Fox News host Lawrence Jones is speaking out about his new show which debuts on Saturday night.
The “Lawrence Jones Cross Country” host told Fox News Digital that viewers want a show that is “simple” and that they can relate to.
“I’m from Texas, and I’m too country to try and be fancy… if I try and start talking all high class, I’m going to butcher the word. I’m just gonna be me, and we’ll see what happens.”
Jones’ program is part of a trio of weekend programming changes at the network. The other changes affect Dan Bongino’s “Unfiltered” program, which will start at 9 p.m./ET. Brian Kilmeade, whose show also debuts on Saturday, will be seen at 8 p.m./ET.
“I started at Fox with no experience; they brought me in. I was a college student,” he said. “I’ve always been me… they’ve given me this incredible opportunity to have my own show.”
Jones said his show will reflect the news happening worldwide but added that he would throw in some fun topics to discuss.
“Lawrence Jones Cross Country” will air on Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET on Fox News Channel.
We’re only one month into 2022, and many news talk hosts have probably already spent some time either on or off the air getting to know some of the individuals running for office this year.
Whether it’s U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, state races, or even county or local races, there is one problem that continues to permeate politics: the right people don’t want to run.
By the “right” people, I don’t mean right-leaning (although yes, that would much be my preference). I mean competent, humble, well-intentioned public servants. So what happened to them, and why are they so difficult to find?
There are three main reasons that this is happening.
1. Social Media
Social media platforms have allowed politicians to build a “brand” rather than focus on serving the people who elected them and getting things done to help the greater good. As a result, it’s no longer attracting serious people who want to focus on policy behind the scenes; it’s drawing too many people who have an interest in becoming stars on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
And admittedly, we, in talk radio and cable news, reward those folks with interviews and attention on our shows. We aren’t blameless here.
Plus, when you think back to a pre-social media world, a House member, of which there are 435, would not get any attention in the media without the blessing of leadership in the party, which would theoretically make sure that this was a serious, worthy, individual. Instead, social media allows anyone to become a star, regardless of qualifications.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are many positives to social media, and I’m not here to turn the clocks back to yesteryear, but in terms of who politics is currently appealing to, this can be the wrong motivation for many.
2. Dirtier Than Ever
Politics has always been dirty, but in 2022, what makes it worse is that they’re potentially dragging their entire life and family through the mud when one runs for office. While this is an extreme example, and this person is not technically a politician, use Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh, as Exhibit A as to how politics can nearly ruin someone’s life over false accusations.
What solid person simply trying to give back to their community wants to run for office to deal with that? They can quickly join their HOA board and find local charities to support while avoiding an incredible amount of nastiness and headaches.
3. The Fundraising Never Ends
In the House of Representatives, where elected officials are up every two years, the fundraising continues the day after winning an election. Due to the money in politics, House races in middle America cost millions of dollars. The fundraising is non-stop. This is true at most levels of politics in today’s environment. It’s an expensive game.
How many folks who, once again, are looking to humbly serve their country as a public servant and work on policy want to spend a bulk of their time shaking down donors on a non-stop basis? It’s just not appealing.
So, as a result, what do we get? Reality-star wannabes, social media sensations, and power-hungry hucksters.
It’s a bad combination, and it’s damaging our country.
And don’t get me wrong, there are some gems out there who are genuinely running for offices across the board for the right reasons, but there sure aren’t enough in 2022.
And we desperately need those folks to step up and turn the tide ASAP. Our country depends on it.
Do you need the energy of others around you to work harder or smarter? Are you the type who struggles to contribute to Zoom meetings? Do you lose focus quickly? Then maybe you need a check=up from the neck up about how you work from home.
For me, the challenges of working from home mainly stem from interruptions from pets, spouses, delivery people, and home chores. I need more discipline to stay on track to hit sales goals and not get distracted.
You need a plan for your day, just as you would at work. But building in some household chores would be wise. Remember, you are trading in the morning rush out the door and afternoon drive home for a walk to your computer and then to the TV at the end of the day.
For most of us, that’s at least an hour a day saved by staying home. Spend it as you wish but make sure you schedule it outside your prime selling hours.
2. Stay in Touch
This shouldn’t be hard for most of us with a corporate CRM tracking our moves. But don’t forget to plan social time with people from work who you enjoy.
3. Be Self-Employed
We are who we are when nobody is watching. This is your opportunity to have your own business and work independently. A promotion from work could be next if you conquer this stage.
4. Take a Break
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You took them when you were AT work, so why change? Don’t forget the internet surfing you did, the errands you ran, and the time you wasted hearing about your workmate’s problems. Try to make those breaks more productive by cleaning, paying bills, or playing with the dog. It’s good for your mental health.
5. Get Help
If you need help keeping things quiet for client calls, negotiate with anybody you have at home to help you. If you live alone and have a pet who interrupts things, consider taking your dog to daycare once a week so you can schedule your calls on that day and help guarantee you won’t be distracted.
6. Create an Office
Create a home workspace that is pure business. Post quotes and keep track of your sales. Let this be your workplace and concentration zone. If you pick up a paper, book, or report, don’t put it down in any other place but where it belongs! Please keep it clean each day you are done and all business.
7. Let Your Hair Down
If you have a good client who you have known for a long time but has never been to your home, here is your chance. Show ’em around! Take a Zoom call on the phone and show them your backyard, BBQ, or home theatre room. Let your dog bark at them or have your partner say hello.
8. Take Rewards
You are home and it will be easier than ever to achieve some personal goals by focusing on some self-care. Eat better. Exercise more. Be calmer. Maybe even consider the gas you are not buying as savings for a big night out.
9. Be Positive
Let positive quotes, blogging, and motivating YouTube hits be your distractions. You need positive reinforcement and will have to work at getting some.
10. Train
Study Zoom, social media, and other forms of prospecting. Dig into this new reality and see if you can make it work for you AT HOME.
After going thru a nationwide search over the past few months, Bonneville Phoenix has found their man. The company has announced the hiring of Sean Thompson as Program Director of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station and ESPN 620 Phoenix.
Thompson has spent the past ten years in Atlanta with 92.9 The Game as its Assistant Brand Manager. He played a key role alongside former PD Terry Foxx building and developing The Game into a southeast sports radio powerhouse. Over the past two years with Foxx in Charlotte, he’s reported to Audacy VP of Programming Reggie Rouse, assuming more day to day responsibility. Among his duties, managing the station’s play by play partnerships with the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks and United FC, and keeping The Game’s talk shows on track and in a strong ratings position.
“It was going to need to be the ultimate opportunity for me to leave The Game and I’ve found it,” said Thompson. “With the talented talk shows, flagship relationships with all the local teams and full commitment to digital content, the potential for the Arizona Sports super brand is limitless.”
Thompson takes over for Rod Lakin, who left the station in October to become Sports Radio WIP’s brand manager in Philadelphia.
“Sean is the perfect person to lead Arizona’s Sports Station to new heights,” shared Bonneville Phoenix SVP/Market Manager Ryan Hatch. “He is strategic, creative, collaborative and we can’t wait to see what he will do to continue to grow the Arizona Sports brand on all channels.”
Thompson’s industry experience should serve him well moving into his new role. In addition to his work at 92.9 The Game, he’s also spent six years in Madison, WI as an On-Air host and Program Director, and five years with Westwood One working in their Affiliate Relations department.
RT America host Steve Malzberg said CNN host Brian Stelter is purposely playing down the significance of serious crime for political theater.
The “Eat the Press” host attacked Stelter and other left-leaning commentators during one of his recent episodes.
“People are getting stabbed, shot, and killed every day and Stelter mocks the reporting of it!” Exclaimed Malzberg. “Sick, sick, sick, stuff.”
Malzberg said a newly released Fox News poll found 85% of Americans said their top concern was inflation and high prices above all issues, concerns about crime came in second with 81%.
“All of this begs the question, Brian, what the hell are you doing?” Malzberg said before playing a clip of last week’s CNN morning show with network law enforcement analyst Michael Fanone.
During his appearance, Fanone discussed several ways in which law enforcement are being unfairly portrayed in the media. Fanone is a former U.S Capitol police officer who was also present during the Jan 6 riots.
“He (Fanone) is talking about crime in this country,” said Malzberg. “Sounds like he would have made a great guest for Stelter’s show on crime, but apparently he didn’t fit Brian’s agenda. In fact, if Fanone would have said what he said on CNN on Fox, Stelter would have probably played it as an example of the evil Foxiverse.”
“Eat the Press” is described as a “take-no-prisoners media critique.” Malzberg has hosted shows on Newsmax TV, WABC Radio in NYC, and on WOR Radio, also in NYC. To learn more about his show, click here.
The Fox & Friends program Tuesday reacted to how the media is portraying the comments made by Bari Weiss and Bill Maher on HBO’S “Real Time.” The comments centered on COVID and getting back to normal.
Outlets like CNN and MSNBC have been critical of the pair. Both Weiss and Maher expressed frustrations with the virus. Weiss drew the ire of left-leaning pundits when she said she was “done with COVID.”
Brian Kilmeade, Steve Doocy, and Ainsley Earhardt tried to shed light on what Weiss and Maher may have been thinking.
“The survivability is 98 percent. And you want to live your life running around hiding for two and a half years? Are you kidding? She’s 100 percent right,” Kilmeade said, referring to Weiss, who went as far as to disinfect food cans she bought at stores.
“I’m certainly not hiding; I’m just being careful,” said Doocy. “A lot of people, I’m in my 60’s, a lot of people over 60 are being careful because they don’t want it, and it’s killing 10,000 people a week.”
Earhardt said that people at higher risks require greater protection from the virus than children, who are less physically at risk and are bearing the brunt of the social distancing restrictions.
Kilmeade urged President Biden to change his messaging on COVID. “His message should be, my new message is living with it, not running from it, here is how, move, back to work.”
Singer/songwriter Neil Young’s ultimatum to Spotify backfired after he posted an open letter to the streaming service asking them to get rid of Joe Rogan for promoting “fake information about vaccines.”
He then published a follow-up letter Wednesday, expressing regret that the catalog was being removed while doubling down saying he “could not continue to support Spotify’s life-threatening misinformation to the music-loving public.”
Spotify confirmed the removal of Young’s catalog to the website.
“We have detailed content policies in place, and we’ve removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID since the start of the pandemic,” a spokesperson said. “We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify but hope to welcome him back soon.”
Young said that Spotify represented 60 percent of his streaming revenue globally, which amounted to “a huge loss for [his] record company to absorb.
Rogan signed a massive deal with Spotify to host an exclusive podcast last year. “The Joe Rogan Experience” has drawn sharp criticism from vaccine and mask advocates.
Last month, a group of 270 doctors and other medical professionals wrote a letter calling on Spotify to “mitigate the spread of misinformation on its platform.”
Versatility is always a key in sports. General managers talk about it as a way to have more flexibility on their rosters all the time these days. Versatility is also a key in sports broadcasting. In this case, the ability to call multiple sports, sometimes in the same week, at a high level. No drop off between sports, and no indication of fatigue based on scheduling.
To me, that tells the story of Dave Pasch. He’s been in the game a long time and continues to be at the top of his game whether he’s broadcasting the NBA, college football, or the NFL. It’s a skill that only a very few own.
I might add, he gets the job done on both television and radio. The balancing act of going back and forth between the two media forms isn’t all that easy, either. Descriptive to the max on one and letting the pictures tell the story on the other. Mastering that craft is not something everyone can do.
THE ROAD TO ESPN/ARIZONA CARDINALS
Pasch went to Syracuse and got started at the student station WAER-FM, where he worked from 1990-94. A year later, he went to work for the West Virginia Radio Corporation from 1994-1995 as a news and sports anchor, and he called high school football play-by-play.
Pasch also worked for WMAQ-AM in Chicago, the signal that now is home to WSCR, one of the sports radio stations in the city. At ‘MAQ, he hosted a talk show (The Sports Huddle) and the Chicago Blackhawks’ pre-game show, as well as calling play-by-play on select Blackhawks broadcasts.
From Chicago, it was on to Detroit. Pasch worked for WDFN-AM there, serving as a sports anchor, talk show host, and play-by-play commentator for International Hockey League Detroit Vipers broadcasts.
He then went back to his alma mater, Syracuse, where from 1999-2002, he was the radio voice for Syracuse football and basketball. Pasch also called select NFL and NFL Europe games for Fox Sports in 2002 and 2003, and did the Buffalo Bills preseason telecasts in 2001.
In 2002, he became the radio voice of the Arizona Cardinals. He has been balancing that job with several others, mainly for ESPN, where he’s been since 2003. For the network he calls NBA games, college basketball games and college football as well. Pasch occasionally pops up on Westwood One radio to broadcast the NFL and the radio network’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He just called the Rams-Buccaneers NFL playoff game on Westwood.
Pasch has worked with a who’s who of analysts in each sport he calls. Chris Spielman, Bob Griese, Urban Meyer and Andre Ware in college football. His partners on his NBA and college basketball telecasts include Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, Hubie Brown, Doug Collins, Jay Bilas, Dick Vitale, Bill Raftery, Doris Burke and, of course, Bill Walton. More on his relationship with Walton later.
Also at ESPN, he’s handled Major League Baseball broadcasts and women’s college hoops as well.
WHY IS HE SO GOOD?
I already mentioned Pasch’s versatility, and his ability to handle the array of sports he does. As a play-by-play announcer, he is rock solid and always brings an energetic and informative broadcast to the viewer/listener. There’s no flash, but it’s not needed when you have what it takes to deliver games the way he does.
For broadcasters that do multiple sports in the same week, preparation can be an issue. Where do you find time to get ready for each team and each sport in a manner that they deserve? If a broadcaster isn’t sufficiently ready for that game, there’s no fooling the audience. It becomes pretty clear. For Pasch, the preparation is there, the knowledge of the teams is there, and that’s why he’s a pro’s pro.
I also appreciate his sense of humor. There is a way in which he can laugh at himself and his partner without making it too much. In other words, Pasch allows for a little fun when needed and called for within a telecast or broadcast. I’m good with that if it isn’t at the sacrifice of key moments in a game. He has that style down to an art form. This makes a game between two teams that maybe the viewer doesn’t have a rooting interest in fun to watch.
He has the ability to play the “straight man” in the context of his partner getting a little outside the broadcast. Pasch has had plenty of experience being a good partner, especially when it comes to working with Bill Walton.
BILL WALTON
Pasch was paired with Walton on college basketball for ESPN’s Pac-12 coverage starting in 2013. The two work together often and just did a game the other night between Oregon and UCLA. Pasch never knows what might happen during a broadcast.
For example, in this game, Walton went off the rails as usual and also as usual, Pasch played off it, questioned the big man’s thoughts, and offered some well-placed sarcasm. Pasch also kept the viewer up to date on the game while the nonsense was going on.
In the second half of the game, Walton casually mentioned how the “Tinder portal” has worked out very well for the Pac-12. After the UCLA legend kept talking for another few moments, Pasch had to jump in to point out that Walton referred to the NCAA’s transfer portal as the Tinder portal.
Dave Pasch: "You mean the Transfer Portal? You called it the Tinder Portal."
Bill Walton: "Tinder portal, yeah. That's what it is."
Pasch: "You're saying the Transfer Portal is like Tinder? You swipe right or left to get a player?" ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/o2vnOfWp8R
This is television gold, showing exactly why Pasch is the perfect foil to Walton’s outlandish commentary.
Pasch though told The Oregonian that he appreciates working with Walton and that the former UCLA star wants to be good at what he does on television.
“I emailed Bill after the game this past weekend and his response was, ‘I’m sorry I let you down,’” Pasch told John Canzano. “He’s so hard on himself. I don’t know what he’s talking about. It’s Bill. He’s hard on himself. That’s what made him a great player.”
The broadcaster was also willing to point out that his broadcasts with Walton doesn’t serve all audiences.
“Not everybody finds what we’re doing entertaining. There are plenty of people, probably including several coaches in the conference who don’t enjoy it,” said Pasch.
“The biggest thing is to document the game. When your goal is to document the game and celebrate the players, you can still have fun and allow Bill to be Bill. I do think there’s a fine line there. I’m sure we’ve crossed it where you’re trying to be funny or you’re trying to have a gag work and it doesn’t work because you tried… there is a complete spontaneity to the broadcast.”
COMMUNITY/FAITH
Pasch is a man of faith and put that on display at the beginning of the pandemic. He and his family offered assistance to those struggling to pay their bills. He tweeted the following on March 14, 2020:
If there is a family in the Phoenix area who will have lost income because of the Coronavirus, and cannot pay a bill, please DM me. The Pasch family would love to hear your story and try to help. Acts 20:35
“If there is a family in the Phoenix area who will have lost income because of the Coronavirus, and cannot pay a bill, please DM me. The Pasch family would love to hear your story and try to help. Acts 20:35.”
“I just felt this is an opportunity for me as a Christian to live out my faith in a way that’s real and kind of where the rubber meets the road,” said Pasch. “Here’s an opportunity to step up when you’ve got a lot of people that are hurting and suffering and unsure of the future, scared, nervous, anxious.”
He asked those within sports to set the right example. Such a fine message shows how a sportscaster for a local team can become instantly involved in his/her community. It’s so important to have that relationship with the fans on a deeper level.
CONCLUSION
I’m a big fan of Pasch’s work and enjoy pretty much everything he calls on ESPN. Glad to see that solid, no-flash broadcasters are still prospering in the industry. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I appreciate when the announcer excels at making the game the star.
SUMMARY
Dave Pasch has risen through the ranks of top play-by-play announcers in the game. Hard work and a tremendous work ethic and style have helped him along the way. Pasch handles a busy schedule like a pro and excels at all the various sports for which he calls games.
Soccer players aren’t angels. They can do miracles on the court, but they can also party and behave like all of us do in bars, restaurants, and casinos. A lot of soccer stars are known for their gambling habits, so we decided to make the top five list.
After days of research, we came up with the most notable names. Keep reading to see the five most famous soccer players who like to gamble!
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese player is one of the most decorated footballers ever. He is a winner of five Ballon d’Or, the highest individual trophy from FIFA, and several Club World Cup trophies. That would be enough to make Ronaldo a legend, but his gambling habits make his career even more impressive.
There were quite a few casinos employees who claim that Cristiano is one of their best customers. Ronaldo reportedly loves to play games with the best deposit bonuses, according to rumors, Ronaldo finds online casinos particularly interesting because a large number of games and bonuses give him the opportunity to win extra money and cheer up.
2. Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne
Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne is one of the most talented English players to ever live. He was a member of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Italian team Lazio and Rangers F.C. His career was plagued by injuries, but Gazza continued to talk tough on-field and enjoy a lavish lifestyle off it.
In 2004, Paul was admitted to rehab for drug addiction. Days after he left the facility, Gascoigne was caught drink-driving with just under three times the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. But most people don’t know that Gazza was a passionate gambler.
His ex-wife Sheryl Gascoigne said in an interview that “he’ll gamble on anything – cards, horses… He’s always at it.” The media never really reported about Paul’s gambling habits, but we definitely believe his former wife.
3. Neymar
We could say that Neymar is one of the luckiest men on Earth. The Brazilian player started playing professional soccer when he was only 17. He soon moved to Barcelona F.C., where he collected trophies like they were toys. He then signed with PSG for a record-breaking $263 million.
But Neymar’s gambling habits are even more interesting than his salary. Neymar used to post images of him playing poker with friends on social media accounts. His passion for gambling even earned him a place in the 2015 European Poker Tour.
4. David Beckham
Do you remember David Beckham? We’re just kidding – everybody does! Beckham is known for being one of the prettiest soccer players of all time, but that didn’t earn him a place in Manchester United. On the contrary, David earned his position as one of the best midfielders the game has ever seen.
But he is also a casino lover who often visits gambling outlets in Las Vegas. A lot of journalists claim that Beckham enjoys playing slot machines, but he made sure to turn it into a business. Namely, David is the brand manager of multiple casino businesses in Singapore and Macau.
Beckham is a very clever guy, and he obviously knows how to combine his gambling passion with business. Good job, David!
5. Gigi Buffon
Gigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in history. He has won almost everything this sport can offer, and he still plays for his maiden club Parma. A lot of fans know that Gigi made a fortune playing soccer, but not too many know that the Italian player likes to gamble.
Gigi Buffon loves poker. He is a regular at the Casino di Campione in Lombardy, where he often plays poker with his friends. Gigi Buffon’s love for gambling became so famous that Italian journalists asked him to comment on it before the 2014 World Cup.
In an interview, Buffon stated that he was going to start up his own private club where he can watch soccer and play poker. We are not sure whether Gigi really did it, but we definitely like the idea.
Conclusion
The list of footballers who love gambling is long and distinguished. We should also mention Diego Maradona, Wayne Rooney, Joey Barton, and Dominic Matteo, but there simply wasn’t enough room for everyone on our list.
That’s why we picked the five most popular soccer players who like to gamble. Who do you believe is the greatest casino gambler among these famous players?
Leslie Alexander is an online gambler and a content lead at Gamblizard. Leslie is interested in all types of casino games, so she gladly shares her vast gambling knowledge with online followers. When not working, Leslie is probably reading or running long distances.
Joe Rogan has received support from an unlikely source. The hosts of ‘The View’, Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin and Sara Hines were in agreement, Rogan’s podcast should not be removed by Spotify.
The discussion about Rogan’s future on Spotify’s platform has come into focus again after rock musician Neil Young demanded that his music catalog be removed by Spotify. Young is upset with what he believes is vaccine misinformation being spread by Rogan on his podcast. The rock legend issued a statement the other day, which has since been deleted: “They can have Rogan or Young. Not Both.”
Behar acknowledged she thinks Rogan is a ‘horror’ but removing his podcast isn’t the way to solve the problem. Behar said the way to counter Rogan’s type of speech is by adding more speech or by boycotting the program.
The conversation came up during the show’s ‘Hot Topics’ segment when the hosts reacted to Howard Stern’s defense of Rogan. Though he admitted he’s not friendly with the podcast host, Stern said he doesn’t want to see Rogan cancelled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0jXpnOuBL0
Behar applauded Young for taking a stand, and wondered if other musicians would adopt similar positions, calling the situation ‘consequence culture, not cancel culture’. Part of the consequence she said would be to punish Spotify by not using their platform as a result for allowing Rogan to operate as he sees fit.
“I’m not saying that Joe Rogan should be removed from Spotify,” added host Sunny Hostin. “He’s got 11 million listeners, he’s got a $100 million contract, as of 2020, but I do think, as the podcast platform, you have to have some sort of guidelines. How about a disclaimer on his podcast, that says ‘This is misinformation.’ How about removing some of the podcasts that disseminate this misinformation?”
Fellow host Sara Haines then pointed out to her colleagues that Spotify has in fact done that. Last April the company removed over 40 episodes of Rogan’s podcast from its platform.
Haines continued by adding “People are hungry for conversations. He has a 3-hour conversation with his guests, and he does bring on opposing views. He doesn’t see that as ‘platforming them’. I think people are hungry to have open conversations, disagreements, debates, and they don’t want to be told how to feel about it.”
Hostin followed up by pointing out that the hosts of ‘The View’ are held to an ABC News standard because of who they work for, and after citing examples of Rogan’s speech being uncomfortable, she challenged Spotify to do a better job of policing its people and platform.
The segment ended with Behar asking “when it’s hateful speech, is that equivalent to yelling fire in a crowded theater?” She explained that doing so is dangerous, people aren’t supposed to do it, to which Goldberg added “but there isn’t any law against it.” The group wrapped up the discussion by agreeing that Rogan should be allowed to speak freely but Spotify needs to do a better job of making sure those listening are aware that not everything mentioned is factual.
