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?

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 ...

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reasons Why #3

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

Andy Richter is from Chicago. Of course when we say 'Chicago Wants Conan', what we really mean is that we want everyone to come: Conan, Andy, Max, and if it's possible, can Joel come too? We love all you guys and want you to come here. Luckily, Andy can tell you how great Chicago is and can show you around when you get here. He's from a small town southwest of Chicago called Yorkville. And here's a little bit of trivia for you, which Andy may not have told you, he was prom king back in high school. Anyway, after prom, he came to Chicago and studied at Columbia College and performed in the Annoyance Theater before taking of for New York! So you see, coming to Chicago and starting a show here would really be like a homecoming of sorts. Just one more reason to come here!

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

Reasons Why #2

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

Our beaches. That's right, after leaving sunny south California, we're selling Chicago on the strength of its beaches. But stick with us. Chicago really does have excellent beaches, which are all connected by the lakeshore path and are littered with people during the three warm months we enjoy each summer. With our beaches Conan could finally get a tan! Now, we know what you're thinking -- if he didn't get a tan in L.A. he won't get one here. Well we disagree -- we wouldn't go to the beach in L.A. -- all those paparazzi, all those beautiful bodies: we're just too self-conscious for that. But in Chicago, it's cool, nobody's looking. So as long as we think we look alright, it's OK. So come on Conan, you wanna go play some volleyball with us on North Avenue beach?

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

Reasons Why #1

With apologies to Stephen Colbert, this is the first installment of an infinite series called, 'Reasons Why'. Throughout this series we will highlight Reasons Why Chicago should be the new home of Conan O'Brien. Let's get right down to it.

The first reason that Conan O'Brien should come to Chicago is ...US! That's right -- you, me, him, her, them, and those guys over there. We are the reason that Conan should come to Chicago. We stood in lines wrapped around the block for the entire week he was here in 2006. We rallied for him outside NBC tower during the 'I'm with Coco' campaign. And we are the first, and still the only, city to be actively campaigning for Conan to come to our city! Now we don't think that we are entitled to anything for these action and we don't want to sound too full of ourselves -- and we're not, we're a 'Midwest Nice' sort of group, but we think these actions speak pretty loudly -- we're a pretty nifty group and we think Conan should join us.

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