Working like a Dog; Loyal like a Dog

Given my schedule during the Final Four, it's pretty safe to say that I was one of the most sought after Butler figures during the that week. It's like I've said before, if Brad Stevens and the players were recognized for their efforts as the leading role, then I should receive the honor of best supporting actor.

I had so much fun doing so many media and community appearances that week. It was certainly a first in a lifetime experience for me. And, if you've kept up with my life on Twitter, then you know that the fun has yet to end as I continue to get several requests from both the Butler community and the community at-large for additional appearances.

People have been asking me just how many media interviews and appearances I did during the Final Four and since. So, my pops and I sat down and took a tally. To give you an idea of just how much I was "in demand" during the Final Four run, here's a bit of info for you to chew on...

Between March 27 and April 5 (10 days), I participated in approx. 30 local radio, tv and print interviews. These included several interviews with the Indianapolis Star, an interview with Pet Pals TV, multiple interviews with the local TV affiliates, and a good dose of the local FM and AM radio stations.

Regionally, I granted at least two interviews with newspapers from Pittsburgh and Detroit and I think I did more than that, I just can't remember them all.

Nationally, I was interviewed by Yahoo Sports, the Bob and Tom Show (clip below), CBS Sports, the CBS Early Show, Sports Illustrated.com and the Associated Press. Thanks to the AP love, my mug appeared in national print including the USA Today, New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Indianapolis Business Journal and the NCAA Tournament Commemorative piece created by the USA Today.



Now since that March 27th date, I've been busy with more than just the aforementioned media tour. Since that day I've also completed, or have scheduled myself to appear at approximately 35 community events, including grand marshal of a pet parade in Zionsville, Ind., host of the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life in Carmel, Ind., and two Indiana Pacers games. Not to mention, there are approximately 20 additional appearance requests sitting on my dad's desk that we've still yet to deal with!

Since the Final Four I've also done an interview for Indianapolis Monthly and their pet issue which will come out later in the year. And, I did another interview with Pet Pals TV where they came to my house, MTV Cribs style, and I did an interview with PETBOOK of Indianapolis as well.

If if that wasn't enough, the noteriety has allowed me to close another sponsorship deal (Good Dog Hotel & Spa) and have led to talks with a couple of other potential sponsors and partners. I've got another sponsor announcement coming soon!

Plus, you dog and bulldog owners will be happy to know that I'm working with another partner to not just make more Butler licensed dog accessories available to the general public, but I'm also investigating my own line of bulldog and large dog breed clothing as well.

But wait, there's more! Discussions for the Blue II 2011 Calendar have begun! The goal is to have it available and for sale in August 2010.

So the Final Four has made me a household name and business is certainly booming. I'm a very blessed bulldog. But that's not the moral of the story here. No, the moral is to stick to the guiding principles that got me, us, to this point; The Butler Way.

In other words, I'm trying not to let all of this go to my head and neither should any of us Butler Bulldogs. The success has been great and we should certainly celebrate and enjoy it. But along with all of this comes the perfect opportunity to show the world exactly what it is that got us here.

The Butler Way demands commitment, denies selfishness, accepts reality yet seeks improvement everyday while putting the team above self.

That basically means that there's no resting on accolades, so we might as well "ctrl+alt+del" our lives in the wake of our Final Four success and get focused on being the Butler Bulldogs we always were.

That's not to say we shouldn't acknowledge the extra feather in our cap and all that comes with it, but at the same time, we have a new task at hand...a new task that requires the old instructions.

So look for more of me working like a dog in the weeks and months to come. It's my hope that you'll see me being loyal like a dog to the Butler Way.

Yep, when you see me out working, I hope you see the same Blue II that you knew before I ever set paw on the court at Lucas Oil Stadium or wagged my tongue on national TV. True Blue.

Go Dawgs!

Blue II

Butler Blue II: What I've Learned

You ever pick up an Esquire Magazine and read the “What I’ve Learned” piece each month? The section typically focuses on a famous person and basically captures their life lessons, in their own words, on one page, and often with some sort of poignant/introspective photograph.


One of the best “What I’ve Learned” editions of all time belongs to legendary basketball coach and fellow Hoosier, John Wooden. You can read that here: http://www.esquire.com/features/what-ive-learned/learned-john-wood-0200?src=nl&mag=esq&list=nl_enl_spt_cel_032310_john-wood&kw=ist

“What I’ve Learned” is so popular that Esquire devotes one whole issue a year to feature, in addition to what appears every month. It’s the first thing my dad turns to when his monthly subscription to Esquire Magazine arrives in the mail. He likes people, he likes the spoken work, he likes the printed word; “What I’ve Learned” is right up his alley.

So, for my sixth birthday I thought it was as good of time as any to debut a “What I’ve Learned” of my own. After all, I’m like 42 in dog-years and given that the average lifespan for an English Bulldog is 8-10 years, well, I’m getting up there! It’s time to share, “What I’ve Learned.”

(Birthday information follows below.)

Butler Blue II: What I’ve Learned

Mascot, 6, Indianapolis

The infamous Butler University mascot, now six years-old, on being a dog, The Butler Way, and Blue III.


Cliché, or cheesy, that’s how some people describe “The Butler Way.” That’s fine, but the core of its message you just can’t get sneeze at…especially in today’s society.

The Butler Way...demands commitment, denies selfishness,accepts reality, yet seeks improvement everydaywhile putting the team above self.

You ever hear the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason?” Yeah, same here, only I can’t articulate with that mouth. My intuition is second-to-none and ohhhhh, if this dog could talk!

My mind is like a steal trap. I never forget.

When people make over me and really get down on my level for a good scratching, it’s really therapy for them. They’ll say that it’s all about me and giving me the attention I deserve, and there’s some truth to that, but those are the people that truly find my presence therapeutic as well.

I’m not for everyone. I get that. Some people just aren’t “dog people.” And frankly, some people aren’t for me.

“Dog people” are some of the most compassionate people that walk the earth.

Butler has not always had an official live mascot. They’re getting better at it all the time. I’m constantly training them. The question remains, how will they honor me when I’m gone?

The power of sleep can never be underestimated.

George Clinton once said, “…nuthin’ but the dog in me.” He must have been a dog in a previous life. He knows.

The entire Butler family will forever be indebted to the university’s current president, Dr. Bobby Fong. Love him or hate him, the man has vision, and has been a true leader behind the university’s growth and success.

Bobby Fong will leave Butler better than the way he found it. I hope I’m so fortunate.

I was born for this job. Refer to the saying that “not all bulldogs are created equal” for proof.
I’ve embraced the role of mascot and it has embraced me.

A lot of people and businesses have generously offered their care, goods and services for my well-being. If only I could tell them how much it means to me.

From my behavior and conduct, to my blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc., I’ve done my best to self-promote, pull my weight, and shine in my own limelight. However, it’s the acceptance of the Butler community and the success of the university that has truly made me the mascot that I am today.

My breeder mentioned something to my dad about Butler Blue III coming on the scene in a few years and suggested I’d make a good trainer/mentor. I suppose I’ll be up for that when the time comes. It’s my duty.

I will embrace death knowing that I lived as full of life as a dog could live and hoping that my legacy takes on the likes of Paul Bunyon or Chuck Norris.

My parents will be a wreck when it’s time for me to meet my maker.

The English Bulldog might be the most misunderstood breed of all time.

The success of the Butler men's basketball team won't last forever. People need to realize just how rare and exceptional all of this is. I'd like to tell our administration, our alumni, our fans , our faculty, our staff, and even our players to take every advantage of it, but that's putting it too lightly. Just look at the likes of UCLA, Arizona, Indiana and North Carolina these days. We're not even half their size either, thus making our situation all that much more precious. Carpe diem, Butler University. Carpe diem.

All ships rise because of our basketball success, even academic programs. Those that can't get behind it are missing opportunities of their own and shared greatness for the university.

Living is running the football team onto the field. Living is running across the basketball court to grab my bone from the Dawg Pound. Living is destroying a basketball in a matter of seconds. Living is riding in my tail wagon. Living is devouring ice cream. Living is being loved and loving right back.

Just when I think I’m calling the shots, my dad reminds me who is the “alpha dog.”

“Bulldogs ever do or die.” Butler Bulldogs of all ages, races and creeds; take heed!


Well, I hope you liked my take at Esquire’s ever-popular “What I’ve Learned.” Hey, Esquire, if you’re reading, feel free to pick this up and run it in your next issue. Might be timely if the Butler Bulldogs make it to the Final Four!

As for my birthday, well, I turn the big six on Saturday, March 27th, but we’re celebrating on campus this Friday, March 26th! http://www.butler.edu/buconnection/staff/?p=19824

The Butler University Student Foundation (BUSF) is inviting the campus community to Starbucks from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for “Blue II's Birthday Bash!” There will be free cupcakes and treats, photos with yours truly, fun games and prizes. Be sure to stop by and sign my birthday card or you can color your own special message for me!

All students, faculty and staff are invited to come out and show their Butler spirit in celebration of my sixth birthday!

Other than that, get your game-faces on because tomorrow our beloved Butler Bulldogs fifth-seeded men’s basketball team will take on the number one-seeded Syracuse Orange in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, tomorrow (Thursday, March 25th) at 7:07 p.m.

For more information on the game and viewing parties, visit: http://www.butler.edu/alumni/events/athletics/men

Go Dawgs!


Blue II

'My Perfect 10' Special NCAA Edition Playlist for MY107.9FM

So I was contacted by Scott Roddy and the fine folks at Indianapolis' 107.9 FM (my "one 'O' seven nine") to create a special edition "My Perfect 10, " which is a little something they do for their listners.

You see, they have their listeners create their perfect top-10 playlist, then invite them to the studio to record it and tell the other listners just why it's perfect for them.

Given my role with Butler, the NCAA men's basketball tournament, and the fact that Butler is in said tournament, the station thought it would be a good idea for me to create a special NCAA Tournament edition of "My Perfect 10."

So my dad and I made our way to Indy's Entercom offices and recorded the intros for "My Perfect 10."

You can hear this live, on the air, on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, March 21st at 7 p.m.

But, in case you miss it, I've included "My Perfect 10" and the reasoning behind selecting each song, below...

Blue II’s Special NCAA Tournament Edition “My Perfect 10” Playlist – March 2010

10. “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2

The Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team has achieved a lot in my tenure and even before my time, including a couple of Sweet 16 appearances, several NCAA tournament bids, some conference championships, and most recently, an undefeated run through the entire conference season! And after all of that, we’re still not satisfied. No, until we take six consecutive wins in the NCAA tournament and bring home a national championship, well, we “still haven’t found what we’re looking for!”

9. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges

It’s time to select the teams for your NCAA Tournament bracket, and well, “I Wanna Be Your Dog!” Plus, we’ll need all of the positive energy I can get when the Butler Bulldogs are on the court. So whether you’re a Butler grad or not, we’ll gladly adopt you to the litter, and we hope you’ll have us as well.

UPDATE: No. 9 has since changed to "Hound Dog" by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller and most likely performed by Elvis Pressley. The song may revert back to "I Wanna Be Your Dog" by The Stooges if the station can track down a better quality recording by that time. If not, "Hound Dog" will have to do. And, I suppose it's appropriate given that I am quite the "media hound" this time of year!

8. “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton

“Why must I feel like that? Why must I chase the cat? Nothin’ but the dog in me!” No truer words have ever been spoken, at least in my world. George Clinton knew what he was doing when he wrote this diddy. Heck, Snoop Dogg made a whole career by sampling beats and lyrics from this track. After all these years, it’s still funky and it’s still fresh. So anyway, when someone questions why you picked the Butler Bulldogs to go all the way to the Final Four this year, just tell them, “hey, it’s nothin’ but the dog in me!”

7. “Takin’ Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive

“Takin Care of Business,” that’s what us Butler Bulldogs do and have been doing for some time now. In the last 14 years alone in men’s basketball we’ve had twelve 20 win seasons (five consecutive), eight NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16 appearances, three NIT appearances, nine regular season Horizon League championships, six conference tournament championships and now, a 20-0 undefeated record in Horizon League play. We start our practices before the sun comes up and win games by night...”we be takin’ care of business every day!”

6. “Hey Bulldog” by The Beatles

Look no further than the title of this song to understand why it made the list. But, I must say, John Lennon’s barking at the end of the song gets a head tilt and hair raise out of me every time.

5. “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men

This is definitely the sorriest excuse for a song on this entire list, but I have to include this song in order to appease those cliché types who come to expect such things. If nothing else, it adds some comedic value to the list. I know I can’t listen to it without laughing…no Baha Men, I’m not laughing with you, I’m laughing AT YOU. Did they ever figure out who let the dogs out, anyway? Maybe they let themselves out, ever think of that?

4. “NCAA Basketball Theme” by CBS

Hear this track and you automatically think of March Madness. If this doesn’t get you in the mood to fill out some brackets, skip work to watch some hoops, and root for the underdog (and/or Bulldogs), then nothing will.

3a. “I Gotta Feelin’” by The Black Eyed Peas

We opened the 2009-10 season with the song and we’re going to bring it to a close with this song as well. We had a lot of “good nights” so far this season and we hope that there are just about six more left in us come NCAA tournament time. If you’re a Bulldog, then you’ve just gotta believe that any night we’re on the court, well, then “tonight’s gonna be a good night!”

*3b. “How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy*

The old man and I like to cruise around town together with this song blaring... windows down, sunroof open, seats tilted back, his Ray Bans on, my tongue hanging out...acting like we’ve got all the answers. But come March, when I hear this song I envision winning a National Title and then looking at all the big schools, the so-called analysts, the know-it-all critics and just saying, “how you like me now?”

2. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses

Lots of reasons to add this to this, perhaps the biggest reason being you can’t listen to it without getting pumped up. Take the reasoning a little deeper and you’ll find that the Butler Bulldogs aren’t unlike the jungle Axel Rose describes. We may look like cute cuddly Bulldogs, a la a pretty serene jungle, but cage us in the confines of a basketball court (especially Hinkle Fieldhouse) and you’ve got another thing coming. “We’re gonna bring ya to your na-na na-na na-na knees!”

1. “The Butler War Song” performed by The Butler University Marching Band

If you’re a Butler grad, student or fan and you know this one, then start clapping and singing along. Remember, “Bulldogs ever do or die!” So be loud, be proud, and GO DAWGS!

*We changed up No. 3 from “How You Like Me Now” to “I Gotta Feelin;” so that we could go with something a little more mainstream. However, you may recognize “How You Like Me Now” from those clever KIA commercials with the sock monkey, robot, etc. Look it up on YouTube.

Again, “My Perfect 10” will air on Indianapolis’ 107.9 FM at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 and again at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

Also, for more pics and info from my studio visit http://www.my1079online.com/ and click the "GAB" link.

Of course, I had a lot of help with this list which means that a lot of great songs were left off. So, it is my pleasure list all of the other song suggestions that I did not use.

There were some great tracks here, but not ones I decided to select. (In no particular order.)

"True Blue" by Madonna

"Bulldog Skin" by Guided by Voices

“The Best” by Tina Turner

“We are the Champions” by Queen

"Roundball Rock” by John Tesh

"Kick” by INXS

“Me and You and A Dog Named Boo”by Lobo

“Basketball Jones” by Cheech and Chong

“Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog” by Elvis

"One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston

“Old Blue”by The Byrds

"Let's Dance"by David Bowie

"Lean On Me" by The Club Nouveau Version

"We're Not Gonna take it" by Twisted Sister

"Gonna Have a Party" by Alabama

"Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey

Lose Yourself" by Eminem

"Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba

“Winning” by Santana

“One of the Survivors” by The Kooks

"Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne" by Jim Stafford

"Let’s Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas

"Jump Around" by House of Pain

"We Will Rock You" by Queen

"Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor

"One Shining Moment" by Luther Vandross

"Take It To The House" by Trick Daddy

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

"Till I Collapse" by Eminem

"Run This Town" by Jay-Z

"Stronger" by Kanye West

"Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley

"Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G.

"Get Low" by Lil Jon

"Whipping" by Pearl Jam

"1901" by Phoenix

"American Girl" by Tom Petty

"In the Meantime" by Spacehog

"Can't Always Get What You Want" by Rolling Stones

"Can You Hear Me Knocking" by Rolling Stones

"This Time of Year" by Better Than Ezra

"Today" by Smashing Pumpkins

"Remedy" by Black Crowes

"Ants Marching" by Dave Matthews Band

"Big Pippin'" by Jay Z

“All Night Long”by Lionel Richie

"Theme from Hoosiers" - Artist Unknown

"We Will Rock You" by Queen

"You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T." by Aretha Franklin

"Get Ready for This" by 2 Unlimited

"The Final Countdown" by Europe

"My Hero" by Foo Fighters

"Learning To Fly" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

"Reach For The Sky" by Social Distortion

"No Excuses" by Alice in Chains

"Like a Stone" by Audioslave

"Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check" by Busta Rhymes

"Sure Shot" by Beastie Boys

"The Distance" by Cake

"Song 2" by Blur

"Go With the Flow" by Queens of the Stone Age

"Amber" by 311

"Oceans" by Pearl Jam

"Angels Of The Silences" by Counting Crows

"So What’cha Want" by Beastie Boys

"Pay For What You Get" by Dave Matthews Band

"What’s Left Of The Flag" by Flogging Molly

"It Was A Good Day" by Ice Cube

"Some Might Say" by Oasis

"Everybody Hurts" by REM

"Road Trippin’" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Don’t Take Me For Granted" by Social Distortion

"Misery" by Soul Asylum

"Somewhere" by Soundgarden

"Big Empty" by Stone Temple Pilots

"6th Avenue Heartache" by The Wallflowers

"Say It Ain’t So" by Weezer

"Pay for What You Get" by Dave Matthews Band

"The Best of What’s Around" by Dave Matthews Band

"Breakout" by Foo Fighters

"The Distance" by CAKE

"Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough" by Michael Jackson

"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" Daft Punk

"Heroes" David Bowie

"I Won’t Back Down" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

"Jump Around" by House of Pain

"Miracle" by Foo Fighters

"Times Like These" by Foo Fighters

"You’re the Best" – Joe “Bean” Esposito (Karate Kid theme song)

"TNT" by ACDC

“Young Forever” by Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson

“Human” by The Killers

"Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol

"Had a Bad Day" by Daniel Powter

"Sweet Smell Of Success" by Stranglers

"Never Say Yes" by Elvis Pressley

"Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis

"Winning it All" by The Outfield

"Win in the End" by Mark Safan (Teen Wolf theme song)

"Doggy Dogg World" by Snoop Dogg

"Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

"Blue" by Eiffel 65

“Diggin’ Up Bones” by Randy Travis

“The Winner Takes All” by Abba

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered”by Stevie Wonder

“Everyone’s a Winner” by Hot Chocolate

“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

“Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees

“Dream On” by Aerosmith

"Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf

"Lose Yourself" by Eminem

"We Don’t Run" by Willie Nelson

"Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

"Hey Tonight" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

“Good Vibrations” by Beach Boys

Well, I think that's just about all of them...it's enough anyway. I'm not sure where some people's heads were at on some of those suggestions, but to each their own, I guesss.

I hope you liked "My Perfect 10" and enjoyed the intros for the songs as well. Don't forget, our Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team will be in action on Thursday, March 18th around 5 p.m. (ET) in San Jose as a five-seed playing the 12th seeded UTEP Miners.

Our women's basketball team will be playing in the NIT at Illinois State at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17th.

For more information on the games, viewing parties, etc., visit http://www.butler.edu/alumni/events/athletics.

Happy St. Patrick's Day & Go Dawgs!

Blue II

A Bittersweet March Madness

First, I offer my hearty congratulations to the Butler Bulldog women's basketball team which held tough in the waning moments of the first-round WNIT match-up at Duquesne last night to win on running layup by Candace Jones! With just three seconds remaining in the game, Candance cashed in two points to bring the Bulldogs from behind to win by one (59-58) in what was the team's first post-season victory in more than a decade!

The Lady Bulldogs will move on to the second round of the tournament on Monday (March 23) to face host Marquette at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT). Go Dawgs!

Given the victory by the women last evening, all was not lost regarding the day and the thrill that is "March Madness!" However, a Bulldog couldn't help but feel bittersweet when going to bed last night as our men's team put forth a valiant effort, but came up short against the LSU Tigers in Greensboro, North Carolina to open up the men's basketball NCAA Tournament.

After a slow start, our beloved Bulldogs came roaring back and made us all proud and even lead the game with just minutes remaining. But LSU was not to be denied as they shot "lights out" and made a sprint to the finish. The final score was 75-71 and while we may have lost the game, it wasn't for a lack of effort. Our Bulldogs played well, but our hats off to the LSU Tigers...well played!

I guess that fact that President Barack Obama picked us to win in his bracket wasn't enough to make the difference in the game yesterday. But really, the guy missed like five games in his bracket yesterday! Yeah, five in the opening day. Ouch. Let's hope he's better at running the country than picking winners in an NCAA Tourney bracket!

The good news is that the same Bulldog team you saw yesterday returns to the bench next season and will be joined by a strong cast of recruits! The future is never guaranteed, but I like the plan that is in place!

And, if its of any additional consolation, we did make the "Top-10" list of mascots in this year's NCAA Tournament! Here's a link to the story: http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/03/20/obama_ncaa_bracket.html

We came in at No. 9 in the rankings determined by PetSide.com.

Speaking of pets, here's a "dog ate it" story for you from CNN that I think you'll enjoy. Every heard the old saying, "money doesn't grow on trees?" Well, perhaps money grows within dogs! Check this out...



Now that's what you call, "dirty money!"

Okay, enough with the bad jokes, I'm out of here.

Tomorrow I'll be appearing at the 17th annual Bulldog Jog held over at the HRC at 8 a.m. so I hope to see some of you runner types there. Otherwise, enjoy the first weekend of the spring season!

Woof,

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

Sleeping Tiger, Hidden Bulldog

In preparation of Butler's men's basketball NCAA Tournament appearance on Thursday, March 19, 2009 (12:20 p.m.) I thought I would offer up a little video illustration of how I think things might go on the court between the Butler Bulldogs and the LSU Tigers.

It just so happens that LSU has a nice little kitty named, Mike, who serves as their mascot. He's a friendly little feline and in this video, I wait until he falls asleep to rest up for the big day of our game and then I make my sneak attack. Just watch the video and you'll get the picture...



I hope that you enjoyed that little bit of home (or office) video. I certainly hope it inspires our real-life Butler Bulldogs to do the same on Thursday.

Of course, the game will be broadcast live on CBS and while you could watch it at home, why not join up with some fellow Bulldogs and enjoy the game? Fellow Butler fans are gathering all over the country to watch the big game and you should too! For a complete listing of the official viewing parties visit www.butler.edu/alumni.

Those Bulldogs in Indianapolis can gather at...

• Moe & Johnny's, mid-town Indianapolis, IN located at 5380 North College Avenue.
  
• Champp’s, downtown Indianapolis, IN located at 49 W. Maryland Street.

Here's to a great game on Thursday; enjoyed with Butler family and friends! Go Dawgs!

Before I sign off, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day! I'm not sure what the point of this day is, but people keep giving me a hard time for not wearing the color green. My name is "Blue." I don't do "green." Got it?!

In tribute to my "Blue II Facts" in the post below, I give you this statement of fact: Blue II was once pinched on St. Patty's Day for not wearing green...ONCE.

Finally, I leave you with another video in honor of this holiday. It comes from Mobile, Alabama and the subject of this news story is a leprechaun. It's now an oldie, but still a goodie and yes, this is for real. Even a bulldog mascot with his own blog couldn't even make this up. Enjoy...



May the luck of the Irish be with the Dawgs this week in GREENsboro, North Carolina!

Blue II