Bass Fishing is not a Sport

This weekend is the Citgo Bassmasters Classic, held in Pittsburgh this year. Basically, it's a bunch of guys going out to catch bass, and whoever's catch weighs the most after 3 days of fishing is the Bassmaster. In recent years, the Classic has become big, drawing more than 40,000 people to the weigh-ins that are held in a basketball arena. You've probably seen a clip of at least one of them. Mike Iaconelli, 2003 Classic winner, is famous for his yelling and screaming after catching a fish. You know the expression, "Act like you've been there before." Well, it doesn't apply to bass fishing. Catching a fish is like winning the lottery to these people, even though it's their job, incredibly. These guys have more logos on their shirts than even race car drivers. The Classic can be seen on the ESPN family of networks this weekend. It may be popular, but it is definitely not a sport.

What else can I find to talk about:

• Brooke Burke and her husband have split after being married for four years. Two things I didn't know: she has two kids and she's only 33 years old. I'm really crying over this breakup.
• Tonight on ESPN is the US Open of Competitive Eating. No joke. 32 competitors go through single-elimination, head-to-head competition eating: cheese fries, potato skins, salad, pasta, and if you make it to the finals, a platter with various things meant to serve 4 people. Either there are a lot of diehard Kobyiashi fans out there (the guy who can eat the most hot dogs), or there really is nothing to watch on TV this summer.
• CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) passed the House by two votes and now goes to President Bush for his signature. You know I usually like to stay away from politics, but I don't understand why this is a bad idea. Here are things the liberal news media probably hasn't told you (courtesy of the Wall St. Journal):
• With CAFTA, American farmers will expect to increase exports to Central America by $1.5 billion.
• While most people think NAFTA has failed, it really hasn't. Trade between Mexico and the US has tripled, creating 18 million new US jobs, lowering unemployment from 6.4% to the current 5% rate.
• If you're concerned about the trade deficit, don't be. US exports to Canada and Mexico have grown by 55%, while US imports from the two countries have only grown by 20%.
• I just don't see how you can disagree with free, globally integrated markets. Our economy, and the world economy does better when countries' business cycles interact with one another, thereby eliminating the possibility of a world-wide economic depression not seen since before World War II.
  
• Don't get me started about Social Security. I'll save that for another day.
• One more political commentary. Did anyone catch House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on CNN earlier today? Her interview on Inside Politics embodied why the Democrats don't control anything right now: weak, no new ideas, and no idea where to get new ideas.
• Here are some notes on the various NBA Summer Leagues:
• The Las Vegas Summer League was won by the Cleveland Cavailers, going 6-0. The Cavs did it with defense, holding opponents to 65 points per game. Some of the notable rookie performers: Ike Diogu averaged 18 points and 8 boards for Golden State, Nate Robinson averaged 18 points for the Knicks, and Chris Paul averaged 6 assists for New Orleans.
• The Minnesota Summer League went to Houston, going 5-0. Lonny Baxter was the Rockets' main cog averaging 21 points and 6 rebounds. Also of note: Ron Artest in his return to the NBA averaged 20 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists, Nate Robinson continued his good summer play averaging 15 points and 5 assists, Andrew Bogut, #1 pick averaged 13 points and 10 boards for Milwaukee, Channing Frye had 14 points and 5 boards for the Knicks.
• And finally, in Salt Lake City, Charlotte won the League going 4-2. Sean May continued his fine play, averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds, while fellow Tar Heel Ray Felton contributed 13 points and 5 assists, tops in the league.

Finally, I pulled off an 82 at Hueston Woods today, surviving a 5 hole stretch that saw me lose 6 strokes to par. I shot a 43 on the front 9, as I was out of rhythm from not having played in 3 weeks and having to play through about 15 people. I battled to a 39 on the back, including a birdie on the toughest hole on the course, the 415 yard, par-4 10th.

Tomorrow night is bowling. Concentration, not strength.