One of the staff was a young barback by the name of Charley Hott. It had definitely been a torch job, and a highly professional one at that. First and foremost, you'll enjoy the entertaining storytelling of a radio pro who knows how to make you laugh, push your buttons, and keep you listening. [15] Subsequently, while living in Brookline, Massachusetts, he studied at Boston University, where he received his master's degree in print journalism two years later. Its as if theyre deaf to the thudding music and blind to the staccato lights, the swirling mass on the dance floor, the general frenzy of this jammed disco. Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC, "ESPN Wins The Courtship of Bill Simmons", "Creators and producers of 30 for 30 series share thoughts on fifth anniversary - ESPN Front Row", "Fall 2009 Slate and Schedule Announced for ESPN Films' "30 for 30", "Interview with Bill Simmons, Author of The Book of Basketball", "ESPN sends strong signal on role of podcasts", "Another Record Year for ESPN Digital Media", "Bill Simmons Writes About Holdouts, Works Through Some of His Own Issues", "Simmons: Don't deny NBA stat geeks the truth", "ESPN Adds Jalen Rose, Bill Simmons to NBA Countdown", "ESPN Is Splitting With Bill Simmons, Who Offers an Uncharacteristic Word Count: Zero", All-Star Roster of Writers and Editors to Join New ESPN Web Site, "The Bill Simmons Top Secret Editorial Project Is Underway", "The Grantland Basketball Show with Bill Simmons to Debut October 21 on ESPN - ESPN MediaZone", "Scenes From 'The Grantland Basketball Hour' Debut", "ESPN Statement Regarding Grantland - ESPN MediaZone", "Bill Simmons to Join HBO, Going From Free Agency to Freedom", "HBO Cancels Bill Simmons Talk Show 'Any Given Wednesday', "Bill Simmons's first HBO documentary will focus on Andr the Giant", "Bill Simmons Inks New Deal at HBO (Exclusive)", "Bill Simmons unveils new site's name: The Ringer", "Bill Simmons' The Ringer Inks Advertising, Tech Pact With Vox Media", "Bill Simmons scores massive sale as Spotify buys his publication, The Ringer, for nearly $200 million", "Spotify is buying Bill Simmons's The Ringer to boost its podcast business", "Sports Media Giant Bill Simmons Finds Himself Playing Defense", "Bill Simmons has had this coming for a long time now", "Bill Simmons on lack of Ringer podcast diversity: "It's a business. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. By then some new trends will be developing., Such as? Works at Akira Wood, Inc. Menu. Career. With the OP-Houston, Caven adopted a layout design that has since been duplicated in all of his other discos. Caven, once again, found a crease in the market. A few weeks later, a security guard caught two men drilling holes in the roof; the FBI investigated and found them to be known arsonists. [1][24], Simmons left Boston and moved to California on November 16, 2002[25] and began working in April 2003[26] as a comedy writer for the show. Live from Grand Rapids (when he's not on location), Bill Simonson is your host of The HUGE Show. A native of New York City, Symington attended the Gilman School in Baltimore; he subsequently graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Dutch art history. The building was perfect. The letter writer explained that he had happened to wander into a bar on Rawlins Street where, to his surprise, he had seen men dancing with men. He wanted to know whether that was legal. In his first issue, Simonson upended the established order by having Thor suffer defeat at the hands of a bizarre-looking alien called Beta Ray Bill. I did a google search for Hammerheads and it looks like it was a rockin place to see some awesome bands. He refused to apologize, rebuffed my efforts to resolve this matter, and now has apparently decided to file a lawsuit. I just realized I didn't link the video to my thread. If ever there was a person who needed a hug from Angi Bruss, it was Bill Simonson. As the festivities began, Frank went home and went to bed. Caven recalls all of his bars with a kind of fatherly pride. ", "RemDawg: Simmons Out of Running for RSN Prez", "Jemele Hill 'checkmated' ESPN: Bill Simmons says she accomplished what he could not", "At The Ringer, Staff Writers Say They Are Second-String", "Gilbert Arenas, Ryan Hollins defend Jalen Green after Bill Simmons' comments", "A Celtics-Heat Rock Fight with Bill's Dad. For other people named William Simmons, see, The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy, "The Boston Sports Guy: Revisited, Reinvented and Revealed", "Bill Simmons's new site, The Ringer, goes live. For the next 28 years, Frank Caven was a car salesman he sold Hudsons in Philly, Kaisers in Atlantic City, and Fords in New York. Copyright 2023, D Magazine Partners, Inc. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. "I have retained an attorney, but asked him to avoid further public comment because I want to protect my family. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The 106.1 frequency is not to be confused with the one in the Lansing area, which is not carrying nor affiliated with the program. Make Mother's Day "Spa-tacular" with a gift from the Grand Spa at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort! Frank and Charley consider themselves damn lucky to be where they are. Thanks to some open records weve obtained via The Ogle Mole Network, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how Ryan Walterss PR team tried to score him a speaking gig in DC at CPAC, and their efforts to get Oklahoma taxpayers to front the bill. That means our direct available market is about 10,000 gays. [55] A documentary on Andr the Giant was co-produced by HBO Sports, the WWE and the Bill Simmons Media Group, with Jason Hehir directing. Even now they have sturdy competitors in two other gay discos: Dimension III, in the former Bayou Landing on Pearl Street, is a big operation; owned by Bob Strange, D-III, as its called, attracts a more consistently gay clientele than the OP, and a much larger crowd of gay women. The two men stared silently. The bars were nearly complete, all the equipment installed; the big dance floor was laid in the disco. He wears tight blue jeans and a smart striped knit shirt. The operation had expanded to Houston and the Bayou Landing there was faltering. "[76], With his column, Simmons aims to speak for,[43] reconnect sportswriting with, and reproduce the experience for the average fan. He was previously on the Free Beer & Hot Wings" show. The new Old Plantation would be a hit. Its estimated that the gay population of Dallas is about 100,000. [82] Simmons and Red Sox announcer Jerry Remy feuded over the presidency of Red Sox Nation. Simonson said plans are still being worked out for online listening. [22] He has also stated that he joined the show because he was burned out from his column, felt he needed a change, and always wanted to write for a talk show. In January 1970, the Bayou Club opened its doors. ESPN announced on May 8, 2015, that Simmons' contract, which was due to expire in September 2015, would not be renewed. Bill calls Avon, IL, home. Regional Director - Gulf & Agribusiness Segment Leader:<br> * Responsible for managing 3CU's Gulf Region underwriting operations (FL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TX) in all segments we write.<br . You can review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. If you continue browsing, you accept our use of cookies. "A friend and I were walking along, trying to get to the `L,' and some kid jumps up and sucker-punches us," he said. [15][16], For eight years following grad school, Simmons lived in Charlestown working various jobs before eventually landing a job at ESPN. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Zane took to his Facebook page to share the announcement. It takes some world-class levels of self-loathing to be the kind of jerk this guy was. Its as odd a business partnership as can be imagined, and enormously successful. It was going to be, they felt, the best gay bar in Dallas, the liveliest disco around. See Photos. Theyll soon be opening another disco on Cedar Springs, near Magnolias. [11] Ryan Schuiling is suing Bill Simonson of The Huge Show. "[65] Critics noted that Simmons employed his nephew as a producer and had created a podcast for his teenage daughter. After the battle, Bill began to feel guilt over his victory, now feeling that Mjolnir was Thor's by right. [32] Simmons' writing in his columns is characterized by mixing sports knowledge,[16] references to pop culture[16][18][32][77] including movies and television shows,[78] his non-sports-related personal life, his many fantasy sports teams,[32] video games,[32] and references to adult video. Lords of an Underground Empire - D Magazine Symington comes from a political family: his father, J. Fife Symington Jr., served as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago; his cousin Stuart Symington was a U.S. in political science (his primary focus was the Middle East, which he often cites in his columns by way of saying his sportswriting career has nothing to do with his degree) and a GPA of 3.04. As with most of his early bar ventures, Caven was as apt to sell as he was to buy. [46], Simmons served as the editor-in-chief of Grantland, a website owned by ESPN covering sports and pop culture that launched on June 8, 2011. It was Dallas first gay disco showplace and it took off. Bill Simonson | The Huge Show Column: Memorial Day weekend offered chance to reflect The David Warsen Memorial Foundation is an effort that defines the giving spirit of a man who was there for. Because the building is a U. S. historical landmark, all improvements on the building, in essence all costs of construction, are financed by the federal government at a mere three percent interest. When asked by the editors of Deadspin why he had not written a new column in over two weeks, he said that he was writing less because he loved writing his column and believed that he and ESPN had come to an agreement "on creative lines, media criticism rules, the promotion of the column and everything else on ESPN.com" but within a few months all of those things changed. The OP is certainly among the top 10 in the area in bar liquor sales, probably in the top 5. If we do that, with our competitors pouring for $1.50, were lost.. The OPs own security keeps the place in check; there have been few serious incidents. Thor | Creators, Stories, & Films | Britannica "[19], Originally the column was only available on AOL, and Simmons forwarded the column to his friends. "The little guy who threw . The Vaughan brothers, Freddie King and others were regulars, Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills and Nash to mention a few and many others came to Ma Blues just to hang out, jam and party. Captain Itt will take pictures of all the beautiful animals for the Queen's Art Gallery. The Huge Show, which airs each weekday from 3-6 p.m., has been featuring interviews with Michigan's big-name sports figures as well as Simonson's opinions on local, national and worldwide sports. Their orders are to fly to the planet Earth and land their spaceship in the jungle. "[35] Simmons and Schell took special interest to "stories that resonated at the time but were eventually forgotten for whatever reason. Caven cant resist a chuckle at the notion of Uncle Sams building a gay bar. Yeah, I've noticed the Cannery has a ton if shows. [32][81], In 2007, he was named the 12th-most influential person in online sports by the Sports Business Journal, the highest position on the list for a non-executive. Says Caven, in one of his pet bar owners phrases, From then on, it was wall-to-wall bodies., He opened one other bar in Dallas at the time, a place called the King of Clubs on Field Street. Bill also answers to William J Simonson, William Jay Simonson, Willliam J Simonson, William Simonson and Willia Jay Simonson, and perhaps a couple of other names. Helen Simonson Biography. [8] Simmons was an only child and grew up in Marlborough and Brookline, Massachusetts, before moving to Stamford, Connecticut, to live with his mother after his parents divorced when he was 13. But only after surviving arson, harassment, and sabotage. Zane joined the station in 2016. To socialize they have to pass by each other, bump into each other, look into each others eyes. "[35] The series premiered on October 6, 2009, with "King's Ransom" directed by Peter Berg. Another small local club that flat-out rocked with both local and the infamous bands of the era. Join Facebook to connect with Bill Simonson and others you may know. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Occasionally a fight would break out between the Braniff stewardesses and the American stewardesses. He shakes his head and chuckles. And friendliness, friendliness at the door well, thats critical.. next game. While their clientele danced, Frank and Charley beat the streets for a suitable location for a permanent OP. Report with a new theme song written by Ronald Jenkees. Bill Simonson | The Huge Show - MLive.com [60], On May 30, 2017, Vox Media announced that it had entered into a deal to provide advertising sales and access to its publishing platform as part of a revenue sharing agreement. That included Eric Zane, morning host of The Eric Zane Show along with his on-air partner, Ben Glaze, as well as program director Marcus Bradman. All rights reserved (About Us). Two bands that made it off the top of my head at this place are Metallica and Slayer. Bill's Roster; Schedule; Bill Simonson's Bio. Example video title will go here for this video. We will make no further comments at this time.". Added to Roster Saturday, Oct 23, 2021. You can read it for yourself, but the crux of his argument is that a certain West Point grad is of poor character because he got drafted to play football and will not be going to Iraq. The OP-Dallas, for example, has four separate bars, one always seemingly an arms-length away; even on the busiest nights, a customer rarely has to wait more than 30 seconds to get a drink. The thing had gone up so fast, had been so hot, that the huge steel support beams had melted into a twisted wreck. It was packed every night. Bill Simonson is on Facebook. On May 15, it was announced Simmons was officially done at ESPN, effective immediately. The website also hired a number of staffers who formerly worked with Simmons at Grantland. Walt Simonson - Wikipedia Bill Simonson, a longtime Michigan sports personality known for The Huge Show, will move to a new radio network following an announcement Friday that gutted the local sports crew at Grand Rapids station WBBL (107.3-FM). This isn't Open Mic Night. You can review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Booher, who has worked in Michigan radio and built networks for several years, was originally involved in building the network of stations for the Huge Show. I worked for Bill from 1974-77 and saw and met too many of the music legends to count. His first professional comic book work was producing war stories for DC Comics and other publishers. Frank understands that. [19] For the first 18 months, Simmons would send it to about 100 people, until it became available on the web in November 1998. You have the opportunity to share your opinion, but you better bring your A-game if you're going to call in to The HUGE Show. He mouths contentedly on a large cigar and downs his Canadian Club and soda at a steady pace. People go to bars to socialize, to avoid being lonely, says one of Cavens managers. [45] He left the show prior to the 20142015 season. For the frugal and ambitious dishwasher, it meant a few extra bucks. If you continue browsing, you accept our use of cookies. POSTS Bill Simonson is a 27-year veteran of the sports radio, having hosted the "Huge Show" in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Austin, Chicago, and - for the last 18 years - on the Huge Radio Network in Michigan. Heres a link to my Facebook live talking about it. The OP-Houston caught on immediately and hasnt slowed since. The lawsuit relates to a February blog post on Detroit Sports Rag, a third-party website that is not affiliated with Simonson. The Bayou Landing continued to operate, but under a dark cloud. Bill Simmons Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards - TV Guide Bill Simonson, a longtime Michigan sports personality known for "The Huge Show," will move to a new radio network following an announcement Friday that gutted the local sports crew at Grand. His young companion, much younger, is a wisp of a man, almost frail, dark hair falling in a long sweep over his forehead. They had no choice: They turned, kicked through the ashes, and went back to work. The discos account for most of that. Sometimes Bill goes by various nicknames including Bill H Simonson, William H Simonson, Willia Simonson, William Simonson and William H Simonson. Michigan Media Network is a privately-held broadcasting company, built & led by experienced radio professionals who provides top flight programming and service to our affiliates and advertisers. It was built for, and caters to, the gay community, but straights have discovered it in increasing numbers. William D Simonson, Billy Simonson and Bill D Simonson are some of the alias or nicknames that Bill has used. Walter 'Walt' Simonson (born on September 2, 1946) is an American comic book writer and artist, won numerous awards. There have been other problems. Bill Simonson. Even before the Lions picked him, the Army had stooped to using him in uniform as a military mascot during the NFL draft. [95] The controversy revolved around the entry of pornstar Christian into an ESPN fantasy basketball league. Bill Simonson Biography Mini Bio (1) Bill Simonson is known for Touchback (2011). In El Paso, he had become involved both professionally and privately in the gay scene; in Dallas he noticed there were only three gay bars, only one of which served liquor. the stupidest thing I have read in my entire life. Here's another (the Monk/the New Monk) that I used to frequent when I lived in Berkley (1970-73). There would be no repeat of the Cedar Springs burnout. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Ingham County Circuit Court, alleges Simonson defamed Schuiling in various statements made via email and across social media. No self-respecting disco would be caught without an earthquake bass. A good sound system means a minimum investment of $25,000. Bill Simonson Profiles | Facebook [112] He also says he is a fan of English Premier League soccer team Tottenham Hotspur, and he has had playful debates on soccer with previous ESPN colleague David Hirshey, a soccer columnist and a die-hard fan of Tottenham's fierce rival Arsenal. Schuiling's lawsuit was accompanied by a request for a temporary restraining order, which would prevent Simonson and Cumulus Media from defaming, making false allegations or "acting in any manner" that could damage Schuiling's reputation or lead to unfavorable publicity. Savannah, Georgia. [58] The site was to be run as part of his venture, the Bill Simmons Media Group, that was launched in the fall of 2015. When the gay boycott of Coors arose (in response to anti-homosexual remarks made by Mrs. Joseph Coors), the OP switched to Miller Lite. Bill Simonson is a 27-year veteran of the sports radio, having hosted the Huge Show in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Austin, Chicago, and for the last 18 years on the Huge Radio Network in Michigan. It made lights look way better. Then, two months after the Bayou opened, a letter appeared in the widely read Action Line column in the Times Herald. The Mark Twain didnt fare too well; the successful Bayou Landing, a direct descendant of Cavens own Bayou Club, had a stranglehold on the gay disco scene and Caven couldnt break it. But the OP seems to have succumbed to the trend. In celebration of this, after the jump, a trip down memory lane as Mel Bracht gets all righteous and calls (sort of) for Simonson to be fired. It was late Saturday night and construction was right on schedule. Each bar is a separate corporation, and in each they have a varying percentage investment. would put up the money to start a bar in El Paso. He was suspended for two weeks from Twitter, though he was still allowed to post tweets about his ongoing book tour. The OP, as its regulars fondly dubbed it, began to skim the cream off the top of the Bayou Landings clientele. On the hot night of July 4th that summer, a sniper perched in a nearby building shot out the air conditioning units on the roof of the OP. Tomorrow they would put down the carpet and begin fine-tuning the place for their grand opening, just five days away. They both get a kick out of it. Bill Simonson | The Huge Show - MLive.com There was dancing, but it was more of a mingling bar. See Photos. [114][115], Simmons also has created numerous internet memes, most notably the Ewing Theory[116][117] (though the idea was originally proposed by a reader[116]), The Tyson Zone[118] and the Manning Face.[119]. Marty Booher of the Michigan Media Network said in a release that when things are finalized in the coming days, sports talk radio content will be enhanced and improved in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. Helen Simonson author biography - BookBrowse.com Call-In number: (866) 838-4843 The product of a middle-class family in Arlington, Charley had a strong work ethic and a fascination with money. Connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with Michigan Media Network news and programming. Bill Simmons. Gay observers were amused during legal proceedings when Burgess cited prostitution as his primary reason for cracking down on the OP. Yes, the rules are there to help market the academy's sports programs by giving good athletes the opt-out early parachute. [76] Simmons has stated that he "will never write a traditional sports column. [69] The book spent five weeks on The New York Times extended best-seller list. Twelve years ago, Frank was selling used cars in El Paso; Charley was selling corny dogs in the Cotton Bowl. Schuiling's attorney, Jamie White, declined to comment on the lawsuit. Michigan Media Network is best known for running Shep, Shower 'n Shave with Matt Shepherd that airs in the mornings on WDFN (1130-AM) in Detroit. But, in fact, they see and hear it all better than anyone. Its a budding empire. What a hypocrite. The Village Station, as its tentatively named, will be smaller than the OP, but more sophisticated in decor, lights, and sound. Im a bug on it. He hosts The Bill Simmons Podcast which regularly rotates through conversations and interviews with Hollywood personalities, professional athletes, other media pundits, old friends, and family. Sooner than later the NCAA will put a price tag on a scholarship and everything connected to it. After graduation, she went on to attend Wilson College in Pennsylvania and the University of Nebraska but transferred after facing racial discrimination. The gross revenues of all the Caven/ Hott clubs combined are estimated to average a half million dollars per month, a very conservative estimate. TV Shows. For programming inquiries or to learn about advertising opportunities with Talk Media Network, call us at (616) 884-8616 or. Copyright 2020 Michigan Media Network, LLC. [51] Months after it decided not to renew its contract with Simmons, ESPN shut down the Grantland website on October 30, 2015.[52][53]. My Les Paul is the leading online community and marketplace for Les Paul guitar fans. Bill Simpson weighed 184 lbs (83 kg) when playing. After two years of success with The Bayou Club, Caven decided to sell, to a man named Dennis Sisk, who operated the place for about six months; then, with his partner Tony Caterine, Sisk moved to a much larger and more extravagant location on Pearl Street, and the bar became the Bayou Landing. One of these clubs had bands play which became famous later on. Yes, this is a picture from the Village Station circa 1988. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. It was way beyond that site too! The more passing and bumping, the more friendly it is. The kiddos may not remember it -- I barely do myself -- but there used to be a guy named Bill Simonson who had a radio show in the Oklahoma City market. Written By: Case Conley Sparky McEwen knew that it would be a challenge when he took the Davenport head Michigan Sports Network | 2023 All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy, Charlevoix - Petoskey WMBN 104.7 FM | 1340 AM, St. Joseph - Benton Harbor WSJM 106.1 FM | 1400 AM. Bill Simpson was born in Detroit, MI. A few years ago, the OP-Dallas was the largest single purveyor of Coors beer in Dallas-Fort Worth. But the OP survived. [21] Becoming one of the most popular columnists on the site,[29] Simmons was given his own section of ESPN.com's Page 2, which helped both himself and Page 2 gain widespread popularity. Frank Caven and Charley Hott seem to know no bounds. I&#8217;m sorry to say Bill Simonson (the primary owner) passed away, my . I mean, he actually called himself "Captain Huge." The Huge Show | Michigan Sports Network An incredible ten days after the fire, he and Charley opened a temporary OP on Denton Drive. [39] Simmons created one or two hourlong podcasts a week, generally carrying one theme throughout, talking to everyone from sports and media notables to his friends. If Campbell was a leader and a man of the highest character, wouldn't he turn down the Lions and honor his duty to this country? Lots of affordable shows here. The pale stucco of the building, broken only by a few dull green doors, is undistinguished. It included accusations that Simmons had tried to marginalize The Ringers newly-formed union, through tactics such as bringing in contract workers and unfollowing writers on Twitter who had expressed support for the union. The Caven/Hott cruise bars are basically break-even propositions financially. A huge supporter of law enforcement, the military, and children's charities, and an active father of five! Bill Simpson is 6-1 (185 cm) tall. [5] Popular Michigan sports-radio talk shows find new home Personal details about Bill include: political affiliation is currently a registered Democrat; ethnicity is unknown; and religious views are listed as unknown. Report was downloaded more than 25.4 million times. On May 8, 2007, Simmons began a podcast for ESPN.com called Eye of the Sportsguy.