Burt Constable of the Daily Herald wrote about that over the weekend.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Cubs Mess With Weddings
Burt Constable of the Daily Herald wrote about that over the weekend.
Return to Champaign-Urbana
I was in my college town this past weekend with my son Sean for a soccer tournament. The soccer part didn't go great, but it was a really fun time. Sean was in awe of the campus. We even watched the Bears game in what was once known as Round Robin or Double R. It's the Firehouse now. Good burgers.
Friday, October 09, 2015
Kimmel to appear on Colbert as guest
I think it's funny that Colbert tweeted this info with the proviso..."unless this is an elaborate prank"...because I was thinking the same thing when I heard the news.
Trib Tower is for sale
Full details are here.
The Tribune Tower (photo) opened to rave reviews in 1925. The statue of Nathan Hale still greets people, as do the carved images of Robin Hood (representing the architect Hood) and a howling dog (representing the architect Howells) above the entrance. Also, parts of important historical sites (brought back to Chicago by Tribune correspondents) still grace the base of the structure, including stones from such sites as the Taj Mahal, the Parthenon, and the Palace of Westminster, petrified wood from the Redwood National and State Parks, and pieces from the Great Pyramid, The Alamo, Notre-Dame, Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb, the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and most recently, the World Trade Center in New York.
Happy birthday John
He would have been 75 years old today. This is the song of his that speaks to me the most these days...
Tickets for Monday's Game
So, I found out yesterday that I have two tickets to Monday's Game 3, Cubs vs. Cardinals.
I knew everyone in my family would want to go, which left me with a dilemma. Who should get the other ticket?
Oldest son Tommy backed out because he's not a baseball fan, which left it up to Bridget, middle son Johnny, and youngest son Sean. When Johnny heard he was up against Sean he said, "He's a way bigger fan than me. It wouldn't be fair if I went," so he backed out too.
So that left it up to Bridget and Sean. I could tell that Bridget really wanted to go, so I offered the ticket to her. But when I offered she said, "You should really take Sean. He's the one that deserves it. He's the one that loves the Cubs the most." And because Bridget is such a wonderful person I told her that she should break the news to him. It was like he won the lottery. He said..."Dad, I don't have school on Monday. Let's get there right when the doors open."
I think the right choice was made.
I knew everyone in my family would want to go, which left me with a dilemma. Who should get the other ticket?
Oldest son Tommy backed out because he's not a baseball fan, which left it up to Bridget, middle son Johnny, and youngest son Sean. When Johnny heard he was up against Sean he said, "He's a way bigger fan than me. It wouldn't be fair if I went," so he backed out too.
So that left it up to Bridget and Sean. I could tell that Bridget really wanted to go, so I offered the ticket to her. But when I offered she said, "You should really take Sean. He's the one that deserves it. He's the one that loves the Cubs the most." And because Bridget is such a wonderful person I told her that she should break the news to him. It was like he won the lottery. He said..."Dad, I don't have school on Monday. Let's get there right when the doors open."
I think the right choice was made.
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The nominees for this year have been announced, and you can vote for up to five.
I voted for...the Cars, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller, and Yes.
I voted for...the Cars, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller, and Yes.
Gun Laws
I just honestly don't understand the arguments against rational gun control when it doesn't infringe on that right (like background checks or banning of certain extra lethal bullets or assault weapons). The arguments usually amount to this: the government is coming to take away all the guns (all 300 million of them--a crazy argument), or no gun law can prevent all deaths--focus on other problems like mental illness or violent video games and/or fatherless children, or gun laws will not work because "Look at Chicago--guns are illegal there and how many people are killed?"
As a Chicagoan, of course, I know that while guns are illegal in Chicago, they are legal in literally every single bordering town. If you can drive or take a bus or a train, you can get a legal gun without breaking a sweat. So, I never take that argument seriously. It's ridiculous. And The Washington Post editorial today crystalizes the strongest point I keep making, and one that is never answered rationally...
Up to a point they are right, of course; the government will never prevent all violence. But it’s also perfectly obvious that the government could take steps that would reduce the incidence of mass shootings, suicides, domestic homicides, children shooting children and other gun violence. Bad people exist in other countries; mentally ill people exist in other countries; young, disturbed men play violent video games in other countries. Some of them even grow up without fathers. But countries that do not allow so many guns to circulate so freely lose many, many fewer of their citizens to gun crimes or accidents. Republican candidates are increasingly tying themselves in knots on this issue, because there’s no logical way to refute that one, clear truth.
Not even Frank Luntz has lined up a talking point for that one, although I'm sure he's working on it. Until he or the NRA come up with one, keep looking at the facial expressions of politicians trying to refute that point. It's the same expression I have on my face in arguments with my wife when I suddenly realize that I may have slightly overplayed my hand, or I might even be wrong, and I'm no longer on rational ground.
A perfect example is the look on Ben Carson's face while he's trying to argue that kindergarten teachers should all be armed.
Tom Petty book
The book is written by a member of his former opening act, the Del Fuegos, and Petty specifically insisted that it be a "warts and all" book. So, we learn that Petty was a heroin addict. We learn that he has disgruntled former members of the Heartbreakers. We learn that he grew up in a truly dysfunctional family in Florida.
The article is a great teaser if you're a fan. I personally love the story the author tells about being there the day that George Harrison and Petty were hanging out.
Rick O'Dell to MeTV radio
Yesterday his replacement was named: Rick O'Dell. From the station's press release...
MeTV FM announces the hire of Chicago radio icon Rick O’Dell as Program Director. 87.7 MeTV FM features an exclusive format of classic pop music. O’Dell will focus on format development, brand management and work with the station team for creation of cross-platform content, ideas and initiatives. He’ll begin on Monday, October 12. “The timeless hits and memorable music of MeTV FM are the music I grew up with. I love these songs. And most of them were on the playlist of WCLR when I was with them back in the day,” said O’Dell. “I can’t wait to get started working with Neal and his incredible team.”
As Rick notes in his quote--he did get his start in Chicago on WCLR. Before that, he worked at my old station in Champaign-Urbana, WPGU. So, even though he is known mostly for Jazz, he does have experience in this format too.
Respect the Streak
All summer long my routine for night-time Cubs games (when I wasn't busy...which wasn't often) was to go out in my garage on my dad's old Lazy Boy, have a beverage (and sometimes) a cigar, and listen to the game on the radio while enjoying the quiet suburban night with my dog.
Of course I know that this routine had absolutely nothing to do with the Cubs' incredible season. I'm not a moron. However...when game time rolled around last night, I decided to respect the streak. Again, I know this had absolutely nothing to do with the win. However...
Of course I know that this routine had absolutely nothing to do with the Cubs' incredible season. I'm not a moron. However...when game time rolled around last night, I decided to respect the streak. Again, I know this had absolutely nothing to do with the win. However...
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
This Week in 1908
Think this year has been exciting? Check out what was happening this week in 1908...
The Cubs and Giants end the season tied. A one game playoff between Cubs and Giants will decide the pennant: The replayed Merkle game (Oct 8) in New York at the Polo Grounds.
The doors open at 11:00, and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. There are five thousand waiting at the ticket windows when they open. The game is sold out by noon. Gates are closed at 12:45, and the fans are not happy about it.
10,000 fans tear down a fence to get into the ballpark. They are set back by police with firehoses. Henry Taft, minority owner of the Cubs, and brother of the future President, sneaks into the ballpark via a sewer (according to a Mordecai Brown biography released in 1910).
Christy Mathewson, the future hall of famer for the Giants, arrives at the park saying that his arm feels dead, but he'll pitch anyway. The umpires are each bribed $5000 to throw the game by someone on the Giants (reading between the lines, it was probably their catcher Bresnahan and the manager McGraw). The umps refuse, but report it to the league office (which does nothing about it).
Trading on Wall Street is sharply down because so many people are trying to see the game. In Chicago, Orchestra Hall is opened to the public, and a big scoreboard is on the stage. More than 2500 Cubs fans fill the Hall.
Before the game, Giants manager McGraw (photo) sends Joe McGinnity over to taunt Frank Chance, and possibly start a fight that would get him thrown out of the game. It doesn't work. In return, Frank Chance assigns every Cubs player one Giants player to taunt and call names. They do it happily. The Giants and Cubs hate each other's guts.
The Cubs win the game 4-2. Mordecai Brown pitches 8 1/3 innings of relief. When the game is over, the Cubs have to run for their lives from the angry NY fans. Chance is attacked, his neck cartilage torn. Tinker, Sheckard and Howard are hit with flying debris. Jack Pfiester's shoulder is slashed. Evers gets away untouched. An Irish gang was hired to protect him (by his cousin). The next day they get death threats at their hotel—someone says their train back to Chicago will blow up.
It obviously doesn't. The Cubs gear up for the World Series against the Tigers.
The Cubs and Giants end the season tied. A one game playoff between Cubs and Giants will decide the pennant: The replayed Merkle game (Oct 8) in New York at the Polo Grounds.
The doors open at 11:00, and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. There are five thousand waiting at the ticket windows when they open. The game is sold out by noon. Gates are closed at 12:45, and the fans are not happy about it.
10,000 fans tear down a fence to get into the ballpark. They are set back by police with firehoses. Henry Taft, minority owner of the Cubs, and brother of the future President, sneaks into the ballpark via a sewer (according to a Mordecai Brown biography released in 1910).
Christy Mathewson, the future hall of famer for the Giants, arrives at the park saying that his arm feels dead, but he'll pitch anyway. The umpires are each bribed $5000 to throw the game by someone on the Giants (reading between the lines, it was probably their catcher Bresnahan and the manager McGraw). The umps refuse, but report it to the league office (which does nothing about it).
Trading on Wall Street is sharply down because so many people are trying to see the game. In Chicago, Orchestra Hall is opened to the public, and a big scoreboard is on the stage. More than 2500 Cubs fans fill the Hall.
Before the game, Giants manager McGraw (photo) sends Joe McGinnity over to taunt Frank Chance, and possibly start a fight that would get him thrown out of the game. It doesn't work. In return, Frank Chance assigns every Cubs player one Giants player to taunt and call names. They do it happily. The Giants and Cubs hate each other's guts.
The Cubs win the game 4-2. Mordecai Brown pitches 8 1/3 innings of relief. When the game is over, the Cubs have to run for their lives from the angry NY fans. Chance is attacked, his neck cartilage torn. Tinker, Sheckard and Howard are hit with flying debris. Jack Pfiester's shoulder is slashed. Evers gets away untouched. An Irish gang was hired to protect him (by his cousin). The next day they get death threats at their hotel—someone says their train back to Chicago will blow up.
It obviously doesn't. The Cubs gear up for the World Series against the Tigers.
Is Keith Olbermann Coming Back to MSNBC?
That's what this post at Mediaite hints.
A short excerpt...
In the meantime, a conversation may or may not soon commence between Keith Olbermann and MSNBC, depending on whom you believe. The topic? His possible return to the network.
He isn’t under contract. A huuuugggge campaign season with plenty of comedy to play with is already underway. There probably isn’t a moment on this rollercoaster ride that Olbermann wishes he isn’t attacking with a snarky remark from his old Countdown chair again.
He may have burned (OK, napalmed) the bridge during his sudden exit last time. There’s always a risk taking on the Terrell Owens of broadcasting.
But bridges can be repaired if the ends justify the means. In the end, Olbermann and MSNBC make sense, at least until the inauguration in 2017.
And if one discussion leads to another which leads to a contract, perhaps MSNBC primetime as a whole can get back to being truly competitive once again.
Don't Call Me
Especially from White Sox fans.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Donovan vs. Klinsman
Sounds like Landon Donovan hasn't exactly forgiven Klinsman for being left off the national team...
USA legend Landon Donovan tells @ESPNFC that Jurgen Klinsmann better beat Mexico -- or else: http://t.co/TEepsO4yT6 pic.twitter.com/RnVgcY7HB2
— ESPN (@espn) October 6, 2015“Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and other True Tales of Love and Death in Chicago” Available for Pre-Order Now!
Pat was a writer for The Reader and The Chicago Tribune in the 1970s and 1980s, and covered some of the most offbeat stories during that time. Seven of those tales of love and death in Chicago are featured in this incredible book.
Featuring a beautiful cover photograph from Barry Butler and memorable illustrations from artist Dave Mosele, Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and other True Tales of Love and Death in Chicago is a gritty trip into Chicago’s past. Before the last page is devoured, the reader will track the Tylenol killer(s), get inside the mind of a tortured artist, meet the woman behind the women at Playboy Magazine, follow along with a shocking murder trial, spend time with a legendary Chicago attorney, and tour the old Cook County morgue.
Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and other True Tales of Love and Death in Chicago is shocking, gruesome, and gritty, and will remain in your heart and mind long after you finish reading the final page.
Don't believe us, listen to what some of these literary luminaries have to say...
“As Paul Simon bookended..."Time it was, and what a time it was....A time of innocence. A time of confidences." Chicago in the '70's was surreal, scary and freaking hilarious. My Second City kith and kin may have found brighter lights in N.Y. and L.A. -- but we were spawned and fermented at North and Wells. Good thing Pat Colander thought to take notes and chronicle everything."
-Tim Kazurinsky,
Actor, screenwriter, television and movie star, Saturday Night Live, Police Academy, Neighbors
“Pat Colander toiled with me in the belly of the Chicago journalism beast in the 1970s and 1980s. When major stories were reported, she asked questions. When the questions were poorly answered or evaded, she asked even more questions of even more people. Then in a clear, true voice, she wrote it all down. She found the real stories behind the stories and this collection of her work is just great. She ought to be long-listed for the Man Booker prize, If I can figure out how to do it I will."
-Denise DeClue
Writer of films including About Last Night, teleplays, documentaries, journalism, humor columns and a great deal of other funny stuff
"Reading Pat Colander’s wonderful collection, Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and Other True Tales of Love and Death in Chicago, is like visiting your old neighborhood. Most of the old folks are gone, either dead or moved on, but there are a few old-timers left. And eventually you get around to talking about things like, “Hey, remember the poet who committed suicide?” Or, “Did they ever figure out how that guy killed his wife?” Or, “Do you think that guy actually poisoned all those people?” There are seven tales of Love and Death in Colander’s book, which is chock-full of details about specific Chicago crimes, deaths, and personalities, including the death of Hugh Hefner’s executive secretary, Bobbie Arnstein, who basically ran the business of Playboy. She weaves the stories of their demise through a definite Chicago lens, where gritty bits of key information flesh out the headlines. Much of this material originally appeared in The Reader, and this volume is an upgrade on an earlier 1985 publishing under the same title. This is a book you devour because it has all the courses of a good meal. It’s meaty and satisfying, like a visit to that old neighborhood."
--Vicki Quade
Playwright, Late Night Catechism
“Pat is a very talented writer. Unfortunately she cut back on her serious writing to run magazines. She was a girl-wonder when she worked at the Chicago Tribune in the late seventies. The veteran male reporters hated her because she could out-write and out produce them with one hand tied behind her back and her eyes closed. She did feature articles, reviews and celebrity interviews. Now she has put together a collection of her very best work from the 1970s and early 1980s. The stories age well."
-Bruce Elliott
Geriatric Genius blogger and author of Last Night at the Old Town Ale House.
Guns on Facebook
I made that mistake last night. A friend posted that it was radical to believe we need gun control. I pointed out that 300 million guns in a country of 330 million people seems even more radical to me. Within a few minutes I was called Hitler, Mao, a delusional troll, and Bill Ayers. (Not by my friend, but by his friends)
I want my Monday night back. I should have been watching football.
Numerology
Wednesday is 10/7. It's been 107 years since the Cubs won the World Series.
Not saying it means anything, but it is funny.
Monday, October 05, 2015
SOB
Dig this Nathaniel Rateliff tune. Thanks to WXRT for turning me on to it. It's like a cross between Johnny Cash and O Brother Where Art Thou.
What is the one thing that would make Trump drop out?
Talk about intenstinal fortitude.
"Um, Mr. Trump, can I interupt your prep for your speech about everyone being a loser for a moment to fill you in on the latest poll numbers?"
"Just a second. What's better for describing Obama, 'gutless' or 'yellow'?"
"I'd go with gutless, sir. But just so you know, you're back to second place in the latest polls."
"I quit."
Hillary on SNL
I give her credit for this appearance. She allows some pretty tough shots against her...
Cubs Get Student out of Midterm
I would.
So did this professor at my alma mater.
GM of the Year
Friday, October 02, 2015
Sometimes you just can't reason with a bear
She is doing her best to use rational arguments to convince the bear not to eat her kayak, and you'll never believe this, but the bear doesn't seem to care. I couldn't stop watching this for some reason...
Kathy Voltmer
My latest Illinois Entertainer column has been posted. This month I interviewed the Drive's morning news anchor Kathy Voltmer.
You can read it here.
Marconi Awards
Congrats to both of them. Well deserved.
Another Senseless Gun Rampage
The president asked us to look up these stats in his angry response yesterday. I totally get why he's angry...
Thursday, October 01, 2015
Babe's Called Shot
The most famous moment in Wrigley Field history occurred on this date. Or did it?
It was Game 3 of the World Series. The Yankees had won the first two at Yankee Stadium. Soon-to-be President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (sitting next to Chicago mayor Anton Cermak) threw out the first pitch. In the stands; a young boy named John Paul Stevens, who would go on to become a Supreme Court Justice.
The 1932 Yankees were a riled up team who hated the Cubs for dissing one of their former teammates. Mark Koenig had replaced Cubs shortstop Billy Jurges during the season after Jurges was shot by a fan. Despite hitting .353 during the season and saving the hides of the Cubs, the players voted not to give him a full World Series share. This really angered the Yankees, especially their emotional leader Babe Ruth.
He was ticked off and let the Cubs know it in no uncertain terms.
Did Babe Ruth really call the shot? Almost certainly not. The writers said he did, and he played along with it, but he also privately acknowledged that he never would have done that to Charlie Root who was known as a ruthless headhunter. Charlie swore to his dying day that Babe did not call the shot.
According to the Cubs players, Ruth was being taunted by the Cubs dugout (who should have had their heads examined after they already ticked off the Babe). Ruth was more than likely pointing at the dugout, gesturing that he still had one strike left. That may have looked to the writers like he was calling his shot. Plus, the writers said he pointing to left–but he hit nearly all of his homers to right, and the actual homer went to deep centerfield…an unusual location for a homer by the Babe. The called shot is probably nothing more than a legend.
Nevertheless, part of the legend is true. He did homer. And Gehrig homered right after that. And they both homered again later in the game.
The 1932 World Series was a 4-game pummeling. But as famous as that supposed “called shot” was, Babe Ruth was not even the player of the series. Lou Gehrig hit .529, and would have been named the MVP if they had such an honor in those days.
Wrigley Rooftops Lawsuit Dismissed
"The Cubs shall not erect windscreens or other barriers to obstruct the views of the Rooftops, provided however that temporary items such as banners, flags, and decorations for special occasions, shall not be considered as having been erected to obstruct views of the Rooftops. Any expansion of Wrigley Field approved by governmental authorities shall not be a violation of this Agreement, including this section."
...and ruled the obvious. The authorities approved the video boards. It is clearly part of a Wrigley expansion. Case dismissed. Go try to steal someone else's product and charge for it.
Crains has the full story, if you are interested.
Dickey Demise
Robert Feder examines the demise of Cumulus' Dickey brothers in his column today, and I think this paragraph sums it up beautifully...
Not one of the many radio executives I spoke to here lamented the demise of the Dickeys. Most said their overthrow was long overdue. Based on the misguided management, programming and personnel moves they made in practically every major market they ran, it’s easy to understand the air of schadenfraude. In short, these guys weren’t just bad for their company. They were bad for radio.
Yes, yes, yes. Amen.
Yes, yes, yes. Amen.
Maywood & Balmoral Are Closing Down
From NPR's Morning Edition...
Illinois' racing board is taking a gamble in an attempt to save the beleaguered industry. Two historic Illinois tracks will hold no races next year, a decision that could lead to their permanent closure. The decision by Illinois' 11-member racing board was unanimous: no horses will run at Balmoral and Maywood parks in 2016.
That's a bummer. Not quite sure I understand how closing tracks will save the industry, but okey doke. It's obviously been awhile since I was there. Around 20 years or so...
Illinois' racing board is taking a gamble in an attempt to save the beleaguered industry. Two historic Illinois tracks will hold no races next year, a decision that could lead to their permanent closure. The decision by Illinois' 11-member racing board was unanimous: no horses will run at Balmoral and Maywood parks in 2016.
That's a bummer. Not quite sure I understand how closing tracks will save the industry, but okey doke. It's obviously been awhile since I was there. Around 20 years or so...
First Nude First Lady?
This Washington Post piece takes a closer look at Melania. I learned a few things about her that I didn't know. She's Slovenian...so she would be the first foreign-born First Lady in more than 200 years. She and Donald have a 9-year-old son. (And I thought I was an old dad). And, when she was a super model, she posed nude for a magazine.
Don't need to do a ton of research to figure out if she would be the first First Lady to do that.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Florida Roller Rink, 1972
Not sure why these photos slightly terrified me, but they did. A photographer found pictures that he took at a Florida roller rink in 1972 and they definitely paint a picture of a time and place...
I was only 9 in 1972, and I went to a roller rink or two, but whoo boy do I remember it differently. I'm hoping it's just a Florida thing, and not a 1972 thing. (Although, I must admit, I did own a pair of those pants on the right)
I was only 9 in 1972, and I went to a roller rink or two, but whoo boy do I remember it differently. I'm hoping it's just a Florida thing, and not a 1972 thing. (Although, I must admit, I did own a pair of those pants on the right)
Chicago Radio Ratings
Courtesy of Tom Taylor's NOW column...
Chicago – A lead change brings iHeart’s urban AC “V103” WVAZ back to the top, 5.8-5.3-5.7. Hubbard’s hot AC “Mix” is now running second, 5.0-5.6-5.4, just a beat ahead of CBS Radio’s all-news/Cubs baseball WBBM/780 (4.7-4.4.6-5.3). Mostly-simulcast WCFS/105.9 keeps the news ticker going during baseball, and it’s up 2.2-2.1-2.3. Fourth is iHeart’s top 40 “Kiss 103.5” WKSC (3.9-3.8-4.0) – and it’s also the cume leader at just over 2.2 million. Fifth place in share is iHeart-owned urban WGCI, 3.8-3.7-3.7.
It Doesn't Pay to Be a Dickey
From this morning's Radio Ink...
In a major management shakeup following weeks of speculation, Cumulus Media has replaced longtime CEO Lew Dickey with board member and veteran magazine publishing executive Mary Berner, effective October 13. Dickey, the company’s founder, will become vice-chairman and continue as a director. Dickey’s brother John, executive VP of content and programming, has exited his position at the company. Senior VP of content & programming Mike McVay will be taking over his responsibilities while the company looks for a replacement.
Imagine how bad Cumulus' current condition is for the founder of the company to be replaced like this. Dickey basically made the exact same mistakes that were made about twenty years ago when deregulation initially happened. He got too big, took on too much debt, cut places that shouldn't (or couldn't) be cut, while lining his own pockets in the process. At least that first bunch of guys didn't realize how badly they were damaging the business, and a few of them even regret it. Dickey did these things KNOWING what would happen. In my mind, that's even worse.
Imagine how bad Cumulus' current condition is for the founder of the company to be replaced like this. Dickey basically made the exact same mistakes that were made about twenty years ago when deregulation initially happened. He got too big, took on too much debt, cut places that shouldn't (or couldn't) be cut, while lining his own pockets in the process. At least that first bunch of guys didn't realize how badly they were damaging the business, and a few of them even regret it. Dickey did these things KNOWING what would happen. In my mind, that's even worse.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
My new favorite college
Hampshire College in Massachusetts stopped taking applicants test scores. This is what they do instead...
So what happened after they instituted this plan? US News and World report banned them from their list and they received fewer applicants. However, they got better applicants, and a much more diverse pool of applicants.
It still wouldn't help my kids ("Write an essay? Awww, c'mon"), but I think it does a better job of identifying truly great candidates.
In our admissions, we review an applicant's whole academic and lived experience. We consider an applicant's ability to present themselves in essays and interviews, review their recommendations from mentors, and assess factors such as their community engagement and entrepreneurism. And yes, we look closely at high school academic records, though in an unconventional manner. We look for an overarching narrative that shows motivation, discipline, and the capacity for self-reflection. We look at grade point average (GPA) as a measure of performance over a range of courses and time, distinct from a one-test-on-one-day SAT/ACT score
So what happened after they instituted this plan? US News and World report banned them from their list and they received fewer applicants. However, they got better applicants, and a much more diverse pool of applicants.
It still wouldn't help my kids ("Write an essay? Awww, c'mon"), but I think it does a better job of identifying truly great candidates.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Footgolfing
Had a great time footgolfing yesterday. It was a fundraiser for Green White Soccer Club, and Eckhartz Press sponsored a hole. If you've never tried footgolfing before, you really should. It's a riot...
Around the Publishing World (September 28)
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. 11 things a writer should never say
Suzanne Brazil is a published writer and she has some excellent tips on her blog about what NOT to say. Good for those of you staring a blank page, or those of you actively promoting a book.
2. The downside of Linked-In for women
We always tell our authors that promoting yourself on LinkedIn is essential for getting the word out about your book. If you're a woman, however, there are a few things you must keep in mind. This article gives you some excellent advice.
3. The Plot Twist: E-Book Sales Slip, and Print Is Far From Dead
Well lookee here. The New York Times has a piece about an unexpected development in the publishing world. Just when it seemed like e-books were taking over, the new stats came out, and dead-tree books are making a comeback.
4. Publishers are screwed. Google is really screwed. Consumers win. Apple really wins
Can you guess why this headline caught our eye? It's really an article about ad-blockers on mobile devices, but it's fascinating nonetheless.
Daily Show Reboot
Julie DiCaro
Sometimes Twitter can be a very scary place. Just ask the Score's Julie DiCaro. Larz at Chicagoland Radio & Media has the details from Friday...
WSCR-AM/670 The Score daytime update anchor Julie DiCaro is not at work today. She made the decision to stay away due to threats made towards her on Twitter yesterday. As DiCaro has been sending out Twitter updates and reporting on-air updates about the constantly twisting and ever-changing Patrick Kane rape allegation situation, Internet trolls, who only want to hear good things about Kane, have attacked her. The attacks have become uglier in the last day. One Twitter idiot said DiCaro should be "hit in the head" and "killed." Another threatened her and places she frequents daily. As a former criminal and family law attorney, as well as a rape victim, DiCaro has been able to deliver incredibly intelligent and insightful commentary on the situation, not found elsewhere on the radio or online. Sadly, that doesn't stop the morons of the world from attacking her while behind a keyboard. Out of caution, steps are being taken to make sure some unstable person doesn't try to step away from the keyboard and do something even worse in person.
Friday, September 25, 2015
The Other Soccer Shoe Has Dropped
BREAKING: Swiss authorities open criminal proceedings against #FIFA President Sepp Blatter. http://t.co/LjVPW5Z9eH pic.twitter.com/0O05a5s4bJ
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) September 25, 2015Trump to Meet with Roger Ailes
The latest feud between Donald Trump and Fox News is set to be resolved soon with a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Fox News boss Roger Ailes. From the Hollywood Reporter...
My guess is the spokesperson for Fox News used air quotes while dictating the "highest journalistic standards" portion of the memo. If they actually had those, they would have marginalized this birther monster years ago when he was spouting on about Obama not being born in this country. Instead they let him spout, unchallenged, as if what he was saying wasn't completely crazy.
You can put him on stage in a tuxedo and sing "Puttin' on the Ritz" with him, but don't blame the monster if someone lights a match, and he freaks out. You're the one who created him and put him on a stage he doesn't belong.
"Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes and Donald Trump spoke this morning and plan to have a meeting next week to discuss their differences of opinion regarding Fox's coverage of Mr. Trump's presidential campaign," reads the statement. "Ailes will be joined by senior Fox editorial executives. Mr. Trump believes he has been treated unfairly in certain instances. Fox News has held every candidate in this race to the highest journalistic standards throughout our coverage. We believe a candid meeting about our differences is required and that any misunderstandings can be handled without compromising those standards."
My guess is the spokesperson for Fox News used air quotes while dictating the "highest journalistic standards" portion of the memo. If they actually had those, they would have marginalized this birther monster years ago when he was spouting on about Obama not being born in this country. Instead they let him spout, unchallenged, as if what he was saying wasn't completely crazy.
You can put him on stage in a tuxedo and sing "Puttin' on the Ritz" with him, but don't blame the monster if someone lights a match, and he freaks out. You're the one who created him and put him on a stage he doesn't belong.
Zander Joins the Drive
Larz at Chicagolandradio & Media has the details.
I just did a story about Zander a few months ago for the Illinois Entertainer. Wishing him the best of luck in his new role.
As the Kane Turns
Another very weird twist in the Patrick Kane case yesterday. The victim's lawyer who held the press conference with the supposed "evidence bag" has resigned from the case because of that evidence bag.
Details are here.
Wow. This is getting stranger and stranger.
Details are here.
The lawyer of a woman accusing Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane of sexual assault abruptly quit the case Thursday night, saying he's no longer comfortable representing the woman because of how her mother reported finding an evidence bag they believed once held the woman's rape kit. Thomas Eoannou told reporters on Thursday night that he doesn't believe the story he was told about how the bag was found. But he said he's still confident in the woman's allegations against Kane.
Wow. This is getting stranger and stranger.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Hackers Release Pharma CEO's Personal Info
On the one hand, I'm happy to see that "it's just business" or "I'm just a businessman" is no longer considered an acceptable excuse for such clearly immoral behavior. On the other hand, I'm not comfortable giving out his personal information, so there's no link provided here.
Consider my reaction Schadenfreude-lite.
It should be noted that after getting publicly lambasted for his incredible soul-sucking greed, he has lowered the price to ONLY $1050 for 30 pills. Still greedy, but better.
What happened to German America?
Good piece in the New York Times about my people, the German-Americans. Though there are more German-Americans than any other ethnic group, we have assimilated the most. Why? Well, it's pretty easy to understand, if you think about it. It all began with World War I...
In what is a largely forgotten chapter of American history, during the roughly 18 months of American involvement in the war, people with German roots were falsely accused of being spies or saboteurs; hundreds were interned or convicted of sedition on trumped-up charges, or for offenses as trivial as making critical comments about the war. More than 30 were killed by vigilantes and anti-German mobs; hundreds of others were beaten or tarred and feathered.
Even the German music of Beethoven and Brahms, which had been assumed to be immune to the hysteria, came under attack. “It is the music of conquest, the music of the storm, of disorder and devastation,” wrote The Los Angeles Times in June 1918. “It is a combination of the howl of the cave man and the roaring of the north winds.” Sheet music, along with books by German authors, was burned in public spectacles.
Not surprisingly, those who could hid their Germanic roots; some switched their names; many others canceled their subscriptions to German newspapers, which virtually disappeared. Whatever vestige of German America remained after the 1910s was wiped out by similar pressures during World War II, not to mention the shame that came with German identity after it.
When World War I began, one in every four Chicagoans was German. The Mayor pandered to this group so much, he was known as "Kaiser Bill". But during World War I, names were changed all over the city. Even the frankfurter could no longer be called that. It's been a hot dog ever since.
My family didn't come here until the 1950s, but being a German was not exactly a cool thing to be after World War II, which is why I rebelled against it so strongly (much to the chagrin and disappointment of my father). Ironically, when we moved back to Germany, I had assimilated so much, the Germans didn't consider me German.
Knowing this history is one of the reasons why I always cringe when someone rips an entire nationality for something, or blames them for our problems--whether it's Arabs or Mexicans or insert nationality here.
Try to be a little more thin-skinned
Here is a guy who refuses to apologize for anything he's ever said or done (and he's said and/or done many things that warrant apologies), and his luxurious orange-leather skin looks pretty thick at first glance, but wow is Donald Trump a little baby when he gets criticized. He said he would boycott Fox because they were booking guests that were being "unfair to him".
Wow. What a tough guy. "Mommy, they're being meanies--tell them they have to be nice to me."
And now, he wants the FCC to fine a Fox News pundit who said "Carly cut Trump's balls off at the debate."
"Mommy, that's super duper mean. Tell him to stop being super-duper mean."
I think I have only agreed with Rich Lowry two or three times over the past thirty years, but he totally nailed it with his tweet last night...
Wow. What a tough guy. "Mommy, they're being meanies--tell them they have to be nice to me."
And now, he wants the FCC to fine a Fox News pundit who said "Carly cut Trump's balls off at the debate."
"Mommy, that's super duper mean. Tell him to stop being super-duper mean."
I think I have only agreed with Rich Lowry two or three times over the past thirty years, but he totally nailed it with his tweet last night...
.@realDonaldTrump man, you can dish it out but you REALLY, REALLY can't take it
— Rich Lowry (@RichLowry) September 24, 2015
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Colbert's Trump Interview
I didn't see watch it last night (I was watching and rewatching Cubs highlights), but the Atlantic reviewed Colbert's interview with Trump.
They panned it. Pretty strongly.
They panned it. Pretty strongly.
Had the Trump interview occurred on The Colbert Report, it would have been—or, well, it could have been—quite a match-up. Two blowhards, blowing hard against each other! But, of course, it wasn’t the character “Stephen Colbert” who conducted last night’s interview. It was Stephen Colbert, the affable late-night host. And that Stephen Colbert—the funny one, the charming one, the complicated one, the one who needs to keep booking politicians for his show—seemed unable to stand up to a man whose response, when asked whether there’s anything at all he would like to apologize for, is a simple “no.”
The Last Years of Ernie Banks
This article is a great read. Highly recommended.
Ron Rappaport making Ernie a little more three-dimensional.
Sad, profound, and wonderfully written.
"Happy Birthday to You" won't cost you anymore
It will soon be in the public domain where it belongs. The tune, by the way, was written in 1893.
Not a Good Moment
The anchor was saying all the right things about Yom Kippur, but the graphic department was way off. That's the Nazi "jew" badge on a death camp uniform. Not good. I'm guessing someone is in deep deep doo doo over this one.
Sooo.. someone's getting fired at WGN... pic.twitter.com/SrSt8arVCa
— Mikaela (@mikaelajannae) September 23, 2015Brian Williams
As a media critic I'm supposed to be mad at him forever for his indiscretions, but I just can't do it.
I feel a little bit like the 35-year-old me who cheered Sammy's homers. I knew it wasn't right, but did you see how far he hit that ball?
Farm Aid Anniversary
Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the original Farm Aid concert in Champaign Urbana. I spent yesterday conducting a futile search, because somewhere deep in my pile of radio shows I have a tape of myself working as the backstage anchor for the exclusive local radio broadcast. It was an honor (and a great time) because I got to meet all of the acts, including people like Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Randy Newman, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Don Henley, and more. (It seems like everyone was there that day).
30 years have fuzzied my memories a bit, but here are a few things I recall from that day...
*One rock star (I won't say who...but it's one of the guys listed above) was totally bombed--and I met him there well before noon. Another one (also on this list) was accompanied by a very young lady...she was younger than me, and I was 22 at the time. She was not his daughter.
*During one live report, the anchors back in the studio asked me who was on stage at that moment, and I made a joke about the star power and charisma of country singer Vern Gosdin. Got a hate letter for that one. The only hate letter I ever received during my twenty-plus year radio career. Learned a valuable lesson that day. Know your audience. We were working in tandem with the Nashville Network--who had exclusive television rights to the concert--and those people loved Vern Gosdin.
*This was the first time that Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen ever played together on stage. Sammy had not yet joined the band. And when he introduced his song "I can't drive 55", he said..."This is for all you tractor-pullin MFers". I thought the farmers would be insulted, but they loved it.
*The most surprising performance came from John Denver. When he sang "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the place was up for grabs. I don't know if you can tell from this video, but Memorial Stadium was literally rocking and shaking during this song because people were stomping their feet and clapping their hands. I remember thinking..."Am I really doing this to John Denver?"
*But the most moving performance came from Neil Young. It was dark by the time he got on stage, and the crowd hushed when he pulled out his accoustic guitar. Lighters lit the stadium as he sang "Old Man". Everyone swayed back and forth holding their lighters, singing along to the song. I swear I had goosebumps on my arms. What a moment. What a performer. Every time I hear that song to this day, I think about that night in Champaign.
The most important memory for me, though, has nothing to do with the concert, really. I scored tickets to the show for my Uncle Marty who came down from Chicago to see it with a buddy of his. He was excited to hear me on the radio. It was the only time he ever heard me, because Marty passed away from a heart condition the following year at the age of 36.
His son Derek was only 4 years old at the time. Derek is a dad himself now, and is struggling with another horrible medical issue--his two-year-old boy has an incredibly aggressive form of cancer. Just as I felt helpless to help Derek when he was a little boy (I was over there a lot during those first few years--but I know it wasn't enough), I feel helpless now because I don't know what I can do to help his son Caleb (or Derek for that matter--I can't even imagine what he's going through).
So, yesterday was sort of a weird journey for me. It began with fond memories, continued with lots of smiles as I watched the performances on YouTube (Johnny Cash was there? How did I miss that?), and it ended with a sense of melancholy. I'll be saying a prayer for Uncle Marty and little Caleb again today.
(Thanks to Farm Aid for retweeting my tweet)...
30 years have fuzzied my memories a bit, but here are a few things I recall from that day...
*One rock star (I won't say who...but it's one of the guys listed above) was totally bombed--and I met him there well before noon. Another one (also on this list) was accompanied by a very young lady...she was younger than me, and I was 22 at the time. She was not his daughter.
*During one live report, the anchors back in the studio asked me who was on stage at that moment, and I made a joke about the star power and charisma of country singer Vern Gosdin. Got a hate letter for that one. The only hate letter I ever received during my twenty-plus year radio career. Learned a valuable lesson that day. Know your audience. We were working in tandem with the Nashville Network--who had exclusive television rights to the concert--and those people loved Vern Gosdin.
*This was the first time that Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen ever played together on stage. Sammy had not yet joined the band. And when he introduced his song "I can't drive 55", he said..."This is for all you tractor-pullin MFers". I thought the farmers would be insulted, but they loved it.
*The most surprising performance came from John Denver. When he sang "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the place was up for grabs. I don't know if you can tell from this video, but Memorial Stadium was literally rocking and shaking during this song because people were stomping their feet and clapping their hands. I remember thinking..."Am I really doing this to John Denver?"
*But the most moving performance came from Neil Young. It was dark by the time he got on stage, and the crowd hushed when he pulled out his accoustic guitar. Lighters lit the stadium as he sang "Old Man". Everyone swayed back and forth holding their lighters, singing along to the song. I swear I had goosebumps on my arms. What a moment. What a performer. Every time I hear that song to this day, I think about that night in Champaign.
The most important memory for me, though, has nothing to do with the concert, really. I scored tickets to the show for my Uncle Marty who came down from Chicago to see it with a buddy of his. He was excited to hear me on the radio. It was the only time he ever heard me, because Marty passed away from a heart condition the following year at the age of 36.
His son Derek was only 4 years old at the time. Derek is a dad himself now, and is struggling with another horrible medical issue--his two-year-old boy has an incredibly aggressive form of cancer. Just as I felt helpless to help Derek when he was a little boy (I was over there a lot during those first few years--but I know it wasn't enough), I feel helpless now because I don't know what I can do to help his son Caleb (or Derek for that matter--I can't even imagine what he's going through).
So, yesterday was sort of a weird journey for me. It began with fond memories, continued with lots of smiles as I watched the performances on YouTube (Johnny Cash was there? How did I miss that?), and it ended with a sense of melancholy. I'll be saying a prayer for Uncle Marty and little Caleb again today.
(Thanks to Farm Aid for retweeting my tweet)...
@RickKaempfer Thank you for sharing! What a day...
— Farm Aid (@FarmAid) September 23, 2015RIP Yogi Berra
Yogi passed away yesterday at the age of 90. One of the all-time greats...
Here's a gem from the archives. Go to the 19 minute mark to see him...
Here's a gem from the archives. Go to the 19 minute mark to see him...
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Converting Condos to Rentals
The story is here in Crains.
Social Media Day
Last night the Cubs did something called "social media day". Every time the Cubs batted, they showed a scroll of tweets from Cubs fans. Around the 7th inning, mine made the scroll. I was surprised how many people I know were also watching--because I got a ton of texts and e-mails.
I think it's because this team is just plain fun to watch.
I think it's because this team is just plain fun to watch.
Who doesn't love this team? #americasteam #cubssocial
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) September 22, 2015Monday, September 21, 2015
Migrant Crisis in Croatia
Brent Petersen is the author of the Eckhartz Press book "Truffle Hunt", which takes place primarily in Croatia in the aftermath of the Balkan War. He wrote a blog post today about the current crisis facing Croatia, and how it compares to previous ones.
It's here, if you're interested in an expert's take.
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.
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