It struck me funny that a writer at the NYT began this article with the following sentence:

It takes a lifetime to build a reputation — and a moment to destroy it.

With revenues of many major publications declining, could the subconscious have been at work here?

Those who watch the Olympics no doubt remember Marion Jones and her incredible feats in womens track. By now most know of her illegal use of steriods to enhance those performances.

One would like to say that this came as a shock, but in todays climate in sports at all levels somehow it was no surprise.

What is sad though, is that her actions could very well cost those who legitimately secured their medals the opportunity to have them remain in their possession.

The international track federation’s council on Friday recommended that members of the 2000 U.S. Olympic relay teams on which Marion Jones competed be stripped of their medals.

Jones returned her three individual medals after admitting last month she had used banned anabolic steroids before the Sydney Olympics. She also won a gold on the 1,600-meter relay and a bronze on the 400 relay.

The International Olympic Committee’s executive board will consider the recommendation at its meeting next month.

IOC President Jacques Rogge has said he believes the relays should lose their medals. U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth supports that action, a change from when the USOC appealed a similar decision in a case involving Jerome Young and the men’s 1,600 relay at the 2000 Olympics.

Texas town goes Italian?

Someone in Italy placed the winning bid of $3.8 million on Friday for an unpopulated, one-house Texas town auctioned online.

No one lives permanently in the 13-acre town of Albert, about 60 miles north of San Antonio, but the tavern created from the frame of the old general store is open on weekends.

The town also includes a pavilion, an 85-year-old dance hall, a tractor shed, a three-bedroom house, plus peach and pecan orchards.

But before town owner Bobby Cave signs the deed over, he must ensure the eBay bid is legitimate. Cave said that unlike the usual items bought through eBay, there are no contractual obligations when it comes to real estate.

What do a chimney and a curfew have in common? Read on…..