Being a Florida State football fan my whole life, I have come to expect the worst when I hear of players’ off-the-field news, but this year has been a bit different. Sure there has been a few suspensions for unsavory activity, but the most news has surrounded starting safety Myron Rolle. Myron is one of the nation’s best at his position, as an excellent defensive leader he had started every game in his three year career at Florida State until last Saturday.

Myron missed nearly the entire first half of Saturday’s game against Maryland due to an off-the-field issue. I know what you are thinking: did he skip class? did he break team rules? did he get arrested? No. Myron could not make the opening kickoff because he was busy interviewing for the Rhodes Scholarship. In fact, he was not just busy interviewing, he was busy winning the scholarship. Yes, early in the evening last Saturday Myron Rolle was named a 2009 Rhodes Scholar. One of only 32 students across the country to win this prestigious award this year.

What an amazing feat, what an amazing person! While most student-athletes find it difficult to balance their academic and athletic duties, Myron is busy excelling both on the field and in the classroom. Though he is an incredibly talented individual, thers is no doubt a tremendous amount of hard work and effort was put forth. If more individuals shared similar aspirations, who knows what they could accomplish.

If you stop and think about it, you realize that this accomplishment is truly unexpected from a man in Myron’s position. You too often hear stories of college football players who never amount to much or are constantly in trouble because of character issues. Too common are players getting into trouble or being arrested anymore. It just makes Myron’s story all the more refreshing.

On a similar note, I would really like to salute his Florida State teammates. When Myron arrived at the Maryland game late in the first half and walked out of the locker room ready to take his place in the secondary, it suddenly, for a short period, did not matter that a football game was going on. Every player on the sideline came right up to him and gave him a celebratory hug or pat on the shoulder pads. We are talking about a group of collegiate football players, most of which probably have no idea what the Rhodes Scholarship is all about. However, they recognize that it is a major accomplishment, one that is incredibly important to Myron and to their school.

The Seminoles played a great game of football, especially the defense. They recorded nearly a half dozen sacks, they forced four turnovers, held their opponent to just 3 points all night. Myron Rolle had very little to do with the effort, but his team knew that he was the hero of the night. To me, the coolest gesture came as the final seconds ticked off the clock when two Seminole players gave Myron Rolle the traditional Gatorade shower.

In my opinion, it was an all-around great night for college sports.

Late last Thursday, I did something that I had never done, I went to the midnight showing of a newly released movie. As much as I enjoy movies I do not often attend theaters. But, when it is a new Bond flick that is out, I have to see it.

I was first introduced to the character of James Bond by my dad when I was young. I recall being skeptical of my dad’s recommendation and did not watch until he bet me $10 that I would like it. I took the bet, and two hours later I was ten dollars poorer.

Since then, I have grown to be quite the Bond fanatic. To me, James Bond is the most appealing character in all of literature. I even dare say that every man wishes he were James Bond at some point in his life. The cars, the gadgets, the girls, the locations, the adventures, who would not want to live the life of James Bond, even if for just a short while.

So, back to Thrusday, how would Quantum of Solace stack up to the rest? After Casino Royale, it was clear that Bond was back. The plot was compelling, the action was excellent, it did a great job making up for the travesty that was Die Another Day. But, would the new movie continue this Daniel-Craig-is-a-badass trend?

Answer: Yes. Quantum of Solace picked up right where Casino Royale left off (literally, as it was the first ever direct sequel in the Bond series) presenting more of the same great thrill. It was action-packed, suspenseful and intriguing, qualities shared by all Bond movies. If you like James Bond, you will not be disappointed by Quantum of Solace.

My Favorites:

• Favorite Bond movie: Goldfinger (with Live and Let Die and Dr. No close behind)
• Favorite James Bond: Sean Connery (no contest, but I do really like portrayal of Bond by both Roger Moore and Daniel Craig as well)
• Favorite villain: Ernst Stavro Blofeld
• Favorite henchman: Oddjob (part of me wishes I owned a steel-brimmed bowler hat)
• Favorite Bond girls: Domino in Thunderball and Honey Rider in Dr. No (impossible to choose just one)
• Favorite Bond allies: Quarrel in Dr. No and Dr. Goodhead in Moonraker (though I am a big fan of the many appearances of both Felix Leiter and Q)
• Favorite car: Aston Martin DBS (Casino Royale)
• Favorite gadget: Bond’s briefcase in From Russia with Love (I may have tried to make one myself)