Here's hoping Welsh-Ryan makeover isn't far away
Probably shouldn't have done it, but I have to admit when I walked into Welsh-Ryan Arena with a high-ranking NU official and saw the cool setup — very low lighting everywhere except above the dais on the basketball court — I blurted out that it was the best I'd ever seen the arena look.
He didn't get mad, thank God. He simply smiled and said it will get better — and soon.
That made me feel relieved on two fronts: One, that he didn't rip me for being rude, and two, because if this truly is a new era of basketball at Northwestern, it's time for a new home court for Chris Collins and Co.
And I'm thinking it's going to happen sooner rather than later.
Blackhawk question:Is it wrong that the thing I remember most about Michal Hanzus' brief stay with the Hawks back in 2006-07 was his hair #8212; kind of a hybrid of Billy Ray Cyrus and the dude from Quiet Riot?Yeah, it probably is.Oh, and one quick follow-up:Is it wrong that I'm not upset about Stan Bowman not doing more at the trade deadline?I don't think so.Dilemma:May 28: Cubs-Sox at U.S. Cellular or the Rolling Stones at the UC?Gotta be the Stones.Because it's there:Why do people go see the ancient ruins of Greece?Or the pyramids in Giza?Some would say for the same reason people flock to Wrigley Field.History.Not sure that's the case anymore, but it's an interesting theory.Way to go, Bo:Best part of Bo Jackson throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day?It didn't float, it didn't bounce. How often do you see that?Give 'em credit:It looks like Hawk and Stoney are really, really trying to make it work.Dude ... awesome!By far my favorite Cubs promotion this season is Zubaz Night where every fan gets a pair of Zubaz pants.And then, if there's time, everyone's heading over to ChicagoFest to catch Billy Squier. You are looking live ...:At the onset of Jim Nantzapalooza. The Final Four, the title game and then a week at The Masters.Waaaay prefer him on golf.Simply the best:Years ago, I reviewed SLC Punk for the Herald #8212; yeah, you remember that movie, admit it.Anyhoo, the process included going downtown to the screening room used by all the giants in the industry.I didn't see Roger Ebert there, and I have to admit I was disappointed because he was someone I always admired.What an amazing writer. What an inspiring man, especially during the last years of his life.He will be missed.Crown 'em!I don't know about you but I can't wait to see NFL analysts working their telestrators next season, trying to point out exactly #8212; right here! #8212; where the crown of the helmet begins and ends and whether it was used or not on the previous play.It's gonna be fascinating, trust me.Feeling a draft:So Mel Kiper has Manti Te'o going to the Bears with the 20th pick?Reason No. 713 to dislike/ignore mock drafts.About as useful as all those bracketology experts.Btw:Michigan.Saying the darndest things:What in the name of Art Linketter is going on with all these little kids suddenly taking over advertising airwaves?Clever for a while but awfully close to jumping the shark.