dillo day turns 40

no, really. nu's alumni association was nice enough to send me a calendar of events for this month, and included this notice:

Save the Date for Dillo Day!Saturday, May 26
On May 26, Mayfest invites all Northwestern alumni back to the lakefill for a day of music and merriment as Dillo Day celebrates its 40th anniversary! Enjoy a cold drink from our beer garden on the lakefill as you listen to a day-long lineup of today's hottest bands and artists, and relive a timeless Northwestern experience. 
Keep an eye out for updates on the day's headliners, as well as activities in store for alumni and students.

i'm withholding judgment until i see the aforementioned "lineup of today's hottest bands and artists," but, um, do we really need to go back to campus to drink ourselves silly? there are so many other timeless nu experiences that could be worth reliving, no?

is northwestern chicago's football team?

we all know the answer is yes (actual geography notwithstanding), but since it's a question posed by this article, i figured i'd ask.

not doing anything saturday morning?

Give Thanks for Wildcat Football with Chicago's Big Ten Team this Saturday

As one of our biggest supporters, we would like to personally invite you and your family to Ryan Field this Saturday as we battle the 10th-ranked Michigan State Spartans on Senior Day.

Use the code NUKIDS when purchasing your tickets online and receive preferred discount pricing (as low as $25 per ticket) as well as a complimentary Northwestern hat that you can pick up at the game.

THIS SATURDAY

Northwestern vs. #10 Michigan State
Ryan Field - Evanston, Illinois
Kickoff at 11 a.m.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW!

We'll see you Saturday in PURPLE!

Go 'Cats!

things i've realized in the past hour or so

i'm watching the 2004 northwestern-ohio state game and it brought a few things to mind:

1) holy shit i'm old.

2) seeing coach walker on the sideline makes me sad, but it's a fleeting sadness.

3) oh how i hate ohio state...ok, that wasn't a realization so much as a reaffirmation, but you get my point.

4) i'm so old that i really don't remember how we won this game. i'm guessing it was a typical cardiac cats victory.

5) i miss y'all. let's try to get together at least once during the season. yelling at the tv by myself isn't all it's cracked up to be. :-)

homecoming

would there be any interest for a gathering to watch us take on michigan state next saturday? i'm beginning to forget what some of you look and sound like, and i figure homecoming's a good a time as any to try to get the band together. i'd be ok with hosting unless someone else wants to volunteer. what say y'all?

there's watching the game at home on your computer, and then there's this...

NU vs. Rice Football Game Watch
Saturday, September 18 at Kendall's Pub

Even though there is no television broadcast of Saturday's game, the NU Club of Chicago will still gather at Kendall's for a gamewatch. We will display the internet video broadcast of the game at Kendall's on as many of the televisions as possible. Please join us.

Kendall's Pub (2263 N. Lincoln Ave) is the new home for all Wildcat game watches. This new venue is getting decked-out in purple and will feature:

- 20oz Northwestern customized mugs for $4
- 'Cats score, you score rotating specials
- DJ during commercials and intermissions

Be there as the 'Cats begin the quest towards their third straight bowl appearance by taking on the Rice on Saturday, September 18th. The kickoff is 6:00pm so be sure to get there early to get a table. Look for the giant inflatable "Air Willie" on Lincoln Ave.

more fun with nu auctions

Dinner for 12 on the 50-yard-line of Ryan Field on August 27th, 2010

"To kick off the football season, on August 27, 2010, you and 11 of your friends can have one of the most memorable evenings of your life, on the 50-yard-line of Ryan Field! While seated at a candlelit table in the middle of the Wildcats football field, you will be served an elegant dinner under a waning gibbous moon. Your celebrity wait staff - which will include coaches and administrators from the athletic department - will be at your beck and call, and the entire evening will be photographed by one of the athletic department staff members!"

and once again, no one's bid on this yet. i wonder why...

i can't believe there aren't any bids on this

our friends at the nu alumni association just sent me an e-mail about some items available for bid in an "official online auction." one of the items? you can have your photo taken in an official nu football uniform. i was a bit confused at first b/c i figured damn near anyone with photoshop could make that happen, but then i read the description:

"Have you ever imagined yourself in full Northwestern Football gear on the gridiron of Ryan Field before a cheering crowd? Since it cannot be scheduled on a game day, you’ll have to imagine the cheering fans, but we will outfit you with a full Northwestern Football uniform! You will have your photo taken at several locations on the field by a staff member of the athletic department. Then we will print up copies of all of the photos, including a 5x7 of your choice. You will also be given a CD of the photos. This experience will be arranged at a mutually agreed upon time between the buyer and the athletic department."

bidding ends soon, so go here now to get in on the action. you know you wanna.

next year is here...

well, sort of. behold - the 2010 nu football schedule!

September
4 -- at Vanderbilt
11 -- vs. Illinois State
18 -- at Rice
25 -- vs. Central Michigan

October
2 -- at Minnesota
9 -- vs. Purdue
16 -- Open
23 -- vs. Michigan State (Homecoming)
30 -- at Indiana

November
6 -- at Penn State
13 -- vs. Iowa
20 -- vs. Illinois
27 -- at Wisconsin

troy and i are pondering a road trip to the rice game. i'm also quasi-considering a trip to vanderbilt, just for the hell of it. what say y'all?

it's not often that i do this...

laz was right. there. i said it.

we were having a text-based conversation last saturday and i'd mentioned that nu was due for an upset, either against penn state or iowa, and that i thought it'd be penn state. (yes, i know. stay with me.) laz said he thought we could beat iowa, and i said something like 'from your lips to god's ears.'

who knew the faux jew had a direct line to god?

for my part, i wore my lucky northwestern alumni sweatshirt today, which is the same sweatshirt i wore when we beat indiana.

and there you have it. laz was right. we beat iowa. woo!

wednesday is northwestern day (again!) on big ten network

you can read more about it here. go u!

so nice, we might have to watch it twice

(from nusports.com, as usual)

CBS 2 Chicago To Re-Air NU's NCAA Championship Victory Saturday
Championship game will be televised at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20

June 17, 2009

CHICAGO, Ill. --- Responding to the demand to relive the excitement of the Northwestern women's lacrosse team's drive toward an NCAA title, CBS 2 Chicago will re-broadcast the Wildcats' 21-7 championship game victory over North Carolina this Saturday, June 20, at 3 p.m. The game, which was originally broadcast on CBS College Sports Network, represents the fifth-straight national championship for the Northwestern women's lacrosse team.

"To be certain, Northwestern is extremely excited about the re-airing of our NCAA women's lacrosse championship game on WBBM-TV," said Jim Phillips, Northwestern's director of athletics and recreation. "What head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller and her team have accomplished in the past few years is unbelievable, and we're excited to expose the program and the championship game to an even broader market."

CBS 2 Sports Chicago anchors Ryan Baker and Megan Mawicke will anchor the event, and will be joined by coach Amonte Hiller for a kick-off segment, setting the stage for the broadcast television premiere of the title game. The CBS College Sports broadcast will then be aired in its entirety, with play-by-play by Jason Knapp and Sheehan Stanwick Burch providing the color commentary. Amonte Hiller will then appear on a wrap-up segment following the game, giving a final perspective on the season and the team's progress as Northwestern now sets its sight on a sixth-straight crown.

"CBS 2 Chicago is thrilled to re-broadcast this championship game for our local audience," said Bruno Cohen, president and general manager of CBS 2. "And, we are proud to join with the Northwestern family of alumns, students and faculty to celebrate the accomplishments of these great athletes and share their success with hometown fans."

The re-airing of the championship game is a unique experience for both Northwestern and lacrosse fans, marking the first time an NCAA lacrosse game will be televised on broadcast television in the Chicagoland area.

The Wildcats capped a perfect 23-0 season by routing the third-ranked Tar Heels 21-7 at Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson, Md., on Sunday, May 24. In doing so, they became just the second team in the sport's history to win a fifth-straight crown, trailing only Maryland's seven consecutive national titles from 1995-2001.

A number of story lines made Northwestern's championship victory over North Carolina even more memorable. Senior Hilary Bowen, who just six weeks earlier had torn her left ACL, returned to not only start against the Tar Heels, but scored a game-high five goals. Senior Hannah Nielsen, the NCAA's all-time assist leader, dished out six assists to set a single-tournament record with 16 over four games. Finally, it capped an incredible career for the 10 Wildcat seniors, who leave Evanston with an overall record of 85-3 and four NCAA championship rings.

northwestern day on big ten network june 8

(from nusports.com)

Northwestern Day on Big Ten Network Set For June 8
Relive some memorable wins from 2008-09 and past seasons

June 3, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. - On Monday, June 8, the Big Ten Network will offer some memorable Wildcat victories with 24 consecutive hours of Northwestern programming. The network will air six episodes of The Big Ten's Greatest Games, all Northwestern wins.

Featured games will include, at 4 p.m. CT, the 1995 regular season football finale against Penn State that punched the Wildcats' ticket to the Rose Bowl, the men's basketball team's 2009 upset of Michigan State at 7 p.m. CT, and the 2007 overtime football victory against Michigan State at 9 p.m. CT.

Fans can catch the Wildcats' 10th-straight Big Ten Women's Tennis Championship at 1 p.m. CT, and the softball team's 6-5 victory in extra innings against Iowa at 9 a.m. CT.

Additionally, four original episodes of Northwestern campus programming will air throughout the day, along with episodes from the Big Ten Network original series Friday Night Tailgate and Big Ten Short Stories that feature Northwestern.

The day of Northwestern programming is the sixth of 11 full days of programming devoted to individual Big Ten universities, including Wisconsin (May 27), Illinois (May 31), Michigan State (June 1), Indiana (June 3), Minnesota (June 7), Iowa (June 10), Michigan (June 15), Ohio State (June 17), Penn State (June 21), and Purdue (June 24). Two more full days per university of school-specific programming also are planned for later in the summer.

Northwestern Day Schedule - June 8
All times Central

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 5 a.m.
Men's Basketball: Northwestern 66, Indiana 64 (1/11/88)
Playing without three starters, Northwestern upset the defending national champions behind a perfect 21-for-21 performance from the free throw line. Shon Morris led the Wildcats, scoring 10 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists and making many key plays that didn't show up in the box score. The Wildcats seemed to dive after every loose ball, leading Bobby Knight to comment, "They just completely outplayed us."

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 7 a.m.
Football: Northwestern 41, Minnesota 35 (10/28/00)
The Gophers had a 35-14 lead going into the fourth quarter, but Northwestern quarterback Zak Kustok picked up five fourth-down conversions and managed to tie the score at 35 with 1:24 to go. A 45-yard "hail Mary" pass by Kustok on fourth-and-two as time expired gave the improbable victory to the Wildcats. The team scored 27 points in the final quarter.

Big Ten Softball - 9 a.m.
Northwestern 6, Iowa 5 (4/15/09)
Trailing three runs in the top of the sixth, Iowa stormed back against No. 10 Northwestern to take a 5-4 lead. The `Cats responded with a run of their own, tying the game at 5-5 and, after a scoreless seventh, the game headed to extra innings. In the bottom of the ninth, Northwestern pinch hitter Emily Haug belted a walk-off single scoring Aly Euler to give the Wildcats a huge victory and keeping their Big Ten title hopes alive.

Northwestern Campus Programming - 11 a.m.
NUvention Medical Innovation

Northwestern Campus Programming - 11:30 a.m.
President Bienen Profile

Big Ten Short Stories - 12 p.m.
Special Edition: Friends of Jaclyn

Big Ten Short Stories - 12:30 p.m.
Northwestern Wildcats
The Wildcat-centric episode features head women's basketball coach Joe McKeown, a special on former professional tennis player Katrina Adams, figure skater Debi Thomas and Black History Month, and a conversation with former football head coach Gary Barnett.

Big Ten Women's Tennis - 1 p.m.
2009 Big Ten Championship
Featuring Northwestern University

Northwestern Campus Programming - 3 p.m.
Moments in Time: A History of Northwestern

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 4 p.m.
Football: Northwestern 21, Penn State 10 (11/4/95)
During an incredible "Cinderella" regular season, linebacker Pat Fitzgerald led the Wildcats to its first Big Ten title in 59 years by beating Penn State. The season's motto, "Expect Victory," was fulfilled as the team went on to compete in the Rose Bowl.

Big Ten Short Stories - 6 p.m.
Northwestern Wildcats

Big Ten Short Stories - 6:30 p.m.
Special Edition: Friends of Jaclyn

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 7 p.m.
Men's Basketball: Northwestern 70, Michigan State 63 (1/21/09)
Kevin Coble scored 31 points as Northwestern ended MSU's 28-game home-court win streak with a huge upset. An 18-7 turnover margin, Northwestern's three-point shooting and suffocating zone defense delivered the victory over the Final Four-bound Spartans.

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 9 p.m.
Football: Northwestern 48, Michigan State 41 (OT) (10/6/07)
C.J. Bacher threw for a school-record 520 yards and five touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime, as Northwestern pulled out a wild victory over Michigan State.

Big Ten Friday Night Tailgate - 11 p.m.
Featuring Northwestern University

Northwestern Campus Programming - 12:30 a.m.
They Call It Nano U

Northwestern Campus Programming - 1 a.m.
NUvention Medical Innovation

Northwestern Campus Programming - 1:30 a.m.
Dance Marathon

Big Ten Men's Golf - 2 a.m.
Big Ten Championship (5/1/09)
Featuring individual champion freshman Eric Chun

Big Ten's Greatest Games - 3 a.m.
Men's Basketball: Northwestern 51, Iowa 48 (2/8/06)
Despite looking for a marquee win when they took on #18 Iowa, the Wildcats got off to a slow start. Midway through the second half the team made its move behind the solid play of Vedran Vukusic, who contributed 26 points. Late in the game, Vukusic converted a 3-point play and the Wildcats hung on to secure the victory.

since none of us actually gets espnu...

(yet another e-mail from the alumni assoc.)

Come Support the Wildcats in the NIT Basketball Tournament!

Don't miss the Northwestern Wildcat Men's Basketball team as they take on Tulsa in the first round of the NIT this Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m. (CT) This road game for the 'Cats will be televised on ESPNU.

Places to watch the game:
Stanley's - 1960 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (Lincoln & Armitage)
All you can eat pasta and pizza - $6.95

Goose Island Clybourn (1800 N. Clybourn, Chicago) and Goose Island Wrigleyville (3535 N. Clark Street, Chicago) If you are wearing purple, let the wait staff know you are supporting the 'Cats, and you will receive 20% of your bill. Offer valid ONLY DURING GAME TIME.

The Globe - 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston (located in the Hotel Orrington
Discounts available during the NU Basketball game.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! GO 'CATS

April 15: Northwestern Vs. Notre Dame Baseball at US Cellular Field

(from your friends at the nu alumni association. any interest besides me, troy, laz, & will?)

Northwestern University and the University of Notre Dame baseball teams will play a game at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. The White Sox and the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) are hosting the game at the ballpark. This year's game will benefit Chicago White Sox Charities. Chicago White Sox Charities provides annual financial, in-kind and emotional support to hundreds of Chicago-based organizations, including those leading the fight against cancer or dedicated to improving the lives of Chicago's youth through education and athletics.

The Chicago Young Alumni are offering alumni and friends of all ages an opportunity to watch the game from the exclusive Jim Beam Club at US Cellular Field. For as little as $25 attendees will receive a package that includes: Game ticket with access to the Jim Beam Club, parking, a buffet, and access to a cash bar (soft drinks included with the price of admission).

A game ticket only package is also available with guaranteed seating behind the Northwestern dugout.

Don't be shut out! Register today!

alamo bowl fever...catch it!

(from our friends at the nu alumni association. i'm particularly amused by the last 2 lines.)

If you can not make the trip to San Antonio... Its okay! The NU Club of Chicago and the Northwestern Gridiron Network are hosting an Alamo Bowl Watch Party at Lion Head Pub. Lion Head has been the destination of Watch Parties for all NU Away Games each of the last two years... The parties have grown and have quickly become an NU tradition. We expect the Alamo Bowl party to be one of the best yet!

THIS IS THE PLACE TO WATCH NU FOOTBALL IF YOU ARE NOT AT THE GAME!

We have GREAT food and drink specials put together for this event and do expect a full house... so come early to make sure you grab a seat and WEAR YOUR PURPLE!

Dec. 29th, 7pm Kick-Off (make sure you come early) at Lion Head Pub
2251 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL

$1.50 Coors Lights
$7.99 New York Strip Steak Dinner
$2.50 Goose Island Mild Winter

NU GIVEAWAYS, PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
'CATS ON ALL SCREENS AND VOLUME
NU FIGHT SONG ROCKING AFTER EACH OF OUR MANY SCORES

Come Cheer on the 'Cats as #25 Missouri finds out what NU football is all about... The hard way!

Northwestern: Totally Mobbed Up

I've just started reading Supermob by Gus Russo, about a cabal of mob-connected money men who rose from Maxwell Street and Lawndale to become the biggest silent power players in Hollywood. And as I read, I'm noticing some suspiciously familiar names from my NU days.

Like Annenberg, named for the family of TV Guide founder Walter Annenberg ... whose father Moe ran a nationwide racing wire service tied in with Al Capone's bookies.

Or Crown -- Rebecca Crown was the wife of Henry Crown, a major businessman tied to both the mob and any number of corrupt politicians.

Nice to know our beloved alma mater runs, at least in part, on what was once the spoils of graft and organized crime. (=