THIS AND THAT, INCLUDING HOT CURLING ACTION

Could have had a full post, but no, someone had to stay up late playing Madden, then sleep in:

• Michael Irvin got the boot from ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown.

• Call me crazy, but the Scotts (sorry, Scott-ies) Tournament of Hearts this week, the thought has occurred the most appealing sportswomen of all may be female curlers. Discuss among yourselves until there's a full blog post.

• Our man James Mirtle has some thoughts posted on Searching For Bobby Orr, Stephen Brunt's best-seller. Still amazing after all these years that in 1960, in the pre-NHL draft era, that the Bruins were able to sign a hot prospect in the heart of Leafs territory. That was the last time the Leafs missed the boat on a good player, of course.

• Accolades to Orleans' Courtnay Pilypaitis, the St. Peter alumna who's having a stellar freshman basketball season with the Vermont Catamount. Pilypaitis is the 16-9 Catamounts' leading scorer, following by fellow Ontarian May Kotsopoulos of Waterloo. They are the only freshman duo in NCAA D-1 women's basketball who lead their team in scoring.