'Possession Arrow': Badgley->Razook

From: John Razook
To: Shawn Badgley
Time: 11:50pm, Jan. 15

String cheese and ginger ale? Nice. Do let me know how that turns out. Because, when the Big Thaw finally comes, it may be only those who have adapted to such a spartan diet who are fit to rule.

We'll need leaders, true men of vision who can guide us through the perilous days of our new post-apocalyptic reality. As a man who saw the necessity, and possessed the grim determination, to lift a case of souvenir cups, I know I won't stand alone in looking to you for the way ...

Now, then, I'm not in love with Kansas, Shawn. I know what happens in towns like Baxter Springs and Pittsburgh, Kan., anyhow. Yes, I know the Jayhawks lost to Oral Roberts. Let's not forget that the Golden Eagles are coached by another Son of Sutton – younger son Scott. Like Bill Self, he will prove to be a former coach of ORU, for I see Div. I in his near future. Beating KU in Lawrence is tough. Have you ever been to a game in Phog Allen Fieldhouse? The place is haunted by the Ghosts of Basketball Past. Don't forget the Dr. James Naismith, the game's inventor, took the game he devised in Springfield, Mass., and developed it on the Kansas plains.

I know as well as anyone that KU is capable of epic letdowns. They've lost in the first round of the NCAAs the last three years running. They could easily do so again this year. Still, the talent level is undeniable, and when they're clicking, they are as good as anyone.

Mizzou almost got 'em. Too bad, Tigers. Hell, Iowa State almost did the trick, too. Who really knows what's what in the Big XII North this year? So many first-year coaches. I'm hoping the balance of power shifts at least a little bit, maybe something similar to a few years ago when Iowa State was at least as good as KU. Mizzou needs to get back there. Anderson can probably do the job.

Have you noticed Jeff Capel's mustache? Talk about nasty. Much nastier, say, than spending your time playing adult baseball and cavorting with heiresses. It's a good angle.

You did miss a show of lamentation. At least 40 people got a firsthand lesson in pain. And, with any luck, a handful more will learn Lesson No. 2 this Saturday: suffering.

Yes, I march on a road of bones, Badgley. Few emerge unscathed.

Holy creeping Jesus, I just realized in my turning my nose at the panic-mongers who sent the "River City" into a buying frenzy, raiding the HEB for everything from bread, eggs, and milk to other nonessentials, I did not stock up on the one item I needed to get through these next few bleak days ... bourbon.

O, Lord, may your wrath be short-lived.

jhr

Updates: Texas storms into Stillwater in a matter of hours.