Fascinating story about the youngest child of Sarah Palin...or is it? http://ping.fm/g7hfL

Website of the day...and its REAL! http://www.vpilf.com/

Talk about a tough night Thursday. Had to constantly switch between ObamaFest and a huge come from behind Cubs win. Big night for peeps from Chicago!

ObamaFest lineup

With all of my new social networks and status sites, I wasn't sure where the best place to post this was. So, I defaulted to the blog.

Here's the schedule for Thursday's (8/28/08) activities at the Democratic National Convention. Amazing lineup!

Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)

Live Performances (before gavel)
Yonder Mountain String Band Performance
Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston

Voter Registration Presentation

Remarks
The Honorable Luis Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

David Plouffe
Obama Campaign Manager

Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado

Call to Order
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Member and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, California

Invocation
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism – Washington, DC

Presentation of Colors
Disabled American Veterans

Pledge of Allegiance
Shawn Johnson
US Olympic Gymnast

National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson
Academy award-winning singer and Broadway performer

Welcome
Elbra Wedgeworth
President/Chair, Denver Host Committee

Presentation of Resolutions
Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairs
Mark Brewer
The Honorable Linda Chavez-Thompson
The Honorable Mike Honda
The Honorable Lottie Shackelford
Susan Turnbull

Remarks
Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado

The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable John Salazar
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)

Video & Remarks
The Honorable Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont
Chair of the Democratic Party

Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
The Honorable John Lewis
Member of the US House of Representatives, Georgia
Rev. Bernice King
Daughter of the late Dr. King
Martin Luther King III
Oldest son of the late Dr. King

Remarks
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor, New Mexico

Live Performances
will.i.am
Accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band

Sheryl Crow
Singer/songwriter

Remarks
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

The Honorable Mark Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of Virginia

Live Performance
Stevie Wonder

Remarks
The Honorable Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
John Kuniholm
Wounded Iraq veteran

Live Performance
Michael McDonald
Singer/songwriter

Remarks
Susan Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Retired Generals Tribute
Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)
Accompanied by additional generals

American Voices Program
Roy Gross
Monica Early
Wes Moore
Janet Lynn Monacco
Nate Fick
Teresa Asenap
Pamela Cash-Roper
Barney Smith

Remarks
The Honorable Dick Durbin
US Senator, Illinois

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)

Video/Remarks
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Benediction
Pastor Joel Hunter
Senior Pastor of Northland in Central Florida

Adjournment
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Noting that the 2008 Centennial Champion Chicago Cubs again have the best record in baseball.

This might be bigger than any news coming out of Denver tonight. http://ping.fm/zA5l5

Out of the office in heavy heavy meetings Tuesday. Back in the saddle Wednesday.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mark Edwards

I'm honored to be the subject of this week's Chicago Radio Spotlight. Thanks to Rick Kaempfer for the writeup!

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Mark Edwards

Boy Named After Ballpark to Throw First Pitch

Even years before 7-year-old Wrigley was born, his father Jerry Fields says he'd already decided what he'd do. Coming from a family of Cubs fans and with his particular last name, he decided to name his first son after the Friendly Confines.

read more | digg story

PRESS LEAK-CUBS ALL STAR UPDATE

I have been known on occasion to write for the radio industry's publication Radio and Records Street Talk Daily. With the baseball All Star Break upon us, I've written an article for that fine publication's Tuesday issue. However, circumstances beyond my control make me think the piece won't be published, so here it is for your reading pleasure. Its a brag on the runaway success of the 2008 Chicago Cubs, known as my heroes.

Tonight is the night of the Midseason Classic, the All Star Game in the soon to be demolished Yankee Stadium. As part of my plan to appear in these pages less often in hopes of garnering more votes in the upcoming R&R Awards polling, I’ve saved my tales of the glory of the 2008 CENTENNIAL CHAMPION CHICAGO CUBS. However, I cannot resist sharing the joy of this year’s Cubosity with your three (now four because you’ve added a reporter) readers.

At this, the 2008 All Star Break, the Cubs have THE BEST RECORD IN ALL OF BASEBALL and are in firm control of the National League Central. Eight, count ‘em, EIGHT Cub players are on the field at Yankee Stadium tonight for the All Star Game. You will see more Cubs starting the All Star Game than you ever have, and the exhibition of finesse and power they will put on will stun you more than the success of the Katy Perry record.

Enjoy tonight’s performances from members of the TEAM OF DESTINY, and remember, there is still time to find yourself a place on the Cubs Championship Bandwagon. I’m holding the seating charts, so please contact me if you’d like a place before we have to use the overflow cars, which are repurposed diaper transport vehicles from the Pitt/Jolie household.

So Many Thoughts, So Little Time

Much to comment on, and that will happen this week.

• The First Place Chicago Cubs, featuring the best record in baseball at the All Star break.
• The Song Of The Summer
• Why I haven't posted here in forever
• The joy of FriendFeed

But perhaps the most important and disturbing thing is that it now sees that I will never get to realize one of my professional dreams. Being the voice on the end of a commercial that says "Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, Missouri".

Oh the humanity...

A Bigger Than Life Loss

There was a time when young broadcasters learned their craft from those who preceded them and would drink in every word, nuance, and gram of subtext. That was the way I learned from WIBC Indianapolis newsman Lou Palmer.


Before I was fortunate enough to work at WIBC, I was a huge fan of Lou's phrasing, writing, and on-air personality. After starting at WIBC, I was able to work near Lou, too afraid to get too close to such a titan (at least in my view) lest I get told to get lost. But with time I was able to befriend him, learning about radio and life at the same time. The afternoons spent in the WIBC newsroom on North Meridian in Indianapolis were every bit as valuable and enjoyable as any other education I ever had, and I'll always treasure them.


Lou was bigger than life and once he decided he liked you, would talk for hours in his unique way, literally mesmerizing the people in the newsroom at the Two Story Brick On North Illinois, in the press room at the old Speedway control tower, or at 9292. His "Lou Palmer And Friends" show in the 70's was one of the most entertaining and inspiring shows this young broadcaster listened to. I feel fortunate to have shared time with him and to have learned at his feet.


His descriptive terms and news opens were legendary. Whether it was time to "hit the money button" or my favorite news open "Tenerife Island, two 747's, crunch", he had a way with words, a way with life, and a way of leaving a truly lasting impression.

Its odd, I was thinking of Lou on Saturday, the day he died. I guess I waited too long to look him up and let him know what I was up to.

RIP Lou. Give my best to Riley.

Click on the headline to see the Indianapolis Star's story on the life and times of Lou Palmer.

Fear The Cubs. THIS Is The Year Of The Cubs

Now that the record people are calling me incessantly, I can only assume the new year has begun. And what a year it will be. This year, we’ll see history made in early November. After a long and grueling campaign, the ultimate payoff will be made. What so many said would never happen will indeed happen. The pundits will be proven wrong, Americans will be either shocked or jubilant, and things in this country will never be the same.

Of course, I’m speaking of the upcoming World Series victory of the Chicago Cubs. It’s now been 100 years since the Northsiders have won the Fall classic, and they will commemorate the anniversary by playing the 2008 Cubs Centennial Celebration Season®. After coming oh so close last year, the ultimate prize will be won by Chicago’s Team Of Destiny.

I invite you to join me on the Cubs Bandwagon while there is still room. You don’t want to join up in September and be placed in the third trailer, the one that used to haul horses to the glue factory. You want to be right up front with me and other lifelong Cubs fans who know why we’ve waited so long to taste the cheap champagne and hold the World Series trophy over our booze soaked heads. You know you want the Cubs to win. You know its their year of DESTINY.

Please watch this space for updates on the Cubs Centennial Celebration Season. I have to go visit Britney now. Please pray for her.

Happy 2008!

I sent this quote to many friends on New Year's Eve. It deserves to be shared here for those I may have missed or those who aren't friends yet.

I wish you Health...So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generosity so you may share...All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...That you so well deserve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

Here's to nothing but the best in the year ahead. I know it sounds geeky, but I'm looking forward to a GREAT 2008.

Is This Year Over YET?

It seems like this year, 2007 in case it takes me another year to update the blog, has been going on forever. Not that its all bad, it just seems to be the never ending year throwing never ending curve balls.

Now there were some high points, so its not ALL bad. Being able to take my kids to see Miley Cyrus (the current Queen of all that kids care about) and getting them backstage to meet her was one of the ultimate Dad moments. I finally got to see Paul McCartney live, at a very small show in New York. I got to see exciting Cubs PLAYOFF baseball in October, more on that later. I'm still working, which in itself is a triumph if you're in radio. And most importantly, I'm healthier than I was a year ago.

But there were also some very sad things that happened. The Cubs got to the playoffs but managed to lose three in a row. More than a dozen good friends lost their jobs, many as a result of budget cuts. People in my circle of friends died, most notably Amber Pope, the 36 year old former Marketing Director from my days in Denver. She, like the others, was taken far too soon.

Then there are the big picture things. I don't care what they say, the economy is in the tank. We're still at war and it seems that we find out about another deception or half truth that got us to war every week. The political season, one of my most favorite times every four years, has started and its already looking ugly. It almost makes me miss Donald Segretti. At least HIS dirty tricks were sometimes humorous.




2008 is certainly going to be the most interesting year yet. Who gets nominated and elected President and what will the current administration pull before they're out? What of the radio business? I already see myself as a content provider since I work with radio stations, HD Radio channels, and web streams. What new technology is next and how do we keep people interested in the existing technology? Will new ownership and the guy whose name I can't pronounce finally get the Cubs their first World Series victory in a century?



There is one other thing, and its a geek item. I dumped Charter, perhaps the worst cable provider on the planet (although I don't know what the Kabul cable company is like) for a new service called AT&T UVerse, which is (warning, geek talk ahead) IP based cable TV and Internet. They deliver it over my regular phone connection and it looks great. Then there's the 320 channels we get. Just wait for the next news crisis event. I'll be able to see it live on something like 12 news sources. And my favorite channel Boomerang is finally available. It takes so little to make me happy.




Much to think and comment about in the months ahead. i know I said I'd try to be more regular in my postings, and I'll say it again knowing full well that I may not be able to keep the promise.




At least a man can dream.

I Went To A Baseball Game and Ended Up At A Funeral

I'm still not exactly over it, but I was fortunate enough to go to the only Cubs postseason game of 2007 at Wrigley Field. Incredible weather, really great vibe in and out of the field before the game, ran into lots of people I know, which sort of frightened me.

First pitch, home run for the DBacks. When DeRosa hit in to the DP in the 5th, the place became as quiet as a library. There was a short rally later that got the fans into the game, but when nothing happened, people shut up or left.

I went to a baseball game and ended up seeing a funeral. After the game, no great cheer for the team, like “thanks for the season”. Fair amount of boos, but mostly indifference and disbelief. People at Bernie’s and Sluggers were in horrible moods after the game, really sad to see how quickly they could turn on the team. We were lucky to have one game n October at Wrigley, I’m thankful for that.

Next year will be under new ownership, most of the team will come back, and Sweet Lou seemed sincere in his dedication to bringing a winner home. Let’s hope so.

Meanwhile, I’m waiting on the e mail from CubWorld.com that the NLDS series t shirts have been reduced from their original price of $24.95 to 10 bucks.

If I only had the time...

Sadly, I return to the blog to see its beel over six months since I've posted. Not that anyone is reading, but I'll try to use the posting feature more often so I can at least make comments that aren't from tne Nixon Administration.

Stand by for more.

They Used To Be My Pride And Joy, But Now They Only Bring Fatigue

Few have said it better than the late Steve Goodman, a Chicago folk singer who used the line above in his immortal song "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request". With the season over, and the Cubs returning to their comfortable place at the bottom of the NL Central, I'm finding myself somewhere between joy and despair as I tend to do every Roctober. Joy because we almost did it, almost managed to lose 100 games, something we haven't done since the 1966 season, part of the era that formed me into a lifelong Die Hard Cubs Fan. And despair because, again, the Cubs are playing golf while others are playing baseball, at least for a few more games.

It’s a tough day for all Cub fans, especially yours truly. What we thought was going to be the Season Of Destiny was not. Our dreams of magic on the Fields Of Dreams were again dashed. The Cubs didn’t get it done. Try as they may, my heroes only were able to lost 96 games this year, missing the goal of losing 100 games, a feat that has not been equaled since the storied 1966 season and the leadership of Leo “The Lip” Durocher. Sure, the Cubs had the worst record in the National League, and ended the season in last place. For many fans, that would be enough. But Cubs fans were hoping for something that would make this season the stuff that short magazine articles are written about. If you can’t win it all, be as bad as you can be.

Its time to take action. I’d like to take this opportunity to announce that I am available to fill the empty Manager’s uniform for next year’s World Champions, the Chicago Cubs. Based on the team’s performance this year, I know that I could lead the victory charge that will lead with World Series glory, or the loss of 100 games. Either way, the new season will be memorable. What better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1907 Cubs World Series Championship than to hire a manager who will give 1000 percent to the players and fans of the Team Of Destiny?

I’m currently working on my application package for the job I’m ready to take the Cubs to Baseball Heaven in 2007.

Its been awhile

Yes, its been awhile since a posting has appeared here. That darn job and family keeps getting in the way of things like keeping a blog active.

Fear not, more updates will be coming. So will Christmas. I'm also working on a snazzy podcast, but have to come up with something worthwhile to say. I know that hasn't stopped most disc jockeys, but that's why I'm not on the air anymore.

Any suggestions about what you want to see or hear? Just drop me a note. mailto:edwardsmark@gmail.com

A photo of me.