It was grim. So grim I had to review with the lad in his orange hoodie the rule about being a good fan means watching them lose badly. But then we didn't really watch when they were losing by about 24 points. We did homework. The big news of the game? "Notre Dame became the first team to crack the century mark in the Carrier Dome in 10 years." Damn good thing I have years of supporting the Red Sox, Leafs and the Morton to back me up.

Is there anything else in life that teaches about love in the face of failure as well as being a sports fan? Being a Leafs fan in the 70s and 80s was a lesson in fortitude, though I admit there was a dalliance with the Islanders in there when I was in my wild oats years. Maintaining a relationship with the Morton has required a certain focus, though the internet has made it easier. Could you ask about a candidate for a job's relationship to sports as part of the interview? "Who do you support? We are looking for people who support teams."