Social Media

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Piffcast: Summer Goals, Second City and Martin Morrow

Standup Comedian, writer, and Second City actor Martin Morrow (Why? with Hannibal Buress, Last Comic Standing) joins the show. Martin talks about his journey in the Chicago comedy scene, how he applies his improv training to standup, writing sketches and jokes for sensitive audiences, and the effect social media has had on the industry. He also names his Second City “Mount Rushmore” and gives some advice for future professional comedians. (12:10 mark, if you want to jump ahead)

Meanwhile, Michael and TJ go through their goals for Summer. Plus what’s on TJ’s Spotify playlist, things Mike rationally and irrationally dislikes, and much more. It’s a good bit of fun.

Don’t forget to use Promo Code “Piffcast” for great deals when getting a ride with our new friends at Lyft! 

Follow for more on Facebook or Twitter. You can subscribe to The Piffcast on iTunes too.

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Twitter’s 10th Anniversary: First Ever Tweets From Some Favorites

10 years ago today, some guy named Jack sent the first ever tweet.

“Jack” is Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO of Twitter. He also set the standard for grammar on social media, apparently.

Do you remember your first tweet? I guess I had Brian Scalabrine and Carmelo on the mind when I wrote mine…

With the help of Twitter’s Discover feature, I was able to dig up some maiden voyage thoughts as people in Sports and Entertainment got setup on their “favorite” Social Media platform.

Movies

 

Robert Downey Jr.

 

Chris Evans

 

Chris Pratt

 

Amy Schumer

 

Emma Watson

 

Jon Favreau

 

Kevin Spacey

 

Tom Hanks

 

Ron Howard

 

Jamie Foxx

 

Kristen Bell

 

Angela Bassett

 

Ben Affleck

 

Chris Rock

 

Brie Larson

 

John C. Reilly

 

Kevin Hart

 

Television

 

Bryan Cranston

 

Aaron Paul

 

Krysten Ritter

 

Jason Segel

 

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

 

Jerry Seinfeld

 

Sarah Michelle Gellar

 

Aubrey Plaza

 

Gillian Jacobs

 

Lena Dunham

 

Norman Reedus

 

Michael J. Fox

 

Emilia Clarke

 

Eric Stonestreet

 

Sofia Vergara

 

Grant Gustin

 

Melissa Benoist

 

Chris Hardwick

 

Stephen Colbert

 

Ellen DeGeneres

 

Music

Justin Timberlake

 

Common

 

John Legend

 

Taylor Swift

 

Lady Gaga

 

Alicia Keys

 

Chance The Rapper

 

Rihanna

 

Bruce Springsteen

 

Andrew W.K.

 

Bruno Mars

 

Beyonce

 

Chris Martin

 

Axl Rose

 

Marc Roberge

 

Kanye West

 

 

Basketball

Kobe Bryant

 

Shaquille O’Neal

 

LeBron James

 

Chris Paul

 

Kevin Durant

 

Derrick Rose

 

Jimmy Butler

 

DeMarcus Cousins

 

Blake Griffin

 

Damian Lillard

 

Russell Westbrook

 

Steph Curry

 

Mark Cuban

 

Adrian Wojnarowski (#WojBombs)

Baseball

Jake Arrieta

 

Bryce Harper

 

Brandon McCarthy

 

Dan Haren

 

Andrew McCutchen 

 

Mike Trout

 

Felix Hernandez

 

Clayton Kershaw

 

David Ortiz

 

Kris Bryant

 

Frank Thomas

 

Joe Maddon

 

Ken Rosenthal

 

Football

 

Von Miller

 

Kyle Long

 

Chris Long

 

Aaron Rodgers

 

Russell Wilson

 

Cam Newton

 

Odell Beckham Jr.

 

Le’Veon Bell

 

Marshawn Lynch

 

Todd Gurley 

 

Ian Rapoport 

 

Adam Schefter

 

Jim Harbaugh

 

 

Did I miss any? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter and I’ll get back to you with anybody’s FIRST TWEET.

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How Twitter Celebrates #NationalPizzaDay

Just 2 days after finally digesting your awesome Super Bowl spread…

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It’s National Pizza Day!

You may know already that there is quite an affinity for pizza on this website (See The Pizza Challenge List from last Spring) and that we also like to monitor how Social Media celebrates these National Food Days…aka, great excuses to eat something good.

So let’s take a look at what the good people are posting on this momentous day of deliciousness

We’ll update this post throughout the day. Feel free to share your #NationalPizzaDay posts with us on Facebook and Twitter!

 

NBA on TNT 

(A personal favorite photo of mine)

 

Epic Meal Time

 

Houston Texans

 

Dallas Cowboys

 

Good Morning America

 

Garfield

 

Washington Nationals

 

SLAM Magazine

 

Rock Pictures

 

Cincinnati Reds

 

NBC

 

Tumblr

 

The Walking Dead

 

Professor Snape

 

Vine

 

SI Vault

(The more Barkley pizza photos, the better.)

 

Breaking Bad

 

Blizzard Entertainment

(I think they produce World of Warcraft)

 

Chicago Sky

 

Andrew W.K.

 

Check back for updates later. Please share your own #NationalPizzaDay posts on Facebook or Twitter. 

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Stop Blaming Millennials For Your Problems, Especially in Sports

I am tired of the lazy “Millennials are soft” narrative.

Monday night, sports fans were treated to one of 2016’s early instant classics as #1 Kansas University went 3 overtimes to fend off Buddy Hield and #2 Oklahoma 109-106 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. It was one of the better regular season basketball games in a long time. Brent Musburger and Dick Vitale nearly lost their voices. It was a great time had by all, thanks to millennial athletes.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was busy doing his best Grandpa Simpson impression by blaming “Millennial Culture” for his team’s second to last place record in the Western Conference.

“My whole view of the millennial culture is that they have a tough time dealing with setbacks,” Sarver told the Arizona Republic. “I’m not sure if it’s the technology or the instant gratification of being online. But the other thing is, I’m not a fan of social media. I tell my kids it’s like Fantasyland. The only thing people put online are good things that happen to them, or things they make up. And it creates unrealistic expectations.”

It’s cool though, because local journalists are Sarver’s version of a Facebook wall to rant on, and his “instant gratification” are hot take sports talk shows like FOX Sports Live (I thought this was supposed to be a highlight show) with panelists echoing his sentiments…because none of them are millennials themselves.

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On this particular FSL panel from Monday night, moderator Randy Travis led off the discussion with the typical “We all know Millennials are the most coddled generation…”, and I felt more compelled to change the channel than ever. Ironically, everyone on this panel was screaming “Let Johnny Manziel be Johnny Manziel” just beforehand.

I appreciate Sports Illustrated’s media reporter Richard Deitsch for pointing out exactly where I wanted to take this on Twitter.

The group in question is exactly the audience Fox Sports 1 is fighting for with ESPN too. Fox Sports Live was originally packaged to us as the “fun” sports show with entertaining highlights, anchors who get it (like Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole), and smart analysis. Instead, the network adds former ESPN First Take executive producer Jamie Horowitz – who brings Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock with (reasons millennial audiences wanted an alternative) – and we’re back to searching for something else again. ESPN then capitalizes by handing the late night SportsCenter reigns to their most millennial friendly talent, Scott Van Pelt.

In case you weren’t aware, the millennial generation covers people born between the early 80’s to the early 2000’s. These are impactful business owners (Mark Zuckerberg), soon-to-be college grads (Jack Gleeson aka Prince Joffrey from Game of Thrones), teenagers standing up for important causes (Malala Yousafzai), and kids who never saw Michael Jordan play live. They love nostalgia (reminiscing about 90’s Nickelodeon shows and NES cartridge games) and can’t wait for what’s next (standing in line around the block for the new iPhone).

Millennials are another young generation, shaped as much by previous generations as they are criticized by them. The people who can’t stand anyone younger than them actually gave birth to them and had the opportunity to raise them the way they wanted to. The irony is hilarious. Yet for every Phoenix Suns team, there’s a Golden State Warriors roster dominated by 20-somethings on top of the basketball world. The best player in the league currently and millennial athlete, Stephen Curry, had his game influenced by a specialist from the previous generation…his dad.

Obviously the disconnect isn’t limited to basketball, as Mr. Sarver generalizes. The old folks write pointed letters when Cam Newton dances in the end zone. They take to social media and sports talk radio when Jose Bautista flips his bat. Alas, when a millennial has something to say to defend their generation, they tell you to shut up and stop being so sensitive.

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I remember that “wambulance” joke from Modern Family. It was funny the first dozen times the kindergartner on the show used it.

If the Suns are victims to “Millennial Culture”, then why are the current Chicago Cubs 7/1 World Series favorites with a projected lineup whose average age is 26? What the Suns are victims of is an organization and leadership that spends more time blaming everything but themselves for their own losing culture…and bad scouting.

Rather than sit back and criticize a generation for your problems, be proactive and either adapt or provide a productive solution. If you don’t like what you’re hearing, change the channel. Otherwise, this will be you someday.

Grandpa Simpson

For more, follow along and react on Facebook or Twitter! 

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December in Chicago: Things To Do To Make Winter Suck Less

Consider this a cognitive therapy session to help you feel better about the season that several of your friends and family have moved away from. If you still live here after the past two winters, congratulations…you’re a midwesterner. You grew up with 4 seasons, strapped on your snow pants, found creative ways to de-ice your windshield because you forgot your scraper, and you haven’t been stomped by AT-ATs on State Street…yet.

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I personally like snow and I know I’m not alone. I also don’t mind a trip somewhere warm in order to endure it with a tan, but I take pride in where I’m from and love that I can appreciate the other 3 seasons because of Winters here. You also get an awesome and natural excuse to stay in and binge watch Netflix shows with a glass of some-something.

So before posting your super cliche “ugh, Chicago Winter. Get me out of here” Facebook status, turn up 93.9 on your radio for 24/7 holiday tunes and consider some proactive options that you can’t get most places.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

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Lions, Tigers, and beers…oh my!

You read that right. Along with a whole calendar of events, you can peruse the zoo with beers (and maybe Bears) or other adult beverages as the whole place gets lit up like you’ve never seen before. It’s free to enter, as always, and there’s a number of activities to partake in including rides, crafts, and seeing Santa. There are a few dates to mark on the calendar as well.

12/2 BrewLights

12/10 Adults Night Out

12/14, 12/21, 12/28 Family Nights

1/3 Last Day

 

Comedy Shows

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Want to know a great way to stay warm in Chicago? Laughing. Where better to do that than in a tiny cramped venue, brushing shoulders with the table next to you, sipping on a rum and something, and then forgetting it all with belly laugh after belly laugh.

Dave Chappelle is in the middle of a 6 day residency at Thalia Hall, Dec. 1 – 6, but good luck getting tickets for that. All 12 shows were sold out, but MAYBE a ticket or 2 will show up on StubHub. Meanwhile, you and your rowdy friends can check out any of the following clubs for standup shows:

Chicago Improv (in Schaumburg)

Laugh Factory (on Broadway)

Zanies (Chicago, St. Charles and Rosemont)

Beat Kitchen (on Belmont)

Or you can get literally spontaneous comedy at any of the improv institutions that helped put Chicago on the map in show business like Second City, iO or Comedy Sportz.

Last, but not least, John Oliver is performing at the Chicago Theater December 30th and 31st. Maybe don’t miss that.

Christkindlmarket

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I’m sure you’ve heard of it but in case you’ve never been, head over to Daley Plaza at Clark and Washington to see for yourself. The tradition began in Nuremberg, Germany in 1545 and was brought to Chicago in 1996. It’s considered the largest open-air Christmas festival in the city, but my favorite part is the mug of hot wine that I can mosey about with.

It’s open till Dec. 24th, so get over as soon as you can.

 

Marshall Fields

(Nobody wants to call it Macy’s this time of year)

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This is Christmas nostalgia at it’s finest for most of us who grew up around Chicago. Winter break from school, Mom and Dad have some last minute shopping and your family from New York is in town…where do you head to? State Street, that great street, to see the windows at Marshall Fields.

Every year there’s a different story being told around the building, and people of all ages can’t wait to see what’s next. Inside, on the 7th floor is another sight to behold. The Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907.

Walnut Room

 

Star Wars (Chicago Style)

If the pre-sale numbers and the marketing haven’t already told you, people are excited for Star Wars. So how can you best celebrate the release of Episode 7?

The Whistler in Logan Square will be transforming their bar into the Mos Eisley Cantina on December 16th. There will be local musicians on hand as the house band from A New Hope and the cocktail menu will be overhauled with galactic themed beverages.

Mos Eisley

Then there’s Adler After Dark the next evening, December 17th, as the Adler Planetarium will be hosting a Force Awakens party unlike any.

  • Star Wars Trivia
  • A screening of Space Balls 
  • Star Wars-inspired beer from Empirical Brewing
  • Lightsaber Combat Workshop!
  • human-robot interactives from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

The Force is strong, yes?

 

Sauced Night Market

Sauced Night Emporium

It’s a roving night market, self-described as being “dedicated to emerging culinarians, artists and that guy from high school who’s a DJ now – an evening of food, art and debauchery set to the tune of “Hypnotize”. Intrigued? Sure you are.

December 15th, SAUCED will be at Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square for your not-yet-last-minute holiday shopping, great food from Chicago vendors, and craft beer. It sounds way too interesting to pass up.

 

One Of A Kind Show

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Love art or just any alternative to retail? This is for you. From December 3rd – 6th, 600 artists from across North America will be at the Merchandise Mart on Orleans with every kind of handmade creation you can think of.

Accessories, ceramics, sculptures, furniture, photography, paintings, glass, jewelry, fashion, etc. And here’s the show schedule:

Thursday, December 3    11am-8pm
Friday, December 4         11am-8pm
Saturday, December 5     10am-7pm
Sunday, December 6       10am-5pm

All the One Of A Kind Show info is here.

 

Topgolf

Nighttime Tee Line Golfer

(Naperville & Wood Dale)

 

I find it funny that there are still people around Chicago who haven’t caught on to Topgolf. It’s the grownup version of Chuck E. Cheese, Enchanted Castle, Leaps & Bounds, or whatever kids amusement place you used to frequent when you were younger.

It’s golf meets bowling, where each individual ball you hit has a chip inside and you aim for targets to score points against your friends. Full bar, great food, multiple monitors to watch sports, parties every night…and you it’s open year round with plenty of heat.

I actually went with my dad on the coldest of year and it was an absolute blast. Here’s proof.

FullSizeRender

If you have anymore recommendations to make December better, please pass them along on Facebook or Twitter. 

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First Day of December and MLB Is Already Winning Twitter

Professional sports have caught up with social media and any team not having fun is just doing it wrong.

Major League baseball just started an excellent Twitter thread that will brighten your day if you need it. It began with a happy greeting and an Anthony Rizzo grinning gif…

 

…then the Indians…

 

…and the Red Sox…

 

…and then…

 

…it took on a life of its own.

 

Braves

 

Phillies

 

Tigers

 

Diamondbacks

 

Padres

 

Rockies. They were late, apparently…

 

…but had a decent excuse.

 

The DBacks allowed it.

 

Hey Blue Jays…

 

…welcome to the party.

 

…and the Defending NL Champs

 

[UPDATED]

 

The Cubs had thoughts…

 

…to which MLB happily replied.

 

 

We’ll update this post as more teams jump in on the thread. For more, follow along on Facebook and Twitter. 

1 Comment Posted on Food

Chicago Brewery Challenge: The Beginning

Perusing one of my favorite sites this morning, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks page, a certain story grabbed my attention…

Screen Shot 2015-11-20 at 11.15.35 AM

 

In the words of Barney Stinson,

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

John Lovegrove had his first beer at 7:00 AM and his 77th at 12:55 the next morning. Here’s the timeline of every brewery he stopped at and all the fun his crew of 7 had. Lovegrove had a pint at his first brewpub and another at the 50th, then drank from his one-ounce stein at the 75 others…which is very responsible.

The #SpiritOf77Breweries Challenge was an awesome project to promote the amazing breweries of Portland. I’d love to do the same for the Chicago area. By The Hop Review’s count, there are at least 66 in the city, 85 around it. Let’s see if we can hit more breweries in 18 hours than Lovegrove did.

The Chicago Pizza and Food Truck Challenges were fun (and still ongoing). Those projects took months to execute, but this will take just a day…and a lot of time to plan leading up. You have to start somewhere though and that’s what this is…the beginning.

The date and route are still TBD. Any Chicago beer enthusiasts and breweries interested in helping out are welcome! Let me know on Facebook and Twitter, or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com with serious inquiries.

Updates on the of the Chicago Brewery Challenge plan will be posted here and on social media with the hashtag

#ChiBrewChallenge

Cheers gif

Feel free to share this with anyone who wishes to partake. 

 

1 Comment Posted on social media, sports

The #Twitter101: My Favorite Follows in 2015

I love Twitter.

I always need to be informed and Twitter is like information crack…always updating, always different, and always interesting.

The beauty of this social media entity, is that YOU can shape your experience by following the outlets and people YOU want to hear from. If you don’t like what they have to say, simply hit the unfollow button. It’s that easy.

I wouldn’t say I have given up on newspapers and magazines. I still love the feel of print in my hands and supporting my favorite media companies. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting most of my information scrolling through my Twitter timeline. 

Similar to how I manage my blog, I follow reporters, commentators, journalists, comedians, entertainers and publications that talk about sports, movies, music, TV, food…and more sports. 

Of the 1,200 accounts I follow, here are 101 I recommend you checkout. 

Note: THESE ARE NOT RANKINGS. JUST RECOMMENDATIONS

Sports

1. Richard Deitsch

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Nobody does a better job reporting and commenting on Sports Media. 

2. Matt Miller

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Excellent scouting of college football players for the NFL draft, and keeps an eye on their development in the NFL. 

3. Chris Kamka

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Incredible with Chicago and National sports statistics and history. 

4. Jimmy Traina

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Combo of Sports, Pop Culture, and Seinfeld…It’s fun. Like sports are supposed to be. 

5. Lana Berry

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“I like sports more than people” is really all you need. Excellent podcast too. 

6. Sports Illustrated Vault

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Managed by SI Hot Clicks and Swimsuit rockstar Andy Gray, it’s an excellent resource for sports photos. And SI has been tops in sports photography forever.

7. Ian Rapoport

Screen Shot 2015-09-09 at 9.42.38 AM

Many rely on ESPN’s Adam Schefter for breaking NFL news. I go to Ian Rapoport. Great info especially when you get your lineup set for Fantasy Football each Sunday morning.

8. Adrian Wojnarowski

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The BEST for NBA breaking news aka #WojBombs.

9. Zach Harper

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Come for the basketball talk…stay for everything else…and an awesome Rasheed Wallace background.

10. Andy Isaac

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Yes. Just. Yes. 

11. Amanda Kaschube

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Great photos with even better humor…and a killer Josh McCown Twitter impression. 

12. Eric Edholm

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All things football with reporting, commentary, and strong Fantasy advice as well. 

13. Scott Phillips

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He’s a pro covering prep and college buckets. A must follow for recruiting news too. 

14. Will Carroll

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Will’s handle says it all, which is CLUTCH for Fantasy season. 

15. Jessica Kleinschmidt

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Excellent coverage across multiple sports and even better sense of humor. Appreciation for Space Jam is also a huge plus. 

16. Josh Norris

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College football and NFL draft things you probably want to read. 

17. Dan Wetzel

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Dan Wetzel is one of the best sports columnists in the country, period. His work during the Penn State scandal was extraordinary.  

18. Laurence Holmes

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One of the hardest working people in sports media. Like his radio show, he implements much more than sports in his social media interaction and it makes for a fun experience. 

19. Timothy Burke

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Providing ALL of the screen grabs, videos and GIFs you need in your life. 

20. Mike Freeman

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Honest and smart NFL commentary. And way more Trekkie than you. 

21. Julie DiCaro

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Great blend of all Chicago and national sports with a dash of the other football. I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to her random Val Kilmer film ranking discussions. 

22. Ryan Sudol

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Speaking of the other football…Ryan hasn’t converted me yet but he fights the good fight for a sport many like him love, and does other cool stuff. 

23. Joel Qunneville’s Mustache

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Tweets as strong as Joel Quenneville’s crotch grab. 

24. Spencer Hall

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“Ever Day Should Be Saturday”, but seriously…might be the most unique account you ever follow. 

25. Chris Mannix

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The NBA and Boxing should never mix, but Chris seems to pull off covering both sports pretty well. 

26. Matt Bowen

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The best in the business when it comes to discussing X’s and O’s. You come away significantly smarter after hearing him talk football. 

27. Len Kasper

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Len is my favorite broadcaster in Chicago (and I’m a White Sox fan). Fun mix of baseball, hockey and music. 

28. Bob McKenzie

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Bob McKenzie to hockey is what Woj is to basketball…now we have to brainstorm a sweet hashtag whenever he breaks news.

29. Chris Long

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I don’t really follow many pro athletes because they tend to be…not interesting…Chris Long is a serious exception to that. 

30. Kyle Long

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Also an exception to the rule…and an avid Game of Thrones fan. 

31. Jason Concepcion

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He’s a weird cat…but very entertaining when discussing NBA, Video Games and whatever else he does for Grantland. 

32. Herb Lawrence

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The Realness…and #BruceWeber.

33. The Cauldron

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They should put on a clinic for producing great sports GIFs and Vines. I’m not even being sarcastic. 

34. Field Yates

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One of ESPN’s best NFL reporters with Fantasy Football advice that you can trust more than Matthew Berry’s. 

35. Joe Ostrowski

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Has you covered for point spreads, Fantasy Football, and really anything relevant in sports. 

36. Cee Angi

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The right amount of snark to go with quality baseball talk. 

37. Greg Wyshynski

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Despite what his Twitter bio leads to believe, he’s not that drunk…I don’t think. 

38. John Buccigross

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He’s rocking the suburbs…just like Quiet Riot did. 

39. JJ Watt

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I’m convinced he and The Rock are having a secret battle for most interesting guy on social media. 

40. Susannah Collins

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Fellow hater of Jim Belushi…which is a HUGE plus. 

41. Robert Flores

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RoFlo is very fun on SportsCenter…and WAY more fun on Twitter. Very appreciative of his WWE stuff too. 

42. Ben Rosen

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A victim of that jerk that steals people’s work to post on Instagram and shan’t be named…and deserves way more credit.

43. Paul Charchian

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If there was a Hunger Games for Fantasy Gurus, I think Paul would pick the best lineup of allies to help him survive till the end. 

44. AJ Francis

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AJ has been a favorite follow of mine since his college days at Maryland, and the dude does NOT slow down. It’s fantastic. 

45. Jeff Mangurten

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When the Chicago Bulls are on the floor, this is the best person to follow. Especially if you love stats. 

46. Michelle Beadle

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I’m sure she’s joking but I’d like for her to be right^…But she usually is about most stuff. 

47. Brandon McCarthy

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It’s tough to top this gem, but he’s still pretty good. 

48. Chris Kluwe

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Former NFL Punter, Gamer, Rocker, and unafraid to apparently refer to the NFL as a dumpster fire.

49. Ken Rosenthal

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Like Woj for the NBA and McKenzie for the NHL, this man in a bow tie is the one who knocks…for MLB.

50. Awful Announcing

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We begin the list of 50 sports accounts with a sports media journalist, and close it with another…a very necessary one for many of us, based on the name.

Music

51. Greg Kot

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Concert and album reviews, breaking news, and festival act recommendations that have all proven to be more than right.

52. Josh Terry

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I want to buy this guy a beer sometime and maybe talk about music with him.

53. Tom Mantzouranis

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The bio says it all and it’s never too anything for me. 

54. Riot Fest

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My favorite is the daily sassing the manager executes on unsuspecting followers, who may need better parenting…and the John Stamos obsession mixed with punk appreciation. 

55. Jason Thomas

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He is the modern rock DJ on the modernist rocking station in Chicago…And he’s got great taste.

56. Consequence of Sound

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My kind of music coverage. 

58. Josh Radnor

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This should come as no shock, but Ted Mosby promotes good music and recommends some excellent listening almost daily. 

59. Ernest Wilkins

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His pinned tweet is all you need.^

60. O.A.R.

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You didn’t think I’d leave my favorite band off my favorite follows list, did you? 

Movies

61. Erik Childress

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Amazing critic with a keen sense for calling others out on their bullshit. 

62. Brian Chimino

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The truth is that I try to keep pace watching new releases with this guy. Oscars season is coming. 

63. Empire Magazine

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Excellent resource out of the UK with a specialty in sci-fi and action. 

64. Hollywood Reporter

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While THR handles just about everything in entertainment, I go to them the most when it comes to film and casting news. 

65. Matt Pais

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He was dead on about my favorite movie of the year so far, “Me and Earl and The Dying Girl”…so I trust him. 

66. Michael Phillips

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One of the best in the biz…and one of the harsher, which I enjoy greatly. 

67. Aaron Couch

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He covers the important things in this world, like the Tweet above. 

68. Zimbio

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Awesome resource for Pop Culture news, and that includes movies too. 

69. AV Club

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Their cover photo is from “Theodore Rex”, so there’s that…

70. Death Star PR

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A necessary evil for Star Wars fans…Especially with the new episodes coming. 

TV

71. Jill Slattery

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One of my favorite people to talk TV with…and I have her to blame for my Stephen Amell “Guy Love“.

72. Patton Oswalt

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Besides taking down joke thieves, great social commentary, and comedy…he also shows up in all your favorite TV shows. I also know what’s going on in Downton Abbey without ever seeing after his live-tweet sessions. 

73. John Stamos

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Because “Whatever happened to predictability…?”

74. Stephen Colbert

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Week 1 of his rendition of “The Late Show” has been a hit. The extra stuff he shares from the share are also worth checking out. 

75. Ken Levine

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He’s got a neat blog too. 

76. This Guy, Manu…

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Unbelievably good “Game of Thrones” commentary, and open to a lot of fun TV/anything discussions.

77. The Simpsons

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This really goes for ANY account Simpsons related because it’s always the best. 

78. Fargo (FX)

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Good TV shows understand the power of Twitter and connecting with it’s audience. The Fargo account is particularly good at it, while also making you read their tweets like you’re from Minnesota or whatever. 

79. The Muppets

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If you don’t like The Muppets, then burn your television…and whatever device it is you’re reading this on. 

80. Kumail Nanjiani

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Much like Patton Oswalt before, you’re seeing Kumail on A LOT of your favorite TV shows these days…and he’s hilarious. 

Food

81. Epic Meal Time

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These folks take your wildest dreams, crank them to 11, and make them into reality. 

82. Chicagoist

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You really don’t have an excuse “not knowing” where to go to eat in Chicago when you can refer to this site for ideas. 

83. Food Truck Finder

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Great resource for an awesome dining experience.

84. Daily Meal

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Love their lists and recommendations. 

85. Dan Salmassian

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*Homer Simpson drooling noises*

86. DudeLetsEat

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87. Chicago Pizza Tours

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As a fellow pizza enthusiast, I endorse their work. 

88. Chicago’s Best

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If there was a food porn channel, this show would be in prime time.

89. Piece

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Mine and Dave Grohl’s favorite hangout in Chicago. 

90. RedEye Eat & Drink

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Again…you have no excuse for not having plans tonight. 

Best of the Rest

91. Elliott Serano

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King of Geeks…and also one of the coolest. 

92. Rex Hupke

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Rex Huppke wins way more than Donald Trump does. 

93. The Onion

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You know exactly why you should follow this account…Otherwise you’ll likely end up being pointed out as being one of those people take Onion headlines/articles seriously. 

94. Billy Eichner

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I read all of his tweets as if he’s yelling at me…and I like it. 

95. Michael Beschloss

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Incredible historical photos everyday.  

96. Pete Souza

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More outstanding photography. 

97. Saved You A Click

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My social media spirit animal. 

98. Cute Emergency

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Killing you with cuteness. 

99. Mayhem

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AllState isn’t paying me for this (they should), but Mayhem is the best TV spokesman today. 

100. Snoopy

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There’s a piece of all of us that just can’t get enough of Snoopy. 

101. Tig Notaro

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Tig Notaro doesn’t actually do any tweeting, but all her sorta famous friends do for her…and sometimes it’s magic. 

Have some of your own favorite Twitter accounts that I left out? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter. 

Mad that I left you out? Don’t take it personally…There’s always next year. 

2 Comments Posted on sports, Television

Bears of Thrones

As Free Agency kicked off a week ago, the Chicago Bears made it clear that Jay Cutler will be on their roster in 2015. Pro Bowl guard and 3rd year veteran Kyle Long went as far as declaring his allegiance to his quarterback…

And so, Cutler was dubbed the #OneTrueKingOfTheNorth.  It’s no secret that I am a huge geek…or obsessed with Thrones. So thanks to Long’s Tweet, I will take it a step further and align the 2015 Bears with characters from Game of Thrones (That’ll be stuck in your head forever). WARNING: MILD SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T CAUGHT UP ON THE SHOW. CONTINUE IF YOU DARE.

Jay Cutler / Stannis Baratheon

image1 Long has set the tone with his allegiance and it makes all the sense in the world (of Westeros). Cutler had knocked on the gates of a Super Bowl birth before he was knocked out with a torn MCL against the “Lannisters” of the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers. Sound familiar? Stannis Baratheon was dealt a similar hand at the Battle of Blackwater, blown away by a similar “Green” explosion.

Blackwater Packers

Neither Cutler nor Stannis are very likable to the public. Both can be viewed as underestimated to their opponents, but command loyalty from those closest to them. And you best believe Cutler has slayed some Wildlings in his day… (Picture this being the Vikings)

Slaying Wildlings

Kyle Long / Jon Snow

image2 Most Thrones geeks probably assumed I would have gone with Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon’s righthand man, but I felt Long deserved a much more badass comparison…and there are some strong correlations. Long comes from a family rich in football prowess. While not a bastard, he is the son of a well respected warrior of the game (like Ned Stark). Kyle’s brother, Chris, built a reputation as one of the league’s elite defensive players before he came onto the scene. One hopes Chris doesn’t attend any shady arranged weddings in the near future. And Long has stepped up to lead his position group to protect his quarterback, much like the Night’s Watch at the wall.

Alshon Jeffery / Daenerys Targaryan

image3 Now hear me out, Alshon… Like Daenerys, Jeffery has proven naysayers wrong over the course of his young professional career. He was underrated in the draft, similar to when Daenerys acquired her Unsullied army from “The Masters” of Astapor. Jeffery’s skills and work ethic that helped him ascend to Pro Bowl status are like the Khaleesi’s dragons doing this to everyone in her path…

Jeffery has an opportunity to prove he is a #1 wide receiver like Daenerys, who is gunning for the throne of the seven kingdoms.

Alshon Browns catch

Matt Forte / Jamie Lannister

image4 Incest aside, Matt Forte and Jamie Lannister can be considered comparable for their accomplishments. Forte has always been a workhouse and a consistent weapon for the Bears offense and for multiple head coaches while Jamie served as captain of the Kingsguard under multiple kings. Both are getting up in age and have dealt with their share of injuries (Jamie losing his hand is a lot more severe than anything Forte has dealt with), but have plenty to offer still. Oh, and Bears…

Thrones Bear gif

Martellus Bennett / Tyrion Lannister

image6 Like Tyrion is to all of Game of Thrones, Martellus Bennett is a unique individual on the Bears roster. Both have a great sense of humor. Neither care what others think of them. And when the moment counts most, they can get the job done in the clutch. Bennett will come up with the big play against a division rival…

Marty GW TD

…and Tyrion will rally his troops against impending doom.

Eddie Royal / Barristan Selmy

image5 Neither Eddie Royal or Barristan Selmy are flashy names, but they are helpful pieces to their respective teams and both are quality free agent signings. I mentioned how Jeffery is like Daenerys already…Royal’s skill set can potentially make Jeffery better by forcing team’s to respect the slot more. That pulls coverage away from Jeffery that would allow him to shine, just like Barristan providing council to Daenerys. image7 Proven veterans who both could use a bounce back season. Jermon Bushrod is Pro Bowl left tackle who had difficulties blocking in year 2 of his Bears tenure. Sir Jorah was recently cast away by Daenerys for losing her trust. Both were meant to play big parts in achieving greatness, whether it be a Super Bowl or control of the Iron Throne, and both have the ability to make a comeback.

Jared Allen / The Hound

image8 Outside of similar appearances, both Jared Allen and The Hound are defectors of their longstanding teams. Allen (former Viking) and Sandor Clegane (formerly employed by the Lannisters) are also looking to return to form and regain the feared reputation they both once had.

Pernell McPhee / The Mountain

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In his Bears introductory press conference, Pernell McPhee was asked to describe himself.

“I’m violent.” And that was it.

Pernell sack

Also violent and a man of few words, meet Gregor Clegane…

The Mountain

Ego Ferguson / Hodor

image10 Transitioning to a 3-4 defense, the Bears need to identify a nose tackle to eat space up the middle. Hodor would be an AWESOME 0-technique…and Ego Ferguson also seems to fit the bill as well. I’d also like to hear Ferguson do an entire interview just saying “Ego.”

Willie Young / Daario Naharis

image11 In his first year with the Bears, Willie Young was a quarterback assassin. Daario is not very different, playing deadly mercenary for Team Targaryen. Hoping Young can return fully healed, and in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 system, let’s hope to see more of this…

Daario GIF

Followed by this…

Willie Sack dance

Antrel Rolle / Davos Seaworth

image12 Antrel Rolle is another new Bears addition but there are two things he brings to the defensive side of the ball: Loyalty and Leadership. It’s been very cool to hear Rolle speak on his experience in New York and it sounds a lot like what Davos brings to Stannis Baratheon’s camp. Loyal to a fault, not afraid to speak his mind, a warrior, and adaptable.

Antrel Rolle

Kyle Fuller / Bran Stark

image15 Unlike Bran Stark, Kyle Fuller still has the use of legs. But LIKE Bran, Fuller has the potential for big things. After an excellent first month in the league, Fuller had a tough rest of the season. He was forced into a starting cornerback role after Charles Tillman was ruled out for the season and had a quick “Welcome to the League” experience against the league’s best wide receivers. Fuller has the skills and makeup to improve though, and you can’t help but get excited for what’s next…like Bran Stark.

Jon Bostic / Arya Stark

image13 Sure, on the outside the two are nothing alike…but think about it. Jon Bostic has been out of position for most of career, mis-casted as a middle linebacker and a strongside linebacker when he was best suited for weakside linebacker. Arya Stark was raised to be proper and in a world of aristocrats while she is truly meant to handle a sword. Both play with a chip on their shoulder and strike like they have some serious anger issues. Don’t be surprised if both have breakout seasons in new positions coming up.

Bostic hit

Have some more Football & Thrones comparisons on your mind? Or maybe you just want to geek out some more about sports and TV? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03