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Victorkiam's avatar

The Big Show revisionist history is interesting. The show was successful because Mr. Pringle Ordway was a GREAT facilitator of hot takery and was able to integrate (at the beginning) both personalities (Steve Lyons, Smerlas, LB) with Globe writers who had takes that were shrouded in fact and knowledge (Shaugnessy, Ryan). The show met its demise when it became more Larry Johnson eating/laughing at unfunny Ordway quips and less sports focused. So yes I agree with Michael but the entertainment was always backstopped by legit boston writers in their prime. If the show existed today, Shank and Ryan would be wheeled into the studio with lunacy.

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Mut (Mike Mutnansky)'s avatar

Yeah, I want to get Glenn on to react. Good take, Mr. Kiam.

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joninthecar's avatar

When Borges wrote BS they called it out. Media take downs were well researched. 985 only legitimate journalist they have on is Gasper and he’s too busy finding big words to use.

Great post.

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Victorkiam's avatar

Ron's vendetta against Brady/Belichick destroyed his credibility so quickly on the boston radio. he was rowing uphill against his need to keep his source (Bledsoe) in the seat that his objectivity about the patriots turned to mush. it's sad because ron could write and understood football. I find it interesting that Leigh Montville never stooped to the radio work and coupons at the Halfway Cafe yet he was the best writer in town. Funny that he realized his best points were made in the paper vs jousting with Steve Buckley and Steve Burton (the mensa Steves)

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Father Chip Hines's avatar

Back in the day the Big Show was must listen radio. I can remember sitting in my car waiting for the Whiner Line to be over before going in the house. Also, the Whiney Awards were fantastic, fans felt like they could be a part of the show in a weird way. And lastly for me were the regular callers like “Butch on the Cape” or “Dakota” or whatever the guys name from Watertown...was it Steve? Anyway that’s my 2 cents on the Big Show. If they brought Ordway out of retirement I’d listen! The shows on WEEI are essentially unlistenable now. Maybe Greg Hill but I can’t remember the last time I listened to them either. The old lineup was great...Dennis and Callahan or Kirk and Callahan in the morning was must listen radio. I loved Mut and Merloni and of course the Big Show. Mikey was bad but Ted Nation was good till it wasn’t. I like Dale and Neumy a lot and when Bob left it was a bad day God rest his soul. Anyway, as I’m recovering from a total knee replacement I’ve got plenty of time on my hands for this conversation! Thanks Mut for another great 4 pack!

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Mut (Mike Mutnansky)'s avatar

I remember making sure to take lunch breaks at Donelans Supermarket right at 2PM so I could hear the Big Show open and who the co-hosts were that day. And then listening to the Whiner Line in my driveway, same deal. Good luck with the knee recovery Chip!

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Jeremy Licciardo's avatar

I have read baseballs 's attendance is up, which is nice but, I thought the shift change was going to help a lot of players, but some just can't hit, Joey Gallo lol. I haven't ever listened to 98.5 and been happy afterward, maybe it's just me but I have never been able to stand those dudes for more than 2 seconds. I can't even remember what he said years ago that irked me, but now just hearing his voice turns me sideways. lol. With EEI changes last winter, the only thing I listen to is the sox on the radio, I tried the midday show but, no thanks lol.

While the townsfolk won't be happy, I am hearing things are moving well with horse racing in Gardner. Maybe next year? We shall see.

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Mut (Mike Mutnansky)'s avatar

Racing in Gardner? The furniture capital of New England????

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Jeremy Licciardo's avatar

I know, but it's true, they have been having meetings to change the zoning on certain parcels along 140 to commercial, so the plans for a racetrack can move forward, the talks have been positive in the state. We have a meeting Tuesday about it. Should be interesting, got people on both sides of the fence.

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joninthecar's avatar

Felger deserves no credit. He took Will McD’s work and made it into a book. He took Glen’s show and made it his own. Having Air Frying Joe Murray next to him is hilarious. Just another clone who is playing a character. The whole station are just characters that can’t think on their own.

Talk sports? Lol they openly admit to ignoring baseball because of NESNs ratings. It has nothing to do with ratings. They don’t have the rights and find it easier to say “Bloom and Henry suck. Don’t give them money” because having an original thought is too challenging.

It will be interesting to see how that station does when The Buffalo Popcorn Cartel’s team goes back to barely making the playoffs.

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Mut (Mike Mutnansky)'s avatar

I'm a Joe fan. And you might not like the show, but Felger deserves major credit for what he's built.

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joninthecar's avatar

Eric Clapton is a great musician but he still credits Robert Johnson and the Blues musicians that he covered.

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joninthecar's avatar

Air Fried Joe = No Scally Cap, Angry Joe = Scally Cap.

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