1. Some rumor math.  SFT has 2 years left on his contract, which will take him into 2006.  Many people are beginning to believe now he'll make that date.  Some are also coming to believe that he'll get a second 4-year term, taking him to 2010.  Now, here's the actual rumor.  Word is coming (thanks ntsft) out now that SFT is stating at social gatherings that he has every intention of being around as prez when USM celebrates its 100th Birthday!

2. Stories from athletics about the new game-day experience survey for men's b-ball.  RG seems to be putting alot of effort at supporting LE.  Seems we may hear soon about that (possibly in a legal sense) from JG (with help from BC).  Thanks gorod.

3. Stories from CBED concerning the impending exodus of the ED dept.  It seems HD has some plans for the post-move era.  Word now is that he will forgo a return to the old name ("CBA") for some new configuration of words that he can list on his resume as another big accomp. at USM (for the next job).

4. Interesting stories coming out of the dome about the idea for a new Assoc VP of R&ED.  Anyone up for a little more cronyism?  Looks like this could be the one that goes to "friends" of some of SFT's local business supporters, who have all been complaining for some time now about too many "out-of-towners" taking these "six figure" positions from the "locals."  Thanks insider and domer.