Richard Ohlhaber

The Godfather: A classic among classics

With all his love and attention for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears, Richard Ohlhaber believes it’s just right that he share some of his other passions in his blogs. Take for instance, his favorite film, which is Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 masterpiece, “The Godfather.”

Richard Ohlhaber, along with countless other viewers believe “The Godfather” to be the greatest achievement in cinematic history, or at the very least, one of the top three. To put things in perspective, a number of film critics and historians have divided cinema into a number of eras. There’s the silent era, the black and white era, then the modern era of film. A lot of people see Coppola’s magnum opus as the film to usher in the modern era. This is a tribute to just how impactful “The Godfather” was.

On its own, “The Godfather” bagged Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay – which was from the excellent novel by Mario Puzo.

Almost 50 years after first being shown in theaters, “The Godfather” still amazes viewers of all ages, and influences both young and old filmmakers. It still holds up as a pillar of filmmaking, and still manages to separate itself from most other films, including a technically superior sequel in “The Godfather Part 2.”

Yes, this is Richard Ohlhaber’s favorite film of all-time, and for good reason.

Currently based in Texas, Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and has backed the Bulls and Bears ever since he was young. He is also a huge fan of “The Godfather.” Read more about Richard’s passions here.

Could yachting be your next great hobby?

Richard Ohlhaber is a Chicago native who loves boating. It’s been his hobby for years. In fact, every now and then, he hops on a yacht to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, he noticed over the years that far too many people who would otherwise do it don’t go yachting because of a few misconceptions. The most common among these is that it’s only for those with deep pockets.

Ohlhaber explains that yachting isn’t that expensive, or at least it need not be. First off, he says people who want to get into it don’t need to buy a boat (which is another misconception). There are marinas and sailing schools all over the United States that have yachts rented out. These marinas and sailing schools take care of the boats’ maintenance, so that shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Ohlhaber also notes that once a person can get past the hesitation due to financial reasons, it’ll all go forward in the blink of an eye. After enrolling and taking lessons, people can either join teams or take friends along with them (Ohlhaber does both) on trips (the first of which will be supervised by experienced yachters.

So what do you think? Would you want to try it out? Richard Ohlhaber suggests doing it at least once in your life. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and is a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and the game’s greatest player, Michael Jordan. He also loves boating. Click here for more articles like this.

Wendell Carter, Jr., the Windy City’s underrated NBA rookie

Chicago Bulls fans, such as Richard Ohlhaber, may be a bit disappointed that the team did not improve this season; the Bulls even regressed as they posted a lower win-loss percentage compared to the last year. The future looks bright, though, because of the young, promising players in the roster.

One of those is Wendell Carter, Jr., the seventh overall draft pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, who only a few people seem to talk about when discussing this year’s crop of rookies. To most people, Carter had not delivered the same impact as the likes of Luka Doncic or Trae Young, and to some extent, DeAndre Ayton, Collin Sexton, or Marvin Bagley III, Carter’s collegiate teammate.

It did not help that Carter suffered a season-ending injury, causing him to miss 38 games. But in the 44 matches he did suit up for, he was able to show flashes of great all-around play that could complement the game of the other players that form the young core of the Bulls. While his statistics did not stand out, he performed solidly, averaging around ten points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block per game, and recorded seven double-doubles.

In a team that already has prolific scorers in Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, Carter’s ability to space the floor, distribute the ball, and defend the rim on the other side of the court will be crucial to the success of the Bulls. This is cause for excitement for Richard Ohlhaber and other supporters of the basketball squad from the Windy City.

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Markkanen and LaVine needs help for the Bulls to rise anew

At one point in early February, Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen made it clear to the media that his team was leading the NBA in offensive rating in its last five games. This was a redemption of sorts for the ailing Bulls, which had not had a stellar season, says Bulls fan Richard Ohlhaber. As of this writing, the Bulls are sitting on a 14-44 record, third last in the East and fourth worst in the entire NBA.

Needless to say, the Bulls need to play better if they hope to return to the postseason. And while the team already has a solid offensive tandem in Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen, the plays of its supporting cast need to improve. Sure, Kris Dunn is already a solid point guard, but he needs to up his game some more and make better decisions during crunch time.

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Chemistry is an ongoing issue, but the good news is that Markkanen and LaVine are now displaying better team play. LaVine has increased his assist output and the usually shooting-minded Markannen is not more willing to put the ball on the floor and run the transition after getting rebounds.

The arrival of Otto Porter Jr. is crucial in the Bulls’ future. For one, it will allow the Bulls to play small-ball basketball, with the former Wizards forward playing center and allowing for more gameplay experimentations, if not outright variety. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if the Bulls can go far next season, adds Richard Ohlhaber. And a lot depends on management’s ability to revamp and hopefully upgrade its bench.

Understanding the Jordan-era Bulls’ triangle offense

Image source: basketballsocietyonline.com

Many NBA experts would attest that the six championships that the Chicago Bulls won in the NBA in the 1990s would not be possible without the vaunted triangle offense. It was the basketball gameplay that would likewise bring a series of wins to the Lakers when Phil Jackson moved to Los Angeles. But what exactly is it? Bulls basketball enthusiast Richard Ohlhaber helps break down this infamous strategy below.

Firstly, it must be established that the triangle offense was the brainchild of the late and now basketball Hall of Famer Morice Fredrick “Tex” Winter. He developed the offensive strategy that was initiated by Sam Barry years before. Winter promptly utilized his realized version of the offense alongside Phil Jackson throughout his stint with the Bulls.

The triangle offense is premised on good floor spacing and a series of actions prompted by the decision of the player holding the ball as soon as the half-court offense begins. It is beautiful to watch as it boasts of continuity and fluidity, resulting in crisp passes and good shot selection.

Central to this spacing is what is called the sideline triangle on one side of the floor and a waiting two-man game on the weakside. This commences with a player posting on the block, with two players in the perimeter (positioned in the corner and the wing, hence the triangle). The weakside offense is made up of a guard on top and a player on the post. In other words, two players are located on the post and three on the perimeter.

Running the triangle requires high basketball IQ and a commitment to filling in any vacant spot as soon as the play develops. When run properly, this creates havoc in the opponent’s defensive tactics as it involves constant player movement until the so-called path of least resistance is found. Moreover, it does not require the point guard to declare set plays that the opponent may quickly read, explains Richard Ohlhaber.

Chicago native Richard Ohlhaber likes boating, playing golf, and football. He is also a huge supporter of Chicago Bulls basketball. For more basketball-related reads, go to this blog.

Michael Jordan’s most iconic games

Some may argue otherwise, but many will insist that Michael Jordan is still the greatest player to have played basketball. This is backed up by a stellar career with six championships in six tries, a feat more recent superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have failed to match, says Bulls fan Richard Ohlhaber. We’ve listed down MJ’s most memorable games below.

“The Shot”
You’ve probably seen this clip if you’re a true-blue Jordan fan. But it’s certainly one of Jordan’s best and should be placed here as it’s the game in which he lifted the Bulls over the Cavaliers in a deciding Game 5, at a time before Jordan became the legend we know today. He double-clutched over Craig Ehlo for the buzzer-beating win and gave us that now-iconic fist bump. It’s the shot that catapulted Jordan to deserved fame, showing the entire NBA that he is definitely clutch.

The “Flu Game”
A lot of people don’t know it, but Jordan didn’t really have a flu in this historic Finals game versus the Utah Jazz; he merely fell ill from having eaten bad pizza. In any case, Jordan was in no way missing the pivotal Game 5 of the then-tied series, flu-like symptoms of not. He played 44 minutes and scored 38 points, leading the Bulls to a two-point win and an eventual second title the following game.

“The Last Shot”
Of course, this has to top the list as it’s MJ’s farewell shot, at least his final one in a Bulls uniform. It is even sweeter in that this came from a steal off Karl Malone, after the Jazz had taken the lead with a three-pointer from John Stockton. The crossover and goodbye-like follow through will remain iconic moves, probably the most revered in Jordan’s career. After all, adds Richard Ohlhaber, it gave the Bulls their sixth and last championship and ensured that the Jazz never got any in the Jordan era.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and is a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bears and the teams’ greatest players, Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. For more of Richard’s writings, check out this blog.

Top 3 reasons why you should take a vacation in Cancun

South America is a perfect place for Americans to enjoy a short getaway, especially those who live far north. One of the many destinations people look at for their next holiday is Cancun. From postcards and photos on the internet, it’s easy to see why Cancun receives millions of tourists each year. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should head to Cancun for your next holiday.

Cancun has one of the best beaches in this side of the world

Cancun’s pearly beaches, powder white sands, and turquoise waters are what people see when they search for Cancun on the internet. And when they finally arrive, they’ll realize that the real thing is even more spectacular than what they saw in the photos. You don’t need to do heavy photo manipulations if the place is already close to perfection.

The party never stops

From luxurious resorts to inner-city cocktail bars, finding a place to party isn’t that difficult. This is why Cancun is an infamous location for spring breakers and rum punch aficionados. If it’s your first time in Cancun and want to know what the party’s like, head to Coco Bongo or Dady’O for a night, you won’t forget.

Historical ruins are closer than you’d think

For people who like to see cultural sites, Cancun has a lot to offer as well. Where else can you find two millennia old temples so close to the beach? These are the Chichen Itza complex, a staggering archeological marvel filled with monoliths and temples. There’s also the Tulum temples which are popular day trips which gives visitors a glimpse of ancient Mayan architecture.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago and is a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and the game’s greatest player, Michael Jordan. He names Cancun, Mexico as his favorite travel destination. If he could, however, reside anywhere in the world, it would be in Italy. Click here for more articles like this.

Why Cancun should be your next travel destination

Cancun is globally known as the Caribbean playground of beach lovers, spring breakers, and luxury tourists. Its pristine beaches, fine cuisine, and bustling nightlife make it a popular destination for all kinds of tourists. Whether you’re on your honeymoon or a curious backpacker, here are reasons why you should visit Cancun for a vacation.

It has countless white sand beaches. Possibly the most popular tourism asset of Cancun is its abundance of white sand beaches. If you love being under the sun and enjoy swimming in deep blue waters, Cancun is the perfect place for a tropical getaway to do all these things.

It has an impressive wildlife. Cancun is not only popular for its beaches. It is also home to a wide array of rare animals and rich wildlife. Visitors can enjoy diving and witness beautiful coral reefs and see sea creatures such as turtles and lemon sharks. Those who visit can also make a trip to the UNESCO biosphere at Sian Ka’an to see some of Mesoamerica’s rare land beasts.

It has an impressive selection of culinary offerings. Since Cancun is famous as a tourist destination, there is no shortage of food offerings that cater to all preferences. Whether you like pasta, burgers, seafood, vegetables, Asian dishes, or even Mediterranean specialties, Cancun has got you all covered.

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 articles like this, visit this page.

Injury plagues the Bulls early in the season

The 2018-19 NBA season has just begun, yet already the Chicago Bulls are dealing with injuries to some key players. While Zach LaVine has come up with phenomenal performances these past nine games, it’s not enough to get the team those needed wins. As of this writing, the Bulls’ record is a dismal 2-7.

One player the Bulls sorely miss is top prospect Lauri Markkanen, who will likely be out for a few more weeks because of a right elbow injury. Before re-signing LaVine, management’s and fans’ hopes were all on Markkanen coming up with a breakthrough season. The Finnish power forward is a solid player to build around, punctuated by his ability to shoot threes almost at will.

Also missing from the roster are point guard Kris Dunn and the Bulls’ other power forward Bobby Portis. Dunn and Portis are both out due to sprained MCLs and might not be back until mid-December. Small forward Denzel Valentine is nursing a right ankle injury, too. The absence of these four players has severely affected the Bulls’ depth.

The fact that the injuries affect various positions is the primary cause of the team’s poor season-opening showing. As a result, current, active players are simply playing too many minutes. Keep in mind that LaVine himself just recovered from an ACL injury last year and extending his play time is not advisable. He, too, needs his rest.

The silver lining is that the Bulls should have a complete, healthy roster come Christmas. Coach Fred Hoiberg should use this period to give his younger players more time on the court and gain better experience. And while LaVine is doing his fair share, he can’t do it alone. The likes of Chandler Hutchison and Wendell Carter Jr. need to also step up.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since 1998. Nonetheless, he remains a huge supporter of the Chicago Bulls basketball team. For more on Richard’s hobbies and interests, follow this Twitterpage.

What Zach LaVine brings to the new-look Bulls

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Yes, it’s been a while since the Bulls were in great form. Recent experiments with the likes of Wade, Rondo, and Jimmy Butler have failed. But Chicago basketball seems to be on the upswing again, bolstered by the acquisition of talented young players like Dunn, Markkanen, and Holiday. The team has also given players like Jabari Parker a new lease on life.

But more than anyone else in the current roster, the most talked about is former slam dunk king Zach LaVine, who last season managed to come back from a torn ACL injury. LaVine arrived in Chicago after a not-so-hyped trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Experts continue to speculate that it was LaVine’s ACL injury that forced the Wolves’ hand. Moreover, Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau was adamant in getting his old ward Butler back on his team.

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Since his return, LaVine has had quite a few stellar showings in a Bulls uniform, scoring 14 points on his first game back on the NBA floor after 11 months of rehab. He has also had a revenge-type performance against his former team early this year, having scored 35 points in leading Chicago to a win over the Wolves.

It makes sense for Chicago to have exercised its right to match offers for LaVine last July, when he became a restricted free agent. After all, Lavine’s new four-year contract gives the Bulls an explosive scorer who can run the floor, dictate plays, shoot treys, and come up with highlight dunks. Moreover, he is the propeller of this young Bulls team. How his play with Parker, Dunn, and Markkanen evolves will shape the future of the Chicago franchise.

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 both the Bulls and the Bears. More on Richard’s hobbies and interestshere.