WGN Morning News Blog

Time for another installment of "Mailing It In." Sorry it's taken a little while this time, but I was on a Red Cross mission in the Balkans. This week, I'm answering some questions about repeating myself, and my predecessor (who apparently had a speedo and leather fetish).

Isn't it Paul's turn to make you eat something from the Wheel of Death????
- Kevin Merrill, Chicago

I'm sorry, Kevin, but I know not what you speak of. I can only imagine you're referencing something which is the EXACT OPPOSITE of a "Wheel of Death." And that is our very special "Wheel of LIFE," the vending machine in our cafeteria that provides nourishing snacks and heartily nutritious meals for everyone at WGN. If anyone ever referred to it as the "Wheel of Death," AND did a segment on it, that was certainly in poor taste, and management knew better than to let it continue.

Good Morning Pat. You are a wonderful sports anchor but what I would Like to know is why does every segment show the exact same thing I know you all have pick up more coverage than just the exact same segment each and every time it is time to speak. This goes on for four hours every day why stay on for so long if you are just going to repeat that same thing everytime. This os not just the sports segment but the whole show for the entire FOUR HOURS.
- Robin, Chicago

There is only one way you could know that we repeat ourselves all 4 hours, and that's if you're watching ALL 4 HOURS! I believe this is the first issue we must address. Are you in a body cast?

What is the significance of baseball players keeping the back pocket inside out. on their uniforms? I noticed AJ does but missed the comment regarding the reasoning behind it. Thanks.Enjoy your segments.
- Pat McCormick, Chicago

Pat, there is an epidemic in baseball right now that's bigger than steroids, or inflated salaries, or the Tampa Rays being in first place. Pick-pocketing. Players across both leagues have been having their wallets stolen, and this has been interfering terribly with their social agendas- and not so much because of their money, credit cards or ID's being stolen.

Pat, I was wanting to find out why Notre Dame gets talked about more even when they lose vs other local Div 1 college teams when they are winning? Do they slide you an extra $$ to hear their name on tv? Less ND please.....Thanks
- Doug, Oswego

Yeah, that's it. Notre Dame won 3 games last year, and of most importance to them is hearing the school's name mentioned on an early morning local newscast.

You have been around a while now so the honeymoon is over - when are you going to to sports in a speedo like Mike Barz did? You may be do sports but brother you aint no Mike Barz
- Eric, Gurnee

Asking me to wear the "Sports Speedo" would be like asking me to start doing a "Top Ten List," or a "Jaywalking" segment. These are trademarked bits specific to their creators. Mike Barz didn't just wear the "Sports Speedo"; Mike Barz IS the "Sports Speedo." How would you feel if he went on the air claiming he owned FOX-32?

Plus, the guy's 6'5." I can't compete with legs like that.

Your predecessor, Mike Barz, once did a leather clothing fashion segment. With IML (International Mr. Leather) 30 coming up this Memorial Day weekend, any chance you'd do a leather clothing segment?
- John G., Chicago

Again, another signature bit for Mike, but one I nearly made an exception for. Did you notice that I waited until after the competition to answer you? I couldn't think of a reasonable excuse, as I love the feel of leather on my thighs. Ultimately, I just couldn't steal his idea.

By the way, can you believe it's already IML 30??? It seems like IML 10 was just yesterday!!!

This morning you were sitting at your desk doing the sports and it looked like there were 2 bobbleheads on your desk. They are personalized? One looked like you and the other like Larry. The reason I'm asking - my husband ordered 50 personalized bobbleheads of himself and would love to send you one for your desk to display. Would you be interested? Let me know. I have 50 of them to give away.
- Gina Iannantone, Plainfield

So let me get this straight. Your husband ordered 50 bobbleheads of himself, and he has 50 to give away? Were they so bad he didn't even want one? I guess I'll take one, though I have to say, you're not exactly making a hard sell here. I do, in fact, have a personalized bobblehead. Larry does not. Is this the bobblehead you're mistaking for him? And if so, what are you saying about his hair?

Pat, As you were walking down Broadway crossing Aldine yesterday in your blue/grey workout clothes, the collective gasps and sighs from the boys at Caribou could be heard for blocks! Yet, you seemed oblivious to the "man-traction" of it all. Great to see you!
- John, Chicago

Was that around 3:00? Apparently your adulation was so loud, a buddy of mine thought Ricky Martin was in the neighborhood. Sadly, I was oblivious to the "man-traction," as I am oblivious to many things in my life, like smoke alarms, paying credit cards, and authority figures in general.

Cougar got your tongue? Apologize, you witless, wantabie WGN TV reporter, for your distasteful, arrogant and for lack of better words, stupid, anal portrayal of seniors. You will be lucky if you are around for two more years of your immature portrait of a mature individual. Suck it in, apologize and if you don't know the meaning, ask one of your associates to find the meaning of apology in a dictionary. Better yet, dust your self off and head for parts unknown. The St. Valentine's Day massacre had more credibility then your poor excuse for farce.
- CeCE, Downers Grove

Wow! A little late to the party, no, CeCee? I did that bit like 4 weeks ago! Perhaps it took you that long to craft these eloquent and persuasive remarks. Well allow me to retort. I said the piece was a look at what I would be like as an old man, and it is. I simply took some of my current character traits (farting, poor driving and stage fright at the urinal) and advanced them 50 years.

I'm also confused as to what exactly an "anal portrayal" is. Are you sure you're reeeeaaaalllly lacking for better words here????

You need to grow a mustache. Will you sport one for the summer?
- Bryan, Chicago

Summer is not a time for facial hair, Bryan, but the winter of '07 was (see below)