LATE UPDATE: The newest twist and turn involves the attorney for the alleged victim reporting that the rape kit was left at her mother's front door last night. What in the world?
Monday, September 21, 2015
The Latest on Patrick Kane Case
LATE UPDATE: The newest twist and turn involves the attorney for the alleged victim reporting that the rape kit was left at her mother's front door last night. What in the world?
Landeckers at the Emmy's
Look who was at the Emmy's last night... John Landecker and his daugher Amy.
Amy's show "Transparent" won a few...
America's Team
Don't look now, but guess which team is leading the league in road attendance?
It's a certain blue and red team that rhymes with Clubs.
The story is here.
Cumulus is in Trouble
Cumulus is the second biggest radio company in the country, and they have had a very bad run on Wall Street recently. On Friday they may have reached new lows. From Tom Taylor's NOW column...
Cumulus stock falls below the $1 mark. We’ve been chronicling the successive new six-year lows, but Friday crossed an important line – the $1-per-share mark. The 14-cent one-day loss drops “CMLS” to a close of 96 cents a share. Last week’s downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service may have been one precipitating factor, and a Wall Street observer tells NOW that “Moody’s doesn’t usually just whack you with a big downgrade. Once Moody’s gives you one of those, more may be coming.” For now, Moody’s calls Cumulus “stable,” after the downgrade in its “corporate family rating” from B2 to B3, and the secured credit facilities being nicked from B1 to B2. There’s also the spreading story about non-executive Chairman Jeff Marcus making station visits (almost unprecedented for somebody in that position) and newly-named board member Mary Berner having sit-down meetings with internal executives. That kind of contact by a board member with senior executives below the level of CEO/President Lew Dickey and EVP John Dickey is highly unusual. Friday’s strong negative trading in “CMLS” came on more than triple the usual volume – and is almost as bad a day as July 1, 2009 was, during the Great Recession. That day, Cumulus was in free fall, opening at 90 cents, sinking to 45 cents and closing at 63 cents. What will today bring for Cumulus, now at 96 cents? At that level, its market cap is only about 225 million. Just seven months ago, “CMLS” was trading at $4.51 a share.
What does this mean for employees of Cumulus stations? If history is a guide, look for more cuts. It may seem like that's not even possible anymore at this point, but don't underestimate the desperation of a debt-laden company with a low performing stock.
Cumulus stock falls below the $1 mark. We’ve been chronicling the successive new six-year lows, but Friday crossed an important line – the $1-per-share mark. The 14-cent one-day loss drops “CMLS” to a close of 96 cents a share. Last week’s downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service may have been one precipitating factor, and a Wall Street observer tells NOW that “Moody’s doesn’t usually just whack you with a big downgrade. Once Moody’s gives you one of those, more may be coming.” For now, Moody’s calls Cumulus “stable,” after the downgrade in its “corporate family rating” from B2 to B3, and the secured credit facilities being nicked from B1 to B2. There’s also the spreading story about non-executive Chairman Jeff Marcus making station visits (almost unprecedented for somebody in that position) and newly-named board member Mary Berner having sit-down meetings with internal executives. That kind of contact by a board member with senior executives below the level of CEO/President Lew Dickey and EVP John Dickey is highly unusual. Friday’s strong negative trading in “CMLS” came on more than triple the usual volume – and is almost as bad a day as July 1, 2009 was, during the Great Recession. That day, Cumulus was in free fall, opening at 90 cents, sinking to 45 cents and closing at 63 cents. What will today bring for Cumulus, now at 96 cents? At that level, its market cap is only about 225 million. Just seven months ago, “CMLS” was trading at $4.51 a share.
What does this mean for employees of Cumulus stations? If history is a guide, look for more cuts. It may seem like that's not even possible anymore at this point, but don't underestimate the desperation of a debt-laden company with a low performing stock.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Bill Cosby
Jimmy Carter
When I grow up, I want to be just like Jimmy Carter. Riddled with inoperable cancer at 90, he still goes to the baseball game with his best girl, and when the kiss cam finds him--he smooches the woman he's loved for 70 years.
He may or may not have been a great president, but he has certainly proven in his post-presidency that he is a good man.
He may or may not have been a great president, but he has certainly proven in his post-presidency that he is a good man.
Former President Jimmy Carter caught on Kiss Cam at @Braves game: http://t.co/jAWC9LH3Db (photo from Braves) pic.twitter.com/VutpHTrDw6
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) September 18, 2015FCC Changes Contest Rules
You know this annoying 30 second disclaimers that explain radio contest rules in excruciating detail? Good news. The FCC is now (finally) going to allow those rules to be put on-line. From today's RAMP newsletter...
Those forward-thinking folks at the FCC have taken those old fashioned sepia-tone radio contest rules and colorized them for the digital age, a move that now allows broadcasters to post contest rules online as a terrific alternative to the way it's been done for nearly 40 years -- boring people to death by broadcasting them over the air. In making the big announcement, someone at the FCC said, "Adopted in 1976, the Contest Rule requires broadcasters to disclose important contest information fully and accurately, and to conduct contests substantially as announced. Today's rule change preserves these requirements, but modernizes how broadcast stations can meet their disclosure obligation by announcing their contest terms over the air or by posting that information on an Internet website. The Order also adopts related implementing rules, including the requirement that broadcasters periodically announce over the air the website address where their contest rules can be found."
Hang on... there's more -- the statement goes on to explain, "The FCC began this rulemaking in response to the dramatic changes that have occurred in the way Americans obtain information since the Contest Rule was adopted almost four decades ago. The rule changes give broadcast stations more flexibility in the way they comply with the Contest Rule, and give consumers a more convenient way to obtain contest information normally aired through television and radio advertisements."
RIP Milo Hamilton
He passed away yesterday at the age of 88. Here's his write up in Every Cub Ever at Just One Bad Century...
~Milo Hamilton 1927 (Cubs announcer 1955-1957, 1980-1982)
Milo is a Hall of Fame baseball announcer. As a young broadcaster he worked for the Cubs alongside Vince Lloyd, but was moved out of the booth when Lou Boudreau became available. He went on to broadcast for many other teams including the White Sox, Braves and Pirates. (Milo, of course, is most famous for his call of Hank Aaron's 715th home run) He came back to the Cubs in 1980, and at first enjoyed it. He was promised Brickhouse's job when Jack retired, but when that time actually came, Harry Caray was brought in instead. Milo couldn't stand Harry Caray. In his autobiography, he explained why...
~Milo Hamilton 1927 (Cubs announcer 1955-1957, 1980-1982)
Milo is a Hall of Fame baseball announcer. As a young broadcaster he worked for the Cubs alongside Vince Lloyd, but was moved out of the booth when Lou Boudreau became available. He went on to broadcast for many other teams including the White Sox, Braves and Pirates. (Milo, of course, is most famous for his call of Hank Aaron's 715th home run) He came back to the Cubs in 1980, and at first enjoyed it. He was promised Brickhouse's job when Jack retired, but when that time actually came, Harry Caray was brought in instead. Milo couldn't stand Harry Caray. In his autobiography, he explained why...
*After Harry left the White Sox to take over the Cubs job, he talked to Milo. Harry told him "Well, kid, if I were you, I'd leave town."Milo took Harry's advice and left town. He landed in Houston and broadcast games there until his retirement in 2012. Milo passed away on September 17, 2015 at the age of 88.
*Milo didn't like the way he broadcasted. "He rode the managers, he rode the players, it didn't matter. He treated everyone the same way. In short, he was a miserable human being."
*When Milo was hospitalized for leukemia in 1982, Harry responded on the air that he "Couldn't understand how a guy can take time off during the season. Unlike some other broadcasters I know, I've never missed a game
Thursday, September 17, 2015
The Boys Are So Proud of Dad
Last night was back to school night at the high school. My son gave me his schedule scribbled on a post-it note and I went to all of his classrooms. The last class was labeled "Lit". I sat down expecting a discussion of literature, but found out it's actually a class about "media analysis".
"Why would I?"
"Do you have any idea what I've been writing about for the past 15 years?"
He shook his head and said "No, what?"
I really am just the guy who puts the food on the table every night. Wait until he finds out the teacher asked me to speak to the class. He's going to be horrified.
George Costanza's Favorite Writer Gets Pink Slip
Would you believe they fired Mike Lupica?
George Costanza has to be heartbroken. This is one of my all-time favorite Seinfeld scenes...
Mr. Lippman: Who do you read?
George: I like Mike Lupica.
Mr. Lippman: Mike Lupica?
George: He’s a sports writer for the Daily News. I find him very insightful…
Mr. Lippman: No, no, no. I mean authors.
George: Lot of good ones…lot of good ones. Uh, I-I don’t even want to mention anyone because I’m afraid I’m going to leave somebody out.
Mr. Lippman: Name a couple.
George: W-Who do I like? I like, uh…Art…Vandelay.
Mr. Lippman: Art Vandelay?
George: He’s an obscure writer. Beatnik, from the village.
Mr. Lippman: What’s he written?
George: …Venetian Blinds.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Radio With Pictures
I've been hearing Frank Settapani for years. Now I can see him too...
You can watch CBS Radio News on a smartphone, tablet or computer. You can even watch it on a TV through a media receiver such as a Roku or Apple TV device. Unlike NBC's CNBC and MSNBC properties, until now CBS never developed a full-time cable TV-like news channel. But CBSN puts the news division back in the game, delivering content to multiple platforms and to audiences who are mobile, sitting at desks or in front of TVs.
Paper Cuts
Matt Damon Backlash
The Washington Post has the whole story if you're interested.
AC/DC
Sean loved the AC/DC show. He was one of only a few kids in the place and kept getting high fives from the grown ups.
"Rock on little dude!"
At one point we were in line for refreshments and a new song started. He yanked me out of line with a frantic "Dad! It's Hells Bells!" The line cheered for him.
"Rock on little dude!"
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
What's Missing in This Picture?
We talked to all the titans of late-night television, and found out why it's better than ever http://t.co/pIG1c7wSs1 pic.twitter.com/p8EgyB5jva
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) September 14, 2015No women. Not one. Not good.
I know who this is
Cryptic story in today's Tom Taylor NOW column. I didn't submit it--I never heard this story about the receptionist--but I knew immediately who it was about...
A NOW reader says “Please don’t use either the market or my name, but Monday’s ‘You Can’t Make This Up’ story about the so-called ‘Combustible Boss’ reminds me of a now-dead major-market GM. He was known to be a real bad guy. No one really wanted to work for him, but it came with the job territory. He was so ill-tempered that when you walked in the hallway near his corner office, you lowered your tone of voice so he wouldn't know you were there. One day I was in with him for a review, and with his door open to where his receptionist sat, he referred to her as a – well, a really disrespectful four-letter word for a woman, preceded by a seven-letter gerund. (That’s a noun made out of a verb, by adding ‘ing’ to the end, if you don’t remember your English grammar.) This GM didn’t care if she heard him, and it was disgusting. Eventually, he retired and moved to Florida. As fate would have it, soon afterward he suffered a heart attack and died. A memorial service was held for him back in the market where we all worked for him, and I was surprised that as many as two dozen people showed up. The joke was, they just wanted to make sure the SOB was really dead.”
I have my own story about him. He took me out to lunch at a fancy restaurant once to thank me for all I'd done for him (I produced a show on his radio station). He was in the midst of telling me what a pussycat he really was--"don't believe the stories you've heard, I can be a very nice and charming man, my door is always open"--when the food arrived. He took one bite, slammed down the fork and screamed at the waiter at the top of his lungs. "You brought me cold food! Take it back!" I thought the timing of the outburst was so funny, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. He did not laugh with me. I used that real life scene in my novel $everance. Reality can be funnier than fiction. I used one more quote from him in the book too. He used to say "I'll never stab you in the back...Because I like to stab people in the front." I wrote a parody song for him at his farewell party and I used that line and he LOVED it.
Maybe it's just time smoothing over the rough edges (like the time he grabbed me by the shirt and dragged me out of the studio during the show), but I actually have some fond memories of the guy. I think he even liked me.
I have my own story about him. He took me out to lunch at a fancy restaurant once to thank me for all I'd done for him (I produced a show on his radio station). He was in the midst of telling me what a pussycat he really was--"don't believe the stories you've heard, I can be a very nice and charming man, my door is always open"--when the food arrived. He took one bite, slammed down the fork and screamed at the waiter at the top of his lungs. "You brought me cold food! Take it back!" I thought the timing of the outburst was so funny, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. He did not laugh with me. I used that real life scene in my novel $everance. Reality can be funnier than fiction. I used one more quote from him in the book too. He used to say "I'll never stab you in the back...Because I like to stab people in the front." I wrote a parody song for him at his farewell party and I used that line and he LOVED it.
Maybe it's just time smoothing over the rough edges (like the time he grabbed me by the shirt and dragged me out of the studio during the show), but I actually have some fond memories of the guy. I think he even liked me.
More on the Taylor Swift Lawsuit
Mueller appears to blame the entire incident on current KYGO program director Eddie Haskell. Mueller claims that Haskell told him, after getting his picture taken, that Taylor Swift gave him a big hug. "He described and demonstrated how he had put his arms around her, hands on bottom, and then explained that he and one of his friends in the industry think Ms. Swift must wear bicycle shorts under her outfits."
Monday, September 14, 2015
Eric & Kathy
As someone who was involved in several radio-thons and fundraisers, I can tell you that is an incredible achievement. Eric and Kathy have some pretty special listeners.
Lawsuit about Taylor Swift's bottom
I've been in situations like this many times, and I do find it hard to believe the guy really tried to grab her, but I guess that is now something for the courts to decide. From today's Radio Online...
Former KYGO-FM/Denver air talent David Mueller (aka Jackson) has filed suit in U.S. District Court against Taylor Swift seeking lost wages for getting him fired after Swift allegedly claimed that he lifted her skirt and grabbed her bottom during a VIP meet and greet before her concert in June, 2013. Shortly after the alleged incident, Mueller and co-worker Shannon Melcher were removed from the concert grounds. Then, the lawsuit said, Swift's management team contacted station management and had him fired.
"The contention that Mr. Mueller lifted up Ms. Swift's skirt and grabbed her bottom, while standing with his girlfriend, in front of Ms. Swift's photographer and Ms. Swift's highly trained security personnel, during a company sponsored, VIP, backstage meet-and-greet, is nonsense, particularly given that Ms. Swift's skirt is in place and is not being lifted by Mr. Mueller's hand in the photograph," the lawsuit said.
Mueller maintains he never inappropriately touched Swift and that the photo that was described as "damning" by Swift's managers, is anything but.
In "the photograph, Ms. Swift is smiling and hugging Ms. Melcher. Although Mr. Mueller's hand is behind Ms. Swift and therefore not visible, it is clear that her skirt is in place and is not being lifted by Mr. Mueller's hand," said the lawsuit. "Similarly, Ms. Swift's hand is behind Mr. Mueller and therefore not visible."
Oktoberfest ist Hier!
I pulled out the lederhosen on Saturday night for Oktoberfest in Lincoln Square. Here I am with my sister Cindy. It's a little blurry because I think the photographer was a little blurry at the time. :)
RIP Gary Richrath
The lead guitarist from REO Speedwagon Gary Richrath has passed away at the age of 65. He was kicked out of the band many years ago while he was struggling with alcoholism, but they did reunite for one night in 2013. (The video of that appearance is at the link...and it's really hard to watch. He looked terrible--although he could still play).
I prefer to remember him this way, jamming on my favorite REO song...
I prefer to remember him this way, jamming on my favorite REO song...
Car Guys
Last week I posted a link to a Washington Post article about the demise of the 'Car Culture'. (The original post is here). The gist of the piece is that it's an "old guy" thing now. Marc Vernon is a regular reader who disagrees, and he sent me this response to that piece...
My thoughts on the Car Culture article from the Washington Post (which the Tribune picked up last week as well).
Coming from the perspective of a true car guy, one that has six collector cars and being over 50 with grey hair and all, I'm not exactly one of the 'old farts' they talk about and that I do see at shows and cruise nights, but I'm far from expiring any time soon, either.
The article touched on a lot of stuff not exactly related to 'car culture'. To me, the culture part is the love of the auto in all its forms, from styling and performance to heritage and lifestyle.
The demographics I see at car shows still run the gamut, from teenagers to octogenarians. Yes, there is some 'aging out' that is occurring in this hobby, but there are still a raft of younger enthusiasts coming up in the ranks. Case in point, I went to SuperCar Saturday last week in Bolingbrook and the average age of the hundreds if not thousands of people there was about 30-35 years old, with groups of high-schoolers running around like paparazzi taking photos of cars (with real cameras!) as they entered the show.
The younger set these days are into contemporary muscle cars like Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes or exotics like Nissan GTRs, Lamborghinis and Porsches. Not exactly the chrome-laden, over-finned metal from the fifties, but the love of the automobile is still there. Afterall, all these cars still have four wheels, an engine, a steering wheel and seats.
Also, economically, it's not as easy to become a car guy at a young age, as the days of 'I bought my first hot rod for $50' are long gone but today's whippersnappers do what they can to enter the hobby as best they can.
So car culture is far from dead in the U.S.; it's just changing somewhat as everything does as time marches on and technology advances and tastes evolve. That's my one-minute take on the subject.
The Emmy's
You can see the whole list here. This portion of the program will air on FXX next weekend, if you're interested.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Colbert's One Day Perch at Top of Ratings Ends
On day two, Jimmy Fallon beat him.
Last night's Colbert show featured an excellent and emotional interview with VP Joe Biden, but I must admit it's been a little light on the comedy. Tonight he'll be crushed by Fallon who has Donald Trump on the show.
Wisconsin Jersey Sales
You'll never believe who has the top selling NFL jersey in Wisconsin. I love this, and will cherish this one last moment before Sunday's Bears-Packers game returns me to reality...
I met Matt Forte when I brought Joel Daly in to Windy City Live last year and snapped a photo. I was surprised by how small he looks in person. Although maybe it's because Joel is a big man too. If I had taken a picture with him it would have looked a little different.
At the end of last year, as expected, the #12 of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the top seller in not only Wisconsin, but Iowa as well. At the start of the 2015 NFL season, it's a bit quieter in Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood, as he lost his top jersey sales spot in both states.
Iowa now belongs to the #12 of Indianapolis Colts' QB Andrew Luck, but Wisconsin now belongs to the #22 of the Chicago Bears' Matt Forte.
That has to sting a little for Packer fans.
I met Matt Forte when I brought Joel Daly in to Windy City Live last year and snapped a photo. I was surprised by how small he looks in person. Although maybe it's because Joel is a big man too. If I had taken a picture with him it would have looked a little different.
My 9/11 Story
The most unique broadcast that I have ever been a part of, has nothing to do with planning, promotion, prizes, and listeners. It was the morning of September 11th, 2001.
I’m sure that every morning show in the country has their own story of what they did when the planes hit the twin towers in New York. This is mine.
We were doing our regular show. Our producer Rick was on the phone with Butch Patrick, who had played Eddie Munster on The Munsters. He was going to be a mystery guest — listeners were to call in and try to figure out who he was. When Rick got in touch with Butch, the news had just broken that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.
“Are you watching this?” Butch asked Rick.
“Yeah,” Rick replied. “I don’t think we’re going to do this mystery guest bit.”
“No, you better not,” Butch replied.
Brant Miller was our weatherman and had a broadcast line hookup to his home. He was also the meteorologist for NBC-Channel 5 in Chicago, and had access to all of the NBC News information. Richard Cantu was our news man, and he’s a real journalist, and was connected to the CBS Radio network.
Needless to say, after the news had come across that the first plane had hit, we turned on the television in the studio, and we were all watching it, and the microphones were open, when the second plane hit the tower.
I’ll never forget what Brant Miller said: “We’re under attack.”
Well what do you do in a situation like that? Our decision was to go all news right on the spot. There weren’t many details early on, so there was a lot of repetition, as to the content, but we didn’t play any music. I thought it would really be ridiculous to play “Hang on Sloopy” and then do more content about being under attack.
We did play commercials, but not because the clients had paid for them to air — because we needed that time to regroup and find out as much information as we could so we could better inform our audience what was going on. News stations didn’t play commercials, but they were set up to handle this much better than we were. They had a full staff on hand. We just had the four or five of us in the studio.
But I’m really proud of what we were able to deliver. Brant was able to tap into what NBC was getting. Richard was able to tap into what CBS was getting. And I sort of quarterbacked and anchored the whole thing; repeating the facts as we knew them, and encouraging people not to jump to conclusions about who did this, because we didn’t know anything for sure.
I found out later that listeners stuck with us during that morning show, and didn’t tune into the news station, and that the radio station itself toyed with the idea of keeping us on the air until noon. The adrenaline, the being in the moment, and the feeling you have in that situation takes on a whole different sensation — one that I hope I never have again frankly.
It was certainly one of the most memorable mornings I’ve ever spent on the air.
LESLIE KEILING remembers
Leslie Keiling was one of the co-hosts of the show during the WJMK run, including the day of 9/11. This is how she recalled that time… “I wouldn’t trade the time we spent together on the morning show at WJMK for anything in the world. Being with everyone on that show on the morning of 9/11/2001 is etched in my head and heart. I now have a glimmer of understanding about sharing a foxhole.”
Sherman Kaplan Retires
Sherman's a great guy. I interviewed him a few years ago for Chicago Radio Spotlight, and he had some really great stories to share, including his story about 9/11--appropriate for today. You can read that interview here.
As the Sumner Turns
Viacom and CBS Chairman Sumner Redstone's life is like a soap opera, and not in a good way. He may be a billionaire, but let's just say that he has never exactly attained happiness. Read his autobiography sometime. You will hate him when you finish reading it. (It's not always a good thing to own your own publishing company--in his case Simon & Schuster--and have all your employees hate you. A good editor would have saved him from publicly saying some of the horrible things he said.)
Here's the latest twist and turn, courtesy of the New York Post...
The media mogul’s split last week from longtime girlfriend Sydney Holland is being met with a sigh of relief by a host of advisers to the ailing executive, who have long complained about feeling she kept them away from Redstone and left in the dark about his state of health, sources told The Post on Wednesday.
Redstone threw Holland out of his gated Beverly Hills mansion after accusing her of cheating on him, according to the Hollywood Reporter, which broke news of the split. Holland’s exit may not be the end of the drama surrounding Redstone, however. Manuela Herzer, Redstone’s former girlfriend who still lives in the mansion, may be the next to go, sources said. Herzer and Holland, once close, have had a falling out too, sources said. Herzer couldn’t be reached for comment.
The nonagenarian’s messy personal life has been a concern for investors who question whether he is still fit to hold the title of executive chairman of CBS and Viacom.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
David Gregory Dishes
I really enjoyed reading it. It sounds like he's had a necessary moment of introspection.
Colbert's Ratings
Well, at least for one night, at the very least America was curious. Colbert killed it on his first night.
We'll have to see if he can keep it up. I watched night #2 yesterday, and it's obvious they're still working the bugs out a little bit. I'm rooting for him.
His ratings were more than double Jimmy Fallon's 2.92 million viewers for Tuesday's Tonight Show—and triple Jimmy Kimmel's 1.75 million. In the key demographic of adults 18-49, Colbert's 1.4 was also a victor compared to Fallon's 0.9 adults and Kimmel's 0.4 adults
We'll have to see if he can keep it up. I watched night #2 yesterday, and it's obvious they're still working the bugs out a little bit. I'm rooting for him.
It's A Great Business
I know quite a few radio guys who found out they lost their jobs by reading it in the newspaper. This newspaper guy heard about losing his job by hearing on the radio. From Radio Ink...
Politico reports that L.A. Times Publisher Austin Beutner found out he lost his job while listening to Frank Mottek’s Money Report on KNX in Los Angeles Tuesday morning. Beutner, who for 13 months had been making a daily commute to downtown Los Angeles from his home in Pacific Palisades, was listening to CBS's KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO during the commute.
Politico reports that L.A. Times Publisher Austin Beutner found out he lost his job while listening to Frank Mottek’s Money Report on KNX in Los Angeles Tuesday morning. Beutner, who for 13 months had been making a daily commute to downtown Los Angeles from his home in Pacific Palisades, was listening to CBS's KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO during the commute.
Around the Publishing World (September 10)
We stay on top of happenings/trends in the publishing world to help out busy writers who are spending their time doing what they should be doing: writing.
1. Barnes & Noble is in trouble
We hate to say it, but it's really beginning to look like the country's biggest book seller isn't going to make it. The Wall Street Journal has the ugly details.
2. How to write a short story with deep structure (and a win a prize for it)
Dr John Yeoman, PhD Creative Writing, judges the Writers’ Village story competition and is a tutor in creative writing. He gives some good advice for those of you submitting entries to writing contests.
3. Best Chicago Novels by Neighborhood
I was a little sad to see my novel "The Living Wills" wasn't included as a Jefferson Park (or Beverly) book, but I have no issues with some of the books that were chosen.
4. Younger Readers prefer printed books.
Writers of kids books should keep this in mind. Part of the experience that creates a love of books is the whole experience of turning the pages, looking at the pages, and touching the book. It's a tactile wonderland.
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
Chicago Radio Ratings
Robert Feder has the details.
Unauthorized Use of a Survivor Song
When Kim Davis came out of jail yesterday, it was one of the most comical and ridiculous productions I've ever seen, done to the soundtrack of Rocky III--the Survivor hit "Eye of the Tiger".
Would you be surprised if I told you that Jim Peterik (who wrote the song) was not happy with that development? Here's what he wrote on his facebook page...
Would you be surprised if I told you that Jim Peterik (who wrote the song) was not happy with that development? Here's what he wrote on his facebook page...
I have not authorized the use of Eye of the Tiger for use in the release of Kim Davis and my publisher will issue a stop and desist. I have just spoken to Billboard magazine with a statement that reflects this. This usage In no way reflects my views.
Keep Rocking!
Jimbo
The Top 25 Universities
The top 25 national universities ranked by U.S. News, and their annual change in position.
1. Princeton University — unchanged
2. Harvard University — unchanged
3. Yale University — unchanged
4. Columbia University — unchanged
4. Stanford University — unchanged
4. University of Chicago — unchanged
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology — unchanged
8. Duke University — unchanged
9. University of Pennsylvania – down 1
10. California Institute of Technology — unchanged
10. Johns Hopkins University – up 2
12. Dartmouth College – down 1
12. Northwestern University – up 1
14. Brown University – up 2
15. Washington University in St. Louis – down 1
15. Cornell University — unchanged
15. Vanderbilt University – up 1
18. University of Notre Dame – down 2
18. Rice University – up 1
20. University of California-Berkeley — unchanged
21. Emory University — unchanged
21. Georgetown University — unchanged
23. University of California-Los Angeles — unchanged
23. Carnegie Mellon University – up 2
23. University of Southern California – up 2
Colbert's First Show
The New York Times reviews Stephen Colbert's first show. It's a very positive review.
Here's his first opening monologue...
Here's his first opening monologue...
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
RIP Judy Carne
She was a huge television star in the 60s as the "Sock it to me" girl on Laugh In, but the rest of her life was tragic. This Washington Post obit will tell you the details. It's not pretty.
Judy was 76 years old.
Judy was 76 years old.
Curt Schilling
I have a feeling that the real reason he's suspended again has nothing to do with his unrepentant feelings, which is what ESPN is saying publicly. It has more to do with his ripping of an ESPN colleague (Chris Mortensen), and his terrible decision to get into a war of words with that website.
My personal opinion is that Schilling was a moron to respond, particularly when his position was so precarious. Rule #1 of getting out of a hole--stop digging. On the other hand, if he's really being suspended for believing what he believes, that's not right either...even if I happen to disagree with what he believes.
Making Money With Donald
For this week's debate, CNN is charging between $150,000 to $200,000 for 30 seconds.
You'd like to think that sort of thing wouldn't affect their coverage, but...30 times more money (minimum) for every thirty seconds is hard to ignore.
Tom Brady's Dad Goes Off
Friday, September 04, 2015
Abbey Road Outtakes
You can see them here.
The End of America's Love Affair with Cars?
Great long piece in the Washington Post about the "car culture" in America, and how it has slowly disolved over time. According to this article, saying "car guy" now is the same thing as saying "old guy".
I had friends in high school who were reeeeeeally into it. I never was. Part of it was that I was thrilled to have something (anything) to get me from point A to point B, even my 1971 Duster. Even my 1976 Cutlass Supreme Station Wagon. Even my 1982 Buici (the two prongs of the "K" came off the last letter, so I pretended it was Italian). And when I was able to actually afford something a little more reliable--its reliability was really the only thing I cared about.
Don't get me wrong--I always thought it would be cool to have a 1965 Ford Mustang. I thought that was the coolest car ever. But I know a mechanic who told me he got rich fixing those things...because they broke down all the time.
I had friends in high school who were reeeeeeally into it. I never was. Part of it was that I was thrilled to have something (anything) to get me from point A to point B, even my 1971 Duster. Even my 1976 Cutlass Supreme Station Wagon. Even my 1982 Buici (the two prongs of the "K" came off the last letter, so I pretended it was Italian). And when I was able to actually afford something a little more reliable--its reliability was really the only thing I cared about.
Don't get me wrong--I always thought it would be cool to have a 1965 Ford Mustang. I thought that was the coolest car ever. But I know a mechanic who told me he got rich fixing those things...because they broke down all the time.
Rick Perry
Yesterday he was asked if Trump was right about something, and Perry responded: "Even a broke clock is right once a day."
At least he didn't say "Whoops" after that one.
David Kaplan Leaves WGN
From this morning's NOW column...
David Kaplan spent 20 years doing sports for Tribune’s WGN Chicago (720), but recently found there was less work there. As the Chicago Tribune says, “His duties and the station’s direction shifted this year, with the loss of Cubs games and the demise of The Game, WGN’s ill-fated one-year foray into FM sports talk radio” on a leased Channel 6 TV station. Kaplan’s “leaving to join rival WMVP 1000,” says the Tribune. Kaplan will host the noon-2pm “Kap and Co.” on Disney-owned/ESPN-run WMVP starting September 16.
I've previously interviewed Kaplan (in 2011) for Chicago Radio Spotlight. You can read that here.
I've previously interviewed Kaplan (in 2011) for Chicago Radio Spotlight. You can read that here.
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Trump vs. Kareem
I'm beginning to admire the simplicity of Trump's responses. It's a mixture of high school mean girl (you're ugly and nobody likes you), school yard mean boy (you're a puss), and prep school spoiled brat (I can buy and sell you and my daddy will ruin your daddy).
Has anyone ever really come up with a good way to combat that? You can punch the mean boy, but the prep school spoiled brat will sue you. You can personally insult the mean girl, but she is better at personal insults and will destroy you. You can ostracize the spoiled brat, but then he'll throw a party with the Rolling Stones, and your friends will say "You know I'm on your side...but he does have the Rolling Stones at his house."
No one has ever run for office completely abandoning the rules of adulthood before. It could work.
WGN Cuts Bob & Marianne
Sounds like strictly a financial move. From Tom Taylor's NOW Column...
Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano will host their last noon-3pm shift on Tribune’s talk WGN tomorrow. No mystery about why. VP/Content and Programming Todd Manley tells the Chicago Tribune “Right now, we need to invest in one less show…it’s just a matter of resources.” WGN will cover the schedule by spreading out existing talent, in the lineup that was revamped by GM Jimmy de Castro starting in 2013. Husband-and-wife Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano have both done radio and TV in the Windy City, and Bob says “It’s been fun to be able to do whatever we wanted” on WGN. New lineup starting Monday is Steve Cochran, 5am-10am. Bill Leff & Wendy Snyder, 10am-noon. The Wintrust Business lunch with Steve Bertrand. Then Bill and Wendy, back for 1-3pm. Roe Conn, 3-7pm. The Download with Justin Kaufmann, 7-11pm. Patti Vasquez, 11pm-2am. And Nick Digilio, 2-5am. What’s next for Bob and Marianne? Bob says “After Friday, we’ll be going out to dinner, I guess.”
It was clearly not a contentious parting of the ways or they wouldn't have allowed these last two shows.
It was clearly not a contentious parting of the ways or they wouldn't have allowed these last two shows.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Team Caleb
This is the link to Team Caleb's GoFundMe campaign. He will be receiving treatment for this his entire life, and as you might have guessed, the medical bills will be immense. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Army University
I haven't seen him in nearly 20 years, but we've managed to stay in touch.
Way to go, (General) John!
I can relate
That's me, until right now. Rewarding myself with the last stage atm...hehe #amediting #amwriting #romance #histfic pic.twitter.com/yud3jNkRtL
— Sarah Dahl (@sarahdahl13) August 31, 2015Booking Wars
It's Trump.
Floor plans of your favorite TV shows
I'm not an architect or a real estate guy, but I still got a kick out of these artist renderings of the floor plans from a bunch of classic television shows. I thought you might enjoy them too.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2015
Looks like none of our Chicago-based people made the final cut this year. Larz at Chicagolandradio and Media has the list of the inductees and the backstory...
Active Local/Regional (10 years or more):
- Big Boy (Kurt Alexander), Los Angeles
Longstanding Local/Regional (20 years or more):
- Ronn Owens, San Francisco
Networks/Syndication (10 years or more):
- Dave Ramsey, Nashville
Longstanding Network/Syndication (20 years or more):
- Bob Kevoian & Tom Griswold ("The Bob & Tom Show"), Indianapolis
Music Format On-Air Personality:
- Elvis Duran, New York
Spoken Word On-Air Personality:
- Clark Howard, Atlanta
The Colbert Guest List, Week 2
Bernie Sanders will appear on the show on Sept. 18, which happens to be just two days after the CNN Republican Primary Debate on Sept. 16. The Democratic candidate is joined by other guests Lupita Nyong’o and “An American in Paris” choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and lead dancers Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope.
Emily Blunt and Justice Stephen Breyer kick off Colbert’s second week of shows for the Sept. 14 episode, with a musical performance by the Dead Weather. Jake Gyllenhaal is the only guest for the Sept. 15 show with a musical performance by Run the Jewels with TV on the Radio.
The next night, Colbert will talk to Kevin Spacey, Carol Burnett, comedians Abbi Jacobson and Illana Glazer, and Willie Nelson, who is also the musical performer that night. Naomi Watts and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon wrap up Thursday for Colbert.
Obama the Survivalist?
This is hard to believe, but it's true. President Obama will be getting survival tips from Bear Grylls. From the press release...
I happen to like this president, but I really don't picture him as the outdoorsy type. Should be interesting.
Obama will meet with Grylls while visiting Alaska to observe the effects of climate change on the area. The two will then “come together” in the Alaskan wilderness, the network and production company said.
I happen to like this president, but I really don't picture him as the outdoorsy type. Should be interesting.
John Records Landecker
My Illinois Entertainer media column this month is a tribute to the radio career of John Records Landecker. Other radio pros share their opinions about one of the all-time greats.
You can read it here.
The other side of the story
This organization against guns opened a gun store in NYC to make a point. What's your take on it?
Posted by New Yorkers on Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
30 Facts
Thirty facts that sound made up, but are true...
1. Mammoths were alive when the Great Pyramid was being built.
2. Betty White is older than sliced bread.
3. From the time it was discovered to the time it was stripped of its status as a planet, Pluto hadn't made a full trip around the Sun.
4. The lighter was invented before the match.
5. Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. were born in the same year.
6. France last used a guillotine to execute someone after Star Wars premiered.
7. Harvard University was founded before Calculus existed.
8. If you have 23 people in a room, there is a 50% chance that 2 of them have the same birthday.
9. It’s never said that Humpty Dumpty was an egg in the nursery rhyme.
10. The water in Lake Superior could cover all of North and South America in a foot of water.
11. North Korea and Finland both border the same country; Russia.
12. When you get a kidney transplant, they usually just leave your original kidneys in your body and put the 3rd kidney in your pelvis.
13. Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire.
14. National animal of Scotland is a Unicorn.
15. The Ottoman Empire still existed the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.
16. The lighter the roast of coffee, the more caffeine it has.
17. A speck of dust is halfway in size between a subatomic particle and the Earth.
18. If the timeline of earth was compressed into one year, humans wouldn't show up until December 31 at 11:58 p.m.
19. If you were able to dig a hole to the center of the earth, and drop something down it, it would take 42 minutes for the object to get there.
20. We went to the moon before we thought to put wheels on suitcases.
21. A human could swim through the arteries of a blue whale.
22. If you could fold a piece of paper in half 42 times, the combined thickness would reach the moon.
23. On both Saturn and Jupiter, it rains diamonds.
24. Saudi Arabia imports camels from Australia.
25. You can line up all 8 planets in our solar system directly next to each other and it would fit in the space between Earth and the Moon.
26. The youngest known mother was 5 years old.
27. The Earth is smoother than a billiard ball, if both were of the same size.
28. Nintendo was founded in 1889.
29. If you take all the molecules in a teaspoon of water and lined them up end to end in a single file line, they would stretch ~30 billion miles.
30. In Australia, there was a war called the emu war. The emus won.
1. Mammoths were alive when the Great Pyramid was being built.
2. Betty White is older than sliced bread.
3. From the time it was discovered to the time it was stripped of its status as a planet, Pluto hadn't made a full trip around the Sun.
4. The lighter was invented before the match.
5. Anne Frank and Martin Luther King Jr. were born in the same year.
6. France last used a guillotine to execute someone after Star Wars premiered.
7. Harvard University was founded before Calculus existed.
8. If you have 23 people in a room, there is a 50% chance that 2 of them have the same birthday.
9. It’s never said that Humpty Dumpty was an egg in the nursery rhyme.
10. The water in Lake Superior could cover all of North and South America in a foot of water.
11. North Korea and Finland both border the same country; Russia.
12. When you get a kidney transplant, they usually just leave your original kidneys in your body and put the 3rd kidney in your pelvis.
13. Oxford University is older than the Aztec Empire.
14. National animal of Scotland is a Unicorn.
15. The Ottoman Empire still existed the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.
16. The lighter the roast of coffee, the more caffeine it has.
17. A speck of dust is halfway in size between a subatomic particle and the Earth.
18. If the timeline of earth was compressed into one year, humans wouldn't show up until December 31 at 11:58 p.m.
19. If you were able to dig a hole to the center of the earth, and drop something down it, it would take 42 minutes for the object to get there.
20. We went to the moon before we thought to put wheels on suitcases.
21. A human could swim through the arteries of a blue whale.
22. If you could fold a piece of paper in half 42 times, the combined thickness would reach the moon.
23. On both Saturn and Jupiter, it rains diamonds.
24. Saudi Arabia imports camels from Australia.
25. You can line up all 8 planets in our solar system directly next to each other and it would fit in the space between Earth and the Moon.
26. The youngest known mother was 5 years old.
27. The Earth is smoother than a billiard ball, if both were of the same size.
28. Nintendo was founded in 1889.
29. If you take all the molecules in a teaspoon of water and lined them up end to end in a single file line, they would stretch ~30 billion miles.
30. In Australia, there was a war called the emu war. The emus won.
Approaching 10 Million Views
This was created after Sandy Hook in 2012. Still nothing at all done about this problem. Literally nothing.
Annie Get Your Gun
One of my favorite bands from the late 70s and early 80s was Squeeze. Their singer Glen Tilbrook is celebrating his 58th birthday today. This was their last big single before they broke up...
Around the Publishing World (August 31)
We stay on top of happenings/trends in the publishing world to help out busy writers who are spending their time doing what they should be doing: writing.
1. Another Amazon worker's story
Amazon claimed that they didn't know of any amazon employees who had been treated the way that New York Times article portrayed. This former employee begs to differ.
2. On the other hand, we can't quit you...
We want to stay mad at amazon, we really do, but then we read something like this. Amazon is about to go into home delivery of alcohol.
3. Self Publishing is Good for the Industry
We’ve always been firmly on the side of self-publishing. Wired has a great article on some of the many reasons why it’s good for the industry.
4. October 8th is Book-a-palooza
If you haven’t removed the Christmas lights from your home, don’t bother. October 8th marks the official start of the season for the publishing industry. More than 500 books will be released on that day.
5. Fifty Shades of Legal Problems
The BBC reports that the publisher of Fifty Shades of Grey has to set aside $10 million in an ongoing dispute with a business partner. In case you don't want to do the math, that’s $200,000 per shade.
6. From Avon to Self-Publishing Queen
Newsweek has a great piece on how a former Avon Lady became the queen of self-publishing. It’s apparently easier than selling soap.
Ken Sumka
The former WXRT jock and WBBM traffic reporter moved up to Wisconsin a few years ago when his wife was transferred there. He hooked on to a radio station in Milwaukee and has been moving right up the ladder. His latest promotion, via the RAMP newsletter...
On the heels of Jordan Lee's recent promotion to PD of RadioMilwaukee non-comm WYMS (88Nine RadioMilwaukee), the station moves a few more programming puzzle pieces into place -- afternoon personality Ken Sumka is awarded Lee's former APD stripes and weekender Justin Barney is upped to MD. Sumka will oversee 88Nine's Studio Milwaukee sessions, the weekly 414 Music segment and the station's annual Milwaukee Music Awards. In addition to his weekend shifts, Barney will continue to write and produce the weekly feature, 5 Songs We Can’t Stop Listening To.
I interviewed Ken for Chicago Radio Spotlight many moons ago, during his Chicago radio days. You can read that interview here.
I interviewed Ken for Chicago Radio Spotlight many moons ago, during his Chicago radio days. You can read that interview here.
No-No Pajama Man
I'll just be over here watching Starlin's pirouette celebration all night... https://t.co/yeYTqKQiTH
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) August 31, 2015Best thing @JArrieta34 did today? Wearing a MUSTACHE onesie to his press conference. #DomiNoNo #Legend pic.twitter.com/PmlkSpBVhj
— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2015Friday, August 28, 2015
One of their rewards
Remember those Americans who stopped the terrorist attack in France? Well, one of them was wearing a Bayern Munich jersey at the time, and that got the attention of the club. They invited him to Bayern's training session and introduced him to the man who wears that uniform for real...Thomas Mueller. Cool moment captured on Twitter...
Today we had a visit of #Thalys-hero Alek Skarlatos on the training ground of @FCBayernEN #esmuellert pic.twitter.com/VFaodnOCaM
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) August 26, 2015Facebook Has 1 Billion Users in One Day
I must admit I was one of them.
My kids were not. They tell me they are too cool for Facebook.
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