But I'm wondering why k'7 excluded Holmes and Hampton from the discussion because they actually occupied the shift before last summer.

Puckhead is angry at "the business-ification" of the Blackhawks.... rising ticket prices, excessive marketing, etc.

I won't deny you your disdain for ticket prices. My jaw dropped when I got the invoice for tix for my sons, their girlfriends and Patrick's aide recently. But, this goes with the territory. Succeed and prosper financially -- that's what they're doing. Demand exceeds supply so prices go up. I've been among those who've wanted the Hawks to be more accepted and matter more, so I can't have it both ways and say I'm pissed when people pay attention. Think about it, though, Puckhead. We endured a decade with only the '02 team making the playoffs (quick exit vs. St. Louis). Most of us stopped going and barely watched on TV. We were mad as hell and divorced ourselves emotionally from the Indian. Now that they're among the best in the NHL, we can't bitch about ticket prices without sounding whiny and hypocritical. We wanted a great team. They've given us one. Let's deal with it.

Beebo says it's time to "ditch the Harry shtick."

You're not alone, Beebs. My wife said something similar recently. I kindly offer to you what I offered to her: my warmest invitation to PTFB. What does it take, two seconds it takes to belt out a couple honks or a "fatha?" Honestly, Steve Dahl burned this into me years ago and it's not going away: don't ignore who you are, how you got there and who the competition is. I won't. I don't pre-meditate Tiny mentions, but if something happens in natural conversation -- which it did when I saw Bernsy's reaction to the idea of Chicago media wearing jerseys in the lockerroom recently -- I will not hold back. A very high percentage of listeners consume both stations and I never will pretend like the other doesn't exist. That doesn't make me right and those who don't reference the competition wrong.... it's just part of the Mackage. And the story I told about Tiny running away (stumbling is more accurate) from me at a Hawks game like he'd seen the Grim Reaper was something I believed many listeners would want to know about. You guys like gossip, dirt and behind-the-scenes tales of woe, right? I'm your guy for that and won't hold back, regardless of affiliation.

Chris in St. Charles asks: "When will we hear you've been locked up for more than one year?"

It won't be any time soon, CISC. I did a one-year deal, with their option to pick up the second year. I've got five months before the contract expires. In June, they can bring me back or kick me to the curb. In this economy, I was pleased doing a short-term deal. Long term (four or five years) is more of an albatross than a benefit. What if you want out? What if the station wants to whack you but can't? Both parties protect themselves with this type of arrangement. I was confident 12 months would be enough time for me to prove my value and, like Lovie Smith, we'll go from there.

Thanks Mac. Just wonderin when it will be "the Mac and Spiegs show". I think Matt deserves that. He's way better with a partner then when he was solo on SN Radio. And he wasnt bad there. He's paid his dues in my opinion.

Show is improving and its great to have two very sound and listenable shows back to back in the morning.

Mackeyfish,

You told your wife to PTFB? Did she?

Mackage? Give me a fucking break.

plasma is overrated. the lexus is 350 and allen brothers products are not.

First.... unsolicited thoughts from me....


Keyser Soze wants my thoughts on Kerry Sayers' performance.

Love having her on the show, Keyser. Not because of her appearance, either. I don't deny that could be an appeal for some listeners who liked seeing her on Comcast SportsNet, but to me that means nothing unless she also delivers. She brings something I've never had -- EVER -- on a show: a woman's perspective. Interesting dynamic, isn't it, when you consider that no show in town really has ever successfully incorporated a female's voice in a sports format. Kerry is willing to be forthright about sensitive issues (the Tiger, spousal abuse stuff was good). She's willing to be one of the guys and not run to human resources.... in fact... she pushes US on innuendo sometimes. She gives max effort. I enjoy bringing her on the show -- and so does Matt -- to provide the female viewpoint. The Scoreboards still need some tightening up.... she's a little "gappy".... but she's been doing daily radio for less than six months. That's not a very long time.