Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Nose Over Toes
Nothing to See Here
In a first, Germany is requesting the removal of the Trump appointed ambassador to Germany, #RichardGrenell.
— Andrew James Gregor (@andrewjgregor) March 19, 2019
They consider him to stoke racism and fascism on the country.
That's where we're at, folks.
The Germans want the American gone, because he's a Nazi.
Landecker & Kogan
On this day in 2013, Rick Kogan interviewed John Landecker about his great Eckhartz Press book "Records Truly Is My Middle Name" (one of the best interviews of our long book tour)
Richie Ashburn
My book "everycubever" comes out in April, and will include a mini-bio about every Cub who ever played. Some are really obscure. Others are Hall of Famers like today's birthday boy...
~Richie Ashburn 1927–1997 (Cubs 1960-1961)
While it was great to have the Hall of Famer Ashburn covering centerfield for the 1960 and 1961 Cubs, the lifetime .308 hitter was long past his prime. He put up those Hall of Fame numbers mostly for the Philadelphia Phillies. The stories about Ashburn from his early days are legendary. He loved hitting so much he slept with his Louisville Slugger when he was in slump. He was a speedy singles hitter who won two batting titles, finished second three times, and hit over .300 nine times. By the time he came to the Cubs, unfortunately, his career was declining and he no longer had the speed he exhibited early in his career. Ashburn was a five time All-Star, but none of those appearances came with the Cubs. The Cubs let him go in the expansion draft of 1962, and he finished his career as the only All-Star on the worst team of all-time, the 1962 Mets. After his playing career ended, he became a beloved announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies. He died in 1997, two years after he was elected into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. (Photo: 1961 Topps Baseball Card)
While it was great to have the Hall of Famer Ashburn covering centerfield for the 1960 and 1961 Cubs, the lifetime .308 hitter was long past his prime. He put up those Hall of Fame numbers mostly for the Philadelphia Phillies. The stories about Ashburn from his early days are legendary. He loved hitting so much he slept with his Louisville Slugger when he was in slump. He was a speedy singles hitter who won two batting titles, finished second three times, and hit over .300 nine times. By the time he came to the Cubs, unfortunately, his career was declining and he no longer had the speed he exhibited early in his career. Ashburn was a five time All-Star, but none of those appearances came with the Cubs. The Cubs let him go in the expansion draft of 1962, and he finished his career as the only All-Star on the worst team of all-time, the 1962 Mets. After his playing career ended, he became a beloved announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies. He died in 1997, two years after he was elected into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. (Photo: 1961 Topps Baseball Card)
Chicago Radio Ratings
Thanks so much to Robert Feder for posting these. He has the full daypart breakdowns too.
Here are Chicago’s top 30 radio stations from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Sunday, as measured by Nielsen Audio from January 31 to February 27, followed by format and average quarter-hour share of listeners age 6 and older (with previous month’s share in parentheses):
1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.1 (6.2)
2. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 5.5 (5.4)
3. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 5.1 (4.5)
4. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 5.0 (5.5)
5. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 4.7 (4.8)
6. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.4 (5.0)
7. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.9 (3.7)
8. WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.5 (3.0)
9. (tie) WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.3 (3.2); WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 3.3 (3.0)
11. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 3.2 (3.1)
12. WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.1 (3.1)
13. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 3.0 (2.8); WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 3.0 (3.3)
15. WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.9 (2.9)
16. WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.8 (2.6)
17. WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 2.7 (2.9)
18. (tie) WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.6 (2.2); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.6 (2.8)
20. WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.2 (2.3)
21. WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 2.1 (2.0)
22. WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.7 (1.7)
23. (tie) WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.6 (1.5); WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 1.6 (2.3)
25. WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.5 (1.3)
26. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 1.2 (1.1)
27. (tie) WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 1.0 (1.3); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.0 (1.2); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.0 (0.9)
30. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 0.7 (1.0)
The CWA Board
Monday, March 18, 2019
Minutia Men, Episode 128
Listen to it here.
Hiram Bithorn
My book "everycubever" comes out in April, and yes it will feature a mini-bio of every single player who ever played for the Cubs, including today's birthday boy...
~Hiram Bithorn 1916–1951 (Cubs 1942-1946)
Bithorn was from Puerto Rico, the first Puerto Rican to ever play Major League baseball. Known for his high leg kick, he had one great season with the Cubs in 1943, winning 18 games with seven shutouts, and an ERA of 2.60. Unfortunately, he was drafted into the military during World War II, and after he returned from the Navy he had gained 45 pounds. Bithorn tried to pitch for the Cubs in 1946, but didn’t have anything left in the tank. The two-year layoff was too much to overcome. His life took a tragic turn while he was trying to make a comeback in the Mexican League. On New Year’s Day in 1952, he was shot to death by a policeman in Mexico, in what is still considered a mysterious case. Bithorn is still a hero in Puerto Rico. The baseball stadium in San Juan is named Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
Bithorn was from Puerto Rico, the first Puerto Rican to ever play Major League baseball. Known for his high leg kick, he had one great season with the Cubs in 1943, winning 18 games with seven shutouts, and an ERA of 2.60. Unfortunately, he was drafted into the military during World War II, and after he returned from the Navy he had gained 45 pounds. Bithorn tried to pitch for the Cubs in 1946, but didn’t have anything left in the tank. The two-year layoff was too much to overcome. His life took a tragic turn while he was trying to make a comeback in the Mexican League. On New Year’s Day in 1952, he was shot to death by a policeman in Mexico, in what is still considered a mysterious case. Bithorn is still a hero in Puerto Rico. The baseball stadium in San Juan is named Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
Rich King
Happy birthday to Eckhartz Press author Rich King. He's in Arizona with the White Sox these days, enjoying the sun and fun. Have a great birthday Rich!
RIP Andre Williams
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary artist Andre Williams. He died this afternoon in Chicago at the age of 82. He touched our lives and the lives of countless others. We love you Dre. pic.twitter.com/EpSdcKuxbB
— Pravda Records (@pravdarecords) March 18, 2019
Who was Andre Williams? The man who co-wrote this song we all know and love...
RIP Dick Dale
From this morning's RAMP newsletter...
This is the song that introduced him to a new generation of fans, when Quintin Tarantino used it to kick off his classic film Pulp Fiction...
Born Richard Anthony Monsour in Boston on May 1937, Dale developed his distinctive sound by adding to instrumental rock influences from his Middle Eastern heritage, along with a "wet" reverb sound and his rapid alternative picking style. In a 2011 interview with the Miami New Times, Dale said that the hectic drumming of Gene Krupa, along with the "screams" of wild animals and the sound and sensation of being in the ocean inspired his sound. At the turn of the '60s, Dale was pivotal in the development of the Fender Stratocaster guitar. "Everything that came out of Leo Fender's head, I was his test pilot," Dale told the Miami New Times in that same 2011 article. "He used to say, 'When it can withstand the barrage of punishment from Dick Dale, then it's fit for human consumption.' So I blew up over 50 amplifiers. And that's why they call me the 'Father of Heavy Metal.'"
Dale is survived by his second wife Lana, who served as his manager, and his son James, who worked with him as a drummer.
This is the song that introduced him to a new generation of fans, when Quintin Tarantino used it to kick off his classic film Pulp Fiction...
Writers Conference
This photo is from the Publishers panel I participated in. That's me on the far left, Emily Victorson (Allium Press), moderater (and author/Columbia College professor) Shawn Shiflett, Jerry Brennan (Tortoise Books), and Dennis Foley (Sidestreet press).
I attended at least four other sessions (introduced a few), got a ton of great ideas about writing techniques, and hung out with some great people. If you are a writer, you should do whatever you can to get to next year's session.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Big Day for Chet
tonight Lyndsey, my baby girl will be married...in about 10 hours I'll be a father in law, maybe, in a couple of years I'll be a grandfather. damn right it's emotional. anxious to pay tribute to my daughter and her man.. @BruceWolfChi @MLBBruceLevine @MDGonzales pic.twitter.com/kY8BPTRgok
— Chet Coppock (@ChetCoppock) March 15, 2019
Sam Spade
Last night I attended the Senior SAG/AFTRA players performance of a radio play--Sam Spade--starring my old friend John Records Landecker. He did a great job in the lead role.
Radio Health Journal
Thanks so much to executive producer Reed Pence for doing the interview.
R&R Hall of Fame Presenters Announced
From this morning's RAMP newsletter...
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed the names of the presenters who will introduce and induct Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, The Cure, Radiohead, Roxy Music and The Zombies into the Rock Hall on March 29 during the 34th Annual Induction Ceremony at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, presented by Klipsch Audio.
Harry Styles will be presenting for Stevie Nicks; Brian May of Queen presenting for Def Leppard; Janelle Monáe presenting for Janet Jackson; Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails presenting for The Cure; David Byrne presenting for Radiohead; John Taylor & Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran presenting for Roxy Music and Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles presenting for The Zombies.
The ceremony will once again exclusively premiere on HBO on Saturday, April 27 at 8pm ET. SiriusXM will also broadcast the ceremony in April and will feature special broadcasts throughout the year devoted to the Rock Hall's inductees, past and present -- on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Radio (Ch. 310) and VOLUME (Ch. 106). A special exhibit dedicated to this year's inductees will open at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on Friday, March 22.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Congrats Ken Churilla
Ken Churilla is the co-author of the Mitch Michaels book "Doin the Cruise" and we're happy for his recognition in his hometown. He posted this on Facebook today...
This may come across as a little self serving but hell with it, I think it's pretty cool. The library in my hometown of Highland is spotlighting Indiana authors and they reached out to feature me! Why it means so much to me is I can't even begin to tell you how many afternoons, evenings and weekends I spent there in HS and Jr High working on book reports, multiple encyclopedias open and spread out all over the table. If you would have told teenage Ken this would happen one day, never in a million years would he have believed you...
Felix Pie
My book "everycubever" is coming out in April and will feature mini-bios of every Cub who ever played, including the most appropriate Cub to post on Pi Day (3/14). Felix Pie...
~Felix Pie 1985-- (Cubs 2007-2008)
Felix was supposed to be the next big star in Chicago, a five-tool outfielder with dazzling talent. Like Corey Patterson before him, Pie never quite put it together. The Cubs handed him in the starting center field job in 2008, but he lost it by May. Chicago signed Jim Edmonds and sent Felix back to the minors. One thing many male Cubs fans will never forget about Pie is an injury he suffered during his time with the Cubs. It was called “testicular torsion” or twisted testicle. Some of us still have nightmares. The Cubs traded Felix to the Orioles in 2009.
Felix was supposed to be the next big star in Chicago, a five-tool outfielder with dazzling talent. Like Corey Patterson before him, Pie never quite put it together. The Cubs handed him in the starting center field job in 2008, but he lost it by May. Chicago signed Jim Edmonds and sent Felix back to the minors. One thing many male Cubs fans will never forget about Pie is an injury he suffered during his time with the Cubs. It was called “testicular torsion” or twisted testicle. Some of us still have nightmares. The Cubs traded Felix to the Orioles in 2009.
Dobie Maxwell
Happy birthday to Eckhartz Press author Dobie Maxwell! His book "Monkey in the Middle" was released on this date in 2016--and became one of our best selling books. It's an amazing story, and Dobie is an amazing guy.
Behind the Scenes at WGN
A few more photos behind the scenes at WGN-Radio with Eckhartz Press author Janet Sutherland-Madden...
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Free Kicks, Episode 33
Listen to it here.
Chippy Gaw
My book "everycubever" is coming out in April and will feature mini-bios of every Cub who ever played, including today's birthday boy....
~Chippy Gaw 1892–1968 (Cubs 1920)
One of the greatest names in baseball history–Chippy Gaw–pitched only briefly for the Cubs. After logging nearly ten years in the minors, he got into six big league games in 1920, mainly as a reliever. In his last Major League appearance on July 4, 1920, he came in to relieve Cubs great Hippo Vaughn. He pitched a third of an inning and didn’t allow a run. He pitched a few more years in the minors before hanging up his spikes for good in 1922. After his playing career was over, Chippy went into coaching…hockey. He was the head hockey coach at both Princeton and Dartmouth, and later also coached Boston University’s baseball team. His real first name, by the way, was George.
One of the greatest names in baseball history–Chippy Gaw–pitched only briefly for the Cubs. After logging nearly ten years in the minors, he got into six big league games in 1920, mainly as a reliever. In his last Major League appearance on July 4, 1920, he came in to relieve Cubs great Hippo Vaughn. He pitched a third of an inning and didn’t allow a run. He pitched a few more years in the minors before hanging up his spikes for good in 1922. After his playing career was over, Chippy went into coaching…hockey. He was the head hockey coach at both Princeton and Dartmouth, and later also coached Boston University’s baseball team. His real first name, by the way, was George.
Howard Stern
From this morning's Robert Feder column...
Author! Author! King of All Media Howard Stern is about to release his first book in 24 years. Howard Stern Comes Again is set to be published May 14 by Simon & Schuster. “For the last two years of my life, I’ve been involved in a project that has taken up almost every weekend, every vacation that we’ve been on,” Stern said on his Sirius XM Radio show Tuesday. “This is about my evolution and this is about my interviews. I started talking about the process and I started talking about my life and some of the things that have happened.” Stern’s previous books were the bestsellers Miss America in 1995 and Private Parts in 1993.
I just found out that my book The Radio Producer's Handbook is considered a Simon & Schuster book. They bought Allworth Press, which released it originally. Hope they don't read my novel $everance, which openly mocks another Simon & Schuster author (and the chairman of the board) Sumner Redstone.
Author! Author! King of All Media Howard Stern is about to release his first book in 24 years. Howard Stern Comes Again is set to be published May 14 by Simon & Schuster. “For the last two years of my life, I’ve been involved in a project that has taken up almost every weekend, every vacation that we’ve been on,” Stern said on his Sirius XM Radio show Tuesday. “This is about my evolution and this is about my interviews. I started talking about the process and I started talking about my life and some of the things that have happened.” Stern’s previous books were the bestsellers Miss America in 1995 and Private Parts in 1993.
I just found out that my book The Radio Producer's Handbook is considered a Simon & Schuster book. They bought Allworth Press, which released it originally. Hope they don't read my novel $everance, which openly mocks another Simon & Schuster author (and the chairman of the board) Sumner Redstone.
Tucker Carlson
*These comments weren't from his youth. Tucker was not a kid. He was 40.
*Anyone else on any legitimate network would have been fired. Period. That's just a fact.
*He's not a victim. He said all of these things on a RADIO show. This is not a gotcha.
*Next time one of those whining snowflakes on Fox News calls someone else a snowflake, the screen should go black and a still shot of that host crying should come on for the rest of the show.
If you don't know what I'm talking about, here's the most recent example.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
George Moolic
My book "everycubever" is coming out in April and will feature mini bios of everyone who ever played for the Cubs between 1871-2018. Among them, today's birthday boy...
~George Moolic 1867--1915 (White Stockings 1886)
George had one of the greatest nicknames in Cubs history. His teammates called him Prunes. He was a 19-year-old backup catcher and outfielder for the 1886 National League champs, but he didn’t make much of a contribution to the team. He hit only .143 in 56 at-bats. That was the full extent of his big league career. Prunes may not have lasted long, but he could always say that he played on one of the most star-studded teams in Major League history. Among his teammates: Hall of Famers Cap Anson, King Kelly, and John Clarkson, plus stars in their day like Ned Williamson, George Gore, Jimmy Ryan, and Silver Flint. Oh, and the most famous of them all, future evangelist Billy Sunday. Prunes got a bloody nose in 1915 at the age of 47. Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding, and after three weeks, he passed away. Official cause of death: nasal hemorrhage.
George had one of the greatest nicknames in Cubs history. His teammates called him Prunes. He was a 19-year-old backup catcher and outfielder for the 1886 National League champs, but he didn’t make much of a contribution to the team. He hit only .143 in 56 at-bats. That was the full extent of his big league career. Prunes may not have lasted long, but he could always say that he played on one of the most star-studded teams in Major League history. Among his teammates: Hall of Famers Cap Anson, King Kelly, and John Clarkson, plus stars in their day like Ned Williamson, George Gore, Jimmy Ryan, and Silver Flint. Oh, and the most famous of them all, future evangelist Billy Sunday. Prunes got a bloody nose in 1915 at the age of 47. Doctors couldn’t stop the bleeding, and after three weeks, he passed away. Official cause of death: nasal hemorrhage.
Happy Birthday Johnny!
Son #2 became an official grown up today. He's 21 years old. Happy birthday Johnny!
Monday, March 11, 2019
The Mooch Retweeted Us
He has 875,000 followers...
Great stuff! Thanks guys! https://t.co/edIfdrCRZs
— Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) March 9, 2019
National Women's Month
March is National Women's Month, and we salute the many female authors who have written Eckhartz Press books, including our newest author Janet Sutherland-Madden. We still miss the late Pat Colander, Felizitas Sudendorf and Dena Mendes, and we'll always appreciate Becky Sarwate-Maxwell, Beth Jacobellis, ML Collins, Ann Wilson, Jeanne Bellezzo, Lori Oster, and Kim Strickland. Also, Kristin Oakley who edited "The Write City Review", Lindsey Eanet who co-wrote "Back in the Game" with Rich King, and Jessica Hagy who provided illustrations for Kipper McGee's "Brandwidth"
Spring is not quite here yet
My book "Everycubever" is coming out in April and features short bios of Every Cub Ever including today's birthday boy. There has been a Cub for every season (except Winter--but it's the off-season). The Cub of Spring is this one...
~Jack Spring 1933–2015 (Cubs 1964)
He pitched for seven teams in his eight big league seasons, and for exactly one month that team was the Cubs. They acquired Jack in May of 1964, and he pitched in seven games over the next few weeks. But then on June 15, 1964, Spring was called into the manager’s office and told he had been traded again. This time he was the throw-in in the trade that sent Lou Brock to the Cardinals. In St. Louis, Spring won a ring (although he didn’t make the postseason roster that year). Not sure what happened to that Brock character. One of the most miraculous stats of Jack’s career is this little tidbit: He once went 19 consecutive outings without recording a strikeout. That’s the longest streak since 1957.
He pitched for seven teams in his eight big league seasons, and for exactly one month that team was the Cubs. They acquired Jack in May of 1964, and he pitched in seven games over the next few weeks. But then on June 15, 1964, Spring was called into the manager’s office and told he had been traded again. This time he was the throw-in in the trade that sent Lou Brock to the Cardinals. In St. Louis, Spring won a ring (although he didn’t make the postseason roster that year). Not sure what happened to that Brock character. One of the most miraculous stats of Jack’s career is this little tidbit: He once went 19 consecutive outings without recording a strikeout. That’s the longest streak since 1957.
The Shine is Off
From this morning's Hollywood Reporter...
No idea if this is a response to last week's blockbuster New Yorker article showing the cozy relationship between the White House and Fox News (I doubt it), but he lasted less than a year in the job.
Former Fox News co-president Bill Shine has abruptly resigned from his position as President Donald Trump's communications director. No reason was given for his departure.
"Serving President Trump and this country has been the most rewarding experience of my entire life," Shine said in a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday morning. "To be a small part of all this president has done for the American people has truly been an honor. I’m looking forward to working on President Trump’s reelection campaign and spending more time with my family.”
Trump praised Shine, who served as an assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications, in a statement. "Bill Shine has done an outstanding job working for me and the administration" the president said. "We will miss him in the White House, but look forward to working together on the 2020 presidential campaign, where he will be totally involved. Thank you to Bill and his wonderful family!”
No idea if this is a response to last week's blockbuster New Yorker article showing the cozy relationship between the White House and Fox News (I doubt it), but he lasted less than a year in the job.
Lemonade out of Lemons
Kyle Long was named one of the most overpaid players in the NFL. How did he respond? Perfectly.
Shoutout my agent https://t.co/FEp4mE5XgJ
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) March 9, 2019
MIlt & Justin
From this morning's RAMP newsletter...
WGN Radio/Chicago announced that Chicago native Justin Kaufmann will host the return of the station's iconic Extension 720, which will air on select weekday evenings beginning this Friday, March 15, produced by Pete Zimmerman.
Extension 720 originally ran from 1968 through 2012 and was hosted for 39 of those years by Milt Rosenberg. Kaufmann's rebooted Extension 720 will honor the format of that original show with long-form interviews and a focus on a variety of topics, from arts & culture to politics & innovation. Kaufmann will also meet Chicago voices on location in the communities and neighborhoods where they live and work.
Todd Manley, WGN Station Manager and Vice President of Content, said, "You'll hear candid conversations with Chicago newsmakers, tastemakers, and activists both known and unknown." Kaufmann commented, "I'm humbled and honored to continue the legacy of one of the best radio programs in Chicago history. I can't wait to get started."
Kaufmann and Zimmerman will also produce Lower Wacker Live, a daily podcast delivering a comedic news brief that will be available wgnradio.com and through iTunes subscription. Kaufmann and Zimmerman were previously heard on The Steve Cochran Show and The Download with Justin Kaufmann.
The Price is Right
I think I'm going to make the trek downtown to check this out. Featuring my old pal John Records Landecker...
Saturday, March 09, 2019
Minutia Men, Episode 127
You can listen to it here.
Friday, March 08, 2019
Last Season on WGN-TV
The 2019 #Chicago #Cubs on WGN. The season starts March 28. pic.twitter.com/uRyr63DHuG
— WGNTV (@WGNTV) March 6, 2019
George Gerberman
My book "Everycubever" will be coming out in April. When I say it will be about Every Cub Ever, I'm not exaggerating. For instance, this former Cub is celebrating a birthday today, and he's in the book...
~George Gerberman 1942– (Cubs 1962)
George got exactly one big league start, and it came for the Cubs on September 23, 1962. The location was the Polo Grounds, and the opponent was the worst team in big league history, the 1962 New York Mets. Gerberman lasted into the sixth inning and got a no-decision, although the Cubs eventually lost their 100th game of the season in the ninth. George walked five batters, but gave up only three hits. One of those hits was a home run by former Cub Frank Thomas. Gerberman’s only strikeout victim was future Cub Jim Hickman. George was only 20 years old at the time, but he never got another chance in the big leagues. He remained in the minors until 1968. (Photo: 1983 Fritch One Year Winners Baseball Card)
George got exactly one big league start, and it came for the Cubs on September 23, 1962. The location was the Polo Grounds, and the opponent was the worst team in big league history, the 1962 New York Mets. Gerberman lasted into the sixth inning and got a no-decision, although the Cubs eventually lost their 100th game of the season in the ninth. George walked five batters, but gave up only three hits. One of those hits was a home run by former Cub Frank Thomas. Gerberman’s only strikeout victim was future Cub Jim Hickman. George was only 20 years old at the time, but he never got another chance in the big leagues. He remained in the minors until 1968. (Photo: 1983 Fritch One Year Winners Baseball Card)
Fox News
Margaret Sullivan is the media writer for the Washington Post. She serves as the watchdog of the media, including her own newspaper, and I believe has been very fair in calling out bad behavior on all sides. Yesterday she wrote about Fox News, and delivered this scathing analysis...
I've been saying it for a decade, often to deaf ears. I believe Fox News is the reason our society is so divided now. One side may be presenting the news with a slightly liberal bias, but at least it's delivering the news. Fox News presents fiction as news. And then uses the existence of that fiction, to "prove" that the other side is not reporting news.
"Why aren't they reporting Seth Rich was murdered by Hillary?"
Because it's not true. It's fiction. Fox News is the worst thing that has happened to America in my lifetime.
So, yes, Fox News can continue to function as something close to Trump TV. It can go on spreading disinformation.
But everyone ought to see it for what it is: Not a normal news organization with inevitable screw-ups, flaws and commercial interests, which sometimes fail to serve the public interest.
But a shameless propaganda outfit, which makes billions of dollars a year as it chips away at the core democratic values we ought to hold dear: truth, accountability and the rule of law.
Despite the skills of a few journalists who should have long ago left the network in protest, Fox News has become an American plague.
I've been saying it for a decade, often to deaf ears. I believe Fox News is the reason our society is so divided now. One side may be presenting the news with a slightly liberal bias, but at least it's delivering the news. Fox News presents fiction as news. And then uses the existence of that fiction, to "prove" that the other side is not reporting news.
"Why aren't they reporting Seth Rich was murdered by Hillary?"
Because it's not true. It's fiction. Fox News is the worst thing that has happened to America in my lifetime.
Mark Gelinas
Today would have been the 56th birthday of Eckhartz Press author Mark Gelinas. We lost Mark at the end of 2018 after a truly heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. He told that tale beautifully in the pages of his book "GelStrong". Still miss you, Mark. You were one of the good guys!
Thursday, March 07, 2019
Free Kicks, Episode 32
Listen to it here.
Mike North Returns
From Robert Feder's column this morning...
You didn’t really think Mike North was retiring from radio, did you?
Nineteen months after he announced he was quitting sports radio for good, North is joining ESPN Radio flagship WMVP 1000-AM as host of a weekly show on sports betting.
Starting this week, North and Carmen DeFalco will host “The Odds Couple” from 6 to 7 p.m. Fridays. DeFalco will continue to co-host from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays on ESPN 1000 with John Jurkovic.
“Mike isn’t just a sports talk legend, but his expertise in sports handicapping is second to none,” Adam Delevitt, senior program director of ESPN 1000, told me. “His record speaks for itself, and he and Carmen are going to keep ESPN 1000 listeners not only entertained, but maybe make a few bucks along the way.”
Reading the Fine Print
They gave her $10,000.
Details are here.
Alex Trebek has Pancreatic Cancer
I just attended the funeral of a good friend who died of this terrible disease...
Great Lakes Media
This is an interesting radio development...the merging of two of the biggest names in radio management in Chicago. From the RAMP Newsletter...
Great Lakes Media Corp. announced the first of several appointments to its Board of Advisors and Senior Leadership Team -- and simultaneously proclaimed a strategic shift in the company’s focus toward larger market acquisition opportunities.
Tom Langmyer, Founder & CEO of Great Lakes Media Corp., has added several highly experienced and well-respected names to the team as the Company moves to become a significant local media player in the U.S.
John Gehron, Chairman of AccuRadio, joins Great Lakes Media Corp. as Board Advisor, bringing his legendary major-market experience as a highly accomplished executive with some of the nation's premier media companies.
Langmyer launched Great Lakes Media Corp. in November of 2018 with the initial intent to target media acquisitions in small communities. In a very short time, interest and support shifted Great Lakes' focus toward the media properties and groups that operate in larger markets. The vision remains the same, which is to invest in radio stations and digital platforms and to grow them as true “local” brands. The company is meeting with investors, brokers and others who are interested in specific markets; and has plans to announce appointments of additional officers and partners in the weeks ahead. To check out the full leadership bios, visit greatlakesmediacorp.com.
Wednesday, March 06, 2019
Everyone Loves Minutia Men
Don't look now, but Minutia Men has slowly but surely been crawling up the iTunes charts. Right now it's #84 in it's category, ahead of the New Yorker. In the history category (because of our Cubs history segment), we're in the Top 20 (#19). Not bad for a couple of middle aged schmos from Chicago. We'll be recording our newest episode tomorrow, featuring our interview with Anthony Scaramucci. Look for it beginning this weekend.
There are 200+ 5-star reviews on iTunes. Here are a few more recent ones...
Love the tone
in iTunes by tonytonymacorony from USA on February 22, 2019
Good natured fun. Nice to listen to something that is apolitical.
Binge listen today
in iTunes by tyu6443 from USA on February 22, 2019
( ͡° ͜Ê– ͡°) dare you to listen to just one. Rick and Dave are ( ͡° ͜Ê– ͡°) the goods.
Really great
in iTunes by 343Blane from USA on February 22, 2019
I love the witty banter and asides. These guys get great guests and wonderful interviews.
Topical and Comical
in iTunes by Chris (No Context Host) from USA on February 5, 2019
These dudes are the kings of casual banter. The topics are hot, the retorts are funny but not forced funny. It’s the kind of funny you expect from your funniest friend when you’re hanging out in his basement and his mom brings in lemon squares and iced tea. It’s the perfect leisure podcast. Chris (No Context Podcast)
Engaging
in iTunes by andreresendez from USA on January 30, 2019
The two hosts have good banter between them and keep things engaging and interesting for the listener. The comedic back and forth is funny and the topics are relevant. An easy listen. Keep up the good work, guys!
National Dentist Day
~Casey Wise 1932--2007 (Cubs 1957)
Wise came up to the big leagues with the Cubs in 1957. The second baseman/shortstop got the most extensive playing time of his big league career that season, appearing in 43 games and hitting .256. The Cubs traded him to the Milwaukee Braves after the season for pitcher Ben Johnson and outfielder Chick King. After his playing career ended, Wise became a dentist. (Photo: Topps 1958 Baseball Card)
Most Unusual Supergroup Ever
You read that right...Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, and Joe Perry.
The tour happens in May. Right now it's only on the west coast. Details are here.
Ridiculous Goal
Excuse me WHAT?!? 😱😱😱
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 5, 2019
Derby County's Mason Bennett with an early Puskas Award contender, surely.pic.twitter.com/LxxCYzWxxA
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