Steady As She Goes

Just a few notes as I wait for the inevitable big winter storm to arrive. There's nothing in the weather forecasts calling for one; it just seems like we're due for a walloping, given the lack of snow so far. Mind you, I'm not complaining:

Mike 'n Ikes:

• ESPN’s planning a reality show that follows Barry Bonds as he chases Hank Aaron’s home run record. Basically, they’re paying him for exclusive access as he chases the record; a similar show is planned around Bobby Knight as he holds Texas Tech tryouts and practices. It’s just another example of how ESPN is blurring the line between news and entertainment. ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez will continue to cover Bonds while all this butt-kissing is going on. You can see where this is headed: Next up will be shows about Terrell Owens, Ron Artest, and Rafael Palmeiro as he attempts to make a comeback with the Nippon Ham Fighters. Yeesh.
• In the aftermath of Super Bowl media day, this cool story emerged. Grant Bowman, a Wall Street trader who had all but given up on his football career, got a call from the Steelers last week asking him to play on their practice team. He won't get in the big game, but he would get a Super Bowl ring if the Steelers win.
• Senators goalie Ray Emery is a big fan of boxing, as evidenced by his willingness to throw down and his masks, which feature famous pugilists such as Marvin Hagler, Jack Johnson, and Mike Tyson. The last mask got Emery in a bit of hot water this week and GM John Muckler told him not to wear it anymore after reminding Emery that Tyson is a convicted rapist and general nutjob. After his recent string of poor performances, including a 5-0 shellacking at the hands of the Bruins, maybe Emery should worry about more stopping pucks.
• The NHL's ratings are still in the dumper, but apparently some believe that curling may emerge with more popularity after the upcoming Olympics. I grew up in Canada and I just don't understand the fascination up there with curling. Maybe it reminds me too much of doing chores.
• Somehow I don't expect this photo to be used as part of Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.
• You know how I loves me the techmology (well, if you didn't, now you do). Some awesome computer nerd type came up with a Google Maps hack and invented a great tool for running nerds such as myself. It's called the Gmaps Pedometer and it lets you map out a running route using Google Maps and then measures the distance for you, with mile markers and such. An invaluable resource for folks like me who have several routes and have to drive them afterwards to see how far they ran. Props to my wife Deb, who brought this to my attention.