Tips when you go boating in Cancun

Beyond the bustling bodies and the sweltering tropical heat of its beaches, Cancun has a lot to offer the traveler. And more so if they travel by boat. The ocean in these parts is home to Cozumel, the biggest reef system in the continent, island natural reserves, and several Mayan ruins. Here are some Richard Ohlhaber tips if you want to go boating in Cancun.

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First, there's a lot of boat rental services in the area in case you're not bringing your boat. If you are, make sure you're bringing proof of citizenship, departure clearance, and title from the last port you've docked.

Next, if you're planning to go swimming, make sure you use biodegradable sunscreen. The non-biodegradable ones harm the corals. Let's all do our part to preserve the Yucatan's natural environment so we can keep coming back to it.

If you plan on visiting any of the islands listed as natural reserves, make sure to do your reservations way in advance. The Mexican government only allows 200 people per day on some isles like Isla Contoy.

If you keep these things in mind, you'll have a pleasant boating trip to Cancun, advises Richard Ohlhaber.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but now resides in Texas. Still, he is a loyal supporter of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears and names Michael Jordan and Walter Payton as his favorite athletes. When not busy checking ESPN for football highlights, he turns his attention to boating and golf. More travel and outdoor tips from Richard on this blog..

Martin Scorsese: The other master

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When Richard Ohlhaber talks to other film buffs about great film directors of Hollywood in the past 50 years, there are a number of names that stand out – Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Martin Scorsese. While each of them has carved his own niche in the industry, Coppola and Spielberg garnered much acclaim and popularity, with Scorsese’s darker take not being received too warmly by unprepared viewers.

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Scorsese initially rose to prominence with his 1976 stunner, “Taxi Driver.” It also marked the emergence of Hollywood superstar Robert de Niro and the classic director-actor partnership that would last for decades. Four years later, Scorsese scored another critical hit with the true-to-life story of pugilist Jake LaMotta in “Raging Bull.”

However, it was not until 1990 when Scorsese crafted his masterpiece “Goodfellas,” a film that had critics comparing it to Coppola’s “The Godfather,” and for a good reason. His next hit was in the mid-90s with the movie “Casino.” It was also, in many ways, perfection in filmmaking. However, the film was criticized as being too similar to “Goodfellas.”


In 2002, Scorsese had another Oscar-challenger in “Gangs of New York,” which was an epic period movie. But it was not until 2006’s “The Departed” when Scorsese finally received his much-deserved Oscar for directing, Richard Ohlhaber notes.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since 1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. For similar reads, visit this page.

Three tips for perfect putting

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In golf, there is none more crucial segment than putting. After a few good drives, you’re in the green and have a chance at a birdie. As difficult as it is driving the ball hundreds of yards toward the precise location, the same can be said about the inches in a green. Hitting the ball at an off-angle could ruin your numbers. And then there are times when the ball is three feet or closer to the hole, but you are still unable to sink it in. Richard Ohlhaber notes that making mistakes while putting can throw your game off. To help you with your putting problems, here are three tips to ensure perfect putting every time.

Work on your impact: If you can’t sink the ball, the next best thing to do is to bring it closer to the hole. This is where working on your impact comes in. This emphasizes the power you put into your swing. Knowing how much you can put and knowing the distance that you would can easily lower your score in golf.

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Aiming: Lining up your putt can be tricky as the ball never follows a straight line. The ball consistently veers away from your intended putting line by 0.5 degree at the beginning of your putt. This means depending on the distance between you and the hole, you will have to aim your putt 1 or 2 degrees off the hole. Use an alignment stick and do drills of different distances when practicing.

Create a good putting grip: A good putting grip is one where the handle of the grip runs up through your waist joint using both hands. It’s important to have a feel of what your putting grip is given the constant shift from driving and putting. Richard Ohlhaber explains that having just one grip for your whole game can affect either your putt or your drive.

Originally from Chicago, Richard Ohlhaber has been residing in Texas since 1998. Living in DFW, however, did not stop him from cheering for the Windy City’s famed sports teams, notably the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears. He regularly watches ESPN and tracks the latest in the teams’ matches. For more insightful reads on golf, visit this blog.

Basic boating safety tips newcomers should know

One of Richard Ohlhaber’s favorite hobbies is boating. He loves the open water and the promise of adventure that comes with it. However, as in all other hobbies, there are a number of things people need to learn before taking one on. And just like most outdoor activities, people need to keep in mind a few reminders to stay safe at all times.

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Below are some important safety tips for boating, as shared by Richard Ohlhaber.
Always check the weather apps.

A stormy sea can be one of the most terrifying things on Earth. Boating hobbyists always check their weather apps and always avoid areas with fierce weather. This is one of the most important safety measures people should take before heading out to open water. It’s always best to wait out a storm, or at least schedule a boating trip right after, when the seas are calmer.

Work diligently on a float plan.

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Float plans are plans that include the destination of a boating trip, how long the trip would take, who are on the boat, the name of the leader, the phone numbers and addresses of all the passengers, boat description, and a list of all the equipment on board to be used for communication and signaling in case of emergencies. Richard Ohlhaber explains that every boating hobbyist should insist that their boating leader should have one such comprehensive plan before leaving port.

Richard Ohlhaber lives in Texas but grew up in Chicago. The wind stayed with him, though, as he remains a Chicago Bulls and Bears fan through and through. For more articles on Ohlhaber’s passions, visit this blog.

Things to do in Cancun if you’re not a beach lover

Cancun, Mexico might be known for its pristine, white sand beaches, but these are not the only places you can visit if you are planning a trip there. While millions of tourists and beach lovers flock to this place for some beach time, here are some other activity options for you to enjoy if you don’t particularly like the sand.

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Explore and go swimming in an underground river. Cancun is also famous for its other kinds of bodies of water, such as underground rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is known as the longest network of underground rivers and caves in the world. Cancun’s Xcaret has three rivers with slow-moving waters that is perfect for relaxing without dealing with busy beach crowds.

Enjoy its mouth-watering cuisine. Since Cancun is already established as a tourist hub, there is an abundance of restaurants in the area that you can visit. No matter what kind of food you are craving for, you will definitely find a place that will satisfy your gastronomic needs.

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Immerse yourself in the culture. Mexico is a country that’s rich in heritage and culture, and there are quite a number of museums, local markets, or small villages you can explore if you don’t want to spend your days tanning or drinking cocktails by the ocean.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since 1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. Apart from watching games on ESPN, Richard likes to go boating or play golf. He names Cancun, Mexico as his favorite travel destination. If he could, however, reside anywhere in the world, it would be in Italy. For more on Richard, visit this page.

The mental health benefits of playing golf

While technique is part and parcel of excelling in golf, the game is also highly dependent on one’s mastery of its mental aspect. This challenge is true for both professionals and amateur hobbyists and is a huge reason why golf is such a great game for promoting holistic health. On this blog, golf enthusiast Richard Ohlhaber lists some of the top mental health benefits of playing golf.

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First, playing golf promotes socializing. Aside from being fun, the sport allows players to meet and converse with fellow players as they play. You get to catch up with friends or improve your relationship with your partner during a weekend golf session. You can also opt to play collaboratively in pairs. All in all, the game is a great bonding activity and be with people, surely vital in preventing any potential mental health issue.

Golf also reduces stress by promoting both entertainment and relaxation. Whether you spend just two hours on the weekend or face an entire 18-hole course, it’s a great respite from long and hectic days at work. Being out in the open promotes the production of the so-called happy hormone serotonin, which enhances your mood, improves your focus, and relieves debilitating stress.

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Lastly, golfing allows you to get immersed in nature. Spending time in the great outdoors and taking in the fresh air are keys to maintaining both our physical and mental health. The serene nature of a golf course with its pristine greens and surrounding lush trees and little lakes will revitalize both your mind and body. Ecotherapy, as many experts call it, significantly reduces agitation and anxiety, Richard Ohlhaber explains.

Richard Ohlhaber likes watching games on ESPN, boating, and playing golf. He is a big fan of Chicago sports teams. For more of Richard’s writings, go to this page.

Fun facts for fans of 'The Godfather' trilogy

Movie fans and critics agree that "The Godfather" trilogy is worth seeing more than once. The film franchise catapulted author Mario Puzo, director Francis Ford Coppola, and actors Al Pacino and Marlon Brando to worldwide fame. Supporting actors James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Andy Garcia also received critical acclaim for their performance in the movie. Here are some fun facts that might interest fans of the trilogy.

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 Marlon Brando was not the first choice

Paramount was against the idea of casting Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone. However, author and screenwriter Mario Puzo and Coppola knew that he was their guy early on. For fans of the film like Richard Ohlhaber, no other guy can top Brando's iconic performance. Despite being surrounded by controversy, he totally made the character his own.

Don's Cat

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The iconic cat scene wasn't really part of the script. Director Francis Ford Coppola found a stray cat in the studio and thought of a good idea. It's a good thing Marlon Brando liked cats, which made the scene look natural. Perhaps the cat got too comfortable because the purring sounds had to be dubbed over.

Robert De Niro auditioned for the role of Sonny

Robert De Niro was one of the Italian-American actors who auditioned for the movie. However, the role of Sonny went to James Caan. Despite this casting decision, the producers loved him and offered him the part of Paulie. De Niro turned down the role to star in another film but finally said yes to playing the young Don Vito in "The Godfather II," his first Oscar-winning role.

Born and raised in Chicago, Richard Olhlaber is a big fan of the Chicago Bulls and is fond of movies like "The Godfather." Visit this blog for more updates on him and his interests.

The physical benefits of golf that make it worthwhile

Whenever Richard Ohlhaber isn’t screaming his lungs out for his beloved Chicago sports teams, his friends can find him playing a few holes of golf in one of the courses in the great state of Texas (where he’s based now).

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Golf is a sport that Richard recommends for everyone. The sport may look tame compared to other sports but make no mistake about it, there are physical benefits that make playing golf worthwhile. Here they are.

Improved cardiovascular health

Walking has always been associated with improved blood circulation, and in golf, there’ll be a lot of walking to do. The great part about it is people will always be surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Improved respiratory health

Along with a healthier heart, golfers also develop healthier lungs. There is an abundance of fresh air from all the greenery in golf courses, which the respiratory system of the body can take advantage of.

Improved posture

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This is Richard Ohlhaber’s favorite thing about playing golf. It’s great for both the skeletal and muscular systems since the game promotes perfect posture at all times. And given that golf is a low-impact sport, it isn’t hard on the joints, meaning people can play the game longer and not worry about wear and tear.

Weight loss

A single 18-hole game of golf can help a person burn 1,000 to 1,500 calories, with all the walking and swinging. And that’s not even taking into account the resting metabolism that occurs after the game.

Currently based in Texas, Richard Ohlhaber is still a huge fan of Chicago sports teams. He also loves to go boating and to play golf during his free time. Read more about Richard’s passions here.

Can today’s Golden State Warriors beat Jordan’s 1995-96 Bulls?

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Many basketball pundits have toyed with this scenario in their heads: Can the modern-day incarnation of the Golden State Warriors that include Kevin Durant beat the threepeat champs Chicago Bulls of the 1995-96 season? Chicago Bulls supporter Richard Ohlhaber argues otherwise.

It must first be remembered that these teams come from two distinct generations of NBA play. The Bulls reigned during a time in the league when defense was king. Referees were more tolerant of physical contact and fouls that would in today’s NBA be normally and quickly called were then allowed. The advantage here should go to the scrappier Bulls team that included Dennis Rodman, as he would have manhandled the Warriors’ Draymond Green.

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In terms of offense, Jordan and company thrived in post-ups and mid-range shooting, which Golden State plays little attention to outside Durant’s and Livingston’s play. It most likely will be a battle to see which team will take and make more three-pointers and we’d give the advantage here to the Splash Brothers of Curry and Thompson.

Curry’s and Thompson’s dominance outside the arc may just be canceled, though; Phil Jackson’s triangle offense will drastically slow down the game and limit Golden State’s transition offense. Assuming that referees are coming from the old NBA contact rule, Jordan and Pippen will make mincemeat of the smaller Golden State guards’ offensive posturing.

Finally, the mid-90s was still the era of the big man, and Golden State simply cannot match the Bulls’ dominance and production in the paint even if DeMarcus Cousins were healthy, Richard Ohlhaber adds. Cousins, Bogut, and Looney will just be irked, hounded, and overpowered by Chicago’s Rodman and its four-player-strong centers Luc Longley, Bill Wennington, James Edwards, and Jack Haley.

Richard Ohlhaber has been living in the DFW Metroplex since 1998 but grew up in Chicago. He is a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls. Visit this blog for related posts on the NBA.

Boating spots in the United States every adventurer should check out

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Richard Ohlhaber has been a boating enthusiast for quite some time now. He loves being on the water as it relaxes him and takes his mind off the fast life in the city. Ohlhaber has also time and again shared his knowledge of boating so that more people may enjoy this amazing activity.


For this blog, Richard Ohlhaber shares his favorite boating spots in the United States.

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Boating enthusiasts all over the country know the Lake of the Ozarks in MO. Aside from having one of the most beautiful backdrops in the state, the boating scene here is quite exciting. There are a number of boats for rent and even novice boaters will find docking here manageable.

Gulf of Mexico, FL

Moving over to the city of Destin in FL, there is a place that’s popular among the boating community—the Gulf of Mexico. People can sail, fish, or simply relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Like the Lake of the Ozarks, this port in Destin has a number of boats available for all kinds of boating fans.

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Newport, RI

The docks in Newport, Rhode Island are underrated for boaters because of one reason—the food. But boating fanatics always come here to experience old-school boating, which is considered an all-American hobby. And Richard Ohlhaber also mentions that the beauty of New England isn’t so bad itself.

Chicago-born Richard Ohlhaber has been residing in Texas for close to two decades. He likes to spend some time on his boat when he’s not working. The self-confessed dog person is a fan of John Steinbeck and lists 'The Natural' as one of his favorite films. Visit this blog to know more about his interests.

Why the Bears' signing of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is a laughable bargain

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When the Chicago Bears lost starting safety Adrian Amos to longtime rival Green Bay Packers in free agency, Bears fans, including Richard Ohlhaber, wondered how the team would replace an integral component of the Bears vaunted defensive line. The front office did not take long to find one in Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix, a 2017 Pro Bowl selection.

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Amos struck a lucrative four-year, $37 million contract with the Packers, one that would pay him an average of $9.25 million per season. On the other hand, Clinton-Dix signed up for a one-year deal at $3.5 million, obviously much less than what Amos got.

Ha Ha is not a downgrade on the field, though, as not only is he more accomplished than Amos at the strong safety position, Clinton-Dix has a solid relationship with Chicago’s free safety, Eddie Jackson, as both have been teammates in Alabama and remained good friends after graduating from college. Their potential chemistry as partners in Chicago’s secondary could improve what is already one of the league’s best defenses. This is certainly great news for Chicago Bears supporters like Richard Ohlhaber.

It also would not take long for Clinton-Dix to acclimate himself to the Bears’ defensive system because the team’s defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, runs similar schemes as Mike Pettine. The latter spent time with Pagano some years ago with the Indianapolis Colts and current defensive coordinator of a team Clinton-Dix used to play for—incidentally, the Packers.

Currently based in Texas, Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and has backed the Bulls and Bears ever since he was young. Read more about these teams here.

Bulls Talk: A rundown of the greatest achievements of his royal Airness

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There is a reason why basketball fans like to use Michael Jordan as a yardstick when measuring the performances of superstars like Kobe, LeBron, and Curry. To stay that Jordan is a great player is an understatement considering his phenomenal run in the NBA. There are even records made by Jordan that haven’t been broken yet even more decade after his retirement. Here are some of the greatest achievements of his royal Airness, Michael Jordan.

Jordan holds the record of having the most points ever made by a single player during a playoff game. He scored 63 points versus the Celtics in 1986. What makes this even more incredible is that the game where Jordan scored 63 points was his first game where he scored over 50 points.

In the 1991 finals, Jordan made a record of 13 consecutive field goals without any misses. Not only was it a unique Finals record, but it was also an all-time playoff record that remains unbeaten.

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Jordan wasn’t just spectacular during playoffs. He also made several records for his regular season games. Jordan has a record of having the most regular season games where a player scores over 30 points. His record was 563. He also holds the record of holding the most number of consecutive regular season games scoring double digits with a streak of 866 games.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. Apart from watching games on ESPN, Richard likes to go boating or play golf. For more sports articles, visit this blog.

Things to do in Cancun if you’re not a beach lover

Cancun, Mexico might be known for its pristine, white sand beaches, but these are not the only places you can visit if you are planning a trip there. While millions of tourists and beach lovers flock to this place for some beach time, here are some other activity options for you to enjoy if you don’t particularly like the sand.

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Explore and go swimming in an underground river. Cancun is also famous for its other kinds of bodies of water, such as underground rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is known as the longest network of underground rivers and caves in the world. Cancun’s Xcaret has three rivers with slow-moving waters that is perfect for relaxing without dealing with busy beach crowds.

Enjoy its mouth-watering cuisine. Since Cancun is already established as a tourist hub, there is an abundance of restaurants in the area that you can visit. No matter what kind of food you are craving for, you will definitely find a place that will satisfy your gastronomic needs.

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Immerse yourself in the culture. Mexico is a country that’s rich in heritage and culture, and there are quite a number of museums, local markets, or small villages you can explore if you don’t want to spend your days tanning or drinking cocktails by the ocean.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since 1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. Apart from watching games on ESPN, Richard likes to go boating or play golf. He names Cancun, Mexico as his favorite travel destination. If he could, however, reside anywhere in the world, it would be in Italy. For more on Richard, visit this page.

What exactly do Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen bring to the Bulls?

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It’s worth noting that part of recent NBA news is the Bulls’ picking up of team options for three of its current players, Denzel Valentine, Kris Dunn, and Lauri Markkanen. All these players are currently injured and still on rookie-based contracts.

That the Bulls exercised team options for the three means that the team gets to keep them on rookie-scale deals for another NBA season. But what’s more important in this move is that it shows Chicago’s commitment to work on its current rebuild with these players in tow.

Markkanen and not LaVine was the expected go-to guy for the Bulls, but he suffered an elbow injury even before the season began, acquiring it during the first week of camp. Valentine sprained his ankle also during basketball camp, while Dunn had a sprained left MCL during the team’s first game versus Dallas.

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Markkanen and Dunn are obviously key figures in the new-look Bulls. Point guard Dunn is already a reliable option on offense and has displayed good court generalship. He can fight off screens to both shoot and pass and, more importantly, he is an aggressive defender. Dunn has a huge upside for his two-way play.

The Finnish Markkanen has already displayed his wares last season, coming up with solid averages of 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. He likewise shoots the ball outside the three-point arc really well, recording a 36% clip from that range in his rookie year. He is clearly the guy to complement the game Zach LaVine on offense. LaVine is explosive when driving and posting up, while Markkanen should be able to spread the floor due to the outside threat he poses.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but is now based in Texas. He continues to be a huge fan of Chicago sports, especially of the Bulls and the Chicago Bears and the teams’ greatest players, Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. More NBA-related reads here.

Should Kris Dunn remain as the main point guard for the Bulls?

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Last season’s return of Zach LaVine—this time donning a Bulls uniform—was undeniably most-welcome for the struggling Chicago team. While a lot of NBA critics believed that the Bulls got the raw end of the deal when they traded away Jimmy Butler for the then-injured LaVine, the former Wolves star is now 100 percent recovered and ready to gain more playing time for the Bulls.

However, LaVine’s play has evolved in that he has now become a full-fledged playmaker and ball distributor. And giving him the point-guard duties will relegate the team’s true point Kris Dunn to the background. The question therefore is, should Dunn now become the secondary option?

Coach Fred Hoiberg believes otherwise. He understands that Dunn has proven to be both steady and clutch for the Bulls these past seasons. And even though the Bulls are now technically on rebuild mode, Dunn is an essential piece for the Bulls’ own process. It makes sense to instead pair Dunn up with LaVine, as the latter also has good outside shooting to complement his explosive drives. LaVine needs to embrace his new role as a shooting guard and play more team basketball going forward.

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With the arrival of Jabari Parker and the improved play of Bobby Portis, Dunn, LaVine and celebrated shooter Lauri Markkanen, the Bulls should reach new heights this coming season. We can expect fast-paced basketball now that most of the old veterans have moved on. Again, play development anchored on Kris Dunn is a wise move. If anything, he has already earned his coach’s respect.

Richard Ohlhaberis currently based in the DFW Metroplex. But he was born and raised in Chicago and continues to be a devout Chicago Bulls fan. For similar posts, check out this website.

Why LeBron will never replace Michael Jordan as the G.O.A.T.

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Generating wins and improving the probability of getting championships seem to be the new mantra of many NBA managers.  This is often the argument they offer when another round of the LeBron-Michael greatest-of-all-time debate comes up.  In many ways, this kind of reasoning favors LeBron.  But it is, ultimately, flawed.

Crunching the numbers is one thing; gauging the overall impact a player has had on the game is another.  Jordan came into the league and single-handedly changed the way pro basketball is played.  He entered the NBA at a time when physicality had been more tolerated and had to contend with in-your-face defense throughout his career, with some of the most rugged players in history.  The list includes a younger Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and the rest of the Pistons. 

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He also arrived when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were still in their prime.  Not to mention played in the presence of big-man superstars like Olajuwon, Barkley, and Ewing, and Malone.  Moreover, even if we do look at the statistics, Jordan will still trump James’ accolades.  Jordan led the Bulls to six championship titles, twice a three-peat, and never lost in the NBA’s biggest stage.  MJ was likewise always the best player, getting Finals MVP honors in all of them.

LeBron has had a total of three championships, losing five in his nine tries so far.  And James has already gone to three teams in his quest to win more, winning twice during his stint with Miami and one recently in his hometown Cleveland.  Now he hopes to gain more as he begins his career-twilight run with the Lakers.  Jordan never needed to leave Chicago to get his wins.  He trusted his teammates and worked with them, not looking for super teams to get it done.  This fact alone trumps any advanced metrics LeBron supporters can offer.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. More on Richard and his interests here.

Historic Losses And Misses In Chicago Cubs History

Like other teams, Chicago Cubs have won some and lost some. But some losses as well as not-so-glorious moments are more painful and therefore more memorable than others – here’s a quick rundown of what could probably be the worst moments in the team’s history.

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Can anyone forget the Curse of the Billy Goat? According to legend, Billy Goat Tavern owner Billy Sianis hexed the Cubs after being told to leave Game 4 of the 1945 World Series at Wrigley because the goat he brought to the game smelled so bad that fans complained to have it removed. Supposedly, Sianis said, "Them Cubs aren't going to win no more." 

From there, despite inconsistencies and changing details of the story, the Cubs never won another World Series. This curse, too, always comes up every time the team has a quality ball club and vying for postseason play. 

There’s also the Steve Bartman incident. During a postseason game between the Cubs and the Florida Marlins on Oct. 14, 2003, the infamous spectator disrupted the game by intercepting a potential catch.  

Another major heartbreak for the Cubs was the untimely death of Ken Hubbs in a plane crash near Provo, Utah, before the 1964 season. Hubbs played as a second baseman for the Cubs from 1961 to 1963. 

Finally, not one to be forgotten is how the Cubs blew its 8-0 lead and the 1929 World Series. The Philadelphia Athletics beat the Cubs decisively in five games. Here, the famous Mack Attack – in honor of long-time A’s owner-manager Connie Mack – also happened, the Athletics overcame an eight-run deficit by scoring 10 runs in the home half of the seventh in Game 4 to snatch a 10-8 victory from the cusp of a loss that would have evened the series at two games each.

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Richard Ohlhaber is a true Chicago sports fan. He is also a movie enthusiast. For similar reads, click here.

Are These The Best Movie Sets Of All Time?

It takes a whole army of production designers, location seekers, construction workers, and creative minds to make the impossible possible in the world of movies, especially when it comes to film sets. Here are some of what could arguably be the best movie sets in cinema history.

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Cleopatra: This Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton starrer was supposed to be filmed in England, but the set was ruined by a winter storm, which led to its rebuilding in Rome. The results aren’t less grand at all: the country reportedly nearly ran out of building materials due to the grandeur of the movie set.

Titanic: Filmed in Rosarito, Mexico, the story of the ill-fated ship captures the world’s audience not just because of Jack and Rose, but because of the spectacular backdrop for their love story. The re-creation, for instance, was built on a gargantuan hinge allowing it to become fully perpendicular during filming while sucking in ocean water into an 800-foot-wide water tank where it sat.

Intolerance: When talking about the best and the biggest cost-wise, not a lot can beat “Intolerance” in 1916, whose film set cost $2.5 million back then and $47 million when adjusted for inflation. DW Griffith’s movie is an epic tale that spanned 2,500 years and took place in ancient Babylon, 16th century France, and 20th century America.

Ben-Hur: It’s called the “entertainment experience of a lifetime,” which the film lived up to with its 2,000-foot-long arena. For a time, the chariot arena serves as the largest film set in history, while the rest of the set pieces – all 300 of them – occupied over 340 acres.

Image source: Architectural Digest 

The Lord of the Rings: The Waikato region of New Zealand gave life to this 2001-2003 masterpiece, specifically a 1,200-acre property that was once privately owned by a single family. Apart from facades for 27 hobbit holes, a mill, and a double-arch bridge, production designer Grant Major also insisted on the planting of real flowers and vegetables on the set.

Chicago sports fan Richard Ohlhaber also loved movies and counts 'The Godfather,' 'Gladiator,' and 'The Natural' among his favorite films. For similar reads, click here.

Chicago Bears Players Who Have a Lot To Prove In 2017

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As it’s deep in the middle of a franchise overhaul, the Chicago Bears has a critical 2017 season. For Bleacher Report, these guys face the most pressure from its roster of young and veteran players.

Mike Glennon

Perhaps joining the Bears was a chance for Glennon to turn things around at age 27, but then he saw the front office move up in the draft and select Mitchell Trubisky. It’s yet to be seen if the Bears will start Trubisky over him, but as quoted by Jeff Dickerson of ESPN, the quarterback said it was made clear to him that 2017 will be his year. And he’s determined to take the team along the same glorious path as his career.

Charles Leno Jr.

It’s time for the 25-year-old guy and 53rd tackle in football at Pro Football Focus to step up, with a huge contract extension in the horizon if he can perform strong this year.

Jonathan Bullard

This 2016 third-round pick, unable to beat stopgap veteran Mich Unrein for many snaps in the previous year due to being ill-prepared “for the every-down responsibilities,” has the opportunity this year to beat out the veterans and shore up one of the largest weak spots of the roster.

Image source: Review Journal 

Kyle Fuller

No. 14 pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Fuller has 2017 as his last year to fulfill his staggering potential, either bagging a long-term deal with the Bears or showing other teams that he’s worth investing in. It’s a make-or-break year for the 25-year-old who missed the entirety of last year.

Kevin White

One year earlier, White missed his entire rookie year along with 12 games, and he’s considered to be back at square one in the area of development due to his injury. He needs to stay on the field and develop along with new players to give back to the organization this year.

While he now resides in Texas,Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and remains a loyal supporter of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears. Learn more on this page.

One-Time Offer: Leadership Lessons From 'The Godfather'

If someone says that “The Godfather” is one of the greatest American films ever made, maybe a throng of people would react and tell him that this is a gross understatement. For starters, it is the best and certainly a highly influential film in its genre. A gangster movie won’t ever be the same again. It was difficult to escape the looming shadow of Vito Corleone even on a good day. And the whole movie screams “iconic” from beginning till end. If a person is fortunate enough, Nino Rota’s “Speak Softly Love” won’t be stuck in his head for ages.

Image source: flickr.com

However hard it is for anyone to imagine that people can learn a thing or two about leadership from this critically acclaimed classic, the Corleones’ approach to issues and the situations encountered by the leading characters here in this film offer valuable insights. One cannot overemphasize the fact that this is not to condone or support criminal and immoral acts. There are general lessons, though, which do not involve those acts, that can help leaders achieve goals.

One of the clearest takeaways from the movie is the fact that building a network is as important as keeping an organization’s own core resources strong and independent. A group must acknowledge the necessity of forging ties and interconnected mutual relationships with other institutions that might help them survive in the most trying of times. Relationships outside of the immediate workplace can also surprisingly provide a perspective on issues and problems that beset the organization. The Corleones fiercely endorse familial closeness and friendships.

Image source: flickr.com

Resilience when faced with the most troublesome circumstances and the need for backup plans and other preparations for the future are necessary considerations that an effective leader must take into account. Executions work primarily because of careful and strategic planning. Business eventualities are dynamic, not static. One must plot possible solutions to future problems.

Richard Ohlhaber lists 'The Godfather' as one of his favorite movies. To learn more about his interests, follow this blog.