Here's his facebook post about his work of art: I did buy weareallshitholers.com. Not sure what the hell I'm going to do with it, 'tho. I'll probably do what I always do and get real excited for a couple of hours, have lunch and forget about it.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Unite!
My Eckhartz Press partner David Stern spent his morning working on this...
Here's his facebook post about his work of art: I did buy weareallshitholers.com. Not sure what the hell I'm going to do with it, 'tho. I'll probably do what I always do and get real excited for a couple of hours, have lunch and forget about it.
Here's his facebook post about his work of art: I did buy weareallshitholers.com. Not sure what the hell I'm going to do with it, 'tho. I'll probably do what I always do and get real excited for a couple of hours, have lunch and forget about it.
Batman Anniversary
I loved, loved, loved Batman as a kid. I loved the colors, the evil villains, the batmobile, and the Boom-Pow-Oof fight scenes. Even as a very young boy I got the deadpan jokes and the ridiculousness. I literally saw every single episode.
I was just discussing this the other night with my boys who were wondering why I wasn't into superhero movies. I used to be. I think the turning point for me was when they lost that twinkle in the eye. When the Dark Knight actually got dark. I know it was more in line with the comic books, but I was never a comic book guy. I was a comedy guy...even as a very young boy.
Anyway, happy anniversary to the original Batman television show, which debuted on this day in 1966.
I was just discussing this the other night with my boys who were wondering why I wasn't into superhero movies. I used to be. I think the turning point for me was when they lost that twinkle in the eye. When the Dark Knight actually got dark. I know it was more in line with the comic books, but I was never a comic book guy. I was a comedy guy...even as a very young boy.
Anyway, happy anniversary to the original Batman television show, which debuted on this day in 1966.
Rick as a Family Guy character
Thanks to "KC" for sending me this. This is her version of me as a Family Guy character. You can make one yourself at this website: http://FamilyGuyYourself.com
Shithole Reaction
No need to go over the president's racist comments yesterday again. You know what he said. Here's a sampling of the reaction to those comments...
“The president was either misinformed or miseducated about Haiti and its people.”
Haiti’s ambassador to the United States, Paul G. Altidor
"They say ignorance is bliss. Trump must be very happy."
--Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist, Washington Post
"The fight for America’s future has begun, and the time for rationalizing Trump’s aberrant behavior is long past."
--Joe Scarborough, former Republican Congressman, MSNBC morning co-host
"These comments are further proof that his Make America Great Again Agenda is really a Make America White Again agenda.”
--Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus
"The president's comments were unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values. This behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our nation.”
--Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah)
“Oh, my God. Oh, my God Jesus. I don’t know how much worse it can get.”
--Alix Desulme, a city council member in North Miami, home to thousands of Haitian Americans
“This is like throwing gasoline to the fire. It’s not consistent with what the behavior of a president should be.”
--Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
"We’ve been cautious — with reason — when it comes to accusations of racism and white nationalism. But can we now finally admit that our president is a white supremacist and move on? We’ve wallowed in this excrement long enough."
--Christine Emba, opinion columnist and editor, Washington Post
"This is straight up racist"
--Daily Beast editor in chief Jon Avlon.
"If you laughed, or if you smiled, or if you nodded your head in agreement, you will be remembered just as Trump will: as a racist, a fool and an absolute embarrassment."
--Rex Hupke, Chicago Tribune columnist
"Lady Liberty, our founding fathers, and generations of right-thinking Americans are all weeping tonight over the atrocious comments attributed to Donald Trump, who continues to demonstrate daily that he is a deeply flawed person."
--Former CIA Director John Brennan
"The definition of a racist — the textbook definition, as Paul Ryan might say — is someone who treats some people better than others because of their race. Trump fits that definition many times over:"
--David Leonhardt, columnist New York Times
“I’ve known him for 30 years. I know him well and like him and admire him, but this is a new low. The language, the racial implications are reprehensible and he deserves the criticism he’s going to get.”
--Fox News commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano
“He’s trying to win me back.”
--Conservative author Ann Coulter
"El Salvador is, in fact, a 'shithole.'"
--Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson
"This is how the forgotten men and women in America talk at the bar. This is how Trump relates to people.”
--Fox News commentator Jesse Waters
Seriously, those last three are real. Flat out defending racism.
The last word goes to the Pope...
“The president was either misinformed or miseducated about Haiti and its people.”
Haiti’s ambassador to the United States, Paul G. Altidor
"They say ignorance is bliss. Trump must be very happy."
--Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist, Washington Post
"The fight for America’s future has begun, and the time for rationalizing Trump’s aberrant behavior is long past."
--Joe Scarborough, former Republican Congressman, MSNBC morning co-host
"These comments are further proof that his Make America Great Again Agenda is really a Make America White Again agenda.”
--Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus
"The president's comments were unkind, divisive, elitist, and fly in the face of our nation’s values. This behavior is unacceptable from the leader of our nation.”
--Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah)
“Oh, my God. Oh, my God Jesus. I don’t know how much worse it can get.”
--Alix Desulme, a city council member in North Miami, home to thousands of Haitian Americans
“This is like throwing gasoline to the fire. It’s not consistent with what the behavior of a president should be.”
--Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
"We’ve been cautious — with reason — when it comes to accusations of racism and white nationalism. But can we now finally admit that our president is a white supremacist and move on? We’ve wallowed in this excrement long enough."
--Christine Emba, opinion columnist and editor, Washington Post
"This is straight up racist"
--Daily Beast editor in chief Jon Avlon.
"If you laughed, or if you smiled, or if you nodded your head in agreement, you will be remembered just as Trump will: as a racist, a fool and an absolute embarrassment."
--Rex Hupke, Chicago Tribune columnist
"Lady Liberty, our founding fathers, and generations of right-thinking Americans are all weeping tonight over the atrocious comments attributed to Donald Trump, who continues to demonstrate daily that he is a deeply flawed person."
--Former CIA Director John Brennan
"The definition of a racist — the textbook definition, as Paul Ryan might say — is someone who treats some people better than others because of their race. Trump fits that definition many times over:"
--David Leonhardt, columnist New York Times
“I’ve known him for 30 years. I know him well and like him and admire him, but this is a new low. The language, the racial implications are reprehensible and he deserves the criticism he’s going to get.”
--Fox News commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano
“He’s trying to win me back.”
--Conservative author Ann Coulter
"El Salvador is, in fact, a 'shithole.'"
--Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson
"This is how the forgotten men and women in America talk at the bar. This is how Trump relates to people.”
--Fox News commentator Jesse Waters
Seriously, those last three are real. Flat out defending racism.
The last word goes to the Pope...
If we fail to suffer with those who suffer, even those of different religions, languages or cultures, we need to question our own humanity.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) January 11, 2018
Trib/Sinclair Merger Paused Again
From this morning's Tom Taylor NOW column...
Tribune’s planned sale to Sinclair is paused – again – at the FCC. First there was a 15-day pause in the 180-day “shot-clock” review period at the agency. The latest pause is reported by Bloomberg, which says the delay allows “time for the companies to arrange for the sale of some TV stations, to bring the $3.9 billion deal in line with broadcast ownership limits.” Sinclair’s trying to make its best case to the Commission, and if it needs to divest some stations, it will do that. One reported suitor? Rupert Murdoch of 21st Century Fox. Tribune owns 42 TV stations – plus the Chicago talk radio station WGN/720.
They can keep on pausing forever as far as Chicago viewers are concerned.
Tribune’s planned sale to Sinclair is paused – again – at the FCC. First there was a 15-day pause in the 180-day “shot-clock” review period at the agency. The latest pause is reported by Bloomberg, which says the delay allows “time for the companies to arrange for the sale of some TV stations, to bring the $3.9 billion deal in line with broadcast ownership limits.” Sinclair’s trying to make its best case to the Commission, and if it needs to divest some stations, it will do that. One reported suitor? Rupert Murdoch of 21st Century Fox. Tribune owns 42 TV stations – plus the Chicago talk radio station WGN/720.
They can keep on pausing forever as far as Chicago viewers are concerned.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Minutia Men, Episode 79
EP79 – Rick and Dave discuss chipped nipples, Trump’s combover, Snoop Dog: Marketing genius, Just One Bad Century roulette, and Rick’s brush with John Wayne Bobbitt.
Listen to it here.
Annotated Obit
This is an example of how they would read.
A Political Sex Scandal
More Creeps Revealed
Washington Post journalist Joel Achenbach
Fox News reporter James Rosen
World Cup Show
Details are here.
Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Talk about a star studded affair! The RAMP Newsletter has the details...
Imagine Dragons, Juanes, Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus and Portugal. The Man will join the performance lineup at the 2018 MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Fleetwood Mac on Jan. 26 in New York.
They join previously announced performers HAIM, Lorde, OneRepublic, Harry Styles and Keith Urban. Grammy winners Fleetwood Mac will close out the evening's performances and former President Bill Clinton will present the band with their prestigious award. Three-time Grammy-winning producer Don Was will be the evening's musical director and more performers will be announced soon.
Fleetwood Mac becomes the first band to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year and will be celebrated for their extraordinary creative accomplishments and significant charitable work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute -- now in its 28th year -- provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.
The 2018 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute will feature a star-studded concert, award presentation, and live auction, followed by the official Person of the Year after-party celebration, and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Grammy Week culminates with the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® at New York's Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Jan. 28.
Reality TV Show Costs Him Two Jobs
It wasn't until a CNBC show came to profile his day job, and broadcast some of Ray's views nationwide that his station got rid of him. It also cost him his day job.
You can read the story here, and see the promo of the show "The Profit".
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Change in the Cubs Radio Booth
This is a surprise. Mark Grote (Cubs) and Zach Zaidman (Bears) are switching jobs this upcoming season. Grote will cover the Bears, and Zaidman will now do pre and post game for the Cubs.
Grote announced the news today via Twitter...
Grote announced the news today via Twitter...
After three unbelievable years working in the Cubs radio booth, I am excited to confirm that I will be covering the Chicago Bears on @670TheScore and from the sidelines on @WBBMNewsradio.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) January 10, 2018
RIP Milt Rosenberg
I met Milt about a half dozen times over the years and found him to be a gentleman. He had been a student of John Landecker's father Werner (a sociologist at University of Michigan) and we talked about that. I also tried to talk Milt into doing an interview with me about his career, and he finally agreed after repeated badgering. On the eve of the interview he called me up and said: "I can't do it. It just wouldn't be right. It's not about me, it's about the work."
When I asked him if we could do an interview about the work, he laughed and said, "Hopefully it speaks for itself."
You know what? It did.
RIP Milt.
CWA Book Awards
For the second year in a row I'll be cheering on an Eckhartz Press winner of the CWA Book of the Year award. Congrats to M.L. Collins for "Out the Door". The awards will be presented at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., at 7:00 pm on Saturday night.
Come on out if you're in the area. We will be celebrating.
Swimming with Sharks
Anthony Rizzo doesn't believe he's going to need a bigger boat. Just sayin, Chief Brody.*
*Reference to 1975 film "Jaws". Gotta explain my old man references these days.
The shark whisperers pic.twitter.com/OXfcQok9U5
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) January 10, 2018
*Reference to 1975 film "Jaws". Gotta explain my old man references these days.
Bannon out at Breitbart
I'm worried he's going to let himself go.
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Alabama Wins Again
I have no idea why, but I found myself rooting for Alabama last night. This Georgia fan did not...
I Can't Stop Watching This Georgia Fan Beat The Absolute Shit Out Of His Apartment Door https://t.co/aW2oGDLrp6 pic.twitter.com/qWxPyXXwqr
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 9, 2018
Home Run Derby Anniversary
On this day in 1960, the television show "Home Run Derby" debuted. In the first episode it was Mickey Mantle versus Willie Mays.
I was a little too young for this show (born in 1963), but I watched the reruns on the Armed Forces Network when I lived in Germany. (They showed nothing but old shows). I thought it was the coolest show ever when I was in my pre-teens.
I was a little too young for this show (born in 1963), but I watched the reruns on the Armed Forces Network when I lived in Germany. (They showed nothing but old shows). I thought it was the coolest show ever when I was in my pre-teens.
A Fun New Years Resolution
But a dad in Kansas City came up with a cool one.
He vows to play catch every single day in 2018. Read his story here.
Greta Leaves Fox News
Politico has the details about why Greta Van Sustern abrubtly signed off Fox News at the end of last week...
"On Thursday night, I made my decision and informed Fox News of my decision that I was leaving Fox News Channel per my contract," Van Susteren wrote on her Facebook page Tuesday. "Fox has not felt like home to me for a few years and I took advantage of the clause in my contract which allows me to leave now. The clause had a time limitation, meaning I could not wait."
Brit Hume will take over her 6pm timeslot.
Brit Hume will take over her 6pm timeslot.
Pink & JT
The National Anthem singer for the Super Bowl and the halftime entertainment have both been announced. Via the RAMP Newsletter...
The NFL and NBC announced that RCA superstar P!nk will perform the National Anthem as part of the Super Bowl LII pregame festivities on Sunday, February 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The performance will be televised live on NBC prior to kickoff. Oh, and make sure you don't wander too far away at halftime, as P!nk's labelmate Justin Timberlake will headline the Pepsi halftime show.
Pink joins an elite group of artists who have performed the Anthem on the massive worldwide platform of the Super Bowl stage, including Luke Bryan, Lady Gaga, Idina Menzel, Renée Fleming, Alicia Keys, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Neil Diamond, Harry Connick, Jr., Garth Brooks, Natalie Cole, Vanessa Williams, Luther Vandross, Cher, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Dixie Chicks, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera... and who could forget Whitney Houston's timeless 1991 rendition,
Chicago Radio Synergy
Chicago radio is leading the way again with another 40-station radio advertising gambit. From Tom Taylor's NOW column...
Today at 4:29 Chicago time, another market-wide roadblock by the Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland. This time it’s a one-minute interview with a very happy radio user of more than 30 years. Roy Spencer’s the owner of Perma-Seal Basement Systems (think severe Chicago Winters and then the Spring thaw). He’ll be heard across more than 40 Chicago-area stations in a coordinated pro-radio campaign. Matt Scarano chairs the RBC Committee of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, and he says “Perma-Seal is a terrific partner of the Chicago radio industry.” Last year the Chicagoland group did something similar with leaders of local auto dealer groups and also the CEO of Wintrust Financial. RBC also did roadblock fundraisers for the American Red Cross – and a 30-minute live “Radio Town Hall” with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. For those in other markets – these events cost very little money to produce and always seem to generate attention. Dennis Lyle is president/CEO of the IBA.
Monday, January 08, 2018
Doin' The Cruise
Thanks so much to Ann Knudsen of West Suburban Living for this review of the Eckhartz Press book written by Mitch Michaels...
DOIN' THE CRUISE
The times and tunes of a longtime Chicago rock jock
Rockin’ and rollin’ and “doin’ the cruise” is how on-air radio personality Mitch Michaels describes his life-long love affair with rock radio. This music-driven, often irreverent and unflinchingly honest biography, co-written with journalist Ken Churilla, captures the events and sounds of Chicago at a time when rock ruled the air waves and Michaels spun the tunes.
The legendary rock jock worked on virtually every station in the city during the radio heydays of the 1970s and 80s, including WXRT and WLUP. He has tales to tell of a backseat limo ride with Rod Stewart, a ground-breaking live broadcast with The Who, and on-and-off the air friendships with Mick Jones of Foreigner, Jim Peterik of Survivor, and members of the band REO Speedwagon. Michaels also gives life to events that shaped the music-scape of the city, from behind the scenes at its largest outdoor venue, ChicagoFest, to being asked by White Sox management to request over the PA system that all fans return to their seats at the infamous on-field riot on Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park.
More than a cruise through encounters with the stars — Sting, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr among them — this biography is a candid and at times painful personal memoir. Mitchell reflects on the helter-skelter of a career in rock radio, its impact on his marriages and relationships and even the heartbreaking loss of his son, Spencer, to whom the book is dedicated.
Hinsdale resident Mitch Michaels was at ground zero during the explosion of rock radio in the 1970s. Currently, he is an on-air personality at FM 95.9 The River, out of Aurora. Ken Churilla is a Chicago-area writer, journalist and magazine editor.
The times and tunes of a longtime Chicago rock jock
Rockin’ and rollin’ and “doin’ the cruise” is how on-air radio personality Mitch Michaels describes his life-long love affair with rock radio. This music-driven, often irreverent and unflinchingly honest biography, co-written with journalist Ken Churilla, captures the events and sounds of Chicago at a time when rock ruled the air waves and Michaels spun the tunes.
The legendary rock jock worked on virtually every station in the city during the radio heydays of the 1970s and 80s, including WXRT and WLUP. He has tales to tell of a backseat limo ride with Rod Stewart, a ground-breaking live broadcast with The Who, and on-and-off the air friendships with Mick Jones of Foreigner, Jim Peterik of Survivor, and members of the band REO Speedwagon. Michaels also gives life to events that shaped the music-scape of the city, from behind the scenes at its largest outdoor venue, ChicagoFest, to being asked by White Sox management to request over the PA system that all fans return to their seats at the infamous on-field riot on Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park.
More than a cruise through encounters with the stars — Sting, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr among them — this biography is a candid and at times painful personal memoir. Mitchell reflects on the helter-skelter of a career in rock radio, its impact on his marriages and relationships and even the heartbreaking loss of his son, Spencer, to whom the book is dedicated.
Hinsdale resident Mitch Michaels was at ground zero during the explosion of rock radio in the 1970s. Currently, he is an on-air personality at FM 95.9 The River, out of Aurora. Ken Churilla is a Chicago-area writer, journalist and magazine editor.
Matt Nagy
The sound you hear is the cash register at Halas Hall trying to keep up with the increased ticket sales this news has brought. My fellow Bear fans are blowing their air horns and vuvezelas. Right?
I know Nagy is a huge name in football and we are STARVING for a great coach with a proven track record, but what's that? He's never been a head coach before? He was an offensive co-ordinator but didn't even call plays until late THIS season? He was an Arena league quarterback?
Whoo boy.
Elvis & Bowie
I always thought it was cool that Elvis Presley and David Bowie shared a birthday (January 8th). If he were still alive, Elvis would be 83 years old today. Bowie would be 71.
On a cold gray Chicago morn...
And the children that they spit on...
On a cold gray Chicago morn...
And the children that they spit on...
Mueller's Trump Interview
You may have seen or heard the president very angrily and cockily saying he would happily submit to any questions because he is innocent of all wrongdoing. In one of his mini-press conferences (he doesn't do actual press conferences), he said "100%" he would be glad to answer any questions from Mueller.
Turns out, reality is a little different. That was BEFORE guilty verdicts and indictments starting happening. NBC has this report today...
It's not like he's never been questioned or deposed before. Remember, he's been sued more than 3000 times.
Turns out, reality is a little different. That was BEFORE guilty verdicts and indictments starting happening. NBC has this report today...
With the possibility now looming that the president himself could be subject to an interview by the FBI or Mueller’s investigators, Trump’s legal team has been debating whether it would be possible to simply avoid it. One individual familiar with the strategy said those internal discussions within Trump’s legal team began shortly after the president’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, was indicted in late October for money laundering in connection with his business dealings with Ukraine.
In addition to the possibility of suggesting the president submit written responses in place of an interview, a second person familiar with the president’s legal strategy said another possibility being contemplated was an affidavit signed by the president affirming he was innocent of any wrongdoing and denying any collusion. It was not clear what such an affidavit might state regarding the president’s firing of former FBI Director James Comey in May 2017 at a time when Comey was leading the Russia probe.
It's not like he's never been questioned or deposed before. Remember, he's been sued more than 3000 times.
Stephen Miller Escorted out By Security
What you may not realize is that after the interview was over, and Goebbels, er I mean Miller's mic was cut off, he refused to leave the set and had to be escorted out by security.
Isn't it comforting to know that we pay his salary?
More Creeps Revealed
Two more sexual harassers have been revealed (and fired). This time by ESPN. Former players Donovan McNabb and Eric Davis.
Also, another film director, Paul Haggis, has been accused of assault and rape. He's an Oscar winner.
Letterman is coming back
Details are here.
First show is this Friday, January 12th.
Dan McNeil
From this morning's Robert Feder column...
Yes, that was Dan McNeil on WSCR AM 670 Sunday morning, co-hosting with Danny Parkins. It marked a return to the Entercom sports/talk station where Danny Mac once drew high ratings as Monday-through-Friday midday personality. He’ll be back next Sunday (with Tim Doyle) and continue at least through Super Bowl weekend. McNeil last worked for The Score in 2014 when he chose not to renew his contract. After a brief run as morning co-host on Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV FM 97.1, he most recently has been hosting a sports podcast and voicing commercials for a Ford dealership in Highland, Indiana, where he also works as a salesman.
Dan's podcast is on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network, also the home of Minutia Men.
Dan's podcast is on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network, also the home of Minutia Men.
Very Stable Genius
Yup, that's what he called himself.
Love this New Yorker piece about him too. Incredibly well written. I think this one sentence describes him more perfectly than any other: "No bile goes unexpectorated."
....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018
....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018
I'm just going to let this video speak for itself.
— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) January 6, 2018
Justin Trudeau compared to Donald Trump.#stablegenius pic.twitter.com/7CMZ9PQIeF
Love this New Yorker piece about him too. Incredibly well written. I think this one sentence describes him more perfectly than any other: "No bile goes unexpectorated."
Seth Meyers Golden Golden Globes
The show itself was a little preachy (like most award shows), but Seth Meyers didn't hold back at all...
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