superdad

What game hasn’t been good? Besides that game three blowout, which is thankfully behind us, after the Bulls tying the series at two games heading to game 5.

The unfortunate thing in all of this is Kevin Garnett is just sitting on the bench and the Bulls are doing everything to show the world that KG is the MVP of this team.  Both Pierce and Allen have had tremendous shots in all four games but still the Bulls are taking Boston’s best shots and still the series is even.

In game one of the regular season no one and I mean no one could have ever thought that the Bulls could have the Celtics on the ropes and playing toe to toe in the NBA playoffs.  A rookie coach, a rookie point guard and yes they are taking it to the Celtics and I’m loving every moment!

Bulls fans deserve this effort as they have seen this franchise looking to find an identity ever since Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen Phil Jackson went packing after a dynasty brought this franchise it’s only NBA titles in its existence and the Bulls have been around as long as anybody else.

You start reading stories and people are starting to say hate on “Joakim Noah like he is the next Dennis Rodman, Ben Gordon wouldn’t even have a job if the Bulls had not signed him this year, Derrick Rose can no way take an under experienced team and beat the Celtics.” All of this and it starting to sound like the old days when everyone was either a fan of Michael Jordan and the Bulls or they were the the ones that just couldn’t stand the team in red.

All together the Bulls and Celtics series been the best series of the playoffs so far and with Cleveland the overall number one seed sweeping the Pistons, the Magic struggling with the Sixers even thou tied at two as well and now Boston possibly going another 7 games in the first round with the Bulls along with the Sixers could just blow up the rest of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  We still cannot definably say that, but even Cleveland has got to be saying “what the heck is going on, all of our top teams all year round are getting pushed to the limit.”

I say this whoever wins out of these series will give Cleveland a good fight evident of what we are already seeing in the first round.  The Cavaliers better just keep that whole number one seed talk ,very quietly because it is the fuel in which it has the Bulls and Sixers in a role they do not fear at all.  The pressure is now on the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic to win because they are supposed to win and whomever handles that better, will win.  For me Go Bulls and let’s break some brackets and I’m sure in Philly they are saying the same thing!

What Happened! A week ago the Bulls stole a game in Boston something no team did all of last post season.  The Blackhawks were up 2 games to 0 and well the White Sox were not getting killed 14 to 0!

The Bulls may have to ask Vinny to suit up because the defense was terrible in game 3.  Derrick Rose is getting outplayed by Raja Rondo, Noah can’t get a foul not to go against him, and Tyrus Thomas needs to stop double teaming Perkins because Big Baby Davis is killing us inside and out running Rose on breakaways.  Scrap the video tape and let’s think how we won that first game however it may be to late as the Champs see blood in the water!

The Chicago Blackhawks just played like the young inexperienced team they are and let an older veteran team the Calgary Flames stick around and now we have game 5 in Chicago where it is a must win or it could be a short post season for the Hawks as well.  The Hawks are going to need a lot more than just crazy Hawk fans they need to act like they deserve to win this series.

As for my beloved White Sox at least the Cubs lost today as well!  I didn’t stick around for what Ozzie had to say in the post game show after a 14 to 0 slaughter by the Toronto Bluejays but he probably said “we played the worse game of the year” but in radical Ozzie fashion.

All I can say after all that is the Bears still have Jay Cutler!  HA!

Tomorrow is another day and we all hope someone pulls it all together!

Playoff basketball is here and the Bulls are taking advantage of the Boston Celtics not having Kevin Garnett healthy.  Unfortunate for the Celtics but a huge plus for the Bulls, as all the pressure is on the Celts in game 2.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are beatable and the Bulls proved it and I wouldn’t be surpirised now if they do not just take these guys out in four or five games.  The Bulls look more hungrier and more important healthier than the Celtics.  Obliviously when you take Kevin Garnett, the Defensive Player of the Year last year, off of the floor it makes a huge difference.

The Bulls can really apply a lot of pressure if the Bulls start off hot in game 2.  It all comes down to Derrick Rose and he should have another good game if he continues to drive the ball into the Celtic defense.

Ray Allen is the key for the Celtics because he shot terrible in game one and if he lays another egg out there the Bulls just might be up 2 games to none after tonight.  Paul Pierce needs more from Raja Rondo who got lit up guarding Rose in game 1 who set a playoff rookie record scoring 36.

Kirk Heinrich will prove to be a key player this series as his defense which is always talked about around the league has already came up with some big plays. Captain Kirk has now become a veteran presence that the Bulls will need throughout this series. Tyrus Thomas may be the most athletic player on the floor, Joakin Noah was a monster on the glass in game one and Ben Gordon well, we know he can shoot but when he drives the ball as good as he did in game one the Bulls will not be an easy out for the Celtics.

Lastly, if I were Doc Rivers I would suit up Garnett now!  I do not care if he is 100 percent now or for game 6 or 7 his presence alone on the court is needed as the Celtics are not the same, especially in the playoffs.  Good teams take advantage of flaws and right now the Celtics have flaws and the Bulls are just exposing them like they should as a good team.  If the Bulls win this game this series will be over before it has even started.  A mighty shocker for the Celtics, but for the Bulls they are just taking advantage of the situation.

The NHL playoffs started yesterday and the Chicago Blackhawks will get game one under their belt within the next 12 hours.  Game 1 at the UC the Hawks need this to get a good Calgary Flames team out of sync.  A lot of former Blackhawk personnel play and coach for the Flames and you know they would like nothing less than taking out the young Blackhawks entering their first post season since 2002.  I do think this series will be good and the Hawks should win it if they show up like they have all year long for big games.  The big scare will be round two where a potential match up with the San Jose Sharks will show us fans that you need to beat the best to become the best of the year.  If the Hawks are good enough to get by the first two rounds anything can happen!

The NBA Playoffs will begin this weekend as the Bulls lose a key game the last game of the season and now must play the defending champion Boston Celtics.  Boston is not 100 percent with Kevin Garnett a big question mark as he has missed a lot of playing time lately and will suit up for the first round match up.  If the Bulls have any shot at the Celtics they need to steal a game in Boston for any hope for a first round upset and the Celtics were perfect at home in the playoffs last year.  With the Garnett injury I hope Derick Rose for the Bulls drives the ball every play into that beat up defense that is not as good as last year.  As always, the Bulls have to shoot very well and defend to keep up with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen who are still two players that can steal a game away from you even if their overall leader is not fully healthy. It would be a tremendous upset if the Bulls win the series however I would have liked the Bulls chances against the Magic if they had gotten the sixth seed.  The Bulls may feel that one again more directly if the Bulls go down 0 & 2 in Boston.

So the big question for everyone is who will make the best run if any in the post season?  My prediction is the Hawks, anyone want to debate me on that point, you’re more than welcome to give your case.

It will be very strange seeing ex White Sox player Joe Crede return to US Cellular for the first time as a Minnesota Twin.  Joe Crede a Twin! I know it just don’t seem right when he has been on our side, the good side, the White Sox for so many division battles throughout the years with the Twins.

Joe Crede will be remembered as a player that grew up right in front of our eyes as White Sox fans.   When he first got called up to the Whtie Sox I remember like yesterday when no one was really sure about this guy.  Sure he had a good glove for the most part but the batting was always a concern.  Joe Crede mightily struggled as a young player at first but soon enough after a few tough growing pain years Joe started to become another star player that could match any other third baseman in the American League with his glove alone.

Joe Crede’s best year might of been the magical year of 2005 where Joe began to become “Mr Clutch” in tight situations. It was really the first time Joe became a over .300 hitter because he learned throughout the years how to protect and when to shorten his swing for quality at bats. Quite honestly besides Paul Konerko having a tremendous year, Joe Crede became more legendary for his post season clutch hits that help led the Sox to their first World Championship in 88 years. Quite simply put, Joe Crede will always be remebered as a Southdsider for being part of a team that not only surprised the City of Chicago but the rest of the Major League in 2005.

So when Joe Crede steps up to bat for the first time tonight, it will be hard for not only former teammates but Sox fans that have followed Joe Crede become a quality ball player.  Seeing him in those Twin pinstripes is not easy, but you know if it was up to him he would have stayed a White Sox player.

However let’s not bury Josh Fields who  is now trying to fill those big shoes at third base and quite honestly he his ready for the job after years of waiting.  So far Josh has played well in the first three games and he will have a bright future with the White Sox.  He will only get better and if we can deal with ,Joe all those years he struggled, Josh should fit right in and become an instant favorite among fans.

There is just so much going on in Sports right now that this time of year is just buzzing with excitement!  I just cannot concentrate on one topic when there are a lot of good things happening so here is a bit of everything for you.

The White Sox took a dramatic home opener as the Sox came back and scored 3 in the 8th with a three run homer from Jim Thome.  “Mr Incredible” does it again and the White Sox start off right were they were last season in first place again after the rest of the teams in the AL Central lost their opening game.  They play again tonight as the first night game will play. Bring your Snuggie as this one should be chilly.

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player ever got elected into the Hall of Fame.  Not to bad being a first ballot and considering the guy still wouldn’t mind putting on the shorts one more time.  MJ is one of the smartest, most determined and most competitive people that I have been thrilled to see and can only hope that his greatness can be duplicated in the future.

Speaking of the Chicago Bulls they are claiming a small lead to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  How well will they be without Loug Deng for the rest of the regular season?  Although he has not seen action since February and the Bulls have been able to play better. Ever since the trade of bringing Solomons and Miller to Chicago they have been a much improved team.  If the Bulls get that seventh seed they should give someone in the first round a good challenge even if that is Boston or Cleveland.

The Masters at Augusta is this weekend as the Par 3 shutout is on going as I speak and everyone is picking Tiger as the favorite.  However he has not won in his last 6 attempts at the Green Jacket and maybe the feel good story of the up coming tournament is the “Shark” Greg Norman will be in the field for the first time since last year.  He always makes tournaments a little more interesting with his presence.

Yes the Blackhawks have made the playoffs for the first time since 2002.  Do not be surprised if this team makes some noise in the Western Conference Playoffs as their goal is not to just be one and done but to make a deep run at “Lord Stanley” and his mighty cup.

Meanwhile the Eastern Conference finalists from last year the Pittsburgh Penguins just clinched a playoff spot.  I’m not hoping for a Penguin and Blackhawk Stanley Cup Final that would be too much as I was a big penguin fan as a child and continue to support the team when I can.  The last time those two team met in the Finals I was pulling for the Pens but got to say this time I might be pulling for my home team currently and that is the Hawks!

Even thou it is only Spring how about those Chicago Bears bringing in Jay Cutler.  I do not want a quick summer but the the Bears will make me feel better as the summer winds down and the season comes nearer.  However the NFL Draft is also right around the corner and even thou they traded their number one pick I still would like to see who they add from the College ranks.

Congradulations on a dominant performance by the North Carolina over the Michigan State Spartans for the mens college basketball championship.  Ty Lawson is a stud and Tyler Hansburough puts a nice ending to his stellar career at North Carolina.  “Oh and Roy Williams can pick him like no one can and am sure they will be back at the top again in the fall.”

Lastly but with great respect 39 and 0, no matter what college rank 0r in the pros, men or woman is very impressive.  The Uconn Huskie woman’s basketball team finished off a dominant season as they defeated the Louisville Cardinals for NCAA woman’s Basketball Championship.  “Maybe if Calhoun steps down they will just bring Geno Auriemma in for his replacement.”

Weh’ that’s a lot hope I got the good stuff and oh if you want to now more about the Cubs they are 1 and 1 as they lost to the Astros in extras last night.

Wow! I was honestly shocked this morning that Mr disgruntle employee Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears.  Reported late evening the Bears got a quarterback that might be worth all of the hassle.  This guy almost single handly got the Broncos into the playoffs last year with a less than impressive running game and a less than stellar defense.  Now he comes to a team with a future star in Matt Forte and an always dependable defense.

However as always can this guy handle a big city with attitude and a fan base that is used to seeing quarterbacks blow up in their faces.  If you wanted to list the quarterbacks that have attempted and failed in Chicago I can but, that might take up the rest of your morning reading the the entire novel what I like to call now the “lost bears”  It’s kind of like reading the memoirs of people that go into the Bermuda Triangle and never come back.  Let’s hope that this is not another chapter.

Remind you thou remember a little guy named Jim McMahon.  The way Cutler has handled the whole Bronco ordeal with new head coach Josh McDaniel and then bringing him to Chicago it reminds you of the days of unpredictable Jimmy Mac.  Despite be the only winning Super Bowl quarterback for the Bears he was kind of a handful with players, coaches and the media.  So Jay Cutler we have seen crazier attitudes than your’s in Chicago.  Oh and I haven’t even mentioned Dennis Rodman the baddest and boldest ever so Jay should fit in well with a city that is used to having characters.

Lastly, I will miss my former Purdue Boilermaker Kyle Orton and wish him well Denver, as well as two draft picks and an additional third.  Was it too much for a quarterback who still hasn’t won a playoff game? Probably, but that is the risk when trading this time of the year you really have less leverage and any team besides the Bears would have had to give up the same or even more.

Food for thought, let’s not get to excited because the Bears still could use a threat for Cutler to throw to and Devon Hester is still developing into that player.  You got to think now that Bears have got to look for a big target wide receiver in the draft?  The Bears are pretty set with Tide End with Olson so I am hoping they grab someone with a lot of potential in that first pick.  Although, I do hope too that management recognizes that this defense is getting older as well plus with no legitimate safety with Mike Brown leaving that still leaves another hole that still needs some attention.

Not since 2001-2002 season has the Chicago Blackhawks reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Yesterday the Blackhawks helped themsleves winning 3 to 1 against the St. Louis Blues helping them get within one point of clinching a spot for the Western Conference.

Right now as it stands the Hawks would be a #4 seed and would draw the Calgary Flames which is a pretty good team.   Although the biggest task might be the second round where they would most likely face the San Jose Sharks the team that currently has a edge over Detroit and Boston for the best record in the NHL.

All of that said it is still going to be nice to see the Blackhawks back in the playoffs.  No matter what happens the Hawks are building for something very big with some of it’s young super stars in the making.  I just hope this management does a much better job keeping the Hawks at the top of the league consistently because honestly the NHL is a better league, when the Blackhawks, one of the original teams of hockey, are at the top.

Who is your favorite Blackhawk? I must say I enjoy Patrick Kane and the way he plays.  Not since Eric Lindros has 88 looked good on a jersey, especially a Hawk jersey.

For full coverage go no further than  http://blackhawks.nhl.com/ for all of your up to date Blackhawk news.

We all know cigarettes are bad that is a fact.  We also know that much of this money is to help Children health care and that is okay but this recent tax hike on tobacco is extreme.  As a smoker it is I believe a right to smoke if you want.  Even ex smokers smoke from time to time because they feel they just want to taste or smell of a cigarette.  Yes, we should not smoke three to four pack a day, that is extreme, but if you want to have just a couple then that should be okay.  Even this guy smokes from time to time.

Not anymore as cigarette tax is so high that people just cannot afford to buy them at all.

It is in the best interest of us to not smoke but many Americans really enjoy the right to smoke.  Even cigar smokers are feeling the hit and they are sort of a result of the tax hike as well.  So long to those days when a first time father gets that cigar for a boy or girl in the hospital even that might be too expensive for most Americans.

The thing that is funny about all of this is we are the most over obese country in the World but food tax has only gone up a little in the past ten years.  I understand food is way more important than smoking but why is one thing being taxed so much when other things that are killing us as well is not as much taxed.

I agree with Barack Obama and understand he is trying to fix problems that he can no longer just avoid like so other president have done in the past.  He had to take this necessary proposal to increase taxes on luxuries but cigarettes are mostly smoked by the poor not the rich.  The extremely rich now will be afford their pack of cigarettes or cigar if they want while the rest of us just get crabbier from cigarette withdraw.

I understand everyone is never all pleased at the same time.  Here in Chicago Illinois we have had to deal with not smoking in public spaces for over a year now and for the most part we have adjusted whether going outside to finding a free zone to smoke.  Now we will be looking for that guy with the fancy suit to try to bum a smoke off of next time we go out.

You see Americans, we adjust and we will adjust to this as well,but when does it stop.  If the government really cared about our overall health they would just shut down tobacco all together.  However we all now that will never happen as the federal government saw 9 billion dollars from the tobacco industry just last year alone.

Lastly I am trying to stop smoking but truly understand the frustration a smoker goes through these day and this recent tax hike should do it for me as well, superdad feels your pain.  Yes I know I shouldn’t as a father but we all have or own Kryptonite don’t we?