Didn't realize that Waddle had a finance degree from Boston College.
I did realize that Waddle is an underrated radio talent. He and Silvy do the best sports talk show in Chicago.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Tom Waddle
Didn't realize that Waddle had a finance degree from Boston College.
I did realize that Waddle is an underrated radio talent. He and Silvy do the best sports talk show in Chicago.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Bonus Father Knows Nothing: A Frigid Walk To School
Sean and I bundle up against the elements, and walk to school together every morning. We are easy to spot, especially on cold winter days when we are literally the only ones on the sidewalk. He’s the short one. I’m the one wearing a giant Russian Army hat (a gift from my friend Kim–who got it in Russia).
I’ve seen the looks in the mini-vans driving by: “Who is that crazy dork in the Russian hat that makes his kid walk to school in sub-zero weather?”
It’s me. But it’s not my idea. It’s Sean’s. He sees it as a badge of courage.
“Dad,” he’ll say, “Look. Nobody else is walking again today.”
Nothing makes him happier. He sees us as the toughest dudes on the block. I love the walk to school too, but not for the same reason Sean does. I love it because it seems like he saves up his questions and thoughts for this special Dad & Sean time. This is a sampling…
*”Who came up with the word for ‘grass’?”
*”Why don’t you ever tell me to shush? My teacher says it all the time.”
*”I wish there was a button you could push that would make you learn how to read like (snap) that. Like a remote control or something.”
*”Did you know that basketball shoes make you a teeny bit faster? They don’t help you jump though.”
*”I had a dream last night that Tommy, Johnny & me were inside a video game. You weren’t in the dream, Dad. But maybe I just woke up too soon. You might have been in the next level.”
These conversations are my favorite. He is starting to question the world around him, but is still completely unafraid of sounding silly or strange, and (unlike his brothers) he still likes his father. And after a spirited debate across the frozen tundra about the best outfielder on the Cubs, or the legal ramifications of neglecting to put salt down on an icy sidewalk, he’ll always ask me the same thing at the corner before we reach school.
“Dad, can I wear your hat for a few seconds?”
I hand it to him, he puts it on over his coat hood, and sighs like someone dipping into a hot tub. “Aaah.”
“OK, that’s enough,” I respond after a few seconds. “The bell’s going to ring. Time to get into school.”
He waves to me as he crosses the street, and I wave back, trying desperately to savor every moment of our tough-guy time together.
The River
Around the Publishing World (January 19)
1. A Reason to Use a Pen Name
Authors write--it's what we do. But sometimes we write a book that doesn't exactly fit our brand. Derek Haines discusses when the use of a pen name is appropriate.
2. Dictating a Book
Software technology has advanced to the level where dictating a book is actually possible--at least for a first draft. This article has some good tips for authors who choose to go this route.
3. 11 Mistakes New Self Published Authors Make
More tough love. Excellent advice, however. Sometimes we need to hear these things.
4. Createspace penalizes international authors
The writer of this linked piece points out the shortcomings of Createspace for an international author. Something to think about if you ever find yourself living overseas. (Some American authors also have reservations about Createspace, but that's a story for another time).
5. Fifty Shades of Bad Movie
When a blockbuster novel is made into a movie, it usually helps the novel. In the case of Fifty Shades of Grey that doesn't appear to be the case. It received a razzie nomination for worst movie of the year.
6. Oscar Nominated movie based on a novel
The flip side of the movie coin is the novel Room. The author of best-selling novel Room was so confident it would be a hit movie she wrote the screenplay for it before the book was published. Now it's nominated for an Oscar.
7. Revisiting David Oglive's 10 Tips for Business Writing
David Oglive was an advertising genius. We are all in the business of advertising when we promote our work. PR Daily recently went back and looked at his famous 10 tips, and they hold up. Recommended reading.
8. A new category of author--the Artisanal Published author
This is a much needed new label in the publishing world. There's a big gap between traditional publishing and self publishing. Hybrid publishers are a middle ground (sharing the costs and profits with authors). Slightly closer to self-publishing, artisanal publishing is a good name for high quality self-publishing. More at the link.
9. What Can Hollywood Teach Brands About Content Marketing?
Dave Wishnowsky is a local writer who examines the lessons Hollywood teaches us as brands. Not all of it is applicable to authors, but it's worth a read to get your brain in a marketing mindset.
10. Publishing and Publicity Packages
At Chicago Author Solutions we've been signing up clients that need all sorts of help in the publishing process. This link takes you to a few of our packages. Remember that each individual part of the process is available on an ala carte basis. You can e-mail either of us for more information (david@eckhartzpress.com, rick@eckhartzpress.com)
British Parliament Debates Trump
This is priceless. It's what I keep expecting Americans to say. It's so obvious to me, and yet I've been in several conversations with seemingly intelligent Americans (my friends and relatives) who don't see it.
RIP Glenn Frey
Another one is gone. So far, 2016 has been a very bad year.
Frey and the rest of the Eagles were supposed to be given Kennedy Center honors a month or so ago, but postponed it until next year because of Frey's surgery. It didn't sound that bad at the time, but clearly it was much worse than they let on.
Big, big loss for the rock and roll world. The Eagles Greatest Hits album is the biggest selling album of the 20th Century (29 times Platinum).
Frey was the lead for this iconic song...
Don Henley's statement about his bandmate...
Frey and the rest of the Eagles were supposed to be given Kennedy Center honors a month or so ago, but postponed it until next year because of Frey's surgery. It didn't sound that bad at the time, but clearly it was much worse than they let on.
Big, big loss for the rock and roll world. The Eagles Greatest Hits album is the biggest selling album of the 20th Century (29 times Platinum).
Frey was the lead for this iconic song...
Don Henley's statement about his bandmate...
"We were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry -- and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year History of the Eagles Tour to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I'm not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some."
Monday, January 18, 2016
Late Night Tacos Will Kill Ya
RIP Gary Loizzo
I didn't know any of this information about the former lead singer of the American Breed. This comes from Ron Smith's facebook page. Thanks for the info, Ron!
We played this song on WJMK all the time when I worked there. His biggest hit...
Gary Loizzo, lead singer and guitarist with Chicago’s American Breed, died of cancer Saturday (January 16) at the age of 70. Formed as Gary and the Knight Lites, the group saw some local success in 1963 with “If I’m Lonely Tomorrow” on Kedlen Records and continued recording for three other labels before being discovered by officials of ACTA Records who were snowed-in during Chicago’s blizzard of 1967. With a name change to the American Breed, the group scored success that year with “Step Out Of Your Mind” (#24-1967) before hitting with “Bend Me, Shape Me” (#5) early the next year. But the follow-up, “Green Light” (#39-1968) proved to be their only other top 40 tune (though they charted locally with “Ready, Willing And Able” that year as well). Nevertheless, the American Breed were in high demand for commercial jingles, including such products as Coca-Cola, American Airlines, Partridge Weiners and the TV show, “Temperature’s Rising.” A change to more R&B-flavored records as Ask Rufus (later shortened to Rufus) followed Gary’s departure and eventually led to fame for lead singer Chaka Khan. Gary, meanwhile, formed a suburban Chicago recording studio where he engineered (and sometimes produced) the city’s top talent, including Styx, REO Spedwagon, Survivor and Dennis DeYoung. He was twice nominated for Grammys for his engineering work.
We played this song on WJMK all the time when I worked there. His biggest hit...
RIch King Announces His Retirement
He has been hinting at this possibility now for many years, but Rich King finally made the announcement this weekend. He has decided to retire from broadcasting. This news came via his facebook page. He wrote...
Media columnist Robert Feder wrote about it in his column yesterday.
His good friends at Eckhartz Press wish him the very best. Rich's wonderful books about his life and his storied career ("Back in the Game" and "My Maggie") have been an inspiration for his many many fans. Maybe we can convince him to write another one after his broadcasting days are officially done.
it is finally official. i am calling it quits on June 15th. the end of a 48 year career that wildly exceeded every dream I had when it began on that warm summer day in 1968. It is fitting it will end where it began, at WGNTV where I started out as an intern. Sandwiched in between was a 24 year run at CBS radio and TV. I plan to enjoy each day in the final five months hoping the Bulls and Blackhawks will send me out with a nice playoff run. I told my boss ,Jen Lyons , that it will be hard to give it up but at the same time I am finally at peace with my decision. The timing is right. I still feel I am in top form and could go on for a year or two, but it is better to go out on your feet instead of being carted out the door feet first on a stretcher. Had I not met April I would have retired six years ago. She gave me new life and restored my taste for living and working. We have exciting plans now. More time for travel, more time to enjoy with old and new friends. More time to enjoy each other.
Media columnist Robert Feder wrote about it in his column yesterday.
King, 68, a native of Chicago’s South Side and graduate of De La Salle High School and the University of Illinois at Chicago, first joined WGN as an intern in 1968 and was hired as a writer and producer in 1969. He spent more than two decades at CBS-owned WBBM AM 780 and WBBM-Channel 2 before returning to WGN as sports anchor and reporter in 1991.
“For nearly 25 years, he’s been a rock in our sports department,” said WGN news director Jennifer Lyons. “Everyone knows Chicagoans are serious about their sports and they trusted Rich to bring them a front row seat to all the big moments. . . . Beyond a talented journalist and sports anchor/reporter, Rich is one of the kindest men in the business. Hard working is an understatement. Whether it was chasing the Cup at 1 in the morning or surviving sub-zero temps in Green Bay, he always took on every assignment without a complaint.”
In 2014 King was inducted in the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
His good friends at Eckhartz Press wish him the very best. Rich's wonderful books about his life and his storied career ("Back in the Game" and "My Maggie") have been an inspiration for his many many fans. Maybe we can convince him to write another one after his broadcasting days are officially done.
Ringo Explains his Drum Patterns
This is a great view for Beatles fans like me. I hope you enjoy it too...
Friday, January 15, 2016
Gamer Hype
My cousin Kurt runs the team at Robert Morris University. He sent me this note and video yesterday...
RMU kicks off the competitive season with a professionally broadcasted game versus BIG 10 opponent Michigan State University Spartans! So if you are bored on Sat night feel free to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone and watch us smash MSU. I like our chances....Go Chi Town! Hope all is well with you! Thanks!!
Father Knows Nothing: Free Excerpt
One of our favorite responses from Father Knows Nothing is when someone sends us a note saying which "character" they like best. It makes us chuckle, of course, because those characters are all real people. One of them is my brother, Peter Kaempfer, who celebrates a birthday today.
In honor of Peter, we're offering this free excerpt from Father Knows Nothing featuring the character of Peter.
When my little brother Peter was about five years old, he and I shared a bedroom (with bunk beds). One day there was a fly in our room. It buzzed by my head, and I couldn’t get it. It buzzed by Peter’s head and he couldn’t get it. Peter became obsessed with killing that fly. He chased it around the room, until it was near the top bunk. He climbed up on the top bunk, measured the trajectory of the fly, and without regard to his personal well being dove into the air attempting to catch it. He landed hard on the desk five feet away, a crash so loud that it sent the rest of the family charging into the room to see what had happened. He looked like a mangled mess on the floor–one leg pointing one direction, the other pointing another direction. His eyes were closed and he was grimacing in pain. When my mother asked him if he was OK, he didn’t say anything at first, and we worried that he sustained some sort of head injury. He slowly opened his fist, revealed the dead fly in his palm, and with a grin on his face said: “I got him.”
A Voice of Reason
Republican Pete Wehner has temporarily restored my faith in humanity with this Op-Ed in the New York Times. It's called: "Why I Will Never Vote for Donald Trump"
Here's a small excerpt...
Here's a small excerpt...
I understand that it often happens that those of us in politics don’t get the nominee we want, yet we nevertheless unify behind the candidate who wins our party’s nomination. If those who don’t get their way pick up their marbles and go home, party politics doesn’t work. That has always been my view, until now. Donald Trump has altered the political equation because he has altered the moral equation. For this lifelong Republican, at least, he is beyond the pale. Party loyalty has limits.
No votes have yet been cast, primary elections are fluid, and sobriety often prevails, so Mr. Trump is hardly the inevitable Republican nominee. But, stunningly, that is now something that is quite conceivable. If this scenario comes to pass, many Republicans will find themselves in a situation they once thought unimaginable: refusing to support the nominee of their party because it is the best thing that they can do for their party and their country.
The Power of Trolling
RIP Lois Weisberg
Rick Kogan wrote a wonderful obit for Lois Weisberg in the Chicago Tribune. I met Lois several times over the years, but I'm certainly not alone. Here's an excerpt from Rick's piece...
She was a champion of all things Chicago as the cultural affairs commissioner, and in her 90 years she did a great job promoting the arts. Talk about a life well-lived. Chicago will miss her.
Weisberg seemed to know everybody — the comic Lenny Bruce once lived with her — and that attribute was perfectly captured in the now-famous “Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg” by author Malcolm Gladwell in a 1999 article for The New Yorker, later expanded on for a chapter in his first best-selling book, “The Tipping Point.”
“Lois is far from being the most important or the most powerful person in Chicago,” Gladwell wrote. “But if you connect all the dots that constitute the vast apparatus of government and influence and interest groups in the city of Chicago you'll end up coming back to Lois again and again.”
She was a champion of all things Chicago as the cultural affairs commissioner, and in her 90 years she did a great job promoting the arts. Talk about a life well-lived. Chicago will miss her.
Jeff Hoover
If you'd like to read it too, it's right here.
I still think Hoover has SNL-quality talent. He's done some amazing work for that show over these past 13 years.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
We're All Being Punk'd
Is it possible that this whole Donald Trump campaign is the most elaborate Punk'd episode of all time? I keep waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out and tell us it's all a joke. It has to be. Right?
Mick & Paul to play Bowie Tribute Concert
They are arguably the two biggest living rock stars in the world, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney, and they plan on playing at a David Bowie tribute concert in New York.
The Mirror has the details.
The Mirror has the details.
2016 Oscar Nominees
You can check out the entire list of nominees here.
Career Option You Might Never Have Considered
Just to warn you, this is definitely NSFW! (But I found it very funny...or at least very odd.)
"I'm a professional dick photographer." http://nyp.st/1Ziadnh
Posted by New York Post on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Seth Meyers gets 5 more years
I don't often see the see the show because I've got an early wakeup call, but the times I have seen it, I'm impressed by how comfortable Seth is in his own skin. That's an underappreciated skill.
3 Powerball Winners
I matched three numbers out of thirty.
The winning tickets were sold in Chino Hills, California; Munford, Tennessee; and in Melbourne Beach, Florida, according to state lottery officials. Don't know anyone that lives in any of those towns.
Oh well, back to reality.
Norm Winer's New Role
This is interesting. Not sure what to make of this news. Norm wasn't just the PD of XRT. He was the father. WXRT is his baby. From Tom Taylor's column...
Norm Winer rotates away from his 36-year role program director at CBS Radio’s adult alternative WXRT/93.1. In the latest change at the company, Norm becomes “Director of Music Initiatives and Special Programming.” CBS says he’ll “take his amazing strengths of industry relationships, gifts of discovering new bands and artists, and skill at producing events, and concentrate on those responsibilities full-time.” Who’s the new PD at ’XRT? There won’t be one, says Chicago media observer Robert Feder. “While Norm Winer’s position will not be filled, his duties will be handled by [WXRT and all-sports “670 the Score” WSCR operations director] Mitch Rosen, and music director Kelly Ransford.” That presumably saves CBS at least part of a salary. Can a big-time station like WXRT run without a full-time PD?
Is the PD position an endangered species in this business?
Is the PD position an endangered species in this business?
Most/Least Stressful Jobs
The list is out again, and my friends in the newspaper and broadcasting business are not going to be surprised by number 8 & 9 on the most stressed list...
Most-Stressful Jobs:
1. Enlisted Military Personnel
2. Firefighter
3. Airline Pilot
4. Police Officer
5. Event Coordinator
6. Public Relations Director
7. Senior Corporate Executive
8. Broadcaster
9. Newspaper Reporter
10: Taxi Driver
Least-Stressful Jobs:
1. Information Security Analyst
2. Diagnostic Medial Sonographer
3. Tenured University Professor
4. Hair Stylist
5. Medical Records Technician
6. Medical Laboratory Technician
7. Jeweler
8. Audiologist
9. Dietician
10. Librarian
1. Enlisted Military Personnel
2. Firefighter
3. Airline Pilot
4. Police Officer
5. Event Coordinator
6. Public Relations Director
7. Senior Corporate Executive
8. Broadcaster
9. Newspaper Reporter
10: Taxi Driver
Least-Stressful Jobs:
1. Information Security Analyst
2. Diagnostic Medial Sonographer
3. Tenured University Professor
4. Hair Stylist
5. Medical Records Technician
6. Medical Laboratory Technician
7. Jeweler
8. Audiologist
9. Dietician
10. Librarian
The Transparent Family on the Red Carpet
Jeffrey Tambor and his two on-screen daughters (including Amy Landecker) on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Tambor introduces Amy to a reporter, but when it's time to introduce his other "daughter", something funny happens.
Watch it here.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
For My Fellow Chicago History Geeks
It's Not Winter in Chicago Until...
I said that to my barber yesterday. It was a little warm in the barber shop.
The Most Violent Game in Football History
Read it here.
Talk Radio Network CEO Arrested
Is Ted Cruz Eligible to be President?
The Rams are Back in LA
The NFL approved the St. Louis Rams move back to LA. For someone my age, this is how it should be. The Rams belong in Los Angeles.
They've already signed their quarterback. Meet Joe Pendelton. He's got a heavenly quality about him...
They've already signed their quarterback. Meet Joe Pendelton. He's got a heavenly quality about him...
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
RIP Monte Irvin
He passed away last night at the age of 96. He had been the oldest living Hall of Famer. This is his write-up in Just One Bad Century's "Every Cub Ever" feature...
~Monte Irvin 1919 (Cubs 1956)
Irvin was nicknamed “Mr. Murder” for the way he murdered the baseball. He was a star in the Negro Leagues and didn’t make his debut in the Majors until 1949 at the age of 30. But even though he only played a few big league seasons and hit only 99 career homers, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. He had a few great seasons with the Giants, leading them to the National Leauge pennant in 1951, and the World Series championship in 1954. When the Cubs got him in 1956, he was already 37 years old. His power stroke was diminished, but he was still the best leftfielder in the league. In his last big league season he led the National League in fielding percentage and range.
Irvin was nicknamed “Mr. Murder” for the way he murdered the baseball. He was a star in the Negro Leagues and didn’t make his debut in the Majors until 1949 at the age of 30. But even though he only played a few big league seasons and hit only 99 career homers, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973. He had a few great seasons with the Giants, leading them to the National Leauge pennant in 1951, and the World Series championship in 1954. When the Cubs got him in 1956, he was already 37 years old. His power stroke was diminished, but he was still the best leftfielder in the league. In his last big league season he led the National League in fielding percentage and range.
Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall
I thought this whole story was a joke, but it appears it isn't. Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall (Mick Jagger's ex) are engaged. (You can see a picture at the link. I'd rather not post it. My stomach is still a little queasy).
Jerry and Rupert obviously won't be having any children together, but diapers are still going to have to be changed.
Jerry and Rupert obviously won't be having any children together, but diapers are still going to have to be changed.
Joke for a Tuesday Morning
Thanks to "TD" for this one...
An elderly Irish woman of advanced age visited her doctor to ask his advice on reviving her husband's lagging libido.
'What about trying Viagra?" asked the doctor.
"Not a chance," she said... "He won't even take an aspirin."
"Not a problem," replied the doctor. "Give him an "Irish Viagra."
"What's this Irish Viagra?" she asked.
"You drop the Viagra tablet into his coffee. He won't even taste it. Give it a try and call me in a week to let me know how things went."
A week later she called the doctor, who asked her about the results.
"Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah!" she exclaimed. "T'was horrid! Just terrible, doctor!"
"Really? What happened?" asked the doctor.
"Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee and the effect was immediate.
He jumped straight up, with a twinkle in his eye! With one swoop of his arm, he sent cups and tablecloth flying, then ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there on the tabletop! T'was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!"
"Why so terrible?" asked the doctor, "Do you mean it wasn't good?"
"It was the best I've had in 25 years! But sure as I'm sittin' here, I'll never be able to show me face in Starbucks again!"
An elderly Irish woman of advanced age visited her doctor to ask his advice on reviving her husband's lagging libido.
'What about trying Viagra?" asked the doctor.
"Not a chance," she said... "He won't even take an aspirin."
"Not a problem," replied the doctor. "Give him an "Irish Viagra."
"What's this Irish Viagra?" she asked.
"You drop the Viagra tablet into his coffee. He won't even taste it. Give it a try and call me in a week to let me know how things went."
A week later she called the doctor, who asked her about the results.
"Oh, faith, bejaysus and begorrah!" she exclaimed. "T'was horrid! Just terrible, doctor!"
"Really? What happened?" asked the doctor.
"Well, I did as you advised and slipped it in his coffee and the effect was immediate.
He jumped straight up, with a twinkle in his eye! With one swoop of his arm, he sent cups and tablecloth flying, then ripped me clothes to tatters and took me then and there on the tabletop! T'was a nightmare, I tell you, an absolute nightmare!"
"Why so terrible?" asked the doctor, "Do you mean it wasn't good?"
"It was the best I've had in 25 years! But sure as I'm sittin' here, I'll never be able to show me face in Starbucks again!"
Another Great Tribute
I wonder if David Bowie had any idea how beloved he was. This is the Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona...
Drought? What Drought?
California is rationing water because they have such a shortage. The photo at this link (from CBS News) is the estate of Kanye West and Kim Kardasian. As if you needed another reason to dislike this pair, check out the green surrounded by brown.
The Valentine's Day Gift No One Wants
How about giving your loved one a chocolate mold of your butthole? I'm not kidding. It's called edible anus, and if you'll excuse me for a moment, I think my breakfast is coming back up. Talk amongst yourselves.
Beer Drinking Hall of Fame
From DNA Info...
Over three days, Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin pulled off arguably one of the greatest drinking feats in Chicago's history. Mosqueda and Benjamin visited 64 bars on Western Avenue — walking about 24 miles from 119th Street to Howard Street — and had at least one pint at every single bar. The pair's achievement was filmed for a 25-minute documentary called "The Western Avenue Project."
Western Avenue, by the way, is the longest street in Chicago. Chicago is not a small city. Even the walking part of this excursion doesn't interest me. Also, I love beer as much as the next guy, but sheesh. 64 pints over 3 days is more than 20 pints a day. That sound you hear is a liver crying.
Over three days, Steve Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin pulled off arguably one of the greatest drinking feats in Chicago's history. Mosqueda and Benjamin visited 64 bars on Western Avenue — walking about 24 miles from 119th Street to Howard Street — and had at least one pint at every single bar. The pair's achievement was filmed for a 25-minute documentary called "The Western Avenue Project."
Western Avenue, by the way, is the longest street in Chicago. Chicago is not a small city. Even the walking part of this excursion doesn't interest me. Also, I love beer as much as the next guy, but sheesh. 64 pints over 3 days is more than 20 pints a day. That sound you hear is a liver crying.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Around the Publishing World (January 11)
1. Are there any unforgivable sins in literature?
Author Rivka Galchen answers that question in the New York Times and I absolutely love her answer. Great advice for her fellow writers.
2. 28 Things You Must Know About Publishing
There are some great observations here about self-publishing and traditional publishing. #1 and #19 are great points that authors don't like to hear, but they couldn't be more true. As for #19, when we run into authors that are unwilling to invest in their own books, we run for the hills. Why should we invest if you aren't willing?
3. Unconventional Tips for Unblocking Writer's Block
Author Derek Haines has some suggestions that are really excellent outside-the-box ways of thinking about temporary writer's block. It happens to everyone occasionally. No need to panic. Your talent hasn't suddenly left you. Try these tips and it will more than likely come right back.
4. 21 Author Quotes About the Magic of Reading and Writing
Great writers give you some inspiration to keep on keeping on. Some are a bit trite, but the sentiment is there.
5. New at Eckhartz Press: Library bundles and our Speakers Bureau
Our Eckhartz Press authors have spoken at lots of libraries around the Chicagoland area. We're now offering book bundles for other libraries that want to stock our books, and our speakers bureau for libraries (or other organizations) to book our authors. Click on the links above to get more information.
Space Oddity in Space
This is the sort of thing you will never forget. David Bowie's "Space Oddity" actually performed in outer space by an astronaut. Wow, just wow.
Bowie Wisdom
Forgot about this. Thanks to Marcus Leshock for posting the tweet...
The David Bowie quote that opened "The Breakfast Club." pic.twitter.com/9qVKwD4Xnw
— Marcus Leshock (@marcusleshock) January 11, 2016Ricky's Monologue
So, even though I didn't take time out to watch it last night live, I did seek out Ricky Gervais' monologue this morning just to see how mean it was...
Mystery Solved
I didn't watch the Golden Globes, but if you did, you might have wondered what Ricky Gervais said to Mel Gibson that was bleeped during the broadcast. Pardon the profanity...
For those wondering what I said to Mel, it was "what the fuck does Sugar Tits even mean? He took it well. Haha. pic.twitter.com/nEEk5uGSrC
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016Sean Penn & El Chapo
They posted it last night, the day after El Chapo was captured. It's a bit of a rambling mess of an article because Penn had to write it all from memory--no recording devices or pen & paper were allowed. But it's still fascinating.
And it turns out, it led to El Chapo's capture.
Penn has come a long way from his Spicoli days.
My David Bowie Story
When I was in college, my roommate Stu Page had an autographed poster of David Bowie on the wall of our living room. I showed it to everyone who came over, and proudly told them the story of how Stu got Bowie to sign that poster backstage at a concert. Years later, Stu admitted the truth to me. He never went backstage, never met Bowie, and signed the poster himself. All of my other friends already knew.They thought it was hilarious that I didn't recognize Stu's handwriting. If he were still alive today, I know what Bowie would have said to him. "Stu, best wishes, David Bowie."
RIP David Bowie
David Bowie, who had just turned 69 years old last week, died of cancer last night in England. Bowie was one of the all-time greats in rock and roll history. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Bowie's career was still going strong. He just released a critically-aclaimed album last week.
Here are a few of my favorite David Bowie moments. The Music...
The acting...
Here are a few of my favorite David Bowie moments. The Music...
The acting...
Friday, January 08, 2016
Deadwood
This is great news. I loved the HBO series "Deadwood"...
ICYMI: The long-awaited #Deadwood movie is "happening": https://t.co/rLCy8X6t3W pic.twitter.com/eHzN4nPgRc
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) January 8, 2016The Newest Soccer Club Owner
Joining another celebrity (Drew Carey) in the professional soccer ranks.
Don't scoff. He did a great job (with the help of Mike Ditka) in the movie "Kicking and Screaming"
"This is not a joke."
Will Ferrell announced as #LAFC co-owner. pic.twitter.com/IJKJ7sEWzF
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 7, 2016Don't scoff. He did a great job (with the help of Mike Ditka) in the movie "Kicking and Screaming"
"Something" Isolated Organ/Orchestral Track
Listen to this and tell me that George Martin wasn't actually the fifth Beatle. His contributions are immense. It's one of the reasons why when I met him I babbled like a moron. I just couldn't put into words how much I appreciated him.
We Have Overstuffed the Bird
I know it seems counterintuitive to the rest of the television and radio executives out there, because fewer commercials seems like it would mean less revenue. But the American public simply doesn't have the stomach for commercials anymore, and it's about time the industry comes to grips with it. We can stream entire seasons of television series without having to watch a single commercial. (Or DVR shows and fast forward through commercials). We can listen to satellite or internet radio and not be bothered by commercials. We know what it's like now without commercials, and we don't want to go back to the old way of doing it. That's a big reason ratings are down so much for traditional radio and television.
And yet, as the ratings have gone down, executives have been trying to stuff even more commercials into broadcasts to make up for that lost revenue, which causes the ratings to go down further, and the revenue to decline even more. Something had to give. At some point, the new reality had to be confronted.
"It's going to take time for us to earn our stripes; it's not going to happen overnight," said Reilly, who added that the transition will take three years to complete. "We're sprinting, but it is a marathon. Three years from now, TBS and TNT will be radically different businesses than they are today.
"It's going to be a hairy couple of years in the business in general," said Reilly, but his goal is to keep TNT and TBS an essential part of the industry's evolution.
This was a long time coming and I hope it's not an outlier.
Adweek has the details.
Hillary To Appear on Tonight Show
The Tonight Show scored a "big get" (that's what the kids call it these days) when they booked Hillary Clinton for their January 14th show. That just happens to be the same night as the next Republican debate.
Variety has the details.
I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie
The paperback is available at Eckhartz Press, but the e-book is now also available at amazon.
Click here for the paperback.
Click here for the e-book.
Bruce Sutter
Here's our writeup at Just One Bad Century about today's birthday boy, Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter...
~Bruce Sutter 1953 (Cubs 1976-1980)
Bruce Sutter is a Hall of Famer, but of course, he’s not wearing a Cubs hat even though he had his best and most dominating seasons on the North Side of Chicago. He was a six-time All-Star including four times with the Cubs. He won the Cy Young Award in 1979 for a very mediocre Cubs team. He led the league in saves 5 times. And he won the World Series with the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals. Bruce Sutter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006; his 13th season on the ballot. (Photo: Topps 1977 Baseball Card)
Other Cubs celebrating birthdays today include a man named Twitch, another one hit by lightning, and a Cub who recently left the team. Check them out here.
Bruce Sutter is a Hall of Famer, but of course, he’s not wearing a Cubs hat even though he had his best and most dominating seasons on the North Side of Chicago. He was a six-time All-Star including four times with the Cubs. He won the Cy Young Award in 1979 for a very mediocre Cubs team. He led the league in saves 5 times. And he won the World Series with the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals. Bruce Sutter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006; his 13th season on the ballot. (Photo: Topps 1977 Baseball Card)
Other Cubs celebrating birthdays today include a man named Twitch, another one hit by lightning, and a Cub who recently left the team. Check them out here.
Terri Hemmert to Have Cancer Surgery
She made the announcement yesterday. This is part of her statement on the WXRT website...
I went to my doctor with a symptom that needed to be checked out. After going through a bunch of tests I had some polyps removed in November. They were benign, and I went right from the hospital to my favorite Mexican restaurant. Things seemed fine. Until I found out I have cancer. I went in for my follow up appointment just a couple days before Thanksgiving. Thought it would be high fives for the surgery. The bad news was that they found cancer behind the polyps. The good news is it’s early…stage one. More good news is I have a great medical team who didn’t give up testing. Tomorrow will be my last show for awhile. I’ll be going in for surgery Monday, and will need at least a month to recuperate. I asked if they could just flip me over and do the back surgery while I was there, but that’s not possible. Doesn’t hurt to ask. Beginning this Sunday Breakfast With The Beatles will be one hour long, from 9 to 10 am. I didn’t want to leave you without at least an hour of the fabs. Back to 2 hours when I get back to work.She's going to be out an estimated six weeks. Tons of prayers and support are headed in this Chicago broadcasting legend's direction.
She's Everywhere, She's Everywhere
The other night she appeared on Conan's show on TBS. Told a very funny story about her daughter's reaction to her nude scene. Yesterday she was also in the Tribune, telling a funny story about Don Cheadle.
Thursday, January 07, 2016
New Definition of Old
A guy that was just elected into the Hall of Fame was a rookie the first year I played fantasy baseball. The other guy who just got elected was on my fantasy roster before all three of my children were born. My oldest son is now 20.Where did I put my walker?
No Love for Lovie
I'm surprised by this one. That team actually looked like they were on the upswing, but what do I know?
UPDATE: It appears this is a case of trying to keep the offensive coach, who was rumored to be leaving town for a head coaching position elsewhere. That's what this column surmises.
New Co-host at WLS-FM
A fresh face and new voice will be joining the airwaves at WLS. I think this town is ready for some new blood. From Radio Online...
For the "no outsiders" of you out there, consider this. She grew up in Arlington Heights.Cumulus Media Chicago brings in veteran morning personality Kim Berk to join Brant Miller as co-host in mornings on Classic Hits WLS-FM, weekdays from 5:30-9am. Berk comes to Chicago from New York City, where she was co-host of the "Kim & Kane Show" on WWFS-FM from 2009 to 2015. She's also co-hosted the "Jim & Kim Morning Show" on WWFS. Prior to that, the morning duo of Jim & Kim was on-air for eight years at WKJY-FM/Long Island, NY.
Cumulus Chicago VP/Market Manager Peter Bowen said, "We are fortunate that phenomenal talent like Kim was available to join Brant and the morning team on WLS-FM. This is another piece of the puzzle that will bring WLS back to the top."
Rod Zimmerman Fired
This is shocking news. Zimmerman had led the CBS stations in Chicago for years. He was let go because they didn't extract enough money out of those seven radio stations. From All Access...
Shocker! CBS RADIO continues to make cuts, this time affecting CHICAGO SVP/Market Mgr. ROD ZIMMERMAN and VP/Dir./Sales MARK DAY. ROBERT FEDER reports the duo, "have been forced out in the wake of revenue declines at the seven-station group they headed, sources confirmed THURSDAY," adding COO SCOTT HERMAN, "disclosed the moves WEDNESDAY in a meeting with local department managers. He cited the disappointing financial performance of the CHICAGO group under ZIMMERMAN and DAY, according to several of those present." HERMAN "told the managers he would introduce ZIMMERMAN’s replacement at an all-staff meeting THURSDAY morning," adds FEDER.I was not a Zimmerman fan, but the one thing I never questioned about him was his absolute dedication to sucking every last penny out of that place. When I worked at WJMK, we weren't even allowed to use the nice stationery without getting approval from the GM. (True story) Good luck to the next guy who has to suck even more out of it.
No Powerball Winner
Just in case you're wondering, I was going to give it all to you. Doggone it.
Oh well, I'm sure next time you'll do the same for me.
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Peter Cetera Will Appear at Rock & Roll HOF Ceremony
He posted the following message on his website yesterday--an open letter to the guys in the band...
January 6, 2016
Hello Everyone! I’ve just sent this mail to everyone involved. Hopefully it will answer all the questions concerning my participation in the Hall of Fame induction..Thanks
Hello Robert, Danny, Lee, Walter, and James. I’m sending this to you and Danny since yours are the only email addresses I have. Please forward this to everyone.
First off, congratulations all around on this long overdue honor. While our fans believe we should have been inducted years ago, they find it harder to believe that we haven’t even been nominated in all that time. Oh well, we are now!
All the credit goes to those who voted for us in overwhelming numbers during the recent poll. They alone deserve our thanks for finally making this happen.
I know we all look forward to speaking that evening and I’m sure we all wish that Terry was there to join us. That can’t happen unfortunately, but I have one thing that can.
As a finale, we can walk onstage together one last time as a group, I’ll strap on the bass, and we can do 25or6to4 in the key of E. I believe it would make for one fantastic Hall of Fame moment and satisfy those who have always wanted some sort of reunion.
Along with your current members, I would also like us to invite past members Laudir de Oliveira, Donnie Dacus, Kenny Cetera, Chris Pinnick, and Bill Champlin to join us up there as well on the song. They’ve all contributed to the legacy of the group and I think this would be a fitting way to honor them.
In the end, this should go a long way towards healing old wounds and showing solidarity on that night. At least I hope so!
E with a period Lee
According to this item at Chicagoland Radio & Media, Frank E. Lee is coming back to WXRT. At least temporarily. Click on the link for more details. I'll be tuning in.
The Babypod
Didn't do it for the other two. Although now that I think of it, Tommy's test scores are way higher than his little brothers. Hmmm.
Anyway, I bring this up because of this new product I found today. It's called the Babypod, and it plays music for fetuses. But unlike my headphone experience, the Babypod has a more direct way of delivering the music. Can you guess how it works? Let's put it this way. It tries to get a little closer to the baby. Look at the picture and use your imagination.
Slate Magazine has the details.
Remember this game?
I'll just watch this instead of the playoffs this year. (Sigh) I remember watching it live on a black and white television in my girlfriend's apartment in Champaign-Urbana. She didn't quite appreciate the depth of this beat down, and how long we had waited for something like this against the Cowboys.
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