The Buzz: Cubby hole

THE CHINESE CALENDAR says otherwise, but pitcher Ryan Dempster thinks it's the year of the Cubs, predicting the team will win it all in '08. Windy City residents needing a break from the harsh winter appreciate the hot air Dempster is blowing in.

Considering the Cubs' World Series drought is a century long, The Buzz isn't sure his forecast will bear out. The relief that Dempster, who got doused when the Cubs clinched the National League Central title last season, seems intent on providing this season?

Comic.

Rain supreme

It might have been wet Wednesday, but that didn't dampen the spirits of The Apprentice School in Newport News, which sent out an e-mail that began, "The Apprentice School baseball team lost its 2008 season opener on Wednesday - to Mother Nature."

The elements, not the players, stormed the field. Undeterred, the Builders stayed busy by constructing an ark.

Throwing heat

Does Congress truly believe it can strong-arm a personal trainer and a guy who hurls a 100-mph fastball?

Remember, Roger Clemens is famous for not breaking down.

Jabbar jabber

Now making points off the court, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar writes a blog for the L.A. Times, schooling readers on history as well as hoops.

The Buzz is skyhooked on it.

Inspector Specter

Senator Arlen Specter met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday about the Patriots' taping and the destruction of the evidence by the league - which The Buzz defines as the director's cut of the film.

If only Bill Belichick could get someone to erase his memory of Super Bowl XLII so easily.

Taking his snaps

Nothing rings in the new year like spewing hatred at strangers, as Browns quarterback Brady Quinn is accused of doing in Columbus, Ohio.

A call made to 911 on Jan. 1 alleged Quinn was shouting anti-gay slurs with a group of other men. Thanks for picking up the homophobic baton, Brady. Tim Hardaway was getting tired of holding it.

Zorn identity

Those hoping the Redskins would hire an accomplished or renowned coach must have been more disappointed in Jim Zorn's promotion than Amy Winehouse's AA sponsor.

The team should've passed on the ex-quarterback.

Growing Spain

Allegedly, NBA commissioner David Stern is Hungary to expand into Europe. He is supposedly considering creating up to five franchises in the next decade - like the domestic league isn't watered down enough.

This is only a good idea if you banish the bad teams overseas - Memphis moves to Moscow, Atlanta absconds to Athens, setting the stage for the Siberia SuperSonics. Give it a Bucharest, David.

Bush league

Richard Emery, an attorney for Brian McNamee, predicted if Roger Clemens were convicted of any crimes, President Bush would pardon the pitcher.

That would be a worse idea than accepting a collect call from Kelvin Sampson.