Rock on

Face of success

No, you're not imagining.

Quarterbacks really are cooler than the rest of us.

Researchers at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania and Southern Utah University have determined handsomeness is linked to QB's.

UC's Jennifer VanGilder combined with SUU economist David Berri to discover facial symmetry is a constant among signal-callers. The study showed that while an average person's face is about 90 percent symmetrical, NFL quarterbacks rated 96 percent.

As the theory goes, good looks + strong arm + brains = NFL quarterback.

Which doesn't entirely explain Terry Bradshaw, but still...

Road fashion

Race car driver Danica Patrick has aspirations beyond the steering wheel.

In fact, she wants to be a fashion designer.

"When I am not on the track, one of my biggest interests is fashion and style," she said.

Coming soon to a boutique near you: Danica's curve-hugging skinny jeans in fire-retardant red.

Gone missing

After a contentious meeting in New York between NBA referees and the league, commissioner David Stern said last week he won't attend further negotiations.

As it now stands, the season could begin with substitute refs, rather than top-level NBA officials.

Feel free to insert your own punch line about NBA officiating here.

Rash of trouble

Chargers' linebacker Shawne Merriman and reality TV star Tila Tequila made news last week when Merriman allegedly choked and dragged her into his house.

Here's the lowdown on the happy couple. Merriman wears a Mohawk and misses games for violating the NFL's steroid policy. She is famous for a TV show featuring bisexuality and posing in racy pictures.

He says he was trying to keep her from driving drunk. She says she couldn't have been drunk because she is allergic to alcohol.

It's all sort of confusing at this point, except this: Neither of them is allergic to publicity.

Spicy aftertaste

In less salacious news, reports from Detroit say the Motor City Bowl has changed its name.

It will henceforth be known as the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

And just like pizza — and BYU's 21-3 loss to Marshall in the '99 Motor City Bowl — it can keep giving a person heartburn long after it's finished.

You have mail

BYU has added a text-messaging system at LaVell Edwards Stadium that allows fans to communicate directly with the dispatch center if assistance is needed.

Fans will no longer need to leave their seats to find an usher or police officer but can text the keyword BYU, plus a message and the location to 41513.

Which is a nice addition.

But what I'm really hoping for is a way to text an order of jalapeno nachos up to the press box and maybe even send in a couple of trick plays I made up for Bronco Mendenhall.

E-MAIL:rock@desnews.com