Let's talk numbers......

I want to start my post with a big, sincere congratulations to Big Blue and the Old Dominion fans for currently holding the #1 spot in both overall record and total number of votes.  Awesome job!!!


Just like you, I've wondered 1000 times.....how the heck are they doing it?  How is such a "small school" getting so many votes?  I've seen more than a few ODU fans claiming to have "more heart with less students than the big schools."  I've seen the interview* with ODU's blogger  and Danielle Smith, and several remarks were made about ODU being "such a small school" and despite their "small numbers" their fans are more dedicated.


I work in biomedical research, so numbers fascinate me.  It always amazes me how, when taken out of context, numbers can be misinterpreted.  I also put a whole lot of stock into facts.  So, naturally after hearing so much about how small Old Dominion is, I was curious and wanted to do some fact checking.   Guess what, people......Old Dominion isn't that small.  Current enrollment is 24,013 students.  And, get a load of this, ODU's enrollment is in the TOP 50% of the 16 schools included in the mascot challenge.  Yep.....THE TOP 50%.  I get that they haven't had football for very long.  And I admit that in the football community, a lot of fans are saying, "Old Who??" But just because ODU isn't topping (or even on) the BCS and coaches polls doesn't mean they are the "small school" that some of their supporters claim.   They have had some pretty good basketball teams in their day, and have an established fan base for their athletics.  Yes, football is new to ODU, but sports and sports fans are not.


Since ODU fans love to talk about how well they are doing for such a small school, let's see how they measure up.....proportionally.   

First, let me say that no matter how you crunch the numbers, their performance has been impressive at 36.96 votes per student (VPS).  But here's the thing.....that number pales in comparison to the University of Montana's 49.26 VPS.  With only 15,642 students, the University of Montana's total vote tally of 770,463 is EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE, and is proportionally kicking ODU's butt.  Other surprising variances between the actual standings, and my VPS standings.....UTEP only comes in ranked at #6 with 27.89 VPS.   Ohio State is #11 with 11.1 VPS.  Oregon sits at #4 in both polls (but Old Dominion, just so you know.....you also have more students then them.  Sure they have an awesome #1 ranked football team, but they don't have as many students to rack up votes).  And, just to be fair in my writing, I must admit that my beloved LSU ranks in at #13 with a very disappointing 7.0 votes per student.  LSU has a student enrollment of 28,771 (not that much bigger than ODU), but still we are not competing well against ODU.  At all.  I don't know where all the Tiger Fans are....but I can assure you that our lackluster performance has nothing to do with lack of love for Mike the Tiger.

Here is my favorite gem from this exercise in simple math.....The United States Air Force Academy, with THE LOWEST ENROLLMENT of the 16 schools involved with just 4,537 students ranks as #3 with 35.73 VPS....a difference of just 1.23 VPS from Old Dominion.  And when you consider all the extra requirements that those students have on top of what the rest of the schools require, it is all the more impressive.  The cadet candidate’s typical day is very demanding.  It consists of Students academic classes, military training, mandatory individual and team sports, and a mandatory study period each evening. In addition, they must fit in all the normal activities of life: eating, sleeping, cleaning their rooms and dorms, washing clothes, etc. Students must learn to plan their time and organize their efforts in order to successfully complete each day's activities.   The cadets at USAFA don't have a whole lot of extra time to send in votes to support their Bird.....but you know  what, when you look at them proportionally next to ODU, they are running neck and neck.  So guess who's the real underdog in the Mascot Challenge.....it sure isn't Old Dominion.


What does this mean to the Capital One Mascot Challenge?  Absolutely nothing.  Capital One has their rules layed out quite nicely, and I'm not arguing with how those rules currently stand.  It is very clear how the winner will be decided.  And it looks like it will probably come down to a hard fought battle between ODU and UTEP.  Both of those schools have done very admirable jobs in showing support for their mascots. This post is not intended to take anything away from the schools on top.....this post is just meant to put the contest in proportional  perspective.  If it weren't for the fact that I've heard claim after claim about how "small" they are, I would have just taken the (massive) beating gracefully and congratulated them on a job well done.   But they continually reference their size.....inaccurately.


Anyone who claims to have "more heart" than the "big schools," I challenge you to make a trip to Baton Rouge (or Eugene, Oregon; Columbus, Ohio;  Los Angeles, California; or even Colorado Springs, CO) on any given home football game day, look around the campus, stand among the thousands of people who are there WITHOUT TICKETS....the ones who are there to support their team regardless of whether or not they get inside the stadium, and then try to stand there and tell me with a straight face that you have more heart than we do.  I'm not saying we have more than you.....I'm just saying that YOU DON'T HAVE ANY MORE THAN US.  You just have more votes.


So here it is......VOTE FOR MIKE or THE AIR FORCE BIRD in the Capital One Mascot Challenge!!!!




*FYI....Despite the report in the below video, a reminder to support Mike the Tiger in the mascot challenge IS on the JumboTron at EVERY home game in Tiger Stadium.  Unfortunately, with 93,000 people inside the stadium, and another 50,000 or so fans outside the stadium.....cell service is kind of slow on game days.   And just a reminder, the enrollment at LSU is roughly 28,771 students....only 4,758 students more than ODU.  Considering Ohio State is in the 60,000-ish student range....LSU isn't really a "big school" like you continually reference....we just have extremely enthusiastic and dedicated fans who make it seem so.  

Eatin' Grass and Kickin' Ass.....

VOTE FOR MIKE!!!  It ain't over 'til it's over....so keep voting (click here to vote) and showing your support for our beloved Mike the Tiger.   No matter what happens in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, we all know that there is no better mascot than Mike.   And today, you know ol' Mike was living it up....because today IT'S GREAT TO BE AN LSU TIGER!!!!!!!!!


WE DID IT!!!!  Our boys took down the defending national champions....the Alabama Crimson Tide.  It's always a big deal to beat the defending champs, or take down the currently #1 ranked team.  But this.....THIS was extra sweet.  For us, it wasn't about taking down an SEC rival, or the defending national champions.  For us, it was ALL about taking down Nick Saban.  I can't explain it adequately in words.....so here is a video that gives you a little better insight into how we Tiger Fans feel about the man that we embraced as our own from 2000 to 2004:



And how exactly did we pull this off??  Clearly, we have some amazingly talented players.....  Patrick Peterson, Stevan Ridley, Terrence Tolliver, Josh Jasper, among others.  This week even a previously struggling Jordan Jefferson had an awesome game.  And despite several weeks of criticism by the sports community and even (disgustingly) a lot of our own fans, our head coach, Les Miles, and his coaching staff made some gutsy calls that without a doubt were game changers.  Tiger Fans everywhere were ecstatic to see our offense finally play to their potential.  And our defense, as expected, dominated the Crimson Tide.  But I'm pretty sure that there was one little thing that tipped the scales in our favor........



Yes.   That's our head coach eating grass off the field.  


"I have a little tradition that humbles me as a man, that lets me know that I'm a part of the field and part of the game," Miles said. "You should have seen some games before this. I can tell you one thing: The grass in Tiger Stadium tastes best."


Well, Les......keep on keepin' on.   And Mr. Miles, if you have any recipes in your book that may help Georgia beat Auburn next weekend, could you kindly go ahead and eat whatever it is you have to eat to make that happen???   


And if that happens, isn't it ironic that come November 26 when Auburn finally travels to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama, we are going to have to say 2 words that are pretty much going to cause a collective gag reflex throughout Tiger Country, if not outright vomit...... Roll Tide.  Blech. 

Shadows

Well, Tiger Fans....it's been a rough week.  Not only did we lose (badly) to the Duck from Oregon, but also we gave up our undefeated football season to Cam Newton...errr, I mean the Auburn Tigers.  As always, Mike and the LSU football team will bounce back, but still, it's tough to lose on both accounts in the same weekend.  We've got a bye weekend coming up, so hopefully our football team gets some extra time to recover and practice for the upcoming 'Bama game, and we get some extra time to cast a few more votes for our favorite mascot!!

This week, Mike faces Joe Vandal from the University of Idaho.  Joe is ranked #6, and currently has a 4-4 record.  4-4 may not sound that impressive, but don't underestimate this mascot from the WAC.  Last week, he totaled 121,758 votes....almost as much as Mike has racked up in all 8 weeks!!!   What do you think motivates Joe Vandal to tally up so many votes in the Mascot Challenge????  My guess is that Joe Vandal has a bit of a Napoleon Complex.   I bet he is sick and tired of constantly being in Boise State's shadow.  Week in and week out, Joe Vandal and the University of Idaho (along with all of the other teams in the WAC) are indirectly insulted every single time someone discusses Boise State's strength of schedule, or rather lack thereof.  It has to be aggravating for them to hear "But Boise St. doesn't play anybody!!" over and over again, and my guess is Joe Vandal is looking for validation in any event he can....and the mascot challenge is just such an event.  I mean, after all, this is a contest that the Bronco is not involved in, so fortunately for them, they're not in BSU's shadow here.  Unfortunately for them....Mike is a tough opponent, and casts a pretty expansive shadow himself.  Let's help Mike overshadow Joe Vandal this week!!! 

To Vote, text "Mike" to 69866 or go to www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

Remember, if you've got unlimited texting as part of your cell phone plan, you can vote for Mike up to 250 times an hour!!!

GEAUX MIKE!!!!!

Crowd Participation

Hi, Tiger Fans!!!  Congrats AGAIN to Mike for his win agains Joe Bruin last week!!  Mike is movin' on up in the rankings..... currently sitting at #10.  He's got some tough weeks coming up, and it is time to take it up a notch if we want to see him in the playoffs, especially this week.  Mike is going up against the Duck from Oregon.  If Mike stands any chance against the Duck, we have got to vote like we've never voted before!!!!

I gotta tell ya, Tiger Fans....while I am glad that we've helped Mike earn 3 wins in the Mascot Challenge, I'm disappointed in our performance thus far.  This is NOT your best work!!  We can do better than this!!  LSU has one of the most passionate fan bases in the country.  We have the loudest and scariest football stadium in college football.  Why?  Crowd participation.  When we travel to away games, we take over.  Why?  Crowd Participation.  We put on the absolute best tailgate party in the country.  Why?  Crowd Participation (oh....and our superb cooking abilities, but that's off topic).  So how is it that supporting our mascot in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, which relies solely on CROWD PARTICIPATION....Mike is only ranked 10???!!!!  TEN??!!  Seriously?

Those Ducks from Oregon have put up some serious voting numbers over the past few weeks.  On 2 different occasions, they have had weekly vote tallies that outnumber our entire cumulative vote tally over an  8 week time period.  Are you kidding me???   This is LSU we're talking about.  What I'm asking for here is something that y'all are good at.....CROWD PARTICIPATION!!!!   If we put half as much effort into voting as we do planning the menu for the tailgate party on Saturday, Mike would easily be in first place.  LSU fans have literally moved the earth* in support of our team.  C'mon, Tiger Fans.....DO YOUR BEST WORK!!!!

VOTE!!!

Text "Mike" to 69866.  You can vote up to 250 times per hour (text messaging rates apply).  If you go over the limit of 250 times per hour, you are locked out of voting for 12 hours.

OR GO TO

www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main


A little clip about the best example of CROWD PARTICIPATION that LSU fans have ever exhibited....The Earthquake Game.

STRATEGERY*

Hey, Tiger Fans!!!  Congrats to Mike on his win in last week's matchup against the Air Force Bird!!! We fought a good fight, and because of our efforts, Mike has recently won 2 of his matchups, putting him in the #11 spot in this week's standings!!!! Way to GEAUX Tiger Fans!!!!

Don't let Mike's #11 ranking get you down. The last thing Mike needs is any of his loyal followers thinking "What's the point? He'll never catch up." It may seem hopeless that Mike is almost halfway down the 2nd half of the list, but if you take a closer look at all of the upcoming matchups, you'll see that a very interesting mascot season could be in store for us.  Stranger things have happened...Remember 2007, LSU football fans??  Missouri, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and an idle Ohio State??  Ring a bell??  BCS chaos due to upsets during championship weekend.  And in the end, WE WON THE WHOLE SHEBANG!!!   I'm off topic again, but my point is that sometimes you can be catapulted to the top by upsets elsewhere.

Up until now, I've been pushing text voting as often as possible in order to just simply rack up some votes, and hopefully get Mike some wins.  While the "text like crazy" plan has worked pretty well, it's time to start putting a little more thought into our votes. It's time get on the computer and vote for some mascots in other matchups. It's time for some STRATEGERY.  Let's open the LOCKBOX that holds the key to putting Mike closer to the top of the standings.

This week is where it gets interesting.  All of those mascots at the bottom of the rankings are about to start matching up against each other, meaning some of them are about to rack up a few wins.  And all of the heavy hitters at the top of the rankings....they too are about to be matched up against each other, leaving some of them with more losses.  For now, Mike is sitting pretty right near the middle.  I expect that he can pull out a win against Joe Bruin this week, and move up in the rankings because this week, at least 4 of the mascots ranked ahead of him WILL inevitably suffer a loss.  The true problem right now is that #1 Old Dominion, and #2 Paydirt Pete don't meet in the regular season, probably leaving them as the #1 and #2 seeds in the playoffs....but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Here are my picks for this week.  Hopefully, this voting method will maximize Mike's movement up the rankings:

1. Monte and the Duck - Don't vote on this one, Tiger Fans.  They are both ahead of Mike, and one of them will fall.  They both have a boatload of cumulative votes, and neither needs any voting help from us.  Leave this one alone.
2. Brutus and Paydirt Pete - same as above.
3. Smokey and Goldy - VOTE GOLDY ONLY IF HE'S LOSING TO SMOKEY.  This one is risky, but we need Smokey to lose.  Goldy has a tough schedule ahead of him, and this recommendation comes with the assumption that he will lose a few in the upcoming weeks. Although his win - loss record beats Mike's right now, Goldy has less cumulative votes than Mike.  Just don't vote too often for him.
4. Mr. C and Big Red - VOTE BIG RED ONLY IF HE'S LOSING TO MR. C AND ONLY IF HIS TALLY FOR THIS WEEK IS NOT OVER 4000 VOTES GREATER THAN MIKE'S  - we need Mr. C to lose, but Big Red has the same win - loss record as Mike, just a few less votes.  Again, don't vote too often for him.
5. Big Blue and Bearcat - Don't vote.  See 1 & 2 above.
6. Joe Vandal and Sebastian - Vote Sebastian.  He is behind Mike in both win - loss record and total votes.  We need Joe Vandal to lose. 
7. Mike and Joe Bruin - VOTE FOR MIKE!!!!!  No further explanation necessary.
8. Testudio and The Bird - The Bird is too close to Mike for comfort.  Plus, I like any school that has the gumption to use a turtle as their mascot.  Kudos to you, U of Maryland.

So, to sum things up, here is what your votes should look like:

Continue your text voting for Mike!!!  Text "Mike" to 69866.  It is the fastest way to rack up votes....but if you're sitting at your computer late at night feeling helpless because of the other mascots' standings, cast a few votes for other matchups.  Just not too many!!!!  Think of it as similar to how you rooted for South Carolina to beat 'Bama last weekend.

Good Luck, Mike!!!

www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

*For all you critics who don't watch SNL, and are thinking that LSU must not have given me a very good education due to my choice in the use of the word "strategery," you're wrong.  I just have a sense of humor.

Interview with a Tiger

Over the weekend, I had the special honor of spending a little time with Mike the Tiger just before the game against the University of Florida's Gators (what a game....but that's a whole 'nother post!!!).  It was an extra special privilege because Mike hasn't granted an interview since the Barbara Walters debacle when she asked him one of her famously strange questions:  "If you were an animal, what animal would you be?"  Hellooooo.....Barbara.......Have you forgotten rule #1 of celebrity interviewing???  Do your research!!!!  Sheesh!!!

When we arrived at the hotel that was hosting Mike and the rest of the LSU gang, Mike was waiting for us in the lobby at the front desk.  After entertaining hotel guests by playing the piano ("Hey, Fightin' Tigers" of course) he spent some time playing with my children, getting them pumped up for the game that night.  Then, it was time for the interview.

I found Mike to be an amazingly charming Tiger, but that may have been because, unlike Barbara Walters, I did my research.  I showed up wearing an LSU t shirt, so immediately he knew we had something in common and felt comfortable.  In fact, I'm pretty sure he proposed to me.  Unfortunately for Mike, I'm already taken, but even though I had to turn down his proposal, he was very open to answering all of my questions.

Mike, how did you get into the mascot business?  And why did you choose LSU as the place to call home?

It all started about 74 years ago.  I was living in the Little Rock Zoo.  I didn't really have a favorite school or team at the time, but I did know that I hated all that "Woooooo. Pig. Sooie!" stuff.   I heard that LSU was looking for a mascot.  They were already called the Tigers, and I am a tiger, so that was a fit.  I have always loved the combination of the colors purple and gold, so that seemed to be a match.   Plus, I  had always heard that those cajuns can cook, and us Tigers.....well, we love a good meal.  So, I applied for the job, and got it!!  As soon as I arrived in Baton Rouge, I knew that it was the place I'd call my home forever.  The people there are amazing, the campus is beautiful, and the fans are the best you'll ever meet.  Nowadays, there's no other way I'd like to spend a Saturday than cheering on my LSU football team, win or lose.  For me, there's no question....it's FOREVER LSU!!!

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what question would you like to ask them?

I've been very lucky in my life and have met some really amazing people....Y. A. Tittle, Bert Jones, Tommy Hodson, and my personal favorite, Billy Cannon.  There's really no one else I feel like I need to meet.  But, if I must answer your question, I guess I'd like to meet Albert Einstein.  I've been wondering if he thinks that a new theory of light and matter is needed to explain what happens at very high energies and temperatures.  For example, in the case of gamma ray bursts, photons of radiation can crash into each other and create new matter.  In such cases, the distinction between matter and energy grows blurry.  Throw in magnetism, and physicists can only make rough guesses about what happens in these hellish settings.   What about that, Einstein?

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you take with you?

1.  A fishing pole....gotta pass the time somehow.  Even though I'm well equipped to catch fish without a rod and reel, I enjoy traditional fishing as well.
2.  A can of Tony Chachere's and a bottle of Tabasco....gotta season the fish I catch.  
3.  Les Miles.... He seems to be able to get out of just about any sticky situation lately.  Surely he'd have a trick play up his sleeve to get us off the island....just before the clock runs out, no doubt.

Boxers or Briefs?

Depends on the day....but regardless, they're always purple and gold.


Don't forget to vote for Mike!!!!!  Text "Mike" to 69866 or visit www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

GEAUX MIKE!!!!!




I'd like to thank all of the staff at LSU that made our meeting in Florida possible:  Pauline Zernott, LSU Cheerleading Coach;  Craig Pintens, LSU Assistant A. D.;  and of course, the AMAZING Mike the Tiger.   We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Mike.  The whole day, from beginning (pics with Mike) to end (VICTORY FOR LSU in the Swamp) was one our family will never forget!!!!  Thank you!!!!!!

The Tiger Whisperer

Not only do LSU fans adore Mike the Tiger, but also Mike the Tiger adores them....some more than others. 

I've been an LSU fan for a long while, and I've spent a decent amount of time over the years admiring both Mike V and Mike VI in their habitats.  I'd love to say that every time I visit Mike, he recognizes me, gives me a wink and a smile, and strikes a pose for my ever ready camera, but that just isn't the case.  Most of the time, I can catch him sunning himself or relaxing in the shade.  Sometimes he is even pacing around showing off his graceful, fluid movement.  On a few very lucky occasions I was able to watch him playing and splashing around in his pool.  Of course there are also the disappointing times when I've made the special trip over to campus and couldn't even catch the slightest glimpse of those beautiful stripes. 

I've heard stories about a few folks (outside of his caretakers/doctors/etc.) to whom Mike really responds, but I have never witnessed it for myself.  I even have a personal friend who tells me he has developed somewhat of a friendship with the Tiger, and I've seen some great still photos of him with Mike.  But there is one fellow, Darrell Bezet, who has become somewhat of a local celebrity for the special way that Mike reacts to him.  Before I moved to Gator country (ughhhh!!!), I kept telling myself that I needed to make a trip over to the LSU campus around the 9 am hour to watch the latest so-called "Tiger Whisperer" work his magic.  I regret that I never made more of an effort to get over there before I left Baton Rouge, because after seeing video, I imagine that in person it is quite a sight to see.

The relationship between Bezet and Mike VI cannot be explained by anyone or with any words....you just have to see it for yourself.  In case you aren't lucky enough to be on N. Stadium Road in Baton Rouge on just about any given morning, the followingYouTube video posted by an LSU student is an amazing video documentation of just one of many interactions between the tiger and "The Tiger Whisperer." (it starts to get really good at 2:11 for all you impatient people...)



To find out more about Bezet and his relationship with Mike VI, read this article published by LSU's student magazine, Legacy, in April of this year.

To vote for Mike the Tiger in the Capital One Mascot Challenge, please text "Mike" to 69866 or visit www.capitalonebowl.com/vote/main

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!

The "Why" of the Tiger

Tigers are big, ferocious cats known for speed, strength, and flexibility, so it is no wonder it is the second most common mascot in college sports.  Forty-six 4-year universities use the Tiger as their symbol.  Clemson, The University of Missouri, and Princeton are just a few of the other schools that call themselves "Tigers."  The University of Memphis has a live tiger (Tom) as their mascot, much like LSU (although, they've only had a live Tiger since 1972....Mike has been at LSU since 1936....more on that later).  There's even another SEC school that call themselves the Tigers...Auburn.   But seeing how they can't decide on a single mascot, I consider them only 1/3 Tiger, no matter how cute Aubie might be.  (Yeah, yeah....War Eagle is the battle cry.  Whatever.  They have an eagle that flies around the stadium.  Sounds like a mascot to me.  And what is a Plainsman, anyway? ).  But, I digress.....



Most teams chose their mascots based on legend or lore local to the community. Even the strangest mascots make perfect sense when you understand the context (i.e. the University of Arkansas-Monticello Boll Weevils).  But there are no Tigers roaming around LSU, Clemson, or Missouri.  So what is the reason LSU chose the Tiger to represent their school?


According to Arthur W. Bergeron, Jr., PhD. and the "Guide to Louisiana Confederate Military Units, 1861-1865" (LSU Press, 1989), the name Louisiana Tigers evolved from a volunteer company nicknamed the Tiger Rifles, which was organized in New Orleans. This company became a part of a battalion commanded by Major Chatham Roberdeau Wheat and was the only company of that battalion to wear the colorful Zouave uniform. In time, Wheat's entire battalion was called the Tigers. 

That nickname in time was applied to all of the Louisiana troops of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. The tiger symbol came from the famous Washington Artillery of New Orleans. A militia unit that traces its history back to the 1830s, the Washington Artillery had a logo that featured a snarling tiger's head. These two units first gained fame at the Battle of First Manassas on July 21, 1861. Major David French Boyd, first president of LSU after the war, had fought with the Louisiana troops in Virginia and knew the reputation of both the Tiger Rifles and Washington Artillery.

Thus when LSU football teams entered the gridiron battlefields in their fourth year of intercollegiate competition, they tagged themselves as the 'Tigers'.

So there you have it.....the reason why LSU is known as the Tigers.  It's not due to unoriginality, or that they randomly picked the Tiger just because it is a really awesome animal (although, that IS a bonus).  It's to honor some of our state's Civil War Heroes.


And of the 46 schools that call themselves Tigers, Mike is clearly the best in the streak (a group of Tigers is called a "streak".... you learn something new everyday.) 


Please remember to vote for your favorite Tiger at the Capital One Mascot Challenge or by texting "Mike" to 69866.


GEAUX TIGERS!!!!


(Cheese alert!!!!)  


Now that you know the "Why" of the Tiger, I thought I'd add in some Eye of the Tiger.  Hey, I warned you....cheesy :-)

COLLEGE (MASCOT) GAMEDAY

WOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!   I am proud to announce that Mike won this week's challenge against the Bearcat from Cincinnati!!!!  And not only did he win, but he blew his previous high score of 13,771 votes out of the water with over 25,000 votes!!!  Great job, Tiger Fans!!!  Is it coincidence that Mike won for the first time the week that I was appointed as his blogger representative?  Maybe.  Am I going to take (partial) credit?  ABSO-FREAKIN'-LUTELY!!!!!  Thanks again for voting!!!

This coming week is a big week for Mike.  He is up against Smokey, the Bluetick Coonhound from Tennessee (what that has to do with a Volunteer, I have no idea...).  The LSU football team is also hosting the University of Tennessee on Saturday afternoon in Death Valley.  Both teams are from the SEC.  The absolute madness and excitement of this matchup has caused Capital One to designate it as the matchup of the week.  In the mascot challenge world, this is the equivalent of being chosen as the location for ESPN's College Gameday.  Herbstreit and Corso may as well set up a stage and cover the event.  And based on the previous weeks' results, I'm pretty sure Corso would be donning a dog head.  Last week, Smokey tallied up over 34,500 votes, and his best score to date is 45,428 against that Duck from Oregon.  Every week so far, he has beat Mike's best score.  But here's the thing....we Tiger fans love nothing more than to prove Corso wrong (except maybe winning football games, good Cajun food, tailgating, Mike the Tiger.....).

Please visit Capital One Mascot Challenge or text "Mike" to 69866.  Vote early, and vote often!!!!

GEAUX MIKE!!!!!!

Mike the Tiger - The Pride of LSU

There are several things that any devoted LSU fan will tell you that she holds close to her heart.  The Indian Mounds, The Golden Band from Tigerland, The Bell Tower, Victory Hill, Death Valley, and the first 4 notes of Pre-Game are just a few of the things that bring tears of joy to my eyes.  But to almost any LSU fan, the one thing we consider most sacred is Mike the Tiger.  Sure we love the cuddly Mike that stands upright and wears a jersey on the sidelines alongside the LSU cheerleaders, but we cherish the live Mike that lives on campus.


In the coming weeks, I'll be posting more interesting facts and history about Mike....so stay tuned.  In the meantime, you can keep an eye on Mike via the Tigercam!!!  


And don't forget to keep voting for THE BEST mascot in all of college sports by visiting Capital One Mascot Challenge or by texting "Mike" to 69866.


GEAUX MIKE and GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!

Capital One Mascot Challenge

I'm so excited!!!!! I won a contest (well, it's more like a contest within a contest)!!!! I've never won anything in my life.....especially something so cool!! I was chosen out of THOUSANDS of applicants (OK....I'll be honest. I'm pretty sure I was one of maybe two applicants, but who cares, I won nonetheless!!! ;-) to represent Mike the Tiger as he competes for the Capital One Bowl Mascot Challenge. Each week for 12 weeks, mascots from 16 universities face off against each other to see who is king of the mascot jungle. My job in all of this is to help get the word out (through facebook, twitter, and blogs) for all the fans to vote for my mascot. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that Mike is by far THE BEST mascot out of any university....not to mention the 16 selected. Anyway, at the Capital One Bowl on January 1, 2011, the winner will be announced. If Mike the Tiger wins, I will win a trip to Orlandeaux and the Capital One Bowl (never mind that I live here....I'd llike to think that the voting committee didn't take that into account when they chose me ;-) to cover the event!!!

How does Mike the Tiger win?? We vote. Click here to vote for Mike. You can vote as often as you like....the more often, the better!!!!! He's losing pretty badly right now, but if we get together, tell all our friends, and VOTE, I am confident we can put him back on top.....where he belongs. Seriously, what other school has a better mascot??? NOBODY!!!

How did I win this little contest within a contest, you ask?? I wrote the following "essay". I'm not claiming that its Pulitzer Prize worthy, but obviously someone liked it, because I was chosen!! (As I said before....I'm betting there weren't too many other entries):


The top 11 reasons I should be chosen to rally support for Mike the Tiger in the Capital One Mascot Challenge (I could have gone with 10 reasons, but that's been done before...Letterman, God, etc.):

11) I meet the minimum requirements - I'm a girl, I like college football, I can form complete sentences.

10) I exceed the minimum requirements - I am a very funny, smart (and somewhat cute) girl; I live for college football (especially LSU); I consider my ability to create witty facebook statuses an artform.

9) I was a student at LSU from 1992 until my graduation in 1998. Yes, it took me 6 years to get that degree. In my defense, I had access to awesome football tickets as a student...why would I rush to get out???

8) I think Mike the Tiger is hands down THE BEST mascot in all of college sports.

7) I have already started campaigning for Mike! In fact, all but 2 of the votes he has received thus far can be traced back to me in 6 degrees or less....I am the 'Kevin Bacon' of the mascot challenge.

6) I have gotten complements, both on facebook and in person, about how witty some of my facebook statuses are. You won't see humdrum requests for votes from me.

5) I have never played football, but my years participating in team athletics gave me a very good understanding of sports. Except NASCAR. I still don't understand why so many people gather to watch cars go around in a circle all afternoon. But, who am I to judge?

4) When all the other mommies had their children costumed as princesses and pirates for Halloween the week before Nick Saban's first trip back to Tiger Stadium as Alabama's head coach, my 2 young children dressed as Mike the Tiger and Big Al, the Alabama mascot who wishes he could cheer for LSU. My 3 year old daughter dressed as an elephant with a t-shirt that read, "I'd rather be for LSU" on the front, and "I want to be like Mike" on the back.


3) I have a proven track record for getting people to take action based on my facebook statuses. Last fall, I raised a whole lot of money for Leukemia research by being vocal on facebook about my fundraising efforts and running a marathon. If I can talk people into parting with their money in this economy, just think what I could do if all they have to do is visit a website and click a button.

2) I lived in Baton Rouge for 18 years. In March, a great job opportunity took me to Orlando, Florida. While I was an avid LSU fan while residing in BR, my enthusiasm has only intensified since moving....absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. I work with a few Florida Gators (shout out, Susan and Sheila!!), and defend Mike and LSU just about every day. My office is plastered with LSU memorabilia, and I make no apologies for that....even in enemy territory.

1) Did you catch that I live in Orlando? WHEN Mike wins (largely due to my campaigning), you're off the hook for airfare during the expensive holiday travel season. Instead, extra tickets to the game will suffice ;-)


Please visit Capital One Mascot Challenge to cast your vote for Mike!

GEAUX MIKE!!!!

Picking up NOT where I left off.....

So, I started this blog a few years ago. It didn't stick. Which is strange because I have (among others) two obsessions....Facebook and Scrapbooking. Seems to me this is where my two obsessions meet. Seems to me I should have embraced this blog world whole-heartedly a long time ago. But alas, I'm busy. I've got two school-aged kids who are busy with homework and extracurriculars. Not to mention, since my last post, alot has changed!! A fabulous new job caused me to pick up my family and move them from our beloved home of Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the thriving tourist metropolis of Orlando, Florida. We have finally settled in to Florida, and are loving the beaches, the theme parks, and all the other reasons that people flock to this area....

I'd love to say that I'm going to go back and write about all the things that have been going on in our lives over the last few years and get this blog completely caught up over the next few weeks.  I'm not.  It'll happen....just not tomorrow.

So, long story short.....I'm back. Better for you to Keep Up with the Joneses.

R.I.P. Frosty

It was fun while it lasted...all of about 2 hours of "good snow" to play in before it started raining and the snow turned to mush. Frosty finally melted away on Saturday afternoon, leaving behind only 5 pieces of coal, a carrot, and 2 sticks.

R.I.P. Frosty

12/11/08 - 12/13/08

South Louisiana Sneaux Day

LSU Snowfan

We woke up this morning to Daddy screaming to "Look Outside!!!!" When we finally got the sleep out of our eyes, we looked outside and found a thick (for south Louisiana anyway) blanket of snow, and the biggest snowflakes I've ever seen (again...in North Carolina or Louisiana). The kids were ecstatic, and ready to go outside. After we got the (inevitable) news that schools were closed (again, South Louisiana...we are not prepared for weather like this!), the kids got bundled up in the warmest clothes they had (yet again.....we aren't prepared for weather like this), and we went outside. The first activity of the day was a snowball fight, and then the obligatory snow man had to be built! We made our snowman a tiger fan (of course...what else would we have??). Once we had had enough, we came inside for some hot chocolate, complete with as many marshmallows as the kids could stomach. I imagine later today, we'll have some tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches....isn't that traditional snow day food....wait, maybe I should make a pot of gumbo instead!

Snowball Fight!!!!
All Smiles!

Mommy, Dillon, and Maggie building the perfect snowman
GEAUX TIGERS!!!!
Hot Chocolate....YUMMY!!!MARSHMALLOWS....YUMMM!!!
Mommy's favorite part of a snowy day....the accumulation of snow and ice on tree branches. When I was a kid, my room was on the 2nd floor of the house...I'd know it was a snow day before my feet hit the floor because this was the view out my window.

Louisiana Saturday Night

TIGER FANS!!!

On November 1st, 2008, Dillon and Maggie got to experience their first Louisiana Saturday Night in Tiger Stadium. The LSU Tigers were hosting the Tulane Green Wave. It was the perfect inaugural game for the kids.....the crowds weren't too big, and it was a sure win for LSU (although, this year, there is no such thing!) We got to the stadium around 2:00, and walked around visiting Mike the Tiger, eating some of the best food the area has to offer (Jambalaya by Shake Crawfish Pies.....YUMMMMM!!!!), and secured a great spot on the hill in front of the Journalism building to watch the band march to the stadium...in all my years coming to LSU games, I've never gotten such a good spot to watch the band (with the exception of last year's LA Tech game....that was a good spot, too!!) The kids LOVED the band. Maggie even got in the spirit by yelling "TIGER BAIT!!!" at every person she saw wearing green! It was cold, and we only made it to halftime, but I think the experience has made Dillon and Maggie LSU fans for life.....what else can we ask for???

The Band....You've got to look closely to pick them out of the sea of people in purple and gold