The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue hit mailboxes this week and the annual howls arouse that the magazine will corrupt another generation of american boys and send civilization into a tailspin. Certainly the swimsuits and models are more racy than when Sports Illustrated began the tradition back in the early 60's but I think the concerns are overblown. This isnt pornography no matter what some blue-nosed busybodys will tell you. I don't think there is anything wrong with admiring a beautiful female form. What is the difference between what these photographers do and what classical Greek & Roman sculptors did? And as to the charge that the issue objectifys women and cheapens their athletic accomplishments, the many top notch female athletes who have been photographed for the issue must disagree. And, besides, the magazine has published it as a seperate issue for the last few years so you can refuse that specific issue without cancelling your subscription. Lighten Up America...we've got bigger problems than this.

One of the athletes in the swimsuit issue this year is skiier Lindsay Vonn. Vonn has been expected to be the top American medal winner at Vancouver but she said yesterday that a deep shin bruise might stop her from skiing her complete schedule. She called it the most painful injury of her career. The NBC suits must be going crazy as the photogenic Vonn was expected to be featured for the full two weeks.

Pity poor Devin Harris. The former Badger is the best player on the worst team in the NBA. In fact, this Nets team may be the worst team in NBA history. They are 4-48 heading into the All-Star Break. Harris had 27 last night in a loss to the Bucks. Scott Skiles has to be happy with his teams play of late. Andrew Bogut has been a monster and they are getting big contributions from Irsan Ilylsova, Carlos Delfino & Luke Ridnour. No reason they can't make a 2nd half run into the playoffs...but Bogut has to stay healthy.

Songs of The Day

The Downeaster Alexa-Billy Joel (1989) from his Lp "Storm Front" comes this tune about the dying Long Island fishing industry. The Island is much different than when Joel grew up there in the 50's. The boat in the song was named after Joel's daughter.

Dr. Feelgood-Motley Crue (1989) One of the great hard rock songs from and aptly named band. Producer Bob Rock called Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, "four LA badasses that would drink a bottle of wine and want to kill each other". He had them record all of their parts seperatly.