West Point Football lost their home opener this past Friday.  Not only did they lose, they lost badly.  35-7 against Temple.  In the end though, the score didn't matter.  The spirit of the game did.

I've been to a lot of live sporting events.  From baseball games at Fenway, seeing the Redskins play at FedEx Field, UNC games at the Dean Dome and even DC United matches at RFK.  But never in my life have I witnessed such enthusiasm and dedication to an athletic event.  Of course passion exists at every game from the home teams fans, but even when the game got tough to watch, the fans never wavered in their support for the team.  They remained wide eyed and optimistic, through fumbles and interceptions, failed blocks and an unstoppable offense.

The cadets filled the stands, waving their hats, doing "the rocket" cheer and loving that the Dean and the Commandant of Cadets were on the field leading the cheers and trying to pump the team up.  When the Black Knights scored their only touchtown, cadets across the stands did their classic celebration of push ups as though West Point had taken the lead.  I didn't see one single cadet leave when it was clear that Army would lose the game.  I saw just a handful of fans leave, but otherwise, the support was strong until the bitter end.

When the game was over, the players marched over to the corner of the field that was in front of the supportive and enthusiastic cadets, still cheering them on.  They went from being football players to cadets in the blink of an eye.  They snapped to attention in their football gear and they sang the West Point Alma Mater with the crowd, putting their fresh loss aside and participating in a strong USMA tradition.  The Temple football team and coaches stood behind them, supporting their future protectors of America.

It was remarkable to see these 18-22 year olds, in the midst of one of the most rigid experiences of their lives, releasing the stress of being a cadet and what their futures hold.  For three hours, they were able to be they kids that they are.  Learning new traditions and participating in old ones.

This is what sports are all about.  The spirit of the game.  Whether win or lose, having your peers and fans behind you is priceless.

I learned that West Point is different from any college experience in the country.  From the strict daily schedules to the challenging academic and physical activities they face everyday, to the realization that these are the men and women who will put their own lives at risk for their country.

I was honored to witness such a combination of passion, intensity, loyalty and strength.  Even though the game didn't end how they wanted, they stood tall.  Proud members of the United States Military Academy, having faith in next weeks game, and showing me what sports should really be like.

I’m sort of a nerd when it comes to sports. Most people who know me know that I love most any sport, especially baseball. It’s that time of year where I get excited because I know fall is just around the corner, and “October” is mentioned in the same breath as scores on Sportscenter during the 9am live broadcast.

When the playoffs are on the horizon, I am always reminded of just how much I love the game. In the years since the NFL has been established, baseball has sort of lost it’s shiny title of “America’s Past Time.” Violent football plays were the new favorite thing to watch.

There’s something special about baseball. I can try to describe it, but it’s not one of those thing you can bottle up and make tangible. It just is.

Walking into a baseball stadium, having your ticket torn, and sliding it into your back pocket to keep as a souvenir is just the beginning. Walking out from the mezzanine and catching that first view of the lush, green grass contrasting against the freshly wet dirt that lines the bases….it’s so pretty. Sometimes the smell of the dirt even makes its way up your nose as the wind blows it off the field. If you’re lucky, you might get a whiff of the freshly cut grass too.

I’ve been lucky enough to have attended games at three of the most historic parks in America. Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.

I’ve cheered for the Cubs since I was 8 years old. Living in Indianapolis at the time, team choices were the Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs. The natural choice was to gravitate towards the Cubs, because that’s who my Dad cheered for. When I was 9, my Dad and I took a little road trip to Chicago to see the Cubs play at Wrigley. I can remember vividly, walking up to the entrance of the stadium and seeing the giant, inviting sign that read “Welcome to Wrigley Field.” The stadium seemed to tower over me, as though it could #### me up at any time. There was something extraordinary about being in such a historic place. The contact of the bat and the ball seemed to crack a little louder, the cheers were a little more enthusiastic, the grass was a little greener, and the hot dogs tasted a little better. When the 7th inning stretch came, we all sang along with Harry Caray as he belted out “take me out to the ballgame.” 38,100 individual fans, all singing in perfect unison, a family, rooting for their beloved Cubbies. I learned that day that the correct way to sing the song is to sing “root, root, root for the Cubbies…if they don’t win it’s a shame…” I’ll never forget that day, where it seemed as though the stars of baseball were playing specifically for me, on the prettiest stage of all.

When I was 18, I made the trek to New York to see the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium. I was never a fan of the Yankees, so I was just there for the game itself. We walked through the streets of New York on a humid Saturday morning, passing a Juvenile Detention center along the way, and past the families waiting to visit the delinquents. To me, there was nothing special about the stadium. With all of the history that had been made on those grounds, I felt let down. I felt deflated. It felt....dare I say...ordinary. While I have all of the respect in the world for Yankee fans and the Yankee dynasty, I just couldn't get into it. The legacy and fans are hard to find in any other sport, so let me just reiterate that I have a lot of respect for the entire Yankee organization. . With that said though, my experience was based on the fact that I witnessed fights as opposed to commaradrie. I encountered more police than happy fans. And quite frankly, I was more impressed with the NYPD than i was Yankee Stadium. I can usually adapt to whatever stadium I’m in and root for the “home team,” but in New York, I just couldn’t do it. It was missing that certain je ne sais quoi. There was no sparkle…just a lackluster building, smelling of beer and peanuts. I was grateful for the experience, but I just wanted to get outta there.

 

When I was 27, I FINALLY realized a dream and got up to Boston to see a Sox game at Fenway. Fenway was my crown jewel. I LOVE the passion that Boston has for their team and I was excited to experience that first hand. Before we even walked into Fenway Park I felt like we were in the presence of magic. The grounds surrounding Fenway just beg you to walk upon them. I walked under the Green Monster, gazing up at just how monstrous it really was. Walking through the turnstile, I glowed. I was giddy. The stadium was old, yet somehow still young. The field was weird in it’s odd positioning, but it still worked. The fans were 1,000 times better than any group of sports fans I’ve EVER encountered. Passionate, forgiving and jubilant. Let down more than lifted up, they’re the first to say “maybe next year.” You couldn’t ask for a better environment. Fenway reminded me a lot of Chicago. The two cities actually remind me a lot of each other as well. Booming metropolises filled with down to earth people who love their teams. The stadiums have such an energy surrounding them. You can’t deny it - you have to embrace it - become part of it.



Some people claim that baseball is too slow and too boring. But I wonder what they’re watching when they say that. The incredible leaps, off balance throws, monster home runs and questionable pitches make it a thrilling game. Baseball might not be the most popular sport in America anymore, but it’s still fantastically exciting. If you don’t recognize that, then well, you’re just missing out on all the fun.

Main Entry: bracketology

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: the practice of predicting the field of the NCAA basketball tournament; by extension, parsing things into discrete one-on-one matchups to determine a winner.

All is good in the world, we have SUNSHINE in Vegas. Gawd. I am so thrilled to know that this weekend isn't going to be a repeat performance of the catastrophic event that was California last Sunday. AND Monday.

I'll get to the racing, but first, a few comments on the pre-race:

- Admit I am jealous that Jamie McMurray and Jeff "Orange" Hammond got to fly in F-15's. Do you HAVE to be a celebrity in order to do a fly along? Am adding "fly in F-15" to my list of things to accomplish before I die.
- Immediately roll eyes upon seeing Kyle Busch interacting with small children at local school. Am not sold on Kyle being "good guy." Am annoyed more than anything. Poor kids.
- NASCAR + Bellagio Water Fountain Production = Big, Fat, No.
- Uh, LOVE that Krista Voda has called Jeff Gordon out on using the "feminine" word "finicky." Gordon doesn't understand and responds with "My wife is perfect." Um, okay.
- Okay...Showgirls + NASCAR = another big, fat, no. I get that we're in Vegas, but stop it.
- Am going to adopt Matt Yokum's new name for Kurt Busch, "Busch the Elder." How Yoda of him.
- Magic Tricks? Neat...
- Oh my god, is the announcer the guy who used to narrate "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous??"
- Jeff Burton + Son + Knuckle to Knuckle = Awwwww
- While other drivers list Albert Einstein, Bill France, Sr, Abraham Lincoln and General McArthur as their "People they'd most like to meet," Dale, Jr. responds with "Heather Graham...and lots of other hot women." BHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAH.

Onto the racing...

- Lap 3 - David Reutimann's birthday gift to himself? A smack in the wall, parts flying, and a blown rear tire. Awesome! Happy black flag day!
- Lap 7 - Yay, Elliott Sadler, FINALLY getting some TV time for good performance!
- Lap 9 - Dear DW, car's don't handle "good." They handle "well."
- Lap 10 - Jamie McMurray spins, and bounces along the front stretch...amazingly doesn't flip over.
- Lap 13 - Restart. The Non Busch the Elder leads the race in the cheerful M&M's car.
- Lap 21 - Mmmhmmm...Carl Edwards takes lead from the Non Elder Busch.
- Lap 26 - Kasey Kahne is sick. Apparently, along with everyone else in NASCAR. Jason Keller stands by in case Kasey needs to exit the car early. How sweet.
- Lap 33 - The Announcer's favorite driver to talk about, the Non Busch the Elder , is falling back in the field. Sad.
- Lap 35 - the Elder and Non Elder Busch's run nose to tail. Am hoping that Busch the Elder forgets relation to the Non Busch the Elder .
- Lap 39 - Jeremy Mayfield runs in 10th. Excellent! Announcer's fail to notice. I seriously get sick of hearing the same favorite 12 names every week.
- Lap 41 - DW notices Mayfield. Realize that DW and I are on same wavelength. Creepy.

Promo clip....Carl Edward's has Ken Doll hair.

- Lap 50 - Sam Hornish, Jr hits the wall, limps to pit road without bring a caution out. Very nice work.
- Lap 51 - Apparently, Carl "Ken Doll" Edwards has gone through pit road too fast. Whoops.
- Lap 51-60 - Green flag pit stops. All executed well...no major drama.
- Lap 60 - Dale, Jr. leads. All is right in Junior nation...even if just for a moment to get those 5 bonus points.
- Lap 60 something - Caution for debris. Yawn.
- Still Lap 60 something - the ground camera is named "Digger." Sigh. Could it be a more boring name? Why not Diggy McDiggerson? Or Mr. Dig, or ANYTHING else? Was there a vote for this name? It's almost as bad as the Colorado Rockie's mascot "Dinger."

Promo clip...band singing in Spanish while drivers make out with their significant others. Hmmmm. Okay.

- I have no idea what lap we're on...this is the longest caution ever for "debris."
- Wonder how Elliott Sadler went from 11th to 32nd in one pit cycle. Boo hiss.
- Yawn.
- Wonder who our next President will - Oh, back to green.

- Lap 76 - Green flag...Jeff Burton(!!!) leads.
- Lap 78 - I swear I just saw the non Busch the Elder leave the track and ride waaaaaaay down low for more than a second or two. What a spaz.
- Lap 81 - Scott Riggs shows up in 8th. Nice!
- Lap 83 - the 18 is out of control. Who runs on the apron on the front stretch every time around?
- Lap 84 - Can almost see smoke coming out of Jeff Burton's ears as he sits behind the crazy 18.
- Lap 98 - Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd...the 18 is back in front.
- Lap 106 - Am IRRITATED that this has become the non Busch the Elder show. On AND off the track. Enough already!
- Lap 109 - Tony Stewart wrecks...attention is diverted from the 18. Stewart looks to probably be done for the day. Pretty sure his car is glued to the wall. Stewart moving slowly in the car...wreck appeared to be a grossly hard hit. Smoke looks unhappy and in pain...not good considering it's only the 3rd race of the season.
- Lap 115 - Back to green...the 18 leads. Again. Ugh. Scott Riggs STILL in the top 10. Very nice.
- Lap 118 - Kenseth & Jeff Gordon blow past the 18.
- Lap 122 - Dale, Jr. runs 5th. Junior nation holds it's breath.
- Lap 123 - Jimmie Johnson is not having the best day. Apparently he ISN'T perfect. Who knew?
- Lap 127 - Krista Voda scores post-wreck interview with Tony Stewart. He had tingly legs, but seems to be alright. Appears to not enjoy the safer barriers all that much.
- Lap 133 - Jeff Gordon looks like a turtle inside of his all green car.
- Lap 144 - Robby Gordon wrecks. Car is trashed. Bleh. Assume Robby whines about it not being his fault on the radio.
- Lap 146 - Commence uneventful pit stops. No major changes.
- Lap 150 - Back to green...Kenseth leads.
- Lap 151 - Scott Riggs STILL in the top 10...actually up to 7th! Am impressed.
- 116 to go - Drivers resume Kyle Busch show. Growl.
- 111 to go - Realize Elliott Sadler is a lap down. Boooooo.
- 106 to go - Patrick Carpentier spins. Wonder who gets lucky dog!!! Sicky Kahne gets his lap back.
- 102 to go - Back to green...
- 90 something to go - Scott Riggs spins. Bad ending to a great day. Hamlin gets his lap back.
- 84 to go - back to green - Dale, Jr. leads.
- 82 to go - Loving that Harvick is in 2nd. Edwards is in 3rd...wonder if we'll be seeing back flips today.
- 79 to go - Hate the "Race Break." What is this? Halftime?
- 73 to go - Edwards takes lead from Dale, Jr., followed by Matt Kenseth. Junior Nation orders voodoo dolls in the form of the 99 and 17.
- 50 something to go - Caution for Debris. Leaders to the pits.
- Still 50 something to go - Uhhhhh...tire is bouncing down pit road...hearing it might be from 3rd place Carl Edwards. Whoops! I see a penalty coming...

I really hate commercials. They seem a little excessive. And redundant. Growl.

- 50 to go - Replay shows that a camera man was in the way of the guy who was to catch the offending tire. NASCAR reviewing whether a penalty is necessary or not. Crew chief looks like his head is going to pop off. Appears as though penalty won't be given. Cheers all around.
- 48 to go - Back to green...lapped traffic party in front. Kenseth leads the leaders.
- 47 to go - Am impressed that Sicky Kahne is in the top 10
- 44 to go - Brian Vickers spins - Mike Skinner misses him by thismuch. Wow...Brian Vickers on the radio...sounds like he just ran a marathon. He will huff, puff and blow your house down.
- 43 to go - Wonder if Elliott Sadler has gotten his lap back yet.
- 40 something to go - while under caution, announcers hint that Mike Skinner might need to change his shorts. Sick.
- 40 to go - Aaaaaaaand, back to Green. Kenseth leads...followed by Edwards, Jr, & Gordon.
- 37 to go - Edwards is all up in Kenseth's bubble.
- 35 to go - Jarrett wrecks, immediately apologizes on the radio. How nice of him. And by the way, he spun all over the track and managed to hit nothing but the wall.

Does anyone else find the Fed Ex Commercial where Denny Hamlin plays a Valet Driver doing a burnout to move 10 feet hilarious?

Uhhh...just notice a police car is the pace car. Neat.

- 31 to go - Back to Green...Kenseth leads.
- 30 to go - Edwards takes lead from Kenseth. Junior nation continues to hold breath for 3rd place Dale, Jr.
- 25 to go - David Regan in 10th. Where'd he come from? Nice run!
- 22 to go - Sicky Kahne in 8th. Appears to be ready for race to conclude so that he can get some fluids and take a nap.
- 13 to go - Winding down...Junior Nation is turning blue from holding breath.
- 11 to go - Busch the Elder is glued to the wall. And leaking. Pretty much a disaster from what appears to be a right front blowing up.
- 6 to go - Ahhh geeze...on the verge of going green...anticipating chaos.
- 5 to go - Back to green...Edwards leads - Junior spun the tires, lost all momentum...Gordon gets too excited, wrecks, taking out Kenseth with him. The 24's undercarriage parts fly in every direction... radiator flies, liquid is everywhere, Gordon takes a HARD hit. Ugly. Gordon does get out of the car on his own power, but, gets help walking away. Creepy that the 20 and the 24 both took really hard hits today...puts the danger into perspective.

RED FLAG

- I told you. Chaos.
- OMG, Elliott Sadler's in 11th?
- Junior nation is loving that Jr. has a second chance to NOT spin his tires.
- Cleanup for the 24's mess looks to be a 2398439204823 person job.
- Even during red flag conditions, Junior's hands are fixed in the 10-2 position.
- Denny Hamlin looks borrrrrrrrred.
- Sadler FINALLY gets some recognition for getting his lap back after working on it ALL. DAY. LONG.
- Jimmie Johnson appears to be napping.
- Survey Says!! Junior spun tires on the restart.
- Kvapil & Regan, 6th & 7th. Random. Good for them.

Back to racing...

- 2 to go - Junior gets a good restart...Biffle all over him.
- 1 to go - Edwards has a decent lead on Junior & Biff. Looks like we'll see some back flips.

Edwards takes it.

What a freakishly random race. New caution records, and big names with even bigger wreck and drama. Can you believe we're going to an even faster track next week?

Seeeee you in Atlanta.

Okay, I really don't even know where to begin.  To be honest, I missed most of the race.  Then again, I think a lot of people did.

I was driving from my home state of Virginia back to North Carolina when the race was supposed to be on.  I set up my DVR to record it, but of course by the time I got home, the recording had ended and the race was only about 20 laps into it.  Once the race was called, I set up my DVR to record "Christina's Court" or something like that, for the following Monday so that I wouldn't miss anything. 

Nightmare.  DVR was confused...only recorded 30 minutes.  Bleh!

I'm going to take this opportunity to attempt to forget that California even happened.  Yay for Carl Edwards and all, but good LORD!  That was a disaster upon disaster that I'm hoping to forget.

Hopefully Vegas will be better...See you then.

Was it what you expected? I know, right? Me neither!

First thing's first - what actually lived up to my expectations:

• I expected Kyle Busch to be the biggest tool on the track. That definitely comes as no surprise. Who battles with their teammate at the beginning of a 500 mile race? Rude beast. Denny Hamlin must looooove that.

         
           (I don't care that this is an old picture, it's genius and he's a tool.)

• I expected to hear that it was the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 at least 500 times, to which I'm pretty sure they mentioned it about 2,000 times.
  

         

• I expected a ridiculous amount of lead changes and intense racing.
  
• I expected Jeff Hammond to be orange.
  

          
           (Hammond looking something fierce)

• I expected Tony Stewart to gripe about something. Seriously? YOU need a raise?
• I expected baby Gordon to debut herself as a full time supporter of Daddy on the track this year.
  

         
        (Seriously, they look like they could be the NASCAR version
        of TomKat + Suri. Minus the whole being crazy & scientology
        thing...Don't yell at me people - I'm talking power couple, not
        trash.)

• I expected Michael Waltrip racing to work well as a team together.
  

• I expected to be pacing the room as the race came to a close.
  

Let me just tell you what I didn't expect.

• I didn't expect to see six out of the top ten at the end to be Dodges.
  
• I didn't expect to see Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon leave the race early.
  

                                                                                                          

• I didn't expect to see Kurt Busch hit the wall in the beginning, AND get a speeding penalty on pit road to come back and be a contender to win.
  
• I didn't expect Dale, Jr. to not pit when everyone else was. Apparently too many people were chattering on the radio at one point...Excellent communication, obviously.
  
• I didn't expect more commercials than actual racing (did anyone else feel that way?!).
  
• I didn't expect Robby Gordon and Reed Sorenson to finish in the top 10!
  

            
(Perhaps the pre-race massage helped Robby?)

• I didn't expect to hear Matt Kennseth s-c-r-e-a-m-i-n-g on his radio as he spun through the grass upon being wrecked.
  
• I didn't expect Penske to have a 1-2 finish.

            
            (1-2, who knew?)

• I didn't expect Dale, Jr. to be hung out to try when the 48 and 24 weren't nearby.
  
• I didn't expect those who were in to be in, and those who were out to be out.
  

All in all, it was an excellent Daytona 500. I am starting to like what the "car of tomorrow" (when are we going to stop calling it that?) can do on the track. Nobody finished on their roof this year, and there wasn't a "big one" that produced a massive fireball that could be seen at the beach. It was exciting, it was competitive, it was nerve wracking and it was fun.

Congrats to Ryan Newman - what better way to end a drought than to win the 50th Daytona 500!

February has arrived which means NASCAR is back! Each week I'll be doing a rundown of the weeks race, providing a recap of the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly. So without further ado, let's get started!

DUEL ONE PRE-RACE

- Am in shock that Jimmie Johnson's hair is not perfectly coiffed prior to putting helmet on.
- Kenny Wallace looks nervous. Am nervous for him.
- Am not sure how I feel about new NASCAR Gatorade commercials. The cars & drivers look like cut outs. Not impressed. Am wishing for "how bad have you got it" to come back.
- Am loving the ADIDAS sponsorship for Dale, Jr. When will Nike follow suit?
- Favorite Valentine, DW? Really?
- Am jealous of DW's spot on the flag perch.
- DW's enthusiasm is contagious.
- Giggle as Jimmie Johnson goes to the rear due to Engine issues.
- Am wishing I was in Daytona as opposed to watching on TV.
- Boogity - Boogi - Really, can't we come up with a new phrase?

DUEL ONE

Lap 1:
- DW is on the mic yelling that he wants to remain on the perch until the cars pass at full speed.

Lap 2:
- DW is screaming as though he has been launched into space.
- DW is refusing to get down.

Lap 3:
- the DW show is over.
- Brian Vickers spins, manages to not hit anything. Surfs over concrete and makes his way to pits.

Lap 5:
- Am shocked Dale, Jr's name has not been mentioned yet.

Lap 8:
- Front row Joe is in 2nd. Driving for a team out of Denver, CO! Who knew Denver was a hot spot for NASCAR?

Lap 10:
- Kurt Busch is having issues. I'm pretty sure his exact quote was "I, uh, think our engine's done for the day."
- No caution.

Lap 12:
- Dale, Jr's name finally announced.
- Announcers state obvious about "fast lane" being "fast lane." Because "fast cars are in it." Really?

Lap 16:
- Shake my fist at TV and get really nervous. The 5 is behind the 19. Am anticipating an intentional wreck by the 5.
- Remember Kyle Busch no longer drives the 5. Instantly relieved and no longer nervous.

Lap 18:
- Kurt Busch being interviewed. Prepare for cry baby whining about car issues.
- Am impressed with Kurt Busch's calm demeanor. Marriage (or chamomile tea) seems to have really relaxed him.

Lap 19:
- Dale, Jr takes the lead. All is right in the world according to Junior Nation.

Lap 21:
- Elliott Sadler has his eyes on Jr.
- Sadler off the pace just as he was in position to take the lead. Sad.
- Wondering if there are enough yellow/blue cars on the track.

Lap 28:
- Hating the NASCAR color coding process for who's in and who's out.
- Seriously, get that graphic off my screen!
- Sadler officially has the "worst tire shredding" to date. Lucky him. Growl.

Lap 30:
- Announcers are officially jinxing drivers upon discussing them.
- Am wondering why Red Bull chose to do identical paint schemes on their cars. Yawn.

Lap 31:
- Vickers pits, heads back onto the track.

Lap 32:
- Green flag pit stops.
- Love Carl Edward's crew for helping out Boris Said's chance at getting into the 500.

Lap 36:
- Junior & leaders in the pits.
- Looks like Newman was out first.

Lap 38:
- Pit stops are completed. Jimmie Johnson leads.
- Oh, calm down - Junior's in second.

Lap 39:
- Elliott Sadler not only back on lead lap - in the top ten! Yay!

Lap 44:
- Junior on his own. As in, has no help.
- Junior nation holds breath.

Lap 46:
- Newman takes lead. Announcers channel their inner Seinfeld with a "Helloooo Newman." How original.

Lap 50:
- Junior back in the lead. Normalcy resumes in Junior Nation, and fans can breath again.

Lap 52:
- Kenny Wallace up on the wheel trying to race into the 500. I can only imagine the ridiculous amount of excitement racing through his veins.
- Jimmie Johnson peaces out of the race. Starts on the poll no matter what.

Lap 54:
- Sadler hits the wall. Tire surface falls off. Boo hiss.
- Caution.
- Right side of Sadler's car is a mess. Does not bode well for Sunday.

Lap 58:
- Kenny Wallace in 5th. Love it.
- Sorenson in 2nd. Who knew?
- Biggest race on track is between Nemechek & Vickers for transfer spot.

Lap 59:
- Junior pulls away.
- Junior takes the checkered flag.
- Kenny Wallace & Brian Vickers successfully race into the 500.



DUEL ONE POST RACE

- Junior looks thrilled. Needs sunglasses.
- First time in history the Wood Brothers #21 won't be in the Daytona 500.
- Vicker's "embarassed" by qualifying run, and spin on lap 3. Forget being embarrassed - be grateful to even being in the race.
- Vicker's drinks from biggest Red Bull bottle ever. Hilarious.
- Wallace family reunion 08! Kenny Wallace is ecstatic.
- Kenny's new favorite word: "Helluva."
- Forgot how much I love Wallace's random commentary.
- Am seriously confused by Tony Stewart's DirectTV commercial. Long hair, leather jacket, tucked in shirt...who is this guy?

DUEL TWO PRE-RACE

- Boo! Hate that Dale Jarrett has to race his way into the 500.
- Why is Jeff Hammond Orange?
- Steve Byrnes just asked Jarrett if he "has any emotions right now." Uhhhhh, really?
- Jarrett looks to refrain from stating the obvious that of course emotion is involved. Gives a neutral answer as opposed to taking microphone and hitting Steve in the head with it. I would have hit him with the mic.
- Am thinking Jeff Gordon's daughter is the cutest thing ever.
- Thinking there is more pre-race than actual racing.
- Wondering who's idea it was to keep Jeff Burton's car orange with the ATT logo on it? Does anything else think this clashes?
- Am NOT a fan of Kyle Busch driving the happy and colorful M&M's car. NOT a marriage made in heaven.

DUEL TWO

Lap 1:
- Reutimann black flagged 30 seconds into race for jumping past Waltrip at the start. That's no fun.

Lap 2:
- These French-Canadian drivers sure do have interesting last names. Just wait until their names get countrified! That should be awesome.

Lap 3:
- Dear NASCAR - enough with the smoky background while showing replays. It's terrible and distracting. Stop it. Thanks.

Lap 5:
- Wondering how long it will take to get used to Kasey Kahne driving the #9 Budweiser car. Not as bad as Busch & M&M's, but another marriage not made in heaven.

Lap 7:
- Busch all over Burton. Growl.

Lap 8:
- Burton having issues. Off to the pits. Sad.

Lap 12:
- Blaney challenges Waltrip for lead.
- Blaney hung out to dry.
- Waltrip falls to the apron while trying to fall in front of Blaney to conduct the inside train.

Lap 14:
- Caution.
- Ugly wreck including car spraying confetti upon impact.
- McMurray, Villeuve, Barrett & Franchitti involved. Pretty sure all are done for the day.




Lap 19:
- Everyone & their Mom on pit road.
- Waltrip thinks he has a car that can win the Daytona 500. Begs pit crew not to screw it up.
- Blaney stalls car. Oops.
- Kennseth out first.

Lap 21:
- Longest. Caution. Ever.

Lap 22:
- Um. Ken Schrader's car is giving me a headache. I don't think there are enough colors plastered on the car.

Lap 23:
- Finally back to green flag racing.
- Waltrip cuts Kennseth off for the lead.
- Kennseth does not look pleased.

Lap 24:
- Blaney is smoking.
- Caution. Ugh.
- Blaney is leaving an awesome mess in his path as he heads to the pits.

Lap 26:
- Boris Said looks like the most nervous man in NASCAR.

Lap 28:
- Sigh. Red Flag.
- Yawn
- 8 minutes later...
-...back to racing! yay!

Lap 29:
- Greeeeeeeen Flag!

Lap 30:
- Am thinking Harvick may be one to watch. He's quietly lurking, and I love it.
- Mikey is being hung out with no help.

Lap 31:
- Kyle Busch has made his way to the front. Gross.

Lap 33:
- Am wondering why drivers/crew chiefs turned announcers didn't take a basic broadcasting course before unleashing their commentary on the world.

Lap 34:
- Gibbs controls the top two spots. Stewart lolly gagging somewhere in the middle. Wonder if Stewart ever uses the term "lolly gag" in his daily life. Doubtful.

Lap 37:
- Hamlin dives down in front of, guess who?? Harvick!
- Hamlin goes back behind Busch to 2nd. Apparently over Harvick.

Lap 38:
- Stewart is making his grand appearance, showing up in 4th.
- Am surprised at the lack of coverage of Roush/Fenway Racing. Also have yet to hear the term "cat in the hat." Strangely bizarre to not hear those words uttered yet.

Lap 40:
- View from Tony Stewarts car shows blinding glare. Does not look fun.

Lap 41:
- Harvick is marching forward...announcers don't seem to notice.

Lap 42:
- Announcers finally notice Harvick.
- Harvick takes lead. Whoo hoo.

Lap 43:
- Mark Martin is behind Harvick. It's like last years 500 all over again. Except Martin is driving a black #8. Something isn't right with that statement.

Lap 47:
- Mikey is doing an awesome job as a team owner helping out Jarrett. How nice of him. I wonder if they're all BFF off the track.

Lap 49:
- Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon blow by Harvick. Harvick gets no help - hung out on the high side. Bleh.

Lap 52:
- Things are looking dicey & desperate on the track. Eek.

Lap 53:
- Dear NASCAR, Seriously, ENOUGH with the background graphics!!! Horrible decision.

Lap 54:
- Rude Kyle Busch gets into Kasey Kahne. Leaves love tap on side of car. How appropriate for Valentines Day.

Lap 55:
- the 10 is having issues and is grazing the wall every, other turn. Neat.

Lap 56:
- Just noticed Stewart is leading. Not surprising one bit.

Lap 57:
- the 10 hits the wall and finally does enough damage to cause a caution.
- Ridiculous. His crew should be penalized for telling him to stay out knowing he was having issues with his car. How selfish of the team.
- NASCAR needs to look into that because it just screwed up the guys who were actually in contention to win.
- L-A-M-E.
- Trail of junk is left behind the 10 as he makes his way to pit road.




Lap 58:
- "Overdrive" is necessary. Great.
- Red Flag. Bleh!!!
- Jeff "Orange" Hammond says "right quick" on national television. Sigh.

Lap 60:
- Stewart hung out to to dry by Gordon. Harvick attempts a rescue.
- John Andretti flying by everyone to race his way in.
- Denny Hamlin wins. First Toyota win in Sprint Cup.
- Dale Jarrett & John Andretti race their way in. Nice!
- Hamlin & Stewart commence love fest on radio.



DUEL 2 POST RACE

- Jarrett looks elated. Refers to himself in the 3rd person.
- John Andretti looks surprised at himself.
- Post race coverage cut short - boo!!

So that's it. A somewhat exciting couple of Duels. Should be a great race on Sunday. See you then!

It's that time of year. The holidays are behind us, a new year is upon us, and there are 30 days until Daytona! 2008 not only brings optimism and resolutions, but a big shakeup in the freight train that is NASCAR.

Dale, Jr. has officially moved to Hendrick. It's only been a few months since the last race in Miami, but fans are chomping at the bit to see how their favorite driver is going to perform in 2008.

Dale, Jr. hype is screaming so loud it's deafening. It's roaring at 800 horsepower and there's no way to escape.

Junior has maintained the title of "Nascar's Most Popular Driver" for seven straight years. Understandably so if you ask me. He's charismatic, passionate, talented, good looking and unassuming. Of course, it helps to have his Dad's loyal fans on his side as well.

Watching Junior last year was frustrating. You could see how badly he wanted to win, and not just for himself. He wanted to win for his team. For DEI. For his fans. Yet even without a single win in 2007, his fans stayed on his side, unwavering in support.

Then the announcement came.

Junior to Hendrick.

Gasp.

I thought for sure NASCAR would implode on itself.

Gordon and Junior...teammates? Really? Can this even be possible?

I thought fans would riot in the stands. Tear each others merchandise to shreds. Hiss and growl at one another in the stands...

But they didn't.

There was excitement in the air. And a lot of it.

Jeff Gordon has a ridiculous 82 wins in his career. Jimmie Johnson has 33. All at Hendrick. Clearly Hendrick is doing something right.

Winning is good. Winning equals championships. And guess who wants a championship real, real bad?

JUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNIOR!

The 2007 season is over and done with. Junior handed over his time at DEI in a neatly wrapped package of 17 wins while sitting in the drivers seat for an organization that bares his Dad's legendary name. Dale, Sr. would surely be proud.

The pressure of that last win for DEI is gone. The bright red that was so easy to follow is gone. The Budweiser Crown for Nascar's most popular is gone. But really it's just beginning.

Junior is on the verge of a metamorphosis. He gets to reinvent himself while at the premier team in the organization. New colors, new sponsor, new number, new owner. Nothing is better than a shiny, new outlook. Especially when you've got the platinum owner behind you, and two of NASCAR'S biggest superstars next to you.

It's a perfect storm. Conditions upon the sport that are about to unleash an unfathomable amount of domination and performance.

30 days. 30 days until Junior 2.0 is unveiled.

Are you ready?

Dear fans of the Dallas Cowboys,

This is an open letter to any and all fans of "America's Team." I am writing to you out of concern because I am worried about how you are dealing with the recent playoff loss to the New York Giants. It has come to my attention that instead of taking a closer look at the Cowboys organization and team, that you have decided to shift the blame to a 5'2'', 105 pound blonde force that is called Jessica.

This concerns me Dallas fans.

First of all, Jessica is one of your own. She is Texan born and raised, and having lived in Texas for three years, I know how ya'll love you some homegrown Texas girls. How can you turn your back so quickly?? Like it or not, she is a Cowboys fan, just like you.

Why not blame the "star" Quarterback, Tony Romo? He grew up in Wisconsin. Texans could care less about people from Wisconsin! As far as ya'll are concerned, Tony Romo comes from a different country! Or what about T.O? Alabama boy ain't from Texas either! Alabama is geographically in the south, but it still isn't as good as Texas in your eyes! Sure, these are your star athletes, but I know you have your gripes about the two of them. I know you do!

This is Romo's second year in a row blowing it in the playoffs. I lived in Texas last year and lived through the whole debacle that was the dropped ball. Even I wanted to find Mr. Romo and just give the guy a hug. Ya'll were ruthless! But even better than Romo is T.O. Terrell CRIED during an interview after the game. It wasn't even the Superbowl! Are you not embarrassed by this?

The thing that boggles my mind the most though is the media frenzy that is now surrounding Miss Simpson. She can't even attend games to watch her boyfriend play anymore for risk of being killed by supposed "fans." Romo was taunted all over America with Jess masks (excellent idea by the way), and it's even on the evening news.

How can one tiny, little, peroxide blonde girl from Texas be the sole reason for the Cowboys flushing their season down the toilet?

Because you, Dallas fans, refuse to look at the real issue and realize that Jessica was not the one throwing passes or making blocks. She wasn't even in the stadium. You might be shocked to hear this, but there are actually 56 really large guys that are called athletes who make up the football team that is the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas Fans, they are the ones who are ultimately responsible for the season ending sooner than it should have.

I really hope that during your extended off season that you have time to reflect on your behavior over the last couple of months. Give the pop-tart a break! Start blaming the players who have put you in a perpetually bad mood until next fall. And just think, only eight more months until you can experience the love that is the Dallas Cowboys all over again.

I'm having a hard time rooting for just one team this season. I'm not a hardcore fan of any of the playoff teams, so to pick one team and stick with it has been difficult for me this year. The Cubs are out, which means I historically root for the sentimental favorite. Or the underdog. But wait, this year the Sox are the sentimental favorite and the Indians are the "underdog." How the heck am I supposed to choose?

I went to the Saturday home opener in Boston this year. Sat out in right field at Fenway and loved every second of it. The Boston fans are incredible, and being in that tiny stadium made me feel alive with energy. It's indescribable really. I could try to paint a picture of how green the green monster really is. How amazing the hot dogs were, or how loud and hilarious the Red Sox Nation really was. But my describing it just wouldn't do it justice. If you're a fan of baseball, you must see the Sox play at Fenway in your lifetime.

It's hard not to root for Boston. How can you be anti Curt Schilling? Or anti David Ortiz with his big, goofy grin, clapping his paws in excitement as his teammates do well. How can you not love a guy named Coco Crisp? I could go on about Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Kevin Youkilis, but I won't. You get the picture.

I will however, take a moment to discuss the hurricane that shal now be known as JD Drew. For a guy who's been accused of lacking passion, JD Drew sure seems to be showing his desire to play. A grand slam in the first inning of game six, putting the Sox in position to force a game seven? Someone wants to go to the World Series! Drew is new to the Sox this year. He signed a five year deal for $70 million, which some thought was a risky move. Drew was dealing with shoulder injuries at the time of the signing and the Sox were smart enough to insert provisions into the contract. If Drew were to sit on the disabled list for more than 35 days, the 4th and/or 5th year of the contract could be voided. How's that for a reason to relight the spark of passion?

Drew has been an integral part of the playoffs this year and I'm not trying to take away from any of the other guys. It's just exciting to see a newcomer do so well in a town that just wants their team to win.

On to the Indians.

I have a secret to confess. I'm a Grady Sizemore fan. The guy is fearless. He is an excellent defensive player, and is a force to be reckoned with when he steps up to the plate. I tried to dislike him, I really did. But it's pretty much impossible. He doesn't reek of ego or entitlement. He shows up, he does his job, and he does it well. How can you dislike a player like that?

As much as I like Grady Sizemore, I like the Red Sox as a whole just a little bit more. I can't not root for the Sox. Their history, their passion and their drive just pulls me in. Yes, I'm definitely rooting for the Sox.

But wait, wouldn't a Grady Sizemore v. Matt Holliday match up be incredible to watch? Maybe I should root for the Indians.

No. Definitely the Red Sox. Unless I cheer for the Indians. Indians are the underdogs you guys! But the Sox have more history and infamy. Reverse the curse! Again! Now that I think about it, I do like the color Red. But I love blue. The city of Boston is so great. So much history. But Cleveland is fun too! The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is there, the people are wonderful! Eenie, meenie, miney, mo....

Go Rockies.

One of my earliest memories as a child is going to baseball games with my Dad. When my Mom was studying for her CPA exam, we would take trips from Indianapolis to surrounding cities like Cincinnati and Chicago to see baseball games. My first and most vivid memory of that time was going to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. I remember exactly where we sat, how green the ivy on the outfield wall was, and most importantly, singing "take me out to the ballgame" with Harry Caray himself.

To me, there is nothing more "American" than a baseball game. Tickets are typically cheap, you're plenty entertained, and hotdogs just taste better.

I've always wanted to have a "life list" of things that I want to do, and I've decided that one task on my list is going to be to visit each of the MLB stadiums. It's something I think is within reach during my lifetime and I look forward to completing it someday.

The big three parks to me are Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. I've been able to step foot into each of those historic stadiums, and it's only made me thirst for more.

Viva la baseball.

Fenway Park, Boston - 2007
Yankee Stadium, New York - 2000
Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim
McAfee Coliseum, Oakland
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
Metrodome, Minnesota
Rogers Centre, Toronto
Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore - 1997
Jacobs Field, Cleveland
Ameriquest Field, Arlington, TX
Safeco Field, Seattle
Comerica Park, Detroit
Wrigley Field, Chicago - 1987
RFK Stadium, Washington DC - 2005
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Shea Stadium, New York
Dolphin Stadium, Florida - 1999
Coors Field, Colorado - 1997
Turner Field, Atlanta -
Chase Field, Arizona
Minute Maid Park, Houston
A####mp;T Park, San Fransisco
Miller Park, Milwaukee
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati - 1987
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
PETCO Park, San Diego
New Busch Stadium, St. Louis

I used to be the biggest hockey fan you'd ever meet. I could rattle off players, statistics and plays like it was my job. I was the girl who would wake up her neighbors, screaming at the tv in excitement.. I pounded on the glass in my front row seats at games, and I watched sportscenter strictly for NHL highlights.

But that was 10 years ago.

It all started during my freshman year of high school. At the time, I was living in the lovely town of Colorado Springs, Colorado. With no professional sports in the area, and not a large university in sight, our only option for a hometown team to cheer for was the United State Air Force Academy. Every Friday and Saturday night, my best friend and I would buy our $2.50 hockey tickets and cheer like the little school girls that we were. Of course it didn't help that we were boy crazy 14 year olds in a room full of college boys, but I was instantly addicted to hockey from the first game we attended. I couldn't wait for Friday and Saturday evenings.

I left Colorado in the middle of my Sophomore year, just a few months after the Avalanche were established in Denver. Luckily, I was headed east to the Washington DC area, where the already established Capitals were in existence. I immediately became a Caps fan, but also jumped on the Flyers train because of some guy named Eric Lindros.

I lived and breathed hockey throughout high school. I wrote essays about Mario Lemieux's triumphant return in lieu of traditional papers for school. I attended as many Capitals games as possible, and I wrote many a letter to Travis Roy, a Boston University hockey player who crashed headfirst into the boards during his first game, becoming instantly paralyzed.

My love of hockey remained intact until the 2004-2005 season. When the lockout happened, I was lost. What was I supposed to do with my passion for Hockey? Who would I cheer for? The lockout broke my hockey heart. The year passed dreadfully slow, and hardcore hockey fans, including myself, went without our beloved game.

The seasons changed, and hockey resumed in October of 2005. Fans were ecstatic, and players were welcomed back to sold out crowds. I however, wasn't buying tickets. I felt scorned by my league. I was hurt, and I wasn't going to come back easily.

Over the years, I've found myself looking back on hockey in a nostalgic fashion. I see clips on Sportscenter and feel a pang in my heart. I sometimes check in on the Capitals, wondering how well Alexander Ovechkin is doing this week, or if Ollie Kolzig still has it. Sometimes it feels like a bad breakup. I'm deeply hurt, yet somehow still curious and hopeful.

I'm not sure if I'll ever feel the passion I once felt for Hockey. The game has changed immensely in the last 10-12 years, and I don't know that I want to invest my passion into it again. The lock out left me with a shivery, shattered soul, and I don't think I can put my whole heart into it again.

I'll look back fondly on the happy memories I have of hockey, and I'll check in now and then just to ease the craving, but for now my friends, my heart is locked out of the NHL.

During the 2005 Nextel Cup Season, I was one of the many fans who cheered for Mark Martin as he announced his retirement and went out with class. At the time, I was considered part of the new group of Nascar fans. Version 2.0 if you will. But I could still understand the respect and admiration for the former "Mr. Consistency." As he bowed out with grace and dignity, I hoped that he would finally be in a position to raise the Championship trophy, victorious in years of effort. But as the seasons changed, and 2005 turned into 2006, my feelings towards Mr. Martin changed.

It was announced just before the 05 season ended, that Martin would come back in 06 and race a part time schedule. Wait a minute. Didn't Mark Martin fans just spend nine months saluting his stellar career? Didn't Martin admirers just stock up on years worth of memorabilia to remember him by? Didn't Martin publicly declare his desire to spend more time with his family?

Mark Martin wants to have his cake and eat it too. He wants the family time, but he also wants to continue racing. But I don't get it. I am disappointed for his fans who have to split their loyalties with drivers who actually race full time. And I feel for the driver who can't race in the car full time because Martin is taking up the seat on a part time schedule.

I have a hard time respecting athletes who can't seem to make up their minds. It's not just Mark Martin, but athletes like Roger Clemens and for that matter, musicians like Jay-Z.

For being so committed to their trade, these people sure can't seem to commit to retirement. The ups and downs of the decision making process bodes well for business, but not for the fans' hearts. The fans are committed to their competitor of choice, so why can't they commit to their fans?

This just in:  Collegiate basketball athletes & coaches to censor potty mouths or expect penalties.  The NCAA has approved a new rule to penalize coaches and players for use of profane language, taunting and/or other unsportsman like conduct.  Seriously?

 Of course the NCAA would like to keep the sport as clean as possible, but to give a coach a technical foul for ugly language seems to be stretching it a little. When coaches spit out curse words, their language is coming from a place that makes the sport so awesome to watch.  They cuss and become emotional because of the passion and love that they have for the game.  Just as their fans cuss when their favorite player misses an easy layup.  Passion my friends.

It seems to me that this is all a bit extreme.  Sure, the athletes are students, but everyone on that court is an adult.  Adults are free to make their own decisions, and unless each player and coach is going to have a microphone attached to their jersey, the NCAA shouldn't be able to dictate what comes out of their mouths.