Golf sensation, need for speed, Fantastic Four, more

	Move over Michelle Wie. Alexis Thompson is the new young golfer on the LPGA scene. AP
	MAILBAG Submit a comment or question for Jenn. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

Athlete of the Week: Alexis Thompson. While most kids her age are sitting at home watching reruns of High School Musical, 12-year-old "Lexi" has become the youngest qualifier ever to play in the U.S. Women's Open. The 5-foot-6 South Florida golfer hopes to play well and follow in the footsteps of her brother Nick, who is currently second in the Nationwide Tour money list. One thing's for sure, though, the competition at this level may be tough, but Lexi insists her main strategy at Thursday's competition is to just "have fun." Oh, to be 12 again.

What I'm looking forward to: With college baseball complete, there's only one thing to look forward to: Opening day of the college football season. This is the time of that giant lull in the middle of summer that is enough to make any sports fan slip into a deep depression, forcing them to watch ESPN Classic for their alma mater's games of seasons past. I swear, if I have to watch Florida State's last-second loss to Clemson from last season one more time, I may have to scream. Like any football fan scorned, I am out for revenge. Get ready for two-a-days, practice drills, and scrimmages gentlemen, because college football season starts in 64 days.

On my calendar: After spending so much time at the track, it's no surprise that I've gained new respect for NASCAR and Indy car racing. However, a girl can only sit around and watch cars make left-hand turns at 200-plus miles an hour for so long before she gets a need for speed. Driving stock cars is definitely a long way from driving your friend's manual transmission through the neighborhood cul-de-sac, but at least know the neighbors won't have to complain about the "burn-out" tire tracks in their yard. In the upcoming weeks before football season, yours truly will be taking to the tracks -- and to a driving course near you -- to see if she has what it takes to hang with the boys. See you at the track. (Airbags included.)

What I'm watching: Another week, another batch of movies roll their way into my local theatre. This past week was designated for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, and while the sequel outshone the original, it's still your run-of-the-mill superhero movie. As long as you go in with no expectations, and the understanding that Jessica Alba is better off as a brunette, then you shouldn't be disappointed by the visually stunning special effects. We certainly have come a long way from flying saucer models on fishing poles.

On tap for this week, some super-sexy Bruce Willis and his oh-so-famous one-liner: Yippee Kay Ay Mother...

Nevermind.

What's on my mind: Props to the Oregon State baseball team for doing the unthinkable by winning a second College World Series championship in a row, despite having to restock their cupboard from last season. Though North Carolina was the favorite, and the Beavers were rumored to be one of the last teams selected for the NCAA Tournament, head coach Pat Casey had his team firing on all cylinders in Omaha again. While they may not be the most talented team in the country, they sure know how to play as a team.

So congrats to OSU on their repeat, and thanks to all the "boys of spring" for making this season so memorable.

Mailbag

So what are your thoughts on this show, Age of Love, starring Mark Philippoussis? I don't have an age group that I'm more attracted to. I like cougars AND kittens. Are girls hung up on age when it comes to dating? Do most girls prefer younger or older guys?
-- Walter, Boston

I think it's all about personal preference. I don't have a set age that I like to date, I'm more of an equal-opportunity kinda girl. Most women would argue that older men are more mature and thus make better boyfriends, but I have also seen the reverse to to be true. It all depends on the individual and where they are at in their life. So, just do your part to find that someone who makes you happy. After all, you're dating a person not a number.

During this whole Paris Hilton craze, one of the things I kept hearing and reading is that young girls look up to Paris. Is this true? And if so, why? Do you envy her in any way? Please say no. Why are teens looking up to someone who is useless? I have a 12 year old daughter and I'd like to give her some suggestions for role models. Do you have any recommendations?
-- Steve, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

I think it's really sad to think of who our generation has come to see as iconic and as role models. While I think Paris has brilliantly played this entire scene out to her advantage, I don't necessarily think she is role model material. Media savvy? Sure. The next Mother Theresa? Not so much. However, some young girls do idolize her for the same reason they idolize any celebrity. She lives an absolutely glamorous life filled with parties, popular people, and things most of us could only dream of owning, all while doing pretty much nothing other than being "Paris."

As far as helping your daughter find a role model, why not sit down with her, and ask her who she likes in movies, music, politics, in general? Find out who inspires her. You can't really dictate who she looks up to, but you can certainly help mold it by showing her which people matter for material values versus their actual contributions to society. And of course, be a role model yourself.