I'm a busy man these days. In addition to beginning a new job, I'm finding myself busy outside of work as well. There's been tons of blog columns I've wanted to write, but every time I thought I'd get to it, I've ended up occupying my time elsewhere. But one of those ideas I'd had was an NBA Season Preview, so I'm holding myself to at least pulling this together. Whether I get to topics of greater substance (relationships, work, politics, etc.) remains to be seen. Perhaps 2011 will be the year I get back in to a consistent effort with the site and writing.
But enough about me, its time to talk about my favorite topic: the NBA. For those who know me, basketball has played a pretty pivotal part of my life. From a kid playing Small Fry Basketball, to my feigned attempt at organized hoops in high school, and on to my days as a coach in my adult years, basketball has always been part of the Delta Whiskey equation.
And as a kid with a dad who invested his heart and wallet in the Bulls, the NBA has meant something within my family life that goes far beyond NBA titles, scoring championships, or anything that takes place on the court. My dad and I have probably attended more than 200 games together in the 29 years he's had his tickets. His loyalty is unquestioned, and I could write a column a day about the circumstances that surrounded some of the games he and I attended together.
So whenever the NBA season begins, my level of excitement rises just a bit. No matter how bad (or good) the Bulls are expected to be, I'm a fan of the NBA and get excited that basketball is back in my life. And with a summer full of headlines, drama, and discussion, this NBA promises to be exciting. For the NBA/basketball fan, I hope some of what I write you'll find interesting. For non-NBA fans, amuse me and read on.
NBA 2010 - 2011: The Year of Transition
I've watched players in Bulls uniforms (technically warmups) lolly gag through layup lines before a game, and usually I'll pick out a guy or two on the roster I could do without. For Bulls fans, these are guys like Eddie Robinson, Eddy Curry, Tyrus Thomas, and even Jalen Rose towards the end of his time as a bull. I'd describe these as "Guys who seem like they'd rather be somewhere else."
So at a recent preseason game I attended with Romeo Sierra, I looked at the 2010 - 2011 Bulls and could not identify one of these types. I even made a point of turning to her and saying, "I can't find a guy I don't like." So you could describe my demeanor as upbeat heading in to a year that I'm calling "the year of transition." The Bulls will be a team that won't win the NBA title, but they've got the pieces in place to get them well on their way.
Guys I'm watching like a hawk:
Derrick Rose - the fan and family favorite, D-Rose has a little pep in his step coming in to this year and its great to see. Since entering the NBA, he's been a humble stud. The kind of guy that won't show up his opponent, disrespect a coach, or blab in an officials ear excessively. Its really hard to watch him play and not like him, and I'm excited to see what he looks like after spending the summer with a bunch of young studs, a great coach (Coach K), and a chance to win a title. He's going to do a few things every night that have you asking, "Did he really just do that?" and the transition I see on D-Rose's horizon is his role as a vocal leader on the floor. One of the great things you see from the studs (MJ, Kobe, Duncan, etc.) is their ability to coach their teammates on the floor. It'll take some time, but D-Rose needs that kind of presence for him to be one of the great ones.
Joakim Noah - the favorite of Romeo Sierra, Noah is the kind of guy you'd love to coach. He'll do anything you ask him to, he'll work his ass off to get better, and he'll bring passion and energy to everything he does. That energy may seem like a non-variable for many of you, but think about your workplace. Do the people who get things done tend to be belligerent, lazy, or bored? Of course they don't, and the Bulls feed off his energy and willingness to do the little things. He sets great screens and will play a huge part in freeing up space for D-Rose on the offensive end, but he'll need to develop the 8 - 12 foot jump shot for teams to stay honest. And with a shot that makes Bill Cartwright's look like a thing of beauty, the jumper may be a stretch. So his transition will take place on the Offensive End, because on the defensive end I don't think there's a guy he can't defend.
Kyle Korver - of the new additions this summer, Korver is one I'm very excited about. Every team needs a gunner who can keep a defense honest, and its been a while since the Bulls have had the right shooter at the right time. There have been some great shooters in recent years (Ben Gordon) but there haven't been other pieces on the floor to free up these shooters to shoot without a hand in their face, in the location on the floor they're most comfortable shooting from. With Korver, there's now a very tricky balance teams are going to have to strike with helping to prevent D-Rose's penetration and staying at home with Korver. If you leave D-Rose to go 1 on 1, he'll beat whoever is guarding him 8 times out of 10. If you come to help D-Rose, you'll leave Korver open to drain 3's all day from the spot he likes. He's not going to wow anyone on defense, but that's why he won't start. He'll be a great guy to have off the bench, but I worry about his health. As for his transition, he's just got to stay out of trouble and keep his wits about him while living up on the North Shore.
Tom Thibadeau - there's a bunch of friends I text during significant bulls/NBA games. In the old days, I'd call my dad to chat about a big game, but with the advent of text messaging I'm able to keep multiple conversations going with people from all over the country. As it became clear that Thibadeau was to be the next bulls coach, I remember texting some of my hoops friends about how crazy TT seemed to be as an assistant coach for the Celtics. I have never seen an assistant, stand and coach literally EVERY DEFENSIVE possession. So its obvious he has a passion for defense, and his teams in Boston were able to defend well once they had the right parts. There are many similar parts here in Chicago, so we'll see if he's able to bring that same discipline to the Bulls. For Tommy T, its a year of transition. His first year as the head of the staff, the team, and the public figure Chicago will want to be charismatic. He's also got a reputation as a data fiend and film studier. So the transition in his world is balancing all of this. Speaking for myself, its not easy to step in to a new role where you're asked to do more, quicker, faster, and successful. But good thinkers figure out a way to make it work, and I'm confident he'll be able to take the bulls from a 'good' team to a 'great' team.
Predictions:
I've often wanted to predict what I think would happen on record, mainly to see how well I'm able to predict a series of events that would be impossible to accurately calculate. But somehow, I like to think that years of watching basketball has made me somewhat knowledgeable about things, so I'm putting my reputation on the line. And I've asked some friends to join me as well, although they'll be keeping their responses with an Alias of their choice. Only I'll know who folks predicted, and maybe this will help me know who among my friends is the best to help me predict a whole bunch of other things. I'm only predicting 3 things, and that's all I'm asking of my audience and/or those I've asked. Keep in mind, this isn't what I WANT to happen, just the way I see it....and I'll assume the same is true for everyone else.
Delta Whiskey (yours truly):
Bulls Wins: 52
NBA Champ: Heat (ick)
MVP: Kevin Durant
Roger Daltrey:
Bulls Wins: 45
NBA Champ: Lakers
MVP: Kobe
Roger Daltrey's Oldest Son
Bulls wins: 49
NBA Champ: Celts
MVP: Kobe
Roger Daltrey's 2nd Son
Bulls wins: 49
NBA Champs: Lakers
MVP: Kobe
Romeo Sierra (Delta Whiskey's better half)
Bulls wins: 43
NBA Champ: Lakers
MVP: Derrick Rose (love the optimism)
Bravo Kilo (partner in crime as a coach of Small Fry Basketball, biggest bulls fan I know outside of me)
Bulls wins: 49
NBA Champ: Rockets (ballsy, but I like it)
MVP: Kevin Durant
Sierra Echo (partner in crime on Pat Barker's Freshman Basketball Team)
Bulls wins: 47
NBA Champ: Magic
MVP: Dwight Howard
Charlie Sierra (longtime bulls fan and season ticket holder, played some EPIC 2 on 2 games in our 20s)
Bulls wins: 49
NBA Champ: Lakers
MVP: Dwight Howard
Bravo Whiskey (my dad)
Bulls wins: 47 (he actually gave me two number 46 and 48 so I'm splitting the difference)
NBA Champ: Lakers
MVP: Dwight Howard
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
July News: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
I realize my infrequent posts probably aren't ideal when it comes to getting a loyal following, but rest assured ADW friends--there's been plenty of activity in my world. To my surprise--people actually read some of what I write, but its been tough to find time to hop on for life updates, reflection, social commentary, and all of the other nonsense you've come to expect on the internet's most random, ADD-fueled, website.
But I figured I'd try a new format today, which should flow similar to your local newscast. Let's see how this goes:
TOP HEADLINES
Delta Whiskey Accepts New Job!
As of August 2, I'll begin a new role at an organization that provides a broad range of diagnostic services (blood tests, tissue samples, DNA testing, prenatal testing, etc.) to patients/caregivers in Illinois and Wisconsin. The job will be a big challenge--the organization provides a large volume/variety of services and I'll have more responsibility than I've had in previous roles. But I'm very encouraged after conversations during my interviews that the company and its leaders are enthusaistic about improving how they care for patients which is the critical component to my work.
Just as I coach teams to do, I did some thoughtful planning around how to make sure its a job that works for me both now and long-term, and I feel confident that the job will give me a chance to push myself, learn, and help others in an organization that supports me in those aims. I'm not crazy enough to think the job is going to be easy, and there will be lots of learning for me to do...high school chemistry was NOT a strength of mine, but lucky for me a knowledge of the Periodic Table was not part of their screening process.
In terms of work/life balance, the job also allows me to take the train to and from work, which gives me back 2 hours of my life a day that I had been spending in the car with white knuckles, listening to Sports Talk radio. That's time I can spend reading, working, writing (good news for ADW fans?), or relaxing without the traffic and stress that came with a 30+mile commute to and from the South Side. No guarantees I'll stop listening to sports talk radio, but definitely fewer days of white knuckles and stressful commutes.
Romeo Sierra, Delta Whiskey Enjoying All Summer Has to Offer!
Outside of work, Romeo Sierra and I have had a great few months. With any relationship, there's a period of learning about each other as individuals, which evenutally leads to learning about how we are as a couple. Our ability to communicate, trust each other, and support each other are hallmarks of a healthy relationship, and she and I have been great about learning what we need from each other for us to have what we need. Neither of us are relationship 'pros', but we share a common interest in improving as boyfriends/girlfriends.
Besides all of that serious dating stuff, she's a ton of fun. I may have met my match in terms of interest/energy/curiousity and extroversion...which has made for a ton of great times together that are certain to continue. We're headed to a party tonight at the place we originally met which will be fun and a chance to think back on that night a bit...Without her chutzpah and a helping hand from mutual friends Alpha Sierra and Juliet Kilo we may have never met, and I'm a lucky guy that we did!
Birthdays, Retirements, Holidays
In the family, there's been plenty of things to celebrate. As many know, my dad hung up the stethoscope and now spends his days exercising (wooo hooo!), helping my ma around the house, volunteering at the Botanic Gardens, and spending time with his grand kids. The rumors of him joining the professional Solitaire tour are completely false, but if he ever decides to pursue that goal I have no doubt he'd dominate! I'll see what I can do about getting an interview with him for the ADW readers.
My niece turned 6 last week, which was a blast for all of the family to celebrate. For her gift, we got her an i-pod with playlists from the family of our favorite music. Sure, she may be young for an ipod, but she loves music and its much cooler to be rocking out to Pearl Jam than adding another doll to the orphanage of retired action figures in my sisters basement! And in terms of my playlist, it included most of my favorite bands: Metallica, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, White Stripes, Weezer, etc., and I'm keeping my fingers crossed she likes at least ONE of those songs. But with Taylor Swift, High School Musical, and Beyonce competing for her airtime I dont see that happening!
Local Sports
Golf Game Struggling on the Scorecard
Last year I had nothing but time to devote to improving my golf game. I played 46 rounds in 2009 and my golf swing was consistent, reliable, and easy which led to great scores. This year I've played 6 times, with plenty of good shots but a lot more bad shots and not-so-great scores.
But more important than the number on the scorecard has been hanging with friends (many who I didn't see much while out in Seattle), getting away for a few hours of relaxation, and goofing around. But I still try to get a club in my hand every week, even if its just pounding balls at the driving range.
And Romeo Sierra has picked up a golf club as well...for those on Facebook you can see a video of her hitting a pure 7 iron at the Diversey Driving Range. Her response after the shot is pure joy--there is nothing more fun for ME than to see that glow in someone's eye after hitting a shot exactly how they wanted to hit it. I'd just like to have some of that joy myself!
Da Bulls
I've spent reader time blabbing about sports-related topics, and there's no reason this shouldn't be part of the July news bulletin. The Bulls didn't get Lebron, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh, but they have worked hard to bring in a team that will be much improved next year. From a stud post-presence (Carlos Boozer) to a sharpshooting stud (Kyle Korver) and a tough as nails defender (Ronnie Brewer), the Bulls will be a tough team to beat. Will they be better than the Miami schmucks? Probably not, but I like the team-focused approach the Bulls have embraced, and with a coach that will work harder/smarter than his predesecsor I'm confident the 2010 - 2011 season will be very entertaining at 1901 W Madison. And Derrick Rose has spent his summer working his ass off, something that will pay off come next winter when he ascends to the NBA's elite.
Personal Commentary
Plenty has been blogged, read, discussed, and spewed about the Free Agent nonsense from national media outlets, and I don't think I have much to add to the conversation. But since its my blog and I can, I will.
I'm guessing there will be a date/time down the road when the Lebron James spectacle is looked back as a blowhard move by a blowhard athlete, and my hunch is he will feel the same way once some time passes. If he doesn't intellectually 'get it' he'll eventually see the impact of his decisions in his wallet. For every 2 fans he picked up by "taking his talents to south beach," he probably lost 1,000 elsewhere in the country. And those fans are the customers who buy his shoes, his uniform, and tickets to his games.
He's a young guy who has made some poor choices, and despite what America wants to tell him, he's going to have to learn from the consequences of his actions that there is a way to be honest, respectful, and considerate to his fans, employer, and teammates. He shit on a lot of people this past few months/years, and there will be a day he will look back on all of this and see how poorly he handled it. But until then, I wish him nothing but failure and a miserable experience in Dade County--which as I observed first hand is clearly the basketball hotbed of America. And I'm privately hoping for a lockout next summer that forces these guys to live on their non-NBA salary...then they'll learn what it means to think strategically about big decisions.
And for you Miami Heat PR Team and its loyal "fans": I want to make sure you're clear on the process for winning an NBA championship since you and the Heat organization/PR folks seem to have forgotten to complete some key parts of that work plan. I was embarassed to call myself a basketball fan when I saw that sham celebration (complete with keys to the city!) on TV. You're a disgrace to the game and those who worked their asses off to make the league what it is today.
But since I like to help others, please stick with the plan outlined below before conducting future 'celebrations':
Step 1: Assemble team
Step 2: Practice
Step 3: Scout opponents
Step 4: Create game plans
Step 5: Execute, revise game plans--hopefully winning enough to make the playoffs
Step 6: Win 16 games in the playoffs
Step 7: Celebrate
Off to a day of cleaning, fun, and great times tonight--hope all of you enjoy your weekends!
But I figured I'd try a new format today, which should flow similar to your local newscast. Let's see how this goes:
TOP HEADLINES
Delta Whiskey Accepts New Job!
As of August 2, I'll begin a new role at an organization that provides a broad range of diagnostic services (blood tests, tissue samples, DNA testing, prenatal testing, etc.) to patients/caregivers in Illinois and Wisconsin. The job will be a big challenge--the organization provides a large volume/variety of services and I'll have more responsibility than I've had in previous roles. But I'm very encouraged after conversations during my interviews that the company and its leaders are enthusaistic about improving how they care for patients which is the critical component to my work.
Just as I coach teams to do, I did some thoughtful planning around how to make sure its a job that works for me both now and long-term, and I feel confident that the job will give me a chance to push myself, learn, and help others in an organization that supports me in those aims. I'm not crazy enough to think the job is going to be easy, and there will be lots of learning for me to do...high school chemistry was NOT a strength of mine, but lucky for me a knowledge of the Periodic Table was not part of their screening process.
In terms of work/life balance, the job also allows me to take the train to and from work, which gives me back 2 hours of my life a day that I had been spending in the car with white knuckles, listening to Sports Talk radio. That's time I can spend reading, working, writing (good news for ADW fans?), or relaxing without the traffic and stress that came with a 30+mile commute to and from the South Side. No guarantees I'll stop listening to sports talk radio, but definitely fewer days of white knuckles and stressful commutes.
Romeo Sierra, Delta Whiskey Enjoying All Summer Has to Offer!
Outside of work, Romeo Sierra and I have had a great few months. With any relationship, there's a period of learning about each other as individuals, which evenutally leads to learning about how we are as a couple. Our ability to communicate, trust each other, and support each other are hallmarks of a healthy relationship, and she and I have been great about learning what we need from each other for us to have what we need. Neither of us are relationship 'pros', but we share a common interest in improving as boyfriends/girlfriends.
Besides all of that serious dating stuff, she's a ton of fun. I may have met my match in terms of interest/energy/curiousity and extroversion...which has made for a ton of great times together that are certain to continue. We're headed to a party tonight at the place we originally met which will be fun and a chance to think back on that night a bit...Without her chutzpah and a helping hand from mutual friends Alpha Sierra and Juliet Kilo we may have never met, and I'm a lucky guy that we did!
Birthdays, Retirements, Holidays
In the family, there's been plenty of things to celebrate. As many know, my dad hung up the stethoscope and now spends his days exercising (wooo hooo!), helping my ma around the house, volunteering at the Botanic Gardens, and spending time with his grand kids. The rumors of him joining the professional Solitaire tour are completely false, but if he ever decides to pursue that goal I have no doubt he'd dominate! I'll see what I can do about getting an interview with him for the ADW readers.
My niece turned 6 last week, which was a blast for all of the family to celebrate. For her gift, we got her an i-pod with playlists from the family of our favorite music. Sure, she may be young for an ipod, but she loves music and its much cooler to be rocking out to Pearl Jam than adding another doll to the orphanage of retired action figures in my sisters basement! And in terms of my playlist, it included most of my favorite bands: Metallica, Wilco, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, White Stripes, Weezer, etc., and I'm keeping my fingers crossed she likes at least ONE of those songs. But with Taylor Swift, High School Musical, and Beyonce competing for her airtime I dont see that happening!
Local Sports
Golf Game Struggling on the Scorecard
Last year I had nothing but time to devote to improving my golf game. I played 46 rounds in 2009 and my golf swing was consistent, reliable, and easy which led to great scores. This year I've played 6 times, with plenty of good shots but a lot more bad shots and not-so-great scores.
But more important than the number on the scorecard has been hanging with friends (many who I didn't see much while out in Seattle), getting away for a few hours of relaxation, and goofing around. But I still try to get a club in my hand every week, even if its just pounding balls at the driving range.
And Romeo Sierra has picked up a golf club as well...for those on Facebook you can see a video of her hitting a pure 7 iron at the Diversey Driving Range. Her response after the shot is pure joy--there is nothing more fun for ME than to see that glow in someone's eye after hitting a shot exactly how they wanted to hit it. I'd just like to have some of that joy myself!
Da Bulls
I've spent reader time blabbing about sports-related topics, and there's no reason this shouldn't be part of the July news bulletin. The Bulls didn't get Lebron, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh, but they have worked hard to bring in a team that will be much improved next year. From a stud post-presence (Carlos Boozer) to a sharpshooting stud (Kyle Korver) and a tough as nails defender (Ronnie Brewer), the Bulls will be a tough team to beat. Will they be better than the Miami schmucks? Probably not, but I like the team-focused approach the Bulls have embraced, and with a coach that will work harder/smarter than his predesecsor I'm confident the 2010 - 2011 season will be very entertaining at 1901 W Madison. And Derrick Rose has spent his summer working his ass off, something that will pay off come next winter when he ascends to the NBA's elite.
Personal Commentary
Plenty has been blogged, read, discussed, and spewed about the Free Agent nonsense from national media outlets, and I don't think I have much to add to the conversation. But since its my blog and I can, I will.
I'm guessing there will be a date/time down the road when the Lebron James spectacle is looked back as a blowhard move by a blowhard athlete, and my hunch is he will feel the same way once some time passes. If he doesn't intellectually 'get it' he'll eventually see the impact of his decisions in his wallet. For every 2 fans he picked up by "taking his talents to south beach," he probably lost 1,000 elsewhere in the country. And those fans are the customers who buy his shoes, his uniform, and tickets to his games.
He's a young guy who has made some poor choices, and despite what America wants to tell him, he's going to have to learn from the consequences of his actions that there is a way to be honest, respectful, and considerate to his fans, employer, and teammates. He shit on a lot of people this past few months/years, and there will be a day he will look back on all of this and see how poorly he handled it. But until then, I wish him nothing but failure and a miserable experience in Dade County--which as I observed first hand is clearly the basketball hotbed of America. And I'm privately hoping for a lockout next summer that forces these guys to live on their non-NBA salary...then they'll learn what it means to think strategically about big decisions.
And for you Miami Heat PR Team and its loyal "fans": I want to make sure you're clear on the process for winning an NBA championship since you and the Heat organization/PR folks seem to have forgotten to complete some key parts of that work plan. I was embarassed to call myself a basketball fan when I saw that sham celebration (complete with keys to the city!) on TV. You're a disgrace to the game and those who worked their asses off to make the league what it is today.
But since I like to help others, please stick with the plan outlined below before conducting future 'celebrations':
Step 1: Assemble team
Step 2: Practice
Step 3: Scout opponents
Step 4: Create game plans
Step 5: Execute, revise game plans--hopefully winning enough to make the playoffs
Step 6: Win 16 games in the playoffs
Step 7: Celebrate
Off to a day of cleaning, fun, and great times tonight--hope all of you enjoy your weekends!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A lot can happen in a year....
It's been about a year since I left Seattle for Chicago, and life has been a blend of laughter, suprises, and suspense in nearly all areas of life. And although I didn't feel the need to commemorate the entire year, I've had a few interesting days in Orlando that have me in a reflective mode. So here's your Delta Whiskey entry for June 9, 2010.
I'm at a conference in Orlando, done by the Lean Enterprise Institute on Healthcare Transformation. You may have heard by now, there's a few problems with our healthcare system, and this is a gathering of folks who share my passion for problem solving through a management system that can be used to improve just about anything. Loyal blog followers (all 15 of you) may remember earlier posts about my use of the Lean concepts (Hoshin Kanri) to identify the value added activities that I believed would lead to "Peace of Mind" in 2009. I certainly learned a lot from the exercise, and my "day job" is to help a hospital solve problems slightly more complex than "How do I make sure I attend enough concerts this year?"
In attendance at this conference are a number of friends and coworkers from my prior job at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. Those close to me know that I've struggled at times with my current position, and I'd be lying if I don't miss the feeling of coming to a great place to work every day. But as I've mentioned before, I cannot prioritize my career over other areas of my life, and those other areas are excellent these days.
So for those looking for the highlights of late....here ya go:
I'm at a conference in Orlando, done by the Lean Enterprise Institute on Healthcare Transformation. You may have heard by now, there's a few problems with our healthcare system, and this is a gathering of folks who share my passion for problem solving through a management system that can be used to improve just about anything. Loyal blog followers (all 15 of you) may remember earlier posts about my use of the Lean concepts (Hoshin Kanri) to identify the value added activities that I believed would lead to "Peace of Mind" in 2009. I certainly learned a lot from the exercise, and my "day job" is to help a hospital solve problems slightly more complex than "How do I make sure I attend enough concerts this year?"
In attendance at this conference are a number of friends and coworkers from my prior job at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle. Those close to me know that I've struggled at times with my current position, and I'd be lying if I don't miss the feeling of coming to a great place to work every day. But as I've mentioned before, I cannot prioritize my career over other areas of my life, and those other areas are excellent these days.
So for those looking for the highlights of late....here ya go:
- Delta Whiskey now has a girlfriend. We'll call her Romeo Sierra for now to protect her identity. She's bright, creative, caring, spontaneous and attractive....and she finds me moderately amusing. Who knows, maybe we'll get a "guest post" from her one of these days???
- My pops hung up the stethoscope for good a few weeks ago. Those of you who know my dad are aware of his commitment to serving patients for 30+ years as a neurologist. I've had the honor to shadow him with patients and staff and know that he worked his butt off to take care of as many as he could (while playing nice) during his time in medicine. And his work provided a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my mouth, medications for me when I was sick, and countless other things. But most importantly his work showed me what hard work, discipline, quality, and integrity look like....so thanks Dad! He also turns 67 on June 10, so happy birthday pops!!
- Retirement sounds a long way away for myself, and work has been a bit of a grind. From a development standpoint, I'm learning a ton...although I loved the structure, discipline, and shared vision at Group Health I'm also seeing first hand the challenges I'll face bringing Lean to others. Experience has always been my best teacher, but learning can be painful.
- Annie (the dog) still barks a LOT. This can be somewhat problematic with guests at my apartment, particularly when Romeo Sierra and her canine companion come to visit. Anyone with suggestions that SOLVE (defined as no barking when a stranger enters my apartment) the barking problem will be handsomely rewarded with an item from the Delta Whiskey Gift Catalog.
- THE BLACKHAWKS - not going to comment any further. This playoff run has been a blast, and I may not be the longest tenured fan but I like these guys and they're not going anywhere for a while.
- The Bulls - I like the new coach they've hired from the Celtics. I think he's a hard working, intelligent, hungry guy who knows how to engage players in playing defense. Get the Bulls a Free Agent and my dad and I will have a fantastic winter in 2010-2011. And although I think Lebron James WILL leave the Cavaliers, I would be shocked if he wore a Bulls uniform next year. Believe me, I've thought about emailing the new coach to see if he needs an assistant on the bench with two full seasons of Junior High Head Coaching experience.
- Golf game is back on track - I've played a few rounds with buddies but do NOT anticipate eclipsing last year's 46 rounds. If I play 14 times I'd be a happy guy, and honestly could care less about what I shoot.
- Upcoming Summer Concerts, Sporting Events, and Street Parties....the summer in any city is great, so I'm not going to list the reasons why Chicago summers are my favorite. But I'm psyched the summer is here and hope you are too....get out and have some fun!
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