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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:21 am 
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End of the run far from end of the line
After eight years at MVP, it was time -- but the relationships will live on, and I won't be off the stage for long.

January 22, 2009
BY DAN MCNEIL
Time is a medium of exchange. We can waste time or spend it wisely. Usually, when we reflect on time spent earlier in our lives, we recall mostly the good times.

I made the most of the almost eight years I worked at WMVP-AM (1000). It's not overstating it to suggest I got everything I wanted out of it -- revenge, ratings, money and relationships.


And now it's over. Station general manager Jim Pastor fired me Friday.

There has been much speculation about why I got whacked. I wish I could enlighten you, but the truth is, I didn't ask why.

It doesn't matter. It was time. Time for both parties to change the backdrop.

I relished my time with on-air partner John Jurkovic, who had been a regular on my shows on WSCR-AM (670) when he was hunkering down in NFL trenches in the 1990s. ESPN 1000 was willing to roll the dice on the self-anointed ''Good Kid'' when I requested his services when the project began in May 2001.

Jurko and I became fast friends and developed trust, something neither of us passes around liberally. I think there's a chance we will share a studio again. I'll keep Lysol nearby just in case.

The MJH show: It worked
Contrary to perception, the dynamic I had with third wheel Harry Teinowitz was mostly good. Because I landed in the penalty box thrice after Tiny spats, it's silly to deny rifts existed, but the Tiny One brought a lot to the party. When he stopped resisting his role as a part-time punching bag, the show ascended to higher levels.

The MJH show broke the local mold. Three opinionated guys, all with divergent interests and from diametrically opposed backgrounds. I was the edgy radio lifer, Jurko the jolly jock and Harry the worldly, failed actor/comedian.

That's what made it work. Listeners may not have liked all three, but there was at least one personality that people found polarizing.

After a couple years of finding our way, people would say, ''You guys are like my buddies and me sitting at the bar, busting each others' stones.'' So I began referring to the show as ''The Afternoon Saloon,'' a handle ESPN 1000 will continue to use until an original thought is unearthed.

My run on the Afternoon Saloon forever will be a highlight in my radio life. It justified my resignation from the Score in October 2000 and shifted the balance of power between the two sports stations. ESPN 1000 had been a rumor in this town before our arrival. My showmates and I -- including producers Adam Delevitt, Jeff Dickerson, Ben Finfer, Scot Bertram and Danny Zederman -- altered the landscape. I feel satisfied.

This doesn't reflect well on my Christian upbringing, but I find revenge is one of the sweetest tastes imaginable. I got my pound of flesh.

Radio lives, however, are measured by increments of time. About a year ago, I started feeling that our shelf life was nearing its expiration. Becoming too comfortable is a terminal disease in entertainment.

I'm not sure if Jurko or Harry would agree, but I think Pastor pulled the plug at the right time. And I don't begrudge him for not affording us a ''goodbye show.'' I've heard those before. They're ugly. Neither management nor talent wins.

Given stricter guidelines at a brand-sensitive outfit such as ESPN, all of us felt oppressively shackled. The fabric of what made us popular -- the bathroom humor, sexual innuendo and colorful language -- was never acceptable.

That's fine. Their bat and ball, so they get to make the rules. But it's no fun feeling like much of what you say may come back to bite you. I wanted to be far away from that. I am now.

Nothing is permanent
The most satisfying commodity with which I depart is the relationships. You're lucky in life if you work somewhere just once and discover a culture in which everybody pulls on the same end of the rope. You even see each other outside of work. I've been fortunate to experience this twice: the first few years at the Score, and the last 18 months or so at ESPN 1000.

When word of my exit spread, I heard from every producer, reporter and host. The consensus was disappointment and thanks for whatever leadership I exhibited. I will miss those guys, the ones who rolled up their sleeves and churned out a respectable product.

I also know nothing is permanent and some circles will intersect again. They invariably do in radio. The free time I have now will be spent being a better father, husband, friend and writer as I eagerly await the next stop on the tour.

This is not a predictable life. I signed up for that. It's exhilarating when one has a chance to re-invent himself.

Time to be the frontman for a new band. Produce some new songs. And before most have struck a Titleist in anger for the first time this year, I'll be back on stage. It will be my time all over again.

Borrowing from immortal disc jockey Alan Freed, to whom all of us who open a microphone owe a great deal of gratitude, ''It's not goodbye. It's just good night.''

Dan McNeil is former host of the ''Mac, Jurko & Harry'' show on WMVP-AM (1000).


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:14 am 
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pretty classy article if you ask me

only one oversight: mcneill forgot to attribute his show's success to billboards ;)

it would have been a nice touch if he thanked his listeners once though

now we need aparacio to chime in


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:15 am 
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Millenniumchef wrote:
I got my pound of flesh.



Allen Bros.?

Good stuff, Mac. Isn't Waddle's indoor golf outing around the corner? Titleist time is not far away. What are you considering?


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:29 am 
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Should have spent a little more time on the producers. It was an incredibly well run show and they kept it together under often difficult and unpredictable conditions.

It was a nice goodbye piece.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:29 am 
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NSJ wrote:
Millenniumchef wrote:
I got my pound of flesh.



Allen Bros.?

Good stuff, Mac. Isn't Waddle's indoor golf outing around the corner? Titleist time is not far away. What are you considering?


Golf balls hit indoors are not in anger, you only hit a golf ball in anger when its on the course and it counts.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:31 am 
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Well done Mac.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:37 am 
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You cannot re invent yourself and still consider teaming with either Jurko or Terry.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:46 am 
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:02 am 
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good dolphin wrote:
You cannot re invent yourself and still consider teaming with either Jurko or Terry.


After spending 3 hours at one of the worst hockey games I have ever witnessed, I think Mac should consider teaming up with Stu and doing 4 hours a day with him . I do not remember two guys making me laugh as much as those two cut up each other up last night and Vandy and I were left shaking our heads in laughter. They were more entertaining than the game itself. It was as if a radio show was going on before me.

Mac, Jurko and Stu would be appointment radio.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:07 am 
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Couldn't resist a few parting swings at Harry.

I'm no Harry apologist, but regardless of their relationship, that's not what I call class.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:07 am 
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Well, as I opined in a previous thread, I could see Mac doing another show with Jurko and with Jurko's contract up in the spring.....But I noticed there is no mention of Harry being part of any new equation and that also does not surprise me. But having a new guy in the mix, might be what makes a new show different and fresh. I suppose it could be a two man team, but that would make things tough on Mac, when nap time comes around for Jurko. Personally, I think Mac should start fresh with a new partner or partners. The shows with Terry and then with Jurko and Harry were a hit and well done, but perhaps it's time for a new chapter. I think it would help Mac start a new show with more energy, not knowing he can fall back on old, comfortable routines. I thought this was a classy and thoughful piece. I will be looking forward to seeing where Dangerous lands and programming my radio to that station, where once again I will be a P1 listener and frequent caller. Until then Mac, enjoy the extra time with Sherry and the boys and if we get some nice weather early and you feel like striking a titleist in anger together, just call.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:17 am 
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Slap Shot ED wrote:
good dolphin wrote:
You cannot re invent yourself and still consider teaming with either Jurko or Terry.


After spending 3 hours at one of the worst hockey games I have ever witnessed, I think Mac should consider teaming up with Stu and doing 4 hours a day with him . I do not remember two guys making me laugh as much as those two cut up each other up last night and Vandy and I were left shaking our heads in laughter. They were more entertaining than the game itself. It was as if a radio show was going on before me.

Mac, Jurko and Stu would be appointment radio.



You mean "Wally Phillips" and Stu It was a fun night thanks again Slappy


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:23 am 
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Killer V wrote:
Couldn't resist a few parting swings at Harry.

I'm no Harry apologist, but regardless of their relationship, that's not what I call class.


Why suger-coat it ?? They didn't like each other and Harry should be kissing Mac's ass as he walks out the door for making Harry some what relavent in the Chicago landscape.

I don't think Harry was tossing rose peddels at Mac's feet on Monday when he gave his comments about Mac's dismissal. It is what it is and I don't begrudge Mac for getting his last shots in at Harry for a second. He's been a clossal pain in the ass to deal with from the top to bottom from what I've heard and the fact he was asking interns to move his car a few years back tells me the guy thinks he's more important than he really is.

Failed actor/comedian Mac? I think you can add radio host to that very soon. :wink:

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:48 am 
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THE WIND SOCK wrote:
Killer V wrote:
Couldn't resist a few parting swings at Harry.

I'm no Harry apologist, but regardless of their relationship, that's not what I call class.


Why suger-coat it ?? They didn't like each other and Harry should be kissing Mac's ass as he walks out the door for making Harry some what relavent in the Chicago landscape.

I don't think Harry was tossing rose peddels at Mac's feet on Monday when he gave his comments about Mac's dismissal. It is what it is and I don't begrudge Mac for getting his last shots in at Harry for a second. He's been a clossal pain in the ass to deal with from the top to bottom from what I've heard and the fact he was asking interns to move his car a few years back tells me the guy thinks he's more important than he really is.

Failed actor/comedian Mac? I think you can add radio host to that very soon. :wink:


I'm not saying he shouldn't say what he did, or that I disagree with his thoughts, I just disagree with it being labeled as "classy."

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:16 am 
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I'll say this, regardless of thier personal feelings towards each other, Harry support Mac 100% in what he said on the show. I was at a remote right after that infamous "bitch" suspension was announced, and both Jurko and Harry were in total support of Mac, letting me know in the not so kindest of words how stupid they felt the punishment was.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:26 am 
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Mac poured sugar all over this damn kiss-ass goodbye. He doesn't want his NEXT BOSS to see any venom. (Gee Boss Jim, it was so good of you to fire me, it was my time to go, I Love You so much Jim, more than words can say.) WTF?!

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:38 am 
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Frank Coztansa wrote:
I'll say this, regardless of thier personal feelings towards each other, Harry support Mac 100% in what he said on the show. I was at a remote right after that infamous "bitch" suspension was announced, and both Jurko and Harry were in total support of Mac, letting me know in the not so kindest of words how stupid they felt the punishment was.


Frank, that's like Lovie Smith telling us every week that Rex was his quarterback. What did you expect Harry to say? Mac was an asshole for saying what he did and he got what he deserved?

I think we can agree they are both glad to be away from one another.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:46 pm 
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You can be cordial and friendly with someone you work with and not be best friends with them outside of work.
I liked the column. It "shoved" when it needed it. :)

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:56 pm 
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Very good column.

I would have liked some John Paxson love thrown in there for good measure... :wink:

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:03 pm 
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That pic in the sun times today must be from around 2002. Mac was portly in that portrait. And look at the Bill Cosby like sweater!


Image

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:04 pm 
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spmack wrote:
That pic in the sun times today must be from around 2002. Mac was portly in that portrait. And look at the Bill Cosby like sweater!


Looks like Al Borland, Bill Cosby, and an LSU cheeleader.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:05 pm 
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spmack wrote:
That pic in the sun times today must be from around 2002. Mac was portly in that portrait. And look at the Bill Cosby like sweater!


Image



Judging from all of their attire, I'd say that picture was taken in the mid 80's. :)

Harry.WTF?

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:19 pm 
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Is Jurko wearing a sail?

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:20 pm 
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Harry has the 90s grunge-nerd look covered. Jurko looks like one of the characters if Grand Theft Auto. and Mac looks like he stole a sweater from Sam Smith.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:30 pm 
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Bad day for a photo...

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:41 pm 
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Harry will be wearing that same getup today.

Jurko looks like a smelly Greek about to tee off.

Good thing Mac put away the hair gel

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:44 pm 
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Well done Mac.


+1


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 2:11 pm 
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I think that the picture will have create the caption contest.

Mac did take a shot at ESPN Radio, when he said that when he named the show Mac Jurko and Harry the Afternoon Saloon, a handle that they still use untill an original thought is unearthed.

Mac did make it sound it like that he will work with Jurco agian.


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 5:17 pm 
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There were some 'friendly' jabs in there, but overall I thought it was a high road column. Mac didn't say anything in the column that he wouldn't say to anybody's face.

Foremost, he didn't allow the ESPN brand to get too much publicity - as he referenced WMVP-AM1000 wherever possible, and mentioned ESPN where he had less than complimentary things to say a few times.

A reminder of who is REALLY responsible for the future of 3-6PM show:
Station general manager Jim Pastor fired me Friday.

A reminder of one of Jurko's not so lovable traits:
Jurko and I became fast friends and developed trust, something neither of us passes around liberally. I think there's a chance we will share a studio again. I'll keep Lysol nearby just in case.

A 'bonk' in the head for Harry:
When he (Harry) stopped resisting his role as a part-time punching bag, the show ascended to higher levels.

A poke at Harry's past struggles:
... I was the edgy radio lifer, Jurko the jolly jock and Harry the worldly, failed actor/comedian.

A shot at the backpack wearin' Justin Craig's lack of creativity:
I began referring to the show as ''The Afternoon Saloon,'' a handle ESPN 1000 will continue to use until an original thought is unearthed.

A cold hard fact that Jim Pastor and ESPN Radio will realize eventually:
ESPN 1000 had been a rumor in this town before our arrival. My showmates and I -- including producers Adam Delevitt, Jeff Dickerson, Ben Finfer, Scot Bertram and Danny Zederman -- altered the landscape.

A shot at the never ending BRANDING of ESPN:
Given stricter guidelines at a brand-sensitive outfit such as ESPN, all of us felt oppressively shackled. The fabric of what made us popular -- the bathroom humor, sexual innuendo and colorful language -- was never acceptable.

The micro-management of what should be a creative process:
That's fine. Their bat and ball, so they get to make the rules. But it's no fun feeling like much of what you say may come back to bite you. I wanted to be far away from that. I am now.

A shot at ESPN's leadership, or lack thereof:
When word of my exit spread, I heard from every producer, reporter and host. The consensus was disappointment and thanks for whatever leadership I exhibited. I will miss those guys, the ones who rolled up their sleeves and churned out a respectable product.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 5:33 pm 
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"There has been much speculation about why I got whacked. I wish I could enlighten you, but the truth is, I didn't ask why."

I kind of find this hard to believe...especially knowing Mac's competitive nature. Either Mac knows exactly why he was shown the door or saw it coming and just didn't care. Maybe he decided it was better to leave rather than risk a burst ot temper. In any case, it's hard to make a case that he was let go simply because the show was perceived to be slipping. If that were the case, Harry would have been the easy choice to be sent elsewhere. Given that Mac will continue to be paid for 3-4 months I don't see this as a business decision. Something beside Jurko stinks in this whole mess. :?

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