Once again, I've taken a page out of the Bob Urban column-writing book.

The editor of our paper often writes short thoughts about what's happening in the world and in our area.If it can be done about news and everyday events, it can also be done about sports.So, here it goes ...**********As of May 3, it's been 11 years since the TIMES NEWS Sports Department has been running the On This Date section.While many in the coverage area enjoy seeing their names or the names of people they know or remember watching, I've appreciated getting the chance to learn about the athletes from the past.Since I grew up in the Northampton school district and am still in my 40s, many of these people were unfamiliar when I first started doing research on the microfilm machine. Now, when I run across names like Bob Geltako, "Moose" Kunkle, or Charley Baer, they seem like old friends.What I've probably enjoyed the most, though, in looking up games from the past was how popular baseball was in the summer - especially in the old Panther Valley League. If I had a time machine, I'd love to go back and experience those golden days.**********Speaking of golden days, kudos go out to Northern Lehigh. The Bulldogs' baseball and softball teams not only clinched league titles but they did so on the same day by the same score in their respective championship games.Both Nolehi squads registered 3-1 victories on Thursday to claim Colonial League gold.Pleasant Valley also has two titles this spring and can get a third today. The soccer team won the MVC championship last week while the baseball team clinched their MVC crown Thursday. Today the softball team will try to complete the rare hat trick.**********The Flyers may have lost Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday, put the team continues to be the talk of Philadelphia sporting teams.Even in the TIMES NEWS area, many are buzzing about the Orange and Black. I've seen more Flyers shirts and hats then I have in a long time.Then again, who could blame people for getting caught up in what they've accomplished. Coming back from a 3-0 series deficit like they did against Boston may be the toughest task in all of sports.It has also helped showcase the Stanley Cup playoffs, which is probably the best postseason in sports. Besides the excitement of their games, which include sudden-death overtimes, the traditions are also great.The handshakes after a series ends, the players growing beards until they're eliminated, the gathering with the Cup for the winning team are just a few of the old-time habits that continue to exist today.**********Word is Lehighton is still trying to get into the Colonial League.Hopefully one of these days the Indians will be accepted. Their size is a perfect fit and they could renew their rivalries with Palmerton, Northern Lehigh and Northwestern.Sometimes, however, the things that make the most sense are the things that never end up happening.**********It's only May and the Lebron James situation is already out of hand.Teams and cities will stop at nothing to try and convince the 25-year old NBA star to sign with them.Many think the free agent may end up in New York or Chicago, while others believe he'll stay put in Cleveland. No matter where he ends up, the saga will last long and we'll here about it as often as politcial ads run before an election. The only certainty is that Lebron will be much richer a few months down the line, which goes to show that the rich definitely do get richer.**********In other NBA news, the 76ers seem like they will be signing Doug Collins as their new head coach. Even with the second pick in the draft, the new mentor will need more to compete in the Eastern Conference.**********And finally, since this is my column, I'd like to wish my daughter a Happy 16th Birthday today. Hope you have a great day Evy and no, you can't have the keys to the car yet.