The view from the 50

- Got a chance to see the 1st half last night. Bailed at halftime.

Obervations:

- Texas Stadium is a toilet. It's not a dome, so there's no A/C. It's not completely open air, so there's no breeze. It's the closest thing we have in sports to a greenhouse/sauna.
- It's dirty as hell.
- Rowdy is the biggest beating in sports. So many things I could write about, but I think it's all been said before.
- Tony Romo is fun to watch on the sidelines. He's constantly laughing, talking, moving around from player to player, talking about X's and O's and also joking around. I'm not sure if anything fazes this guy. There can't be one player on that team doesn't like Romo.
- TO Owens is a monster.
- Demarcus Ware is an even bigger monster.
- Greg Ellis has sprinter's ankles.
- Brad Johnson is one goofy looking dude.
- And his arm absolutely sucks.
- Pam Oliver has gained a ton of weight, I'm not sure if she's always been this big, but on TV she looks skinnier than what I saw yesterday.
- I just can't believe how big NFL players are. College and NFL are night and day.
- Jason Garrett just looks the part. He looks like he has already developed an excellent bond between himself and his offensive players. They all seem to like him and are locked in on what he's telling them. Most notably, TO Owens. Outside of Romo, I was watching him the most.
- The food/beer situation sucks. Going to the AAC a lot, and Ranger games occasionally, I've gotten used to the convenience of those scenes. Everywhere takes credit cards, beer and food are together at the same kiosk, and you don't feel as if you're in Fair Park ordering a corn dog.
- Beer is cash only and you can't get it at the food places.
- I know all stadium food is overpriced, but Texas Stadium is overpriced and it sucks. At least the Ballpark and the AAC has semi-decent food options.
- All in all, I can't believe Jerry hasn't upgraded this place over the years for the fan. It's strange, as cutting edge as he is, he's so far behind in stadium/fan convenience it's not even funny. I'd rate the Cotton Bowl higher than this dump.



Some pictures (Click on each to get more zoomed in looks):











- Can he keep this up? The hard drinkin', hard smokin', hard gamblin', domestic violence king of the PGA is sitting in 2nd place after Day 1 of the PGA Championship. When will the implosion begin? Stay tuned........

Daly news: Stop presses! He's 2nd at PGA

01:08 AM CDT on Friday, August 10, 2007

TULSA – Tiger Woods flew in a week early to play a practice round. Phil Mickelson also made a scouting trip before arriving at Southern Hills. And others began playing practice rounds last weekend.

John Daly employed the less-is-more strategy. He prepared by not playing a practice round.

Concerned about the 100-degree temperatures, Daly found emergency shelter until his tee time Thursday.

"I've been playing slots over at Cherokee Casino," he said. "Did good the first day, didn't do too good the other day."

Somehow, Daly managed to squeeze some practice into his hectic schedule. May as well; they closed the course for him, so he threw his clubs onto the back of a cart. And it's a good thing, too.

"I got a lot of practicing in," Daly said. "I hit this big duck hook on the first hole, and I said, 'You know what, I'm taking the club too far inside.' The rest of the day, I started taking the club more outside, started getting my cut back."

Daly's minimalist approach worked. Using his yardage book as a map, he made it around Southern Hills in 67 strokes. And he didn't even get a cart.

By the time you read this, Daly may have missed the cut. But he entered the second round alone in second place at 3 under, two strokes behind England's Graeme Storm.

Daly may have surprised himself more than you. His up-and-down life has been mostly down this season. The last time he talked to reporters on the golf course, he was explaining the red claw marks on his face.

His fourth wife accused him of sexual assault. Daly denied that, adding that she came at him with a knife.

Playing on sponsors' exemptions after losing his card, Daly has only made the cut five times in 17 starts. He recently added an injured shoulder to his long list of problems.

Thursday, Daly was so dazed by his round that he couldn't recall where he made his birdies and bogeys. His news conference kicked off with a question about why he played so well.

"I have no idea," he said. "There was odds with all the caddies and players this week on who would fall first, me or my caddie. So we made 18 holes."

Then he was asked to go through his card, listing birdies and bogeys.

Long pause.

"I can't remember the holes," he said. "I think I hit driver on 4. Yeah, I hit driver – wait a minute. I can't remember, to tell you the truth. Only had three heat strokes out there."

Daly has built a career on hard-luck stories. His legion of fans has remained loyal since he burst on the scene at the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick. Making the field as the ninth alternate, he didn't play a practice round. But he won by overpowering the course with his grip-it-and-rip-it style.

About a two-hour drive from his Arkansas home, Daly had plenty of Razorback fans hooting and hollering for him Thursday.

While other players drank as much water as possible, Daly stuck to his tried-and-true method. He said he drank no water.

"I grew up around this area," he said. "I'm used to the little valleys where you don't get any air and there's a lot of humidity and it's hard to breathe. I light up a cigarette and drink some caffeine, and it actually works."

Daly's 67 will give him a boost of confidence. Will that be enough of a spark to keep him in contention on the weekend?

With Daly, you never know.

"I bent over to look at some putts, stuff I haven't done," he said. "I actually sat over the putts longer instead of three, four, five or six seconds. More like six or seven."





- Please don't do this.

Houston to Dallas? That's news to Cuban

Ex-Knicks guard wants to make comeback; are Mavs on his list?


01:11 AM CDT on Friday, August 10, 2007
By CHUCK CARLTON / The Dallas Morning News
ccarlton@dallasnews.com

Like most of the other teams in the NBA, the Mavericks would be interested in seeing if Allan Houston can still play.

For now, if they rank among the leading suitors for the former New York Knicks shooting guard, it's news to Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

"Never say never, but we haven't talked to him," Cuban wrote in an e-mail response.

In an interview with ESPN, Houston said he is considering a comeback, much like former Indiana star Reggie Miller.

Houston, 36, averaged 17.3 points a game in 12 NBA seasons and made 40 percent of his 3-point attempts.

That production dwindled during a final injury-plagued season in 2004-05, when he averaged 11.8 points in only 20 games.

"It's something I'd like to do," Houston told ESPN when asked about a return. "It's just a matter of getting myself back in game shape and getting used to playing again."

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, indicated that the Mavericks and Cleveland lead the list of possible destinations.

The Mavericks already have a number of shooting guards on the roster with the signing of unrestricted free agent Eddie Jones earlier this week. Jones joined shooting guards Devean George, Jerry Stackhouse, Greg Buckner and Maurice Ager.






- Nebraska News/Notes


- Defensive line preview

Defensive End

BSDE Zach Potter 6-7 287 JR; He has the body and the ability, does he have the heart and desire? We should find out early on in ’07 as Potter is being all but handed Carriker’s old job. Is noticeably thicker than he was in ’06. Has some limited experience as a reserve the past 2 seasons. Potter was up to 297 lbs. as he was pressured into filling the AC prototype; he dropped to 280 lbs. an then built himself back up to 287 lbs. entering fall camp. Knows DCKC’s system, lots of reps in practice the past 2 yrs. Has been impressive in fall camp with his reads and reactionary skills. Wyatt seems to be taking a liking. Motor/drive has always been a question/concern. 70-80 snaps per game could be asking too much; more likely around 50-60 to keep him fresh.

BSDE Pierre Allen 6-5 266 rFR; Has been quiet in the spring and summer sessions. His poor showing has the coaches contemplating moving Ty Steinkuhler back to BDE on a full-time basis for depth purposes. Added 40+ lbs. in his RS yr. working with SCDK. Could see 20-30 snaps per game as a key BDE reserve.

BSDE Jared Crick 6-6 262 tFR; Has the prototype frame that the coaches have grown to like in their BDE prospects. Worked out all summer in Lincoln and has made a surprising transition. He is already stronger than ZP and has the temperament that he seems to be missing as well. A hungry youngster who will make Nebraskan’s proud over time. A Carriker clone? Good chance he’ll RS and try to bulk himself into a 286 lb. frame to compete for p/t in ’08 and beyond.

BSDE Tyrone Fahie 6-3 260 rFR; Enlisted in the NU FB program last winter after 6 yrs. With the U.S. Military (Seal Team One). Did 2 tours in Iraq. Brings maturity and leadership to the defense/scout team. Was impressive in the spring; turned heads in the red/white game. Should excel on the KO/P coverage units in ’07 and compete for a reserve role in ’08. There is some upside but I feel a lot of folks are expecting too much, too soon from this guy. I would personally like to see him as an ILB in a 34 front; he’d have some good value there.

OSDE/BSDE David Harvey 6-4 254 SO; Did you forget about him? He’s been listed as the #3 OSDE behind Turner and Sievers after moving over from TE originally. He RS in ’05 and didn’t see any action after moving to defense in ’06. Has also been pushing for the #3 BSDE in fall camp behind ZPotter and PAllen; could actually rise to #2 BSDE on the d/c. w/ an impressive fall camp. Has a better chance at BDE if they don't move Steinkuler back to the edge; BTurner and CSiever have the top 2 spots at OE all but locked up. He’s going to have to make an impression on ST’s before getting any serious looks from Coz/Wyatt.

OSDE Barry Turner 6-3 270 JR; Up to 270 lbs. Added bulk to better hold up v. the run. The concern was that he had elite pass rushing moves as a true frosh, somewhat disappeared as a soph as teams neutralized his few moves (you can gameplan 1-trick ponies, he's worked hard to diversify). Has been working with Wyatt on technique (esp. hand placement to guard off OT's) and Kennedy on adding bulk/mass. Hopefully he’ll hold up as teams will test him by running right at him early on (in what has tradionally been his weak point). Ran a 4.55/40 at 250 lbs. Likely in the 20-265 lb. range when the season starts. Missed spring practice b/c of shoulder surgery. ’05 Frosh AA.

OSDE Clayton Sievers 6-4 247 JR; Will battle Turner for snaps at OE, Sievers figures to hold up better v. the run. Contributed as a TE in ’05 before moving to SAM and finally to OE in ’06. He has been invaluable in the goal-line defensive unit. A stellar ST player (punt / punt block / FG / PAT units). Little bro of former NU LBer Chad Sievers. OE or SAM as best/ultimate position? Should see 15-20 snaps as OE reserve (most in GL/ORZ sets). Continue to star on ST's.

OSDE William Yancy 6-4 227 tFR; Could play a similar role to what Turner did as a true frosh in ’05. Needs to add bulk to hold up v. the run. A situational pass rusher at best right now as a true frosh. Has had some problems early adapting to the speed of CFB. Still lacking in the physicality/strength/size dept.; though that will come with time after getting acclimated with SCDK. Adapting moves from Jevon Kearse and Dwight Freeney. A bit slender to be anything but a situational pass rusher at this point.

OSDE Andy Poulosky 6-2 255 SR; Listed behind Turner, Sievers and Harvey at OE. The walk-on from Ponca, NE is primarily a ST’s player. Not likely to see any action on defense this yr. save for on SR day. Adds value on scout team.

OSDE Thomas Rice 6-1 241 SR; The ’06 defensive scout team MVP. Played v. CU in ’06, his only game action to date. Should continue bringing it on the scout team; where he has been asset the past couple of yrs.

BSDE/DT Ben Martin 6-4 274 rFR; I thought that this kid would grow into an OG, I may have been dead wrong here. He has really worked hard in the gym and appears to be a sleeper candidate to join the DE rotation in ’07. He definitely looks the part. Listed as a backup for Ty at DT. Was blown off of the LOS in the red/white game this spring working at the 3-technique, needs some more time with SCDK before being ready. Could surprise some folks in '08.

DE Luke Lingenfelter 6-4 244 tFR; a walk-on from small town Plainview, NE. A cousin to recently graduated Husker Newton Lingenfelter. Could eventually be looking at a switch to the OL or possibly an undertaking as a LS. Body to grow into a interior OL; not sold on him ever contributing on anything but ST's at this point. Will RS in '07.

DE Tony Sullivan 6-3 243 SR; Has been a stellar scout team player but has yet to appear in a game. Has also practiced at DT in the spring. Don't look for any significant contributions on the field; most likely scout team fodder.



Defensive Tackle

NT Ndamukong Suh 6-4 305 SO; Strength, enough said. A thick lower body provides a solid base and driving force to create havoc in opposing backfields. Stellar run-stopper and pass rusher. Excellent center of gravity, balance. Can really collapse the pocket. NU’s 1st ever schollie player from OR played 2 games a true frosh then missed the rest of the yr. with a knee injury. Should provide the heart and soul of the DL and develop into the leader of this unit.

NT Brandon Johnson 6-3 316 SR; Has yet to live up to his “Beast” moniker. Appears to have been a “Beast” in the weight room this summer. Penciled in as the backup to Suh at NT. Played 6 games as a backup DT in ’06 ( and on XP and FG units). Can play both the Nose and 3tech. Provides decent depth if he is in shape and his heart is into making a move on the d/c. I like the talent but can BW maximize it? '07 is his chance.

NT Shukree Barfield 6-4 314 JR; Should provide depth. Could also see some work at DT if the staff feels the need to move Ty back to BDE. Good strength and athleticism. From same hometown in NJ as former NU AA IB Mike Rozier. There was some speculation that he could get a peruse at BSDE if the coaches feel TS needs to stay at 3tech and ZP doesn't develop/impress there; though that seems unlikely with the unsettlement on the DL and how DCKC seems to like a 4-5 man rotation there.

NT Taylor Escamilla 6-1 276 tFR; a walk-on who will RS in ’07. Has a good frame to grow into a 2-down NT that can plug the gap and stop the run. From his prep career he may never develop into any sort of a pass rusher. Very raw from a technique standpoint.

3-tech DT/BSDE Ty Seinkuhler 6-3 287 JR; Will serve in a utility role, he may battle Dixon for dibs on the starting DT slot next to Suh and will spell Potter/Allen at BDE. Outstanding strength, good athleticism. Played DE as a frosh and DT as a soph. Has been a versatile key reserve for 2 seasons. Son of former NU AA OG Dean Steinkuhler. Brother Baker is a commit for the ’08 recruiting class.

3-tech DT Kevin Dixon 6-3 293 JR; A much heralded JUCO xfer who should vie for the starting DT gig. Has a nice body, svelte for a big man. His late arrival to campus may have retarded his development as far as where the coaching staff would have liked him to be at this point. How quickly he grasps the techniques taught by Buddy Wyatt as well as the playbook will go a long ways to determining just how good this defense is going to be in ’07. He did work out on his own and appears to be in good shape, so that is atleast a positive of some sort. Fast and explosive per Carl Nicks. Getting a lot of reps in fall camp as he works with both the 1’s and 2’s.

3-tech DT Seth Jensen 6-3 293 rFR; Another player beset by injuries. Did not participate in contact drill this spring after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. By all accounts he is finally 100% healthy, though we can probably expect another year or 2 working with SCDK and learning the defense. Don’t expect too much of an impact here in ’07; although the same was said of Q in ’05. A player that I think most have written off; has looked good w/ou the pads thus far in fall camp. He could really solidify the d/c on the DL if he were healthy and committed.

3-tech DT Terrence Moore 6-3 273 tFR; A sleeper for the latest recruiting haul who most likely will need a RS yr. From same HS as former NU star/NFL All-Pro Neil Smith. Will need to add 20+ lbs. of bulk before seeing the field for UNL. Has some nice feet and potential but is not ready physically for the rigors of D1 CFB. Give SCDK some time to work his magic, this is a player that Wyatt loves his upside. Time will tell here, again don’t expect anything from him in ’07 ~ learning the playbook will be more than enough.

3-tech DT Ben Franzluebbers 6-5 245 tFR; a walk-on from Dodge, NE who will RS in ’07 if he can stick with the program.



- Thursday's Camp Report

Practice report
Thursday was the first time for the Nebraska newcomers to practice in Memorial Stadium. A nice, hot day on the turf, too.

"Our trainers are on top of it," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said of potential heat-related issues. "We're always on the alert."

As for the practice?

"As a team, we're getting better," Callahan said. "I saw a huge leap in our guys as a team, the way they came out and approached practice, the way they worked, finished and went through the periods."

Friday is NU's first day in full pads. Callahan said there may be some scrimmaging, depending on the injury report. "There is no urgency," he said.

Of notable injured players, receiver Todd Peterson has missed the last two days with a slight shoulder sprain. He should be able to return Friday.




- The NoTex Rant Top 25

#25 - Missouri
#24 - Hawaii
#23 - Oklahoma St.
#22 - Alabama



#21 - Texas Tech

Texas Tech has had its high points in the Mike Leach era, but it came up with its signature moment against Minnesota in last December's Insight Bowl. Early in the third quarter, Minnesota led, 38-7, and the Lubbock crew was wondering who thought it was a good idea to head west for the week between Christmas and New Year's anyway.
Then came the ridiculous eruption. Tech started scoring. And scoring. By the time kicker Alex Trlica nailed a 52-yard field-goal at the buzzer, the game was tied at 38. One overtime period later, the Raiders had a 44-41 win and the happiest of happy endings to the season.

So, what's next? What do you think? Another 4,500-5,000 passing yards from junior Graham Harrell, who had his erratic moments and was nearly benched at times during the year, but turned into the type of clutch performer the program can rely on to pull wins out of the fire. As always, there will be another collection of high-scoring games certain to fry computer hard drives and leave fans wondering whether a trip to the hot dog stand is going to cost them a couple touchdowns.

Figure on more of the same for the next several years, since Leach signed an extension keeping him on through the 2010 with a $2 million payday if he's around that long. Yes, Leach's name has surfaced for an assortment of jobs, both on the collegiate and professional levels, but he's happy and feeling comfortable with the foundation and history in place.

Of course, the biggest challenge facing Leach is lifting Tech from a team that wins eight or nine a year to a school capable of challenging for a Big 12 championship. Tech will always be exciting, and its crazy offensive output will sell tickets, but beating the better teams in the Big 12 — or anywhere else, for that matter — will be elusive until there's consistency on both sides of the ball. This year's team has the potential to be Leach's most even-keel yet, even with all the funnin' and gunnin.' This has always been one of the most fun teams to watch in college football, and now it could be one of the best in the Big 12.

What to look for on offense: As always, the offense will spread the field with five wideouts and try to exploit the biggest mismatch on the field, with more efficiency than over the last few years, even with all the top receivers gone. Harrell's development will mean a few 500-yard days, no matter who's catching the ball, a completion percentage in the high 60s and 40 or so touchdowns. Until the new targets get their feet wet, expect more from speedy running back Shannon Woods early on. He'll end up running for 1,000 yards.

What to look for on defense: It's better than it'll be made out to be, but it'll get run on at will. The Red Raiders usually will surrender more than 20 points a game to the big boys, but as long as the defense bends but doesn't break too often, the offense will take care of the rest. This year could be tough early with six starters gone, including all but two in the front seven. If teams can control the clock against the Raiders, they can keep Harrell and his flyboys off the field and mess with Tech's timing. Everyone knows this so they'll try to pound the ball. Tech will get creative early to do what it can to sell out to stop the run.

This team will be much better if... it can stop somebody from running the football. Tech allowed rivals to gain 3.8 yards per carry last year, a big reason why the team had a time-of-possession deficit of 4:36. Sure, the Raiders throw the ball, which leads to quick scoring drives and many clock stoppages, but Tech can't beat the better teams on its schedule if it lets them chew up the clock with long drives. Stopping the run could be a huge concern this year, given the revamped front seven.

The Schedule: If Iowa State and Colorado haven't improved by leaps and bounds, the Big 12 schedule is decent, with home dates against those 2006 North bottom-feeders (although Red Raider fans might still be smarting from last year's 30-6 loss in Boulder). However, the trip to Missouri, the lone game away from Lubbock for a month, will be tough. There can't be too much complaining about the South games, getting two of the big three (Texas A&M and Oklahoma) at home. For better or for worse, the road trip to Texas comes the week before playing the Sooners. The non-conference schedule is a typical Texas Tech waste of time, playing at SMU, UTEP, at Rice, and Northwestern State.

Best Offensive Player: Junior QB Graham Harrell. While he was inconsistent throughout last season, and flat-out awful at times, he showed a flair for the dramatic by pulling out wins against Texas A&M and Minnesota, creating a bit of Red Raider legend. After throwing for 4,555 yards and 38 touchdowns, he's going to have to be even better, given the slew of new receivers.

Best Defensive Player: Senior SS Joe Garcia. Part strong safety and part linebacker, the 217-pound junior is a big-time hitter who's decent at getting into the backfield and a rock against the run. While he's good at forcing the big play, he could stand to do a bit more when the ball is in the air. He'll team with Darcel McBath to form one of the league's best safety tandems.

Key player to a successful season: Redshirt freshman WR Michael Crabtree. Someone has to catch all of Harrell's passes. Crabtree might be the most talented receiver recruit Leach and his staff have brought in, and has tremendous skills and an uncanny knack to get open ... at least in practice.

The season will be a success if... the Red Raiders win ten games. It's a tall order, considering how many holes they have to fill on both sides of the ball, and it might take a bowl win to do it, but double-digit wins would be an enormous leap in the Mike Leach era, considering the program hasn't won ten since 1976. The schedule is just easy enough to do it, allowing for losses against Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma.

Key game: Sept. 22 at Oklahoma State. Facing Texas and Oklahoma in the final two games of the year, Tech can be in a great position to control its own Big 12 destiny late in November, as long as it gets by the other above-average conference teams like Texas A&M, Missouri and Oklahoma State in the league opener. The Cowboys will have the offense to keep up in the shootout, but if the Red Raiders win, they'll likely be 6-0 going into the showdown with the Aggies.

2006 Fun Stats:

Second quarter scoring: Texas Tech 159; Opponents 125

Third quarter scoring: Texas Tech 80; Opponents 55

Penalties: Texas Tech 96 for 856 yards; Opponents 70 for 613 yards

Texas Tech Red Raiders
Team Information
Head coach: Mike Leach
8th year: 56-33
42nd year overall: 366-113-4
Returning Lettermen: 48
Lettermen Lost: 15

Ten Best Players
1. QB Graham Harrell, Jr.
2. SS Joe Garcia, Sr.
3. FS Darcel McBath, Jr.
4. CB Chris Parker, Sr.
5. RB Shannon Woods, Jr.
6. DE Jake Ratliff, Jr.
7. WR Michael Crabtree, RFr.
8. OG Louis Vasquez, Jr.
9. WR/PR Danny Amendola, Sr.
10. WR L.A. Reed, Jr.

2007 Schedule
Sept. 1 at SMU
Sept. 8 UTEP
Sept. 15 at Rice
Sept. 22 at Oklahoma State
Sept. 29 NW State
Oct. 6 Iowa State
Oct. 13 Texas A&M
Oct. 20 at Missouri
Oct. 27 Colorado
Nov. 3 at Baylor
Nov. 10 at Texas
Nov. 17 Oklahoma






- Pretty cool feature in USA Today about small towns with tons of cool options.

10 great small towns with huge backyards

By Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY
Get a glimpse of the simpler life — and get in shape at the same time. Small towns can offer big outdoor adventures in the waning days of summer. Sarah Tuff, co-author of the new 101 Best OutdoorTowns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play (Countryman Press, $19.95), shares her picks with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Salida, Colo.

"This is the place for whitewater paddling action," Tuff says. "Downtown Salida even has two of its own 'playholes' in an all-natural, whitewater park on the Arkansas River. Plan a visit around the annual FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas River) Whitewater Festival. Landlubbers can find 15 Fourteeners (mountains more than 14,000 feet high) nearby. One of the sweetest ends to a Salida day? Slices of pizza at Amicas and slumber at the River Run Inn." 877-772-5432; salidachamber.org

Haines, Alaska

"Some 20 million acres of wilderness surround this unhurried town on the longest fjord in the U.S.," Tuff says. "One of the best ways to explore is by kayak: Put in at Bartlett Cove at Glacier Bay National Park. In the fall, you'll want to be at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see the congregation of thousands of bald eagles that feast on spawning salmon. Refuel on halibut fish and chips at the Bamboo Room in Haines." 907-766-2202; haineschamber.org

Livingston, Mont.

"They weren't lying when they named this place Paradise Valley," Tuff says. "Livingston is an Eden along the Yellowstone River, just 52 miles north of Yellowstone National Park. Galleries share space with bars, gear shops and breakfast spots in the historic downtown. Anglers have the Yellowstone or nearby Gallatin and Madison rivers, which teem with thousands of fish per mile. Some 2,000 miles of trails beckon backpackers and bikers to the Gallatin National Forest." 406-222-0850; livingston-chamber.com

Bethel, Maine

"You'd never guess that this picture-perfect town, complete with covered bridges and a village common, is host to one of the most unusual outdoor adventures in the country: the annual North American Wife Carrying Championships that take place at Sunday River Ski Resort every October. It is also home to a prime section of the Androscoggin River, dog sledding and skijoring from the nearby Telemark Inn," Tuff says. 800-442-5826; bethelmaine.com

Hood River, Ore.

Fresh fruit and produce from the Hood River Valley, as well as incredible local brews and regional wines, are as rewarding as the outdoor activities here, Tuff says. Bike trails surround town, and there's rafting and kayaking on the nearby Columbia River's swift tributaries. "Hood River's recreational resources blow away even people who are deathly afraid of kite-boarding and windsurfing. A multitude of instructors make it easier to learn than you think." 800-366-3530; hoodriver.org

Lake Placid, N.Y.

"Though famous for the Olympic Winter Games, this unspoiled town is actually a year-round outdoor haven," Tuff says. "You can't beat the setting on two jewel-like lakes, surrounded by the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park. Hike the summits of the Adirondacks or just paddle on Lake Placid, then sink into a suite at the Mirror Lake Inn and Spa. Go shopping on Main Street, then set out for the swimming hole and sparkling cascades of Rocky Falls." 800-447-5224; lakeplacid.com

Ely, Minn.

"For those who fantasize about paddling a canoe on pristine waters, surrounded by pine trees and listening to the cry of the loon from a lakeside tent, there's simply no better place to make that fantasy come true than Ely," Tuff says. "The town, at the edge of the 1.1-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area, teems with friendly outfitters who will provide every level of service, from a point in the right direction to a fully guided canoe trip complete with meals." Another highlight: seeing wolves at the International Wolf Center. 800-777-7281; ely.org

Davis, W. Va.

Leaf-peepers can get a jump-start on fall foliage viewing in this Appalachian town where, because of the high elevations, peak foliage season is usually late September. Two local microbreweries and regional vineyards will be represented at Oktoberfest in September, part of the Leaf Peepers Festival Sept. 29-30. Winter's not a bad time to visit, either. "Believe it or not, this town gets 150 inches of snow a year — more than some places in Vermont. That makes for surprisingly good skiing at Canaan Valley and Timberline ski resorts," Tuff says. 800-782-2775; canaanvalley.org

McCall, Idaho

This mountain town is on shimmering Payette Lake. "Summer visitors enjoy water-skiing and wakeboarding, plus rock-climbing routes, mountain-biking trails, fishing holes and the 2.3 million acres of the Payette National Forest," says Tuff. "Two major ski areas — Brundage Mountain Resort and the new Tamarack Resort — are just a few minutes from McCall. A highlight of every year is the Winter Carnival (January-February) for snow-sculpting, tubing races and snowshoe golf." 800-260-5130; mccallchamber.org

Boone, N.C.

"Boone has a built-in air conditioner for the summer months that turn the rest of the South sticky: the Blue Ridge Mountains, which keep temperatures at a lovely 75 degrees in August," Tuff says. "The town, 100 miles north of Asheville, stays hip, thanks to Appalachian State University. Get jazzed at Espresso News before heading into the Pisgah National Forest for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. Rafters rollick along the Nolichucky and French Broad rivers." 800-852-9506; visitboone nc.com


- Picks O'the day

Yesterday - 2-1
YTD - 109-91

1) Texas -130 - I really like the way McCarthy is pitching lately.
2) Cleve -145 - Carmona is a stud, and Cleve is lights out at home (37-22)
3) Ariz -155 - Until they start tanking, I'm riding the wave of Arizona.
4) Bos/Balt under 8 - Dice K (2-1 with 1.77 ERA in his last 3) vs. Bedard (3-0 with 2.89 ERA in his last 3). Runs at a premium.