Andrew / January 30, 2007 10:09 PM

Question suggested by Dubi.
(Don't worry, Bears fans, we'll have a pro-Super Bowl question next.)

I'm not aware of any specific non-Super Bowl parties, but this event looks like a good alternative.

Emerson Dameron / January 30, 2007 10:27 PM

Puppy Bowl!

amyc / January 31, 2007 6:31 AM

Two chicks at the same time!

Or Puppy Bowl and craft projects, whatever.

adam / January 31, 2007 7:54 AM

You could some see this at the Siskel Film Center! I even make a brief appearance in it, although I haven't seen it yet.

GYPSY-JAZZ ODYSSEY
2006, Eric Hentemann, USA, 74 min.

Known internationally as a music educator at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, Alfonso Ponticelli heads up the local gypsy-jazz group Swing Gitan. GYPSY-JAZZ ODYSSEY focuses on Ponticelli, the passion behind this music, and its roots in traditional Flamenco. Hentemann documents the local scene as well as the annual Django Reinhardt Festival in France. DigiBeta video. (JD)

Sunday, February 4, 5:00 pm
Thursday, February 8, 8:30 pm

Smashmouth / January 31, 2007 8:05 AM

Whether or not you're a football fan, if you can't get into the spirit of our hometown team going to the championship game for one day (if not for civic pride, then for the camaraderie of friends), then you are probably a huge buzzkill in most social situations anyway, and would probably best be served staying at home behind locked doors and hosting a tea party for your umpteen cats...

Ben / January 31, 2007 8:44 AM

Or, maybe you don't want to sit inside watching TV for a 4-5 hour stretch.

J / January 31, 2007 8:52 AM

It's a good day to go out to a nice restaurant. They're pretty empty.

Bill V / January 31, 2007 8:59 AM

I mean really! The Bears are in the big game this time, so fan of the sport or not it makes a lot of sense to enjoy a party somewhere! Shame on those who go shopping or sit in an empty restaurant.

ms. ultimate / January 31, 2007 9:11 AM

I've never been a fan of the pointy soccer, but I will definitely be watching the game this Sunday, surrounded by friends, nachos and beer. If I weren't watching, however, I'd use that time to run errands or go to someplace that's usually intimidatingly overcrowded, like a museum. You should be able to read a book sitting in the middle of the Drive without fear of getting hit. Be prepared to get funny looks from salespeople who are themselves bitter they're not watching the game, though.

vise77 / January 31, 2007 9:28 AM

For those of us who don't like football that much, nor Chicago sports teams, the thought of spending all that time watching a game we never liked much in the first place has less to do with bad civic pride than sanity.

"Shame on those" who do differently? Get a life, dude. It's just sports, not the second coming (though I'd probably stay home for that as well, given my issues with Christianity).

I say go to the movies.

Drew / January 31, 2007 9:41 AM

Chicago Shakespeare Theater has a 3pm matinee of the musical 3 Musketeers. I saw it last night and it's quite enjoyable. There is also a 3pm show of the South African production Amajuba: Like Doves We Rise, also at CST.

Or check out any of these events from the Chicago Winter Delights website.

p / January 31, 2007 9:46 AM

personally i'll be in miami sporting my bears sweater vest w/ no shirt underneath (first time sporting this look since the polar plunge) and some china-town sunshades. but there is an ivy league rapper named MC Paul Barman who has a track all about inviting everybody's girlfriends over to get down while their boyfriends watch the game and has an orgy-esque par-tay. Just sayin'...good opportunity for non-sports-minded lotharios to get their back-door man on. Free country but barring an orgy w/ a bunch of other dude's girlfriends- your ass should be watching the Bears. Restaurants and Businessess should close so all workers can partake fully- Bears Super-Bowl Sunday is more holiday worthy than Cazimir Pulaski Day if you ask me. Also- Go Bears!!

Pete / January 31, 2007 9:46 AM

Puppy Bowl is always a joy, but does WTBS still run their "Andy Griffith Show" marathon on Super Bowl Sunday? Now, that's some quality television!

kelly / January 31, 2007 9:51 AM

I kind of agree with Bill V-- it's a cool thing to happen in your city, whether you're a fan or not, it is an enjoyable event.
A few years ago I went shopping on Michigan Avenue on Superbowl Sunday, and it was empty. No lines anywhere! But I'm guessing that the anti-Superbowlers probably have "issues" with the shopping as well.

Marilyn / January 31, 2007 10:04 AM

I haven't watched a Bears game or followed them in a long time, but I have fond memories of the 1985 win. I don't think I'll end up watching the whole game, but I'll probably tune in for some of it.

And let's take it easy on the non-football fans. A lot of people never went to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under George Solti, even though it was the most respected orchestra in the WORLD. Different strokes, ok?

Greg / January 31, 2007 10:11 AM

Deliberate counterprogramming seems sort of pathetic to me. Anti-parties, Puppy Bowl -- stuff like that acknowledges the event's power over your life. The whole point of not caring is to not care.

That said: local team or not, football is still boring, and there's nothing worse than getting force-fed that particular flavor of Kool-Aid by a bunch of people who think they're in an SNL Superfans sketch. I'll likely do during the super bowl what I did during all the other NFL games this season: whatever the hell I want. Maybe see a movie. Play a game. Buy some much-needed groceries. Make sweet love by the fire. The night's wide open.

fluffy / January 31, 2007 10:18 AM

I'm hosting a tea party for my cat and his friends.

4point44 / January 31, 2007 10:29 AM

join the army. they need level-headed young people who aren't a party to the sporting life. you ever seen an army person play croquet? i didn't think so. let me remind you all that "we have a lot of work to do." so put down those bocce balls and get to work, slackers. uncle sam and etc.

lara / January 31, 2007 10:35 AM

fluffy-awesome.

were i not in the midst of my prelim exam prep hell (yes, i will prolly 'read' four books that night), i would absolutely host a 'salon buffy', a fabulous group to which i belong that involves good food, serious amounts of wine, knitting, a thematically curated series of whedonverse episodes, stimulating conversation, pop cultural criticism, serious amounts of wine, and absolutely no football. that being said, go bears.

spook / January 31, 2007 10:40 AM

I aree with Smashmouth, because I just know he spends a lot of his time deeply engaged in making his communty a better place, and is fully engaged in local, national and international issues. So he is just using the stupid bowl for momentary escape from reality. I mean is it wrong to watch a bunch of over paid athletes, many of them representing high moral standards chase a ball around a field?

And all those cool commercials that represent the depth and creativity of America!

We as Americans need to escape now and then because we- the majority -spend so much time doing some thing about the fact that we are hemorrhaging soldiers in Iraq and about to send more. We are constantly doing some thing about how Dick Cheny, Bush, and other thugs are getting rich off the very same war. Just as we are doing some thing about deteriorating public schools( producing less scholars, but more people addicted to sports) declining wages and work opportunities while jobs are outsourced aboard. Matter of fact we are so much engaged that all these issues will be resolved soon.
But to answer the question. I am hosting an Stupid Bowl Party! Plenty of drinks, firing up the old smoker/grill, Louisiana Gumbo. And of course we will poke fun at the millions of zombies watching this grand important event, half of them cave people.

I’m not sure what we will talk about, but I’m sure some thing we will come up, if not theirs always those indepth conversations of art, culture, food and politics, that us buzz kills are fixated on.

p.s what would happen if the Great Creature said no more sports America untill you clean up your mess in Iraq, that's about to spill over into Iran now!

skafiend / January 31, 2007 10:44 AM

Ok, just because you're in a room full of friends and the game is on the television doesn't mean you HAVE to watch it. It's a PARTY! Mingle, eat some food, chat with a few of the other friends who may not be totally interested in the game, pop your head into the room to maybe check on the score, watch Prince at halftime, then go back to hanging out in the kitchen to drink, laugh and swap stories. The game can be secondary to getting together with your friends, if you have any. I don't get this ferocious desire to be at least 600 yards from any television set tuned to the game. What's the problem? You've obviously managed to avoid watching football for a whole year, what's one game? Guess what: you don't HAVE to watch the seven hours of pregame stuff. Just join your friends and maybe have a good time, for crying out loud. The movies and museums and botanical gardens will still be there next week. Geez...

Beyond that, women are invited to a sort of anti-Super Bowl party at the Motel Bar. I guess guys can go to (they're giving out manicures with the small admission price). According to the flyer, they're mostly going to watch the ads and ignore the game. Sounds like it's perfect for some here...

p / January 31, 2007 10:57 AM

i dislike the band wilco and the majority of persons do. when they come to town lots of people go- i don't. i'd be mad if someone said i had to go, or had to sit at home and listen. to dwell on it also wouldn't be fun. so i'd go to the zoo (i love the zoo) then cook a great meal for myself. i dislike when others try to tell me how to act in general, let alone specifically tell me to listen to wilco. also- internet starchy collars are pffflappt (fart noise).

*Idea* If you like prince- have a prince party and just turn it on at halftime and go really bonkers for that half hour then go back to the party.

Mo / January 31, 2007 11:01 AM

Hmmm, I have no plans on watching the game. I'm thinking about going to Schaumburg, maybe to Ikea, places that usually make me want to murder somebody.

Of course the mall and museums and movies and botanical gardens will be there later, but they will be super crowded like always. Whereas, I can hang out with my friends any time of the week/month/year without needing the excuse of a sporting event. It's not like the only time I will ever be able to socialize is at a Superbowl party.

And as for being a buzzkill for not being a fair weather fan of a GAME? Well, if people who believe that are the kind of people populating Superbowl Parties, it's just another reason why I want to avoid them. Seems like the folks not into sports are fine with it; it's the pro Superbowl freaks that are getting bent out of shape... relax people.

spook / January 31, 2007 11:02 AM

"Free country but barring an orgy w/ a bunch of other dude's girlfriends- your ass should be watching the Bears."

Yea baby! That's what I'm talk'n bout, this is what makes America great!

I bet P is on Smashmouth's
party list! He aint no buzzkill

p.s gotta love that the women get the manicures and ads as an alternative!

skafiend / January 31, 2007 11:02 AM

And let's take it easy on the non-football fans. A lot of people never went to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under George Solti, even though it was the most respected orchestra in the WORLD. Different strokes, ok?

If they'd shown it for free on television, who knows how many would have tuned in?

Maybe CSO needs to start tailgating before the concerts...

Marilyn / January 31, 2007 11:09 AM

Solti DID tailgate. Don't you remember those killer brats and keg of Hofbrau dark he brought from Bavaria right before the Wagner marathon????

Peter Haus / January 31, 2007 11:13 AM

Spook,

When you used the phrase, "producing less scholars", I hope the bad grammer was used as intentional irony. Most scholars know the difference between less and fewer.

Greg / January 31, 2007 11:22 AM

sorta like they know the difference between "correct use of parts of speech" and "surname of the dude who played Frasier"?

Cheryl / January 31, 2007 11:23 AM

I am also not a fan of pointer soccer, so I offered to work in the place of a co-worker so he could watch the big game.

Is that acceptable behavior?

Mo / January 31, 2007 11:27 AM

OH YES! GRAMMAR WAR!

If there were a grammar bowl, i might watch it. Because i'm a giant nerd. Obviously, since I don't like football.

spook / January 31, 2007 11:27 AM

nope Pete, it was just straight up old carlessness, but thanks for your contribution. Seeya at the coliseum!

spook / January 31, 2007 11:32 AM

Mo-Z
"giant" as in tall? I bet the pro stupid bowl topic is not this fun!

vise77 / January 31, 2007 11:34 AM

I never understood how root, root, root for the hometeam demonstrated civic pride. I mean, most players on most pro teams are not from the area the teams represent. As well, the money goes to rich people, not you or your neighborhoods. Seems like a rather cheap and superficial thrill to gain pride in your city by supporting the home team.

Bread and circuses, I guess. And the slob mentality that says "go along with the majority or you are just an elite sourpuss."

Win or lose, I can't wait for this crap to end, all the coverage of trivial, all the ways in which people get emotionally wrapped up in something they have no direct stake in, no influence over, nothing to contribute but, for the most part, meaningless encouragements shouted at the TV.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 11:45 AM

I wouldn't miss this Super Bowl if I was on fire, but if Mo were to host a Grammar Bowl party on another date and invite me, I would attend that also (they're not mutually exclusive)...

And Cheryl, I find your selfless act more than acceptable for the occasion...

lara / January 31, 2007 12:05 PM

i'd like to third the call for the grammar bowl--nerds and alcohol, such a fine combination.

vise77, your criticism sits most comfortably with me of all the above. everyone makes fine points, but yours are the most thought-provoking and the least antagonistic-for-antagonism's-sake.

what of this point: why are professional sports understood to be a key, if not primary, venue of civic participation and identity?

fuelites?

kate / January 31, 2007 12:07 PM

Puppies and grammar? What the hell is going on here? Sounds adorable.

Um, Geja's (Armitage & Orleans) is offering all wines for 1/2 off on Sunday. Game updates from your server can be requested.

Marilyn / January 31, 2007 12:08 PM

Lara - No idea. My dad raised me to be a Bears fan. In the lean years, I cursed him for that. I don't think there's anything wrong with a little rivalry. It's fun and gives people something in common, community-building wise. Sure, it has its dark side, but them's the idiots who haven't got a life.

Mo / January 31, 2007 12:10 PM

Oh, I do have to say that I did watch a few minutes of puppy bowl last year, and the water bowl cam made it all worth it.

fluffy / January 31, 2007 12:33 PM

the fun part is that my guests don't know that i'm not drinking tea- it's whiskey! Mr. M wears a fancy black bow-tie!
there'll be excellent kibble, music, and lots of catnip!

i work downtown and someone was driving around playing the Bears song VERY loud. it was funny.

You know, whatever makes people happy is cool with me- as long as they leave me alone......it's a free country. Just don't f#ck with my world or i'll stab you.

Allan / January 31, 2007 12:36 PM

I was thinking of getting a pack of adult diapers and wearing them around the house until I do my business in them. Then I might hop in the shower and do it all over again.

Barney / January 31, 2007 12:40 PM

That is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen posted anywhere. I am now going to go wash my eyes out with soap.

k / January 31, 2007 12:41 PM

Puppy bowl is awesome. Whoever came up with it is a genius. I'm somewhat torn between the kitty half-time show and Prince but Prince may win out due to the probability of an FCC violation. No chance of bare ass cheek in the kitty half-time show. Though kittens is chaps could be pretty damn hilarious.

Allan / January 31, 2007 12:41 PM

I you can't stand the heat...

Papa Bear / January 31, 2007 12:42 PM

why are professional sports understood to be a key, if not primary, venue of civic participation and identity?

It is kind of like the Blues.

If I have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand it.

Go Bears!

Grammer Rules!

Barney / January 31, 2007 12:42 PM

Learn to spell jackass!

Allan / January 31, 2007 12:43 PM

I can spell I just can't type.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 12:48 PM

Everyone has mindless diversions - EVERYONE. It would be hard to keep your sanity if you didn't. Whether it's a goofy TV show, going to some Oscar Party, hell, even going to the movies - it's basically no different than watching a footbal game. To quote a famous American, all of those activities are things that the participant has "no direct stake in, no influence over, nothing to contribute..."

I personally don't care who watches the game and who doesn't. In the grand scheme, this game doesn't matter (and this coming from a former sportswriter). My earlier post was only to suggest that if you are going to be in that situtation, it doesn't have to be unbearable (and see how I avoided that pun?). But just so we understand that everyone here enjoys specific activites that they have "no direct stake in". Your diversion is no better or worse than his.

Go Local Sports Franchise!!!

JB / January 31, 2007 12:48 PM

Vise77's good arguments notwithstanding (and they ARE very good), even if you HATE football, who doesn't like a party?

After working hard all week and not always having the dough to go out, I appreciate a setting where people gather to enjoy good food, good booze, and good friends.

I'm looking forward to having fun with people I care about. If the Bears happen to win, that's cool, too.

Allan / January 31, 2007 12:52 PM

I too am a former sports writer hence the adult diapers.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 12:52 PM

Marilyn makes a good point about sports teams imbuing the inhabitants of its city with a sense of community...

As you sit on the edge of your seat and jump off the couch in excitment, you can bet that countless other (hundreds of) thousands of Chicagoans are doing the same. Likewise, when you throw the remote control across the room in frustration and curse the football gods, you can bet those same people are also doing the same...

They instill civic pride because they represent and play in the city of Chicago. Otherwise, they would just be the Frito-Lay Bears or the Microsoft Bears. The famous "C" logo on their helmets obviously doesn't stand for "Bears " or "McCaskey," it stands for "Chicago."

And for every Ditka and Butkus that has left his mark on this city, the city has just as indelibly left its identity on them. Would those two be the same personality-wise had they spent their whole careers in Los Angeles?

Why care about having the best architecture? Why care about having some of the finest museums and public art? Why care about anything Chicago? Civic pride, that's why! And I think that extends to our professional sports teams as well...

Allan / January 31, 2007 12:55 PM

I too believe in civic pride hence the adult diapers.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 12:57 PM

I too am a former sports writer hence the adult diapers.

Lucky you... with me it was erectile dysfunction from seen The Fridge naked.

Allan / January 31, 2007 1:07 PM

I saw that too. Stretch marks and blemishes for miles. I was glad I skipped lunch.

kelly / January 31, 2007 1:13 PM

How do I find out about this puppy bowl? Do they also have the 30 million dollar halftime ads?

amyc / January 31, 2007 1:13 PM

"They instill civic pride because they represent and play in the city of Chicago. Otherwise, they would just be the Frito-Lay Bears or the Microsoft Bears."

Heh. Give it time.

And let's not forget that this team so filled to the brim with "civic pride" mutilated their historic stadium for the sole purpose of giving rich people better seats, sequestered safely away from the proles.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 1:16 PM

How do I find out about this puppy bowl? Do they also have the 30 million dollar halftime ads?

Puppy Bowl

Bill B / January 31, 2007 1:16 PM

the Onion said it best, and this reflects my general opinion quite well:

You Will Suffer Humiliation When The Sports Team From My Area Defeats The Sports Team From Your Area

im not sure i get the point of sports. but im also not drawn to stamp collecting, so, different strokes and all that....

either way, rest assured that i will be somewhere where the people watching is good, and i will be drunk.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 1:17 PM

How do I find out about this puppy bowl? Do they also have the 30 million dollar halftime ads?

Puppy Bowl

oops...

E. Jones / January 31, 2007 1:23 PM

JB -- touché. I wish I could have so eloquently stated that when I was trying to defend my interest in "watching" the game with friends when I was discussing Sunday plans w/my husband last night.

I also would love to see a Super Bowl Party Food post. I'm sure that's overplayed, but some of my fave SB memories include pigging out at someone's kitchen island.

Allan / January 31, 2007 1:35 PM

Ever tried stuffed man diaper?

printdude / January 31, 2007 1:45 PM

And let's not forget that this team so filled to the brim with "civic pride" mutilated their historic stadium for the sole purpose of giving rich people better seats, sequestered safely away from the proles.

I firmly believe the stadium was "wrecked" with the thought of bringing the Olympics to Chicago. With Landmark status, the stadium would not have been able to make the necessary changes to be a part of Chicagolympics 2016. - just my own belief here.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 1:48 PM

There's plenty of blame to go around for Soldier Field. It is after all, part of the Chicago Park District, so you can't place all of the blame solely on the shoulders of the Bears organization...

Marilyn / January 31, 2007 1:51 PM

Printdude - The Olympics may be the hidden agenda behind the Block 37 superstation superceding all other CTA needs.

vise77 / January 31, 2007 2:27 PM

Printdude: What solid evidence do you have to support your theory? I ask because some of the coverage I've read of the Olympic bid has said that the mutilation of Soldier Field actually might make it harder for Chicago. I am sorry I don't have the link(s) now, and I don't mean to threadjack, but I'm curious about your idea.

As to civic pride, I have more pride when local students do well in academic competitions than when the Bears win. Or when someone from U of C wins a Nobel, or a local writer lands a good deal or exposure. All those activities have a stronger connection to Chicago than a team full of millionaires who likely will leave for warmer climes once the parade is over. Then again, I'm one of those morons who thinks the idea of a grammar bowl is spot on.

Marilyn / January 31, 2007 2:29 PM

Vise - Don't be so proud of all those U of C Nobel Laureates. They were the architects of Reaganomics.

Allan / January 31, 2007 2:35 PM

Most if not all of the Bears are not even from Chicago why would anyone feel any sense of civic pride regarding their accomplishments? It is not like the kid down the street made good and worked really hard and grew up to be a Chicago Bear. That is just stupid. Stupid!

civic pride / January 31, 2007 2:37 PM

Mikey, great answer to why sports teams are supposed to inspire civic pride. In a diverse city like Chicago there are not that many things that can bring everyone together for a silly stupid moment of common identity like the Bears winning the Super Bowl. I don't even care about football really, I just think it's fun to be able to talk to everyone I meet about it this whole week, and to be honking my horn and waving out the window on my way home Sunday night when they win.

Hell, I would think even Spook would get behind the fact that feeling happy your team won is something that could break through his neverending class war for five minutes.

Of course, I don't think Spook's ever happy unless he's unhappy.

Papa Bear / January 31, 2007 2:41 PM

If you just scratch the surface regarding Soldier Field, then it is easy to point your finger at the Bears, or even the Park District, for the space ship that landed on top of the columns.

If you follow the NFL, you were aware that all stadiums of all teams were required to have so many “luxury boxes”. Stadiums were being revamped all over the league. Off of the top of my head, Seattle, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Detroit, Chicago, New England, Pittsburgh and Buffalo all had their stadiums revamped to include the luxury boxes.

The luxury boxes are where the money is made on Sunday’s.

The NFL has profit sharing and revenue sharing between the teams, and they wanted to make sure that all stadiums are able to generate money on the same scale.

You will notice that all NFL stadiums have approximately the same attendance, approximately the same number of luxury boxes etc etc.

Last April, the Economist had an excellent article on how profitable the NFL’s business plan actually is.

I don’t know when the mafia, oh I mean the mayor, started his campaign for the Olympics. NFL stadiums were being revamped starting in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Allan / January 31, 2007 2:43 PM

You guys do know that Spook is a girl? A brunette with a decent ass and a rack. So don't underestimate her.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 2:49 PM

It is not like the kid down the street made good and worked really hard and grew up to be a Chicago Bear. That is just stupid. Stupid!

So I should root for the Philadelphia Eagles instead because Donavan McNabb is their quarterback?

That would be even more stupid...

Allan / January 31, 2007 2:59 PM

People might think it is stupid but it makes more sense in terms of local civic pride. That is such a HUGE contradiction in sports. People root for these players who don't give a rats ass about what team they are on. They go where they will get the most money. What is civic about that?

Spook / January 31, 2007 3:17 PM

Hey Civic Pride

What about civic pride for good public schools, affordable housing, universal heath care, etc?.
Is that impossible?

Maybe if the civic minded majority turned off their civic TVs and open more civic books then we could have some civic pride about some thing real? Maybe all this civic bonding over stuff like the Stupid Bowl is the reason we are at war right now because we have too many “silly stupid moments of common identity” in America?
I know its hard to understand in the middle of a group of sheep with a corporate empire, NFL, NBC/VIACOM, etc, etc as your shepherds

Maybe you should read Vises 77 post one more time And Allan are you off your meds, again?

vise 77 wrote:

I never understood how root, root, root for the hometeam demonstrated civic pride. I mean, most players on most pro teams are not from the area the teams represent. As well, the money goes to rich people, not you or your neighborhoods. Seems like a rather cheap and superficial thrill to gain pride in your city by supporting the home team.

Bread and circuses, I guess. And the slob mentality that says "go along with the majority or you are just an elite sourpuss."

Win or lose, I can't wait for this crap to end, all the coverage of trivial, all the ways in which people get emotionally wrapped up in something they have no direct stake in, no influence over, nothing to contribute but, for the most part, meaningless encouragements shouted at the TV.

ab / January 31, 2007 3:26 PM

I love how this thread gets so off-topic.

Lifetime is playing the movie "The Good Girl" on Sunday afternoon and there is a "My Boys" marathon on TBS in the evening.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 3:32 PM

Here's an idea, Spook...

Why not go volunteer at a soup kitchen during the Super Bowl, or perhaps tutor some some struggling student from the CPS system instead? At least then you would be putting your money where your mouth is for once...

Life isn't always fair or just and it isn't always easy, but it can certainly be fun for fun's sake at times! You would realize that if you ever took a minute to refrain from judging others and climb down from your crucifix...

Spook / January 31, 2007 3:42 PM

Ok, for all yall that thinks yer dear old Spook is a bit too dogmatic, a few minutes ago I was trying( honestly) to be civic minded at the copy machine by asking a colleague, if Miami had a chance on Sunday. He said, you mean the Colts?

Opps! guess I'd better read the NY Times sports page more often!

Spook / January 31, 2007 3:45 PM

Hey Mikey how do you know what I do?

p.s I'm agnostic, so crosses are out, care to comment on vises's post now?

Allan / January 31, 2007 4:13 PM

I told you guys Spook is a chic, and a cute one at that. So lay off!
At least we can all agree that football blows.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 4:15 PM

p.s I'm agnostic, so crosses are out, care to comment on vises's post now?

Can I? Again?

people get emotionally wrapped up in something they have no direct stake in, no influence over, nothing to contribute but, for the most part, meaningless encouragements shouted at the TV.

As I said, all kinds of people get wrapped up in all kinds of ultimately "inconsequential" things. For some, it's the Super Bowl, for others it's "Heroes" or "24", for still others it's "Volver" and for others it's "The Time Traveler's Wife". None of the people viewing or reading those things has a direct stake in it, they have no influence over it, they contribute nothing to it by watching it or reading it and any exhaultations of joy or weeping or laughter over it are merely meaningless encouragements directed at the TV/book/movie.

That being said, referring to it as "crap", the "Stupid Bowl", and viewers as "a group of sheep", etc., doesn't change the fact that ALL of them are merely pasttimes.

If anyone's really concerned with doing something meaningful on Feb. 4 other than watching a "mindless" football game, Time Out Chicago's current issue has a whole slew of volunteering opportunities. Pick one. Or go shopping or to the museum, it doesn't matter...

so spook is vise too? / January 31, 2007 4:22 PM

Spook, it is impossible for you to be absolutely 100% comitted to making the world a better place every single moment of your day. In fact, if you have ever worked for or volunteered for a non-profit organization that is on the front lines of any given struggle (not just signing a petition or donating some money, I'm talking about REALLY being on the front lines), you might remember that one of the most important things that is emphasized in your training is the idea of self-care. (Like, going home after the day at the shelter and having a beer and watching the game.) Spending every moment of every day dealing with the problems of the world results in burn-out and depression and good people quitting their jobs / volunteer positions. This is proven, time and time again, in any study about people working or volunteering in the "caring professions" as they call them. If you can't see some kind of joy in the world, whatever it is that entertains you personally, I don't see why you'd even bother with this world at all.

So yeah, I don't know what you do to help change the world, but if you were doing as much for the revolution as you claim, and had a heart, then you'd need a little diversion on Sunday afternoon for your own mental health.

Of course, maybe being a pain in the neck on Gapers Block is your diversion, in which case I tip my hat to you and say touche!

lara / January 31, 2007 4:23 PM

spook, i love you. and, i too would love to see more folks engage with vise's sharp indictment.

people, no one is suggesting we give up joy. hell, i strive to be a hedonist most days. but, i think it's worthwhile to critically engage with our joys regarding which are a part of what is good and sustainable about our culture and which support the parts that most are very critical of. is the superbowl a vehicle for masculinism, the glorification of violent competition, a vehicle for corporate toading, an emblem of how very f*cked up our society is around the distribution of resources and accolades? yes. does that mean that anyone who watches it is bad? no.

in fact, if you hold such critical beliefs and use those relationships around which football is a bond to raise consciousness around issues--wow! me, i can't talk football, but some days i wish i could for this very reason.

Allan / January 31, 2007 4:23 PM

Please, please lets just all agree that football blows and call it a night.

vise77 / January 31, 2007 4:24 PM

Skafiend: You raise good points, and I generally agree, and I think I would have done better had I clarified that the real spark for my words that you quote was the people who claim that non-fans who don't join in the Super Bowl fun are somehow anti-civic prudes. Seriously, the avalanche of coverage, combined with some people's feeling that all must surrender to the power of the Bears (yes, being melodramatic here) is more than a bit annoying. But thanks for the counter-argument.

fan / January 31, 2007 4:31 PM

Personally I like football but I'm not going to rip on those who don't. I don't care if you would rather watch puppy bowl, go to a museum or put on an adult diaper. Please, just don't make assumptions about who I am because I actually want to watch a football game.

Sgt. Hulka / January 31, 2007 4:32 PM

is the superbowl a vehicle for masculinism, the glorification of violent competition, a vehicle for corporate toading, an emblem of how very f*cked up our society is around the distribution of resources and accolades? yes.

Lighten up, Francis.

skafiend / January 31, 2007 4:34 PM

Vise... gotcha. i wasn't sure.

I'm burnt out on Super Bowl coverage too. In fact, I have refused to watch it. (well, as much a I can... on the morning news they showed the same exact stupid "here's what's going on in Miami" report three times in a row).

And the bad part is I once contributed to it (in a small way), like I said I was a reporter covering the 1985 Super Bowl (got drunk as a skunk on Burbon Street and shared a Lucky Dog with a stripper... but that's another story). But since that time I've burned out on sports. I'm skipping all the pre-game BS and just watching the game. I don't care about the nun who predicts the score or the kids who have written a special Bears poem in school or the guy who tattooed Rex Grossman's name on his left buttcheek or the inevitable visit to Lovie Smiths teeny-tiny hometown, etc etc etc.

So, yes, harassing folks who don't want to watch the game is stupid. But so is demeaning anyone who does watch as a troglodyte. (did i spell that right?)

Allan / January 31, 2007 4:44 PM

Well I can tell quite a bit about fan based on the fact the he enjoys football. Based on this information I can tell that fan enjoys polish sausage in the butt. I have also determined that fan has a 38" waist and on most days wears tan Dockers. I also can tell that fan is a habitual lier with a thing for the big nosed girl on Sex and the City.

Allan's Polish Boyfriend / January 31, 2007 5:03 PM

Allan,

How can you post that comment about Polish Sausage after last night?!?!

So, it is okay for you to passionately make love to MY polish sausage?...But you use that as a rip on a typical Bears fan?

That's it...we're over!

jonk / January 31, 2007 5:04 PM

yay for the nihilism in skafiend's 4:15 post.

lara's last post, quite nice, too.

i would pay at least $20 for allan's filled super bowl adult diaper.

on the alternative plan bit of the thread, there is a roman shower party that i might attend, lemme know if interested...

jonk / January 31, 2007 5:07 PM

sorry for the link, i didn't look too closely at it.

p / January 31, 2007 5:09 PM

Troglodyte by the Jimmy Castor Bunch is my JAM!!

And why should anyone have to apologize for enjoying watching a game? I'll combat the hardship of "masculinism" another day i guess? Don't mean to be flip but I can't wait to watch these bears of chicago stack up touchdowns like our culture has stacked up centuries of patriarchal oppression. It's a sport which i've enjoying playing and following since i was very young and i think it's just as valid a diversion as any other. I have no direct stake in dancing to "Troglodyte" by the Jimmy Castor Bunch, but I do and it's fun. Why don't you point out how walking brings one to their destination quicker than dancing and that I didn't create the music so i'm not contributing anything to the endeavor. Or how academic acheivements of U of C'ers are more relevant to the city because they certainly are all from hegewisch and edison park and englewood, and will not leave the city for a big pay-day upon receiving accolades. And many of those who excel there in programs focused on "civic" policy-making don't simply flip over to private financial consulting in new york?

spook and allan are the same person/grinch i think.

yep i love the bears. also crosswords and cooking w/ garlic.

Big Football Fan / January 31, 2007 5:10 PM

Actually, I enjoy Polish sausage in the mouth (but preferably Italian sausage), have a 31" waist and on most days wear jeans. If anyting, I am honest to a fault, with a thing for Kiera Knightley. And believe it or not, I even like to read as well!

lara / January 31, 2007 5:18 PM

hulka hulka:

could you possibly mean frances willard? dude, i wish. that sister was hot and knew how to par-tay. liked the ladies too, if you know what i mean, wink wink.

Spook / January 31, 2007 5:20 PM

That’s what you fail to see skafiend, foot ball is more than just a "pass time" for far too may, its a “programmed pre packed corporate culture”, that more and more chidren are getting sucked into at a younger and younger age. Kids shoot each over over 130 dollar gym shoes!

Vise made the point( even though he might be back tracking?) And Laura made the point with eloquence and intelligence as well. If they can’t pursued you aint jack I can say. You sleep walk with the majority. And finally to compare watching foot ball to reading a book, C'Mom! dude I guess that's why we make as much fuss over writers of books as we do sports teams? Guess the book bowl is next? I’m glade you're not standing in front of a classroom, but blessing to ya!

And
There are other diversions with out being sucked into the stupid bowl, again see the cultural ramifications of sports by reading Laura’s post and Vises earlier comments. Or just goggle it, alot has been written. Its not neutral its corporate culture. !

and "so spook is vise too?

I don't need a diversion on Sunday, I have many of them from reading a lot,- fiction and non fiction,- painting a lot, drinking beer, gin and tonics,and I have suddenly developed a taste for good tequila! yea I use the traing wheels so have Tank shot me!

So I balnce this hedonism/ and blow off more steam by lifting weights(a lot), going to tae kwon doe classes- probably not enough. I also travel to places with out TV's for vaction

I think I’m a pretty balanced revolutionary, he he! and yes during the day I blow off steam on Gapers Block, but as verbose as I may be, I always belive what I write
Now excuse me, I'm going out for a drink :-) But as I have to be up early in the morning like the gap band, I won't be out late!

skafiend / January 31, 2007 5:22 PM

"gottafindawoman, gottafindawoman, gottafindawoman, gottafindawoman...'

"Troglodyte"
Jimmy Castor Bunch.

lara / January 31, 2007 5:23 PM

p:
not all that engage with culture in a critical way hail from the gothic fortress in hyde park. haven't we all learned something about stereotypes today?

skafiend / January 31, 2007 5:35 PM

That’s what you fail to see skafiend, foot ball is more than just a "pass time" for far too may, its a “programmed pre packed corporate culture”, that more and more chidren are getting sucked into at a younger and younger age. Kids shoot each over over 130 dollar gym shoes!

Shooting each other over shoes?... that would be basketball. Kids aren't shooting each other over football cleats, trust me.

You're a few months too early...

You sleep walk with the majority. And finally to compare watching foot ball to reading a book, C'Mom! dude I guess that's why we make as much fuss over writers of books as we do sports teams?

Well, as far as my sleepwalking, I'm working on a play and a series of short stories at the moment. I sleepwalk in my own way.

And perhaps you should go back and read what I wrote again: I was not comparing the culture contributions of books vs. football, but the the fact that reading for enjoyment is a pasttime just like watching football, since we were discussing wasting time. The value of each was not the point. But keep veering off the topic, you're bound to hit a point sooner or later.

And
There are other diversions with out being sucked into the stupid bowl...

And I gave you several. What's your point?

So I balnce this hedonism/ and blow off more steam by lifting weights(a lot), ...

Me too. In fact, just got back from the gym a little while ago.

Now excuse me, I'm going out for a drink

glad to see all that concern for humanity isn't going to waste.

Mikey / January 31, 2007 5:51 PM

All in all, a damn fine thread...

But are we going to have to go through this all over again for the pro-Super Bowl question?

fluffy / January 31, 2007 6:18 PM

...tea party...

(meow)

skafiend / January 31, 2007 7:06 PM

But are we going to have to go through this all over again for the pro-Super Bowl question?

Fuck that. I'm waiting for the big discussion on the Pro Bowl.

OK, I'm done.... to all concerned; watch the game, don't watch it, who really gives a fuck? We all die in the end...

CC1st / January 31, 2007 7:34 PM

I am glad Allan is back.
I think my Sunday afternoon will be like any other. I really do want the Bears to win, but I don't want to go to a party and I don't want to sit through it all.

Dutch101 / January 31, 2007 8:21 PM

People who claim some sort of superiority over others because they do or do not participate in some sort of cultural or recreational activity are total douchebags.

Yes, Spook, Allan, this means you.

Just get off the high horse and let people enjoy things (or not) without reading so much into this whole business. I suspect if you didn't have sticks up your mutual asses, you might have a sunnier, and mellower, disposition.

moll / January 31, 2007 8:36 PM

This seems almost too on topic, but Court Theatre is offering two for one tickets to their production of Checkov's Uncle Vanya at the MCA. Both the matinee and the evening shows are on sale. I saw it last week and loved it. Funnier than you'd expect.

spook / January 31, 2007 9:46 PM

Checkov! *#@uck yea! Yes yes yes! Moll, you win!

lara / January 31, 2007 10:09 PM

dutch101,
to my mind, referring to folks as "total douchebags" is not, to my mind, a sign of a sunny, mellow disposition.

lead by example, i always say.

Just wondering... / January 31, 2007 10:17 PM

What if he referred to them as "super awesome douchebags?"

Carlotta / January 31, 2007 10:32 PM

If you want to go to a nice restaurant you'd better make sure it's going to be open. I've seen some eateries (and other businesses) post signs saying they're not going to be open during the Super Bowl, or even at all that day.

The Art Institute is free Feb.1-21, you could go there before the game for a few hours.

Otherwise, I don't know what I'm doing during that time; I can't afford the $$ or the calories to go to a bar & eat/drink out of boredom.

Maybe I'll go to my 24/7 gym and work out and catch the game on any of the numerous TVs.

Allan / February 1, 2007 9:08 AM

So it is settled then...we all agree that football blows and that the Superbowl is for people who like various kinds of sausage in the butt and mouth.

spook / February 1, 2007 9:23 AM

lara

Dutch 101/Just wondering...'s
use of the term " douchebag"
Conceptualizes his limited grasp of the world. I am equally sure that this Sunday he will be planted in front of a wide screen TV in full "Bear" regalia (with ?Buddies of his?) screaming/drooling, howling at the TV, spilling pop corn and nachos, etc, etc every where, drinking redundantly advertised Americana beer, only settling down to owe and ahh over the ?oracle? commercials like cave men toward other representative deities, such as solar eclipse, and he won?t be alone.

p.s I?m also sure that his method of conveying contempt upon others by equating them with aspects of women?s natural rhythms demonstrate his larger views on the female gender. Rest assured he has no idea why he is the way he is, but I sure do, ba bears, ba bulls, da TV, da president, multi national corporations, sports culture, etc, etc, etc,

Overtime pays double... / February 1, 2007 9:47 AM

Hey Spook...

How much would you pay for a personal proofreader/copy editor? It's a win-win situation:

I could use the extra dough, and proper spelling, grammar, syntax, etc. might lend some much needed credibility to your alcohol-fueled and hangover-induced ramblings...

booze / February 1, 2007 9:59 AM

hey,
mel gibson tried blaming me for his douchebag rants too. spook clearly doesn't need me to be spook. i'm fed up with the blame heaped on me. i'm going to stay unfermented if this keeps up. keep me out of it...douchebags.
sincerely,
b

fred / February 1, 2007 10:07 AM

"We have attached our egos to you."

Go Bears.

skafiend / February 1, 2007 10:11 AM

All Star Concert for Kids - Free (312) 744-6630

Radio Golf and Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Goodman Theater

Afrikan Heritage and Potluck, Loyola Park (1230 W Greenleaf), noon to 4, 773-262-8605

Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington

Poetry Reading at Women and Children First
5233 n. clark st. 4:30 p.m.

just trying to stay on topic...

bean / February 1, 2007 10:12 AM

A few past years ago we used to head up to Milwaukee to view an ice/snow sculpture contest, set up around downtown. The first time we went it was an Olympic event and very impressive. Afterwards we tried to get lunch and a beer in a local tavern. We didn't realize it was super brawl day. All the tavs were full of cheeseheads out of their minds on the wurst brats you could get for free.
They've since moved the snow sculpting thing--I can't even find it anymore, but it's a nice alternative if you want to go for a ride in the outskirts of reality. ; )

spook / February 1, 2007 10:33 AM

Dear Overtime pays double...:

I suppose, I could use spell check, I suppose, I suppose. If, if it were important enough to me. Call me arrogant, but kinda figure you should be happy that I don’t charge
you for my lil witisms cause clearly you aint getting it from any other venue, know what I mean, jelly bean? Besides how could I bring some one like you under my authority who reps the epitome of cowardliness, lobbing tiny insults behind a
double “pseudonyme”sp? on a gapers block at that. Don’t you know how I despise cowards! Liberal ones, conservative ones, but especially liberal ones! Arrrrrrhhhhh!
And finally, my friend, I did not drink too much of the holy spirit yesterday. I never do on a work nights, as I allow nothing to hamper the revolution!

respectfully,

Spook

madachode / February 1, 2007 10:40 AM

You stupid hipster wanna be's, if you don't like the Bears then get the hell out of my city. (probably live in the suburbs any way so stop refering to the land beyond Ohare as chicago when telling people where your'e from)

spook / February 1, 2007 10:43 AM

point taking skafiend:

but o.k. did you see in todays online edition of the Suntimes " The headline reads

"She gets her wish
Pregnant belly ad nets 2 tix at 50-yard-line"

February 1, 2007
Boy, oh boy . . . or girl.

Has Jennifer Gordon got a story to tell her newborn.

(and of course there is a picture)

Jennifer Gordon, 35, sold advertising space on her eight-months-pregnant belly to uBid.com for tickets for two 50-yard-line seats at the Super Bowl. Her husband will join in Miami......."

don't you see some thing wrong with that?

skafiend / February 1, 2007 11:04 AM

don't you see some thing wrong with that?

Oh, hell yeah, from the first moment I saw it (Even worse is someone actally ponied up two 50 yard line tickets for that belly ad which no one may actually see unless they put it on camera. I'm looking for someone to knock up for next year's Super Bowl... timing is everything)

I hate most, if not all, of the stupid BS that surrounds Chicago particpating in a Super Bowl, from sticks football uniforms on works of art to the Sun-Times manufacturing civic pride in the Bears ("Wear Your Bears Stuff to Work Day" my ass... Don't tell me what to do.)

Like i said, I've tuned out on the game until 5:20 Sunday. Then, sometime around 9 p.m. or so, I'll tune out again. I'm trying to write a play and it's taking too damn long and I'm stuck on one particular scene. I'd rather work on that.

Mikey / February 1, 2007 12:21 PM

I hate most, if not all, of the stupid BS that surrounds Chicago particpating in a Super Bowl, from sticks football uniforms on works of art to the Sun-Times manufacturing civic pride in the Bears...

Like i said, I've tuned out on the game until 5:20 Sunday. Then, sometime around 9 p.m. or so, I'll tune out again.

While I agree with you for the most part--I too could give a damn about all of the corporate commercialism and the pre- and post-game hype...

The little kid in me still digs the helmets on the Art Institute lions, as well as the Urlacher jersey on the dinosaur skeleton...