Fred Winston

Thanks so much to Robert Feder who mentioned my latest interview with Fred Winston in his column this morning...

Illinois Entertainer’s February issue checks in with Chicago radio legend Fred Winston. “I guess I am retired,” he told Rick Kaempfer, “although I don’t feel like it’s done. I’m always reticent to say that I’m done now because I do feel like I could drop back behind the mic and with a little DW40 in the mouth, I could pick up where I left off.” Winston, 71, who first joined WLS AM 890 in 1971 when it was a Top 40 powerhouse, last worked full-time in 2013 at classic hits WLS FM 94.7. He’s busier than ever on his Berrien County farm in Southwest Michigan. “The frustrating thing about being a gentleman farmer . . . are the many tiny engines that need spark plugs and oil changes. Rather than flap my mouth, I now bang my knuckles.”

You can read the entire Fred interview here.

Uma Thurman

Maureen Dowd wrote the story about Uma in yesterday's New York Times, and if you haven't seen it yet, it's pretty damning to both Harvey Weinstein (who sexually assaulted her) and Quintin Tarantino (who treated her cruelly).

Holocaust Denier Running for Congress in Illinois

Another proud moment for Illinois politics. The man's name is Arthur Jones, and he's already secured the GOP nomination in the upcoming primary because he is running unopposed. From this morning's Washington Post...

Arthur Jones has a campaign website.

It outlines the Republican candidate’s education background, his stance on issues and how to donate to his campaign to represent the Illinois’s 3rd Congressional District.

It also lays out Jones’s unapologetically racist and anti-Semitic views.

In a section called “Holocaust?” Jones describes the atrocities as a “racket” and “the biggest, blackest, lie in history.” Under another tab titled “Flags of Conflict,” he lists the Confederate flag first and describes it as “a symbol of White pride and White resistance” and “the flag of a White counter revolution.”

And in his most recent blog post — dated Aug. 24, 2017 — Jones railed against “Radical Leftists” and blamed them for starting racial violence in Charlottesville about two weeks before.

He's running against Congressman Bill Lipinski. Probably won't beat the Congressman, but sheesh. This is a scary country we're living in these days.

Earworm

Last night's episode of "Divorce" on HBO featured the song "Magnet & Steel" by Walter Egan. I haven't heard that song in many years.

I remember the first time I heard it. I lived in Germany at the time, and I was listening to Casey Kasem's American Top 40 on Armed Forces Radio. This song immediately got my attention. Even though I was no more than 15 years old at the time, and was far from sophisticated, I thought "Wow, these are the worst lyrics I've ever heard."

You are the magnet. And I am the steel.

Now thanks to HBO's Divorce, I can't get the stupid song out of my head.

Big Weekend for Chicago Bears

But will his hair go with him?

Brian Urlacher elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot: https://t.co/GiFa5gLHSc pic.twitter.com/Meyp0AZOXd

— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) February 3, 2018

This is worth at least 1/2 a Super Bowl share, wouldn't you say?

#Eagles OC Frank Reich said they got the 4th and 1 trick play thrown to Nick Foles from #Bears and Dowell Loggains. Cam Meredith threw a 2-yard TD to Matt Barkley vs #Vikings last year here. Same end zone at US Bank Stadium too.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 5, 2018

Berlin Wall Milestone

This is hard to believe. For a kid who grew up in West Germany, the wall seemed like it had been there forever. I remember the day it came down like it was yesterday.

It wasn't yesterday.

Berlin wall stood for 10316 days, and tomorrow is 10316 days since it is gone. pic.twitter.com/9HdDrnXILx

— Milos Vojinovic (@infinite_milos) February 4, 2018

Oh boy!

Here we go...

Cubs loading truck for spring training. It's happening. pic.twitter.com/8Vqmtpb0Kw

— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) February 2, 2018

Hitchhiking to the Edge of Sanity

Filmmaker Scott Petersen came to town a few months ago to unveil his latest documentary; "Hitchhiking to the Edge of Sanity". I was lucky enough to be in the audience to view it. Here's my one word review: "Tremendous"

The film is about two young Americans in 1970 who think it will make for a good story if they hitchhike across the Sahara Desert. One was an idealistic writer, and the other was a photographer. They got a great story and some great pictures alright, but the journey was about as difficult and tumultuous as you would imagine.

I only mention this because it's now out on amazon! I highly recommend it. You can rent it for $3.99 and buy it for only $9.99.

Here's the link!

After you watch it, let me know what you think.

RIP Dennis Edwards

One of the main singers of the Temptations has passed away just before his 75th birthday. Dennis Edwards was the lead singer on the following Temptation classics...

Three Floyds

One of the more underappreciated features of living in the world's #1 city (Chicago) is our close proximity to one of the best breweries in the world. Just over the Indiana border, I give you Three Floyds Brewery.

It's the top-ranked in the area, and in the top 100 in the world (which inludes Germany, by the way)

Chicago's Goose Island and Half Acre also made the top 100.

Two More Creeps Revealed

This time they are in the print media business, two editors at the NY Daily News.

Axios has the details.

Cumulus Hangs On to the Loop & WKQX

Turns out that Randy Michaels and his old Merlin buddies don't want to run these two radio stations again after all. They are allowing Cumulus to keep them...without buying them.

Robert Feder has the details.

What is football, Alex?

Turns out that Jeopardy contestants and football fans run in different crowds. I knew all five answers. :)

Nothing makes me smile more than watching these poor Jeopardy contestants flop while trying to answer sports questions — specifically football questions for the Super Bowl #SuperBowl52 pic.twitter.com/YJmBfanfbn

— Igor Mello (@SuperIgor) February 1, 2018

Minutia Men, Episode 82

EP82 – Rick and Dave discuss the most annoying word, sitcom revivals, Florida’s ranking, Republican Cubs, and Rick’s brush with Grandpa Munster Al Lewis.

Listen to it here.

Rise and Shine Woodchuck-chuckers

Happy Groundhogs Day!

A Case for Hart to Hart

Robert Wagner a ‘person of interest’ in Natalie Wood’s death, investigators say https://t.co/9av2NLvhdM

— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) February 1, 2018

How Boring is Living in Springfield?

Legislators use something called "the handkerchief trick" to amuse themselves.

Wacky.

Fred Winston

The February issue of Illinois Entertainer is out and features my interview with the legendary Fred Winston!

You can read it here.

Another Creep Revealed

This time its in the record business.

Charlie Walk, president of Republic Records, and a judge on the Fox television show The Four: Battle for Stardom.

Capetown

Capetown, South Africa is on the verge of becoming the first big city in the world to run out of water. They are going through such a terrible drought that their main reservoir is almost dry. That has to feel weird in this beautiful city along the ocean.

I was there in 2010 for the World Cup. Whenever I hear someone say "I'd like to go to Africa," I always reply "Make sure you go to Capetown". It's that beautiful.

I took a few pictures when we there. I don't think these do it justice, but it gives you an idea...

CWA Writer's Conference

Just picked up my tickets for the CWA Writer's Conference. Can't wait to attend. Should be a great learning experience. The keynote speaker will be former Chicago Tribune columnist Fred Mitchell.

It's the weekend of March 10-12 if you'd like to attend. There are still some spaces available.

Click here to sign up.

RIP Oscar Gamble

RIP Oscar Gamble. He passed away yesterday at the age of 68. Here is his Every Cub listing from Just One Bad Century...

~Oscar Gamble 1949 (Cubs 1969)
In November of 1969, the Cubs made a trade that they hoped would put them over the top. They traded pitcher Dick Selma and a young prospect, to the Phillies for former all-star outfielder Johnny Callison. Unfortunately for the Cubs, that young prospect turned out to be Oscar Gamble. Gamble was only 19 years old at the time, but he had already gotten a taste of the majors with the Cubs. How did that trade turn out? Gamble played in the majors until 1985, and hit 200 home runs. Of those 200 home runs, only one of them came for the Cubs. He went on to play in the World Series for the Yankees, and hit .358 for them in 1979. Most horribly, his best season was with the Southside Hitmen 1977 Chicago White Sox. Callison had one semi-decent year, then was done. Needless to say, he wasn’t the final piece to take them over the top. The biggest tragedy, however, was what could have been on the north side if they had never traded Gamble. After Jose Cardenal joined the Cubs in the early 70s, the Cubs could have had the greatest “fro” outfield of all-time.

The Bulls move to the Score

This had to happen fast because the basketball season is still underway, and it did. After Cumulus announced they were dropping the Bulls and White Sox last week, the Score swooped in and made it official today.

The Bulls will now air on the Score. Same announcers (Chuck Swirsky & Bill Wennington).

No word yet on the White Sox, but they do have some time. Spring training doesn't start for another few weeks.

How Creepy was Roger Ailes?

Andrea Tantaros, a former Fox News anchor, claims in a new lawsuit that Roger Ailes had a closed circuit TV in every room--including the one that Fox News women disrobed. From The Hollywood Reporter...

"There was also a bi-annual trunk show in the Spring and Fall conducted by Fox’s wardrobe department," states the amended complaint. "The trunk show was held in empty Fox offices and female talent was expected to disrobe down to their undergarments to try on new on-air dresses for the next season, without even the benefit of a curtain. The dresses were pre-selected for the women by the wardrobe department before their arrival; pants were not an option. Upon information and belief, Ailes was recording female employees disrobe without their consent in their offices and during the bi-annual trunk show."

The GOP Cubs

The Cubs have been affiliated in one way or another with the Republican Party since the days President Taft's brother owned the team. Later, William Wrigley was a big Republican donor. Minority owner Albert Lasker helped get Warren Harding elected (he was literally in that smokey room when the decision was made), and fellow minority owner Harry Sinclair was in the middle of Harding's notorious Teapot Dome scandal. The Chicago Tribune was founded by one of the most outspoken Republicans of all-time--Colonel McCormick--and the Tribune owned the Cubs for nearly 30 years. Ronald Reagan wasn't just a Cubs fan, he was a former Cubs announcer.

So, it probably shouldn't come as a big shock that Todd Ricketts was just named the chief fundraiser for the Republican party, replacing the disgraced alleged sexual harasser Steve Wynn.

As a die-hard Cubs fan and a die-hard non-Republican, I'm hoping that he keeps it to himself as much as possible.

A Bus-Sized Dinosaur Fossil Discovered in Africa

They are calling it the Holy Grail of dinosaur fossil discoveries because it's notoriously hard to find fossils in Africa (because of the terrain) and because it was in such good shape.

Reuters has the details.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a dinosaur nerd.

Chicago is #1!

From the Daily Mail...

Chicago has topped a list of the world's best cities beating London, New York and Melbourne.

For the second time in a row, the windy city was named the number one place for having fun and enjoying city life in a study by Time Out.

Each year it releases its annual City Life Index, which scores places on categories such as food, drink, culture, friendliness, affordability and happiness.

And Chicago came out on top thanks to high scores for its food and drink scene, culture, affordability and city pride. The only area where it fell short was safety.

I have been around the world, and I agree. Also love New York and London, which are in the top 5. Must check out Melbourne and Porto now (the other two in the top 5).

Emmis selling St. Louis stations

KSHE is an institution in St. Louis. From the RAMP Newsletter...

Emmis Communications Corporation just announced it's selling its St. Louis cluster of stations to Hubbard Radio and Entercom. Emmis says it has reached agreements in principle to sell KSHE and KPNT (105.7 The Point) to Hubbard Radio, and KFTK (FM News Talk 97.1) and KNOU (NOW 96.3) to Entercom Communications Corp.

Michelle Obama's First TV Interview

Last week Barack Obama emerged with his first interview (on David Letterman's new show), and this week Michelle will give her first interview too.

She'll be appearing on Ellen (Thursday).

Tacky, Tacky, Tacky

What happens when you hire Fast Eddie/Bob Rohrmann to be your president? The state of the union becomes a commercial. This is really tacky. From the Washington Post...

President Trump is seeking to parlay his first State of the Union address on Tuesday into cash for his reelection campaign by offering supporters a chance to see their name flashed on the screen during a broadcast of the speech.

In a fundraising solicitation on Monday, Trump offered those willing to pay at least $35 the opportunity to see their name displayed during a live streaming of the address on his campaign website.

If your name is Hispanic, no promises that your donation won't trigger a visit from ICE.

Bye Bye Chief Wahoo

The Indians have agreed to drop the Chief Wahoo logo because it is offensive to Native Americans.

You can certainly understand that. It is a bit cartoonish, and I've always been offended by it. But that's mainly because I heard the face was patterned after Ken Harrelson. Hawk is a Cub-hater, so I'm a Hawk-hater. Simple as that.

But according to this article, the Indians have been using Chief Wahoo since 1947, so obviously whoever told me it was Hawk Harrelson's face was inaccurate or playing a joke on me. (In fairness to gullible old me, the nose does resemble Hawk's)

The Dane Placko Hot Dog

Huge day for my good pal Dane Placko. It’s his birthday and he got a hot dog named after him. I was here to see him eat the first Dane Placko. Ingredients are beer mustard, cheese curds, and corn relish.

State of the Union Post-Game Show

A lot of the late night shows will be going live on Tuesday night so that they can report on the president's State of the Union address.

Jimmy Kimmel has booked Stormy Daniels to be on that night.

Setting the DVR.

Another Creep Revealed

Not too surprised by this name: Scott Baio.

The accuser is his Charles in Charge castmate Nicole Eggert, who was a teenager at the time.

Swift Groper Back in Radio

Radio is one medium that will seemingly always give out second chances. From Tom Taylor's NOW column this morning...

David Mueller, who lost his Denver morning gig and then a suit against Taylor Swift, re-enters radio. Last year Mississippi station owner Larry Fuss made a public offer to Mueller, saying he could get his foot back in the business at his new country sign-on. Now Mueller’s taking him up on it. Larry tells this NOW Newsletter that “I was roundly criticized in a Facebook group for offering him a job, but regardless of what he may or may not have done, does he really deserve to be banned from radio, for life?” Larry adds that Mueller’s had some personal losses in his family – and is confident that “He has lots of talent and will be great on Kix 92.7.” That’s Delta Radio’s newish country WMYQ Moorhead, Mississippi. After getting cut at Denver’s country KYGO/98.5 following a claim that he’d groped Taylor Swift’s butt, Mueller eventually sued her. She counter-sued and won a $1 verdict, leaving him with a lot of bills. Larry Fuss says his newest talent on “Kix” starts today as part of the “Jackson & Jonbob” morning show. Mueller was also “Jackson” at KYGO – and in Mississippi, he’ll be “Stonewall Jackson.”

Surprise Visit at the Grammys

We watched a few minutes of the Grammy's last night. The Elton John/Miley Cyrus duet was a snooze. The other songs didn't appeal to me (although Bruno Mars is a heck of an entertainer). But this was the one moment I enjoyed the most...

People Love Minutia Men

Here's a sampling of some of the reviews that have been left on iTunes for Minitua Men over the past month...






I could listen to Rick & Dave all day long
in iTunes by DJ Mike Zero from USA on January 27, 2018
Seriously, listening to these two guys go back and forth makes me nostalgic for my old radio days. It’s a little bit of old school and a little bit of new school. Pick a random episode and listen...you can’t go wrong!

Perfect podcast for the drive to work
in iTunes by Rob Gokee from USA on January 25, 2018
Love this show - well-produced and entertaining. I found this through the #podernfamily hashtag on Twitter - so glad I did!

A raucous blast
in iTunes by Fishbonius from USA on January 24, 2018
Great entertainment. Good sound quality. Funny stuff keeps me laughing. Good chemistry here leads to a really good time.

Awesome show
in iTunes by AwakenTheLeader from USA on January 23, 2018
Found your show today and couldn’t stop laughing. Love the sarcasm, wit, and dialogue. Must listen.

Great fun!
in iTunes by Ewinglaw from USA on January 22, 2018
A thoughful, fun, and well produced podcast. I'm hooked!

The Best Podcast about Minutia
in iTunes by Kill Things Brundlefly from USA on January 18, 2018
Hilarious and thought provoking banter, with a side of insanity.

Cubs Win!
in iTunes by Storrs315 from USA on January 15, 2018
I'll take two Merry Munchie Meals! Great show! I laughed, I cried, I chipped a nip!

I beg to differ...
in iTunes by Of Myth and Mercy from USA on January 14, 2018
Since I turned Minutia Men on yesterday, I have yet to encounter any new information I would remotely consider worthless. It's not random, varied, pointless conjecture full of info you may or may not get to use during trivia... It's actually interesting and will make you muse over topics -- and nothing too heavy or intense -- what everyone needs at least a little of.

Great Podcast
in iTunes by theudnetwork from USA on January 14, 2018
I have listened to your podcast many times and it is great and VERY ENTERTAINING!!!! I have laughed so hard that my face has turned red. Keep it up as the podcast is funny and produces great content

Good!
in iTunes by gabdrolet from Canada on January 13, 2018
Great chemistry and interesting topics!

Two cool dudes sharing things you want to know
in iTunes by TooMacabreLadies from USA on January 12, 2018
The vibe is very much like catching a beer with your buddies, and you'll find yourself randomly mulling over the minutia during the week. And the next time you're sitting cramped on a plane, you'll think "Well, at least I'm not standing." And then you’ll probably think of Dave's testicular fungus...but you'll think fondly of it. An enjoyable show!

Awesome podcast
in iTunes by TheBrothersBinge from USA on January 11, 2018
These two are hilarious! They have a great chemistry and funny banter. do yourself a favor and subscribe!

Brilliant radio show
in iTunes by That guy in the T-Rex Costume from USA on January 9, 2018
I have a special love of podcasts that are styled after talk radio shows, and I instantly got that feeling from the Minutia Men. The titular hosts of this show both have excellent radio voices and the content to back it up!

Hilariously awesome!
in iTunes by PlanetBlerdom from USA on January 9, 2018
These guys are hilariously witty, and a breath of fresh air after a long day! If you want a good laugh...press play!

Awesome!!
in iTunes by mcle123 from UK on January 7, 2018
If you're looking for an interesting, funny and engaging podcast, this is the one for you!

Five stars baby!
in iTunes by dwong23 from Canada on January 6, 2018
Extremely upset that I was tricked into learning something while listening to this clever and funny podcast. Keep up the good work my dudes!

Full of interesting information
in iTunes by Natafire from USA on December 29, 2017
Really enjoying all the random bits of information in each episode! Perfect for my commute!

Friendly, funny Talk Radio in your pocket!
in iTunes by huckersteve from USA on December 28, 2017
This podcast should serve as a benchmark for quality in how to reproduce a classic radio feel and format in a podcast. The hosts sound great, and have a matchless repoire (sp) that makes the show easy to listen to. Great workday listening for sure, and you probably won't even get yelled at by your co workers for trying to listen to yet another Conspiracy Podcast at work! Thanks for the great example, Dudes- keep em coming. -Steve at the Baked and Awake Podcast

Just listened to the latest @MinutiaMen podcast and actually choked because i laughed so hard! Give it a listen people, very funny guys! #Britpodscene #UnderDogPods #PodernFamily

— Issa the avid Podcast listener/ Podcaster! (@WurieUhuru) January 27, 2018

This is how to win a game

UNBELIEVABLE ENDING!!! Freshman Blake Peters throws game winning 3-pointer length of the court to give Boys Basketball 45-44 #KitsWin over Maine South!!! pic.twitter.com/dTxYxaqDhV

— Evanston Athletics (@ETHSports) January 27, 2018

Another Creep Revealed

This time it's Las Vegas casino owner Steve Wynn.

That has to be the least surprising revelation outside of Stormy Daniels.

Fundraiser

Our soccer club (Green White) is doing a Super Bowl squares fundraiser to raise money for a trip to a tournament in Philadelphia. If you'd like to participate (some pretty nice prizes), click here. The password is greenwhite.

2nd Greatest Day of my Life as a Sportsfan

Today in 1986, the Bears shuffle to a 46-10 destruction of the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. pic.twitter.com/pXCF2kkIRW

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) January 26, 2018

Fox News is a Disgrace

The Fox News timeline is so illuminating:
1. Network star instinctively denies a report that sounds bad for Trump.
2. Fox’s actual journalists confirm report.
3. Star has to reverse himself.
4. Trump cries “Fake News!” and the network re-reverses itself.

All in 12 hours!

— David Leonhardt (@DLeonhardt) January 26, 2018

Burger King Speaks Up For Net Neutrality

This has gone viral. As of today, nearly three million views...

The XFL

Remember the XFL? It was a short-lived football league that competed against the NFL. It was the brainchild of wrestling promoter Vince McMahon, and the league featured players like Hershell Walker, and owners like Donald Trump.

It also sucked.

I remember the Chicago team was known as the Blitz, and their quarterback at one point was the 75-year-old (slight exaggeration) Greg Landry.

Well, Vince McMahon wants to bring it back. That story was making the rounds yesterday. Here's an article about it if you're interested.

Minutia Men, Episode 81

EP81 – Rick and Dave discuss Agent 99, an unusual Father/son moment, the Pope telling nun jokes, the man they named the ballpark after, and Rick’s brush with Danny Bonaduce.

Getting that Hall of Fame call

I have no problem with any of these four guys making it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Love watching them receive the news...

The call! #ChipperHOF pic.twitter.com/vdkZn5liIE

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 24, 2018

¡Llegó la llamada! Es Oficial!
Thank you Baseball, thank you @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/qZO6ykN5aD

— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) January 24, 2018

The call. #ThomeHOF pic.twitter.com/MTByF5gD5E

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) January 24, 2018

The Hall called. Trevor Hoffman answered. #HOFfman pic.twitter.com/sCF3SnlLUJ

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 24, 2018

For Those of You Traveling Overseas

This little tidbit of information is often left out of the self congratualatory tweeting of our First Tweeter..

The dollar keeps weakening, now at its weakest since Dec. 16, 2014. pic.twitter.com/ZfJL0N1t58

— Lisa Abramowicz (@lisaabramowicz1) January 25, 2018

Murphy Brown is Coming Back

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. CBS is bringing back Murphy Brown for 13 episodes.

I did watch Murphy Brown in the 90s because there were always good zingers I could use on the air (as drop ins--that's what we called the little audio clips we played). At first I didn't like the show, but I came around on it. By the time it went off the air it was one of my favorites.

But my honest first thought when I heard it was returning was "I guess it's true. There are no new ideas anymore." On the other hand, it wasn't until I started writing this post that I realized the timing for Murphy Brown's return might be perfect. Who better to weigh in on the current "Fake News" crisis we're experiencing? Let's unleash those razor-tongued Murphy Brown writers.

There's no shortage of targets for those incredible zingers.

Fahey, Joel, and John Coleman

This incredible piece of video from 1971 was unearthed by FuzzyMemories...

Will Ferrell

The former SNL man is returning to host the show this week, and Chicago has done it's part. From Robert Feder's column this morning...

Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications responded to an urgent call this week from “Saturday Night Live.” With Will Ferrell set to host this weekend’s show, producers needed to secure his original costumes as Harry Caray and the Spartan cheerleader. Both have been on display as part of the yearlong “Saturday Night Live: The Experience” exhibit at the museum. “It was all very confidential and hush-hush,” said Justin Kulovsek, the museum’s vice president of innovation. “I had to use protective gloves and wrap each item in plastic and take photos of the garments before boxing them up and sending them off to New York.” The two costumes are expected to be back on display in Chicago next week.

Looking forward to this episode. That cheerleader bit was always one of my favorites...

175 years!

Hard to argue with this sentence...more than 150 young girls molested...that's just over a year in prison for each one.

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to Larry Nassar: "As much as it was my honor and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it is my honor and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again." pic.twitter.com/sBV2vOgPUr

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 24, 2018

Another Retirement from Touring

Yesterday Neil Diamond retired from touring.

Today, Elton John announced that he would stop touring too. From ABC...

After almost a half of century of performing for packed audiences, Sir Elton John has announced his plans to retire from global touring.

The icon held a press conference today, which was streamed to his official website and YouTube.

"I’m not gonna be touring anymore," he said, aside from his last tour 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' that will kick off later this year in September. To be fair, he added that this global farewell tour will last a few years and will be 300 shows.

He remains one of the only rock icons I've never seen live. I guess I have to go see him when he comes to town.

Another State Protecting Net Neutrality

Yesterday it was Montana that passed a law protecting Net Neutrality.

Today it was New York!

I still don't think it's legal because of a sneaky provision inserted into the FCC Order banning states from doing so, but it's certainly worth the shot to fight it in court.

Garrison Keillor

At first the Garrison Keillor firing sounded a bit harsh. He claimed he accidentally touched a woman's bare back, which didn't sound like much to me. The results of the inquiry are in, however, and it was clearly more than that. From Tom Taylor's NOW column...

More about the Garrison Keillor firing – MPR now cites “unwanted sexual touching.” “Dozens of sexually inappropriate incidents over a period of years,” according to the attorney for a woman who worked for Garrison Keillor’s company. (Though not Minnesota Public Radio itself.) MPR posts an extensive statement here about what it learned from an “extended, independent fact-finding investigation” conducted by an outside firm. Keillor had stated that there was a single episode of him accidentally touching a bare back. The woman’s attorney supplied emails, written messages, “requests for sexual contact, and explicit descriptions of sexual communications and touching.” Some Minnesota Public Radio listeners and supporters questioned its judgment last Fall. Now CEO Jon McTaggart says the results of the investigation are in – and there are pieces of it that he can share, shedding light on his decision. McTaggart says “We appreciate Garrison’s many contributions to MPR, and we have gone to great lengths to be considerate of his privacy and his reputation.” The CEO says because Keillor owns many of the rights around his signature “A Prairie Home Companion” and the daily “Writer’s Almanac,” it was necessary to make a clean break in their business relationship. The hastily-chosen new name for the folksy two-hour weekly show now hosted by Chris Thile – “Live from Here.”

RIP Hugh Masekela

Legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, who recorded more than 40 solo albums and collaborated with artists ranging from Harry Belafonte to Paul Simon, has died at 78. https://t.co/kVqfDyArln pic.twitter.com/ZfMdstQOtl

— NPR (@NPR) January 23, 2018

His greatest song, and one of my favorites...

Oscar Nominations

Here they are, hot off the press...

Best Picture
Call Me by Your Name
Darkest Hour
Dunkirk
Get Out
Lady Bird
Phantom Thread
The Post
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Directing
Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk
Jordan Peele, Get Out
Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird
Paul Thomas Anderson, Phantom Thread
Guillermo del Toro, Shape of Water

Actor in a Leading Role
Timothée Chalamet, Call Me by Your Name
Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread
Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out
Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour
Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Actress in a Leading Role
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird
Meryl Streep, The Post

Actress in a Supporting Role
Mary J. Blige, Mudbound
Allison Janney, I, Tonya
Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird
Lesley Manville, Phantom Thread
Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

Actor in a Supporting Role
Willem Dafoe, The Florida Project
Woody Harrelson, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
Christopher Plummer, All the Money in the World
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Adapted Screenplay
James Ivory, Call Me by Your Name
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, The Disaster Artist
Scott Frank, James Mangold, and Michael Green, Logan
Aaron Sorkin, Molly’s Game
Virgil Williams and Dee Rees, Mudbound

Original Screenplay
Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick
Jordan Peele, Get Out
Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird
Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water
Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Montana Passes Net Neutrality Law

I thought there was a provision in the latest Net Neutrality debacle pushed by FCC Chairman Pai forbidding this, but it looks like Montana is ready to challenge the legality of that provision. They passed a Net Neutrality law, ensuring a free and open internet in Montana. It should be noted that Montana is not exactly a blue state.

I suspect there will be a legal challenge to this, but I still applaud the effort.

Neil Diamond Retires from Touring

From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Neil Diamond announced his retirement from touring due to his recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. On the advice of his doctors, the third leg of Diamond's 50th Anniversary tour, set to land in Australia and New Zealand in March, has been cancelled.

In a statement posted to his website, Diamond said, "It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce my retirement from concert touring. I have been so honored to bring my shows to the public for the past 50 years. My sincerest apologies to everyone who purchased tickets and were planning to come to the upcoming shows."

Tomorrow, Diamond will celebrate his 77th birthday, and this Sunday, January 28, The Recording Academy will honor him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Imus is Another Cumulus Victim

From this morning's Tom Taylor NOW column...

Don Imus to leave his current radio gig on March 29 (not his choice). NOW readers identified the precise moment – 7:22am Eastern time yesterday – when the I-Man told his audience on Cumulus talker WABC/770 and his Westwood One affiliates that Cumulus and he aren’t going to the end of 2018. He’s not thrilled about it, even though he’s 77 and still endures the punishing hours required of a morning-drive broadcaster. But he understands, says the New York Daily News - Imus explains to listeners that “They have a responsibility, as far as [the Cumulus] bankruptcy, to try to cut costs, to save money and figure out a way to make the thing work.” He’s actually confident that management can do that, and a fan of CEO Mary Berner. Cumulus predecessor Citadel hired Imus for WABC after he lost his job at MSNBC and CBS Radio’s sports “Fan” WFAN New York/660 in April 2007. That uproar was about his crack that the Rutgers women’s basketball team looking like “nappy-headed hos.” But Citadel’s Farid Suleman was a fan, and rescued his radio career. (Also his TV career, which continued on the RFD channel and, from 2009-2015, Fox Business Channel.)

RIP John Coleman

The legendary weatherman passed away over the weekend. He was 83 years old.

Coleman was known nationally as the man who founded the Weather Channel, but in Chicago he will always be remembered for his incredible run at Channel 7 as part of the classic lineup (Fahey Flynn, Joel Daly, John Coleman and Bill Frink).

Joel Daly wrote about him quite a bit in his great memoir "The Daly News" (Eckhartz Press). Here's a photo from that book...

Tom Weinberg

Tom Weinberg’s book signing at the Book Stall in Winnetka yesterday. A good time was had by one and all as Tom talked about his Eckhartz Press book "Chasing the Lost City"

Will Trump Do the Pre-Superbowl Interview?

Indications are that he will not do it, ending a tradition going back to 2004.

The main reason is that NBC is airing the Super Bowl. The last NBC interview he did was with Lester Holt, and in that interview he admitted obstructing justice.

Facebook will now ask users to rank news organizations they trust

Facebook will ask users to rank news they trust.

This sounds like a terrible idea to me. With all the Russian bots out there, once they use their forces for evil (labeling real news as fake), all this will do is damage legitimate news. To defeat fake news we need an impartial arbiter to declare it fake. Allowing the users to say what is fake or not is the opposite of what needs to be done. The users are in a bubble. That's how fake news worked in the first place.

Doin the Cruise

Mitch Michaels recently appeared on the Brandwidth podcast (hosted by Kipper McGee and Dave Martin). You can listen to their discussion right here.

As always, Mitch is quite entertaining.

Look what arrived in the mail

Get your own cup at weareallshitholers.com...

Trump Affair?

If you missed Bill Maher on Friday night, you missed a great interview with Michael Wolff. In the interview he implied something. Variety wrote about it this morning...

When asked whether there is a section in Fire and Fury that he wonders that the press isn't asking about, Wolff told host Bill Maher on Friday's installment of HBO's Real Time that there is, "but I can't tell you what it is."

"There is something in the book that I was absolutely sure of, but it was so incendiary that I just didn't have the ultimate proof," he said.

Maher then pressed Wolff on what the topic of the incendiary revelation is, asking whether it is a "woman thing."

"Well, I didn't have the blue dress," Wolf responded, referring to evidence in the Monica Lewinsky scandal with former President Bill Clinton, before telling Maher that "it is" about a woman.

"It's somebody he's fucking now," Maher said.

"It is. You just have to read between the lines," Wolff said, "It's toward the end of the book." After being pressed some more by Maher to reveal details about where the suggestion of an affair is, Wolff said, "You'll know it. Now that I've told you, when you hit that paragraph, you'll say 'Bingo.'"

Looking forward to getting my copy of the book in the mail. Speculation I've seen on Twitter so far is that it might be Nikki Haley. That seems like a stretch to me, but then again, I shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore.

Attention Broadcasters

During the last few government shutdowns, it was a fun joke for broadcasters to say they could get away with anything on the air because the FCC was not in the office. Not this time. From Tom Taylor's NOW column...

Most of the “non-essential” parts of the federal government closed on Friday – but not the FCC. Chairman Ajit Pai saw the potential shutdown coming and stashed away enough funds to keep his agency going for a whole week – at what sounds like full-tilt. Note that this isn’t the shutdown-contingency plan Pai shared last month, when he said they’d keep about 225 of the 1,492 staffers on the job. That’s still in abeyance and could be triggered if needed. Here’s what the FCC said Friday – “In the event of a partial government shutdown, because of available funding, the FCC plans to remain open and pay staff at least through the close of business on Friday, January 26.”

Aerial View

This is tremendous. When you hear a Republican saying "America thinks this" or "America thinks that", he or she is completely disregarding every single person seen here...

From New York to Seattle, check out these aerial views of the Women's March across the country https://t.co/nWKaiN7rdz pic.twitter.com/nzo7oy9jVc

— CNN (@CNN) January 21, 2018