* * * COUNTDOWN: 4 DAYS TO LA/XC-2 * * *
Throughout the Republican National Convention this past week, I kept hearing Tampa this, and Tampa that. Why all this love for Tampa? Then on Thursday, while I was listening to radio coverage of Day 3, the commentator said he was “reporting live from Tampa.” Oh, so that’s it! The RNC took place in Tampa! Now I get it. Clearly, politics isn’t my thing. Besides dogs, I’m all about sports, books, and music. You say Tampa, I think the Bucs or the Rays or an awesome Zac Brown Band concert I saw there last January.
Honestly? Ricky is much more of a political animal than I am. (Get it? Political animal?) Lately he’s had a lot to say on a whole range of issues: farm subsidies . . . animal rights . . . food stamps. Turns out he was kind of disappointed that during our whole cross-country road trip last year, I did all the reporting, and he never got a word in edgewise. Obviously, he has his opinions about the roof rack brouhaha, but he’s not just some knee-jerk, Seamus-loving liberal. He actually thinks it might be kind of cool to ride up there. The bottom line is he’d just like to have his say in the matter — which is what I give him. He can sit wherever he wants when he rides with me, as long as he stays away from his food supply.(And mine.) You’ll get to hear from Ricky directly about election issues via The Roof Rack Report, which will debut once we hit the road this Thursday.
I’ve actually been following the election campaigns a little more than usual, forcing myself to listen to a lot of CNN and Fox News. This, of course, means a little less Colin Cowherd, my favorite sports radio host, as I drive around town. And a little U.S. Open on TV at home. But at least I’m seeing some results: I now know what they mean when they talk about the “red states” and the “blue states” on the map.
Speaking of maps, I went in Friday to see my friend Jan Grey at Westport AAA. I didn’t really need her help with my route or anything; after all, I’m now a pro at this long-haul driving. I just really like the way she uses her stamp to put those little green circles around my projected stops. Thanks, Jan!
And now, with just four days left before departure, it’s time to introduce Beagle Man’s Second Annual Guess-The-Total-Mileage sweepstakes! Last year I asked for estimates on the return leg only. This year I’m looking for total mileage: there, back, and everything in between.
The prize — a beautiful cardinal-and-gold USC felt pennant — is the same as last year’s.
But there’s a new twist! Mike Payne, the 2011 winner and our family financial advisor, has generously offered up his pennant as the trophy: He proposes “a Stanley Cup-type arrangement: The winner retains possession for one year and has the ability to take the pennant on tour for exhibition purposes. I have my pennant proudly displayed on the cork board behind my desk, above my credenza.”
Very gracious of you, Mike. Enjoy showing off that pennant for one more month, because come October, you’ll be shipping it off to its new home. Unless, of course, you repeat as the champion. Never underestimate a “numbers guy.”
LOOK FOR A NEW BEAGLE MAN POST EVERY FRIDAY. OR PRETTY CLOSE TO FRIDAY. COULD BE THURSDAY. OR SATURDAY. LET’S NOT GET TOO OBSESSIVE HERE . . . 
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