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We got rid of HBO a few years ago in a cost saving measure. It seems like such a crazy move in retrospect, since Entourage and Big Love are two of my favorite shows. When we move in a couple of weeks I think it’s time to bring it back. Part of that reason is definitely Boardwalk Empire. The initial episode is being directed by Martin Scorsese and he and Mark Wahlberg are executive producers. The show will be written and produced by Terrance Winter who wrote about 20 episodes of The Sopranos, include one of my all time favorites “Pine Barrens.”

For those of you not interested in watching the trailer, the show is about Prohibition Era New Jersey.

My buddy Dave and I have been having intense discussions about the iPad the last couple of weeks. He is in the market for a new MacBook Pro and prior to January 27th he was pretty confident he was going to be buying the new Apple tablet. After it was announced he was enraged with the “lack” of features. I really couldn’t see myself ordering one, and I still won’t. But the more I have thought about it, the more I could see how it could work for me.

Let me preface this by saying not all of these things might be possible yet, but this is what I was thinking. First, I came to the conclusion that thinking of this as a mobile computer just didn’t make sense to me. It’s too big to be carried without a bag, and if I need a bag anyway, why not take my MacBook Pro? So then I started thinking, could this be the most absolute perfect “couch” computer ever?

I have a Mac Mini media center. I have been using the new Logitech TouchMouse app to control it from my desk/couch. It works really well and would be even better on something as big as the iPad. Of course there are other media center control apps, like Apple Remote, VLC Remote and Boxee Remote. But let’s go a step further. What if AT&T created an app that like you control your U-Verse DVR from your iPad? Or what if someone created (and this might already exist) some sort of bluetooth IR adapter? So now you can basically use your iPad as a universal remote. Some of the Logitech Harmony remotes cost about $150.

Then of course, there is the rest of the iPad. I have become pretty ADD about watching TV. It’s hard for me to watch TV without being on my computer or iPhone. This is where that magical middle ground Steve Jobs talks about makes sense. Usually when I am on my phone or laptop while watching TV I am checking scores, using Twitter or Facebook or browsing the web. All of these things (I have heard) are amazing on the the iPad. Plus the size means it’s not in the way and its not heavy and hot on your lap like a laptop. And if the web browsing experience is as good as advertised, this seems like a perfect use case.

I have also heard that when you dock the iPad it can be used as a pretty solid digital picture frame. So when it isn’t being used, it could sit there and be pretty.

Now there are a ton of holes in my plan. The most obvious one being that if the iPad is your universal remote, it can’t leave the living room. And because there is no multitasking switching back and forth to the remote apps would take time.

Overall though, I can definitely see more use cases for the iPad than I thought. At $500 w/o 3G it’s still too steep to me for a “couch” computer. At $500 w/3G it’s mobile features become more useful (you can’t get mobile data for that cheap anywhere). There is still over a month until the the iPad gets released, so there may still be more to change my mind.

There were some people who thought the Bulls would give the Celtics a challenge, but I doubt many people thought it would turn into the best series of the playoffs and go 7 games after overtime after overtime. Derrick Rose showed us flashes of how good he can be, but after playing more games than he ever had and still being a rookie, you knew it was too early. Other players seemed to play better, but what does it all mean?

Letting Ben Gordon walk is a questionable decision. I am indifferent on Gordon. He is a great scorer, one of the 10-20 best in the league for sure. He has a great shot can get to the rim sometimes and makes free throws. But he is small, relies too much on shooting and doesn’t really play defense. It’s clear to me that the only reason the Bulls didn’t want to commit to him long term is that they are still banking on getting a big name free agent next summer. The problem is, the Bulls are now dangerously thin at guard. And if they don’t sign one of the big names next summer, it was all for nothing.

John Salmons played a huge role in the playoff run. The Kings traded him to dump his contract which runs through 2011, so he isn’t going anywhere unless the Bulls take a worse contract back (Chris Kaman?). We saw that the Bulls didn’t look bad going small with Salmons at the 4 and playing uptempo, but that doesn’t work without Gordon. Presumably Salmons becomes the replacement for Gordon. Hinrich is a better defender but he would force Rose to be the guard that goes to the rim. I think we will see the combination of those 3 as much as possible.

The question is, what can the Bulls do? They have 9 guys under contract for ’09-’10. And Rose-Hinrich-Deng-Tyrus-Noah-Miller-Salmons-Tim Thomas-Jerome James isn’t a bad group for the regular season. The biggest hole is at the 2. It’s likely that they will fill out the roster with league minimum guys, so Gordon’s $6.4M is the only new money available. But the Bulls are primed for next summer. The Thomases, James and Miller all come off the books, totaling over $25M, which should be enough to get Bosh and perhaps then some. But is that the right move?

Assuming the Bulls don’t go get a 2 this summer your 2010 starting lineup would likely be Rose-Bosh-Noah-Deng-Salmons/Hinrich. If Rose takes a big step before year 3 that could be a pretty good team. A lot of people thought at one point Deng could be a solid third option.

But what if you went a different way? Dwyane Wade is also a free agent next year. And all signs point to him being back in Miami. With Michael Beasley, it looks like he has running mate, but Chicago is his hometown and Derrick Rose looks infinitely better than Beasley at this point. What if Miami struggles big time out of the gate? Would they consider trading Wade midseason? The Bulls have a bunch of expiring contracts they could move. Plus by trading for Wade I think they could work something out to not take as big of a cap hit. If the Heat struggle and they know Wade is gone, would they trade him for James Johnson and/or Taj Gibson and/or their 2010 No. 1 and/or Hinrich and/or expiring contracts?

There should be opportunities next summer though. Detroit signing Gordon and Villaneuva is helpful. It means they won’t be a big player next summer. If Toronto signs Hedo, it will limit their ability to re-sign Bosh (he is gone anyway I think). The Bulls will be a pretty decent option for most guys. The weather is the main drawback. You have a good history, good nightlife and probably the best young point guard in the NBA. He is also a humble guy who isn’t looking afraid to share the spotlight.

The compettition should be interesting. The Knicks look to be a big time competitor. They are going to have cap room, have a coach guys want to play for and c’mon it’s New York. I think the Nets are a darkhorse as well. You have the Jay-Z connection and the potential of them moving to Brooklyn at some point. They have tons of cap room and a good point guard. Miami has money if Wade leaves. But the Bulls are in good shape. You still hate to see them stand pat this summer but maybe it’s the right move long term?

So what do the Cavs do now? LeBron James didn’t get his ring, despite many people thinking he would. Now the Cavs are in a tough spot. If they could have proved to LeBron that they would win with this group then James would be more likely to stay beyond next year. By not winning, the pressure is definitely on them to win next year.

Assuming Illguaskas and Varejao exercise their player options for next year, and they would be foolish not to considering the economy, the Cavs will have 10 players under contract at about $20M less than this season. Most of that is thanks to Wally Szcerbiak’s expiring contract. The Cavs are in a good spot in 2010 as well. With Ben Wallace coming off the books then, that alone should be enough to make up the additional salary to LeBron. So it would seem to me that they can afford a big name this year. The question is, who?

The first name that comes to mind is Chicago’s own Ben Gordon. Gordon is a scorer, plain and simple. But he is undersized, doesn’t play very good defense and isn’t great at getting to the hoop. Plus, one could argue that with Mo Williams, Delonte West and Daniel Gibson this isn’t the kind of guy that the Cavs need.

What if they went short(er) term, with someone like Rasheed Wallace? Wallace gives this team fire, experience, and he is what they were missing in defending someone like Dwight Howard. The biggest question about Wallace is, how much does he have left in the tank and how much would he cost? He clearly isn’t the guy that led the Pistons to the finals, but he doesn’t have to be the man in Detroit.

What about Lamar Odom? Bill Simmons loves to talk about how Odom wants to live at the beach so that doesn’t help. And if he can’t win as the third option in Los Angeles, can he win as the 2nd option in Cleveland?

Carlos Boozer also comes to mind. Those that remember his horrible breakup with the Cavs though, might think that isn’t possible. Boozer gives them a better offensive option than anyone else they have, but what about defense? Is Boozer good enough on defense to defend the elite low post guys?

Shawn Marion is a free agent this summer. But he basically plays the same position as James. He is a pretty good defensive player and gets points. But he really doesn’t seem to be the answer.

So what about someone via trade?

The craziest move would be to get Zach Randolph. Crazy on so many levels, and would also never happen. Let’s face is, the Clippers are taking Blake Griffin #1 and they would love to dump Randolph. Randolph has 2 years left and MIGHT be a better low post offensive player than anyone the Cavs have, but most importantly he is available.

Michael Redd could be available. The Bucks have been struggling and Redd has one year plus a player option left. Joe Johnson is a free agent next year and could leave Atlanta. If the Cavs do a sign and trade they could add him maybe?

But now, let’s get really crazy…There were Vince Carter rumors last year. Carter has two years plus a team option left. The Nets are going to have to sign Devin Harris to a big contract soon and with Brooke Lopez they have some younger players to build around. Carter gives the Cavs another star.

The bottom line is that the Cavs are in a tough spot. If they go after a big name with big money and LeBron walks anyway next year, they are stuck with a big contract. But if they don’t do something LeBron is going to bolt. I think Gordon, Boozer or Rasheed will be here next year.

Things have been pretty hectic lately which is why I have gone nearly a week without blogging. Work was busier than usual this week and I worked some later hours. Plus I have spent the last couple of days watching March Madness and getting caught up on things that have piled up.

Opening Day is only about two weeks away which is awesome. I am anxiously awaiting that one. This will be my 4th Opening Day in a row. Bill got 20 tickets so there is a pretty big group of us going. We will tailgate as usual, but this game is at 3 PM instead of 1 PM so we won’t be doing the breakfast thing this year. No rain is the only thing I really need. 70 degrees would be nice but no rain is more important.

I still have to do the White Sox 2009 Positives, but with time to Opening Day closing in, I might just go with the full one preview.

Do you ever stop and ask yourself, what was the best year of your life? I was working out today and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” came on. Now most people associate this with the last episode of The Sopranos, but for me (and many others) it represents the White Sox magical run through the 2005 playoffs. I started thinking about thrilling that whole experience was, and actually felt bad that Cubs fans haven’t experienced that yet. I wish I could go back and re-live that 6 week stretch. Of course, I realize that even if we make it back there, nothing will compare to that time. And then it hit me, 2005 was the best year ever.

I started doing a rundown of everything that happened that year. I turned 21 years old and could finally join my girlfriend and friends at bars. We spent most of the last 5 months of college at a piano bar called Lucille’s where we became regulars who were there a couple times of week. I have never had as much fun at any bar since. At the end of March, we sat 10 rows behind home plate for a White Sox/Brewers pre-season game at Miller Park. The next day we had a big tailgate for the 2nd White Sox/Brewers game, then sat in the 2nd row in RF where I infamously proclaimed the team Kenny Williams put together was crap. Later that afternoon we watched Illinois Basketball rally from 15 down with 4 minutes left to beat Arizona in the Final Four, quite possibly the single best sports day ever.

In May I graduated college and got a job at Allstate. And there is nothing like getting that first paycheck with 4 digits to put a smile on your face. Heather and I moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago and began our life together, the single best life moment so far.

Then came the fall and the baseball playoffs. Despite the White Sox being in first place most of the season it was still hard to grasp the concept. I will never forget being at game 2 of the ALDS with Bill, Frank and Matt. After that ball went between Tony Graffanino’s legs, I called Tadahito Iguchi’s home run and we went home up 2-1. Then there was Orlando Hernandez getting out of the bases loaded no-out jam back at Boston. Then my dad and I went to game 1 of the ALCS against the Angels, the only playoff game the Sox lost that season. It was really cold, and really wet and it sucked. The next night was the infamous drop third strike call in game 2, which started the streak of 4 straight complete games by the Sox. I remember Ozuna pitch running and Joe Crede just missing a home run to win the game anyway.

I don’t remember where I watched game 1, but I think it was Bill’s. This was the game where Ozzie made the sign for the “big guy.” Another moment that brings you chills. Game 2, which my dad was at, might have been the best game of the series. Paul Konerko’s go ahead grand slam in the 7th and Scott Podsednik’s (!) walk-off homer in the 9th after Jenks blew the save. IIRC, Pods only hit two homers all year and they were both in the playoffs. Game 3 was the epic 14 inning battle in which Mark Buehrle cemented his status in White Sox lore with a save, just 2 days after winning game 2. Until I looked I had forgotten we won game 4 1-0. I vividly remember the last out (which I thought was going to get through for a hit). I was in my apartment, ripped my shirt off and went bananas when they made the out.

What I wouldn’t give to re-live that all over again…

I have decided to fully cut back my audio podcast consumption. At one point I probably had around 20 that I subscribed to in iTunes. At the moment, I have 13. As  you can see below, there are a lot of episodes I haven’t listened to.

Here is the problem: there are just too many per week. My commute is only between 1 and 1.5 hours per day, which is 5 to 7.5 hours per week. I occasionally listen to podcasts at work but it varies. I almost never listen to podcasts at home, unless it’s finishing an episode (like 10 minutes left) when I get home. At the moment I have 3.9 days worth of unplayed podcasts.

The other issue is that I pretty much never listen to music anymore. And I miss it. I have bought approximately 10 albums in the last two years, most of which have been listened to less than 10 times. That is not what you call getting your money’s worth.

So what to do? With this many podcasts I spend a lot of time playing the catchup game. I have been going through past MacBreak Weeklys this week. I listened to episodes from as far back as December. Some of the news was so old I almost got confused at some points.

I decided that I would narrow down my list of podcasts so that I get about 6 hours of new content per week. This is what I went with:

1. The BS Report – 1-3 episodes per week, 30-60 minutes per episode, 30-180 minutes per week
2. MacBreak Weekly – 1 episode per week, 60-100 minutes per episode
3. TWiT – 1 episode per week, 60-100 minutes per episode
4. ESPN Baseball Today – (starting in a few weeks) 5 episodes per week, 30 minutes per episode, 150 minutes per week

That is 3 to 9 hours per week. I would say on average it’s around 6.5 hours per week. So even with that list I probably can’t get through everything every week. But I am going to roll with that and hope that I keep up better.

(This post totally ignores video podcasts which I watch at home all the time).

What do you do to keep up on podcasts?

I am very tempted to get rid of cable TV. There are only three things preventing me from doing it, Heather, college football, and the DTV conversion.

First, the reasons why I would get rid of cable. The shows I watch on cable are few and far between. Outside of sports, I can only think of a few shows I regularly watch on cable: Nip/Tuck and Mad Men. We canceled HBO so Entourage and Big Love are no longer on that list. Every other show is a network show. These shows were available with a cheap antenna but as of February 19th (?) they won’t be. But there is still the internet. All of the networks put their shows up on their own website somewhat soon after they air. Since we never watch shows the night they are on, this wait is acceptable. So between antennas/converters and the internet I can watch almost all of the shows I want to see. The rest of the shows are available on DVD. It may be 6 months to a year later but they are available.

The next reason is all the DVDs we own and Netflix. We dropped Blockbuster recently because we weren’t getting our moneys worth, but I want to pick up Netflix mostly for the instant streaming. When  you consider the couple hundred DVDs we own, and the ability to rent Netflix movies or watch them instantly, there is always something you can watch. There are TV shows out there that I never watched that I would like to see, The Shield, The Wire and West Wing to name a few. Watching those would occupy me as well.

Also, we have all this great internet content available. Revision3 puts out some great shows: Diggnation, Totally Rad Show, Tekzilla. Plus there are more shows up and coming. Factor in Hulu and Joost and there is an amazing amount of content to watch. I figure that will all the netcasts I watch, there is at least 3 hours of content a week that I already to watch.

Of course, the savings is great too. We spend about $100/month to have one of the cheapest cable plans, plus 2 DVRs. That is $1200 a year. I am confident that you could buy antennas, converters, and build PVRs for about what you spend in a year.

But of course there are reasons for not going this route. One is initial cost. Building the PVRs and buying converters for at least 2 TVs and antennas for them as well means you need to pay up front. Another reason is college football. I spend most of my Saturday(s) in the fall watching college football. There are games on network TV but not always. At the moment there isn’t a way to watch these games on the internet (even though I would pay for it) so I would miss some games. I don’t care much about other sports. The Sox play a lot of games on cable, but between the games I go to and the ones I network TV I would see enough games. The NFL is only on cable on Monday nights, so I would only occasionally miss the Bears (once or twice a year) and I could go somewhere and watch those.

The biggest stopping point is Heather. She watched a lot of cable shows on TLC and Discovery and re-runs on other channels. I respect that she doesn’t want to give it up, so that really puts a stop to it. But I would really love to embark on a year-long quest to see how it works out. Of course, this could just be crazy talk…