The cradle of civilization

In a really nice, deferential piece by True Hoop's Henry Abbott, First Lieutenant Ted Janis drops what I'd consider one of the finest sentences ever written in a sports story. He's discussing how his company of rifelmen stationed in Iraq play basketball as often as they can, for the same reason as everyone else all over the world turn to sports: to relieve stress, channel frustration, and bond with peers. Here's his gem.

"All of us get completely covered, from head to toe to teeth, in the dust of the cradle of civilization."

Gorgeous.