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When it was “suggested” that I write a regular* column, I started thinking about possible names for one.

When Paul Hastings wrote for the Press, he called his column “On the Ball.” He was a good writer. I always enjoyed reading the stuff he wrote. Perhaps, if I use the same name, people will read it and assume that it is well written and interesting.

Jim Mickelson wrote his “Two- Minute Warning” for quite a few years. Those people who know Jim, at least some of them, likely feel that he’s something of a character. Maybe, if I use “Two Minute Warning,” people will assume that I am a memorable character who might have something interesting in my column.

I didn’t know Blair Reynolds very well. But everybody here tells me that he was a really nice guy. His column was titled “The Sporting Life.” If I use that, some readers might think I’m a really nice guy, too, and read the column because it might contain some really nice things.

“On the Two-Minute Sporting Life” has a nice ring to it. Not terribly original, you might say. However, considering the author, it seems quite fitting. If I use it, it’s possible that some readers will think that I’m a really nice character who’s a good writer. Of course, this would limit my readership to people who don’t know me.

My next thought was that the title should reflect my personality...the way my mind works.

I was just talking to a guy on the phone who had recently been on a cruise. He said that Cozumel looked like a mangrove swamp that had been hit by a 200 mile wide tornado (Hurricane Rita). Well, those of you who’ve ever seen my desk, (at home or any place I’ve worked) would probably agree that his description is also a fairly apt for my desk. Be patient, I’m trying to make a connection.

My point is that my mind is a lot like my desk. There’s a bunch of stuff there, but I’m not sure where it all is. And, I am even less likely to be able to recall it in any logical and/or planned order.

So, my next choice for the name of the column was “Random Access.” However, since I’m supposed to be the sports guy, I figured that I should choose a name that has something to do with sports. A random swing results, most frequently, in my tee ball coming to rest in the rough.

Thus, the name.

It is my intention to use this column to present items that I find interesting, unusual or humorous or some combination thereof.

To that end, you are invited to send information that could possibly be used in this space. If you choose to do so, please send it to [email protected]. If I receive good stuff from you, the readers, the potential for an interesting collection of reading material exists. If not, you’ll likely be stuck reading a much less eclectic assortment.

Sports stuff would be great, but, please do not limit yourselves. Politics, religion, culture (pop or otherwise) are welcomed. Please do not feel offended if your contribution is not included.

* Not necessarily weekly!

Things I have heard!

The Boston University women’s hockey team was recently defeated by Harvard 2-1 in overtime. In their previous 17 meetings, Harvard had outscored BU by an aggregate score of 82-0.

J.B. Holmes, who won the PGA event the first weekend of February, became a winner in his fourth PGA event. Tiger Woods won his fifth PGA event. Holmes started playing on his Kentucky high school golf team when he was in third grade.

Tiger Woods is 13-1 in golf playoffs as a pro.

A beagle (I think it was in Florida) was recently given credit for saving the life of his owner. The owner went into a diabetic coma. The beagle pushed the speed dial button that was set to call 911 and howled into the receiver until help arrived.

The “Flying Tomato” (of halfpipe fame) refers to his mother as “The Dude” and his father as “The Rog.”

Al Michaels was traded to NBC from ESPN for the rights to cartoon character Oswald the Rabbit.

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