Korey Stringer RIP

Yeah, what the hell? I read that and I was like, huh. I mean, I don't know what to think of it, I guess people die like that every day but it makes you wonder, these are supposedly perfect specimens of people, so uber healthy, could this be way too much stress on the human body? It's weird, cos it happens occasionally, athletes dying of bizarre ailments like heatstroke or some heart problem.

It really upsets me when something like this happens, partially because these people are supposed to be the Uebermenschen of health, but mostly because I've got cousins married to people who are professional athletes and it freaks me out that their job and a bad decision could cause them to drop dead.

Well, given the sick amount of conditioning that most athletes go through (and the amount of additives / drugs one might be using to "enhance their performance"), I'm surprised more athletes don't have problems like this.

No matter how good a shape you're in, if you're working out in high humidity when you weigh 335 pounds, you'd better be hydrating. I wouldn't be surprised if an autopsy reveals some incriminating chemical abuse. Though I will be disappointed, and hearing about tragedies like this is always disheartening & saddening.

Just like CHris FArley

Jeezus. I saw an item on BBC News 24 about extreme heatwave conditions in the midsection of America only last night...couldn't imagine training camp would actually be happening in that heat/humidity!

Rabid Vikes appreciation de rigeur in Minnesota across all demographics; imagine a whole state united in its hatred of the Green Bay Packers no matter how irrational it looks to outsiders. In elementary school my teachers would actually run a book on weekend game scores; winner of pool would win outrageous amounts of chocolate. Hence 'my team' feelings in people who don't otherwise give a toss about sports.

I only follow Vikings stuff now because Betsy, my little sis, is big mates with some of them (one of her friends is line coach or something so she goes on wiicked cool junkets to away games and has primo season tickets). Inside info will be forthcoming shortly, after I come back from weekend in France and chat to The Bets.