In case you were not aware, Robert does some photography in addition to his work here at the Ranter. He does weddings, senior pictures, trophy bass, the usual. Well, he passed a photo on to me last night. It was taken shortly after Mike McCarthy signed his recent contract extension. McCarthy told Robert he had seen some of Robert’s previous work here on the Ranter, and he wanted to memorialize this career accomplishment with a few photos. "You know just a few classy shots, maybe something I can hang office or in my den back home, and a couple that could go in the Christmas card to the guys."
The first few poses were fairly standard. Mike sitting in his office, hard at work. Mike standing in his study next to a roaring fire, one hand on the mantel, the other holding a glass of Scotch, thoughtful look on his face. Casual family portrait enjoying the day at the lake home. Robert said Coach McCarthy's favorite might have been the one he took on his tractor. (Robert significantly dirtied up the tractor and McCarthy to make it more gritty and realistic. McCarthy loved it.) Then, as they were finishing up, Robert saw something sticking out of Mike McCarthy's closet in his office. "What's that?" he asked.
"That? That was a gift from Ted after we beat the Bears last year to go to the playoffs. It's a bearskin."
"Whoa. That's awesome. You should wear it. In honor of Bears Week."
"Ha! Well...I don't know....Ah, what the hell?! I do love beating the Bears."
"Oh, Mike, it's perfect...now, a scowl. Scowl. Think about a polluted mindset. There you go, got it. Brilliant."
"Damn, that's so good, it might have to go in my living room."
The result:
Might have to hang in the Hillside living room too. Go, Pack, go!
