One More Lesson for the Final Four

So since my last post, I turned six years old, had the best birthday ever, earned a berth to the Final Four, made some television appearances, got my mug featured in The Indianapolis Star, etc., etc., etc.

It's all been overwhelming, surreal, hectic and most of all, FUN!

As you know by now the Butler University Bulldogs men's basketball team has won the West Regional Bracket of the NCAA Tournament and has boldly gone where no Butler Bulldogs have every gone before...The Final Four!

And if that wasn't enough, this year's Final Four is being held in our back yard; Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium!

Look, it's almost a fairy tale story...the only thing left is two more victories for it to include a fairy tale ending. And while I stated in The Indianapolis Star that my only birthday wish was to earn a berth to the Final Four, what I failed to mention that for each of my years on this earth, I wanted an NCAA tournament victory. Four down; two to go.

You don't need me to recite the story lines. Just a basic Google news search will yield a plethora of articles on journey back home to Indianapolis and what may lie ahead.

But when it comes to all of this stuff and me, well, I'm probably in a similar place as you...I'm looking for my way into Lucas Oil Stadium for Butler's matchup between the Michigan State Spartans at 6 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, April 3, 2010.

You see, it's been my understanding that the NCAA does not allow live mascots in tournament sites. Thus the reason I did not make the trek to San Jose, Calif, or Salt Lake City, Utah the past two weeks.

However, now that the Bulldogs have made it to the Final Four and it's in our own backyard, we've got a whole new ballgame! I'm looking for access!

The irony here is, when the NCAA announced that Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium would be the 2010 host of the men's basketball Final Four, they asked host school, Butler University, to attend the press conference inside Lucas Oil Stadium and bring the cheerleaders and yours truly along for photo-opportunities.

So as far as being allowed inside Lucas Oil Stadium is concerned; been there done that. So in my opinion, it's now up to the NCAA to find it in their hearts to literally open doors for me.

Moreover, I'm pretty sure I remember seeing Georgetown's bulldog, Jack, at the Final Four a few years ago.

Thankfully, I've got the Butler Nation on my side so I think the message will be delivered loud and clear. I've got university staff working on my behalf, but without solicitation, my good friend and Butler beat writer for The Indianapolis Star, David Woods, included it in his blog submission on Sunday.

You can read David's thoughts on the matter here: http://blogs.indystar.com/butler/2010/03/ncaa_blog_17_let_blue_ii_appea.html.

I think David sums up well when he wrote, "What would it hurt if players pet Blue during introductions, and then Blue went charging across the floor to get his giant bone? That's good TV, folks." Thanks David!

So here's to hoping I find my way into the stadium for the game on Saturday.

As for ticket info, events, merchandise, make sure you follow me, my pal Hink, and Butler University on Twitter this week at the following locations:

www.Twitter.com/ButlerBlue2

www.Twitter.com/HinkTheBUDog

www.Twitter.com/ButlerU

It would also be in your best interest to checkout www.butlersports.com and www.butler.edu/alumni.

I've got tons of birthday stuff to share, but I'll save that for later...forgive me if I don't even get to it until next week, although I'll try put up a birthday re-cap this week.

What is more important right now is living in the moment. I hope all of our Bulldog alumni, students, faculty, staff, fans and even our newest members to the "Bulldog Nation" will show their patience, passion, and presence this week.

After reading back through my recent post which shared "What I've Learned" over the past six year's, I realized that left out an important lesson I learned recently from the likes of The Avett Brothers; a folk-rock type band that my pops listens to all the time.

The Avett Brother's song, "Murder in the City" ends with the lyric, "Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name."

In this case, that shared name is "Butler" and that love is "Butler love." It's running rampant these days and it's something that all of us Bulldogs should revel in.

A Final Four berth is precious, even for the most dominant of basketball programs, so enjoy every bit of the experience.

There truly has never been a better time to be a Butler Bulldog and fortunately for me, there's never been a better time to be THE Butler Bulldog. And as we get into the thick of the hoopla that comes along with appearing in the Final Four in your own hometown, just "remember there is nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name;" the Butler name.

Go Dawgs!

Blue II

The Face of March Madness

Ok, well "The Face of March Madness" title might be a little presumptuous, but for Indianapolis and central Indiana, I might as well be as my mug is front and center on the front page of today's Indianapolis Star!

Joining me in the cover shot are Butler athletic director, Barry Collier; head men's basketball coach, Brad Stevens; my mascot counterpart, Hink; Butler's 20th president, Dr. Bobby Fong. The headline reads "THE BUTLER WAY" and the following article includes an analysis of Butler's campus-wide winning philosophy as interpreted by David Woods.

Log on to www.indystar.com/butler to check it out and to read additional Butler coverage by Mr. Woods and Curt Cavin. Good stuff!

And if you've yet to see the front page of The Star today, or you don't live in the area, then here it is in all of it's glory...

Today's the big day, game day, so let's talk a little Butler hoops for a minute. Remember, the No. 9 Bulldogs open up NCAA Tourney play today on CBS at 12:20 p.m. from Greensboro, North Carolina versus the No. 8 seeded Tigers of LSU. It's been a highly touted game with college basketball analysts and experts teetering on the outcome.

With the experts and public opinion in question regarding just who will be victorious in the Butler/LSU match-up today, perhaps we should just put all of that aside and pay attention to one man's picks, our Commander and Chief, Barack Obama.

I'm not one to be politcial, but the guy is the President of the United States of America and he did pick Butler over LSU. Two things come to mind here. 1.) President Obama has some of the best intel in the world at his disposal and; 2.) If anyone has the power to "fix" the outcome of a game, I would think it would be this guy.

Ultimately, depending on how you voted in the fall will determine whether you think Obama's backing is a good or bad thing, but I'm a dog and I don't vote, so whatever. I'll take the support!

The Butler men's basketball team arent' the only Dawgs in action on the hardwood today, as the Butler women make an appearance in post-season play this evening in the WNIT at Duquesne.

The women tip at 7 p.m. (EST) in what will be their first appearance in the post season since 1998. A win tonight would give them their 20th win of the season!

Good luck to all of my Dawgs today!

If you know how to work the Twitter, or just like seeing my Twitter updates on my blog, then be sure to follow me all day today as I "tweet" updates regarding the games from my spot on campus. And for the upteenth time, no, I am not at the games because the NCAA does not allow live mascots at their tournament sites. Their loss.

For some additional coverage of Butler hoops besides the usual suspects:

• http://www.butlersports.com/

• www.indystar.com/butler

Also check out http://horizonleaguenetwork.blogspot.com/ for some great behind the scenes coverage!

Eventhough today is all about Butler hoops, I did want to leave you with a couple of other blogs that I've been following that highlight some of the amazing talents, efforts and abilities of Butler students and faculty.

The first blog revolves around some of Butler's Media Arts students and their creative work. The blog is designed to showcase the student's work that they complete for class assignments. Just have a look and checkout some of their stuff. It's some pretty impressionable work!

• http://www.butlercreative.blogspot.com/

The second blog is written by Butler College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences professor, Mike Roscoe and revolves around his life as a medic with the US Military while stationed in Iraq and his attempt at serving his country and his students all at the same time. It's a humbling story of courage, discipline, honor and pride. Keep up the great work, Mike!

• http://www.buprofessor.blogspot.com/

Whether you went to Butler, sent kids to Butler, had relatives attend Butler, work at Butler, once worked at Butler, just like bulldogs, the color blue, or whatever, it doesn't matter. We're all Butler Family today, so lets pull together and get ourselves a couple of victories in post-season play this afternoon!

Go Dawgs!


Blue II

100th Post: The Dawgs are Dancin' and that's a Blue II Fact!

Welcome to my 100th blog post!

Unfortunately, it took me a little over a year to reach 100, but we made it and thanks to everyone for reading all along the way. I am certainly looking forward to the next 100 posts and I hope that you are too!

As I’m sure you’ve heard by this point, the Butler Bulldogs are going “dancing” in the “Big Dance” again this year as the men’s basketball team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, picking up a No. 9 seed in the South Bracket and a chance to play No. 8 seeded LSU in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Bulldogs and Tigers will go head-to-head on Thursday, March 19 at 12:20 p.m. (EST). For info on tickets, bus trips, viewing parties, etc., please visit:

www.butler.edu/alumni

http://www.butlersports.com/

Also, to learn more about the team and even a little bit about me, check out this new web page on Butler’s site:

http://www.butler.edu/spotlight/ (http://www.butler.edu/spotlight/?pg=7170)

In addition, don’t forget to check out The Indianapolis Star’s coverage of the Bulldogs headed up by staff writer David Woods. There’s always some good info and insight there. Check it out: www.indystar.com/butler.

Now keep in mind that it isn’t just the men’s team that will be dancing this year as the Butler women have earned a shot to compete in the NCAA women’s NIT tournament this week as well. Their game location, opponent and time are still to be announced, so be on the lookout for that!

Good luck to all my Dawgs in action this week! Let’s show the nation just what ‘The Butler Way’ on the hardwood looks like! Go Dawgs!

In honor of my 100th post, I wanted to do something special, but I wasn’t sure what that might be, especially since I dropped the “25 Random Things About Me” post a couple of weeks ago. Eventually, my inspiration came in the strangest of places as it ultimately was the 69th birthday of Chuck Norris that helped me come up with the subject of my 100th post.

In recent years, the popularity and cult following of Chuck Norris has exploded across America. Why, you ask? Well, material like “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and "The Delta Force" might have helped (not likely), but really, it was the ability of his persona to be played-up in a Paul Bunyan-esque way that shot his stock through the roof. Look no further than http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/ and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Read through the first page and if you aren’t laughing, then please consult a physician immediately. That stuff is hilarious and has led to the cultural phenomenon that is, Chuck Norris.

So, the following are some “Blue II Facts” that I thought I would share with you. Now, I can’t take credit for these, as they really come from my dad and his friends. They tend to find themselves more humorous than they really are, but I even had to laugh at a few of these “facts” and I think you might too.

I wanted those guys to think up 100 Blue II Facts in honor of my 100th post. The best they could do is 65, in honor of the NCAA Tournament field of 65 teams. Fair enough. So, I’m challenging you, the reader, can you help me get to 100 Blue II Facts? I need just 35 more. If you think of one, head to the comments section and leave your own “Blue II Fact.” Thanks!

And without further adieu, I give you 65 Blue II Facts:

Blue II doesn’t snore, he growls.

Blue II doesn’t chew rawhides, he chews bones.

Blue II can either squat or lift his leg to pee.

Blue II ate Blue I.

Blue II is smarter than your Honor Roll student.

The Amazon rainforest was created after a Blue II bathroom break.

Blue II gets more stud requests than Seabiscuit.

Blue II sired Seabiscuit.

Blue II's flatulence was the inspiration for the atomic bomb

Blue II doesn’t chew his food, he swallows it whole.

Blue II stuffs his own animals.

Blue II came up with the idea for Butler University, then told Ovid Butler to create it.

Ever seen a metal chain snap in half? Chain up Blue II.

Blue II doesn’t wear a flea collar. Fleas wear Blue II collars. They don’t work.

Blue II doesn’t bark. He speaks.

Blue II once caught a cold. That cold is now dead.

Blue II walks around naked every day...because he can.

Blue II understands and can speak 12 different languages. However, he chooses not to articulate with words as mere humans do not have the brain capacity to comprehend his diction.

Blue II has the ability to type his blog, but doesn’t have to since a simple stare-down with his PC will type it for him.

Blue II knows who let the dogs out.

Blue II doesn't breathe, he holds air hostage.

When Blue crosses the street, the cars have to look both ways.

Blue II doesn’t play “fetch.” He plays “seek and destroy.”

Blue II purposely walks slowly so as to not speed up the rotation of the Earth.

Hinkle Fieldhouse was originally designed and built as a “dog house” for Blue II.

Blue II doesn’t have a yard; he has a 180 acre campus.

The electric fence was invented for Blue II. Invention fail.

Blue II runs through electric fences when he has an itch to scratch.

Every door Blue II walks through is a doggy door.

If your dog has five Milk Bones and Blue II has five Milk Bones. Blue II has more Milk Bones than your dog.

If your dog has five Milk Bones and Blue II has five Milk Bones. Blue II now has ten Milk Bones.

Blue II can sneeze with his eyes open.

When Butler University does not win the Horizon League McAfferty All-Sports Trophy, it is only because Blue II allows it.

Laika, the Soviet space dog was the first canine and mammal in space orbit, or so she thought when she saw Blue II floating by her capsule window.

To the naked eye, Blue II’s teeth appear crooked, that’s only because he has the ability to cross the eyes of humans that look at him.

The Grand Canyon was formed when Blue II was once looking for a place to bury a bone.

It's not a dog eat dog world. It's a Blue II eat dog world.

Blue II caught the Chuck Wagon covered wagon.

Blue II’s puppy teeth can cut diamonds.

The first Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain was actually the Running of the Bulldogs. The animals were the ancestors of Blue II. There were no survivors.

After Blue II was born, all cats immediately lost three lives.

Noah was the only man notified before Blue II relieved himself in the Atlantic Ocean.

The phrase "raining cats and dogs" came from the time Blue II was locked in a room with other collegiate mascots.

McGruff takes a bite out of crime. Blue II takes a bite out of McGruff..

Blue II was Paul Bunyan's first choice as a pet.

An early version of Mount Rushmore featured a sleeping Blue II curled up at the feet of George Washington.

Petting Blue II gives Matt Howard the ability to dunk on a 45-foot high basketball goal.

Blue II has never died on The Oregon Trail.

It is said that the vision of dogs is reduced to just black and white. Blue II sees in full-color 1080p HP high-definition.

Blue II has the ability to fly, freeze hell over, and make today the day that you die. Do not continue procrastinate life choices or chalk up detriments to these facts or he’ll call you on them.

Claims of nations and terrorist groups around the world having weapons of mass destruction are simply false. Blue II resides in Indiana.

Blue II will never chase his tail. If he did, he’d have no tail.

Blue II was actually Butler University’s 20th president and every president prior, but he lets Dr. Bobby Fong do the job in his stead.

Blue II dunked on Air Bud.

Blue II taught Astro Jetson how to fly and operate the iPhone.

Benji was actually “hunted” by Blue II. The deleted scenes reveal this. Blue II was eventually replaced in the movie by bears, wolves and cougars to make it more “believable.” Blue II killed said bears, wolves and cougars and he and Benji remain card-playing buddies to this day.

Blue II actually took the bullet for Old Yeller.

Blue II told Scooby Doo the riddle to every mystery he ever solved. EVER.

“Scooby Snacks” are actually “Blue II Snacks,” Blue II just sold Scooby Doo the rights to the name, in blood.

Scientists believe that one year of human’s life equals seven years for a dog. Blue II believes that scientists have a short life expectancy with talk like that.

The movie “Turner & Hooch” was originally titled “Turner & Blue II,” but Blue II turned down the role because he didn’t want to be portrayed as a slobbery mutt that gets yelled at by Tom Hanks.

Blue II “bites the hand that feeds” for sport.

Take Blue II to a cow pasture and what’s left is a pasture of rawhide bones.

Blue II doesn’t have toys, just other live animals he catches and then chews on.

In 2009, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Committee gave Butler a No. 9 seed. As a result, Blue II has decided that the 2010 committee will be a committee of one: Blue II.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed those “Blue II Facts.” If you can think of more, then simply add them via the comment section.

Remember to check the sites I referenced above for the most up-to-date information on our Bulldogs and their respective post-season tournaments. In addition, I hope to have another post up by our game on Thursday with a little something involving me and an LSU Tiger, so be on the lookout for that.

Go Dawgs!

Blue II

A Top 10 in Response to a Random 25

So I got a special package in the mail on Wednesday morning from a group of 20 (or so) elementary school students. I must say, this package couldn't have come at a better time as I was feeling quite tired and irritable after the Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team took one on the chin late the night before in the Horizon League Tournament Championship game. (The Bulldogs lost by three points to Cleveland State, but in all likelihood will return to the NCAA Tournament for the eighth time in 13 seasons and third time in a row. As the Indianapolis Star's David Woods put it, "Butler IS going to the NCAA Tournament. Twelve months ago, that was nearly unthinkable." Well put, Mr. Woods!)

Specifically, this package came from Miss Butler's multi-age kindergarten and first grade class at White Lick Elementary School in Brownsburg, Indiana (also home of Butler freshman Gordon Hayward) and contained a top-10 list citing reason why my dad and I should come and visit Miss Butler's class this spring. Here's a shot of me reading the list...

I must say, it's the most clever, witty and fun class visit request that I've ever received and I commend Miss Butler's students on their creativity, ingenuity and charm. According to Miss Butler, who graduated from Butler University in 2002 with my dad, this list came about as an original idea from the students. She only helped to scribe the list for them.

Evidently the list came about in their "writer's workshop" where Miss Butler was teaching them "organization in writing" and "lists" were brought up as an illustration of that. As avid readers of my blog, Miss Butler's students quickly recalled my recent blog post where I chronicled "25 Random Things" about myself. Their response, without further adieu, is a list of the "Top 10 reasons why Blue and Mr. K. (that's my dad) should come visit us..."

10. We are probably the only five, six and seven year olds that read your blog.

9. Some of us weigh sixty-two pounds, just like you!

8. We've bot some Star Wards fanatics in the room and we want to hear Blue's "whine." [In reference to my Chewey Chewbacca reference.]

7. We're dying to see Blue's infamous tricks!

6. We try to do things at school "The Butler Way." [Keep up the good work!]

5. We'll even make sure our room is really clean.

4. We're Bulldogs just like you (except we're not real dogs...we usually don't bark) [That's okay, I meet a lot of humans around Butler that claim to be Bulldogs, but don't appear to be anything like me. I get it.]

3. We're lots of fun (at least we think so)! [I can see that!]

2. For some reason we think body functions are hilarious. [In response to my random report on my bodily waste routines. Glad you enjoyed that one. Respect the relief of bodily waste being jettisoned from the body, but never lose the humor in it either. It is what it is.]

1. We're Butler University's #1 fans! [Thanks, we'll take all the support that we can get...especially come NCAA basketball tournament season!]

Signing off with a "Come visit soon" are Jakob, Brayden, August, Leister, Ellie, Andrew, Ryan, Ashley, Jacob, Dietrich, Leah, Gavin, Jonathan, Reagan, Martin, Evann, Lydia, Bo, Belle, Jackson and Miss B.

Thanks friends! You guys are the best! I lick my nose in approval...

A special thanks goes to Miss Butler who, by helping her students create and send this to me, is illustrating just what a great educator she is...bravo Miss Butler!

But how about those students?! Wow! According to Miss Butler, these youngsters love reading my blog and particularly enjoy the pictures of me, and they've become huge basketball fans this season. Miss Butler reports that her students now know more about the Butler men's basketball team and Horizon League than she does and they love http://www.butlersports.com/.

Right on, Miss Butler's class! Keep up the great work and you can sure bet that I'll be making a visit to your class very soon!

Stay in school,

Blue II

P.S. Don't forget to vote for me in Bissell's MVP Contest so that I can help them sell vacuums! Click here to vote for me: http://www.bissell.com/MVP09/Week09/Vote9.aspx?ImageName=Butler+Blue+II&FileName=769.jpg

Horizon League Tournament Champs

It's official, the Butler University men's basketball team is not only the regular season Horizon League champions, but they are also the Horizon Leauge Tournament champions as well. A feat they had not repeated since 2001.

There's actually too many accolades to list from this game/season, so just check out The Indianapolis Star's David Woods, and his recap from last night's affair: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/SPORTS06/803120471

In addition to Mr. Woods, Star photographer Heather Charles was hard at work last night as well. Her first two shots from last night's game are quite good if I say so myself. I have added the two aforementioned pictures below. If you'd like to see the rest of her great shots, look here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=MULTIMEDIA


I know a lot of you were in attendance or watched live on ESPN. Either way, you most assuredly caught a glimpse of me doing my gameday thing. There are unconfirmed reports via text messages on my dad's cell phone that I was on screen during the broadcast as much as four times! Not bad for not even playing in the game.

We heard that during the game last night there was some sort of "Butler commercial" or promo. We are not aware of any such thing, but we didn't get to see it either. A friend and faithful blog reader, Jackie, posted this in the comments section:

Blue, Last night, during the televised game on ESPN, there was a mid-major commercial for Butler. It featured 3 cheerleaders, and some people who work in the cafeteria. At one point, the cheerleaders were crowded around the big cement statue in front of Atherton. The commercial would have been much better if you were in it. Are you planning to do a Butler commercial in the future?

Good question, Jackie. I can't believe they used a concrete stand-in for this so-called "commercial" that was aired last night. I don't know if there's another commercial in the works, but I'll have to get my people in talks to get that worked out. Let's face it, if a Butler commercial doesn't feature the live mascot (in this case: me, with emphasis on "live") then it's not official. Granted, I'm a little biased, but I think that's a fair statement.

Anyway, the game was great. It was bittersweet since it was my last home game this season and the last home game for our beloved seniors(pictured), but it was more sweet than anything given the circumstances, outcome, etc.


While I enjoy all of the pre-game rituatls and activities that I participate in, last night's game was more unique for it's post-game fun. I typically end up on the court after most home games to pose for pictures and mingle with fans, but given the ceremonies (trophy presentations, net cutting, etc.) we got to enjoy a lot of fanfare after the game.

I got to take pictures with the Horizon League Tournament Trophy, pose with Pete Campbell and Drew Streicher (a special shout-out to Drew who, I understand, reads my blog), mingle with the media and even tear up a cardboard box at half court!


Again, thanks to the Horizon Leauge for the box...they left a box on the sidelines that was used for the HL Championship t-shirts, so I helped myself. It was great fun to thrash on the box at center court and have a little crowd watching as well. Good times.

Given the late start time of the game, we finally got home sometime after mid-night and into bed at 1 a.m. Needless to say, I was tired when it was time to head to the office this morning. Today was a standard day at the office. Much sleeping, some playing, and a lot of just hanging out. Remember, you can catch all of this insanely captivating activity on Blue2TV.

The big buzz around the office today, outside of the basketball game, was an e-mail that was sent on Tuesday afternoon to alumni, parents and friends of the university. It's a really cool piece and definitely worth the watch, especially because I am in it. (Would you expect anything less?) To watch it, click here: http://www.pursuant4.com/butler/buselect/email_1.asp

After a full day at the office, I was off on a trip up to Carmel, Ind. for an appointment with the Official Veterinarian of Butler Unviersity and Butler graduate, Dr. Kurt Phillips (pictured) of Woodland Animal Hospital. My mom noticed that my ear has been bothering me this week, so they took me up to see the good doctor. Sure enough, Dr. Phillips diagnosed an ear infection and gave me some meds.


As it turns out, the ear infection was a result of not getting my ears dried out enough after that little bath I took on Sunday. You remember...the one that's on YouTube and has all of that incriminating footage of me in a tub. Thanks, parents.

Whomever said your parents always know what is best for you was lying. My parents give me the hard-sell on why I should take a bath, blah, blah, blah, so I oblige and what do I get for my trouble (besides internet humiliation)? An ear infection!

No "Worlds Greatest Dad/Mom" t-shirts or mugs for them any time in the near future.

Back to ballers...the 29-3 Butler Bulldogs are awaiting their NCAA Tournament assignment which will be handed out this Sunday, a.k.a. "Selection Sunday," and I am eagerly anticipating the Dawg's first matchup in the "Big Dance."

For whatever reason, I've always been under the impression that live mascots were not allowed at NCAA tournament sites. I had my dad check with his peeps at the NCAA, and that might not actually be the case. The verdict is still out, so we'll see what happens. Should I be cleared to go, the game location be relatively close, and the stars align, I might just be hitting the road as well. I'll keep you posted on how that develops. I'm crossing my paws in hopes that it all works out.

Blue II

Vote Green in 2008!

Vote Green in 2008!

And no, I'm not talking about all of those environmentally friendly initiatives that seem to be so in vogue. Nor am I referencing the up and coming presidential election. I've got nothing against saving the planet, but Blue doesn't do politics.

What I am referencing, however, is Butler Men's Basketball player, Mike Green, (pictured) and his place as a finalist for The Bob Cousy Award presented by The Hartford.

Now he needs your vote! The fan voting section is now open, so vote for Mike at http://www.cousyaward.com/. And just like the former Chicago mayor, Richard J. Daley once said, "vote early, and vote often!"

The Bob Cousy (no relation to the koozie [pictured]) Award presented by The Hartford is given to the top collegiate male basketball point guard annually spanning across all divisions within the game by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to Mike for even being considered and best of luck with the rest of the season!

Speaking of the rest of the season, the Bulldogs are currently ranked 10th in the AP Poll and will take on conference foe, Valparaiso, this evening at 9 p.m. (EST) on ESPN2. Butler currently holds a two game lead in the Horizon League. Go Dawgs!

For some other great Butler Basketball related announcements and info, click here.

Also, stay up on Butler Basketball via these links as well...

BUbeat: http://www.bubeat.com/

Indy Star: http://www.indystar.com/

Indy Star's David Woods: http://blogs.indystar.com/butler/

Message Board: http://p214.ezboard.com/fbuhoopsfrm1

Remember, Mike needs your votes, so do your part!

Blue II


(Hey Mike, you think I can get a date with your daughter, Hoops, now?)

Say Cheese!

Another game, another photo opportunity. Your online edition of the Indianapolis Star (http://www.indystar.com/) again features my mug. Only this time, it's post oversized bone pickup, unlike pre bone pickup shot from last game.

Once again, Heather Charles took the picture which can be viewed along with her other game action shots here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=MULTIMEDIA

Ironically, the photo also accompanies David Woods' post-game story which focuses primarilly on senior guard, A.J. Graves. You can read that here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080127/SPORTS06/801270373/1068

Why is that ironic? Just see my post from earlier in the month regarding the relationship between Graves and I. No big deal, just kind of humorous. Congrats to A.J. for a game well played yesterday.

Speaking of the game, the Dawgs punished the Flames of Illinois-Chicago 73-57. Thanks to that and a loss by Cleveland State, Butler is back leading the standings in the Horizon League.

Go Dawgs!

Like a Dog on a Bone

If you've cracked open your online edition of the Indianapolis Star at http://www.indystar.com/ and checked out the game recap info and photos from last night's Butler men's basketball contest against Loyola of Chicago, then perhaps you saw your's truly.

Indy Star photographer, Heather Charles, captured me on my pre-game ritual charge to the Dawg Pound to pick up my over-sized bone. That's Butler student, Ty Anderson, getting ready to make the hand-off and my old man jogging behind.

In case you were wondering, the Bulldogs dispatched the Ramblers 63-50.

Next up are the Flames of Univ. of Illinois - Chicago at 2 p.m., tomorrow, at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Come on over to campus for the game and you can watch me make my run to the bone first-hand.

For Indy Star coverage of the game, visit here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/SPORTS06/801250447

For the Indy Star game photos, visit here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=MULTIMEDIA

For Indy Star Butler Beat Writer, David Wood's Butler Insider Blog, visit here: http://blogs.indystar.com/butler/

Want to talk Butler Hoops? Visit here: http://p214.ezboard.com/Butler-Basketball/fbuhoopsfrm1