First off, I would be remiss if I didn't wish my dad a happy birthday. I've got a short window to make this the year I actually send birthday cards. Every year I say I'm going to do it, but when dad's day rolls around, I already fall behind the eightball.

So, I don't want to bore you with various physical ailments (I'm over the cold, thanks for asking), but I went to see a podiatrist on Monday. What sticks out is that two-thirds of the recommended home treatment for my particluar affliction, and this is coming from a licensed medical professional, consists of a drug that's primarily used for stomach ailments, and duct tape. Yes, Tom Ridge has prepared us for a national outbreak of foot problems. Go figure.

Meanwhile, the sports broadcasting future took some odd turns yesterday. I dropped in on the press conference announcing recently retired Chicago Fire midfielder Peter Nowak's new position with the club, and learned that I'm one of several candidates being considered for color commentary for the radio broadcasts. Also, they're only planning a two-man team for home matches. So, one way or the other, that may not be the income-generator I was hoping for. Although there's still an outside chance of on-the-field work for television. However, I met the sports director for WBIG, the station that hosts the Fire games, and now there's a good chance I can pick up some other work for them, calling play-by-play for high school basketball and the like. So all is not lost.