My Top 7 Chicago Bulls of All Time

 1. Michael Jordan (1984-’93, 1995-’98) – Who else??

AKA “MJ,””Air Jordan,” “His Airness”- and no, ain’t never been a better playa in NBA history than Air Mike!

Jordan was bigger than life itself. No kid growing up in Chicago – perhaps the entire world – in the early 90’s didn’t know his name.

MJ’s accolades include: 6 NBA championships, 5 MVP Awards and 14 All-Star appearances. His net worth currently stands at $1.14 billion and he is the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.

 

 2. Norm Van Lier (1971-1978) 

“Stormin’ Norman” was a TV show host in the 90’s when I had just started watching the Bulls. You could tell he was the ultimate gentleman who personified the American spirit that extended far beyond sports. Van Lier came off as completely unselfish. His love for the game of basketball was unparalleled.

As far as his career accomplishments, Van Lier is the Bulls’ third all-time leader in both assists and steals behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

3. John Paxson  (1985-1994)

Johnny Pax was my favorite Bull for much of his career. His style on and off the court really spoke to me, and his game-winning 3 in game six of the 1993 NBA Finals is perhaps my favorite moment in Bulls history. 

4. Horace Grant (1987-1994)

Grant was an integral part of the Bulls’ ’91-’93 Three Peat. Horace’s trademark goggles and jovial attitude always endeared him to me. He was the ultimate competitor and another all-around good guy.

5. B.J. Armstrong (1989-1995, 1999-2000) 

I will never forget Bulls announcer Johnny “Red” Kerr telling the story of how one of Michael Jordan’s kids had been asked who his favorite Bull was. He said it was B.J. “because he’s a kid like me.”

Armstrong was a too-cool guy with a great shot. He was well respected by all – even with his babyface appearance-which might just be one of the reasons for his relative fame despite having just one All-Star appearance to his name.

6. Toni Kukoc (1993-2000)

Toni began his professional career starring for his hometown Jugoplastike Split team where he won three consecutive Euroleague titles.

When Kukoc finally made it across the pond in 1993 and played on three Bulls championship squads along with MJ, Pippen and Rodman, the basketball world witnessed one of the greatest European ballers of all time step up his level of play and fit in to a tee with a championship Bulls team filled to the brim with superstars.

“The Waiter” won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1996.

 7. Dennis Rodman (1995-’98)

The numerous fights and antics “Dennis The Menace” engaged in over his pro career made him enemy of the people #1 around the league.

He was primarily a rebounding specialist, performing acrobatic stunts to nab the ball out of what sometimes appeared as thick air.

Some of “The Worm’s” accomplishments include:

1. Getting married…to himself (!!!)
2. Having an affair with Madonna.
3. Coaching a topless basketball league team.
4. Coming out with a book (about himself) with a picture of himself naked on the front cover (basketball replacing fig leaf to prevent having to father too many illegitimate future ballers/thugs).
5. Befriending North Korean dictator and one of the world’s most evil men, King Jong-un and making numerous trips to N. Korea to “engage in diplomacy” with the rogue state.

Top 5 Jewish Dating Sites

Prior to finding my beshert more than 3 yrs ago, I discovered a variety of high-quality Jewish dating sites in the great world wide web. Each seems to be tailored to a specific audience. For example, there are those that target the Haredi public, those for the religious Zionists out there, those for the not-too-concerned Jews amongst us, etc...

Here are the top 5 Jewish dating sites according to my personal experience:

1. SawYouatSinai and its sister website SeeYouinIsrael: (free in Israel) you get your choice of shadchan/shadchanit who (if they care about what they're doing--and in my experience, while some are better than others, you simply can't go wrong) will "suggest" at least five matches for you/week. This means that they will send either you or a potential match either his/her profile or your profile. If you choose to put down a little extra cash, you get an unlimited amount of matches.

If you "accept" a match, he/she has 7 days to either "accept" or "decline." If he chooses to declines the match, his/her choice will appear in your "Matches" box but obviously without the reason they declined. If they accept as well (the second party has 5 days to decide), the guy gets the girl's phone number and has three days to call her. They can talk things over and schedule a date if they so choose.

Both parties are advised to follow up with their respective shadchanit regarding "match progress." You fill in a blank once you've gone on the first date, once you're "dating," and once you're "engaged." The site states that you must pay your shadchanit a certain bonus if a match is made. I feel that this "symbolic" payment is well worth the reward.

My shadchan has made 11 matches (this number has probably doubled since I last posted). That's simply remarkable based on the fact that both him and his wife work full time and have almost a minyan-full of lil ones at home.

2. Shlish Gan Eden: I believe this is by far the best dating site in Israel. If you're the least bit religious and living in the Holy Land, Shlish is definitely the way to go! They continuously update their site with new candidates. It's not a shadchan-based dating experience; rather, you get to interact directly with the other party.

There are advantages to this system. For example, instead of a matchmaker picking out girls/guys for you based on what they know about your personality, looks, lifestyle, level of religiosity, etc., you get to "approach" the people you're interested in yourself. There's a certain charm to this. Perhaps, it feels more natural--as if you're approaching someone on the street and asking them for their phone number, only you're doing it in a discrete setting. Highly recommended!

3. JWed: possibly the best Jewish dating site intended for marriage purposes only (as it states on the landing page). It features the same setup as Shlish--meaning singles get to see profiles of one another and approach each other without first having to go through a third party. It's intended mainly for English-speakers.

4. JDate: while this dating site is mostly intended for the secular or non-frum population, I personally

know of a religious couple who met via JDate. You'll see a lot of people interested more in looks and social status than other issues that I feel hold a deeper significance, but if you're that happy-go guy/gal who have a steady income and aren't "overly" religious, this might be the site for you!

...and last but definitely not the worst option, a site where a close friend of mine met her husband (this site is not all Jewish...)

5. OkCupid: OKCupid has a very unique setup that separates it from the field and gives it an added advantage. It lets singles fill out a compatibility profile and matches up other singles who have similar backgrounds, interests, goals, and life visions. While it's not a "Jewish" site per say, the fact that it will only show you singles who would be a good match based on the amount of qualities you have in common, you're more than likely to find that Jewish guy/girl who lives in your neck of the woods. Unlike of the other sites, OkCupid is also completely free!

 

L.A. Lakers' Star, Kobe Bryant, Calls Hawks Player Out After Fouling Him and Getting Injured

L.A. Lakers' former MVP and 5-time NBA champion, Kobe Bryant isn't known as the nicest of people. He's gotten into small-time scraps with opposing players from time to time, and isn't the perfect teammate as reported by multiple sources over the years. But the great thing is (and this is really, really great) that LA is likely to miss the playoffs outright. I certainly hope they will!

Kobe landed akwardly after missing a fadeaway in the final seconds of Wednesday's loss to Atlanta. He claims that Dhantay Jones, who was guarding him on the play, purposely stuck his foot out to prevent all-powerful Kobe from landing right. Having watched video of the play, my feeling is that Bryant is just upset about missing the shot, and that he likes to cry to the press about his little run-in's with players like Jones, whom he apparently has some history with.

In other NBA news, Miami has now won 20 straight. I don't think the Heat will lose again till well into the playoffs, perhaps the Conference Finals--or even the Championship. I'm beyond certain the Heat will win it all this year. It doesn't exactly take a brain surgeon to predict this much.

Who'll win it all in 2014? My first pick would be Miami again, but a few teams from the West such as the Clippers and Oklahoma City might have a decent shot too. I'm prepared to count out San Antonio for the next few years. That's one team you shouldn't expect much from, especially when Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are set to retire a few years down the line.

When will it finally be Chicago's turn to rule supreme? DRose should be ready to go next season, and we might actually make some noise in '14, but don't expect a finals run. Miami is just too good with their 3-Headed Monster. Maybe when the Heat finally disolve their roster or at least trim it a little bit, Da Bulls will gain some type of momentum in the East. I think maybe 2016 will be that magical year for Chicago. Why 2016? I don't know, it just sounds good!

On Continuing Where You Started, and Not Giving Up (and My New Job at Judaica Web Store)

I've learned a lot of valuable lessons over the past few years. Continuing onwards with my mission, and not giving up are two of the most important ones. I've overcome so much, but there's still so much ahead of me. I realize I need to keep a steady pace if I'm to reach the goals I've set for myself. In general, I believe it's important to set realistic goals, and follow through on them.

As far as what's been happening in my life lately, I got a really interesting job working at a company in Givat Shaul. I've been assigned the task of writing product descriptions for their website: Judaica Web Store. I've found that they're offering some really nice items like: Ahava hand and body cream, nicely-priced Passover gifts, etc, etc...

On the topic of setting goals, work is one of these for me. I believe that hard work improves a person, making him a better human being. Only by doing hard work, can we hope to give back to society--and the world.

Wishing everyone a great month of ניסן, new strength, and a renewal of old friendships!

שניזקה כולנו לגאולה שלמה בקרוב בימימו! אמן

Can the Miami Heat be Stopped?

As Lebron Jame's Miami Heat continue their domination of the NBA, the concrete answer that enters my mind to the question posed above is "No, they can't." Point blank period.

The latest tour de force came at the expense of one of this year's Eastern Conference disappointments, Atlanta Hawks, currently in a tie with Boston for 6th/7th and 14.5 back of Miami in a Southeast Division that was decided before the opening tip of game 1 this year.

Dwyane Wade has had yet another All-Star season. He scored 23 points on Tuesday night, in a game that was never in doubt from the starting whistle. The unflinching Miami squad extended their winning streak to 19 games.

Now's the time for me to start saying "I told you so!" to all y'all. I made a bet with a close friend of mine that the Heat would go on a 7-peat when they put together their freak show three years ago. It didn't happen. Dallas got the better of them in '11, but folks, it's gonna be all Heat from here, and they're not gonna be de-throned for another 4-5 years with D. Rose sidelined for G-d knows how long.

This is a true freak show, make no doubt about it. James is a machine on a mission, D Wyade is a special specimen not to be forgotten, and Chris Bosh is all that and a bag of pistachios. Take it to the bank, guys: El Heat will at least 5-Peat!

Reporting from the capital of the world...this here disgruntled Chi Bulls fan...and we thought we could do it...

Update: Hugo Chavez in the Process of Interviewing for a Position in Hell

Here's my preview of the interview the Devil is having with (ex) Venezuelan dictator, Hugo Chavez:

Devil: Welcome to my abode, my son! What can you offer us here on the dark side besides the bootylicious behinds of Sean Penn, Danny Glover, and my favorite Jew, Noam?

Hugo: Uhm...thanks I guess. Are you George W. Bush?

Devil: No, Saddam here. I called you down here because I was looking for an intellectual. Weren't you the one who read The Warrior's Oracle, and some stuff by Ortega Y Gasset? Don't you know anything about Senorito Consentido?

Hugo: No, I'm just a thug, and everyone knows that except for you apparently. What exactly were you expecting?!

Devil: Hugo, but you're such a sexy stud, can't you tell me about your dirty underwear or something?

Hugo: Well, I threw my first wife to the curb after she refused to...

Devil: Yes, my beloved dictator, tell me more...

Hugo: Well, the b#### wouldn't stay in the kitchen. Did I forget to mention women need to stay in the kitchen?

Devil: I, too, believe in that, my dictator buddy. Tell me more about your life...

Hugo: I was born in the capital of the Barinas State whose capital is, well...Barinas...There's some oil there, and some cows who munch on grass...you know, Devil, grass...

Devil: Yeah, of course I know about grass, now tell me more!

Here Come the 'Hawks!

Just in case you haven't noticed, the Chicago Blackhawks have ravaged the rest of the NHL since the 2013 campaign got under way. They've won a franchise-best 10 in a row, and have extended their points streak (the amount of time they've gone without losing in regulation) to 29 consecutive games.

The 'Hawks are 1st in the West and 1st overall with an incredible record of 20-0-3. This is pretty much unheard of in a league with a history of relative parity.

Bryan Bickell scored twice and Patrick Kane, who's in the running for the NHL MVP award (second only to Sidney Crosby) connected on a big one in the third. Corey Crawford has been sensational in goal all season long. He's in the running for the Vezina Trophy for top goalie of the year. And that's just one season after a sub-par 2012 during which he allowed all types of mistakes. Pretty impressive for a team that suffered a major let-down last year, huh!?

There's still a long season left to go, but the 2013 NHL lockout has forced a shorter season on those poor, disenchanted hockey fans. To be sure, there are 25 games left in the NHL season. I just hope those pesky 'Hawks keep flying high till it's all said 'n done, and Lord Stanley's Cup is hoisted once again atop the Chicago ice.

 

A World Without Facebook

It's been a week since I quit the T-Rex of social media that what's-his-name founded aka Facebook. I can't say I've missed it; on the contrary, I've had a lot more time for taking care of daily chores and working on my day job.

Facebook doesn't need me--and I don't need Facebook to survive in this crazy, senseless world full to the brink with all types of "interesting" phenomena to go around the block and then some, etc, etc to a million degrees.

I need me some peace of mind, and gosh darn it, I'm gonna get it! Living in Israel, about 15 min's ride from the "Occupied Territories" (boy, would I love it if the our cousins in "Palestine"--wherever that happens to be--quit occupying our land), this might just be a difficult proposition, but I'm gonna see to it that I get this one task done!

Facebook or no Facebook, it's still vital to focus on the goals ahead: get elected to the post of Prime Minister, followed by a destructive take-over of the world...or maybe just stay on as the product description manager at this here place smack in the middle of nowhere. Whichever the case may be, I'm about to get it done and it doesn't involve Facebook.

So there, let's raise a shot of L'chaim to a world free of social media and the Internet--oh wait, I'm using it right now. Gotta go, sorry folks, I need to save the world!

Once Upon a Busy Place in Baka

Bagel Bite is a restaurant in Baka, a neighborhood that used to be home to a few thousand Arabs. Today, it's a blossoming district of Jerusalem neighboring Talpiot and the German Colony, about 40-minutes walk from the center of town, and another 15 to the Wailing Wall. It's a busy place. You'll hear excited voices at any time of the day--or night. There's always something to do here.

Even though I live in a highly contested area, you won’t hear a word of politics at Bagel Bite because it’s a mixed staff of Jewish and Palestinian workers who try to have as much fun as possible while making a living selling bagels, and an assortment of foods ranging from muffins to sushi (sushi was recently added to their already-packed menu).

I've been coming here ever since I moved from Efrat to Jerusalem a year ago. It's a nice place with friendly waiters who do their best to make you happy, leaving you wanting to hand them a big tip. I’ve made some really good friends amongst both the staff and the usual customers. Somehow, I feel this is my “home away from home.” I come to Bagel Bite whenever I have a writing assignment, or need to finish a translation project. In fact, I’m sitting here now writing this.

One of my closest friends at Bagel Bite is a young Palestinian called “Baha.” I recently helped him put together an application to a German university. Yesterday he approached me and thanked me for having performed this act of kindness towards him. And the result: he was accepted to study there! Now, it’s on to bigger and better things for my friend, Baha.

Bagel Bite allows people of different backgrounds to come together for a hearty meal. It’s a place to read a good piece of literature, sip a cup of Latte, or do some work. I’m grateful to the Bagel Bite staff for treating me like I’m one of theirs. Even though I recently started working full-time, I continue frequenting this busy place in Baka in search of the company of good people, and a refuge from all the hustle and tussle of our beautiful capital.

From Darkness to Light

Very often in life, we face situations that make us question ourselves: Are we doing the right things? Are we behaving correctly? Are we treating others as we, ourselves, would want to be treated? What can we do better?

R' Nachman of Breslov equates the yetzer ha'ra or evil inclination, that inner devil within you who wants you to make all the wrong decisions even though the real "you" knows he's wrong, to one's imagination. Our imagination is capable of taking us to places we don't want to be. It can persuade us to make the wrong decisions, and focus our attention on the wrong things. It can be a very dangerous factor.

Some extreme cases of this phenomenon can be found in individuals suffering from paranoia and hallucinations. There are people who imagine that they're constantly being "watched" or "followed," or that there's a conspiracy against them. But these are the extreme cases. Everyone suffers from one sort of paranoia or another, however.

What helps?

For one, constantly being busy, working helps a lot. When one is focused on the imortant aspects of life, they forget about "finding the next date," or the latest sports or social media news.

Being focused on your goals goes hand in hand with working. When you're focused on what you want to accomplish either short--or long term, you forget about the meaningless chatter in your head.

And how do you go from being "down in the dumps," from constantly being depressed and laying around the house all day to being a productive member of society? It takes a lot of effort, a lot of perserverance, and a steady commitment. I've done it, you can too!