Appendix A

Week 1 of Summer of Herbie (cont.) was neither the highlight or the lowlight of the year thus far. It had its ups and downs, and if it were a dessert, it would have been plain vanilla ice cream, not yet freezer burned but also sans toppings.

It started out in familiar territory, with the Walkin' Colonels of the RAFFLE losing their season opener, 91-85. A Dallas Clark injury prevented what appeared to be a surefire comeback victory.

No worries though - the week was looking up! Group Project #1 in my MBA program (Go Rams!) is complete, team members have come to consensus, and everyone did his/her job. Add to that the fact that I started running again. Sure it's a slow pace, and it's only 15 minutes, but it didn't even hurt.

Wednesday, and PTP was in semi-full effect (K-Gun absent). Despite the absence of a standout game by yours truly, I took 1 game of cards and PT took 16 points against 16-lb Balls.

Friday approached, and brought two things with it - the annual rivalry game with the hated Oakridge Eagles, and the return of my cold. It was a sign, as the aches & pains I felt were matched by the team members of the 'Dogs. Final score, 39-7, and a weekend full of laying on the couch.

The malady did not lift in time for the UM-ND matchup, and the malaise continued as the Wolverines lost the single worst college football game I've ever seen, 35-17. Neither team would have a shot at beating the Chippewas this year; it's just too bad CMU won't get the chance.

Sunday brought more homework and another embarassment by the Lions. I thank my lucky stars that I have completely broken myself of the bad habit of watching the first half of their games. Luckily, the late games were much more entertaining, and the Colonels remained within striking distance of the Dirty Bandaids.

On Monday, the grade arrived on our project (89 out of 100 - I'm pleased), and MNF featured the Colonels' top 2 draft picks - Romo & Owens. An 11-point deficit was quickly turned into a runaway victory. A 1-1 start for HCC in the RAFFLE is a good sign.

Now it's Tuesday, the rain has finally stopped, the honey-lemon tea may be making some headway, and, in the absence of spygate chatter, TMQ is back to rare form. So here it is, the link of the day:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/080916