Ding dong the coach is gone

The Nutt era is officially over. For all of the drama surrounding the Hog football team in the past year, tonight's press conference seemed a bit anticlimactic. Kudos to White et. al. for allowing Houston Dale to exit with dignity. He did some great things for Razorback football (losing to Vandy and going 0-3 to end last season after starting 10-1 notwithstanding), but then again, Nolan did some great things for Razorback basketball... sometimes, it's just time to go. Of course, if someone would pay me in excess of $3 million to leave, I'd pack up my cubicle tomorrow and not shed a tear. Any takers? Anyone?!?

On a much different topic, why is Marie Osmond still on "Dancing?" That doll routine tonight was just a travesty.

And we got to see all the Spice Girls. Posh, of course, wasn't smiling. What's that about? If I had Becks and a Birkin in every color, I'd have a permanent grin on my face.

Around the world in 96 hours

First, the colossal event... how 'bout them Hogs?!? My comments about the game are as follows:
1. Darren McFadden had a Heisman-worthy performance. He's the best player in college football, especially when you consider that he plays for a less-than-stellar team. He and Tebow should finish 1/2 simply because they play in the nation's best conference. The Big 12's best player is not as great as either of these guys. Anyone remember Jason White?
2. Where the heck has Peyton Hillis been all year? Wowzers.
3. C. Dick played a heck of a game. Good for him.
4. Houston Dale showed after his well-timed time out why so many folks are praying for his demise... that cocky grin he showcased to the world. Have fun packin' for Waco.

I'm not sure what was more exhausting, that game or driving around the world for the past few days. I spent Thanksgiving day at Sorne and Vance's, eating turkey and egg rolls. Then I headed over to my aunt and uncle's to visit Mom's fam. Thursday night I watched "The Office" and went to bed at 9 p.m.

Yesterday I got up early to meet Dad and the rest of the fam at the Village Inn. Then I went to pick up the kids and head to Hartford to watch the game. Brady, Chance and Ave had their own game in the backyard. Brady and Chance "versed" Avery, and the scary thing is that, even though it was two against one and they're both two years older, Avery scored on them several times.

Wyatt, Peyton and Hope took a bath. Peyton was pointing at Hope and thinking "One of these things is not like the other..."

Chance and Hope got a new dog, Rocky. It weighs about two pounds and kept me up all night last night whining.

Forget the Hogs, this was the big game in town.

Why I love sports

If you get the chance, read Rick Reilly's column in last week's issue of Sports Illustrated. While Reilly certainly has his critics, I find his weekly rants mostly amusing. But if I were making $2 million per year, I probably could find a way to be funny, too.

Last week's column discussed how sports is more than just a game. Sports allow us to band together with strangers for a common cause (victory, recognition, hatred of Houston Nutt, etc.). There's little gray area in sports, with clear winners and losers. And it's okay to dislike someone for his or her athletic allegiances.

Want to get someone's dander up? Simply don a baseball cap with a rivalry's logo. Just ask LeBron James about that. Three years ago my nephew's friend dared wear a Longhorns cap to an Arkansas vs. Texas game, and let me tell you, Hog fans aren't afraid to shout obscenities at elementary school students. Especially after a loss.

I've been thinking a lot about why a lot of us (mostly men) are so obsessed with sports. Why we eat breakfast during "Mike and Mike" on the Duece and dinner to "SportsCenter" on the original. My best guess is that sports allow us to believe in something. To have heroes. To watch mere mortals accomplish great feats. To cheer for a team simply because our grandfather liked them. Because, at the end of the day, we all want to be winners. Or at least cheer for them.

Which leads us to the good news of the day... guess whose two favorite teams are now ranked first and second in the NFL? Boy, it's a good NFL season to be me.

Driving Me Nutts

How 'bout them Hogs?

I saw Nutt on the news tonight when I got home. His assessment was that the Vols played so well yesterday because they're worried about Fulmer losing his job. Gee, too bad the Hogs didn't seem to feel the same way. But I guess that's just wishful thinking on my part. That game was like a train wreck. That's why I spent the second half napping through my depression.

We had another great dinner last night and another great round of Mexican train before bedtime.

I got up early-ish this morning and walked four miles on the golf cart track (walked on it, Alisa... didn't drive on it this time). Then we had brunch at the club, put up Estella's Christmas tree, and headed back to Central Arkansas. Now I'm watching the 'Boys beat the Giants and doing laundry.

Can't believe I have to go back to work tomorrow. Ick.