The concept of “spring training” is a farce. There’s no such thing as “spring” in Tucson among the cacti, the rattlesnakes, the lizards and the relentless desert sun. Down in that devil’s playground, the “boys of summer” are trying to get an early jump. Dozens of rookies and veteran journeymen alike see spring training as the one, and perhaps only moment to showcase their talents in hopes of landing one of a handful of regular-season roster spots.

Known to many simply as “The Arnold”, it was founded in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer with a goal to offer more prize money to more of the athletes. The Arnold started as a bodybuilding competition and has grown into a sporting event attracting as many as 10,000 athletes and 170,000 spectators.

The gift was loosely wrapped, battered and beaten much like most things that are sent from Philadelphia. It was a small package, but promising, and curious enough to make everyone around eager to see it opened up.

Ultimate fighting promoter Sven Bean likes fighting. That is, he likes promoting professional fighting on a large scale and to a large Denver audience. That’s where Bean’s Ring of Fire comes to life, as Denver’s premiere ultimate fighting showcase.

For this year's Winter X Games, which for the 6th time has Aspen/Snowmass hosting, the Flying Tomato will be making a certain appearance. How extreme would it be sans Il Pomodoro Volante. Mark your calendar: The Winter X Games XI, scheduled for January 25-28, 2007, Aspen/ Snowmass/Buttermilk Mountain.

The trickle down theory of inspiration which followed the success of the Broncos down to the Buffs and Rams and then fully down to every kid who put on cleats is now paralleled by the full fledged arrival of hockey in Colorado. It is here and it will stay- blame Canada!

...the team has high expectations for the coming season, 'Melo has promised to be an All-Star in February, Karl has set about improving a defense whose rebounding presence all but dried up in the playoffs, thanks to the injury of Marcus Camby (who led the league in blocked shots), and the off-season acquisitions of J.R. & Joe Smith should allow Anthony the room to score we all want him to have.