I guess I'm not hungry after all

Thanks to "KS" for this one...

Dirty Harry is Right!

Bill Simmons Goes to HBO

They announced the deal yesterday. Details are here at SI.

I guess I'm a little out of the mainstream on this guy. I think he's a good writer, but I have a very hard time watching or listening to him on television and podcasts. He comes off as insufferable, at least to me.

Bill Cosby Revealed (Further)

The Washington Post has another piece today about Bill Cosby, quoting extensively from his deposition, but I think pretty fairly painting both sides. Even while bending over backwards to be fair to Cosby, it's still an open and shut case. He may not ever be prosecuted, but he is without question, a sexual predator.

Trump's Latest Reality Show

The other day, after hearing that Sen. Lindsay Graham called him a "jackass", Trump did what any presidential candidate would do.

He gave out Graham's personal cell-phone number.

When I saw him do that, I finally figured this guy out. This whole campaign is a reality show. It's a good one, and will make for some incredible viewing when we go back and watch it after he finally actually steps over the line, but in the meantime that's how I'm viewing this. After each ridiculous comment, I'm picturing him going into the writer's room and brainstorming.

"So, guys, how'd I do?" Trump says

"I think the war hero ripping was better," Head writer responds, "But giving out a sitting Senator's private cell number will make for a good episode."

"I've got the Washington Post on the line here," another writer says. "Want to talk to them?"

"Are they asking me if I have spent a dime yet?" Trump retorts. "Because I haven't."

(Howls of laughter in the writer's room)

"No," the writer says. "They want to know--"

"--if I have any actual proposals for any actual issues?" Trump says.

(Howls of laughter again)

"No," the writer says after the laughter subsides. "It's about the cell-phone number."

"Tell him I got the number from Graham's gay lover," Trump says.

(There's an audible ooooooohhhh in the room)

"Over the top?" Trump asks.

"You know the rule," his head writer says. "If it oooooohes, we dooooooo it."

"What if that ends it before we're ready?"

"You called all Mexicans rapists and that didn't end it," Head writer points out. "You ripped war heros and that didn't end it. You react like a high school bully when someone calls you out, and that doesn't end it. Do you really think that mocking his sexuality will do it?"

"Good point," Trump replies.

"Pace yourself Donald. We're right on track. We just need to make it to that debate," head writer says. "That's where we'll have our grand finale. Better optics."

"Have we got anything for Carly Fiorina if she's there?"

"If she's there," one of the writers improvises, "I was thinking of you saying 'Honey, why don't you go to the kitchen and fix me a sandwich.'"

That gets the brainstormers going.

"And bring a French Maid's outfit and hold it up when you say it," another says.

"If she gets offended," another writer piles on. "Say this--I've got an apology in my pants, want to see if you can find it, sweet cheeks?"

"Those are all great, guys," the head writer says, "But I have a feeling offending all women won't make a dent in our support. We can't possibly have too many of them. We still need a finale that actually ends this thing."

The room goes silent.

"How about I tell them we're taking their guns away," Trump says confidently.

(There's an audible ooooooohhhh in the room)

"If it oooooohs, we dooooo it," the head writer says.

"But not until the debate."

Bernie Sanders Folk Album

Did you know that Senator Bernie Sanders recorded a folk album? It wasn't in the 60s, it was in 1987. He performed the song "We shall overcome", although his part (thankfully) is spoken word.

There's only a small sample out there. Listen to it here.

THE OBSESSIVELY DETAILED MAP OF AMERICAN LITERATURE'S MOST EPIC ROAD TRIPS

For literary buffs, this is fun.

Click here to see the map, which will take you on the road trips from the following books and more: The Cruise of the Rolling Junk by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934), A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins (1979), The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson (1989), On the Road by Jack Kerouac (1957), Roughing It by Mark Twain (1872), Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig (1974).

Have a Yabba Dabba Doo Time

This is very cool. Behind-the-scenes photos taken for Life Magazine during the making of "The Flintstones". If you're into that at all, you should check out the link.

This is just one example below. Mel Blanc (left) and Alan Reed (right) doing the voices of Barney and Fred. (Photo by Allen Grant)

This is what true equality looks like

Congrats to Alex Morgan. Sharing the cover with Messi on this game is a big deal.

Lunch with Stephen

You can now have lunch with Colbert every day...

"Go Set a Watchman" Sells A Million Copies

I'll admit that I'm not one of those million. I love Atticus Finch the way he was in To Kill a Mockingbird. He was one of my all-time favorite characters. Don't think I can handle him being a racist, which is what he supposedly is the new Harper Lee novel.

The Wall Street Journal has the story.

The 1938 World Series

An 88 year old Cub fan recalls the 1938 World Series.

At least he's seen one. (Presumably, he's seen two, since they were in it in 1945 too).

Granted he hasn't seen one in 70 years, but he had a pretty good run there in his childhood. I'm working on 50+ years of nothing here.

The New York Times Gets the Full Cosby Deposition

They described it in detail in yesterday's paper.

At the very least, his wife has to be contacting attorneys right now.

Obama to appear on Daily Show Tuesday

It will be President Obama's 7th appearance on the show with Jon Stewart.

Tonight begins the countdown...the final three weeks of Daily shows (12 in all). I know I'm going really miss it, no matter how good the new guy is.

Huffington Post To Cover Trump as "Entertainment"

That's the announcement they made late last week. You can read it here.

And this was BEFORE he criticized John McCain's war record (which he refuses to take back despite being roundly destroyed by his fellow Republicans for saying it)

You can probably guess where my loyalties lie, but I totally disagree with Huffington Post's approach. Yes, Trump is a clown who says terrible things, but he's also leading in the polls for the Republican nomination. Like it or not, that's a political story.

(Sigh)

40,000 demand slave memorial be taken down in South Carolina because it shames whites.

A story so ridiculous I believed it was an Onion story. It's not. It's real.

(Sigh)

Nick Digilio Returns

The late night talk show host has been gone from the airwaves of WGN for a month for an undisclosed illness. He returned last night and spilled the beans.

He had a stomach ailment caused by too much drinking.

Nick has been clean and sober for a month and vows to remain that way. Best of luck to him. I know that's not an easy one to overcome.

INFP

I haven't taken the personality test in a few years. Just took it again to see if I'm still an INFP. Yup.

A brief explanation...INFP personalities are true idealists, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people and events, searching for ways to make things better. While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of feeling misunderstood is unfortunately high for the INFP personality type – but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.

At their best, these qualities enable INFPs to communicate deeply with others, easily speaking in metaphors and parables, and understanding and creating symbols to share their ideas. The strength of this intuitive communication style lends itself well to creative works, and it comes as no surprise that many famous INFPs are poets, writers and actors. Understanding themselves and their place in the world is important to INFPs, and they explore these ideas by projecting themselves into their work.

Unlike their Extraverted cousins though, INFPs will focus their attention on just a few people, a single worthy cause – spread too thinly, they’ll run out of energy, and even become dejected and overwhelmed by all the bad in the world that they can’t fix. This is a sad sight for INFPs’ friends, who will come to depend on their rosy outlook.

If they are not careful, INFPs can lose themselves in their quest for good and neglect the day-to-day upkeep that life demands. INFPs often drift into deep thought, enjoying contemplating the hypothetical and the philosophical more than any other personality type. Left unchecked, INFPs may start to lose touch, withdrawing into "hermit mode", and it can take a great deal of energy from their friends or partner to bring them back to the real world.

Reporting this news to you from my basement. :)

A new use for Donald Trump

What is this Donald Trump device below? The Guardian has the story.

Guess who is 57?

Michael La Crosse

Congrats goes out to former WLS program director Michael La Crosse. He's working in LA now, and he and his wife just had their second baby. From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

Our most sincere best wishes out to KOST/Los Angeles PD Michael La Crosse and his lovely wife, Janis, on the recent arrival of their second son -- Harrison Stephen La Crosse made his earthly debut on Monday, July 13, weighing in at an impressive 10lbs 8oz. "His three-year-old big brother Lincoln (right) was 10lbs 2oz," La Crosse informs RAMP. "Apparently Janis and I just make big babies." Describing some details of the blessed event, La Crosse praised his wife, saying, "She did it all with no epidural. She's amazing. I don't know how she (or any woman) does it. I cry when I get paper cuts. A lot." Looking at his two boys with an eye toward a lucrative future, La Crosse said, "I look at their size in a positive way -- maybe 20 years from now they’ll be the top D pairing for my Chicago Blackhawks."

Favorite Swear Words By Region

Gawker has them mapped out.

Chicago ranks pretty highly with most of them, especially the A-word and the F-word, but we're much better at avoiding the C, D and MF words.

Who knew?

Shaggin' and a Drinkin'

Some great stuff with Rod Stewart. Love the Fleetwood Mac story...

Drums on a Fat Guy

Good to know that if I decide to really let myself go, I could still be useful to society...

Colin Cowherd Leaving ESPN

It was all about the money. ESPN is cutting wherever they can.

This news does not surprise or disappoint me in the slightest. I have a natural distaste for blowhards who rarely seem to know what they are talking about. But that's just me.

Radio Insight has the details.

The Sox & Bulls will be on WLS

Robert Feder broke this story. Details are here.

WLS-AM has become a player in the sports-radio world. They stole the White Sox from the Score, and now they've stolen the Bulls from ESPN Radio.

I suspect it won't be long before they hire a big name sportscaster to be the main studio host for both Bulls & Sox broadcasts.

Another PD Opening in Chicago

See below about WLS-FM. The same is true of WSHE-FM (100.3 FM) now too. Marty Bender resigned yesterday. From today's RAMP Newsletter...

Citing serious several family concerns, Marty Bender announced he is stepping down from his PD post at Hubbard Radio's WSHE/Chicago. He has agreed to remain in place until a replacement is found, and will then be retained in an advisory role. In an emotional staff memo, Bendermentioned the recent death of his brother and some pressing health concerns facing his parents. "A day does not go by when I don't wake up and wonder if I'm in the right place, for the right reasons," he wrote. "At this time, the right decision for me is to step aside from my day-to-day programming duties at SHE and attend to all of the above, along with the corresponding legal issues that seem to never let up." He added, "This is a very tough decision for me, because of my attachment and belief in SHE and all that this station is quickly becoming." In closing, Bender said, "This transition could have only happened with the blessing and corporate care that is the entire Hubbard family."

The Most Valuable Sports Franchises in the World

Forbes has the list.

The Bulls (#14) and Cubs (#17) are both in the top 20.

Oduya's a Goner Now Too

The Tribune has the official confirmation from Johnny Oduya's agent.

He's a good player and was a big part of the Cup championship, but he is also 33 years old. He follows Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Brad Richards, Antoine Vermette, and Kimmo Timonen out the door.

This won't be the same team next year. Let's hope they've retooled in a way that keeps them competitive. I'm not enough of a hockey expert to know whether or not that's true, but after three Stanley Cups, I'm willing to give Stan Bowman the benefit of the doubt.

LATE UPDATE: Oduya has officially signed with Dallas.

Jan Jeffries out at WLS-FM

Robert Feder has the scoop this morning. Jeffries is not being fired, he's being transferred to Washington DC.

I hope this frees the incredibly talented jocks on the air (Landecker, Murphy, Brown, Biondi, etc.) to actually talk on the radio. Every time I hear one of their 20 second bits, I clamor for more. But maybe that's just me.

Marconi Awards Finalists Announced

You can see the full list here. There are a few Chicago finalists this year...

WTMX (The Mix) for "Legendary Station"
Eric & Kathy (The Mix) for "Major Market Personality of the Year"
WJMK (K-hits 104.3) for "Classic Hits Station of the Year"
WDRV (The Drive) for "Rock Station of the Year"

Congrats to all of the finalists. The Marconi is a very prestigious award. Just being nominated is a big deal.

Look who is back!

I saw this comic strip yesterday on Facebook (where he posted it), but this morning I was excited to see that he was actually bringing it back for real, although not on a daily basis. Basically whenever and wherever he feels like it.

Good enough for me.

Iranian Deal

I watched and listened to both sides praising and ripping the Iran nuclear deal, but what I really wanted was something we used to have in this country--objective journalists saying which side is right (or partially right) and which side is wrong (or partially wrong). I eliminated all choices that called the president names (Appeaser, Neville Chamberlain, America-hater, etc), and all the choices from the liberal publications that reflexively praise him.

This is the best I found. It's the fairly non-partisan (or even right-leaning) Economist trying to unravel the pros and cons.

Their assessment: Mostly good

David Ignatius is an expert on the subject and is a sober realist. He's also not a partisan. His opinion is that is a "a well crafted deal" but it also poses a good question "Will Iran behave?" You can read his assessment here. To me, his conclusion sums up the situation pretty well...

In the wake of the agreement, Netanyahu called Tuesday “one of the darkest days in world history.” Republican politicians made similar strident attacks, but the critics appeared to be outliers. The pact has the support of most major nations. Even Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates offered measured comments. Obama seems to have won this round. Netanyahu and his GOP allies are indignant about the deal, but they are taking on the world.

Pluto!

First color pictures of Pluto (and it's moon Charon) were released yesterday by NASA. This is incredible...

25 Different Covers

Sports Illustrated has released 25 different covers featuring the Women's National Team, one for each member of the team and the coach, and one team photo. Details are here. Carli Lloyd's cover is below.

CBS Bloodbath

CBS Radio, my old employer, fired 200 employees yesterday nationwide. I've been trying to find a list of the people fired, but all I can find is that they were mostly off-air people. Larz at Chicagoland Radio & Media got a few of the names from Chicago, including the production director and morning producer at US-99, but there are reportedly ten more.

The moves were ordered by a bean counter in New York.

As a listener, you won't feel these moves immediately. But just know this, the quality of radio, which you have noticed has been going steadily downhill for years, will go down even more. The shareholders will be happy for a day or two, and the bean counter in New York will be patted on the back by his corporate bosses, but 200 people are out of work now and looking for a job in a medium that doesn't value behind-the-scenes contributions at all anymore.

What does a production director do? He or she records the radio commercials. Pencil in twelve minutes of painful listening every hour now. What does a radio producer do? I think there was a whole book written on the subject. I hope the handful of people still doing the job in this country appreciate it. Many of the others who were fired came from promotions and sales. What does a promotion department do? They reach out to the listeners...the people that used to matter most to radio bosses. What does sales do? Brings in the money that keeps the stations afloat. I'm clearly not a financial genius, but that would seem to be an important part of the business.

What is one thing that wasn't cut? The bean counter's salary in New York.

I just did a television interview the other day and they asked me if I missed radio. I don't remember exactly how I answered it, but the gist of my answer was that I didn't miss it at all. On days like today, nobody has to wonder why.

Now That's What I'm Talking About

The most overused line in the movies...

My Kind of Town

Chicago Timelapse Project, Windy City Nights II from Max Wilson on Vimeo.

Women's World Cup Also A Financial Winner

We know it was a winner on the field (at least for the US) and in the ratings (in the US), but today Adweek reports it was also a HUGE winner for the network that broadcast the games.

Ad revenues were up 400% over the previous Women's World Cup.

ESPN's Tightens Its Belt

From Tom Taylor's column this morning...

“Tough negotiations” ahead for Colin Cowherd and other ESPN talent. And remember the recent reversal of the decision to relocate ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike morning show from Bristol, Connecticut to Manhattan, located just above the set of ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America?” Saving money was “a major factor” in that decision, says the Wall Street Journal. While the Journal doesn’t mention her, the planned addition of Molly Qerim to “Mike & Mike” is also on ice. Whatever belt-cinching happened around Disney-controlled ESPN, it happened fast. ESPN contributes about 25% of Disney’s operating profit, says Nomura Securities. But it’s now paying triple the amount it used to for NBA rights, going from $485 million a year to $1.47 billion – and that’s just one of the cost-side pressures. While Nielsen says ESPN has lost 3.2 million subscribers since early 2014, due to cheaper choices made by cable customers or outright cord-cutting. ESPN wrings $6.61 per subscriber every month out of cable companies, the most expensive thing on the viewing grid. That just can’t keep going up forever. ESPN superstar Bill Simmons left in May and Keith Olbermann’s departure was announced last week. The Journal says “other ESPN talent likely facing tough negotiations down the road include Monday Night Football anchor Mike Tirico…and radio host Colin Cowherd.”

Cousins

We had a fun weekend at my house. My brother and cousin were in town and their boys played alongside my son in a 3 v 3 soccer tournament. All four cousins played for the same team their dads played for when we were kids. The boys won their bracket and made it to the semi-finals.

Trump One on One

The Washington Post got a one-on-one with Trump while flying in his private jet after a speech.

You have to read this. You'd swear it was an article in the Onion. The way he watches the coverage of himself on Fox while he conducts the interview is like something out of a Saturday Night Live sketch.

I almost spit out my coffee when he talked about how big his heart is. As with everything else in his life, it's "too big". He's got the "biggest" crowds, the "longest" standing ovations, the "greatest" message.

Ever get the feeling with this guy that at least one thing of his is extremely small? I mean really really tiny? (And I'm not talking about his mind)

UPDATE: Here's another piece from the Post. It features quotes from his speech--the 23 different people or institutions he ripped.

It's Keef's World

This one cracked me up for obvious reasons...

Joke for a Friday Morning

Courtesy of "PC"...

A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart. The husband picks up a ...case of Miller Lite and puts it in their cart.

'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife. 'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans', he replies. 'Put them back, it's a waste of money', demands the wife, and so he does and they carry on shopping.

A few aisles further on along, the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.

What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband... "It's my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.

Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Miller Lite and it's half the price....'

HUSBAND DOWN, AISLE 7 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RIP Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif has passed away. He was 83 years old. Met him back in my radio days. Nice man. Just saw his phone number in my old radio phone book the other day. Sad how many of those old stars have passed away since I left the business ten years ago.

His two most famous films were "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago". My mom always considered this one of the best movies ever made...

Marv Nyren Returns to Chicago

Marv was the GM who fired the show I was consulting (Spike, Dobie & Max) back in 2005. From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

Marv Nyren has left his position as Market President of iHeartMedia Jacksonville and has returned to Chicago, hired by Tribune Broadcasting as Director of Group Sales and Marketing. It's a career homecoming for Nyren, who is probably best known for his seven-year run with Emmis Chicago as GM of WLUP (97.9 The Loop) and WKQX (Q101) until 2011. In February of 2012 Nyren crossed the street to become VP of Affiliate Development/Midwest for Total Traffic Network. He had been in his Jacksonville post since April of 2013. No replacement has been named in Jacksonville.

Misremembering History

MLB imagines what would have happened if Bartman was a hero instead of a goat...

ESPN and Olbermann "Part Ways"

Keith Olbermann's latest stint at ESPN is officially over. This time it doesn't sound like he was let go because of a personality dispute or a behind-the-scenes confrontation of some kind (although it has been reported that the network didn't like the way he criticized the NFL). It sounds like when it was all said and done, it was good old fashioned ratings that did him in. From Variety...

ESPN executives were pleased with the quality of Olbermann’s program, according to a person familiar with the situation, but felt the show was not attracting a level of viewership required to keep it on the air.

Home Run Derby

Both of these guys will be appearing in the Home Run Derby in Cincinnati. I may actually watch it this year.

Bill Cosby

It's one thing when you lose all your commercial endorsements (the Jello people have to be scrubbing YouTube these days), or your comedy gigs dry up despite the fact you're one of the best comedians of all time, but you really know you've hit career rock-bottom when your agent dumps you.

Bill Cosby may never be prosecuted for what he did, but his career is officially over.

This Can't Be Good

The CNN.com headline reads: Athletes Allege Abuse and Racism at University of Illinois.

It's in the women's basketball program, and the men's football program, and it sounds very bad.

That's my Alma Mater. Making me so proud once again.

Tony Bruno

For a little while Tony Bruno was the morning sports-talk host in Chicago, hosting a show for Sporting News Radio. He has gone on to achieve success in Philadelphia, but that ended abruptly yesterday. This is kind of a shocking development, so I thought I'd share the details with you. From Tom Taylor's NOW column...

He’s been absent from his PM drive co-hosting slot with Josh Innes on CBS Radio’s all-sports WIP Philadelphia (94.1) – and for about a half-hour yesterday, Innes was also AWOL. Now it all comes out in a melodrama that probably made some PPM meters glow white-hot. Josh, who’d been brought up to Philly from Houston first to do nights and then afternoons, was paired with the more experienced Bruno. Now Tony, a syndicated host on several sports networks who had recently circled back to WIP, says he’s leaving AM/FM radio, period. Tony posts on his website that “after 45 years of pursuing my dreams and goal of radio, and climbing the sports radio stairs to the highest rungs, the format and industry in general no longer provide me joy and satisfaction, even after reaching #1 in PM drive in record time [with 25-54 men] in my hometown.” So, he “decided to resign from WIP and from regular long-form terrestrial radio as a result, and will pursue my podcasts and other things that keep my occupied and happy.”

Chicago Radio Ratings

The June ratings came out for Chicago radio and there are several interesting things of note there. One is that WGN had a resurgence (probably sparked by the Blackhawks), and Me-TV FM has really made a splash.

Of course I wrote about them in my Illinois Entertainer column last month.

More analysis of the ratings are here.

Media Mogul Retreat

It's that time of year again. Every year all the media moguls gather in Sun Valley Idaho for a closed-to-the-public off-the-record retreat; something that I lampooned in my novel "$everance". How this off-the-record retreat of the people who control the vast majority of the information we receive as a country hasn't sparked conspiracy theories is beyond my comprehension.

Tom Taylor speculates about this year's confab in his column today: "Who’s flying their private jets to Sun Valley this week? The two top execs at CBS, Les Moonves and Joe Ianiello. Things might get awkward if they bump into Philippe Dauman of Viacom, who will sit on the board of the Redstone family trust that oversees both companies after Sumner’s passing. Current Disney chief Bob Iger will be there with COO Tom Staggs. So will the Murdochs, and Apple CEO Tim Cook."

I find this whole thing incredibly fascinating. These guys are all billionaires, and they all hate each other, yet they never miss a chance to attend. What on earth goes on at these meetings?

Sarah Palin's Subscription Service is Ended

She was offering yearly subscriptions to her online channel for only $99. The Hollywood Reporter says that she has decided to pull the plug on that.

No word as to the reasoning. My favorite line from the article is this: "It's unclear how many subscribers had signed up for the service."

Is the clock beginning to run out on her 15 minutes? You Betcha.

It was a good run, Sarah. Good luck on that book you're writing "of short meditations applying biblical principles to such contemporary issues as economics and human trafficking." I'm sure that will be a masterpiece.

Jared's Very Bad Day

Subway has already removed all references to Jared on all their websites and social media outlets, while saying they are "very concerned" about the raid.

They should be.

CBS News reported that Jared is a suspect.

Harry Shearer is Back After All

I was just talking to a big Simpsons fan a few weeks ago who was distraught about Harry Shearer leaving the show. I laughed and said--"Don't worry, he'll be back. It's called negotiations."

He's back.

I honestly wasn't worried.

Now *That's* a Cover

Courtesy of the Lawrence Welk show...

Lester's First Hit

It took him ten years in the big leagues to do it, but Cubs pitcher Jon Lester finally got his first big league hit last night.

Sadly, it was in a losing cause, but that wasn't his fault.

My sister Cindy and son Sean are using my tickets to see the early game today.

Oscar Peterson

Incredible video from 1979. The great Oscar Peterson explains piano styles to Dick Cavett. Amazing...

Say it ain't so, Jared

The feds have raided the home of Subway spokesperson Jared Fogel.

They are looking for child porn.

Wish I was kidding about that. Remember, he hasn't been charged with anything yet, but this can't be a good development.

No Prison Time for Rupert's Features Editor

The final sentence of the phone hacking trial in England was handed down yesterday, and 49 year old features editor Jules Stenson received a four month suspended sentence, which means he's not going to jail. The judge had some compassion for him. From the AP...

The judge said Stenson "was put in a position of competing with people working on the news desk who he knew were phone hacking, and his editor condoned the practice."

And so it ends. Nine of Rupert's employees were convicted in the case--including a few of Rupert's hand-picked editors like Andy Coulson, who later served as the Prime Minister's spokesperson. Next time you hear one of Rupert's other media outlets criticizing the mainstream media, keep in mind that this is the same organization that has been convicted of criminal activity. Nine times.

World Cup Final Viewer Totals

Yesterday I noted that it was the most watched women's soccer game in American history. I need to revise that slightly. It's even more than that. It's the most watched SOCCER game in American history--men or women.

That's absolutely incredible.

Adweek has the details.

Cosby Admits It

Portions of the 2005 case against Cosby have been unsealed, and the big bombshell revelation is that he essentially admits to using drugs in exactly the way women have described.

More details are here, including an analysis of what this means.

Tim Huston

News about a former Chicago radio vet, courtesy of the RAMP Newsletter...

Beasley Media Group has appointed Tim Huston as General Sales Manager for the Company's six-station cluster in Greenville-New Bern-Jacksonville, NC. Huston started his radio career in Chicago, working in the programming department at WLUP (97.9 The Loop) and WMVP-AM under Evergreen Media. He later crossed over to the sales side at ABC Radio's WXCD/Chicago. From there, Huston served as a Market Manager for Cumulus Media in Michigan and as a Sales Manager in several Citadel markets. He later returned to Chicago as the Local Sales Manager with Merlin Media.

No Game Today

This is an interesting esoteric look at Comiskey Park, back in the 60s...

Historic Date

From today's The Olde Disc Jockey's Almanac...

July 6, 1957…John Lennon and Paul McCartney were introduced to each other at a church social where Lennon's band, the Quarrymen, was playing. In the church basement between sets, 15-year-old McCartney taught 16-year-old Lennon to play and sing Eddie Cochran's, "Twenty Flight Rock" and Gene Vincent's "Be-Bop-A-Lula." Lennon was also impressed when McCartney showed him and the group's Eric Griffiths how to tune their guitars, something they had been paying someone else to do for them.

Found this video of a live performance of "Be Bop A Lula"

$190

Not proud of it. Just being honest.