1. HA is reporting that ticket sales are on pace with last year's record.  We'll see.  baller says expected attendance is another story.  Seems football could turn into basketball (where many tickets don't get used).  Word is that if the tax referendum fails and attendance drops, the ole stories about USM maintaining its D1 status with the NCAA will rear up again.  Thanks baller.

2. Word from the Hub is that Barnes and Noble is already "wondering what's up" at USM.  They've got enough university experience now to smell rot in the air.  Some are reportedly asking questions of the locals.  Thanks gorod.

3. More stories from round bldg that TH is completely marginalized, and likely on his way out.  Thanks ntsft.

4. Tales are gaining legs that SFT & Co are thrilled that campus groups are showing signs that they believe he and the gang are (at least somewhat) "reformed."  Word is that they are "holding back" much of the new merit raise money for a mid-year raise to "friends" later in the year, all the while letting faculty groups come up with "divisive" schemes to parcel out the small sums this summer.  Thanks ntsft.