Graduation

Loyal readers, listeners and fans,

The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?

I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.

Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.

Charging the court

This past Saturday, I had the privilege to watch my beloved Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team beat No. 5 Michigan State. It was a great game to watch where strong leadership and young talent were both in attendance. In addition, a sold out crowd flooded Assembly Hall with orange and blue. It was scene not soon forgotten.

After the game, something not known to this university occurred. Illini fans busted by security and rushed the court in celebration on the stunning defeat. To put in its simplest form, students were showering in the moment. Why not rush the court? We just beat the No. 5 team in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. We had lost five straight before Saturday night's matchup.

Dick Vitale immediately ripped the Illini fans while rushing the court. He kept going on about the safety of the referees, coaches, players and students. You got to relax Dicky V. This is a college campus. If students can go off and live on their own, you would think they are responsible enough to run onto a court and celebrate with other enthusiasts.

The only sad part about Saturday night was that I didn't get a chance to join my fellow classmates in the celebration. How great it must have felt. Until we beat another top 10 team, Fighting Illini fans, keep up the passion.

Chicago Sports - Bulls

Now this coaching carousel is like no other. Understandably, Vinny Del Negro doesn't come up when the NBA talks about desired coaches. He wasn't even a great player. What made the Bulls think he would be a great, if not good coach? However, this blog will not be about him. It will be more about Gar Foreman and the rest of the Bulls organization.

Right when the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets about a month ago, people knew Del Negro would be on the chopping block. Everyone knew that loss could, and probably will determine his future with the team. However, not a word was spoken from upper management. No one knew what they were doing. It took GM Foreman three weeks to come out and talk about the status of the team. To make things first, a couple of days before Foreman finally made a public appearance, the Bulls sent out a news release saying they want a new coach, yet don't have anyone in mind yet. What could did this do? Is that not the definition of throwing your coach under the bus? Yes, it is.

The GM and owners of any professional sports team need to be in sync with the rest of the organization, despite the how their season is going. Everyone needs to know what is going on within every department. That’s how it is with any business, being in sports or not. When you have constant communication and understanding with everyone, you have success. The Bulls need to learn this. If not, no matter whom the coach is, they won't be playing, but watching the postseason.

Chicago Sports - Bears 1A

I am sorry but there were new thoughts that came to mind today about the Bears. This needs to be said.

Today, as I was listening to 670 radio, I heard that the Bears FOUR offensive coordinators. Now, I completely agree that there needed to be some revamping of the team, but if they decided to fire four offensive decision makers, how is the coach not involved. He is the man that approves the system and the play calling. How is he not fired? It doesn't make sense. Jerry Angelo needs to make up his mind. If you are making some changes, might as well get rid of the whole system.

Yesterday, I failed to mention much about the most important part of any football team. A team's success is measured at the line of scrimmage. Anyone who watched the Bears this season knows the O line wasn't what is was supposed to be. Why haven't there been changes to the line? Why do they sign old guys just to make face? Hoe are they not looking around for big strong pros who know how to block?

How about the defensive line? I said yesterday that their defense is not what is used to be. Part of the reason is their pressure. There were games this season where QB's had all day to throw. Even Daunte Culpepper had enough time to Calvin Johnson in the last game of the year. They need some primetime pass rushers. Julius Peppers, even though he will be asking for a lot of money, should be in the conversation.

Changes need to be made; and not just on the sidelines.

Chicago Sports - Bears

I want to take this week to go over the current state of every major Chicago sports team. By the end of it, I think we will all agree it is pretty depressing to be a Chicago sports fan right now.

Part 1 - Chicago Bears

Bears- First off, let's go over their coaching carousel. Lovie Smith, when they hired him, seemed like a good fit. He has a defensive mind set and the Bears are all about defense. However, how good has the D been the last two years. I'm not going to look it up, but I'm thinking they are in the lower half of the NFC. The other thing with Lovie that disappoints me is his passion. I don't think a coach who never shows emotion on the sideline has ever won a Superbowl. Even Dungy showed some passion at certain points in the game. But hey, at least Lovie is dedicated to his players ("Rex is our quarterback").

Now let's look at the actual team. First off, as much as any Bears wants to think it, Hester is NOT a NO. 1 receiver, and he never will be. The bears managed to take away the best part of his game (kick returning). Way to go coaches. Cutler was a disappointment this season. Almost challenging Brett Favre's interception record. Yet, one stat many fans probably don't know; Cutler has a career-high in TD passes this year. (It probably helped playing the Lions twice). Despite his record, he still led the team to a underachieving 7-9 record. I think two years ago, former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad said WR's go to Chicago to die. I agree, but maybe he meant QB's too.

Religion

This is will be like no other post I have written thus far. I would like to talk about my feelings towards members of different religions and the afterlife.

I have grown up in a Jewish atmosphere. Up until freshman year in high school, I didn't even know a non-Jewish person. Then, throughout high school, I probably was only friends with four or five non-Jews. This has changed my thought process.

What makes a Jew different from a non-Jew? Other than their mortal beliefs, how are we that different? What makes someone a better person than someone else. I don't think a person's afterlife is determined by their religion. It is determined by the kind of person they are. Are you a morally good person? Do you seek to help others? Do you try to limit pain and suffering among your family and friends? These actions determine what kind of person you are.

Therefore, people need to be more accepting of those who are different. Everyone is scared of something or someone they don't understand. We need to be more understanding and accepting, I myself included.

Update

Hello friends,

After a long break from blog writing, Jacob is back. Sorry for those who were looking forward to some intriguing posts during the first semester. Don't worry though, all memories have been documented.

This fall could be described as ups and downs. Let's go all the way back to my birthday. First off, it was made that much better by sharing it with A and EH (Despite that EH doesn't know how to talk to cops when she is drunk). That night was unforgettable. Except, it actually was.

By that time, school started to kick in. I guess this semester was just like the rest: hard at times and boring at others. However, this was the first time I had three or more tests in the same week twice. That sucked. Luckily I made it through.

There was also the job searching. First time I have done that in awhile, accept now, it kind of sets the path for my life. Unfortunately, I don’t have one just yet, but pretty soon, I'm going to get nervous. It makes me feel a little better that many other kids my age are in the same situation.

I also visited some schools this semester. It always fun to see old friends in different settings.

We also starting going to the casino in Peoria. We got some crazy stories there so far (Craps is the way to go).

In a couple of days I am going to the Dominican Republic with the family. I don't know why, but I'm not excited just yet. Hopefully it will hit me once I get there. It's always fun to drink on a beach with no responsibilities.

I also learned this semester that you always got to be careful who you trust. Most times, your instinct is correct, but that is not always the case. When your wrong, your wrong; you just got to get over it.

TV shows this semester did not disappoint. The best having to be Dexter. Crazy ending. The new and upcoming show would have to be Son of Anarchy. I strongly recommend it. How I met Your Mother and Entourage were both in a close tie for third.

And how about the food channel? Anyone who has never seen a show on that network needs to watch one. I guarantee there is at least one that you would like. I like Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

I hope I didn't disappoint anyone with this summary of the semester. Please let me know what you think or if I missed anything.

Jacob out.