WHY I READ

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but between a busy work schedule, a fondness for working out and playing sports, a fondness for socializing and an even greater fondness for sleep, I don't find the time to read many books.

But that doesn't mean that I don't read at all. I really enjoy reading newspapers in addition to the Southeast Missourian -- and not just the sports section.

I read the St. Louis Post-Dispatch daily, having grown up in St. Louis and wishing to keep up with what's going on in the city. I also read various smaller area newspapers that we get here at the Southeast Missourian.

In addition, I travel quite a bit during the school year covering sports and love reading out-of-town newspapers, from big-city dailies to small-town weeklies.

I also read a magazine every week -- Sports Illustrated, which I have subscribed to for about as long as I can remember and thoroughly enjoy. The SI writers are excellent, taking human-interest angles as they delve into much more than just what happens on the field or court.

Now, I don't want people to get the impression that I never read books. I recently re-read "In Cold Blood," the thriller by Truman Capote about two drifters that murder a farm family in Kansas. I have read the book several times and always find it fascinating.

Another book I've read fairly recently is "Friday Night Lights," which chronicles the importance of high school football in Texas. Since I used to cover high school football for a small newspaper in Texas, I really enjoyed that reading as well.

Hmm, murder and football. What a combination.