Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Chicago Bears Make Change at Quarterback in Free Agency


Mike Loftus created MLE Merchandising & Sign Solutions in 2002, and under his leadership the company now generates more than $25 million in annual revenues. When he isn't assisting MLE's clients with the company's portfolio of branding services, Mike Loftus enjoys watching his favorite NFL football team, the Chicago Bears.

After eight seasons with Jay Cutler as the team's starting quarterback, the Bears will begin the 2017 National Football League (NFL) season with a fresh look under center. Chicago released Cutler on March 9 and, the following day, signed free agent Mike Glennon to a three-year, $43.5 million contract. A third round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013, Glennon has a career 5-13 record through his first three seasons in the league. He started 13 games for Tampa Bay in 2013, but appeared in just eight games over the next two seasons. He has thrown 30 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Though Cutler failed to lead the Bears to a Super Bowl, he finishes his career with Chicago as the team's all-time leader in nearly every passing category, including touchdowns (154), passing yards (23,443), and completions (2,020).

Friday, April 7, 2017

Director James Mangold Wants to Make a Bruce Springsteen Biopic


In 2002, Mike Loftus established MLE Merchandising & Sign Solutions, Inc., a middle-market brand services company specializing in branding, signage, retail construction, and printing. Now, MLE has a presence in 14 states with over 100 employees. When Mike Loftus is not working, he enjoys listening to Bruce Springsteen, whom he considers one of his favorite musicians. 

Film director James Mangold has expressed interest in potentially making a Bruce Springsteen biopic focusing on a tumultuous period early in the Boss’ career. Mangold directed 2005’s Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line. More recently, he directed Fox’s superhero film Logan, part of the X-Men franchise. 

Mangold envisions a Springsteen film concentrating on the E Street Band’s mid-70s legal struggles with Mike Appel, the band’s former manager. The drama, which prevented the band from recording any new songs for a two-year period, came soon after the success of their 1975 album, Born to Run. 

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mangold professed himself as a “lifetime Springsteen fan,” though it’s uncertain whether the director’s enthusiasm for the musician will be enough. In a 2016 interview with BBC 6 Music, Springsteen said that his ideal director for his biopic would be legendary director Martin Scorsese.