NC State with a loss.
Still Glad We Won, But.... --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive?
Saturday, December 1, 2012
As Doeren Slinks Off Into the Sunset
We figured it was coming, but it still hurt to find out that Northern Illinois coach Doeren, had already made up his mind to go to North Carolina State even before the MAC game last night that was one of the most exciting ones ever.
He says he can't wait to start his duties with the Wolfpack and as such was immediately relieved of his duties at Northern. I, for one, can't wait to see him go.
Hopefully he will be off campus by tomorrow if not already today.
I'll have some more comments at a later date. Hopefully, however, he will have left the team in at least as good of a shape as he inherited when our last coach opted for the big bucks.
Take the Money and Run, Davey. And Good Riddance. --RoadDog
He says he can't wait to start his duties with the Wolfpack and as such was immediately relieved of his duties at Northern. I, for one, can't wait to see him go.
Hopefully he will be off campus by tomorrow if not already today.
I'll have some more comments at a later date. Hopefully, however, he will have left the team in at least as good of a shape as he inherited when our last coach opted for the big bucks.
Take the Money and Run, Davey. And Good Riddance. --RoadDog
Back Home
Arrived back home after two weeks to the Carolinas for Thanksgiving with the family. Did plenty of the old National Road on the way down and way back, plus a "seniors trip" to Myrtle Beach for Christmas shows.
For Thanksgiving, pretty much saw all the relatives over that weekend.
Saw an ECU game in person and last night watched the NIU MAC Championship victory over Kent State, part of it on 760 AM, the Score on Chicago. Only, that was east of Columbus, Ohio. Always good to hear Bill Baker. the voice of the Huskies. Wonder what he thinks of the latest NIU coach to slink away to the big boys?
Good to be Home. --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?
For Thanksgiving, pretty much saw all the relatives over that weekend.
Saw an ECU game in person and last night watched the NIU MAC Championship victory over Kent State, part of it on 760 AM, the Score on Chicago. Only, that was east of Columbus, Ohio. Always good to hear Bill Baker. the voice of the Huskies. Wonder what he thinks of the latest NIU coach to slink away to the big boys?
Good to be Home. --RoadDog
MAXINE WONDERS: What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)