Yesterday's mail brought a Valentine from Jonathan and Alistair, the five-year-old twins of friends now living in France.
Just to get the steroid taste out of my life, I've got to mention the 76ers. Elton Brand is now done for the season, having had successful shoulder surgery yesterday. Without him, the Sixers have gone back to the fast-paced style that got them into last year's playoffs. Last night, the Sixers ran the tired, ageing Suns, who were coming off a grueling game the day before, off the court. Rookies Thaddeus Young and Marreese Speights, who was everywhere, were standouts. But it's Andre Iguadola who is coming into his own. I've long thought that many people do not see or understand how good Iggy is. So it was great to hear Tony DiLeo say today that he had told Andre to enjoy his rest over the All-Star break because it's the last one he'll be having for years to come. From being largely unwatchable, the Sixers have gone again to sprinting for a playoff spot.
