Now that the election is over, congratulations go out to president-elect Obama. Here are a few thoughts from the world according to Joe Hart. I'm glad to see that Joe the Plumber and Ralph the Racist didn't make a difference in the election. It might also be worth noting that we now have as many minority presidents as we have had Catholic presidents. You have to feel sorry for McCain because the Bush influence was stronger than race or religion. And speaking from my coaching days, I learned that you can't teach stupid.

Here are the scores, Bloomfield 235 and Linton 210. Looks like Bloomfield's won again. Oh wait that the price of gas in both cities. The Bloomfield consumers have been gouged more than MMA fighters. It's just hard for me to understand.

Congratulations to the Linton Miners on their hard fought victory over the North Daviess Cougars. I tried to listen to the game on the Linton radio station but the announcers there were too busy coaching and officiating to tell you what was going on. I turned over to the Sullivan station to hear what was happening. From all accounts it was a hard fought game. Congrats to coach Weber and his staff. They should have another great game next Friday against the Rockville Rox. We wish them well Friday night. It was good to hear that Jim White, who works the sideline for the Miners and who was sent to the hospital Friday night, was released. Hopefully he is doing well. I can remember when Jimmy played guard with Terry Royal on the 1965 Central Tiger (Switz City) team. Other starters on that team included Mike Hogan, Dave Hill, and Mike Terrell.

With boys basketball starting practice this week, it looks as if the Shakamak Lakers are the pre-season favorites to win the sectional -- especially with Steve Brett at the helm. WRV should continue to improve but I don't know if they can improve enough to challenge the Lakers by the end of the season. The 2A sectional should be wide open this season. You can't count out Ron McBride's teams come sectional time. Good luck to the area girls teams as they begin their season's this week. If you get a chance, try to go see Sammy Karr's Turkey Run Warriors.

For all you local fans, it will certainly seem strange without Larry Hasler officiating games at various levels this year. He had been such a fixture in the area for so long. He was always one ADs could count on to help in a pinch. I don't know how you would rate him as an official, but he was a super nice guy. Hopefully some of our young officials can learn from his example because it was never about Larry, but rather always about the kids.