Chris Chelios

It has always stung Blackhawks fans that hometown boy Chris Chelios left us and went to the Red Wings.

Today at ESPN.com, they've published an excerpt from his book. In it, he explains exactly how that happened. When you read it, you'll be reminded of just how bad things were here under the "guidance" of Dollar Bill Wirtz.

The Radio Producer's Handbook

A few weeks ago Radio Hall of Famer Scott Shannon posted a picture on Twitter of someone holding the book "The Radio Producer's Handbook". It's kept in their station lobby and green room as reading material. I retweeted that and was sent a bunch of messages from other radio stations around the country that also use that book.

Last night I got my royalty check for the past six months. People are still buying it.

It came out ten years ago this month. All I can say is--thanks so much for your support!

Geraldo Discovers Internet Hate

Did you know that people commenting on the internet can be hateful and say incredibly horrible things?

Geraldo Rivera just figured it out this week when he posted something supportive of the president's immigration order. I'm guessing his response isn't going to stem that tide (he called everyone "little pieces of s**t hiding in their mother's basements").

Again, there's a very good reason why I don't allow any comments here on this blog, and I write absolutely nothing even remotely political on my facebook or twitter pages.

Teal Tuesday

Anyone can do a Black Friday sale.

Eckhartz Press is doing Teal Tuesday. Yes, we are way ahead of our time.

Jon Lester

The Red Sox were thought to be the main competition for the Cubs in the Jon Lester sweepstakes, but they just spent $190 million on Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Do they really want to drop ANOTHER $100 million on Lester?

The Tribune speculates about where Lester may end up now. He's also talking to St. Louis and Atlanta.

My guess is it won't be Atlanta. That means the Cubs or the Cardinals.

Who usually wins those battles?

Chicago Radio Ratings

From Tom Taylor's NOW column, this is the recap of the latest Chicago radio ratings...

Just before iHeart’s hot AC WLIT – now merrily playing all-Christmas – whooshes by it in the next two books, Hubbard’s hot AC “Mix” WTMX can enjoy a strong rebound to third place, 4.6-4.7-5.2. That’s its best number since October of last year, and ahead of it are the usual players – iHeart’s urban AC “V103” WVAZ (5.9-5.7-5.9) and CBS Radio’s all-news WBBM and its simulcast at 105.9 (5.5-5.6-5.7). Then there’s Mix in third, followed by Univision’s regional Mexican WOJO (4.3-4.8-4.6). Fifth is iHeart’s top 40 “Kiss 103.5” WKSC, 4.7-4.5-4.3. After that comes CBS Radio’s country “US 99.5” WUSN, 4.0-4.4-4.1. And then a modicum of relief for Tribune radio manager Jimmy de Castro. His talk WGN is up 3.6-3.2-4.0 (though PM drive is still unsettled). As for the now-all Christmas WLIT, it was flat doing its normal format, 3.7-3.8-3.7. It’s a soft book for Hubbard’s classic hits “Drive” WDRV (3.9-3.4-3.2), and Cumulus-managed alternative WKQX (3.5-3.3-3.1). Too soon to see the changes at Cumulus talker WLS (1.4-1.5-1.4). In sports, you’ve got CBS Radio’s “Score” WSCR (2.2-2.5-2.3), Disney’s ESPN-run WMVP (1.3-1.6-1.7) – and the last hurrah of Tribune-run “87.7 the Game” WGWG-LP, 0.4-0.5-0.5. Chicago’s cume leader is CHR “Kiss” at 2,265,200.

Eddie Murphy on Bill Cosby

This is definitely NSFW.

In the back of my mind when this Bill Cosby story broke, I remembered there was a comedian who once did a whole bit about Bill Cosby calling him up and chastising him for being dirty. This morning it finally hit me. It was Eddie Murphy in his concert film "Raw". The clip is below. This came out during Cosby's and Murphy's heyday in the 80s.

Again, definitely NSFW. But you can hear the disdain in Eddie's voice about Cosby's moralizing...

Eckhartz Press at the Billy Goat

We've got an Eckhartz Press book signing coming up on Friday December 12th from 5-7pm at the original Billy Goat Tavern. Four authors at once: John Landecker (promoting Records Truly Is My Middle Name), Joel Daly promoting The Daly News, Rich King promoting Back in the Game, and Rick Kaempfer promoting Father Knows Nothing. (One of these things is not like the other.) Looking forward to a fun happy hour with three broadcasting legends. Stop by after work that day, purchase a few X-mas presents, get a book or two signed, meet a legend, and/or say hello to a suburban dad hawking a humor book. If that's not enough...they also have Schlitz.

No thank you

Thanks "JC" for spotting this one...

Supporting Cosby

From Tom Taylor's NOW column...

Rush Limbaugh said that some elements of the media like CNN are trying to “destroy” the grandfatherly comedian. Limbaugh has spoken approvingly of Cosby’s “pull-up-your-baggy-pants” lectures to young African-Americans. On Friday, he said of the allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women, “It’s not like he did it yesterday."

Take a second to think about that. Why in the world would they be out to destroy Cosby? Because that "baggy pants" comment he made years ago? Does that make any sense at all? Of course not. When facts arise that don't line up with your world view--dismiss them, or ignore them, or change the facts. That's the way Rush Limbaugh rolls.

It's the only way to remain ideologically pure in a world that isn't.

(And here's another reason why I am not tracking with Rush on this. Another woman came out with her story.. And here are the rest of them.)

Rockline

We carried this show back on WPGU when I was there, and we also carried at it the Loop. Sorry to hear Rockline will be no more. From Today's RAMP newsletter...

After an impressive run of 33 1/2 years, Bob Coburn announced through Westwood One that he is ending the syndication of his landmark radio show Rockline, which gave fans the opportunity to engage with their favorite rock stars live on the air. Rockline was available in two versions -- Active Rock and Classic Rock. The final shows will air on Wednesday, Dec. 17 (Rockline Classic) and Monday, Dec. 22 (Rockline Active). The good news is, Rockline will continue to run encores of its absolutely best shows until the broadcasts are over.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

My first promotional video for Father Knows Nothing is a parody poem I wrote. It's in the book's Christmas chapter. Thanks to Vince Argento for recording and producing the audio, and Tommy Kaempfer for creating the video.

Amy Landecker

According to this article in the Wall Street Journal, a site which tabulates ALL reviews of television shows across the country has listed "Transparent" as the best show on television. That's not just one critic saying that. It's all critics.

John's daughter Amy Landecker is one of the stars of that show, which airs on amazon.

Super happy for Amy. She's good people.

This is about how well trained my dog is

WGN Pulls the Plug on WGN FM and The Game

Robert Feder has the details. Sounds like a whole lot of people have lost or will be losing their jobs. Among them; Jonathon Brandmeier and Garry Meier. I worked with both of those guys at the Loop in the late 80s and early 90s when they were radio superstars. Over the last year both of them had been relegated to a platform that made it much more difficult to attract an audience. I'm not sure anyone could have succeeded in that situation.

Those aren't the guys I feel bad for--They've both made a fortune during their radio careers, and have cemented their places in radio history. I'm more concerned for the others who are being cut loose. Some of them took big gambles by joining The Game, leaving stable radio stations for the promise of something new. I hope they haven't burned their bridges.

According to the Chicagolandradio & Media website, the employees didn't know about this decision before it became public in the press. Here's the way Larz from CRM describes how it went down...

WGWG-LP staffers were not told in advance of the station's demise. Most found out as the Tribune's report spread via social media. WGWG-LP midday host Ben Finfer was clearly angry and upset on the air today.

Unfortunately, it's not really that unusual in the media business to find out you lost your job in the press.

One time I was actually sitting right next to someone when she found out by reading it in the newspaper. "Hmmmm," she said, reading the news of a new hire aloud. A new hire for her job. "I'm guessing I have an unscheduled meeting later today."

Another friend of mine started getting e-mails of sympathy while he was waiting outside his general manager's office for a hastily scheduled meeting. "It didn't take a genius to figure out what the meeting was going to be about," he told me later.

At least they got meetings.

When Stan Lawrence and I were doing Ebony & Ivory, we found out the show had been canceled via memo, the day of the show. The memo said, and I kid you not: "Gents, it's not working out."

That's all it said. Nothing else.

Have I mentioned recently that I don't miss the business?

Father Knows Nothing--The Homestretch

Here it is. Front and Back cover. Going to press today. Will have the proof tomorrow. First promo video should also be ready to go tomorrow. Did my first print interview already. First radio interview tomorrow. First podcast next week. First TV interview the following week. Two book signings scheduled (details very soon). The book ships right after Thanksgiving. (You can pre-order already at this link.) Thanks for all your support! I'm really proud of this project. I think it's the best thing I've ever written.

Here Comes Larry

Stephen Colbert is stepping down from his Comedy Central show soon, and will be taking over for David Letterman at CBS.

Colbert's replacement at Comedy Central will be Daily Show correspondent Larry Wilmore. According to this New York Times piece, here's what we can expect from Larry...

Mr. Wilmore said “The Nightly Show” would regularly feature a panel discussion: a scripted comedy version of what is seen on Sunday-morning talk. He said he would probably start each show with a comedy take on something in the news, delivered in all likelihood from a seat at a desk, the way Mr. Stewart and Mr. Colbert have long opened their shows.

The cast will consist of those who are called players rather than correspondents, but they may do a comedy report as “The Daily Show” does and then be interviewed by Mr. Wilmore before joining the panel. He said unscripted interviews with people connected to the news are also being discussed, though he will not rely on a roster of the usual suspects who turn up on Sunday-morning shows.

It's time to skewer those Sunday morning shows. They really have become almost a parody of themselves. I'm on board to least give this show a chance.

RIP Mike Nichols

Mike Nichols passed away at the age of 83.

He was one of the greats. A winner of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. Very few people can say that.

And of course, he became famous right here in Chicago. First with the comedy group that became Second City. And then as half of Nichols and May. Here's an example of those two in action. Very smart, very snappy comedy. You may not know the issues they are talking about (in this case the Quiz show scandal), but the comedy is still somehow timeless.



Of course Nichols went on to become a great film director. I loved several of his movies, but this one for me, is his masterpiece. I saw it for the first time when I was 11. I've seen it many times since, and it's a different movie every time because it speaks to multiple generations.



I didn't even realize he directed so many great films, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf", "Taming of the Shrew" (with Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton), "Catch 22", "Carnal Knowledge", "Silkwood", "Working Girl", "The Birdcage", "Primary Colors" and "Charlie Wilson's War". Pretty darn impressive.

The last few years he was known as Diane Sawyer's husband.

He was clearly much more than that.

NBC Drops Cosby

They were in the process of creating a new family sitcom starring Cosby. As you probably suspected, that is now dead.

TV Land has pulled his show too.

He is still doing comedy gigs for the time being. I suspect those will be canceled soon too.

Don't feel bad for Cosby. If these charges are true, he's been living a lie for forty years. When you have 15 accusers, one or two may be exaggerating or making it up for profit. Highly unlikely that all 15 are.

LATE UPDATE: The AP has released the following video of Cosby being asked about this. Very interesting. I've conducted interviews like this, when after the interview is over, the interview subject asks something be removed. Tough spot for the journalist--because he knows where the news is.

Father Knows Nothing

Today's Father Knows Nothing tease: I don't want to say that my boys fight a lot, but this invention "The little brother protector" was invented by my youngest son Sean to fend off his brothers. There's an entire chapter of the most entertaining examples of "brotherly love" in the book. Chapter 6 is entitled: "Put up your dukes!"

We made the final changes on Father Knows Nothing last night, and will be going to press in the next day or two. Thanks for all the pre-orders. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the response

Noonan!

You may have heard Brian Noonan on WGN Radio. You may have seen the nice blurb he provided for "Father Knows Nothing".

But did you know he lost 144 pounds? The man's an inspiration.

I've hung out with him a few times since he dropped the weight. He looks good, and his attitude is tremendous. The link is to a great Huffington Post piece about him.

Charles Manson Getting Married

I thought this was a pretty funny take on it. Thanks to "KK" for pointing it out...

Apologizing Via Twitter

I watched the HBO show "The Newsroom" last night (missed it on Sunday) and one of the story lines was about someone who sent an irresponsible tweet and had to apologize. Pretty timely.

Just ask the folks at Uber. One of their executives said something that was pretty horrible (he was going to spend a million to smear anyone who wrote something negative about him). His boss, the CEO of the company, responded by apologizing via Twitter. You can see all 14 tweets here.

He did the right thing by apologizing, but he must know by now that the Twittersphere does not accept apologies. They keep going until someone is fired.

Looks Like I've Got Some Traveling To Do

This list of the top 50 cities to see was published in the Huffington Post.

I consider myself a pretty well-traveled person. But I've only visited 17 of the 50. I have a feeling I'll never make it to most of them, but I did get a few good ideas.

Bill Cosby

This Bill Cosby story doesn't seem to be going away.

There are stories going all the way back to the late 60s about Cosby allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting women. He settled a case out of court back in 2006, but there are two new stories that emerged recently--one from 1969 and one from the 80s at the height of his popularity.

Now his megadeal with NBC is probably in jeopardy. He was slated to come back with another family comedy. Writers had already been working on it. But here's the little footnote on that story. If they choose not to do the show (and they'd be idiots to go ahead with it under the circumstances), Cosby is still going to be paid. A lot.

Variety has the details.

Mitch Rosen Gets A Promotion

Mitch Rosen had been the operations manager of the Score. I interviewed him a few years ago about that job.

Now, he's been given added responsibilities. He'll also be doing that job for WXRT.

Robert Feder has the details.

Father Knows Nothing

Lookee here. One step closer to publication. We'll be going to press very soon. Getting very excited. (Pre-order your copy today!)

Cubs trade

Kind of scratching my head on this trade the Cubs made over the weekend. They traded Arodys Vizcaino for another infielder--a 25-year-old second baseman from the Braves. Vizcaino was one of their most-hyped minor league arms. They got him from Atlanta a few years ago in the trade that sent Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson to Atlanta.

And they got another infielder for him?

Are they about to make another move? Sure sounds like it to me.

Details are here.

Jon Hansen

Jon Hansen has just been added to WGN Newscasts, via DNAinfo.com. I just featured Jon in my recent piece at Illinois Entertainer about WPGU alums. He's a bright young talent, and now you'll be able to hear him every day during the WGN 8am and 3pm newscasts.

Robert Feder has the details.

Scott Miller

I met this youngster when he was 12 years old. He was a groupie of Oldies 104.3--particularly Dick Biondi's show. He went into radio himself. Always happy to see him do well. From today's RAMP Newsletter...

Some well-deserved congratulations go out to Scott Miller, Executive Producer and co-host of The Pete McMurray Show on Tribune's WGN/Chicago, who has been rewarded with a lot more responsibility -- in addition to his current duties, Miller is now also the newly named Supervising Producer in charge of overall booking at WGN Radio and its subsidiaries. So there's that. "The last 14 months at WGN Radio have been incredible," said Miller (luxurious mustache sold separately). "I am honored to now be the Supervising Producer under Jimmy de Castro and Todd Manley's leadership. I have received interest in my talents from markets larger than Chicago, but I so believe in what is happening and what will be happening at WGN Radio and all of its platforms."

Joel Daly

Having breakfast today with Eckhartz Press author and broadcasting icon Joel Daly . I haven't seen him in a few months--looking forward to it.

Meeting and working with Joel has been one of the coolest things that has happened to me as a publisher. What a gentleman.

Ivy Shoes

Cubs prospect Kris Bryant tweeted this picture of his new shoes...Ivy Adidas. I need a pair of these immediately. And I'm loving that he's already considering himself a Cub even though he hasn't made it to the big leagues yet. Looking forward to the day he is in the Cubs lineup.

Rauner and the Loop

I found this little tidbit in today's Tom Taylor column fascinating. Details about the agreement between Merlin Media (still technically the owners of the Loop), and Cumulus (the people currently running the Loop). Never realized that current Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner was involved...

Here’s what Cumulus is paying to LMA and eventually buy Chicago’s WKQX and The Loop. We not only learn the monthly LMA fees, we discover that Cumulus can run Merlin Media’s alternative rock WKQX (101.1) and classic rock “Loop” WLUP (97.9) all the way through October 2017 without actually buying them. That’s equivalent to renting a house instead of making a more expensive all-cash mortgage payment upfront, and it favors Cumulus. Here are the terms – Cumulus started the LMA with Merlin (backed by Chicago-based private equity fund GCTR) in early January, and for this first year of the LMA, it pays $300,000 a month. That nut rises to $400,000 next year, $500,000 in year three of the deal and $600,000 in year four (2017). Cumulus gets to keep the operating profits from those stations, and CEO Lew Dickey indicates he’s happy with the results so far. What if Cumulus chooses to buy outright? There are several scenarios, but it would be paying something like $70 million (through October 4, 2017) or $71 million (for the ten days after that, at Merlin’s option). However, Cumulus would get credit for all the LMA fees, which are going to be substantial – potentially close to $20 million, if Cumulus runs the string out to October 2017. By that date, the actual purchase price would be around $50 million or so. And at that point, Merlin has the legal right to require Cumulus to buy the stations. (Note that former GTCR principal Bruce Rauner, the “R” in the company name, has a new job – governor of Illinois.)

Time for some Christmas Music

Starting today, WLIT in Chicago (93.9 FM) is playing all-Christmas music. WILV (100.3 FM) is playing a mixture of their usual format and Christmas music.

My calendar says November 14.

On the other hand, the weather sure feels like December. Might as well roll the tunes.

Silver Bells

Um, excuse me Kenova, West Virginia. That should be "Silver BElls" with an E, not an A. Simple mistake. Could have happened to anyone. (Thanks to JG for this one)

Dad's House

My father-in-law passed away last week, and my wife has been helping clean out the house. One of the things she found was an envelope with my name on it, containing a bunch of press clippings that my mother-in-law and father-in-law had saved.

Press clippings about me.

One of them was a Chicago Tribune article about a writing contest I won in 1999, written by current Chicago Sun Times publisher Jim Kirk. Here's a short excerpt...

From radio to writer? WJMK-FM 104.3 morning executive producer Rick Kaempfer may have found a new calling. Kaempfer was the national winner in a Diet Coke writing contest on living life to the fullest. His 500- word essay earned a trip to New York to meet some publishers.

"I was shocked," Kaempfer said. "They called me at home and I was taking a nap. My wife wouldn't wake me up because she thought it was a salesman."

Luckily, they called back.

I forgot all about that clipping. And now I have it for my kids.

The envelope also contained the press release announcing my first book, "The Radio Producer's Handbook" (from 2004), and the brochure promoting my first business (AMISH Chicago Advertising) from 2000.

I didn't have either of those in my archives either.

I should note that during these years, my father-in-law routinely called me Chris. I'm guessing the envelope was saved by my mother-in-law (who passed away in 2005). Regardless, it's nice to know they cared.

The Kardashian Butt Photo

Thanks to "LM" for this one...

Today's Father Knows Nothing Tease

I hear what you're saying out there..."But Rick, I don't have any children. I'm more of an animal lover. Why would I want to read this book?"

Are you kidding me? An entire chapter is devoted to you!

This little unassuming pit bull-mix named Ivy has provided fodder for Father Knows Nothing for almost five years now. Every dog owner will be able to relate to our incredibly embarrassing misadventures featuring skunks, hormonal neighborhood dogs, dishwashers, and why no subject is taboo in your house when the first thing you have to do is apologize for a wet nose in your guest's crotch.

(Father Knows Nothing is available for pre-order now.)

Jon Lester

He's meeting with the Cubs. He's meeting with the Cubs.

Trying to calm down.

He's only the best pitcher available, and has a previous relationship with Theo.

Trying to calm down.

Museum of Broadcasting Unveils New Studio

From Tom Taylor's NOW column...

There’s now an “Art Laboe Control Room” at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. That honors the Southern California personality/entrepreneur who embodies (and heck, owns) "oldies but goodies." The act of generosity by Laboe was revealed by Bruce Dumont at Sunday’s National Radio Hall of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles.

I will be appearing in that studio on November 29th to promote "Father Knows Nothing". I'll tell you more about that appearance as it gets closer. Looking forward to it.

Art Laboe, by the way, is a legendary Los Angeles disc jockey who is credited with coining the term "Oldies but Goodies".

Wall Street Journal Getting Out of Radio

Jim Romenesko has the memo that announced their intentions.

Read the memo if you want the full scoop. It actually sounds quite reasonable. They are concentrating on expanding their digital products instead.

Randy Jackson is out at American Idol

From USA Today...

Jackson on Tuesday issued a statement via his publicist: "After 13 seasons I felt now was the perfect time to leave American Idol. I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever. A true original, Idol started it all. Onto what's next."

Fox and Idol producers also had a statement: "Randy has been such an integral part of American Idol since day one, both as a judge and as a mentor. He's provided great advice and support, shaping the success of so many Idols we have discovered over the years. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. Randy will always be part of our Idol family and we hope he'll visit from time to time."

I know a lot of you watch it, but I have to admit I haven't seen it in years.

German Sesame Street

Good bit...

Advanced Reviews For "Father Knows Nothing"

So far, exactly four people have read advanced copies of "Father Knows Nothing" (other than my editor & me). Here is what they have to say about it...

"Kaempfer's triumphant achievement is also his greatest success. The most famous, hilarious, suburban stay-at-home dad of all-time!"

- Pat Colander, Associate Publisher & Editor/Shore Magazine

"Father Knows Nothing is a loving, humorous, insightful and abundantly entertaining tale of a dad and his sons."

- John Records Landecker, WLS-Radio

"Rick is the new Bill Cosby of parenting books. Minus the fact that he is white, middle class, and doesn't wear bad sweaters."

- Jeff Hoover, WGN-TV Morning News

"It doesn’t matter whether you’re the father of sons or daughters, the stories in Father Knows Nothing will hit close to home. I laughed out loud picturing Rick breaking up fights between his sons, flinging the top layer of a pizza across the kitchen and scaring his son out of lawn maintenance. The frequent laughs are balanced with emotionally touching stories and insights. This book is a wonderful record of an exciting, tumultuous time that all parents will relate to."

- Brian Noonan, WGN Radio


Father Knows Nothing is available for pre-order now, and it ships right after Thanksgiving. It's the perfect Christmas present for the dad (or dad to be) in your family.

Dad's House

My father-in-law passed away last week, and now the difficult chore of cleaning out his house begins. Several of his kids (he had 7) spent the entire day there yesterday, and while it's beginning to sink in how big this job is (he lived in the house for forty years)--there are occasional gems being uncovered.

This is my favorite so far...

John Farneda Leaves WXRT

People simply don't leave WXRT. John Farneda has been their Operations Manager, and before that, just about every other position in the programming side of the WXRT operation for three decades. The RAMP Newsletter posted his e-mail about why he is leaving...

"After 31 years at Chicago's Finest Rock, I realized that I have achieved all my goals at the radio station and it is now time to set new ones. In 1983, I was hired as an intern to type public service announcements and schedule interviews. Since then, I have been trusted to program one of the most respected, unique and influential radio stations in the country. I have served as Assistant Program Director, Music Director and Operations Manager. I have produced/co-produced all 16 volumes of ONXRT: Live From The Archives (a compilation CD of exclusive live performances that has raised close to $1,000,000 for various charitable organizations both locally and globally). In 2015, I look forward to exploring new adventures in the music industry. I hope to share my decades of programming experience with friends wanting to innovate and entertain."

Hmmmm. That last sentence sticks out to me. I'm sure it also sticks out to the brass at WXRT.

FCC Chairman Backtracks

The FCC Chairman met with the Telecom lobbyists...and now he's backtracking from what he said yesterday, according to the Washington Post.

Depressing.

If he decides to rule in favor of these telecom giants and lets them create fast lanes and slow lanes on the internet, despite the overwhelming majority of Americans opposing it--and the President of his own party urging him NOT to do it--we have reached a new low point in this country. Even more depressing to me is reading the comments section of the article. As I predicted yesterday, now that Obama has chosen sides, the knee-jerk Obama haters are agreeing with the four CEOs.

This is like watching "It's a Wonderful Life" and rooting for Mr. Potter. "Yeah! Stick it to 'em, Potter! Gouge the suckers!"

Actually it's worse than that, because in this case, even Mr. Potter is against it. Every business is against it. They all sell with the help of the internet these days. They know their cost of business will now go up if the telecom giants are allowed to do this, or the quality of their internet service will go down. They will have to make that choice. That's what is being proposed here. As a consumer, your costs will go up. Period. And your internet experience will be worse. Period. Read the tortured attempts at trying to pretend that isn't the case. Of course it is.

Only four people are in favor of doing this. And, of course, the politicians they have bought (of both parties), and now, also the people who hate everything Obama proposes.

That's the coalition who is urging us to crush the last thing in America that allows anyone to innovate on a completely equal footing.

I understand why those four guys want it. I even get why the politicians they bought want it. The rest of you? I will never understand.

I've Been Calling His Show This For Years

Father Knows Nothing

The pre-orders have been pouring in for "Father Knows Nothing" and I'd like to thank everyone who has already placed an order. If you'd like to pre-order your copy, you can get it here. I've been posting little teasers about what you can find in the book, and today I'll tell you about Chapter 3: Injuries, Sicknesses, and Close Calls.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of that chapter (in retrospect only) is the story of this photograph. Two broken bones at the same time. The typically graceful Kaempfer causes of those injuries, and the challenge of dealing with them simultaneously, provides the (unbroken) backbone of Chapter 3.

History of Veteran's Day

Stan Hyde

Sorry I've been sort of off the grid for the past few days. I've been spending most of my time with my wife Bridget's family, taking care of the many details surrounding the wake and funeral of my father-in-law, Stan Hyde. That's a picture of him from happier times.

I want to thank everyone who came out to the wake and funeral, and those of you who sent flowers. The family greatly appreciates it.

The last thing Stan said to me was "Rick, will you please write my eulogy?" I've written and delivered quite a few eulogies over the past twenty years (unfortunately), but this is the first time the dying person asked me personally. I hope the eulogy lived up to his expectations.

RIP Stan.

MLB investigating Cubs for tampering

The Rays have accused the Cubs of tampering with their former manager Joe Maddon, so MLB is going to investigate.

SI has the details.

Look at that cute little Cubbie. He wouldn't tamper, would he?

Net Neutrality

There was a huge announcement by the president yesterday regarding Net Neutrality...



Even the FCC Chairman, who came from the telecommunications industry, has now openly come out on the right side for the first time...

The President's statement is an important and welcome addition to the record of the Open Internet proceeding. Like the President, I believe that the Internet must remain an open platform for free expression, innovation, and economic growth. We both oppose Internet fast lanes. The Internet must not advantage some to the detriment of others. We cannot allow broadband networks to cut special deals to prioritize Internet traffic and harm consumers, competition and innovation.

For those of you who automatically hate anything the president says, just because he is the one saying it, try to take a deep breath and listen to what is really happening here. There are only four or five people in the world who REALLY want this new internet that charges a premium to companies with deep pockets (and allows everyone else to have a slower internet)--the CEOs of the cable providers. Every other business in America is happy about this ruling. Not just private citizens (the nearly 4 million who wrote in)--businesses. It's a no-brainer that is only opposed by four or five companies and people who are allowing themselves to be convinced simply because the wrong guy is in favor of it.

Don't be one of those people. It takes zero effort to poke holes in the flimsy arguments presented by the opposition to this.

This is about one thing, and one thing only--an equal opportunity internet.

Concert for Valor

There's a huge concert tonight in Washington to honor our veterans on Veterans Day. From the RAMP Newsletter...

In a massive Veterans Day salute to our nation's brave military personnel past and present, HBO, Starbucks and Chase proudly present The Concert For Valor, a huge live music event happening tonight on The Mall in Washington, DC. The Concert For Valor is the first-of-its kind event that is designed to bring artists, celebrities and millions of Americans together to honor the courage and sacrifice of our brave veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Artists scheduled to perform include The Black Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Dave Grohl, Eminem, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Metallica, Rihanna and Zac Brown Band. Among the special guests on the program are Meryl Streep, Jamie Foxx, John Oliver, Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, George Lopez and Bob Woodruff as well as tributes from Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon and others.

John Landecker in Morris

The Daily Herald has a nice piece on the John Landecker book signing at the Morris library over the weekend.

Sounds like he was a big hit.

One Town That Won't Let You Down