...The Office has, almost without me realizing it, become one of my three favorite television shows ever. It's the rare program that makes me feel sad as soon as it ends because I know it won't be on for another week. And yes, I realize how lame that sounds.

...people who think my job is easy should try it for a week or two.

...it doesn't matter how much money Alex Rodriguez makes - 35 homeruns, 120 RBI and 110 runs scored do not warrant the criticism he's received this season. (Full disclosure: I did chuckle a little during his 2-for-20, 14 strikeout streak. But I still feel bad for the guy. And I'm a Red Sox fan.)

...this needs to be said, however - before wondering if his detractors say what they say because he is good-looking, biracial, makes a lot of money and plays on the most popular team, as he is reported as saying to Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, A-Rod should glance at the guy to his left, who also meets those criteria, yet is admired throughout the game.

...with many good but no great starting pitchers in the National League this year, Padres' closer Trevor Hoffman has a great chance to take home his first Cy Young award, especially if a) he breaks Lee Smith's all-time saves record and b) the Padres make the playoffs. Consider it a lifetime achievement award.

...University of New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball should be an inspiration to kids everywhere; not only has he gone from being unrecruited out of high school to tying the Division 1-AA record for career touchdown catches (held by Jerry Rice - yes, THE Jerry Rice), but he is working toward a teaching career in case the football thing doesn't work out.

...just saw the highlight on ESPN and really appreciated Ball's celebration of the record-tying touchdown: caught the ball, raised his arms in the air, flipped the ball to the referee, THEN celebrated with teammates.  Must've forgotten his Sharpie.

...anyone who says the New England Patriots are in trouble just because Tom Brady lost Deion Branch is crazy; Brady will develop a repoire with his current cast of unknowns by mid-season and all will be well.

...Pats fans can't get too down on rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski for his blocked kick last week against New York, which gave the Jets a final chance at tying the score; even Adam Vinatieri missed some big kicks early in his career.

...since taking over as lead news anchor on the CBS Evening News, Katie Couric has been asking fans to suggest a sign-off phrase that she can use at the end of broadcasts. What's wrong with "I'm Katie Couric - Thanks for watching," which is pretty much what she's been using? Why feel the need to "create" a phrase that will probably come off as forced?

...my Katie Couric suggestion? It's a toss-up between "I'm Katie Couric - you stay classy...Planet Earth" and "I'm Katie Couric - you're with me, leather".

...Barry Bonds broke the National League's record for career homeruns. I honestly don't know how I feel about that.

...can somebody explain why Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Simardzija is allowed to play for the Irish this season? Simardzija was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the Major League Baseball draft in June and signed a 5 year, $7.25 million deal with the organization. How is this any different from a guy like Colorado's Jeremy Bloom, who received endorsement money associated with one sport (skiing) that in turn barred him from participating in another (football). Doesn't seem fair.

...according to Wikipedia, Simardzija is roomates with Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski. Zbikowski has also made his mark in sports outside of football, making his professional boxing debut on June 10 at Madison Square Garden. An article on SI.com says "NCAA rules state that athletes can become professionals in one sport while retaining their eligibility in another as long as they do not take on commercial endorsements". Again, somebody please explain why this makes sense.