Welcome to commenter Newbie's new-ish feature, in which he explores the even softer underbelly of sports. Newbie? -------------

With various big news items dominating the week -- one governor is upset senators won't show up to vote, another is upset that they did, and a chance to rip an actor for being a bad influence and an athlete for being too good of an influence -- I thought I'd keep this edition light.

Are there any Niche Sports Happening locally?

Excellent question. The MN RollerGirls have a bout this weekend. I have never been to a RollerGirls event, but I did see the ending to Rollerball on TV once, so I consider myself an expert in all things "roller." It is a manipulative cut-throat sport in which people die. Also, from what I saw of Rollerball, it is a blindingly terrible movie, but I could not turn it off. Some of you may recall Mr. RandBall went to a RollerGirls event last year and blogged about it. So, I will not re-hash the past, but am curious A) If it inspired anyone to give them a look. B) If Mr. RandBall ever went to another match. [Not yet!] C) If the RBBH has pursued her quest to join the Rollergirls. [Not yet!] D) How exactly would the sport of "RollerRandBall" work?
Billiards

A while back I received a pool table from a buddy. It was free. All we had to do was move it. It's an older table, but is in pretty good shape. The balls return to the end of the table, which excites and confuses the two year old. Claiming the balls are "stuck" until he remembers, climbs off the table, and moves them from the end to the top and repeats the whole process. Anyway, my point is when we moved the table it took at least 4 of us, a couple hours, several straps, a large trailer, and many nicks in walls and floors. So, when I hear someone stole one from a bar near St. Cloud, I have to tip my hat to them. That is an impressive feat. Also, if Stu invites you over to play pool in the near future, I might keep that Sheriff's phone number handy. Quick Hits Jeff Gordon won his first race in 67 attempts on Sunday. He may be on the way back and the only one with enough experience and consistency to take down Jimmie Johnson. I'm happy he got this out of the way, but now he can stop winning again.

Do you feel like your TV schedule is missing something? Do you feel like the reality TV craze hasn't scratched the surface of possibilities? Well, you're in luck. Several wives of PGA tour professionals are looking to get their own TV show. And why not. Everyone else has one. Heck, even Mr. RandBall is on TV.

Tim Tebow was playing in the pro-am of the Honda Classic, and I'm sure there were more people at the tourney because of him than would normally be. But it is interesting to see an athlete at an event other than their respective sport. NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was at the 3M championship one year and had to tee off after Arnold Palmer using a retro wooden driver. He executed it well. But I have to imagine the pressure of being outside your element, yet still around knowledgeable fans, can be nerve-racking.

Your thoughts on any of the above topics are welcome, or just make something up, and as always any suggestions for future topics.