This week's Chicago Radio Spotlight is with an old friend/colleague of mine, Ken Cocker. Ken has worked at just about every station in Chicago, and currently does Saturday and Sunday afternoon at K-Hits, WJMK.
You can read the interview here.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Chicago Radio Spotlight: Ken Cocker
This week's Chicago Radio Spotlight is with an old friend/colleague of mine, Ken Cocker. Ken has worked at just about every station in Chicago, and currently does Saturday and Sunday afternoon at K-Hits, WJMK.
You can read the interview here.
Cubs 365, March 10
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1947, future Cubs pitcher Darcy Fast was born. Darcy was a hard throwing lefty in the Cubs bullpen in the late 1960s, but only had a cup of coffee with the big league team in 1968. In eight appearances covering ten innings, he struck out ten batters...but he also walked eight. He never returned to the big leagues after that. Darcy has written a book about his life, called "The Missing Cub". From the website...
"Darcy's story is the stuff of dreams. Dreams once realized, and then lost, and then found again. It is, in many ways, a narrative of what every boy growing up dreams, but cannot achieve. More importantly, though, his is a story that could be ours as well. And that's what makes this book a must read. Maybe, just maybe, by reading Darcy's story, you will find your own." Jim Lyon, Senior Pastor-Madison Park Church of God: "Darcy Fast is a man of integrity, strength, and is an inspiration to us all. He has fulfilled every young boy's dream, and yet he has ultimately followed a more divine plan: God's plan. His journey is universal to all men."
Friday, March 09, 2012
Coming this weekend
Sunday morning I'll post my annual tribute to my middle son Johnny at Father Knows Nothing. Would you believe he's 14 this weekend? He's also having his confirmation! Sheesh. Going too fast. The kid has got a mustache.
Cubs 365, and Just One Bad Century are both in action this weekend too. On Cubs 365 we'll have stories about an obscure Cub from the 60s named Darcy Fast, and tell the tale of the day there was an earthquake in the middle of a Cubs game. At the website we'll travel back to this week in 1908 and 1945.
Have a great weekend!
Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"
Here's another date to remember: March 23, 2012. Exactly two weeks from today.
That's the date of the official book launch party for "Down at the Golden Coin". We have some details about the party, for those of you in the Chicago area.
It will take place at the August House Studio, on 2113 West Roscoe Street in Chicago from 6-9pm.
What is August House Studio? Here's how they describe themselves: Springing out of an art rental business run from owner Marya Veeck's living room, August House Studio is dedicated to bringing art into the neighborhood. "In Europe," Veeck says,"galleries are like florists: they're everywhere, interspersed in neighborhoods, making art a part of everyday life." Instead of being located in a specific district, art galleries are spread throughout the city, making art available to everyone."
On March 23rd from 6-9pm you can purchase this piece of art: "Down at the Golden Coin". Author Kim Strickland will personally autograph your copy if you come out that night.
See you there!
Bowler's Journal International
The article is called "A Novel That Most Bowlers Should Love" and it's written by legendary bowling writer Jim Dressel.
Sadly, it's not available on-line so we can't link to it.
Cubs 365, March 9
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1965, future Cub catcher Benito Santiago was born. Santiago was a four-time all-star, three-time Gold Glover, a Rookie of the Year, and of course, none of that occurred during his time with the Cubs.
He was signed to a one-year deal by the Cubs after a horrible automobile accident almost ended his career in 1998. It was considered a reasonable gamble because the price was right, and it was a short term deal. The Cubs brass was right about one thing: Santiago still had a few good seasons in that bat and arm.
Unfortunately, it didn't happen on the Cubs. Three years after leaving Chicago he led the Giants to the World Series, and was named the NLCS MVP.
He was signed to a one-year deal by the Cubs after a horrible automobile accident almost ended his career in 1998. It was considered a reasonable gamble because the price was right, and it was a short term deal. The Cubs brass was right about one thing: Santiago still had a few good seasons in that bat and arm.
Unfortunately, it didn't happen on the Cubs. Three years after leaving Chicago he led the Giants to the World Series, and was named the NLCS MVP.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"
The pre-orders are coming in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th, the official release date of the book.
We're not the type of publisher that engages in needless hyperbole, so when we make a claim about one of our books, we mean it. Want to hear the truth about "Down at the Golden Coin"?
"Down at the Golden Coin" is the greatest novel featuring a can of Grape Fanta (in a crucial scene, no less) ever written.
That's right, we said it. And we're not backing down from that claim.
Sue us, if you think you've got a better one. Not a jury in America will agree with you.
"Down at the Golden Coin" is also guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of Chester Arthur, the president with the greatest presidential sideburns of all time.)
We're not the type of publisher that engages in needless hyperbole, so when we make a claim about one of our books, we mean it. Want to hear the truth about "Down at the Golden Coin"?
"Down at the Golden Coin" is the greatest novel featuring a can of Grape Fanta (in a crucial scene, no less) ever written.
That's right, we said it. And we're not backing down from that claim.
Sue us, if you think you've got a better one. Not a jury in America will agree with you.
"Down at the Golden Coin" is also guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of Chester Arthur, the president with the greatest presidential sideburns of all time.)
The Radio Producer's Handbook now on Kindle!
On the bright side, as the headline of this post announces, the book is finally available as an e-book, in the Kindle format. And for that, they're only charging $3.19.
I was informed about none of this by my publisher or by amazon. But then again, why should I be? All I did was co-write the book. Honestly, it's amazing how little say authors have in the sale of their books. It's one of the reasons I started Eckhartz Press in the first place.
Cubs 365, March 8
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1996, Cubs great Bill Nicholson passed away at the age of 81. Though he is known to history by his nickname "Swish", Cubs fans didn't call him that, Brooklyn Dodgers fans did. The big left-handed hitter had a routine when he came up to bat. He would swing his bat across the plate several times after stepping in to face an opposing pitcher. Obnoxious Dodger fans would yell, "Swish, swish, swish," in unison with each of his practice swings.
He may have struck out a lot, but he was truly a feared slugger. One time he was even intentionally walked with the bases loaded. Swish led the league in homers in '43 and '44.
Nicholson was also part of the '45 pennant team, but his power started to go that year. He wouldn't know it for a few more years, but he was losing his eyesight because he was diabetic. It's ironic that he starred during the war years, because his life long dream was to serve as a naval officer. Nicholson was crushed when he was rejected for service because he was color-blind.
He may have struck out a lot, but he was truly a feared slugger. One time he was even intentionally walked with the bases loaded. Swish led the league in homers in '43 and '44.
Nicholson was also part of the '45 pennant team, but his power started to go that year. He wouldn't know it for a few more years, but he was losing his eyesight because he was diabetic. It's ironic that he starred during the war years, because his life long dream was to serve as a naval officer. Nicholson was crushed when he was rejected for service because he was color-blind.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Your Language is Your Age
You can read it here.
Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"
The pre-orders are coming in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th, the official release date of the book.
If you're a music fan, you'll want to read "Down at the Golden Coin". You'll never listen to the following songs the same way again...
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McPherrin
"Who'll Stop The Rain" by CCR
"Get the Balance Right" by Depeche Mode
and
"What if God was one of us" by Joan Osborne
"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think...and sing. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of impeached president Andrew Johnson).
If you're a music fan, you'll want to read "Down at the Golden Coin". You'll never listen to the following songs the same way again...
"Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McPherrin
"Who'll Stop The Rain" by CCR
"Get the Balance Right" by Depeche Mode
and
"What if God was one of us" by Joan Osborne
"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think...and sing. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of impeached president Andrew Johnson).
Cubs 365, March 7
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1979, Cubs slugger Hack Wilson was selected to be in baseball's Hall of Fame by the Hall of Fame's veteran committee. He had already been dead for more than thirty years. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame that year; Willie Mays.
Though Hack's demise is well chronicled and quite sad, during his heyday with the Cubs he was simply the most feared slugger in the National League.
The following poem was featured in The Sporting News in 1930 (author unknown), and pretty much says it all...
“How do you pitch to Wilson?”
Asked the rookie up from the sticks,
“I’m up to learn the hitters,
And know their little tricks.”
“I’ll tell ya,” said the veteran,
who had pitched for many years,
“When ya dish up Hack yer fast one,
You’d better watch your ears.
“He’ll drive that agate at ya,
Like ya never seen before
He’ll learn ya in a jiffy,
Not to show him speed no more.
“N’then y’ll try to curve him,
N’he’ll crash one off yer shins:
If ya keep on throwin hookers,
He’ll tear off both yer pins.
“N’then ya’ use year change of pace,
He might strike out on that;
N’perhaps he’ll ride the ball so far,
You don’t know where it’s at.
“I’ll tell ya son,” the veteran said,
“When ya see that sawed-off squirt,
Just flip one towards the platter,
N’take care ya’ don’t get hurt.”
Though Hack's demise is well chronicled and quite sad, during his heyday with the Cubs he was simply the most feared slugger in the National League.
The following poem was featured in The Sporting News in 1930 (author unknown), and pretty much says it all...
“How do you pitch to Wilson?”
Asked the rookie up from the sticks,
“I’m up to learn the hitters,
And know their little tricks.”
“I’ll tell ya,” said the veteran,
who had pitched for many years,
“When ya dish up Hack yer fast one,
You’d better watch your ears.
“He’ll drive that agate at ya,
Like ya never seen before
He’ll learn ya in a jiffy,
Not to show him speed no more.
“N’then y’ll try to curve him,
N’he’ll crash one off yer shins:
If ya keep on throwin hookers,
He’ll tear off both yer pins.
“N’then ya’ use year change of pace,
He might strike out on that;
N’perhaps he’ll ride the ball so far,
You don’t know where it’s at.
“I’ll tell ya son,” the veteran said,
“When ya see that sawed-off squirt,
Just flip one towards the platter,
N’take care ya’ don’t get hurt.”
What would it look like if the Cubs won the World Series?
Sony thinks it would look like this. I would have to differ. Notice the lack of locusts falling from the sky...
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"
The pre-orders are starting to come in for "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.
Chicago writer and film critic Paige Wiser ("Windy City Live"/ABC-TV) said that the book features "the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel."
That spiritual guide is named Violet, and without giving too much away or telling you more about Violet than Paige has already told you, we can tell you positively that this Violet is far more interesting and compelling than the following Violets...
The flower
The town in Louisiana
And even the immortal (but let's face it, supplementary character) Violet Gray.
For a much more memorable Violet, you owe it to yourself to check out "Down at the Golden Coin". It's guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of Zachary Taylor, the president with the greatest presidential nickname of all-time: Old Rough and Ready)
Chicago writer and film critic Paige Wiser ("Windy City Live"/ABC-TV) said that the book features "the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel."
That spiritual guide is named Violet, and without giving too much away or telling you more about Violet than Paige has already told you, we can tell you positively that this Violet is far more interesting and compelling than the following Violets...
The flower
The town in Louisiana
And even the immortal (but let's face it, supplementary character) Violet Gray.
Cubs 365, March 6
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1987, one of the most entertaining soap operas in Cubs history was underway. Andre Dawson, one of the best players in baseball at the time, showed up unannounced and begged the Cubs to sign him to a free agent contract. How did the Cubs react? GM Dallas Green said that Andre could "take his dog and pony show somewhere else."
Andre and his agent Dick Moss might have suspected that the owners were colluding to break the union. (It later came out that they were right; the owners had made a secret agreement that no one was to sign a free agent.) They had a plan to get around this, and whether it was a dog and pony show or not, it worked.
Moss announced that Andre wanted to play for the Cubs so badly that he was submitting a blank contract, and trusting the Cubs to fill in a fair amount of their choosing. Dallas Green refused to meet with him, but Moss dropped off the contract with his assistant.
When the news of this offer made the Chicago newspapers, Cubs fans deluged Green with various different versions of "What are you stupid?" phone calls and letters. The press chimed in with their own assessment of this offer: one of the greatest players in baseball was actually begging to join the Cubs--something that never happened--and the dumbest franchise in history was about to blow it.
With pressure mounting, Green realized he had no choice. He filled in the contract, awarding Andre with the 15th highest salary on the Cubs roster that year ($500,000), and reluctantly signed the man who became one of the most beloved Cubs players of all-time. That year Andre Dawson won the MVP award playing for a last place team. He hit 49 home runs, knocked in 137 runs, and ran out to right field to salaams from an adoring public.
And he practically had to hold a gun to their head for the chance to do it.
Andre and his agent Dick Moss might have suspected that the owners were colluding to break the union. (It later came out that they were right; the owners had made a secret agreement that no one was to sign a free agent.) They had a plan to get around this, and whether it was a dog and pony show or not, it worked.
Moss announced that Andre wanted to play for the Cubs so badly that he was submitting a blank contract, and trusting the Cubs to fill in a fair amount of their choosing. Dallas Green refused to meet with him, but Moss dropped off the contract with his assistant.
When the news of this offer made the Chicago newspapers, Cubs fans deluged Green with various different versions of "What are you stupid?" phone calls and letters. The press chimed in with their own assessment of this offer: one of the greatest players in baseball was actually begging to join the Cubs--something that never happened--and the dumbest franchise in history was about to blow it.
With pressure mounting, Green realized he had no choice. He filled in the contract, awarding Andre with the 15th highest salary on the Cubs roster that year ($500,000), and reluctantly signed the man who became one of the most beloved Cubs players of all-time. That year Andre Dawson won the MVP award playing for a last place team. He hit 49 home runs, knocked in 137 runs, and ran out to right field to salaams from an adoring public.
And he practically had to hold a gun to their head for the chance to do it.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Countdown to "Down at the Golden Coin"
The pre-orders are starting to come in for the next Eckhartz Press book "Down at the Golden Coin" by Kim Strickland. We'll be shipping out those orders on March 20th.
A few select people have gotten their lucky paws on a galley of the book, and this is what they told us about "Down at the Golden Coin"...
“Down at the Golden Coin” couldn’t be more timely or original, with the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel. Prepare to set your brain to “spin cycle.”
-–Paige Wiser, Windy City Live ABC-7
Kim Strickland has done it again! Profound spiritual insight, intimate personal truths, humanity and divinity—woven together and delivered in a deceptively simple, engaging story—touching our hearts, opening our minds and moving our spirits! Absolutely Brilliant! A Golden Coin!
-–Linda Howe, author of "How to Read the Akashic Records" and "Healing Through the Akashic Records"
Strickland, in her second novel, effectively combines the earnestness of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life with the didactic voice of The Secret...A lesson in faith and the power of positive thinking, all nestled within a satisfying story.
--Kirkus Reviews
"Down at the Golden Coin" is guaranteed to make you think. Pre-order your copy today. The first one hundred orders will receive a thematically appropriate golden dollar coin (which may or may not feature the face of one-term President James K. Polk, a man immortalized in song by the band They Might Be Giants).
“Down at the Golden Coin” couldn’t be more timely or original, with the most eccentric spiritual guide since Clarence the Angel. Prepare to set your brain to “spin cycle.”
-–Paige Wiser, Windy City Live ABC-7
Kim Strickland has done it again! Profound spiritual insight, intimate personal truths, humanity and divinity—woven together and delivered in a deceptively simple, engaging story—touching our hearts, opening our minds and moving our spirits! Absolutely Brilliant! A Golden Coin!
-–Linda Howe, author of "How to Read the Akashic Records" and "Healing Through the Akashic Records"
Strickland, in her second novel, effectively combines the earnestness of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life with the didactic voice of The Secret...A lesson in faith and the power of positive thinking, all nestled within a satisfying story.
--Kirkus Reviews
Cubs 365, March 5
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1982, famous Cubs fan John Belushi died at the way too young age of 33. His career was peppered with references to his favorite baseball team. On Saturday Night Live, he flipped "Cheesborgers" in a place eerily similar to the place that allegedly brought us our World Series curse...the Billy Goat Tavern.
Even more famously, in the classic film "The Blues Brothers," Jake and Elwood say that their address is 1060 West Addison Street. When the band of moronic Nazis turn up at the brothers’ official address, they are none to pleased to discover what is really there...Wrigley Field.
Just a few months before John died in 1982, the Tribune bought the Cubs. John called them "the fascist paper from Chicago." A few months later, Harry Caray was named to replace the retiring Jack Brickhouse in the broadcast booth. Sporting News writer Bill Conlin wrote: "Harry Caray taking over for Brickhouse will have about the same shock value as John Belushi taking over the network news."
John Belushi never heard Harry broadcast a single Cubs game. When he died on March 5, 1982, spring training had just begun. In John Belushi's lifetime the Cubs never appeared in the playoffs a single time.
Even more famously, in the classic film "The Blues Brothers," Jake and Elwood say that their address is 1060 West Addison Street. When the band of moronic Nazis turn up at the brothers’ official address, they are none to pleased to discover what is really there...Wrigley Field.
Just a few months before John died in 1982, the Tribune bought the Cubs. John called them "the fascist paper from Chicago." A few months later, Harry Caray was named to replace the retiring Jack Brickhouse in the broadcast booth. Sporting News writer Bill Conlin wrote: "Harry Caray taking over for Brickhouse will have about the same shock value as John Belushi taking over the network news."
John Belushi never heard Harry broadcast a single Cubs game. When he died on March 5, 1982, spring training had just begun. In John Belushi's lifetime the Cubs never appeared in the playoffs a single time.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Father Knows Nothing
My latest Father Knows Nothing column has been posted at NWI Parent. This week I analyze the annual Mother & Father of the Year awards.
You can read it here.
Cubs 365, March 4
Every day in 2012, the Just One Bad Century blog will feature a story about this day in Cubs history. We're calling it Cubs 365.
On this day in 1955, the Cubs were conducting their spring training in Mesa Arizona. Young Ernie Banks was coming off a tremendous rookie season; one that saw him place second in the Rookie of the Year voting to St. Louis' Wally Moon. (Hank Aaron finished fourth). Ernie hit 19 homers and knocked in 79 runs for the Cubs; incredible numbers for a shortstop.
As the Cubs got ready for the 1955 season, Ernie was cornered by Cubs radio announcer Bert Wilson. You can hear how nervous the youngster is in the spotlight this early in his career.
Listen to the interview here.
As the Cubs got ready for the 1955 season, Ernie was cornered by Cubs radio announcer Bert Wilson. You can hear how nervous the youngster is in the spotlight this early in his career.
Listen to the interview here.
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