Poor DePaul might have made a mistake leaving Conference USA for the Big East. They are winless at this late point in the season. They have a good team, but when playing what could be the best conference in the US, they just don't have the guns to do much.
The mostly freshman team rose to the occasion and gave #10-ranked Villanova all they could handle. DePaul led by 8 at half, and even when going down by 12, they battled back to be within two points with 50 seconds left. Unfortunately, Villanova made eight straight free throws which the Blue Demons were unable to overcome, even with a three point shot in the waning seconds. DePaul lost by two points. That would have been something to have upset a top ten team.
Allstate Areana charges a ripoff $11 to park, Our seats were good, but $35 is WAY TOO MUCH for a college game. But, this is in Rosemont, a town that tries to give Chicago a run for rip-off city.
The Chicago Rush Arena football team plays here as does the Wolves minor league hockey team.
Good Time, But Wrigley Field Rip-Off Prices. --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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
JSS: Northwest Suburbs-- Reunion-- Barnaby's
JSS-- Just Some Stuff.
NORTHWEST SUBURBS-- Yesterday, I went to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, having a $1.99 hot dog/fries combo at JJ Twiggs in Wauconda, Illinois. Free peanuts as well. Hard deal to beat.
Stopped at Half-Price books in Arlington Heights and bought five CDs and then picked up my new glasses (two pairs for $99) at For Eyes. Visited Amby and Frances' graves at Memory Gardens and then went to Wal Mart. That 10% sales tax in Arlington Heights it ridiculous. No wonder the townships in northwest Cook County are considering seceding, but remember, guys, the Confederate states tried that back in the 1800s, and you know what happened there.
REUNION-- Went over to Bob B's and we drove over to a great pizza place called Barnaby's near Rosemont, where we were joined by Mike R. We all used to teach together for many years at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois. Mike and I are retired, and so is Bob, but he now is teaching at a Catholic school in Arlington Heights. We did a lot of reminiscing, including the two-month long strike in 1994 and the new Magee that just reopened this past fall.
BARNABY'S-- Barnaby's is a rustic place and at one time there were quite a few Barnaby's around Chicagoland, but only a few are left. Everyone sits at wooden booths and the smell of pizza and sandwiches is fairly heavy. You go up to different counters to get your drinks and food. When the food is ready, they call your number and you go up to get it. Some of the best pizza any where. I hadn't been to one in years, so was glad they suggested it.
Tomorrow, I'll Write About the DePaul-Villanova Basketball Game at All State Arena. --RoadDog
NORTHWEST SUBURBS-- Yesterday, I went to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, having a $1.99 hot dog/fries combo at JJ Twiggs in Wauconda, Illinois. Free peanuts as well. Hard deal to beat.
Stopped at Half-Price books in Arlington Heights and bought five CDs and then picked up my new glasses (two pairs for $99) at For Eyes. Visited Amby and Frances' graves at Memory Gardens and then went to Wal Mart. That 10% sales tax in Arlington Heights it ridiculous. No wonder the townships in northwest Cook County are considering seceding, but remember, guys, the Confederate states tried that back in the 1800s, and you know what happened there.
REUNION-- Went over to Bob B's and we drove over to a great pizza place called Barnaby's near Rosemont, where we were joined by Mike R. We all used to teach together for many years at John T. Magee Middle School in Round Lake, Illinois. Mike and I are retired, and so is Bob, but he now is teaching at a Catholic school in Arlington Heights. We did a lot of reminiscing, including the two-month long strike in 1994 and the new Magee that just reopened this past fall.
BARNABY'S-- Barnaby's is a rustic place and at one time there were quite a few Barnaby's around Chicagoland, but only a few are left. Everyone sits at wooden booths and the smell of pizza and sandwiches is fairly heavy. You go up to different counters to get your drinks and food. When the food is ready, they call your number and you go up to get it. Some of the best pizza any where. I hadn't been to one in years, so was glad they suggested it.
Tomorrow, I'll Write About the DePaul-Villanova Basketball Game at All State Arena. --RoadDog
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Had a Pretty Good Mardi Gras, Anyway
Even though snow Saturday kept us from going out to Sycamore, Illinois, and lack of a band kept us from Lake Geneva, Wi, Sunday, we made up for it yesterday.
In honor of Lincoln's 200th, we went over to the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock, Il, and saw the "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America" traveling exhibit, which was there for just one day. Well worth seeing if it comes to your town in the next two years.
Then, we drove north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had a lunch of jambalaya and Bayou Pork at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the magnificent Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. Watched the ice fishermen and a duck wipe out on the ice.
Then, on to Donovan's in Twin Lakes with our bead booty from the Panama City, Florida, Mardi Gras parade a few weeks ago. We put the "throwed beads" (sorry Lambert's) on each patron and bartender in a solemn ceremony. Beads on, touching head, and, "You have been beaded. Now, go forth and Par-tee!!"
While driving to Woodstock, we saw a sign up at O'Leary's Bar at Ringwood Road and Il-31 saying they were having a Mardi Gras party, so went there. Joy, he owner, had ordered a $50 King Cake from New Orleans for the occasion and it was the best we've ever had. However, we didn't get the baby. They also had $2 Millers and $4 Hurricanes along with jambalaya and gumbo.
Good times and I may deejay there next Mardi Gras season to play some real N'awlins Mardi Gras music: second line, Cajun, zydeco, r & b, and Dixieland.
And listening to Radio Margaritaville right now.
Having a Good Time Up here on the State Line. --RoadDog
In honor of Lincoln's 200th, we went over to the McHenry County Courthouse in Woodstock, Il, and saw the "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America" traveling exhibit, which was there for just one day. Well worth seeing if it comes to your town in the next two years.
Then, we drove north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and had a lunch of jambalaya and Bayou Pork at Popeye's (not the chicken chain) overlooking the magnificent Riviera Docks and Geneva Lake. Watched the ice fishermen and a duck wipe out on the ice.
Then, on to Donovan's in Twin Lakes with our bead booty from the Panama City, Florida, Mardi Gras parade a few weeks ago. We put the "throwed beads" (sorry Lambert's) on each patron and bartender in a solemn ceremony. Beads on, touching head, and, "You have been beaded. Now, go forth and Par-tee!!"
While driving to Woodstock, we saw a sign up at O'Leary's Bar at Ringwood Road and Il-31 saying they were having a Mardi Gras party, so went there. Joy, he owner, had ordered a $50 King Cake from New Orleans for the occasion and it was the best we've ever had. However, we didn't get the baby. They also had $2 Millers and $4 Hurricanes along with jambalaya and gumbo.
Good times and I may deejay there next Mardi Gras season to play some real N'awlins Mardi Gras music: second line, Cajun, zydeco, r & b, and Dixieland.
And listening to Radio Margaritaville right now.
Having a Good Time Up here on the State Line. --RoadDog
It's Them, Not Me: Chicago's Northern Trust Corporation
Things That Just Burn My Butt.
How about these yo-yos taking $1.5 BILLION from the government for their questionable business practices and then turning around and having an extravagant golf affair and spending lots of money on ritzy hotels and big-name entertainment this last weekend.
This was for big-time clients and their own big-wigs.
AND!! after laying off 450 employees just this last December. I doubt any of these people were the ones that messed up to cause them to have to borrow. The ones who did were probably right out their enjoying the benefits of their stupidity.
They spent $100,000 for the group Chicago, and also had Earth Wind and Fire and Sheryl Crow.
They said it was an integral part of their marketing program and was paid for with operating revenues not tied to the bailout money. Hey, how about moving some of that "operating revenue" over to pay back the government.
Again, when is Big Business GOING TO LEARN!! Their indifference to the people is unfathomable.
AND!! they didn't even invite me!!!
Don't Look Back, They Might Be Gaining. --RoadDog
How about these yo-yos taking $1.5 BILLION from the government for their questionable business practices and then turning around and having an extravagant golf affair and spending lots of money on ritzy hotels and big-name entertainment this last weekend.
This was for big-time clients and their own big-wigs.
AND!! after laying off 450 employees just this last December. I doubt any of these people were the ones that messed up to cause them to have to borrow. The ones who did were probably right out their enjoying the benefits of their stupidity.
They spent $100,000 for the group Chicago, and also had Earth Wind and Fire and Sheryl Crow.
They said it was an integral part of their marketing program and was paid for with operating revenues not tied to the bailout money. Hey, how about moving some of that "operating revenue" over to pay back the government.
Again, when is Big Business GOING TO LEARN!! Their indifference to the people is unfathomable.
AND!! they didn't even invite me!!!
Don't Look Back, They Might Be Gaining. --RoadDog
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How About Some Good Old Lincoln DNA?
The Feb. 23rd Newsweek had an article about scientists using some Abraham Lincoln DNA to determine whether or not he suffered from some diseases.
The National Museum of Health and Medicine has a glass case housing parts of the man himself: blood from the handcuff of the surgeon's shirt, snippets of his chocolate brown hair, and a handful of bone fragments removed from his skull.
Scientists have been wondering about the president's health for years. Was he suffering from malaria, small pox, depression, even syphilis? There is also discussion about three rare genetic disorders: Marfan Syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia 5 and multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B. These should be used in spelling bees, were they ever hard to type at just one letter at a time.
ATAXIA 5
If he had this, another 90 relatives of his had it from his paternal aunt and uncle. If so, he would be a great example of someone overcoming physical challenges to achieve greatness.
MARFAN SYNDROME
Characterized by a tall, lanky body, long face, and deep-set eyes (Lincoln sure had these). If he had it, he outlived most and probably wouldn't have lived much longer.
One worry, however, is that the remnants could be damaged or lost (or stolen) in checking them.
I'm not sure where I stand on this question. It would be something to know, but then, there goes the mystery.
Oh, Well. Happy 200th A.L.. --Cooter
The National Museum of Health and Medicine has a glass case housing parts of the man himself: blood from the handcuff of the surgeon's shirt, snippets of his chocolate brown hair, and a handful of bone fragments removed from his skull.
Scientists have been wondering about the president's health for years. Was he suffering from malaria, small pox, depression, even syphilis? There is also discussion about three rare genetic disorders: Marfan Syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia 5 and multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B. These should be used in spelling bees, were they ever hard to type at just one letter at a time.
ATAXIA 5
If he had this, another 90 relatives of his had it from his paternal aunt and uncle. If so, he would be a great example of someone overcoming physical challenges to achieve greatness.
MARFAN SYNDROME
Characterized by a tall, lanky body, long face, and deep-set eyes (Lincoln sure had these). If he had it, he outlived most and probably wouldn't have lived much longer.
One worry, however, is that the remnants could be damaged or lost (or stolen) in checking them.
I'm not sure where I stand on this question. It would be something to know, but then, there goes the mystery.
Oh, Well. Happy 200th A.L.. --Cooter
What Are All Those Awards?
The Oscars, and, then the Grammys (no -ies?), the Golden Globes, People's Choice? What are all these awards. Too many for me to keep track of.
The Feb.22nd Chicago Tribune had an article "Meet Oscar and his closest friends" by Chad Yoder and Jonathan Berlin which helped sort the whole mess out for me. They have it broken down into Award Show, Media Awarded, Years Running, Television Viewers, Location, How Winners Chosen, and Prestige-O-Meter and the Award itself.
OSCARS-- movies, 81, 32 million(2008), 6,000 members Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, If you get one, you're somebody. If you don't have one, you're figuring out how to get it.-- 13 and half inches and made in Chicago.
GRAMMYS-- Music and Recording Arts, 51, 19 million (2009), 20,000 members of Recording Academy, Showmore about the performances than awards.-- made of custom alloy, "gramium."
GOLDEN GLOBES-- Movies, TV, 66, 14.9 million (2009), 90 members of Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Like the Oscar's little brother.--more detailed globe this year.
EMMYS (What, no -ies), TV, 60, 12.3 million (2008), 13,000 members Academy of television Arts & Sciences, Definitely television's top awards-- woman holding an atom.
Screen Actors Guild-- Movies and TV, 15, 5.3 million (2009), two panels of SAG members, third brother competing for attention-- handmade of solid bronze. Anatomically correct male.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE-- Movies, TV, music, and internet videos-- 35, 9.4 million (2009), the public, The people have spoken, is anybody listening-- most stars have one by now.
I look at it as a way the networks can get by without using their own programming if they get to show it. It is interesting to see the folks getting the awards. Some are pretty lame. The best thing ever was Jethro Tull getting the first Heavy Metal Grammy. Jethro Tull, Heavy Metal? Come on. Even Ian Anderson had to hold back his smile.
So, That's How It Goes. --RoadDog
The Feb.22nd Chicago Tribune had an article "Meet Oscar and his closest friends" by Chad Yoder and Jonathan Berlin which helped sort the whole mess out for me. They have it broken down into Award Show, Media Awarded, Years Running, Television Viewers, Location, How Winners Chosen, and Prestige-O-Meter and the Award itself.
OSCARS-- movies, 81, 32 million(2008), 6,000 members Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, If you get one, you're somebody. If you don't have one, you're figuring out how to get it.-- 13 and half inches and made in Chicago.
GRAMMYS-- Music and Recording Arts, 51, 19 million (2009), 20,000 members of Recording Academy, Showmore about the performances than awards.-- made of custom alloy, "gramium."
GOLDEN GLOBES-- Movies, TV, 66, 14.9 million (2009), 90 members of Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Like the Oscar's little brother.--more detailed globe this year.
EMMYS (What, no -ies), TV, 60, 12.3 million (2008), 13,000 members Academy of television Arts & Sciences, Definitely television's top awards-- woman holding an atom.
Screen Actors Guild-- Movies and TV, 15, 5.3 million (2009), two panels of SAG members, third brother competing for attention-- handmade of solid bronze. Anatomically correct male.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE-- Movies, TV, music, and internet videos-- 35, 9.4 million (2009), the public, The people have spoken, is anybody listening-- most stars have one by now.
I look at it as a way the networks can get by without using their own programming if they get to show it. It is interesting to see the folks getting the awards. Some are pretty lame. The best thing ever was Jethro Tull getting the first Heavy Metal Grammy. Jethro Tull, Heavy Metal? Come on. Even Ian Anderson had to hold back his smile.
So, That's How It Goes. --RoadDog
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mardi Gras Tomorrow
Always a favorite time with me.
Didn't get to do anything over the weekend in regards to it, however, other than listen to New Orleans and Louisiana music in the vehicles.
We had planned to go to PJs Courthouse Inn in Sycamore, Illinois, for their annual crawfish festival featuring the Dekalb Footstompers on Saturday. This is a great time, but we haven't been there much the last several years because of the large crowds. The snow we got cancelled this.
Then, yesterday, we thought about going to Hogs and Kisses in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for their Mardi Gras party, but they weren't having a band as in the past. Up until a few years ago, they always had Hat Trick playing that great Cajun-style music.
Tonight, I plan on listening to Tom Marker do his Lundi Gras (Lundi means Monday in French) party on his Bluesbreakers radio show on WXRT in Chicago. This always puts me in the mood.
Tomorrow, we're thinking of driving over to Woodstock, Illinois, to view the traveling Abraham Lincoln exhibit and then going to Lake Geneva for the Mardi Gras meal at Popeye's, right across from the Riviera Docks on Geneva Lake.
Bon Ton Roulet, Baby!! --RoadDog
Didn't get to do anything over the weekend in regards to it, however, other than listen to New Orleans and Louisiana music in the vehicles.
We had planned to go to PJs Courthouse Inn in Sycamore, Illinois, for their annual crawfish festival featuring the Dekalb Footstompers on Saturday. This is a great time, but we haven't been there much the last several years because of the large crowds. The snow we got cancelled this.
Then, yesterday, we thought about going to Hogs and Kisses in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, for their Mardi Gras party, but they weren't having a band as in the past. Up until a few years ago, they always had Hat Trick playing that great Cajun-style music.
Tonight, I plan on listening to Tom Marker do his Lundi Gras (Lundi means Monday in French) party on his Bluesbreakers radio show on WXRT in Chicago. This always puts me in the mood.
Tomorrow, we're thinking of driving over to Woodstock, Illinois, to view the traveling Abraham Lincoln exhibit and then going to Lake Geneva for the Mardi Gras meal at Popeye's, right across from the Riviera Docks on Geneva Lake.
Bon Ton Roulet, Baby!! --RoadDog
Beach Music Top Ten-- Feb. 21st
I listened to Fessa John Hook's Beach Top 40 Countdown this last Saturday. Here are his top ten.
10. Action Speaks Louder Than Words-- Men of Distinction
9. See See Rider-- Elmore James, Jr.
8. Left With a Broken Heart-- Rhonda McDaniels
7. Shout About It-- Gilda McElroy
6. Four Letter Word-- Castaways
5. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniels
4. Turn back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters
3. Any Other Way-- Sensational Epics
2. Nice While It Lasted-- Rick Strickland
1. Ten Kisses-- Terri Gore
I sure am happy that we have the internet today. Otherwise, I would have no fresh Beach Music.
Good Music If You Can Get It. --RoadDog
10. Action Speaks Louder Than Words-- Men of Distinction
9. See See Rider-- Elmore James, Jr.
8. Left With a Broken Heart-- Rhonda McDaniels
7. Shout About It-- Gilda McElroy
6. Four Letter Word-- Castaways
5. Falling-- Rhonda McDaniels
4. Turn back the Hands of Time-- Royal Drifters
3. Any Other Way-- Sensational Epics
2. Nice While It Lasted-- Rick Strickland
1. Ten Kisses-- Terri Gore
I sure am happy that we have the internet today. Otherwise, I would have no fresh Beach Music.
Good Music If You Can Get It. --RoadDog
Sunday, February 22, 2009
John Travolta-- Starter of Fads
After watching the excellent musical Grease last night, I came to realize that John Travolta was the lynch pin for starting three different adult fads in the 70s and 80s.
The first was Disco in the movie "Saturday Night Fever." Sure, disco music was around for several years before "Fever," but, when that came out, BAM!! Full-fledged Disco Fever. Personally, I really liked the music. If you can't get on the dance floor (even without John's moves or wardrobe) you just can't dance.
Then, there came "Grease" and all of a sudden, the disco clubs were turning into Oldies Clubs. All of a sudden, the radio spectrum was full of oldies stations.
Lastly, there was "Urban Cowboy" and the big cowboy country music thing. Many of the clubs that had been disco, then oldies, now switched to country, complete with the mandatory mechanical bull. Lots and lots of sprained and hurt backs.
So, for about ten years there, old Vinny Barbarino, the Sweathog, had a lot to say about what we were listening to.
Hey, Up Your Nose with a ______ ____." --RoadDog
The first was Disco in the movie "Saturday Night Fever." Sure, disco music was around for several years before "Fever," but, when that came out, BAM!! Full-fledged Disco Fever. Personally, I really liked the music. If you can't get on the dance floor (even without John's moves or wardrobe) you just can't dance.
Then, there came "Grease" and all of a sudden, the disco clubs were turning into Oldies Clubs. All of a sudden, the radio spectrum was full of oldies stations.
Lastly, there was "Urban Cowboy" and the big cowboy country music thing. Many of the clubs that had been disco, then oldies, now switched to country, complete with the mandatory mechanical bull. Lots and lots of sprained and hurt backs.
So, for about ten years there, old Vinny Barbarino, the Sweathog, had a lot to say about what we were listening to.
Hey, Up Your Nose with a ______ ____." --RoadDog
Academy AwardsTonight
I did better this year than last. I actually saw one of the best picture nominees, Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Last year, I hadn't seen one of them.
I have since seen "Slumdog Millionaire." Both of these are really fine movies. Last year, I saw all five nominees and all of them were excellent.
I don't know why, but thye theaters around here just don't carry these kinds of movies. Too bad, because they are really good ones. I guess they just don't consider these to be money-makers with the general public.
Brad Pitt in "Benjamin Button" was the only one of the best actor nominess, and I saw three of supporting actors: Robert Downey, Jr in "Tropic Thunder," Heath Ledger in "Dark Knight," and Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road>''
Best actress just Angeline Jolie in "The Changeling," and Taraji P. Henson in "Benjamin Button."
Overall, of the movies nominated for any Oscar, I saw:
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Tropic Thunder
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Changeling
Wall-E
Australia
Hellboy II: The Golden Arm
Ironman
Pulling for
Benjamin Button" Best Picture
Brad Pitt-- Best Actor
Heath Ledger-- Best Supporting Actor
Angeline Jolie-- Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson-- Best Supporting Actress
We'll see. I probably will just record the show and watch it later. I find I can cut any awards show down to about an hour if I do this as I can cut out the parts I don't care to see.
I've Become a Real Movie Hound. --RoadDog
I have since seen "Slumdog Millionaire." Both of these are really fine movies. Last year, I saw all five nominees and all of them were excellent.
I don't know why, but thye theaters around here just don't carry these kinds of movies. Too bad, because they are really good ones. I guess they just don't consider these to be money-makers with the general public.
Brad Pitt in "Benjamin Button" was the only one of the best actor nominess, and I saw three of supporting actors: Robert Downey, Jr in "Tropic Thunder," Heath Ledger in "Dark Knight," and Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road>''
Best actress just Angeline Jolie in "The Changeling," and Taraji P. Henson in "Benjamin Button."
Overall, of the movies nominated for any Oscar, I saw:
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Slumdog Millionaire
Tropic Thunder
The Dark Knight
Revolutionary Road
Changeling
Wall-E
Australia
Hellboy II: The Golden Arm
Ironman
Pulling for
Benjamin Button" Best Picture
Brad Pitt-- Best Actor
Heath Ledger-- Best Supporting Actor
Angeline Jolie-- Best Actress
Taraji P. Henson-- Best Supporting Actress
We'll see. I probably will just record the show and watch it later. I find I can cut any awards show down to about an hour if I do this as I can cut out the parts I don't care to see.
I've Become a Real Movie Hound. --RoadDog
Saturday, February 21, 2009
JSS: "85 Bird-- Another Bird House-- Grease Marathon-- College B-Ball--
JSS-- Just Some Stuff
1. '85 BIRD-- Put the '85 Firebird, now 24 years old, up for the winter. I don't like to aggravate the rust situation by driving it in this slop. This year, we dropped most of the insurance. Why pay it when the car is parked in the garage. However, I do turn it on from time to time and even drive sround the subdivision, just to keep the engine in shape.
2. ANOTHER BIRD HOUSE-- I hadn't planned on it, but I ended up buying another Walgreen's birdhouse. my fourth in four years. This one is of a sunset celebration bar like you'd find in the Florida Keys. Poor little birdies, all those houses and nowhere to live.
3. GREASE MARATHON-- ABC Family network is showing both Grease movies tonight. It's been a real long time since I've seen the first one and I am not sure that I ever saw the second one. Fast Times at Rydell High. Greasers, Hot Chicks, and a Musical too. Was the Scorpion leader the bully from "A Christmas Story?"
4. COLLEGE B-BALL-- Since I wasn't going anywhere because of the snow, I watched some pretty good college basketball today. Marquette defeated Georgetown and Maryland rallied to tie Carolina at the end of regulation and went on to win in overtime.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
1. '85 BIRD-- Put the '85 Firebird, now 24 years old, up for the winter. I don't like to aggravate the rust situation by driving it in this slop. This year, we dropped most of the insurance. Why pay it when the car is parked in the garage. However, I do turn it on from time to time and even drive sround the subdivision, just to keep the engine in shape.
2. ANOTHER BIRD HOUSE-- I hadn't planned on it, but I ended up buying another Walgreen's birdhouse. my fourth in four years. This one is of a sunset celebration bar like you'd find in the Florida Keys. Poor little birdies, all those houses and nowhere to live.
3. GREASE MARATHON-- ABC Family network is showing both Grease movies tonight. It's been a real long time since I've seen the first one and I am not sure that I ever saw the second one. Fast Times at Rydell High. Greasers, Hot Chicks, and a Musical too. Was the Scorpion leader the bully from "A Christmas Story?"
4. COLLEGE B-BALL-- Since I wasn't going anywhere because of the snow, I watched some pretty good college basketball today. Marquette defeated Georgetown and Maryland rallied to tie Carolina at the end of regulation and went on to win in overtime.
Just Some Stuff. --RoadDog
Bet It Not Snowing in Panama City
Just remembered why I'm not crazy about Midwest winters after Mother Nature dumped eight inches of snow on us today. Great for the skiers and snowmobilers, but not for us who have to clear off the driveways and sidewalks. AND, today I had to do it not once, but twice.
At first, I thought I'd be able to simply shovel it off, but soon learned otherwise. Thank goodness for snowblowers. I got plenty of use of it today.
Then, I think that just two Saturdays ago, we were lying out on Panama City Beach enjoying sun and seventy degree weather. How things change.
Snowmobilers Should Clean Off My Driveway Before Having Their Fun. --RoadDog
At first, I thought I'd be able to simply shovel it off, but soon learned otherwise. Thank goodness for snowblowers. I got plenty of use of it today.
Then, I think that just two Saturdays ago, we were lying out on Panama City Beach enjoying sun and seventy degree weather. How things change.
Snowmobilers Should Clean Off My Driveway Before Having Their Fun. --RoadDog
Friday, February 20, 2009
Moss Weaver
I'd never heard of this job before, but while on vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida, a few weeks ago, I came across an article in the Feb. 8th News Herald about a woman named Dawn King, 52, living in rural Citrus County who takes Spanish moss and turns it into yarn and then weaves it into blankets, which she says Confederate soldiers used during the Civil War. She continues that in the old days, it was used to stuff mattresses, pillows and furniture as well as insulation.
At one time, there were dozens of moss weavers in Florida, but that is now down to just herself.
And I Thought It Just Hung Off Trees and Looked Scary. --Cooter
At one time, there were dozens of moss weavers in Florida, but that is now down to just herself.
And I Thought It Just Hung Off Trees and Looked Scary. --Cooter
No More Lakehurst
Today, I took advantage of the weather before we are scheduled to get socked with 6-8inches and drove to Waukegan, Illinois to play NTN-Buzztime at the new Buffalo Wild Wings. It is located by Illinois Hwy-120 and US Highway-41 and it seemed familiar.
I asked the bartender if this was where Lakehurst had been, and he said it was, but that was before his time. Thanks, guy, I needed that. Lakehurst was the place to go back in the seventies and eighties and I went there often when I went to the Consumer Co-op in Waukegan and when I deejayed at Toby's in North Chicago. But, I hadn't been there in years.
The opening of Gurnee Mills, about five miles away spelled the end for the mall. There is nothing left of it that I can discern.
That is the second shopping mall I've lost, the other being Randhurst in Mt. Prospect.
I Don't Need to Be Spending Money Anyway. --RoadDog
I asked the bartender if this was where Lakehurst had been, and he said it was, but that was before his time. Thanks, guy, I needed that. Lakehurst was the place to go back in the seventies and eighties and I went there often when I went to the Consumer Co-op in Waukegan and when I deejayed at Toby's in North Chicago. But, I hadn't been there in years.
The opening of Gurnee Mills, about five miles away spelled the end for the mall. There is nothing left of it that I can discern.
That is the second shopping mall I've lost, the other being Randhurst in Mt. Prospect.
I Don't Need to Be Spending Money Anyway. --RoadDog
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Top Songs in Chicago: Feb. 8, 1976
Bob Stroud usually skips five years on his monthly time warps, but on Feb. 8th, he jumped ten years into the future. Definitely some good stuff. Again, since I didn't hear it, these are my comments.
BAD BLOOD-- Neil Sedaka-- definitely back.
EVIL WOMAN-- ELO-- what a sound
SQUEEZE BOX-- Who-- X-rated rock. Was it an accordion or something else?
MY LITTLE TOWN-- Simon & Garfunkel-- brief reunion
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT-- Eagles-- early in their career.
DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT)-- Four Seasons
DREAM ON-- Aerosmith-- first really big hit by the Glimmer Twins.
OVER MY HEAD-- Fleetwood Mac-- going in a different direction from early days of group.
FOX ON THE RUN-- Sweet-- great party band
SATURDAY NIGHT-- Bay City Rollers-- dig that tartan. Can anybody spell Saturday and yell Night?
GOLDEN YEARS-- David Bowie
YOU SEXY THING-- Hot Chocolate-- some really different music
DREAM WEAVER-- Gary Wright
SKY HIGH-- Jigsaw
ISLAND GIRL-- Elton John
SING A SONG-- Earth, Wind & Fire
LOVE HURTS-- Nazareth-- way too sad.
WHO LOVES YOU-- Four Seasons-- Anybody got a lollipop?
ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT-- Kiss-- the Kiss Army strikes. Always thought it was a good thing it was the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964, rather than these interesting lads. Just imagine what would have happened if our parents had seen these guys. The emergency rooms would have been overflowing.
50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER-- Paul Simon-- Number 1 song in town.
Don't Come Back, Jack. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "You don't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."
BAD BLOOD-- Neil Sedaka-- definitely back.
EVIL WOMAN-- ELO-- what a sound
SQUEEZE BOX-- Who-- X-rated rock. Was it an accordion or something else?
MY LITTLE TOWN-- Simon & Garfunkel-- brief reunion
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT-- Eagles-- early in their career.
DECEMBER 1963 (OH WHAT A NIGHT)-- Four Seasons
DREAM ON-- Aerosmith-- first really big hit by the Glimmer Twins.
OVER MY HEAD-- Fleetwood Mac-- going in a different direction from early days of group.
FOX ON THE RUN-- Sweet-- great party band
SATURDAY NIGHT-- Bay City Rollers-- dig that tartan. Can anybody spell Saturday and yell Night?
GOLDEN YEARS-- David Bowie
YOU SEXY THING-- Hot Chocolate-- some really different music
DREAM WEAVER-- Gary Wright
SKY HIGH-- Jigsaw
ISLAND GIRL-- Elton John
SING A SONG-- Earth, Wind & Fire
LOVE HURTS-- Nazareth-- way too sad.
WHO LOVES YOU-- Four Seasons-- Anybody got a lollipop?
ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT-- Kiss-- the Kiss Army strikes. Always thought it was a good thing it was the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show back in 1964, rather than these interesting lads. Just imagine what would have happened if our parents had seen these guys. The emergency rooms would have been overflowing.
50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER-- Paul Simon-- Number 1 song in town.
Don't Come Back, Jack. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "You don't think we give pretty women tickets? You're right, we don't. Sign here."
Buying Books That I Don't Need-- But the Price WAS Right
I have "sworn off" book purchases for the most part. I have lots and lots and lots of books that I haven't read, and it is not likely that I'll ever get around to reading. But, I just hate getting rid of even one. Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll read it.
However, in the last five days I have bought SIX books at that Half-Price Books store in Arlington Heights, Illinois. As Flip Wilson would say....
They are all on three of my favorite subjects: old roads, music, and the Civil War. That was mean to put them out for mostly $5 or $6.
MUSIC
(Earlier today I was listening to the Surf, 94.9 FM, out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, playing that great Beach Music. Now, I am listening to The Beach, 95.1 FM, WBPC, Panama City, Florida, which plays Beach Music and some pretty obscure oldies. Isn't the internet wonderful?)
THE BOOK OF HIT SINGLES: TOP 20 CHARTS FROM 1954 TO THE PRESENT DAY-- $5-- paperback-- A list of both UK and US Top 20 charts by month over all those years. Brings back the memories.
HEART AND SOUL: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC STYLE IN AMERICA 1930-1975-- $6--hard cover-- Lots of pictures of black performers and groups as well as information. Some of the greatest music ever made: Joe Tex, Jackie Wilson, Billy Ward & His Dominoes featuring Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson, Solomon Burke, Isley Brothers, Falcons, and O.V. Wright on just four pages.
More to Come. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "I'm glad to hear the chief of police is a personal friend of yours, so you know someone who can post your bail."
However, in the last five days I have bought SIX books at that Half-Price Books store in Arlington Heights, Illinois. As Flip Wilson would say....
They are all on three of my favorite subjects: old roads, music, and the Civil War. That was mean to put them out for mostly $5 or $6.
MUSIC
(Earlier today I was listening to the Surf, 94.9 FM, out of North Myrtle Beach, SC, playing that great Beach Music. Now, I am listening to The Beach, 95.1 FM, WBPC, Panama City, Florida, which plays Beach Music and some pretty obscure oldies. Isn't the internet wonderful?)
THE BOOK OF HIT SINGLES: TOP 20 CHARTS FROM 1954 TO THE PRESENT DAY-- $5-- paperback-- A list of both UK and US Top 20 charts by month over all those years. Brings back the memories.
HEART AND SOUL: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK MUSIC STYLE IN AMERICA 1930-1975-- $6--hard cover-- Lots of pictures of black performers and groups as well as information. Some of the greatest music ever made: Joe Tex, Jackie Wilson, Billy Ward & His Dominoes featuring Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson, Solomon Burke, Isley Brothers, Falcons, and O.V. Wright on just four pages.
More to Come. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "I'm glad to hear the chief of police is a personal friend of yours, so you know someone who can post your bail."
National Music Charts February 1966
Yesterday, I took a look at Bob Stroud's top songs in Chicago from Feb. 8, 1966. Today I will look at the top 20 in the national charts for the month.
"lightning Strikes" by Lou Christie was #1. It wasn't on the UK top 20.
Others listed that weren't on the Chicago list:
#2 MY LOVE-- Petula Clark
#6 CRYING TIME-- Ray Charles
#7 NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE- T-Bones
#10 DON'T MESS WITH BILL-- Marvelettes
#11 THE BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS-- Barry Sadler
#16 THE MEN IN MY LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE-- Mike Douglas
#19 SHE'S JUST MY STYLE-- Gary Lewis & the Playboys
I'm not real sure about #16.
Gary Lewis & the Playboys was a very under rated group that sure released some fun songs. Should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Loved the Deep "Don't You Know That She's..." --RoadDog
From a Cop: "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."
"lightning Strikes" by Lou Christie was #1. It wasn't on the UK top 20.
Others listed that weren't on the Chicago list:
#2 MY LOVE-- Petula Clark
#6 CRYING TIME-- Ray Charles
#7 NO MATTER WHAT SHAPE- T-Bones
#10 DON'T MESS WITH BILL-- Marvelettes
#11 THE BALLAD OF THE GREEN BERETS-- Barry Sadler
#16 THE MEN IN MY LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE-- Mike Douglas
#19 SHE'S JUST MY STYLE-- Gary Lewis & the Playboys
I'm not real sure about #16.
Gary Lewis & the Playboys was a very under rated group that sure released some fun songs. Should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Loved the Deep "Don't You Know That She's..." --RoadDog
From a Cop: "No sir, we don't have quotas anymore. We used to, but we're allowed to write as many tickets as we can."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Movie Scratches: Seven Pounds-- Valkyre-- Strange Case-- Gran Torino
For the last several years, I have been keeping track of movies I watch in the theater and keeping a short remark on them. I do this also with TV movies. I am going to start making entries on the blog for it.
1. SEVEN POUNDS-- Should get Academy nomination. Is there any role Will Smith can't play? (No Nominations--shows what I know)
2. VALKYRE-- "There are no problems in the world that can't be fixed with explosives."
3. STRANGE CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTONS-- "I've been struck by lightning seven times." Going backwards. Should get Academy nomination. (It did.)
4. GRAN TORINO-- Another great Clint Eastwood movie. Not the ending I was expecting, however. Surprised the PCers let him get by with his talk.
Hey, Get Me a Popcorn. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "How big were those 'two beers' you said you had?"
1. SEVEN POUNDS-- Should get Academy nomination. Is there any role Will Smith can't play? (No Nominations--shows what I know)
2. VALKYRE-- "There are no problems in the world that can't be fixed with explosives."
3. STRANGE CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTONS-- "I've been struck by lightning seven times." Going backwards. Should get Academy nomination. (It did.)
4. GRAN TORINO-- Another great Clint Eastwood movie. Not the ending I was expecting, however. Surprised the PCers let him get by with his talk.
Hey, Get Me a Popcorn. --RoadDog
From a Cop: "How big were those 'two beers' you said you had?"
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