superdad

With unemployment rates up high the trend of stay at home dads are at a all time high.  You see I am not alone as a stay at home dad it is good that more dads are getting involved with their children.  We live in times where who makes the money is not as important as children being able to bond with their parents.  The most important time to bond with children is when they are young and this is huge in a boy’s or girl’s development.  If you are one of those dad’s that is just learning the ropes do not worry you’re not alone.

Although rough at times, that you’re not the primary bread winner it can be frustrating but hey we are just being exposed to something new and that is what we have to deal with right now.  It is not to say your going to be stuck home for the rest of your life, it is more like you are needed at home right now and if you are taking care of your kids then that is your role you must take on until the time is right for you to return to work.

Trust me as a experienced stay at home dad money and work is great, but that is not what life is all about as a parent if you are chosen as a parent or given the gift of being a father it is also good to just be there and that in itself will reward you ten fold in the future, I guarantee it!

Here Fox News does a little segment about what I am talking about that we are not alone but getting better every day as a superdad.

copy and past the link

http://www.foxnews.com/video/partners/synacor.html?playerId=videosynacorlp&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=4059513&referralPlaylistId=647eb6a0a327c91527f222db54bea29cf937e8b6

65 to 4.  Quite amazing how such a thing exists and you only wished this format was in other sports besides basketball.  The tournament was full of last second shots, dominance by superior teams, mid major’s trying to hang with the best teams and honestly a good blend of all you wanted and now we have our Final Four.

Michigan State

One of the nice surprises in this year’s tournament the Big Ten Champions came into the field of 65 with a little bit of extra motivation.  The Final Four would be taken place in Detroit Michigan.  Now this was not the only reason but now it might be a advantage going up against the next opponent which is no small feet.  Michigan State came out of no where to first beat the defending Champion Kansas Jayhawks and then they topped that by beating the overall number one seed in the tournament the Louisville Cardinals which was one of the hottest teams and one of the most popular picks for not only a Final Four but good enough to be a potential National Champion.  Tom Izzo and his bunch do it again as this will be another Final Four appearance.

University of Connecticut

Uconn came into the field of 65 as a number one seed but many thought the loss of their lead point guard would be a huge loss.  Many doubters had more faith in the Memphis Tigers or even the Missouri Tigers based sorely on health of the teams.  This was the motivation as Uconn won every game in dominating fashion all the way up to the last game against Missouri.  No team in the tournament won with as much domination and complete control over their opponent and this was a team that was challenged early in the tournament with a sudden loss of their head coach with a sudden case of dehydration and then later allegations that their recruiting methods are now going to be under investigation.  All of this and still Uconn won with ease and now Mo Town is waiting and the hottest team in the tournament is going to play the home town favorites the Michigan State Spartans.  This is what March Madness is all about and why we love it as fans the stories that are similar to all those Hollywood plot lines we always fall for in the end.

Villanova Wildcats

Going into the Elite Eight four teams from the Big East remained in the tournament.  Pittsburgh the East Region’s number one seed who beat Uconn twice this year was the favorite going into the East Region with Duke and even Xavier being the ones that only had a shot with a Pittsburgh loss.  Then the Big East proved again that not only the top teams are good but every team is good and a Villanova team, an experienced tournament team , not casted as a favorite, came out of the East Region with a last second shot over the top seeded Pitt Panthers.  Led by Scott Reynolds, the Wildcats reminded us of those old days of when the Wildcats took down the mighty Georgetown Hoyas.  Once again the other school from Philadelphia has the last laugh.

North Carolina

Can we just say even at 90 percent Ty Lawson can still beat anyone.  Too much hype was made out of this turf toe injury the whole tournament and I think even the Tar Heels thought we are not one of the best in the nation because of one, but of many.  The Heels certainly made this point as the Tar Heels became the second number one seed to reach the Final Four.  They did it in workman’s fashion beating most teams with ease including Oklahoma whose Player of the Year candidate Blake Griffin was the leading scorer in the field of 65.  Ty Lawson was not at full strength but once he stepped on the floor in many of his games including the game against LSU he simply took over.  Quite honestly the Tar Heels are the favorite in this Final Four and it is their tournament to lose.  If they are not in the Championship game then Villanova will go down again as a team that surprised everyone once again.

That is my spin on the Final Four teams and I’m sure I’ll have something to say about the one that finishes on top.  Thanks for Reading!

Congratulations to Japan as they defeated Korea for the WBC title yesterday.  Honestly it was nice to see the United State reach the semi final however this whole WBC is just a mess if you ask me.

First, most of the countries participating are far from legitimate competitors.  Cuba looked like they had players on the team that could have played on or in a  slow pitch soft ball tournament, not in a World Baseball Classic.  Even the United States was not the team it could have been even thou they had some star power with David Wright and Derek Jeter.  It was kind of like bush league baseball that you can find in any park around the country.

I really think baseball did this especially this year to try to diminish the whole steroid talk and the whole A-Rod fiasco.  However changes need to be made if this is going to resemble anything better in the future.  Team presidents and general managers are risking way too much before a MLB season starts, letting players play in this tournament.  I know pride and playing for your country is important and I truly understand that, but that is what the Olympics are for not the World Baseballl Classic.

If the WBC is too continue why not just let minor league players or even players that are yet to be noticed play in this game.  In international soccer this is a very common theme where certain tournaments are determined by youth.  Why do you think soccer is so strong in other countries besides the United States. Mostly because very young players are thrown into very competitive stages and are trained young that no matter what size the tournament they are already accustomed because of year’s of exposure.   More younger players need this kind of exposure and that is what they should do with this event.

In summary if you want to keep this thing then make some major changes, because I can just see the headlines if a super star gets injured in this WBC even before any real season has begun.  Especially pitchers who nowadays are already stretched to their limits with an already demanding 162 game season.

First off I got to say congratulations to all of the Sweet Sixteen teams in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.  The “Madness” was alive and well and did not disappoint.  However if your a fan of the “Cinderella” better wait till next year as only one low seed remains and that is Arizona and if you say Arizona is a “Cinderella” then you haven’t watched college basketball much in the past twenty years.

Feeling real good about my Purdue Boilermakers who reached the Sweet Sixteen the first time in nine years although they are going to face the UCONN Huskies who have made their opponents feel like they should have stayed on the bus so far beating their opponents with ease and domination.

Yours truly, picked 14 out of 16 in my “Bracket of Integrity” yes I’ a fan of “Mike and Mike in the Morning” on ESPN, nevertheless I’m far from having integrity as I did fill out 10 different brackets.  I just have more fun when I do more because I enjoy the games more when I do not feel I have as much on the line for every game.  So, today I feel pretty good as I and President Obama are currently have both 14 out of 16.

Even thou we have witnessed chalk city so far in the tournament the number 2 and 3 seeds still are no slouches as Duke is still alive playing very well and Villanova, who they play next at a 3 seed are playing well looking much better than the current number one seed Pittsburgh in the East Region.  In addition Michigan State a very consistent visitor of the Sweet Sixteen is no stranger to knocking off number one seeds even if that might be Louisville, if these two teams handle their competition of Arizona and defending champion Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen match up in the Midwest bracket

In regards to the other two regions the West and the South, North Carolina has played in close games but when Ty Lawson is at his best regardless of having that injured toe or foot is the most explosive player in college basketball and he alone can carry a team to the Final Four.  He will be the difference maker going into the weekend and if he shows up like he did against Okalohma St, Oklahoma, Gonzaga and Syracuse might as well just stay on the bus because when he is on North Carolina wins almost hundred percent of the time.  Just look at Carolina’s record when he is in the lineup and scores more than 10 in a game.

Lastly about the West, the Memphis Tigers are like the, Legend of Bigfoot, your not sure what your going to see when they play.  Will Missouri or even Purdue knock off either UCONN Huskies or Memphis Tigers? Right now they feel as they have a 50/50 shot however based on talent, athleticism and experience Memphis and UCONN have the strong advantage.  If there were any thing remotely close to a Cinderella, more like a unexpected upset, it would come from either the Boilermakers a 5 seed and Missouri a 3 seed.

Hey in case you missed Obama’s picks last week on ESPN, see how you stack up against the Prez.  Have a great Monday!

Right now your doing your last minute research on teams, flip flopping your picks, looking for an injury to pop up against one of your final four teams, really this is why they call it March Madness.  One of my favorite things to do all year long is to fill out brackets for the NCAA basketball tournament and I always believe that mine is the best until the first big upset blows you and 100 others out of the water.  That is what makes it fun and remember that this tournament should not be a stressful situation leave that to the players and coaches that are playing the game.

My best advice to someone filling out their brackets for the first time is make sure you fill out as many a possible.  You actually enjoy the games more that way instead of hating everyone that beats your teams.  Especially if they are free and there are lots of online tournaments, fan groups or if you just want to start your own with your friends.  Nothing is better than just hanging out with your friends and watching the games, it always created a fun atmosphere with a lot of trash talking.

Now as for my favorites in this tournament it is really hard to pick anyone less than a number three seed to take the whole thing.  Of course I would love Purdue to take it all the way but realistically they should get into the sweet sixteen but Final Four might be pushing it but, hey anything can happen right?

All of the number one teams are all good teams. North Carolina has been the favorite all year long but Ty Lawson is hurt and he is a huge part of this team and if he is not fully healthy the Tar Heels could end up short again.  Pittsburgh was the best team in the Big East for most of the year until Louisville came from no where to claim the number one overall seed and won the Big East tournament.  You never know what you will get from Memphis as they are as good and perhaps better than last year and they were in the Finals last year.  Lastly UCONN they are big and bad but lost a key player to injury and that may be enough to edge them out as favorites.

In summary get ready, in less than a day you and millions others will do anythig to catch up with last minute scores, clinch your teeth as your team struggles with a mid major program and just go mad, as that is what we are supposed to do.  So get into the action and let’s enjoy one of the best sporting events of the year.

Many times we feel we want to volunteer or support a cause but we are not sure where or who we should contact.  Well one of my favorite causes is Chicago Hopes and they are having a fundraiser coming up March 19 in Chicago.  The fundraiser will be at Caza Aztan where many of Chicago HOPES finest will be attending to raise money for a good cause.

Chicago HOPES is a program that helps homeless children in grades K-12 and families a opportunity to get extra help when it come to dealing with school work and learning.  All over Chicago there are homeless families that do not have a stable home which makes it difficult for their children not only to get to school on a consistent basis but to keep up with the rest of the class.

Chicago HOPES was created for this purpose and is sponsored by Chicago Public Schools.  As a current supporter and a recent tutor that spent time with these students at one of the many shelters there is no bigger reward than helping a child or even a teenager that does not have the means to keep up in the classroom.  As a tutor I dealt with kids ranging from Kindergarten all the way up to High school helping them with school work. My experience came from when I worked in the summer time where they had a summer tutor session.  I did not have a lot of time available to work as I only was able to volunteer a couple times a week for a couple of hours and the coordinators in return were so thankful and happy for my contribution.

Even if you cannot volunteer this is a great cause to support.  Here is a link if you want more info about Chicago HOPES or if you would like to come to the fundraiser.

http://www.chicagohopes.org/

http://www.chicagohopes.org/content/march-fundraisier

I will also add them to my blogroll in case you may want to check back later for more events and opportunities to volunteer.  If you have Facebook they have a fan page for Chicago HOPES as well.  This is a great cause!

The Big Ten has been a strange conference this year so do not be surprised if someone gets hot in this tournament and wins the whole thing.  Michigan State is the number one seed after a sub par beginning of the year the Spartans won their last five games.  Defense has been the key as always with a Tom Izzo coached team.

Purdue stumbled through its last six games but the young squad was tested last year in tournament play.  They are a good tournament team they just have to get hot.  The Boilermakers need a good tournament run for seed positioning in the “Big Dance”

Illinois is the wild card in this Big Ten.  They are young and have won some games that they were not supposed too this year.  They should have a good tournament.

The rest of the teams are as even as any one of these teams,  Minnesota has won key games down the stretch, Michigan can be a scary match up for a higher seed in the tournament. Northwestern can shoot and if they do they will win a game, Penn State has had a solid season, while Wisconisn is always tough come tourney time as they always play solid defense. Oh and Ohio State they are not too bad either.

In summary Michigan State Illinois and Purdue are good teams but any of them are vulnerable in the Big Ten Tournament.  A lower seeded team does normally break through and this year may not be any different.

The Chicago White Sox are warming up as they will play two today as early on they will face the A’s and then later a night cap with the Cubs.  Looking at the club so far the Sox are looking leaner and younger as many young prospects are fighting for positions.  With Orlando Cabrera gong “The Cuban Missile” will move over to short stop and now the competition has begun for second base and an additional infielder will be brought into the mix.  Being that Josh Field should have a lock at third with some rotation with newcomer Wilson Betimet form the Yankees.  The real competiton is at second, with another wild card in the mix, here are the competitors so keep and eye out for these four fighting for the start at second and a roster spot in inflied utility.

Chris Getz only played in seven games last year for the Sox as he did battle injury throughout the the year but Getz  (gets it) becoming a true work horse and becoming a strong candidate for the starting position at second base.  The lefty at bat youngster has pretty good pop in his bat and has descent speed which always is a nice comodity the White Sox need in their less than impressive speed on the base paths.

Jason Nix is another youngster still looking to prove himself in the majors.   The man from Midland Texas which is known for producing stellar athletes has given us another, as this guy does have promise.  A true champion from his pre major days, he is a true second baseman, right handed bat and has good speed.  I do foresee him making the club as he can be the late defensive replacement and pinch runner for the slower guys on the base paths.

Brent Lillebridge came over form the Atlanta Braves.  The shortstop will have to fight for the second base position but of the four candidates he does have the most games played under his belt.  The youngster played in 29 games last year with highlights at bat and in the field.  Whether or not he plays the starter role he is a good fit for a utiity infielder along with the new Cuban import.

Yes the Sox have gone to Cuba again and paid ten million dollars for a nineteen year old horse in Dayan Viciedo.  The wild card of the three has played most of his games at third but with Fields most likely getting the start Viciedo is another player you would hate to not have play.  Viciedo is more known for his bat so his fielding will have to get better but if you pay ten million for someone there has to be more to this guy.