Joe Posnanski

Joe is one of the new columnists at Sports Illustrated. I bring this up because we used to work together (not that he would remember me). But he's made it to the big leagues. Way to go, Joe.
In case you're wondering, he's Irish.
Just kidding.
My strongest memory of Joe: He picked up his mail one day and sat down at his desk, opened one of the envelopes and began reading. He just handed me the letter, with a dejected countenance. I don't remember the exact quote but it was along these lines: I hope your cancer cells begin to multiply.
Also I remember his reaction. He didn't go into a rant but just sort of sat there and took it, looking sad.
Here's hoping for better fan mail, Joe.

Public pet option?

As usual, Garrison Keillor is good for a laugh with this spoof on the health care debate.
I think Bisquick the Cat would be all for a pet option. Then again, his vet would probably advise a crash diet before anyone forked over a dime.

Melanie Oudin

The 17-year-old Georgia tennis phenom continues her march through the US Open.
Incredible.

Pat Conroy

Just bought "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy, one of the South's much-beloved authors. Anyone read it? I'm on page 2. Like other Conroy novels, "South of Broad" is set in Charleston, S.C.
What a magical city.

SEC football

College ball starts today which for most of you is good news. Among other things, it signals a new season of tailgating, Monday morning quarterbacking, chips and dip. ...
It's not necessarily BAD news for me, and perhaps the three other people in the state who pay nary attention. The Georgia game's on now, but only because of Husband's interest.
But I don't pay attention, or care much, because I didn't go to a football school.
US Open tennis? Now you're talking.

P.S. Can anyone explain this to me? Say two fans representing opposing teams see each other in a store the Monday after the big game. The fan of the losing team takes the smack-talk from the "winner." Both use the word "we," as if a) they actually played the game themselves and b) in some cases didn't even go to the school of which he or she is a fan.

Swine flu

Here's a great resource from WebMD on the swine flu.
Dear Husband came home sick today. I trust he doesn't have it, because he's not running a fever. Just a bad cough. Plus we haven't seen any pigs running around in our yard.

Baby No. 19

Gosh, it seems I just blogged about No. 18.
The Duggars of Arkansas are expecting No. 19. Michelle Duggar has been pregnant more than 12 years of her life.
Ironically, the Duggars' first grandchild will be due before this one.