Michael Jordan, the Big10 Network, Bruce's sideline shuffle, and learning to read

Last week, Michael Jordan came to watch his son, Jeff, play in the game against Purdue. Illinois is terrible at basketball this year, so of course, we lost the game. Jeff actually got a few minutes of playing time, which usually doesn't happen until towards the end of the game. And M. Jordan's presence most certainly did not go unnoticed at the game.

The Big10 Network started this year amidst a wealth of controversy. It's not on the local cable networks and is available only on satellite here. I've only watched it a few times and I've always gotten the impression that it's somewhat unpolished. Now you can see why. The second picture here shows two people trying to hold up the Big10 Network background behind the commentators for the halftime show at the Purdue game. Really professional....

The most entertaining part of the game was when Bruce Weber, the Illinois coach, got a technical foul. Afterwards, his assistants had to hold him back from what looked like a certain brawl with the officials. Then he threw of his jacket onto the bench and stood inches away from the Purdue player who was to inbound the ball next to the IL bench. When the player moved away, Bruce slid up right next to him. The player moved a second time. And Bruce slid up next to him a second time.

This year, the CUMTD added a game-day bus for football and basketball games that starts at my building and runs directly to the game. On the way back, I noticed the GED sign, which reads "Who's Life is it?" at the top.