WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

One of the joys of growing up here in the '60s and '70s was the common connection we shared with the hosts of our favorite children's shows. In those days, "Chicago's Very Own," as WGN-Channel 9 was called, employed a cadre of talented performers whose careers revolved around amusing, engaging and entertaining us kids. Ray Rayner, Roy Brown, Ned Locke and the greatest of all, Bob Bell, became members of our collective family. As Bob Sirott noted in his foreword to the book Chicago Television: "They greeted us, kept us company and never left without saying goodbye."

^{Frazier Thomas}

One more personality on that list (though he differed from the others in many respects) was Frazier Thomas, whose 34 years on the air here left an indelible impression on local television --  and on the countless kids who watched him every day. Twenty-five years after his death, his name still evokes warm, nostalgic memories of afternoons in front of the tube.

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Brunch selections from Lockwood at the Palmer House Hilton

It's more than just coincidence that "Mother's Day" and "brunch" are nearly inextricable. Celebrating the day with a shared meal is one of the best ways to pay homage to Mom, Grandma, or any special woman. Brunch invites reminiscing, laughter and memories of family meals through the years. Whether your mother prefers a traditional brunch or something with a twist, choosing the perfect restaurant is sure to make your Mama proud.

Markethouse

Markethouse's contemporary, seasonal buffet will offer something for every Mother's classic taste. The brunch buffet prepared by Executive Chef Scott Walton will be served from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Buffet choices include eggs Benedict with Swan Creek scrambled eggs; cream cheese and snipped chive-stuffed pancakes with oak-aged Vermont maple syrup and Applewood smoked bacon; Miller Farms honey cayenne-mopped chicken with fingerling potatoes and Carr Valley White Cheddar macaroni and cheese gratin. Desserts include assorted pastries as well as Markethouse's signature warm butterscotch bread pudding. The cost is $35 for adults and $15 for children ages ten and under, excluding tax, beverages and gratuity. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (312) 224-2200. Markethouse is located at 611 N. Fairbanks Court.

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I have a small tattoo on my ankle, a single letter in purple ink.  It's a lowercase "j." And it stands for my husband Jason. Today (oh, is this okay Jason?) I'm dedicating my little "j" to three other J men:

Our very own‚ Justin Kaufmann.

John Williams.

John Green.

They were all great supporters of yesterday's 4:29 texting mission and helped spread the word in a major way via their respective audiences and throngs of listeners/followers. Anyone who knows how and cares to track these things, can see that much of the exciting internet chatter leading up to 4:29 pm yesterday can be traced back to these three gentlemen. They literally helped spread the love.

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I haven't met her yet, but there's a new boss running the show around here.

^{Allison Scholly}

Alison Scholly, 41, former vice president and general manager of Tribune Interactive, has been named chief operating officer of Chicago Public Radio, parent company of WBEZ-FM (91.5), Vocalo.org and the blog site you're reading now. Her appointment, which was announced today, is effective June 1.

In the newly created position, Scholly will report to Torey Malatia, who continues as president and CEO of Chicago Public Radio (or more correctly, Chicago Public Media -- its new corporate name, thank you.) While Scholly focuses on day-to-day operations, Malatia will remain‚ in charge of strategic direction, strategic partnerships, fundraising and philanthropy efforts. He also will continue to be the company's chief spokesperson.

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More "found" stuff from Chicago's past. Back to more contemporary issues next week.

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"Little Hotties," a.k.a. the best wings in town from Take Me Out (photo by Steve Dolinsky)

In the small anteroom just inside the front door of Great Seas Chinese in Albany Park, there is a wall of photos staring straight back at you. The images contain the happy, somewhat tired faces of customers, who have managed to chow down more than a few dozen chicken wings - in one sitting. Dudes in baseball caps proudly hold up "74"s while some of the skinniest guys I've ever seen hold up 60s and 50s. It's always pretty much guys who get into competitive eating. Women have more sense. They are all bragging of course; reminding you, the neophyte diner about to enter the well-worn restaurant, that they have not only come to eat the legendary chicken wings, but they have eaten more than you or your dining companion probably ever will. They have the picture (and the bones) to prove it.

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Robservations on the media beat:

• The closing of WGN-Channel 9's employee cafeteria, the beloved "Cafe Nueve," was treated sarcastically --  and hilariously --  as a full-blown media event Thursday on the Tribune Co.-owned station's morning show. (Here is the link.) But it was hardly the biggest news of the day at 2501 W. Bradley Place. In a further consolidation of the station and CLTV, Marty Wilke, vice president and general manager of Channel 9, was given oversight responsibility for the cable news channel. Steve Farber, who had been CLTV's general manager, was named vice president/operations for both outlets. "The WGN/CLTV partnership has already strengthened our position as Chicago's local news leader across all platforms," Wilke said in a statement. "There is a lot more opportunity ahead as we work together to build these great brands." Staffers are bracing for more layoffs as Tribune Co. bosses regionalize their station operations.
• One of Farber's first tasks in his new role managing special projects for Tribune Broadcasting's station group could involve launching a television talk show for radio provocateur Mancow Muller. Details are sketchy, but insiders say studio space at Channel 9 has been reserved to tape a pilot, which would feature a live audience and a format similar to "The Jerry Springer Show." 

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