In the Wake of the World Series, 2016

Exclusive Space Alien Photo

We thought our loyal readers who do not live in the Chicago area would enjoy this news of the aftermath of the Chicago Cubs historic World Series victory on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. 

The Space Alien took this photo of the Cubs entourage traveling from Wrigley Field to Grant Park along Lake Shore Drive, and immediately teleported it to your editor.  It was a beautiful day and everyone was eager to see the Cubs en route to the big rally!

The Space Alien was there to frolic amongst the happy Chicagoans who had taken leave of work and school (Chicago Public Schools had a previously scheduled closure that day) to participate.

A reported five million revelers gathered in Grant Park.  Some reports said this number, over twice the population of Chicago, was inflated.  But whatever the actual count, the crowd was one of the largest in recent Chicago history.    Public transit use was at the max (click here)  That Chicago was well prepared (for more on this click here) was reflected in the few untoward incidents.  Get a bigger picture and many great bits of memory-stuff from the Chicago Tribune here.

Of course the Space Alien was there and can be found in the picture below.

Space Alien joins World Series revelers in Grant Park

A Quartet of Champions!

The Space Alien joined happy Chicagoans as they sang Go Clubs Go, along with this talented quartet: Dexter Fowler (who opened game 7 with a home run), First Baseman, Anthony Rizzo, Pitcher Jon Lester and David Ross who at age 39 became the oldest player to hit a home run in the 7th Game of a World Series Game.  (To see the NBC correction about this click here.  For a great New York Times story about David Ross, click here.)

To see and hear this song with country singer Brett Eldridge leading, click here.
To check out the crowd singing along with the Space Alien, click here.

And the following day Cubs Fowler, Rizzo and Ross appeared on Saturday Night Live along with Bill Murray to sing Go Cubs Go, captured here.

The revelers in Grant Park were not the only ones singing Go Cubs Go!  The entire cast of the Chicago production of HAMILTON did so too! Here are some links to see and hear them!
TMZ: click here.
Washington Post: click here.
One of many You Tube videos: click here.


The Chicago Symphony Orchestra joined in with their rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" --  click here.   (Editor's Note: The Space Alien is a feminist and asked your editor to let readers know they could learn about the feminist history of "Take me out to the Ballgame" if they would click here,  and for more general information about this song  click here.)

The Space Alien watches out for fan safety!

For the ENTIRE exciting celebration on Friday, November 4 at Grant Park, here's a list of You Tube videos that recorded the whole shebang!  To see this list and find your faves, click here.

The Space Alien had taped hours of this event with a mini-videocam. Unfortunately this tiny device -- dropped when the Space Alien helped to catch a pole climber at Grant Park -- was presumably trampled to dust by the crowd.  The Space Alien appreciates that many other photographers were there to make up for this heartbreaking loss.

A Well-Deserved Rest

At the end of a perfect day, the Space Alien left Cubby Bear taking a well-deserved rest.  Cubby Bear, encouraged by the Space Alien, had done his job, cheering and leading cheers, to the very best of his ability, and he had done so cheerfully.  (If you have not read the post about this, click here).  He could now rest in the happy satisfaction of a job well done!

For a short video of great ball playing, including that all-important 10th inning of the 7th game, click here.  Cubby Bear was at his best, as you can hear from the cheering of the crowd!  And of course the Space Alien was there in the stands as well that night, both awesome eyes fixed on the ball and the players!


These scenes will live in the Space Alien's exceedingly long and detailed memory.

The Space Alien gave the sleeping Cubby Bear a fond pat on a furry cheek, and then, grabbing a baseball in hopes of a catch, and traveling at tachyonic speeds exceeding the speed of light, headed off into deep space.

Wanna Catch?

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Notes and Corrections: 

1. A typesetter here at the insanely busy headquarters of the Space Alien Gazette omitted a link to the article about the feminist aspect of the song Take Me Out to the Ballgame, from the days when ladies did not normally attend baseball games.  This has been corrected above and here is that link again for your convenience: click here, to see it.

2. A loyal reader points out that the posted performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Muti performing Take Me Out to the Ballgame was not performed during this World Series, but was actually recorded some time ago.  The Space Alien reminds loyal readers that in deep space, time and space may be distorted, so such errors are to be expected from time to time.

3. A better video of the Saturday Night Live presentation of Go Cubs Go went online after the first edition of this post went to subscribers and was substituted in this post, above, and here.   

The Cubs are World Champions! (With Some Help from Cubby Bear and the Space Alien)

Game Seven of a hard fought World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians found the Space Alien in Cleveland.  It was an exciting game and the Space Alien gave a special cheer as 39 year old* Catcher David Ross, now playing his last game before retirement, became the oldest batter to hit a home run in a World Series game.

 "Let's hear it for the Oldies!" cheered the Space Alien with uncommon gusto having worked through the disappointment of being unable to replace this retiring athlete as a Cubs catcher (q.v.).

David Ross Runs the Bases

But while the Cubs played brilliantly, by the 8th inning they had ceded an early lead to the Indians, worrying even the most optimistic fans.  

At the top of the 9th Inning the Space Alien sensed the presence of a furry friend nearby.  And there, extending a trembling paw, stood Cubbie Bear, nearly in tears!

"What's wrong, Cubby Bear?  Aren't you happy that the Chicago Cubs are in the World Series for the first time since 1945 with a chance of becoming World Champions for the first time since 1908?"

"Yes," whimpered Cubby Bear "but the score is tied now and I'm worried!"

"But you must cheer!" said the Space Alien.  "Cheering is your special responsibility!  The Cubs cannot win if you do not cheer!"

"I  know," cried Cubby Bear "but I'm so exhausted from worrying!  How can I cheer if I'm not cheerful myself?"

The Space Alien let Cubby Bear whimper his deepest concerns, and then spoke softly: "Cubby Bear, you have helped  your team in countless ways!   Now you must cheer for your team and know that whatever happens you have done your best!"

Cubby bear did so, leading the fans in exuberant cheering!  Their cheers  were so loud -- and so cheerful -- that the Cubs did better than their best! In fact, cheered by Cubby Bear and the fans, the Cubs WON with a great big W!!!     

Yes, the Cubs won the World Series, becoming the champions of the world and, as far as the Space Alien knew, the entire universe as well!  Encouraged by the Space Alien, the energetically cheering Cubby Bear had helped bring about that victory!



The Space Alien murmured "My work here is done; indeed, this year IS "Next Year" at last!  It was longer than the wait for Haley's Comet (Q.V.), but the Curse of the Billy Goat was lifted (q.v.), and Cubby Bear will always keep cheering!"    Then, with a brief backward glance at Wrigley Field, the Space Alien grabbed a  baseball and headed off into deep space! 

How About a Catch?

Traveling through space, the Space Alien will be singing "Go Cubs Go!"
You can join in song if you  click here!
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*To read the inspiring story of the Space Alien's disappointment and recovery in connection with the retirement of David Ross, please click here.  
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EXTRA -- this just in!  11/3/16.  En route to deep space, the Space Alien did a fly-by over Wrigley Field in Chicago where fans gathered last night to celebrate the Cubs victory in Cleveland.  A Space Alien Gazette photographer took this photo of the Space Alien in the midst of this crowd of joyous Chicagoans.    

The Space Alien joins thousands of Chicagoans celebrating the Cubs victory!

The Space Alien Celebrates Halloween

The Space Alien's attention turned for a moment from the Chicago Cubs World Series games to consider a Halloween costume.

The ever-popular Space Alien had been invited to many parties and wanted to look terrific.

Your editor looked up from the ornate Jack 'o Lantern she was carving and suggested:
"How about going as yourself?"
"No!" cried the Space Alien.  "That would NEVER do; that's not a costume!"
"Well how about wearing a big pumpkin?" suggested your editor.



"It's too stuffy inside a pumpkin," complained the Space Alien.  "Pumpkins are good to eat, but not to wear."

Your editor agreed that this was so.

             So what to do?

The Space Alien thought deeply about this and then proposed a solution.

"I won't wear a costume at all!  I'll just say that I'm YOU all dressed up as ME!"

Your editor wasn't sure that she wanted the Space Alien assuming her identity while wandering about the streets going from party to party, but at last she gave in to the Space Alien's entreaties.

So PLEASE dear Loyal Readers, if someone knocks on your door on Halloween saying that it's me, your editor, wearing a Space Alien costume, please understand that this IS in fact the Space Alien.   Know that the Space Alien means well, but can be socially inept, especially when excited, as is sure to be the case on Halloween.

If the Space Alien sneaks candy from the trick or treat bags of small children, or takes a swim in the apple bobbing tub, or starts juggling the pumpkins at your party, please be gentle in your remonstrations, and remember this IS the Space Alien and IT IS NOT ME!

The Space Alien and the Billy Goat

In 1945, the Chicago Cubs made it to the World Series!   The Space Alien along with every sentient being was filled with the joy at the prospect of a World Series championship for our Cubbies.

But during that exciting series, the owner of Chicago's popular Billy Goat Tavern was asked to remove Murphy, his pet billy goat, whom he had brought to that game at Wrigley Field.  Later, in a fit of pique, he allegedly declared "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more!"  and thus, the Curse of the Billy Goat was born.   (To learn more about this nefarious curse Click here.)

The Cubs lost the World Series to the Detroit Tigers that year, and since then have not won a World Series championship.  So it appears that the above "Curse of the Billy Goat" had indeed done its sad work.

The Space Alien decided to speak to Billy Goat Murphy about this.   At first Billy Goat Murphy was angry and defensive and tried to fight the Space Alien.  He wanted the Space Alien to go away and leave him alone!

Billy Goat Murphy was Angry at First

Sad, Conflicted Billy Goat Murphy

But the Space Alien didn't give up, and continued to talk softly to Billy Goat Murphy.  In their conversations it came out that Murphy  was also an ardent Cubs fan, and, indeed, had the power to undo the Curse of the Billy Goat.  But Murphy felt "stuck" and was therefore experiencing extreme feelings of conflict accompanied by severe anxiety and depression.

The Space Alien had studied psychoanalysis with Adler, Jung and  Freud, and urged Billy Goat Murphy to relax on a comfortable couch to share his feelings.  The Space Alien listened quietly, puffing on a lavender-scented electronic vapor cigar, until at last Murphy's  conflicts were resolved.

The Space Alien's Exclusive Photos of
Alfred Adler, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung

A Relieved and Happy 
Billy Goat Murphy

Billy Goat Murphy's anxiety and depression were relieved as he came to see that the Curse of the Billy Goat was never intended to be a permanent impediment to a Cubs victory, and he happily lifted the Curse.

Now the Cubs may continue to play ball, unimpeded by that 70+ year old curse.   Fans watching the Cubs in their National League playoff games against the Los Angeles Dodgers surely noticed this! To read more about these exciting games, click here.

Work is Done; Time to Play!
Exclusive Photo, Courtesy John Levin

The Space Alien's work here was finished!

Giving one more mighty cheer for the Chicago Cubs, and, always hopeful of finding a partner for a catch, the Space Alien picked up a baseball and headed off into Deep Space!

But never fear; The Space Alien will return for the Championship Games to cheer the Chicago Cubs on to victory!

The Space Alien Consults Dr. Ruth

The Space Alien was feeling lonely and wanted to learn more about having good relationships.  So when an opportunity to chat with Dr. Ruth Westheimer presented itself this week at a special reception for her, the Space Alien's pleasure could hardly be contained.

Dr. Ruth listened carefully to what the Space Alien had to say, and offered some splendid advice!

The Space Alien headed off to Deep Space feeling much more optimistic, but will definitely return to hear Dr. Ruth and Dr. Laura Berman narrate a wonderful series of concerts here in Chicago called The Birds & The Bees: Songs of Nature and Naughtiness presented by Chicago A Cappella this weekend and next.  For tickets and more information about this outstanding group, visit: www.ChicagoACappella.org.

The Space Alien has an Eye Exam

While working out with the Chicago Cubs during the exciting 2016 World Series, the Space Alien kept missing easy tosses and decided to have an eye examination.  

Modern Eye Examination 

Your Editor recommended Dr. Pepsi Sarai at Village Eyecare in Chicago.  https://villageeyecare.net

Dr. Sarai marveled
at the Space Alien's eyes

Dr. Sarai administered a thorough eye exam using the most up-to-date equipment to evaluate the health of the Space Alien's eyes, and he marveled at the acuity of the Space Alien's vision.  The entire staff was thrilled to have an opportunity to meet the Space Alien! 

Perhaps the Space Alien simply wasn't keeping those magnificent eyes on the ball, Dr. Sarai diplomatically suggested.   

The Space Alien admitted being easily distracted and resolved to pay better attention in the future.  

The Space Alien will Keep those Eyes on the Ball!

The Space Alien Says: Play Ball!

Next to chess, the Space Alien's favorite sport is baseball.   The Great Amercan Pastime has long fascinated the Space Alien, who always travels with a ball and glove while traversing outer space,  hoping to find others with whom to have a catch.

Wrigley Field;
The Friendly Confines

The Space Alien jumps for joy at the prospect of the Chicago Cubs becoming the 2016 World Series champions.  This is especially poignant for the Space Alien who recalls the excitement over a century ago when the Cubs won this title, and also the heartbreak of 1945 when this prize narrowly eluded the Cubs as they faced the mighty Detroit Tigers.

The Space Alien, who knows how to say "Wait 'til Next Year" in at least 87% of the world's  6500+ spoken languages, is weary of endlessly repeating this sad mantra.  For the Space Alien, this year IS next year!

Long a fan of Yogi Berra, the Space Alien sought to honor the memory of this famed catcher by also becoming a Major League catcher, and became positively giddy with excitement when Cubs General Manager Theo Epstein, watching a tryout, pronounced the Space Alien to be one of the finest athletes he had ever seen, and rushed to offer the position held by retiring Cubs star catcher David Ross.

The Space Alien's Fave: Yogi Berra 

Theo Epstein Calls Space Alien a
First Rate Talent

Could the Space Alien
Replace David Ross?

The Space Alien was overjoyed by this offer, and felt honored to step in for David Ross.   But negotiations broke down as no regulation catcher's mask could be found to accommodate the Space Alien's majestic face and unique catching style.  And so, for the heartsick Space Alien, it was deja vu all over again!

Why must the Space Alien
wear a catcher's mask?
Exclusive Photo Courtesy John Levin 

The Space Alien considered hovering over Wrigley Field to assist the Cubs during these last decisive games, but then recalled what happened when a devoted Cubs fan tried to catch a fly ball in 2003 resulting in the Cubs losing a critical game.  (To read about this unfortunate incident click here and to see the Space Alien's exclusive video of this dream-demolishing moment, click here.)

For this reason, the Space Alien will keep busy selling peanuts and popcorn at Wrigley Field to keep the fans happily nourished as they cheer the Cubbies to victory!

The Space Alien remembers
Harry Caray by singing
"Take Me out to the
Ballgame!"

But for the remainder of Cubs games this season, during the 7th Inning Stretch, the Space Alien's magnificent voice (q.v.) will be heard singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in memory of Harry Caray, the late great Cubs announcer.  (For the Space Alien's exclusive video of Harry Caray's inimitable performance of this classic, click here).   Be sure to join the Space Alien in the Friendly Confines cheering for the Chicago Cubs!

The Space Alien Brings up the Clowns

While keeping up with current events in Time Magazine, the Space Alien learned for the first time about a virtual epidemic of clown attacks occurring throughout the U. S.  (To read what the Space Alien read, click here.)

Friendly Clown

The Space Alien, a friend of small children, timid dogs, and all others easily frightened, wants to assure the public that the majority of clowns mean no harm and simply labor under the sometimes mistaken impression that people actually enjoy being accosted by others with frowzy orange hair, tiny hands, and exaggerated facial expressions who say ridiculous and even offensive things.

Downright Evil Clowns

Clowns often bring joy to many, and the the Space Alien has been gladdened by their antics.  But some clowns, whether or not by intent, may do harm, and a few are simply downright evil. The Space Alien therefore asks: 'If you were in a room with 1000 clowns and knew that three of them were sprayed with strychnine, would you kiss one of them?"

The Space Alien knows it would be impractical to build a wall to keep clowns out of the U.S.  Some clowns are U.S. citizens and a few are even running for high office in the United States!

Good Citizen
Clown

But ALL clowns should be subjected to lengthy interviews conducted by I.C.E. (Internal Clown Examiners).   Clowns should be asked if they really think they are funny, if they really believe that others think they are funny, and finally given a series of riddles to answer beginning with "Why did the chicken cross the road."

The Space Alien as already noted (for more on this please click here) will not be running for the presidency of the United States, but sincerely hopes that the winning candidate will quickly establish a Clown Control Agency with the Space Alien as its Director.  The Space Alien only hopes that the winning candidate will not be a clown.

The Space Alien Cares!

UPDATE:  The Chicago Tribune (October 31, 2016) carried an important Halloween weekend feature on The Great Clown Scare.  To see it: click here.   (If you cannot open this, it is either because you are not a Chicago Tribune subscriber, OR because you may really be a clown!)