Theo to the Cubs

According to this AP report (via the Huffington Post), it's a done deal.

I know we've all been burned before, but if the Cubs really have hired a young whiz kid that already won two World Series in another city that had waited for many decades before winning one...I'm not going to let any negativity bum me out about this.

This is a good thing for the Cubs.

Hymie Weiss

85 years ago today Chicago gangster Hymie Weiss was gunned down right outside of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.

The bullet holes are still there.

That location, by the way, is featured in my upcoming novel "The Living Wills". (Details coming soon!)

Marlins Interested in Zambrano

So says a Miami television station.

Of course, Ozzie is the manager in Miami now, and he and his fellow Venezuelan have always gotten along well.

This may help land our new general manager. One less potential headache.

Good Vibrations

"Good Vibrations" was released exactly 45 years ago today. This video from 35 years ago features the Beach Boys performing it live (including Brian Wilson, who almost never made appearances with the band in those days), and it also has some footage from Brian's birthday party that year. Among the guests in the room; Paul and Linda McCartney...

Redd Foxx

Robert Feder's column this morning is about a new Redd Foxx biography, and it sounds like a good one. I had no idea that Foxx grew up in Chicago and went to high school with Harold Washington. The book also goes into his early show biz career, which I don't know a lot about. I may just have to pick this book up. Do they have still bookstores anywhere in your neighborhood?

I always considered Foxx a multi-talented performer. I still remember this Sanford & Son episode when he showed he could sing. He sounds just like Louis Armstrong.

Was that Theo Epstein?

The Chicago Tribune discusses the rumor that Epstein was spotted this weekend in Lincoln Park.

Father Knows Nothing

My latest Father Knows Nothing column has been posted at NWI Parent. This week's column is called "Do the voices, Dad, do the voices."

You can read it here.

Got to Be There

According to Bob Dearborn's The Olde Disc Jockey's Almanac this morning, Michael Jackson released his first solo record on this day exactly forty years ago.

I have to admit, I don't remember this one at all. Do you?

Should Epstein Come To Chicago?

Two ESPN.com writers debate the pros and cons.

Also, ESPN Radio's Marc Silverman begs him to come, via video.

A Fifth of Beethoven

Beethoven meets disco. Believe it or not, this was the #1 song in the country exactly 35 years ago today...

RIP Bear Tracks

His nickname was Bear Tracks, but his actual name was Johnny Schmitz.

He was a member of the Cubs during some of their darkest days, but Schmitz was also one of their best players. He actually won 18 games (and appeared in the All-Star game) for one of their worst teams of all-time, the 1948 Cubs. So of course, they traded him.

Bear Tracks passed away this weekend in Wisconsin at the age of 90.

Bartman Night is Cancelled

The Dayton Gems minor league hockey team announced and planned a Steve Bartman night at their pre-season game October 14th. The idea was to leave a ticket at the box office for Bartman, and to allow anyone dressed as Bartman to come in for free.

It sounds like Bartman's people were less than thrilled with the idea.

It will no longer be a Steve Bartman night.

Hit the Road Jack

This was the #1 song in America exactly 50 years ago today. It stands the test of time, don't you think?

Hank Jr. & The Dixie Chicks

My weekly Suburban Dad contribution to the City Mom blog at ChicagoNow has been posted. This week's is about the Hank Williams Jr. controversy, and how much it reminds me of the Dixie Chicks story from several years ago. That story had a direct impact on my life.

Read it here.

Cubs Ask Permission To Speak To Espstein

So says the Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy, who is about as clued in as anyone.

This is beginning to get very interesting.

Bleeding Cubbie Blue

A song that attempts to explain the self torture of being a Cubs fan...

Free $everance?

Until Nov. 15, my $everance publisher ENC Press is offering a free download of $everance as an e-book (PDF). For details, visit their page - www.facebook.com/ENCPress - and click on the Welcome tab under their profile pic.

Steve Bartman Night?

Looks like the "Catching Hell" special on ESPN is having repercussions in the hockey world too. A minor league hockey team in Fort Wayne is having a Steve Bartman night. They're leaving a ticket for him at the gate, and anyone who dresses like Bartman (from that infamous night) will get in free.

Somehow, I don't think Bartman would approve.

Details are here.

Theo Is "Very Interested"

That's Theo Epstein, the general manager that brought the Boston Red Sox two World Series championships in the past seven years after they had ZERO for the previous 86 years. And the thing he's allegedly "very interested" in is the Cubs general manager job.

Sign him up now. I'm serious.

I have friends that live in the Boston area and they've soured on Theo, and blame him for the demise of the team this past year, but it seems to me that they've got a ridiculously short memory in Boston. They've already fired the manager of those two championship teams, and now they're ready for the GM to leave too.

We'll take them both off your hands.

We already know what Francona would look like wearing a Cubs hat...

Father Knows Nothing

I just posted my latest Father Knows Nothing column at NWI Parent. This week's column is called "Hand-Me-Downs".

You can read it here.