Friday, February 26, 2010

Reasons Why #14

Here is the fourteenth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Sixteen inch softball. What could be more fun and more Chicagoan than playing 16-inch softball from the time the snow melts until it's flying again? Surely Conan has fond memories of playing 16-inch ball during his past days in Chicago. And my team is always looking for subs. What'd you say Conan? Just be sure to wear some sunscreen, ok?

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Reasons Why #13

Here is the thirteenth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Everyone else is doing it! Well, at least Boeing and Miller-Coors have recently moved to Chicago. It's pretty rare for a major corporation to relocate and both Boeing and Miller-Coors had strong ties to their former homes, but they both felt the allure of Chicago and haven't looked back. Maybe they know something ...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Reasons Why #12

Here is the twelfth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'. Thanks Jocelyn!

Reasons Why #11

Here is the eleventh installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Our *cough* world class public transportation system. While any true Chicagoan knows that the CTA has it's problems, they also know that the CTA rail lines connect directly to two major airports. Which is something that cannot be said of any other U.S. city! That's right, not New York, not L.A., not San Fransisco or Atlanta, not anybody. So for all of Conan's environmentalist guests that would be flying in from out West, they could do the environmentally right thing and take the CTA to the show ... yeah, right!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Reasons Why #10

Here is the tenth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Our world class theater. Chicago is home to fantastic theaters like the Goodman and Steppenwolf which continually draw national talent and receive near universal accolades. There are also a number of smaller theaters all over town, which are known for their solid productions. Outside straight theater, Chicago is home to comedy institutions like the Second City and iO (formerly Improve Olympic), which have launched the careers of untold numbers of performers. Whatever type of performance you're looking for, you'll find it in Chicago!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Reasons Why #9

Here is the ninth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

We're a sports town. Sure New York has the Yankees and L.A. has the Lakers, but who cares? The Cubs, Sox, Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks are some of the most storied franchises in all of sport and they're all in one place! We've got fans that'll support a last place team -- when was the last time you saw that on either Coast? We've given the world Michael Jordan, Ernie Banks, Frank Thomas, Dick Butkis and Bobby Hull. We also gave the world the Black Sox, the curse of the Billy Goat, and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Good or bad, and it's often bad, we live and die by our teams. And that's something Conan can't find too many other places!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Demand Conan Comes to Chicago


Demand Conan O'Brien in Chicago!
Conan O'Brien in Chicago - Learn more about this Eventful Demand

View all Chicago events on Eventful

We Are Back!

We at Chicago Wants Conan have been a little busy lately and haven't been able to devote our time to this project, but that's going to change. We are back! Look for a new post every day this week and get the word out to all your friends, family and co-workers. We need some more members if we're ever going to attract Conan's attention.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Update

We here at Chicago Wants Conan are looking for contributors to our campaign. While we have plenty to write about and plenty of drive to continue the campaign to bring Conan to Chicago, we have been beset by numerous other commitments as of late and would welcome posts from other contributors to fill in where we've fallen off. Contact us at ChicagoWantsConan@GMail.com if you're interested in contributing. And either way, keep coming back as we promise to have new posts soon!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Reasons Why #8

Here is the eighth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Our block parties. During his shows here in 2006 Conan made mention of his admiration of our many summer festivals and we at Chicago Wants Conan think that he should come back here to experience them again -- we do recommend that he put on plenty of sunscreen before venturing out to any of them though. Who knows maybe if Conan comes to town, a festival or two will even start serving up his favorite beer.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Membership Drive

Today we at Chicago Wants Conan are taking a short reprieve from our Reason's Why series to touch on the Membership Drive we just kicked off on Facebook. We have lots more Reason's Why and we'll get back to them soon, but today we are looking to spread this campaign to new people and pick up the momentum we'll need in order to convince Conan that he should come to Chicago.

Let's face it, as some have mentioned already, coming to Chicago would be unexpected to say the least. So, in order to make our mission a reality, we will need to show Conan, Max, Andy, WGN and everyone around the country that this idea is possible and viable. And in order to do that we need to send a resounding message that Chicago is the place for Conan!

What can you do to send that message? Three simple things:

  • If you haven't joined the Facebook Group, join now! If you are already a member, post something on our wall.
  • Change your Facebook status to 'I'm part of Chicago Wants Conan and you should be too!'
  • Invite your friends to join the Chicago Wants Conan campaign.

We at Chicago Wants Conan hope to have some news to share when we reach 5,000 members, so let's see how quickly we can get there!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Reasons Why #7

Here is the seventh installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

As reported by Chicagoist my middle initial is 'C'. I found it unusual to see my middle name used, as the only time I normally use the 'C' is for official documents or, when I was little, when my mother would yell at me (and then she used the whole middle name). Be all that as it may, I'm not too attached to my given middle name and if Conan chooses to come to Chicago, I will henceforth be known as Brandon Conan Clark ... subject to approval by my mom, of course.

Come back soon for more Reasons Why Conan should come to Chicago.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Reasons Why #6

Here is the sixth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Our music. Conan's show has always had a reputation for putting some great bands on the air and in Chicago there's plenty of great music to discover. We're the home of Pitchfork.com and the Pitchfork Music Festival. Lollapalooza has called Chicago home for several years now. We also have city sponsored festivals of blues, jazz, country and latin music. Plus music features prominently at other festivals like Taste of Chicago and Celtic Fest. But beyond the festivals dedicated to music, Chicago is known for being a great place to find authentic blues and jazz. We're also known for our excellent orchestra. We also have an abundance of great small, independent bands and record labels residing here. Of course everyone knows that bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Urge Overkill, Jesus Lizard, Liz Phair and Ministry started in Chicago. But lately Chicago has continued to turn out great musical talent with Wilco, Andrew Bird, Rise Against, Fall Out Boy and others making waves locally and nationally. With record labels like Thrill Jockey, Drag City, Bloodshot Records and Touch & Go headquartered in Chicago, and venues from the Double Door to the United Center constantly on major and minor acts' tour schedules, the local music scene will remain strong for a long time.

Come back soon for more Reasons Why Conan should come to Chicago.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Reasons Why #5

Here is the fifth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

Our politicians. While our politicians may not be so great for running a city, county or state, they are exceptional for one thing -- making fun of. Occasionally a New York politician (e.g., Elliott Spitzer) screws up and becomes fodder for comedians in the short interim between getting caught and returning to private life. And California has provided us with politicians that are fun to pick on from time to time (e.g. the Governator). But only Illinois, and in particular Chicago, continually elects (and re-elects) complete and utter clowns. Everybody knows about Blago, but 3 of the preceding 7 governors were also easy targets. Mayor Daley isn't exactly known for his polished demeanor either. Then there's Todd Stroger, though he's likely to be gone by the time Conan gets here. Still, I'm sure his replacement won't be much better. And don't even get me started on our aldermen. If Conan comes here, he can be sure of one thing, he'll always be able to come up with an easy joke about the local politicians.

Come back soon for more Reasons Why Conan should come to Chicago.

Special Guest Post by New Contributor, Jocelyn Geboy

Jocelyn is the events coordinator for CHIRP Radio -- another excellent cause! She and I met at a CHIRP event and got to talking about our love of Conan and now she has offered to contribute to this blog. Here is the first, of what I hope will be many, posts by Ms. Jocelyn Geboy.

It has been insinuated that Chicago doesn't have the celebrity cred it takes to maintain a first-class talk show -- the kind that Conan is worthy of and deserves; that celebrities are living in L.A. and N.Y., and don't spend their time in the Midwestern confines of Chicago. First, let the record be set straight: Chicago is a world-class city. It always has been and always will be. From our hosting the World's Fair back in the day and our bidding for the Olympics last year, Chicago has always been in the company of giants. Secondly, we have plenty of celebrities/musicians who make Chicago their home base, come here to make films and attend premieres, and we produced the current President of the United States! Lastly, and perhaps most importantly from a practical standpoint, the last time I checked, celebrities/musicians/politicians are not waiting outside the doors of The Tonight Show, Oprah and The Daily Show just waiting for the moment they are to be interviewed. They get on airplanes and do press junkets, hawk books/shows/films, and do interviews/performances. Have fame, will travel. They go to the shows, the shows don't come to them. O'Hare's a hub for many airlines, baby. Oprah's moving out of town, Conan can put them all up in the Drake.

Monday, February 1, 2010

More Artwork for the Campaign


These two images come from my Missy Clark in Gainesville, Florida. Thanks!


Thanks to Ellie Maybe for this variation of the Chicago Picasso and the picture below, which just might be the best reason for Conan to come to Chicago yet!

Reasons Why #4

Here is the fourth installment of the infinite series, 'Reasons Why'.

As you can see from today's other post, the Chicago Picasso looks good with Conan Hair. 'nough said!

Come back soon for more Reasons Why Conan should come to Chicago.

Some Recent Artwork for Our Campaign


Thanks to Chris Mohr for this image!

Thanks to Stephe Kamykowski for these two pictures!