Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Surviving in 2009
At 51 years old,I still need my job to provide for my family. A man is usually defined by his work (or lack there of)! I don't know where I'll be if I get layed off. I might have to use my head and think "outside of the box" for future employment. It's a miracle I have not been layed off yet. The economy is sick but the new President (who got my vote) has not come up with a quick fix. Stimulus package,huh? So how has our lives changed because of it. My economy "fix" is to supply every taxpayer with a coupon book for expensive items. Example,the Government will pay $100 if you purchase a washing machine. You buy an American car,you issue the $2500 coupon the government provided you. Send everyone a booklet with about $10000 dollars in various coupons and let's see what happens. I bet it comes out cheaper then the current bailout and more productive!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Tasteless BULLS commercial on WMVP
Hi,
I don't know about anyone else, but last night I heard that bizzare radio spot where Luol Deng goes "one on one" with the grim reaper. Neil Funk does the play-by-play and the hook is "If you think that's un-bull-lievable,etc." After the death of 2 prominent men associated with the team,those commercials should be off the air. I guess it's too much for the WMVP PD or Bulls management to figure out,though!
I don't know about anyone else, but last night I heard that bizzare radio spot where Luol Deng goes "one on one" with the grim reaper. Neil Funk does the play-by-play and the hook is "If you think that's un-bull-lievable,etc." After the death of 2 prominent men associated with the team,those commercials should be off the air. I guess it's too much for the WMVP PD or Bulls management to figure out,though!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Garry Meier on WGN?
The former partner of radio icon Steve Dahl is having a trial on WGN this week from 1-4pm.
Garry also was on WLS-AM partnered with Roe Conn. He walked from that job due to a contract dispute. Later,he had his own show on the FM dial (WCPT?) untill a format change ousted him there. The bottom line is this guy is too damn funny not to be on the air! The only thing he requires is a sidekick to bounce ideas off of. I listened today and he zeroed in on one of my favorite topics, the "THANKS_BY_OWNER" commercials on TV. The folks on those commercials don't look "right". Something is off,Garry tried to pinpoint it today. He also told the weatherguy,Tom Skilling (Evil clone of Roger Treimstra-for you old-timers),he get's a "chubby"
watching him do his "weather-thing" on the news! Not exactly how a Wally Phillips would greet Tom. The fact that 'GN is trying him out is a joke! He should get the job,no questions asked! It is time for WGN to realize this ain't 1968 anymore. Garry is middle-aged hip & relevant. He has me listening!
Garry also was on WLS-AM partnered with Roe Conn. He walked from that job due to a contract dispute. Later,he had his own show on the FM dial (WCPT?) untill a format change ousted him there. The bottom line is this guy is too damn funny not to be on the air! The only thing he requires is a sidekick to bounce ideas off of. I listened today and he zeroed in on one of my favorite topics, the "THANKS_BY_OWNER" commercials on TV. The folks on those commercials don't look "right". Something is off,Garry tried to pinpoint it today. He also told the weatherguy,Tom Skilling (Evil clone of Roger Treimstra-for you old-timers),he get's a "chubby"
watching him do his "weather-thing" on the news! Not exactly how a Wally Phillips would greet Tom. The fact that 'GN is trying him out is a joke! He should get the job,no questions asked! It is time for WGN to realize this ain't 1968 anymore. Garry is middle-aged hip & relevant. He has me listening!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Norm Van Lier & Johnny Kerr
Hi,
Two of my favorite analysts have passed. John Kerr was a fan first and foremost. He enhanced any broadcast he was on. I'm sorry to see Big Red go. He seemed like a class guy!
In regards to Mr. Van Lier,the blog below says it better then I could have.
Norm was also a great ballplayer on some of the best BULLS teams of all-time. I still remember
like it was yesterday the BULLS teams back in the early '70's.
http://rickkaempfer.blogspot.com/2009/02/norm-van-lier.html
Hopefully,someday the BULLS of today will find ballplayers who played the game with the same fire & passion as Norm did!
Two of my favorite analysts have passed. John Kerr was a fan first and foremost. He enhanced any broadcast he was on. I'm sorry to see Big Red go. He seemed like a class guy!
In regards to Mr. Van Lier,the blog below says it better then I could have.
Norm was also a great ballplayer on some of the best BULLS teams of all-time. I still remember
like it was yesterday the BULLS teams back in the early '70's.
http://rickkaempfer.blogspot.com/2009/02/norm-van-lier.html
Hopefully,someday the BULLS of today will find ballplayers who played the game with the same fire & passion as Norm did!
Monday, February 23, 2009
FRIGGIN WHITE SOX
CUBS Forever!
On the night the Sux clinched the WS,I spent the evening watching a lifetime movie with my wife.
The Sux winning the whole thing meant as much to me as the Clevland Indians winning it. I HATE the Sox,but do respect them. I like Ozzie and enjoy his "ramblings". The only time in my life I kind of liked the Sox is when they were managed by Chuck Tanner and had guys like Richie Allen,Bill Melton,Bee-Bee Richard & Wilbur Wood playing for them. That was over 30 years ago. The Sox were named after the Chicago National League team. The Cubs originally were named the White Stockings,then changed it to the Colts,Orphans and finally settled on the Cubs.So the Sox actually are just a bunch of Cub wanna-be's.
On the night the Sux clinched the WS,I spent the evening watching a lifetime movie with my wife.
The Sux winning the whole thing meant as much to me as the Clevland Indians winning it. I HATE the Sox,but do respect them. I like Ozzie and enjoy his "ramblings". The only time in my life I kind of liked the Sox is when they were managed by Chuck Tanner and had guys like Richie Allen,Bill Melton,Bee-Bee Richard & Wilbur Wood playing for them. That was over 30 years ago. The Sox were named after the Chicago National League team. The Cubs originally were named the White Stockings,then changed it to the Colts,Orphans and finally settled on the Cubs.So the Sox actually are just a bunch of Cub wanna-be's.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Boers and Bernstein-funny but sad
Looking over my blogs,I thought maybe it was time I started actually reviewing radio shows. I have listened to B&B since the inception. Dan McNeil (former Boers partner at the SCORE) left the station after being paired up with the always politcally correct Dan Jiggets. I think that ruffled McNeils feathers a bit and hastened his departure. That left the crazy and bizarre Terry Boers with the acerbic and mean-spirited
Dan Bernstein. These two guys blend about 20 to 25% SportsTalk with 75% silliness. A lot of times it works,but when it does not it often turns into crude humor and mocking callers along with some nasty name calling. Dan Bernstein is without a doubt,very anal retentive. Listen to him for any length of time and that will come through. Boers is funny,but many times the funny crosses into borderline insanity.
His weird noises,penis references and such is not looking good coming from this geezer. Maybe when he was a kid,he was barred from recess with the other children. So why do I listen? Because when it comes to sick and twisted humor with some sports thrown in,I'm always a fan. The problem is for these two is the "sick and twisted" part took over the show a long time ago. They need to talk in 5-10 minute increments about sports with out questioning "what's the point of it all?",calling someone retarded or ass_clown because they dared to disagree with them,etc. They could show more patience & respect for the callers. They could stop taking calls all together,if they think everybody listening is stupid anyway. In conclusion,I think Terry Boers would best be served working with a new partner and Dan Bernstein better served working alone in the 10pm shift. Let him deal with the Graveshift callers as a pennance for his radio sins!
Dan Bernstein. These two guys blend about 20 to 25% SportsTalk with 75% silliness. A lot of times it works,but when it does not it often turns into crude humor and mocking callers along with some nasty name calling. Dan Bernstein is without a doubt,very anal retentive. Listen to him for any length of time and that will come through. Boers is funny,but many times the funny crosses into borderline insanity.
His weird noises,penis references and such is not looking good coming from this geezer. Maybe when he was a kid,he was barred from recess with the other children. So why do I listen? Because when it comes to sick and twisted humor with some sports thrown in,I'm always a fan. The problem is for these two is the "sick and twisted" part took over the show a long time ago. They need to talk in 5-10 minute increments about sports with out questioning "what's the point of it all?",calling someone retarded or ass_clown because they dared to disagree with them,etc. They could show more patience & respect for the callers. They could stop taking calls all together,if they think everybody listening is stupid anyway. In conclusion,I think Terry Boers would best be served working with a new partner and Dan Bernstein better served working alone in the 10pm shift. Let him deal with the Graveshift callers as a pennance for his radio sins!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
BASEBALL IS COMING!
Wow,it is that time again. How can someone like me (Cubs Fan), be excited about spring training? It is in my blood. "The Cubs will take it to the vines in '09!"
The key to this year,HOFFPAUER! Find a spot for him,Left,Right or First,give him
400 AB's (at least) and stand back! I still can't beleive Pinella made the same dumb mistakes 2 years in a row. Picking Pie over "The Hoff" was a joke in the playoffs.
Hey Lou,Mr. Baseball,listen up: In a short series,YOU CAN NOT WAIT for someone to hit themselves out of a slump. Sorry-ano goes 0-FER,Bench him for game 2. He could have had Fontenot at 2nd & Derosa at left. ARAM,same deal. I'm sick of watching this guy "shut off" when IT REALLY COUNTS!! Now we have to sit through another whole season. Pinella will not be back next year if they don't win the pennant this year.
So far,he looks like a "point A to a point B" kinda guy. The Cubs need a guy who can find POINT C. C for Championship!!
The key to this year,HOFFPAUER! Find a spot for him,Left,Right or First,give him
400 AB's (at least) and stand back! I still can't beleive Pinella made the same dumb mistakes 2 years in a row. Picking Pie over "The Hoff" was a joke in the playoffs.
Hey Lou,Mr. Baseball,listen up: In a short series,YOU CAN NOT WAIT for someone to hit themselves out of a slump. Sorry-ano goes 0-FER,Bench him for game 2. He could have had Fontenot at 2nd & Derosa at left. ARAM,same deal. I'm sick of watching this guy "shut off" when IT REALLY COUNTS!! Now we have to sit through another whole season. Pinella will not be back next year if they don't win the pennant this year.
So far,he looks like a "point A to a point B" kinda guy. The Cubs need a guy who can find POINT C. C for Championship!!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Johnny Paxson-Leaving?!?
The big mystery surrounding Bulls GM,John Paxson, has dominated the press and talk radio the past few days. The fact of the matter is no matter if he stays or goes,he
has been a GM with a grade of "C+" at best. The NBA is dying as a league. It stems from very young,uncaring men who worry more about their next Bentley then a championship. Winning means nothing to some of them! I think Mr. Paxson see's this and has become disillusioned with the whole "me,me" scene. John was forced into the Ben Wallace deal from owner,Jerry Reinsdorf. He is now paying for that with the 2 guys he got in the trade for Wallace. One guy is very talented but injured (?)in Drew Gooden & the other is inactive but also,very talented (Larry Hughes). He has had one great (at the time) draft. It was a few years back,though. His team has too many guards,not enough "musle-bound" big men. He needs to make some deals wheter he wants to or not. This current team is just what it has been the last 3 years, a big tease!
Bull fans want results now! They no longer want to hear about some dude's upside!
John if you stay or leave,PULL THE TRIGGER & ROLL THE DICE!!
has been a GM with a grade of "C+" at best. The NBA is dying as a league. It stems from very young,uncaring men who worry more about their next Bentley then a championship. Winning means nothing to some of them! I think Mr. Paxson see's this and has become disillusioned with the whole "me,me" scene. John was forced into the Ben Wallace deal from owner,Jerry Reinsdorf. He is now paying for that with the 2 guys he got in the trade for Wallace. One guy is very talented but injured (?)in Drew Gooden & the other is inactive but also,very talented (Larry Hughes). He has had one great (at the time) draft. It was a few years back,though. His team has too many guards,not enough "musle-bound" big men. He needs to make some deals wheter he wants to or not. This current team is just what it has been the last 3 years, a big tease!
Bull fans want results now! They no longer want to hear about some dude's upside!
John if you stay or leave,PULL THE TRIGGER & ROLL THE DICE!!
MOVIE REVIEW: He's just not that in to you!
Ok,Ok...Why is a 100% hetero like me reviewing this movie. Because it is Valentines Day & my wife wanted to see it,that's why!!! The movie is basically a hodge podge of relationships of different people who somehow are all connected. The one story that will "stick out" if your a dude is the one with the guy who is married to Jennifer Conneley and is getting him some Scarlett Johansen on the side! That story right there makes the movie border on some sci-fi fantasy. Every young lady in this movie is beautiful,which makes the way they are treated hard for me to understand. I'm sure there are guys in "Real Life" that hop between one beautiful women to another. I never met any,have you??
This movie was lacking in one major area. The dialogue could have used a "going over" by some skilled comedy writers. Overall,interesting storylines,very blah dialogue,some surprise twists. If you have to see a "couples" movie,this wasn't the worst choice. I give it 2 1/3 out of 5 bowls of pasta!
This movie was lacking in one major area. The dialogue could have used a "going over" by some skilled comedy writers. Overall,interesting storylines,very blah dialogue,some surprise twists. If you have to see a "couples" movie,this wasn't the worst choice. I give it 2 1/3 out of 5 bowls of pasta!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Johnny RED Kerr
It was past time for John Kerr to get his "day".The salute to a great guy last night at the BULL's game was very,very classy.I miss Mr. Kerr on the broadcast side of things,but he has become very ill as of late. His playing days & Bulls coaching days were a little before my time. I loved his color commentary on games though. He is one of the "Good Guys" and I'm praying he can rebound from this illness just like he rebounded in a stellar NBA career. To get a video tribute from the President just goes to show how much this man is loved. The measure of any man is what kind of legacy he leaves behind. John has been to the top in 3 professions:player,coach & broadcaster. The "top" being NBA quality in all 3 phases of his life. He had a twinkle in his eye last night. A night he truly deserved!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ed Schwartz has passed away
Hello,
WGN's "Chicago Eddy" Schwartz has passed away after a long bout of obesity related health issues. Steve Dahl & Garry Meir made their "rep's" as mean but funny radio jocks by ripping this guy on a daily basis. Though their bits were memorable,I'm sure it hurt Ed a lot. Until this day,I still can hear Steve mocking Eddy in that high-pitched whine: "You guy's got Doppler?"(Eddy loved being a weather groupie as well as a police groupie,fireman groupie,etc.) My wife hears me saying that phrase everynight around 10:15 when the weather report is on the news (It's one of those strange things that has stuck inside my cranium over the years!). But, everything I read about him said he was a great guy & always raised money for different charities. On a personal note,I worked the night shift back when Ed was doing the same on radio. He always had great guests & kept things moving. Years later,ironically,he ended up on WLUP-AM with Steve Dahl also being employed there at the same time. He was a good guy and will be missed! The Radio landscape is changing. The syndication of national shows is removing the "local" flavor from stations across the country. Hopefully,the pendulum will swing back the other way,SOON!! When that day comes, Ed will be smiling somewhere.
WGN's "Chicago Eddy" Schwartz has passed away after a long bout of obesity related health issues. Steve Dahl & Garry Meir made their "rep's" as mean but funny radio jocks by ripping this guy on a daily basis. Though their bits were memorable,I'm sure it hurt Ed a lot. Until this day,I still can hear Steve mocking Eddy in that high-pitched whine: "You guy's got Doppler?"(Eddy loved being a weather groupie as well as a police groupie,fireman groupie,etc.) My wife hears me saying that phrase everynight around 10:15 when the weather report is on the news (It's one of those strange things that has stuck inside my cranium over the years!). But, everything I read about him said he was a great guy & always raised money for different charities. On a personal note,I worked the night shift back when Ed was doing the same on radio. He always had great guests & kept things moving. Years later,ironically,he ended up on WLUP-AM with Steve Dahl also being employed there at the same time. He was a good guy and will be missed! The Radio landscape is changing. The syndication of national shows is removing the "local" flavor from stations across the country. Hopefully,the pendulum will swing back the other way,SOON!! When that day comes, Ed will be smiling somewhere.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Hey it's TUESDAY
I've got nothing! Just bored. I just discovered that I enjoy Def Leppard!
30 some years later,I bought their GREATEST Hits CD at BEST BUY. 35 songs (on 2 CD's) for 20 bucks,not bad. I saw them on CROSSROADS (COMCAST CH.209-HD only)&
thought: "Hey,I like these songs".So,that's it for now,more scintillating updates to follow!
30 some years later,I bought their GREATEST Hits CD at BEST BUY. 35 songs (on 2 CD's) for 20 bucks,not bad. I saw them on CROSSROADS (COMCAST CH.209-HD only)&
thought: "Hey,I like these songs".So,that's it for now,more scintillating updates to follow!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
SUPER BOWL PREDICTION
STEELERS 31 CARDINALS 17
Hope I'm wrong. I'm rooting for the Card's.
I think the Steelers have too much talent on defense
and it will be a tough day on Curt Warner.The only
great equalizer (as in any game) are fumbles & INT's.
The Card's Defense needs to hit Big Ben on every attempt.
He's already "pre-concussed". They need to rattle his cage
or else it's a long day for Arizona!
Hope I'm wrong. I'm rooting for the Card's.
I think the Steelers have too much talent on defense
and it will be a tough day on Curt Warner.The only
great equalizer (as in any game) are fumbles & INT's.
The Card's Defense needs to hit Big Ben on every attempt.
He's already "pre-concussed". They need to rattle his cage
or else it's a long day for Arizona!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
REVIEW: PAUL BLART,MALL COP
HI,
I can not fairly review this movie.
I loved The KING of QUEENS with Kevin James.
Last year,my wife and I moved up our planned
Vegas vacation because Kevin and Ray Romano
were playing at the MIRAGE.(side note: When they took questions from the audience,
I asked Ray if the movie ,GRILLED,was supposed to be a comedy.THAT movie sucked and was weird! It starred both of them.)
Paul Blart,though extremely formulaic,was very entertaining.I laughed hard about 3 times & was smiling the rest of the way!
If you are a King of Queens fan,be on the lookout for Kevin's real life wife & kids. Also,his brother (in real life-Gary Valentine-"DANNY"from KofQ) has a VERY FUNNY cameo.
I give it a solid 3.5 (out of 5) BOWLS OF PASTA.
I can not fairly review this movie.
I loved The KING of QUEENS with Kevin James.
Last year,my wife and I moved up our planned
Vegas vacation because Kevin and Ray Romano
were playing at the MIRAGE.(side note: When they took questions from the audience,
I asked Ray if the movie ,GRILLED,was supposed to be a comedy.THAT movie sucked and was weird! It starred both of them.)
Paul Blart,though extremely formulaic,was very entertaining.I laughed hard about 3 times & was smiling the rest of the way!
If you are a King of Queens fan,be on the lookout for Kevin's real life wife & kids. Also,his brother (in real life-Gary Valentine-"DANNY"from KofQ) has a VERY FUNNY cameo.
I give it a solid 3.5 (out of 5) BOWLS OF PASTA.
First move by new CUBS owner:
Hi,
Just a thought,but if I was the new owner I would:
1)Sign 2 more CHEAP veteran pitchers to battle for the 5th spot.
2) Forget Jake Peavy,unless the Padres send an extra 6-7 million
with him! (Seems like the CUBS are always sending money the other way!)
3) SIGN MANNY RAMIREZ!!! Put him in left & move SORRY-ANO to 2nd,Miles
to short. Alphonso sucks no matter where you hide him. Or you can move
M-Ram to RF and Bradley to center.
Just my Cub Thoughts for today!!
Just a thought,but if I was the new owner I would:
1)Sign 2 more CHEAP veteran pitchers to battle for the 5th spot.
2) Forget Jake Peavy,unless the Padres send an extra 6-7 million
with him! (Seems like the CUBS are always sending money the other way!)
3) SIGN MANNY RAMIREZ!!! Put him in left & move SORRY-ANO to 2nd,Miles
to short. Alphonso sucks no matter where you hide him. Or you can move
M-Ram to RF and Bradley to center.
Just my Cub Thoughts for today!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Blago Media Blitz
Hi,
After seeing a Joy Behar demanding our Gov imitate Richard Nixon then mussing his hair,I've about had enough of Rod Blagoievich's national exposure. Like the saying goes:"Don't do the crime,if you can't do the time." From afar,I thought Rod was doing a fine job as Governor and it is disappointing to see the mess he is in. But
all the national interviews in the world will not erase what is said on those tapes!
Illinois deserves an honest man as governor,no matter if it is a Dem or a Republican. Jim Edgar WAS that man. Stronger,faster,smarter. We can rebuild....Oh sorry,my mind wanders! Oh,well...that's my political thoughts for today!
After seeing a Joy Behar demanding our Gov imitate Richard Nixon then mussing his hair,I've about had enough of Rod Blagoievich's national exposure. Like the saying goes:"Don't do the crime,if you can't do the time." From afar,I thought Rod was doing a fine job as Governor and it is disappointing to see the mess he is in. But
all the national interviews in the world will not erase what is said on those tapes!
Illinois deserves an honest man as governor,no matter if it is a Dem or a Republican. Jim Edgar WAS that man. Stronger,faster,smarter. We can rebuild....Oh sorry,my mind wanders! Oh,well...that's my political thoughts for today!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monsters in the Morning
Hey,
Saw MITM today. Fred Huebner was on and as always added value.
I think the show would be better served with Fred giving the updates.
Jen wants to do it all,but it's nice to hear a voice that can talk about the
"south side hitmen of 1977" or the Bears 46 Defense because he witnessed it and didn't read it in a book!
Timing is everything I guess. If I was waitressing at Gibson's about 5-6 years ago in my short skirt,I
could be working for the monsters!!(actually NO,because I belong to the fat guy,shaven head,goatee club)
Actually,that brings up a good point, what is the perfect age for a sports talk host?
Personally, I feel anywhere from 40-50 & a guy/girl who has grown up in the area.
I wonder if Dan & Mike are trying to simulcast this production. They are much more entertaining then anyone on the radio at this time. Mully and Hanley are OK,but it's straight sportstalk with no comedy or anything else.....BORING! The SCORE is a shell of what it once was,but that's for another day!
Saw MITM today. Fred Huebner was on and as always added value.
I think the show would be better served with Fred giving the updates.
Jen wants to do it all,but it's nice to hear a voice that can talk about the
"south side hitmen of 1977" or the Bears 46 Defense because he witnessed it and didn't read it in a book!
Timing is everything I guess. If I was waitressing at Gibson's about 5-6 years ago in my short skirt,I
could be working for the monsters!!(actually NO,because I belong to the fat guy,shaven head,goatee club)
Actually,that brings up a good point, what is the perfect age for a sports talk host?
Personally, I feel anywhere from 40-50 & a guy/girl who has grown up in the area.
I wonder if Dan & Mike are trying to simulcast this production. They are much more entertaining then anyone on the radio at this time. Mully and Hanley are OK,but it's straight sportstalk with no comedy or anything else.....BORING! The SCORE is a shell of what it once was,but that's for another day!
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