Signing off

Good Sunday morning readers!  This is a post I felt coming for a while.  I began this blog in August with two goals in mind: (1) contributing my two cents to the national political and Chicago sports fora with a little Kentucky basketball sprinkled in and (2) preventing any stylistic depreciation in my writing between the Illinois Bar Exam and starting work.  I would like to think I accomplished both.  Over the last six months, we have enjoyed one of the most memorable Kentucky basketball seasons of my life (along with a gut wrenching Elite Eight loss), a disappointing Bears season, an historic health care bill, as well as many other odds and ends that embody the American news cycle.  Throughout these events, I tried to record my own commentary and perspective in a manner that was not only enjoyable to write but hopefully entertaining to read as well.  However, all good things must come to an end.  With a new (and time consuming) job, it has become difficult to maintain the time necessary to produce a product that I feel adequately represents my own thoughts as well as the quality of my readership.  Moreover, in the perpetual balancing act that is everyday life, I feel that it is more important to focus on my family and personal engagements than ever before.  I may resurrect the blog at some point down the line, but faithful readers can always follow me on Twitter to keep up with my day-to-day thoughts.  Additionally, I will continue to contribute short blurbs on the links on main page under this name when my schedule allows.  Once again, I want to thank everyone for their comments and support.  I encourage everyone out there to continue to take an analytical approach to everything they see or read that I hope to have embodied during the hundreds of posts on this blog.  Thank you all for your patronage and good night and good luck.

Poetry personified

Good Friday morning evening everyone!  Today happy 136th birthday wishes go out to legendary American poet Robert Frost.  Born in San Francisco, Frost moved across the country to Lawrence, Massachusetts at the age of nine to return to his father’s home state.  After spending his life as a young man in New England, Frost moved to Great Britain- where he would spend nearly all of his adult life.  As a professor at Middlebury College, Frost devoted hours to poetic masterpieces conjuring images of rural New England.  Just over  a century after publishing his first work, Robert Frost remains one of the most quoted and read American poets worldwide.

Now for your Friday news fix-

1) Within the many layers of the dense Health Care bill resides perhaps one of the most potentially important issues facing young Americans during the next two decades- student loan reform.  In effect, the new provisions will allow more individuals to secure subsidized student loans while modifying repayment plans to avoid the perception of indentured servitude that currently accompanies college or professional school graduation.  As someone who just began the painful task of repaying the massive debt that accompanies a law degree, I obviously support student loan reform.  This is not to say that I want the government to waive my debt- it is one that I voluntarily assumed.  However anything that will avoid repaying twice what I borrowed is a welcome relief from the current- and obviously broken- system.

Those $1 bills represent a gross mischaracterization

2) Last night in Syracuse, the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (35-2) defeated the 12th-seeded Cornell Big Red 62-45 to reach their first Regional Final since 2005.  Led by Demarcus Cousins’s 16 points and seven rebounds, the Cats overcame a heavily red-leaning crowd and silence this year’s Cinderella.  After falling behind 10-2 three minutes into the game, Kentucky finished the first half on a 30-6 run- including a series of highlight reel dunks from Darius Miller and Patrick Patterson.  The second half began slowly, but despite Cornell cutting the lead as close as six, the Cats were able to take care of business down the stretch.  In a solid all-around game, John Wall (8 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds) gave Kentucky the boost they needed late- while passing Roger Harden for the single season school assists record.  Despite cold jump shooting, a fiesty (read- dirty) opponent, and a crew that was apparently unable to call an intentional foul, Kentucky survived- which is all you can ask for in March.

3) With nine games remaining, the first place Chicago Blackhawks picked a terrible time to lay an egg- falling 8-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Ohio capital.  Coupled with the Calgary Flames loss, the Hawks secured a playoff berth and simultaneously ending the goalie controversy.  Christobal Huet was awful- meaning Chicago will likely turn to Antti Niemi for the postseason.  Admittedly, the defense as a unit was atrocious, but Huet surrendered every soft goal conceivable.  With a few nights to right the ship, Coach Q has his work cut out for him as Chicago seems to be backing their way into a postseason that held such promise a month ago.

EFFFFFFF

4) Not to be outdone by the Hawks, the Chicago Bulls shot their playoff chances in the foot in an embarrassing 103-74 loss to the Miami Heat at the United Center.  In a game that reeked of “worst case scenario,” the Bulls could not buy a shot- Derrick Rose included- while the Heat did not fall below 70% shooting until two minutes left in the first half.  The 30 point halftime deficit was the largest for the Chicago franchise in three decades.  To make matters worse, Dewayne Wade told reporters afterwards that “if the Bulls created all that cap space for me, they are sorely mistaken.”  Fantastic.  No playoffs and a team that may not attract the free agent they mortgaged this season to obtain.  Good job Reisdorf.

This actually makes more sense than coming to the Bulls

Have a good Friday readers!

The fastest woman on earth

Good Thursday morning evening everyone!  Today happy 28th birthday wishes go out to IndyCar driver turned national celebrity Danica Patrick.  Born in Joliet, Illinois Patrick excelled in local go karting as a child and with the help of incredibly supportive parents launched a career into the junior series of American open wheel racing.  A relatively unknown commodity as a rising racing driver, Danica jumped to international prominence in 2005 when she qualified seventh for the Indianapolis 500 and was four laps from winning the event in her first attempt.  Although the past five years have not delivered the wins that many expected, her triumph at the 2008 Japan Indy 300 makes her the only female racing winner at any top level of open wheel competition in the world.  With the IndyCar season gearing up this month, hopefully Danica will finally cash in on years of potential.

On to your Thursday news-

1) In an effort to force Democrats into a potentially politically fatal vote, Senate republicans added a series of ridiculous amendments to the reconciliation bill that will go before the House next week.  Among the inane provisions is the addition of a program that would provide Viagra for pedophiles.  Of course nobody wants this, but in order for the Dems to support the championed Health Care bill, they must now vote for this as well.  Political tactics like this are exactly why faith in Congress is near record lows.  I fully expect a compromise to come from this and despite these attempts, feel that this could blow up in the authors’ face.

Come on folks

2) Yesterday in Mesa, the Chicago Cubs moved one step closer to narrowing their rotation as Sean Marshall turned in an excellent outing in a 12-1 win over the Rangers.  Although the front end of the rotation will likely determine the Cubs postseason faith, it will be the fourth and fifth spots that get the North Siders to October.  Once Ted Lilly returns, the Cubs could definitely use a second southpaw in the rotation and Marshall not only provides experience but apparently a new found level of command.  I have always liked Sean and really hope this is finally his year to break through as a solid Major League starting pitcher.

Congrats Sean!

3) In some good news out of Halas Hall, Chicago Bears former All-Pro center Olin Kreutz is recovering well from bone spur surgery and is expected to make a fully recovery before spring practice begins.  This is fantastic news.  Although Kreutz is a step below his Hall of Fame peak, he remains one of the most consistent of the five men paid to protect Jay Cutler.  At some point the Bears will need to replace Kreutz as the anchor of the offensive line, but next year is not that time.  Given his great prognosis, I fully expect Olin to have a huge bounce back and be ready for the team’s preseason opener in August.

Big scary man

4) Former Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley crammed his foot further down his throat yesterday, calling himself “baseball’s Kanye West.”  For those who do not remember, Kanye was the artist who interrupted the MTV Music Video Awards by informing award winner Taylor Swift that she did not deserve to win.  Of course the President even chimed in- calling Kanye a jackass.  And this is who Bradley says he is like?  First of all, Kanye is actually well respected within his profession and is talented.  Moreover, others enjoy working with him- they just think he is socially inept.  Bradley, on the other hand, is hated by literally everyone who has ever played with him and tanks in key situations.  At least we know Milton’s analogy skills have gone the way of his hitting.

Ok, why not

Have a good Thursday readers!

No, not the cartoon dog

Good Wednesday morning evening everyone!  On this day eighty years ago, British scientists officially named the ninth planet in our solar system Pluto after the Roman god of the underworld.  Unique for its oval orbit and small size, Pluto was demoted to the rank of “dwarf planet” in 2007.  Although many still consider the second largest dwarf planet in our solar system to be a planet, this will likely serve as one of those “are you smarter than a fifth grader” type questions that stumps people of my generation for the next half century.  So to review, we only have eight official “planets” in our system and that small rock that is closer to the sun than Uranus at times and takes 248 years to make on orbit is just another anonymous celestial being.

On to your Wednesday news fix-

1) Yesterday, Texas newspapers ran the first corporate funded political advertisement since the groundbreaking Supreme Court case last term.  Under the headline, “Vote for a Real Republican” a local series of fast food franchises attacked Chuck Hopson- a former Democrat who switched parties before the Texas state legislature primary.  Although this may seem like a great deal of nothing, it is the first push on a slippery slope.  Taken to its logical end, a process that began with local fast food establishments attacking state legislatures will lead to oil companies pouring millions into ads lambasting Barack Obama in 2012.  Hopefully Congress will rectify this before then, but I have a feeling we are in for a very bumping political ride.

Wal-Mart wants you to vote for their guy

2) Last night at the United Center, the first place Chicago Blackhawks took down the Phoenix Coyotes 2-0 in a battle of teams tied for the top of the Western Conference.  Following a scoreless first period, things picked up quickly in the second.  Led by Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, the Hawks took what would be an insurmountable two goal lead.  Although the collective energy stayed high, that was all the scoring for the evening.  Thankfully, Antti Niemi made the tally stand up and Coach Q’s club avenged Sunday’s frustrating loss.  With only ten games remaining, it is getting close to time to scout potential first round Stanley Cup Playoff matchups (hint- pray Detroit moves up a spot or two).

GOAL!!!!!!!!

3) While the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (34-2) prepare for Thursday’s Sweet Sixteen game, John Calipari picked up a big recruiting commitment from five-star Turkish center Enes Kanter.  The 6’11″ projected 2011 lottery pick from Istanbul becomes the second member of the Cats’ 2010-11 freshman class along with highly rated shooting guard Stacey Poole.  Kanter will likely replace first team All-American Demarcus Cousins in the post for next year’s team.  Unlike most European centers, Big Enes boasts a fully developed post game as well as a soft outside touch.  According to Evan Daniels of Scout, Kanter is the most developed center in this class and should step in to the big absence Cousins will likely leave after the year.  With a number of other commitments appearing on the horizon, next year should be exciting but I am in no hurry to get there.

4) In one of the most ridiculous rulings imaginable, the NCAA rejected the University of Memphis’s final appeal of their men’s basketball team’s vacated wins from the 2008 season.  To quickly review- in 2007, the NCAA ruled Memphis freshman guard Derrick Rose was eligible to play for the Tigers during the 2007-08 season.  After Rose led Memphis to the national title game and left to join the Chicago Bulls as the top pick in the NBA Draft, the NCAA retroactively determined that “there was a chance that Rose’s SAT was not in compliance with NCAA guidelines.”  Following a hearing that involved NCAA officials admitting that it was their fault Memphis played an ineligible player, finding that neither former Memphis coach John Calipari nor the University were at fault, and noting that there was no definitive evidence that Rose in fact cheated, the NCAA ruled that the school must still vacate their entire season.  Wow.  You may ask why I care.  First of all, Derrick Rose is my favorite NBA player and I have grown tired of the unfounded “he’s a cheater” claims.  Secondly, and more importantly, now that Coach Cal is at Kentucky the “Cal’s a cheater” and “all Cal point guards are dirty” rhetoric has gotten old.  I truly feel for Memphis fans and cannot understand how some of the NCAA compliance officials look at themselves in the mirror.

NCAA idiocy personified

Have a good Wednesday readers!

I AM ANGRY!!!

Good Tuesday morning evening readers!  On this day in 1775, American revolutionary and Founding Father Patrick Henry delivered his famous “give me liberty or give me death” address.  Born in colonial Virginia, Henry was a staunch opponent of British taxation- hence the harsh reaction to the English Stamp Act.  Although he strongly supported the Revolution, Henry was one of the Constitution’s harshest critics- voting against ratification on the grounds that it failed to protect individual rights.  Unfortunately for Henry’s great legacy, his most famous words are tied in contemporary culture to the tea party movement.  In the ultimate irony, a group that purports to champion the self evident greatness of the Constitution cries the words of a man who devoted years of his life to preventing ratification.  That said, Henry is one of the most influential individuals in Western history and crafted the initial mold of what we now know as the United States.

1) During much of the unfounded socialism screams from the right in reaction to the Health Care bill passing, we heard a great deal regarding how the Democrats would feel their anger in November.  White House advisor David Axelrod acknowledged a public shortcoming when it came to substantive knowledge of the bill’s contents and admitted that the Obama Administration needed to “do a better job educating the American people.”  However, it appears the public has spoken.  According to a USA Today poll, a day after the passage a majority of American people are glad the bill passed and think it will aid the country as a whole.  Funny how quickly things change.

Affordable health care? YAY!

2) For the second game running, the Chicago Bulls found a way to win- upending the visiting Houston Rockets 98-88 at the United Center.  Once again we saw that any team with Derrick Rose has a chance to win on any given night (so stay away from us with your injury inducing arms, Dwight Howard) as the reigning Rookie of the Year led all scorers with 27 points and a ridiculous seven three point attempts.  After tanking the previous seven games, Kirk Hinrich did exactly what the Bulls needed- made open jumpers.  Additionally, it was nice to see Joakim Noah on the floor on consecutive nights.  That said, it was not all rainbows and butterflies at the UC.  With the Bulls down six, coach Vinny Del Negro earned his first ejection as an NBA head coach.  Three minutes later, Chicago led by 13 and the game was in the bag.  Some may say that this was Vinny’s intent, but that assumes he has some measure of macro-strategy at all.  With only a dozen games remaining, the Bulls have their backs against the wall.  Let’s hope we have one more big run left.

Carry us to the postseason DRose

3) With the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament complete, basketball fans enter the meaty round- the Sweet Sixteen- on Thursday night.  With two of my Final Four teams eliminated in the second round (Kansas and Villanova), it is probably time to re-evaluate my predictions.  In the East Region, I still believe the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (34-2) will reach the Final Four- despite playing the belle of the ball, Cornell, on Thursday night.  With Villanova out of the picture in the South Region, I have to reluctantly pick Duke to head to Indianapolis.  After a pair of solid performances, I still feel comfortable taking Kansas State in the West Region (although Syracuse is coming on strong).  Finally, Ohio State serves as my second reluctant pick in a Midwest Region involving three teams for which I do not particularly care.  Either way, we have an exciting week of basketball ahead.

Different Sweet 16

4) In a hilarious story out of Kentucky, the University of Kentucky athletics blog- Kentucky Sports Radio- is subject to a legal battle arising from a post regarding Kansas basketball fan and adult film star Samantha Ryan.  In a tongue in cheek reaction to a Jayhawk blogger citing Ryan’s professional skill as a reason it was better to be a Kansas fan than a Kentucky supporter, KSR took jabs at the porn star while trumpeting the Cats’ greatness.  Apparently the “actress” took exception to some of the remarks; my personal favorite being her disdain with the allusion that she may drink bourbon.  Citing defamation concerns, Ryan demanded the blog take down the post with a full explanation.  Little did she know that this would spark a series of national stories about her ridiculous faux-outrage.  Sorry Ms. Ryan, but absurdity sells and nothing is more inane than an individual who makes a living having relations with multiple partners claiming character damage arising from an alcohol reference.

If this is embarrassing, then color me humiliated

Have a good Tuesday everyone!

I...needlessly....pause....between....words

Good Monday morning evening everyone!  Today happy 79th birthday wishes go out to the surprisingly youthful looking William Shatner.  Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1931, Shatner rose to fame in the late 1960s for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on the Star Trek television series.  When the show went off the air in 1969, the Canadian actor made the rounds on syndicated gameshows before he returned to the science fiction genre in Star Trek: The Motion Picture.  Appearing in six films, Shatner is a sort of cult icon for his role as the Trek protagonist.  But without a major film appearance in over a dozen years, he is now widely recognized for his role as a witty legal partner in The Practice and Boston Legal or for his moderately annoying commercials for the discount travel website, Priceline.  Personal regonition notwithstanding, Shatner is an icon and one of the most widely endeared figures of the last two generations.

On to your Monday news fix-

1) On an historic night in Washington, the House of Representatives passed the controversial Health Care bill by a seven vote margin- completing one of the sweeping changes Barack Obama promised in 2008.  The passage could not have come soon enough.  Underinsurance is one of the most painful and emotionally testing problems facing average Americans.  As someone who did not have health insurance for nearly four years, I can attest to the concerns that arise from a financial inability to establish that safety net.  Despite many ridiculous claims, this is not “the first step toward socialism,” as that would have mandated purchasing government insurance.  Conversely, the plan is not immune to criticism- I am still unsure whether the absence of a public option will spark the market change to lower premiums through competitive pricing.  That said, now all Americans have access to health care regardless of medical history and that is a victory we should all applaud.

Give credit where its due

2) For the second time this Spring, new Seattle Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley was ejected from a game for arguing with umpires.  After the game, the former Chicago Cub told reporters that the confrontation was not his fault; rather the umpire should have just let him go.  The pattern here is obvious.  For the nuance impaired, Bradley continually blames everyone but himself despite the fact that he is the common denominator in the downfall for every team for which he has played.  I almost feel for Mariners fans.  They have the best 1-2 pitching punch in all of baseball, but will likely squander it because of the distraction that is Milton Bradley.  However, my Cubs have far too many concerns entering the 2010 season (Soriano’s knee, pitching, depth) for me to waste time on the team that consciously elected to take on the biggest whiner in the history of the game.

What a surprise, this guy has an anger problem

3) After a lengthy negotiation, Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer inked an 8 year- $184 million contract to stay in the Twin Cities.  The deal ensures that the Twins will have the best backstop in baseball for the foreseeable future and have a marquee player to highlight as they open Target Field next month.  No doubt, the All-Star catcher would earn the same amount, if not more, on the open market but there is some debate as to whether the club overpaid.  Mauer is a great player, but he plays a position that takes a massive physical toll- both from the squats and contact with other players and the ball.  Like Craig Biggio in the 1990s, Mauer will likely have to learn a new position to extend his career and maximize the value of his massive new deal.  Although the American League rules will protect the former number one pick- allowing him to DH if necessary- at some point I expect to see him take fielding drills at first base.

Yes we know, he is good

4) This week, the NFL owners will discuss potential rule changes that would end the current sudden death overtime format.  Under the proposed rule, each team would have one possession to score and if neither team successfully converts or if the game remains tied, then the sudden death format resumes.  The only exception to the rule is if the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown on their first possession.  Depending on your perspective, the change is based on the fact that (1) the team that wins the coin toss wins 60% of overtime games or (2) brett favre lost his last two playoff games on opening possession field goals after throwing an interception at the end of regulation.  Although the Bears are a remarkable 11-3 in overtime games since the NFL instituted the extra session, I am all for the rule change.  It highlights what makes the sport great- touchdowns- while maintaining the sudden death element that avoids the insanity that the alternating possession universe of college football.  It should keep the game exciting and allow for more competitively satisfying overtimes.

Have a good Monday readers!

The most famous nightclub in the world

Good Sunday morning evening everyone!  On this day in 1961, the Beatles first took the stage at the Cavern Club- a small nightclub in Liverpool.  Nearly a half century later, the Cavern is a sort of Mecca for Fab Four fans worldwide and remains one of the city’s hottest music spots.  Less culturally significant, but hopefully as enjoyable, these links-

1) On the eve of the historic Health Care bill vote, tea party protesters took the streets of Washington to yell racially motivated slurs at Democratic members of Congress.  I think its fair to say this movement does NOT represent the average American.

2) Last night in New Orleans, the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (34-2) pounded the eighth-seeded Wake Forest Demon Deacons 90-60 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2005.  Huge props to Darius Miller (career high 20 points) and Demarcus Cousins (19 points and 8 rebounds).

3) In addition to the big NCAA tournament win, the Cats got excellent news on the national awards front as John Wall won the Rupp National Player of the Year award and John Calipari won Rupp National Coach of the Year.  Amazing that it is the first time a Kentucky player has won the award named for the former UK coach.

4) After dropping ten consecutive games, the Chicago Bulls found a way to win- downing the Philadelphia 76ers 98-84 in the City of Brotherly Love.  No surprise that Derrick Rose’s return spawns a win.

5) Playing in the desert, the first place Chicago Blackhawks fell 5-4 in shootout to the redhot Phoenix Coyotes after blowing a two goal third period lead.  This is really getting old guys.

6) Following three effective Spring Training starts, the Washington Nationals announced they would send 2009 top pick Stephen Strasburg to AA to start the 2010 season.  After watching the Cubs destroy young pitchers by rushing them, I applaud this move.

And now for your Sunday moment of zen-

Have a good Sunday readers!

I also love rock and roll

Good Saturday morning evening everyone!  On this day in 1982, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts released the now iconic single “I Love Rock and Roll.”  Twenty-eight years later, the song remains a favorite of middle aged rockers and intoxicated karaoke performers alike.  Hopefully you love these links just as much-

1) We have finally reached zero hour as a House vote on the Health Care bill is expected this weekend.  FINALLY.

2) Despite going to the green jerseys for a late St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Chicago Bulls lost their tenth straight game- 92-85 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Hurry back Derrick Rose.

3) In a wonderful human interest story, the top seeded Kentucky Wildcats (33-2) made national news this week for taking time to celebrate a random fan’s birthday at a restaurant the team was visiting.  How great is this team?

4) In the third of many “crosstown” spring games, the Chicago Cubs defeated the rival White Sox 8-4.  Nice to see Alfonso Soriano take the ball out after missing two months last year.

5) After already dominating the NFL offseason news, the Chicago Bears are considering adding hard hitting safety O.J. Atogwe.  Keep ‘em coming Jerry.

6) Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington is under fire for testing positive for cocaine use last season.  At least he was really awake during their surprising 2009 campaign.

And now your Saturday moment of zen-

Have a good Saturday readers!

A classic by any standard

Good Friday morning evening everyone!  On this day in 1964, Sean Connery and Albert Broccoli began filming the James Bond film Goldfinger in Miami Beach.  Widely considered the best of the 22 Bond movies, the plot centers around the British spy’s attempt to foil Belgian billionaire Auric Goldfinger’s attempt to rob Fort Knox with the use of chemical weapons.  In addition to the exciting storyline, the film introduces a pair of famous (and often parodied) Bondisms.  The ridiculously named love interest (Pussy Galore), overly dramatic villain rhetoric (“No, Mr. Bond.  I want you to die), and unnecessarily complex yet easily escapable traps (slow moving laser toward the groin) each made their cinematic debuts.  Although this is not my personal favorite- that title goes to From Russia with Love- it does hold a special place in my heart as it was filmed in the state I was born- Kentucky.

On to your Friday news fix-

1) Iowa Congressman Steven King voiced concern over a potential Health Care vote on Sunday- calling it “an affront to God.”  Claiming that our Founders would “never have done this” and that the timing was fitting to a group that “has perverted our collective faith,” King is veiling his substantive disagreement with ridiculous theological rhetoric.  In the past year, the Iowa republican appeared on five national Sunday morning news shows, campaigned on eleven Sundays, and even submitted a pair of Congressional amendments on the Christian Sabbath Day.  So to raise the theological sanctity argument now seems more than a bit hypocritical.  Arguing substance is one thing, but please do not insult the collective intelligence of the American people.

Wait, there is more than one Steve King?

2) Last night in New Orleans, the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats (33-2) won their first NCAA Tournament game in two years, pounding 16th-seeded East Tennessee State 100-71.  Paced by Eric Bledsoe’s 29 points on a Kentucky tournament record eight three pointers, the Cats put this one away early.  After trailing 10-9 three minutes in, Kentucky rolled off a 45-16 run to end the first half.  Patrick Patterson  added 22 points in his first taste of March Madness (that seems ridiculous) while John Wall posted 17 points to go with his insane 11 assists.  Even Demarcus Cousins, who dealt with foul trouble for most of the evening, mad ehis presence known- pulling down 8 rebounds and blocking five shots to go with his five points.  But at the end of the night it was all about talent- something of which the Cats have no shortage.

3) After dropping three in a row, the first place Chicago Blackhawks dug deep in SoCal to beat the likely playoff bound Los Angeles Kings 3-0.  Enduring a slow first period, the Hawks came out firing in the second- capitalizing on solid defensive play from forward turned reserve backliner Dustin Byfuglien.  Of a pressure induced scramble, Troy Brouwer fired home a score to give the Hawks their first lead since Sunday.  Coach Q’s club took the 1-0 advantage into the dressing room, but maintained the energy level when they hit the ice for the third.  A pair of Tomas Kopecky goals put the game out of reach, but it was the solid defensive play and sound goaltending from Antti Neimi snapped the losing streak and gave the Hawks some breathing room over the charging Vancouver Canucks.

Alright guys, 11 more

4) For the first time in their storied history, the Michigan Wolverine football program will host a night game in 2011- against Brian Kelly’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  As someone who is not an avid Big Ten football fan, the fact that a program like Michigan had not played a night game yet surprised me.  However with the cold northern weather and tradition of day games, I understand the initial pushback.  As someone who met Wolverine football coach Rich Rodriguez in college- and like him a great deal- I hope this kind of PR helps boost his struggling program and that they beat the Notre Dame team that snagged my alma mater’s football coach.

Have a good Friday readers!

March Madness is finally here!

Good Thursday morning evening readers!  Today kicks off the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament- three weeks of college basketball excitement capped off with the Final Four in Indianapolis.  First played in 1939 as an eight team playoff, today March Madness is the 18 day odyssey involving the best 65 teams in men’s college ball.  Today and tomorrow, 32 games will take place- many of which will interfere with the American work day.  The tourney will introduce us to new names, Cinderella teams (my early picks are Siena and UTEP), and outstanding performances that will take their place in college basketball lore.  So sit back and enjoy the most active weekend in basketball.  Hopefully your bracket will fare better than mine normally do.

On to your Thursday news-

1) For the first time during his Presidency, Barack Obama’s Gallup approval rating fell below his negative rating.  Although this may discourage some Democrats, some historical perspective may temper those worries.  Yes, the President’s approval rating is important, but likewise it must be noted that he maintained a net positive rating longer than any Commander in Chief since Kennedy.  Two of the most popular Presidents of the past quarter century- Clinton and Reagan- both posted a negative net rating within their first year.  In fact, Reagan did not have an approval about 50% until 1984.  So do not fret fellow Dems (or over-celebrate my conservative friends), this is merely a historical trend playing out.

He was in the red for a year and still was reelected in a landslide

2) Last night in Anaheim, the first place Chicago Blackhawks fell 4-2 to the Ducks for their third loss in a row.  In a back-and-forth affair, the Hawks failed to capitalize on many of the chances the the opportunistic Anaheim defense provided.  That said, Chicago did not get much help from the officials.  With the game tied in the third, the refs missed a blatant interference call that directly led to what would be the game deciding score.  Yes, we had other chances but just as the defensemen need to do their jobs (and should feel free to do that any day now), so do the refs.  Oh and there is that little matter of Brent Seabrook being concussed and effectively thinning our back line to the breaking point.  We can still make a deep run and Seabs will be healthy in time for the playoffs, but my hand is getting close to the panic button.

3) The Chicago Bulls dropped their ninth straight game last night, falling 113-107 to the Dallas Mavericks in Big D.  However, the big story of an evening that figured to have an unhappy ending was the news that Luol Deng may miss the remainder of the season with his calf injury.  Dallas is a great team and the fact that the Bulls were able to force the Mavs to use at least some effort says a great deal about the team’s heart.  But heart will not make up for a complete talent deficiency.  In fact, not even Donald Rumsfeld could create a color code system to adequately address the trouble facing the Bulls.  Things are bad right now in Chicago.  Very bad.  The Bulls need to win 10 of their next 15 to have any prayer of reaching the postseason- a highly unlikely proposition.  After the games with Cleveland and Philly this week, Vinny Del Negro’s club needs to rebound quickly.  Otherwise, this has been a lost season.

To be fair, BG isn't doing much better in Motown

4) Yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Bears finally memorialized the writing on the wall- cutting former All-Pro safety Nathan Vasher.  The sixth year cornerback never fully recovered after suffering a broken hand and groin injury in 2007 and it ultimately doomed his career as a high priced cover man in the Windy City.  One of the key cogs in the 2006 Super Bowl run, Vasher digressed from a shutdown corner to a part-time nickelback, to a bench warmer in 2009.  I wish Nate the best wherever he ends up and thank him for everything he did in Chicago.

Have a good Thursday everyone!