AWAY GAME SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 11)

Wow... what a weekend... what a week. Just when I think that they'll be a Sunday Love without much in it... I have a week like this.. and Sunday Love comes strong once again. A heartbreaking game on Tuesday (I suppose they're all heartbreaking these days), an "interesting" viewing party in Huntington Beach, an away game in Sacramento (the greatest road trip EVER) and a Sunday with Shaq and the Clipper Girl All-Star backup dancers... whew... my head is spinning just thinking about it all. But all the while, Sunday Love was there to capture the action, the joy, and most importantly, the nonsense!

For those who went, the highlight of the week had to be the Sacramento trip... A few months ago, we had an idea: wouldn't it be fun if we got a group together and attended a Clippers away game? Well, that was September... and finally the day arrived. After arriving at Arco Arena shortly before the start of the game, we all got together in Tiffany's family RV in the parking lot - to get acquainted and maybe a little pre-partying... after donning our Clippers gear, we headed into the Arena - a small cadre of Red, White and Blue in a sea of purple and bad blonde dye-jobs (it was ever-so-clear that Harmony works nowhere near Sacramento). While the game had already started, we waited in the aisle by our seats.... but we didn't wait to start yelling. It was "Let's go Clip-pers!" from the very first moment we saw our boys headed down the court - and it didn't let up until the final horn. It's hard to describe the scene without being there, but I will do my best. The gym was like a really big version of the gym from Hoosiers (if you haven't seen Hoosiers, (1) you are officially not a real basketball fan and (2) you can educate yourself here: http://www.sportshollywood.com/hoosiers.html), complete with a scoreboard that looked like it was built sometime shy of when I was in high school (cue Joey here: yeah I guess it was in Roman numerals then, yuk, yuk, yuk!). I can only assume that the majority of fans were farmers, because (1) the predominant smell outside the arena was, well, "farmy" and (2) they turned at looked at us like we were something that landed in their field... you know, that sort of "Get the gun, Martha" look? It suffices to say, they have likely never seen anything quite like the posse we sent up there. A big Sunday Love shout out to EVERYONE who sent text messages and made phone calls to the folks who were there telling us EVERY time we were on the air on Friday... which came as no surprise, since besides the players, coaches, broadcasters and two old people in the upper level, we were the only Clipper fans in the building! Apparently there were some shots of me dancing... but that's probably blown WAY out of proportion... I mean, why would I be dancing?!?!

ANYHOO... here are the pictures... and I know there are 3 or 4 more cameras out there with shots... so PLEASE SHARE!

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/SacramentoTrip?authkey=eIX8pFEIn94

Of course, there were also two VERY big home games... highlighted by the debut of the I LOVE CLIPPER GIRLS song and an amazing dance performance! Didn't hear the song? http://boomp3.com/m/192c25f57a8b I got you covered... I'm still looking for a decent video of the performance... but how about those promotional posters??? DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN Gina! We've gone hip-hop y'all! Well, in fairness, Whitney has always been hip hop... now the rest of us are invited ;). Seriously, though... what a cool event! The basketball at the home games has been less than inspiring... especially when we get really, really close - and don't win... ugh. That's SUCH a downer... but as always, the Game Entertainment group is bringing it every night, no matter what. The Spirit rocked out today with the Junior Jam, which is always a treat to see - and just when you think you've seen the least masculine on-court performers ever (hearken back to last week's Sunday Love, the baton twirlers and prancing tumblers) out come the shirtless, bald, spandex pants-wearing Russian gymnast guys who balance ON EACH OTHER. Don't get me wrong, it's impressive... but seriously, can we get like a machine gun demonstration or maybe some guys getting kicked in the groin - just to balance things out? I feel like I'm watching a variety show on Lifetime TV... :)

In addition, the SPIRIT also had their Holiday Party after today's game... and thanks to my insider LAURA, we've got some pictures of the event. Needless to say, that's the most hotness that the Liberty Grill has seen since, well, last week... but HEY, y'all did look good in there! Word on the street is that Tiffany came through with a gift that she wasn't even old enough to buy on her own... but come on, who doesn't like a bottle of Absolut Vodka, right? Of course, that's nothing compared to the FP holiday party where the vodka bottles were movin' around like the back room of a Russian mob house - but hey, that's just how we roll... Aside from that, I hear it was the standard exchange of Clippers swag (bedazzled, of course) and Bath & Body Works fruit-flavored body slather... punctuated by a tearful Coach's speech (she's good at those, isn't she???)... and Ashley R. running out the door like she was double-parked...

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/SpiritHolidayParty?authkey=vIwHF3LTphg

But without further ado, let's get to it... THE SUNDAY LOVE PROPS:

Nicole (I'll put this first so you don't have to read any further) - for coming to the realization that if you write your name on the inside of uniform items in BIG BLUE NON-PERMANENT INK, and then you sweat in those items, that ink well end up ON YOU... say... on your behind, for example. There is nothing so indelible on the brain as watching Nicole running about the locker room with her shorts half-pulled down, inviting team members to observe her now-blue derrier. Classic. But also for coming out to see Joey and me at a Kings game, was good to have you out!

Nate - for still playing hurt (believe me, I know), for understanding the value of Vicodin/Vicoprofen, and for taking Cortlin's knee to your dome while warming up baskets and not even blinking... that's TOUGH, y'all! See Nate, that's all you have to do to get into Sunday Love... get hit in the head! How do you think Sanchez gets in every week?

D-Tumblz - for putting together the GAUNTLET that was Tuesday's game... and for getting us through warm ups in just under 33 seconds... having all the time outs scheduled was tough, but it looked amazing. Also for that bank handspring, back handspring, step-out thing which is still my favorite tumbling pass to watch.

Katie - for you well-deserved and long overdue promotion! http://www.sonkifitness.com/about.htm ... because once its on the INTERNET, it's REAL! For being consistently awesome at games... and for fixing it so that even a quarter of the way through the season, we haven't been scheduled together once... isn't that magical... :'( (one tear...)

Cortlin - I really have to force myself to put you this far down the list... no one makes it as easy as you do to get material for SL...for checking the fit of your red uniform shorts by repeatedly slapping your butt in the locker room mirror... I mean, really, what are you testing for? I suppose I should be glad, I've gone a whole week without having to hear about where you're sweating these days...

Nina E. - for always asking me if I'm serious when I tell you that you look great... for always looking great out there (yes, I'm serious), for the black leggings on Sunday... even though I know there's an inside joke there that I'm missing... for loving my Christmas mix! ... for calling in the rescue during the fan viewing party... sorry I left you to talk with that guy... when I think back on it, I guess he did look like the kind of guy who is writing a "manifesto" in his basement... my bad!

Arturo - for never seeming to get involved in locker room shenanigans... for being glued to your text messages before the games...for always answering my "Que paso?" with something really cool-sounding in Spanish, which most likely translates to "I wish you'd shut your gringo ass up"... for being able to handle Leslie's crazy jump and for always finding a way to get your stunts up and keep them up... someday your chiropractor will hate you, but for now, you're a bad ass!

Joey - for being my conscience... who would have thought? and for talking me "down from the ledge" more times than I can count. For being my wingman, and back up in Sac, for standing next to me on camera, even when I'm dancing like a goon... for totally nailing Katie's pancakes... (wow, that sounds a lot worse than the actual occurrence, but I think I'm just going to leave it) for loaning me something cool to wear in Arco, and for tolerating me as a basket toss partner...

Josh - for tolerating ALL of our cold-early-Sunday-morning crankiness... for running a great game today... for the turning arabesque (that was you, wasn't it?) for an awesome new stunt sequence that does not involve "illusions"... and for inspiring me to shout at opposing free-throw shooters every chance I get!

Sanchez - for thinking up the great new coordinated game flags idea! ... for back tucks even after pyro (while I'm busy crying about how my eyes hurt)... for better stunts every game... For letting Ashley R's new bf totally copy your hairdo... for always checking up on my volatile ass, because you just know when I'm not right about something... for almost approving my new music selection, and inspiring me, at least some of the time to listen to something that wasn't recorded in the 80's!

Kristen M. - for finally, finally doing something in the locker room which left me speechless (it took almost three years... well done!). Your cell phone is officially a house of horrors... for getting through your last semester of school, including mid-terms, term papers, and now finals, all while representing on the FP... not to mention the host of other things you're juggling... your consistently positive attitude is what makes it possible! We miss you at the games, though... looking forward to see you after Xmas!

Leslie - for calling me from the H. Beach appearance almost an hour before we're supposed to go on, and representing in the world's sketchiest Viewing Party for over an hour while we all braved the traffic to get there. Way to hold it down! For always having an amazing attitude on the court... for your BIG back tuck basket today... for being up in the stands... you are certainly a fan favorite.. and not just for THUGS anymore, lol :) Seriously, though... you look AMAZING out there!

Tami - for enjoying the Sac trip EVEN THOUGH your bf's flight got cancelled! (if you didn't hear this story you should really ask her about it)... for being AWESOME to work with at today's game... for always showing up at open gym... for always shouting, even with your self proclaimed "little voice"... for waiting at the airport... for walking through the Arco parking lot with me...you're the best Tam! The trip wouldn't have been the same without you!

Summer!!! - for that crazy hip of yours :) ... for being positive, even when there are no desserts on the catering table... for the awesomeness of your high split... for your amazing attitude... for being awesome to stunt with... and for that look on your face when David suggested "toss cupie" for us at the end of that stunt sequence last week... almost as good as your post-basket-toss face!

SPIRIT!!!!!

I'm trying... TRYING to get some more stuff on y'all, but until I can get an insider, this is the best I can do...

Tiffany C. - for leaping into the FP warm-ups on Tuesday... seriously, you almost took out three of us with that thing! Don't dancers have something like "Fore!" in golf? Where you have to say something before you dance into a big crowd of people?!? Lookin' good on the poster, though... and you really should come to the next away trip!

Whitney - for "not having a reliable way of getting a hold of [me]"... ah nothing says "friendship" like: I've known you for two years and still don't have your phone number.. awesome ;)

Brittany - for hiding in a corner in the Spirit locker room, and being the only thing quieter than my cell phone ringer on a Friday night... I'm completely resolved to getting you out to karaoke before the season is done.. and, oh yes, you'll be singing Bon Jovi...

Kelley - for continuing the Cortlin-led tradition of locker room overshare with the announcement of your colon-cleansing and your intention to keep the results... wow... no, seriously... WOW.

Kristin E. - for rolling up in awesome dress... fancy boots, and what one Spirit socks EXPERT described as "Grandpa Socks"... I can only imagine what else was hidden under that top layer of fabulous... Awesome job on Clippers Tonight, though :) You look great up there.. for ALMOST making the shot today.. and getting a LOT closer than the guy twice your size that shot after you did!

Tiffany M - for being the best hostess EVER for the road trip pre-party! It just wouldn't have been as much fun without you there! For representing (along with Melissa) the Spirit very well up there... for having your dad and brother come along with the coolest RV I've ever seen (and, incidentally, for your Dad's great musical taste)... and for the room service order which inspired your quote ( see below).

Edamame - for letting me know that it's COMPLETELY ok to call you that :) ... for completely holding in down up in Sac... who knew you could yell like that?! for your first partner stunting lesson ... YOU'RE A NATURAL! for finishing up your vodka and Red Bull with me before we left the RV for the arena... TROOPER! I hope you make the next trip! We'll see you at open gym.... no seriously, we'll see you there!

Nina R. - for bringing the little one today! He's SO cute! Now I know where you got that jacket from... Lookin' good on the poster!

Laura - for the great holiday party pictures... for the half-court shooting lesson you gave... for being my locker room snitch... and for general awesomeness!

Shannon - for "saving" your good smiles for the game and not wasting them during warm-ups...

Rachel and Nicole - for nearly escaping Sunday Love for almost three weeks now... I'm going to be watching... I WILL get you before 2008 starts...

The Ashlies - for both dating rock stars... and is there any doubt? You're both gorgeous, charming and classy... rock stars should date more girls like you! Now, when you both get reality shows and get all famous... don't go crazy and end up marrying Tom Cruise or partying with Paris, ok? I guess I'll have to start looking for y'all in Us magazine, huh?

Taylor - for sharing my Navy pain at losing our Coach... :(

Harmony & Taylor - for awesome, awesome abs... I'm sorry, I didn't have anything else...

OKAY, Whew...

OOOPS... Almost forgot...

COACH - for making it through some VERY tightly scheduled games, for always looking sharp on gameday and doing it all with a smile... nice gangster pose with Kristin at the party! for always giving a great speech at our get-togethers... for hosting two great holiday parties... and for letting me do Clippers Tonight with Traci! SO much fun!

OKAY... NOW... for what's left of College Football...

San Diego Co. Credit Union Poinsettia	Dec. 20 9 p.m.	San Diego, Calif.	Utah vs. Navy	ESPN
Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas	Dec. 22 8 p.m.	Las Vegas, Nev.	BYU vs. UCLA	ESPN
Rose presented by Citi	Jan. 1 4:30 p.m.	Pasadena, Calif.	USC vs. Illinois	ABC
BCS National Championship	Jan. 7 8 p.m.	New Orleans, La.	Ohio State vs. LSU	FOX

Those are the games that are left that mean anything.. Tim Tebow becomes the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and now he can look forward to relative obscurity for his pro career... Word on the street is the Joey and Jessie still haven't come up with a bet for the Las Vegas Bowl (I'm suggesting trading jobs for a game)... and NO ONE wants to bet against Navy (smart move). But, in sad news, after the most successful six seasons of any coach since WWII, Paul Johnson was hired away from Navy to coach Georgia Tech's football team, and the boys in Annapolis will be coached by their defensive coordinator in San Diego... no worries, though... it's only Utah... and you saw what BYU did to them... come on, 4th and 18?!?

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/12_07-47/NAS

At least USC fans will have Big Ten cupcake Illinois to look forward to beating up on in the Rose Bowl... They'd probably get a better game out of Appalachian State... The day Ron Zook beats a decent Pac-10 team is the day I start rooting for Notre Dame...

Okay... you've waited patiently, so here are your SUNDAY LOVE QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

"Good job coming out tonight.." - Nina E. to me after the fan viewing party...Uh, thanks, Neenz... didn't know you had the bar set so high for my performance. I actually maintain breathing throughout most of my games as well... can I get a high five?

"Someone put their bone in my soup!" - Tiffany M. after discovering the danger of ordering hot wings and soup, and letting your drunk brother hang out in your hotel room.

"I didn't like either the Kings or the Clippers, but now I like the Kings" - angry, bitter old lady sitting in front of us at Arco Arena to Katie... to which Katie lustily answered "GOOOOOOOOOOOO CLIPPPERS!" That's our girl!

"Dude, I saw you dancing on TV!" - at least 8 different people today... proving the maxim that if you do 10 things on camera, the most ridiculous one will be seen by the most people...

"I didn't even know you guys were up there..." - Ralph Lawler, after the Sac game... the only person in Arco Arena that didn't know we were there... at least he's paying close attention to the game...

"It's like a big slumber party in there" - undisclosed Clippers Spirit member, describing the scene in the locker room... funny, that's exactly how I imagined it. Are there pillow fights?

Okay y'all.... that's gonna do it for me...

Don't forget, Tiffany is planning another road trip for those who will be in town on December 28th, for the second half of a home and home against Phoenix! Check out her Evite and come along on the ROAD TRIP!

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=HKPUBHOCZXWUUVDGDXXQ

... if I forgot anything or anyone, please feel free to "Reply to All" and fill in for me where I left off... otherwise Happy Holidays to you and yours... God Bless and stay safe out there, see you all soon!

TRUITT, OUT

HOLIDAY SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 10)

Well folks, believe it or not... this is the first Sunday Love for DECEMBER! Seriously, it feels like just a few weeks ago that it was August and we were just putting these teams together... but alas, we are officially mid-holidays... and the weather almost feels like winter. Well, almost. Funny how one can grow up in a place where the winter temperatures are in the single digits and then a couple decades later end up whining about the "cold" when it gets below 60... SIXTY for God's sake! I've become such a weather wussy!
But hey, a quick early shout out to the ladies of the Spirit/FP who always seem to make cold weather look so good with the scarf/boot/furry coat collar business they are sporting in and out of the arena these days. Makes me almost happy to see the cold... almost.

This week marked a couple of milestones: first, our beloved Clips are now under .500... which isn't really a milestone, but certainly sucks, and makes the reality of our injury situation much more prevalent (Sam, Elton... seriously... come back soon...I mean it); second, there was finally a game that I didn't work at... I know, it's tough to keep me away... I figure one of these days Jessie will figure out that I'd seriously do this gig for free and just take me right off the payroll altogether... but it never fails that despite the fact that I only miss 4-5 games a year in the locker room - I always seem to miss something fantastic (to be addressed later in Sunday Love Quotes of the Week); third, the FP holiday party has officially come and gone (pictures below).

As the Spirit found out, I tend to get a little festive this time of year, and for all of the stress and heartache of shopping, holiday travel, etc., I do love the LOVE that this season is about. I love that we FINALLY have a group that feels like family. I love that I get to spend this time with all of you and that we take the time, each week, to catch up with each other.

WHAT a game on Tuesday!!! Well, at least for the first three quarters... but as I sat in the seats (Section 110 thanks to new marketing guy Brendan) in "regular" clothes, I got to really appreciate just how amazing everyone looks out there! Also, the promo pictures that they roll across the jumbo-tron are seriously, SERIOUSLY hot... For the Spirit, I haven't seen that much gravity defiance since they broadcast pictures from the international space station... I even heard that Jessie got that top from a girl that DIDN'T make the team... at least she can feel good knowing that it got put to very effective use. And for the FP, our photo roll-through looks like the credits for a Laguna Hills reality show... (which I think is called, "The Hills"???)... I laugh every time I see Nina's (Fan Patrol Nina) picture flash up there and I think of her at the photo shoot: "You guys, I don't really know how to pose..." right before she kicked through about eighteen different calendar-quality positions... CLASSIC. And, I FINALLY made it onto the jumbo-tron dancing in the seats! (not even wearing my uniform!)... of course, it was mid-way through the fourth quarter and I was the only person left in Section 110 that wasn't headed for the door.... but HEY, I still got on the jumbo (followed by a text from Coach: "Camera Hog"... nice)

Spirit, your routines look amazing from the seats, and I don't care what DeMarco Farr thinks... your dancing makes the Laker Girls look like an act from America's Got Talent that didn't get a chance to finish. Which reminds me, how about Kristin and Harmony on the Steve Mason show?! That guy really can't stop talking about Jessie... (he's probably seen some of the zesty game outfits)... just wait until he sees the new haircut... I think she might become an honorary co-host. Shout outs to follow...

And SUNDAY'S GAME? Well, at least they're getting CLOSE... although the heartbreak of getting that CLOSE to a win that we really needed is almost worse than getting beaten by 20. I have to say, for a game that coach said wouldn't really have much going on - I sure was tired afterwards!

Hey, how about that halftime show? Okay, I know these are Josh's friends... but seriously, watching about a hundred and twenty kids HOLD while the instructors perform for five minutes and then they let them do a one minute routine and get unceremoniously ushered off? Somehow that just doesn't seem like a great deal. And those two tumbler guys they have? Wow. Just when I thought there wasn't anything that could make the middle-aged baton twirling men from pre-game look masculine, these two guys come prancing out. And seriously, who does the baton guy think he's fooling by wearing a SLEEVELESS CAMOUFLAGE top? "Uh, well, he's twirling a baton (something I think my little sister used to do in grade school)... but CHECK OUT THE CAMO! What a bad ass! ... did you see that high toss and pirouette???" For the record, I don't believe that holding the world record for something makes it good halftime entertainment...

Eg:

http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/europe/9806/11/fringe.mr.eat.everything/

http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/long249.html

http://www.headbalancer.com/pages/world_records.htm

Do I need to go on?

Okay, okay... I'm tired of waiting for them... SUNDAY SHOUT OUTS (and a few BLASTS - David said I had to write that)

FAN PATROL - What a great holiday party! It was so good to spend that time with you all... Some pictures below.... but what's with all the liquor gifts? ... it looked like the gift table at Ted Kennedy's birthday party up there...

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/FanPatrolChristmasParty?authkey=pHRU7PvA3Jk

where to start...

JESSIE - first off, for picking up the MASSIVE dinner tab... for getting us an AWESOME table at the Liberty Grill for the party... for that FANTASTIC new haircut (which I spent almost the entire game thinking was just your old hairdo tucked into your sweater, lol). Okay, but with the "it makes me look five years younger" thing... cut it out already... if you looked five years younger, you'd look 24, and that would just be creepy - especially with your daughters running about. For a great speech at the party - we love you too! For THAT FACE while the halftime show was going... oh, what an honest look that was :)

JOSH - for, instead of Sunday practice, making us run through the hot song at least EIGHT times full out... like I don't sweat ENOUGH during warm ups (for the record, Joey was sweating, too!) But hey, that was an aggressive and fun routine - and you made damned sure we had it down! for (and this one was big) for showing up to the holiday party, even though you have a HUGE test tomorrow... it wouldn't have been the same without you. Also, although its long overdue, for taking the initiative to head back to school - we're all VERY proud of you. Hope the test (and speech) go well!

DAVE SANCHEZ - for your increasingly awesome stuntage at the games... you look great stepping up out there! You always remind me to get up into the stands at every opportunity... sorry the Santa hat didn't fit over the mop - but you managed to look festive nonetheless... for always leading the cheers... for the nearly empty bottle of ibuprofen in your truck that has clearly gotten you through some games you would have been better off not doing... that's dedication Holmes. Looking forward to that snowboarding trip... who knows... maybe we'll make it a team event.

JOEY - for that DOUBLE-CUPIE at Tuesday's game. For being ever at the ready with the homosexual double-entendre if I were ever to miss one... for being a crack shot with rubber bands AND rubber wristbands (how do you shoot those things so well?!) It truly never gets old to see you fire those at Katie... good times at hockey... but seriously, can ONE of our teams win a game soon? It's downright DEPRESSING... Awesome work on camera while holding up silent auction items, you look about as comfortable doing that as a UCLA fan in downtown LA... (sorry Coach)

CORTLIN - not only do I not have a single quote from you about awkwardly personal sweating habits this week, I hear that the most shocking thing that happened in the locker room when I wasn't there had NOTHING to do with you... Are you feeling ok? :) Was good to have you at the party, though - and you managed to sneak a quote in JUST under the wire.

LESLIE - for your awesome attitude... you're always down to head up into the stands, cheer, tumble, or whatever it takes. I don't think I've seen a thug give you that look for weeks... did you lose your touch? for your unnatural obsession with "Hello Kitty" ... I mean, you have to be farthest thing EVER from a Japanese schoolgirl - and yet, you still put Arturo's present in a HK gift bag... you have to love the irony of a RAIDERS shirt in that bag, though... and, in fairness, when you put it with that smile of yours, it totally works. Hope you don't mind if I use that picture of us from the holiday party to tell all my friends back home who I'm dating here in L.A. :) (I may also use the pictures of Nina, Summer and Kristen for the same thing, lol)

KRISTEN M. - for that laugh, every time someone mentions alcohol - like someone's mentioning an old, beloved friend of yours... for looking fantastic in the red uniform on Tuesday night, and for another "last straw"... seriously, you may have enough of those to fill a good sized barn by now. You have the best facials of anyone out there... and I love that you see the bright side in the Bruins loss (See Quotes)

DAVID W. - for putting together an AWESOME gift for Coach... for your continually bad-ass tumblage... for NOT being those halftime guys... for ALWAYS putting the time in to get things together. At least three of those halftime cheerleaders asked for you while we were up on the concourse before the game... apparently you're pretty well known with that crowd!

KATIE - for TOTALLY coming on the Sacramento Trip! For dancing in the corners (and on the court during warm-ups and pre-anthem)... for NOT warming up your basket... for that undeniable smile... for being referred to as that "six pack girl"... For, by far, the cutest cold-weather gear (something about you in a scarf, reminds me of Annapolis in the winter)... for sharing in my Navy Football joy (along with Taylor)... for just being, well, you.

NINA E. - for an AMAZING game today! Basket after basket after basket... you were just as much fun to work with in the corner as I expected, and actually a little bit more. For tolerating my behind the basket free throw silliness... for breaking hearts ALL OVER the arena... a really good way to get ONLY your wrists on camera is to stunt with Nina... Seriously, if that HD camera guy got any closer to you, he would have been wearing your shorts with you. For not being my Secret Sister, and saving me a ton of money on that Caribbean vacation, lol. For taking "one big step" into that tarzan-up-to-shoulders... just so you won't go up with the wrong foot!

NATE & NICOLE - totally missed you two at the party today! Come back soon! If your talent gets into any greater demand you may have to clone yourselves! Word on the street is, you have some pretty sweet gifts waiting for you... HURRY BACK!

TAMI - for ALWAYS showing up at Open Gym! Even when it's just you and me in there, I always get a tremendous amount of great work in... and you're a trooper! For always being ready with a high five after a successful stunt - and for always being ready with encouragement if things don't go perfectly. Sorry about the butt-catch while warming up walk-ups - at least we were back-stage! Wish we would have gotten some more time to work together at the game, but you and Dave looked great... Looking forward to Open Gym again soon - and SO excited that you're coming on the Sac Trip!

ARTURO - for being BY FAR the most excited to get your Secret Santa gift... I have never seen someone take so much joy in life's little pleasures. That's probably a lesson for all of us... no, that's definitely a lesson for all of us. For always showing up... for always stepping up. I remember thinking that when we met that it would be so great to someday have you as a teammate... and I was TOTALLY right. :)

SUMMER - for being an AMAZING game partner (I think that's the most we've ever stunted together - and you were great), for being my surrogate Secret Sister, and still looking surprised. For still being happy, even when you didn't get brownies from your secret sister... for not being from the Spearmint Rhino (okay, for those of you that don't know - when the FP girls first debuted the red unis, Summer got asked if she was from that joint ... which apparently is a strip club, but you'll have to ask Joey... I'll take that that means our girls look great ... and aren't wearing very much, lol). For your "little voice" in the corners... I'm sure I haven't said this enough - but it's good to have you back.

....

SPIRIT!!!! You ladies looked AMAZING with the Junior Jam... and seriously, after watching the baton-twirling pre-game and cheer-dance-thing halftime, you were a sight for sore eyes (no really, my eyes were really sore - and you should have seen Jessie's!) Don't think I forgot about y'all!

ASHLIE R. - for proving the Sunday Love Law of Tripping, which states: if you trip in uniform and you think no one saw you... rest assured, Sunday Love saw you! But seriously, with a smile and hair flip - you TOTALLY pulled it off.

KRISTIN E. - for, while the rest of the girls were dancing around and enjoying the Christmas music I put in your locker room, freaking out because someone had been in your locker room! I mean, I understand that people have been in there and stolen things in the past, so you should be concerned... but what sort of sick bastard would do that and then leave behind Christmas music?!?! For the record, I DID tell Whitney that I put it in there before she went in... so you can blame it on her... :)

... and speaking of...

WHITNEY - for not QUITE making the half-court shot over your back, but still making it look oh-so-easy and oh-so-good... for always stopping by the FP locker room just to say "hi" (which we LOVE by the way!), for always having a smile and kind word for us when we come off the court... You're so much more than the "cute, curly haired girl"... How many fans have asked me "Do you know Whitney?"... to which I always answer... "Um, of course, ... we're dating".

HARMONY - for being EXCEEDINGLY nice to Steve Mason on the radio (along with Kristin E)... I really NEVER get tired of this clip: http://stations.espn.go.com/stations/710espn/show?showId=stevemasonshow - I really tried to e-mail a question in to the show for you to answer. But come on, couldn't you have blown up the Laker girls just a little bit?! And before I forget, for making Kristen M's hair look fantastic... which the ladies on FP now refer to as being "Harmonized"

TIFFANY and MELISSA - SO EXCITED that you're joining us for the Sac trip... and Tiffany rolling with her fam, and the rest of the posse... rollin' RV/road-trip style - I think you two are in for a real treat... and if you haven't spent time with a bunch of cheerleaders before - a little heads-up... we're NOT very quiet at these outings...

KELLEY - for rolling back from Santa Barbara on a Sunday morning to make a 10 o'clock call time... and still rolling out with the girls for noodles after the game... that's commitment y'all... and also, coincidentally, the only way to avoid traffic coming back from Santa B.

ALEX - so GOOD to see your smiling face back out there...

SHANNON - It's so weird that I shout "SMILE SHANNON!" while you're dancing - especially because you're always smiling... and I officially haven't seen your socks in, like, three weeks now... what's up with that?

Hey Spirit... seriously, can I get a little help here? This is the last week I'm going without - if I don't get some dirt from you all - I'm getting another locker room correspondent. Come on, now ... who's got some props to give out?!

.....

OKAY, now I'd be remiss not to mention some BIG College Football stuff that happened over the weekend...

As many of you already know - USC defeated UCLA in L.A.'s biggest cross-town rivalry, 24-7. So Jessie's, Kristen's, and Tami's Bruins couldn't repeat last year's feat, and end up sending the Trojans off to the Rose Bowl to face Illinois from the Big 10... much trash was talked, and Joey, who put his money where his mouth was, came out ahead for the second week in a row - this time with a nice bottle of Ketel One for his trouble. But what's even more awesome about this bet, is that Jessie will get a chance for revenge as her beloved Bruins will face off against Joey's alma mater, BYU in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 22. What are you kids betting this time?

NAVY capped off one the most successful seasons ever, by dump-trucking Army 38-3. The win marks the sixth straight, and is the first time that EITHER team was won at least six straight in the 108 year history of the rivalry. It also finished up the highest scoring season in NAVY history - a mark previously held by the 1917 team... yes, 1917 (My senior year in HS, right, Joey?) And in another odd turn of events, NAVY will be facing off against Kelley's UTAH squad in the SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 20th... and I think we all know who's going to win that....

So, the college football regular season is done - and another week where #1 and #2 both lost ... it's finally set... Ohio State will play LSU on January 7th for all the marbles. NOTRE DAME, at a dismal 3-9 will not be playing in a bowl this year (their bowl losing streak will have to wait another year to be continued)... but I got a very interesting letter from a Notre Dame grad that I will forward on later this week.

So - pretty soon I'll have to find something else to put in this part of Sunday Love - that or start talking about Navy's season in 2008 :)

...and OF COURSE, last, but certainly not least - the NOW FAMOUS, SUNDAY LOVE QUOTES OF THE WEEK:

"F U", "F U", "F U" - the three consecutive text messages sent by Jessie to Joey, after he texted "How bout those Trojans?" at the close of the game. Simple, yet still eloquent, Coach. :)

"Yeah, but hers looks dirty" - Tami, after I remarked that she and Kristen both stick their tongues out when they're up in stunts. Ah, Bruin Love...

"Turn around and raise your hand" - Kelley to Laura, so she could point out "the girl that made that half court shot" to some friends in the stands. Ah, the high price of fame. At least she was waving to the right box this time.

"*CENSORED*", "*CENSORED*", "*CENSORED*", "*CENSORED*"... - Nate reading Kristen M.'s text messages aloud, which I completely missed by not being in the locker room... Censored due to explicit sexual content - some of it misspelled. There are two morals to this story: 1. If you're saying something to someone that you wouldn't ever want them to tell all of their teammates about, it's probably best to say it, instead of writing it down and 2. Kristen's boyfriend says some really, really funny stuff (ask to borrow her phone).

"No, I'm not going.... I mean, I COULD... but I'm not going" - Cortlin, when I looked surprised that she wasn't going to Lakers game after the holiday party. I guess it's better that way... I don't have to worry about her getting stuck in the upper concourse and freaking out. Besides, I'm sure even the Owner's Suite gets boring after a while. :)

"I got down on the appetizers!" - Nina E., trying to explain why after ordering a half chicken entre, she consumed about 3 bites of it (see photos).

"She looks like the morning after, the night before" - me, which David S. reminded me of... but we can't remember what the heck, or who the heck I was talking about...

"Well, at least I have a TON of liquor left over from the party" - Kristen M., finding the silver lining in the cloud that was the UCLA loss...

.....

Okay, folks... I know this is now Monday Love instead of Sunday Love, but I wrote MOST of it last night, so I think I still get Sunday credit. Let me take a moment to thank Marianne for giving me the continuing opportunity to co-host ... it is an awesome opportunity, and I have a blast out there with Traci (who is amazing and who I'm learning a ton from).

Hope you all have a tremendous week... next Sunday I'll be writing about the big Sac trip... and hopefully Jessie wont be flying up to bail us out of jail...

In case you're interested (and I've already fielded one request), I'll burn you a copy of my holiday mix if you're so inclined ... buy a copy to play loud from a hidden location in Kristin's house, Holiday fun for everyone :)....

Happy December all!

Truitt... OUT.

HOLIDAY SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 9)

Well, nothing marks the start of the holiday season like a little binge eating with family, the setting up of holiday decorations and obsessively early shopping trips to the mall... I mean, seriously, 4 AM? Outside of going to Katie's boot camps, there really is no good reason to be awake at that hour... unless you're in Vegas and you're still up and not getting up. However, I drove by quite a few shopping malls on Black Friday morning, and each of them was parked to capacity... as if these locations weren't stressful enough, right? And honestly, what does it say about our commercialization of a holiday when we kick off our preparations for it with a day called "Black Friday"? The only similarly named day is Black Monday - which marked the stock market crash of 1987 (which I think only Jessie and I remember) the largest one-day percentage decline in stock market history... wow, Happy Holidays anyone?

So with my holiday shopping now officially behind schedule and my number of purchased presents at precisely zero... bring on the SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAY LOVE!

Besides all that shopping, we kicked off the whole weekend with a surprising Clippers win, and with the MASH unit status of our team, any win is good to have... I mean, our injured list is like a cast listing for our highlight reel... but it's good to see the rest of the crew stepping up - especially against a team as talented as Denver. Unfortunately, we stumbled a little bit last night - and it certainly didn't help that the officiating crew called the game Tim-Donaghey-style (for those who don't watch the sports news - that means like they had money on Denver)... Really... I haven't seen calls that bad since the Bachelor finale.

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/the-bachelor/bachelors-final-decision-was-a-14070.aspx

Honestly, no one's more surprised than I am to be using that as a cultural reference... but it's a part of my continuing efforts to keep these little pieces relevant for everyone involved - and until recently, I had no idea how many of you all watch this nonsense (and by "nonsense" I, of course, mean "culturally relevant and excellent television programming") So there you go. As an aside, if you really want to know why that happened, I'd direct you to the very first chapter of Chuck Klosterman's Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto.

http://books.google.com/books?id=AHekpO_OM0oC&dq=sex+drugs+and+cocoa+puffs&pg=PP1&ots=gqfZshthiu&sig=P_K7CPl6TqopMIipOd5pL30ZZ_o&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fq%3Dsex%252C%2Bdrugs%2Band%2Bcocoa%2Bpuffs%26ie%3Dutf-8%26oe%3Dutf-8%26aq%3Dt%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26client%3Dfirefox-a&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnail#PPA1,M1

But hey, all my attempts to get to folks to read something besides Us magazine aside - the week was also marked by continuing excellent performances by all the Game Night Entertainment teams - including the Spirit's fun hand-jive routine (sorry I don't know the actual name) and their constant array of zesty new uniform variations, the Fan Patrol getting on the court at every opportunity, the Junior Jam raising the bar, and Jessie continuing her streak of saucy game night outfits (okay, I know she says it embarrasses her that I mention it, but come on, am I wrong here?!).

...and I would be remiss not to mention Kelley's 25th Birthday party on Friday night at the ELEVATE Lounge in downtown LA! What a great venue and great event! I'm so glad that we take the time as teammates to get out to these things as a group... I'm sure it meant a lot to Kelley, and it was great to see everyone! Now, I took my requisite ton of pictures (including my now-famous candids) ... but not to be outdone, Kelley had her own professional photog there... none other than Henry the on-court intern photo guy... and man, can that guy take some pictures!

Here are mine:

http://picasaweb.google.com/glennt97/ClippersLateNovemberLOVE?authkey=Tf9EsPSC21I

and here are Henry's:

http://weblog.henrychenphotography.com/home/2007/11/24/kelleys-25th-birthday-at-elevate-lounge.html

... and don't forget, we're less than 2 weeks from STORMING ARCO ARENA! So, for those of you going - start to get excited (and please pay me for your game ticket, lol)!!!

So, without further ado.... because I'm pretty sure that many of you just scroll down to your name and see if I wrote anything funny about you...

THE SUNDAY PROPS:

Okay FAN PATROL - no practice today... which means I finally have a day to heal... and so does Josh and Nate ... and Dave Sanchez.. and hey, are any of the girls hurt? Well, happy healing day to all!

Josh - for awesome game control on Saturday! Was great to have all of the timeouts and performances set, and I think you were a really big part of our increased game presence... that being said, your ankles are still wrapped up like they're trying to get away, so hopefully you're on the mend, and will be back to full strength soon... and hey, that tick-tock with Summer was just straight-up badness! And, please start shouting from the diaphragm when you're starting cheers... aside from the damage to your throat, you sound like the lead singer in a death metal band, and you SERIOUSLY scared some folks up in 301!

Nicole B - for inspiring greatness in others' basket tossage! ... I know how much better everyone throws when you're around, if only not to look too much worse than you in the air... you have continually "set the bar" for fliers this year... even if all I ever get to do is put you up on my shoulders, you're a pleasure to work with out there... but seriously, seriously none of the outfits this year make you look "fat" or "flat"... so just go on with your pretty self...

Dave S - for throwing tumbling on dead legs... and for being a good friend to me, despite my nonsense. Good to see you pushing the envelope on your stunting - and for leading the way into the stands... You want to see how to connect with the fans and increase your court presence? Watch Dave.

Dave Tumblz - for your secret aspirations to wear the headset full-time! I knew it! But I always love looking at you and saying "Why don't you go tumble?" and then you walk onto the court, do that straight-armed-running-to-get-ready-to-tumble run and then start handspringing off into the sunset... au-to-matic... nice.

Cortlin - Seriously... unless you lose your voice, I'm pretty sure you're guaranteed a spot in the Sunday love quotes. It may actually be a misnomer to call what you do over-share - it's really gone far beyond that... it suffices to say that you and I set the "it's ok to tell other people that" bar in very different places :) I do love to faux indignation ("ew!") when I'm fairly certain you've seen a good bit more wildness than the rest of us... combined. (Not counting Kristen M) It was, however, really great working with you on Saturday's game, although after spending that much time standing next to you out there, I'm now pretty sure I know what it's like to be invisible....

Katie - I'm not sure whether I like you best in your game uni or your oh-so-cute civilian clothes (hey, I don't have a better word for them)... I do know that I always feel better when you walk in the locker room... awesome job going up in more high-splits than I can count... and always fighting to keep stunts... I don't think I've ever met a flier more committed to making her partner look good... I hope I can someday get a game working with you - you're officially the only person I work with less than Nina! Thanks for donating your shoes to Cortlin... made her even better to work with!

Tami - Geez, two weeks in Louisville and you're officially a bad ass! Your form (already good) gets better every week and you're always a ton of fun to work with... But can you please stop pinching the inch of skin below your belly button and calling it fat?! Seriously, you wouldn't be fat if there were two of you duct-taped together... You weigh less than a good-sized deli sandwich, for goodness sake! Thanks for always showing up to open gym ... and great job on that Tarzan-up! can't wait to throw it at a game!

Kristen - Just after I thought you were back... you're gone again! I think Elton Brand has been on more games than you... Who do I have to slap around here to get you on the game schedule?! I got so bummed that I actually learned the Soulja Boy dance ... so that I don't look so sad when they play it and I have no one around to stunt with... :(

Summer - I don't know what it is... but between your new basket-toss height and your jump height/timing, you're going as high as I ever seen you go... now, I know that it's not some new work out routine... so what's your secret? Are you inhaling helium before the games? Springs in your shoes?! PS - you can stop reading now... :)

Leslie - for having your dad show up with your shorts just in time for the game... for the amazing new height on your back-tuck basket... and for an awesome positive attitude! It's great to see you stepping in to baskets and stepping up to stunt... and hey, have we ever mentioned just how fantastic you look in the new uni's?

Arturo - For being the only base that can tame Leslie's jump... for never ever saying "no" when the routine is being set up... and for being a great flag-partner during Josh's detailed flag choreography...

Joey - for joining me and Katie as the ever-present FP representatives at social events... was great to see you on Friday night... even if we didn't get you onto the dance floor this time... what's up with that? You sure weren't shy at Montana's! But either way, thank you for being the voice of reason that I will listen to... or at least the one I know that will choke me out if I don't listen to it...

Nate & Nina - I got nuthin'.. and I sat here and really thought about it too! What's up with that?!

SPIRIT... for those of you who have taken part in the new Deal or No Deal promo... let me just say... you are all evidence that there is a just and righteous God and that he loves me... I don't think I could even muster enough syllables to pick a suitcase if I was out there... I'm pretty sure that if there are cocktail parties in heaven - they look just like that... me and a bunch of beautiful, charming, articulate and interesting girls in black dresses (minus the 17,000 or so fans)

Kristin E - for taking the best candids this side of Kelley... (see pictures above)...

Whitney - for your continued tolerance at me shouting your name in public places.... for the best hugs ever... for that dance move (you know the one), which I will now simply refer to as "The Whitney"...

Harmony - Okay, I don't know if they're new or not... or if maybe your hair just always looks so good that I didn't notice, or if I'm still just traumatized by that eye-sparkle thing from last year, but NICE ABS! Seriously...

Kelley - for being a charming hostess on Friday... and seriously, no one is a "cougar" at 25... let's not talk "the old" around Glenn... because, hey, that's hurtful enough as it is.

Nina R. - I know you said you got it from the 49'ers, but I'm still pretty sure I saw that jacket at Baby Gap... ;)

Melissa - I think the camera guy has a new crush... honestly, the jumbo-tron was like the Melissa close-up shot show... which would be a lot funnier if you didn't look so damned GOOD up there!

Tiffany M. - Way to step up for the Sac trip! An RV road trip?! Of course :) So glad you're coming - with your sizeable posse, too! You're like MC Hammer without the bad pants!

Okay SPIRIT... that's all I've got - which means, if I don't start getting some more feedback from you all about locker room and dance shenanigans, I'm going to have to reactivate my locker room correspondent... and trust me, she's good at getting me the DIRT!

.. and now for the COLLEGE FOOTBALL LOVE...

It was another crazy week as the season is finally spiraling towards a close... Number 1 and Number 2 both went down, and if it weren't for that INSANE loss to Stanford, USC might have its eye on a BCS Championship bid... but hey, there is still some VERY exciting football left... not to mention bowl games...

USC - as a special Thanksgiving treat completely unloaded a season's worth of frustration on Arizona State... wow, didn't they ever look like the team we hoped they would have been this season before "that Stanford game"... Whichever team gets the Trojans in the postseason had better bring the wood...

UCLA - much like picking on the fat kid on the playground, the Bruins beat up on an Oregon team without its previously Heisman hopeful QB... When you're backup QB is Ryan Leaf's little brother... you know it's going to be a long day... still, the boys from Westwood took care of business and now we can finally look forward to the inter-city match up...

with the ROSE BOWL on the line - it's USC - UCLA this weekend... pick your sides (I know where Jessie and Joey are) and speak up...

UTAH and BYU - the CIVIL WAR... after scoring and being up by 1 and having under 2 minutes to go... Utah had BYU with a 4th and 18 deep in their own end... but one 49 yard play later, the Cougars had new life, and drove down for the winning score just a few plays later... heartbreak for the UTES, and a field-storming win for BYU... Joey's squad is victorious and Kelley's Utes are left to wonder what could have been... oh and I think someone owes someone twenty bucks :)

NOTRE DAME eeked out a win over Stanford - and Charlie Weis had the audacity to brag about the two game winning streak that his team is on... wow. Only Irish fans could find a reason to talk smack after a season like that... The Irish made mediocrity look oh-so-good... Here's hoping they lose NINE more next year - they don't deserve any better... at least they won't be stinking up any bowl games this year.

NAVY had a week off to prepare for the ARMY - NAVY Classic which we needed about as much as the Viking horde needed an extra week to prepare for their next coastal village... The best part of this game will be over when the ball is kicked off... The Commander-in-Chief's trophy is already sewn up and will remain in Annapolis for the sixth straight year (where it belongs)... and now we're just waiting for the Pac-10 to finish up to see who we'll be playing in San Diego on the 20th...

...as a reminder, if you want to go see one of college football's hardest playing teams, you can join me for the Poinsettia Bowl in a few weeks... :)

Oh - and before I forget... Sunday QUOTES:

"Don't ask me that..." - Nicole B., when I asked how I looked before heading out for my first hosting segment of the season... turned out to be solid advice... lol.

"I don't know, I'm just all full of liquid" - Cortlin, when I asked her what was wrong as she was hunched over and clutching her stomach...

"...whatever, we're just here to see the athletes..." - random female fan muttering under breath as she walked by me after two of Spirit greeted her at the doors... uh, note to that lady, you just walked by six of them... haters anyone? :)

"...are you guys Clippers players?" - fan in the upper concourse (to male FP members), who has some serious miscoceptions about the size of NBA players...

"uh, we have two minutes ..." - Harmony, when we tried to leave the greeting area at 7:03pm...

"This must be rodeo, because all the officials tonight are clowns..." me (okay, I don't have many brilliant comedic moments, but this one was pretty good, I think, lol)

"...are the girls any heavier?" - Paramedic, right after he asked me how my Thanksgiving was... I, of course, told him "No, they're feather-light as always."

...

Okay folks... that's about going to do it for me... and I may actually get this out on Sunday....

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday... look forward to seeing you all soon!

REMEMBER, AS ALWAYS, if you've got something else to contribute, or something I missed, please "Reply to All" and let us all in on it...

TRUITT.... OUT.

THANKFUL SUNDAY LOVE (Sunday Love 8)

Well, that was quite a weekend... I finally found out just how tired I would be after doing both a hockey game and a basketball game in the same day. Of course, it wasn't so tired that I couldn't enjoy a little post-game hoo-ha with you all (including my continuing campaign to get Ruby to come back to FP), but it was great to see everyone out there enjoying a few drinks, some very marginal chips and salsa, and a lot of laughs. It hasn't been great times for the basketball team - seems like we've got more than our share of injuries... and a couple of losses to show for it, too. But, the on-court entertainment continues to be and look amazing - from the Spirit's dazzling display of the endless parade of new uniforms to FP's constantly changing court presence. What a start to the year we've had... and before we could take a breath, the holidays are upon us... and this is the last Sunday Love before Thanksgiving.

So before I get on with it, let me just be the first to wish you all the happiest of turkey days. It is very easy for me to identify the thing I am most grateful for this year - and that is, quite simply - all of you. It has been, and continues to be, a humbling honor to work and be friends with such amazing people. I am thankful for the times we have already had, the many amazing times to come. I am thankful that I am able to share these times in my life with you, and that I am able to share in all of your amazing lives. I am thankful to have this simple forum, to bring us all together, if only for a few moments each to week - to remind myself and remind all of you, that although we each have our personal struggles in practice, in training, and on the court, we are all still in this together. And together is a good place to be.

Now dry those eyes, fire up the oven and get that turkey cookin', turn on some football, and set the pillows out on the couch for food comas... because it's time for SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!

A few people asked me this week if I take notes throughout the week for Sunday Love, and as I told them, I'll tell you. No, I don't. I find it very cathartic to sit down on Sunday night and remember about the week I just spent with y'all, so that's how I do it. So I may miss a few things from time to time, but it has always been my hope that this simple message will inspire each of you to write back to all of us with some "Sunday Love" of your own - to help me catch the things I've missed... or (in the case of the Spirit locker room) things I never see. I suppose I'm just glad that Sunday Love has allowed us not to take ourselves too damned seriously when we make mistakes - because laughing together is always better than laughing alone... except when Joey laughs at me - then I'm pretty okay with it just being Joey.

I have to apologize for not having photos again for the SECOND consecutive week... I intended to have my camera for Saturday, but the battery was dead when I pulled it out of my bag... so - no paparazzi pics from the big day... but it was fun to share the "transition" with Joey, Kelley and Leslie (the girls who showed up gratuitously early for the game)... we had a nice little sit down, eat and chat in the Fox Sports Grill - enjoying a little anonymity amongst the post-game hockey crowd. You have to admire Leslie's dedication - when I asked her if she'd like to get something to eat, she scolded me and told "No! I ate before I came!" and then, after she didn't order a drink, when I suggested she just get a water, she scolded me again, "What? Do you want me to have to pee every thirty minutes during the game?!?"... Note to self: when out with Leslie, just let her call the shots on ordering... hey, but as a word of advice, as long as it's pre-game, she's charming company at a very reasonable meal cost. :)

As a note to anyone who can influence the locker room hallway set-up (Coach this may be you)... It is SERIOUSLY not nice to set up the FP locker room door curtain JUST TO THE RIGHT of the FP locker room door! I mean, I think all of us walked right by our own locker room door and pushed through the curtain to the cement wall before realizing what had happened, and the coup de grâce was when intern Ross (aka Big Ross, aka Ross Boss) tried to go into the wall behind the curtain and ended knocking over both flags which were propped up against it, one of which landed on his head... after than we decided that we were creatures of habit to which this change posed too great a safety threat and moved it back in front of the door...

It was also great to see YOKO from two years ago, with her Japanese cheer team in tow... she was gracious as always and asked me to marry her so she can get a green card (I declined) ;) Thanks to Kristin E, Whitney and Taylor for joining me with Yoko's crew after Wednesday's game - when we stayed downtown at a authentic Japanese restaurant (and by "authentic" I mean I didn't have any idea what we were eating and everyone laughed at my chopsticks skill). There was a great deal of laughing at my "very fast talking" and just being a male cheerleader - but it was still great to spend some time with Yoko and her friends!

And since I know that you won't wait long (meaning Summer won't read past the first two pages of this thing), here are the SUNDAY PROPS:

Shannon - for finally noticing the rest of us, EVEN with your new bf in the stands :) I'm glad we finally got to meet this distracting chap - and I haven't seen you smile that much since - well, since you were last performing... and for always flashing that million-dollar grill every time I shout during pre-game rehearsals "SMILE, SHANNON!" ... and hey, why haven't I seen your socks in two weeks?!

(speaking of smiling)

Kristin E - for smiling. I was watching pre-game warm ups for the Spirit, and I love how intense you girls are as you get your moves down perfectly, but I noticed, amidst all of that concentration, there is one girl who ALREADY has her game-smile on.... and it's the kind of thing that just makes you feel warm all over. Kristin, you are the consummate performer and professional - and what makes it even better is how genuine it is... You couldn't combine the Laker girls and get a smile like that... that's why you girls rock - you're REAL. and you're awesome! (Also loving that new golden brown-ness - go MATRIX!)

Whitney - for your insane humility... and for being SO MUCH MORE than just the "cute, curly haired girl"... your inexhaustible optimism and personal style are a model for each of us as we develop our on-court personalities as extensions of ourselves and not "separate characters"... and also for your tolerance at me shouting your name in public places.... which sounds too good for me to stop ... "WHITNEY!"... and now my neighbors have another reason to hate me...

Taylor - for being on camera immediately following your on-screen bio, and COMPLETELY PULLING IT OFF!! I would have been embarrassed out of my mind... but you smiled that smile, and waved and let everyone cheer... so classy. And seriously, you with the business attire and the headset?? Wow. Like you were born for that job. Also for tolerating my sweatiness and overly-exuberant leg throwing during today's in-studio workout.

Harmony - for being a SERIOUS bad ass during Katie's little smash session... aside from being the sit-up exemplar, I don't think you even broke a sweat (while I was sweating like I was three days into the apocalypse)... so you do hair and you're a fitness stud?? Can you fly, too? Can I just say, I've seen your picture come up on the jumbo-tron while you're dancing and I'm just SO happy they didn't put those creepy sparkles back in your eyes...:)

Kelley - for mistaking which luxury suite the people from your dad's company were in, and making a whole suite full of new and very aggressive fans. Seriously, if you didn't see this, folks, you missed out. If Kelley even so much as looked up there, they would go completely insane - I'm pretty sure (if I can read lips correctly) that one guy proposed to her - like four times. As a cautionary tale, ladies, if you're going to make eye contact with a big group of drunk guys, make sure you already know them - or you may get to know them anyways...

Lynae - for being talkative only in the locker room. So after I wrote about you last week being so quiet... I heard from more than a few of your teammates, that you're plenty chatty in the confines of the Spirit locker room... so, I was wrong... I admit it... it's just that you haven't spoken to ANY OF US since the preseason :) But, hey, that mime bit was pretty good...

Tiffany C. - for being QUITE the runner... wow! I'm glad it's Katie pacing us and not you... geez, I think I'd STILL be sweating... You're definitely disarming with that smile and it's always a pleasure to watch you out there... sorry for being behind on the news, but hope you see you out with us again soon!

Ashley R & Alex - for being BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! Was so good to see you two at today's practice! You both look amazing as always, and thanks to Alex for out-sprinting me on the indian-run (like I needed another reason to feel old)... It was refreshing to hear a five-minute discussion on Ashley's blonde-ness conducted just behind me (apparently after a five-day process it's slightly darker) .... but, it's still very much you. Can't wait to see you both on Wednesday!

Laura - for your continuous celebrity - at least three different FP girls had to fend off the following question: "Hey are you the girl that made the half-court shot?"... so I guess the good news is, you look A LOT shorter on TV... :) Hey, come on! Have you seen our girls!? Seriously, though... you wear it well...

Ashley S. - two weeks... and NOTHING?!? Come on, now... Don't make me go looking... ;)

Nina R. - I think I was glad I came to Katie's ab-destruction festival right after I saw that workout jacket you had on... I mean, I don't care which kid you stole it from - if I had abs like that I wouldn't cover them either :) When are you going to do a follow up appearance on "Cribs"?!

Nicole - for being fantastic company during greeting at the doors, and still smiling while creepy guys get their picture taken with you. I mean, I've been watching it for three years now, and I'm fairly certain there's no way to get your picture taken with the Spirit or FP girls and not look smarmy (unless you're under the age of 12)... but there certainly is more creepy and less creepy... you're a model of how-to-smile despite this rampant creepiness...

Rachel and Melissa - I think I'd you two confused A LOT LESS... if you actually did something to get into Sunday Love!

Brittany - for always laughing at my jokes and doing such a flawless job that I have absolutely nothing to rag you about... NOTHING! Geez.... can someone help me out here?!?

Tiffany M. - I REALLY can't believe I've got nothing for you... really... at least your camera is still pink.

Laura and Kelley - for identifying the drunkest fan I've ever seen and getting an usher to her just in time for the usher to get puked on... just in case you're wondering how to get kicked out of STAPLES without starting a fight or groping a cheerleader, that'll do it. Seriously, who gets that drunk on a WEDNESDAY night at a Clippers game?! On the other hand, it was fun to watch her only-slightly-more-sober friend try to help her up.. and the guy sitting next to her as she fell, and the don't-you-even-think-about

-helping-her-up look that he got from his girlfriend...

Okay FAN PATROL - don't think I forgot about you:

Josh - for having been out for so long that you didn't know that we changed uniforms at half-time and rolling out for "Make Some Noise" in the first half uni. Luckily for you, your amazing on-court presence (and some seriously bitchin' arm ink) made it almost unnoticeable. Almost. :) But it was SERIOUSLY good to have you back - even with your ankles wrapped up like little black neoprene mummies. It's just so much more fun behind the opposing free-throw shooter's basket with you there.

Nicole B - for learning that "discretion is the better part of valor" and although it puts a most uncomfortable look on your face when you do it, swallowing comments for the good of the squad... also, as will be revisited later in quotes, it's not that people keep shoving their crotches in your face, it's that you''re sitting in the middle of the locker room floor doing your straddle stretches... for continuous bad-ass baskets - and the world's lowest and still pretty x-out... great catches as a mid-base, there's no one I'd rather have up on my shoulders during a pyramid (although you're right, it does seem like we end up there a lot)...

Dave S - for keeping it real, for always reminding me and the rest of the team what it's all about out there. After six years, there's not a lot that you haven't seen, and we all benefit from you experience, and how about toss lib and toss cupie today?!? Dang, man, you have been working out! for taking a kick to the face, and still finishing the stunt... now THAT'S determination y'all.

speaking of toss stunts...

Dave Tumblz - for toss lib today!!! and for taking to the time to give us the real feedback on what we're doing. For setting up timeouts so we look our very best out there... for rockin' the headset on Saturday.... although we really missed your D-Tumbling up and down the court...

Cortlin - for more and more over-share. It's funny, because each time I think to myself, well, she can't possibly share more personal information than that... and then you bust out with a gem about the wetness of your butt... wow. You really need a reality show, although I think you may blow the entire production budget on censors. Was good to see you out at the game, new boy in tow... gotta love you pulling down the entire door curtain as you left Wednesday's game... even though I just stood there and didn't help... the things you'll do to get into Sunday Love...

Katie - for whupping my ass this afternoon after practice... for being a great leader out there.. for that dance and YOU KNOW the one I'm talking about... for being the highest jumping flier EVER... for great and stationary basket tosses today... despite what you may think, we really do love when you set in there... for never EVER chewing gum on the court :)

Tami and Kristen - for finally coming back! Wow, did we ever miss you girls! Tami, who got a taste of the big leagues after a couple of weeks in Louisville - is back and ready to stunt... and Kristen, who will hopefully be hearing good news about med school soon, who came to practice today with a hunger. Kris, the tarzan-up three times in a row! ... not to mention your bad-ass basket-ness. Hope you missed us too! :)

Summer - for "brownies".. and that look on your face when you didn't like the cookie selection in the locker room... for your out-of-the-blue basket toss greatness today, and that look on your face when you came down from a 18 foot toss like you were going to puke... looks like you've got the skill down, now if we can just get you not to hate it ;)

Nina - for tolerating my slow stunting learning curve! We're getting much better, and I'm really sorry about my stunt-grunting... You're a ton of fun to work with. Also, for the second time this season, someone has come around looking for you that has no idea what you look like... what's up with that? It's like just your name alone is famous... doesn't anyone you know have a picture of you??? or know that we have a WEBSITE?! I can't blame them though... you do look amazing out there...

Leslie - for being SUCH a heart-breaker... my goodness... I've seen less staring when the Pope drives through Rome... The funny part is, these guys aren't even trying to hide it! I've seen more than one fan get punched in the shoulder by his date for looking a little too long. It's always great to go up in the stands, watch you block someone's view of the court while you're crowd leading - and watch them NOT CARE ONE BIT :)

Arturo - for the all the games you come to even when you're not working. For your awesome attitude... for the lean-back toss stunts (I think your spine is made of steel, bro)... and for one seriously money tick-tock lib with Kristen - who stands on her left leg like a drunken flamingo... that's a solid grip, yo...

Joey - for your ever-present mockery... for those of you that worry that I'm not getting called out enough... rest assured, Joey's got your back. For your dead-eye rubber band aim in the locker room (much to Katie's chagrin)... for one-arm stunts with Katie, with or without her permission... and one very bad-ass reload cupie today... also for coaxing David and I into sticking around for Katie's beat down...

Nate - for playing hurt - stop frontin' man! Seriously though - way to step up... it's nice to see at least one other guy being held together mostly by a thick skull and a lot of athletic tape. Hope you can get some rest in the coming week...

and because I promised him I would, here's Josh's props for me: (when I asked him, he told me I couldn't make any "grammatical changes" but I was allowed to "make it sound all smart"):

Sunday love to the one and only Glenn. Without you what would are
Monday be like? With all your lawyer talk and watching you put David
into some weird position not knowing what your doing to him, but then
later to discover that's what you call "stretching". We all know that's
who your secret crush is. Since you're a lawyer why do you cut Jessie
off and say "Go Clippers" at the end of the game? When will a dancer say
it?! For real though, always love your great attitude from beginning to end.

Thanks Josh... :)

Okay - for a little college football love...

USC - had a week off... and it looks like they're gonna need it... with one VERY good ASU team waiting for them in the desert on Thursday night (something good to watch after turkey, y'all)... Three losses for the Trojans is unthinkable, isn't it?

UCLA - also had a week off, and they've got an even taller order on their holiday schedule - some wounded Ducks (get it?!) Oregon will roll into town after being knocked from their number 2 perch by an unranked Arizona team... and no doubt looking for some retribution... hopefully it will be one of those "playing good" weekends for the Bruins... otherwise it could be a long day. On the bright-side, they ALSO might be without their star QB...

UTAH beat New Mexico and BYU beat Wyoming which is just slightly less surprising than the sun rising each day... seriously, I've seen fewer cupcakes at a 10 year old's birthday party... but it's just as well, both teams are well rested for next Saturday, when it all comes down to in-state bragging rights as the Civil War of Utah takes place between the two schools. It's on BYU's home turf, as they will come in ranked 25th, and Utah is unranked... but expect that not to mean much ... this game is a war all its own... and the word on the street is that a certain FP member and a certain Spirit member have a friendly wager on the contest ;)

NOTRE DAME saved themselves from a winless season at home by beating up on a hapless Duke team made of mostly of guys who didn't make the basketball team and the runners up of the intramural badminton competition. Honestly, watching this team hold up their helmets after this win is laughable... Irish Pride... what a joke. These fans wouldn't know class if it walked up and slapped them. Good to see them where they belong - at the bottom.

NAVY - beat up on Northern Illinois 35-24... which is no big surprise, but it's nice to see us finally play some defense... but there IS big news.. NAVY has already accepted their bowl bid to play in the Poinsetta Bowl on Dec. 20 in San Diego...

http://www.poinsettiabowl.net/

It's a Thursday, and there's no game that day... so I'll be taking the train down to watch my boys do some SERIOUS damage to a yet-unnamed Pac-10 team. Let me know if you want to join me... because if you think I get rowdy watching the Clippers... just wait until you see me watching my NAVY FOOTBALL (ask David S.)

Okay folks... almost done... SUNDAY QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

"It was HORRIBLE" - Cortlin bemoaning the horror of third level seats

"Hey Glenn, I like your jeans... and I'm not just saying that because your crotch is in my face.... hey! why does everyone keep putting their crotch in my face?!" - Nicole B., while sitting in the MIDDLE of the locker room floor stretching...

"She's 18!" - Jessie when someone asked her how old the national anthem singer was on Saturday

"...happy birthday dear Joey..." - the Sunday workout crew, the first time we've ever sung while doing flutter kicks

"...those girls are crazy, that s*&t is dangerous!" - Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks after seeing us throw baskets at center court.

"Of course!" - Leslie, when asked by a group of kids if they could have a hug.

"Uh, no..." - Leslie, when asked by creepy grown-up Laker-jersey-wearing fan behind said group of kids if he could have a hug, too.

"...red..." - me, when Katie was looking in the mirror wondering if her jeans shorts were too low, identifying the color of her underwear from 5 feet away

Okay, all, it's late and that's all I can remember.. maybe I should take notes after all ;)

Just wanted to leave you with an excerpt from a piece I wrote for a writing competition about why I love L.A . which I think is especially applicable this time of year:

To my mind, the only true happiness is in the connections, and the unearthing of like minds and commiserating souls. There is only true happiness in love, empathy, sacrifice, in the grace of unselfish generosity, and in forgiveness. In that, there is no greater place which holds the opportunity for happiness than this. In this place where time is so commoditized and scant, making time to spend with others speaks in greater volume than any other gift. In this place where seductions are peddled on every corner, and the ways of so many are lost, the chances for forgiveness surround us. In this place where the business of lies and portrayal lays its foundation, and so many souls tread about silently and smilingly overburdened, the ability to empathize, listen and understand provides the much needed oasis for our inescapable emotional thirst.

For those of you working Wednesday, I'll see you soon... for the rest, please have a wonderful holiday, be safe and God Bless you!

Truitt, OUT

Half Court Sunday Love (Sunday Love 7)

I remember thinking to myself on Friday - "Wow, there aren't going to be a whole lot of Clippers' events this week... I sure hope I have enough stuff for Sunday Love..." and you folks didn't disappoint - with only one Clippers game on the sched, you still managed to step up with MORE than enough to fill this edition... and let me just say this - for all the accolades I have receiving for penning this little tribute - I can hardly take the lion's share of the credit. In fairness, as a story, Sunday Love writes itself - I'm simply the intrepid reporter than brings it to you...

and with that - bring on the SUNDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY LOVE!

For those few of you I was able to share it with - the greatest hockey game I have ever seen took place on Saturday night. The Kings were down 4-0 with less than 9 minutes to go, and that's when the craziness started... 4 goals (yes 4 goals) later - we're tied, and get a power play - which we promptly scored on to go up 5-4. But the Stars scored on a power play of their own and the game went to sudden-death overtime... in which we promptly scored to take the contest 6-5... marked by scoring five goals in a team-record 5:07. I have never seen STAPLES explode like that... NEVER (including the Clippers' playoff wins two years ago)... I could swear the building was shaking... let me know if you want to come out and see the boys skate - I often get very good seats (and so does Joey)

...and less than 24 hours later - I was back in STAPLES for the arrival of the King onto our court (SUNDAY love props for the website opening teaser all week)... despite the fact that the crowd seemed to be in a coma for most of the game - the game night entertainment came with the RUCKUS - and looked great... and punctuated by what will likely go down as one of the great half-court shots of all time... as LAURA, who was brought out likely to be a bit of a laugher before the "real" half-court shot ... turned her back to the basket and got nothing but NET... as the crowd EXPLODED!

In case you're wondering... that news item made the ASSOCIATED PRESS wire... check out the article in USA TODAY:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2007-11-12-2462505294_x.htm

(For those of you that don't click links (Kelley)... here's a quote from the piece: "The night's biggest cheer was for a Clippers dancer who made an over-the-head half-court shot while showing a fan what he was about to attempt. The fan missed badly.")

So, we're still 4-2 and it's a great start to the season... I think some of my favorite times in STAPLES are after the games, up on the Main Concourse by the elevators as family and friends gather around and greet their Spirit and FP members... I see everyone introducing each other to their loved ones - and I'm am humbled by all the of the amazing good will and love that we have this season... I am flattered to have met many of these people, and I think I speak for all of us when I say, I look forward to meeting more each game...

- and since (from what I hear) this is the part you scroll down to ready anyways... here it is... SUNDAY PROPS:

Laura - how could I not start with you?! for tolerating my pre-shot advice not to leave it short.... and making the first half-court shot that I was in the arena for (the last two times I haven't been working)! So maybe you don't get the car... but that is a shot than we will all remember LONG after we're not performing on the STAPLES Center floor...

Whitney - for a little bit of locker room freak-out after thinking you had shrunk your top in the wash... but actually just had it upside down... I mean, honestly love, could those tops really get any smaller? For what it's worth, it's an honest mistake, and I know more than a few girls on the team who would have thought their bust had simply gotten a lot bigger...

Cortlin - for (as previously noted) continuous over-share... for wearing a sports bra for Joey - and then telling him about it... for "No more Jager...." for breaking hearts in the stands, for putting the serious fear into the courtside fans with your "gainer" toe touch basket (I still don't know what happened with that)... I get the feeling there will never be difficulty for me in finding a reason to get you into Sunday Love ...

Leslie - for finding a little more confidence each game... for finally noticing that fans WERE actually photographing yours and Cortlin's backsides when we went up into the stands to cheer, and turning around, smiling and taking it down the steps... You're still my favorite to go up into the stands with, and you look amazing out there - I'm still pretty sure you're going to end up getting a record deal without sining a note, just by wearing those red shorts...

Katie - for randomly and completely without warning, going into that cute, come-hither, pouty smiley stance which distracts every red-blooded male within a hundred-yard radius... please be careful with that thing - it's dangerous... I think if we put you and Cortlin (with her jumping jacks) behind a hoop there may not be an opposing free-throw made for the rest of the season. Your back tuck basket very nearly didn't move a step... and for finally finding someone you can give some hell about regarding baskets (sorry Nina)...

Nina E. - after a good bit of begging, I FINALLY got to work with you and girl, aren't you even better to work with than advertised! ...it only took about four years after first seeing you work at GymMax (and you haven't gained a pound since I first say you there, FYI)... but I finally see what all the hubbub is about! ... so, for being a great flier, and for being a kick-ass, serious, FBI candidate one minute, and completely, ridiculously silly the next (a woman after my own heart)... you are a joy to work with - even if they twisty bird-front thing was a COMPLETE mess ...

Tiffany C. - for those nylons... you either WAY over-stayed in the leg tanner, or accidentally grabbed Ashley S's nylons... I was watching your legs during the routine (which you completely nailed FYI) and did a triple-take when I saw it was you attached to them... so, for further distracting me while you Spirit were dancing, SUNDAY NYLON PROPS...

Nina R - for your FIRST APPEARANCE in Sunday Love... for your CRIBS, Spirit Edition bio up on the Jumbo... seriously, I thought Exzibit was going to jump out and pimp your ride at the end of that thing... ROCK STAR anyone?! Seriously, though... you looked great up there - almost made me forget Harmony's :) (almost)

Kristin E. - for finally tanning that pastiness! Ha! what a wonderful golden brown you turned out! It was great to finally meet your parents (the Burbank faithful) ... What was so funny... What you may not know about Kristin and her family... is that she's the tallest one! But as always - you looked great out there...

Tiffany M. - for being an excellent hockey fan on Saturday! Was good to see you out there ... and you, of course, had your pink camera (why haven't you posted your pictures yet?)... I've told folks this before, but when you asked why I never get blown up in Sunday Love... its really quite simple... that's the benefit I get for writing the LOVE each week :) ... and weren't you supposed to write a Monday Love of your own just about me?

Dave Sanchez - for being a hockey cheerleader, even when you're not working the game... Was funny to see the fans in front of you get all disappointed that you had an in with the Kings Crew and they didn't... guess it sucks to not be you, huh? :) for being the best big-flag-running partner I could hope for...

Kelley - for coming to Sunday's game even though you weren't working... I knew you were a cheerleader at heart... shouldn't you have taken pictures or something? ... For "sleeves" and Uggs - the greatest game clothes EVER... for that smile ... and completely sucking at HALO 3 ...

COACH Jessie - for the continuously ZESTY game outfits... I mean, I understand Opening Night, but seriously... lookin' good, Coach! You ever consider going out for the team again? Sort of a 70's era player-coach type of thing?

Shannon - for COMPLETELY ignoring me when your new bf is in the stands... I mean, come on now, I was like three feet away from you shouting your name... and nothing. I know it's not that I'm not LOUD enough... I didn't even see your socks this week! What's up with that?!

Ashley R. & Alex... for making me miss both of your beautiful smiles... come back SOON, the arena is definitely brighter with you both in it.. :(

Ashley S. - for flying completely UNDER the Sunday Love radar after a week of completely owning it... but don't worry, I'm sure you'll be back in before too long!

Tami and Kristen M. - for being out of town and making us all miss your bad-ass flyer-ness out there! Hope things are going well for both of you... best wishes for safe travel back AS SOON AS POSSIBLE :)

Summer - for reading this far... if you're still reading.

Nicole B. - we missed your baskets... seriously. :)

Nate & Josh - hope you're both healing well. Miss you guys.

Joey - for your constant mockery... for being a great basket partner (although no pre-toss jokes this week)... for making Katie do one-arm stunts (especially when she doesn't want to)... for inspiring Cortlin to the proper undergarments... for being a great "big man" for the team, and handling those high-split mis-cues backstage...

D-Tumblz - for still not giving me anything to work with for Sunday Love... come on, man - something... ANYTHING. You're the most "vanilla" guy I know... pun intended. :) (I remember "I'm David White... I know." from year one intros)

Arturo - for coming to EVERY game whether you're working it or not... good to see you in the stands, man... still cheering like you're on the floor... this guy is the consummate cheerleader. Your MySpace is a bigger love-fest than Sunday Love even! I think I speak for both teams when I say... WE LOVE YOU, TOO!

Taylor - for being on the receiving end (yet again) of an on-court cameraman crush... seriously the Jumbo-tron sequence for Spirit close-ups while you're dancing is: Taylor, not-Taylor-Spirit, Taylor, not-Taylor-Spirit, Taylor, and some more Taylor. But don't worry, I'm not complaining... you shine like a star out there, if I had the camera it would probably just be a Taylor-cam :)

Rachel, Nicole C, Melissa, Brittany, and anyone else who hasn't given me any material for SUNDAY LOVE... I WILL get you... sooner or later... because you will do something silly soon... and Sunday Love will be there to record it! And for the rest of you I-read-it-but-I-don't-ever

-respond types... if you have something for these girls REPLY-TO-ALL and get it out there... I'd hate to think we can't come up with some special love for EVERYONE... so help me out already!

AND WITH THAT - on to COLLEGE FOOTBALL...

UCLA - Another disappointment... but ASU is a good team (with some seriously beautiful cheerleaders) but no worries, you've got two BIG GAMES coming up where you can not only resurrect some pride for your season, but also throw a serious wrench into the BCS mess... good luck against Oregon next week!

USC - Although it lacked the importance we had hoped it would... still a nice win over Cal, in what may be the worst throwback uniforms since that mess that the Philadelphia Eagles wore a few weeks ago... Who knows, with everyone still losing - maybe an outside shot at the BCS? Well, we can all dream...

BYU - Scraped by a pretty good TCU team - and sitting pretty with a very quiet 7-2 record... maybe a pretty good bowl bid for this squad? That's a better record than a lot of very good programs - and they've looked good doing it.

UTAH - completely war-crimed Wyoming 50-0... seriously, I'd almost feel guilty beating a team that badly - especially a team from Wyoming... they had a 30-POINT second quarter... wow. Next week New Mexico... who should provide similar resistance...

NOTRE DAME - fell to a second service academy (Chair Force) for the first time since 1944.. and have the first 9 LOSS season in the program's history. I just can't tell you how amazing it is to see this team lose every week... its like a little gift from God for me after suffering through all those seasons of smug Irish victory.

and.... NAVY once again makes history, by participating in (and winning) the highest scoring game in major college football history... winning 74-62... yes, you read that right... I thought they were flashing a basketball score when it came across my game ticker last night...

http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273140249&confId=18

Seriously... 136 points?!? Okay, so we don't have any defense - but we can score points on ANYONE. It must suck to score 62 points and STILL LOSE... guess that's what you get when you play the toughest team in college football :)

AND finally... the SUNDAY LOVE QUOTES:

"I lost my underwear... there's not much there, but they're gone, and you don't want to know where they went" - Katie, while (you guessed it) wearing the new red shorts.

"Now this is the STAPLES Center I know..." Cortlin, while we were up on the Suite Level

"Hey Glenn, I've got something for Sunday Love!" - Taylor and Laura... both reporting the same story

"Nooooooooooooooo!!!" - STAPLES crowd after being asked if they thought Laura had a chance to make a shot from half-court... ooops :)

"You're crazy... there are 13 other pretty girls out there... I'm just the cute girl with the curly hair" - Whitney, after I insisted she was the "hottest one out there" - you're OH-SO-WRONG Whit :)

"...(silence)..." - Lynae, who I don't think has spoken since the pre-season... seriously, I've heard more noise out of a Paris mime. :)

"You're mom's here? How could you see her? She's, like, three feet tall!" - me, when Kristin E. showed me her mom was here while we were greeting at the doors... (see? I can blow myself up during Sunday Love!)

Okay, folks, that's going to about do it for me for this edition... I'm sorry to report that I didn't take any pictures this week - so if you do have pictures remember: You can log on to the fan patrol Picasa site:

http://picasaweb.google.com

Our account name is: Fan.Patrol.2007@gmail.com
Our password: fppics2007

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO UPLOAD YOUR PICS HERE! IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CAN PRINT THE PICS THEY LIKE... OR DOWNLOAD PICS TO EDIT ON THEIR OWN, ETC.... (Spirit, you're invited too!)

Other than that... I've got to get back to whatever it is I do around here (thanks to Kelley for suggesting that all I do is write e-mail all day)... hope this finds you all well.

If you have any news on Charlie, please share, and keep him in your hearts and prayers. I know I will.

Take care, God bless, and see you all very, very soon...

TRUITT, out...