When the calendar serves up an extra day - like it does today - the additional time shouldn't be wasted.

I'm using mine to deal with some of the world's great issues.

Here, then, is my Leap Day to-do list:

Call NBA rookie big man Greg Oden. Ask if he's stuck the bumper sticker "Seven-footers for Obama" on his SUV.

Search the Internet to find a college basketball team that takes the season two games at a time.

Find out when Redskins coach Jim Zorn intends to remove his training wheels.

Ask Bud Selig how he keeps his job.

Because spring training is under way, try to find out what a first base coach does.

Arrange for the top 25 men's basketball poll to start with the No. 2 team - there is no No. 1.

Discuss politics. If a beagle can win best in show and the Giants can take the Super Bowl, doesn't it make sense that Ralph Nader would run again?

On the last day of Black History Month, recall the uncommon intelligence and dignity of Arthur Ashe.

Talk with athletes who remember only the good things they've had written about them.

Don't let anyone drink my milkshake.

Wonder if Mike Krzyzewski, after leading the U.S. Olympic basketball team to a gold medal in Beijing, can whip American movie actors into shape in time to win at least one Oscar.

Resist holding my breath waiting for Kobe Bryant to thank Lakers management for turning a deaf ear to his infantile trade demands.

Find a reason to believe that North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough is the college Player of the Year, even though Kansas State freshman Michael Beasley is everyone's choice as the No. 1 NBA draft pick.

Recognize that Giants coach Tom Coughlin, about to sign a four-year contract extension, is the runaway favorite for Comeback Person of the Year.

Attempt to decipher the NFL combine report on U.Va.'s Chris Long that raves about his "fluid hips." Is he trying out for a football team or auditioning for "Dancing with the Stars"?

Ignore the start of another Arena Football season. And the middle and end, too.

Be patient while Brett Favre puts fans through another of his Hamlet-in-a-Helmet routines.

Seek help in translating this quote: When no NBA team would take him in a trade last week, Ron Artest said, "They were looking for government cheese and I'm Kraft."

Wish that Will Ferrell, currently flogging his latest sports-themed comedy, will star in a movie about a magician and make himself disappear.

Look forward to Kelvin Sampson doing a TV commercial for a cellular network.

Try to locate the puck.

Limp a mile in Yao Ming's shoes.

Finally, hope that plans to sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field get all gummed up.

Bob Molinaro, (757) 446-2373, bob.molinaro@pilotonline.com