RIP Fred Willard

Lost another one. Comedy great Fred Willard passed away at the age of 86. I loved him in just about everything, but my favorite has to be his performance in "Best in Show". Here's a little taste...

Hey, that's me!

My contribution to the Inside for Indies program, helping to raise money for independent book stores trying to survive this crisis...

We're raising $$ for indie bookstores by bringing you into writers' workspaces. INSIDE FOR INDIES is the name of the campaign. Today, @RickKaempfer is your host! https://t.co/oYai9kbyJT via @YouTube

— James Finn Garner (@jamesfinngarner) May 15, 2020

RIP Astrid

And yet another one. Sheesh.

Danke schön, Astrid Kirchherr. Intelligent, inspirational, innovative, daring, artistic, awake, aware, beautiful, smart, loving and uplifting friend to many. Her gift to the Beatles was immeasurable. She died in Hamburg on Wednesday, a few days before turning 82. RIP. pic.twitter.com/c8UHNK1tj4

— Mark Lewisohn (@marklewisohn) May 15, 2020

60 years ago today

In his first start as a Cub, Don Cardwell throws a no-hitter...

RIP Bob Watson

Lost another one...

Tonight my dad and hero Bob Watson has passed away after a long fight with kidney disease.. #Astros #Yankees #RedSox #Braves #Athletics #USABAseball #MLB #1stBlackGM pic.twitter.com/obKe1mwJYc

— K Dubb (@TheReal_KDubb) May 15, 2020

I have a bunch of Bob's cards including these...

KIng of *arts

I wrote this song with Hall of Famer John Records Landecker back in our WJMK days. The video was created this week by my son Tommy. It's his favorite of the Landecker & the Legends songs. It's one of the two songs the station banned us from playing on the air. (The other was about Jeffrey Dahmer).

Hall of Famer

So yesterday John Landecker was officially inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. (Read the full All Access article here)

The second day of sessions streaming at the NAB SHOW EXPRESS included an opening event celebrating "Achievement in Broadcasting," with a highlight being the induction of legendary radio personality JOHN RECORDS LANDECKER into the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS Hall of Fame.

LANDECKER's career took him to ANN ARBOR, GRAND RAPIDS, LANSING, and a stint at WIBG-A (WIBBAGE)/PHILADELPHIA before his long stint at WLS-A/CHICAGO, where he became a dominant talent in the market for many years; he later hosted at CFTR-A/TORONTO, WLUP, WAGO/WCKG, WLS again, WJMK, and WZZN/WLS-F in CHICAGO, and WIMS-A/MICHIGAN CITY, IN. His induction was preceded by a tribute video including his daughter, actress AMY LANDECKER, her husband actor BRADLEY WHITFORD, his WLS PD JOHN GEHRON, comedian GREG ECKLER, and iHEARTMEDIA AC KOST/LOS ANGELES morning host ELLEN K, and clips from his WLS days, including his "Boogie Check" bit. In accepting the award, LANDECKER said he would say something no other award recipient would say -- "I'm not wearing any pants" -- before closing with his signature line, "RECORDS truly is my middle name."

The Lisagor Awards

This year's Peter Lisagor Awards were handed out virtually, depriving the winners the joy of picking it up on stage in front of their peers. Nevertheless, it's a great honor. I was honored twice during my "Father Knows Nothing" days, which I consider the highlight of "journalism" career.

This year's winners are listed here.

Among the winners is my old pal Charlie Meyerson for his excellent blog Chicago Public Square.

A needed change of pace

If you’ve had a rough week check out these brothers sharing an orange soda.

Dare you to not smile.🌎❤️😂😉pic.twitter.com/2GlI8rRDxz

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) May 14, 2020

Hall of Famer

Free Kicks--Soccer is Back-ish

Soccer is back! Well, at least it is in Germany. In this week's episode, we'll break down the Bundesliga for you and tell you all the latest details about the re-opening of the Premier League.

Listen to it here.

Donald G. Evans

This week's Minutia Men celebrity interview features a chat with the director of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (and Eckhartz Press author) Donald G. Evans. He has some great stories.

Listen to it here.

Mitch Michaels

Got this e-mail today from Bob Zak, a former colleague of Eckhartz Press author Mitch Michaels. We support this movement...

To Fellow Broadcasters and Radio Fans,

Please take a moment to nominate radio legend Mitch Michaels to the Radio Hall of Fame. His time has come to be recognized for his countless contributions to our industry.

Click this link: http://www.radiohalloffame.com/nominate

COPY THIS BIO:
Mitch Michaels has a long record as a personality, innovator & communicator, with more than 45 years in Chicago radio at WGLD, WXRT, WDAI, WKQX, WLUP, WBBM-FM, WCKG, WLS, WXCD, 9FM and WRXQ. Mitch currently hosts afternoon drive on 95.9 The River.

Thank you!
Bob Zak

Liz Cheney

I'm fairly sure I've never agreed with anything this woman has said since she entered public life...until now.

Dr. Fauci is one of the finest public servants we have ever had. He is not a partisan. His only interest is saving lives. We need his expertise and his judgment to defeat this virus. All Americans should be thanking him. Every day.

— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) May 13, 2020

Lindsay Eanet

Congrats to Eckhartz Press author Lindsay Eanet (co-author of Rich King's "Back in the Game") for being named the PA announcer of the Chicago Red Stars! https://t.co/Xq1msknPpb

— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) May 13, 2020

Felicia Signs Off

A day after the morning drive ratings in Chicago cemented her WBBM show (co-hosted with Pat Cassidy) in first place, Felicia Middlebrooks has announced she's leaving the station. Her last day will be May 29th. She's leaving radio like Michael Jordan left the Bulls...right after hitting the game-winning shot.

Robert Feder has the details about Felicia's next project.

Happy Birthday Stevie!

Lately it seems I'm writing an RIP post every day. This is not one of those. It's a happy birthday post. Stevie Wonder is 70 years old today. One of the all-time greats. In my book, one of the five best songwriters of my lifetime.

Chicago Radio Ratings

Robert Feder posted these figures today. Click here if you want the daypart breakdown...

1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 8.4 (7.7)
2. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 6.4 (5.1)
3. WGN 720-AM news talk, 5.6 (4.5)
4. WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 5.4 (4.3)
5. WVAZ 102.7-FM urban adult contemporary, 5.0 (5.3)
6. WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 4.4 (5.2)
7. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 4.0 (4.3)
8. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 3.9 (3.8)
9. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 3.7 (4.3)
10. WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 3.1 (2.4)
11. WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 3.0 (3.3)
12. (tie) WGCI 107.5-FM urban contemporary, 2.8 (2.3); WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 2.8 (3.1)
14. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 2.6 (3.1)
15. (tie) WLS 890-AM news talk, 2.4 (2.1); WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.4 (2.4)
17. WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 2.2 (2.5)
18. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.1 (2.7); WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.1 (2.8)
20. (tie) WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip hop, 2.0 (2.4); WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.0 (2.4)
22. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 1.8 (1.8)
23. (tie) WEBG 95.5-FM country, 1.5 (1.2); WFMT 98.7-FM classical 1.5 (1.1); WPWX 92.3-FM urban contemporary, 1.5 (1.4); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.5 (1.3)
27. WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian, 1.3 (1.3)
28. (tie) WMBI 90.1-FM Christian ministry, 1.2 (1.0); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 1.2 (1.2)
30. WIIL 95.1-FM album-oriented rock, 0.8 (no previous share)

50 years ago today

Ernie's 500th homer. I remember it vividly...

RIP Zay Smith

So sorry to hear this news. I followed him in the Sun Times. He followed me on social media and we engaged in spirited banter.

RIP Zay N. Smith. https://t.co/fEuxJxyu8w

— Andrew Huff (@me3dia) May 12, 2020

Longest Home Run I've Ever Seen

Exactly 20 years ago today...

He hit it on the roof!

On this day in 2000, Glenallen Hill hit a monster home run 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WEH5hYmSHQ

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 11, 2020

Misinformation really can kill

This is stunning to watch: 60 Minutes details a "political disinformation campaign" that went from Matt Gaetz to Tucker Carlson to OAN to Trump and killed one of the most important virology programs in the world. No "both sides" here. https://t.co/imy2GYl1YN

— Justin Miller (@justinjm1) May 10, 2020

Not Exactly a Partisan

The US is becoming an embarrassment. This is the guy who killed Bin Laden. Listen to his point of view on the subject...

The guy who helped kill Bin Laden says we are under attack by Donald Trump. If you aren’t paying attention at this point you can go fuck yourself. pic.twitter.com/EUC8iDFt2e

— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) May 10, 2020

Dreams

I think we all feel this way. Hoping it can happen safely and soon.

RIP Jerry Stiller

Another great is gone. He will always be Frank Costanza to me.

This is a hilarious blooper from the DVD collection. RIP Frank.

What is the latest science on this virus?

The Washington Post has a great piece explaining all the unexpected ways COVID-19 damages and attacks the body. It's not just a respiratory virus, it's a cardiological virus--and that's the part that is killing so many people. (It also may be why finding a vaccine will be very difficult)

John Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Center felt it was necessary to release this paper, explaining why it's a bad idea to shoot for herd immunity. Bottom line: We still haven't seen any evidence that people become immune to this virus. That seems like a pretty important point.

Look, I understand why you want to get back out there. I do too. I saw my mom over the weekend for the first time in almost two months. But we wore masks and kept our distance. This is just too friggin dangerous.

RIP Betty Wright

Lost another one. R&B singer Betty Wright has passed away at the age of 66. Wow has this been a bad year...

Minutia Men--Grocery Bags & Body Bags

Rick and Dave discuss the lighter side of the virus with stories about Dave’s senior advantage, a woman who doesn’t quite get the concept of the mask, the best place in the world to be quarantined, and a government employee who just made one heck of a goof. Also, two interviews–recently inducted HOFer John Records Landecker, and Emmy-award winning comedian Dwayne Kennedy. [Ep179]

Listen to it here.

RIP Roy

2020 will definitely be the year of the celebrity death. RIP Roy. A tiger couldn't kill you, but this virus was too much.

Roy Horn, of "Siegfried & Roy," has died from complications related to COVID-19, according to his partner Siegfried Fischbacher. He was 75. https://t.co/mLeHc7PtU7

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 9, 2020

RIP Little Richard

Sad to hear this news, although it's been expected for a while. Little Richard, the king AND queen of rock and roll, has passed away at the age of 87. I met Richard once at an outdoor Oldies concert in the 1990s. He has the biggest head I've ever seen, and there must have been five inches of pancake makeup on it. But once the show started, he lit up and rocked.

Little Richard's Rock Hall induction speech for Otis Redding is full of music, joy, and moments like this. He was legitimately hilarious. pic.twitter.com/lUmqVxEeBB

— Who Cares About the Rock Hall? (@rockhallpod) May 10, 2020

Video proof

I agree with the assessment of this former George Bush speechwriter...

Every citizen should watch this Morning Joe montage to understand how badly they have been betrayed by an incompetent, delusional, deceptive, ignorant, overmatched president. https://t.co/eYByDaPOcL

— Michael Gerson (@MJGerson) May 8, 2020

Shelter in Place Schedule

Got a kick out of this, written by one of my friends, author Christine Sneed.

Brian May

I can think of a few fat bottomed and Freddy Mercury jokes, but I choose to take the high ground. Hope he recovers fully. Great guitarist.

Queen’s Brian May Hospitalized After Ripping Glutes ‘to Shreds’ While Gardening https://t.co/8xyrGwa4ai

— Variety (@Variety) May 8, 2020

Robbie Rist

This week's Minutia Men celebrity interview is with the man who played Cousin Oliver on the Brady Bunch, Robbie Rist. His take on his place in Brady history..."If you think a nine year old can destroy a show, your show might have bigger problems." https://radiomisfits.com/mmci19/

Pick Your Bundesliga Team

The German Bundesliga will be the first to return. They begin play next weekend. For those of you who don't follow the league, here's a handy guide for picking a team...

John Landecker

Robert Feder has a few more details about Landecker's induction into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame...

Good news for fans of John Records Landecker: When the legendary Chicago radio personality is inducted in the National Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcasting Hall of Fame next week, we’ll all be able to watch it live. The ceremony had been set for April 20, but the coronavirus shutdown canceled the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas. So now it’s happening online at noon May 14 on NABShowExpress.com. Registration is free. (Here is the link.) Previous NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductees from Chicago include Larry Lujack, Dick Orkin, Tom Joyner, Wally Phillips, Harry Caray and Paul Harvey.

Look at that group he's joining. Talk about the elite of Chicago broadcasting elite.

The First One to Return

Bundesliga is coming back! 🇩🇪🙌

The German Football League (DFL) will convene with clubs Thursday to discuss an exact date of return. pic.twitter.com/Fp2f6knUd5

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 6, 2020

Count me in! Going through withdrawal here.

NAB Hall of Fame

John Landecker was scheduled to be inducted into the NAB Hall of Fame in April but it was postponed because of the virus. Now they are going to do it virtually. He forwarded me this info, if you'd like to watch it live...

John, I want to make sure you know that we are airing your induction at NAB Show Express during our Achievement in Broadcasting session on May 14 beginning at 12noon EST. Registration for the event is free and is now open at NABShowExpress.com.

I'll be watching!

Obscure Stat

Willie Mays turns 89 today.
He is the only player in MLB history to have at least one career Home Run in every inning from 1-16 pic.twitter.com/OmIXyfOgbk

— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) May 6, 2020

Here's the Willie Mays baseball card my mom threw out during one of her "pick up your baseball cards or I'll throw them out" tantrums. I bought it back as an adult. It remains my only Willie Mays...

RIP Florian

Very sad news. Another great has fallen. Kraftwerk co-founder Florian Schneider has died at the age of 73.

The German electronic band Kraftwerk was an innovator and one of the most influential bands in electronic music history. It's also the band that my son Tommy and I bonded over...we both loved them. They were scheduled to do a rare world tour and we were going to see them, but it was canceled because of the virus.

RIP Florian!

My two favorites...

20 strikeouts

May 6, 1998

I was there, sitting in my regular seats, freezing my butt off that day. I must confess, I didn’t recognize at first the magnitude of what I was watching. I remember thinking, “boy he’s got a lot of strikeouts,” but I had no idea he had as many as he did.

At one point I leaned forward and tapped the shoulder of the guy sitting in front of me. He was listening to the game on the radio.

“How many strikeouts does Wood have?” I asked him.

“12,” he answered.

That’s when I really started paying attention. The Astros, it should be noted, were in first place, and had a very formidable lineup that day including Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Derek Bell, and Moises Alou.

You could almost feel the ballpark catching on to what was happening, slowly but surely. With each successive strikeout, the cheers got louder and louder. This might have been the most dominating performance in baseball history. The Astros only managed to hit it out of the infield twice, two weak fly balls. Wood only allowed two runners, a squib infield hit by Ricky Gutierez, and a hit-by-pitch to Craig Biggio.

In the ninth, the few thousand of us who braved the really horrible weather conditions to stay, all rose to our feet as Wood struck out pinch hitter Billy Spiers for his 19th strikeout. We applauded when Biggio grounded out.

And we roared when Wood struck out Derek Bell to end the game.

20 strikeouts.

A game I’ll never forge

RIP Salty Saltwell

The Cubs today mourn the death of former executive Eldred R. “Salty” Saltwell, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 96.

Saltwell served a variety of roles within the organization during a 30-year career. pic.twitter.com/CNhHzQnuOj

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 5, 2020

Here's his write-up in EveryCubEver...

~Salty Saltwell 1924--2020 (Cubs GM 1976)
His actual name was E.R. Saltwell, but everyone called him Salty. In 1975, after the long reign of General Manager John Holland ended, P.K. Wrigley replaced Holland with the only logical choice on the payroll: the team’s former concessions manager E.R. “Salty” Saltwell. P.K. was no longer just thinking outside of the box; he didn’t even know where the box was anymore. Salty was the GM of the Cubs for only one season (1976) but he made his mark. Who could forget his fleecing the Cardinals of Mick Kelleher? Or his stealing of Rick Stelmaszek from the Yankees? He also acquired big names like Mike Garman, Ramon Hernandez, Tim Ireland, Tom DeTorre, and reacquired the incredibly washed-up Randy Hundley. Salty’s deft touch in the draft was something to behold as well. In 1976, the Cubs had two first round draft choices. They selected Herman Segelke with the 7th overall pick, and Karl Pagel with the 20th pick. Salty knew better than to waste his time with the other future stars selected in that same first round: Steve Trout (White Sox), Mike Scoscia (Dodgers), Leon Durham (Cardinals), and Bruce Hurst (Red Sox). Salty’s crowning moment as general manager, however, had to be when he unloaded future slugging All-Star Andre Thornton for reserve outfielder Larry Biittner (and Steve Renko). Renko won 10 games in his Cubs career, Biittner hit 12 homers in his Cubs career, and Andre Thornton hit more than 30 homers three times. In September 1976, Steve Stone informed Saltwell of his impending free agency and attempted to get a contract. Salty responded by telling Stone that Mr. Wrigley was in the middle of a divorce and he would have to get back to him. Salty was demoted shortly after that. To this day, Salty Saltwell remains the only general manager in baseball history to rise from concessions manager to general manager and then back again to Director of Park Operations.

Roger Badesch

Can you tell that Roger is getting a little impatient about his book not being out yet? :)

Social distancing kept me away from the printer today but they were kind enough to take a picture of pages from the book as they were getting them ready for binding!! EXCITING!!! The arrow points to the front and back cover stack!! pic.twitter.com/8ttgNxNKqz

— Roger Badesch (@TeacherRB) May 5, 2020

Cinco De Mayo

On this Cinco de Mayo we celebrate all of the Mexican-born players who have played for the Cubs. All of them are featured in EveryCubEver…

~Jesse Flores (Cubs 1942)
The first Mexican-born pitcher in big league history made his debut with the Cubs during the war. He only pitched in four games and posted an ERA of 3.38 before the Cubs sent him down for more seasoning. He later pitched for the A’s and the Indians. After his playing career, Jesse became one of the best scouts in baseball. His signings for the Minnesota Twins included Bert Blyleven, Lyman Bostock, Bill Campbell, Rick Dempsey, and Jesse Orosco.

~Hector Torres (Cubs 1971)
The Cubs aquired Torres in a straight shortstop for shortstop swap with the Houston Astros. The Astros got Roger Metzger in return. Torres hit .224 backing up Don Kessinger and Glenn Beckert in 1971. It was the Mexico native’s only season with the Cubs. Metzger, meanwhile, was the Astros starting shortstop for the next seven years, and won a Gold Glove. Torres was nicknamed “La Malita”.

~Horacio Pina (Cubs 1974)
The Mexican-born Pina was acquired from the Oakland A’s for Bob Locker in November of 1973. He was only two years removed from his most productive season in the big leagues, when he saved 15 games for the Rangers, and a month removed from contributing to the 1973 World Series Champion Oakland A’s, but he was a total bust for the Cubs. In 59 innings pitched, he allowed an astounding 89 baserunners. Not the kind of numbers you need from someone you expect to be a key member of your late inning bullpen. The Cubs traded him to the Angels by the end of July. After the season, Horacio went back to his native Mexioo. He pitched a no-hitter there in 1975, and a perfect game in 1978.

~Daniel Garibay (Cubs 2000)
Garibay was born and raised in Mexico, and didn’t get his first shot at Major League Baseball until he was 27 years old. The Cubs used him as a spot starter and a reliever, and he didn’t do well in either role. He went 2-8 with an ERA over 6.

~Ismael Valdez (Cubs 2000)
The Cubs acquired the former 15-game winner along with Eric Young, and immediately placed him in the starting rotation. Unfortunately for the Cubs, Valdez developed blister problems and had a hard time staying healthy. He won a grand total of two games in Chicago. Before the season was over, they traded him back to the Dodgers. He later pitched for the Angels, Rangers, Mariners, Padres and Marlins. He won 104 big league games, but he also lost 105. He was known as “The Rocket”.

~Rodrigo Lopez (Cubs 2011-2012)
The Mexican-born Lopez was a two-time 15-game winner for the Orioles, but by the time he came to the Cubs, he was getting by on fumes. In 30 appearances over two seasons his ERA was over 6, and he allowed 18 homers. Chicago was the last stop of his big league career.

Merica

I'm really starting to worry about this country...

A park ranger was pushed into a lake in Austin for trying to enforce distancing requirements.

These thugs need to respect authority. We need law and order back in America. Blue Lives Matter. And when is Trump going to stop this white-on-white crime?pic.twitter.com/ts2zU474fr

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 5, 2020

Just Sign This, And I'm On Board

Kent State

A great report about Kent State massacre exactly 50 years later from the photographer who took that iconic photograph. https://t.co/E5Otq3Blgh

— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) May 3, 2020

Hilarious

This is really well done.

Family Guy - Griffin vs. Trump fight from Cody Stumma on Vimeo.

The Last Kick

After the Last Dance series ends in a few weeks, look for the 10-part series about the glorious run to the quarterfinals (or was it the semi-finals?) of the 1980-1981 Prospect High School varsity soccer team. Never-before-told stories of practice skirmishes which led to running laps with "that Swedish kid". The unforgettable advice the assistant coach, "you know the guy I mean--the biology teacher" gave to the boys right before that big game against "that orange team". Vague memories. Gripping drama. Bad Haircuts. Don't miss it.

Phil & Greg

Last night news came out that Hubbard Broadcasting in Chicago had fired a dozen staffers, including some people I know and respect. Among them, WDRV (The Drive) jocks Phil Manicki and Greg Easterling.

Both are fellow former WPGUers (University of Illinois) and both are consummate pros.

I interviewed Greg back in 2009 for Chicago Radio Spotlight.

I interviewed Phil just last year for Illinois Entertainer.

Minutia Men--Michael Jordan & Josh Gondelman

Rick and Dave discuss the most unusual smoothies ever, the fact that Michael Jordan can do absolutely anything he wants, Rick’s brush with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Neil Young, and they interview writer/comedian/producer/author Josh Gondelman. [Ep178]

Listen to it here.

Black Water (Live in Isolation)

RIP Bart & Bob

I missed the passing of two of my childhood baseball heroes over the last few weeks. Bart Johnson and Bob Oliver both died in April. Neither played for my Cubs, but I always loved these baseball cards. RIP Bart & Bob. pic.twitter.com/sGx76C1kAh

— Rick Kaempfer (@RickKaempfer) May 1, 2020

You are the Champions

Queen is revisiting a classic to salute health workers...

Rock band Queen and singer Adam Lambert are raising money for health workers fighting COVID-19 with a new single ‘You Are The Champions,’ an updated version of classic hit ‘We Are The Champions’
pic.twitter.com/hlsjOvHBrC

— Rich Tehrani (@rtehrani) May 1, 2020

Whip

The May issue of Illinois Entertainer is out and features my interview with Brian Paruch, aka Whip, from the Mix Morning show (WTMX)

Read it here.

Is Premier League coming back?

Players are beginning to train, but oh boy, has the world changed.

*Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.

*They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players' cars.

*Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.

*All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site.

More information is here.

Grace Fights Covid 19

This book is the first American parental resource that explains the coronavirus to the youngest member of the family. The Musical Bug Squad becomes a kid-centric tool that all parents should give their emerging reader children. And teachers can use it in the classroom, too!

Priced to simply cover our costs.

Find out more about it here.

Fun Fact

Only four ex-Cub pitchers have defeated all 30 current MLB clubs, and only one of them was a Cub when he beat the 30th team (John Lackey). The other three are Terry Mulholland, Dan Haren, and Jamie Moyer. (Only 19 pitchers in MLB history have ever done it)

Illinois

Free Kicks

This week's episode of Free Kicks has all the latest news about the potential re-opening of the European soccer leagues (and there is some, by the way).

Listen to it here.

News Radio From Home

I really thought this was an interesting look at how a Newsradio station like WBBM-AM in Chicago handles the current situation. They remain an essential source of news for Chicago, but they also have to protect their employees from the virus. It's a demanding format requiring lots of people in the best of circumstances.

Here's how they do it.

Thanks to Robert Feder for that report.

Robbie Rist

This week's Minutia Men Celebrity Interview is with Cousin Oliver from the Brady Bunch, Robbie Rist.

Listen to it here.

America's Lost Soul

Lossano and Friends

Tony Lossano has been posting previous episodes of his podcast Lossano and Friends. This first episode he posted includes me as a guest (promoting my new at the time book "Father Knows Nothing"). I remember it well. It was the first (and possibly last) time I got to broadcast with the immortal Dick Biondi. That was a thrill. I've known Dick since I started at WJMK in 1993, but this was the only time I was actually on the air with him.

#VintageLossanoAndFriends! with @LarryPotash @DickBiondiFilm @tracyswartz @RickKaempfer @MinutiaMen @LossanoFriends @LOSSANO https://t.co/YbNlPBjDcp

— Radio Misfits (@RadiosMisfits) April 28, 2020

David Ross story

Pretty funny story about Cubs manager David Ross during his broadcasting days...

ESPN’s Jon “Boog” Sciambi recently hopped on “The Compound,” a podcast hosted by Cubs Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Dakota Mekkes and Zack Short. Sciambi recalled a time where Ross got up to use the restroom during a commercial break of a Red Sox-Phillies entering the 10th inning.

The 10th already started by the time Ross returned to the booth, giving Cubs legend Rick Sutcliffe — the third member of broadcast team — a chance to mess with him.

“[Ross] puts the headset on kinda quiet, like he’s sneaking back into the booth. And Sutt, to his credit — and Sutt’s not the brightest light on the Christmas tree — sees it.

“Rossy puts his headset back on, and Sutt goes ‘That’s a great point, Boog. What do you think about that, Rossy?’

“[Ross’] eyes bulge out. He looks at me and I look at him, like ‘Well…’ It’s like one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand, he realizes we’re ****ing with him, and he just blurts out ‘You guys are like camels; you never go to the bathroom.’”

Yes, this happened live on the air during a national broadcast of an MLB game. Three Red Sox-Phillies games went to extras from 2017-18; which of the three this story occurred during is uncertain.

Tulips

The great Barry Butler photographs one of the most beautiful times of the year in downtown Chicago. I may have to make a trip down there to check it out...

How is this story not getting more attention?

Am I wrong? This seems like pretty big news.

Pentagon formally releases 3 Navy videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena" https://t.co/HpbbVoiT2P pic.twitter.com/f7vVQV8h3v

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 28, 2020

A True Bulls Fan

Freddie in Quarantine

Quarantined in France — this guy doing his best Freddie Mercury on the balcony while playing “I Want to Break Free” is the Twitter content I’m here for...🌎❤️😂🤣pic.twitter.com/YYtiz005gX

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) April 27, 2020

The Gov

SNL cut this for time on the air, but posted it online. I thought it was pretty strong...

Winds of Change

Try to wrap your head around this one. From Deadline...

Did the CIA write Scorpions’ hit song Wind of Change? This is the wild story of Spotify’s latest original podcast documentary series.

The audio platform has teamed up with New Yorker investigative journalist Patrick Radden Keefe, Pod Save America producer Crooked Media and Missing Richard Simmons producer Pineapple Street Studios for Wind of Change.

The eight-part series, which debuts May 11, follows Keefe as he explores a rumor he heard from a source within the CIA: The CIA was behind the 1990 international hit. He will look at spies doing the unthinkable, a secret history of propaganda hidden in pop music, and a maze of government secrets as he attempts to untangle one of the great mysteries of the Cold War.

I played this song a million times when i was on the Loop. We pushed it hard. Don't think we were part of the conspiracy, but I must admit, this song never spoke to me. And I'm German. And I was blown away by the Berlin Wall coming down. And I love the Scorps. This song just isn't that good.

Minutia Men

Click here to listen.

What's Up With That?

This bit hasn't been pulled out of the closet for a while, but it was done very well on SNL this weekend. My son Tommy's all-time favorite SNL bit...

Walking on Sunshine

This song is 35 years old today and it still puts you in a good mood. Much harder to write a truly happy song than a sad one...

The Liar Tweets Tonight

One of the best ones I've seen so far...

Minutia Men--The Who, The Bulls, and the Dry October

Fun show. We talked to the keyboard player from the Who, Loren Gold. Great stuff. Also, we share a song I wrote during the 1990s Bulls era, and a hilarious clip of Steve Stone telling a Harry Caray story.

.@MinutiaMen EP177 - The Who, The Bulls, and The Dry October https://t.co/GIGNuzZ3Ut

— Radio Misfits (@RadiosMisfits) April 25, 2020

Rick Monday Day

Today in 1976, the Cubs’ Rick Monday heroically saves the American flag from two punks attempting to set it on fire in the Dodger Stadium outfield. Not today, motherfuckers. 🇺🇸

pic.twitter.com/8xfTzV7Yfe

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) April 25, 2020

Fun with Trump video

These Tiktok videos are killing me...

This is the only tik tok i'm ever watching. pic.twitter.com/iQmarZageY

— Mr C (@_slip__) April 24, 2020

Quarantine day 45: pic.twitter.com/wFDhMhQen9

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) April 24, 2020

Jim Peterik

#MinutiaMenCelebrityInterview EP18: Rick and Dave interview @JimPeterik https://t.co/8a0P7MR9Nj

— Radio Misfits (@RadiosMisfits) April 24, 2020

Roger's Book

What are your #childhood #memories from #playing #outside? Lots more in the #book #ORDER NOW-#PRINTING SOON! https://t.co/zlEkjbyJHs pic.twitter.com/F8UyC8U7s8

— Roger Badesch (@TeacherRB) April 24, 2020

Legally Liable?

I posed a legal question on twitter the other day asking if the president might be legally liable if someone died taking a treatment like this (the malaria drug he was pushing, or yesterday's suggestion--injected disinfectant). The reaction I got from Trumpers was essentially "Shut up dumbass" or "You can't really be that stupid can you?" and "Are you even smart enough to put on a hat?"

I guess I am that stupid, because I don't understand why he wouldn't be liable. This would kill you if you did what he suggested. He's not some schmo on a street corner. He's the president of the United States at an official coronavirus briefing.



And here's what happened to the malaria drug...

BREAKING: Citing a ‘primary outcome’ of death, researchers cut chloroquine study short over safety concernshttps://t.co/NzYRCJoZSZ

— CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) April 24, 2020

Why wouldn't he be liable for this? He flat out said "I think you should take it. What do you have to lose?"

Guilty

Rupert's Salary

For years I thought I knew Rupert Murdoch. I must have read fifty books about him during the research for my novel "$everance". But I recently saw the HBO series "Succession" and I realize I missed something important during my research. I missed the absolutely obscene wealth he keeps for himself. It was beyond my imagination. I read over and over again that he was constantly teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and figured he must have taken SOME precautions just in case. That's the part I got wrong. I thought he was just purely evil for evil's sake like Snidely Whiplash. Nope. Snidely does the dirty work himself. Rupert doesn't get his finely manicured hands dirty. He makes everyone else do the dirty work, and he keeps all the profit for himself.

Anyway, since I saw that series I take all stories like this with a grain of salt. From this morning's New York Times...

Rupert Murdoch’s Fox Corporation, the owner of Fox News and the Fox television network, announced pay cuts to its executive ranks that will affect 700 employees as it worked to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Fox Corporation chief executive Lachlan Murdoch, the elder son of Rupert, made the announcement in a memo sent to the company’s 7,700 workers on Wednesday.

“While we don’t know exactly when we will return to normal and full operations across the company, we have decided to take several new actions to ensure that we remain strong and are well-positioned when this crisis recedes,” Lachlan Murdoch said.

He and the family patriarch will forgo their entire salaries through September, though most of their compensation comes from stock awards and bonuses. Rupert Murdoch makes $5 million in salary but his compensation tops $29 million with incentives and stock. Lachlan Murdoch makes $3 million in salary, with an additional $20 million coming from stocks and bonuses.

That million or so that he's giving up will be going right back into his pocket the second he can get away with it. It's probably already there now. Suffering is for others.

Love this

This wins the internet today!!
🎉🏆🥇🥇🥇

(Sound up)

pic.twitter.com/5yv2XUJDAs

— tRumPEST (in Twitmo at moment)aka Brian (@ATrumpest) April 20, 2020

Happy Earth Day

It's the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and Rare Earth is my go-to Earth Day band...

Are your papers in order?

German police go door-to-door testing people’s blood for antibodies, but in a totally cool, non-threatening way. pic.twitter.com/ubnlNUPKau

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) April 22, 2020

Hugh!

Former Top Chef contestant Hugh Acheson owns restaurants in Georgia, and here's his response to his crazy governor...

To anyone who wants to hear it: I am the leader of my restaurants. I will say when we open. It will be when i feel it is safe for those I employ, my family and my customers. No one tells me when to open. Period. And not Monday.

— Hugh Acheson (@HughAcheson) April 22, 2020

Noooooo!

Shits getting real, folks.

Germany’s Oktoberfest scrapped over virus in blow to beer industry - https://t.co/59GUIV3b7f

— Republicans are mean squirrels🏳️‍🌈🚵‍♂️ (@nipperdawg) April 21, 2020

Get Well Soon, Silvy

Sad to hear this news, reported by Robert Feder...

Marc Silverman, widely admired afternoon co-host on Good Karma Brands ESPN sports/talk WMVP 1000-AM, disclosed on his show Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. He said he would be starting chemotherapy treatment next week. An outpouring of well-wishes followed. “All of us at ESPN Chicago and Good Karma Brands know that Silvy is a fighter and he’s strong,” said Mike Thomas, market manager for ESPN Chicago. “We’re here for him 100 percent whatever he needs during this time.” Silverman, 48, grew up in Skokie and graduated from Niles North High School and Southern Illinois University. He worked as a sports intern and reporter at news/talk WGN 720-AM before joining ESPN 1000 on its launch in 1998. Since 2007 he’s been teamed with Tom Waddle from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dere Da Bulls

After the success of The Last Dance on ESPN, I was inspired to reach back into my archives and pull out this song that John Landecker and I wrote during the Bulls last championship run. It was one of our most popular songs and got press in the Sun-Times and Tribune, and was played at Michael Jordan's restaurant. This is Landecker & The Legends with "Dere Da Bulls" (Video by Tommy Kaempfer).

Logic

OK, let's go through this logic from start to finish.

The Democrats and the media have done this to screw Trump. In so doing, they enlisted the help of 185 countries around the world to play along with this whole pandemic bit. Then, they got the entire medical and scientific community to agree with them (because, of course, science hates Trump too). Then, they intentionally ran their own businesses into the ground (I'll show you, Trump!), and wrecked the economy. And now they want the economy to get worse, even though they are suffering from that as much as everyone else, because that's how much they hate Trump and are out to get him.

44,000 people dead, but the real victim here is Trump.

You people are fucking crazy, and I'm embarrassed to be from the same country as you.

Maybe I'm Amazed (remastered)

Freshly remastered. For my money, one of the greatest songs ever written...

RIP Tom Lester

Lost another one. The actor who played Eb in Green Acres, the last surviving member from the cast, passed away today at the age of 81. Here's a scene of Eb in action (right after the opening credits)

Norwegian Wood for 420

Never heard this version before. It's incredible...

Dog Volleyball

Love this...

This is the best thing you'll see today 💕💕

pic.twitter.com/i0kNN53al6

— Akki (@akkitwts) April 20, 2020

The Last Dance

I absolutely loved The Last Dance on ESPN last night. Made son #3 watch it--he was the only one who wasn't born yet when this all happened. He loved it too. (Here's a good review of the show from Michael Wilbon)

On the other hand, it did make me upset. Why did they blow that dynasty up again? When Michael said: "We deserve a chance to defend this until it's taken away from us on the court", I couldn't have agreed more. Thanks a lot Jerry Krause.

Also, the special is obviously churning up bad memories for former Bears players, who had their own GM issues with honesty (different Jerry). Two of the best running backs in Chicago since Walter Payton...

You and me both bro. Jerry agreed to give me a new deal after the 2006 season in "good faith" if I would come back to the team & be the leader they needed me to be. Right after the SB he wouldn't even answer mine or Drew Rosenhaus's calls until we got nasty with him. 😬 https://t.co/92Ffdy2L7w

— Thomas Q. Jones (@thomasqjones) April 20, 2020

4/20

Top Ten Movies

For those of you who don't follow me on Facebook, over the last ten days I was asked to provide my ten favorite films, via their promotional posters and without comment. Here are the ten, in no particular order...

Uh oh

Shit's getting real now...

Beer and soft drinks could soon disappear off shelves as the coronavirus crisis disrupts U.S. production.

A recent drop in ethanol production in the U.S. could lead to a drastic shortage of CO2, the fizz-creating chemical in carbonated drinks.https://t.co/NbHaKQPg9m

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) April 19, 2020

Plans A & B

Great David Frum piece in the Atlantic today. Here's the money shot...

Both Trump’s Plan A and Plan B intend to turn American against American, in an ugly spirit of rancor and resentment. In pandemic as in prosperity, the Trump way is to punish opponents, reward friends; accuse victims, protect culprits; demand credit, refuse accountability; protect preferred classes and groups of Americans—and sacrifice the rest.