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Random thoughts while wondering whether the Chicago Cubs’ games behind the National League Central leader will reach double digits by Memorial Day (as this is being typed, the Cubs are eight back of the St. Louis Cardinals, who also appear to have the division lead in injuries but somehow still are on top):
* You want to see the Cubs call up first baseman Anthony Rizzo from Class AAA, where he is having few problems? The sooner they do, the sooner he will become arbitration-eligible, etc. Then again, Cubs fans better hope the team isn’t waiting to be a contender — or a reasonable facsimile thereof — before promoting him.
A photo of bikini competitor Maxine Chaikouang seems reasonable. More of Maxine in videos below.
* Given that Derrick Rose is likely to miss most — if not all — of next season, the Chicago Bulls should go after restricted free-agent guard Jeremy Lin. If for no other reason than to mess with New York Knicks.
* Even a Chicago Bears fan would have to admit to being impressed by Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver’s performance Monday (May 21) on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” Even if one of his dance outfits featured Packers colors. Viewers had to smile when they saw his family in the studio audience — in cheeseheads, of course.
* Speaking of DWTS, who wants to see Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher someday on the program? OK, besides Jenny McCarthy, his latest reported romantic interest. OK, only if tackling your opponent becomes part of the dance competition.
* That crowd outside the Oklahoma City Thunder arena for Monday’s game-clinching victory vs. the Los Angeles Lakers almost looked like the ones over the weekend in Chicago for the NATO Summit. Well, minus the gas masks, significant police presence, etc. Then again, the Oklahoma City aftermath included at least eight shootings, police said. Bottom line: Crowds (and even winning a conference semifinal series) can be hazardous to your health — especially when some people act like numbskulls.
* Speaking of things NBA, the Orlando Magic rid itself of coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith. Meaning seemingly disgruntled center Dwight Howard can now have those jobs, too, right? And if he took the GM post, would he demand of himself to trade himself?
* Cincinnati Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman was arrested for driving 93 mph. Makes one wonder whether his defense will be that the left-hander was going slower than his pitches do.
As promised, here is Maxine Chaikouang from the bikini competition at the Chi-town Showdown on May 19 at Bolingbrook (Ill.) High School. Many thanks to Maxine, a personal trainer at HiFi Fitness in downtown Chicago, for taking the time to chat after she captured the overall title at the event. And, yes, this is what some of us like to think of as work. At least that’s the explanation some of us give to our spouses. 
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