WHERE'D THE YEAR GO... DECEMBER

As 2006 draws to a close, we are reminded of a few of the events that brought us closer to you: Dick Cheney shooting a guy in the face, premium ice cream price wars, dogs that were mistakenly issued major credit cards, and others who weren't so lucky ... In our continuing quest to secure a lower rung on the inferno, Out of Left Field looks back at the wild 'n' nutty month of December.

2006 shall be known as America's Losing Year. Discuss.

Your Toronto Raptors -- your Atlantic Division-leading Toronto Raptors as of this writing -- stuck it to the Sports Guy. (Scott Carefoot's Yuletide ode to the Raps is a must-read.)

When it comes to the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins situation, there's always past sins that come to light.

Some of those U.S. college bowl games really seem pointless.

When in doubt, some Ottawa Senators fans blame the refs. How Grade 9 (granted, this is the franchise's 14th season, which would put the Sens fan base at about Grade 9 age).

The Sidney Crosby Backlash neared critical mass. (As for the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh, it's a one-team town; move on -- literally.)

Early adopter and future Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell retires.

Boxing Day gift ideas for sports bookworms.

It became a bit more clear why Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle apparently weren't buddy-buddy.

Vernon Wells will be a Blue Jay for a very long time. Now what about that pitching staff?

As Neil Acharya explained, there are very few excuses for living in Toronto and still respecting Vince Carter.

Thanks again to Chris Young for promoting and encouraging our work.

Last but not least, Out of Left Field neared 48,500 hits, which we're told is respectable for a blog that is only eight months old. Thank you.

Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.