Reno? Yes, the Reno of college football bowl games. Let me explain.
In this crazy world of sports, it seems improbable that this match up could ever happen in a Bowl game with so little importance to the rest of the college football world. On the Eve of the Holiday Bowl, a game that features my beloved Bears and those of the much hated Longhorns, most of you are wondering if I will feel vindicated with a blowout win by the Bears for what happened in "2004." The answer is ... maybe. Maybe with Aaron Rodgers winning the Super Bowl and as its MVP, I feel that I've already been vindicated. Where's Vince Young? What has any other Longhorn quarterback achieved in the NFL?
Having witnessed two of the worst seasons since ever, and the fact that the the Longhorns and the Bears have had identical records since I migrated to the Southwest, seems to have taken a lot of the steam out of this game. Maybe it's that I realize what happened in 2004 was not Texas' fault, but something much bigger. A grudge with a small city made famous by Dustin Hoffman in the late 60's -- Pasadena. With the many blog posts across Bear Nation mentioning the classless act by the one and only Mack Brown, I am here to tell you I won't post that. BUT ... this will be the biggest of all the little bowls played in 2011. Let's just hope the Bears don't roll a pair of snake eyes.
"Wise Guy"
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Well, Texas!
As 2011 comes to an end, I've had an opportunity to reflect over the past 15 months as a Texan or should I say, an Austinite. It seems like the sports world was knocked a bit off its axis. I can't help but think I had something to do with it. As a young child I often believed if I did something a little different it would have changed the result of a game. I often thought if I watched my team, or didn't watch my team, it would help them win a game they lost.
Now fast forward forty years, and I think I may have been on to something. I often wonder how things may have turned out if I hadn't left California. Would the Giants have been able to overcome the "Curse of a Young Boy?" Would the Lakers be the reigning NBA champions? Would the Cowboys have the same need for a head coach AND a QB?
In my short time in Texas, the Rangers, who have never won a playoff game, go to back-to- back World Series. The NBA Champions reside in Dallas, and the Texas Longhorns have lost more games than they have in the previous 10+ years. What about the Pack, you ask? I don't think it matters what state I'm in, or planet I'm on -- that kid from Chico, California was destined for greatness. He is golden when it matters most. I guess you could say he is as golden as a Bear ... or a Cal Golden Bear!!!
"Wise Guy"
Now fast forward forty years, and I think I may have been on to something. I often wonder how things may have turned out if I hadn't left California. Would the Giants have been able to overcome the "Curse of a Young Boy?" Would the Lakers be the reigning NBA champions? Would the Cowboys have the same need for a head coach AND a QB?
In my short time in Texas, the Rangers, who have never won a playoff game, go to back-to- back World Series. The NBA Champions reside in Dallas, and the Texas Longhorns have lost more games than they have in the previous 10+ years. What about the Pack, you ask? I don't think it matters what state I'm in, or planet I'm on -- that kid from Chico, California was destined for greatness. He is golden when it matters most. I guess you could say he is as golden as a Bear ... or a Cal Golden Bear!!!
"Wise Guy"
Wally World It’s Not!
This past weekend my boys and I had an opportunity to visit an old amusement park. As we waited at the gate for the park to open, I couldn't help but think of the many memories I shared at this park and many like it with my Dad and brothers, too many to count. It brought a huge smile to know that I would have many more with my boys, and they would have with theirs.
As the gates opened, it took a little eye contact, and then a simple nod, and my boys knew it was game time. It’s always been a “Wise Guy” tradition to maximize the first 2 hours a park is open to hit every steel roller coaster. This is something we don't take lightly. Like a coach and players getting ready for a big game, we mapped out our plan well in advance, and reviewed a final time at the gate. Once the gates opened it was like a starter pistol being fired, and we ran like Usain Bolton headed for gold in record time.
Our family is like the SEC in college football. You aren't going to beat us -- you just hope to stay close for as long as you can. We have never lost. The Rocky Marciono of families at an amusement park. What drove us, you ask? It wasn't the desire to win, but the fear of losing. One thing I never, ever want to hear after spending 10+ hours at a park is, “But, Dad." You know, like a fisherman talking about the big one that got away. It doesn't matter what happened or how long you fought it. The bottom line is you didn’t catch it, or, in this case, that we didn’t ride it.
What does this have to do with sports? Everything! The world of sports is just like an amusement park. The NFL and for some of us, college football, is the steel roller coaster. It's something you don't want to miss. It could be the ultimate thrill ride, and at times a bit overrated. It is still by far the best ride in the park, or should I say better than any other sport. MLB is like the water ride. It normally takes forever to get on and when you do, it's usually slow until you get to the end where you usually have a thrilling drop and a splash of water which normally makes you feels good. These parks have many rides like the tilt-a-whirl or the scrambler . They are golf, tennis, motorsports and hockey. It’s a nice change of pace but if you ride it too much you’ll get sick to your stomach and if your not careful you’ll end up throwing up on yourself. Most of these parks now have a water/ski shows. This is soccer. You know that they are performing and that some people are watching but you don’t understand why or even care.
That leaves us with the wooden rollercoaster of sports. The NBA. It was once the most exciting sport in the world (see the 80’s) but now it seems to jerk you around a lot and you often leave the ride wondering why you rode it. It's that ride that if it's not running no one misses it. See the NBA strike and tell me I'm wrong!
Wise Guy
Wise Guy
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pinocchio
Pinocchio was one of my favorite childhood movies. If you've been living under a rock or are made of wood, you probably aren't familiar with the tale of a wooden puppet boy who dreams of one day becoming a "real" boy. I will not bore you with the details of the story, but will tell you that in the end he becomes a real boy.
I bring this up because you may not realize we are all fortunate, or not, to be living during a time when we're able to see this fable played out in real life. No, I don't own a puppet. I now live in Texas, where people think there are no trees. This story, unlike Pinocchio, takes place in Denver, Colorado, on a football field, and not in a wood carving shop. There is no "Jimmy," but there is a Timmy (Tebow). In this story, Timmy only dreams of one day becoming a "real" NFL quarterback. Just like Geppetto who longs for a son, John Fox shares Timmy's dream. We don't know if Timmy's nose grows when he tells a lie, because I'm sure it's never happened, and probably never will.
As the season plays out, I will be watching with great anticipation to see if Timmy can throw over thirty passes with a 60% completion rate and finish the game with a quarterback rating of over 80. Only then will I realize that Tinkerbell, or, in this case John Elway, has waved his magic wand. But than again, it may take a little "Luck" before Denver gets a real quarterback ... Andrew, that is.
"Wise Guy"
I bring this up because you may not realize we are all fortunate, or not, to be living during a time when we're able to see this fable played out in real life. No, I don't own a puppet. I now live in Texas, where people think there are no trees. This story, unlike Pinocchio, takes place in Denver, Colorado, on a football field, and not in a wood carving shop. There is no "Jimmy," but there is a Timmy (Tebow). In this story, Timmy only dreams of one day becoming a "real" NFL quarterback. Just like Geppetto who longs for a son, John Fox shares Timmy's dream. We don't know if Timmy's nose grows when he tells a lie, because I'm sure it's never happened, and probably never will.
As the season plays out, I will be watching with great anticipation to see if Timmy can throw over thirty passes with a 60% completion rate and finish the game with a quarterback rating of over 80. Only then will I realize that Tinkerbell, or, in this case John Elway, has waved his magic wand. But than again, it may take a little "Luck" before Denver gets a real quarterback ... Andrew, that is.
"Wise Guy"
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A Rangers win was not in the cards tonight.
I have never been a Rangers fan, or had any rooting interest in them up until about 14 months ago. As a new Texan, I felt it was my duty to support everything good in this great state, or maybe it was the fact that I may not survive another brush with death as the Giants did the unthinkable.
This year, the Rangers were at the final table again, and seemed to have all the chips. The Sox, Yankees and Tigers all folded, and it came down to the last hand with the Cardinals. With both teams "all in," the Rangers lost a game that you would think they'd never lose. A game of Texas Hold 'Em!
Yes, the Rangers buried the "Felix card," and got the "Oliver card" on the river, and that's when you realized there was no way the Rangers were going to win. As the "Wise Guy" I say it's ok to be mad. Yell, kick, and scream, because in sports there is no tomorrow when it comes to losing a championship, especially one that should have been won.
Please do not say, "Just wait 'til next year!' That is something that the loser always says. Just ask any Bills/Vikings fan, or anyone else who has not won a championship. Lets just hope that over the winter the Rangers get fa t... or should I say, "Phat." The Rangers have a need, and I know one person happens to be the best there is.
So let me be the first to toast: Here's to what could have been!
"The Wise Guy"
This year, the Rangers were at the final table again, and seemed to have all the chips. The Sox, Yankees and Tigers all folded, and it came down to the last hand with the Cardinals. With both teams "all in," the Rangers lost a game that you would think they'd never lose. A game of Texas Hold 'Em!
Yes, the Rangers buried the "Felix card," and got the "Oliver card" on the river, and that's when you realized there was no way the Rangers were going to win. As the "Wise Guy" I say it's ok to be mad. Yell, kick, and scream, because in sports there is no tomorrow when it comes to losing a championship, especially one that should have been won.
Please do not say, "Just wait 'til next year!' That is something that the loser always says. Just ask any Bills/Vikings fan, or anyone else who has not won a championship. Lets just hope that over the winter the Rangers get fa t... or should I say, "Phat." The Rangers have a need, and I know one person happens to be the best there is.
So let me be the first to toast: Here's to what could have been!
"The Wise Guy"
Monday, October 17, 2011
Purgatory here on Earth
Growing up in a strict Catholic family you learn all about purgatory. It's a state of purification or temporary punishment of the soul as it's made ready for heaven. You're probably asking yourself what this has to do with the "Wise Guy"! Let me explain. As I watched another disappointing loss by Cal on national TV, it hit me. I'm in my sports purgatory. I'm currently paying for my sports sins of the past and those to come. No matter how much I ask the patron saint of Cal football, Joe Roth, to intercede on my behalf, I may never reach the Rose Bowl. Oops, I mean heaven.
For those of you who are not Catholic or do not believe in purgatory, here's another scenario: Cal's QB sucks. I'm not talking about a vacuum type of suction, I'm talking F-5 tornado suction. Lets see ... Riley, Mansion, Bridgford, Hinder, and Boehm were all 4-star recruits and top-5 pro style QBs coming out of high school. Not one of the latter four could beat out a transfer from that football power Buffalo? Really Tedfurd ( Stanfurd spelling, no "o") ? If Turner Gil leaves Buffalo and does not want to take his starting QB with him, why would you? Keenan is probably the answer, but do you have to start him?
Now one of the top QBs in the country, Zack Cline, is coming in the class of 2012. Do you think Cal can hire a QB guru so he doesn't turn out like those before him?
Just sayin'.
"Wise Guy"
For those of you who are not Catholic or do not believe in purgatory, here's another scenario: Cal's QB sucks. I'm not talking about a vacuum type of suction, I'm talking F-5 tornado suction. Lets see ... Riley, Mansion, Bridgford, Hinder, and Boehm were all 4-star recruits and top-5 pro style QBs coming out of high school. Not one of the latter four could beat out a transfer from that football power Buffalo? Really Tedfurd ( Stanfurd spelling, no "o") ? If Turner Gil leaves Buffalo and does not want to take his starting QB with him, why would you? Keenan is probably the answer, but do you have to start him?
Now one of the top QBs in the country, Zack Cline, is coming in the class of 2012. Do you think Cal can hire a QB guru so he doesn't turn out like those before him?
Just sayin'.
"Wise Guy"
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jekyll and Hyde
Today is the official start to the "Wait' til next year" season. For me, the journey started soon after the November 27th loss to the Huskies and it couldn't get here soon enough. For you, it may have been December, January, or for that Steelers' fan, it was the soon after the Super Bowl.
Football is like no other sport. It brings out the best and the worst in people, most of the time in the same afternoon. We find ourselves watching a game that we would never admit to, but later found ourselves watching just because it's football (excluding the Big Ten).
Robert Louis Stevenson's character Jekyll and Hyde wasn't written about a man with a split personality who does good to make up for his evilness, but rather about your typical football fan. Let me give you an example: Insert any pro or college football team, and you'll soon know what I'm talking about.
I come into this year's football season with low expectations. Cal Bears will win anywhere from 3 to 5 games. After reading a few Cal fall previews, I'm ready for a magical season, and a run for the roses. Pac-12 media day comes and the coaches picked Cal to finish last in the North Division. I agree. Cal is way too young, and I'm in for a long season. A few more fall previews and I'm pumped up again. I read that the Bay Area media poll picked them 4th in the North with only Washington State keeping them out of the basement. Sports writers, what do they know? They probably never played any type of sports. We've had top-15 recruiting classes the past two years, we are loaded with true and blue shirt (red if you're not a Cal fan) freshmen just waiting for their chance. This waffling goes on everyday depending on which site I'm reading, or the game being played. This type of split personality will stay with me throughout the season. After a loss we suck and we may not win another game, only to wake up a few days later, believing we can pull out a win and still have a shot at the Roses. By season's end, I'll be back to the next "Wait 'til next Year" season!
For the next 30 days or so, push back common sense, don't believe what you read, hear or know. Your team, just like mine, is ready for that magical run we always hear about. I'll see you in Pasadena on the first.
"Wise Guy"
Football is like no other sport. It brings out the best and the worst in people, most of the time in the same afternoon. We find ourselves watching a game that we would never admit to, but later found ourselves watching just because it's football (excluding the Big Ten).
Robert Louis Stevenson's character Jekyll and Hyde wasn't written about a man with a split personality who does good to make up for his evilness, but rather about your typical football fan. Let me give you an example: Insert any pro or college football team, and you'll soon know what I'm talking about.
I come into this year's football season with low expectations. Cal Bears will win anywhere from 3 to 5 games. After reading a few Cal fall previews, I'm ready for a magical season, and a run for the roses. Pac-12 media day comes and the coaches picked Cal to finish last in the North Division. I agree. Cal is way too young, and I'm in for a long season. A few more fall previews and I'm pumped up again. I read that the Bay Area media poll picked them 4th in the North with only Washington State keeping them out of the basement. Sports writers, what do they know? They probably never played any type of sports. We've had top-15 recruiting classes the past two years, we are loaded with true and blue shirt (red if you're not a Cal fan) freshmen just waiting for their chance. This waffling goes on everyday depending on which site I'm reading, or the game being played. This type of split personality will stay with me throughout the season. After a loss we suck and we may not win another game, only to wake up a few days later, believing we can pull out a win and still have a shot at the Roses. By season's end, I'll be back to the next "Wait 'til next Year" season!
For the next 30 days or so, push back common sense, don't believe what you read, hear or know. Your team, just like mine, is ready for that magical run we always hear about. I'll see you in Pasadena on the first.
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Locked out!
I know there have been many rumors circulating about the absence of the "Sports Wise Guy" over the past couple months. Some tabloids reported that I was abducted by aliens. TMZ reported that I had gone to Tibet to seek the meaning of life from the Dalai Lama after the Mavs beat the Lakers. (That thought did cross my mind.) Truth be told, I was locked out. Yes, locked out.
No, I'm not talking about back in the day when your college buddies visited and "guy night" lasted three hours longer than what you told your wife, or when you locked your keys inside your car. That would have been easier.
I'm talking about the type of lockout that seems to be the new rage in professional sports. Just like in the NFL, I too am coming off a very successful year with thousands of hits from people in 20 different countries, or maybe it's just one guy who hits my blog a few hundred times a week as he travels the world. Either way, I am happy to announce to all of you, or just you, that I am back. Yes! Just in time for the start of the football season. I won't bore you with the details of my lockout, but I believe this was the last hurdle for the NFL, and expect them to follow suit in the next few days. The NBA will not be far behind. The NBA realizes that once football starts, no one would really care if we have the NBA season.
I feel like the shackles are off and now I'm ready to rumble!
"Wise Guy"
No, I'm not talking about back in the day when your college buddies visited and "guy night" lasted three hours longer than what you told your wife, or when you locked your keys inside your car. That would have been easier.
I'm talking about the type of lockout that seems to be the new rage in professional sports. Just like in the NFL, I too am coming off a very successful year with thousands of hits from people in 20 different countries, or maybe it's just one guy who hits my blog a few hundred times a week as he travels the world. Either way, I am happy to announce to all of you, or just you, that I am back. Yes! Just in time for the start of the football season. I won't bore you with the details of my lockout, but I believe this was the last hurdle for the NFL, and expect them to follow suit in the next few days. The NBA will not be far behind. The NBA realizes that once football starts, no one would really care if we have the NBA season.
I feel like the shackles are off and now I'm ready to rumble!
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, May 19, 2011
It was the end of the world and I had tickets!
It was Saturday morning and my wife had surprised me with tickets to what was going to be the biggest thing since ... well,the flood. She told me that she got them on Stubhub last week, and she might have overpaid for the seats, but I would be in the section with Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Will Smith, and John Cusack. Who said those Bon Jovi tickets wouldn't pay off?
I called the fellas, and told them my good fortune. They were told that the family would not be able to join me because it is baseball Saturday and my boys have games. Their loss was your gain. We decide we had to tailgate for such an event. As I rushed out the door with a globe on my head, my wife yelled, "Honey, you forgot the 'save the earth' shirts." I smiled and said, "we are going to paint our chests with the letters E_A_R_T_H!"
As we headed off to this big event, I started to think that if this event was really going to be as big as they said it would be, it should have a title sponsor. Something like "The End of the World is brought to you by the good people of Halliburton ... if the world comes to an end we were part of it."
As we got to our seats I thought to myself who is this guy who's promoting this event and wondered how he expected to pull this off. Why is it not being staged in Vegas? At the time it didn't matter because the tickets were paid for and beer was consumed. As Michael Buffer started his schtick ... let's get ready to rumble ... I remembered what I told my boys before leaving: If this turns out better than the hype, I will get tickets to the next time the world ends. I was sure it would go the way of the Olympics and World Cup, eEvery four years with a different country hosting it.
An event like this rarely meets our expectations, and this one ended before it started. Earth scored a technical knockout. I longed for the days of the great fights like Holmes vs. Cooney or Tyson vs. Spinks.
As we left the stadium I had that same feeling in my gut as I did as a kid when I heard that Evil Knievel was going to jump the Snake River on his motorcycle only to turn on the TV and find out that he had a space shuttle. It turned out that he had enough fuel to shoot up 100 feet before it came crashing back down on the same side of the river he took off from. I had just been duped again. Must have been a Don King production.
"Wise Guy"
I called the fellas, and told them my good fortune. They were told that the family would not be able to join me because it is baseball Saturday and my boys have games. Their loss was your gain. We decide we had to tailgate for such an event. As I rushed out the door with a globe on my head, my wife yelled, "Honey, you forgot the 'save the earth' shirts." I smiled and said, "we are going to paint our chests with the letters E_A_R_T_H!"
As we headed off to this big event, I started to think that if this event was really going to be as big as they said it would be, it should have a title sponsor. Something like "The End of the World is brought to you by the good people of Halliburton ... if the world comes to an end we were part of it."
As we got to our seats I thought to myself who is this guy who's promoting this event and wondered how he expected to pull this off. Why is it not being staged in Vegas? At the time it didn't matter because the tickets were paid for and beer was consumed. As Michael Buffer started his schtick ... let's get ready to rumble ... I remembered what I told my boys before leaving: If this turns out better than the hype, I will get tickets to the next time the world ends. I was sure it would go the way of the Olympics and World Cup, eEvery four years with a different country hosting it.
An event like this rarely meets our expectations, and this one ended before it started. Earth scored a technical knockout. I longed for the days of the great fights like Holmes vs. Cooney or Tyson vs. Spinks.
As we left the stadium I had that same feeling in my gut as I did as a kid when I heard that Evil Knievel was going to jump the Snake River on his motorcycle only to turn on the TV and find out that he had a space shuttle. It turned out that he had enough fuel to shoot up 100 feet before it came crashing back down on the same side of the river he took off from. I had just been duped again. Must have been a Don King production.
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sir Isaac would not have taken this, Newton!
Draft day came and went. Yes, the draft is really only 1 day, not the 3 days, 7 rounds ESPN would like us to think it is. It would be like going to Mortons and eating the steak first, followed by sides, salad and then bread. I'm not saying that the sides are not good, but when I'm really hungry just give me the meat. That is what the NFL draft is.
If I had the top pick I would take the kid from Auburn. He is big, fast, and dominated college football. It helps that he led his team to a national championship. This afternoon I wondered if he fell to the "Boys" would they take him or would he go the way of Moss and De Jack, playing for another team while I dreamed what if. But this was all wishful thinking, because Carolina had the top pick and would not let such a talent go.
When I got home this evening I went straight to my "sports room," beer in hand, and turned on the draft. As I settled in my chair, the first pick was announced. It was a kid from Auburn, but not the right one. Nick Farley was the pick I was thinking about, but Carolina took a kid that should be on a pack of cookies. Yes, they took Cam (fig) Newton. After that first bite, I felt like I had draft poisoning.
What is that old saying about not remembering the past ... Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell. At that moment, I knew Al Davis was smiling.
"Wise Guy"
If I had the top pick I would take the kid from Auburn. He is big, fast, and dominated college football. It helps that he led his team to a national championship. This afternoon I wondered if he fell to the "Boys" would they take him or would he go the way of Moss and De Jack, playing for another team while I dreamed what if. But this was all wishful thinking, because Carolina had the top pick and would not let such a talent go.
When I got home this evening I went straight to my "sports room," beer in hand, and turned on the draft. As I settled in my chair, the first pick was announced. It was a kid from Auburn, but not the right one. Nick Farley was the pick I was thinking about, but Carolina took a kid that should be on a pack of cookies. Yes, they took Cam (fig) Newton. After that first bite, I felt like I had draft poisoning.
What is that old saying about not remembering the past ... Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell. At that moment, I knew Al Davis was smiling.
"Wise Guy"
Monday, April 11, 2011
Opening Night
In just a few hours the NBA season will finally begin. After what seemed like eternity, the exhibition season, which consisted of 82 games over a 6-month period, is over and we can finally start the NBA season.
I have often wondered why 30 teams would want to participate in this type of an exhibition season when only 16 qualify for the regular season. The answer always seems to be the same. If the league let everyone play, it would resemble the NCAA basketball tournament. The only difference is that in the NBA, the best team always seems to come out on top.
Like most NBA fans, I am very excited to watch it because we have some pretty awesome teams like the Spurs, Heat, and the Celtics. There are teams, like Orlando and Oklahoma City, who could end up in the finals if they get hot. We even have the over- achiever (Bulls) and the over-rated, one and done team ( Mavericks). Last but not least, we have the Los Angeles Lakers. In less than a month, the Lakers will still be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As I glance at my watch, my wife asks, "What time is it?" With a big grin, I tell her it's "Kobe Time!"
Welcome to the 2011 NBA playoffs.
"Wise Guy"
I have often wondered why 30 teams would want to participate in this type of an exhibition season when only 16 qualify for the regular season. The answer always seems to be the same. If the league let everyone play, it would resemble the NCAA basketball tournament. The only difference is that in the NBA, the best team always seems to come out on top.
Like most NBA fans, I am very excited to watch it because we have some pretty awesome teams like the Spurs, Heat, and the Celtics. There are teams, like Orlando and Oklahoma City, who could end up in the finals if they get hot. We even have the over- achiever (Bulls) and the over-rated, one and done team ( Mavericks). Last but not least, we have the Los Angeles Lakers. In less than a month, the Lakers will still be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As I glance at my watch, my wife asks, "What time is it?" With a big grin, I tell her it's "Kobe Time!"
Welcome to the 2011 NBA playoffs.
"Wise Guy"
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Please pass the sauce, Shaka!
As a wise guy, or should I say "thee" Wise Guy, it should not surprise you that I correctly picked this year's Final Four. Picking Kentucky and UConn is not much of a stretch, and most of you had them as well. Butler, we all know about Butler; they were that underdog team that lost in last year's championship game to a team I can happily say is nowhere near Houston.
Now, that takes us to VCU. I know most people thought it was either a hospital wing or maybe the sound a person makes when he sneezes. Not me; let me explain. I met Shaka about 14 years ago. Back then, he spelled his name Chaka. I was attending another Senior Gold Rush with my father, brother, and a cousin. They are big golf fans, and even bigger Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez fans. Back then I was neither a fan of golf nor liked the idea of missing a weekend of football, but figured if my dad drove two hours to visit, I could suck it up and attend the event. It was held annually in the early fall at the El Dorado Country Club just outside Sacramento.
I had my VIP pass when I entered the hospitality tent. Food, football on the tube, and free booze. What more could a wise guy ask for on a fall afternoon? That is when I met Chaka, or Shaka. Back then he was giving out free samples of his soon-to-be famous BBQ sauce. We chatted awhile, and it was great to find out he grew up just outside of my hometown of Fremont, CA. He spoke of his two passions: BBQ sauce and basketball. Little did I know he would be famous at both. Back then, Chaka was young and bald ... just like he is today!!!
As I left the tent, I tasted the sauce. "MMM, great sauce, Chaka!" He smiled and said, "That's what I'm going to call it, 'MMM' sauce." I smiled back and told him that was smart. He then told me that was his name. I thought I should remember his name, as Shaka Smart might become famous one day.
I ask of all you hoop junkies, as you get ready to watch the Final Four tonight, to please open up a jar of MMM sauce for your BBQ, put on some music (Chaka Khan), and cheer for an old friend and his team, Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Rams!!!
"Wise Guy"
Now, that takes us to VCU. I know most people thought it was either a hospital wing or maybe the sound a person makes when he sneezes. Not me; let me explain. I met Shaka about 14 years ago. Back then, he spelled his name Chaka. I was attending another Senior Gold Rush with my father, brother, and a cousin. They are big golf fans, and even bigger Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez fans. Back then I was neither a fan of golf nor liked the idea of missing a weekend of football, but figured if my dad drove two hours to visit, I could suck it up and attend the event. It was held annually in the early fall at the El Dorado Country Club just outside Sacramento.
I had my VIP pass when I entered the hospitality tent. Food, football on the tube, and free booze. What more could a wise guy ask for on a fall afternoon? That is when I met Chaka, or Shaka. Back then he was giving out free samples of his soon-to-be famous BBQ sauce. We chatted awhile, and it was great to find out he grew up just outside of my hometown of Fremont, CA. He spoke of his two passions: BBQ sauce and basketball. Little did I know he would be famous at both. Back then, Chaka was young and bald ... just like he is today!!!
As I left the tent, I tasted the sauce. "MMM, great sauce, Chaka!" He smiled and said, "That's what I'm going to call it, 'MMM' sauce." I smiled back and told him that was smart. He then told me that was his name. I thought I should remember his name, as Shaka Smart might become famous one day.
I ask of all you hoop junkies, as you get ready to watch the Final Four tonight, to please open up a jar of MMM sauce for your BBQ, put on some music (Chaka Khan), and cheer for an old friend and his team, Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Rams!!!
"Wise Guy"
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Rebirth of Major League Baseball
I did not think this would come fast enough. Only a few hours before the opening pitch in the 2011 MLB season, and just like my many fellow fans, I'm alive to witness it. I pulled out my old Sox hat, and realized how lucky we all are to have survived the baseball apocalypse in early November, 2010.
There were many things that led to the horror we all experienced back then. Some experts thought it started when Bobby Thompson hit his historic, and yet tragic, homer. Others say it's when Brooklyn lost the Dodgers. We all missed many of the signs leading up the the events that forever changed MLB. The fall of the Oakland A's empire of the 70's, and of the 80's Baltimore Orioles. The creation of a false God known as "The Big Red Machine." We had the drug abuse in the 70's and 80's, and the steroid eras of the 90's and 2000's. Maybe the biggest sign we missed was that the Sox won it all. Yes, both of them.
With death comes new life, and with it the rebirth of the MLB. In this post- apocalyptic time, we do not have to worry about things like the "Curse of the Bambino" or that of a young boy. It seems that baseball will be restored to the glory days where our division favorites reside in New York, Boston, Minnesota, Oakland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and for the new fan, Colorado.
So let's all celebrate the beginning of a new season, and for at least the next few days every fan can dream that this is the season his/her team will win it all. To all my friends from the City by the Bay still wearing those Halloween colors, your 15 minutes of fame are over, and with the end of the baseball Mayan Calender your great victory is now in the past.
Cubbie fans, there was no "Curse of the Billy Goat" or that of Bartman. You just were never good enough to win it all.
"Wise Guy"
There were many things that led to the horror we all experienced back then. Some experts thought it started when Bobby Thompson hit his historic, and yet tragic, homer. Others say it's when Brooklyn lost the Dodgers. We all missed many of the signs leading up the the events that forever changed MLB. The fall of the Oakland A's empire of the 70's, and of the 80's Baltimore Orioles. The creation of a false God known as "The Big Red Machine." We had the drug abuse in the 70's and 80's, and the steroid eras of the 90's and 2000's. Maybe the biggest sign we missed was that the Sox won it all. Yes, both of them.
With death comes new life, and with it the rebirth of the MLB. In this post- apocalyptic time, we do not have to worry about things like the "Curse of the Bambino" or that of a young boy. It seems that baseball will be restored to the glory days where our division favorites reside in New York, Boston, Minnesota, Oakland, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and for the new fan, Colorado.
So let's all celebrate the beginning of a new season, and for at least the next few days every fan can dream that this is the season his/her team will win it all. To all my friends from the City by the Bay still wearing those Halloween colors, your 15 minutes of fame are over, and with the end of the baseball Mayan Calender your great victory is now in the past.
Cubbie fans, there was no "Curse of the Billy Goat" or that of Bartman. You just were never good enough to win it all.
"Wise Guy"
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Madness
Every year around this time I feel like I'm back in college, cramming for a final that I never seemed to do well at. What class am I talking about? Bracketology. This final is one that cannot be completed in one afternoon, but takes over 3 weeks. It is broken up into 63 parts called games, and it requires you to watch over 125 hours of college basketball before you get your final grade. It's one of toughest tests I will ever take, but I am not alone. This is a test that everyone in the free world takes.
This test measures not only your knowledge of college basketball, but also your emotional state of being. It brings out joy and laughter, as well as anger and sorrow. Sometimes in the same game. In this state of mind, you get just as much joy when your favorite team wins as when your most hated team loses (Duke).
To all those who are taking this final, I have Kansas over UCon in the finals. You now know two teams that will not be in the final four.
P.S. For all my UCLA buddies, I have them bounced in the first round!
"Wise Guy"
This test measures not only your knowledge of college basketball, but also your emotional state of being. It brings out joy and laughter, as well as anger and sorrow. Sometimes in the same game. In this state of mind, you get just as much joy when your favorite team wins as when your most hated team loses (Duke).
To all those who are taking this final, I have Kansas over UCon in the finals. You now know two teams that will not be in the final four.
P.S. For all my UCLA buddies, I have them bounced in the first round!
"Wise Guy"
It's déjà vu all over again... (Bon Jovi)
Today has finally arrived and I feel like I'm in great shape. Just like any prize fighter before me...Wait! I've done this before. To borrow a phrase from a wise old man, Yogi Berra, "It's déjà vu all over again." What Am I talking about?
I normally take my wonderful wife of 23+ years to see her idol once every 2-3 years. I am good with that because it normally takes me that long to recover. Most of you read my post from about a year ago (I feel like a prize fighter), and understand what I go through to prepare myself for such an event.
Now, only a year removed from my last concert and 6 months removed from California, it's just my luck that Bon Jovi would extend that same concert tour and will be performing in San Antonio on St Patty's Day. With tickets in hand, it is like we are getting ready for a shuttle launch. She started the countdown a week ago, and with a little more than day she has also started the car to ensure it is running when we blast off. When I mentioned that it would be cool if we wore green to the concert, she gave me a strange look and asked, "Why? Bon Jovi is Italian not Irish."
That's when I thought, "Houston, we have a problem!"
"Wise Guy"
I normally take my wonderful wife of 23+ years to see her idol once every 2-3 years. I am good with that because it normally takes me that long to recover. Most of you read my post from about a year ago (I feel like a prize fighter), and understand what I go through to prepare myself for such an event.
Now, only a year removed from my last concert and 6 months removed from California, it's just my luck that Bon Jovi would extend that same concert tour and will be performing in San Antonio on St Patty's Day. With tickets in hand, it is like we are getting ready for a shuttle launch. She started the countdown a week ago, and with a little more than day she has also started the car to ensure it is running when we blast off. When I mentioned that it would be cool if we wore green to the concert, she gave me a strange look and asked, "Why? Bon Jovi is Italian not Irish."
That's when I thought, "Houston, we have a problem!"
"Wise Guy"
Monday, March 14, 2011
You Had a Golden Ticket
Just like in the Willy Wonka movie, the NFL owners and the players had a golden ticket. The stakes are a lot higher than those of the chocolate factory. Around 10 billion more. The sad part is that you let your golden ticket expired.
After one of the most successful NFL seasons, and the highest rated Super Bowl ever, the owners and the players' associations decided to play a high stakes poker game with revealed cards, then spent a week bluffing each other only to realize they both had nothing. The losers are the fans.
We'll now be held hostage for the next 3 months to a year. We will go through a handful of "almost had a deal" to a number of "we will cancel the season." We will be forced to choose sides. We will be led to feel sorry for million dollar athletes who will be forced to spend a small part of their savings, or borrow against future millions, while the rest of America struggles through a bad economy, high unemployment and gas prices, salary freezes and furlough days. As fans, we pay what's necessary to help support the teams we live or die for, and in so doing, we support the many greedy million and billionaires who make up the NFL.
Yes, just like in the movie when Violet Beauregarde goes down the bad eggs shoot, the same should happen to those running the NFL. The Wise Guy would like you to join him for a boycott of the first regular season game, whenever that may be. Let's show the NFL who really runs the league ... the fans!
"Wise Guy"
After one of the most successful NFL seasons, and the highest rated Super Bowl ever, the owners and the players' associations decided to play a high stakes poker game with revealed cards, then spent a week bluffing each other only to realize they both had nothing. The losers are the fans.
We'll now be held hostage for the next 3 months to a year. We will go through a handful of "almost had a deal" to a number of "we will cancel the season." We will be forced to choose sides. We will be led to feel sorry for million dollar athletes who will be forced to spend a small part of their savings, or borrow against future millions, while the rest of America struggles through a bad economy, high unemployment and gas prices, salary freezes and furlough days. As fans, we pay what's necessary to help support the teams we live or die for, and in so doing, we support the many greedy million and billionaires who make up the NFL.
Yes, just like in the movie when Violet Beauregarde goes down the bad eggs shoot, the same should happen to those running the NFL. The Wise Guy would like you to join him for a boycott of the first regular season game, whenever that may be. Let's show the NFL who really runs the league ... the fans!
"Wise Guy"
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Winning?!?!...Won!
Sorry Charlie, but it's not about winning. How many times have we seen a winning team going into the 4th quarter, 9th inning, or 3rd period only to lose. A boxer dominating a fight only to get knocked out. You either win or lose.
The reason I bring this up is that Jim Tressel, head coach at Ohio State, won. Yes, he won. Let me explain. A few months before the 2010 college football season started Jim was tipped off by a lawyer, who is a former Ohio State Buckeye, that there was a federal investigation of an owner of a tattoo parlor who was known to distribute drugs. The owner was involved with 5 star football players who were selling their personal sports memorabilia for cash, tattoos, and probably other stuff.
Jim had two options. The first was to pass the information to his athletic department, and risk losing the star players, including Terrel Pryor, for a portion of, or maybe, all of the season.
The second option was to say nothing, hope no one found out, or hope that it at least came out after the season was complete. Jim Tressel took the second option. You see, Ohio State was one of the favorites to win the national championship, and their QB, Terrel Pryor, was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
The NCAA found out about the violations committed by the 5 star players right before the Sugar Bowl, and allowed them to play in the bowl game if they promised to come back next year and sit out the first 5 games of the season.
In hindsight, Jim made the smart move. He has to sit out the first 2 games next year and was fined $250,000 for not disclosing this information when he first learned of it. I'm sure there is a booster or two that will help Jim find the money. The first 2 games are Akron and Toledo. My pet goldfish can coach those 2 wins. By the way, Ohio State finished with a 12-1 record and won the Sugar Bowl (BCS Bowl), which earned the Big Ten 6 million dollars. They finished as the fifth best team in the country.
As a new Texan I say to you, "this is not Jim's first rodeo." Just go back 8 years with Maurice Clarret. The star running back received thousands of dollars and was loaned cars by a Buckeye booster. He also was involved in an academic scandal. He only played his freshman year, but led Ohio State to the 2002 National Championship.
My advice to you, if you have or know of a kid who is a superstar football player but nothing higher than a 3rd grade education, I would send him to Ohio State. He will probably come home with a cool tattoo.
My advice to Mike Montgomery. Stop with all the extra phone calls to possible recruits. That got Cal 2 years probation in basketball. If you pay them and fix their grades, you may be allowed to win a national championship. According to Jim Tressel, and not Charlie Sheen, that is when you'll become a winner.
"Wise Guy"
The reason I bring this up is that Jim Tressel, head coach at Ohio State, won. Yes, he won. Let me explain. A few months before the 2010 college football season started Jim was tipped off by a lawyer, who is a former Ohio State Buckeye, that there was a federal investigation of an owner of a tattoo parlor who was known to distribute drugs. The owner was involved with 5 star football players who were selling their personal sports memorabilia for cash, tattoos, and probably other stuff.
Jim had two options. The first was to pass the information to his athletic department, and risk losing the star players, including Terrel Pryor, for a portion of, or maybe, all of the season.
The second option was to say nothing, hope no one found out, or hope that it at least came out after the season was complete. Jim Tressel took the second option. You see, Ohio State was one of the favorites to win the national championship, and their QB, Terrel Pryor, was the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
The NCAA found out about the violations committed by the 5 star players right before the Sugar Bowl, and allowed them to play in the bowl game if they promised to come back next year and sit out the first 5 games of the season.
In hindsight, Jim made the smart move. He has to sit out the first 2 games next year and was fined $250,000 for not disclosing this information when he first learned of it. I'm sure there is a booster or two that will help Jim find the money. The first 2 games are Akron and Toledo. My pet goldfish can coach those 2 wins. By the way, Ohio State finished with a 12-1 record and won the Sugar Bowl (BCS Bowl), which earned the Big Ten 6 million dollars. They finished as the fifth best team in the country.
As a new Texan I say to you, "this is not Jim's first rodeo." Just go back 8 years with Maurice Clarret. The star running back received thousands of dollars and was loaned cars by a Buckeye booster. He also was involved in an academic scandal. He only played his freshman year, but led Ohio State to the 2002 National Championship.
My advice to you, if you have or know of a kid who is a superstar football player but nothing higher than a 3rd grade education, I would send him to Ohio State. He will probably come home with a cool tattoo.
My advice to Mike Montgomery. Stop with all the extra phone calls to possible recruits. That got Cal 2 years probation in basketball. If you pay them and fix their grades, you may be allowed to win a national championship. According to Jim Tressel, and not Charlie Sheen, that is when you'll become a winner.
"Wise Guy"
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Asinine?!?!
I recently read that Ken Williams, the GM of the Chicago White Sox,told a sports network that paying 30 million per season for one player is "asinine." Ken said that if the owner gave him 30 million to spend on one player, he would not do it. I would spend that money on players, not just one player. That would be the smart move if your name was Billy Beane, but it's not! Your name is Ken Williams. I will tell you what is asinine. How about spending 27 million a year for the next 4 years on two guys named Konerko and Dunn. Yes, one is past his prime and the other strikes out more than a fat kid at a cheerleader camp.
Asinine? How about your manager, Ozzie Guillen. He is the Milton Bradley of MLB managers. Asinine? How about your owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, breaking up the Chicago Bulls right after they won their 6th title.
Asinine? How about paying a movie star 20 million for one crappy mover after another. Asinine is paying Ryan Seacrest 15 million to do whatever it is he does.
Someone is going to make 30 million a year and asinine would be if it is anyone other than Albert Pujols, a three-time MVP just hitting his prime. Asinine is the fact that A-Rod has been paid 33 million each of the last two years.
Maybe the fact that I'm doing this post is asinine!
"Wise Guy"
Asinine? How about your manager, Ozzie Guillen. He is the Milton Bradley of MLB managers. Asinine? How about your owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, breaking up the Chicago Bulls right after they won their 6th title.
Asinine? How about paying a movie star 20 million for one crappy mover after another. Asinine is paying Ryan Seacrest 15 million to do whatever it is he does.
Someone is going to make 30 million a year and asinine would be if it is anyone other than Albert Pujols, a three-time MVP just hitting his prime. Asinine is the fact that A-Rod has been paid 33 million each of the last two years.
Maybe the fact that I'm doing this post is asinine!
"Wise Guy"
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Cookie Monsters ...
Just like the 80's movie where a paperboy stalks John Cusack seeking the $2 that is owed him, I have been haunted by the same feeling that someone is following me for my money.
Austin must have the most drug stores per capita in the nation, maybe the world. They seem to be on every corner. There is always a different reason to stop by one. This is a good thing 11 months a year. It's the 12th month that gets me.
Case in point. I was headed to my sons' baseball practice last night, and right before we got to the fields my boys told me they needed sports drinks. No worries; there's a drug store right on the corner! As I pull into the parking lot, my car got really cold and the windows began to fog. I broke out in a cold sweat as I got out of the car. I could feel five sets of eyes looking at me. I kept my head down, and raced into the store. I made it! As I walked to the back of the store to get the drinks, I told myself the real test would be leaving the store, and getting to my car. There have been too many people that have tried and not made it, but I kept telling myself, "Today is my day, and I will make it."
I purchased the drinks, and waited for the right time to leave the store. Like a divine intervention, two elderly women were headed out. Here's the chance I'd been waiting for! I ducked behind the ladies, broke hard right, and started to run. Like something out of a Hitchcock movie, I felt like there wee birds chasing me. As I got to a clearing and saw my car, I pumped my fist in celebration. I made it! That's when I heard it. Like a salvo being fired overhead, "Sir, would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
Determined not to give up, I walked to the table and told the girls that I purchased 15 boxes of cookies and my wife told me if I bought another she would make me sleep outside, and I'm afraid of the dark. That's when the smallest and youngest girl said, "Sir, you don't have to buy anymore cookies. You can just donate the two dollars."
I told my boys they had to walk to practice, and I spent the next two hours helping the girls sell the cookies. You know the old saying, "If you can't beat 'em ..."
Wise Guy
Austin must have the most drug stores per capita in the nation, maybe the world. They seem to be on every corner. There is always a different reason to stop by one. This is a good thing 11 months a year. It's the 12th month that gets me.
Case in point. I was headed to my sons' baseball practice last night, and right before we got to the fields my boys told me they needed sports drinks. No worries; there's a drug store right on the corner! As I pull into the parking lot, my car got really cold and the windows began to fog. I broke out in a cold sweat as I got out of the car. I could feel five sets of eyes looking at me. I kept my head down, and raced into the store. I made it! As I walked to the back of the store to get the drinks, I told myself the real test would be leaving the store, and getting to my car. There have been too many people that have tried and not made it, but I kept telling myself, "Today is my day, and I will make it."
I purchased the drinks, and waited for the right time to leave the store. Like a divine intervention, two elderly women were headed out. Here's the chance I'd been waiting for! I ducked behind the ladies, broke hard right, and started to run. Like something out of a Hitchcock movie, I felt like there wee birds chasing me. As I got to a clearing and saw my car, I pumped my fist in celebration. I made it! That's when I heard it. Like a salvo being fired overhead, "Sir, would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
Determined not to give up, I walked to the table and told the girls that I purchased 15 boxes of cookies and my wife told me if I bought another she would make me sleep outside, and I'm afraid of the dark. That's when the smallest and youngest girl said, "Sir, you don't have to buy anymore cookies. You can just donate the two dollars."
I told my boys they had to walk to practice, and I spent the next two hours helping the girls sell the cookies. You know the old saying, "If you can't beat 'em ..."
Wise Guy
Friday, February 4, 2011
Ice Bowl II ... Texas Style!
It's been a great year, so here is a "Super" toast to all of you (or to the one guy who has clicked my blog a few thousand times), and the 12 people in China who follow me.
Ice Bowl II ... Texas Style!
Here we are in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The frozen tundra! Super Bowl XLV. Knoll vs. Lombardi, Star vs. Bradshaw, Harris vs. Hornung, Steel Curtain vs. ... Oops! Sorry everyone. I was playing Madden 2011 (the old-timer's game) with my boys and just got carried away.
Yes, it is Super Bowl XlV. We have the two most storied franchises not named the Dallas Cowboys. Steelers vs. Packers, who just happen to be playing at Cowboys Stadium.
Props to Jerry Jones. Who else besides PT Barnum could pull this off? The biggest story the past 2 weeks has not been anything about the participants, it's been the Dallas snow storm.
As I watch today's game, here are my top 10 questions:
1. Will Aaron Rodgers break the curse of the Cal QB in the Super Bowl (o-4)?
2. Will Clay Mathews be Head & Shoulders above Tory Palamalu?
3. Will we see a Packers fan wear string cheese on his head ... Reggae style cheese head?
4. Will we see the steel curtain or one that's titanium alloy?
5. Will Mr. Goodell be handing James Harris a check, or a fine after today's game?
6. By game's end, will a Bishop be bigger than a Pope?
7. Since Jerry owns everything in Dallas, will we see him on the side lines hugging players from the winning team?
8. If the Steelers win, why would they want a Lombardi trophy?
9. With an Aaron Rodgers victory, does Chico become the party capital once again?
10. Do you think the Niners and the Raiders would like a mulligan with their draft picks in 2005? Alex Smith #1, and Fabian Washington #23.
Two quotes I would love to hear after the game, but won't:
"Big Ben, you have just won the Super Bowl. What are going to do next?" Ben: "I'm going to star in the next edition of "Girls Gone Wild!"
"Aaron Rodgers, you have just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next?" Aaron: "I'm going back to Cal for my senior year!"
"Wise Guy"
Ice Bowl II ... Texas Style!
Here we are in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The frozen tundra! Super Bowl XLV. Knoll vs. Lombardi, Star vs. Bradshaw, Harris vs. Hornung, Steel Curtain vs. ... Oops! Sorry everyone. I was playing Madden 2011 (the old-timer's game) with my boys and just got carried away.
Yes, it is Super Bowl XlV. We have the two most storied franchises not named the Dallas Cowboys. Steelers vs. Packers, who just happen to be playing at Cowboys Stadium.
Props to Jerry Jones. Who else besides PT Barnum could pull this off? The biggest story the past 2 weeks has not been anything about the participants, it's been the Dallas snow storm.
As I watch today's game, here are my top 10 questions:
1. Will Aaron Rodgers break the curse of the Cal QB in the Super Bowl (o-4)?
2. Will Clay Mathews be Head & Shoulders above Tory Palamalu?
3. Will we see a Packers fan wear string cheese on his head ... Reggae style cheese head?
4. Will we see the steel curtain or one that's titanium alloy?
5. Will Mr. Goodell be handing James Harris a check, or a fine after today's game?
6. By game's end, will a Bishop be bigger than a Pope?
7. Since Jerry owns everything in Dallas, will we see him on the side lines hugging players from the winning team?
8. If the Steelers win, why would they want a Lombardi trophy?
9. With an Aaron Rodgers victory, does Chico become the party capital once again?
10. Do you think the Niners and the Raiders would like a mulligan with their draft picks in 2005? Alex Smith #1, and Fabian Washington #23.
Two quotes I would love to hear after the game, but won't:
"Big Ben, you have just won the Super Bowl. What are going to do next?" Ben: "I'm going to star in the next edition of "Girls Gone Wild!"
"Aaron Rodgers, you have just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next?" Aaron: "I'm going back to Cal for my senior year!"
"Wise Guy"
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Da Bear ...
Remembering the old Saturday Night Live skit, I dropped the "s". Why? I don't need to cheer for a whole roster of players, I just need to pull for one.
Which one? The only one that matters! I've been to Chicago a few times and I love the city, but I have never seen a bear outside of the city zoo. I imagine that bear came from out of state. Like the city zoo, I, too, will be cheering for a bear from out of state. This one just happens to be a golden one named Aaron.
So here is a pre-game toast to all you "Mike Ditka" drinking and "Refrigerator Perry" eating Chicago Bears fans. Enjoy it while it lasts, which should be around kick-off time. Aaron, I will have your toast here in Dallas. Welcome to Super Bowl XLV.
Oops, I forgot! There is another bear I missed. This one goes by the name of Desmond. As I put on my Cal hat for today's game, lets all yell out "Go Bears." Yes, the ones from Berkeley!
Wise Guy
Which one? The only one that matters! I've been to Chicago a few times and I love the city, but I have never seen a bear outside of the city zoo. I imagine that bear came from out of state. Like the city zoo, I, too, will be cheering for a bear from out of state. This one just happens to be a golden one named Aaron.
So here is a pre-game toast to all you "Mike Ditka" drinking and "Refrigerator Perry" eating Chicago Bears fans. Enjoy it while it lasts, which should be around kick-off time. Aaron, I will have your toast here in Dallas. Welcome to Super Bowl XLV.
Oops, I forgot! There is another bear I missed. This one goes by the name of Desmond. As I put on my Cal hat for today's game, lets all yell out "Go Bears." Yes, the ones from Berkeley!
Wise Guy
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