IX - I think most of us are plenty optimistic that the lockout will in fact come to an end in the near future. Even if preseason games are missed, it sure seems like there's a far smaller possibility that actual games will be scrapped from the 2011 season. That said, Erik Wemple of the Washington Post opines that perhaps we all need to settle down and remain patient, as there still seems to be considerable work left to be done at the negotiating table.
X -Calling all Steelers fans: want to be an extra in the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises? Good, you're in luck. Producers of the new Batman flick are in search of extras to film a scene inside Heinz Field.
XIII - The Steelers still plan on holding training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe according to team president Art Rooney II. For the town of Latrobe, that's huge news, as the economic windfall from the Steelers presence is enormous.
XIV - Most Steelers fans aren't interested in seeing Tiki Barber join the team as a third-down back; plenty believe that the team can upgrade over Mewelde Moore, who's currently a free agent that could end up playing elsewhere in 2011; and though he's a fan favorite, it's too early to tell if Baron Batch will be a viable solution as a third-down option or change of pace type back. Where's that leave us? How about NBA point guard Nate Robinson? The Oklahoma City Thunder guard said he was interested in landing a tryout with an NFL team while the NBA deals with a lockout of its own. Of course, it ain't happening in Pittsburgh or elsewhere, but if Robinson were legitimately serious about conditioning his body to play in the NFL, I bet he could do it. He was a star football player in high school and was even on the University of Washington squad for a short while before quitting to concentrate on hoops. Check out this highlight reel of him from HS.
XL - Speaking of Baron Batch. This is a few weeks old, but Batch opens up about a personal battle he's dealt with his entire life, one that he's doing his best to get under control as he starts a new chapter in his life.
XLIII - Video time! Steelers 2010 season highlights:
Watch Part 2 ..... Watch Part 3