Mark your calendar: George McCaskey's legacy day is Dec. 29

A Christmas miracle?

I'll say it, and I hope like heck I don't regret it, but I trust George McCaskey to make the right decision(s) on Dec. 29.

What he does or doesn't do on that day will secure his legacy.

Time to be bold, George.

Whatcha think?

Even though he's not a "football guy," if the Bears somehow wooed John McDonough up to Lake Forest to serve as team czar, wouldn't you trust him to hire a "football guy" to run the show way more than the headhunter / Ted Phillips combo?

I sure would.

So obvious:

Mike Ditka really left a mark at Halas Hall, didn't he?

Not even one semi-outspoken coach since.

Think it's time for that to change.

"Jimmy! ... Woo!"

Well, all six people clamoring for Jimmy Clausen to start are getting what they want.

We're not worthy:

Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will call the Bears-Lions game Sunday.

Poor guys.

Don't know about you, but:

I'm not sure it's even correct to refer to the Bears as an organization anymore.

Enough already!

I'm giving myself a headache just writing about the Bears.

Man, these guys wear you out, don't they?

Anyone have an Anacin?

In international news:

Item: Former White Sox outfielder Mark Gilbert confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand.

Reaction: Wait, the who now?

Not so serious:

Jonathan Toews and Co. in the new Blackhawks "get out the vote" video on the team's web site is must-see.

So very obtuse.

Baseball is rocking:

Haven't seen a more productive winter meeting since Reagan-Gorbachev in Reykjavik.

OK, OK, that was in October, but you get my drift.

Definitely not 'Shining'

All clouds and no sun make Mike a grumpasaurus.

All clouds and no sun make Mike a grumpasaurus.

Just sayin'

Rooting 'em on:

Good luck to Illinois State (12-1) when the Redbirds take on top-seeded New Hampshire (12-1) in the semifinals of the FCS playoffs at 1 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU.

Question:

You think Woolworths will be crowded today?

I've got some last-minute shopping to do. Looking for Stratego and the new Neil Sedaka 45.

What a relief:

FOX's golf coverage last weekend didn't frighten me.

It was actually solid and understated - a pleasant surprise.

Now if they can just lose that theme music they use for football they'll really have something going.

Random thought:

Is there anything more satisfying than making an unexpectedly great recovery catch of something you dropped ... especially when you have a witness?

And finally:

To Alice D. and everyone else, a truly heartfelt wish that you and yours have a safe and joyous holiday!