Scattershooting / Death Leaves Its Sting In The Sports World

You've come to the right place. No, really. You've come to the right place if you are looking for some variety and a lot of news. And where better venue for your search than right here in this superhighway known as Case's Column, where, now, we do this thing called Scattershooting?

Come along for the ride.

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I hate to talk about death, but we must once more. In a year where so many notable, recognizable celebrity figures have passed on, another near-trifecta has happened again. The sports world lost two icons this week. We've lost longtime former Tennessee Vols women's basketball coach Pat Summitt and longtime NFL defensive guru Buddy Ryan. Both were influential in their fields and were innovators in the sports they specialized in. They will be missed in the world of sports and their accomplishments will always be remembered and celebrated by the fans who stood by them through the years. And it should be noted that yet another celebrity passed away while I was on vacation a month ago, adding to the already-impressive list of people who passed during such times. Add Muhammad Ali to that list, and also yet another sports figure.

Pat Summitt and Buddy Ryan. Two very important sports legends. They're gone, but they will in no way be forgotten. Rest in peace, y'all. It's not the same without you.

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Call it timing, or call it just being a kid, but this episode is going viral already. And it's becoming a smash hit!

Take a look if you dare (...and, no, this is not from Mannix....):

The internet is having a field day with this photo of a terrified girl running away from a peacock - AOL

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Well, we still don't know who the new band director will be at Frisco's Wakeland High School, as the band's website remains incredibly mum about this important move. And now, word is out that assistant Adrian Caswell will be joining Gerry Miller on the staff at Coppell High School. That means that Wolverine Country is going to see a total regime change in the band department. No word yet if second assistant Ashton Seneca will return to the school. The Caswell move may be an even bigger stunner than the one Miller made, as it had been my speculation that the former would be ready to take on being a head director and possibly move up at Wakeland. Instead, he goes to Coppell and will remain an assistant.

One thing's for certain: Whoever does get that gig at what I call Orange Crush will have to inherit the marching show already planned for the group last winter. Its title: "The Giving Tree".

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The Houston Astros are making a comeback after getting off to a ridiculously lackluster start. Even though they've climbed in the standings to try to catch the Texas Rangers in the American League West, there are still some questions. The problem this year has been the starting pitching, where Dallas Keuchel isn't putting up the numbers he had last year. His ERA is over 5 and he already has 9 losses going into July. Neither he nor Collin McHugh have been consistent all year long. They're getting decent starts from Mike Fiers, Doug Fister, and newcomer Chris Devenski. If the Astros are serious about getting back to the playoffs, then guys like Keuchel and McHugh need to improve and dominate the second half.

So-so starting rotations don't win division titles. Or World Series championships, for that matter. The bullpen, however, has been phenomenal.

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If only every star were this generous. Singer Rihanna did some rain-soaked music fans at a recent concert a very big favor.

Rihanna bought pizza for fans caught in the rain before her concert | Fox News

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Washing your hands to stay clean is very important in many relationships of life. I occasionally like to use hand sanitizers, and my belief is, they work. Well, now, the government (as if we really need more big government) is now getting their hands dirty, in a manner of speaking, as they attempt to investigate the safety of hand cleaners.

Is Hand Sanitizer Safe?

Personally, I'm continuing to use whichever I can get my hot (and sometimes dirty) little hands on. If it cleans, then it works for me.

Have an issue? Grab a tissue.

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Good news for 60s on 6 fans, especially those of Pat St John. The midday jock will make his return to the microphone on Tuesday, July 5, at his regular time. St John had injured his back in two places in a nasty fall about three months ago. Phlash Phelps had reported that Pat is walking again and might have to do his show standing up for a while.

We'll find out soon how he'll get through this, but nonetheless, it will be good to have him back.

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Just when you thought that some animals may be headed for extinction, we found one that might hang out for a while. As usual, it's either for better or for worse, depending on your perspective.

Scientists report first amphibious centipede | Fox News

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Former UofTexas Longhorn football coach Mack Brown headed for Baylor? Don't laugh. It may just happen. If he somehow gets it, then that might put a lizard in 'Horn fans' gizzards, including mine.

Here's a little rumor mill rumbling for your perusal.

Potential coaching candidates to replace Art Briles at Baylor | FOX Sports

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So, Bill Clinton met with Loretta Lynch at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport earlier today. No, it wasn't another one of Bill's passionate affairs, but how much would you bet that Slick Willy's trying to talk Lynch into letting Hillary Rotten Clinton go free after this big e-mail scandal? Yeah, I know. The media will blow it off as you and I know that they want her to win this next presidential election. She only deserves to go to jail, period. And, still, anything can happen.

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Bizarre happenings in supermarkets in North Texas, as Ozarka's individual water bottles haven't been on shelves in several weeks. No news is out reporting why that is. As far as I know, the stores are still setting the shelf space aside, but the Ozarka bottles are missing.

And where, pray tell, am I getting my water bottles from now? Ozarka is being sold at Buc-ee's. I took it upon myself to go over there and take full advantage when I can. Each week, I have to get a new bottle for daily use out of the fridge.

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And for those of you who might still be wondering (after all the things I've written), no, I don't have a girlfriend yet. Sure, I need that significant other, but singleness still has its advantages.

Happy 4th of July to all of you out there. Go wave that flag! USA! USA!

And there you are.