Musings, observations, and written works from the publisher of Eckhartz Press, the media critic for the Illinois Entertainer, co-host of Minutia Men, Minutia Men Celebrity Interview and Free Kicks, and the author of "The Loop Files", "Back in the D.D.R", "EveryCubEver", "The Living Wills", "$everance," "Father Knows Nothing," "The Radio Producer's Handbook," "Records Truly Is My Middle Name", and "Gruen Weiss Vor".
Friday, September 06, 2019
Bobby Skafish in Westmont
The box of new Bobby Skafish books arrived for Saturday’s signing at Blue Village Vinyl in Westmont (2-3pm).
Your copy of the book is awaiting your purchase Saturday. Bobby will happily sign it for you.
Free Kicks--When Worlds Collide
Listen to it here.
Thursday, September 05, 2019
Chicago Radio Ratings
1. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 5.7 (5.2)
2. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 5.4 (5.4)
3. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 5.0 (4.9)
4. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 4.8 (4.8)
5. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.5 (4.3)
6. WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 4.1 (3.8)
7. (tie) WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 3.8 (3.3); WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.8 (4.0)
9. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.5 (3.8)
10. WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 3.4 (3.0)
11. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.1 (3.3); WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 3.1 (2.8)
13. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 3.0 (3.1)
14. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.9 (3.0); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.9 (3.1)
16. (tie) WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 2.8 (2.7); WGN 720-AM news talk, 2.8 (3.0);
18. WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.6 (2.8)
19. WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 2.5 (2.8)
20. WLS 890-AM news talk, 2.1 (2.2)
21. WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.0 (1.9)
22. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 1.9 (1.9)
23. WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.6 (1.6)
24. WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.5 (1.4)
25. WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.4 (1.5)
26. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 1.1 (1.3)
27. WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.0 (1.5)
28. WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 0.9 (0.8)
29. WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 0.8 (0.8)
30. WSSR 96.7-FM adult contemporary, 0.6 (0.3)
Wednesday, September 04, 2019
Let the Hype Begin
Never looked better, @artonthemart.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 5, 2019
🐻💯 | #Bears100 pic.twitter.com/Cl8dphN1H9
Rick at Wrigley
Wrigley sunset pic.twitter.com/5JaMTTKu4c
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) September 4, 2019
Listeners of my podcast Free Kicks will recognize what a thrill it was for me to meet my favorite Premier League announcer Arlo White at my favorite ballpark Wrigley Field. pic.twitter.com/8jF5Ne09AP
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) September 4, 2019
Tuesday, September 03, 2019
New statues
Legends live on.#Bears100 pic.twitter.com/Ax7slCftiR
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 3, 2019
Tim Virgin
You can read it here.
Staged Photo
I had no idea.
Family Wedding
Friday, August 30, 2019
This is unbelievable
This exchange between Stuart Varney and Joe Walsh is oddly reminiscent of the torture scenes from "1984."
— Eric Kleefeld (@EricKleefeld) August 30, 2019
Varney challenges Walsh: Name an example ofTrump lying.
Walsh names one. Varney denies it.
Walsh: "Do you believe he's ever told the American people a lie?"
Varney: "No." pic.twitter.com/XkDTJEk1dA
When Worlds Collide
This is my version of spring training.
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) August 30, 2019
Preparing for the most important (only) pitch of my life.
Please PLEASE don’t make it bounce in front of the plate 🙏😆#Cubs #EverybodyIn #WrigleyField pic.twitter.com/l68ZZpsDFE
What happens when Trump takes on Fox News?
Check out Neil's latest Common Sense pic.twitter.com/Iwg9ZrxDeH
— Neil Cavuto (@TeamCavuto) August 29, 2019
Of course Hannity later re-inserted Trump's private parts, but for a few minutes there, it was coitus interuptus.
Free Kicks--Mind the (Decreasing) Gap
Listen to it here.
Scott Miller
It’s been only a year since veteran Chicago radio producer Scott Miller signed on as afternoon host at WJBC, the Cumulus Media news/talk station in Bloomington/Normal. Now he just moved up to mornings. Under a new multiyear deal with the station, Miller will be reunited with news director and morning news anchor Katherine Murphy, with whom he worked at the former FM News 101.1. “I have never felt more a part of a community than I do here,” he said. “And the Central Illinois pork tenderloins are the size of my head. WIN WIN!” Miller also worked as a producer for Oprah Radio, Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN 720-AM and Hubbard Radio classic rock WDRV 97.1-FM.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
For those of you wondering why I already ordered his calendar
All is calm in Chicago's Monroe Harbor. #chicago pic.twitter.com/pfDyuGLYg2
— Barry Butler (@barrybutler9) August 29, 2019
Champions League Draw
Group A
Paris Saint-Germain
Real Madrid
Club Brugge
Galatasaray
Group B
Bayern Munich
Tottenham Hotspur
Olympiacos
Red Star Belgrade
Group C
Manchester City
Shakhtar Donetsk
Dinamo Zagreb
Atalanta
Group D
Juventus
Atletico Madrid
Bayer Leverkusen
Lokomotiv Moscow
Group E
Liverpool
Napoli
Red Bull Salzburg
KRC Genk
Group F
Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund
Inter Milan
Slavia Prague
Group G
Zenit
Benfica
Lyon
RB Leipzig
Group H
Chelsea
Ajax
Valencia
Lille
Randy and Becky
Great profiles of "Cubsessions" authors Randy Richardson and Becky Sarwate Maxwell are featured on the Chicago Writers Association website.
Here's Becky.
Here's Randy.
Best in the Biz
BRILLIANT BIG VIRG 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2019
The #UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, @VirgilvDijk 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WpqksHSCyc
Rick and Rick

The audio from my interview with Rick Kogan has been posted on the WGN website if you'd iike to listen. My portion begins around the 46 minute mark. https://wgnradio.com/2019/08/27/after-hours-with-rick-kogan-a-night-full-of-great-reads-08-25-19/
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Whoops
Unfortunate placement. pic.twitter.com/lz4aOqxFBi
— Fun Signs & Graffiti (@SignsFun) August 28, 2019
Flakus for Manley trade
Cumulus Media Alternative 101.1 WKQX Chicago has announced the appointment of Jon Manley as Assistant Program Director/Music Director and evening host.
Manley indirectly completes the talent exchange with Entercom Alternative “107.7 The End” KNDD Seattle who hired Walter Flakus as APD/afternoon host in July after parting ways with Manley. Manley had exited KNDD in April after five years with the station. He previously worked as APD/MD at “X107.5” KXTE Las Vegas from 2010-2014 and KEDJ Phoenix from 2003-2010.
By the way, my article in the upcomng Illinois Entertainer will be about KQX afternoon man Tim Virgin.
Pulled over while broadcasting
Apparently, Chris Russell, weekend talent at Entercom sports “106.7 The Fan” WJFK-FM Washington, has not heard of hands-free devices that are readily available so one can safely have a phone conversation while driving.
Russell, affectionately known as “Rooster,” was speaking with afternoon host Chad Dukes Monday (Aug. 26) live on the air when he was pulled over for using his cell phone while driving.
“Dukes, I think I’m getting pulled over,” Russell can be heard saying during the call. “This is awesome.” The exchange, which is posted on “The Fan” website, continues with Russell telling Dukes he’s getting pulled over for talking on his phone while driving. “Want to keep us on the line and we can talk to Officer Friendly for you?” Dukes says. A one-sided conversation with the patrolman can be heard live on the air, with Russell saying, “I’m sorry, I was doing a radio interview… I understand, I’m sorry… Okay, okay,” followed by the line going silent. Dukes comes on laughing, saying, “How are we going to top that… How quickly did he snap to? He was giving that cop like a little bit of lip, and then he goes ‘Okay, okay.’
While making for a good bit that Russell will no doubt be reminded of by Dukes and his crew for a long time, it appears this is a somewhat common occurrence in the nation’s capital, where Beltway traffic apparently has radio show guests literally reaching for their phones.
I can answer their question about why he doesn't have a hands-free device. He's a weekend radio guy. He's not making enough money to have a car built in this decade.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Salem Cancels Joe Walsh
Walsh has been making the rounds doing interviews just about everywhere, and I happened to catch one yesterday afternoon on MSNBC that was astounding. It was one of the most intense things I've ever seen. Watch it below...
Monday, August 26, 2019
Minutia Men: The Head of the Bobbles
Listen to it here.
Two Ricks, Roger That

(Rick Kaempfer, Roger Badesch, Rick Kogan)
Had a great time on with Rick Kogan last night on WGN Radio. We talked mostly about my new book "everycubever" but we also talked about Eckhartz Press, including the book written by Roger Badesch, Rick's newsman. We're hoping to get it done in the next year or so.
Thanks so much to everyone there. It was fun driving in to the city and walking around before and after the interview. Snapped a few photos, including this one...
Friday, August 23, 2019
Kathy Hart
Kathy Hart, once one-half of the most popular morning duo in Chicago radio history, is heading out west. Hart’s agent, Steve Mandell, confirmed Thursday that she’s moving to Bozeman, Montana, for personal and family reasons. While Hart is open to employment there, he said, she has no job lined up at this time. Hart most recently had been filling in at Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN 720-AM. But she’s best known for her 21 years as Eric Ferguson’s partner on Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM. She parted company with The Mix in 2017 — less than a year after Eric & Kathy were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame.
US-99 Morning Show
Stand by for the official quote-filled press release, but RAMP has learned that Scotty Kay has joined the recently launched morning show on Entercom Country WUSN (US99)/Chicago. In late June we reported that Kay had resigned as co-host of Scotty K & Bret Mega Mornings on Cumulus Top 40 KLIF-FM (Hot 93.3)/Dallas and announced he was relocating back to Chicago to once again be a fulltime dad to his son, Chance.
"I'm not sure my heart could be any more full," Kay posted. "Three weeks ago I took a risk for happiness. I quit my job to be closer to my son and bring my family together. Now, because of [US99 PD] Kenny Jay, [VP of Programming] Todd Cavanah and everyone at Entercom Communications, I get the chance to do what I love, in the city that I love, with the people that I love. I'm beyond excited to get back into Country radio. I get to join the incredibly talented Jason Pullman, Katie Bright Christenson and Erin Creedon to bring really special radio to Chicago, on the legendary US99, Chicago's Hottest Country. Call me a crazy, but this all seems too perfect!" Kay added, "Surround yourself with good people, and good things happen. Get ready for some really, really good things! Now someone please get my Florida girl fiancé Shelby a really warm coat!"
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Spicey is Dancing with the Stars
Well, now he's got a new job. He's going to be (probably the first one cut) on Dancing with the Stars. From Politico this morning, a preview...
Two black-shirted production assistants rolled out a lectern to the applause of an in-studio audience waving gold cheer poms, and Spicer offered a wave and a single clap before taking his seat in a director's chair alongside country music singer and former “American Idol” aspirant Lauren Alaina.
“Now that everybody is assembled, honestly — and ignore the fact we're on live television — how many of you are having second thoughts already?” Bergeron asked after the contenders had been revealed. Spicer raised his hand.
“The nice thing is, Sean will be in charge of assessing audience size,” Bergeron later quipped.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Sunset at Wrigley

I thought my picture was good. This one is better...
Sunset at Wrigley while the #Cubs play the #SFGiants in #Chicago. pic.twitter.com/p7qN6ado4Q
— armando l sanchez (@mandophotos) August 21, 2019
National Radio Day
Monday, August 19, 2019
RIP Cedric
Kudlow is loaded
Dana asks Larry Kudlow about purchasing Greenland "The President knows a thing or two about buying real estate" #FNS pic.twitter.com/HeaxR49JuU
— FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) August 18, 2019
Minutia Men
Listen to it here.
Jersey Shake
We can dance if we want to pic.twitter.com/gsGJjEjh1b
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 19, 2019
Friday, August 16, 2019
Dad Talk
"I was personally shattered, and then you kind of reform yourself in this quiet, grieving world that was created in the house."
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) August 16, 2019
Comedian Stephen Colbert opens up to @andersoncooper about grief and the death of his dad and brothers in a plane crash when he was 10 years old. pic.twitter.com/dUnc5CXSs5
Free Kicks
We call it "Chelsea Lately"
Listen to it here.
Disney has five billion dollar movies
I saw that one. Disappointing. Not nearly at the level of the nearly perfect first three Toy Story movies. (Although my son, who saw it with me, disagrees. He's 16.)
(The other four billion dollar movies this year are Captain Marvel, Aladdin, Lion King, and Avengers: End Game)
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Woodstock
Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame
Jeff Joniak, sports director of Entercom all-news WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM and longtime radio voice of the Chicago Bears, will receive the Media Award from the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame September 25. Joniak will be one of 10 inductees at the 23rd annual fundraiser for local charities. Others include Harold Baines, Rick Sutcliffe, Mike Magee, Israel Idonije, Bryant Colby Young, Desmond Howard, Lou Holtz, Jim Phillips and Patrick Kane. Peggy Kusinski, sportscaster for NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, will emcee the event at Wintrust Arena.
Um...Lou Holtz and Desmond Howard? Really exanding the definition of Chicagoland, aren't we?
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
CBS & Viacom
After 13 years apart, CBS Corporation and Viacom announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to reunite in an all-stock merger, creating a combined company -- to be called ViacomCBS Inc., which will house CBS Television, CBS All Access, Showtime, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and BET, as well as Paramount Pictures, the Paramount Network and other major media assets. Bob Bakish, President & Chief Executive Officer of Viacom, will become President & CEO of the combined company, while Joe Ianniello, President & Acting CEO of CBS, will become Chairman & CEO of CBS.
And yes, $everance really was written 13 years ago.
Lounging Rabbit
I don’t want to say that the rabbits in my yard are not afraid, but this one might as well be lounging in a hammock.
Please don't show this picture to my dog Ivy. She's not allowed in the front yard. The rabbit obviously knows this.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Remember this one?
If you didn't want to see Walter Payton's music video about KFC's delicious chicken, well, as usual, you're following the wrong account. pic.twitter.com/ax66vkX9b8
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) August 13, 2019
Monday, August 12, 2019
Is this even human?
What did you do today? #wow https://t.co/K6PS0EYzXw
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 12, 2019
Paul Simon & Bob Weir
The Mooch turns on Trump
The Mooch: Republicans may need a new candidate for 2020.
This made me laugh
Trump Fact:
— Donaldo (@donaldmackenz30) August 10, 2019
New Yorkers don't like Trump.
They have started a petition to request that the stretch of Fifth Avenue between 56th and 59th be renamed President Barack H. Obama Avenue.
If it gets the green light, Trump Tower will have a new address.
Poetic justice or what...?
Friday, August 09, 2019
A very special Minutia Men
HERE IS THE AUDIO


Thursday, August 08, 2019
Field of Dreams
The Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees are set to play the first major league game in Dyersville, Iowa, at the site of the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" in 2020. https://t.co/mTccyZ6NrW
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) August 8, 2019
Drunk Shakespeare
Free Kicks
Listen to it here.
Least satisfying job?
Read it here.
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
Love This
I can't stop watching this video pic.twitter.com/6Egrgw12Jb
— Akki (@akkitwts) August 6, 2019
Tuesday, August 06, 2019
EveryCubEver branches out
Everycubever now also available at Bookies (10324 S. Western Avenue in Chicago). South side Cub fans have not been forgotten. pic.twitter.com/ZdIz8iI3EQ
— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) August 6, 2019
Hacked!
I would never send an e-mail asking for money.
Sorry about that. What a pain in the ass this has been this morning.
Chicago Radio Ratings
1. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 5.4 (5.1)
2. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 5.2 (5.6)
3. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 4.9 (4.3)
4. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 4.8 (4.8)
5. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.3 (4.2)
6. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 4.0 (4.8)
7. (tie) WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.8 (3.4); WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 3.8 (3.9)
9. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 3.3 (3.7); WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 3.3 (3.5)
11. (tie) WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 3.1 (3.2); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 3.1 (3.0)
13. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 3.0 (2.8); WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.0 (3.0); WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 3.0 (3.0)
16. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.8 (2.7); WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary,2.8 (2.8); WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 2.8 (2.9)
19. WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 2.7 (2.5)
20. WLS 890-AM news talk, 2.2 (2.1)
21. (tie) WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 1.9 (2.0); WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 1.9 (2.2); WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 1.9 (1.9)
24. WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.6 (1.6)
25. (tie) WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.5 (1.2); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.5 (1.2)
27. WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.4 (1.7)
28. WERV 95.9-FM classic hits, 1.3 (1.3)
29. (tie) WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 0.8 (1.0); WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 0.8 (0.8)
My Kind of Town
Wow this photo by @barrybutler9 just epic pic.twitter.com/1zWUJox7uA
— Justin Breen (@BrEpicBreen) August 5, 2019
Monday, August 05, 2019
Minutia Men, Episode 144
Listen to it here.
Janet's Mom's Final Wish
Dr. Konstantin Slavin's clinical interests are diverse applications of surgical neuromodulation and functional neurosurgery. This includes treatment of pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, and psychiatric diseases with a particular interest in the treatment of facial pain, cancer-related pain, Chiari malformation, stereotactic radiosurgery, brain tumors, and spinal problems. He has received many clinical and professional awards, including "Most Compassionate Doctor," and for many years has been included in the prestigious "Top Surgeons" and "Best Doctors" lists in the USA. Dr. Slavin is a professor of neurosurgery and head of the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery section at UIC.
The book will be given out to patients who are afflicted with brain aneurysms. Janet is an inspiration to those patients because of her determined and successful recovery. She shows them that anything is possible.
New Radio Hall of Famers
1. Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton -- WKTU/New York and the Weekly Top 30 Countdown, syndicated by Premiere Networks.
2. Harry Harrison -- morning personality, WMCA-AM, WABC-AM and WCBS-FM/New York (Longstanding Local/Regional, 20+ years).
3. The Kevin & Bean Show (Kevin Ryder & Gene "Bean" Baxter), KROQ/Los Angeles (Active Local/Regional, 10+ years).
4. Joe Madison -- Joe Madison, The Black Eagle, SiriusXM's Urban View.
5. Jim Rome -- The Jim Rome Show, CBS Sports Radio (Longstanding Network/Syndication, 20+ years)
6. Ryan Seacrest -- KIIS-FM/Los Angeles, On Air with Ryan Seacrest and American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest, syndicated by Premiere Networks.
7. John Tesh -- Intelligence for your Life, syndicated by Compass Media Networks (Active Network/Syndication, 10+ years).
8. Dr. Ruth Westheimer -- The Dr. Ruth Show on NBC Radio and host of Sexually Speaking on WYNY/New York.
Friday, August 02, 2019
Rick in Elgin
Thursday, August 01, 2019
Phil Manicki
You can read it here.
Cubs Trades
Cubs get Tony Kemp from the Astros. (He's a nice second baseman with speed and pop. A little guy. Fan favorite type)
Cubs get Nick Castellanos from the Tigers. (Former infielder turned outfielder with a great bat. Last year he was one of the best hitters in the league. Having a down year for him--but way better than what we have.)
And all it cost us was a third string catcher and two pitching prospects that aren't even in our top 15 prospects. I'll take it.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Friday Morning
I'll bring some books along if anyone would like to purchase an autographed copy.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
One town that won't let you down
Get a load of these gorgeous cumulonimbus clouds doing their thing behind @360chicago and the Chicago skyline 😮 pic.twitter.com/QBox3vpZNX
— Craig Shimala (@cshimala) July 30, 2019
The Alma Mater
Another Shooting
Investigators said three weeks ago the suspect legally purchased an AK-47 style assault rifle in Nevada. Sunday afternoon he walked about a half mile from his car to the festival where he cut through a fence. That day he had posted at least two images to Instagram, one showing the fairgrounds and another that referred to an author with white nationalist views and contained a derogatory reference to mixed race people.
And of course it was an AK-47. This story has already receded from the news. It's that common. This is who we are as a country right now.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Eckhartz Press Sunday
Nice catch Dad
Who made the better play? Panda or the dad 😂 pic.twitter.com/3Z5AQxrAQ4
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 27, 2019
Minutia Men, Episode 143
Listen to it here.
Essra, by the way, sang this immortal School House Rock song...
And this one...
Club 400 Podcast
Thanks to Stew and William for having me out there. It was a blast.
You can listen to it here.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Viva Baltimore
Finally, while we would not sink to name-calling in the Trumpian manner — or ruefully point out that he failed to spell the congressman’s name correctly (it’s Cummings, not Cumming) — we would tell the most dishonest man to ever occupy the Oval Office, the mocker of war heroes, the gleeful grabber of women’s private parts, the serial bankrupter of businesses, the useful idiot of Vladimir Putin and the guy who insisted there are “good people” among murderous neo-Nazis that he’s still not fooling most Americans into believing he’s even slightly competent in his current post. Or that he possesses a scintilla of integrity. Better to have some vermin living in your neighborhood than to be one.
This is a CNN morning anchor and Baltimore native...




































