Explain the photo …
A. Geoff Pender and Erin Edmister, shown assembling a helmet at Chicago Scenic Studios Friday, are very small.
B. Players with really big heads–think Terrell Owens–get their gear custom-made.
C. The Art Institute lions are about to get their much-ballyhooed Bears headwear, signaling the true beginning of Super Bowl mania in Chicago.
Odds are, you’ll bet
The Super Bowl is one of the biggest betting events of the year, and gambling addiction counselors are bracing for a surge of locals gone bust.
Manuel Martinez, at the Nicasa treatment agency in Buffalo Grove, said it happened when the White Sox made their World Series run in 2005. With co-workers and even public officials placing friendly bets, even those who know they have gambling problems get swept away.
“Casual acquaintances are engaging you in conversations, asking you to buy a square” on the office grid, said Keith Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Unfortunately, he said, the spike in calls for help comes after the game is over, when it’s time to pay up.
Hurry-up orchestra
For the first time in more than 50 years, The Elgin Symphony Orchestra will start its Feb. 4 concert at 2 p.m., instead of 3:30.
Staff members are contacting ticket-holders to alert them that Mozart and Schumann have been moved up to accommodate Hester and Urlacher.
“The way I look at it,” said Music Director Robert Hanson, “there’s three to four days a year you want to be careful about scheduling a concert: Christmas, Easter, Yom Kippur and when your team is playing in the Super Bowl.”
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QUICK COUNT
$5,000
The amount the NFL pays for Super Bowl winners’ rings–up to 150 in all–with adjustments for increases in gold and diamonds. The league also pays for 150 pieces of jewelry for the losing team, which may not cost more than one-half the price set for the Super Bowl ring.
AUDIBLES
`Don’t believe him. I’ve seen a couple of things he’s done in Chicago and a couple of things he’s done in Indy, and I would definitely say he’s playing both sides of the fence.’
— Colts receiver Aaron Moorehead (left) on his father’s claim that he wants to see his son win a Super Bowl. Emery Moorehead (right) won a Super Bowl ring as a tight end for the 1985 Bears.
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IN THE WEB EDITION
There is plenty to see and do at chicagotribune.com/bears, the place for true Bears fans and even those coming late to the party this season.
– Watch interviews with the coaches and players
– Be part of the scene in Miami with reports from the Tribune, CLTV and WGN.
– See more photos from practice.
