Section 8

On Saturday I went to Toyota Park and saw the Chicago Fire take on Kansas City sitting in the frenzied fan area known as section 8. However, the seeds of information were gathered well before the opening kick.

The night before, on Friday, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the president of section 8. Then, at the tailgate prior to the Fire game on Saturday, I was able to talk to the owner of the Fire as well as a pair of members of section 8. One of the members was in his first year as a section 8 member, while the other has been a member of the section for several years.

I have had the opportunity to go to a handful of Chicago Fire games the past two years, all of which I have sat in section 8. I have had the opportunity to get to know a few members, and a couple of friends of mine are season ticket holders, so I certainly have an idea of the culture of the group and what it's like.

They are definitely a unique fan base. And that's just a tip of the iceberg.

Da Bulls

With a Charlotte Bobcats loss tonight, the Chicago Bulls officially clinch a spot in the playoffs.

Even with such an accomplishment, Vinny Del Negro still seemingly never gets any credit for it.

Here's a team that has a rookie starting at point guard, an immature starting center (albeit one who is improving), a power forward still learning what a quality shot is, a shooting guard who is undersized and has more deficiencies than strengths and a small forward who's only been with the team for a few months.

Did I mention that the original starting small forward is out for the season and the Bulls are only playing about 7 players a game now?

Despite all of these circumstances, the Bulls are playing their best basketball of the season right now. Perhaps the head coach with no prior experience at any level should be given some credit for that.