Publishing Portal--February 16, 2026

The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.

40 Years, 40 Films

=Huge event coming up soon for Nick Digilio at the Museum of Broadcast Communications...

Oscar Sunday at the Museum with Nick Digilio and Rick Kogan

Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Noon – 2:30 PM | Museum of Broadcast Communications

Celebrate Oscar Sunday with legendary Chicago film critic and broadcaster Nick Digilio, hosted live by WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune columnist and cultural icon. For more than four decades, Nick has entertained audiences through his 35-year career at WGN Radio, where his movie reviews and commentary made him one of Chicago’s most trusted voices in film. Today, he continues that legacy through his two hit podcasts, The Nick D Podcast and That Show Hasn’t Been Funny in Years: An SNL Podcast.

This special live event will feature Nick’s Oscar predictions, insights from his four decades reviewing films, and reflections from his new book, 40 Years, 40 Films. This deeply personal collection features essays on his favorite film from each year, along with his Top 10 lists and stories from his lifelong journey as a passionate moviegoer and respected critic. The program includes a live on-stage conversation, audience Q&A, and book signing.

Museum admission applies. For tickets, visit museum.tv

=Nick Digilio's pick at the Lake Theater in Oak Park this month was the film Crash. Thanks to everyone who came out last Wednesday night to see the film and pick up a copy of Nick's book.

=Have we mentioned that Nick is also writing his follow up book for us about horror movies? That will be out later this year. More info to come.

Chili Dog MVP

=Chili Dog MVP co-author John Owens checked in about the progress of his film/TV project based on their book. Eckhartz Press publishers Rick Kaempfer and Dave Stern will be traveling down to Arizona for the debut showing there on March 12. Wanna come? I understand there might some spring training games nearby.

=The poster they came up with for this upcoming series of events is amazing. We'll let John Owens explain...

Here's the new poster for My Father, Dick Allen , designed by the great Todd Radom, the sports designer responsible for numerous logos/branding in the MLB, NFL and other sports.

=John and Dr. David Fletcher (his Chili Dog MVP co-author) are actually in Colorado right now. Here's a photo of Doc in the airport on Sunday. They are in Colorado Springs to interview Hall of Famer Goose Gossage for the project. Goose was Dick's teammate on the Sox, and wrote the foreword to Chili Dog MVP. The bat Goose is holding in this picture is autographed by every living Hall of Famer.

Bubble Boy

=An entertaing Q&A with Bob Williams

The Best of Words on Birds

=Jeff Reiter was hanging out with some superstars from the birding world over the weekend at the Gull Frolic in Winthrop Harbor. Only three authors were invited to participate; Jeff Reiter (The Best of Words on Birds), Dexter Patterson (Birds of the Great Lakes and featured speaker), and Amar Ayyash (The Gull Guide, and the nation's leading expert on gull ID).

=Jeff's description of the two photos below...

    That's me with Jo Fessett, executive director of Illinois Audubon Society, the sponsor of the event. The other one was the scene behind the yacht club...

  

Sirens in the Loop

=Today's the day the book ships to those of you who pre-ordered it.

=Jim Elsener did a great job on WBEZ on Tuesday talking about it. Listen to it here.

    Jim: Thanks to Sasha-Ann Simons (holding “Sirens in the Loop A History of the City News Bureau of Chicago) who moderated our panel discussion about CNB this morning on WBEZ 91.5 FM. Joining me were alumni Rummana Hussain and Abdon Pallasch. I think we made Good Radio.

=Jim will be a guest this week on Minutia Men Celebrity Interview.

The Kiss of Night

=Your chance to meet Mark Wukas is tonight, February 16th at 7:30pm. A musical guest is appearing, too—and it’s free admission. No cover! Come out for a fun evening. Welcome to the Show at the Getaway (4530 N. Lincoln Avenue).

=If you want to know why people like his novel so much, read this Q&A with author Mark Wukas. Or, check out these blurbs from some of the most respected journalists in America.

Surviving Sue

=Vicki Atkinson (Surviving Sue) will be appearing at Wauconda Library (11am-12:30pm) on February 20. Unfortunately, it's sold out. 

=On the other hand, her debut novel "Slivers" is now also in the pipeline at Eckhartz Press, and is coming out very soon. If you are a fan of Vicki, you'll love it. What's it all about? See if this intrigues you...

    In a single week in the summer of 1973, a quiet suburban neighborhood implodes when generations of mystical deceit become too much to bear. Drawn to the web of secrets and lies, the other worldly slivers refuse to be ignored, pushing one family to the brink.

Celtic Knot 

=On February 28th, Robert Conlon will be part of the Boozy Book Fair at Printer's Row Brewing (4801 N. Austin Avenue in Chicago) from Noon-4pm. 

=Who is Robert Conlon? We'll let Depaul University tell you...

]

Additional upcoming Eckhartz Press author events. Mark your calenders...

=The Loop Files author Rick Kaempfer is appearing at a  book club in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago on February 23.

=Chili Dog MVP--Two upcoming appearances promoting their new film in Pennsylvania. March 5 in Philadelphia, March 7 in Wampum Pennsylvania

=Nick Digilio--Nick's Pix at the Lake Theater on March 11 in Oak Park. The film will be Zero Dark Thirty.

=Lauren LoGiudice (Inside Melania) brings her Misfit Variety show to the Annoyance March 13.  Show's at 9.

=Robert Conlon will also be appearing at the G-man (on Clark in Chicago) on March 15. 

=Mark Wukas will be doing a reading at CWA Live Lit readings at After Words Book Store on March 26.

The Loop Files

=Would you believe that one of the stars of The Loop Files, former Loop personality Kevin Matthews, met Pope Leo this week? It's true. This is not an AI picture. Kevin is a devout Catholic who created a film called "Broken Mary" about a broken statue of the Virgin Mary that he found. He makes appearances at churches around the country with the statue, and talks about how much it affected him. This week, he talked to the Pope about it. The Pope blessed the statue. Not too shabby.

=Kevin has now produced two movies in the last few years. His previous movie "Ed Zeppelin" was directed by Eckhartz Press publisher Rick Kaempfer and edited by Rick's son Tommy Kaempfer. That's Tommy and Kevin at the film's debut in October 2023.

Nose Over Toes

=Saturday's birthday girl (Feb 14) Eckhartz Press author Janet Sutherland was honored last week. She was named Spring VIP for 2026 by POWER, an organization of professional women, for her outstanding contributions and achievements in the media industry. Congrats to Janet. (More info here)

=Janet has another book coming out via Eckhartz Press later this year.

The Sun at the End of the Road

=A very important person in Tony Fitzpatrick's life, director Jonathan Demme, was born this week (February 22, 1944). Demme was an early champion of Tony's art, and later cast him in a few of his films (Married to the Mob, Philadelphia). Tony also designed the soundtrack cover for Demme's film Something Wild. Hard to believe that both Tony and Jonathan are gone now.

=Turns out that Tony's last book The Sun at the End of the Road won't be his final book. We made the announcement during our Zoom tribute to Tony a few weeks ago, but in case you missed it, Tony wrote one more book in his final weeks. That book will be released in October on the one year anniversary of Tony's death. 

Worth a Second Look & Oscars Biggest Mistakes

=Eckhartz Press author Eric Litt has a day job working at WGN-TV. Naturally when you work there you'll run into the biggest star at the station (photo). He may be retired now, but Tom Skilling is celebrating a birthday this week (February 20).

=This is the busy season for Eric. The Oscars are coming up in a few weeks (March 15). We'd all but guarantee a repeat visit as a guest on Minutia Men Celebrity Interview.

Take Me Back to Chicago

=We dig the video...

The Flip Side

=Here's one from the archives. This week in 1977 (February 16), Genesis performed at the Auditorium in Chicago. That show was presented by The Flip Side's concert arm. The Rosenbaum brothers Carl and Larry pose backstage with the band.

To Nudge the World

=Daily Herald writer Jim Slusher's book To Nudge the World is a collection of his excellent essays from the newspaper over the past 25 years. The one he wrote this week in 2000 (February 17) seems to really have resonance today. It's about something that has slowly eroded in the years since it was written, objective reporting. That piece alone is worth the price of admission. It's an award winner, folks. Book of the Year. 

Happy birthday Michael Jordan!

=The greatest player in basketball history appears in several Eckhartz Press books. As he turns 63  (February 17), we imagine him perusing the pages of Your Dime, My Dance Floor by Chet Coppock or Life Behind the Camera by Chuck Quinzio.

The Daly News

=This was the week in 2014 when Joel Daly began making the rounds to promote his book The Daly News. The book got a great review from Robert Feder (Feb 19). And then Joel appeared on the WGN-TV Morning News. (Feb 20)

Records Truly is My Middle Name

=Two of the most memorable stories in John Landecker's memoir Records Truly Is My Middle Name involve two men who are both celebrating a birthday this week (Feb 18), Dennis DeYoung (Styx) and John Travolta. Dennis tells the tale about the first time he heard his song "Lady" on the radio. It was played by John Landecker on WLS. Dennis really paints a picture of the excitement of the moment. But probably the best story in the book revolves around a John Landecker/John Travolta appearance at Woodfield Mall. It's captured here on tape. It's captured below in a photograph.

Ike & Me

=This week in 2016 (February 19), Rich King joined the Chicago Blackhawks at the White House as they visited President Obama. This photo from that day (with fellow sportscaster Jim Rose) appears in the pages of Rich's 2022 memoir Ike & Me.

City U

=This week in 2022, with the pandemic still not fully contained, Bob Boone made an appearance at The Book Stall in Winnetka. Masks were still required.

Behind The Glass

=This week in 2022 (Feb 19), Randy Merkin also made an appearance in Homewood, Illinois to promote his book. A few photos are here. Former Bears receiver Tom Waddle, who is celebrating a birthday this week (Feb 20), had this to say about Randy...“Randy is an incredible radio talent. His vast knowledge of the business and bottomless pool of contacts are unmatched. I’ve learned a lot about the business from Randy. His talent is only exceeded by his loyalty and integrity. Randy is the best!!!”

=You know who else loves Randy? Another person celebrating a birthday this week (February 20). A man who rates his own chapter in Behind the Glass, Charles Barkley (shown below with Randy).

=Randy's next book is our next book. We're putting it together as you read this. Soon, soon.

Signature Shoes

=This week in 2022 was a busy one, because Ryan Trembath also released the audiobook version of his book Signature Shoes (February 20). You can find it here. 

Cubsessions

=Randy Richardson and Becky Sarwate interviewed comedian/actor Ike Barinholtz for their Eckhartz Press book Cubsessions. Ike tells the story of his love for his hometown Cubs. Happy birthday Ike! (Feb 18)

=Does Randy Richardson have another book coming soon on Eckhartz Press? Why yes he does. Stay tuned for more information.

The Living Wills

=This week in 2012, Rick and Brendan did a presentation about using improv techniques to write. You can see a little bit of that here. One big fan of the book, CSI star William Petersen is celebrating a birthday this week (Feb 21). This is what he had to say about Eckhartz Press's debut release...…a hell of an old-fashioned read. It brings to life ‘the city of broad shoulders’ and makes me homesick. I want a Billy Goat cheesborger and a shot of whiskey.

 Hugh Hefner's First Funeral

=This week in 2017, Pat Colander appeared on Dave Hoekstra's radio show on WGN Radio.

=Dave Hoekstra was kind enough to join us in our tribute to Tony Fitzpatrick a few weeks ago. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

 Father Knows Nothing

This week in 2015, Rick Kaempfer appeared on WBEZ's Morning Shift program to discuss his book Father Knows Nothing with Jason Marck. You can listen to it here.

Valentine's Day special 

=Don't let anyone tell you that publishers Rick and Dave aren't romantics. Exhibit A: This is Dave's wife Michelle (left) on Valentine's Day. She was at an art fair at Kino Werks with Dave. Isn't that a romantic outing for Valentine's Day? Sure, she also had to sell Eckhartz Press books there for a few hours, but who can put a price tag on that kind of marital togetherness?

Minutia Men

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The Sweetest Words

Bill Holub spent eighteen years laboring in the news department of WLUP Radio in Chicago. He wrote news for the likes of Buzz Kilman, Laura Witek, and Maggie Brock, and he hosted his own public affairs show on the station: "Chicago Street Talk." During his years at WLUP, he also introduced a young intern from his news department to the producer of the Steve and Garry show. The couple was married a few years later. (Yes, I'm referring to Bridget and me) 

 Bill Holub is a huge baseball fan, and that's the reason I asked him to contribute to the blog. That was twenty years ago, and people loved this piece so much, I've run it every year since. It's become a tradition, and this year we need it more than ever. 

Every year at this time, when the pitchers and catchers started reporting to spring training (that's today for Cub fans), Bill would walk the hallways of WLUP saying...

THE SWEETEST WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

By Bill Holub

“Pitchers and catchers report”

These are indeed the sweetest words in the English language. Friends have been hearing me recite this every year at this time. I once had an old poker playing friend who used to say the sweetest words have always been “I’ll play these”. This is the same friend who couldn’t win even when dealt a pat hand. That however is a story for another time and place, where an explanation of the relationship between the quantity of beer consumed, what the cards in your hand really look like and the amount of money you bet can be fully explored. It’s really something scientists should be looking at.

In the meantime, I apologize to all those who came here looking for a sentimental dialogue on romance. I’m sorry to say it but the sweetest words in the English language are not “I love you”. Now that I think of it, this may instead be a sentimental dialogue on romance and baseball.

It’s funny how the two always converge around Valentine’s Day. Spring fever is referred to as that time of year when things start to bloom as the weather changes and love is in the air. It is no coincidence that this is the same time the baseball season opens and brings hope to all of us diehard baseball romantics.

My love affair with baseball was re-ignited in 1987-88. There was only one place to catch baseball highlights from all over the major leagues back then. Once a week you could tune in to “This Week In Baseball” with good ol’ Mel Allen. During those two seasons I was hooked into witnessing two West Coast baseball Gods embodied in the forms of a young Mark Mcgwire and Jose Canseco. This is before anyone had ever heard of andro, anabolics and the other chemical cocktails that have since cast a pall over these two. Back then, I was treated week in and week out to mammoth sized home runs flying out of every ballpark in the country. The fact that these home runs were being hit by players wearing what my brother and I had always considered the coolest looking baseball uniforms in the world (the Oakland A’s green and gold) had me embracing the game I grew up on all over again.

By 1989 I was so hooked on this game I even started collecting baseball cards again, although as much as an investor as a fanboy. I also started another nasty habit that impacts my life to this day. That is when I started a fantasy baseball league with a bunch of guys at work. 1989 also happened to be a division winning season for my beloved Cubs, so I was in baseball heaven and haven’t looked back since.

THE NATIONAL PASTIME

I think we can honestly say that baseball is no longer the national pastime in this country. It has been supplanted by football. I can accept that. Although I would insist the true national pastime is gambling, which is the driving force that makes football the number one spectator sport in America. I suppose I could go off on a George Carlin type of rant here on the differences between football and baseball, but that’s not why I’m writing this piece.

I just want to point out there is one major difference between the two and that is commitment. I’m talking about the commitment between baseball fans and football fans. Football is a four month season requiring your undivided attention one day a week, or two if you’re both a college and pro fan. Baseball is a six month season requiring your undivided attention throughout with your favorite team(s) playing as many as five or more games a week.

Baseball is a commitment. I believe it carries as much of a commitment as love. They both require dedication and attention. They can both go awry despite the best laid plans. An early swan dive in the standings in May that ends a team’s season before it even had a chance can be just as painful as not having your phone calls returned after the second or third date. Meanwhile an October champagne shower celebrating a pennant or World Series championship is as sweet and memorable as a ‘yes’ to a question posed on one knee.

BASEBALL AND THE CINEMA

Once that warm baseball is back feeling starts sinking in every year, I like to get fully immersed by throwing myself into my favorite baseball movies before the games actually begin. This is my form of spring training.

You’ve got your “Bull Durham”, “Field Of Dreams”, “Major League” (only the first one, please), but there is one movie that hits me in the right spot. “City Slickers” is not a real baseball movie per se, but there’s one scene that remains among my all-time favorites. It’s where the three friends (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby) are on the cattle drive and passing the time by discussing their favorite baseball memories. Billy Crystal remembers the first time his father took him to Yankee Stadium as a kid and how he had never seen grass that green before. Mickey Mantle even hit a home run that day. Daniel Stern recalls how growing up he and his father never saw eye to eye, but they could always talk about baseball with each other. “We always had baseball” he says.

As for me, one of my earliest baseball memories was getting to take the day off of school with my brother because my Dad got opening day tickets to Wrigley Field. I still remember wearing our warmest winter coats and knit hats, waiting to sit down while the Andy Frain usher brushed the snow off our seats. They don’t make Aprils in Chicago like that any more.

THE SWEETEST SOUND

There is a sound that accompanies the words “pitchers and catchers report”. It is the sound of a ball popping into a mitt. The sound of a simple game of catch. It is more than the crack of a bat sound. The sound of a mitt popping brings the memories and feelings of a lifetime of baseball flooding your senses all at once. It happens every time, whether it’s major leaguers or just a game of catch with your dad or your kid. The week pitchers and catchers report there are no cracking bats, only popping mitts. The sweetest sound in the world. “Pitchers and catchers report”. The sweetest words in the English language.

Publishing Portal--February 9, 2026

The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.

INTRODUCING: Bubble Boy

=The latest book from Eckhartz Press is available for pre-order now. It's a hilarious and poignant memoir written by Robert Forrest Williams. Who is he? 

    Robert Forrest Williams (AKA “Wilbur”) is a husband, father, and retired businessman. Born into a typical middle-class family, he has spent his life in the Chicago area searching for his own raison d’etre. From early youth through high school, college, and professional life he waged a battle with the original four-letter word– Work. Over years and decades this personal struggle has taken him through various business environments as well as the standup comedy stage. This everyman existence has provided unique experiences, abetting his sense of humor and natural story-telling ability. Bubble Boy is Robert/Wilbur’s first published work. 

=What is the book about?

    Bubble Boy is Robert Forrest Williams’ story of his yearning for self-definition and personal growth. In his early 20’s he was admittedly treading water at best. Taking cues from “Superstar” friends, he gets back on track via Graduate School and as a Human Resources Officer at a major financial institution. Unfortunately, the yuppie lifestyle results in disillusionment. He finds himself at a crossroads. A new career in Executive Recruiting – “Headhunting” – sets him on a clearer path, but also into a world of dubious business practices – shockingly described herein. Set against the backdrop of technological advances and iconic American events, the author takes the reader through a variety of personal experiences – some absurdly hilarious, some sad, and some ironic. He reminds us that our own “perfect spheres of being” can only thrive under the right circumstances. Bubbles can form and change directions –hopefully for the better – before their ultimate demise.

=One of the champions of Bob's book is fellow comedian and Eckhartz Press author Dobie Maxwell...

Bob Williams may be a common name, but this particular one happens to be quite the unique blend of both talent and passion. His writing, comedic and “normal” (whatever that may be) is always worth reading. I told him I would proudly purchase a copy of any book he ever wrote.  Having saved aluminum cans since 1997 I can now make good on that promise! Everybody move your cans and experience “Bubble Boy” for yourself!

The Sun at the End of the Road

=Thanks to everyone who joined the Great Chicago Books Bookclub with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame on Friday night. We had a great time talking about our old friend Tony Fitzpatrick and celebrating the writing in his book The Sun at the End of the Road. Here's a screenshot of the panelists (Mark Eleveld, Ann Filmer, Thomas Dyja, Dave Hoekstra), the moderators (Rick Kaempfer, David Stern), and the folks from the Hall of Fame (Don Evans and Reese). It really was an excellent discussion.  Over 100 people were on the zoom, including a few dignitaries like Rick Kogan, Michelle Fitzpatrick (Tony's wife), and Max Fitzpatrick (Tony's son). The video is below the screen-grab.

=At the end of the zoom, Rick and Dave made an announcement. There will be another Tony Fitzpatrick book coming out in the fall. He wrote a book of Haikus at the same time he was writing his last book, and that will be released in October, along with his artwork, handpicked by Tony himself.

Sirens in the Loop

=Our book about the history of the City News Bureau is currently being printed and bound and will be sent out in the coming week or so. If you've pre-ordered, look for it in the mail. If you haven't pre-ordered, you can still do so here.

=Jim Elsener will be appearing on WBEZ (NPR) tomorrow morning between 9:40-10am (with Sasha Ann Simons on "In the Loop") to talk about the book. Listen if you can. He's really good on the air.

=This week is the anniversary of one of the biggest stories the City News Bureau of Chicago ever broke. It happened on February 14, 1929. It's remembered as the St. Valentines Day Massacre. Sirens in the Loop tells the story of how that went down.

To the Men I've Loved (God Help Them!)

=Pat Motto's entertaining memoir about her dysfunctional love life is now also available at amazon as an e-book! Get your kindle copy here.

4 Opportunities to Get Your Eckhartz Books This Week!

40 Years, 40 Films

=Nick Digilio is hosting "Nick's Pix" at Lake Theater in Oak Park on Wednesday night (February 11th) at 7pm. This month's pick is the film Crash. Yes, he will be selling copies of his book at the screening.

=He'll also be at the Museum of Broadcast Communications for a discussion/signing hosted by Rick Kogan on March 15 (the day of the Oscars) from noon-2pm. More details coming soon.

=Also, let's not forget this big moment over the weekend...

An Assortment

=Eckhartz Press co-publisher David Stern will be appearing at KinoWerks (5645 N. Ravenswood in Chicago) this Saturday, February 14th. He'll have a table selling an assortment of Eckhartz Press books at their Arts Event that day. Look for his beaming smile.

The Best of Words on Birds

=Don't forget that Jeff Reiter (The Best of Words on Birds) will be appearing at the great birder event, Gull Frolic in Winthrop Harbor, on February 15. That's this coming Sunday! (Unfortunately the event is sold out--but if you're already going, look for Jeff)

=By the way, pick up the latest issue of Naperville magazine. Look what book is highlighted...

The Kiss of Night

=That's Mark Wukas below, exactly one year ago, the day he received his first copy of his book The Kiss of Night. It's a great Chicago novel. Your chance to meet Mark is coming a week from tonight, February 16th. He will be appearing at Welcome to the Show at the Getaway (4530 N. Lincoln Avenue).

 Celtic Knot 

=There will be two chances in the coming weeks to meet Robert Conlon and have him sign a copy of his five-star reviewed book Celtic Knot.

=On February 28th, he'll be part of the Boozy Book Fair at Printer's Row Brewing (4801 N. Austin Avenue in Chicago) from Noon-4pm. 

=Bob will also be appearing at the G-man (on Clark in Chicago) on March 15. 

Additional upcoming Eckhartz Press author events. Mark your calenders...

=Vicki Atkinson (Surviving Sue) will be appearing at Wauconda Library (11am-12:30pm) on February 20. Vicki's debut novel Slivers is in the pipeline, getting very close to publication on Eckhartz Press.

=Lauren LoGiudice (Inside Melania) brings her Misfit Variety show to the Annoyance March 13.  Show's at 9.

South Side Memories

=Don't feel bad that Gloria Golec isn't doing any book events this week. She's in New Zealand. Ah, the author's life.

=Before she left the country she did this great interview with the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast.

Mob Adjacent

=The film is going to be shown soon in Chicago (keep looking here for details). In the meantime, the fellas have been busy filming promotional videos like this one...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mob Adjacent (@mobadjacent)

=Jeffrey and Michael Gentile's book Mob Adjacent is a compelling look at the intersection of Chicago's mob world and some of the Hollywood Stars of that era. Among them, the great Jimmy Durante (Born Feb 10, 1893)

Chili Dog MVP

=Chili Dog MVP co-author John Owens checked in about the progress of his film/TV project based on their book....

    Thanks to John Bracanelli, @Jacob Pomrenke and the Chicago SABR chapter for hosting the My Father, Dick Allen team Saturday morning at the LaGrange Public Library, where we previewed the first episode ("Wampum") of the five-part docuseries. More previews coming up in March in Arizona and Philadelphia, along with a major event at the Chicago History Museum later this spring.

To Nudge the World

=Book of the Year winner Jim Slusher talks journalism with Rick and Dave on the Minutia Men Celebrity Interview.

The Flip Side

=One half of the Rosenbaum brothers (Larry) did himself proud last year around this time in this Minutia Men Celebrity Interview. Some of the fabulous stories from the book are included in the entertaining interview.

Truffle Hunt

=This week in 2015, Brent Petersen took the logical next step after writing his foodie novel Truffle Hunt. He posted his first Truffle recipe video. Enjoy!

=Would you like to read a free excerpt from the book? Author Brent Peterson has his own substack (DestinationEatDrink), and  You can read it here. 

The Unplanned Life

=Roger Badesch also posted a free excerpt from his book on Instagram this week. It's an excerpt from the audio book version. Listen to it here. It's from the book's preface, and it refers to these three guys below (L-R: Rick Kaempfer, Roger Badesch, Rick Kogan)

Brandwidth

=This week in 2015, Chicagoland Radio & Media reviewed and previewed Kipper McGee's new book Brandwidth. Some great info about a well respected book here. 

The Loop Files

=The Loop Files features some of Chicago's all-time broadcasting greats. One of those talented broadcasters is celebrating a birthday this week (February 12), Wendy Snyder. She tells some great stories in the book and also provided a few photos from her early days, including this one...

Life Behind the Camera

=This week in 2018, the Sun-Times parted ways with entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker. Before he left his perch, Bill had this to say about the Eckhartz Press book Life Behind The Camera: This is a must read for anyone interested in learning about the world of TV journalism — as seen through the eyes (and lens!) of Chuck Quinzio — one of the best in the business. Reading Chuck’s many stories — well-spiced with his terrific dry wit — is a great way to discover how television photo-journalism has evolved from the 1980s to the present day. That said, Chuck’s often-hilarious tales about the foibles of the true characters he’s encountered these past three decades makes for wonderful reading.

=This week in 1964 (February 9), the Beatles made their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. Chuck Quinzio tells a very funny story about that night in Life Behind the Camera. You can read that free excerpt here. 

Records Truly Is My Middle Name

=Chuck Quinzio (above) isn't the only one with a humorous Beatles on Ed Sullivan story. John Landecker has one too. You can read that free excerpt here.

  

=Speaking of John Landecker, when he published his award-winning memoir Records Truly is My Middle Name, he never dreamt that it would satisfy the final requirement for his college degree. Despite his Hall of Fame radio career, John had never gotten his college degree. His Alma Mater Grand Valley State University did some research into his transcripts and realized he just needed one more writing course. Writing a book certainly qualified. So, this week in 2018, John was awarded his degree. Rick Kaempfer wrote about that for Illinois Entertainer. This is John on graduation day.

Safe Inside

=This week in 2018, Lee Kingsmill was also making the rounds doing interviews. Lee (photo) is widely respected as a writer. Fellow author Michael Lister said this...

• “The best books expand our humanity by the vicarious experiences and opportunities for compassion they provide. Lee Kingsmill’s Safe Inside is just such a book. It’s rich and textured, filled with family dynamics, religion, sexuality, the refuge of the imagination, the sanctuary of movies, and most of all, the depth, truthfulness, and complexity of humanity.”

  Michael Lister, New York Times Bestselling author of Blood Work

Protecting Children

=Eckhartz Press has a retired judge in our stable of authors. Judge Michael Bender's book Protecting Children came out in 2018 and was featured this week in the Chicago Tribune.

Everything I Know I Learned From Rock Stars

=Author Bill Paige conducted hundreds of interviews with rock stars from 1975-1995. Two of them are celebrating birthdays this week, Peter Gabriel (Feb 13) and Gary Clark Jr. (Feb 15). Their stories are featured in Bill's timeless book.

  

We Have Company

=Another great Eckhartz Press book about rock and roll is Bobby Skafish's acclaimed We Have Company. Bobby dedicates a chapter in his book to native Chicagoan, Doors organist Ray Manzarek (photo below--Ray on the left). Ray was born this week (February 12) in 1939. 

  

The Living Wills

=When Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer formulated the story line of The Living Wills using improvisation techniques, they were surprised that the actor Lorne Greene was referenced repeatedly. You never know what will come out in improv. In particular, this song became an important plot point. Happy heavenly birthday Lorne (February 12), and thanks for the subliminal inspiration.

The Balding Handbook

=David Stern's self-help masterpiece The Balding Handbook: Five Stages of Grieving for Your Hair Loss is sold out and out of print, but his tribute to Burt Reynolds lives on, and so does this song, Cueball Wizard, which came out this week in 2014...