Jons closes its doors

It's tough to call a restaurant that's been around for less than 20 years a landmark. But on a college campus, the rules are different. Most students spend only four or five years in college, with many leaving the city or area after graduating and taking with them the memories. Students who have attended TCU within the past 18 years doubtless have eaten at Jons Grille more than a few times.

Those of us still attending football games and other sporting events on campus have continued to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jons, perhaps best known for the writing on the walls. (The burgers were why I kept returning.) Jon -- and, later, his sister, Janis -- made markers available to patrons of all ages, encouraging them to leave their mark on the restaurant. Sometimes that was simply a name, a short phrase -- even the occasional boast.

On Thursday, the restaurant closed. When the proprietor died five years ago, patrons were shocked. Jon loved his customers a fact he demonstrated by the way he related to all of us.
He took pride in greeting his customers by their first name. Janis ably stepped in to keep the campus favorite going. Although it was inevitable the place would close at some point -- Jon's passion for the restaurant could not be matched, even if it was a family member who tried -- it's a sad development. And the TCU dining scene will never be the same. Sure, the void will be filled, but Jons held a special place in the hearts of those of us who remembered what is was like before Jon died. One visit and conversation with Jon was enough to keep you coming back.

The burgers were pretty good , too.

Ballard shines in Frogs' big win

One of the best byproducts of the Frogs' decisive 37-7 win over Northern Illinois in the Poinsettia Bowl was the publicity both the offense and defense received during and after the game. With the Mountain West Conference's inferior TV contract, not many fans have seen TCU play this year. The Frog D, whose ability is recognized in the Metroplex, allowed just 60 yards of total offense to the Huskies.

Offensively, Jeff Ballard was the star, although Lonta Hobbs reached the 100-yard mark for the first time all year. San Diego certainly took notice of Ballard, as did Union-Tribune columnist Tim Sullivan.

Frogs dominate NIU

The TCU defense shut down Garrett Wolfe on Tuesday with another strong defensive performance, holding the nation's leading rusher to 28 yards. The Frogs destroyed the inferior Northern Illinois Huskies 37-7 in the second annual Poinsettia Bowl. The only difficulty for TCU was special-teams play. NIU blocked two punts (one for a score), and TCU missed an extra point. But with an offense like the Frogs' the kicking game is less important.

Frogs are big favorites

TCU is an overwhelming 12 1/2-point favorite against Northern Illinois in tonight's Poinsettia Bowl. And everyone is picking the Frogs, who should not disappoint. NIU's Garrett Wolfe is the nation's leading rusher with 1,900 yards and will probably end the year under the magic 2,000 mark. How can I be so sure? TCU's run defense is stout, ranking fourth nationally. But when everyone expects the Frogs to win, bad things can happen.

Coach Gary Patterson often says his team plays better as the underdog. In big games, that seems to be true. But despite the point spread tonight, the Poinsettia Bowl remains a key game for TCU as it heads into 2007 without quarterback Jeff Ballard and a proven primary receiver.

As a school in the non-BCS Mountain West Conference, TCU must start high in the polls to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Bowl Championship Series. The foundation for next year will begin to be laid in less than 2 1/2 hours.

Twenty-four-hour cable news is unpopular with many media-bashers, who point to all the stupid things the talking heads say trying to fill time. But cable news has become an integral part of our fast-paced lives. sometimes, we even have to stop everything we're doing and park ourselves in front of the TV on account of a riveting story.

This weekend, I could not tear myself away from Fox News' coverage of the rescue effort on Oregon's Mount Hood. It had nothing to do with the fact that two of the missing men were from Dallas. It was my insatiable desire to know the latest about everything, especially the big news events of the day. I'm the guy who can't pass through an airport without picking up the local newspaper. (My wife will never understand this obsession.) So the non-stop news sucks me in, even when anchor is repeating the same information for two hours. I want to be there when the new discovery is made, and that sometimes means cheerfully watching painfully repetitious coverage.

As irrational as this is, I have a feeling I'm not alone. Like it or not, it's human nature to want to be on the cutting-edge. That's what keeps the 24-hour news channels on the air.

LT confident in Frogs

A funny story appeared on the Web site of the San Diego Union-Tribune today. Star San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson and backup Michael Turner will be cheering against each other Tuesday when their alma maters face each other in the Poinsettia Bowl. Tomlinson played at TCU, Turner at Northern Illinois. The Chargers public relations chief asked LT recently if he would be interested in a little bet, with the loser wearing the jersey of the winner's school. Let's just say LT wasn't scared. He shouldn't be. His Frogs are 10-2 and winners of seven in a row. Expect LT to find a TCU No. 5 jersey for his buddy to wear. Oh, if you're interested, read the story here.

Poinsettia Bowl: 7 p.m. Tuesday, ESPN2

No Kleenex at Rice

Rice University has become the latest institution of higher learning to ban Kleenex. That's right. There are others who, as a gesture of enviro-love, have tossed Kleenex maker Kimberly-Clark in favor of a company more friendly to Mother Earth.

A student group at Rice has successfully pushed administrators to stop using the Kleenex because it is not made from recycled paper. Now, Rice is known for its brainy students. For years in the Southwest Conference, the dreadful Rice football teams had a clever message for the opponents who thumped them on the field. The score didn't matter, they said, because eventually, the winners of the football games would be working for the brilliant losers.

With stories like this one, it's hard to fear the Owls. At least a few students at the Houston campus are too obsessed with saving the world to pose such a threat to students from a rival school.

Sea-Tac brings back trees

The removal and restoration of Christmas trees at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is good news for those defenders of the holiday’s meaning who feel beaten down by its gradual secularization. The Christmas spirit certainly can be dampened by governmental and non-governmental decisions, as was the case at Sea-Tac, which saw its Christmas trees removed after Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky threatened to sue if an 8-foot menorah were not added to the airport's display. Bogomilsky said his goal was not to force authorities to take the Christmas trees down. He just wanted fair treatment of Judaism, he insisted.

An avalanche of criticism persuaded Bogomilsky not to take his beef to court. Instead, the Port of Seattle, which has jurisdiction over the airport, will have a more inclusive holiday display next year.

These days, the anti-Christmas radar is sensitive, recognizing even unintentional attacks on Christmas. In the past, wishing someone “Happy Holidays” was a way to say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” if you were late for an appointment and didn’t have time to say five whole words. Bogomilsky’s original request and resulting threat were more difficult to figure out than just about any assault on Christmas.

The rabbi made an unreasonable request, considering the reported timeframe he gave the port authority to change the display. For him to say the ultimate goal was not removal of the Christmas trees is laughably disingenuous.

The commissioners who decided to take the trees down have endured undeserved criticism. They reacted as most people facing a lawsuit would have. That Christmas trees were involved in a time when people are hyper-sensitive to even the suggestion of Christmas being banished from the public square makes the commissioners popular scapegoats.

In truth, they deserve some criticism, but the Bogomilsky deserves the lion’s share of scorn. Without his self-centered act, the commissioners would not have been forced to make the unpopular decision.

This entire episode has ensured Bogomilsky will forever be known as the man who tried -- almost successfully -- to suck the Christmas spirit from a major international airport, and in the process, a city.

Bogomilsky failed miserably, just as will happen next time someone tries a similar stunt. What we say to each other and how we act during the Christmas season may affect our mood, but the message of Christmas will live on, even if its symbols disappear.

Thankfully, this time, common sense was restored at Sea-Tac.

Wal-Mart and Christmas

Cheers to Wal-Mart for agreeing to allow its employees say "Merry Christmas" during this (gasp!) Christmas season. I was in the world's largest retailer over the weekend to do a little shopping and was pleasantly surprised when the clerk at the checkout counter said, "You have a good Christmas." It wasn't quite "Merry Christmas," but was close enough in a time when stores are increasingly afraid to acknowledge the birth of Christ while tripping over themselves to embrace the commercialism of Christmas. Wal-Mart has found a balance that hopefully will make the pro- and anti-Christmas forces alike happy for now. One wonders if other retailers will learn from the leader’s example.

Poinsettia Bowl key for Frogs

It only took seven weeks, but the Frogs are back in the top 25. After overwhelming the last three opponents they faced at home, the Frogs sqeeked in to the rankings at Nos. 24 and 25. TCU pounded Air Force on Saturday 38-14, ending the regular season with only two losses. The only home loss came to conference chapion BYU. When no one sees your games, you can win seven straight under the radar.

The Dec. 19 Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego is crucial for TCU as it hopes to build momentum for the future. Conference games that are on TV will continue to be shown on networks viewers don't even know they have. So with ESPN2 broadcasting the game, people across the country will see what Frog fans figured out a few weeks ago: This is a better team than the one that beat Texas Tech in September to move to No. 15 in the country. The offense is clicking, and the defense is as stingy as it has been all season.

Frogs look for strong finish

TCU faces Air Force at Home Saturday, looking for its seventh straight win to close the regular season. A victory will give the Frogs another 10-win season and likely a spot in the top 25. TCU has not been ranked since losing to Utah on Oct. 5. Since then, the Frogs have won six consecutive games to push their record to 9-2.

By amassing more than 600 yards of offense in consecutive weeks, the Frogs have shown themselves to be a better team than when they reached No. 15 in the country after beating Texas Tech. Unfortunately, a lack of national exposure has prevented them from showing more than the most dedicated of fans.

San Diego bans Wal Mart

Somebody needs to tell me why people hate Wal-Mart so much. It's wildly successful, keeps prices low and tries to make shoppers smile a little with those famous greeters. Let's not forget the $4 prescription drugs the retailer is introducing throughout the country in an effort to bring down costs. But the nation's largest retailer is under assault, as is usually the case with the "big boys."

San Diego is the latest community to effectively ban Wal-Mart SuperCenters. But other cities have done so also. The San Diego City Council last month approved an ordinance that, while not naming Wal-Mart, was clearly targeting the Bentonville, Ark.-based giant. How else does one explain allowing Sam's and COSTCO to skirt the law? These membership-based stores were specifically left off the "prohibited" list.

The law likely be vetoed by Mayor Jerry Sanders, but the council can override the veto, since the measure passed 5-3, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. Those against Wal-Mart SuperCenters in their neighborhoods have two basic arguments: The giant stores make survival tough for smaller retailers, and they add traffic.

The first should be immediately discounted by any defender of free markets. The second should be handled by city engineers before a vote is ever taken.

Wal-Mart is going to drive people out of business because people want to by more for less. A small independent retailer or grocery store that doesn't buy in bulk will get hurt. But the government has an obligation to stay out of his fight to remain afloat. Otherwise, prices remain artificially high and consumers get hurt.

Those complaining Wal-Mart causes traffic problems are also correct. Success will do that. Wal-Mart has done extensive work in past years to improve its impact on neighborhoods, introducing a slimmed-down grocery store concept and even building its stores to blend into the surroundings. Neither matters to the Wal-Mart-haters. To them, Wal-Mart is just plain evil, $4 drugs or not.

A quick temperature decline

The strong cold front that hit the Metroplex last night started a rapid drop in temperatures that saw conditions go from the high 70s to the 20s and 30s in a matter of a few hours. The frozen precipitation has fallen steadily for hours and is predicted to turn to snow this afternoon. I have to admit, I had a little too much fun last night watching the plummeting temperatures on our thermometer. A cold front is not supposed to be that mesmerizing.

But it all happened so fast.

TCU accepts Poinsettia Bowl bid.

TCU has accepted an invitation to play in the Poinsettia Bowl. The bid was no surprise after Utah's heartbreaking loss to BYU on Saturday. Had Utah won, it would have headed to the San Diego bowl game. But after TCU crushed Colorado State, the Frogs moved into second in the Mountain West Conference. TCU's acceptance of the bid means no hometown Armed Forces Bowl. The game is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 19.

Update: TCU will face Northern Illinois, which has the nation's leading rusher, Garrett Wolfe. This is key. With just a 7-5 overall record, NIU likely would have missed out on the Poinsettia Bowl without Wolfe, who makes the Huskies more attractive than, say, the Arizona Wildcats, who finished with six wins.

DFW can climb the mtn.

The Metroplex finally has access to the mtn. After months of being promised the all-sports Mountain West network would arrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it apparently is here. The big satellite companies and major cable providers have yet to offer the mtn. Instead USDTV has agreed to carry it.

I can hear the rejoicing now:
"Problem solved!"
"No more complaining about TCU being treated unfairly by the MWC with this inferior TV deal!"
"Our patience paid off!"

These are all legitimate reactions to the long-overdue news that TCU fans can finally "climb the mtn." But examination of the USDTV Web site reveals that in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, subscribers receive 40 channels.

Excuse me if I don't call Time Warner right away to cancel my service.

Richards sadly shows who he is

In the wake of Michael Richards' bizarre tirade on stage at a Los Angeles comedy club, I am both saddened and skeptical. I'm saddened that Richards, so popular as the goofball Kramer on Seinfeld, has shown the world a window to his less-than-stellar character. I'm skeptical of his apology on the Late Show.

Richards has deservedly been excoriated for his uncomfortable reaction to hecklers unimpressed with his comedy routine. He hurled racial epithets at a pace that would make even David Duke blush. By now, everyone who cares has at least read accounts of Richards' "performance."

Now Richards has the audacity to claim he is not a racist. Let's face it, some people are bigots. We can't always pick them out in a lineup. But sometimes one of them snaps so badly that it's impossible to overlook the hatred. Richards' on-stage episode is just the latest example.

No contrived TV apology, press conference or goodwill tour will convince me he has changed his tune. A genuine change of heart is the only thing that can save his reputation.

In ego-heavy Hollywood, this rarely occurs.

Frogs could be home by Christmas

With Saturday's convincing win over San Diego State, TCU could be bound not for a home bowl game, but one in San Diego. The Poinsettia Bowl has the second pick among the bowls tied to the Mountain West Conference. And despite projections suggesting TCU will be playing in the Dec. 23 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, the Poinsettia Bowl is apparently becoming more of a possibility.

It's not difficult to figure out why. With wins over Colorado State and Air Force, the Frogs would finish 10-2. Given the relative mediocrity of most of the conference, Poinsettia Bowl officials would be foolish not to select a 10-2 TCU. (BYU has accepted a bid to the Las Vegas Bowl as the winner of the MWC.)

Although Utah would be a more geographically appealing selection for the Poinsettia Bowl, Frogs fans would flock to sunny San Diego. The small-but-loyal fan base has had enough of postseason games in Texas (Fort Worth in 2003 and, most recently, last year's win over Iowa State in the Houston Bowl).

So the TCU faithful is ready to buy their tickets to San Diego. And the best thing (for them, not traditionalists) is the Dec. 19 game would have them home Christmas.

Pink-out a success

Saturday was breast-cancer-awareness day at Amon G. Carter Stadium, which is why Bethany and I wore pink shirts. They worked. The Frogs won 52-0 over San Diego State.

In case there's any doubt, I'll be wearing purple in two weeks.

TCU shuts out SDSU

Jeff Ballard played his most complete game of the season Saturday to lead the Frogs to a 52-0 win over San Diego State at Amon Carter Stadium. Ballard threw five touchdowns and ran for one just a week after a 25-yard performance. The most impressive thing about Ballard's performance was he did it in just more than 30 minute of football. He sat out much of the second half, giving freshman Marcus Jackson some needed playing time.

Next game: at Colorado State, Nov. 25

Sioux fight on

The North Dakota Fighting Sioux football team pounded Winona State on Saturday to advance in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The 42-0 win is significant because a district judge's decision on the UND nickname prevented the game from being moved. NCAA rules prohibit most teams with Indian nicknames from hosting playoff games or using their nicknames in postseason play.

North Dakota sued the NCAA, seeking to hold on to the university's historic nickname and mascot. The case has not been decided. A temporary injunction allowed Saturday's game to be played at UND. Given the circumstances, a first-round annihilation for North Dakota is fitting. Watch out for the Fighting Sioux to use the negative publicity to motivate them to a Division II championship. Count me among those rooting for UND.

A funny observation ...

When TCU plays a team in the top 25, the team is often identified in university-generated materials by its standing in each of the major polls. TCU is given the same treatment. The Lady Frogs are in Maryland this weekend playing a season-opening tournament. Today they lost to George Washington, who is ranked in one poll, unranked in the other.

On gofrogs.com, GW is identified not as the No. 25 team in the country, but as 25/ARV, or also receiving votes. Someone please tell the folks at gofrogs.com there's nothing special about being just outside the top 25.

Thugs target gamers

Sony's getting rich.

The new PS 3 video-game machines are selling for up to $600, according to media reports. This often happens when someone produces a product people actually want to use. The gamers are an interesting bunch. Many who waited to purchase a PS 3 when they went on sale just after midnight, did so in the freezing cold. Whether this constitutes dedication or delirium is debatable. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

What is clearly understood is that those waiting in line should be treated with respect. This did not happen at a Wal-Mart in Connecticut, where prospective PS 3 owners were attacked. One was shot, others robbed.

Every Christmas season, especially with the release of a cool gadget or game system, there are scattered reports of violence. But shooting someone is not the way to get closer to the front of the line. It sure is an ugly manifestation of the Christmas spirit.

Mattress Mac's Magnanimous Move

Darrell Dickey is leaving the University of North Texas as its football coach at the end of the season. Dickey, whose Mean Green just a few short years ago dominated the Sun Belt Conference, has been fired after a second consecutive losing season. (Dickey's team won four straight titles before its first losing campaign.) But his name will not soon be forgotten at UNT.

Alumnus Jim McIngvale, better known as "Mattress Mac," a loud but benevolent businessman from Houston, had the school's new practice facility named after him following a $1 million donation to the UNT athletic department.

When Dickey was fired -- just weeks after suffering a heart attack -- Mattress Mac asked the school to instead put Dickey's name on the practice facility. UNT honored the request, not wanting the money redirected to the music department, as had been threatened, according to The Associated Press.

UNT did the right thing, although it was terribly awkward to be forced to name a facility after a coach the university just dumped. Dickey guided the Mean Green through a series of solid seasons and only fell on hard times recently, as the rest of the Sun Belt caught up to his team. But the real winner here is not Dickey, but Mattress Mac, who once again found a creative way to get his name in the paper.

He's pretty good at that. Anyone whose ever watched TV in Houston for more than about five minutes will certainly agree.

UND student-association president quits

Although North Dakota is fighting the NCAA's ban on American Indian nicknames in postseason, not everyone at UND embraces the suit. Some want to do away with the Fighting Sioux nickname. The fallout has begun, with the resignation of the Grand Forks university's Indian Association president, who supports the nickname.

Lott good choice for No. 2 GOP job

Republicans were smart to give Trent Lott a leadership position in the new Congress. Four years after being forced out following comments at Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday, the Mississippi Republican has been tapped as minority whip. His experience bringing together a diverse caucus and his knowledge of Senate operations make him a solid choice for a party that must look for ways to remain effective after its defeat at the polls Nov. 7.

Free-speech crusader Mitch McConnell was chosen as minority leader. McConnell was a very reasonable voice in the campaign-finance debate, arguing against the strict limits backed by fellow Republican John McCain. McConnell will bring the same common-sense approach to the minority leader's office.

TCU could return home for bowl

The Frogs return home Saturday to face struggling San Diego State, which earned its second conference win over the weekend against UNLV. Winners of four in a row, TCU still could win 10 regular season games. The postseason picture is beginning to clear up, but it is not promising for fans who want to see TCU play outside Texas.

With two other attractive bowl-eligible teams in the Mountain West (BYU and Utah), TCU is probably headed to the Armed Forces Bowl, played in the familiar surroundings of Amon G. Carter Stadium. New Mexico is 5-5 and will stay home for the New Mexico Bowl if it records a sixth win. The Lobos will probably have to wait for another week to find out if they will extend their season because they face BYU on Saturday. Utah looks like a prime candidate for the Poinsettia Bowl.

BYU is the class of the conference and also enjoys the distinction of being the most popular team in the league. Wherever it plays, loyal fans follow. This does not matter in 2006, though. As the league winner, BYU will appear in the Las Vegas Bowl.

With the trend of putting bowls in just about every seemingly viable location, more teams have gained access to the post season, which is good for lower-profile universities. Unfortunately, this has exacerbated the problem of regionalization, whereby teams are almost locked in to staying close to home unless they are members of the big conferences. Last year's Houston Bowl is a good example, as TCU (minor conference) rode the bus to the Bayou City, while Iowa State (major conference) took a real road trip.

MWC bowls

Las Vegas

Armed Forces

New Mexico

Poinsettia

Sioux still fighting in N.D.

The University of North Dakota has won a battle in the war to fend off the politically correct nickname police. A judge has issued a temporary injunction that will allow the school, whose sports teams are called the Fighting Sioux," to host a Division II playoff game Saturday. The state of North Dakota in October sued the NCAA for the right to continue using the nickname.

The injunction is a good step, but by no means does it signal an end to the NCAA's overzealousness related to team nicknames. North Dakota and the Sioux are inextricably linked, and the nickname has been part of the Grand Forks-N.D., university since the 1930s.

The nickname was adopted "in honor of the first inhabitants of the region and some of the American Indian tribes of the state," according to the UND Web site. This, of course, doesn't matter to the NCAA in its haste to eliminate anything with the slightest possibility of offending one's sensibilities.

If North Dakota prevails, as it should, the NCAA will have suffered a legitimate setback in its quest to create an environment free of conflict, even that which naturally occurs on the field of play. The NCAA -- in the name of fairness -- should have backed off when a lawsuit was first threatened, as it did When Florida State University threatened legal action over plans to ban its Seminole nickname and mascot. But it's easy to say no to North Dakota.

Matchup: Winona State at Fighting Sioux, Saturday

Football fans cheated by MWC broadcast schedule

Rutgers' upset of No. 3 Louisville was one of the more exciting Thursday night games in a long time. Not being a fan of either school, I tried to turn away from the game several times, only to be pulled back to see how Rutgers was doing in its quest for the school's biggest win ever. With a win, Louisville would have been in prime position for a run at the national title. The No. 3 Cardinals likely would have moved up to No. 2 in the Bowl Championship Series standings after next week's Ohio State-Michigan game. Louisville's hopes of winning a title have now evaporated, and Rutgers carries the Big East's hopes. What was an anemic program just a few years ago is now a developing power. If Rutgers beats West Virginia to close the regular season, assuming it doesn't stumble before the Dec. 2 game, it will deserve national championship game consideration.

As refreshing as it was to see Louisville go down, I don't like the Big East. TCU plays in the Mountain West, making me a fan of that conference. This proves problematic when I want to watch the conference's teams play on TV. League leader BYU played Wyoming on Thursday, but because ESPN no longer has an agreement with the MWC, the game was unavailable in Texas. (The game was a blowout, but I was looking forward to seeing at least the first five minutes.) It's all because of this new arrangement the MWC has with CSTV. Commissioner Craig Thompson and the league's other movers and shakers didn't like the way ESPN dictated teams' schedules. So they turned to CSTV, which, with the help of Comcast, started the mtn., a network dedicated to the Mountain West. Several problems have surfaced since the mtn. went on the air. ( I understand some people actually have the channel on their cable systems.)

Access is the primary problem. When exposure is the main issue a league faces, it cannot afford to abandon a trusted network (ESPN) in favor of an experiment, no matter how grand the idea.

Given the MWC's situation, there are two choices for teams such as BYU and TCU. One makes sense, although it requires league action; the other is a last resort. Regardless, both of the following should be on the table:

• The league and its broadcast partners should consider allowing local stations to pick up games in markets that don't receive the mtn. or CSTV. This is a common-sense solution to a problem created by broken promises and overly optimistic projections. But this would require the Mountain West leadership to receive an injection of common sense, since it is in short supply at league headquarters.
• Schools such as TCU (which has no access in its back yard) should consider suing the MWC for breach of contract. It was widely understood that the new TV deal would benefit the league's teams. For that to happen, a TV network must exist. The mtn. is hardly a network, regional or otherwise. For the league to argue differently is horribly disingenuous.

The second option, is not unreasonable. The problem with it is if the plaintiffs are successful, they will have alienated the league, meaning a new TV contract will need to be negotiated. So the answer might be a combination of the two and look something like this:

An agreement to allow local TV stations pick up games of teams without access to the mtn. and/or CSTV, with the understanding that the teams' obligation to the league contract dissolves if its region is not granted access to the the networks by a certain date. This effectively would mean the mtn. would dissolve and the MWC would be back at the negotiating table. ESPN might not come to the rescue, but at least the conference leadership would realize what the fans have known for months -- that the MWC does not have the appeal to make an exclusive network succeed.

Clarification: CSTV, which carried the BYU-Wyoming game, is available on a limited basis in Texas.

Idealists will decide election

We'll find out tonight how much power the "principled" conservatives have to sway elections. These are the people who are so fed up with President Bush that they have decided to stay home or vote for another candidate deemed more conservative. Either choice will have negative effects. Many couldn't care less, though. If a candidate doesn't support immediate deportation of all illegal aliens, his conservative credentials are questioned. Never mind the logistical nightmare this would create.

If the Democrats retake Congress today, the blame will rest on the shoulders of these naive idealists. It certainly could not be the Democratic juggernaut folks are suggesting exists. The party has no constructive agenda. So, if the Dems win, they can thank the anti-compromise conservatives who somehow think they're doing the country a service by refusing to vote for anyone but those with rock-solid conservative credentials.

No one wins with Haggard's firing

The board overseeing the Rev. Ted Haggard's Colorado Springs church did its job Saturday by firing him, citing "sexually immoral conduct" in connection with his relationship with a male prostitute. Haggard may indeed have not had an affair with Mike Jones, but the overseers had an obligation to get rid of Haggard. Sadly, the revelations rendered Haggard unable to lead the church again, even if he had been exonerated. The board said it found evidence of an affair, something Haggard strongly denied, even while admitting he bought drugs from Jones.

No one wins here. And no one should celebrate the ouster of this key Christian leader, as deserved as it proved to be. To be sure, some pundits hostile to Haggard's public message will delight in his downfall. This is what happens when a high-profile Christian stumbles.

They'll point fingers and cry hypocrisy. It's predictable coming from a society that chooses to ignore the fact that Christian leaders have failings not much different than most of us. It's their job to remain strong in the face of attacks, but they still succumb to temptation.

Now that Haggard is gone, perhaps the healing can begin. My guess is his detractors will not let the outspoken critic of gay marriage forget this sordid episode -- at least until after Tuesday's election. There's a marriage amendment vote in Colorado. This may not be enough for the amendment's opponents to prevail, but it certainly gives them momentum the gay-marriage opponents would love to have heading to the polls on election day.

Frogs too much for UNLV

TCU beat UNLV on Saturday thanks largely to a solid first half. The Frogs only gave up a touchdown and field goal in their 25-10 win, but it could have been closer. Early in the fourth quarter, the Rebels recovered a TCU fumble at the three-yard line but could not score. Marvin White intercepted a pass in the end zone to all but wrap up the game for the Frogs, who moved to 6-2. They also evened their Mountain West Conference record at 2-2.

The game started much like last week's contest against Wyoming, with TCU scoring an early touchdown, only to miss an extra point. But Peter LoCoco came off the bench to make four field goals.

Now, for the real story. Watching the game on Versus was an experience. From dumb mistakes by the broadcast crew to the cameraman being faked out numerous times -- TCU quarterback Jeff Ballard's run for a first down early in the game was completely missed -- today's Versus telecast contained plenty of comedic moments. At least we have Versus, though, without which Frogs would be forced to listen to the radio broadcasts of road games. Brian Estridge and John Denton are a good team, but football is always better on TV.

Up next: Frogs at New Mexico (no TV)

Blake profiled in Vegas paper

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has a nice story on TCU defensive end Tommy Blake on its Web site today. Blake is a former running back who switched to defense at TCU. Like other former running backs who switched for the Frogs, Blake is able to dominate with speed. TCU battles the UNLV Rebels on Saturday in Las Vegas. The 5-2 Frogs need a victory to even their conference record and become bowl eligible.

Accused pastor should quit church post

The Rev. Ted Haggard should be thanked for his decision Thursday to step down as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. What must come next is his resignation from the 14,000-member Colorado Springs, Colo., church of which he is pastor. Haggard, accused by a male prostitute of a gay affair is on administrative leave from New Life Church. To remain a part of the staff in any capacity will continue to bring negative attention to the church. The Denver Post reported Friday that Haggard's accuser, Mike Jones, failed a lie-detector test, which restores a portion of the credibility Haggard has lost but not enough to buy him more time as leader of his congregation. Haggard has admitted to some of the allegations made against him but vigorously denies the affair. Now comes word that Haggard says he bought meth from Jones but -- get this -- threw it away before using it. (Note to self: Resist the temptation to compare him to a former president.)

Religious leaders are held to a higher standard and thus must accept stricter punishment for indiscretions. In today's world, where information travels at a blinding speed, this at times must be extended to allegations.
Haggard's church, posted a press release Thursday on its Web site confirming the pastor was on leave during an investigation by the church's governing board.

If does not leave his church, the church should remove him immediately.

Olbermann's meltdown good news for MSNBC

In college, one of my my favorite SportsCenter personalities was Keith Olbermann. A bit goofy, Olbermann had the dry sense of humor and sharp wit that made him a perfect fit on ESPN's signature program. It didn't matter whom the ESPN bosses paired him with. Olbermann always seemed to be the star of the show. Understandably, when he left ESPN, I was upset. My favorite sportscaster on ESPN, I must admit, was Craig Kilborn. But Olbermann was a close second. He was a star and had a bright future -- if he chose to nurture his stardom carefully. Not long after he left ESPN, Olbermann surfaced on Fox Sports Net, doing a weekly program on Sundays. Apparently, he was using sports as a stepping stone to what he really coveted -- news.

These days, Olbermann can be seen on MSNBC. He has a show called Countdown with Keith Olbermann, the format of which gives him the opportunity to be opinionated. He tries hard emulate Bill O'Reilly, but we must remember that O'Reilly has viewers. Olbermann does not. His disdain for President Bush is no secret. He ends his show by reminding his viewers how many days it's been since Bush's "Mission Accomplished" declaration.
But until now, it's been OK. (No one watches, remember?)

On Wednesday night, two days after John Kerry infamously quipped that those who do not achieve in school "get stuck in Iraq," Olbermann saw an opportunity to remind America he was still alive. He used 11:28 of his show to rip Bush for supposed mismanagement in Iraq. Yes, there are problems in Iraq, but Olbermann needs to remember that war is dangerous. People die in war -- by the thousands in this one.

Watching the "Special Comment" on the Internet, I couldn't help but wonder how many people -- remember, he's on MSNBC -- actually stuck it out for the full segment. As an admirer of Bush's, I found it downright offensive. The man called the president of the United States a liar and an idiot -- repeatedly. For 11 minutes and 28 seconds!

I didn't make it past 7:15. His hatred for the president was just unbearable. As people have heard of this rant -- remember, he works for MSNBC -- many no doubt have called for his firing.

That won't happen. Olbermann's meltdown gave MSNBC bosses exactly what they have craved but seldom gotten in the ferocious competition with Fox News and CNN -- exposure. Whether this will translate into viewers on election night is doubtful. But for a few days, people will actually talk about a program on MSNBC.

Frog 'D' dominates

Wyoming came in to Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday with a three-game winning streak and one of the country's best defenses. But the TCU defense outshines Wyoming, dominating the Cowboys' offensive line and sacking freshman Karsten Sween five times. And the offense did what it needed to do to score against Wyoming, stretching the field with long pass plays to help the running game. Lonta Hobbs and Aaron Brown each gained more than 60 yards to help the Frogs win their first conference game of the season.
Final: TCU 26, Wyoming 3
Up next for the Frogs: Saturday at UNLV

the mtn offers Web broadcasts

If fans can't see their favorite Mountain West Conference team on the mtn., they are not completely out of luck. Certain games will be available via streaming video for $14.95. Among the games Webcast live this week is TCU vs. Wyoming in Fort Worth. I can't decide what I think about paying to watch games on the Internet. Until technology improves, it seems like a pretty rotten idea to spend 15 bucks to watch anything on the Web. Then, there's the small screen with which to contend. Even laptops would be a little awkward, despite their portability.

Metroplex fans of the Frogs would not have to worry about the pitfalls of Webcasts had MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson been realistic about the issues related to television exposure with the new TV contract. I don't think Thompson was lying when he said the mtn. would be available in markets throughout the league in September. And I think he really believed it when he assured Frogs fans they would be able to watch their team on the new network by the time Wyoming was to arrive in town.

But although markets continue to add the mtn., it still is not available in Fort Worth except via the Internet. At best, this makes Thompson idealistic. At worst, he's showing off incompetence to anyone willing to pay attention. His unraveling won't even cost you 15 bucks.
Unfortunately, no one cares enough to pay attention.

Graceland appropriate shrine for Elvis

A trip to Memphis, Tenn., is incomplete -- at least a first trip -- without a visit to Elvis' former home, Graceland. I say former home because he's dead. He has been, in fact, since 1977. But the personality of the King will forever be preserved in the gaudy home frequented by countless Elvis aficionados from throughout the world. To be sure, things at Graceland are overdone. But Elvis was the king of flashiness, a trait evident throughout his mansion. From the mirrored ceilings to the Jungle Room to the shrines to his career elsewhere, Elvis' home was all about excess.

But that's part of the fun. Few would pay the price of admission if Graceland were just like any other large home. Fans of Elvis' would come regardless of the home's contents. But without his lavish tastes, Elvis would not have earned the following he did. People are drawn to charismatic entertainers such as the King for many reasons they cannot express. Maybe they want the fame or the money or the power. I don't know the answer, either. But Elvis had all three, and throngs of loyal fans continue to prop him up as a demi-god. A trip to Graceland does nothing but confirm this.

Update: After several tries, I have successfully loaded a picture. This one needs no explanation.

TCU at Army

The Frogs look to break a two-game slide Saturday when they travel to West Point, N.Y., to face Army. TCU is healthier than it was Oct. 5. Quarterback Jeff Ballard and running back Aaron Brown will return to provide a spark to an offense whose weaknesses were exposed in consecutive losses to BYU and Utah. Although not a conference game, Saturday's contest is important for the Frogs as they look to get into the Mountain West race. A win will give them the necessary momentum for the Oct. 28 resumption of the conference schedule.

McMurry wins by dropping nickname

McMurry University in Abilene has discovered a creative way to garner support in the fight over college mascots. When the NCAA said it had to jettison the "Indian" as its symbol, McMurry announced it would have no nickname. The mascot will disappear, too.

The NCAA is on a mission to eliminate all American Indian nicknames unless teams acquire permission to use them. Typically, universities have picked similar-sounding nicknames when shamed into dropping the politically incorrect monikers. For example, St. John's adopted the Red Storm after losing Redmen. Sometimes, universities stray completely from the reservation. Stanford University dropped "Indians" more than 30 years ago and settled on the Tree, I mean Cardinal, in 1981.

The NCAA's prohibition of the American Indian as a team symbol is all about the puzzling obsession with not wanting to offend. The NCAA needs to get over it. In life -- and especially sports -- people do things all the time that are not fair. Maybe they even make fun of someone.

McMurry deserves praise for standing up to the big, bad NCAA. A small Methodist university in Abilene, Texas, was never going to beat such an imposing presence. But by refusing to back down, McMurry has won the respect of fans who didn't even know it existed. The schools with more clout thinking of bowing to the heavy-handed NCAA can learn something here.

But don't expect them to pay too much attention. They don't want to be offensive.

No more fun, kids!

A school in Attleboro, Mass., has banned fun. Well, only indirectly. Willett Elementary School has outlawed tag and touch football, two of the most dangerous games children have enjoyed for generations. It seems that school officials are worried about lawsuits. What's next on the list, four square? Seems logical. We wouldn't want a poor kid hit in the face with a rubber ball.

In all seriousness, the more appropriate question is what will happen when administrators at Willett and others across the country realize such rules prevent children from working off energy that, if left to fester, will drive their teachers crazy. Young students need to run around. That's why recess is a part of lower grades. This is just common sense, of which administrators at Willett and other schools that have banned tag need a serious injection.

New travel section

I've added a new section of links to some of my favorite destinations across the country. The travel section is small now, but I hope to continue adding popular vacation spots and destinations in those cities and regions. I took this photo of Independence Hall during a recent trip to Philadelphia.

Wright decision

President Bush today signed a law that gives North Texans more choice when considering which of the region's two major airports to use. The president's signature will lead to the end of the Wright Amendment, which restricts flights from Love Field to destinations in a handful of states. The law, passed in 1979, was a compromise struck by former House Speaker Jim Wright of Fort Worth intended to help Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport grow and allow Dallas Love Field to remain open. D/FW was in its formative stages and probably needed a boost. But for years now, the region has shown an ability to support two airports.

Only recently, when Dallas-based Southwest Airlines began actively working for the amendment's repeal, did anything substantial happen. In reaching this deal, Dallas and Fort Worth actually cooperated -- with each other and D/FW, American Airlines and SWA. The result of this long-sought cooperation was the ability of passengers to fly from Dallas anywhere Southwest goes if they first connect in a state accessible under the Wright Amendment. The North Texas congressional delegation also deserves praise for embracing the proposal.

The problem for SWA and travelers looking for cheaper flights into and out of the Metroplex is the Wright Amendment will not disappear for eight years. Until then, connections will be required if passengers want to get from Dallas to spots not in the nine states where nonstop flights are allowed.

But such is life in a political world. Southwest fought hard to first chip away at the fallacy that unrestricted flights from Love Field would ruin the Tarrant County (Fort Worth and vicinity) economy. Then, the airline and Dallas-area officials miraculously agreed with their western neighbors to work for a mutually beneficial solution to a problem.

All sides deserve credit for not allowing negotiations to crumble, especially considering the years of tough talk by the law's proponents, who vowed it was necessary to protect Tarrant County. While the new law is not without its drawbacks, Southwest and the traveling public have to be declared winners in this.

The airline received what it wanted: unrestricted access from its flagship airport. Sure, it will take almost a decade to materialize, but when the time has elapsed, everyone, including the western half of the Metroplex, will be better off. They'll have the low fares to prove it.

Finally ... some cool weather

Cooler weather has arrived in North Texas. Temperatures in the 60s today and a forecast low in the mid-40s tonight have me thinking about fall. We've had a few fall-like days, but closer we get to the end of October, the more tolerable it becomes outside. Cooler days -- it won't get cold for a few more weeks -- remind my new favorite spot to vacation: Lake Tahoe. My wife and I spent our honeymoon there in May, and the combination of cool weather and breathtaking scenery instantly moved it to the top of my list of most desirable places to visit. Sure, the honeymoon part helped make it great, but I cannot think of a more magnificent spot in the United States.

Put that down ... for just a few minutes

With the rise of hand-held communications devices such as BlackBerrys and other PDAs, one thing has become clear to me: We need a lesson in basic meeting etiquette. At the movies, they tell us to silence our cell phones. When phones ring at meetings, the courteous walk outside to answer them.

With the BlackBerry, what is acceptable during a class or meeting is somewhat murky. Since the device is silent, owners seem to believe they are not disrupting the flow of discussion by checking their e-mail. Here's a thought: It's rude. Unfortunately, respect for other people's time is unfashionable in an age when we want to know instantly what's going on at the office or why the plumber hasn't shown up to fix the toilet.

As the BlackBerry further penetrates American culture -- if you don't think it will, remember how many college students had cell phones just 10 years ago -- a lesson in common decency would benefit everyone.

Hope remains after 0-2 start

The Frogs will take the field Oct. 21 against Army looking to rebound from a disappointing start in conference. Losing their first two, however, is not as traumatic as many fans believe. BYU and Utah are going to be at the top of the Mountain West at the end of the year. If the Frogs can get healthy and solve their offensive woes, they will likely finish high, too. The Army game, although a non-conference contest, will determine how quickly TCU can expect to return to form. Falling to 3-3 going into the Wyoming game could be disastrous.

The Army game will be televised on ESPNU, only slightly more available to fans than the mtn., but that's another story.

Still no mtn. to climb

The Wyoming Cowboys are coming to town in less than a month, and TCU fans in Fort Worth still have no mtn. to climb. TCU is to make it's debut on the mtn., the Mountain West's sleek new network on Oct. 28, but the league still is showing a complete lack of negotiating skill. The two major satellite providers and most cable providers have yet to be persuaded by the idealistic bunch in Colorado.

Frogs face challenge in Utah

The Frogs need to put the BYU game behind them to avoid being beaten by Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday. TCU lost 31-17 last Thursday, ending the nation's longest winning streak at 13. It's tough to know exactly what to expect from Utah after Boise State easily handled the Utes, 36-3 Saturday.

Unfortunately for the Frogs, they will likely lose out on a conference title if they don't bounce back from last week's disappointment. They need to forget about falling out of the top 25, concentrating on executing when they reach the red zone. The advantage they enjoy is tailback Lonta Hobbs, out for nearly a year and a half with various injuries, will be even more prepared to play than last week, when the senior delivered in key situations. Hobbs gave the Frogs the spark they needed, but mistakes in other areas cost them the chance to remain unbeaten.

Still searching for respect ...

Gary Patterson's post-game rant last Saturday opened a few eyes and and may have rubbed a few people the wrong way. It's his comment about respect after the 12-3 win over Texas Tech that was scrutinized most. He complained of football fans' focus on the Big 12 at the expense of TCU.

Hard to disagree there. TCU went through last season 11-1, beating two Big 12 teams, and beat Baylor to open the 2006 season. But the Frogs still found themselves slight underdogs against Tech. And it's a good bet that no matter what happens the rest of this year, if they face a Big 12 team in a bowl, the Frogs will be looking up at a more respected foe once again.

Then, there was the bit about Patterson's players not getting respect from "this city," which rattled a few media-types and probably a couple of fans. One could argue that Patterson went a little far with this one, but he's right. Attendance has been pathetic since the breakup of the Southwest Conference, proving that, even in some corners of Fort Worth, TCU still lacks respect. The coach wasn't calling out the loyal fan base that suffered through years of mediocrity before the resurgence that began in 1998. No, he was talking about the college football fans who, week after week, complain that TCU doesn't play anyone or can't draw any fans. When they do play big conference foes, these critics still find room to complain -- and it's too hard for them to get off the couch and actually come to the game.

The Big 12 has some very good teams, three of which TCU has beaten in the past 15 games. (Sorry, Baylor fans. Your team's not there yet.)Yet, it still sits outside the top 10 and will probably be kept out for a few more weeks, even if they beat BYU and Utah to open conference play.

The bottom line is, Patterson was frustrated and upset about how his team is perceived, and he told people about it. With Tech in town, there were just more people listening.

Big crowd sees big win

For years, one of the myriad reasons TCU has failed to gain the respect of college football was its disappointing attendance. Despite consistently good -- at times, even great seasons -- Fort Worth didn't adequately show its appreciation. Sure, there was the occasional large crowd. In 2003, the final home game of the season against Cincinnati drew more than 42,000 fans. Since the breakup of the Southwest Conference, when Texas and Texas A&M lost all interest in coming to Fort Worth, the crowds have been disappointing. Sure there has been the occasional surprise. The win over Cincinnati in 2003, which pushed the Frogs' record to 10-0, was seen by more than 42,000 people. Too often, the 44,008-seat Amon G. Cater Stadium has been one-third, even half-empty. This dispute a team that has posted multiple seasons of double-digit wins under head coach Gary Patterson.

On Saturday, no one could complain about a half-empty stadium in Fort Worth. The Frogs beat Texas Tech 12-3 in front of more than 45,000 fans. It was the first sellout in 22 years, since the last regular-season game between ranked teams at amen Carter.

On Sunday, the Frogs were rewarded by the voters, moving to No. 15 in the coaches top 25, No. 16 in the AP poll. TCU has not been so highly ranked since Sept. 21, 1959. TCU was ninth that week. BYU comes to fort Worth next, for a Thursday evening game Sept. 28. Normally, as well as BYU travels, 40,000 could be expected to file in to the the seats for that one. But game time is 5 p.m. Still, maybe seeing the stadium at capacity Saturday will inspire college football fans (not just diehard TCU backers) to leave the office a little early and support a team that needs a little respect.

Ticket wars

TCU fans insist Amon Carter Stadium really will be filled Saturday. The Frogs and Texas Tech will play for the first time since the debacle in Lubbock two years ago. TCU came in confident and seemingly ready to play. But after building a three-toughdown lead, the Frogs were shown just how long of a season lay ahead, losing 70-35. Perhaps it's that game that has Red Raider fans bubbling with arrogance.

Some actually claim TCU fans have conspired to buy up available seats for the game, preventing Red Raider fans from attending. A theory posited by the media is probably closer to the truth. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported this week that Tech fans bought TCU season tickets en masse so they could see the game. And tickets are apparently going for large sums on eBay and other ticket-broker sites.

Whichever side is right, one can bet both sides will be strongly represented Saturday. The players don't care much about the renewal of this rivalry; many of them were just grade-schoolers when the Southwest Conference died. But the snatching of tickets proves the fans -- red- and purple-clad both -- covet the chance to see this one in person.

What mtn.?

Reports out West indicate fans in Utah are steamed the mtn. is not available from either of the two major satellite companies. Utah is one of the three states (Wyoming makes four) whose residents have access (in limited areas) to the mtn. A column in The Deseret Morning News adds a new twist to the already ridiculous saga of the conference's TV negotiations. BYU was prohibited from rebroadcasting an edited version of its game over the weekend on BYU TV despite a history of doing so. ESPN apparently allowed the practice, in exchange for production assistance.

The MWC braintrust decided to jettison ESPN in part because the upstart CSTV offered better game dates, scheduling occasional Thursday games, but on no other weekdays. ESPN, on the other hand, didn't care. It developed a bad reputation among many of the academic-minded for scheduling games throughout the week.

This begs the question: What's the problem with Tuesday football games if Tuesday basketball games are OK? But that's another matter. What's important to consider is the conference's continual insistence that is struck a good deal. The leaders urge patience. Perhaps the real story is a bit closer to this: Commissioner Craig Thompson has finally realized he made a bad call but must save face. And he has enlisted the help of ADs, school presidents, coaches and others to help misdirect attention with phony optimism. The sad thing is, they probably don't realize they've been tricked.

Cosmo

With his long, wild hair, only one name was appropriate for the new kitten: Cosmo, after TV's Cosmo Kramer. We brought him home Sunday to join Annie, who seemed a tad irritated at her new companion. She's still hissing. But all indications are that that is natural as cats seek to establish their territory. ... There it is again, that hissing.

Stop it, Annie!

In true Kramer form, Cosmo is not backing down, though. (Yeah, right! Kramer -- especially when it came to clowns -- was a bit of a wimp.)

When we brought Cosmo home, it was clear he would live up to his name in other ways. Not only was his hair as crazy as the popular Seinfeld character's, but physically, Cosmo displayed many of the characteristics of his quirky namesake. I don't think he's stopped moving since he first set foot on the carpet. Cosmo Kramer epitomized physical comedy during the nine-year run of Seinfeld.

Cosmo's antics will certainly be good for a few laughs as time goes on.

Frogs move to 2-0

The Frogs beat UC Davis 46-13 on Saturday, improving to 2-0 as they await Texas Tech's arrival to Amon G. Carter Stadium next week. California, Davis was supposed to lose, so the Frogs' victory is no surprise. On the other hand, the win will likely be treated unfavorably by the pollsters. Frankly, these are the worst types of games to schedule because no matter what the favorite does, it's not good enough.

TCU coach Gary Patterson placed UC Davis on the schedule late, as the Frogs' 12th game. And he did so because he spent the 1986 season there. But the voters couldn't care less about that. I have no complaint about putting the Aggies on the schedule. It's just frustrating to realize such a game will do nothing but create questions.

Home opener

College fans are concentrating on tonight's Texas-Ohio State matchup, the earliest time in a season for the nation's top two teams to play. Who could blame the pundits. The winner will be expected to roll through the rest of the season an onto the national championship. OK, maybe the winner will simply be the favorite. Yeah, that's more like it. If the Longhorns win, they will stretch the nation's longest winning streak to 22 games.

A win by the Buckeyes will give the distinction to another team. If TCU beats UC Davis, a solid Division I-AA team, in its home opener, the Frogs could have the longest winning streak in the nation. And although the season is just under way, and TCU is near the bottom of the top 25, the longest winning streak would generate more attention. And a team such as TCU needs exposure, especially playing in the Mountain West, which lacks an automatic invitation to the Bowl Championship Series.

Another win last week over a BCS conference (the Big 12) looks good. But if the Frogs stumble tonight, as thy did in 2001 against Northwestern State, the dream will come to an end. Not even another 8-0 run in the MWC would be enough to save them. Sure, they could still make a prestigious bowl, but they would find themselves having cheer for Utah or BYU down the stretch (assuming the two other conference favorites survive their non-conference challenges.

TCU fought for better access to the BCS. A conference switch last year and an effort to play a more challenging schedule have opened eyes. To exceed expectations, a team must first meet them. Tonight, that means beating UC Davis.

To St. Paul

The American Association championship series moves to St. Paul tonight, with the Cats and Saints tied 1-1. Fort Worth took the opener 8-3, but lost 7-3 in game two. Go Cats!

Road to the championship

The Fort Worth Cats took Game 1 of the American Association championship series, 8-3, Tuesday after being rained out Monday. The second game with the St. Paul Saints started at 7:05 tonight at LaGrave Field. A win would put the Cats, last year's Central Baseball League Champs, a victory away from a second straight title.

Ignore the polls ... for now

So a win against the Big 12 isn't that meaningful after all. That's what the pollsters want to project, at least when that Big 12 team is Baylor. TCU dropped a spot in each of the major polls -- after a 17-7 road win. It's almost as if the Frogs were favored by 30. They covered the 7-point spread in front of a large and at times hostile crowd.

And remember, they were without starting quarterback Jeff Ballard in the second half and three other top producers for all 60 minutes. Still, the coaches and writers knocked them down a notch. The best reaction to this disappointing news is to ignore it.
Coach Gary Patterson says his team's standing in the polls in September isn't very important. And he is largely correct.

The only thing being ranked at the beginning of the season does is improve a team's chances of moving up the rankings fast enough to earn serious consideration for the Bowl Championship Series. With a fifth game and new rules making it easier for a team in a non-BCS conference to be invited to one of the big games, September rankings carry even less importance, serving as little more than fodder for fans.

If the Frogs' drop this week is treated any differently, one can only imagine what will happen if they beat UC Davis in their home opener Saturday. They're in danger of falling out of the polls, even with a resounding win over the Division I-AA team.

Frogs too much for Bears

WACO -- The Frogs used an eye-opening performance by backup quarterback Marcus Jackson to defeat Baylor on its home turf Sunday. Jackson, a freshman, was understandably nervous, but should not have been surprised he was used. For the past several years TCU has used two quarterbacks to pilot its offense. Performance has had nothing to do with it. Instead, Injuries have plagued the Frogs' backfield year after year. Former starter Tye Gunn enjoyed the distinction of being named the starter several times, only to go down at some point each season. His injury against BYU last year was the start of a special season for Ballard, who finished the season 8-0 as a starter.

This time, it was an apparent concussion that sidelined the TCU starter. (He will play in the home opener Saturday against California, Davis.) But Jackson proved his value to the Frogs, who also found themselves leaning on other backups, most notably tailback Aaron Brown. Starting for the injured Lonta Hobbs and Robert Merrill, Brown rushed for 49 yards. But his receiving skills devastated the Bears. Brown caught the 84-yard touchdown pass from Jackson that gave the Frogs a 10-7 lead and silenced many of the 42,733 fans on hand.

It would be tough for a freshman to lead TCU through a successful campaign. So much is expected of the team now boasting the second-longest winning streak in the country. Guiding the offense for 30 minutes is one thing, but when a freshman is called to be the focal point each week, it has to become tougher. Experience so early in his career against a Big 12 team will serve Jackson well. For now, though, he can learn from the sidelines. Ballard's leadership as a senior is too important to cast aside.

Anti-war talk

The anti-war shriek reached a new pitch on Friday, with perhaps the dumbest words to come out of a Western (pseudo-) leader's mouth yet. Canadian Jack Layton, who leads the New Democrats, called for his country to pull its troops from Afghanistan. Amazingly, the most objectionable part of his statement was not the suggestion of immediate withdrawal. Instead, Layton asserted that it would be a good idea to negotiate with the terror-loving Taliban.

Huh?

The Taliban are terrorists. To give them a seat at the table is just laughable. Layton clearly has a few lessons to learn about common sense and respecting those who have died trying to rid Afghanistan of its Taliban influence. For starters, a sane (the coalition) can not discuss anything with the insane (the Taliban). If Layton and the NDP can't grasp that, they cannot be helped.

I guess Layton and his buddies who agree (There are many, as you'll see if you read the papers up there.) really think that nobody dies in war.

The saddest part of this kind of fringespeak is it will eventually migrate south. It's only a matter of time before the American anti-war crowd starts talking from the same playbook as Layton.

And there's no negotiating with them, either.

No need for TV this weekend

As fans everywhere settle in this weekend to get their first taste of college football for 2006, CSTV, the mtn. and any other brilliant idea Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson's will be far from my mind. My wife -- a Baylor grad -- and I will travel to Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco to catch our respective teams in action. Confidence is high in Waco, where the local college team has not received a bowl invitation in more than 10 years. And the Frogs have not done particularly well when starting the season as favorites.

But with starting quarterback Jeff Ballard, three gifted running backs and a talented receiving corps returning on offense, I wouldn't be so eager if I were Baylor to predict an upset. The offensive line, with only one starter returning, is a bit of a question mark. And that was exactly Oklahoma's downfall last Labor day weekend. An inexperienced offensive line was more to blame than poor quarterback play for the Sooners' 17-10 loss to the Frogs to open the 2005 season.
Still, TCU's linemen have seen action, as coach Gary Patterson likes to get many of his players involved in an effort to develop depth. We're inside two days now, and excitement is continuing to build. Let's kick the ball already!

Cats force Game 5

The Cats on Friday used home runs from Carlos Adolfo and Terence Green to defeat the Shreveport Sports, forcing a fifth game in the first round of the American Association playoffs. One more win will put them in the championship series. LaGrave Field will no doubt be filled with fans anxious to see the Cats continue their post-season success. This year meant a new league, as they left behind the Central Baseball League, but the Cats still have been among the best in the American Association.

If Friday night's power surge is any indication, the home team has a good chance of advancing to play the St. Paul Saints, who shocked the regular-season winners of the North Division, the Lincoln Saltdogs, to win their series.

Ready for Sunday

Kickoff is inching closer, as the TCU Horned Frogs are less than three days away from the season opener at Baylor. Bears coach Guy Morriss has not exactly kept quiet, unfortunate for a TCU alum. No name-calling here. I'll wait for the game.

Coach Gary Patterson will do the same. His weekly radio show tonight was characteristically free of bulletin-board zingers. The only fans he fired up were the Frog faithful. Two days, 16 hours and 33 minutes till kickoff. Go Frogs!

Hope for the Cats

The Fort Worth Cats face elimination in their American Association playoff series after a 4-2 loss to the Shreveport Sports on Thursday. The Cats have a not-so-secret weapon that could propel them to a series victory (assuming a Game 4 win). First base coach Wayne Terwilliger, who guided the Cats to the 2005 Central Baseball League title as manager, has decades of baseball experience from which the Cats can draw as they look to defeat their division rivals and advance to the championship series.

What a surprise!

John Mark Karr is not the man they wanted after all. But who can honestly say they are surprised? Certainly no one who has paid attention since Karr confessed, was arrested and dined in luxury on the way from Thailand to Los Angeles. Authorities announced Monday that Karr's DNA did not match what was at the crime scene. Maybe Boulder County District Attorney Mary Lacy really believed Karr was at the scene when JonBenet Ramsey was killed in 1996. Most people can look at Karr's odd behavior since becoming a media wart and conclude better investigation was necessary before flying Karr in to face charges in JonBenet's murder. If only Lacy had gotten the message before she made a fool of herself and her office.

Go Frogs!!

With the official kickoff of college football less than a week away, it's hard to think about any other sport, especially here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, rich with alumni of some of the biggest college football powers: Texas, A&M, Oklahoma, Nebraska .... and TCU. That's right. Sure, Texas is the defending champion, Coach Fran will have the Aggies ready to play down in College Station, and OU is always a strong contender, even without its starting quarterback from last year. But don't forget the team that shocked the Sooners last September.

The TCU Horned Frogs travel to Waco on Sept. 3 for a matchup against yet another Big 12 team, the Baylor Bears. Coached by TCU alum Guy Morriss, the Bears have a new offense built to mimic Texas Tech's pass-happy attack. But Gary Patterson's defense is ready for the challenge. If the Frogs survive the Bears and take care of Tech on Sept. 15 (in front of a sellout crowd at Amon G. Carter Stadium) they will be on their way to another stellar season. This time, the Bowl Championship Series seams less of a pipe dream. Go Frogs!!

Yes, I'm a newlywed

The wife and me on our wedding day - May 6, 2006. Hard to believe it's been almost 4 months!

Go Frogs!

On our honeymoon in Lake Tahoe, CA. (Self-portrait by Bethany)

The mtn.

The problems with the fledgling Mountain West Conference TV network, the mtn., only appear to be getting worse. League Commissioner Craig Thompson promised fans of the nine-team conference they would have access to their favorite team's games by Sept. 1. As of today, only Colorado, New Mexico and Utah receive the regional network. Considering who's left out -- San Diego, Las Vegas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area -- that's a pretty small region. (Wyoming has also been denied the ability to see the mtn.) True, five of the MWC's nine teams are in the three-state region, but those of us in the other markets have been given a rude slap in the face.

We have no reason to believe the concept of a network devoted to a league most people will never see has even a minute chance of succeeding. When the Mountain West left ESPN for CSTV, we were told it was a student-athlete-friendly decision. No more games on Monday and Tuesday, or Wednesday and Friday, for that matter. ESPN was demanding too much, we were told. And the conference had a great idea in a network deviated to college sports (CSTV). The problem with the notion that the move was good for the athletes is this: College football players want to be on TV.

And without access to CSTV or the mtn., football fans can't watch MWC games. The issue is more acute for fans of other teams who just want to see TCU or another top league team play. They won't be able to most of the time. And worse, they probably won't even know the network exists.

The MWC's defection from ESPN was hailed as a ground-breaking opportunity to build a network from the ground up. CSTV represented the future, we were told. One problem: ESPN has also tried the college-only concept. And noone can watch ESPN U, either. If any network is going to make this concept work, it will be the most popular sports network in the world. But even it is having trouble gaining traction. The mtn. Is not dead, but the MWC brain trust needs to reevaluate its priorities.

The John Mark Karr Saga

John Mark Karr, the suspect in the mysterious murder of JonBenet Ramsey nearly a decade ago, is to be transported to Colorado after waiving extradition from Los Angeles. Usually, in cases such as this one, as evidence begins stacking up, it paints a pretty clear picture of the suspect's involvement in the crime.

In the case of Karr, each new piece of evidence seems to cloud the issue. From his talking about JonBenet in the present tense to suggestions he wasn't even in Colorado when the murder took place, it appears Karr may just be out for publicity.
For the average American, deciphering Karr's comments is impossible. Sane people do not think or talk like he does. Yet, pundits have, since Day One, been trying to figure out why he confessed. Was it to escape the Thai prisons? This was a favorite possibility early on, and has a lot of credence. He was reportedly facing charges for sex crimes there, and in Thailand, sex offenders are treated, shall we say, unkindly. Or so says conventional wisdom.

But to say Karr has enough marbles left to be thinking this clearly is a stretch. He may not have even committed the crime. Those who say he was nowhere near Boulder, Colo. When the crime occurred also may not be remembering quite as well as if the crime had happened 10 moths ago. Ten years is a long time. My suspicion is Karr just wanted the attention, but the district attorney has enough on him to be pursuing him as the suspect. Maybe she'll surprise us.

A cup of coffee

Let's not all be so indignant about the prohibition of liquids and gels on commercial jets. When the rule was instituted recently, most people reacted similarly -- with frustration and bewilderment -- but it's time for a little ingenuity. My wife and I live in Dallas and often fly out of Love Field. One of the first things passengers see as they enter the airport, before even the line of anxious travelers waiting to pass through the metal detectors, is a coffee stand.

It's right by the security check point. Well, despite the presence of a small seating area, the major coffee company that runs the stand is losing business right and left. It has to be. A slight shift in strategy could change this.

My idea, straight from the business plan of Kramerica Industries, is simple. People have to wait in line for extended periods of time, especially following the latest terror scare. So the market for coffee in that part of the airport remains robust. If the ban on liquids remains, a slight modification will be in order.

Instead of selling standard-size cups, the major coffee company in question should consider selling smaller cups. The goal would be a size that allows customers to drink the coffee before reaching the front of the line at the check point. Some might argue there are better ways to increase coffee consumption, but the coffee company (Starbucks) is in no hurry to cede its prime location. Its kiosk is the first thing many people see when entering the airport. A better solution would be to slice the size of the cups in half.

Starbucks -- Seattle's Best, a subsidiary of Big Coffee's most imposing presence, operates the stand -- could continue selling large cups. They would be less plentiful, certainly. But enough people would still want them with the adjacent seating area. What is needed is a change for those potential customers who typically are too busy removing theie shoes to drink up in time.

I can hear Regis calling right now.

Airline security

My wife and I are leaving town this weekend for a big family get-together. Logistics require that we fly, since we'll be traveling to New Orleans from our home in Dallas. This means our first taste of liquids-free flight. Conceptually, I agree with more-stringent rules in the face of last week's foiled plan to blow up U.S.-bound jets. (My wife disagrees. She believes the likelihood of terrorists using liquid explosives to be minute after the idea was exposed.)

I'm not so sure. I do know, however, that the changes made to airline security -- although loosened slightly over the weekend -- don't all make sense. Women can new bring on lipstick (a sensible revision), but most liquids are still prohibited. Consider the ban on beverages such as coffee. Following 9/11, security personnel asked travelers to taste their drinks when passing through security. Now, they are flat-out prohibited from taking it through the metal detectors. Perhaps there's an easier, more convenient solution.
This would be a good time to bring back the taste tests.

Deflecting terror

The thwarting of the plot to kill perhaps thousands aboard 10 U.S.-bound planes today should remind us of the post-9/11 horror that gripped our lives for months after the Twin Towers fell. Unfortunately, too many of us have fallen under the spell of complacency and will not understand the necessary steps taken at airports today. Passengers cannot take liquids on board planes, meaning coffee, bottled water, even hair gel is off limits. (The ban applies only to carry-on luggage.) Who knows how long these rules will be in place. And yes, they are inconvenient to travelers. But as politically charged as the U.S. is, the Bush administration made the only move it could. Had the TSA taken a less-draconian approach, President Bush would have been torn to pieces by the left, which correctly would complain of an inadequate response.

As time passes, and we learn more about the foiled attacks, the appropriateness of the government's action will be made clearer. But let us remember, terrorism simply has been deflected. It will rear its head again on our soil. And we'd better not be dreaming when it does.

Baseball tradition

Citizens Bank Park

The sale of the Seattle SuperSonics today to a group of Oklahoma City investors reminds me of a significant moment in my college life. My Seattle buddy was confident that his Sonics could beat my team, the Houston Rockets, in the 1997 NBA playoffs. And, thankfully, he was willing to put his money where his mouth was. The Rockets won that series, and as a reward, I had part of my plane fare from DFW to Seattle two years later paid for. Another friend from Texas and I were to meet our friend in the Great Northwest for a look at the brilliant new Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.

With that experience, we began a quest to travel the country to attend baseball games at the Majors' new gems, which began popping up after the Baltimore Orioles opened their palace -- Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- in 1992. The following summer was Houston, then Denver. Over the years, we've lost and added travel companions, but without that bet, we may never have begun this wonderful tradition.

Two of us who took that first trip will be on separate planes this week to the City of Brotherly Love. And doubtless, we'll all continue making great memories, thanks to an overconfident buddy who allowed an emotional attachment to a team go a little far.

Utah senator shows courage

Utah Sen. Bob Bennett this week showed not all Repubs. in Washington are gutless on the issue of flag burning. He, along with Sen. Mitch McConnell ( himself a free-speech champion) bravely opposed the latest attempt to make flag burning illegal. Had one of the two voted to amend the Constitution, the proposal would have received the required votes to move on. I single out Bennett and not his Kentucky colleague because McConnell is well known for not allowing party loyalty to cloud his judgment on matters of free speech. Remember campaign finance "reform? McConnell stood firmly against John McCain and other fake conservatives as they (figuratively) beat others into submission over the issue.

So McConnell's vote was predictable. Without Bennett's stand, the most over-hyped legislation pushed by the GOP would be one step closer to an illegitimate place on the Constitution. That's right. Although detestable, flag burning is political speech and therefore must be left alone. No law prohibiting it, certainly no amendment.

A flag-burning amendment would not stop fanatics in countries hostile to the United States from burning Old Glory. Unfortunately, enough Republicans fear that opposition to such a law would so anger veterans that they would no longer feel at home in their party. News flash: Freedom-loving vets are not going to cross over to a party whose leadership is trying daily to erase from Americans' minds any memory of progress on the war front. Even more unbelievable than true conservatives embracing the Pelosi Doctrine is the notion they will stay home. In a time of war, those who answered the call so bravely to defend freedom will not abrogate their responsibility to participate in the political process.
Republicans would do well to listen to Bennett.

Introduction

My hope with Frogsense is to offer conservative commentary on a few of the most challenging issues of the day from the perspective of a blogger with actual journalism experience. Too often, with the growth of the so-called alternative media, people on the right throw all traditional media under the same hat, ridiculing their coverage decisions, word choice and other decisions with little idea of how things work.

But to be serious all the time would be boring, as would covering the same thing all the time. The Texas Governor's race, even with a washed-up grandma and funny man thrown in there, will only hold the attention of average people for so long. What's needed is a more eclectic offering. So I'll try to provide that.