The article, as usual, is ruined by the word moderation.
But it's still one of my all-time favorite articles.
Wednesday, March 06, 2019
Booze and Coffee
The article, as usual, is ruined by the word moderation.
But it's still one of my all-time favorite articles.
Another reason to question polling and market research
There's one very big reason polling and market research have become so expensive: People have stopped answering their phones. From this morning's Inside Radio...
I'm one of those people that doesn't answer the phone. If you aren't in my phone already, there's a zero percent chance I will answer.
People have simply stopped answering their phones altogether. “If it is apparent the call is from an unknown (or untrusted) source, it goes to voicemail – period,” for one. Meanwhile, the “growing number of telemarketers clogging up our phones lines, not to mention the explosion of robocalls,” which he says have tripled over the past three years, has turned consumers away from answering a ring. Jacobs writes, “For researchers dependent on a phone as the communications gateway to a research survey of some kind, this is bad news.
I'm one of those people that doesn't answer the phone. If you aren't in my phone already, there's a zero percent chance I will answer.
I've seen that look before
But this picture accompanied her message this week, and I found it disturbing. Yes, I've seen that facial expression before. Men hate it when women hold their fingers nine inches apart like that.
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
Accordian Humor
I've seen this before, but it doesn't make it any less brilliant...
LIFE ACCORDION TO TRUMP #4
— Huw Parkinson (@rabbitandcoffee) March 3, 2019
Send your loved ones some soothing tunes. pic.twitter.com/N5WrkCZV2O
Schwarbs
The franchise career leader in postseason home runs for the #WhiteSox (Paul Konerko - 7) and #Cubs (Kyle Schwarber - 6; tied with 2 others)
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) March 5, 2019
Both celebrate a birthday today pic.twitter.com/p4ijxTIiTu
Leaving Neverland
Did you watch the HBO documentary about Michael Jackson? It was chilling, disturbing, and will stay with me forever. I always suspected it was true, but hearing these guys tell the details...and their details were so similar it was eerie...makes me come to the inescapable conclusion: Dude was a pedophile.
I remember when these stories were in the news. He was literally on trial for molesting children and people would show up and cheer him. His fans simply could not believe it was true. They were so devoted and so unflinching in their belief, it did make me wonder. Maybe he really was just a man-child who was robbed of his childhood, and likes to play with little boys. Could that presposterous statement actually be true?
Not so much.
After the show, Oprah interviewed the guys in the documentary...
Read the comments section on YouTube. Same people cheering Michael, unflinching in their belief of him.
I'm sorry--you cannot watch the documentary with the level of detail they provide and think they are making it all up. At least I can't. These guys describe a love affair. Michael seduced them. And they were only seven years old at the time.
I remember when these stories were in the news. He was literally on trial for molesting children and people would show up and cheer him. His fans simply could not believe it was true. They were so devoted and so unflinching in their belief, it did make me wonder. Maybe he really was just a man-child who was robbed of his childhood, and likes to play with little boys. Could that presposterous statement actually be true?
Not so much.
After the show, Oprah interviewed the guys in the documentary...
Read the comments section on YouTube. Same people cheering Michael, unflinching in their belief of him.
I'm sorry--you cannot watch the documentary with the level of detail they provide and think they are making it all up. At least I can't. These guys describe a love affair. Michael seduced them. And they were only seven years old at the time.
RIP Keith Flint
From the RAMP newsletter...
Keith Flint, the frontman of pioneering British electronic group The Prodigy, has been found dead at his home in Essex, England at the age 49, according to CNN. Flint's bandmate, Prodigy founder Liam Howlett posted on Instagram that Flint died by suicide, as he said, "The news is true, I can't believe I'm saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I'm shell shocked, f****n angry, confused and heart broken." The Prodigy's Twitter feed also posted the news of Flint's death, saying, "It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."
Keith Flint, the frontman of pioneering British electronic group The Prodigy, has been found dead at his home in Essex, England at the age 49, according to CNN. Flint's bandmate, Prodigy founder Liam Howlett posted on Instagram that Flint died by suicide, as he said, "The news is true, I can't believe I'm saying this but our brother Keith took his own life over the weekend. I'm shell shocked, f****n angry, confused and heart broken." The Prodigy's Twitter feed also posted the news of Flint's death, saying, "It is with deepest shock and sadness that we can confirm the death of our brother and best friend Keith Flint. A true pioneer, innovator and legend. He will be forever missed. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."
Monday, March 04, 2019
Please just take "news" out of their name
New from me: Fox News HAD the story of Trump's hush money payoffs to Stormy Daniels BEFORE the election but killed it because the reporter said she was told, "Good reporting Kiddo, but Rupert Murdoch wants Donald Trump to win. So set it aside." Reporter sued, is bound by an NDA. https://t.co/md9B4fLm1i
— Jane Mayer (@JaneMayerNYer) March 4, 2019
Happy birthday Chicago
With a tip in from the best photographer of our city, Barry Butler...
Today is Chicago's 182nd Birthday! #news #chicago #history pic.twitter.com/jcBFtgd8Fh
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) March 4, 2019
Minutia Men, Episode 126
Listen to it here.
Score Big Brother
From this morning's Robert Feder column...
Can the stars of The Score survive for a week in the desert under one roof? That’s the reality-show premise of an inspired stunt playing out on Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM. Midday hosts Dan Bernstein and Connor McKnight and afternoon hosts Dan McNeil and Danny Parkins aren’t just broadcasting their shows from Cubs spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. They’re all occupying a rented house together in Scottsdale along with operations director Mitch Rosen, their show producers and a video producer from Entercom Chicago. On Thursday, they’ll be joined for dinner at The Score House by morning hosts Mike Mulligan and David Haugh. (Those two will be staying at a hotel nearby.) Video highlights of the adventure will be posted each day at 670thescore.com. “At the end of the week this could be epic radio,” said Rosen, who added: “Pray for me.”
Can the stars of The Score survive for a week in the desert under one roof? That’s the reality-show premise of an inspired stunt playing out on Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM. Midday hosts Dan Bernstein and Connor McKnight and afternoon hosts Dan McNeil and Danny Parkins aren’t just broadcasting their shows from Cubs spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. They’re all occupying a rented house together in Scottsdale along with operations director Mitch Rosen, their show producers and a video producer from Entercom Chicago. On Thursday, they’ll be joined for dinner at The Score House by morning hosts Mike Mulligan and David Haugh. (Those two will be staying at a hotel nearby.) Video highlights of the adventure will be posted each day at 670thescore.com. “At the end of the week this could be epic radio,” said Rosen, who added: “Pray for me.”
Jen Weigel
Missed this news last week. The RAMP reported it this morning...
Chicago media pro Jenniffer Weigel has been hired by Cumulus News-Talk WLS-AM as the new sidekick and traffic reporter for Mancow Muller's morning show, starting bright and early today. The news was initially reported by Windy City media journalist Robert Feder. Ms. Weigel most recently worked for the Chicago Sun-Times as Director of Community Development and as a content contributor. Interestingly, today also marks two other significant milestones for the Weigel family -- Weigel's brother, Rafer Weigel, moves up to weekday morning news co-anchor at WFLD-TV (Fox 32) today, and this also marks what would have been the 74th birthday of their late father, legendary Chicago sportscaster Tim Weigel.
I've known Jen since her very early days in radio. At the time I was working for her dad Tim. One of my sidegigs during the Landecker years was providing Tim with clips he could use during his Weigel Wieners segment. I also worked with Tim's third wife Vicki. She was the sidekick and traffic reporter to Landecker the first three or four years of the show.
I've known Jen since her very early days in radio. At the time I was working for her dad Tim. One of my sidegigs during the Landecker years was providing Tim with clips he could use during his Weigel Wieners segment. I also worked with Tim's third wife Vicki. She was the sidekick and traffic reporter to Landecker the first three or four years of the show.
Friday, March 01, 2019
Free Kicks, Episode 31
Listen to it here.
Sherman and Tingle
The latest issue of The Illinois Entertainer is out, and includes my interview with the Drive's morning team of Sherman and Tingle.
Read it here.
Super Caleb
Caleb would have turned six years old later this month. We had an early birthday party for him yesterday in his hospital room. Cancer has been a part of his life since he was only two. We're all going to really miss that boy. If you're the praying type, please send your prayers to our family. We could use your support.
A few years ago I wrote this poem to cheer him up. Feels appropriate to post it once again. He will always be Super Caleb to me. Toughest kid I've ever seen.
SUPER CALEB
Trapped on planet Mayo-naise,
Where the bad Sea monster stays,
And makes people sad all day
Super Caleb knows that he just has to get away,
Remove the tubes and tape,
So he can reach his super cape,
And make his brave escape
He is Super Caleb,
You should see our hero fly,
He turns the Mayo people’s, sad faces into smiles,
He is Super Caleb,
And he’ll show you in a while.
Who can give him strength again,
And he better look out when,
Super Caleb flies again.
As Super Caleb sleeps, his friend in the white coat,
Sails through the sea monster’s moat,
In a very quiet boat,
And he’s bringing Caleb hope.
And he makes sad people smile,
The sea monster can’t keep the people sad when Caleb flies,
He is Super Caleb!
And he’ll be here in a while.
Looks down upon his chest,
Tubes are gone and he is dressed,
He knows how to do the rest.
He is Super Caleb!
And it’s time to watch him fly,
When they see him all sad people, cannot help but smile,
He is Super Caleb!
And he’s gonna win this time.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Radio Listening Times
Thought this was interesting. From Radio Online...
A Westwood One blog post is taking on the common misperception among advertisers that most radio listening occurs during morning and afternoon drive times. Using Advertiser Perceptions survey data from marketer and agency professionals and comparing it with Nielsen data, the truth is revealed -- middays actually see the highest share of audio time spent.
Advertisers estimate more than half of all AM/FM radio listening happens during "drive times." According to Advertiser Perceptions, advertisers and agencies believe 28% of listening occurs during weekday morning drive, 6-10am, followed by Monday-Friday afternoon drive from 3-7pm at 24%.
According to Nielsen, middays are number one and weekend listening is greater than suspected. The highest share of time spent among adults 25-54 is middays 10am-3pm (26%). Morning (21%) and afternoon (21%) drive times are also strong. Despite advertisers believing only 13% of all listening occurs during the weekend, the Nielsen reality is actually 21%.
Advertisers estimate more than half of all AM/FM radio listening happens during "drive times." According to Advertiser Perceptions, advertisers and agencies believe 28% of listening occurs during weekday morning drive, 6-10am, followed by Monday-Friday afternoon drive from 3-7pm at 24%.
According to Nielsen, middays are number one and weekend listening is greater than suspected. The highest share of time spent among adults 25-54 is middays 10am-3pm (26%). Morning (21%) and afternoon (21%) drive times are also strong. Despite advertisers believing only 13% of all listening occurs during the weekend, the Nielsen reality is actually 21%.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
History
Testing the ramps at Wrigley Field. Pretty interesting picture. #Cubs @WrigleyRapport #Chicago #MLB pic.twitter.com/cp8BOIuTXf
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) February 27, 2019
John Landecker
From this morning's Robert Feder column...
John Records Landecker, the Radio Hall of Famer and lifelong fan of classic radio drama, will star as private detective Sam Spade in a live onstage re-creation of “The Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail Caper” from “The Adventures of Sam Spade.” Originally broadcast on CBS on December 4, 1949, the show will be presented by the SAG/AFTRA Senior Radio Players at 7 p.m. March 14 at the Claudia Cassidy Theatre in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The group also will present “A Shipment of Mute Facts,” first broadcast on “Escape” on March 13, 1949. Admission is free.
John Records Landecker, the Radio Hall of Famer and lifelong fan of classic radio drama, will star as private detective Sam Spade in a live onstage re-creation of “The Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail Caper” from “The Adventures of Sam Spade.” Originally broadcast on CBS on December 4, 1949, the show will be presented by the SAG/AFTRA Senior Radio Players at 7 p.m. March 14 at the Claudia Cassidy Theatre in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The group also will present “A Shipment of Mute Facts,” first broadcast on “Escape” on March 13, 1949. Admission is free.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Attention Kev Heads
Join me Sunday call 773-320-1157 for tickets, free book and hear the story of Broken Mary by Kevin Matthews pic.twitter.com/yTO6taeozY
— Kevin Matthews (@Whatareyougoofy) February 26, 2019
Norm Van Lier
Ten years ago today, Norm Van Lier passed away. For those of us who worked with him, it was a shocker, and a real tough day. One of my friends who knew him best was his former producer Tom Seritella. He sent me this on that day. I'm rerunning it in Norm's honor today...
Tom Serritella was Norm Van Lier's producer at WMVP, and he sent this beautiful e-mail to me about his mentor and good friend. I had to share it with you, with Tom's permission.
I met Norm Van Lier in the hallway of the Loop/WMVP studio
hallway. Mind you I had talked with him several times on
the phone booking him for various sports talk shows but I
had never met him in person. The first thing he said to me
was, “You’re Tommy Serritella and you’re gonna be my
producer and we’re gonna have the best time you’ve ever
had!”. Two hours later I went into the Program Director’s
office and saw this woman sitting on one of the waiting room
chairs, I said hello to her and she greeted me back. I
took care of my business with the PD’s secretary and the
woman said to me, “are you Tommy Serritella?” Taken aback,
I said, “yes”.
She said, “I’m Susan Van Lier and I’m negotiating Norm’s
contract right now.”
I said, “don’t let these guys intimidate you, they really
want Norm.”
Susan looked me in the eye and said, “I’m married to Norm,
no one intimidates me!” Then she told me that Norm told her
that on no condition should she agree to a contract that
didn’t include me as his producer. I had just met the man
in person, but he knew we would be a perfect fit as talent
and producer. The look in that woman’s eye made me think
that the best agent I could ever have would be my wife.
Talk about confident. She’s a brilliant woman and I feel so
sorry for her loss.
Knowing Susan was the way I got to know Norm in a way no one
could.
Norm would talk to me(being a newlywed) about how important
married life is to a man. He wouldn’t just talk to me as a
friend but as a mentor, I knew it was important to him. We
would spend so much time together. I remember walking along
the streets of Chicago and he would make time for anyone who
recognized him. I would tire of his constant efforts to
make people happy and he told me, “I spent time in this city
when people didn’t like me, I’m making it up to them now.”
Norm did spend some difficult years in this town. He told
me how much it hurt him. He told me how much he tried to
give to the people of our city by giving his all and more on
the basketball court but he realized after the game was over
for him, people expected more.
After time he came to the realization that his career was in
Chicago and the only way to make a name for himself was to
be himself in the town he loved the most. I can remember
being at dinner with Norm and my wife and people would come
to our table and ask for autographs and tell stories and
Norm would always thank us for being patient because the
people of Chicago were important to him and he refused to be
indifferent.
I truly feel that Chicago is the best town in our country,
but today our town is less of a town because of our loss.
The emptiness I feel is felt by a great many. Norm taught
me to be patient with the people on our streets. The guy
who needs directions, give them to him no matter how late
you may be. The homeless guy selling StreetWise….Norm would
give the guy a buck and say, “keep the paper, sell it to
someone and make an extra buck.”……I did that all the time
after that. He taught me so much. He taught me how to like
people and not get annoyed at them. He taught me patience.
He taught me perseverance. He taught me kindness. He
taught me forgiveness. When others mock me for being kind,
I remember his words, “be good on the way up because the way
down is a longer ride.” I miss him so much already.
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell some of the “Norm”
stories that he would love to tell. Norm was always telling
stories. He had boatloads!(side note….my 4 year old son
just came and gave me a hug and told me he feels bad for me
because my friend died…he gave me a big hug and as he ran
out of the room he said, “I love you!” Norm is smiling at
that…..I believe it)….oh yeah some stories.
When Norm came into the league, he was a top draft choice of
Cincinnati’s. He was so excited to play with one of the
greatest of all time, Oscar Robertson. In Norm’s first game
he got the ball and dribbled up court….he was a cocky rookie
with a lot of talent and moved his way into the offensive
zone….got a good look and lifted up…perfect form….and
swished a jumper from just outside the key. As they ran
back down court for defense, he saw Robertson calling time
out. Why would Oscar call time out after our first play he
thought…..as the team came to the bench, Robertson came to
Norm and said, “Son on this team you pass the ball to me.”
Norm would tell you he had 17 assists that night and Oscar
scored 42 points!” Norm would say, “you got to know your
place.” He never had a problem being the “assist” man.
Norm would give anything to see someone else do well as long
as the team won.
People often think that players in the league didn’t like
Norm. On the contrary! They respected the way he played.
Back in the 70’s, Norm would tell you, “we played our butts
off on the court but after the game we all went to dinner
together and then to the clubs.” The league was much
different then. Some of Norm’s best friends were guys he
played against.
Norm once told me how his team was dogged tired. They had
no timeouts left and he didn’t know what to do…..so he
decided to yell at a fan in the seats and cause a huge
commotion so that time would stop and his teammates could
get a breather.
Norm also told me that in the NBA the players are the
baddest of all the sports. Think about it, they’re all over
6’5” and strong as oxes. When a tough game against Slick
Watts came to blows he told me, “Tommy, the closest weapon I
had was a chair and I grabbed it and was ready to use
it…..that man would’ve killed me!” He must’ve told that
story in front of me 30 times and every time I laughed.
We used to play pick up basketball with Norm and a group of
my friends. I can remember playing on Norm’s team and he
was amazing. As a teammate you had to be ready for any
pass, even it was impossible, it would land in your hands.
But one time I’m going for a rebound and as I go to jump
someone’s standing on my foot! Ever try to jump when
someone’s on your foot…..I screamed, “Norm I’m on your
team!”…..”Ooops, sorry Tommy.” I was playing against one
time and going for a loose ball and someone had a hold of
the back of my shirt…..I turned around and there was Norm
smiling…..playing pick up ball with Norm was some of my
favorite memories of him because he was in total control of
the court and as happy as I’d ever seen him. God I miss him
so much.
Here’s some thoughts that most don’t realize. Norm came to
the Bulls as a young, cocky tough nosed kid out of
Pennsylvania. The Bulls were a seasoned team with the likes
of Sloan, Walker and Love. After losing to the Warriors in
the Finals, they weren’t the same. Walker got traded and
Sloan and Love retired. That left Norm alone from the
powerhouse that was the Bulls. Teams beat the crap out of
Norm because of how he played with that great supporting
cast. They harbored resentment and took it out on him
because the likes of Theus and Gilmore were soft. The
league knew it and abused Norm for the time he had such a
strong supporting cast. It cut his career short.
When I was Norm’s producer in radio, we had some great
times. Norm’s co-host was Lance McAlister. Lance was a
studier. He studied every newspaper, he scoured every news
story possible and was always seeking to the best “story”
to talk about. If you know anything about sports radio,
there are very few days where there is something intriguing
to talk about for 3 hours. Lance and I would scour the
papers in hopes there was something to talk about. Lance
would say to me 10 times a day, “Tommy, what are we talking
about today?” Often times I would say, “that’s what they
pay you for.” That didn’t go over well. Thankfully, more
times than not Lance and I would come up with some topics to
spew to the people listening. Norm would finally come in.
“What do you want to talk about today, Norm…..?”
“Sports,” Norm would say.
It wasn’t about sports he wanted to speak of, it was more of
the people who played it. Norm had a way of understanding
the people who played the game and why better than most.
One day we had nothing to talk about and Lance decided to
get Norm fired up for the good of the show…..Lance tells me
it was about Jimmy Collins being the next Illinois head
coach. Lance argued he had no experience and Norm got
fired up against Lance’s position and said on the air……”you
couldn’t be more wrong Mother F@&er”....well as the producer
I jumped on the dump button and we all laughed on the air.
Lance and I knew that Norm was always ready to explode.
That’s what we knew made our show listenable. God I miss
him.
The thing I’ll always remember about Norm is this…..he made
everyone happy. He loved working. He loved the fact that
he got to talk to people about being happy. We had to weed
out all the calls we would we get from people just wanting
to thank Norm for being good to their kid or for Norm being
friendly to them when times were tough. Truth be told, I
had to weed the onslaught of calls to his show that wanted
to say nice things about Norm because it would’ve overrun
our entire show.
I used to walk with Norm after work along the streets of
Chicago. He was so generous and friendly to anyone who
approached it made me feel neglected. Norm would always
notice my feelings and say, “Tommy, these are the people who
make Chicago Chicago”.
I say it now and I will say it again tomorrow, Chicago is my
favorite city in this great nation……but it is a lesser city
because of the loss of Norm Van Lier.
I need a tissue.
Tom Serritella was Norm Van Lier's producer at WMVP, and he sent this beautiful e-mail to me about his mentor and good friend. I had to share it with you, with Tom's permission.
I met Norm Van Lier in the hallway of the Loop/WMVP studio
hallway. Mind you I had talked with him several times on
the phone booking him for various sports talk shows but I
had never met him in person. The first thing he said to me
was, “You’re Tommy Serritella and you’re gonna be my
producer and we’re gonna have the best time you’ve ever
had!”. Two hours later I went into the Program Director’s
office and saw this woman sitting on one of the waiting room
chairs, I said hello to her and she greeted me back. I
took care of my business with the PD’s secretary and the
woman said to me, “are you Tommy Serritella?” Taken aback,
I said, “yes”.
She said, “I’m Susan Van Lier and I’m negotiating Norm’s
contract right now.”
I said, “don’t let these guys intimidate you, they really
want Norm.”
Susan looked me in the eye and said, “I’m married to Norm,
no one intimidates me!” Then she told me that Norm told her
that on no condition should she agree to a contract that
didn’t include me as his producer. I had just met the man
in person, but he knew we would be a perfect fit as talent
and producer. The look in that woman’s eye made me think
that the best agent I could ever have would be my wife.
Talk about confident. She’s a brilliant woman and I feel so
sorry for her loss.
Knowing Susan was the way I got to know Norm in a way no one
could.
Norm would talk to me(being a newlywed) about how important
married life is to a man. He wouldn’t just talk to me as a
friend but as a mentor, I knew it was important to him. We
would spend so much time together. I remember walking along
the streets of Chicago and he would make time for anyone who
recognized him. I would tire of his constant efforts to
make people happy and he told me, “I spent time in this city
when people didn’t like me, I’m making it up to them now.”
Norm did spend some difficult years in this town. He told
me how much it hurt him. He told me how much he tried to
give to the people of our city by giving his all and more on
the basketball court but he realized after the game was over
for him, people expected more.
After time he came to the realization that his career was in
Chicago and the only way to make a name for himself was to
be himself in the town he loved the most. I can remember
being at dinner with Norm and my wife and people would come
to our table and ask for autographs and tell stories and
Norm would always thank us for being patient because the
people of Chicago were important to him and he refused to be
indifferent.
I truly feel that Chicago is the best town in our country,
but today our town is less of a town because of our loss.
The emptiness I feel is felt by a great many. Norm taught
me to be patient with the people on our streets. The guy
who needs directions, give them to him no matter how late
you may be. The homeless guy selling StreetWise….Norm would
give the guy a buck and say, “keep the paper, sell it to
someone and make an extra buck.”……I did that all the time
after that. He taught me so much. He taught me how to like
people and not get annoyed at them. He taught me patience.
He taught me perseverance. He taught me kindness. He
taught me forgiveness. When others mock me for being kind,
I remember his words, “be good on the way up because the way
down is a longer ride.” I miss him so much already.
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell some of the “Norm”
stories that he would love to tell. Norm was always telling
stories. He had boatloads!(side note….my 4 year old son
just came and gave me a hug and told me he feels bad for me
because my friend died…he gave me a big hug and as he ran
out of the room he said, “I love you!” Norm is smiling at
that…..I believe it)….oh yeah some stories.
When Norm came into the league, he was a top draft choice of
Cincinnati’s. He was so excited to play with one of the
greatest of all time, Oscar Robertson. In Norm’s first game
he got the ball and dribbled up court….he was a cocky rookie
with a lot of talent and moved his way into the offensive
zone….got a good look and lifted up…perfect form….and
swished a jumper from just outside the key. As they ran
back down court for defense, he saw Robertson calling time
out. Why would Oscar call time out after our first play he
thought…..as the team came to the bench, Robertson came to
Norm and said, “Son on this team you pass the ball to me.”
Norm would tell you he had 17 assists that night and Oscar
scored 42 points!” Norm would say, “you got to know your
place.” He never had a problem being the “assist” man.
Norm would give anything to see someone else do well as long
as the team won.
People often think that players in the league didn’t like
Norm. On the contrary! They respected the way he played.
Back in the 70’s, Norm would tell you, “we played our butts
off on the court but after the game we all went to dinner
together and then to the clubs.” The league was much
different then. Some of Norm’s best friends were guys he
played against.
Norm once told me how his team was dogged tired. They had
no timeouts left and he didn’t know what to do…..so he
decided to yell at a fan in the seats and cause a huge
commotion so that time would stop and his teammates could
get a breather.
Norm also told me that in the NBA the players are the
baddest of all the sports. Think about it, they’re all over
6’5” and strong as oxes. When a tough game against Slick
Watts came to blows he told me, “Tommy, the closest weapon I
had was a chair and I grabbed it and was ready to use
it…..that man would’ve killed me!” He must’ve told that
story in front of me 30 times and every time I laughed.
We used to play pick up basketball with Norm and a group of
my friends. I can remember playing on Norm’s team and he
was amazing. As a teammate you had to be ready for any
pass, even it was impossible, it would land in your hands.
But one time I’m going for a rebound and as I go to jump
someone’s standing on my foot! Ever try to jump when
someone’s on your foot…..I screamed, “Norm I’m on your
team!”…..”Ooops, sorry Tommy.” I was playing against one
time and going for a loose ball and someone had a hold of
the back of my shirt…..I turned around and there was Norm
smiling…..playing pick up ball with Norm was some of my
favorite memories of him because he was in total control of
the court and as happy as I’d ever seen him. God I miss him
so much.
Here’s some thoughts that most don’t realize. Norm came to
the Bulls as a young, cocky tough nosed kid out of
Pennsylvania. The Bulls were a seasoned team with the likes
of Sloan, Walker and Love. After losing to the Warriors in
the Finals, they weren’t the same. Walker got traded and
Sloan and Love retired. That left Norm alone from the
powerhouse that was the Bulls. Teams beat the crap out of
Norm because of how he played with that great supporting
cast. They harbored resentment and took it out on him
because the likes of Theus and Gilmore were soft. The
league knew it and abused Norm for the time he had such a
strong supporting cast. It cut his career short.
When I was Norm’s producer in radio, we had some great
times. Norm’s co-host was Lance McAlister. Lance was a
studier. He studied every newspaper, he scoured every news
story possible and was always seeking to the best “story”
to talk about. If you know anything about sports radio,
there are very few days where there is something intriguing
to talk about for 3 hours. Lance and I would scour the
papers in hopes there was something to talk about. Lance
would say to me 10 times a day, “Tommy, what are we talking
about today?” Often times I would say, “that’s what they
pay you for.” That didn’t go over well. Thankfully, more
times than not Lance and I would come up with some topics to
spew to the people listening. Norm would finally come in.
“What do you want to talk about today, Norm…..?”
“Sports,” Norm would say.
It wasn’t about sports he wanted to speak of, it was more of
the people who played it. Norm had a way of understanding
the people who played the game and why better than most.
One day we had nothing to talk about and Lance decided to
get Norm fired up for the good of the show…..Lance tells me
it was about Jimmy Collins being the next Illinois head
coach. Lance argued he had no experience and Norm got
fired up against Lance’s position and said on the air……”you
couldn’t be more wrong Mother F@&er”....well as the producer
I jumped on the dump button and we all laughed on the air.
Lance and I knew that Norm was always ready to explode.
That’s what we knew made our show listenable. God I miss
him.
The thing I’ll always remember about Norm is this…..he made
everyone happy. He loved working. He loved the fact that
he got to talk to people about being happy. We had to weed
out all the calls we would we get from people just wanting
to thank Norm for being good to their kid or for Norm being
friendly to them when times were tough. Truth be told, I
had to weed the onslaught of calls to his show that wanted
to say nice things about Norm because it would’ve overrun
our entire show.
I used to walk with Norm after work along the streets of
Chicago. He was so generous and friendly to anyone who
approached it made me feel neglected. Norm would always
notice my feelings and say, “Tommy, these are the people who
make Chicago Chicago”.
I say it now and I will say it again tomorrow, Chicago is my
favorite city in this great nation……but it is a lesser city
because of the loss of Norm Van Lier.
I need a tissue.
In Memorium
After the In Memorium aired during the Oscars, my wife Bridget turned to me and said "Doesn't it seem like they missed a few?" Um, yeah. Yeah, they did. I had no idea how many they missed until I watched this from TCM. It's shocking they left some of these people out. Why did they do that?
In loving memory of the actors and filmmakers who have passed away in 2018. We will remember you for all time. #TCMRemembers
— TCM (@tcm) December 14, 2018
🎶 “When The Night Is Over" by @LordHuron 🎶 pic.twitter.com/jXp0lYyWeD
Monday, February 25, 2019
Schlachtfest
I spent my weekend doing my annual emcee gig for Green White Soccer Club. This year we congratulated our national championship team (u19 girls), and crowned a new Miss Green White...
Writers Conference
There's still time to register! We hope you've registered for this year's Let's Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference! It's right around the corner, so register now because you WON'T WANT TO MISS THESE DEADLINES:
SUBMIT your first chapter to be reviewed and critiqued by a publisher from the Small Press Panel (Saturday at 4:30). Send as a Word attachment to samantha@chicagowrites.org with "Submission for Publisher Panel" in the subject line. (I'm on that panel)
SUBMISSIONS for the Crafting a Killer First Page workshop (Sunday at 3:15 pm). DEADLINE: March 11. To Include your work for critique in the workshop, send the COMPLETE OPENING PROLOGUE OR CHAPTER (not just the first page) of your novel or memoir as a Word attachment to Ray Rhamey (ray@rayrhamey.com) with "Killer First Page Workshop" in the subject line. Ray will extract the first page (only the text, no names will be used) and put all the selections into a handout. You do not have to submit work to benefit from the workshop — the critiques will give you insights to apply to your own writing — but it's eye-opening to get feedback on your own work. SLOTS ARE LIMITED.
SUBMISSIONS for our live lit event, Let's Just Read! (Sunday at 4:45 pm). SPACE IS LIMITED and will go to the first 27 people who send their submissions. You will have TWO MINUTES to read (no exceptions), approximately 360 words. Send your selection as a Word document (not a PDF) to Kristin Oakley (kristinoakley@outlook.com) with "Let's Just Read!" in the subject line.
See the FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE.
REGISTER HERE
We look forward to meeting you at the conference. See you soon!
SUBMISSIONS for the Crafting a Killer First Page workshop (Sunday at 3:15 pm). DEADLINE: March 11. To Include your work for critique in the workshop, send the COMPLETE OPENING PROLOGUE OR CHAPTER (not just the first page) of your novel or memoir as a Word attachment to Ray Rhamey (ray@rayrhamey.com) with "Killer First Page Workshop" in the subject line. Ray will extract the first page (only the text, no names will be used) and put all the selections into a handout. You do not have to submit work to benefit from the workshop — the critiques will give you insights to apply to your own writing — but it's eye-opening to get feedback on your own work. SLOTS ARE LIMITED.
SUBMISSIONS for our live lit event, Let's Just Read! (Sunday at 4:45 pm). SPACE IS LIMITED and will go to the first 27 people who send their submissions. You will have TWO MINUTES to read (no exceptions), approximately 360 words. Send your selection as a Word document (not a PDF) to Kristin Oakley (kristinoakley@outlook.com) with "Let's Just Read!" in the subject line.
See the FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE.
REGISTER HERE
We look forward to meeting you at the conference. See you soon!
Oscars
Also, I think we discovered that the Oscars don't really need a host. It ended at a reasonable hour.
UPDATE: OK, I went on twitter to check what was said. Here's my favorite...
The way that Gaga and Bradley are looking at each other during this Shallow performance has cleared my skin and paid off my student loans #Oscars
— ilana kaplan (@lanikaps) February 25, 2019
Friday, February 22, 2019
New B-96 midday jock
From this morning's RAMP newsletter...
We recently reported that Makenzie "Kenzie K" Kramer had resigned from middays on Beasley Rhythmic WLLD (WiLD 94-1)/Tampa Bay for a mystery gig TBA. That mystery has now been solved -- she's headed to snowy Chicago as the new midday personality on Entercom Top 40 WBBM-FM (B96), effective Tuesday, February 26. She succeeds Nikki, who exited last week after a decade in the position.
"We have admired Kenzie K for quite some time and are incredibly excited to welcome this rising star to the Entercom team," said Jimmy de Castro, SVP/Market Manager, Entercom Chicago. "Her creativity and enthusiasm are a great fit for B96 and we look forward to her debut in Chicago."
Kenzie commented, "I cannot wait to join the amazing Entercom team in the city I've always dreamt of. Thank you to Jimmy de Castro, [Entercom Chicago VP of Programming] Todd Cavanah and [B96 APD/MD] Erik Bradley for this incredible opportunity. I'm looking forward to getting to know listeners in the Windy City." Kenzie K's previous radio stops include KDWB/Minneapolis and KDOG/Mankato, MN.
We recently reported that Makenzie "Kenzie K" Kramer had resigned from middays on Beasley Rhythmic WLLD (WiLD 94-1)/Tampa Bay for a mystery gig TBA. That mystery has now been solved -- she's headed to snowy Chicago as the new midday personality on Entercom Top 40 WBBM-FM (B96), effective Tuesday, February 26. She succeeds Nikki, who exited last week after a decade in the position.
"We have admired Kenzie K for quite some time and are incredibly excited to welcome this rising star to the Entercom team," said Jimmy de Castro, SVP/Market Manager, Entercom Chicago. "Her creativity and enthusiasm are a great fit for B96 and we look forward to her debut in Chicago."
Kenzie commented, "I cannot wait to join the amazing Entercom team in the city I've always dreamt of. Thank you to Jimmy de Castro, [Entercom Chicago VP of Programming] Todd Cavanah and [B96 APD/MD] Erik Bradley for this incredible opportunity. I'm looking forward to getting to know listeners in the Windy City." Kenzie K's previous radio stops include KDWB/Minneapolis and KDOG/Mankato, MN.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Subtle
Bruce Elliot owns the Old Town Ale House in Chicago. The walls of his bar are covered with his artwork along this vein. I thought it was funny. You might disagree...
— Bruce Elliott (@GeriatricGenius) February 21, 2019
Oscar's Secret Weapon
And yet, ABC just sold out it's entire advertising inventory for the show.
Sounds to me like they've discovered the secret weapon. No host.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Chicago Radio Ratings
Robert Feder has the all the dayparts broken down, but here are the overall ratings of Chicago's radio stations...
1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.2 (5.3)
2. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 5.5 (4.6)
3. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 5.4 (4.4)
4. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 5.0 (13.3)
5. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 4.8 (4.9)
6. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.5 (3.9)
7. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.7 (3.6)
8. WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 3.3 (3.0)
9. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.2 (3.2)
10. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.1 (3.0); WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 3.1 (2.5)
12. (tie) WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 3.0 (2.6); WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.0 (2.2)
14. (tie) WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 2.9 (3.0); WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.9 (2.9)
16. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.8 (2.8); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.8 (2.3)
18. WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.6 (2.3)
19. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.3 (2.4); WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.3 (2.5)
21. WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.2 (2.6)
22. WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 2.0 (1.9)
23. WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.7 (1.1)
24. WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.5 (1.5)
25. (tie) WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.3 (1.3); WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 1.3 (1.1)
27. WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.2 (1.2)
28. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 1.1 (1.2)
29. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 1.0 (0.6)
30. WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 0.9 (1.0)
1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.2 (5.3)
2. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 5.5 (4.6)
3. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 5.4 (4.4)
4. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 5.0 (13.3)
5. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 4.8 (4.9)
6. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.5 (3.9)
7. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.7 (3.6)
8. WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 3.3 (3.0)
9. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.2 (3.2)
10. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.1 (3.0); WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 3.1 (2.5)
12. (tie) WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 3.0 (2.6); WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.0 (2.2)
14. (tie) WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 2.9 (3.0); WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.9 (2.9)
16. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.8 (2.8); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.8 (2.3)
18. WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.6 (2.3)
19. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.3 (2.4); WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.3 (2.5)
21. WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.2 (2.6)
22. WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 2.0 (1.9)
23. WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.7 (1.1)
24. WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.5 (1.5)
25. (tie) WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.3 (1.3); WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 1.3 (1.1)
27. WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.2 (1.2)
28. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 1.1 (1.2)
29. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 1.0 (0.6)
30. WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 0.9 (1.0)
Minutia Men, Episode 125
Listen to it here.
Back in the Office
Took a little breather from the grind and went out to Colorado with my brother, sister, and nephews. Back in the office today. The scenery isn't quite as exciting...
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Another Creep Revealed
The New York Times has the details. Pretty creepy.
The use of the gavel as a graphic is slightly unfair, because he hasn't been charged with anything...yet.
The Bayerns
This arrived in my e-mail box this morning. I see the folks at Bayern Munich have figured out a way to combine my love of soccer and the Beatles. It's a good start. Need to now incorporate my diet (coffee, salami, beer) and a Cubs hat, and they will have me for life.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Cubs Network
Not sure how I feel about this. Not a fan of Sinclair broadcasting. Hope they are smart enough not to mess with the content regarding the Cubs.
My Kind of Town
Wednesday Winter Reflection. This morning in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/IAFi2njApJ
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) February 13, 2019
Coming to America...Again
I thought this was a joke, but it appears to be true. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall are making a sequel to the movie "Coming to America"
CNN has the details. Basically all we know right now is that Murphy's character comes to America to get his son. And that it comes out in 2020.
No word on whether or not there will be a barber shop scene (my favorite scene in the original)...
CNN has the details. Basically all we know right now is that Murphy's character comes to America to get his son. And that it comes out in 2020.
No word on whether or not there will be a barber shop scene (my favorite scene in the original)...
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Hoover Hilarity
This was pretty darn funny this morning on WGN-TV...
Do you remember Bill "BJ" Jackson from Cartoon Town, Dirty Dragon and Gigglesnort Hotel? He's one of Chicago's legendary Children's television hosts. I like to pay tribute to him on @WGNTV's @WGNMorningNews. Sometimes it becomes more adult... pic.twitter.com/0CZJGBU5Jq
— Groovyhoovy (@Groovyhoovy) February 12, 2019
Abe Lincoln Poem
Every year I trot out the audio of David Stern reciting the poem he wrote about Abe in sixth grade.
Listen to it here.
Q&A with Janet Sutherland-Madden
The trade paperback of Nose Over Toes is being released on the 15th anniversary of Janet’s aneurysm, March 22, 2019. It can pre-ordered at www.eckhartzpress.com.
We recently sat down with Janet to talk to her about her book...
EP: I'm sure you've heard this question before, but what is the significance of the title Nose Over Toes?
Janet: Nose over toes is how my physical therapist would direct me to stand up to get out of my chair. It was also how my figure skating teacher told me to stand up straight. It's really for any people who have trouble walking or standing up. Nose over toes is the key phrase.
EP: The thing that really grabbed at my heartstrings while I was reading the book was the role your parents played in your recovery. I know it's hard to sum up, but how would you describe their roles?
EP: You somehow have the tape of the 911 call you made that day. First of all, do you remember making the call, and secondly, what made you think of going back and getting it?
Janet: I do not remember making the 911 call. But it’s funny, when I was a reporter in Joliet, my JPD and JFD friends trained me about 911 and how important it was. I asked a friend how to get the tape, and my friend reminded me of a talking to the watch commander, I thought 'Yes the watch commander!' So I called the fire department and told the watch commander my situation that I needed the tape “to heal and piece things together.” He left the tape at the fire station. My Dad and I picked up the tape popped it in the car’s cassette deck, heard the screaming and we both started to cry. I started to piece the story together. The tape helped me understand what happened. It was traumatizing but I also knew it was going to help tell my story and promote awareness.
EP: You don't seem to have any lingering effects to your speech, which is obviously helpful in your role as a spokesperson. After going through this for 15 years, I'm guessing you understand exactly why and how it is that you were so lucky. Is that true?
Yes I am lucky. First, my speech would be affected medically if the aneurysm had ruptured on my left side. I would not be able to accomplish as much as I have done or have spoken. When I heard there was an aneurysm on the left side and it would impact my speech and cognitive, I said fix it immediately!!! I have work to do! I’m lucky, but having a big mouth and a journalism background makes me the perfect person to write my story and promote awareness. I do have a limp but that doesn’t seem like a big deal considering what could have been.
EP: If you could go back in time and talk to the 2004 version of you, what has this whole experience taught you that would have given comfort and/or hope to that woman lying in the hospital bed?
EP: There is so much great information from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in this book. How do you envision people using this book as a resource?
Janet; I hope people will read the book and feel hopeful. When I was laying in the hospital my mom would run into the room and tell me about a survivor she met and how well they were doing. My response would be “bring them in here I don’t believe it”. So if someone would read my book and know I went from “death’s door” to writing a book. That would give them hope. Also the information should help a family member and provide useful information, there is nothing worse than trying to recover from an illness you don’t’ know much about or what to expect. I hope my book will be comforting to survivors.
EP: You are going to Washington in March to testify before Congress. Tell us about that.
Janet: For 6 years I have traveled to DC with my husband to meet with Congress and about 100 other brain aneurysm survivors and their family members with The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. We meet with members of Congress. We are asking for passage of Ellie’s law, calling for further brain aneurysm research funding as well as promoting awareness. The federal government only spends approximately $0.83 per year on brain aneurysm research for each person afflicted. Women, more than men, suffer from brain aneurysms at a ratio of 3:2. African-Americans suffer at twice the rate of rupture of whites (a 2.1:1 ratio). Hispanics suffer at nearly twice the rate of rupture of whites (a 1.67:1 ratio). An estimated 6 million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, or 1 in 50 people.
Monday, February 11, 2019
A year as a graduate
Pick up your copy here.
"New" Morning show on B-96
From this morning's RAMP Newsletter...
The DreX & Nina morning show on Entercom Top 40 WBBM (B96)/Chicago is now minus the "DreX" portion of the equation as host Kevin "DreX" Buchar exits after ten months. His co-hosts Nina Hajian and Gabe Ramirez will remain in place as the station's permanent morning duo, Gabe & Nina. That news was confirmed in a staff memo from VP of Programming Todd Cavanah, which read, "Today was the last day for DreX on the B96 Morning Show. He will remain a friend to many of us and I want to thank him for being a great teammate and true professional in every sense of the word." Cavanah continued, "During the past 10 months, Gabe and Nina have developed not only a friendship off the air but a great deal of chemistry with each other and the audience on air, at our Bashes, their appearances and their social media platforms. We see enormous potential with both of these rising stars to achieve our goals on B96 for mornings. Gabe and Nina will take over mornings immediately and we are confident that their engagement with each other and the listeners will be a huge success."
WLS PD Retires
Programming the once-mighty 50,000-watt powerhouse may have been the pinnacle of Bolger’s career, but he leaves the station in a deeper hole than when he arrived in November 2013. At that time, WLS was in 27th place among adult listeners with a 1.4 percent share. Today it’s tied for 30th with a 0.6 share.
The Tax Cut
On average, tax refunds are *down* eight percent.
25% fewer people are receiving refunds at all.
Minutia Men, Episode 124
Listen to it here.
Friday, February 08, 2019
RIP Frank Robinson
RIP Frank Robinson, one of the all-time greats. https://t.co/ktgugUTlF4
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) February 7, 2019
Thursday, February 07, 2019
Racist Cubs Owners?
CNN has the details.
The Cubs pretended like Joe isn't involved in the team. That may be true, technically, but where do you think the kiddies got the dough to buy the team?
Motown 60
The last few years the Grammys have been going the extra mile and paying tribute to certain acts and/or labels with a whole different show. This year it's Motown. From the RAMP Newsletter...
Just two days after the 61st Annual Grammy Awards®, the Recording Academy™, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS will celebrate historic American record label Motown Records by presenting Motown 60: A Grammy ® Celebration. Hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and the legendary Smokey Robinson, the tribute to the iconic sound that changed America will feature (in alphabetical order): Boyz II Men, Chloe X Halle, Ciara, Lamont Dozier, Fantasia, Brian & Eddie Holland, Thelma Houston, Tori Kelly, John Legend, Little Big Town, Ne-Yo, Pentatonix, Martha Reeves, Diana Ross, Valerie Simpson, Mickey Stevenson, Meghan Trainor and Stevie Wonder. The live concert taping will be held next Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30pm PT at Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The special will be broadcast on April 21 on CBS.
Like every other scene has been cool
Listen to it here.
Wednesday, February 06, 2019
The Country Shuffle
From today's RAMP Newsletter...
iHeartMedia Country WEBG (BIG 95.5)/Chicago made two big announcements -- 1) Afternoon personality Brooke Taylor has been awarded Assistant Program Director stripes, and 2) Trace Hamilton has been elevated from part-time/fill-in to fulltime evening entertainer, weeknights from 7pm-1am.
Taylor and Hamilton both report to BIG 95.5 PD Lance Houston, who said of Taylor, "During my first eight months on the job in Chicago, it became more and more clear that Brooke's passion for both BIG 95.5 and iHeartCountry brands made her the obvious choice for this role. Brooke's drive, creativity and leadership will help us take our station to new heights in 2019.
Taylor and Hamilton both report to BIG 95.5 PD Lance Houston, who said of Taylor, "During my first eight months on the job in Chicago, it became more and more clear that Brooke's passion for both BIG 95.5 and iHeartCountry brands made her the obvious choice for this role. Brooke's drive, creativity and leadership will help us take our station to new heights in 2019.
Kim Gordon
From Radio-Online...
WGN-AM/Chicago taps Kim Gordon to anchor the weekday afternoon news. She'll assume the role on "The Roe Conn Show with Anna Davlantes," heard weekdays from 3-7pm. Gordon started her career at WHAS in Louisville and has been an anchor and reporter at WGN Radio for 12 years. Most recently she was heard anchoring mid-afternoon newscasts on WGN, Amazon's Alexa Flash Briefings and MeTV FM News Minutes.
It's Getting Harder and Harder to Remain Catholic
I have two suggestions that don't go against anything in the Bible. Ready? Let priests marry. Let women be priests.
I'm telling you--this will solve 90% of the problems.
Robert Falls
Nice article about theater maestro Robert Falls.
Surprised he didn't mention the choreography he did for us when the Cliff Dancers performed on stage for Steve & Garry, but I guess he's done some other stuff too.
One More Year of Modern Family
Right now it's literally the only sitcom I still DVR weekly.
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
Joan Esposito
There's a new afternoon talent at WCPT (820 AM) in Chicago. Former Chicago news anchor Joan Esposito has the gig. Robert Feder reports...
It’s official: Joan Esposito has been named afternoon personality on Newsweb Radio progressive talk WCPT 820-AM. The former Chicago television news anchor will host from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting next week. “Joan brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and professionalism to our weekday lineup,” said Mark Pinski, general manager of WCPT. “We look forward to her connecting with our listeners, especially now, when America needs our voices heard.” Esposito, who’s been a fill-in host on the station since 2016, replaces Ben Joravsky, who was cut at the end of December.
Super Bowl Ratings
Less than 100 million tuned in, which is the lowest since 2009.
Friday, February 01, 2019
Bill Turck
The February issue of Illinois Entertainer is out and includes my interview with WGCO's Bill Turck. He's a great supporter of the arts in Chicago.
Read it here.
Nose Over Toes
This book is about former Chicago radio reporter, Janet Sutherland who had been taking four aspirin four months straight in 2004, while working at a Columbus, Ohio radio station as an advertising sales rep. Sutherland left work early to walk her dog Bogie after a grueling day knocking door to door selling radio ads and was struck with the worst headache of her life. Sutherland suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. One in 50 people currently have a brain aneurysm and do not know it. Sutherland miraculously recovered and felt her story would save lives and provide hope to survivors. NOSE OVER TOES tells the story her recovery and includes research from The Brain Aneurysm Foundation.
That day, March 22, 2004, friends and family sat at Janet’s bedside, she was given 3 percent chance to live. For weeks her co-workers raised money for her family, joined her battle, and prayed she would survive. After spending years in rehabilitation, Sutherland wrote two bills to promote the disease around the Midwest, she now speaks regularly on Chicago radio stations and on TV about her brain aneurysm experience.
I was truly captivated by Janet’s story…from front to finish! I laughed out loud and even welled up with tears as I read page by page of her journey. Janet is a survivor in every sense of the word. When anyone else (including myself!) would have given up, Janet persevered. Whether it was through the help of her parents, her beloved dogs, her friends or her co-workers, Janet’s journey is one everyone should know about. She makes me “stop and smell the roses” at the end of every chapter! As a friend and former co-worker, I have always looked up to Janet, but now I truly admire her courage, her strength and her humor.
–Andrea Darlas, WGN-Radio
It’s a truly inspiring story. The book is officially being released on March 22 (the 15th anniversary of her aneurysm), but we are taking pre-orders beginning today. Click here to reserve your copy.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Lord of the Ringos
From this morning's RAMP Newsletter. This sounds exciting to me...
Lord of the Rings filmmaker Peter Jackson is working on a Beatles documentary that will chronicle the making of the band's 1970 Let It Be album. Jackson will have full access to the 55 hours of in-studio footage shot by Michael Lindsay-Hogg in early 1969 for his 1970 feature film, Let It Be.
Fittingly, the announcement about the project was made on Jan. 30 -- the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' final live performance -- their now legendary January 30, 1969 set (accompanied by Billy Preston on keyboards) on the roof of the Apple Corps building at 3 Savile Row in London. "The 55 hours of never-before-seen footage and 140 hours of audio made available to us ensure this movie will be the ultimate 'fly on the wall' experience that Beatles fans have long dreamt about," Jackson said. "It's like a time machine transports us back to 1969, and we get to sit in the studio watching these four friends make great music together."
As Variety reports, the original Let It Be film has long been out of circulation, having only been released only on VHS and laserdisc. The film was restored for a planned DVD release in the early 2000s, but that was scuttled amid reports that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were unhappy with the movie's emphasis on the tension between bandmembers in the studio.
However, according to NPR, Jackson said, "I was relieved to discover the reality is very different to the myth. After reviewing all the footage and audio that Michael Lindsay-Hogg shot 18 months before they broke up, it's simply an amazing historical treasure-trove. Sure, there are moments of drama -- but none of the discord this project has long been associated with. Watching John, Paul, George, and Ringo work together, creating now-classic songs from scratch, is not only fascinating -- it's funny, uplifting and surprisingly intimate."
Jackson plans to enhance the film's original 16mm footage using the same amazing technology he employed to restore the World War I footage used in his highly acclaimed documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old. Sources believe the still-untitled film will be released in 2020 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Let It Be album and movie.
The Cubs Way
Remember the book "The Cubs Way" about the way Theo Epstein rebuilt the Cubs, and the culture he created within the organization? Well, one of the candidates running for president has taken that book to heart and is incorporating the lessons learned. Can you guess which one?
Would you believe Elizabeth Warren?
Richard Reeder with Rabbi Doug
Eckhartz Press author Richard Reeder with local TV star Rabbi Doug...
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
How Cold Is It?
It's so cold in Chicago right now, that...
Antartica is warmer.
And so is...
Mars.
Not leaving the house, thank you very much.
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