The following videos are of the #1 basketball recruit for the next few years. Damon Harge is 12 years old and he's already schooling high school varsity players. Check it out.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wow
by Patrick Ronald
It was Christmas 2011 and the anticipation was high. As little kids unwrapped gifts and tore open into new video games, the ‘older kids’ filed into living rooms across Chicago with high hopes to find a vacant couch spot.
Derrick Rose and company was slated to battle the Lakers on prime time Christmas Day television.
Rose did not disappoint. He did not score in the first quarter, but that was not necessarily ‘DROSE Time.’
Chicago led by seven at halftime and LA slowly crept back into the game, while eventually leading by one entering the fourth.
Time disappeared off the clock and it was difficult to sit still in the fourth quarter.
The Lakers led by as much as 11, and six with 54 seconds left.
Then with the help of a late-game steal by Luol Deng, the reigning MVP proved his worth with a late game-scoring surge and a game-winning drive with about five seconds left.
Chicago’s defense played strong and denied one last desperation attempt by Kobe Bryant.
The Bulls left the Staples Center with an 88-87 victory.
"If it weren't for my teammates, making the steal and getting the ball to me at the end, there's no way I could have gotten that shot off to help us win that game," Rose said. "We definitely don't want to be in a situation like that, but we fought our way back.
"We just played harder,” he said.
The expectations are huge this winter at the United Center since the Blackhawks are in the running to be the NHL’s top team.
Sunday night was a good night even though the Bears proved to be a horrible football team without Jay Cutler.
At the local watering hole, there were significantly less Bears jerseys and plenty of fans repping the all-star point guard.
The sky is the limit for this kid and we all believe it.
The Starting Five (Sunday)
PG – Derrick Rose – 22 points – 5 assists – 5 turnovers – 9/13 FG – 35 minutes
SG - Richard Hamilton – 6 points – 3 assists – 2 steals – 3/8 FG – 23 minutes
SF - Luol Deng – 21 points – 7 rebounds – 3 assists – 4 steals – 38 minutes
PF - Carlos Boozer – 15 points – 6 rebounds – 2 assists – 7/13 FG – 33 minutes
C - Joakim Noah – 6 points – 9 rebounds – 3 steals – 2 assists – 28 minutes
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ken's Bowl Picks
Since Patrick decided to go ahead and predict all of the College Football Bowl Games, I figured I'd try and give him a run for his money. I know he's been great all season at picking the winning teams, but I smell an upset! Underdogs, here we go...
Boise State (W)
Southern Miss. (W)
Mizzou (W)
Purdue (W)
NC State (W)
Air Force (L)
Cal (L)
Notre Dame (L)
Baylor (W)
BYU (W)
Iowa State (L)
Miss State (W)
Oklahoma (W)
Texas A&M (W)
Utah (W)
Cincy (W)
UCLA (L)
Virginia (L)
Houston (W)
Georgia (L)
South Carolina (W)
Ohio State (L)
Oregon (W)
Stanford (L) 15-8
Michigan (W)
Clemson (L)
Kansas State (L)
SMU (W)
Northern Illinois (W)
ALABAMA
Boise State (W)
Southern Miss. (W)
Mizzou (W)
Purdue (W)
NC State (W)
Air Force (L)
Cal (L)
Notre Dame (L)
Baylor (W)
BYU (W)
Iowa State (L)
Miss State (W)
Oklahoma (W)
Texas A&M (W)
Utah (W)
Cincy (W)
UCLA (L)
Virginia (L)
Houston (W)
Georgia (L)
South Carolina (W)
Ohio State (L)
Oregon (W)
Stanford (L) 15-8
Michigan (W)
Clemson (L)
Kansas State (L)
SMU (W)
Northern Illinois (W)
ALABAMA
'America's' New Team
by Patrick Ronald
Being an ‘80s baby and growing up in the ‘90s all I ever heard was the Dallas Cowboys were 'America’s Team,’ which I never objected to since they were a dominate football team through the early ‘90s with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and many other superstars.
Tim Tebow beat out the Manning brothers as the league’s most popular quarterback. Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers followed with 6 percent of votes. The problem I have with this is Tebow has seven NFL victories, while the other QB’s listed all have several things in common, including SUPER BOWL titles.
Being an ‘80s baby and growing up in the ‘90s all I ever heard was the Dallas Cowboys were 'America’s Team,’ which I never objected to since they were a dominate football team through the early ‘90s with Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and many other superstars.
They won Super Bowls – how do you argue with that? You don’t.
NFL Films gave the Cowboys the title in 1978 and things have recently changed with the infamous scrub quarterback Tony Romo, who unfortunately went to my Alam Mater, Eastern Illinois.
The polls are out, the people have spoken and it hurts to report, but impossible to deny that Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers were chosen by 22 percent of voters, according to Public Policy Polling’s, which is a new national survey.
Dallas finished second with 11 percent. The Bears, Giants and Steelers were also listed.
Partisan Votes for Green Bay
Republicans – 60 percent
Democrats – 44 percent
Independents – 44 percent
Other Results
41 percent of black voters listed Michael Vick as their favorite quarterback, which may indicate why Obama resides in the White House.
On the other hand, Vick was voted the league’s least popular quarterback with 26 percent. Ben Roethlisberger followed with 15 percent. I agree with both being on the bottom.
Pat's Bowl Picks
So, I figured since I have been lights out this football season with my weekly picks I thought I would do something big. I picked 'my winners' in all the College Bowl games. I did it really fast.
Things to notice - I stuck with my LSU Tigers - I went against my beloved Fighting Irish and I went with a heavy underdog Nevada.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone - keep it classy and like always, Ken and I appreciate the love. Good Luck.
We Like Our Rose Homegrown
by Patrick Ronald
Real talk – the day after the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft I called my jersey guy.
“Pete I need a Bulls jersey,” I said.
Keep reminding him that he is highly appreciated in this city Bulls fans and remember Derrick – ‘Chicago likes it's Rose homegrown.’
Real talk – the day after the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft I called my jersey guy.
“Pete I need a Bulls jersey,” I said. “What player, what color and what era,” Pete asked.
Pete always had all the options and needed to know every order in full detail.
“Derrick Rose, home.”
Pete laughed at me because it was still to early to know what number he was going to wear.
“They just drafted him yesterday,” he said. “We don’t know his number yet.”
I knew that, but I was just placing my order, I explained.
I almost expected the young superstar to wear his high school Alma Mater jersey number, 25, since we all knew the second coming of Jordan wouldn’t be allowed to touch 23.
Time passed by and we learned the kid from Chicago’s Southside would wear the most appropriate number. The top number. Numero Uno of the 2008 draft pool and nowadays, arguably the league’s best player.
Needless to say Pete came through and I got my home Rose jersey.
It’s as legit as it could be and I recently placed the 20th anniversary championship patch on the right shoulder.
What can I say about him that we don’t already know? Not much. We all know he is a extremely humble young adult with enormous talents and values.
We all know that basketball is the only thing he wants to do and his family and teammates are his best things going.
His work ethic (at least in terms of the NBA) is second to none.
Stacey King praises the Rookie of the Year and reigning MVP every telecast, as do ALL of us in everyday settings with friends and co-workers.
I’m so proud to have this guy on the Bulls through 2017 and I full heartedly believe that he will bring at least one title to the United Center.
When will it be? I hope now. How many will it be? I hope many, but I’m expecting at least one.
He is the cornerstone of the Bulls organization and now there won’t be any resigning talk or distractions of any kind.
Just basketball on Madison Avenue.
This kid is the shit and at the age of 23, EVERYONE knows it.
Keep reminding him that he is highly appreciated in this city Bulls fans and remember Derrick – ‘Chicago likes it's Rose homegrown.’
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Ray Emery vs. Corey Crawford
by Jason Ruminski
It’s not really a competition. Is it? Corey Crawford is the starting goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks and Ray Emery is the backup who barely made the team out of training camp.
Remove the names from that sentence and it sounds like the same refrain Hawks fans have heard the past two seasons. Niemi supplanted Huet. Crawford supplanted Turco. And now Emery supplants Crawford.
Not so fast.
Corey Crawford isn’t going anywhere yet. Ray Emery is riding the wave. Here’s his numbers since taking over; 5 wins, 10 goals allowed, 139 saves, .928 save percentage. There’s no knocking those numbers. Before that he was sitting on a .890 save percentage and had allowed 20 goals in 8 games.
Emery has been a streaky player in his career and Coach Joel Quenneville is riding him until he needs to rest him. And that day may very well be Wednesday at home against Montreal.
Crawford hasn’t played since he was chased by Phoenix on Dec. 5th after letting up 3 goals on 16 shots. And while Crawford hasn’t been as proficient as he was last season he hasn’t been terrible. The trouble is the Blackhawks getting pucks to the net.
The Hawks are now 7th in the league on the Power Play with 20.3 percent converted. The Blackhawks are also the 3rd least penalized team in the league now. So while the Penalty Kill isn’t what it should be they are limiting opponents chances to make them hurt.
Adding to the ever growing list of positives is the stellar play of team captain Jonathan Toews and the supporting cast. Toews is tied for 4th in the league with 18 goals. Patrick Sharp has 17. Marian Hossa has 15. The Hawks have 3 players in the top 15 in goals, more than any other team in the league.
So will Corey Crawford return to form and reclaim the starting job? The smart money says that he will at best split time with Emery until one of them stumbles. Quenneville has no problem swapping goaltenders and sticking to the hot player. Crawford will get the starting gig back in time but for now let’s sit back and watch as yet another bargain goaltender steps up in Chicago.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Blackhawks Report
Chicago -
25 shots
Anaheim -
24 shots
Chicago goals -
Jamal Mayers (3) 6:37 in the first
Marian Hossa (14) 1:07 in the second
Dave Bolland (8) 17:19 in the second
Patrick Sharp (17) 10:18 in the third
Anaheim goals -
Teemu Selanne (10) 18:13 in the third
Chicago Saves -
Ray Emery (W) 24 of 25
Anaheim Saves -
Jonas Hiller (L) 20 of 24
Bears Report
Seahawks at Bears – 12:00 – Fox
Well it was another eventful week at Halas Hall. As everyone knows, the Bears cut recently arrested Sam Hurd.
Hurd, who is earning $2 million, is accused of attempting to purchase five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of weed.
Besides, the drug incident, the team faces problems on the field. With Cutler and Forte out and a string of three bad losses the team has fell from wild card playoff contention.
Detroit visits the black hole in Oakland, where the Bears couldn’t handle business in Hanie’s first start and Atlanta did what they had to do with a mopping of Jacksonville Thursday night.
The Bears play a Seattle team, who thinks they have an outside chance of the playoffs.
With a Bears victory Sunday, they will keep pace and shatter the Seahawks dream of a wild card berth.
With a Lions loss, the Bears are clearly back in the hunt. Atlanta doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
With three weeks left in the NFL’s regular season the Bears home finale is a must win.
Bulls prevail in Indiana
by Patrick Ronald
The Bulls season is finally underway.
The Bulls committed 24 turnovers, but their shooting was lights out. They hit 49 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point land and close to 86 percent from the free-throw line.
‘The White Mamba’ and Rip Hamilton didn’t play and I’m sure we will be graced with their presence Tuesday at the United Center.
The Bulls season is finally underway.
I didn’t catch the entire game Friday night, but I was happy to see the fourth quarter.
The Bulls were up 75-71 when I tuned in and ultimately won by nine.
From what the stats say – Derrick Rose and company didn’t play the most fine-tuned basketball of the year.
But, that’s OK because it was only the first of two preseason games against Indiana before their Christmas Day opening day match up against the recently divorced Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bulls committed 24 turnovers, but their shooting was lights out. They hit 49 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point land and close to 86 percent from the free-throw line. The free throw stats impress me the most. Rose was 10-for-10 and Luol Deng was 6-for-6. That right there is how you win games. Your stars have to execute from the charity stripe.
The Bulls only forced 14 turnovers, but held the Pacers to 86 points.
We all know what we can expect from players, such as, D-Rose, Deng, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, but the combo of rookie Jimmy Butler and backup point guard C.J. Watson looked really impressive.
I loved the draft pick of Butler, who played his college ball at Marquette. He is a soft spoken, hard working, defensive minded player, who will bring enourmous contributions to the squad.
It’s a long shot, but I believe his name could be thrown around in the Rookie of the Year talks in June. It’s very unlikely, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
He had eight points in 16 minutes with a steal.
Watson poured in 15 points with four boards in 18 minutes.
I like the back-up backcourt duo.
Monday, December 12, 2011
There's A Burgopoly
by Ken Kay
I'll tell you exactly what a Burgopoly is. It's Jewel!
I wanted to share this with everyone who will at some point in time need to buy burgers while on their way to a BBQ, Tailgate, Party, etc. and refuse to go out of their way.
My friend, Costa, picked me up at about 11:45 AM to head over to another one of our buddy's house for the Bears game on Sunday. We figured we'd get there by noon (he lives 5 minutes away), have plenty of time to start up the grill, watch some of the noon game, play darts, eat some burgers, etc. before the Bears game.
And then the journey begins.
I told my buddy, Nips, that I'd pick up the burgers, buns and cheese since he was supplying the couch, big screen TV and his kegorator. So me and Costa are on our way and stop at the nearest local convenient mart. I walk in and grab burger buns and look for the burgers. They have single slices of cheese, so I grab a pack. I'm still staring and can't find burgers! They have hot dogs, hot dog buns, burger buns, sausages, but no burgers.
I buy the buns and cheese anyway and we leave.
So, we are still on our way to Nips's and we come across a CVS. I figure, 'Hey, they sell beer, why not burgers'? Strike two!
Then we stop at the 7-Eleven about a half block down from CVS. Not a chance. And the guy in there seemed insulted when we walked in and out in disgust, asking us "Hey, are you looking for something"?.
"Burgers", we shouted.
"I got the buns right there, no burgers though".
Seriously?!
Ok, time for the Walgreens across the street. At this point we're angrily laughing about the situation.
Guess what, Walgreens doesn't sell burgers either!
So after all of that, we decide to head to Jewel.
Yes, I know that would've been smart of us to go there first, but it was slightly out of the way and I didn't think Jewel was the only place in town that sold burgers. Especially since all of the other places sell the buns.
We get to Jewel, find the burgers, and then I snap. There weren't any on sale and they were all at least $11! Are you kidding me? Really?
I finally came to the conclusion that Jewel hires people to go out and buy up all of the burgers at the other local stores, bring them back to their freezer and jack up the price. C'mon Man!
I now know Jewel is the only place around to get burgers. Again, just trying to spread the word just in case you think you can just stop anywhere and grab some "on the way".
Thanks for listening.
I'll tell you exactly what a Burgopoly is. It's Jewel!
I wanted to share this with everyone who will at some point in time need to buy burgers while on their way to a BBQ, Tailgate, Party, etc. and refuse to go out of their way.
My friend, Costa, picked me up at about 11:45 AM to head over to another one of our buddy's house for the Bears game on Sunday. We figured we'd get there by noon (he lives 5 minutes away), have plenty of time to start up the grill, watch some of the noon game, play darts, eat some burgers, etc. before the Bears game.
And then the journey begins.
I told my buddy, Nips, that I'd pick up the burgers, buns and cheese since he was supplying the couch, big screen TV and his kegorator. So me and Costa are on our way and stop at the nearest local convenient mart. I walk in and grab burger buns and look for the burgers. They have single slices of cheese, so I grab a pack. I'm still staring and can't find burgers! They have hot dogs, hot dog buns, burger buns, sausages, but no burgers.
I buy the buns and cheese anyway and we leave.
So, we are still on our way to Nips's and we come across a CVS. I figure, 'Hey, they sell beer, why not burgers'? Strike two!
Then we stop at the 7-Eleven about a half block down from CVS. Not a chance. And the guy in there seemed insulted when we walked in and out in disgust, asking us "Hey, are you looking for something"?.
"Burgers", we shouted.
"I got the buns right there, no burgers though".
Seriously?!
Ok, time for the Walgreens across the street. At this point we're angrily laughing about the situation.
Guess what, Walgreens doesn't sell burgers either!
So after all of that, we decide to head to Jewel.
Yes, I know that would've been smart of us to go there first, but it was slightly out of the way and I didn't think Jewel was the only place in town that sold burgers. Especially since all of the other places sell the buns.
We get to Jewel, find the burgers, and then I snap. There weren't any on sale and they were all at least $11! Are you kidding me? Really?
I finally came to the conclusion that Jewel hires people to go out and buy up all of the burgers at the other local stores, bring them back to their freezer and jack up the price. C'mon Man!
I now know Jewel is the only place around to get burgers. Again, just trying to spread the word just in case you think you can just stop anywhere and grab some "on the way".
Thanks for listening.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Fire Lovie
by Patrick Ronald
For those of you that do not personally know me – I’ll admit – I’m notouriously known for over-reacting.
In this case I’m pioneering the ‘Fire Lovie’ movement.
In fact, I will also add Jerry Angleo to the list of names to be terminated. Monday will be to late. Let’s get these clowns out of town before the start of the work week. When Jay Cutler went down Caleb Hanie was ‘our guy,’ according to Lovie. We proceeded to go acquire backup quarterback Josh McCown, who allegedly knows Mike Martz’s offensive system.
News flash coach: Caleb Hanie is a scrub. So, is Josh McCown. So, is Mike Martz and so are you.
No excuse to lose a game when up 10 points with less than three minutes remaining.
You need to take your dumb ass to a different city and state.
I know Marion Barber made two enourmous mistakes late in the game, but I place the blame squarely on Smith.
Tim Tebow threw a 10-yard-touchdown pass with 2:08 left in regulation. My beef is why were the Bears playing a prevent defense on that drive?
I’m a nobody, but I know that the prevent defense only prevents you from winning. The defensive backs are playing to not get beat deep, but allow “short” 20 yard gains on consecutive plays.
Lovie is calling it a ‘traditional Bears defense’ and not prevent. HAHAHA. You can call it whatever you want asshole.
Before this drive, the Bears defense allowed ZERO points. So, why would we shy away from what was working?
Horrible coaching – period.
We can dig through the stats and blame people like Barber, who’s bad decisions late in the game hurt the team, but we’d only be lying to ourselves.
Lovie said in the post game that he continues to see progress out of Hanie. Open your eyes buddy. Your team is garbage and we blame it on you.
I’m disgusted. So is everyone. Let’s keep it simple – Atlanta won – Detroit won and the New York Football Giants are on in a few minutes.
After their pathetic stretch against the AFC West, the Bears are on the outside looking in of the wild card race
The Bears don’t deserve to be in the playoffs and I’m excited to see the Packers beat the living daylights out of Lovie.
I hope that will be his last breathe and Aaron Rodgers puts all of us Bears fans out of our misery.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Buehrle's Top Moments On The South Side
by Ken Kay
Being able to watch Mark Buehrle over the past decade was truly a treat. He gave Sox fans many great memories during his time on the South Side. Here's my list of favorite Buehrle moments, in no particular oder.
- The First Pitch - Buehrle was the guy who always caught the ceremonial first pitch at every White Sox home game, unless he was warming up in the left field bullpen before he started a game.
- April 5, 2010 - Opening Day, he makes "the play of the year" with a ridiculous between the legs/backwards flip to first base for an out.
- 2005 All-Star Game - Buehrle is the starting pitcher for the American League. 2 innings, no runs, 3 strike outs.
- 2005 World Series - He pitches game 2 and gets a no decision. Then the next night, Game 3, earns his first major league save. Sox go up 3 games to 0.
- Slip N' Slide - Many Sox fans knew to look to the blue tarp during a rain delay because we'd eventually see Buerhle use it as a giant slip and slide, if he wasn't pitching of course.
- April 18, 2007 - Buehrle throws a no hitter. His first.
- July 3, 2009 - History!!!! Mark Buehrle pitches a perfect game (Thank you Dewayne Wise).
- November 2009 - Buehrle finally gets his well deserved first Gold Glove Award. Then two more the following years.
The Marlins are not only getting a great left-handed pitcher, but a class act as well.
Being able to watch Mark Buehrle over the past decade was truly a treat. He gave Sox fans many great memories during his time on the South Side. Here's my list of favorite Buehrle moments, in no particular oder.
- The First Pitch - Buehrle was the guy who always caught the ceremonial first pitch at every White Sox home game, unless he was warming up in the left field bullpen before he started a game.
- April 5, 2010 - Opening Day, he makes "the play of the year" with a ridiculous between the legs/backwards flip to first base for an out.
- 2005 All-Star Game - Buehrle is the starting pitcher for the American League. 2 innings, no runs, 3 strike outs.
- 2005 World Series - He pitches game 2 and gets a no decision. Then the next night, Game 3, earns his first major league save. Sox go up 3 games to 0.
- Slip N' Slide - Many Sox fans knew to look to the blue tarp during a rain delay because we'd eventually see Buerhle use it as a giant slip and slide, if he wasn't pitching of course.
- April 18, 2007 - Buehrle throws a no hitter. His first.
- July 3, 2009 - History!!!! Mark Buehrle pitches a perfect game (Thank you Dewayne Wise).
- November 2009 - Buehrle finally gets his well deserved first Gold Glove Award. Then two more the following years.
The Marlins are not only getting a great left-handed pitcher, but a class act as well.
Win–Loss record | 161–119 |
|---|---|
| Earned run average | 3.83 |
| Strikeouts | 1,396 |
| Walks | 564 |
| WHIP | 1.28 |
| Shutouts | 8 |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
We Wish You Well
So I sit at LaSalle Street Metra Station on an average 30 degree night in the South Loop.
I can only imagine what the headlines of the Trib and Sun Times will read in the morning.
'Farewell,' or 'Thank You,' or 'Good Luck.'
I know for a fact nothing bad will be said about Mark Buehrle's departure from the South Side to South Beach.
He is much appreciated and will be deeply missed, but I think both sides made the entirely correct decision by parting ways.
In recent days, Kenny Williams has made it clear the White Sox are entering a rebuilding stage.
That DOES NOT bother this fan.
Big expectations last year and 80 wins pisses this fan off.
Big contracts and zero production bothers this guy - ALOT, but rebuilding, restructuring and dismantling is part of baseball to most major league ball clubs.
I can accept 70 wins for a season or two - AS LONG PROGRESS IS BEING MADE.
Trying to retain Buehrle wouldn't have fair to him, the Sox organization or the fans.
Apparently he did inform Williams of the four- year-58-million-dollar deal he reached with the new-look Marlins and was willing to take a discount if it was fair.
Now that's class. That's the guy we all love (even Cubs fans). That's precisely why he was the face of the White Sox and we cherish the memories, and mourn the loss.
Since the Sox are dismantling - the move only makes sense to let him leave.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tough for Sox fans
THESE ARE TWO LONG TIME FRIEND'S OF PATRICK'S. BOTH ARE DIE-HARD WHITE SOX FANS LIKE SO MANY OF US. PAT FOUND THIS CONVERSATION VERY INFORMATIVE, LEGITIMATE AND HUMOROUS. I HOPE THEY GET HIM THE LEATHER TRENCH COAT.
Anthony Walsh
Kevin LenKart
Anthony Walsh
Kevin LenKart
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