■"DC compiles best of 'what if?" tales," by David Colton, USA Today, 12 August 2005, p. 1D.

This is exactly what it look like: a reminder to Dad to help son Kevin find this nifty, collector-edition softcover that includes the death of Superman, Jimmy Olsen marrying Lois Lane, and a funky, 1946 Captain Marvel story in which he's the sole survivor of nuclear war that's devastated the planet.

I got stuck last night in Chicago Midway for a horrible 5 hours of layover when a malfunctioning plane didn't show up until two hours after our scheduled departure. You always feel bad about leaving your family for business trips, but wasted down time like this makes you feel worse.

Better image: K-man and I beginning 3-milers today as we gear up for the start of the cross-country season at his school, which fields one of the best teams in the region. I won't mind the tendinitus of training with these young bucks as a volunteer assistant coach (yes, I've already received my mandated sex abuse-awareness training from the diocese), and it will be a great way to spend time with my son. Other than when travel prevents me, I'll be there for all practices and meets.