Quote:
Teddy's column made me puke.
Mike North, that quintessential Chicago hot dog, will lose the pickle spear and celery salt next week. He's headed to New York to anchor Don Imus' old show on WFAN-AM. North will do the 6-10 a.m. (local time) show Tuesday and Wednesday.
"That's a big chair," North said. "I don't think it has sunk in yet."
The WSCR-AM morning host first discussed the possibility with CBS Radio President Dan Mason three weeks ago. The plan was for North to pinch-hit while the White Sox visited the Yankees from July 31-Aug. 2.
But CBS Radio officials moved up the date, perhaps in an effort to capitalize on all the recent attention North has received. First he got some headlines for a Kyle Farnsworth interview in which the former Cubs pitcher questioned the contract provision allowing Roger Clemens to drop in and out of the Yankees' clubhouse.
Then North's "don't talk down to me" reprimand of White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen went national, even drawing admiration from Howard Stern. North, after teaming with Jesse Jackson, even got his wish for the Cubs to erect a statue of Ernie Banks.
"We've all had our slumps," North said. "But right now I'm at the dice table, and I'm rolling 7s."
Quote:
Just because you set up a few things to draw attention to yourself doesnt mean the ratings will improve, the show still sucks and he is going to make a fool of himself for two days in NYC.
CBS Radio fired Imus on April 12 after his infamous "nappy-headed hos" comment regarding the Rutgers women's basketball team.
In its search for a permanent replacement, WFAN has auditioned football analyst Boomer Esiason and Patrick and John McEnroe, among others. Bob Costas is said to have turned down the gig.
North said he doesn't view his two-day stint as a tryout for the nationally syndicated show, which does not air in Chicago but can be heard at wfan.com.
"I'm a Chicago guy, and I can't foresee it happening," North said. "They want a New York-style show with not many Chicago guests.
Quote:
If they offer him anything near what he is making now, he will be Mr. NYC in a NY minute.
"At the same time, where was Johnny Carson from? Nebraska. How about David Letterman? Indianapolis. There's nothing wrong with having a guy from the Midwest do the show. And look at [Jay] Leno. He's not from L.A. He's from Boston."
Quote:
Oh my god, Leno, Letterman and a icon in Johnny Carson and he puts his name in with them. North is out of control.
North plans to spring for a private jet to take his entourage to New York on Saturday. He will take family members and WSCR colleagues, including his first producer, Jesse Rogers, and current producers Jen Patterson and Rock Mamola. He has also invited his former boss, Chicago radio veteran Jeff Schwartz. "People wonder how Mike will play in New York," Schwartz said. "He'll be magnificent. You walk down the streets of New York, and everyone has an attitude. Well, who has a bigger attitude than Mike North? He will be over the top."
Quote:
Thats just fricken wierd, go to NY and ask people who Mike North is and they wont know and go back as them a week after he is gone and they still wont know.
North morning show contributors Fred Huebner and Anne Maxfield will stay behind in Chicago. A substitute host will likely join them while North does Manhattan.
Quote:
There is a team player for ya, way to take care of your guys fuckhead
North already is lining up New York guests such as Spike Lee. He hopes to land Bud Selig from a list of 60 possibilities.
"Maybe we'll get A.J. and Ozzie," North said, referring to Pierzynski and his manager.
Yeah, right. And maybe North will discuss his favorite Jewish delis.
Quote:
Put Fritzy on
"You have to take advantage of your opportunities," North said. "A week from now I'll probably be rolling snake eyes."