A Poem For Chicago

With the local election taking up most of the news cycle for today, let's lighten up the mood.

One of the first blogs I ever posted on this page was an election-style blog. 

Check it out.

Today, I will rehearse a homemade poem on the current state of Chicago.

Enjoy.

With election day here & near

Let's check in quick before the cheers

A blue city with no competition in sight

Except for themselves; it's quite the sight

That might be biased, I just tell it how it is

Despite all the violence, this city still is

The Second City, though we've lost some shine

Since Lightfoot's been in office, there's been nothing but crime

Only time will tell what will happen next

To find out who wins, only one minute left

Until the ballots close

And they turn off all the polls

Sorry folks, it's time to go

Once they shut the park house doors

Hopefully Mayor Lightfoot is no more

She does not deserve an encore, that's for sure

Brittany Mahomes Responds To Protect Our Parks

Yesterday morning, I posted a blog about Joe Rogan Discovering Brittany Mahomes.

Check it out.

Yesterday evening, Brittany Mahomes responded to the discussion on JRE in the form of two separate tweets. 

Let's take a look.

Now I can't speak for Joe Rogan, Mark Normand, Shane Gillis, or Ari Shaffir; I can only speak for myself.

So I'll say it again.

Brittany, I don't hate you. I'm just not a fan of your character. 

But that's the beauty of character, yuh see. Character can change.

Character can develop. As a matter of a fact, it's supposed to develop. 

As time goes on, as one grows old. 

One is supposed to mature. One is supposed to change.

A change in one's character is necessary in order to mature mentally.

However, as we all know, change is challenging.

Change requires commitment, discipline, and dedication.

It all takes time.

So Brittany; let that extended thought be an open book for your story to come. 

It's not too late to flip the script.

Dante from Barstool Sports (@DanteTheDon) posted a blog about this same story this afternoon and gave the same two cents I would give Brittany for future reference: quit giving the internet ammo.

It's simple advice that will go a long way.

Final thoughts on the subject:

To Brittany & Jackson,

Quit giving us a reason to root against Patrick Mahomes. Please. 

- Sincerely, 

Cat & The Public Eye

Joe Rogan Discovers Brittany Mahomes

This past Thursday, February 24th 2023, The Joe Rogan Experience released the seventh edition of Protect Our Parks featuring comedians Shane Gillis, Mark Normand, and Ari Shaffir.

They talked about a variety of topics over a span of three hours and thirty-six minutes. I will post a link to the episode below, along with links to the additional six episodes involving this crew of particular comedians at the bottom of the blog.

Protect Our Parks - Episode 7

At one point in the episode, Mark Normand brings up Patrick Mahomes. 

Mark Normand & Shane Gillis were both recently in Scottsdale accompanying Bert Kreischer for a Super Bowl comedy showcase. Gillis is a massive Eagles fan so this was a splendid set-up by Normand. Gillis sarcastically explains how he is starting to come around on Jackson & Brittany Mahomes.

I shared my personal thoughts regarding Brittany on a blog earlier this week. Check it out. 

To no one's surprise, Joe Rogan has absolutely no idea who Patrick Mahomes or his family is. Gotta love that about Rogan. The guy is in his own world.

This sets up a perfect reaction for when Rogan discovers the brother and wife. Let's check out the clip.

"Problem is they keep that same energy when you get divorced"

Leave it to Mr. Rogan to hit the nail on the head. Stating the obvious.

In my opinion, the only thing that can stop the momentum of Patrick Mahomes (outside of injury) is a broken heart. The type of damage only a family member or a best friend can do. That's the biggest problem with loyalty. Sometimes it comes with a price.

Metaphorically speaking, Brittany and Jackson are the only stains on Patrick's sleeve. 

However; he's such a stand-up guy, they can't affect his personal reputation. His game on the field and his character off the field demonstrate too much authenticity for one to hate.

Protect Our Parks - Episode 1

Protect Our Parks - Episode 2

Protect Our Parks - Episode 3

Protect Our Parks - Episode 4

Protect Our Parks - Episode 5

Protect Our Parks - Episode 6

Chicago Citizen Personally Handles Disturbance On CTA Bus

Yesterday I saw a local video circulating on Twitter that made me feel some type of way.

Let's check it out.

(H/T @heyFATabbot)

A clear disturbance is at the front of the bus while a passenger is arguing with the CTA bus driver. 

You can sense the dismay in the air. 

You can hear a woman say "Please stop" around the 5-second mark.

The mood at this point now is "this motherfucker is wasting all of our time."

I'm going to take a guess that it was around 4:30 PM/5:00 PM when this video was taken based on the caption.

This means the tensions are high and traffic is bumping. Everyone is driving like an asshole and everyone is in a hurry to get home.

After a brief ten-second silence, one passenger has had enough. He speaks up and he lets everyone on the bus know what he's thinking. 

To paraphrase, the vocal passenger informs the bus driver that if he needs him personally to get this disturbance off of the bus, he will.

After the disturbance responds to the thought, the vocal passenger cuts him off before he can even finish the sentence.  

Before the disturbance can respond back, the bus driver mentions that the only way the bus can get back on the road is if the disturbance is removed from the bus.

Say less. The vocal passenger takes that command and follows through with his offer. 

In less than ten seconds, the disturbance is removed from the premises along with all of his belongings.

Just. Like. That.

A nice serving of some playground justice. 

Immediately, the vocal passenger is silently deemed a hero by his fellow patrons.

You can hear audible sounds of "my man"  around the 42-second mark. 

As well as some vocal appreciation from the bus driver himself at the back end of the clip.

Just like that, the bus is back on the road and back on track.

No more time wasted.

I love to see a story like this. 

A story where a city worker, who is just trying to do his job, is put in an uncomfortable situation where if he reacts the wrong way he can lose his job. A story that happens every day in Chicago in some form or fashion.

But in this story, the citizen stood up. The citizen took control of the situation and took care of the problem at hand.

And he did it in a non-violent manner. He wasn't being a bully. He wasn't being an asshole.

He was simply standing up for every single person on that bus just trying to go home after work.

Bravo.

Strange Marketing

Yesterday I was scrolling through YouTube on my laptop when I stumbled across this.

Man, that's a tough look. 

It all starts with the title: "Meet Patrick Mahomes' Wife".

Not a title that grabs the attention, that's for sure.

I don't mean to be rude; but personally, I am not a fan of Patrick Mahomes' wife, Brittany. 

Simply put, I'm just not a fan of her character. From what I've seen on the internet, she rubs me the wrong way. I'm sure she's nice but she's not my type of hang.

I'm ranting. Back to the cover photo.

Next is the name of the content creator: The Rise of Patrick Mahomes' Partner.

Now, this is enough to maybe make me click. The rise? Hmmmm. I'm intrigued. I won't dive into further detail, but I'm intrigued. 

One would have to imagine that her rise is directly parallel with Patrick's? But that's impossible.

NO ONE has had a rise like Patrick Mahomes. That man rose like a storm on the run and struck down with a fury of glory. So much so that the waves are still flowing as we speak. It's his world and we're living in it. 

So with that said, I'm intrigued. I might just click because of that. The rise huh?

Finally, the kicker: Ad

Of course, it's an ad. And now I can't find it. 

Oh well. I guess I'll never know where that click leads to...

Justin Fields: Master of Metaphor

On today's episode of Pardon My Take, Big Cat and PFT sat down to interview Justin Fields. QB1.

It's an awesome interview that I suggest every Bears fan checks out.

Apple Podcast Link (interview starts at 1:07:25 mark)

Youtube Link (interview starts at 1:06:44 mark)

They shoot the shit for close to forty minutes. They discussed topics such as his personal thoughts about this past season and the future of the team, Big Cat's late-night obsession with watching Justin Fields highlights, how JF1 has gotten adjusted to playing in Chicago weather, how he had no clue the Bears were going to draft him, and a great story about his old man shaving his head. Along with a whole lot more. It's a great interview, I don't want to spoil the entire script.

However, I will highlight one part. There was one point in the interview where they ask Fields about the hit he took from James Skalski in the 2021 College Football Playoff semi-final game against Clemson. A bulldozing hit that would get Skalski tossed from the game.

Now in the interview, this question is a bit of a two-parter. They talk about it for a bit, then go back to the subject later. While reminiscing about the hit, Justin Fields drops a gem of a metaphor on the audience. Along with a hint of alliteration. A true testament to his high school 3.9 GPA.

"It felt like a bowling ball was thrown by Thor and hit me in the side of my ribs"

Sounds like Justin Fields is a fan of imagery. That's quite the idea to imagine. 

Thor launching a size 16 right at the McRib cage. Yikes.

Sure, QB1 stumbled a little bit on the delivery. But that's what happens with alliteration sometimes. Sometimes the words match up so smoothly that the words literally roll right off the tongue. It happens to the best of us. Pronunciation can be a bitch.

In closing, it's been three days since the football season ended and I already can't wait to see this guy play again. 

This interview gave me an insight into the character of Justin Fields; on and off the field. He's a humble, disciplined, mild-mannered individual who was raised by incredible parents. It's easy to figure that out after listening to this interview. 

Justin Fields is a true role model for youngsters. We are lucky to have him as our quarterback and I, for one, am excited to witness his future.

Go Bears.

Editor's Note:

After a quick google search, I realized after posting the blog that what JF1 said was a simile; not a metaphor. Too late, too bad. Master of Metaphor sounds way cooler. Give me a break on this one.

Bad Bad Leroy Brown Live Taking You Into The Weekend

Happy Friday, folks.

On the final day of this week, we're gonna start the weekend off right with a good ole live rendition of a classic dad jam. 

This week's contestant: Jim Croce singing his world-famous "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" live from the Midnight Special, circa 1973.

With the Philadelphia Eagles playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday, I felt it was only right to feature Philadelphia native Jim Croce.

Jim Croce's voice was a symbol of the blue-collar. My old man said it best: He has a voice that cuts like a knife. His voice slices right through the mix and has a serious edge to it. Truly transcendent. Jim Croce is one of the best storytellers in rock n' roll history and one of my all-time personal favorites. 

Have a great weekend.

Youtube Link

Kay & Shams: A Hopeful Local Love Story

I saw Kay Adams was trending on Twitter so I did some digging.

Apparently, there is lust in the air in the world of media, once again.

This time in the sports world. Two big-time locals from the Chicagoland area.

Let's dive into the details:

First & foremost, we live in a world full of beautiful female sports personalities. 

Whether it's a host, an analyst, an analytic expert, or a sideline reporter. 

They are great at their jobs and they look great while they do it.

It's a great time to be a sports fan year-round in 2023, from the viewer's perspective.

With that being said, Kay Adams is my type of gal.

I've always had a thing for her ever since I first discovered her on Good Morning Football. And once I found out she was a local lady, I fell in love. 

Now I have no chance with Kay Adams. With that said, if she is going to settle down with anyone, the idea of her settling down with a local guy just seems right. She's a graduate of Whitney Young High School; so she's a true-blood, thorough-breed Chicagoan through and through. She's the catch of a lifetime if yuh ask me.

Now enter in the man of the hour: Shams Charania. A graduate of New Trier, home of the Trevians. 

Shams is a force to be reckoned with on the reporting front, especially on social media. He's a trailblazer for the new media. You don't need me to tell you that.

But in this short clip, Shams turns off his phone and flips on his game. And cranks that thang up to ten real quick. 

My man Shams came out swinging from the jump. It sounded like he was about to take his shot. 

Kay had no idea what was going on. Until she did.

Once she realized what was happening, the mood in the room shifts quickly & drastically.

Now I'm no female expert, but I know a glow when I see one. And Kay was gleaming. She had a semi-gloss sheen to her. Once he brought up that both their parents were immigrants, it was honestly game on.

The beauty of the glow is that it's usually followed by the blush. And Kay couldn't help herself. Her reaction and response tell the rest of the story. Shams has a legit chance if you ask me.

Smooth operating by my man Shams over here. Let's hope Shams shoots his shot in person tomorrow whenever they come in contact with one another. This has the makings of a match in heaven. Good luck and don't screw it up.

Link 2 Full Video Here

PS: Drop that Zodiac sign line Shams. That shit will never work on a CPS chick.

San Francisco Supply Store For Southpaws

 

There's a supply store in San Francisco that sells products strictly for the southpaw shopper. What a world we live in.  Quite an incredible and innovative idea indeed. 

As I stated in my Fantasy 16-Inch Softball Team blog, I have always been a fan of the pure southpaw. 

Let's take a look at the story: ABC7 NEWS: Link 2 Story

From the start, I must say I love the name of the store. Simple and direct. Not too much in your face. But just enough to maybe check out.

Lefty's. If that's not the name of a pizza parlor or a bar, the name of the store should be pretty self-explanatory. 

A supply store specifically designed for southpaws? That does sound like paradise. Makes me wish I was a lefty.

That's quite an inventory Lefty has on hand. Personally, I'm curious to see what the can openers and mugs look like.

Woah. I love this idea. This idea alone is enough for me to check out the store. 

I must admit, as a righty, I'd feel like a fraud stepping foot inside these doors. They'd probably see right through me. However, my curiosity usually gets the best of me. And at least I got an alibi. I came in to check out all the famous lefties on the wall. 

I just pray & hope this guy is on the wall. (Pictured on the left)

Valid point by Miss Majua. This is why the idea for this store is so innovative. We live in a right-handed world where righties dominate all facets of privilege in terms of direction. Everything is created to favor the right hand. Until now. This is the start of something new. 

What a handy way to close out the story. That entire sentence was a splendid play on words, I must say.

In closing, cheers to Lefty's At Pier 39 for thinking outside the box and starting a niche business. 

I hope the idea spreads worldwide. If you're a southpaw living in San Francisco, check Lefty's out.

Brookfield Zoo Trades Top Prospect To Saint Louis Zoo For Grizzly Vet

Shocking news came out of Chicago today as the trade deadline soon approaches. 

A generational talent from a lineage of locals has been traded in exchange for a gorilla with twenty-six years of zoo experience under his belt.

Let's take a look at the story:  (ABC 7 News) - Link 2 Full Story

The first two sentences could be quite the contradiction if we were discussing humans instead of animals.

"Like a college freshman starting fraternity life with a group of hopeful bachelors"

"He'll learn basically how to be responsible"

Oh, the irony of distinction.

Luckily, we are discussing western lowland gorillas. And from the description above, it sounds like Zachary just got assigned to a club with a top-notch farm system. A place where he can truly develop & hopefully grow into a franchise player.

Quite the deal laid out for the grizzly veteran from St. Louis. Player-friendly, for sure. At 26 years old, he has hall-of-fame potential written all over his scouting report. The hype is real. He's in his prime. And he is entering a club that is ready to win now.

As for Zachary, he will be leaving behind his entire lineage in Chicago. Five family members, all females.

Since he grew up in a house full of women, I'm sure this gorilla not only has future star talent potential; but great manners as well. No character issues for this one.

Talk about strategy. Talk about a power play. Talk about hyping up the beast.  Talk about seduction?

Jontu has a full-fledged marketing scheme planned out ahead for him before his formal introduction.

Aggressive or horny? Only a sicko could imagine. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

The silver lining for Zachary is that at least now he has a good idea of how long he'll be in the farm system. 

If Zachary's 7 years old and Jontu is 26 years old, one could make the guess that in 15-20 years he'll get the call-up. That's a long apprenticeship.

But look at the bright side; at least there's no chance of family entanglement in St. Louis. 

Once this twenty-year chapter of hanging out with a platoon of bachelor western lowland gorillas is over, the next chapter of TRUE bachelorhood begins. 

The chapter Jontu is walking into as we speak. 

What a trade. What an acquisition. What a story.

Welcome to Chicago, pal. We're a city full of animals, you'll fit right in.

(H/T @BarstoolChief for the lead)

Look At The Form

I stumbled across a video this weekend that stopped me in my tracks.

 

Here we are; a simple Saturday pregame setting. Location: Ohio State University; Columbus, Ohio.

Some neanderthal without a shirt on is doing the lord's business. Schlepping out free beer. You love to see that on a Saturday day drink.

The cameraman signals to the neanderthal, "toss me a cold one, brother".

Without hesitation, a perfect soft-toss pass of a beercan travels through the autumn sky.

Right before the can reaches the cameraman's hand, a third hand enters the frame. 

Look at the instincts on that one. Jumped on that pass like Trevon Diggs. No hesitation whatsoever. 

After the incredible, impeccable interception; the camera pans as the third-hand reveals the face behind the hand.

Holy smokes sonny it's a chick. And this chick is trouble. As Bill Withers sings from the clouds, a moment in time stands still. A soft smile swiftly turns into a heart-snatching smirk along with a cold-stone stare. 

The beercan and the heart of the cameraman now lie in her hand.

Before any words can be exchanged, the dreamgirl hands off the beer and walks away like nothing happened. No here-you-go. No goodbye. No you're welcome. Nothing. 

She knows exactly what she's doing.

I can't underestimate how impressed I am by this video. If I witnessed this live back in my college daze, I don't know how I would control myself. Probably drop down to one knee, from heat exhaustion. Stuff like this gets going for some odd reason. And to act like it was no big deal and to just walk away... gimme a break. 

Incredible stuff by this young lady. Hopefully the cameraman got her number by the end of the pregame. I wanna believe in fairy tales.