News item: The NFL and the players union discussed the possibility of lengthening the regular season to 18 games during labor negotiations this week, but Ravens star Ray Lewis and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady both expressed concern about the negative impact that might have on the overall health of the players.
My take: I think they're right to be concerned, but the NFL clearly cares more about the positive impact it would have on industry revenues. In other words, are you ready for some extra football?
News item: ESPN analyst and top managerial free agent Bobby Valentine told ESPN Radio's Michael Kay last week that the Orioles renovation project would be a "big challenge," but hinted that it might an impossible task and made it fairly obvious he was not interested in the job.
My take: None of that should have come as a surprise to anyone. He'll likely have better options next winter. Frankly, the only surprise is that he agreed to come in for an interview.
Bonus take: And, by the way, you know how it's hard to get quality free agents to come here? The same applies to potential managers.
News item: The Los Angeles Lakers won their second straight NBA title on Thursday night, and it was particularly sweet because it came against their most storied historical rival.
My take: And it was a great game, if you're one of the six basketball fans in the country who watch the NBA for the terrific defense.
News item: World-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews said this week that Brett Favre's ankle surgery went well and he'll be able to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks.
My take: To be clear, Andrews was talking about Favre's future. Andrews apparently has no plans to retire and unretire and then retire again and then come back again and operate on more people.
News item: Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis came out of his shell this week and called out his offensive teammates for the poor approach that has kept them in a season-long slump.
My take: It's about time. I know Markakis isn't normally an outspoken guy, but he is one of the players who commands real respect in the Orioles clubhouse. Sometimes leadership is thrust upon you.
News item: Former Oriole Aubrey Huff has gotten a new lease on major league life in San Francisco, and brought back memories of his 2008 season in Baltimore with a long home run off Jeremy Guthrie in the series finale on Wednesday afternoon.
My take: They say the best revenge is living well, though I don't think Aubrey had any gripe with how he was treated here.
News item: Orioles rookie Jake Arrieta is now two for two after giving up just three hits over seven innings on Tuesday night.
My take: Going into the weekend series against the San Diego Padres, those were the only two victories by an Orioles starter in 20 games. On the brighter side, that's only a negative stat if you're not Jake Arrieta.
News item: The University of Maryland just hired John Tillman away from Harvard to replace former men's lacrosse coach Dave Cottle.
My take: Funny, when I saw the headline — "Tillman headed to UM" — I was confused. I didn't know they could send a major league pitcher all the way back to college.
News item: Switzerland stunned Spain in the first round of the World Cup, handing the consensus favorite only its second loss in its last 50 games.
My take: Figures, since I drew the Spaniards in my World Cup pool. I thought the Swiss were supposed to stay neutral in this kind of thing.
News item: Multi-milllionaire running back Reggie Bush said this week that the heavy NCAA penalty levied against the University of Southern California football team because of him is "one of the toughest things" he has had to deal with in his life.
My take: And this is a guy who recently broke up with socialite/reality show/sex tape star Kim Kardashian, so it's not like his life is a walk in the park.
News item: Porn star Devon James has come forth with the claim that Tiger Woods fathered her 9-year-old son.
My take: Sure, lots of women of questionable character keep that kind of thing a secret for 10 years because they don't want the bother of cashing a huge child support check every month.
News item: Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced that the All-Star Game will take place in Kansas City in 2012.
My take: It's about time they started playing the Midseason Classic at a neutral site.
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) on Fridays and Saturdays at noon and with Brett Hollander on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6. Also, check out his blog, "The Schmuck Stops Here" at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.