Friday, May 11, 2018

New WBEZ lineup

Robert Feder has a great piece today about the plans for WBEZ's new emphasis on local journalism.

Here is the full schedule of the new lineup.

Net Neutrality Officially Ends June 11

From this morning's RAMP newsletter, Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel issued her own strongly worded statement against this move, that read...

"Today, the FCC gave notice net neutrality protections will be taken off the books on June 11. This is profoundly disappointing. The agency failed to listen to the American public and gave short shrift to their deeply held belief that Internet openness should remain the law of the land. The agency turned a blind eye to serious problems in its process -- from Russian intervention to fake comments to stolen identities in its files." Rosenworcel continued, "The FCC is on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of the law, and the wrong side of the American people. It deserves to have its handiwork revisited, reexamined, and ultimately reversed. I raised my voice to fight for Internet freedom. I'll keep raising a ruckus to support net neutrality and I hope others will too."

And check this out. Have you heard that AT&T gave Michael Cohen a huge pile of money to "lobby" Donald Trump? The guy who made that ridiculous decision for AT&T is the same guy who led the charge against Net Neutrality. Read all about that here.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Little Tommy Kaempfer

Son #1 just walked in the door and said "I have just finished the last college class of my lifetime." Graduation is on Sunday. A great Mothers Day present for Bridget. Congrats little Tommy Kaempfer.



Deadpool Apologizes to David Beckham

100 Homers

Minutia Men, Episode 93

EP93 – Rick and Dave discuss exploding urine, ear roaches, Danny DeVito Day, Kerry Wood’s 20 strikeout game, and Rick’s brush with Mr. Blackwell.

Listen to it here.

Weezie

With a name like Weezie it's easy to underestimate Entercom COO Weezie Kramer. I got to know her about two decades ago when I was working at WJMK (with John Landecker) and Weezie briefly came in and ran the show as our station general manager. I recently was going through my old career paperwork (Bridget asked me to get rid of some of my old boxes), and found a bunch of memos from Weezie (and to Weezie). They were all very civil and encouraging. (I had three other GMs during my time there, and none of their memos would qualify for either of those adjectives).

Saw this item about Weezie this morning in Tom Taylor's NOW column. Congrats to her!


Entercom COO Weezie Kramer to receive the Conclave’s 2018 “Rockwell Award,” presented for “lifetime achievement.” Weezie went to the University of Kentucky and started working with the local Village Communications radio operation there. Soon she was in Chicago, as GSM of then-WFYR, and later a GM for CBS. She crossed to Entercom in 2000, became President of the Station Group in 2013, and CEO in 2014. Other recent Rockwell winners from the not-for-profit Conclave include Hubbard Radio’s Ginny Morris, NRG’s Mary Quass, Midwest’s Duke Wright, and (last year) AccuRadio’s John Gehron. The Rockwell Award’s named for radio pro and Conclave supporter Mike Rockwell. This year’s Summer Learning Conference is July 18-20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place. More about attending Conclave 43 here.

Sonic Boom

From this morning's Radio Ink...

Sean “Sonic” Leckie has been appointed as the new host for the afternoon drive show on 104.3 Jams (WBMX-FM) in Chicago. The new show will air weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT, beginning Thursday, May 10. Leckie has been in radio for over a decade and was on-air in the San Diego market at KZBT, KEGY, and KHTS and also held roles at WWPW in Atlanta. Sonic is an active member of the community and has supported the Special Olympics for the past four years.

“Sonic brings a passion for music and drive to succeed to 104.3 Jams,” said Jimmy de Castro, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Entercom Chicago. “We’re looking forward to having him take the helm of Chicago’s new afternoon drive show.”

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Kipper!

Have you listened to his podcast yet, radio geeks? It's made for you...


This is why I can't stop sneezing


Tickle Fight

During a bench-clearing non-brawl last night, Kris Bryant saw his old teammate Starlin Castro in the melee and did what anyone would do in that situation. He tickled him.

Tuesday, May 08, 2018

Money to Democrats

Keep this in mind next time you hear the president ranting about the "13 angry democrats" who are investigating him. They have given a total of $77,000 to Democratic candidates. That's a lot, right?

Trump himself has given more than 4 times as much to Democrats (including Hillary Clinton) since 2000: $330,000

Not a witch hunt. Not partisan. Not tainted. Let the professionals do their job.

Another Creep Revealed

How many of these guys are there? This time it's the guy who was investigating people like Harvey Weinstein, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. He's accused of physically assaulting multiple women. More of a Rob Porter than a Harvey Weinstein.

Schneiderman did the right thing by immediately resigning.

One person who is probably exhaling in relief is our president. Schneiderman was actively investigating him on multiple fronts.

Free Kicks

I started up a brand new podcast today. It's called Free Kicks, and I co-host it with my friend Adam Howarth, who is the director of coaching for the IYSA. We talk about our mutual passion--the sport of soccer. We'll be posting it weekly. Thanks to Oppih productions and the Radio Misfits Podcast Network for giving us this platform!

Listen to it here.

Monday, May 07, 2018

Did John Oliver Quit?

I hope it was just a bit. A really funny bit. But still just a bit. It's my favorite show on television.

Lava

This is amazing. Even more incredible than movie re-creations...


Worst Cubs-Cards series ever

Sooo happy I didn't stay up to see former Cub Dexter Fowler hit a walk off two-run homer in the bottom of the 14th...after former Cardinal Jason Heyward made a terrible error that allowed the game to go into extra innings in the first place.

Ugh.

On the other hand, maybe we can start selling our crying Cub shirts again at Just One Bad Century.

Note for my fellow Chicagoans


SNL Cold Open

Talk about a star-studded opening segment. Ben Stiller, Martin Short, Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johanson, Jimmy Fallon, and of course, Stormy Daniels.

Friday, May 04, 2018

Book Signings, We've Got Book Signings



Friday May 18th at the Billy Goat (on lower Michigan) come out and meet Eckhartz Press author Randy Richardson promoting his book "Cubsessions". He will be there from 4-6pm.



And the following day, we've got another signing in Park Ridge...

Tom Weinberg on WTTW

Our very own Eckhartz Press author Tom Weinberg appeared last night on Channel 11, WTTW ("Chicago Tonight") He was there promoting his Eckhartz Press book "Chasing the Lost City"...

Congratulations to Me!

I'm not sure the White Sox have the whole gatorade cooler thing correct...


When You've Lost Fox News...

Holy crap. Neal Cavuto takes four minutes to rip Trump for being a liar, and offers dozens of examples...

Me-TV radio is killing it

The ratings are now better than even WGN radio. Seriously. This station is a marvel. The Chicago Tribune did a great piece on it yesterday. Here's a small excerpt...

The fastest-growing radio station in Chicago has no DJs, plays way too many songs, targets aging baby boomers and is so far down the FM dial it can’t be picked up by many car radios.

Also, it’s not technically a radio station.

Three years after launching, MeTV FM’s eclectic soft oldies format has turned a low-power TV signal at 87.7 FM into a top-10 Chicago radio station, confounding competitors and rewriting the unwritten rules of broadcast radio.

Read the whole article here.

Thursday, May 03, 2018

Minutia Men, Episode 92


EP92: Rick and Dave discuss Jenkins at Facebook, a fundraiser at our speed, Tennessee potholes, an inside-the-glove homer, and Rick’s brush with Alice Cooper.

Listen to it here.

Subpoening the Apprentice Tapes

We've all heard about these out-takes, and the alleged comments they contain. Well, we may find out if those rumors are true or not. Summer Zervos, currently engaged in a civil suit against Trump (for defamation--he called her a liar), has subpoened the Apprentice tapes.

According to Tom Arnold, who was on the show, these tapes will prove once and for all that Trump is a racist. How they help Summer Zervos remains to be seen.

Wednesday, May 02, 2018

People Love Minutia Men

The podcast returns tomorrow. Here are a few reviews from the past few weeks. We have something like 200 five star reviews on iTunes. Thanks so much for the support!

This is great!
in iTunes by definitely not Darin from USA on April 19, 2018
This podcast is like if two really good sports talk radio hosts talked about random stuff instead of sports! I've now spend several hours leaning all sorts of absolutely trivial things. Keep up the good work, fellas!

So great infotainment!
in iTunes by Kal-El The Last Son from USA on April 17, 2018
I cannot get enough if this show! So entertaining and I learn something new all the time.

A very enjoyable listen!
in iTunes by Maddam Beltaine from UK on April 14, 2018
A very entertaining show! The two presenters have natural chemistry and an engaging manner, and the range of topics covered make the mind boggle! Definitely worth a listen.

Great rapport, intelligent and awesome topics!
in iTunes by anjnlz from USA on April 13, 2018
The minutia men have great rapport, always fun to listen to! Highly recommended to subscribe!!! Good stuff, 5 stars!!!

Hot Minutia
in iTunes by WCC Podcast from Australia on April 8, 2018
Lots of laughs and fun whimsical anecdotes. The show has terrific energy, pace and smooth flow. Excellent clarity and audio quality. Highly recommend to adults looking for a break from the drudgery of life :D

hey, we put the chips ahoy away!
in iTunes by Sheamus McKillian from USA on April 7, 2018
The Gruesome Twosome give a grand hello to these great podcasters! A must listen podcast! We couldnt be more thankful to have someone live vicariously through us (without the issues) haha! Come listen if youre a fan of podcasts at all...its worth the listen!

Minutia Men
in iTunes by Ask Dog Guru from USA on April 6, 2018
What started as a Twitter into turned into a permanent listener! LOVE the audio quality, the hosts are great and despite how exhausted I am I can't stop laughing. #Shade from Daddy Issuez

Great show!
in iTunes by CümCpt from USA on April 5, 2018
Loved this podcast, it's very relatable and keeps me entertained!

Fab!
in iTunes by Girls! Girls! Girls! Podcast from UK on April 2, 2018
If you're looking for a funny, original and interesting podcast with hosts who have fantastic chemistry, then this is the one for you!

New listener
in iTunes by Dynasty4Life from USA on April 2, 2018
These guys are great. Definitely worth a listen

It’s the podcast I didn’t know I needed.
in iTunes by Cameron Todd Scott from USA on March 30, 2018
I’m only a few episodes in, and I’m already in love. I’m certain this podcast was made for me. Listening to Rick and Dave talk is like sitting on the front porch shooting the breeze with a couple of your best friends. But don’t be fooled. Behind the minutia—and hilarity—lies genuine conversation and interesting takes on everyday life. Do yourself a favor. Subscribe to Minutia Men Podcast right now. You can thank me later. Cameron Scott (The Black Podcast)

Good fun!
in iTunes by keithttu from USA on March 29, 2018
Really enjoyed the show, definitely have a great history together and it shows! Fun show, and can’t wait to listen more!

How do you know when you've jumped the shark?

When C-SPAN (that's right, CSPAN) tweets out a video mocking you. In this case, the ridiculous House Freedom Caucus.


Bill Cosby

This is a great piece about Bill Cosby.

It's written by Hermene D. Hartman, a woman who got to know Cosby and his wife early in his career. It's a well balanced piece about what he meant to the black community, the other side of his personality, and the disappointment and shock they feel now that they know about the real man.

Facebook's New Plan

I like the sound of this, but I'm sure there's a catch. The headline reads: Facebook is building a clear history feature. They are also (supposedly) allowing you to opt out of the data collection.

I'll believe when I see it, but it sure sounds like a step in the right direction.

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

The Graduate


Dane Placko


My media column this month tells the harrowing tale of Fox-32's Dane Placko's UK experience, in which he goes from reporter to pirate.

You can read about it here.

First Career Win

Nice to see the young lad get his first MLB win. His father is former Red Sox manager John Farrell...



I know what you're thinking. "But Rick, isn't wearing your lucky shirt just as responsible for the win?" Look, I'm not all about credit. As long as we bring home a W, it's all good. Let the kid have his moment.

Peter Bowen

My old colleague Peter Bowen is back in the news today. Via Robert Feder's column...

Peter Bowen, former vice president and market manager of Cumulus Media Chicago, has been named director of sports sales for Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM and for Bears, Bulls and Cubs play-by-play broadcasts. At Cumulus he was responsible for bringing the Bulls and White Sox to news/talk WLS 890-AM. The latest move, effective May 14, reunites Bowen with colleagues at the former CBS Radio, where he was director of sales in Chicago and Los Angeles before he joined Cumulus in 2015.

Monday, April 30, 2018

Joe Maddon

I get it. It sucks to get old. It sucks to see pictures of yourself looking old. But please, Joe Maddon, look at these two pictures. You look MUCH better with the gray hair. It's part of your charm. The other guy with the hair dye looks like a huckster.

This is what I would look like playing baseball


White House Correspondent's Dinner

Were some of these jokes a little below the belt and mean? Yes. Does the president do that every single day via his Twitter feed? Yes. If you can dish it out, you better be able to take it. (Several members of the president's staff walked out. Trump himself was afraid to attend.)

Uh oh, Michael

The Enquirer has been proven to be in Donald Trump's pocket. They bought and killed the story of the playmate and the Trump (with the help of Michael Cohen). Nothing about Trump or anyone in his circle appears without Trump's blessing. Time to flip, Michael. The big guy's not going to stand behind you...

Red State fires staff insufficiently supportive of Trump

RedState is a conservative website, and they did a mass layoff of writers over the weekend. Turns out, the only writers fired were those that were "insufficiently supportive of Trump."

Mediaite has the details.

Seriously, folks. This sort of thing doesn't frighten you a little bit?

Look who graduated this weekend!

My old boss and pal, the legendary John Records Landecker! So happy for him. I think you can tell it meant a lot to him...

Da Bears

I must say, I've never seen this before. The Bears draft got one of the highest grades of all the teams. Can this really be true? This is what CBS Sportsline said...

Chicago Bears: A
The Bears knocked it out of the park with their first three picks. They landed linebacker Roquan Smith in the first round, and he will immediately become a big part of their defense. In the second round, they hit on interior lineman James Daniels, who will play left guard for them, and then hit big on receiver Anthony Miller, who has star potential. He might end up being the best receiver in this class. If they get a little out of the rest of the class, it's a bonus. They had an impressive first two days.

Rick and Dave on the Radio


Dave and I appeared on WCGO Radio (1590 AM) yesterday afternoon to discuss our publishing business. We brought along author Beth Jacobellis, who talked about her book "Cameo". Thanks to Playtime with Bill Turck and Kerri Kendall for having us on!

Another Chilly Day at the Ball Game

Bridget and I made the trek out to Wrigley on Friday afternoon. Really cold. But the Cubs won! I'm not taking full credit because the players on the field probably had a little something to do with it, but I have been wearing my lucky Cubs shirt for a little while every day during the streak. You're welcome. I'm not a hero. Just doing my part.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Eckhartz Press Bloggers

I know I've mentioned these bloggers before, but I just have to mention them again. Eckhartz Press is proud to have a full stable of great writers, but Lee Kingsmill and Brent Petersen really go the extra mile--writing often on their blogs in an entertaining fashion.

Here are a few more examples..

Lee Kingsmill's: "The Passing of the Bucks"

Brent Petersen's: "The Watts Tower"

Keep it up fellas. You are making Dave and I look like geniuses for publishing your excellent novels (Safe Inside and Truffle Hunt)

Friday, April 27, 2018

Take Your Daughter to Work Day

Minutia Men Update

You may have noticed that we didn't have Minutia Men episodes the past two weeks (including this one).

We did actually record one last week (and it was a good one too, dammit), but the levels were so bad that our producer opted not to air it, and came out to fix my equipment this week. It's still not 100% ready to go. He's coming out again tomorrow.

So...we will be back NEXT week with another episode of...Minutia Men.

Et tu, Tom Brokaw?

Just read the report from Linda Vester in Variety.

Sadly, it sounds totally believable to me.

Another hero fallen. Another creep revealed.

Paul Ryan fires the House Chaplain

Yesterday Paul Ryan asked the House Chaplain to resign. A reason wasn't given, but both Dems and Republicans think it was because of the chaplain's prayer during the tax debate when he reminded lawmakers to keep in mind the less fortunate Americans.

You can't make this stuff up. It's almost cartoonish.

(Photo: Paul Ryan)

Radio's Best Friend

Great piece about Radio's Best Friend Art Vuolo in Eastern Magazine (he's a Eastern Michigan grad).

He also was named the recipient of Talker Magazine's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Good for Art. He's a good man.

Beth Jacobellis on WGN Radio

Eckhartz Press author Beth Jacobellis ("Cameo") appeared on WGN radio with Patti Vasquez this week.

You can listen to it here.

It starts around the 40 minute mark.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Is Don on the Phone?

From this morning's NOW Newsletter...

Don Bustany, a key figure in the development of “American Top 40” and “American Country Countdown,” died Monday, says the RAMP Newsletter. Don preferred to let stars like Casey Kasem take the spotlight, but he’s mentioned in that famous tape where Casey throws a tantrum while reading a “long-distance song dedication” from a man in Cincinnati whose dog died. As Casey warms up to his rant about how you can’t come out of an up-tempo record into a downer-message like a dead dog, he asks “Is Don on the phone?” – meaning Don Bustany. Don was the business-man who made AT40 and ACC go in their early days. Bustany went on to work on the TV sitcoms of Bob Newhart and Mary Tyler Moore as a camera coordinator and director. He died in Santa Barbara at age 89.

One last spin of the dog dying tantrum...

Germany Cancels Their Grammy Awards

German society has changed quite a lot since I lived there in the 1970s. Over the last twenty years or so, there has been a flood of Muslim immigrants, which has led to an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment. It's been a real problem.

But in addition to the anti-Muslim issue, one unexpected problem with the rise in Muslim immigrants has been the rise in anti-Semitism...from those immigrants themselves. As you might expect, Germany does not want to be known as anti-Semitic. There's a bit of a problematic history there that cannot and will not be allowed to return.

So, when a popular Muslim rap group won the nation's Grammy award for an album that included a line about "starting a second Holocaust", the nation was aghast. The record company was unapologetic at first (it was a huge hit, after all, and they were making lots of money), but eventually the outcry became too much. Not only did the record company drop the band, the industry decided to completely drop their Grammy Awards.

Not everyone agrees with this approach. Just like in this country, there is a backlash against political correctness and multi-culturalism. In fact, one of Germany's conservative politicians is running on a platform of a "cross in every public place" to reclaim Germany's Christian identity. That doesn't really sound like a solution either, does it? With giant century-old Christian churches in literally every single German city, town, or village there's no shortage of signs that Germany is essentially a Christian nation.

But Germany, like the US, has freedom of speech and freedom of religion according to their constitution, and one never is supposed to trump the other. In this case, Germany has decided that 'hate speech' against a religion is not protected by your religious beliefs. In our country, we've decided the opposite, in the famous 'I won't bake a gay wedding cake' case.

Not sure which approach is better. Both seem wrong to me.

Diana Steele

From this morning's Robert Feder column. An old U of I friend of mine is coming to Chicago...

Diana Steele, a prominent voice-over artist and former announcer for “The Arsenio Hall Show,” is joining WBMX 104.3-FM as midday personality. Starting today, she’ll be heard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Entercom classic hip-hop and R&B station. Steele, who grew up in Elk Grove Village and graduated from the University of Illinois, previously worked for rhythmic/urban stations in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Until a permanent midday host is named later this year, Steele will broadcast for 104.3 Jams from her studio in the Bay Area. “We’re thrilled to welcome this legendary voice and mother of two boys and two dogs to the new 104.3 Jams,” said program director Todd Cavanah. With mornings, middays and evenings filled, the station is expected to announce an afternoon host soon.

I've run into Diana a few times over the years since we graduated, and followed her radio career from afar. Happy for her success.

This could have been me


Wednesday, April 25, 2018

My Favorite Planet

It's such an easy question to answer. What is your favorite planet?

Why it's Uranus, of course. (tee hee)

That's probably why I giggled when I saw this headline: Scientists confirm Uranus smells terrible

Bob's Book Selection

Thanks to Bob Sirott for contributing to our book Cubsessions, and thanks to Marianne Murciano for taking this picture for us...

How Joe Maddon Stays Young at Heart




Nice piece about the Cubs skipper by Jesse Rogers.

I always root for the old guys.

RIP Schoolhouse Rock Musician

Sad news...



Beat Tom & Bill

For the past few years I've been helping out the folks at this incredibly worthy charity fund raiser, Beat Tom and Bill. They really helped out my cousin's son Caleb a few years ago--and this year they'll be helping more families going through cancer treatment. What I love about their approach is that they make it fun, and put a little sunshine in lives that are in desperate need of some.

My job is to gather prizes for the silent auction. So far I've gotten Foo Fighters tickets, Cubs tickets, autographed Fergie Jenkins photos, and more. If you could donate anything at all that might garner a bid, please e-mail me as soon as possible (rick@eckhartzpress.com). My final date for accumulating these prizes is May 8th. The event is May 18th.

Thanks again for all of your generous support! I'm still looking for someone to golf with that day too. Let me know if you'd like to trudge around White Pines with me. I'm not a good golfer, but I do enjoy the experience.

The Most Popular Trump

Can you blame her for this reaction? Melania is far and away the most popular Trump in America.


Another All-Sports Station in Chicago

From this morning's Radio Online...

WCKG/Chicago flips to Sports/Talk on 1530 AM and 102.3 FM with a line-up of national and local talent, including several FOX Sports Radio programs. Effective April 23, "Outkick The Coverage with Clay Travis" (5-8am), "The Dan Patrick Show" (8-11am), "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" (11am-2pm) and "The Rich Eisen Show" (4-7pm) will anchor the new lineup, with additional FOX Sports Radio programming at nights and on weekends.

WCKG is licensed to the city of Elmhurst in Chicago and also simulcasts on a low power FM translator from Elmhurst on 102.3 FM. The FCC recently granted WCKG a construction permit to move 102.3 FM to the top of Trump Tower in downtown Chicago, as well as increasing power of 1530 from 760 watts to 4kW.

How is Comey's Book Tour doing?

I'm a publisher, and to me, there is only way to judge how successful a book tour is doing. How many books has he sold?

In James Comey's case, a crap-ton. 600,000 copies in the first week. That's twice as many as Hillary sold in the same time period, and three times more than Michael Wolff's Fire & Fury sold in hard cover in the same time period.

In other words, it has been a mega-success.

Peabody Winners

The following news programs won Peabody Awards this week. Congrats to them all...

News, Radio/Podcast, and Public Service
“Big Buses, Bigger Problems: Taxpayers Taken for a Ride” (NBC5/KXAS-TV Dallas-Fort Worth)
“Charlottesville: Race & Terror” (Vice News Tonight on HBO)
“Fall of ISIS in Iraq and Syria” (CNN)
“Inside Putin’s Russia” (PBS, WETA)
“Plight of Rohingya Refugees” (BBC News)
“The Whistleblower” (CBS)

Radio/Podcast
“Lost Mothers: Maternal Mortality in the U.S.”(NPR)
“S-Town” (Serial and This American Life)
“The Pope’s Long Con” (Louisville Public Media)
“Uncivil: The Raid” (Gimlet Media)
“74 Seconds”(MPR News)

Public Service
“The Cut: Exploring FGM” (Al Jazeera)

Rick in New Orleans

I was in New Orleans the past five days with my lovely bride. She visited with her family there, and I pitched our Eckhartz Press book "Cameo" to the many psychics and jewelers in town. Had some success too.

In Jackson Square...


He told me to listen to the women in life more...


It was crawfish season...


Fitting...a jewelry store that sells cameos


No, I did not open my own cabaret


At the world famous Cafe Du Monde