If I’m a sucker for just one thing in this world, it’s videos of American soldiers returning home to surprise their families. Combine them with sporting events and you’re just making me one giant sandwich of “Good God, I’m gonna lose it.” Sadly, we know that some families will never see their heroes again, which really brings out the waterworks when those families are honored at sporting events. That’s why I’m giving the Houston Texans and the Bay Area Builders Association Support Our Troops program “Operation Finally Home” the biggest thumbs up in the history of the world.

During the Texans’ loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sara Wood and her son, Landon, were treated to some special gifts by the team because her husband, Staff Sgt. Scott Wood, died from combat-related injuries on Nov. 20, and he was a huge Texans fan. So much so that he was even buried with his Andre Johnson jersey under his Marine uniform. And then the extra special surprise:

“They pulled us out a few minutes before half time because they said they have a gift basket and some gifts for Landon,” Wood said.

That was all true. But in addition, they got a brand new house that day.

(Via Your Houston News)

That’s right, BABASOT is building a house for Wood and her son, completely free of mortgage. You know that scene in Ocean’s 13 when Rusty walks into Danny’s room and he’s watching Oprah, and they both start crying because Oprah gives a brand new house to a homeless family? That was me this morning, just a little more handsome.

The University of Iowa’s athletic department could possibly make a decision today regarding a request made by former Hawkeye fullback Jon Lazar last week to allow a dog to lead the team onto the field this Saturday against Tennessee Tech. That dog, of course, is Hawkeye, the pooch that crippled the emotions of millions of grown men last week when video surfaced of him laying next to the casket of his owner and Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, who was a lifelong Iowa fan. The 35-year old was killed in Afghanistan on August 6, in the same helicopter crash that killed 38 soldiers.

Lazar has the right idea – the perfect idea – and this absolutely has to happen.

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Well, it’s pretty obvious now that the last post about a huge, bubbling UFC conspiracy was a piece of satire, but in my defense, it didn’t read like satire and I’m still in a ribs coma from lunch. Needless to say, I’ve wasted your time and I apologize. Here’s a funny bungee jumping prank to make up for such an egregious error. Oh, and to the tipster who will remain anonymous, I offer a hearty *fart noise*.