[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SPIKE O'DELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and 
distinguished career of my friend, Mr. William ``Spike'' O'Dell, radio 
host of the morning show ``Spike Radio.'' After over 20 years at WGN-AM 
Radio, Mr. O'Dell will retire in December 2008, and you can count me as 
one of the listeners from all over Chicagoland who will miss hearing 
him on WGN.
  Over the years, Spike O'Dell has interviewed U.S. Congressmen and 
Senators, reporters stationed in war-zones, comedians, and Olympic 
athletes. His favorite sayings of ``Nothing is worth your health or 
happiness'' and ``Life is too serious to take things too seriously'' 
influenced the acerbic but entertaining atmosphere in which he took 
calls from his listeners.
  Spike's listeners have come to rely on his thoughtful and extensive 
coverage of current U.S. and world news, traffic, and weather. 
Appropriately, Spike O'Dell's hard work and insightful reporting over 
the years have been recognized with the honor of an Achievement in 
Radio, AIR, Award in 1999 from the Chicagoland AIR Awards Board of 
Governors.
  While I am sure Spike's family will be glad to enjoy more time with 
him, the rest of us will miss his hard-hitting news reporting, weekly 
current events quizzes, and engaging discussions and interviews, not to 
mention his eternal faith in the Chicago Cubs and ``Spike's Emergency 
BBQ Sauce'' give-a-ways.
  Madam Speaker, I wish Spike and his family the best of luck during 
his retirement and throughout his future endeavors. Morning talk radio 
in Chicago will not be the same without Spike O'Dell.

                          ____________________