somebody's gotta do it

They tell me part of the purpose of this blog is to give you some idea of what I do. Why you'd care is beyond me. Regardless, I had 5 column ideas today, and ended up writing about the Bengals winning the offseason. The other 4 didnt strike me as strong enough to keep people reading for 5 whole minutes, no easy task now. Idea 1 was John Daly's blow-off of PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem's meek suggestion that Daly get help for his major gambling problem: What if jocks in other sports did the same?

Idea 2 was how AAU basketball is neutering the high school game. Good idea, but I didnt research it as much as I needed to. Some important calls -- to coaches, parents and players -- weren't returned.

Idea 3 was Earl Woods' death and the importance of fathers in our lives. May revisit that one on Father's Day.

Idea 4 was Barry Bonds being just 2 homers back of Babe Ruth. Had a local 4th-grade class weigh in on why they liked Ruth and didnt like Bonds. Just wasn't strong enough.

Idea 5 was talking to Marvin Lewis about creating the culture of winning in the offseason. I thought that one had the biggest across the board appeal. Plus, Lewis is great to deal with one on one: Pleasant, insightful, revealing, never condescending. Nothing like his press conference persona.

I've said for years that writing the column is the easy part. Finding something you think people want to read is hard. Spent six hours today, foraging, and about 90 minutes writing.

Anyway, if you think this was at all insightful, great. I'll do it occasionally. If you really couldn't care less, I won't be offended. Sometimes, I bore me, too. Live big.