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Robert H. Boyle, staff writer for Sports Illustrated for 34 years and author of many books, including "The Hudson River, A Natural and Unnatural History" likes my column on our agricultural-based economy spawns poverty and environmental destruction.

Writes Boyle: "Great column on not only how agribiz has played [Fresno Mayor Alan] Autry for a sucker, but on how the real 'battle here is building an economy that doesn't sputter to a halt when the rain doesn't fall.' Bravo!"

People interested in learning what politicians and corporate farmers rarely reveal about California's water wars should check out water expert Lloyd Carter's Web site Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood.

Here's a tidbit from Carter's research of San Joaquin River irrigation allotments from Millerton Lake: about 50% of the water goes to Kern County, 25% to Tulare County, 17% to Madera County and 8% to Fresno County. Considering that the river originates in Fresno and Madera counties, you have to question why Fresno's elected officials and farmers fight so hard to preserve the status quo.

On the net: There are many reasons why Olympic records are falling by the bushel, especially in swimming. Slate's Human Nature blog explains in detail.

Maybe you missed it, but Fresno State's athletic program was ranked 18th in the nation for the 2007-08 season by SI.com. The Bulldogs' national championship in baseball helped put them in the Top 25 directly ahead of Brigham Young and three Pac-10 schools -- Cal, Oregon and Arizona.

Quote of the Day: "Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?"
-- Jim Bouton, "Ball Four" author