Speedy Willie

We're getting there.

Brief update.  Please take a look at the updated pictures to the right.  Plus, here's the graphics that should be up on the bus for the 1st pre-season game.  There may be more for the 2nd pre-season game, but I would imagine everything will be done by the time the regular season home opener is upon us. 

Feed The Bear

Friday afternoon's Bears related headlines:

UPDATE:  Here's a feature length article on Gary Fencik from the end of the 84-85 season. 

Hester is Back!  And doing it in style: "Wearing a Wisconsin Badgers t-shirt and a smile, All-Pro return specialist Devin Hester reported to Bears training camp Friday, ending a two-day holdout."

Boy.  I don't think this guy believes the bears have much of a chance this year.  But he's got an interesting enough take on the QB Situation. 

Dusty's a total maniac on the field- in a good way, but it doesn't look like he'll ever be healthy.  Here's the latest.

Bob Gould was at the Espy's.  Can anyone find the link for the Kenny Mayne story about Bob's kicking in that insanely windy game from 2 years ago?  I remember it being hilarious, but I don't think it's out there.

Take a look at this.  It looks like Forte can find the hole, run in traffic, and make the first, second and MAYBE the third guy miss, but there's really only 1 play on this video where he runs away from anybody.

And Finally, here's a nice little recap from camp this week.  I'm pretty excited about Earl Bennett.

That's Why They Call it the 46 Zone.

If you google "speedy willie," the first site that comes up is this one right here. I'm no statistician, but I would say that works out to about an 18 month wait until Gault gets bored and googles his old nickname to find an entire way of life dedicated to his work ethic, athletic ability, and dancing skills.  That is why I've put my e-mail address in the upper right corner.  If I'm right, I would guess he'll be at the home opener for the 2010 season.  Nice. 

Had an idea.  I want to install a couple of indoor/outdoor speakers somewhere on the back of the bus for music and what-have-you (that's not the idea).  We need to get a receiver that allows a microphone input.  (here it comes:) How terrible of an idea is it for us to have the ability to make announcements at 110 decibels?  The worst!  Which is why we're doing it. 

I think my favorite verse is Gary Fencik's:

Any thoughts on the possible trade of Devin Hester?

There's a timeout...

Paint / Soundtrack Update

Exciting voice mail received from Anthony this afternoon.  After some covert reconnaissance on his part, and under the dark cover of night, it was discovered the coat of orange has been applied to Speedy Willie. Anthony compared seeing it for the first time to a religious experience.  Apparently when the glow of his flash light hit the paint, he passed out.  Beautiful. 

The next step is the navy blue trim, which was not done as of this morning.  Lettering and graphics are due to be started within the next 7 to 10 days.  We're all excited to see what Dave can do.  We're aiming for class and intimidation.  Like Pierce Brosnan... I like that, "The Pierce Brosnan of tailgating buses."

You'll see the format of speedywillie.org has changed a little.  I've added what will surely soon be a densely populated area: "Speedy Willie Sponsors." 

Also, I've updated the soundtrack.  I don't know how I missed Galvanized (added twice for good measure), and what may be the title track for the 2008 season, I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry.  All new additions are highlighted in orange.

-Ridin' Dirty / Chamillionaire (pulling into the lot.)
-Superbowl Shuffle (during set-up)
-Galvanized / The Chemical Brothers
-Tick Tick Boom / The Hives
-Tall Cans in the Air / Transplants
-Set It Off / Audioslave
-I Predict a Riot / Kaiser Chiefs
-Lit Up / Buckcherry
-Don't You Evah / Spoon
-The Champ / Ghostface Killah
-Crank That / Soulja Boy
-Champion / Kanye West
-Rompe / Daddy Yankee
-Stronger / Kanye West
-Welcome to Atlanta / Jermaine Dupri
-Can't Tell Me Nothing / Kanye West
-Hot Tubbin' / Ashkon
-Buy U a Drank / T-Pain
-Fire / Busta Rhymes f. Joe Budden
-I Kissed a Girl / Katy Perry
-Fergalicious / Fergie
-That's Not My Name / Ting Tings
-Hips Don't Lie / Shakira
-Don't Cha / Pussycat Dolls
-My Humps / Black Eyed Peas
-Come On Over / Christina Aguilera
-Hella Good / No Doubt
-Pump It / Black Eyed Peas
-Temperature / Sean Paul
-Smack That / Akon
-SexyBack / JT
-Galvanized / The Chemical Brothers
-Bear Down Chicago Bears (packing up)

Assuming the average run time for each song is 4 minutes, we're looking at 2 hours and 12 minutes.  That is not going to be long enough.  I'm afraid my ipod can't fill out the dance party portion of the play list, so lets get some suggestions rolling in. 

Finally, and for posterity's sake, here's a couple of photoshops from the original design.  Since the trim cannot be removed, these will not be accurate to the final product, and therefore useless.

Next update when complete paint is finished.

Monitor Options

Over the course of the next few weeks, the decision on a flat screen will need to be made.  My original thought was to have two (dueling) flat panel screens, each of about 20".  As I thought further, I'm thinking that might be too small.  Perhaps one 27" screen?  The price would be about the same, regardless of the decision. 

Two of these...

Or, one of these.

In order to provide those monitors with a superb HD signal, we'll need to get one of these. 

But, again, if we choose to wait on such accessories for next year, I am not opposed. 

General Updates

As you have surely discovered, http://www.speedywillie.org is now fully operational!  I think it is important that we set a few goals for ourselves for the upcoming season.  A "To-Do List" of sorts:

1.  We need Staley at one of our tailgates this season.  2009 at the very latest.  We'll need to reach out to the community to make this happen. 

2.  Anna Davlantes.  The host of the "Tailgater's of the Game," will need to make an appearance, and if that translates to us getting on the big screen during the game, all the better.  This may go hand in hand with getting Staley out there.

3. Start a feud with a rival tailgate group.  This could be for fun... or DEADLY SERIOUS!  Either way, we should probably get some knives or something to protect ourselves.  If we think it's all in good fun, it's hard to tell what the other group thinks.  Better safe than sorry!

4.  Cause some minor fire damage.  Lets face it, a good tailgate party doesn't get started until someone or something almost catches on fire.  A nice little scare like that really ratchets it up a notch. 

This should get us started.  What other goals?

Playlist - First Draft

Here's the first draft of the playlist to be used for pre-game.  I guess we'll also need to come up with a post-game list as well.  Two perhaps, one for a win, one for a loss. 

Pregame:

-Ridin' Dirty / Chamillionaire (pulling into the lot.)
-Superbowl Shuffle (during set-up)
-Say Hello 2 Heaven / Temple of the Dog
-I Predict a Riot / Kaiser Chiefs
-Don't You Evah / Spoon
-Champion / Kanye West
-Stronger / Kanye West
-Good Life / Kanye West
-Can't Tell Me Nothing / Kanye West
-Buy U a Drank / T-Pain
-Fergalicious / Fergie
-Hips Don't Lie / Shakira
-My Humps / Black Eyed Peas
-Smack That / Akon
--SexyBack / JT
-Hella Good / No Doubt
-Crank That / Soulja Boy
-Bear Down Chicago Bears (packing up)

Depending on how long that winds up being, I'm sure there will be some room for other songs.  Any suggestions to continue to dance party on the last 1/4 of the play list? 

And again, this is a work in progress.  September 21st is 67 days away.

Backfield Crowded, Squeeze Threatens Little Guy.

This story just broke on ESPN.com.  Could the addition of Jones mean the end of the Garrett Wolfe era?

I would say that the Chicago Bears offense could only be helped by such a development.  More to come, as our sources report in this afternoon.

Inaugural Speedy Willie Posting

The sun is setting.  Rolling thunder echoes in the distance...  At the crossroads of life and love races Speedy Willie, and following close behind you'll find SpeedyWillie.org.  

As the premiere global clearinghouse for all Speedy Willie information, you can expect accurate, timely, and unbiased news presented with the unmistakable panache of someone in between tasks at work.  

Welcome to SpeedyWillie.org.

Speedy Willie is more than a bus, more than simple transportation.  Speedy Willie is the Truth, the Way and the Light.  Speedy Willie is a beacon in the community for togetherness, acceptance and meat products. 

You will be able to update yourself on all things Speedy Willie including but not limited to Renovation Updates,  Local Appearances, Sponsorship information, What's on the Grill, What's in the Cooler, Public Apologies & Soundtrack additions. 

Plus, on the right side of the page, you'll be able to view all of the recently updated pictures. 

If there is anything you would like to see on SpeedyWillie.org in the future, please do not hesitate to let us know.  E-mail addresses and various other forms of contact information is available.  Visit our sponsors, let them know how you heard about them, and lets have a great season.

Go Bears.