Friday, March 13, 2015
Even in Spanish You Can't Say That
I'll grant you that there is a one in a million chance he didn't understand it was offensive (for cultural reasons), but let's be honest here. He must have known. I've been on the air many times and said some things that were borderline, but even I know better than to step over the ape line.
That's a duh. Even in Spanish.
Full story is here.
Every Cub Ever (Q)
What will you find there? Two classic baseball cards, a manager, a broadcaster, a 1969 Cub, two players who were old enough to remember the Civil War, two classic audio clips, a player who broke up a Tom Seaver no-hitter in the 9th inning, a great mustache, and of course, Wimpy.
Check it out here.
The 47 Senators
But I'm commenting today, because I want to share this op-ed in the Washington Post. It's written by former George W. Bush speechwriter Michael Gershon. He presents the conservative case for being upset about the letter. It's thoughtful, well-reasoned, and not pro-Obama at all.
It's not a partisan response to be disturbed by 47 senators sending a letter like this.
It's just common sense.
Will Ferrell on the Cubs
I was following along with the Will Ferrell saga yesterday on Twitter. It looked pretty funny. Will played for ten different teams as part of an HBO special, including the Cubs (who acquired him for a couple of burritos from the Angels during their game). He played first base very briefly and also coached third base. Here are some of the tweets I saw...
It sounds like his third base coach stint was pretty funny. He had a "home run" sign that he flashed (and Jorge Soler hit one), but he also flashed actual signs. This is my favorite part, from the Sun Times article about the spectacle...
Has there been a bigger downgrade in the history of baseball than Will Ferrell subbing for Mike Trout?
— John Arguello (@CubsDen) March 12, 2015Will Ferrell, taking his job seriously as the @Cubs' third-base coach. #FerrellTakesTheField pic.twitter.com/Da5OlKzMg1
— MLB (@MLB) March 12, 2015The Cubs bench Will Ferrell at 1B. He's no Anthony Rizzo. #WillFerrellTakesTheField pic.twitter.com/I7jKkplH0L
— Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) March 12, 2015Will Ferrell gives Joe Maddon a hug as he exits the field. #FerrellTakesTheField pic.twitter.com/BffahqnqdS
— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) March 12, 2015It sounds like his third base coach stint was pretty funny. He had a "home run" sign that he flashed (and Jorge Soler hit one), but he also flashed actual signs. This is my favorite part, from the Sun Times article about the spectacle...
The best exchange between third-base coach Ferrell and a hitter might have been when he held up a card to Welington Castillo that said, “You are sooooo handsome.”
Castillo gave him a thumbs up, and Ferrell switched to another sign: “I’m not just saying it.”
“He’s nuts,” said Kris Bryant, who hit one of his two home runs over Ferrell’s head in center (while he was with the Angels). “It’s kind of cool, though. … It’s never going to happen again. We had fun.”
RIP Jimmy Greenspoon
He wasn't one of three most famous members of Three Dog Night (those were Chuck Negron, Danny Hutton, and Cory Wells), but he was in the band from the outset. Jimmy Greenspoon was their keyboardist. From this morning's RAMP newsletter...
Greenspoon's keyboard work with Three Dog Night can be heard on their many hits, including "One," "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)," "Eli's Coming," "Joy to the World," "Black and White" and "Shambala," among many others that propelled Three Dog Night to the top of the charts in the late '60s and early '70s when they sold more records and concert tickets than any other band in America. Greenspoon is survived by his wife, Susie, daughter Heather Miller and two granddaughters. Services are pending.
If you didn't live through the late 60s/early 70s you probably don't appreciate the impact of Three Dog Night. They were superstars at the time as they churned out hit after hit. (And yet, they aren't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for some reason). I chose the song below because of the keyboard opening by Greenspoon...
Greenspoon's keyboard work with Three Dog Night can be heard on their many hits, including "One," "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)," "Eli's Coming," "Joy to the World," "Black and White" and "Shambala," among many others that propelled Three Dog Night to the top of the charts in the late '60s and early '70s when they sold more records and concert tickets than any other band in America. Greenspoon is survived by his wife, Susie, daughter Heather Miller and two granddaughters. Services are pending.
If you didn't live through the late 60s/early 70s you probably don't appreciate the impact of Three Dog Night. They were superstars at the time as they churned out hit after hit. (And yet, they aren't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for some reason). I chose the song below because of the keyboard opening by Greenspoon...
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Johnny Kaempfer
Happy birthday Johnny! Hope you have a great day.
Every Cub Ever (P)
What will you find there? 16 classic baseball cards, 11 videos, two celebrity fans, a manager and a coach, two classic audio clips, the most famous P.A. man in Chicago history, two sets of brothers, 5 Cubs named Patterson, a 1908 Cub and two 1945 Cubs, a classic no-hitter, a tongue twister, the catcher on the hottest day in Chicago history, plus Tot, Dode, Pinky and the Panamanian Flash.
Check it out here.
Justin Kaufmann
*When I say "just a producer" remember that's coming from someone who also used to be thought of the same way. I mean no offense to other producers at all. I'm the guy who wrote The Radio Producer's Handbook, remember? Head producer cheerleader, here. There's a whole chapter about people like Justin who have used the position as a springboard for bigger and better things.
Truffle Hunt is on GoodReads
By the way, Truffle Hunt was named one of the best foodie novels of all-time by The Gourmet Today. I wasn't kidding when I said it makes your mouth water while you're reading it.
You can order it here at Eckhartz Press.
The PR machine begins today. It's everywhere. Congrats to author Brent Petersen. Enjoy the ride, buddy!
Mitch Michaels
When I saw this note on his facebook page yesterday, I knew something was terribly wrong: ".....I have lost part of my heart and part of my soul.....and I know I will never be the same again....."
I kept checking back all day to find out what happened, and it was even worse than I feared. His son Spencer, only 21 years old, passed away suddenly yesterday. That's about as gut-wrenching as it gets.
The family has set up a GoFundme page to help offset the funeral costs.
I contributed to it yesterday evening. If you can find it in your hearts to contribute as well, it might help a little bit.
This is one of those staggering things that is so unspeakably sad, it's hard to wrap your head around it. I just hope that Mitch and his family can find some peace and comfort.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews talks to Time Magazine about it.
For a little insight into my own Sound Of Music story, click here (Julie Andrews), and here (Charmian Carr).
There's also a story in Father Knows Nothing that directly explains my connection to the movie.
The photo associated with that story (of my sister and I) is below...
Truffle Hunt now available as an e-book
The latest Eckhartz press novel, Truffle Hunt, is now available as an e-book on amazon.
Buy it here.
Or, if you prefer the trade paperback, that's available right here at Eckhartz Press.
What is Truffle Hunt? According to Vesna Plakanis, Owner, A Walk in the Woods, Nature Guide Service: "Truffle Hunt serves up a five-star gourmet feast of murder, hidden historical gems, deep family pride, a dash of humor and romance, topped with delicate slices of heavenly, golden truffles and a glass of nectar from the deepest Eastern European wine cellars."
It's a novel that will make you hungry.
Back to Back to Back Jacks
The Cubs may still be winless (cut it out, boys), but there was this yesterday during a spring training game against Cleveland. Back-to-Back-to-Back-Jacks. Soler, Baez and Bryant.
All three videos can be seen here. None of them were cheapies.
Every Cub Ever (O)
What will you find there? A Hall of Famer, three classic baseball cards, a classic audio clip, a broadcaster, a manager, a song, Michael Jordan’s baseball teacher, plus a 1908 Cub, a 1945 Cub, and a 1969 Cub.
Check it out here.
The My Sweet Lord of this generation
I really didn't think they were going to lose this case, but they did. From this morning's RAMP Newsletter...
It's a verdict that could have long-reaching ramifications for future recording artists -- after digesting a week of testimony, a Los Angeles jury yesterday awarded the children of the late Marvin Gaye $7.3 million after determining Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied their father's music to create "Blurred Lines," the biggest song of 2013. As Variety reports, Gaye’s family had alleged that "Blurred Lines” copied their father’s 1977 song, "Got to Give Up," and sued Thicke, Williams and rapper T.I., all three of whom have repeatedly denied stealing Gaye's music. Gaye's children -- Nona, Frankie and Marvin Gaye III -- were present in the courtroom when the verdict was read. Since it was released in 2013, "Blurred Lines" has made nearly $16.5 million; the Gaye family had been seeking more than $25 million. Both Thicke and Williams appeared in court to defend their case, with much of the trial featuring comparisons to both songs. Listening to the juxtaposed bass lines of the two songs in question, Williams even admitted the similarities, saying, "It sounds like you're playing the same thing." Still, while testifying last week, Williams said the two songs share "feel -- not infringement." According to The Associated Press, an attorney for Thicke and Williams said a decision in favor of Gaye's heirs could have a chilling effect on musicians who try to emulate an era or another artist's sound.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Breaking in a new mitt
This dad suggests putting it in the dishwasher.
Does that really work? I've never heard that before. It seems counter-intuitive because leaving it out in the rain can ruin a mitt. (It happened to one of Sean's a few years ago.)
Every Cub Ever (N)
What will you find there? 7 classic baseball cards, six videos, a celebrity fan, a song, the Mad Russian, a batter who switched sides of the plate rather than switch helmets, a veterinarian, plus Bobo & Swish.
Check it out here.
What were musicians paid for Woodstock?
At the time, Joan Baez was paid almost twice as much as The Who. Blood, Sweat & Tears was the second highest paid act there. Jimi Hendrix was #1.
Danny Mac and Pete
I've been listening to Dan & Pete this morning on the Drive. Their producer Scott Miller posted this video of their first break ever on the Drive...
He's Baaaaack
The Loop has hired Mancow as their new morning man.
I hear he'll be working in the studio right next to Brandmeier (also with Cumulus--on WLS). Those two have a long seated dislike of each other, brought on by Mancow's constant ripping of Johnny when he arrived in town. What could go wrong?
Monday, March 09, 2015
A 5-Star Review for "Father Knows Nothing"
Father Knows Nothing, proves beyond a doubt, that Father really does “know best.” In spite of being a writer myself, I have a confession to make – I don’t even read my own articles, blogs, scripts or books, in one sitting, from beginning to end, or cover to cover – but the moment I opened up Father Knows Nothing, by Rick Kaempfer (Eckhartz Press, 2014) and started to scan the uproariously funny, yet heartfelt radio transcripts, contained within the introduction, I knew instantly that I was not going to be able to put this book down! Never in my life has any book moved me to roll on the floor with uproarious laugher, while simultaneously tugging at the heart in profound, meaningful ways that required an entire box of Kleenex. This book is a sparkling diamond, whether or not you have children of your own, this literary gem is a must-read book. In his own inimitable style, the author spins a captivating, humorous, yet sensitively insightful web of hysterically funny, yet poignant anecdotes, capturing readers and holding them spellbound. From cover to cover, this book is jam packed with 250 unforgettable pages of real-life, sometimes wacky, other times tear-jerking situations that actually took place in the author’s suburban Chicago home, when he switched roles with his lovely and patient wife Bridget, and became a stay-at-home dad. Frankly, I would love to see this book brought to life on stage by Second City as a series of vignettes. Better yet, it would make a rock solid TV sit-com. The Brady Bunch and Father Knows Best can’t even come close to the humor, realism, and sensitivity presented in Father Knows Nothing. Get yourself a copy today, and get an extra copy for your Dad for Father’s Day, and while you are at it, buy a third copy for your Mom for Mother’s Day. It is really THAT good! All can relate to this realistic, yet hilariously entertaining, portrayal of family life in suburban America! The title might be Father Knows Nothing, but by the time you read the final sentences, you will realize that “Father Knows Something” after all.
- K.P. Lynne
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
My son Johnny is turning 17 years old this week and I asked him what he wanted for his birthday. He said: "Tickets to the Queen tribute show at the Rosemont Theater". He loves Queen--it's his favorite band.
On this day in 1980, 35 years ago, they had the #1 hit in the country...
On this day in 1980, 35 years ago, they had the #1 hit in the country...
Bill Cosby
Because of the statutes of limitations it's very likely Cosby will never be prosecuted, but his status as a role model is certainly gone forever.
Every Cub Ever (M)
What will you find there? Three Hall of Famers, 36 classic baseball cards, 23 videos, eight celebrity fans, five executives, five managers, two broadcasters, two scribes, a song, a father/son team, three Cubs named Marshall, four named Martinez, five named Moore, five named Murray, seven named Martin, 8 named Miller, 40 that start with Mc, a Cub born in Germany, the last living 1945 Cub, Marilyn Monroe’s son, a genuine war hero, plus Polly, Bub, Boner, Citation, Moose, Hack, and Ox.
Check it out here.
SNL Skewers Hillary
As someone who was a comedy writer during the Clinton years, let me just remind America that those were the golden days of political comedy. SNL re-enters Clinton-land with the greatest of ease...
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