Brian Urlacher…Thanks for the Memories

“It was an honor to play my entire career for the Chicago Bears.”  Brian Urlacher

Brian Urlacher, former (:( )Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker, announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter on Wednesday.

“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,” Urlacher wrote in a statement.

“Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.”

Here’s a link to a great, albeit lengthy article, from the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-brian-urlacher-retires-20130522,0,5749970.story

At the end of last season, I did do a Bears recap on last year’s season, and did devote an entire paragraph regarding Brian Urlacher, and my thoughts, at that time, regarding him…you can read it in its entirety here at the end of this blog.

What I was most upset about, in regards to Brian, is the fact he dissed the fans.  That still smarts.  ”Two of the people I don’t care about: fans or media,”.  Yeah…not cool.  I’m hoping he was just upset about the Bears loss to the Packers, and he was referring to the Boo’s he/the Bears received on the field.  But let’s celebrate his career, and hats off to a true blue Chicago Bear, who played 13 years with the same team, and retires as a Chicago Bear.  You gotta love that…and him!

Brian Urlacher…or should I say, future Hall of Fame Chicago Bear, Brian Urlacher (Class of 2018)…Thanks for the memories.  I as well as the entire city of Chicago will miss you greatly!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/chicago-bears-a-year-make-that-a-season-in-review/

Related articles

• Vote: Is Brian Urlacher A Hall Of Famer? (chicago.cbslocal.com)

Jay Cutler among the Least-Liked athletes in all of sports? Shocking.

Shocking revelation. As my friend Jack said, not really “stop the presses material”.

No, not stop the presses material, nevertheless, I am very distressed by this.  I have been blogging about Mr. Cutler and his need for a life coach for almost two years now…”Apparently my words of wisdom are falling on deaf ears.  Clearly he is not heeding my well-thought advice.  Honest to goodness.    What is wrong with him?  Like the honey badger, he clearly does Not Care if he’s well-liked.  He is the polar opposite of me, who loses sleep if I’ve possibly upset someone.  He is his own private Idaho.  Jay Cutler is among the least-liked athletes in all of sports, and he really doesn’t seem to care.  Hmmm.

Here’s the article that hit the presses this week:

According to a report on Forbes, Jay Cutler is among the least-liked athletes in all of sports. Why not embrace it? 

Cutler is only behind Lance Armstrong, who doped on the way to Tour de France titles and then lied about doping; Manti Te’o, who may have lied about a girlfriend dying of cancer; and Tiger Woods, whose adultery became very public.

The Forbes report says Cutler is viewed as standoffish, and he has only a 21 percent approval rate. Cutler is less-liked than Michael Vick, who was convicted of dog fighting, and Alex Rodriguez, who is a New York Yankee.

Cutler’s continued bad reputation comes after a year of more openness from the Bears’ quarterback. He has a weekly radio show during the season, and he and his fiancee Kristin Cavalleri have shared pictures of their infant soon. It doesn’t seem like much, but it’s much more open than Cutler has been since he’s been in Chicago.

So at this point, Cutler should embrace his lack of appeal and turn into a pro wrestling-style heel. Wear all black to press conferences and punctuate every response with an evil laugh. Keep a folding chair in hand just in case a Packer walks by. When he’s sacked, stand on Gabe Carimi’s shoulders and throw a flying elbow at Ndamukong Suh.

He may as well embrace the reputation, because it doesn’t look like it’s going to change.

My advice to Mr. Cutler…do NOT embrace your reputation.  You can do many things to change your poor ways.  Again, I’ve been blogging about this for two years, so don’t even have to put much thought and effort into this blog, as I can just repost my brilliant snippets from my previous blogs, which are still Spot On, btw.  Because not everyone will want to click on the link of my past posts re: why Jay Cutler needs a Life Coach, I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few key points from my previous blogs:  Jay Cutler needs a Life Coach…and Jay Cutler needs a Life Coach…Part Deux.

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach-part-deux/

Jay Cutler Needs a Life Coach…Part Three in this Trilogy

1.  Jay needs a Life Coach:  A Life coach would tell him he needs to develop a personality.  Think Jim McMahon!  That Punky QB was chock-full of personality.  He not only played with Heart…but Showed Heart.  The city of Chicago loved him.  The city of Chicago could love Jay Cutler…but Mr. Cutler needs to give the city a reason to.  He doesn’t have to win a Superbowl to get our fair city to embrace him.  He needs to show us he has a personality, and cares about us.  If he does that, We will also care about him.

2.  Behavior:  In press conferences he needs to lose the arrogant attitude.  He needs to smile more (and not only for magazine covers).  He needs to embrace and cheer his team while on the sidelines (no need to bring up that game again).  He needs to show his personality on TV and in newspaper interviews, not just when he mugs for Magazine covers.    He needs to act as a gentleman, and a role model to his young fans (and not so young fans).  And yes, he is indeed a role model, so he needs to act like one.

3. Give back to the community. Work with the underprivileged…Attend Charity Events. Get involved in the community where you work. It will humble you to see how very fortunate you are, and make you feel good about yourself, and what you can do to help others. You are a role model, whether you like it or not…being a role model to children is a privilege, act like it.

4. Go to a Chicago Hot Spot after every home game – May I suggest Gibson’s (or Shaw’s, as ”there’s lots” going on there, or Joe’s Stone Crab)…and bring your Offensive Line, and buy them a Huge Steak and lots of Stella Artois (or Crab Legs if you go to Shaw’s). With a $49M contract you can splurge and buy everyone Chimay Ale ($141.99/case at Binny’s,and you can afford it). Whether you win or lose, take your Offensive Line out to dinner, or a post-game snack. Hob nob with the patrons in the restaurant. Give autographs (only when asked, as offering them when someone doesn’t ask, could be considered poor form). Trust me, you’ll end up with your own little groupies, and they’ll all start to buy your Jersey. Wouldn’t it be nice to see Cutler jersey’s outnumber Urlacher jerseys? Send your linemen home in a limo, so they don’t get pulled over for a DUI…that would undo all the good you are doing if they drove under the influence. Show them you care, so they Block for you. Jim McMahon was famous for buying his OL Rolex watches…The Punky QB had a good plan. The punky QB won a Superbowl.

5.  Smile.  For Pete’s Sakes, the man has a $49M contract, and can’t smile?  I’d smile till the cows came home with that kind of money.  He is quarterback for the Chicago Bears, and  can’t smile?  I’d give my eye teeth to just be a sideline reporter, and he gets to be the one who throws the football?  I’d be jumping up and down for joy everyday!  He gets to play in the best sport’s city in the world, and can’t smile?  Stop scowling Jay, and show those pearly whites…just like the picture below (which finding a picture of him smiling on the internet is no small feat!).

6.  Wear a suit for your post game interviews.  That plaid lumberjack shirt you wore last year was an embarrassment.  You make a decent living,  buy a nice suit.  Oh, and buy one that fits.  And feather in some Blue and Orange ties.  Wear a Dark Navy Suit, white shirt, Orange Tie.  That would be a nice touch.  Here are 2 fabulous options for orange ties:

7.  Act like you care, and Chicago will care about you.  The City wants to love you!  At the very least we want to like you.

Come on Jay…you can do this!  Be a good guy.  Act like you care.  Don’t be a jerk.

In closing…on a Bear’s note…I received my Bear’s Season Ticket holder invoice this year for the 2013-14 season.  How lucky for me my price, per ticket, went up $65!  That’s $260 per game.  Jay…you’d best bring your game on.  And try to look like you’re having fun while doing it…it’s a Game after all!

Perhaps Jay can practice a few of the above tips…just a thought.

Update to this post:  No one seems to think proposing via text and fed-exing the ring is the happy way to start a marriage.  I’m more perplexed the bride to be has no problem with it!  Gold-digger?  :)  As my friend Colleen says, “it’s all about the gesture”!

xoxo,

T.

Upcoming blogs:  Pearls…not just for After 5; Men’s Jeans: what to do and what Not to do:  Styling your Dog!

Related articles

• Payton: Cutler can be an elite quarterback (espn.go.com)
• For Second Engagement Cutler Mailed Cavallari An Engagement Ring (chicago.cbslocal.com)
• Jay Cutler: The line between perception and reality (chicagonow.com)

Chicago Bears…a Year, make that a Season, in review

Perhaps not a whole “season” in review…but a few thoughts.  The Chicago Bears…well, I am very sad (in a football, not life tragedy kinda way)…The Bears start the season 7-1 and do Not make the playoffs…because they ended 10-6.  Lost 5 in a row!  For Pete’s sake   It’s their own fault, since our division had teams who played better with the same or better records (Vikings, which made Kevin happy, but that’s not the goal here) so they got into the Wild Card and we did not.  I’m not sure we could have gotten past the Wild Card game, but it sure would have been nice to try.  Anything can happen in the playoffs.  Last year, the Giants were a wild card team, and they won the Super Bowl.

I’ve been jotting down some thoughts regarding this season since August and due to other things I had going on, chose not to devote too much time to the Bears…so I’ll share what’s been on my mind:

Preseason Football – I mean this with all sincerity, if the star players are Not going to play for even one play in a preseason game, the NFL has no business charging me full price for those tickets and including them in the season ticket package.  This is not an isolated incident either.  If you want to play every wannabe walk-on (I’m okay with that, as Rudy is one of my favorite movies), then charge $35 a ticket, and open the tickets up to the public so others can go, and experience sitting inside an NFL stadium for an NFL game.  I have 4 tickets which are $165 apiece, which is almost $700/game, or $7000 a season, not to mention my PSL for 4 seats, which cost more than my parent’s first house.  I’d love a break of 2 games, lowering my tariff by $1400 a season.  I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who’d love a chance to buy tickets, at a more affordable price so they may experience the “glory” of Soldier Field and possibly introduce their kids to the NFL.  I’m all for giving players a chance to make the team in the pre-season…just don’t charge me $165 a ticket to watch a scrimmage.

Brian Urlacher – Shame on You.  I’m terribly disappointed in you for dissing the fans.  Really?  You don’t care about the media or the fans?  I get the not caring about the media part, but not caring about your fans?  The fans that buy your jerseys?  The fans that spend over $100/ticket to attend a game?  The fans who clear their calendars to watch your team play?  So you don’t like it when you’re booed for stinking up the field?  Boo Hoo!  Everyone is accountable, and when I don’t do a good job, either at home or the office, I get booed as well.  Well, maybe not booed, but no one throws me a parade or buys a jersey with O’Brien on the back!  I’m thinking Jenny McCarthy may not have been the best influence on you…and it pains me to say that, as she’s from Chicago, and we’re very nice people.  Suck it up, smile and tell Chicago and the fans that you love them.  Sending me flowers would be a nice token gesture of good will.

Brandon Marshall – I’m your newest fan (and not in a Kathy Bates from Misery, way either).    I love your smile.  I love how you play with heart and you care about the game.  So you made a few mistakes in the past?  So What!  Who cares?  Life is about second chances.  Starting over.   You’ve cleaned up your act, and you clearly love the game of football.  As do I.  

Jay Cutler – I’m still a fan…but I really recommend you find that Life Coach who will take you to the next level.  Plus, you  need a good PR person.   I understand you are frustrated.  I’m frustrated.  Your team is frustrated.  The city of Chicago is frustrated.  That being said, you are the team leader.  Act like it.  Stop scowling.  And yes , you can help it.  Scowling is a choice.  Choose to smile and show off those beautiful teeth, which have been bought with your $50M contract.  Read my previous blogs giving you my well thought-out  advice.  I’ve conveniently included links at the end of the blog, or you can do a blog search by searching either Chicago Bears or Jay Cutler needs a life coach in the search bar on my blog.  All that being said, I’m still a fan.  Possibly your biggest fan.  We have some work to do, Mr. Cutler.

Bye Bye Lovie – actually I like Lovie, but after starting 7-1, and then combusting like we did, sadly, we needed a coaching change.   I realize that bouncing a coach who is 10-6 raised some eyebrows, but so did the Bears not making the playoffs to the fans of Chicago.  Jon Gruden or Mike Singletary were my 2 top choices.  Unfortunately, my vote did not count.

Meet Marc Trestman – So, we didn’t hire Jon Gruden and we didn’t hire Mike Singletary…we hired a coach from the CFL…I know the Bears said money would not be an object when hiring a coach, but I’m kinda thinking money had a Big hand in the coaching decision.  I’m guessing we got him at minimum wage, and with the exchange rate, it didn’t turn into a bad deal for him.  Am I happy about him?  Nope, but he had success in the CFL, and I will refrain from dogging him until after the opening game of the 2013 season.  Is that an orange tie he’s wearing?  It’s muddled orange, but at least he’s trying.  My suggestion is to perhaps get rid of the transition lenses which look like you are still wearing sunglasses indoors.  But that’s just my opinion.

Football Announcers – what is wrong with Terry Bradshaw?  Why does he hate the Bears so?  Admittedly, as I have earlier in this blog, Jay Cutler isn’t making friends with his scowl but to say, “Even Jay Cutler doesn’t like himself”.  That’s just silly.  They never have anything good to say about the Bears.  And Howie Long and Michael Strahan, I adore both of you, but cut us some slack and accurately report our team.  They had a nail in our coffin during the last game of the season (which we won, btw) and had nothing nice to say about any of the Bears, even though we ended up winning.  They also indicated that it basically didn’t make sense for the Bears to advance to the playoffs (if the Packers would have beat the Vikings…which they DID NOT) because we couldn’t play our way out of a paper bag.   I’d like the record to reflect that the game announcers of choice are either Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, or Chris Collingsworth and Al Michaels.  I worked out next to Chris Collingsworth at the Four Seasons Las Colinas in Dallas in 2010 when he was in town to announce a Cowboys game (they lost in the Wild Card) and he was pleasant…though we did not chat, but he appeared pleasant.  He’s tall and quite thin.  I picked the machine next to him, because he was working out on the one next to it.  and PS…I miss John Madden and Pat Summerall.  PPS…Howie Long truly is handsome.  I’d like his hair a tad longer…but that may be just me.

And finally…Regarding Chicago’s only chance to get into the playoffs in which the Packers would have had to beat the Vikings…and ,Shocking… they did not in the last game of the season….but funny enough did so in the Wild Card game.  Coincidence?  I think not.  Lesson:  Never leave your destiny in someone’s else’s hands…especially Those of your Arch Rival!

Bears Style – I found my new outfit for the 2013 season…blue and orange!  Love this…

Still love my Bears…as does Murphy!

And in the HarBowl…I’m rooting for the 49-ers…and with any luck, Kevin will materialize with tickets!

xoxo,

T.

Looks like I’ll be bringing some coffee into my next Bears game:

Related Articles:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/bears-ballyhoo/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2012/09/07/are-you-ready-for-some-football/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/jaywatch-and-thats-how-its-done/

A Thing of Beauty…Bears 41 Colts 21

Way to go Bears…what a Fabulous way to start off the season.  Beautiful Day.  Fantastic Game.  It does NOT get better than that!!

Chicago Bears 41

Indianapolis Colts 21

Well played, Boys!!

Mr. Forte, you are worth every penny.

Outta Luck, Andrew…Perhaps Jay can share the number of his life coach?

We love Brandon Marshall!  What a great addition to our team.

Not sure if the Ref is telling Jay the old…”A Packer Fan walks into a bar”, joke…but I do love seeing Mr. Cutler, Smile.

From all the Chicago Bears fans…Thank You!  And yes, the season is young, but thankfully so am I.

Bring on the Packers!  Loving their loss to the 49-ers, btw…Sorry, Sharon, Wade and Tulcy!

Winning the Home Opener gives the fans HOPE.  Thank you for making my day!!

“T”‘s  Tip of the Week

A Cleansing Soak
Once a week for 20 minutes, sit in a hot bath that contains a handful of Epsom salts, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and a half cup of baking soda. This combo draws out toxins, lowers stress-related hormones, and balances your pH levels.

xoxo,

A Very Loyal Fan

T.

This is the team Doctor talking to Andrew “outta” Luck.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

I don’t like football…actually, I love football…and those who know me, understand that September – February (hopefully my Bears will be playing through Super Bowl Sunday), I’m all about Football.  I know the game, enjoying watching it and love to talk about the game and share my thoughts on how they should be doing it better.   Not sure if  it’s because I grew up with 4 boys in the house (and my lovely sister, Megan, of course) but I truly get giddy on Sunday Nights when I hear Faith Hill start singing, “Alright Sunday Night Where are you…Hey Jack, it’s a fact, the show’s back in town…”  I do know, however, that not every woman (or even every man) understands the game.  I found this cheeky article  about things Women (or people who don’t understand the game) should know, and since we are emerging into Football season, I thought I’d share it, so in case you catch yourself watching a game, and enjoying it, you’ll actually know a bit more about it!

Before I share that article, if you don’t think the NFL is Big Business, take a look at what the Top 5 Football teams are worth:

1. Dallas Cowboys ($2.1 billion)

2. New England Patriots ($1.64 billion)

3. Washington Redskins ($1.6 billion)

4. New York Giants ($1.47 billion)

5. Houston Texans ($1.31 billion)

8.  Chicago Bears ($1.2 billion)

My Bears come in at #8 at a cool, $1.2 billion…With a $65M profit, did they really have to do a 3-year contract with RC Cola (and yes, RC Cola still makes soda, but not Diet Coke nor Diet Pepsi, sadly, which means I must drink Heineken at Bears games)?  And they can’t afford to have real half-time entertainment, but we’re subjected to a punt, kick and pass, “sponsored” by some car company?  Please…Give us a marching band, or a Chicago-based band, for crying out loud!  How about Styx or Off Broadway?  Or perhaps, Chicago?  And it wouldn’t hurt to  dial-up the music with some snappier tunes to get the crowd riled and motivated to cheer on the team…and snappy music can also motivate the team!    And seeing as I’m probably “past my prime” to be a sideline NFL reporter (actually, I’m not, but no one has hired me for that position), I most certainly can go to work for the Bears to give the fans (the best fans ever, btw), a better NFL experience.

10 Things Every Woman (Or anyone really) should know about Football

(Source:  Marie Claire Magazine)

ON THE FIELD

1. GET TO THE POINT. Know the basics. A touchdown is six points. An extra point is worth one (but teams can go for a two-point conversion, where they get another play to make it in the end zone, rather than kicking an extra point). A field goal is worth three points. And a safety (when a player with the ball is tackled in his own end zone) is worth two points.

2. THIN YELLOW LINE. The little yellow line indicates how far the team has to go to get a first down. And it works through the magic of television — the players cannot see it, nor can you see it while you are sitting at the game.  They have also started indicating when a play is in the Red Zone — that means when the offense has possession of the ball at the 20-yard line or closer. It means there’s a good chance that the offense is going to score soon. And no, the players can’t see the red part either…nor can those sitting in the stands.

3. TRUE OR FALSE START? A false start is when a member of the offense moves before the play actually starts. Offsides is when a player on the defense moves before the play starts.

4. DOWN BUT NOT OUT. Say you hear the announcer say that it’s “2nd and 10.” This means that it’s the second down and the offense has 10 yards to go in order to get a first down. There are four downs in total, so if it’s 4th and 10, the offense will probably punt the ball. If it’s 4th and inches, they might go for the first down. The risk is that if they don’t get it, the other team gets the ball right then and there.

5. FLAG ON THE PLAY. A yellow flag on the play indicates that the referee is calling a foul on the play. We all have to wait on the edge of our seats to find out which player did what and when. If you see the coaches throw down a red flag, this is called a “coach’s challenge,” and it means that the team charged with the foul disagrees with the ref’s call. If the coach tosses a red flag, the play is reviewed by the refs and if they reverse it — great: All is fine and the team is happy! If the play is reviewed and not reversed, the team that threw the red flag is charged with a time-out. Keep in mind that coaches can only throw a red flag in the first 28 minutes of each half. (In the last two minutes of each half, any questionable plays are automatically reviewed by the refs.)

OFF THE FIELD

1. PLAY TO THE CROWD. If you’re at a bar or tailgate with a group of die-hard fans, now is not the time to ask questions like: “What does ‘FG attempt’ mean?” or “Can they see that yellow line on the field?” But the beginning of the season is the perfect time to sit back, have fun, and enjoy the pomp and circumstance of the NFL. Commit to watching this season and absorb all of the drama.

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Take a few minutes to do some quick preseason homework. Check out the usual suspects for all of the nation’s sports headlines. There are also great sites that focus on other elements of sports, besides stats. Visit gogameface.com or femmefan.com.  They all cover sports from a girl’s-eye view. Plus, the NFL puts on “Football 101: Workshops for Women” in cities all over the country.

3. FANTASY ISLAND. Try joining a You Pick ‘Em or Salary Cap fantasy league.    They provide a fun, not-too-time-consuming way to get involved and stay on top of the games every weekend. Apparently a company “I do business with” has a fantasy league, but girl’s aren’t allowed.  I find that rude and unbecoming”.

4. PREGAME FESTIVITIES. If you like entertaining as much as I do, make Sundays a regular gathering for you and your football-loving friends. Plan some fun pregame festivities, like a Madden video game tournament, or create your own temporary tattoos that declare your love of your team (or disdain toward the opposing team). For your game-day menu, go beyond chili and wings and create a menu inspired by the city your team is playing. Philly cheesesteaks…Chicago deep-dish pizza…Dallas BBQ…New Orleans muffulettas. You’ll bring a whole new meaning to “devouring the competition”!  My friend Donna has a Super Bowl party each year, and serves foods from each city playing in the big game!  Here’s a copy of the article featuring her as Cook of the Week!

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120123/entlife/701239857/

5. SHOW YOUR TRUE COLORS. Many people think that women love anything pink. Even pink jerseys. Me? I prefer to wear my team’s true colors. If you love pink, go for it. But if you don’t, look for cute, sporty clothes like Alyssa Milano’s Touch collection, NFL’s line with Reebok, or 5th & Ocean vintage tees…or some small indie spots with cute apparel, like Football Chicks Are Hot or perhaps our “I Watch Sports Like a Girl” tees. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to wear your heart — and your team spirit — on your sleeve!

As I’ve mentioned before, but it Bears repeating (pun intended)…I don’t wear football jersey’s (or any jersey’s for that matter), as I don’t like looking like a Linebacker (no offense to Brian Urlacher)…and I have yet to find one that is even remotely flattering, so I like to wear my team colors.  Blue and Orange.  Here are some cute outfits, in navy, orange, but not necessarily together, that could be good options.

Go Bears !

Navy twin set with white jeans

I actually wore something very similar to this last year, with either a white scoop neck tee, or a white blouse…but I also was rockin’ the cheetah flats.

The above dress should be worn to a Pre Season game, with metallic flip flops…not strappy pumps!

These almost look like Dockers…I may pair this orange sweater with a pair of jeans or walking shorts (weather permitting, of course).

These shoes, while darling, are NOT appropriate to wear to a Bears game…

Have a Fantastic Weekend…And Go Bronco’s!!

Patrick is #15.

xoxo,

T.

Related Posts:

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/are-you-ready-for-some-fashion-for-the-guys/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/bears-ballyhoo/

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/09/10/are-you-ready-for-some-football-2/

Related articles

• Are You Ready for Some Football? (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• Why Jay Cutler’s Immaturity Is Chicago Bears’ Greatest Obstacle in Title Quest (bleacherreport.com)

Jaywatch! And that’s how it’s done! :)

Yes Jackson, there is a Santa Claus!  And your request came true!  A very stylishly-played game, indeed!

Will the Real Offensive Line please stand up?   Isn’t it nice what can happen when you actually show up and protect your QB?!    Well done, gentleman.  It appears Mr. Cutler had a handle in this fine performance.   And Mr. Mike Martz appears to be able to keep his job (and parking spot, said Dan Hampton) !  The Bears spanked the Vikings (sorry Bruce, Mark, Eli, and Kim)…but it was really sweet.  The Bears played Stylishly, and looked Fabulous!  What a fun game to watch.

Jay Cutler – Outstanding performance!    Acting like the Leader of the Team!   My boy Jay completed 21 of 31 passes for 267 yards and two TDs. He had a passer rating 115.9.  You just showed America you are a Top Notch QB!  Look how good he is when he’s given time to do his job!

Matt Forte – he rocks, and I’ll join the bandwagon, please pay him Mr. Angelo!  Show him the Money$$$

Julius Peppers – WTG!  And here we thought you were going to be on injured reserve and Not play… Hardly!  Sweet performance!

Deven Hester – Wow!  98-TD run, and he looked to be an admirable receiver!  5 catches, 98-years, 1 TD!

And That is how it’s done!

Bears off to London, across the pond, to play the Buccaneers!  2nd biggest event there since the Royal Wedding.  Easy on the pints boys…you have a game to play!

And one last fashion comment re: this exciting game:  Kudo’s to Jay for wearing the pink trimmed knit hat on the sidelines during the game, as well as the pink towel.   If you will recall, last year’s horrible loss against the Giants, he was sacked 9 times, received a concussion, and was lambasted for Not wearing any Pink Breast Cancer Awareness items during that game.  This year he’s With the program.  Nice move.  However, alas, on a not so fashionable note, Jay did Not wear his game winning suit in the post game press conference.  Light blue button down with leather jacket is terrific when you go and visit your life coach, not as much during a post game press conference.    Please, wear a suit in the post game press conference.    I mean, my goodness, you had on a suit during your stint as a guest in the audience on DWTS, the least you can do is sport one after a spectacular win!    I may just have to tweet this to him @jaycutler6

xoxo,

T.

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An Open Letter to the NFL, and Mr. Roger Goodell

Dear NFL Commissioner, Mr. Roger Goodell:  Jeremy Shockey is an Idiot.  A rude, crass, unbecoming Class-A JERK!  And how do I know that Jeremy Shockey, a tight end for the Carolina Panther’s is all of the above?

Well…on my constant quest to find the best seats in the house at Soldier Field, I sat in seats other than my own season ticket seats (1st row, 35-yard line, North Visitors side) at the Bears v Panthers game (nice win, but not sure the Bears played as well as they could) anyway, this time my seats were still 1st row,  but at the 45-yard line (though was told they were 50-yard line, but that’s my next letter) and still Visitors side, but opposite end of my seats on the South side.    And I was positioned right behind the bench of the Carolina Panthers…And I was smack dab behind Mr. Jeremy Shockey and his boorish, unbecoming, childish, unsportsmanlike behavior.  Mr. Shockey, in more than one instance, “Flipped off the Crowd”…I mean, did the ole “Up Yours without the fingers” to the fine Chicago Bears fans who happened to be seated in section 110.    How nice to be exposed to that.  I bring my 14-year old son to these games..I also bring clients, co-workers, friends and family, and I find it offensive, highly offensive, and shouldn’t have to deal with that unruly behavior.  No fan, paying good money, a Lot of money,  to watch a football game, should have to endure that type of uncultured behavior.

And in case you are wondering if I was too far to see his crude gesture, here was my view of Mr. Shockey (#80):

Mr. Shockey is seated to the right of Mr. Greg Olsen, who, although a Carolina Panther and no longer a Chicago Bear, remains a class act.

This is what happened to Mr. Shockey in the 3rd quarter, and this is what he had to say in a post game interview, re: a penalty that was called on him.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey was called for offensive pass interference in the third quarter — one of eight penalties against Carolina. It wiped out his 22-yard TD catch from Newton that would have given the Panthers the lead and the momentum.  “I’d like to get an explanation from the league and understand why they would call something like that,” said Shockey, who said the official making the call didn’t give him one. “We pay their salary and I can’t even get an explanation,” he added. “They should be accountable, as well. They get paid a lot of money.”

“They get paid a lot of money”.  Yeah, so does Jeremy, with his $3M+ contract, this year alone.   Mr. Shockey has  probably made in excess of $40M over his storied, sullied career.  For that kind of money, he surely could have bought some etiquette lessons or better yet hired an Etiquette coach.  He should have his arms cut off (tattoos and all) for flipping off the fans, when there are young Children, women, and fine Chicago Bears fans,  sitting there rooting for their NFL team.  And guess what?   The NFL fans, who pay to attend these games, help Pay Mr. Shockey’s salary as well!  Jeremy Shockey does NOT need a life coach.  That would be futile.  He needs  a stint in Military camp.  And… when the 4 Air Force Pilots,  who did the flyover during the National Anthem,  were introduced, he didn’t even applaud.   He just stood there like a buffoon.

Class A Jerk!

He should be fined $100K for his boorish behavior, and that money should be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the NFL is participating.  Mr. Shockey was also wearing pink arm bands.   Mr. Goodell, can you take care of that?  He is an embarrassment to the NFL, to the fans of the Chicago Bears, and no doubt the fans of the Carolina Panthers.  And I’m more than certain the fans of the New York Giants as well as the New Orleans Saints fans (his previous 2 teams) feel the same way.  In addition, several teammates, and even a “man in a suit, who could have been the team owner, but I could be mistaken”, even tried to tell him to knock if off…and he didn’t seem to care.  He Flipped off the crowd again (again, no fingers, but a violent full-arm gesture).

Mr. Goodell, I am sure you are aware (you may even have crafted it), but the NFL has a Player Code of Conduct…Mr. Shockey is in violation of that code.  For your convenience, I have attached an article containing this code, so you may refresh your memory:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10111/1052222-66.stm

Being an NFL player is one of the greatest jobs in the world and is a Privilege, Not a right.  Being a role model to children is also a privilege.  Mr. Shockey’s behavior was shocking, crude and highly inappropriate at a family-friendly sporting event, and I trust disciplinary action will be taken.

Signed, a Loyal NFL fan,

Terry O’Brien

Chicago Bears Season Ticket Holder

JAYWATCH - my observations of Mr. Jay Cutler – Sunday’s performance could best be described as Lackluster with only 9 completions of 17 passes and only 102 yards.  These are not the numbers of a franchise QB, or a future Hall of Famer.  But, I still believe in him, he’s still my quarterback (now I sound like Lovie Smith), and the season is young.  Next up,  the 4-0 Lions…That will be a great game!

xoxo,

T.

Related articles

• Monday Morning Reflections of a QB’s Life Coach… (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)
• http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach/
• http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/jay-cutler-needs-a-life-coach-part-deux/

Monday Morning Reflections of a QB’s Life Coach…

I don’t know about you, but if I were Jay Cutler, I’d be Hopping Mad!  It’s ironic the first three letters of OFFensive Line are OFF.  I was under the impression our Bye Week was October 30th?  Jay Cutler showed up to play football, while the OL were nowhere to be seen.  Brian Urlacher,  Matt Forte and Lance Briggs, showed up to play.  The OL, did not.  Perhaps I should send them all a copy of the movie, The Blind Side?  Mr. Davis, Mr. Webb and Mr. Omiyale may I introduce your to Mr. Oher (and Sandra Bullock)?

Jay Cutler was Sacked 5 Times.  Make that 6 times.  3 in the last few minutes. Ugh!  He was  Rushed, Hurried, Knocked into, Pressured, Mocked and Harassed more times than I can count (or find the accurate numbers on Google).    The OL needs work, lots and lots of work.  And No, Jay Cutler was Not perfect.  He threw passes when he shouldn’t, to areas in which were poor choices, but he was rushed basically 90% of the time.   No one protected him.  And, as I have taken a more tough approach on our illustrious QB in recent weeks (you are welcome, Phyllis), I will also be the first to jump to his defense…I mean, someone has to, as it appears the Offensive Line won’t (or at least, did Not today).

These are some of my friend’s comments, lifted from Facebook..

Oh Bears!! Couldn’t you have surprised all the critics??? This is painful! (Kathy)

If I was Jay Cutler, I would be really mad at my offensive line. (Kim)

I’m not talking about football until NEXT Sunday. Geesh. (Bridget)

I’m about to loose my sh%^# if Cutler gets hit one more time…where is the protection. (Kristen)

The game was not pretty…However…Jay Cutler certainly was, in his post game interview…Not only did he wear a Suit, but he was smiling.  Golly…where did I hear That recommendation before?    And, again, he was Smiling!  (no Jack, that was not him Wincing in Pain).   And he acted like a gentleman, taking responsibility for his fumble, and Not placing blame on anyone else (as I may have done in this blog).  And after all that, Jay Cutler said only this, ”It was a long day out there,” Cutler said. “I had to throw a lot of balls before I wanted to. … The Saints were the better team today. They rushed me hard and forced our offense to do things we didn’t want to do.”  Spoken like a true Team Leader. Well Done Jay!

Note:  because I had to lift this picture off the internet, as I was Not in New Orleans, this picture of him post game, is Not of him smiling…but he did, indeed, smile.  And the suit, appears to be Navy, and the tie has Orange accents.  Wonder where he got That idea?

So…Bears Fans…Onto next week, for “America’s Game of the Week” (According to NBC), Bears v Greenbay! Put this game behind you, and Sack the Pack!  I will be there, with Patrick (though back in my seats, not the sweet seats of Opening Day), cheering them on!

Go Bears!

xoxo,

T.

Tomorrow’s blog is on the Madness surrounding Missoni, and on Friday all about Dressing for your body type!  Sorry the past 2 blogs have been hijacked to accommodate more pressing matters, but felt since Jay wore a great suit, this could pass for a fashion blog!

And I present to you pictures of Mr. Jay Cutler…Smiling!  And these were quite easy to find on Google…Honest to goodness, he Must be reading my blog, because Clearly, I am Not his Life Coach…yet.  :)

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Jay Cutler needs a Life Coach

Since this week commenced the arrival of my Bears season tickets (though we still don’t know if there will be an NFL season) I thought I would make a few comments regarding our “illustrious” QB.

I have spent way too much time defending Jay Cutler…and quite frankly, I’ve never met the man.  I think he’s a good quarterback.  Make that a great quarterback.  And based on this magazine cover, he is, indeed, Stylish!  But does he have a bubbly personality, that can win over the masses, I think not.  Does he have the smile, and charm of Walter Payton?  Nope.  Does he have the outward  passion of Brian Urlacher?  Don’t think so.  But, I think he plays with his heart, and his head…but, to the city of Chicago, he hasn’t won them over…yet.  Of course we want a winning season, and that’s what is most important (again, if there will even Be a season this year, but we are close)…but I truly believe Jay Cutler would be a whole lot happier, and a lot better quarterback if he played in a city that was able to embrace him, and he in turn would embrace the greatest city in the world.

So, my suggestion, is he needs a Life Coach.  Actually, I think  most professional athletes need a life coach, financial planner, and a minister, or priest, and their Mothers  to keep them on the straight and narrow.  I’m tired of the  immoral, unruly behavior by these new mega-millionaires…But let’s concentrate on Jay for now.  And as my friend Cinda says, and I get my best material from her, “If you are gonna be somebody’s Life Coach, you’d best have your own life in order”!  For the record, I didn’t indicate I should be his life coach, I just said he needs one.   Though I am quite certain that Cinda was offering me up for the job.

A Life coach would tell him he needs to develop a personality.  Think Jim McMahon!  That Punky QB was chock-full of personality.  He not only played with Heart…but Showed Heart.  The city of Chicago loved him.  The city of Chicago could love Jay Cutler…but Mr. Cutler needs to give the city a reason to.  He doesn’t have to win a Superbowl to get our fair city to embrace him.  He needs to show us he has a personality, and cares about us.  If he does that, We will also care about him.

In press conferences he needs to lose the arrogant attitude.  He needs to smile more (and not only for magazine covers).  He needs to embrace and cheer his team while on the sidelines (no need to bring up that game again).  He needs to show his personality on TV and in newspaper interviews, not just when he mugs for Magazine covers.    He needs to act as a gentleman, and a role model to his young fans (and not so young fans).  And yes, he is indeed a role model, so he needs to act like one.

Easy.  And not easier said then done.  He can do this!  We’ve seen him smile, it just doesn’t happen that often.  Someone…and I am recommending a Life Coach, needs to sit that young man down and explain his behavior, and lack of personality has had a negative effect on the way  the city of Chicago views him.  Chicagoans are the greatest people in the world.  We want to love our quarterback.  I mean, we still love the Cubs!  I rest my case.

Come on Jay…make the call.  Huddle with your advisors, and make a change.    The city of Chicago would just Love to Love you!

xoxo,

T.

p.s.  Go Bears!

The Agony of Da-feat

It was a Heartbreaking loss.  Packers 21 – Bears 14.  The week leading up to the game was magical.  Everyone was in the spirit of the game.  It made you proud to be a Chicagoan.   Proud to be a Bears fan.   All the way up till 2:05PM cst on Sunday.  Then it got ugly…and stayed ugly till the 3rd quarter.  But, alas, it was too late.   Not sure what happened, but I truly felt heartbroken.  Crushing loss.  We left before the presentation of the George Halas trophy on our own field.  A girl has her limits.  Thankfully the empty feeling gets better each day.  I should be good by opening day in September!

I am fortunate to have 4,  1st row seats on the 35-yard line.  My seats rock.    Apparently a Packers fan also thought they rocked and put his money where his cheesehead was.   $10,000 to be exact.  The address I was instructed  to send the tickets, Menoqua, WI.  I couldn’t do it.  I could not have 4 Greenbay fans sitting in my seats.  So, I made an executive and clearly appropriate decision and decided to go to the game.  Which, truth be told,  was always the plan, based on a mistake I made in January 2007.  Plus, a friend told me I needed to go to the game, as there are some things worth more than $$$ and I listen to my friends.

Four years ago for the Seahawks v Bears game for the 2006 season, Patrick, and 2 of my brothers , Luke and David went to that game.  It was another magical game.  The game went into overtime, the Bears Won,  Patrick and I were on TV, and we stopped at McDonald’s where Luke treated us to double cheeseburgers and shakes.  The day could NOT have gotten any better…when I woke up the next morning, I had forgotten I had listed my tickets on StubHub, and received this email, “Congratulations, your 4 tickets have sold for $8,000″.  I was giddy with excitement over the new-found influx of cash, but didn’t know how to tell Patrick we were not going to the NFC Championship game vs. New Orleans.    He handled it like a trooper, though not sure Luke and David did.    I knew not to make that mistake again.  Here are pictures from the Seahawks game in 2007:

4 Bears v Packers tickets — Face value $800

Offer from a  Greenbay Packer fan  in Menoqua , WI – $10,000

Not letting 4 Greenbay Fans  sit in my seats - PRICELESS

So, yes, I truly am a die-hard Bears fan, and am so sad the Bears season is over…and we only have one more football game left this season.  But, we need to cheer on our NFC team, the Packers…and don’t worry, I won’t post Packer Facebook posts, won’t post cute Packer v Steelers jokes, won’t sport a Rodgers jersey…but know we want our NFC rival to beat the Steelers.  Ben Roethlisberger is a “scoundrel”.    He’s a talented quarterback, but not sure he’s a really good guy…the jury is out.

Go Pack!   (Sharon and Ali, this is for you).

UGH!

xoxo

T.

I received this “humorous” photo from my brother-in-law Bruce.  He indicated “Jay Cutler’s knee looks pretty good here”.  The controversy over Jay Cutler’s injury has not helped the post-bears blues this week.   Jay Cutler was hurt.  He did not quit.  I think he was lambasted for no reason, and the professional football players who attacked him, without knowing the extent of his injuries, are a bunch of hooligans.  But since I’m an equal opportunity blogger, I thought I’d share this photo.   And I did not lose a bet either. 

 

Next week back to Syle blogs…thank goodness