“I Believe That We Will Win”

 -That’s the best chant in the nation.  I don’t care if we’re talking high school athletics, college sports, or the pros…the chant from the Aztecs student section (The Show) at Viejas Arena is the greatest in the country.  I get the chills every time.  I smile throughout an entire Aztecs basketball game.  Thank you Steve Fisher, I love you sir.

-Aztecs football is headed to a bowl game!  The New Orleans Bowl is fine with me (not sure how compelling the match up with Louisiana-Lafayette is), but I won’t be able to go.  I already have plans to visit my dad in Arizona that weekend.  However, I promise I would have gone if my circumstances were different.  I just wonder how many people are going.  The Aztecs have to sell more than 9,000 tickets??  Are you kidding?  That’ll tough.  Actually, that’s impossible.  But, I believe that we will win (the game).

-I guess we’re all supposed to chalk this up as a successful 1^st year for Rocky Long as the head coach, but I still demand more.  I now set the bar high on the Mesa.  I now expect to win more than 8 games (especially with such a weak conference).  I see tons of talent on this roster, and I wanted more this year.  The losses to TCU and Wyoming are still unacceptable.  I know I am sounding like a spoiled fan, but it’s not every year that a senior (future NFL) quarterback and a sophomore (future NFL) running back are on the field at the same time.  Hopefully the future is even brighter…in the BIG EAST!

-I used to be a Tim Tebow doubter, but that would be ridiculous at this point.  I ran into Nick Canepa and he told me that Tebow is causing him to believe in God!  I oddly understood what he meant.  We’re witnessing one of the most amazing stretches for a team in NFL history.  Tebow is 6 and 1 as a starter and can’t throw!  Think about it.  The Broncos are in 1^st place today!  Think about it.  They were supposed to be terrible.  Think about it!  I can’t deny his value.  Even though Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP, Tebow deserves some votes (some…not a lot).

-The NBA is coming back.  I plan to host an opening night party.  Yes, I know that’ll be weird for my opening night party to fall on Christmas…but it’s actually not a Christmas party.  This could be the 1^st non-Christmas party on Christmas.  It’s the NBA…gotta honor something truly special.  Who’s with me?  Nobody?  Okay.

-Bossypants by Tina Fey is funny.  Read it…you’ll thank me.

-Another Saturday Night Live alum Darrell Hammond has a book coming out.  His involves more drugs and alcohol abuse than Tina’s book.  I will also read his.  My addiction to SNL makes no sense.  I rarely laugh when I watch it, but always look forward to it.  I get excited about the build up to a new episode, but it’s usually a let down.  I average 1-2 laughs per 90 minute episode?  Not exactly a winner.  But, I also rely on SNL to let me know about the latest musical groups…and the Black Keys were great this past Saturday.  So now I’m a Black Keys fan based on 2 songs during the show.  If those 2 songs were no good, I wouldn’t be a fan.  My sample size isn’t large, but that’s how the average viewer is.  Some people even fast forward through the musical guest, or give it about 45 seconds on the old DVR before moving on.  That’s kinda like radio.  If you tune in and you don’t like what you hear, I understand that you’ll go elsewhere on the dial.  I would love to plead with you and tell you to listen to all 4 hours of our show, but I am the same way when it comes to instant gratification.  There have been radio studies that people tune out quickly. 

-So…if you tune into our show, I thank you.  I thank you for giving us your time.  I mean it.  We appreciate it.  And yes, it’ll only get better!

Been too long...

2012 is off to a decent start.  I know I'm supposed to just write a few paragraphs on Tim Tebow right now, but I will resist.  I will refuse.  I will go down another path.  Although this Tebow topic is quite riveting, I think the sports media (including myself) has exhausted this headline.  We all owe this guy a thank you note.

-The NBA is entertaining.  The lockout didn't alienate any fans.  Either you're a fan or you're not.  If you're a fan, then you must be enjoying the amount of games being played.  Teams will be exhausted with this condensed schedule, but I'm loving it.  Plus, up in Oakland, the Warriors upset the Heat last night in a Finals preview.  So, life is good.  Nate Robinson is reborn!

-I brush my teeth with warm water.

-My dog got startled this morning as he approached a dumpster because somebody was in the dumpster.  A nice man with a bushy beard was looking for a few things, and he was equally as startled when he saw my dog.  The man jumped out of the dumpster as if he was caught.  He then walked right up to my dog and told him that he understood.  He just kept saying "I know, I know, I know."  I'm not sure what he knew.  Did he think my dog was going to call the authorities?  Did he think that he was invading my dog's dirty territory?  Is this the dumbest and longest dumpster story?

-I love Charles Barkley, but there's no need to invite him to host Saturday Night Live ever again.  The writers had no clue what to do with Sir Charles.  He had issues with the cue cards and put on a mumbling display.  They put him in drag and had a skit where he reveals to his friends that he's a lesbian.  Okay, that sounds kinda funny now that I write it, but it wasn't.  The skit fell flat.

-Darrell Hammond's new book is a must read.  That man has had some seriously tragic issues in his life.  Trust me, read it.  It's a thriller.  Some laughs and tears. 

-Sebastian Maniscalco isn't that funny.  His jokes are obvious.  His faces are juvenile.  I'm mean.  Sorry Sebastian.  That was uncalled for.  I just get excited for Showtime comedy specials, and this one was a dud.

-Speaking of a dud, that BCS title game was quite a thriller.  By the 4th quarter, it looked like a mismatch.  #1 LSU looked overmatched!?  How could that be?  I know Alabama has an amazing dominant defense, but the Tigers didn't show up.  That was so boring...so weak.  The Fiesta Bowl was so much better, and now Oklahoma State fans will have to eternally wonder "what if..."

-I am almost certain that a porn star lives in my apartment complex.  I'll do some research, but this dame is a delight.  She rarely says hello and is covered in tattoos.  She always has a new man with her and hates to smile.  She's the Mission Valley Mystery, and I am now fully aware that nobody cares.  Slow news day on the old blog?

-The Aztecs will have a major challenge this Saturday again #12 UNLV at Viejas Arena.  I also have a challenge.  The game tips off at 1pm and the 49ers vs Saints game starts at 1:30.  Yes, I'm picking the Aztecs game (plus, I'll catch the 4th quarter of the NFL playoff game)...but this is a tiny dilemma, that I am sure most Aztecs fans don't care about.  My picks:  The Aztecs and 49ers will win simultaneously.  And I'll be wearing a red velvet jumpsuit to celebrate.

-My new favorite wine?  Ridge Zinfandel.  I'm quite the snob. 

-My favortie 40 ounce of malt liquor?  St. Ides.  I'm no longer a snob.  That's called balance folks.  Like Andy Samberg says when he plays Hugh Jackman "TWO SIDES"

TO:  Everybody

MEMO:  Happy Thanksgiving

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR:

-Craisins (cherry flavor)

-The mild/mellow San Diego winter weather 

-Steve Fisher and The Show

-The Office, Modern Family, and Saturday Night Live

-Charod Williams, Justin Biscotti, & Carl Armstrong for making "The Drive" a very fun show to work on

-My mom for being a wonderful lady with a big heart and a great sense of humor

-My dad for being a deep thinker, source for support, and golf partner

-My sister and her family for making me an uncle

-HBO for providing better shows than the other channels

-The Chargers fans for making every day interesting and exciting...and for bringing the passion

-My health

-Muggsy my dog for being cute enough to stay off Craigslist

-DZ Akins for that yearbook sized menu full of deliciousness

-Playa Grill for being my favorite neighborhood eatery

-Tim Tebow for being way too popular and creating way too many topics to talk about

-The rolling hills of Lucas Valley

-Mark Zeigler for his articles and being a frequent contributor to the show

-Pho for being the most affordable heavenly foreign dish of all time

-Jimmy Fallon for making at least one late night television show that's watchable

-Kevin Malone from Dunder Mifflin for helping the company grow

-3 beautiful female comediennes:  Sarah Silverman, Kristen Wiig, and Tina Fey for simultaneous laughter and eye candy

-The Landmark theater in Hillcrest for showing independent movies and being located next to the best candy store in San Diego

-The bruschetta board at Kensington Grill for being exactly what an appetizer should be

…But, I digress

 -Is there any better sound on the old FM radio than Mumford & Sons?  They rule the school!  Yeah, that phrase is making a comeback.

 -Joe Paterno will no longer be remembered as simply a legendary football coach.  He’ll now be remembered as a guy who looked the other way for way too long.  Sad final chapter for Joe Pa.

 -Eric Stonestreet (Cameron from Modern Family) is definitely the greatest actor inside of my television.  He’s not even gay in real life?!  This guy can truly act!

 -Fred Armisen is not famous enough.  If he was a part of the original Saturday Night Live cast, he would be a legend of comedy.  That’s a weird “if”…I know.

 -The Aztecs lead the Mountain West Conference in home attendance?  Is the conference really that pathetic?  I’ll go ahead and answer that one with a solid YES.  BYU went independent, Utah left for the PAC 12, TCU hates us and is headed to the Big 12, Air Force and Boise State just gave us the middle finger too as they head to the Big East.  Nobody wants to be in the Mountain West Conference, not even the Aztecs.

 -Joe Frazier passed away at 67.  It’s a sad day in the boxing world.  Now there’s a respectable legend.  He only had 37 career fights, and racked up 27 wins by knockout.  That’s an efficient athlete.  

 -If we get an LSU vs. Alabama rematch for the BCS title game, that’ll be the final straw that sent the camel to the chiropractor for the current BCS system.  Please let Andrew Luck take a shot at that amazing LSU defense.  Please!  Stanford will go undefeated, but there are no guarantees in this wild business.

 -I saw Horrible Bosses and it’s time for Jennifer Aniston to do more nude scenes.  She obviously wants to show off that great body.  So…let her!  No more teasing.

 -Michael Silver from Yahoo Sports ripped the Chargers, A.J. Smith, and our local newspaper.  He apparently upset this little, sleepy, pleasant, passive sports city.  Our feathers are officially ruffled.  That was quite an entertaining column Michael.  Wow!

 -The NBA needs to return.  The Jeremy Tyler show needs to begin up in Oakland.  I’m sick of watching Sam the Cooking Guy.  I get it, he’s the everyday Joe who creates elaborate meals with ingredients we all have lying around the house.  From Cheetos chicken to Capri Sun steak, I need the NBA excitement to bring me away from that cooking show!  Sam burns his mouth every episode by eating hot food.  Still not sure why I watch. 

 -So…Michael Jackson should still be alive.  Gone too soon!