Progress passes by Cubbies

Pity the Chicago Cubs and their fans, who haven't been able to celebrate a World Series title since 1908.

The past three days might have been especially depressing for them.

After the Cubs were knocked out of the National League playoffs by the Los Angeles Dodgers last fall, their fans never would have guessed the Arizona Cardinals would reach the Super Bowl and the United States would elect a black president before the Cubs would get back to a World Series.

As progress passes by the Cubs, the surprises are compounded by the fact the Cardinals originated in Chicago and President Obama makes his permanent home in the Windy City, though he won't be using it much for the next four -- or eight -- years.

The most hurtful part? Obama is a White Sox fan.

• BABY ON BOARD -- Logic says a racecar driver might tend to back off the throttle after taking on the responsibility of becoming a parent for the first time.

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Casey Mears, 30, doesn't see it that way. He and girlfriend Trish Grablander had a girl in October.

"The moment that little girl came out, it definitely changes your life and your perspective on things," he said.

"When I saw drivers that had kids, I thought that it probably would slow you down a bit; you don't want to take the risk or the chance.

"To me, it's the opposite. I want her to have the best things in the world. For her to have the best things in the world, I have to be successful. So it kind of drives you to work harder and be more focused."

And go faster.

Mears has moved to Richard Childress Racing this year and will drive the team's No. 07 Chevrolet. The move entails going from a car sponsored by a cereal maker to one supported by Jack Daniels whiskey.

The baby could use the cereal, but her mother might need the Jack.

• SHIRTLESS -- Manchester United needs a jersey sponsor for its soccer club in England.

The team needs to replace the millions of dollars it has been receiving each year from American International Group, the insurance and financial services corporation that is restructuring and shedding assets to raise funds despite receiving a $150 billion government bailout last year.

According to The Associated Press, the deal with Manchester had been for about $27 million per year.

AIG had better use any extra dollars to replace the shirts lost by investors.

• PAIN FREE -- Connecticut girls basketball guard Caroline Doty was upbeat two days after blowing out her knee, an injury that will force her to miss the rest of her freshman season.

"I have three more years," said Doty, sitting on the UConn bench an hour before the Huskies played at North Carolina on Monday. "I'm still young. I have a lot of time left to play."

Her optimism might have helped the Huskies rout No. 2 North Carolina 88-58, despite 15 points from Centennial High School graduate Italee Lucas, who led the Tar Heels.

COMPILED BY JEFF WOLF LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL