BEVO BLOG: The Wish List

"When you wish upon a star...makes no difference who you are...."-Jiminy Cricket

As I have a day chock full of meetings and events, my wishes are short and simple.

1. Please Texas, beat Baylor tomorrow. Win it for Colt.
2. The Aloha Bowl for Texas. ('Horns, remember you have to win at least 6 games)
3. Auburn and Oregon for the BCS National Championship. Sorry Boise, but I fell off your bandwagon when you announced you're moving to the MWC. If you want to be top dog you have to play with the big dogs.)

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you?

Not much Green in "Green." (Yet)

"Green" is being over-hyped. Reality isn't keeping up with expectations.

Examples:

According to a post by Ragan Communications 95% of products have misleading labeling when it comes to being environmentally friendly. Talking and walking are two entirely different things.

Then there's Vestas Wind Systems. Their last earnings report was dismal and the stock took a big drop. Then this week they reported they're laying off 3-thousand workers. The company also predicts weak future demand. Why? No capital available to buy the systems, especially to build the infrastructure to get the power from where the wind is, to where the demand for power is.

Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports that "Solar panels at sports facilities generate more goodwill than power." Progressive Park in Cleveland has a $180,000 solar array that produced 29,000 kilowatt hours over the last three years. The facility itself consumes 17 MILLION kilowatt hours per year which according to BusinessWeek is enough to power 1500 American homes.

Recovering the initial investment on wind and solar is measured in decades. In most stock portfolios, it's the green stocks that are in the red. Green energy just isn't living up to ever increasing expectations spewed mainly by politicians but not the industries that produce them. That said green does and must have a future.

As I've posted here before, we're a very long time from realizing and benefiting from the potential of alternative energy like wind and solar. I hope I live long enough to see it all because it's where we need to be moving in the future.

In the meantime, the same politicos touting all things green need to remember we have existing resources in coal, gas and oil that will be needed to bridge the gap to the promised land.

We can, and need to have it both ways.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Colorado Kids Going Hungry. Why?

I attended the annual meeting of the Jeffco Action Center last night. Prior to the meeting, as a board member, we discussed child hunger. The Action Center distributes four tons of food every day. It's a stunning number and double what we distributed just a couple of years ago.

Last night's Keynote Speaker was Chris Watney from the Colorado Children's Campaign who told us that according to just released census statistics for 2000-2009, Colorado has the fastest growing number of kids going hungry in the nation. In perspective, the overall hunger rate here is lower than many other parts of the country but the growth rate is still alarming. Denver County leads in the growth, but seemingly "affluent" communities like Jefferson County are also showing growth. Even here in Douglas County.

It struck me during the presentation that not once, has any candidate at any forum I've attended or in campaign ad I've seen, mentioned child hunger. They're too busy attacking each other and once elected spend most of their time raising money to get re-elected. Meanwhile, kids are going hungry.

So it's up to us. You can help by contributing or volunteering with organizations like the Jeffco Action Center. Another wonderful group is Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. There are many others to choose from in your community.

No kid, anywhere, should ever go hungry. Together we can make a difference. Let's start today.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Random Thoughts

Lots of stuff on my mind today, (In no particular order of importance.)

Speaking of sports:
What a debacle at Invesco. I know, it's always darkest before the dawn but right now it sure is dark!

Baylor comes to Austin this Saturday. Baylor is ranked and bowl eligible. Texas is just rank. They're going to retire Colt McCoy's number at the game, here's hoping his replacement's got game.

The baseball season is too long. NHL and NBA seasons are underway before the World Series has even started.

Speaking of the economy:
"They" says the recession is over. I don't think the 17% of Americans not working or hardly working would agree.

What comes after Trillion? Gazillion? Because the ways things are going, we're going to need a new number to measure the deficit.

How can we expect to help countries like Haiti when 13 million American kids will go to bed hungry tonight?

Speaking of politics:
I get a kick out of candidates here in Colorado who wear cowboy hats and jeans in their campaign ads, pretending they're just like "us." Wonder what candidates in Florida wear? Shorts and flip-flops?

Why can't people vote online?

The Tea Party is here to stay. It's ever-morphing but with the constant and growing belief that government has failed us. We share in the blame. Too many of us believe what we see in attack ads, yet don't tune into the numerous televised or attend public debates.

Speaking of the new television season:
I love Hawaii 5-0. It's so outrageously over the top, with a great cast and it doesn't take itself too serously. The Good Wife remains intelligent, thoughtful dramatic television. Ditto for House and Blue Bloods. The CSI trilogy is getting tired. Weird plotlines. Still trying to get into The Event, but it's hard work.

Ok, I'm done thinking.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

B-52 bomber "lift and move"

BEVO Blog: Plan "B"

(Disclaimer: My son-in-law is a 2nd generation Auburn grad)

We digress from our normal Longhorn coverage to talk about the #5 Auburn Tigers. Hope you had a chance to see last weekend's game against Arkansas.

Pork, it's what's for dinner.

How could anyone not be impressed by the performance of Tigers QB Cam Newton. He ran and passed for a gazillion yards. (We'll soon be hearing gazillion when it comes to the national debt but it's Friday and we talk football on Friday)

Newton used to play for Florida where he played behind Tim Tebow on the depth chart. Realizing that meant not-so-quality bench time he opted to leave Florida to play for Blinn, TX Community College then return to the SEC, specifically Auburn where now he's talk of the Heisman World.

It was a risky move, leaving a big-time school for a small-time school. But he wanted to play and man oh man can he play. In this case, Plan "B" worked big-time.

Auburn faces a huge test this weekend at #6 LSU. This is the time of the season for contenders to, well, contend.

Should be grand and you can bet the folks in Blinn, TX will be watching along with the rest of the nation.

From Blinn to Heisman Bling? We'll see. A win tomorrow brings Newton a step closer and the Auburn Tigers closer to a trip to Glendale in January.

WAR EAGLE! HEY!

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Powerful Messaging 101

I believe the spot below is arguably one of the most powerful in recent memory. It's produced by Citizens Against Government Waste. The group is non-profit and non-partisan.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions, but I guarantee you people will be talking about it.



Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Memo to: NPR, Re: 1st Amendment

Memo to: National Public Radio
Att: Vivian Schiller, NPR CEO
From: Brian Olson
Re: 1st Amendment

It's been brought to my attention that you have terminated Mr. Juan Williams for statements made while appearing as a guest analyst on FOX News. NPR CEO Vivian Schiller had this comment which was posted on NPR's own website:

She says, and we quote directly. Williams should have kept his views about Muslims to himself, "his psychiatrist or his publicist."

Ms. Schiller, the issue here is not what Mr. Williams said, but a part of our Constitution which allows him the freedom to do so. As you may not have had time to read it, I'm providing a copy of it for your review. You may want to share this with your legal department as well, and if you'd like, your psychiatrist.

1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Aka, FREE SPEECH.

As a journalist and RTDNA board member I've spoke on behalf of the 1st Amendment to numerous civic groups, members of government and the judiciary including the National Judicial College.

It allows us the freedom to speak our minds. Often times people say things that make our blood boil, but there is no alternative to free speech other than censorship and tyranny, which in this case NPR is guilty of.

Ms. Schiller, you have brought disgrace to NPR, yourself and the very fabric of our nation, our Constitution.

Accordingly you should apologize to Mr. Williams and the nation immediately if not sooner.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"
(Because thankfully, the Constitution gives us the right to.)

Out of state campaign cash pours into Colorado

I read today that record amounts of out of state campaign cash is flowing into Colorado, most of it for the Senate Campaign. Both Senate Candidates Bennett and Buck are the beneficiaries, or victims, depending on your political point of view of this largesse.

Wonder what/who all these groups are trying to buy? Which ever candidate wins, they'll be beholden to a lot of special interests who likely don't have our best interests at heart.

Simply put, it sucks. The system wins and we get screwed. Time for a change? You bet. Sadly a lot of people outside of our state have more to bet than we do.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Have We Fauxed Up Casual Friday?

Catching up on my reading today, I finished a piece in Bloomberg BusinessWeek by Eric Spitznagel about the potential end of casual dress Fridays.

How could such a cool thing go so wrong? According to Spitznagel, the current generation coming into the job market is mistaking grunge for casual. He writes they "don't understand that Lady Gaga is selling albums, and they're in accounting."

According to image consultants, here are the top five fashion faux pas:

1. "Hooker" earrings, don't dress like a call girl.
2. Chest plumes, we don't want to see your chest hair.
3. Exposed bra straps. 'Nuff said.
4. Tattoos. Scorpion tattoos may be a personal statement, just keep them covered at work.
5. Toes. Keep them covered.

Spitznagel goes on to say that the demise of casual dress Friday isn't likely to come anytime soon but warns the folks in the C-Suite are paying attention. I know more than a few places where business dress is the rule five days a week. There is a certain logic to it. Dress for work, then come home and when you change into casual wear, you hang-up work, at least for the night.

Of course, those of us who have virtual offices don't have this issue. Excuse me while I change into a clean t-shirt. (And it's only Tuesday!)

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Milestones

My wife and I celebrate our 35th anniversary today. Actually we've celebrated already with a few trips this summer along with dinner this weekend but this is the official day.

My mom wrote a nice card and called it a milestone. 35 years is indeed that. But it's other milestones I think of more than years. Like the births of our two daughters, and how successful both have become. Then there's our two wonderful grandkids, the absolute joy of our lives.

My wife recently fought off cancer successfully and that was a true test and milestone.

We've had our ups and downs like any couple regardless of how many years they've been married. Life has taken us all over this country, but now travel is devoted as much as possible to just having fun.

She's also behind me all the way as I start Conversation Starters Public Relations. It's tough starting a business in this economy, but we're attracting quality clients and my wife is doing a grand job as usual managing the financial end of things.

Life was good 35 years ago. It's even better today. Make that great.

Milestones. Hope you enjoy the ones in your life as much as I do this day.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

BEVO BLOG: B(c)S Edition

It's here, the first B(c)S poll of the season. Actually it comes out Sunday. The first rankings enroute to the mythical land of college football Oz, where computers and not performance rule. Who is that server behind the curtain?

It's possible Ohio State could top the AP rankings again, yet not be numero uno in the BCS. How can that happen? Again, it's a mystery. Could it be that all this is driven by, gasp, MONEY?

Ask Boise State what they think. I've heard some almost convincing arguments why Boise State doesn't belong in a "National Championship" game, even if they go undefeated all season. They didn't help their cause when they decided to bolt the WAC for the Mountain West Conference. If you want to play for the big game, you have to play with the big dogs. So why didn't they make a a run at the Big 12 to replace the CU Golden Puffs?

Within moments of the first BCS standings being released, the blogosphere will light-up, the arguing will begin and will continue until college football comes up with a genuine playoff system. The NCAA which runs incredibly successful basketball and baseball tournaments, can't seem to do the same with football. Again, a mystery.

Finally today, likely the last meeting between two great football programs, as Texas makes a last trip to Lincoln to take on the Cornhuskers, who are headed to the Big 10. Texas is the underdog and deservedly so. Nebraska is seeking revenge over the last second (59:59!) field goal by Texas in last year's Big 12 Championship Game. Nebraska fans have a reputation for being the most sportsmanlike in the game. We won't blame them if they rub a little corn in the proverbial wound, if they win.

IF...Texas were to win, wouldn't that just upset the BCS apple cart? But that would take me to the beginning of today's blog. An endless loop as it were. Better to quit while I'm ahead.

Cheer on your team. It's college football. The greatest game on earth.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Chilean 33 and Apollo13.It is/was about content.

Anyone NOT watch at least part of the rescue of the Chilean Miners? I thought so. One more question: When did you watch and how did you watch?

***Update*** Web coverage of rescue among most watched ever.

It was an epic drama and a reminder of Apollo 13. When the crew radioed "Houston, we've had a problem" we tuned in. Well, tuned in when the networks had coverage. Otherwise we had to wait.

Not so with the drama in Chile as it unfolded. We could watch 24/7 as streaming video was fed from inside the mine itself during the rescue via television, or streaming video on our computers or PDA's. Unlike Apollo 13, we watched when and where we wanted to.

Coverage was on-demand.

There was one inportant similarity in the coverage of Chile and Apollo 13 and that was content. How to tell the story. I remember one anchor using a blow torch to demonstrate how the heat shield on the Apollo 13 crew module might react during re-entry. CNN distinguished itself with a most simple thing, a mock-up of the capsule used to bring the miners to the surface. A reporter climbed in and we got to see just how narrow the device was. A picture worth a thousand words. Another smart use of words to tell the story was saying the capsule was just a few inches wider than a basketball hoop. In this case, a word worth a thousand mind pictures.

Whatever the story or message, it's all about content and how you tell the story. Pictures are one thing. Connecting the audience with the pictures is something else. Something lost in all the hub-bub over social media. It's not the pipeline that's important but rather what's inside

Content remains king.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversations about you"

The whole word is watching

What are you watching today, on TV or online? Every once in a while a story comes along like the unfolding drama of the Chilean Miners. A story so powerful it shoves asides just about everything else, even for a short while.

As was the case with Apollo 13 decades ago, a world is united. The world community is watching and praying for a happy ending and it looks like it will get one.

It reaffirms the human spirit and reminds us that regardless of where we live in this world, we are one.

Happy endings are a good thing. We need more of them these days.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Obama Chamber Charges Baseless, Factless.

Before I begin, this isn't about partisanship. It's about a dangerous game being played out by the President and when he does, it's our responsibility to call him out. So far, many people have beat me to the punch. But here's a re-cap.

The President is getting desperate. Any time a politician makes things up it's not a good sign. Doubly so when it's POTUS.

President Obama along with Vice-President Biden claim the United States Chamber of Commerce is essentially funneling foreign money into the 2010 campaign. When all else fails, blame everyone but yourself.

The Columbia Journalism Review called out the President in this article, documenting what is a fake scandal. You know, the stuff fairy tales are made of. Make believe.

Claims vs fact according to the Columbia Journalism Review:
-The source of the President's "facts" was a left-wing blog that broke the basic journalism rule of assertion without attribution. It's fancy talk for "making things up."
-Then in an embarrassing exchange between Bob Schieffer of CBS News and White House Advisor David Axelrod, Schieffer asked for proof of what the administration claimed about the Chamber. Axelrod came up short. Way short.



-The Associated Press says flat out there is no evidence to support the administration's claims.

An administration that makes things up to frighten the electorate is an administration in trouble. Ultimately this is a huge insult to the very people the President is sworn to serve and protect. The President believes that if you "evade the truth" about something often enough, people start to believe it. Some sadly do. Most do not.

In a word, it's shameful and an example of all that's wrong in government that puts power and greed above the best interests of the people.

In a word, it's shameful. It's also dangerous to the very freedoms this nation was founded upon.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

What do you do with a drunken sailor?

My friend Al Lewis of Dow Jones Newswires has used the term "Drunken Sailor" more than once in describing the free-spending ways of Congress.

I'm always amazed that so many people blame Presidents for fiscal woes when it's Congress that controls spending. Only Congress can pass spending legislation. Granted, this can come with the huge influence of the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania, but it's Congress who spends our money. Like drunken sailors.

So what should we do with all these drunken sailors? The famous sea shanty offers these suggestions:

1. Put them in a longboat 'till they're sober
2. Keep them there and make them bail her
3. Shave their bellies with a rusty razor
4. Put them in bed with the captain's daughter. (Or son as appropriate)

A 5th option certainly would be to throw the bums out. All of them. The system is broken and both political parties have equally contributed to the mess also known as Washington, DC.

What is it about the system that turns the Mr. or Ms. Smith's that go to Washington into Mr. or Ms. Hyde instead? The fact they have to spend most of their waking hours on the phone raising money instead of legislating certainly doesn't help.

But we're accountable as well. We get all involved during election cycles, then let the system work, or in this case, not work until the next cycle. President Reagan famously said, "Trust but verify." When it comes to sending people to Congress I say, "Vote but verify."

Pay attention to what our reprentatives are doing. (Or not doing) Follow the news, learn the issues and above all know the system of representative government. They're our employees. When their work doesn't meet expectations, let them know about it by phone, e-mail or knocking on their district doors.

Be involved 365 days a year. Not just a few days every two years.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

BEVO Blog: Mack Attack?

The folks down in Austin, TX are getting restless. The 'Horns are 3-2, and out of the AP Top 25 for the first time since 1998. Are there "For Sale" signs being planted in Mack Brown's front yard?

Winning is everything in Texas and according to USA Today, at least some think the Mack Brown is in a little hot water. What hooey.

OK, Texas isn't going to any major bowl this year. Next week they'll likely lose to Nebraska at Lincoln but I still think they'll finish off what is essentially a re-building season 9-3. Going into the 2010 campaign the Longhorns were way over-rated. Colt and J-Ship moved to Ohio leaving some big holes. The defense was supposed to be the best in the land. It isn't. Then there's those dumb "East-West Offense" passes aka the "Greg Davis Offense" which is offensive.

All this has a few not-so diehard fans longing for D-Coord Will Muschamp, already the designated heir to the throne, to take over at the end of the season. They worry Muschamp could head back to his alma mater Georgia if he doesn't get the top job.

Mack Brown is 131-29 in 13 seasons at Texas including a National Championship (I was there) and but for Colt getting knocked out this year's game, might have won a second.

131-29.

If you've ever lived in Texas, you understand the pressure to win at any level. Texas is also the biggest of the big dogs in college football. It was Texas that put the kabosh on what might have been the PAC 16. The program is a cash cow, and cash is king in college football.

Mack Brown will step-down when he's good and ready. If Will Muschamp has any sense, he'll wait patiently for that day to come. As for O-Coord Greg Davis, he can leave anytime he'd like. That could come as early as a week from Sunday.

Finally, I heard that a few OU fans made their way to the Texas-Exes game-watching party this past weekend and behaved like, well, OU fans. Too bad for them because payback is a bee-otch.

HOOK'EM!

Brian Olson

Conversation Starters LLC

"We start the conversation about you"

Where for art thou airbag?

(Car meets deer. Deer wins)

I was driving in south-central Colorado earlier this week when I came around a blind curve and ran into a deer. Or it ran into me. No matter. A reminder when driving this time of year or any time of year for that matter, to be prepared for wildlife sharing the road with you at the least opportune of times.

There was no time to react other than brace for impact. The headlight assembly, fender, hood and driver's door all will have to be replaced. I pulled off the road immediately to check on the car and the poor deer. I found it, a young buck 3-4 years old lying on the road still alive but not looking good. I went back to my car to call the sheriff's office to notify them of the animal in distress when it got up and ran away. It looked like, perhaps, it was just stunned momentarily by the impact (As I was!) but was able to safely move on. I hope he's ok. He's a beautiful animal and I hate the fact we ran into each other on the road.

One thing that is nagging on me is that the airbag didn't go off. The damage is pretty significant as was the impact. When I take it to the body shop for repair today I'm going to ask them about that.

Moral of the story is to be alert at all times when driving the highways in states like Colorado where often times the wildlife out-number humans. Too many times in accidents like mine, the results are far worse. It's incredible the kind of damage an animal that weighs far less than your car can do.

I was lucky. Actually make that blessed. (Thank you Lord!) Be careful out there folks.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

Hick's Horsin' Around (Again)

Just a bit of a disclaimer that this IS NOT a political endorsement. You're smart enough to make your own political decisions. I'm just making an observation as a PR guy.

Have you seen John Hickenlooper's latest TV spot? The theme is everyone is telling him he has to ride a horse in a political ad. I haven't found the video on YouTube yet, so you'll have to settle for a written description.

While making subtle points about his background as a geologist, restaurant owner and now Mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper is seen suiting up looking like he's getting to ride in a rodeo. In the spot he maintains a stern Clint Eastwood-like visage.

Unlike just about every political stuffed shirt who usually wears starched shirts and only puts on jeans and boots when campaigning, Hickenlooper doesn't pretend to be something he's not.

Two other points impress me. First, he doesn't take political cheap shots at those running against him. Second, his spots are produced here in Colorado by Colorado people. I guarantee you 90% of the mud-slinging ads you see are produced by companies back east, by people who've never been to Colorado. Heck, they don't even know where Colorado is.

So thank you (again) Mayor Hickenlooper for opening the windows and letting some fresh air into another stuffy political season. Your spots entertain and engage the viewer. Whether or not they agree with you will be decided early next month.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

When is more...too much?

"When is more...to much?"

That's a line from the most recent edition of CSI New York said by CSI Danny Messer. (Carmine Giovinazzo.) The plot line involved another one of the CSI's witnessing a murder live while on a chat room. Danny, in the scene, is talking to his wife about the huge potential dangers of the Internet, all created by the plethora of technology available to us all.

There are a myriad of pipelines available to all of us to post just about anything we want. Most, but not all of us use these pipelines in positive and creative ways. Most.

It brought to mind the current case of the college student who killed himself after a "friend" posted a video of him in a sexual act; a case of "Cyber Bullying" as profiled in this report on Minnesota Public Radio.

CSI New York isn't the first television plot line involving online crime.

So when does Cyber Bullying cross the line established by the 1st Amendment? For now, it seems the law says it's ok to yell fire in a digital theater. Not so much in a real one. There are other examples. The Washington Post for example has very strict rules about fairness and making sure both sides are heard in a story in its print edition. Their online edition however plays by different rules. Many stories posted are ones-sided to the extreme. But their position is that the online edition is essentially a bookshelf and they are not responsible for the "books" on those shelves. It's a lesson I learned the hard way some time ago.

All of course by the 1st Amendment. The Supreme Court starts its latest session today, and free speech is first on the docket.

Free speech is a precious thing. The 1st Amendment makes us unique in the world. It's worked wonderfully for a few hundred years. At least up until now. The good news is everyone has access to the Internet. The bad news is everyone has access to the Internet.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Radio-Digital-Television News Association (RTDNA) I spoke in defense of the 1st Amendment across the country including twice at the National Judicial College. Thankfully, the 1st Amendment isn't going anywhere.

Sadly, abuses of it aren't going anywhere either. How we deal with it all remains very unclear.

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"

BEVO Blog: Being humbled is so humbling.

There are two schools of thought about UCLA's drubbing of Texas last weekend:

1. The 'Horns were "looking ahead" to Saturday's annual clash with OU.
2. The 'Horns aren't living up to advanced billing.

I've chosen to enroll in the latter school. (The enrollment standards are much lower) Texas fans have had a great run the past few years, but things came to a screeching halt against 'Bama when Colt McCoy was knocked out of the BCS Championship game.

We were at the Texas-Wyoming game a couple of weeks ago in Austin, frankly the team was curiously flat. Compared to most teams, the Longhorns still rock. But in Texas there's winning and "not exactly."

QB Garrett Gilbert follows in the footsteps of Vince Young and Colt McCoy, but in his first full season as QB1, he's hearing the footsteps of defensive players instead. Running game? Haven't seen one yet. Mistakes? Far too many to be a factor in this year's BCS equation. Which equates at best to a 9-3 season. Maybe the Aloha Bowl?? Alo-HOWDY!

But betting on the outcome of the annual food and football fest in Dallas is a foolish thing. It's a game that brings out the best and worst in both Texas and OU. (And their fans) It's a sea of burnt orange and red, evenly divided.

Nothing about the game or the outcome will surprise me, or likely most members of Longhorn Nation.

So belly up to the chocolate covered bacon stand and enjoy the game. Don't forget to check out the fried butter.

There are a few other games of note, not the least of which being:

Alabama and Florida
Stanford and Oregon

Check out the full schedule here.

HOOK'EM HORNS!

Brian Olson
Conversation Starters LLC
"We start the conversation about you"