Oh, I Think So

I wish a very happy birthday to my oldest friend, Mrs. X (not her real name, y'all), who today turns the same age as me.  Welcome, Missus, I say, to the continuation of life!  Mrs. X and X (nope, also not his real name), her dear husband, live about one hour outside of Tampa.  They used to live one hour outside of NYC but they grew weary of the weather and commuting in that weather decided to relocate to sun and warmth.  When I called this morning, Mrs. X was walking their dog, Princess (yes, her real name is Princess, and she is royally well behaved), so X and I had a spirited political discussion, something we both enjoy.  The bottom of line of that discussion is this:  (1) there are many liars in politics and in talk radio; (2) while it is the American way to come from nothing and succeed beyond one's wildest dreams there will also be haters hating on you if they are jealous or just stupid haters; and (3) Mrs. X really loves X.  A lot. ...

The notion of getting season tickets for the Bears appeals to me intellectually.  In reality, season tickets for the Bears would mean enduring a harsh climate in the latter part of the season as there is no roof at Soldier Field.  Then I thought about what might be a better idea.  Season tickets for the Blackhawks AND season tickets for the Lyric Opera.  Both are near my workplace.  Both are of interest to me.  Both have civilized patrons (I work in a major train station and the Hawks fans are very well behaved in the building and out in front while they wait for the bus to United Center and, well, headbutting and rudeness doesn't seem to occur to opera fans).  Both offer a huge spectacle.  And I can't afford decent seats at either venue. I have enjoyed fourth row seats at the Lyric Opera and it is magical.  I have endured upper balcony seats at the Lyric Opera and while I enjoyed the music and the show, the seats up there are particuarly n...

1.  I've been to Bears Training Camp in Bourbonnais; I don't need to go again.   The Bears hardly seem to appreciate the effort the fans make to get to Bourbonnais, parking in distant lots and walking great distances to stand in the summer sun, only to be ignored by their heroes who would not be heroes at all -- just guys with thick necks and memory issues from too many concussions -- were it not for their fans. 2.  Statistics are for immediately after the game and off-season comparisons.  During the game, before the game, even the day after the game, it's just dick measuring. 3.  If I watch the game or see highlights later, the outcome is not affected.  I am interested, I care, but if I go to Target or a movie, or have a nice meal while a game is being played, the Bears will play the way they were going to play. 4.  The NFL must get serious about concussions.  When I read a series of detective books and the protagonist is knocked ...

Yes, yes, I wanted the Steelers to win (HOW DARE Green Bay beat the Bears!?!) but I can't be upset by Green Bay's win because Aaron Rodgers was masterful and the Packers played like a cohesive unit.  I say congratulations and well done! The Black Eyed Peas really did it for me, too.  They were excited to be there!  How many headliners come to the halftime show thinking they are too cool for school?  Yeah, you know what I'm sayin'.  Fine, fine, it wasn't ideal but it was, as predicted by me, a medley of their biggest stuff plus Slash plus Usher pressed into, what, 10 minutes?  I liked it, so good for me for not being a hater. Christina Aguilera was WTF from beginning to end of the Star Spangled Banner.   Christina A  overworked each and every note and, for an added bonus, messed up the words.  Again I ask WTF?  Attention people who book talent all over America!  If you want someone to sing the Star Spangled Banner, do not ask Mis...

... and frankly, I don't care as long as the Steelers win and The Black Eyed Peas are awesome.  There might be a smidge of caring involved except there was a lot of snow in Chicago this week, like almost two feet worth of the stuff.  It was snowing when I got up this morning.  You can imagine how that made me feel. Insult added to injury But really, what's the difference?  That the weather beats me down is neither here nor there.  I can do nothing about!  I cannot change it!  I cannot control that many people in my neighborhood have the Shovel Revulsion Disease or are on such low-sodium diets that they thought the doctor includes feeding salt to their sidewalks!  I found a route to the bus that is a semi-straight shot that the neighbors were considerate enough to snowblow or shovel which was a major relief to me (you should see the mountain I stand on so the bus sees me).  Then why do I want to move to a warmer climate even as I know, ...