Sports night in Iraq
While things happen as they do in Iraq, the U.S. armed forces do what they seem to have to do to continue this conflict.
My brother-in-law Mitch, who's been there a couple of weeks now with his Marine Corps squadron, sends his latest email to update us on how the sports scene is taking all their minds off the reality of the situation.
Tuesday morning (or Tuesday night in Iraq), Mitch tells us he's proud again that his Indianapolis Colts are off and running, defending Vin Scully , seemingly missing the end of that Dodgers' 11-10 victory and wondering who's going to win ESPN's "The Contender," among other things:
"How is it going. Good for the Colts, but it is early.
"We did get to see the SC game highlights it came on a bit late. Great team, number 3. But how is Texas ranked seventh with a lose? The college rating system needs to go away.
"I woke up this morning to see the Dodgers down 4-0, by the time I was eating breakfast, I saw them tie it up at 4. They have two big screen TV's in the chow hall, one usually has football the other baseball. I am sure this will change next month when the NBA kicks of.
"October is almost here, come on Blue. My boss made a comment this morning: Vin Scully was announcing for the Dodgers and he said, 'Baseball is bad enough, but could you imagine having to listen to that guy on top of it?' I said, 'Sir, that is baseball to me, ol Vinny calling the game. He's like the Chick Hearn of L.A. baseball.' Then again, he might think Dodger dogs are terrible ... he's a Packers fan.
"I love it this time of year: sports, sports and more sports. Al, the Giants fan, almost had a heart attack during the Philly game. He is too old for all that excitement. I was afraid we were going to have to send him home early, and not because of enemy action. That is, unless every team that plays the Giants he considers his enemy. Oh, I did get the vanilla smoothie compliments of the Giants, I mean Al. Go Colts.
" 'The Contender' final (on ESPN) is almost here, one more episode then it is off to Staples. Should be a good fight. Are you you going?
"Well Tom take care, talk to you later. I ordered dog tags for the Squadron. The guys all think that is a great idea, and want me to thank the company on your blog, so thanks a lot from the Marines and Sailors of VMA-211."