CHICAGO — Don’t be a 'fraidy cat.
That’s the gist of a note I left on the desk of my pal Paul Biasco that I hoped might inspire the guy to quit being scared to fail and embrace his creative instincts.
This week, Biasco and a trio of pals who call themselves the “Four Shortsmen” embraced my spot-on advice in a way Mayor Rahm Emanuel should, but never has.
The fledgling comedic quartet — Biasco, two guys named Billy and the son of state Senate President John Cullerton — wrote, produced and starred in a goofy comedy video that popped up on my Facebook feed.
It’s the story of former “chump” George Pappas, a guy with a bad 'stache and thick Chicago accent who claims to have invented "dibs" — the local tradition of laying claim to freshly shoveled street parking spots with random junk.
The '80s-style infomercial begins with a question: “Have you ever spent hours shoveling out your car only to have someone steal your spot as soon as you leave?”
And a shot of a North Side parking-spot-scamming bro played by Kyle Cullerton, who delivers a punch line, “Hey, thanks, nerd.”
The video made his powerful Democrat father proud.
“It was better than the governor’s budget speech," Cullerton said Wednesday after listening to Gov. Bruce Rauner address the General Assembly. "Trust me, Kyle’s always been creative. I think it’s great he keeps finding avenues to do what he loves.”
The video continues with Pappas, played by Biasco, sporting a VFW jacket, oversized sunglasses and baggy Zumba pants.
“I used to be a chump like you … until I had an idea, a revelation that will revolutionize Chicago winters as you know them," Pappas says. "The idea is called dibs.”
You’ll have to watch the rest of the ridiculousness yourself to really appreciate the work of Biasco, Cullerton, Billy Jones and Billy Morley.
“It’s all about being creative, trying new things and taking some new risks in the new year,” said Biasco, DNAinfo Chicago’s Logan Square reporter.
“Generally, I’m not comfortable putting myself out there. Going on TV and stuff makes me nervous. No joke, that note you left on my typewriter really helped. It feels really good to get away from that fear.”
Did you hear that Rahm?
I give good advice.
Don't be scared to take it.
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