Jeff Blanzy, Hoops Talk and the Birth of Save On Energy 81 3-27-11

Jeff Blanzy

Jeff and I opened up show #12 with former sportcaster with ABC Jeff Blanzy. Blanzy 50, joined WLS from ABC-owned WTVG-TV in Toledo, Ohio. Before that, he worked at WLIO-TV, the NBC affiliate in Lima, Ohio. A Michigan native who earned a communications degree from New York's Niagara University while on a basketball scholarship, Blanzy later attended Michigan's Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts and was inducted into the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts Hall of Fame in 2005. Jeff anchored the weekend sports show for Channel 7 and was on the air with ABC-WLS for 11 years. Jeff now enjoys networking with people and empowering lives with World Ventures.

Later in the show we talk Bulls Basketball, March Madness, President Obama's Final 4 basketball picks and the birth of Save On Energy '81'. Of course, Jeff and I throw in some politics and sports and mix it up a bit. All in good fun of course!       

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Tribute to Former Bear Jim Keane and a Chat with Andy Livingston 3-20-11

Jim Keane #20

I flew solo for show #11 as my co-host Jeff Christensen was a bit under the weather. Everything worked out just fine as I was able to spend some time during the first segment talking about the life of a former Chicago Bear who I admired and respected for so many years. Jim Keane passed away March 8th and he will be dearly missed. Jim was my idle, he played golf 4 days a week at 87....now that's a hell of a week!

James Patrick "Jim" Keane Played seven seasons for the Chicago Bears (1946-1951) and the Green Bay Packers (1952). Keane, who was born in Bellaire, Ohio, remains the only player in Bears history to lead the team in receptions for four straight seasons, something he accomplished by catching a league-leading 64 passes in 1947, 30 in 1948, 47 in 1949 and 36 in 1950.
When he left the Bears following the 1951 season, Keane was the franchise’s all-time leader with 206 receptions and ranked second behind Ken Kavanaugh with 3,031 receiving yards.

Andy Livingston #48

An amazing fact that Keane still holds the Bears record for most receptions in a game. He set the mark by catching 14 passes in a 35-28 road loss to the New York Giants on October 23, 1949.

What a pleasure it was to talk to the youngest player ever to put on a Bears uniform and the youngest to score a touchdown in NFL history. Andy Livingston was only 20 years, 53 days old when that record was set. Andy (born October 21, 1944 in Eufaula, Oklahoma) played for the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints. He was nineteen years old when he first played for the Bears. Also attended Phoenix College (JC). The unique thing about Andy was that he never played college ball. In fact, he never finished high school. The NFL granted him a hardship exemption, enabling him to skip college and sign with the Bears directly out of high school. 

Free Admission Free Parking

To wrap up, it was good to have Allen Deutscher co-owner of Brilliant Event Planning. Allen's company delivers the most Brilliant Home Expos in Chicago. Be sure to go to their WEBSITE and check out their outstanding line up of home shows for April & May.    

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QB Dan LeFevour along with Former Cub Gene Hiser 3-13-11

QB Dan LaFevour

A couple of great guys appeared on show #10 as Jeff and I interviewed rookie QB for the Cincinnati Bengals Dan LeFevour and former Cub Gene Hiser as we approach the Major League Baseball season. With all of the turmoil happening around the world...the Japan Tsunami and the Middle East crisis that has sky rocketed gas prices at the pump, thank goodness for March Madness and Livin' Sports to ease our minds!

Dan LeFevour was a star QB from Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois and graduated in 2005. Dan took his talent to Central Michigan University where he led the Chippewas to a bowl victory in the 2006 Motor City Bowl. He was named the bowl game's MVP, winning as a red-shirt freshman. Dan was one of 35 players named to the Manning Award Watch List in August 2007. On December 1, 2007 LeFevour became the second player in D-I history to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, (Vince Young was the first). On September 12, 2009 at Michigan State, LeFevour passed Byron Leftwich to take over as the MAC all-time leader in total offense in a career. He currently holds Mid American Conference records for career completions, attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns, total touchdowns, and total offensive yards. Dan is the only player in NCAA history with over 12,000 passing yards and 2,500 rushing yards and currently sits 2nd all-time in total offensive yards. He also holds the D-I record for total touchdowns with 150. He is now on the roster of the Cincinnati Bengals as a back-up QB.

#21 Gene Hiser

Gene attended the University of Maryland where he was recently inducted into the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame. He started his professional career in 1970 as the number one draft choice of the Chicago Cubs, and played professional baseball with the Cubs until 1975. Following baseball, Gene has been the owner of Barrett & Hiser Financial Management Group for over 20 years. Gene works to provide financial strategies and estate planning for individuals and families, using a wide variety of quality mutual funds, insurance products, annuities, and stocks and bonds. He is a Registered Representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc. It almost goes without saying that his favorite hobby is golf.

Gene Hiser CFP

Gene is hosting a 'Casino Night' on April 8th at the Bridges of Popular Creek in Hoffman Estates, Il. Proceeds will benefit the "Friends of the Hoffman Estates Parks" that provide funds for kids to attend summer camps and to help many Senior Citizens. Several 'Sports Celebrities' will be attending. For more info call (847) 310-3617.

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Bulls Talk with Chuck Swirsky & Youth Football with Tom Finks 3-6-11

As show #9 opens up, the month of February finally disappears...Yes!! One of the worst snow falls ever in Chicago's history. Jeff and I had fun with the play-by-play voice on ESPN AM 1000 of the Chicago Bulls Chuck Swirsky. Like me, Chuck grew up in the Seattle area and his first comments were about visiting Seattle's famous 'Pike Place Market' where the salmon get slung and is the home of the first Starbucks coffee shop. Now you know why the mild brew at your local Starbucks is call "Pike Place Brew".

Chuck Swirsky

Chicago Bulls Broadcast Team

Chuck Swirsky started as a sportscaster for WLUP in Chicago from 1980 to 1981. He was the Chicago Bulls public address announcer from 1980 to 1983. He joined WGN Radio in 1981 and remained through the mid 1990s. While he was with WGN he also did play-by-play for DePual basketball games alongside former coach Ray Meyer and also did Chicago Bears pre-game and post-game coverage. Swirsky left WGN for Detroit where he did play-by-play for both University of Michigan basketball and football in the mid 1990s.  Chuck began his NBA radio play-by-play career as the voice of the Toronto Raptors during the 1998-99 season, first on the radio then for television beginning in 2001.On May 6, 2008, Swirsky, the voice of the Toronto Raptors for the past decade, left the organization and since returned to Chicago to carry out the radio play-by-play for the Chicago Bulls. Bull fans are glad to have Chuck back in Chicago and on the Bulls broadcast team!

Coaching the Tight-Ends

The second half of "Livin Sports" centered around the Chicago Bear Youth Football Camps and it's Executive Director & Owner Tom Finks. It's an amazing feeling for me the past 5 years to direct four weeks of the summer camps and to be working along side of the son of the person who drafted me in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft in 1977, the late GM of the Chicago Bears, Mr. Jim Finks. Talk about the 'Circle of Life'! Tom creates an atmosphere for young boys from the ages of 6-14 to develop athletic skills, life skills and have fun...all at the same time. There are over 25 camps held in the greater Chicago area in June & July. Each summer camp through their professional coaches and team heroes reinforce the values of respect, team work and sportsmanship. They will challenge experienced athletes to reach the next level...and for newcomers, build confidence, skills and appreciation for the game. For more information click on this link Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps.

A  'Pep Talk' to the Kids

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Examing the Death of Dave Duerson with Keith VanHorne 2-27-11

#78 RT Keith Van Horne

Livin' Sports is all about the great experiences the World of Sports brings to one's Life. However, show #8 centers around the tragic death of former Chicago Bear Dave Duerson. The news of his suicide shocked the Bear Nation, but what can we learn from his actions. Jeff & I welcomed in Keith Van Horne, former right tackle for the Bears who played with Dave on the '85 Super Bowl World Championship Team. We all had a hard time trying to figure out why Dave Duerson, who was so full of Life and Ambition, would end his Life at the young age of 50.

#22 S/S Dave "DD" Duerson

Duerson's body was found Thursday February 24th at his home in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. He died from a gunshot wound to the chest. Duerson's family has agreed to donate his brain to Boston University's medical school for its study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, the degenerative disease that has been linked to depression, dementia and occasionally suicide in former players, according to The New York Times. A special report: ESPN News Story

GreenFoot Global

Later in the show we were proud to have on one of our sponsors of Livin' Sports, Co-Founder of GreenFoot Global Bill Hyman. Bill explain how an amazing product called EnviroTabs can help reduce harmful fuel emissions while helping increase gas mileage, engine longevity and also increases horsepower. GreenFoot Global is dedicated to marketing products that leave our planet greener, provide our customers substantial savings and offer our independent entrepreneurs a sustainable long term business opportunity. At GreenFoot their goal is to reduce the world's dependency on fossil fuels and reduce emissions in at least 10% of the worlds vehicles. By using and promoting EnviroTabs you can be part of the "Solution" and not the "Pollution".

Click on the following link to listen to the entire Livin Sports Show which airs live Sunday's at midnight on AM 560 WIND  Download Podcast  
 

9 Billion Dollar NFL Machine Stopping? 2-20-11

Jeff Christensen & Robin Earl

The NFL CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) looms large in the media as Jeff & I begin show #7. The argument continues between Billionaires (NFL Owners) and Millionaires (NFL Players). Each side refuses to budge and the eventual loser...YOU the FAN!

Crazy as it sounds, the NFL owners could lock-out the players and shut down the 2011 season. Will that happen? Maybe, most likely not. Hopefully both sides come to the conclusion...Why mess up a good thing?

We were hoping to have the play by play voice of the Chicago Bulls, Chuck Swirsky on today's show, but his travel schedule made it impossible. So like a couple of QB's, Jeff and I sent an audible to our producer John Neff and got former NFL Nose Tackle Dave Pear on the phone.

Dave Pear with his lovely wife Heidi

David Pear was a teammate with me at the University of Washinton. He had an outstanding NFL career with Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Oakland from 1975-80. Dave was the first Tampa Bay Buccaneers player to be selected to the Pro Bowl and played in Super Bowl XV for the winning Oakland Raiders.Through his football career, Pear suffered a number of injuries which required spinal surgery and hip replacement and have resulted in vertigo, memory loss and speech impairment. Pear started a blog with a friend, Robert Lee, in February 2008 which discusses retired players' disability and pension issues. He has been quoted saying, "The NFL destroys families." "I wish I had never played." He has also been quoted saying, "Don't let your kids play football. Never."   Dave Pear's Blog

Dave and Robert Lee is putting on the very First Annual Independent Football Veterans Conference! Held in Las Vegas at the South Point Resort & Casino March 24–27, 2011. This Conference will provide an open platform for retired players to attend and participate in discussions on important topics ranging from benefits to the latest information on brain health and concussions, as well as social events that will allow our attendees to catch up on the old days.

To listen to the entire show heard live on Sunday's at midnight on AM 560 WIND 
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Former Bear Bruce Herron Campaigning for Gery Chico 2-13-11

Aaron Rodgers MVP

Show #6 kicked off as Jeff and I put a wrap on Super Bowl XLV as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-26. MVP Aaron Rodgers showed a lot of class, character and a whole lot of talent raising the Lombardi Trophy.

Good ole #51 (no not Dick Butkus) but former Chicago Bear Linebacker Bruce Herron joins Jeff & me later in the show and we had a blast talking about his football past and his campaign support for Gery Chico. What do you think about a future Super Bowl in Chicago?? Gery Chico believes he can do it if he is elected Mayor of Chicago. A lot of HOT AIR? Maybe, but remember, we do live in the Windy City. Sometimes I get confused....is it the 'Cold Winds' blowing through the city or is it the 'Hot Air' blowing out of our politicians!! Bruce was joined with other former Bears Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, Keith Van Horne and Jim Osborne.

Gery Chico & Bruce Herron (Center) with other Former Bears

Also, congrats to the 'Sack Man' #95 Richard Dent new inductee of the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2011!

To enjoy the entire show which airs live on AM 560 WIND Sundays at Midnight click on the following link: Download Podcast

Bears New WR Andy Fantuz

'The Colonel' #95 Richard Dent

                              

#10 Bobby Douglass & College Football Recruting 2-6-11

#10 Bobby Douglass

To open up show # 5, I visited and talked Bear football with Former Chicago Bear QB Bobby Douglass. Bobby played 11 seasons in the NFL and was truly a Fan Favorite! In 1972, Douglass set the record for most rushing yards by a QB in one season. The record stood for 34 years. In a 14-game 1972 season, he ran for 968 yards and 8 TD's on 141 carries. Bobby puts his spin on the Jay Cutler controversy.

Later in the show, Jeff and I get into the recruiting process for high school football players with Jamie Hancock, owner of Street Light Productions. We discuss what is real and what is a bunch of 'Baloney'. College football is BIG BUSINESS, and so are the "Recruiting Services" that could Rip You Off. Street Lights Website

                       
To listen to the entire show as heard on AM 560 WIND live on Sunday's at Midnight click on the following link: Download Podcast

Putting a Wrap on the Bears Season 1-30-11

As Livin' Sports show # 4 begins, the Bear's 2010 season comes to an end. Join me, Robin Earl and my Co-Host former NFL QB Jeff Christensen, as we wrap up the Bears season and begin to focus on Super Bowl XLV. Two of the most storied franchises, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Green Bay Packers at Dallas Stadium February 6, 2011. 

Ray Pinney Senior VP Wells Fargo

Ray Pinney 9 NFL Seasons

  








To help us break down Super Bowl XLV was Ray Pinney, former Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers of 9 years from 1976-82 and 1985-87. Ray talked about his Hall of Fame QB, Terry Bradshaw, comparing the 'Old School" QB's to the current NFL Quarterbacks. Ray has blended his outstanding NFL playing career to a very successful  post playing career as Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo in Seattle, Washington.

Lee Roupas

As a bonus, a special guest joining Me & Jeff in studio was Lee Roupas, an All-Natural Body Builder who has dedicated himself to physical fitness the "Right Way". Lee is a Certified Fitness Trainer, Competitive Natural Bodybuilder, Motivational Speaker, Author and Fitness Model. Lee's full-time occupation is with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, keeping our roads safe from 'Drunk Drivers' and leads the "We Card Hard" Campaign, helping to improve the education of under aged drinking. Way to go Lee! Click on this link Lee Roupas Website to learn more about what Lee can do for you and how to contact him.    

All Natural at 40 Yrs. Old

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Jeff Christensen joins "Livin' Sports" 1-23-11

# 7 Preston Earl

As show #3 kicks off, I am joined in studio by Former NFL QB and one of the Nations premier QB coaches Jeff Christensen. He enjoyed it so much, he talked me into having him on the show as a  Co-Host full-time. I welcome Jeff with open arms, as he was so instrumental in the development of my two sons Preston and Kevin to play the QB position technically sound at a high level. His QB & Receiver Academy 'Throw it Deep" is second to none.

# 12 Kevin Earl

Joining us later in the show was 7-Time NFL Pro Bowler, Former Chicago Bear and Teammate Jay Hilgenberg. Jay played the Center position in the NFL for 14 seasons and should be considered for the NFL Hall of Fame. Currently, Jay does an excellent job breaking down and analyzing the Bears Pre-Game and Post-Games on WBBM 780 AM and on the Chicago Bears Radio Network.

#63 Jay Hilgenberg

To enjoy the entire broadcast on AM 560 WIND click on the link below.
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Character Building Through Athletics 1-16-11

Lynn Lowder

Mr. Lynn Lowder was my special guest and Co-Host in studio for Show #2. A military veteran, Lynn served initially as an enlisted Marine and subsequently as a commissioned officer ( Infantry / JAG ) in the United States Marine Corps. A decorated combat veteran, he served as a platoon commander / team leader with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, USMC in the Republic of South Vietnam. His combat experience is profiled in two books, First Force Recon Company: Sunrise at Midnight by Dr. Bill Peters and Inside Force Recon: Recon Marines in Vietnam by Michael Lee Lanning and Ray William Stubbe.

Lynn is an author, career life coach, motivational speaker and has been a board member for several profit and non-profit entities. His passion is over whelming when we discussed how Sports builds 'Character' among the youth of America.

Later in the show, we talked with Ron Buckholtz my very best friend growing up in Kent, Washington. We were neighbors since we were 5 years old and played sports together all through high school. It was cool to get Ron's perspective as the Chicago Bears were preparing for an upcoming NFL Playoff Game with the Seattle Seahawks. Ron, a Seahawk season ticket holder, Lynn and I made sure we got our jabs in!  

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Ron with his lovely wife Tracy

The Beginning 1-9-11

#7 Bob Avellini

                   


The very first Livin Sports talk show aired Sunday January 9, 2011 on AM WIND 560. My in-studio Co-Host for the show was Former Teammate Chicago Bear Bob Avellini and our special guest was another Teammate of mine when we played college football together at the University of Washington, NFL Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon.

#1 Warren Moon

Listen in, as we talked about life in the NFL and what it is was like to be an NFL Quarterback and what it takes to be a great QB. We previewed the opening round of the NFL Playoffs and rated the top QB's in the College game. We also had a great time reminiscing how sports molded our lives, and had fun reflecting back on our Pro-Football careers.

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Todd Collins....Brain Trust or Brain Fart

I have a ton of respect for any player that makes an NFL roster. But who in their right mind would put Todd Collins as the #2 QB in front of Caleb Hanie on the depth chart for the Chicago Bears in the biggest game since the 2006 Super Bowl. Granted, Caleb Hanie is young and raw, but let's take a close look at the numbers.

Todd Collins has been on a NFL roster for 16 years, but he will turn 40 on his next birthday. Of those 16 years, he never saw the field in 7 of those seasons. Sure, Todd went to all the meetings and practices, but without game time experience, you never develop as a dependable QB in the NFL. My intention here isn't to throw Todd under the bus, but try to figure out what the hell offensive coordinator Mike Martz or Coach Lovie Smith was thinking. The Bears 'Brain Trust' really laid an egg on this one. Todd Collins during the 2010 season completed 10 passes for 68 yds, had 5 INT's, 0 TD's and a QB rating of 5.9. For the past 13 years, Todd only saw action in 17 games as a back up.

Even though Caleb Hanie has had only 3 NFL seasons under his belt, he clearly showed why he should have been the QB when Jay Cutler hurt his knee. He has younger legs, a stronger arm and the guts to step in the fire under extreme pressure. To hear the lame excuse that Todd Collins has more experience...Bull Crap! Play the guy who gives the team the best chance to WIN. Shame on you Coach Martz, by playing Collins you wasted 2 drives that could have made a difference. Also, by putting Caleb 3rd on the depth chart, he didn't get many reps in practice.

Did Jay Cutler Quit on the Bears?

This past Sunday when the Chicago Bears played the Green Packers for the NFC Title, a black cloud of controversy surrounded QB Jay Cutler. Did he really suffer a game ending knee injury or was he so bad, he decided to take him self out so he didn't self destruct the Bears? As a former Player for the Chicago Bears, I'm not questioning his toughness or his Manhood. What I am questioning is his Demeanor, his Character, and his ability to be a Leader.

As a QB in the NFL, you are the Captain, the General, and the Leader of the Troops. On Sunday, Jay Cutler didn't show any of those characteristics. In fact, he looked very disinterested while on the sidelines nursing his knee. Was it his left or right knee? He couldn't even remember which play he hurt it on. And what is even more puzzling, Jay decided to have dinner Sunday night at a local restaurant and several fans watched him go up and down stairs without any discomfort.

Now, I was very lucky never to have torn an ACL or MCL during my 9 year career, but how bad was Jay's knee anyway. Monday's MRI results showed a slight Grade II tear. (Probably a Grade I inflated to a II to sound better in the media) Anyway, it sure has created a 'Knee Jerk' reaction among the Loyal Bear Fans. Oh well, Jeremy Roenick, former Blackhawk star, summed it up the best "I played a whole season on a torn MCL, Cutler sure wouldn't be cut out to be a hockey player!"