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It's been a long, cold, lonely summer without the NFL, but Page 2's Gregg Easterbrook puts an official end to it with today's return of Tuesday Morning Quarterback. First, though, we've got a lot of catching up to do on those minor offseason details . . . you know, like the decline of both Western and Eastern Civilization.
EASTERBROOK: OFFSEASON HIGHLIGHTS




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Just when it seems as if the Kobe Bryant dark cloud will suck all the fun out of sports, Page 2's Jim Armstrong weighs in with the good news. Hey, it ain't all bad in our little corner of the world. We can still admire people like the Diamondbacks' Luis Gonzalez, the Vikings' Daunte Culpepper, the Rams' Kurt Warner and more.

The Good Doctor Sportoon
Page 2's Hunter S. Thompson tries to resist the temptation to lay down some cold, hard cash on these NFL exhibition games. And then Michael Lewis breaks loose on a kick return and all non-bets are off.
 What's a vacationing cartoonist to do? Page 2's Kurt Snibbe intended to get away from it all with a little family car trip, but there is no escaping the world of sports. Here's how Sportoon spent his summer vacation.

THE DAILY QUICKIE
The Daily Quickie bids a fond farewell to Herb Brooks, the man who made the best sports miracle in America happen. Plus, going streaking with Albert Pujols and sizing up the AL wild-card race.


We've written about failed phenoms and failed Heisman winners, but we've presented the biggest sports busts of all time.
10]  Olympic Triplecast
For the 1992 Barcelona Games, NBC came up with an idea to recoup some of the $400 million in rights fees and $100 million in production costs: sell a special package, a "Triplecast" of 24-hour-a-day competition. Viewers balked at the $125 cost and NBC lost millions.
9]  Michael Jordan as a baseball player
After his first retirement, MJ played Double-A ball and hit .202 with 114 K's and three home runs. He was soon back on the basketball court
8]  Grass in the Astrodome
"The Eighth Wonder of the World" opened in 1965 with a translucent ceiling and real grass. Trouble was, too much glare, so they painted the roof ... but the grass died. Welcome aboard, Astrotuf.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 WORLD SERIES
Yankees 7-2   Phillies 10-1
Braves 5-1   Mariners 11-1
Red Sox 7-1   White Sox 15-1
Giants 7-1   Astros 16-1
Athletics 9-1   Cardinals 18-1
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


AS BAD AS IT GETS
Page 2's Jim Caple went to see Ben and J-Lo's "Gigli" this weekend -- it's as bad as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

OVERLOOKED FLICKS
The Sports Guy has watched thousands of movies in his day, but only 12 films could make his list of the most underrated movies of all time.

THE WATER COOLER
Page 2's Brian Murphy fell in love with a novel about an unlikely bodybuilder, now California is about to do the same.

BALLPARK TOUR
Our ballpark tour stops in South Florida, where Pro Player Stadium isn't just about football.

WACKO IN WACO?
How did things go so deadly wrong for Patrick Dennehy? Page 2's Ralph Wiley studies the crime scene in Waco.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's Vikings' defensive back Corey Chavous, left, and R&B star Carl Thomas. Page 2 has received 29 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


MLB: San Diego at Atlanta
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Padres try to slay Goliath.
 
MLB: NY Yankees at Kansas City
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Let's see some pine tar.
 
Little League Softball World Series
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Florida seeks to stop Texas dynasty.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Mon., Aug. 11: Ben Hurt
• Fri., Aug. 8: Sports Guy Movies
• Thur., Aug. 7: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
• Wed., Aug. 6: Eye for the Kobe Guy

Other featured content:
• Ultimate Scorecard: 101 best uniform numbers
• The most underrated athletes of all time
• The most overrated athletes of all time
• Page 2's Top 10 Pop Icons
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003
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