[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 93 WXRT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Quigley) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, Chicago is a city of many treasures. From 
the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from the 
sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate the 
Windy City. But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's 
finest features do not make it onto most tourists' to-do lists. But if 
you want to share with the visitors some of the true heart and soul of 
Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with our lake on one side and our 
beautiful skyline on the other and 93 WXRT on the radio.
  I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that 
was music radio in Chicago before XRT. Forty years ago, all you had was 
the same 10 songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse 
playlist, with a passion and an integrity unmatched even today. No 
coincidence it became a 24-hour station in 1976, demonstrating our 
city's unique commitment to independent thinking and an unbridled 
celebration of art and music.
  Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world. XRT encouraged me to 
leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to 
listen to Steve Goodman and my first concert at the Aragon Ball Room to 
see Mott the Hoople and the New York Dolls, not to mention other famous 
haunts that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy 
Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxie Music and the like.
  Thank you, XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person. And 
when your kids turn their dial to 93, they will find Lin Brehmer, 
``your best friend in the whole world.'' Lin has been the morning voice 
of XRT for the last 20 years and is a Chicago institution unto himself. 
For 20 years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things 
Chicago, from commiserating with us over another Chicago Cubs loss to 
suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner. He shares 
with us the best of the city and makes sure we better understand the 
world with ``Lin's Bin.'' He helps us discover new sounds, rediscover 
old favorites and provides an unparalleled soundtrack to our days.
  A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors 
throughout his illustrious career. In 1990, he was honored as Music 
Director of the Decade by Hard Report.
  Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, 
borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins: ``Flesh fade and 
mortal trash fall to the residuary worm, you and I might as well rock 
and roll.'' Dubbed the Reverend of Rock and Roll early in his radio 
career, Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other.
  Now, more than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, 
New York, Lin has succeeded in doing that and so much more.
  Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished 
foodie, never going anywhere without a food guide in his car and his 
self-described ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough give to 
accommodate another Chicago meal--oh, that Wiener Circle. His favorite 
restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of cuisine for an even 
broader array of occasions. His recommendations have included ``best 
upscale Mexican restaurant for when you want to leave the kids at 
home'' and the very specific ``best late night steak burrito.'' I'm 
sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and his 
colleague, Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite table 
at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the north side.
  Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us discover the best about Chicago, 
and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself. We appreciate 
and applaud his career as one of our city's finest radio personalities 
and most recognizable voices, and look forward to the music experiences 
and food he will help us discover in his next 20 years. Thank you, Lin, 
for always reminding us why it's great to be alive.

                          ____________________