What a Ride! 50 years of broadcasting--John Records Landecker

Last night John Records Landecker said goodbye to WLS. He announced that his final show on the air will be this Friday night. As we put together his book "Records Truly Is My Middle Name" in 2013, we went through his treasure trove of pictures. Here are just a few from the incredible ride chronicled in such vivid detail in the book...

Thanks for the Memories, John!

Last night around 8:15pm, John Records Landecker announced on the radio that he was hanging up his headphones and leaving WLS Radio. After 50 years on the radio, John has decided to call it a career. Radio will definitely miss one of the all-time greats.

Robert Feder has all the details in his blog today.

One of the greatest privileges of my life was my ten years producing the show of the supremely talented John Landecker. It was only one fifth of his hall of fame career. Best disc jockey in history. Enjoy retirement friend!

Obviously, John is also a key member of the Eckhartz Press family. We'll always be thankful to him for taking a chance on this little upstart press, and allowing us to publish his incredible memoirs. Thanks for the memories, JRL, and thanks for the incredible book "Records Truly Is My Middle Name".

Facebook Manners & You

Ric Lippincott

He was at WLS back in the Big 89s heyday, but now he is struggling with a very scary form of cancer. From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

Ric Lippincott is currently battling pancreatic cancer. As you know, Lippincott stepped away from the radio industry several years ago and has been working for Chicago Title & Escrow Company in Los Angeles while indulging his love of flying as a Captain with jet charter firm Chrysler Aviation. While his career may have changed, his tightknit network of radio and record industry friends remains strong. To help those friends stay in communication with him during this challenging journey, Ric's family (his strongest support system) has set up a page for him at MyLifeline.org so he can update us and interact with everyone.

I know a lot of readers of this blog know Ric. Thought you would like to know about this.

Happy 75th birthday Bugs Bunny

This is his first appearance on July 27, 1940...

Joke for a Monday Morning

I enjoyed this one. Thanks to EB for sending it...

"What did the cowboy say at the German auto show?"

"Audi"

New York Magazine Takes on Cosby

Even the cover is pretty powerful.

Van Halen Review

I'm glad I didn't get tickets to the Van Halen show. Check out this review in the Kansas City Star...

David Lee Roth’s presence displeased a portion of Wednesday’s audience of more than 10,000. A few disappointed fans exiting the Bonner Springs venue at the conclusion of the concert initiated a chant of “Sammy Hagar.”

While Roth is in tremendous physical condition and can still twirl a microphone stand like a standout member of a high school drill team, Roth has lost his voice. He’s also a shameless ham. Roth seemed to channel Jerry Lewis’ antics in the 1963 comedy “The Nutty Professor” during Van Halen’s two-hour outing.

David Lee Roth's Van Halen is the band I grew up loving, but let's face it. Sammy Hagar is better.

A Real-Life Episode of "Ballers"

I don't know if you watch the show "Ballers" on HBO, but if you don't, here's a real-life example of a typical episode. It involves former Chicago Bear Bernard Berrian catching someone in his posse stealing from him.

The ridiculous security system he describes in the article and the fact that this guy stole $30,000 in cash is something right out of the show. When you watch "Ballers" you find yourself thinking, "Man, I sure hope my favorite players aren't like this", but you know deep in your heart they probably are.

John Fox

I get excited every time I read something like this Tribune article about John Fox and what he has done in his previous stops. But yesterday I was listening to the radio and they listed the potential starters on offense and defense, and whoo boy. Converting that team into a winner will require a miracle worker. No pressure, John Fox.

Lafayette Shooter

There was yet another shooting in a movie theater last night, and the Daily Beast reported this...

A TV host who occasionally had Lafayette theater shooter John Russell Houser on his show says the assailant was a “radical guy.” “He was on from time to time because he was a very radical person with radical views,” Calvin Floyd told NBC News. “He was a Republican and then I would have someone with a real strong Democrat view on.” Floyd also answered “no” when asked if he was surprised that Houser is accused of shooting up the Louisiana movie theater. “The association I had with him was for entertainment,” he said. “He was very entertaining. He made for good TV and when it was over, you would leave shaking your head.”

The whole idea of putting someone on the air who is so crazy you aren't surprised in the least when they shoot up a movie theater, is not Good TV. That's morally bankrupt TV.

By the way, yesterday was the 204th day of the year, and the Lafayette shooting was the 204th mass shooting of the year.

100 Years Ago Today

The Eastland Disaster in the Chicago river. It was just a fluke. The boat flipped over, and it was just a few feet away from the shore, but over 900 people died. They were on the boat to go to an excursion to Michigan City Indiana.

The Channel 11 website has some pictures and videos.

Pandora

The argument against Pandora has always been: "How are they going to make money?" That argument has now been laid to rest. From this morning's Radio Ink...

With Q2 revenue of $285.6 million Pandora reached a new milestone. Over the previous year, Pandora generated over $1 billion in revenue. By comparison, the entire radio industry generates about $17 billion per year. In Q2 Pandora generated $231 million (up 30%) in advertising revenue; subscription and other revenue was $54.6 million (up 31%). Mobile revenue came in at $230 million (up 37%) and local advertising revenue was $58.9 million (up 67%). Total listening hours were 5.3 billion, up only 5%, which CEO Brian McAndrews says is normal for this seasonal time of the year. Active listeners were 79.4 million at the end of the second quarter of 2015, compared to 76.4 million from the same period last year

Big Changes Coming to MSNBC

It sounds like MSNBC is ready to jettison it's entire afternoon lineup, according to Mediaite.

The shows they intend to cut include: "The Cycle", "Now with Alex Wagner" and "The Ed Show".

The article doesn't say what is taking the place of the first two, but it appears that Chuck Todd will be given the 5pm slot (4pm Central time) now held by Ed Schultz, and that they will be taking more of a "news" approach rather an opinion approach.

How the Trump Brand Really Works

This Washington Post article explains it pretty well. In fact, even the headline gives you an idea...

How Donald Trump Cashes In Even When His Name Brand Properties Fail.

Another CBS Firing

Just saw this cross the wire...CBS Radio just announced further management restructuring on the local level that involves Dave Robbins (Orlando)...I wonder if Dave Robbins was told by the guy who fired him "Oh man, I'm so jealous of you because you get to spend more time with your family now." Because that's what Dave Robbins said to me after he fired me at WJMK. True story.

I guess I'm not hungry after all

Thanks to "KS" for this one...

Dirty Harry is Right!

Bill Simmons Goes to HBO

They announced the deal yesterday. Details are here at SI.

I guess I'm a little out of the mainstream on this guy. I think he's a good writer, but I have a very hard time watching or listening to him on television and podcasts. He comes off as insufferable, at least to me.

Bill Cosby Revealed (Further)

The Washington Post has another piece today about Bill Cosby, quoting extensively from his deposition, but I think pretty fairly painting both sides. Even while bending over backwards to be fair to Cosby, it's still an open and shut case. He may not ever be prosecuted, but he is without question, a sexual predator.

Trump's Latest Reality Show

The other day, after hearing that Sen. Lindsay Graham called him a "jackass", Trump did what any presidential candidate would do.

He gave out Graham's personal cell-phone number.

When I saw him do that, I finally figured this guy out. This whole campaign is a reality show. It's a good one, and will make for some incredible viewing when we go back and watch it after he finally actually steps over the line, but in the meantime that's how I'm viewing this. After each ridiculous comment, I'm picturing him going into the writer's room and brainstorming.

"So, guys, how'd I do?" Trump says

"I think the war hero ripping was better," Head writer responds, "But giving out a sitting Senator's private cell number will make for a good episode."

"I've got the Washington Post on the line here," another writer says. "Want to talk to them?"

"Are they asking me if I have spent a dime yet?" Trump retorts. "Because I haven't."

(Howls of laughter in the writer's room)

"No," the writer says. "They want to know--"

"--if I have any actual proposals for any actual issues?" Trump says.

(Howls of laughter again)

"No," the writer says after the laughter subsides. "It's about the cell-phone number."

"Tell him I got the number from Graham's gay lover," Trump says.

(There's an audible ooooooohhhh in the room)

"Over the top?" Trump asks.

"You know the rule," his head writer says. "If it oooooohes, we dooooooo it."

"What if that ends it before we're ready?"

"You called all Mexicans rapists and that didn't end it," Head writer points out. "You ripped war heros and that didn't end it. You react like a high school bully when someone calls you out, and that doesn't end it. Do you really think that mocking his sexuality will do it?"

"Good point," Trump replies.

"Pace yourself Donald. We're right on track. We just need to make it to that debate," head writer says. "That's where we'll have our grand finale. Better optics."

"Have we got anything for Carly Fiorina if she's there?"

"If she's there," one of the writers improvises, "I was thinking of you saying 'Honey, why don't you go to the kitchen and fix me a sandwich.'"

That gets the brainstormers going.

"And bring a French Maid's outfit and hold it up when you say it," another says.

"If she gets offended," another writer piles on. "Say this--I've got an apology in my pants, want to see if you can find it, sweet cheeks?"

"Those are all great, guys," the head writer says, "But I have a feeling offending all women won't make a dent in our support. We can't possibly have too many of them. We still need a finale that actually ends this thing."

The room goes silent.

"How about I tell them we're taking their guns away," Trump says confidently.

(There's an audible ooooooohhhh in the room)

"If it oooooohs, we dooooo it," the head writer says.

"But not until the debate."

Bernie Sanders Folk Album

Did you know that Senator Bernie Sanders recorded a folk album? It wasn't in the 60s, it was in 1987. He performed the song "We shall overcome", although his part (thankfully) is spoken word.

There's only a small sample out there. Listen to it here.

THE OBSESSIVELY DETAILED MAP OF AMERICAN LITERATURE'S MOST EPIC ROAD TRIPS

For literary buffs, this is fun.

Click here to see the map, which will take you on the road trips from the following books and more: The Cruise of the Rolling Junk by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934), A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins (1979), The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson (1989), On the Road by Jack Kerouac (1957), Roughing It by Mark Twain (1872), Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig (1974).

Have a Yabba Dabba Doo Time

This is very cool. Behind-the-scenes photos taken for Life Magazine during the making of "The Flintstones". If you're into that at all, you should check out the link.

This is just one example below. Mel Blanc (left) and Alan Reed (right) doing the voices of Barney and Fred. (Photo by Allen Grant)

This is what true equality looks like

Congrats to Alex Morgan. Sharing the cover with Messi on this game is a big deal.

Lunch with Stephen

You can now have lunch with Colbert every day...

"Go Set a Watchman" Sells A Million Copies

I'll admit that I'm not one of those million. I love Atticus Finch the way he was in To Kill a Mockingbird. He was one of my all-time favorite characters. Don't think I can handle him being a racist, which is what he supposedly is the new Harper Lee novel.

The Wall Street Journal has the story.

The 1938 World Series

An 88 year old Cub fan recalls the 1938 World Series.

At least he's seen one. (Presumably, he's seen two, since they were in it in 1945 too).

Granted he hasn't seen one in 70 years, but he had a pretty good run there in his childhood. I'm working on 50+ years of nothing here.

The New York Times Gets the Full Cosby Deposition

They described it in detail in yesterday's paper.

At the very least, his wife has to be contacting attorneys right now.

Obama to appear on Daily Show Tuesday

It will be President Obama's 7th appearance on the show with Jon Stewart.

Tonight begins the countdown...the final three weeks of Daily shows (12 in all). I know I'm going really miss it, no matter how good the new guy is.

Huffington Post To Cover Trump as "Entertainment"

That's the announcement they made late last week. You can read it here.

And this was BEFORE he criticized John McCain's war record (which he refuses to take back despite being roundly destroyed by his fellow Republicans for saying it)

You can probably guess where my loyalties lie, but I totally disagree with Huffington Post's approach. Yes, Trump is a clown who says terrible things, but he's also leading in the polls for the Republican nomination. Like it or not, that's a political story.

(Sigh)

40,000 demand slave memorial be taken down in South Carolina because it shames whites.

A story so ridiculous I believed it was an Onion story. It's not. It's real.

(Sigh)

Nick Digilio Returns

The late night talk show host has been gone from the airwaves of WGN for a month for an undisclosed illness. He returned last night and spilled the beans.

He had a stomach ailment caused by too much drinking.

Nick has been clean and sober for a month and vows to remain that way. Best of luck to him. I know that's not an easy one to overcome.

INFP

I haven't taken the personality test in a few years. Just took it again to see if I'm still an INFP. Yup.

A brief explanation...INFP personalities are true idealists, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people and events, searching for ways to make things better. While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of feeling misunderstood is unfortunately high for the INFP personality type – but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.

At their best, these qualities enable INFPs to communicate deeply with others, easily speaking in metaphors and parables, and understanding and creating symbols to share their ideas. The strength of this intuitive communication style lends itself well to creative works, and it comes as no surprise that many famous INFPs are poets, writers and actors. Understanding themselves and their place in the world is important to INFPs, and they explore these ideas by projecting themselves into their work.

Unlike their Extraverted cousins though, INFPs will focus their attention on just a few people, a single worthy cause – spread too thinly, they’ll run out of energy, and even become dejected and overwhelmed by all the bad in the world that they can’t fix. This is a sad sight for INFPs’ friends, who will come to depend on their rosy outlook.

If they are not careful, INFPs can lose themselves in their quest for good and neglect the day-to-day upkeep that life demands. INFPs often drift into deep thought, enjoying contemplating the hypothetical and the philosophical more than any other personality type. Left unchecked, INFPs may start to lose touch, withdrawing into "hermit mode", and it can take a great deal of energy from their friends or partner to bring them back to the real world.

Reporting this news to you from my basement. :)

A new use for Donald Trump

What is this Donald Trump device below? The Guardian has the story.

Guess who is 57?

Michael La Crosse

Congrats goes out to former WLS program director Michael La Crosse. He's working in LA now, and he and his wife just had their second baby. From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

Our most sincere best wishes out to KOST/Los Angeles PD Michael La Crosse and his lovely wife, Janis, on the recent arrival of their second son -- Harrison Stephen La Crosse made his earthly debut on Monday, July 13, weighing in at an impressive 10lbs 8oz. "His three-year-old big brother Lincoln (right) was 10lbs 2oz," La Crosse informs RAMP. "Apparently Janis and I just make big babies." Describing some details of the blessed event, La Crosse praised his wife, saying, "She did it all with no epidural. She's amazing. I don't know how she (or any woman) does it. I cry when I get paper cuts. A lot." Looking at his two boys with an eye toward a lucrative future, La Crosse said, "I look at their size in a positive way -- maybe 20 years from now they’ll be the top D pairing for my Chicago Blackhawks."

Favorite Swear Words By Region

Gawker has them mapped out.

Chicago ranks pretty highly with most of them, especially the A-word and the F-word, but we're much better at avoiding the C, D and MF words.

Who knew?

Shaggin' and a Drinkin'

Some great stuff with Rod Stewart. Love the Fleetwood Mac story...

Drums on a Fat Guy

Good to know that if I decide to really let myself go, I could still be useful to society...

Colin Cowherd Leaving ESPN

It was all about the money. ESPN is cutting wherever they can.

This news does not surprise or disappoint me in the slightest. I have a natural distaste for blowhards who rarely seem to know what they are talking about. But that's just me.

Radio Insight has the details.

The Sox & Bulls will be on WLS

Robert Feder broke this story. Details are here.

WLS-AM has become a player in the sports-radio world. They stole the White Sox from the Score, and now they've stolen the Bulls from ESPN Radio.

I suspect it won't be long before they hire a big name sportscaster to be the main studio host for both Bulls & Sox broadcasts.

Another PD Opening in Chicago

See below about WLS-FM. The same is true of WSHE-FM (100.3 FM) now too. Marty Bender resigned yesterday. From today's RAMP Newsletter...

Citing serious several family concerns, Marty Bender announced he is stepping down from his PD post at Hubbard Radio's WSHE/Chicago. He has agreed to remain in place until a replacement is found, and will then be retained in an advisory role. In an emotional staff memo, Bendermentioned the recent death of his brother and some pressing health concerns facing his parents. "A day does not go by when I don't wake up and wonder if I'm in the right place, for the right reasons," he wrote. "At this time, the right decision for me is to step aside from my day-to-day programming duties at SHE and attend to all of the above, along with the corresponding legal issues that seem to never let up." He added, "This is a very tough decision for me, because of my attachment and belief in SHE and all that this station is quickly becoming." In closing, Bender said, "This transition could have only happened with the blessing and corporate care that is the entire Hubbard family."

The Most Valuable Sports Franchises in the World

Forbes has the list.

The Bulls (#14) and Cubs (#17) are both in the top 20.

Oduya's a Goner Now Too

The Tribune has the official confirmation from Johnny Oduya's agent.

He's a good player and was a big part of the Cup championship, but he is also 33 years old. He follows Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Brad Richards, Antoine Vermette, and Kimmo Timonen out the door.

This won't be the same team next year. Let's hope they've retooled in a way that keeps them competitive. I'm not enough of a hockey expert to know whether or not that's true, but after three Stanley Cups, I'm willing to give Stan Bowman the benefit of the doubt.

LATE UPDATE: Oduya has officially signed with Dallas.