* * * COUNTDOWN: 3 DAYS TO LA/XC-2 * * *
Take a look at Tripp’s face. Okay, now look at mine. Even though he’s an English pointer with a preppy name, we could be brothers, no? Tripp, like Romeo, and like Monty and Bandit, is one of my Montauk beach buddies. In fact, he’s related to M&B: Tripp belongs to Joe and Andie, whose son Matt owns Monty and whose son Greg’s girlfriend Lauren owns Bandit. Greg, btw, named Tripp after a pro windsurfer. He thought it was a cool name. I think it’s all right. Tripp is 11, and probably has lost a step over the years. (Who hasn’t?) And like me, he can be a couch potato. In fact, we both find Monty’s and Bandit’s energy level just a little bit ridiculous. Anyway, I 
wanted to give Tripp a shout-out because Beagle Man and I hit the road in a few days. So sayonara, Tripp. See you next summer.
MY PALS WILL BE RIGHT HERE ON MONDAYS. IT’S ABOUT, UH . . . MY PALS. 
IS YOUR DOG LIKE ME . . . HANDSOME? MIND OF HIS OWN? TELL ME. MAYBE YOUR PUP WILL TURN UP IN “MY PALS.” SEND YOUR STORY AND PHOTO TO BEAGLE MAN . HE HANDLES MY E-MAIL FOR ME.
Hank, Since my USC pennant has become such a fixture in my office, I am certainly looking to repeat as mileage champion. Since you are now looking for estimates to and from USC, I am seeking to take the whole shooting match and will look upon it as a “Three-peat” when I win! I might add the market value of the cherished pennant has probably increased substantially after the success of current and former USC athletes at the London Olympic games. Very impressive that USC was number six in total medal count if they were their own country!