Golf and auto racing claim some life as a couple of fan favorites recently won on their respective tours, Tiger Woods for the first time since before the last major, Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the first time since Bush.

Tiger’s playing like the best in the world again, yet without the cloak of inevitable superiority from before the turn of the decade (or the wrong turn in the Escalade). Now, he’s just another very good golfer who can win tournaments and contend in majors. Tiger’s closer to being Lee Westwood today than Tiger Woods 2K.

Still, the British Open could get me through a weekend.

Dale Jr.’s second in the Sprint Cup series standings, a points system that still treats winning as little better than hanging around and coming in 10th. Bully for him on the win at Michigan, but, so what? Unlike some racing enthusiasts, I don’t reflexively swoon over legacies be he an Andretti, a Hill, a Petty or an Earnhardt. After some exemplary seasons from 2002 to ’05, Dale Jr. won two points races in six-plus seasons before Michigan.

He’s an above-average driver with a legendary last name. Nothing much to see here you won’t see in another week. ...

Speaking of legacies, hello Zach Parise (son of 1970s NHL player J.P. Parise) and Ryan Suter (son of 1980 U.S. Olympian Bob Suter, nephew of longtime NHL player Gary Suter). I know I’m one of the few amused that on July 4, most of the hockey world awaited the decisions of two Americans, the most desired free agents on the market.

But that’s worth just a prideful chuckle to an old patriotic hockey fan.

I must have missed the Olympic Trials shaking out of hangover mode. That means there’s an Olympics this year. And in London, only five time zones away! Yea!

Come get me when those start. The sports electrolytes should be replaced by then.