The Sporting Life:
The Public Professor’s
Saturday Sports Column
Summer’s off to a fast start this year, with temperatures in Baltimore reaching the high 90s before May was even over. To many, this is something to dread, a hellishness that can only be endured by running the air conditioning non-stop.
But not The Public Professor.
Oh no. For your truly, the summer is a time for leisure. And not simply because classes are over. No-teaching doesn’t equal no-work for the professorate. There’s research to be conducted, books and articles to be written (not counting this drivel), and service to be performed. For example, this past week was largely devoted to reviewing other people’s manuscripts, and spending an afternoon in a high school judging students’ public policy projects. And next week I hope to start working on my own manuscripts.
Nevertheless, summertime is the bedrock upon which the essence of The Sporting Life sits. It’s time to get leisurely.
Part of it is based on activity. Barbeques in the backyard, sidewalk seating at restaurants, jumping in the ole swimming hole, taking a drive with windows down, catching a few movies (preferably with some popcorn and a Mr. Pibb), spending time in the beer garden, an outdoor concert or two, and some trips to the ballpark are just a few examples of all the wonderful things to do. However, during the 
summer The Sporting Life is also about inactivity. It’s not just about what you do, it’s also about what you don’t do.
For starters, you don’t shiver. I’ll take sweating over shivering any day. You also don’t wear a lot of clothes. Less is better. And while yours truly isn’t going to end up on a GQ cover any time soon, that’s not going to stop me from wearing shorts and going shirtless half the time. I need me a little color.
But beyond that, summer is a boon time for simply doing nothing. Just lay there and relax. Maybe take a sip of sangria, or a swig of barley pop. Either way, it’s high time for low energy.
Let that heat get inside you and loosen up your muscles. Don’t cringe when you start to sweat. Welcome it. It’s like a free workout, burning some calories without getting off your ass. You’re playing with the house money now.
Crack some joints if that’s your thing (I can pop about 70 of them), put your feet up, and just watch the world go by. This may involve taking a nap or two. Good. Don’t fight it.
For those of you trapped in a climate controlled box five days a week, make it a point to get outside for lunch on a regular basis. Find a nice little spot to wile away your 40 minutes. Maybe invest in a floppy straw hat. And perhaps a Crazy Straw, one that can get you some primo slurping action.
For those of you who work outside, remember to slow down when the boss isn’t looking. And if you’re the boss, be a mensch and make sure to spend a lot of time not looking.
Get some lotion and water. Don’t runaround like a headless chicken. Take it easy. Be leisurely. Relax.
Summer’s here. Just let it happen.