Daddy let me Drive!

I will always remember my Dad's 1978 Ford F150 Lariat. That was the really first cool truck he ever had, before that they were all work trucks. This was different it was blue, and the first one that didn't have work bins and a ladder rack on it.

Just like the Alan Jackson song, when I was about 8th grade he started to teach me to drive on the rural farm roads of Northern Illinois, And then on occasion he would let me drive on my cousins farm up North.

That was step 4 in what I call the transportation process, the 1st being crawling, 2nd walking, 3rd riding a bike, and the 4th the coolest - the privilege to drive.

I have let my oldest Chey do the same thing. On private property in the woods of Wisconsin, her daddy let her drive. It all started in a plastic barbie car. Then it was the bike. We then moved on to an Arctic Cat Kitty Cat snowmobile, then to a bigger Ski-Doo 120....Then it was mini bikes. The kids got it. She's good at everything she does. She drives anything with a motor. She's a cool chick!

Well I guess in the Great state of Illinois you can get your permit when your 15! She did that yesterday and got her permit today. Passed the test and now has a year to drive her mom and me around! As you might imagine she's all jacked up. Just like I was back in 1981 when I got my license. I got my first ticket that same day on Mack road with my BFF Fritz. I will never forget it. I lost my car for a week on that one.

It's been a whirlwind week, you see my baby lives with her mom, and as a dad who lives away I miss stuff, we're close... but I miss stuff, this year she's a sophomore, I have to think about college for her, soon she will need a car, insurance, all stuff I hope I can provide. Stuff she doesn't think about.

Last week I found out she had a boyfriend. The first in many steps she will take to become a woman, .. and the first of many fears a daddy has when he realizes that his little girl's not so little anymore. I don't know what's worse the fact she likes this kid, or the fact he's a Cubs fan.

If that weren't enough now shes driving! Another step to carry her away, soon I won't even be needed for the ride to the mall. The only thing I have to keep her close now is the fact I have a cooler car than her mom!

My boy will always love me. He has a heart that knows no boundaries. It's crazy but he's the one who hugs and will tell me he loves me quicker than any of my girls. But they don't need to tell me cuz a dad knows. It's just cool to hear sometimes. I tell my little Cassie not to grow up because you forget how little they were, how much they needed you when they were tiny. But before you know it, her Daddy will let her drive. She just started riding her mini bike this week.

In retrospect, it's all good cuz most every weekend I can, I get into a pickup truck, not so much unlike that blue 1978 F150. And I "Drive." I drive back to the guy who let me drive all those years ago.

I can only hope that Chey will do the same for me one day.

Buckle up and be safe

RR

I love Tracy Butler

Ever watch the morning news programs and wonder what goes on? The studios are cold quiet and very professional.

Most think that WGN news in the funnest, I would tend to agree, But you cant argue with the ratings of ABC 7. They are always at the top of the heap.
I wander over there from time to time when I need help getting the word out on some charity things I'm involved in. This morning I was on early to promote the Pink Ribbon ride for breast Cancer that I do every year.

You go in and get make up, than you go to the back of the studio and wait your turn. I wish I knew the two guys names who produce the show from the control room. They should be on camera, they just sit back and comment on every story. And their funny. Every story has a comment good or bad, but its a riot.

Than you go out front of the studio and the city's crazes are there. No shirts, dirty, and just nuts trying to pick up Tracy Butler. Homeless folks that want their shot on TV. Bob the security guard tries to keep away from the Trace, But their persistent.

How about homeless weather? I mean who needs to be more in the folks on the street?

Homeless or not , I think the guys just want to be by Tracy shes cute! and smart and nice. And starting tomorrow shes doing homeless weather! And I'm told that there's a new weather site on a cardboard box under lower wacker! I love Tracy Butler!

I need to get in on the death thing.

Who's making all this money of transporting dead bodies in Chicago? It cost's 905 dollars to transport a body from to a morgue in Chicago. In comparison in Dallas it costs 95 bucks!

Here's my next idea the Ramblin' Ray final ride. I charge only 400.00 and put the bodies on ice in the bed of my truck, Or 450.00 gets you in the front seat in the air conditioning. Hey maybe we call it a Runeral. Either way I save the taxpayers money! call any of the Aldermen in Chicago and tell them you need Me to save you money!

I get off the air at ten I could transport from 11 til 6pm for a little WAM. That would be "walking around money"

as alway I could use your imput.

Ramblin'Rest Memorial Gardens.

What a weekend, After Burhles perfect game on Thursday the Sox lost 3 in a row, Salvaging game 4 last night in Detroit.

How cool was it for mark to call in Thursday, This guy is so low key, He hardily ever talks to the media outside of post game interviews. Usually we talk hunting and music. Marks an outstanding guy. Perfect game, Awesome!

It was a big birthday weekend, Cass turned 6 on Thursday, Chey will be 15 tomorrow. She starts drivers ed today. Say a prayer for my insurance rates.

I'm going to need some feedback here, With all the cemetery's in the news lately, and with the weekend discovery of another human bone found in another cemetery I'm thinking of opening up my own place of rest

I was wondering if I can do this in my backyard? The Ramblin' Rest Memorial Gardens, My yard could hold at least 600 people. its just over a half acer but I'm gonna bury em deep. And instead of a traditional headstone.....A digital solar powered headstone that can show how many people I have stacked up. They used to have cemetery's on farms. My house is built on old farmland so why not?

This is the Idea that makes me rich right here!

Hey the big bike ride is this coming weekend how about a donation. You people are cheap. go to the homepage and crack open your wallet and make a donation!

RR

Heres the bug!

This is a picture of the bug from my backyard, Anyone know what this baby is?

You cant see me!

I laugh every time I watch Monday night Raw with my kids. Now I know that some Do-Gooders would say, How can you let your kids watch that?

I tell you why cuz its funny, and its fun and my kids get that its entertainment. Its not like Tap out or anything. I wont let them watch that until Cassie turns six(I have to have some rules). Last night we sat there and watched in amazement at Hornswaggle in the "Tuxedo match"

Soon summer will be over but the memories of WWE Raw will be a treasured family memory for ever!

And the header of this post, in case you didn't know is a nod to John Cena, soon to be champ once again!

Here come the Hawks the Mighty Blaccck hawks!

The Chicago blackhawks came out in droves to support my wearing of the Blackhawks jersey. Funny how something as silly as standing up after some punk tells me I cant wear my Jersey on stage can turn into a positive.

Stay turned for some awesome promotions with the Hawks next year, The hawks sent over some awesome stuff for the morning show. I will find a way to give it out on the air soon.

In case your not up too speed on the whole jersey thing read the previous blog.

How stupid is it that I even blog?

The time I would have been on that stage at Wrigley pails in comparison to what will transpire since I took a stand.

Really who tells and one what they can wear? I think I may sue!

This is the upshot, I'm Sheet metal workers son from West Chicago. I supposed to be working construction, the fact that I ever made it on to Wrigley Field to be in a position to greet listeners of the radio station I listened to as a kid.

In case it goes unsaid thanks for listening!

RR

Stand by your Mans!

How bout that big Rascal show last night? that was good stuff, And if you were there I'm pretty sure we can all agree that they can hit it out of the park, There has always been those who say they cant hit there notes live. Last night Gary was spot on. they sounded great, I'm not sure where he went for 15 minutes during the show but hey? could have been a potty break.

Darius is just a talent, and a sweet human. and Vince Gill? it was like the Opry right in Chicago.

All good stuff!

How bout that crowd? The Urlachers were there, all the Hawks, and I mean all of them. Burish, Kane, Towes, And the front office guys were there too. Rick Sutcliff was there all day, and he says on Wednesday nights ESPN game he's got a little hazing for Joe Don. It was a big night.

Hawks player (and bff) Adam Burish, Ray, and listener Barbie

Oh and Robbie Gould....I love that guy and His Girl is awesome. cant wait till July 17th next summer!

Photo: Barbie and Robbie Gould

NOW THE BACKSTAGE DRAMA!

Now let me give you some Ramblin Ray scoop on the whole big radio dealie that is the "Stage announce" or the "Radio Emcee"..... this is where your radio station peeps go up there and do tricks for the crowd, Rev em up and say "thanks for listening". For some reason radio stations give tons of free advertising to support a show, Its good for All, Helps the artist, Helps the promoter, and helps the station get tix to give away for you the listener. (By the way the listener is the star of every show, the way you guys go to these shows and pay the prices is amazing.)

Usually before a show in turn for months of saying "tickets are still available" The station gets to go up in front of the opening act and do "our tricks"for 60 seconds........ well last night it was a crowded stage. There were more than enough of US99 Soldiers that wanted to be up there in that Wrigley crowd. I was gonna go up and do my "tricks" say Howudoin' and than vamanos.......Cuz in reality, get the radio folks off and lets get on with the show.

Well here's what happens, Rascal Flatts tour manager tells the stage manager, that the "guy" wearing the Hawks jersey cant go on stage wearing the colors of next years Stanley Cup champs. The guy wearing the Hawks jersey would be me.

Its an awesome jersey, an ode to the greatest sports logo in the history of Chicago if not the world, The Black hawks gave us a ton to root for this year. Whether you feel it or not its been a little rough lately. Bad economy, no jobs, living in a state that's broke, Leave it to us the fans to be able to find some kind of weird escape through something like the Hawks.

That's not to mention how gracious this organization is to its fans and those who need a hand, The Backhawks Charity's are second to none.

So needless to say that last night when the tour manager with his walkie talkie radioed to the King of the stage to get the Jersey off the "non important small time radio guy" I said NO. Not that important for me to be up there. My Buddie Trish handled (looked great too) An I have to think in some way she was proud of me. You don't get any more Chicago than T.

I told listeners on the Air I would NOT wear a Sox jersey. I'm a South side fan, But out of respect for a great ball yard like Wrigley I would not wear my Sox jersey, (heck I even root for the North Siders from time to time) However I did say I would dawn the Hawks jersey. I didn't think it was a big deal. Just a small (very small) gesture for a team that has been good to our station, and to those who need a hand with a benefit every now and then.

So its really its no big deal, You want the radio folks off the stage, And you want Flatts to play! .... Today Gary JD and Jay, and the manager who has no connection to Chicago is off to the next town. And in some little silly way I stood up for something I believe in. That's something I couldn't have done a few years ago. It would have been taboo. I would have been labeled a "diva" but at times I think what would Howell do? What would Lisa do? WWJD?

I stood by my Hawks, that always take care of our Hawks fans, By giving us Burish when ever we need, By having Kaner call in, By being what most sports teams can never be.

Last night I stood by my boys! Go Hawks!

Oh and if you read this far, Its just the manager, those guys that make up Flatts have always been great to you the listener, My family and my kids. Great show!

RR

Welcome to the land of crazy!

Lisa and Bonnie are having a sleepover, Make sure your men are at home and safe! They said I was invited. Unfortunately I have to sharpen my ice skates.

# 37 In your program, # one in your hearts Blackhawk Adam Burish is stopping by in a few seconds. I can always tell when a young hot one is near as the girls start piling up the makeup. They look good!

I think I should wear make up for Burr, I think he kind of digs me!

Big weekend for concerts, Rascal in town. before you know it summer will be over! Heck Lisa and I still have 3 weeks of vacation to burn. The first starts Aug 1oth!

Hey that's to Timmy from Melrose for donation 2000.00 dollar to my Breast cancer bike ride, his kids will be backstage for Rascal Flatts If you would like to donate there is a link on top of the page of the website!

If you get a chance this weekend in Woodstock its the Steve Gavers, Gavers community barn dance, Pat Green is there tonight, Than its the big party tomorrow night. Its located at Emerickson park. It rasies a ton of money for worthwile cancer charitys all over town!

Cheers and have a great weekend

NASCAR should move to Chicago City Hall!

Well I was there again last night for the Chicago land spectacle that is the "NASCAR Traveling circus"

The knock on Chicago land has been two fold, Having to buy expensive track packs, (meaning if you want to see Dale Jr, You must also buy the less popular Indy and ARCA race, which are actually more exciting races than anything NASCAR offers at the track) The second being a vanilla race where there is literally no excitement.

Now if you got to this website via US99, you will notice a blurb that says "you are now leaving this website" that's to warn you that your now in the land of the big bad Internet, so shield your eyes, Because these are my opinions on the Car of tomorrow, Big bucks racing, and how I believe that Mike Helton is slicker than Rod, Or my Buddie Mr Daley ( and I love the mayor) again my site my opinions!

First off I want to acknowledge the security staff at the track who never misses a chance to try and bullie with their white shirts and fancy walkie talkies, everywhere I went this weekend I got Paul Blart saying cant go there.....your not allowed, then after reading to them the "all access" on my credentials and than explaining to them what that meant I was usually allowed on my way. I never grab any attitude with these folks cuz there doing there job and today...probably back to patrolling the parking lot at the Lewis Joliet mall.

What can one say about the Car of Tomorrow? Its not racy, and unless your at Bristol or a plate race, you can have more fun in Brookfield watching the Rascal scooter races from the Sunnybrook retirement center to free day at the zoo!

If the car of tomorrow is what I will drive in the future I will walk.

I actually love Chicago land Speedway, The track packs....well in the beginning that was a way to help bring racing to Chicago, I love the track and the awesome sunsets , but I have a problem with NASCAR.

I get a kick every time I see Mike Helton walking around signing autographs, Really? I know that hes a big deal and all but his autograph ain't going anywhere next to my Dale Sr shrine ( I do have one) and hey Mike crack a smile every now and then your making millions off people who work harder in a day than you will all year!

a few of Rays RANTS!

How about those mysterious debris cautions? Every wonder why those happen? How about this....no cautions No Dale Jr or Carl Edwards commercials. No commercials no money for NASCAR, or the network. Ever been to a NFL game and there's all of the sudden a two Minute time out? commercials. Nascars version the the TV time out is a caution flag for ...you guessed it debris, what a bunch of crap!

Here's my idea for more commercial time, Get rid of the COT and bring back real racing, There's a reason that Bristol and Dega are the most watched races, cuz they race! They pass, they mix it up! That's why we watch.

Riddle me this.....

Why does Paul Menard call Chicago his home track? He's from Eau Claire Wisconsin. Do you think he roots for the Bears? Hey Paulie, Why don't you call the Boo Bear Grand Prix in the Dells your home track? Or Milwaukee, or just have your dad build you a track like he set up your race career? Who know perhaps it could be called WISCAR?

The coolest guy I met this weekend was the President of Lifelock, He set up a contest at the Michigan race to give a fan a shot at a million bucks, all she had to do was be chosen to pick the 1st and 2nd place winners in Saturday's race. she picked Martin and Gordo and won the Mil! how cool is that?

Time changes everything!

I have the honor of calling the race field at the track, I'm not sure how much longer I want to do it, it's fun to be there in all the action but it might be time for something else. One thing I have noticed is how fans no longer seem to boo Gordon as much. He's now a veteran and even the most haggard Dale Sr fan seems to want him to do well.

The new villain is obviously Kyle Busch, funny Kyle wasn't much of a factor last night. Kind of sad really. I have to admit I used to dislike Kyle like the rest of you. But he makes it fun, Hes a nut job, You never know where hes going to put that car or what hes gonna do in Victory lane. Deep down in your short sighted Dale Jr hearts you have to admit, He gets up on the wheel and he bring a little excitement to a sport that since the COT has seen a huge hit in popularity. Admit it deep down you want kyle Busch do do well,....You need Kyle To do well. Right now its really all this sport has!

Click here to view my pictures from the track>>

RR

The man in the mirror!

I have to say watching all the Micheal Jackson coverage yesterday i was a little surprised by the way I felt watching the service. We all tend to poke fun, Laugh at the jokes, and wonder just what happened to the "King of Pop"

But when that little girl got up and said ,"I just want to say that since I was born hes been the best father in the world" That did it, ....All of the sudden the Glove, The allegations, the nose, the hyperbolic chamber all went away. At that moment we had something in common, He was a dad and he was proud of that fact. I don't know any of my crass buddies that weren't touched by that statement.

I grew up in the 80s, if you wanted to dance at the clubs, and you wanted to meet girls you had to listen to Jackson. And although you didn't tell your buddies you dug his music.

Question his intent of the never land ranch if you will, But we will never know. He did a lot of good for various Charity's and judge least ye be judged as well!

I wish his kids peace.

Take care

RR

River Nose

That's what my buddies call it, That's what happens when I water ski, This past Saturday I had some friends come over to Mom and Dads place on Little St Germain lake. I went out for my first slalom pass of the year and I was surprised at how easy it was.

I think I can Ski as good or better now as I ever have. Now Gina would say is because of her pulling prowess, I have to say the woman can drive a boat!
But the water kills my nose!

My Buddies didn't fare so well, My friend Kurt Kreuger killed his shoulder trying to get out of the water. I thought he was kidding until I saw the picture of it from later in the day, Ouch! My friend the farmer,.... he's still in one piece but he didn't do so well either!,

Now note how I'm not picking on these guys, They are my snowmobile guys who will help me try and get around an ice oval this winter. Last time I did this I ended up in the hospital, This year I'm going all out, So when I screw up on the ice (and I will) I will point back to this day and say remember the lake? Ah its nice to have a little something to keep with me, Just in case I may need it.

Conner's baseball season is over(thank God) He did great this year, He was pretty much 0 for May, But the second half of the season he hit everything, Funny how just a few years ago he was hitting off a tee. Now he's hitting off good pitching on a regular basis. The team only won one game, But still a good year.

Cassie starts cheer camp today, Her mom got her ready for the day in the sun and slathered on the sunscreen. It was in the school gym. Shes a nut but finally something for her to do. It seems like shes always at her brothers stuff.

Race is on the way, and as usual the Big name drivers elude us We got blown off by Casey Mears today. nice he wont even run in the top 20 this weekend. It's not the drivers fault it's whoever schedules these B list drivers. No big deal we will try to get some of the big boys on tomorrow. I have a call in to Kurt Busch.

See you at the track.

RR

I got new teeth!

I guess I pushed it a little too hard today, I stopped at Lifetime fitness as I usually do on my way home as I try to somehow get a workout in on a daily basis. I really don't know why I joined there, Its kind of a joke where you see the same people every day to play the look in the mirror game. They must also give some kind of deal to area high school kids that wear sleeveless shirts that are cut out to their waist to show off there massive arms. I think its time for the west bank club in Batavia.

After the Gym it was the bike ride. I was out on some cool single track across from Blackwell forest preserve in Warrenville .well, I went booty over the bars and caught my handle bars in my teeth! the teeth saved the bike but not the teeth. It was off to see Dr Steve Bruckie in Gurnee to get my caps fixed. Yes i drive all the way to Gurnee cuz Steve is the best. and he's an avid outdoorsmen that I met though a US99 trip years ago. Ladies trust me you would like Dr Steve, whoa 5 teeth fixed at once is a lot of grinding!

I will debut the new choppers at Rascal Flatts show.

Tomorrow Its Tim McGraw and a cool song about blowing your hand off on the 4th of July! be careful out there!

RR