Marc Silverman's view of the Blackhawks-Canadiens game on Friday at the United Center.
I attended more than 10 Blackhawks games last season and have already been to the United Center for two wins this season. Can't wait until this team is totally healthy. Thanks to good friend Mike O'Malley, I crossed a "to-do" off my list. I sat on the glass for Hawks-Canadiens. We were on the curve so I could see everything, not just the action in front of me. And I can't think of a sport where you feel more a part of the action than on the glass in hockey. Sure, there's the occasional Shaq landing while sitting courtside in the NBA, but on the glass, the bodies and the puck are constantly flying into you. There's waitress service and more leg room than usual. Got me thinking: If you can sit anywhere at any game in Chicago, where would it be? E-mail me here. Here are some options:
Bleachers or rooftop at a Cubs game
Behind the Cubs dugout
Scout seats at the Cell
Bullpen Bar perch
On the glass at the UC
Courtside for the Bulls
On the 50 at Soldier Field
I've been fortunate do all of these. If there's a national "to do" list, I'd start with sitting on top of the Green Monster at Fenway.
Speaking of taking a sports trip, I've been researching going to Durham, N.C., for the Duke-Maryland game on Feb. 13. I hear tickets are tough to get. Cameron Indoor is a must from what I understand. Jay Bilas, if you're reading, can you help?
So baseball has finally reeled me back in. Keep in mind this has been the sport I was first introduced to. Whiffle ball in the backyard. I was Bobby Murcer, Bill Buckner or Dave Kingman trying to win one for my Cubs. So I've always loved this game. But this year was different. There was never joy watching my favorite team. Not one big, fun moment to get lost in on a summer day. As the 2009 Cubs grew stale, so did my desire to watch anything involving a ball, glove and bat. That all changed with three games in Philly. Whether it was the drama surrounding the umpires, Chase Utley's amazing hitting and hair gel job, Johnny Damon's clutch at-bat and stolen bases, or Pedro getting another postseason chance, there was always something to keep me locked in. I'll be back watching Thursday.
A week ago, I told you I had the Yankees in six games. Here's why I hope I'm wrong: I want to see the Cole Hamels drama play out. Here's my tip to Charlie Manuel: Send Hamels on a plane today to Clearwater, Fla., the Phillies' spring training home. Tell him his "fresh start" begins now. Do some stretching, a little jogging, get some sun. Hamels then "breaks" camp, flies back to New York, and pitches Game 7. Flush his '09 down the toilet in Clearwater along with his dumb comments. Don't forget how good he was just a short time ago. Not many get a mulligan. Here's yours, Cole. Game 7. Make all the bad go away with one outing. Can't think of a fresher start than that. Ryan Dempster,Ted Lilly, Mark Buehrle or Jake Peavy would kill to be in your shoes.
Bears beat the Cardinals on Sunday, 27-24. I have no facts to base this on (it's what I do best!). I have no faith in this team. But just like the last two years, they'll tease us with an impressive win here or there. This is one of those weeks.
Tom Ricketts, you passed the first test. There will be many more. Start studying and brainstorming. I want to celebrate once in my lifetime.
The recruiting continues ...
Lost in the busy sports weekend shuffle, the Bulls played the Heat in a rare 5 p.m. Sunday game. Did you see any crowd shots? Lots of empty red seats. I know the Heat can pay D-Wade more than anyone. I know he loves the weather of South Beach. I know the Heat have started the season 3-0. But why, Dwyane? Why would you want to play in a city that isn't a sports town? Say what you want about L.A., but they love their Lakers. No one truly cares about the Heat. Chicago can be your town. The UC, your building. Think about it.
Oregon should not be penalized for losing the first week of the season. If this was college basketball, many would call the Ducks the scariest team in the tourney. Watching the Ducks dismantle Southern California was amazing. Red hot at the perfect time. But this is the only major sport where we vote on the winners. So Chip Kelly's team won't be given an opportunity to hoist a national championship trophy. Maybe Kelly should invoice the BCS for his expenses.
Honestly, how many times have you asked someone about their "fat little girlfriend" in the past week? Love me some Mike Leach.
I love fantasy football, but there's one thing I will never do again. Never co-own a team with someone. Life is stressful enough. I don't need to be arguing with my co-owner at 11:30 on a Sunday morning whether to start Steve Breaston or Eddie Royal.
Dennis Rodman was a plaintiff in a court show called "Judge Pirro." Who? How many court shows do we need? Judy, Alex, Mathis, Brown, etc. Nobody was better or saltier than Judge Wapner. And nobody had a better post-case report than Doug Llewelyn. I used to think about all the people I wanted to sue just to get on the show. Maybe my fantasy football co-owner? Don't just take them to court ... take them to the People's Court!
A good sign that I have too much time on my hands ... "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." What was I thinking?
A couple of Facebook friends thought the first episode of "Friday Night Lights" was a little slow. I gave it 3½ stars. I missed seeing Lyla and Tyra. I won't give anything away since it's only airing on DirecTV now, but let me just say that I'd run through a brick wall after an Eric Taylor pregame speech!
Have you ever listened to a song and couldn't figure out if you loved it or hated it? Listen to "Fireflies" by Owl City. I can't decide if I want to sing along or bang my head with a mallet.
Derrick Rose at the end of the game, Vinny!
Coming soon, pictures and a recap of the Waddle Halloween party.
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Marc Silverman
Marc Silverman is a co-host of "Waddle & Silvy," mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1000. Send comments, questions and feedback by clicking here.
