An Actual Chris Milone Update

I know this is a blog on chrismilone.org. It probably seems as though I'm writing about Chris Milone, or at least should be. Looking back through the blog though, I'm really just writing about events going on out there and putting a couple of my opinions out there. This, one could argue, is all stuff about Chris Milone, as he writes it. This would of course, be absolutely correct.

Still, I think it's time for an update on what's been going on with me. Well, here it is. I've been passing a bulk of the time with Sandy. She's the lady in my life. That is absolutely groovy, of course. Anyone that has seen me recently is probably hip to that.

Work is going well. We're just winding down the year. I'm trying to improve upon a couple little projects from earlier in the year at the moment while moving forward some stuff for 2005. HSBC continues to write me checks that clear. It's a beautiful arrangement. I work and they pay me. Amazing.

The holidays were sweet. I hung out with the family and got some really good presents this year. They were incredibly good in fact. At the beginning of November, I was saying that there wasn't really anything that I needed. This wasn't exactly true, but there really wasn't much. As many of you know, I was trying to furnish my whole apartment, for the most part. I did an admirable job I think. I bought a killer tv. It's 52" of HD love. I also bought a pretty sweet bed (read about that in previous posts) and some cool little tables and what not. I got a microwave and toaster for Christmas. That pretty much rounded out my kitchen. Really, I just need a microwave stand and something groovy to go next to my bed, and I won't need anything else. Those are probably the two things I need still, but they really aren't needs.

I also hooked myself up on the electronics front in November, when I bought a groovy little digital camera. I love the thing. That left me at the end of Christmas saying that I essentially needed two things. The first, was a pair of bowling shoes. Sandy and I have been bowling weekly, and I'm feeling good about it. I hit 182 last week. I'm going to update this blog with scores (at least mine, and maybe Sandy's if she is cool with it) on a weekly basis to monitor progress. That's one of my big resolutions for this year. I want to measure everything. I'm going to monitor my weight (like Bridget Jones), my workouts, my spending, my bowling, whatever I can keep records of, I'm going to try. I feel like if I do this and pay attention, I can't help but better myself and make positive strides in all directions. That's my theme for 2005 I think, positive strides in all directions. So anyway, back to bowling shoes. I got a pair tonight. No more paying for rentals, which is huge when you are bowling a lot. I also have my own ball (given to me by my grandfather), and a bag to carry the ball and my shoes in. I got that for Christmas. What a gift! Anyway, I also wanted a coffee grinder. I love fresh ground coffee and I'm going to give up soda again this year. Switching to coffee full time is a good thing for me. It's healthier and I actually take in less caffeine that way. I can also get serious about coffee. I bought myself a burr grinder today and I'm drinking some fresh ground Starbucks blend that I got for free as I type this. It pays to be a First Edition Duetto cardmember. This coffee is excellent, by the way. It's really strong and more than a little bitter. That's how I like it. Black. Nothing else.

Hmmm....so I guess that is kind of summing up what's on my mind lately. Basically, I'm a man with everything he needs outside of an oversized bank account and a Honda S2000. But again, these aren't needs. Wow, this coffee is good. I'm off to Vegas twice in January, so wish me luck.

American of the Week - Craig Hairrell

Like I have stated before, I wanted to point out one person every week that personifies some aspect of what I like about America. This week, my choice is a man named Craig Hairrell. Craig is a DBA at Nicor that I worked with during my tenure with Accenture. He's really a great guy with strong beliefs that isn't likely to take much crap. These are admirable qualities for anyone to have, in my mind. There are too few guys around these days that are willing to take a stand for what they believe in. Craig is one of those guys.

Recently, I had called to my attention an opinion piece that Craig sent to the Chicago Tribune regarding his take on tolerance in America and the hypocrisy of suppressing the celebration Christmas (or any religious celebration) in the spirit of "tolerance". He makes some wonderful points and you can read his viewpoint here.

To me, it's hypocritical to acknowledge in corporate america that a work holiday is being given for Christmas, and to then treat the day as though it were some sort of secular celebration. Clearly, it isn't. I have no problem with people celebrating with trees and rudolph and keeping it all secular. This is basically what I do myself and clearly, I'm not the most religious of individuals. Still though, it doesn't make a lot of sense to stick our heads in the sand and pretend that for many people this isn't the most religious of days. Asking those who strongly believe to carefully monitor their words in regards to the celebration and to keep the whole thing "politically correct", so as not to offend anyone is the opposite of "tolerance". It's definitely bizarre, given that a day off work is granted to observe this holiday.

In my workplace and amongst many people that I am social with, I see the spirit of tolerance and diversity. I see a lot of interest in the cultural, religious, and social beliefs of others. I've been a part of several conversations about these topics recently and this is a part of America I love. It's a place where we all blend together and good people can share their beliefs, culture, and opinions with each other in an inclusive fashion. When we get away from that, and try to suppress pieces of American culture, a tremendous blend of cultures, we do ourselves a great disservice. We are fighting against what makes us great in the first place.

Thanks to Craig for his views and speaking up for reason in this area. Also, congratulations to him for being the very first chrismilone.org American of the Week.

Golden Age of Illinois Basketball?

So last night, I was chillin' at home. I was watching the Bulls in HD take it to the Pistons in their house. These are the defending NBA champions, and my Bulls just took them out to take their winning streak to 5 games. At the same time, I'm watching the undefeated, #1 ranked Illini, push their record to 11-0 on the road in Missouri. Oddly, this was all seeming somewhat normal to me.

This morning though, I got to thinking. What the hell is going on? The Bulls are on a 5 game winning streak? They are winning games on the road? The Illini are legitimate national title contenders? This is craziness.

The Bulls have me feeling like the Cleveland groundskeepers during the movie Major League where they start out with comments like "these guys suck" and steadily progress to "they aren't half bad". The parallels continue, when you look at the fan base. No one cared about those Indians and Willie Mays Hayes until the playoffs. Similarly, there are approximately 8 people in Chicago that even know the Bulls have won 5 in a row. I listened to talk radio all morning. I heard some Cubs talk, and a whole lot of talk about the Bears whose season is essentially finished. There was some Illini discussion too. Not one word about the Bulls. Not a word? They just went to Detroit and beat the defending champs last night. On shock value alone, this merits serious discussion.

The Illini just keep rolling. Even if they don't really have it, they win by 20. I just don't know who beats them right now. I'm looking at the schedule for the rest of the season, and I'm thinking that it's very plausible that they get to the NCAA tournament without a loss. Some school in the Big 10 is going to have to pull the upset, and I don't fear one of them. I just don't, it's that simple.

To me, this is feeling like the golden age of Illinois basketball. The Bulls should be a solid playoff team, and they are only getting better. Who knows where they could go? The Illini should win it all this year. If ever they are going to do it, this is the year. The best part of this is, that most people aren't even catching on to this. I mean, there are quite a few people coming out of the woodwork for the Illini. Many of these are fair-weather fans, but you know what I mean. I couldn't find 3 people that can name 7 Bulls. That's a shame too. This team is really starting to come together. I'm keeping my hope alive. One day soon, people will wake up and realize the Bulls are pretty good again. Just remember that you heard it here first.

New Feature of this Blog - American of the Week

Many people have many New Year's resolutions. I'm even going to bring some of mine to bear on this blog, in an effort to hold myself accountable. I can't even remember my resolutions from last year. When you blog them, you can't hide....so there you go.

Anyway, to get to the subject of this post. One thing that I want to start doing in 2005 is honoring an "American of the Week" of my choosing. At the end of the year, I'll even come up with an "American of the Year". This will come straight from my gut, of course. Criteria are as follows -

1. You must be American.
2. You must be alive.

4 in a row

I need to keep talking positive about the Bulls, because clearly that seems to be helping out immensely. The bulls just hit 4 in a row for the first time since 1998. That's 6 years ago, for those of you who are mathematically challenged. Rock on Eddy Curry. That contract year is looking better and better as the days go by.

Now the question is do we trade Curry while his value is high? It's a tough one. This could be a fluke. He could be getting 3 squares a day at BK in about a week or he could turn into a 10 time all-star center in the East. I know I wouldn't want to trade away a 10 time all star. I also wouldn't want to ink a guy for 5 years for big dollars when it's 60/40 he turns into a taller, fatter, slightly more talented version of Oliver Miller who shows up ready to play less often. It's a tough call for Johnny Pax, it really is. I don't envy the man.

I am hoping that we hold on to Chandler though. He could be the next Rodman in all aspects of the game, only with a great attitude. We need more guys like that. Oh, and thanks to Ben Gordon for figuring out that he's a stud player and he should start bringing it. That's the key to this whole run.

By the way, no one around the league is taking any notice or paying attention to this. If you aren't reading a Chicago newspaper or the Bulls website, you probably have absolutely zero idea that the Bulls are bringing it. This is a good thing. It means that we can still sneak up on some people. This bodes well for the long-term playoff hopes.

Did they?

Did the Bulls just beat the Bucks? Is that 2 in a row? Ut-o, somebody learned how to win.

Don't Look Now...

The Bulls just won on the road in Memphis.....

Willingham in Washington

Belated congratulations go to Tyrone Willingham on his new digs in the Pacific Northwest. I'm psyched to see him get another head coaching job, especially in the Pac 10, which is 80% soft. If you don't think he turns that Huskies program around in 3 years, you are crazy.

The man went 10-1 at Notre Dame with Bob Davie's players. He will now have a longer leash, and the added bonus of recruiting meatheads that barely qualify for college academically. This is a luxury he clearly didn't enjoy at Stanford and Notre Dame. He'll make those meatheads into fine young men also, which is something that will stand out from other programs around the country.

I can't see how this isn't a win-win for the Huskies and for Ty. I'm really glad to see that there are some sensible people out there in college athletic departments.

I'm glad the Irish got Charlie Weis, don't get me wrong. I think that's a great hire but I still say 'boo' to the administration for getting rid of Willingham. When I say 'boo', I really mean 'BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO'.

2005 Bulls Season Tix

So I watched the majority of yet another Bulls game last night. In case you missed it, the Bulls did the improbable this week and pulled off an upset of the Twolves. They nearly missed another against the Mavs last night, losing by 1 at the buzzer. One clutch shot by Mr. Kirk Hinrich, and it's done. Not that I can blame Hinrich, if Chandler and Curry could catch the ball, we'd be in much better shape. I do think that Kirk cleaning up his lid is a bad idea. I think it's kind of a mini-jinx. That's maybe a topic for another time though.

Here's what I am here to say. This team has a lot of upside. They could still make the playoffs. Scott Skiles appears to even be game planning these days. The Bulls even managed to keep Dirk in check last night. I saw evidence of attempts to shut down the best player in the league, and I was impressed.

Now, is Eddy Curry going to be back? I don't know. The scary thing is, I'm almost starting to think that Eddy could really be something. He is flashing brilliance a little more often these days than I feel comfortable with. I have been squarely in the "move Eddy, all he does is eat BK and play PS2 games with his posse" camp.

Our nucleus of Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon though is the key to the future. All of these guys should be all-stars. Deng is already a stud in my mind, and he's 19 years old. Two more years of seasoning, and he'll be tough. I still can't believe the Hawks took Josh Childress over Deng. I love that Jermaine Dupri song that kicks off "Welcome to Atlanta where the players play", but we all know the Hawks weren't on JD's mind. Ben Gordon is a special talent who is just figuring out how to play in the league. He'll be dangerous soon. He's already getting there. Hinrich is already a pro's pro. Playing for Skiles is great for his development also.

I also really like Antonio Davis this year. Not only is he playing tough, but he sets a good example for these guys. He is a hard worker and he doesn't take crap out on the floor. I can already see some of this growing in Tyson Chandler, which is what he really needs. That and about 25 lbs. of pectoral muscle. He needs to get with Corey Maggette's trainer.

So, I know the Bulls are still a ways off. Their record shows that. I do see some players starting to buy in to the Skiles system though. They are talented enough to get on a run, if they get some wins. Wins have a way off getting everyone on the same page. Really, I feel like that's what the Bulls have been missing. They have been talented enough to make the playoffs in the east, but everyone has been kind of working on their own direction. This is the number one challenge for Skiles. It looks to me like it's improving. If they get on a run from here, just remember that I told you so. Otherwise, get those 2005 season tix. Remember "Through Thick and Thin".

All Better Now

Yes indeed, that is my bed, complete with my new sheets and what not. It's all better now. Just some minor drilling, more time off work, and another visit from the furniture store. This time, it was from a guy that actually works there, instead of the delivery company. I'm all better now. I'm absolutely loving it. My first night sleeping in my bed kicks off in just under an hour. I'll spare you photos and video.

Drinking Time...

I watched the end of the Bulls game last night. The Bears start in 80 minutes. What happened to us? I seriously need a drink.

Furniture Frustration

That's my bed. It's not fully assembled. I bet you are asking yourself why. So am I. So on Thursday I took the day off, which was great. I got some cleaning and organizing done, which was much needed. The real reason I was off though, was that I was getting my new kitchen table, chairs, and bed delivered. I was of course, very excited about this. I have some awesome new sheets and stuff too. I just wanted to get it all squared away and have my new bed. This would pretty much complete my apartment furnishings. Minor additions still remain.

But anyway, I got the table and chairs and they are great. It's awesome to be able to sit down in my kitchen area and check out my kickin' tv while I eat. I did that tonight for the 1st time and I loved it. The bed though is really key. The stupid furniture store forgot part of it when they delivered it. They're coming back tomorrow to finish the assembly. Right now though, it's just depressing looking at my new bed and mattress and everything just calling to me, when I can't even use it. Why is this so difficult? That's my question...

I'm just not sure how this happens. How do you not include all of the pieces of something like this? I just felt bad for the deliver guys. They were frustrated and so was I. It just baffles me how many things like this get screwed up in my life. Is this a technology issue? I mean, shouldn't all of the parts be scanned into some kind of program that makes sure you put them all on the truck? They have this in distribution centers. I guess it hasn't trickled down to the little guy. Maybe I should do something about that and just quit whining.

Happy Friday, by the way!

Apocalyptic Week - Item #3 - The Illini

If you missed the 3rd ranked Illini destorying #1 Wake Forest on Wednesday, you really missed something. The Illini just trounced them, at times leading by 30. The Illini haven't beaten a #1 team in the Assembly Hall since 1979 when they defeated Magic Johnson's Michigan State team. They didn't just beat Wake either. They obliterated them. If we aren't #1 this week, it's a total outrage.

I'm believing right now that we will win it all this year. I'm not just saying that. Usually, I support the Illini with all that I have but I know that come tournament time, we aren't going to get it done. We usually don't have the horses or we don't have the desire. This year, we absolutely have the horses. We are 10 deep and I would put Dee Brown and Deron Williams up against any two guards in the country. Williams had an off night in this Wake game. He's our best player, and we still trounced them. Scary.

This could be our year. I'm really feeling that way and it's freaking me out a little bit. I think it's probably a little bit like being a Portland Trailblazers fan for the past 15 years. Your team is always pretty good, and they are always in the playoffs. At times, you really feel like they can get it done. Somehow though, they just find a way to come up short. That's the Illini. I live in reality. Still, we looked good against Gonzaga and Wake Forest. If we are going to do it, this will be the year.

Apocalyptic Week - Item #2 - Jeff George

The Bears QB situation itself is enough to make a person ill. I can't help but dream of what could have been if Grossman doesn't go down this year. Our defense has just been incredible. Instead we are working on our 4th starter this week Chad Hutchinson. The Bears finally saw the wisdom of bringing in a proven guy, Jeff George. Jeff is also a proven hothead and lunatic, but that's okay.

I'm optimistic about George for a number of reasons. First of all, he is a former Illini quarterback. There isn't really a precedent for Illini QB performance in the league. If there is, Jeff set it. I just feel good knowing one of my own will be out there for us on Sunday. Trust me too, he will be out there. He could play as early as this Sunday. Secondly, it's never been about skills with this guy. He's got a cannon arm and great career numbers. He performed well for Atlanta and Minnesota when he was in the starting lineup there. He's also probably better than Jonathan Quinn, Medicine Woman and Craig Krenzel combined.

What's just a little disturbing is that in this dearth of QB talent in the league, George couldn't find anyone to roll the dice on him. He's that big of cancer. Lawrence Phillips? Sure come on back. Forty year old Vinny Testaverde, he's a starter. The Dolphins consistently debate between the likes of AJ Feeley and Jay Fiedler, yet George was unemployed. John Navarre is starting this week. John Navarre! I can't say enough about this. John Navarre sucked at Michigan. Okay, he was okay but I would be okay with those weapons. He's a starter! Jeff George, chillin'. Unbelievable.

Anyway, I think this Ron Artest thing is great for George. Against that backdrop, everyone looks mellow. I can see Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith at Halas Hall thinking about bringing him. "He never went into the crowd right?" "No." "Well then, let's get him in here already, that guy can throw and God knows we're screwed anyway." "You're right, we have nothing to lose."

Welcome home Jeff. I'm behind you. Now if we could just get you a receiving corps....

A site to behold...

A woman that I work with who goes by the pseudonym "Betty Rocker" has a great site that I check out just about daily. Right now she is counting down her "Best of 2004" with all of her favorite tracks from this year. She's one of the most knowledgeable and inspirational music fans that I have ever met. If you have some time, check out her site. I would advise that you go back often. You can find it at bettyrockermusic.com. Enjoy!

Minnie Driver

So on Monday night, I caught Minnie Driver at the Double Door. Yes, that Minnie Driver. Many people seemed to have missed the release of her album Everything I've Got in My Pocket. The album is good. Minnie played a great show that was even better though. Her voice is truly phenomonal. I was very glad that I saw her live, it really proved to me that she can really sing. She seemed to be having a great time too. The Double Door was her last tour stop.

Really though, she could have just talked into the microphone and that would have been music enough to me. She did that often. I just love that accent. The funny thing was too, I just kept thinking that if I didn't know I was going to see Minnie, I might miss her on the street if she walked right by me. She had her hair sort of running wild in a curly, longer cut that was sort of poodlish. She definitely wasn't sporting the Hollywood waif look, and that was great to see.

The show and Minnie impressed me all around. I guess that is what I'm getting at. I hope she continues in music. She played a couple of songs that really rocked. I'd love to see go a little more that way on her next album. I'll be interested to see if her album outperform Paris Hilton's. I'll try to follow it and bring updates here.

Apocalyptic Week - Item #1 - Notre Dame

So this week we had the completely unexpected move of firing Tyrone Willingham by Notre Dame. When I say completely unexpected, I mean simply that I didn't expect it. Now I know that there were many calling for this in the inner rings of the administration and the alumni. The studentry was also quite up in arms. But to me, this was totally baffling. Let me tell you why.

First of all, Notre Dame gave Bob Davie five years to put it together in South Bend. Mr. Davie was to me, just a horrid football coach. He was 35-25 in his tenure, and I think that's a miracle. Davie came out of the Lou Holtz era and of his staff with the program in relatively good shape. He had few adjustments to make. He ran essentially the same system as Holtz. The players he and Holtz both recruited on both sides of that ball were tailored to that system. Still by the end, the place was a wreck. Honestly, it was a wreck by year three. Yet the administration saw fit to allow Davie to have two more barely mediocre seasons, before running him out of town.

Enter Willingham. He comes into town with the polar opposite offense to what the Irish are running. He goes 10-1 with an option quarterback running the west coast offense. Now, to me, this proves the man can coach. Sure some of these wins, they pulled out at the last second. They pulled them out though and these weren't his players. Bob Davie would have led this squad to 6-5. I promise. Admittedly, the last two seasons were mediocre. The Irish are not as talented as they need to be. The blame lies with Willingham here at least partially. A lot of these players are his. However, those players are freshman and sophomores. Can we give the guy two more years? Brady Quinn was highly recruited, and he got him. Brady Quinn is looking pretty good to me. I'm just not convinced at all that the man can't do this job.

So why the change in policy at Notre Dame? A lot of people are saying that they just saw Urban Meyer out there, and they had to go get him. Really? He's that good? I admit the guy has done a great job at Utah. Kudos to him. However, this guy was on Bob Davie's staff. The same guys throwing out meager win totals for years. Are we trying to get back to that era? Clearly, success at Utah doesn't equal success at Notre Dame. Those are two different animals completely. Let's just say he is that good though. Wouldn't you expect after the last coaching fiasco, that Notre Dame would have at least a wink-wink agreement with Meyer before canning a man of principle and character like Willingham so unceremoniously? Obviously they didn't as Urban Meyer is the latest addition to the Florida Gator coaching fraternity.

So this begs the question for me of what was this all about? You can say that skin color had nothing to do with it. I just say that's crap. Bob Davie was a good-looking guy that was charming and people liked him. He also was a white guy that looked like the Notre Dame administration and alumni's image of a football coach. Tyrone Willingham wasn't that guy. Davie got 5 years, and Notre Dame set a new precedent by firing Willingham 3 years into his 5 year deal. Not only that, they had no deal in place for his replacement. They just wanted him out. I stand with Chris Zorich who said absolutely sincerely that he was "embarrassed" by this move. I don't blame him. The race issue was there in this move, whether people want to admit it or not.

Now, where do the Irish go? Well, their top choice just spurned them. This is definitely worse than the George O'Leary debacle. I honestly don't know where they go. Charlie Weis is the best candidate that I've heard. They clearly feel they need someone that looks like their image of a football coach though. I've got just the guy and he's available. Dave Wannstedt anyone?

What the hell is with my blog?

So, twice this week I've written huge diatribes for my blog. The first was about Jeff George and the second was about the Notre Dame coaching situation. It's been a wild week. Anyway, so I tried posting these monsters, only to have my blogger site crap out on me. Of course I didn't back up my post. Again, I'm not so bright. This just adds to nutty week. More posts coming.