Spellman’s Scorecard: Survival kit full of food for thought
If you’re reading this:We did it. We survived.The world didn#146;t end.And, best of all, none of us has to miss Friday night#146;s Beef #145;O#146; Brady#146;s Bowl.I know! Can you believe it!But that#146;s not all:We also survived the first winter storm of the season.BTW, bonus points to anyone who knew Thursday#146;s windfest was named #147;Draco#148; by the folks at the Weather Channel.Actually, maybe you should get bonus points for not knowing that.The equation (Bears style):Off the field nonsense = On the field deterioration.Discuss.Careful what you wish for:If things continue to spiral for the Bears, and Lovie Smith does eventually get fired, don#146;t assume the next coach will be any more open or forthright.But less condescending sure would be nice, wouldn#146;t it?Sometimes I dream:Jabari Parker at DePaul #151; even for one season #151; would#146;ve been an absolute program turner-arounder.Bizarro Bears:Right now that would be the folks at NIU.It#146;s so nice to see a team and a university so genuinely excited by what has been accomplished and what lies ahead.A.J., Texas Ranger:He may not have been the most endearing guy, but A.J. Pierzynski sure played the game hard and had a baseball IQ that was through the roof.Speaking of high IQs:#147;The Voice#148; concluded its season this week. Next up: #147;X-Factor#148; and #147;Idol.#148;Wouldn#146;t we all be better served if we had more shows like #147;America#146;s Got Scientists!#148; instead?Just asking.Heard it but don#146;t believe it:Pete Carroll at 61 is the second-oldest coach in the NFL behind Tom Coughlin (67).There#146;s no way. With that hair?I#146;m thinking:Brian Urlacher won#146;t hear any more boos at Soldier Field #133; as a Bear, that is.Here we go again:So now the NHL has canceled games through Jan. 14.How much longer will we continue to get these uplifting updates?Actual live hockey:A pair of top-25 teams at the AA level #151; the West Dundee Leafs and the Romeoville Huskies square off Friday in Evergreen Park. Thought you should know.Can#146;t wait:To see Chuck Pagano return to the sidelines in a few days. Moral victory:Yeah, the Bears may have lost to the Packers, but at least they didn#146;t make perhaps the dumbest play in history.And then ... :The Packers follow that up by deciding to keep kicker Mason Crosby on the roster.What??All I want for Christmas:Is mainly temperate weather and the return of D-Rose and Tazer.Counting the days:Only one year until the return of Ron Burgundy.All I really want for Christmas:It#146;s simple: for you and yours to have a great holiday!!mspellman@dailyherald.com