WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

I was watching SNL this weekend and was turned off by a commercial that aired after SNL went to break. It was a commercial for the new Disney movie, "Tangled." But instead of it being the same trailer we've seen in rotation all weekend, it was a parody of a pharmaceutical company ad. They called it "Rapunzhair." Essentially, they created their very own parody commercial during the show that does parody commercials.

I don't have a problem with Disney trying to jazz up their marketing plans with pseudo-funny takes on their product. But to have it broadcast during the only prime-time programming that does honest-to-goodness parodies is borderline suspect.

This summer, a furniture commercial was doing the same thing during Mad Men: dressing up and talking like the characters to sell their stuff. The Walter E. Smithe brothers have made their name with parodying sports and entertainment.

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One of the tools at WBEZ's disposal (at least for the time being) is AP photography. It's great for pictures of news events or newsmakers. It's usually for more national stories, but you will get some local work because AP has a few stellar photographers filing daily. I wanted to get a photo together for Rev. James Meeks because the news this morning is that he hasn't filed signatures for mayor yet (today is the filing deadline). I'm sure he will, but it is worth following. So I looked him up on AP. When you do a search for photography, the usual results are sorted by relevance. I usually change it to newest and the most recent pictures show up. 

When I typed in Rev. James Meeks, the most relevant pictures to show up on this page were a few police/CPS sit-in stunts from back in 1999. He was demanding a meeting with then Chicago Police Chief Terry Hilliard after a couple police shootings of African-Americans. I remember that story, since I was a producer at 848 at the time. But I forgot Meeks was involved. He also championed the cause of the expelled students in Decatur, IL. Remember that? Jackson Sr. got all the headlines, but Meeks was very active in that story.

There is also a great photo of Rev. James Meeks and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., announcing Meeks as part of the leadership at Rainbow Push. This was back in the late-90s as well. It is interesting to read the captions.

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Well, things are turning around for this little blog. Just think, a year ago I was bagging groceries waiting for my call to the bigs. And now I'm a Pro Bowl blogger... Or something like that???

My Wikipedia Files interview with outgoing Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is used as the source for a FOX Chicago Sunday segment with Dane Placko. In my interview, Stroger rips on Placko. Placko responds below. Who wins? Me. Cause they said my name on TV.

Not only do you get to see an extended cut of my bald head on the news, but you get a good 15 second Apple Vacations spot at the top. You're welcome.

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I'm starting a new segment on this blog called "Talkin' Blogs." The Vocalo bloggers are experts in their fields and can answer all the pressing questions...that I have. For instance, I would ask Lee Bey: "What's that building over by there?" I would ask Jim DeRogatis: "What's that one song?" And of course, I would ask Robert Feder: "Tell me again why that dude is on the air?"

So today - I begin with my fellow James Beard award-winner, Steve Dolinsky. No big deal. You like how we rolled in 2001? Flash forward to 2010 and Dolinsky has new friends, who make t-shirts:

Graham Elliot tweeted this picture yesterday. Nice. So Steve is the perfect guy to talk to first.

I asked Steve why we give a hoot about the Michelin Guide, why Alinea is so damn expensive and why he puts headshots up at all the restaurants.

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Check the date people. On November 19th, the Chicago Bears are still in first place. With a record of 7-3, they can go 3-3 for the remainder of the schedule and make the playoffs. More importantly, the Chicago Bears will be playing relevant football all the way to the end of the season. Isn't that all we ask for? 

I decided to write down my thoughts during the game on my phone. My wife watched me hunt and peck with my thumbs and offered me a pencil/paper instead. So I wrote down all my thoughts and bits the old-fashioned way. And then promptly left them at home this morning. So technology might be slower, but I carry it with me.

Here are some random observations from watching Bears v. Dolphins:

Conspiracy theory: Lovie Smith brought in Mike Martz to rile up the defense. By making Martz' offense high-profile, the D would get jealous and take over the team. That's how it looks to me. This was supposed to be a high-flying offensive team. Cutler, Hester, Forte, Martz.

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Outgoing Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is a lightning rod for controversy. He has seen politicians, media and voters turn on him in his one term in office. But did you know he plays harmonica? 

Todd Stroger sits down with me to talk about his Wikipedia page in a segment called "Wikipedia Files." Most of the info is accurate, but we asked him a few extra questions to help him pad his Wikipedia page for life after politics.

To his credit, he plays along. He actually answers the question: "So who in the media do you hate?"

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The Sound Bite of the Day team would like to say something: THANK YOU MAYOR DALEY!!!! 

Our 'SBOTD' unit has been really, really worried that Daley would stop being colorful in press conferences due to his lame-duck status. He's been pretty quiet, but like a moth to the flame - Daley can't resist. And this is one of the better bites we've had in a while.

Fran Spielman asks him about the Sneed item from today about rumors about privatizing the 911 center. That was all it took for a classic Daley rant. Listen above.

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