Ken Follett, Odds & Ends

• I just finished the Ken Follett book called Whiteout. The storyline itself is interesting, as thieves try to break into a science lab and steal a deadly virus that could create a major epidemic in the world. However, Follett relies too heavily on a weak romantic side story, there are not ample plot twists that grab you, and overall the characters do not captivate you. If you have not read Follett, I would eagerly point you in the direction of Pillars of the Earth, Eye of the Needle or A Place Called Freedom. If you have read those books, I would tell you to stay away from this one, as I felt this book, while a quick read, was nowhere near the author's best stuff. Overall grade: C+.
• Shavlik Randolph is getting more time on the 76ers than he would have at Duke, and he is playing great basketball. He is healthy, and it is enabling him to rebound like a madman (he is 2nd in the NBA with almost 18 rebounds per 48 minutes) and provide the team with a huge energy boost when he comes in the game. Keep going Shav, the Dukies are rooting for you!
• The Tony Dungy story is clearly tragic. I know we will all be disappointed when the media hops on the inevitable stories come playoff time about how Dungy is coping with the loss and leading the Colts. I wish the media would give he and his family their space on this, but you know we will be hearing all about it into February.
• The New York Transit strike proves two things: first, unions are ridiculous and should be abolished. I mean who do they benefit besides lining their own pockets (and I mean of their big wigs not the lowly members). What poor timing to hold a city hostage like that. Second, the government should be ashamed of itself. I thought this was a free country, and they basically held a gun to the workers' heads to force them back to work. Are they going to start telling them when they can and cannot go to the bathroom next? All sides should be ashamed of themselves in this instance. What a mess....
• If you want to see a good Johnny Damon rant, check the sports guy's new column (not yet released, but should be within an hour or two) on www.espn.com (go to the Simmons tab on the front page). I am sure he will somehow tie in his NFL picks with the Johnny Damon signing.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!