As always, there are inconsistencies with the final selections for the national championship playoff. But look at the bright side, all you ticked-off Buckeye fans. They got the best bowl game, and they play at a decent hour.

On the eve of the this year’s OHSAA state football tournament, some expanded on ideas on why our culture has such a tough time getting along…and the impression it sends to the very kids we seek to bring up positively. Plus, can you give me one good reason for hating the whole state of Michigan, beside someone told you to do it?

Faced with an odor from under my office desk…and house and home itself…this holiday season has started out with something a little different from the usual stocking stuffer.

Some followup thoughts on our recent Saturday column about Gettysburg, celebrations of history, and appreciation for the value of observation. Bottom line…if there’s a problem to solve check and see if someone hasn’t already done it.

To the endless question as to what’s wrong in America, and what would it take to make us better – and unified. Some commentary, and words, that put the perspective on where the responsibility belongs. And it’s not Washington!

If you managed to stay up for the end, Tuesday’s NL wildcard game once again proved that there is no sport that individually, or collectively, matches baseball for intrigue, drama, and the unexpected.

While the big boys in big markets cry because Nick (Saban) won’t talk, or Urban says the same thing when he does talk, I say…it’s not that big a deal. There’s more to a good story than just writing.

Since this week’s post on Monday a number of readers, old and new, have written to share their opinion on Serena Williams and the manner in which she “took down” the US Open for the double standard that exists between men and women in tennis. Here’s few we’ve chosen to share.

When Serena Williams went on a rant last week about double standards at the US Open she did little to help the cause, other than remind us that when people of her reputation act that way…you usually get your way. And what’s not double about that?

For years the NFL had a good thing going and then simply took it too far. They ran their stick in the ground and broke it off. Announcers who fear silence, and factoids with no bearing. Try to understand. I’m just tired of it all.

They say that bad things come in threes, and when they do come we’re seldom prepared to understand why. Which is why you live every day as if it might be your last.

In an odd marketing move on Monday, Nike Corporation chose fallen NFL star Colin Kapernick to be the face of the company in their new ad campaign. For the sake of ‘sacrifice’, they might have chosen better.

Before they kick off on Friday night, let’s try to put some perspective on why area football teams are out there in the first place. And if winning is their focus, why apologize for it? Why play if you don’t intend to win?

As the story of who knew what, when, and what did they do about it rolls on, doesn’t it make you wonder if anyone, anywhere, is content to report the truth…when it’s confirmed that it is the truth?

We may never know the facts of who knew what, and when, in the Ohio State coaching and abuse scandal. But whatever comes, it’s doubtful there’s going to be a clear-cut winner in the end.

My weekend trip to California was eye-opening, for sure, and another reason to appreciate how the other half lives. And by the way…it’s a very good reason to appreciate how we live back here in the Midwest, too.

They open the doors to baseball heaven next weekend for a handful of new members, and none of them with Pete Rose’s credentials. Just beneficiaries of America’s most curious double standard.

Culture, as much as the record, will account for the dismissal of St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Mike Matheny on Saturday. A reality that cooks at a slow boil in sport at every level.

Two issues that beg being aired, just because they’ve worn out their welcome: 1) The NBA Finals, and 2) Do you really care if Terrell (Owens) shows up at the Hall of Fame when he’s inducted in July?

Jackie Robinson broke the color line in baseball, indeed, but will we ever reach that point where can we appreciate him, and others, for something more than social pioneers?