Hugh Hefner's First Funeral

On this day in 2017, Pat Colander's book "Hugh Hefner's First Funeral" was named Book of the Year by the Chicago Writers Association. Pat's award winning book is still available at Eckhartz Press and features an amazing cover photo shot by famed Chicago photographer Barry Butler. We're blessed at Eckhartz Press to have such a talented stable of authors. This weekend we'll pick up even more hardware for Lee Kingsmill's book "Safe Inside". Looking over the 17+ books we have coming out this year, there's a good chance that streak will continue. Thanks for your support Chicago!

PETA Ad

I may never eat vegetables again...

“Traditional” masculinity is DEAD. The secret to male sexual stamina is veggies. 😉 pic.twitter.com/51DUsqzyO3

— PETA (@peta) January 16, 2019

Programming Alert!

Programming alert: Eckhartz Press author Chet Coppock will be on Mancow's show tomorrow morning (Thursday) on WLS AM 890 from 7-9am. That should be a fun merging of personalities!

Out The Door

On this day last year, Eckhartz Press author M.L. Collins picked up her Chicago Writers Association award for Book of the Year. We're very proud of her excellent book, "Out the Door", still available at Eckhartz Press.

This weekend we're picking up some more hardware for Lee Kingsmill's book "Safe Inside". Thanks to all the great authors we have at Eckhartz Press! It's so easy to promote books we believe in!

Jazz Festival Lineup

This is an unbelievable lineup for Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year. It's more like Woodstock. From jambands.com...

Organizers for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival have announced the lineup for the 50th annual iteration of the legendary gathering, and this year’s bill is topped by the confirmation of previously rumored headliners The Rolling Stones, plus Dave Matthews Band, Katy Perry, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger, along with a bevy of NOLA staples and many others.

Also included in the always expansive lineup are Santana, Van Morrison, Al Green, Logic, Pitbull, Earth Wind & Fire, John Fogerty, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (who will be teaming up with NOLA royalty the Nevilles), Gladys Knight, The Revivalists, Leon Bridges, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Tank and the Bangas, Bonnie Raitt, Alanis Morissette, Ciara, Gary Clark Jr., Irma Thomas, The Doobie Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Mavis Staples, The Head and the Heart, Jimmy Cliff, Boz Scaggs, Aaron Neville, Galactic, Jerry Lee Lewis, Rebirth Brass Band, Indigo Girls, Los Lobos, Big Freedia, Kamasi Washington, Buddy Guy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Better Than Ezra, Dumpstaphunk, Taj Mahal, Ani DiFranco, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Radiators, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, North Mississippi Allstars, Anders Osborne, Little Feat, Samantha Fish, Foundation of Funk, George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners and many more.

Jazz Fest 2019 is set for April 25–May 5, with eight days of official festival programming and an array of shows around the city throughout the week. Tickets for the festival go on sale this Friday, January 18, with ticket sale opportunities for Louisiana residents on January 17.

MLK

Today would have been the 90th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. A great man. And a man that was actually interviewed by Eckhartz Press author Joel Daly. That story is featured in Joel's great book "The Daly News"

Check it out here.

The Hills Are Not Alive

Holy crap , Austria today 😲 pic.twitter.com/OMdI9b4MeF

— Anthony Gibbon (@anthonygibbon8) January 14, 2019

Sportscaster of the Year

The Illinois Sportscaster of the Year was announced yesterday.

Pat Hughes wins again!

They should just call it the Pat Hughes award.

Free Kicks, Episode 27

EP27: Adam and Rick podcasting from McCormick Place, right smack in the middle of an international soccer coaches convention.

Listen to it here.

Menage-A-Pod

Wasn't familiar with this podcast, but I listened to it today because they interviewed Eckhartz Press author Beth Jacobellis. Listen to it here.

Not bad.

The Who

Would you believe they have a new album coming out?

It's official! @TheWho are coming back to Chicago. https://t.co/d5HBupr8vg

— WXRT Chicago (@93XRT) January 14, 2019

To answer your next question, yes, of course I'll go. I've seen their last five farewell shows. Time for a Hello show.

A Rather Distressing Headline

From this morning's Washington Post, one of the best newspapers we have in this country, comes the following headline: Here are 18 Reasons Trump Could Be a Russian Asset.




Oh, and then there's this little tidbit from Newsweek. Yes, that's right, Newsweek...

If true this is treason.

Mueller Draft Report Says Trump 'Helped Putin Destabilize the United States', Watergate Journalist Says https://t.co/9UjJjuWt6e

— Richard W. Painter (@RWPUSA) January 13, 2019

The Living Wills

On this day in 2012, our very first authors Rick Kaempfer & Brendan Sullivan appeared on WGN-TV midday news, and announced to the world that Eckhartz Press was here. Their book "The Living Wills" is still available at Eckhartz Press--and remains one of our big sellers. There are now 47 books available through our press.

MInutia Men, Episode 121

EP121 – Rick and Dave discuss vomiting, a scary Swedish film festival, Snowflake Army Recruitment, Jenkins in Space, Rick’s brush with Tony Award winning director Robert Falls, and interview one of the stars of “The Sandlot”, actor Shane Obedzinski.

Listen to it here.

United Soccer Coaches Convention

Over 13,000 coaches from around the world gathered in Chicago this past week--a huge event. I was lucky enough to be invited. Adam & I hosted our podcast "Free Kicks" there, which will be posted later this week.

I also got to meet some very interesting people, including the French Soccer Federation. They let me take a picture with the World Cup.

The Comeback of Billy Bush

It seems only fair. The man who said the repulsive things on Access Hollywood is now the president. Seems like the guy he said it to should be allowed to work.

Billy Bush is in talks to make his TV return on the show "Extra"

Dirty Old Man

Sent in by "DE". Thanks!

Mine's Bigger

RIP Verna Bloom, aka Mrs. Wormer. In her memory, please remember vegetables are sensual. People are sensuous. pic.twitter.com/DE0pJmGIPN

— Bob Vorwald (@BobVorwald) January 11, 2019

Paul Answers Google Questions

Let's Just Write!

Pretty excited about the upcoming Writer's Conference "Let's Just Write". I'm part of a panel of small publishers who may have a chance to meet that next great writer. Submit the first chapter of your novel to be read and critiqued by a publisher on our Small Press Panel. Four winning entries will be chosen. Mail your first chapter as an attachment (Word document with no name, only the title) with the subject line Publisher First Chapter to samantha@chicagowrites.org. Oh, and sign up for the conference. Last year's was a blast!

Sign up here.

John Lassiter

The first comeback of the Hollywood-types swept out by the #metoo moment.

The former head of Pixar, who was forced out after reports of unwanted touching, is back. He will be the CEO of Skydance...with contract provisions, of course.

Variety has the details.

Rod Stewart

Today is Rod Stewart's 74th birthday. There's a great story about Rod in Mitch Michael's book "Doin' the Cruise" involving the accidental discovery of "Maggie Mae" and Mitch's inadvertant role in that process. That story alone is worth the price of admission for "Doin the Cruise"

Dave & Mancow

On this day in 2013, the David Stern "Balding Handbook" publicity tour stopped at Mancow's television show in the Fox complex on Michigan Avenue. Now that Mancow is back on the air (at WLS Radio, 890 AM) it's probably time to bring back Dave for a spiritual balding experience. Don't you think, Mancow?

Jam Productions

This is kind of a surprise, via Radio Online...

Jam Productions co-founder Arny Granat has announced he'll depart the company after 46 years. Co-founder Jerry Mickelson will continue to manage the daily operations. Granat will remain the CEO and Founder of Grand Slam Productions where he continues to explore new opportunities.

Arny Granat commented, "Over the past four decades, I have enjoyed a career that has allowed me to work with some of the biggest stars on the most memorable concerts, including the Rolling Stones, Adele, Prince and Frank Sinatra, as well as awe inspiring theater productions, and other unforgettable events. I am looking forward to producing and promoting shows throughout the country in association with other partners and collaborators."

He is still producing shows (and writing a book), but he'll no longer be doing it with Jam. Arny is a Chicago institution. I wish him the best.

The King

On a cold and gray Chicago morn, happy 84th birthday to the King...

Jeanne Bellezzo

You probably knew that today Elvis Presley's and David Bowie's birthday, but did you realize it's also the birthday of Eckhartz Press author Jeanne Bellezzo (Rantings of a Bitter Childless Woman)? Lordamighty, Let's Dance...Happy birthday Jeanne!

(Her book is here.)

Spanish Bears

I don't understand Spanish, yet I understand every word...

The Spanish call of Cody Parkey's double-doink is very, very good: https://t.co/fmh6QiNtMu pic.twitter.com/D3OFCMM8Gz

— Deadspin (@Deadspin) January 8, 2019

Chet Coppock in Orland

Chet Coppock is making an appearance on Thursday, January 10th, in Orland Park!

Details are here if you are interested.

Hall of Fame Edition on Kindle!

We've gotten a ton of requests for this, so here it is! John Landecker's updated Hall of Fame edition of "Records Truly Is My Middle Name" is now available on Kindle! We threw in an extra new chapter about John's college graduation last year!

Check it out here.

New Face at WLIT

From this morning's RAMP Newsletter...

We are sending our belated best wishes to Mick Lee, PD/afternoon personality at iHeartMedia AC WLIT (93.9 Lite FM)/Chicago and his lovely wife, Claire Scattergood Lee, who became proud parents again during the holidays -- daughter Maren Jacqueline Lee was born at 11:45pm on Dec. 26, 2018, weighing in at 7lbs 5oz and spanning 20 inches.

Congrats to the family.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Surprise winner in the Golden Globes last night. The Hollywood Reporter sums up the moment nicely this way...

“That was unexpected,” producer Graham King himself admitted while accepting the award for Fox’s Bohemian Rapsody, which managed to defeat such highly touted contenders as A Star Is Born and Black Panther. Joined onstage by Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, he continued, “The power of movies is that it brings us all together — Freddie Mercury and Queen did that so successfully by their music.” Just moments earlier, Rami Malek earned the first Golden Globe of his career for his performance as Mercury. “Thank you, Freddie Mercury, for giving me the joy of a lifetime,” he proclaimed.

One of Fox News' 3 Actual Journalists Interviews Sarah Sanders

And look at her eyes in this clip...it's a 'hey this is Fox News, where are the softballs?' look isn't it?

Fox's Chris Wallace Repeatedly Nails Sarah Sanders on Bogus Border Terror Threat Claims https://t.co/2n5T0O483K pic.twitter.com/2Ga0dt7jow

— Mediaite (@Mediaite) January 6, 2019

Da Bears

So...I was at my son's soccer game. 4th quarter. Bears fall behind 16-15, less than a minute left. The soccer game is starting, so I leave the TV in the lobby of the complex to watch my son, but I'm following Bears game on my phone...like every other parent there. I jokingly quip, "Bears will take this into field goal range, and the kicker will hit the goalpost." Laughs all around. When it actually happens, I'm the devil.

Staley Da Bear died tonight, and Cody Parkey killed him pic.twitter.com/Cfzf80dGiu

— Deadspin (@Deadspin) January 7, 2019

The Champions

Hilarious if you're a soccer fan, which I am...

RIP Super Dave Osborne

This is a major bummer. Bob Einstein, who for years played the character of Super Dave Osborne, passed away yesterday at the age of 76. Deadline Hollywood has the details.

He was the brother of Albert Brooks, and was just as funny. Most recently he played the character of Larry Funkhauser on Curb Your Enthusiasm. This tweet below was my favorite moment with that character. Warning, definitely not suitable for work...

❤️ pic.twitter.com/nnvyjFg3gx

— Drake Deno (@DrakeDeno) January 3, 2019

Bulls

Went to the Bulls game last night with the youngster. Wow, I had no idea the Bulls were this bad. I played most of the third quarter at strong forward.

Still, had a good time. They really do hustle during breaks in the basketball action to entertain the crowds. I know this is outside the box thinking, but what if they just eliminated the basketball altogether next time?

RIP Daryl Dragon

Sad news again. From this morning's RAMP Newsletter...

Daryl Dragon, the "Captain" half of the hugely successful 1970s duo the Captain & Tennille, died of renal failure in Prescott, AZ on Tuesday, Jan. 1 while under hospice care. He was 76. Spokesperson Harlon Boll told Variety that Dragon's ex-wife, Toni Tennille, "was with him as he took his last breath." In a statement, Tennille said of Dragon, "He was a brilliant musician with many friends who loved him greatly. I was at my most creative in my life when I was with him."

I saw the Captain & Tennille perform live once. It was at a 70s night at Wrigley Field a few years ago. Naturally, they played this one...

How Does Government Shutdown Affect FCC?

I thought this piece in Inside Radio was telling. Tell me this isn't an obvious sign of the times...

Late Wednesday the FCC said among those areas that will remain open for business are the Consolidated Database System (CDBS). That means station deal-making will face less of a disruption. Broadcasters and communications attorneys will still be able to access documents on the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS). And, if needed, the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) and the Public Safety Support Center will both be operational.

Don't worry, conglomerates. If you want to make bigger conglomerates, that's an essential need. You can still do that. Oh, and I suppose if there's an emergency or saftey concern (blah blah blah), we can cover that too. But only if needed. First and foremost--deal making will not be impeded.

RIP Ray Sawyer

The singer from Dr. Hook, Ray Sawyer, passed away over the weekend. He was 81 years old.

JOBC Anniversary

On this day in 2008, Dave and I founded Just One Bad Century (justonebadcentury.com). It was really nothing more than a Cubs website for fans of Cubs history. Our goal was to figure out where it all went wrong. It was the 100th anniversary of their last World Series victory.

Three years later Just One Bad Century started up a publishing company, Eckhartz Press.

Despite the Cubs World Series win in 2016, the website lives on. Over the weekend I updated the entire site, created about a hundred new stories and features that would appear this year, and generally re-immersed myself in Cubs-ness. We will have an announcement later in the year about an exciting new Cubs project.

In the meantime, visit the site. It updates daily. Thanks!

Cubs Fodder

Look who rang the new year in together 👀

(via @Jess__Bryant) pic.twitter.com/9Hp8hhbxII

— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) January 1, 2019

John Howell & Mancow

From this morning's RAMP newsletter...

With Windy City radio vet Mancow set to debut in morning drive tomorrow on Cumulus News-Talk WLS-AM/Chicago, current wake-up personality John Howell will move to late afternoons -- The John Howell Show will now air from 5-7pm weekdays, starting tomorrow.

Marv Nyren, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Chicago, said, "As part of the new lineup at WLS-AM 890, keeping an experienced Chicago talent like John Howell solidifies the lineup and will give our audience a reason to stay tuned throughout the entire day. John has been entertaining Chicagoland for over 30 years and his program will be the perfect way to wrap up the day on your way home."

Howell, a 30-year market vet, said, "I'm very excited about hosting the new afternoon show at WLS-AM 890. I intend to present Chicago with a quick-paced, informative, honest and intelligent summary of the day's biggest stories; an afternoon wrap of the day's biggest events featuring prominent newsmakers, reporters, experts and stars. Of course, our town's most colorful characters will also be welcome. In addition, I'm looking forward to (finally) golfing when the sun's in the east."

Dave Fogel

The January edition of the Illinois Entertainer is out, and includes my interview with WLS-FM morning man Dave Fogel.

You can read it here.

Just One Bad Century

I have updated our EVERY CUB EVER feature at Just One Bad Century. There are more than a hundred new or updated profiles. More than 2000 entries in all (players, managers, celeb fans, etc), presented conveniently in alphabetical order.

Check it out here.

Writers Conference Scholarships

On March 16th & 17th, I'm appearing as a panelist at "Let's Just Write: An Uncommon Writer's Conference". It's really a great event. If you're a writer, I highly recommend it. This year once again CWA will award SIX FULL SCHOLARSHIPS. You may apply for the scholarship even if you've already registered. If you win, they will refund your registration fee. APPLY NOW! There is no application fee.The deadline for entries is January 15. Scholarships will be awarded February 15. https://www.chicagowrites.org/conference/scholarships

A few photos from our Eckhartz Press Xmas Party

Barry Butler on WGN-TV

My old friend Barry Butler, the best photographer of Chicago, was featured on WGN-TV this week.

Watch him here.

Barry previously provided the photo we used for the cover of Pat Colander's book, and the photo we used when we signed Mitch Michaels and Ken Churilla to write a book for Eckhartz Press.

Chicago Radio Ratings

From Robert Feder's column...

Here are Chicago’s top 30 radio stations from 6 a.m. to midnight Monday through Sunday, as measured by Nielsen Audio from November 8 to December 5, followed by format and average quarter-hour share of listeners age 6 and older (with previous month’s share in parentheses):

1. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 8.3 (3.2)
2. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 5.7 (5.7)
3. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 5.3 (5.3)
4. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 4.8 (5.4)
5. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.3 (4.3)
6. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 4.2 (4.5)
7. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 4.0 (4.8)
8. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.5 (3.1); WUSN 99.5-FM country, 3.5 (3.7)
10. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.4 (3.7)
11. WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 3.3 (3.1)
12. (tie) WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 2.9 (2.9); WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.9 (3.3); WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 2.9 (2.8)
15. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 2.8 (3.1)
16.(tie) WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.7 (2.7); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.7 (3.3)
18. WGN 720-AM news talk, 2.6 (3.2)
19. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.3 (2.3)
20. WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.2 (2.9)
21. WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.1 (2.5)
22. WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 1.9 (1.9)
23. WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.5 (1.4)
24. (tie) WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.4 (1.4); WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.4 (1.6)
26. (tie) WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.1 (0.9); WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 1.1 (1.2); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.1 (1.1)
29. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 1.0 (0.8)
30. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 0.7 (0.7)

Eckhartz Christmas Party/Book Signing

Star studded author event coming to Pitchfork (2922 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) on Saturday December 22nd from 3-5pm. 11 Eckhartz Press authors will be on hand to sign their books, all of which are perfect last second Xmas gifts for somebody on your list. Among our authors...novelists Beth Jacobellis and William Mansfield. Beth will even be doing free tarot card readings to anyone who buys her book. (Not kidding). See you there!

Stever Signs Off

This afternoon marks the final over-the-air Steve Dahl show on WLS.

Robert Feder has a nice piece about Steve and his final show.

I was just over there last week to contribute to a piece that will be airing on the podcast, and had a chance to talk to Steve briefly. He will always be one of the all time greats.

(Photo: From the day I brought Chet to WLS to promote Chet's new book)

Pat Hughes

In Tom Taylor's final newsletter (farewell Tom, you'll be missed) he brought us this great news...

Chicago Cubs PBP talent Pat Hughes will keep showing up to work at Wrigley Field, beginning a 24th season in the booth next Spring. Entercom and the Cubs announce his contract extension, which keeps him on Entercom-owned sports “670 the Score” WSCR for “multiple years.” His current contract expires December 31. After calling minor-league baseball in San Jose and Columbus, Hughes traveled to Minneapolis for TV work for the Minnesota Twins. Then he worked alongside National Radio Hall of Fame and Baseball Hall of Fame member Bob Uecker in Milwaukee, before coming to the Cubs in 1996. (That’s when the Cubs games were on co-owned talk WGN/720.) Entercom market manager Jimmy deCastro isn’t exaggerating when he calls Pat Hughes “the iconic voice of the Cubs…He’s the eyes and ears for so many Cubs fans in Chicago and worldwide.” A NOW reader adds that Pat’s a fan of sports broadcasting history and did a series of audio documentaries about baseball play-by-play talents, called Baseball Voices. Hughes is 63.

Reagan's view of immigrants

'We draw our people, our strength, from every country and every corner of the world.' — Ronald Reagan's final speech was a love letter to immigrants pic.twitter.com/4mjv4WnOgb

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) December 21, 2018

RIP Mark Gelinas

My friend of 38 years.

His obituary.

Still can't believe it.

A great Xmas idea

This Holiday Season, give your parents the gift of blocking Fox News with Parental Controls #outfoxtheholidays pic.twitter.com/mseqDE5KfG

— outfoxtheholidays (@Outfox_Holidays) December 19, 2018

Eckhartz Press Christmas Book Signing

Star studded author event coming to Pitchfork (2922 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) on Saturday December 22nd from 3-5pm. 11 Eckhartz Press authors will be on hand to sign their books, all of which are perfect last second Xmas gifts for somebody on your list. Among our authors...Richard Reeder and Alex Burkholder. It doesn't get more Chicago than these two. Richard's book ("1001 Train Rides in Chicago") is based on his lifetime of riding Chicago's famous L. It's like a socio-economic study of Chicago come to life. Alex's book ("Death of the Angels") is about one of the most tragic events in our city's history...the fire at Our Lady of the Angels School. His book has been flying off the shelves--this is your last chance to get it before Christmas. If you know someone who was affected by that day (and seemingly everyone in Chicago knows someone), this is the perfect gift. Trust us, they will thank you.

Free Kicks, Episode 26

EP26: Adam and Rick discuss the firing of Jose Mourinho, preview the Round of 16 in Champions league, take a quiz about Liverpool, and give you TV tips for the jam-packed holiday schedule.

Listen to it here.

Almost like a bonus Minutia Men

Dave and I appeared on Lossano & Friends last weekend...

Minutia Men talk about their pitch to Mark Cuban, quarter bags of pothole, teenage girls learning which finger to use when driving, and so much more! @MinutiaMen on #LossanoAndFriends! https://t.co/2v9M0LG4CB

— Radio Misfits (@RadiosMisfits) December 19, 2018

More Good Press

Five of the ten authors on this list are Eckhartz Press authors. We had a great year. Thanks to Bill Turck for his support of the Chicago writing community. https://t.co/MAfhWShiy9

— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) December 18, 2018

Eckhartz Press Christmas Event

Star studded author event coming to Pitchfork (2922 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) on Saturday December 22nd from 3-5pm. 11 Eckhartz Press authors will be on hand to sign their books, all of which are perfect last second Xmas gifts for somebody on your list. Among the authors...Donald G. Evans. Don is not only the director of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, he has the most thematically appropriate book of our whole event. Don has written a Christmas book! ("An Off-White Christmas") His stories are funny and poignant and written absolutely beautifully. The book is a work of art, He even has a special edition hard cover version that would make a perfect present for someone on your list. Come for Don's book and stay for the other ten...and the beverages...and the food. See you there!

RIP Penny Marshall

Sad news. She was Laverne. She was Myrna in the Odd Couple. And she was one heck of a director. RIP.

Today, there is crying in baseball. RIP Penny Marshall. Thank you for everything you gave us. https://t.co/cuXuReYsJi

— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) December 18, 2018

Les Moonves Isn't Getting His Severance

Looks like CBS is taking advantage of Les' sexual misteps to avoid paying him his severance.

You know who would have approved of that? Former CBS CEO Les Moonves.

Uncle Lar and Snot Nosed Tommy

This little tidbit was in Robert Feder's column this morning...

On the fifth anniversary of his passing, Larry Lujack continues to be revered as one of America’s greatest radio personalities and Chicago’s preeminent disc jockey for the ages. The Radio Hall of Famer and self-proclaimed “Superjock” died at 73 of esophageal cancer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on December 18, 2013. From the time he landed in Chicago as late-night personality at WCFL in 1967 through the two decades he dominated Top 40 powerhouse WLS 890-AM, he was without peer. More on Lujack’s extraordinary life and career will be revealed in the soon-to-be-published autobiography of Tommy Edwards, the radio legend long known as Lujack’s “Animal Stories” sidekick Lil’ Tommy. “Remembering Uncle Lar’. What a great talent!” Edwards wrote on Facebook Monday. “There was another side of Larry Lujack you may not know. You will soon. Stay tuned.”

I know what press is releasing it!

RIP Dave Robbins

This news made the rounds amongst my former colleagues yesterday. Tom Taylor has it in his newletter this morning...

R.I.P., Dave Robbins, gone at 59. Robbins, born David Robinson, was the victim of a heart attack. Dave grew rapidly from his beginnings as a jock – he programmed in Phoenix, St. Louis, became a group programmer for the former Nationwide chain and manager of its awesome cluster in Columbus, and later managed for CBS Radio in Chicago (2002-2010) and Orlando (2010-2015). (He’d previously been a jock in the early days of Chicago CHR “B96” WBBM-FM.) Dave was an early advocate of tech in radio, and his LinkedIn page says he “launched CBS Radio's Digital Radio Initiative.” In 2015, he left radio to devote full-time to one of his own family’s ventures, begun a decade earlier, named “Florida Getaway Vacation Homes.” He’d been partnered in that vacation-rental business with his son.

Dave was the only person in radio who ever fired me, although in fairness, he didn't technically do it himself. He had his underlings do it. He fired the whole Landecker show in 2003. Last time I saw him (about a year after he fired me), he said "So jealous of you, getting to spend so much time with your family." I thought it was an odd thing to say to someone he had fired. Still sad to hear he passed at such a young age. 59 is way too young.

RIP Mark Gelinas

My heart is heavy today. Just got the news that my good friend Mark Gelinas passed away. This photo is from his book launch just two years ago, with his incredible wife Donna Frederick Gelinas. My heart goes out to Donna and the incredible Gelinas family, particularly his son Alexander Briggs Gelinas, and Mark's parents and siblings. Mark was my roommate for a few years after college, and a friend who I could always count on. I was texting with him up until just a few days ago. When he didn't respond to the last text, I feared this day was near. Miss you, buddy. I'm so happy your pain is gone.

Minutia Men, Episode 118

EP118 – Rick and Dave discuss Uranus Missouri, the top trends of 2018, a German chocolate highway, Rick’s brush with Davy Jones, and they interview New York Times best-selling author (and humorist) James Finn Garner.

Listen to it here.

Free Kicks, Episode 25

EP25: Adam and Rick discuss the new teams at the top and bottom of the Premier League table, the MLS final and American soccer progress, and Adam takes a quiz about Wolverhampton.

Listen to it here.

It's a Wonderful Trump

Pretty well done. Gotta hand it to the SNL folks...

Da Bears

The only thing missing yesterday was a closeup shot of Aaron Rodgers crying. Da Bears!

The WGN Superfans have another Bears song to celebrate the Division Win!
"Da Bears!" #BearDown #DaBears #CentralDivisionChamps pic.twitter.com/STshZvgRDt

— WGNMorningNews (@WGNMorningNews) December 17, 2018

Bringing WW1 to Life

Incredible new documentary by Peter Jackson has taken World War I footage, slowed it down, colorized it, added sound, and wow!

Take a look at a preview in the New York Times. It's amazing.

An Eckhartz Christmas

Star studded author event coming to Pitchfork (2922 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL) on Saturday December 22nd from 3-5pm. 11 Eckhartz Press authors will be on hand to sign their books, all of which are perfect last second Xmas gifts for somebody on your list. Among the authors...the big Bohunk, Chester W Coppock. You can't miss him. He's 6'5" or so. Any sports fan would love his book as a gift. Incredible first hand stories of the all-time greats told by someone who knows them well. Not only will you save on the shipping charge if you swing by, Chet is reducing the price by $5 just for this one day...