Monday, December 15, 2025

Bee-otch of the Day: Trump (re: Rob Reiner and immigrants)

 

Tragic Passing of Rob Reiner and Public Tributes

- Rob Reiner and wife tragically were stabbed to death in Los Angeles.

- Reiner's career highlights: 'All in the Family' and directing iconic films.

- Widespread tributes from entertainers and political figures, excluding Donald Trump.


Donald Trump's Controversial Remarks and Declining Popularity

- Trump's insensitive comments on Rob Reiner's death, attributing it to 'Trump derangement syndrome'.

- Criticism of Trump's character, political actions, and declining approval ratings.

- Trump's recent low-attendance rally and disparaging remarks about immigrants.


The Progressive Legacy of Hendrick Meijer and American Decline

- Hendrick Meijer, a progressive Dutch immigrant, founded the Meijer supermarket chain.

- Meijer's early experiences with worker exploitation influenced his progressive views.

- Comparison of American industrial decline and worker rights to other developed nations.


FDR's Vision for Post-War America and its Unfulfilled Promise

- FDR's post-WWII vision included a 'second bill of rights' for universal healthcare and education.

- The Red Scare and Eisenhower's presidency shifted focus away from progressive ideals.

- Other nations adopted similar progressive policies, leading to their current prosperity.


Immigration, Cultural Diversity, and Misconceptions

- Grand Rapids described as a melting pot with diverse immigrant communities.

- Critique of Donald Trump's rhetoric demonizing immigrants and foreign cultures.

- Personal anecdotes highlighting positive experiences with immigrants from various countries.


May 26th: A Day of Notable Deaths and a Dancer's Story

- May 26th - Chuck's birthday - marks the death anniversaries of several celebrities, including Eddie Albert and Art Linkletter.

- Flick Colby, a British dancer and choreographer, also died on this date.

- Colby's career with 'Pans People' and her later life in America.


Misguided Blame and the Nature of Violence

- Criticism of for Pan's Person Dee Dee Wilde's social media post blaming immigrant culture for a stabbing incident.

- Counter-examples of violence committed by white individuals and heroism by a Muslim individual.

- Donald Trump's rhetoric fostering hatred and division among Americans.


CBS's Disappointing Programming and a Cartoonist's Tribute

- CBS chose a town hall over a 100th birthday celebration for Dick Van Dyke.

- The town hall, hosted by Erica Kirk and Bari Weiss, reportedly lacked major sponsors.

- Cartoonist Clay Jones's tribute to Rob Reiner, celebrating his impact on entertainment.




Monday, December 8, 2025

Bee-otch of the Day: the media (re: Warner Bros)

 Family Thanksgiving Tradition and Personal Loss

- Annual 'Greatest Night of the Year' Thanksgiving celebration.

- Cousin's marriage and impending first child.

- Uncle's job loss and subsequent career struggles leading to early death.


Corporate Mergers and Media Industry Impact

- History of Warner Bros. mergers from 1923 to present.

- AOL-Time Warner merger as a financial disaster.

- Current merger talks for Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix or Paramount/Skydance.


Decline of Traditional Media and Local Theaters

- Struggles of the print industry and local movie theaters.

- Hollywood's production of 'bad films' impacting box office and small cinemas.

- Call to support local movie theaters.


CBS News Integrity and Political Influence

- CBS News' perceived decline in integrity since Walter Cronkite's era.

- Hiring of Bari Weiss and town halls with Erica Kirk to appeal to right-wing viewers.

- Departure of CBS Evening News anchors due to internal issues.


Local TV Station Affiliation Changes

- Sale of KXGN Glendive, MT and KYUS Miles City, MT to Montana PBS.

- Complex history of TV station affiliations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

- WEYI Saginaw's upcoming flip from NBC to another network due to Sinclair acquisition.




Monday, December 1, 2025

Bee-otch of the Day: "Huge" Bill Simonson

 Thanksgiving Movie Tradition

- Annual viewing of 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'.

- Celebration of 80s film era lacking modern tech.

- Memorable performances by Steve Martin and John Candy.


Radio Personality Career Transitions

- Tony Gates moved from WLAV to M106.3 in Greenville.

- Tony Gates' move driven by dislike for corporate radio.

- Darren Gibson's positive experience at M106.3.


Controversial Radio Station Ownership

- 1680 and 102.5 owned by Tyrone Bynum.

- Criticism of Tyrone Binom's management and listener disregard.

- Stations frequently off-air, impacting legal obligations.


Health Scare and Hydration Importance

- WOOD-TV's Tom Hillen's seizure at work, leading to hospitalization.

- Personal experience of collapsing due to dehydration.

- Emphasis on staying hydrated for health.


KLT Radio Station in northern Michigan's Evolution

- KLT's historical anti-metal stance under GM Richard Dills.

- Midwestern Broadcasting's acquisition and format changes.

- Introduction of a metal show after 30 years.


Critique of KLT's New Metal Show

- New show plays both common and rare metal tracks.

- Host Finster's improved vocal clarity noted.

- Delayed adoption of metal seen as a missed opportunity.


Grand Rapids Sports Radio Landscape

- Launch of Sports Radio 98.7 replacing a classic hits station.

- New network affiliation with Detroit's 97.1 The Ticket.

- Grand Rapids now has three sports radio stations.


Criticism of Bill Simonson

- Bill Simonson's perceived opportunism and elite connections.

- History of being fired from previous radio jobs.

- Listener dissatisfaction with his content and personality.


Negative Experiences with ABC Warehouse, whom Huge is doing remotes from

- Poor car stereo installation at Mickey Shorr/ABC Warehouse.

- Defective computer purchase with performance issues.

- Incomplete bed delivery and misleading sales practices.