Lotsa Stuff

-I see where the folks who run SIU-Edwardsville have decided to go for Division 1 status with their athletics programs. I am an alumnus and support the move. However, I have always had a problem with the Edwardsville campus's status as a step-child of Carbondale. I hope they can somehow address that perception as they make the move to D1. It might be time to address the concept of SIU-E autonomy once again.

-Does anyone else think this Rosie O'Donnell feud with "The Donald" is a big publicity stunt? These people seem to be smart enough to concoct a little feud for the sake of staying in the spotlight and increasing ratings don't you think? DJ's on radio stations used to do it all the time.

-Andy Murray is starting to look like the greatest hockey coach since Herb Brooks rallied the US team in the Olympics. Mike Kitchen must be wondering what he was doing wrong.

-I read where Meryl Streep will star in the movie version of ABBA's musical Mamma Mia. I know she has sung a little in the past. But, I don't know if she's the person I would have to buy a ticket to see in a musical. We did watch The Devil Wears Prada this weekend and thought she was teriffic in it.

-Just goes to show you how ridiculous the salary structure is in baseball when the Cardinals are willing to pay Mark Mulder what?.. 9 million dollars a season?.. when he had a couple of mediocre seasons and then shoulder surgery. Unbelievable.

-The college basketball season...that started with such high hopes for fans in our area...is in danger of going down the commode. SLU...touted as a tournament team...lost to their first two A-10 opponents and both were supposed to be easy wins. Mizzou has started to fade after walking through their pre-conference (i.e....weak) schedule. Illinois is struggling...which gives Bruce Weber's detractors some ammo. SIU-C is strong again this year...but not dominant in The Valley. There's time for our guys to get back on track...but they better get crackin'.

-I'm guessing the civil war in Iraq will be nothing compared to the fighting that will begin now that the Democrats control Congress. The President will have his work cut out for him....especially with polls saying the public is against the "surge" in Iraq.

-Collinsville is working on building a stadium just off I-255 that would be home to a team in the MLS. They might step up their efforts... which sounded exploratory in nature based on published quotes by the Mayor. The reason... David Beckham is signing to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy and will bring a much needed boost in soccer interest because of his "rock star" status in the rest of the world.

-Glad to hear that Jon Brough is home...and is comfortable. The man will have to live the rest of his life without sight or smell....but based on the outpouring of support from the community of Belleville, and the region, he should be alright. I know, based on what friends close to him have told me, that he's the kind of guy who will find a positive approach to his situation.