After 20-plus years on this earth, I've come to the conclusion that there are a fair amount of things I will just never understand. For instance, the current craze of girls with oversized sunglasses. Ditto for the giant gold purses. Maybe it's just me, but I don't get it.

Here's another one — how can George Feeney be so inspiring and full of wisdom? I mean, seriously, where would Cory and Topanga have ended up without him? OK, seriously, enough with ABC Family Channel.

Why doesn't Bucky Badger ever wear pants? I'm pretty sure if I showed up to work with nothing but a striped shirt on, the reception wouldn't be too good.

But, to get on topic, there are some random questions in the sports world lately that are just as vexing.

Question No. 1: How is the National League West so bad?

This division just drives me insane. Maybe it's the fact that the Milwaukee Brewers, at 79-79, would be on their way to a playoff berth. Heck, the NL West is so bad the Cubs would be in the title hunt.

The Swinging Friars of San Diego have a four game-lead over the San Francisco Giants with a record of just 78-79. First off, the Padres have far too much talent to be mired in their current spell of mediocrity. And secondly, the Giants have no business being in any playoff hunt, regardless of how many home runs Barry Bonds can hit on one knee.

If none of the five major league teams in this division (well I guess you could say four, eh Colorado Rockies fans?) can manage to crack the .500 mark, there is no way any of them should participate in the playoffs. I say take two wild card teams, and leave either of these floundering clubs at home in Cali.

Question No. 2: How do the Braves keep doing it?

Fourteen straight division titles. From Lonnie Smith to Ryan Langerhans, somehow, some way, Atlanta just continues to win. The model of a well-run ball club, the Braves simply replace the players they cannot afford (Gary Sheffield) with a new generation of stars (that would be you, Mr. Francoeur). Or, in Julio Franco's case, they have found a way to stop the natural cycle of life. Their personnel strategies continue to work like a well-oiled machine, and general manager John Schuerholz deserves plenty of the credit.

Most impressive is the fact that the Braves have racked up this streak in a division chock full of talented clubs, a great contrast to the previously discussed NL West.

Question No. 3: Was Javon Walker that important to the Packers' offense?

Green Bay averaged 27 points and 397 yards of offense per game a year ago. This season, the Pack has only managed a little over 14 and 309. For a team that entered the year with a pretty suspect defense, that is not a welcome sign. So what's the big problem?

Sure, Javon Walker had himself quite a year in 2004, catching 89 balls for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. But Brett Favre and the Packers' passing offense have replaced go-to receivers in the past (yes, that would be your cue to hit the bricks Antonio Freeman).

Green Bay is also trying to fill the voids left by free agents Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle. And as of now, the new line isn't gelling too well. Favre has been running for his life and Green Bay has no balance on offense. Ever hear of showing a commitment to the running game?

Question No. 4: When is the NHL-hating going to stop?

Professional hockey + shootouts = great entertainment. Throw in the league's newest messiah on the ice (Sidney Crosby) to go along with its greatest player of all time (Wayne Gretzky) making his coaching debut, and you have a pretty intriguing year. Yet, there is absolutely no hype for the return of the National Hockey League.

Player movement usually mixes things up as well, so that should work in the league's favor. Gosh, it seems like every player of any substance has changed teams. Paul Kariya in Nashville … who knew?

Nope, mainstream sports fans still don't seem to care. Poor Outdoor Life Network.