The Guru: Christmas Wish List

10. Snow - Let's stick to the program here. The last x number of Christmases have been marked by 40+ degree weather, and even some rain and clear skies. Christmas is incomplete without powder, having Frosty parked in front of your house while you are unwrapping gifts and munching on a feast of turkey, stuffing, and egg nog. Let's have 5 inches this year- I feel like sledding.

9. Several boxes of hobby-style football cards - Now, just like CC, I enjoy shredding packs whether in a small card shop downtown or in the comfort of my own home. My favorite card brands are Donruss Elite, Press Pass Signature Edition, and (old school) Action Packed. I am most noted for shredding two packs, getting no inserts and buying the rest of the box. Receiving boxes would solve this problem. All Redskin cards would be saved for future signature opportunities.

8. A Chris Cooley Revolution Helmet - It's no secret around the NFL, Cooley's top is probably the toughest looking by far. I don't know if I could lower it to the position of a coffee table ornament. In fact, I would most likely wear the thing to class one or two days and rock it on game days. The fact that Chris smashed two of them to hell during a couple of the games is just mind-blowing to me. I think a smashed one might be better than the regular one.

7. A new business suit - Hey, it can't all be football. The thing is, I am set to graduate in May (hopefully), and I will need something snazzy to impress potential employers. That being said, it shouldn't come down to my dapper apparel, but appearance is everything. I'm already stunningly handsome, just need the suit to go with it. Maybe I will find some way to incorporate Redskin colors into the suit, or I will just apply to the Redskin office for a job. Hmmm..

6. An iPhone - My provider sucks, my phone sucks, something has to give. I get several emails from different people that say "Sent from my iPhone" I think that's pretty insane, and it has peeked my curiosity on the subject. You always want to be technically savvy. If not, just give me one of those early 90's cell phone that Zack Morris had on Saved by the Bell.

5. T.O.'s voice - Yes, you heard me. Just think, if I had T.O.'s voice then he wouldn't, and we wouldn't have to hear him talk from his ass about his relationship with (-----) . ESPN loves this MTV drama nonsense, and not many people like watching it or hearing about it. So when he was talking to Stephen A. about the whole unnecessary drama, and he was smiling say it was all fabricated by Ed Werder, Sorry, I don't believe him. Even talking about the Boys makes me ill, and I don't want to toss up my egg nog.

4. A signed game-worn CC47 jersey - He can pick the game, the jersey, the ink color, but one framed to add to my wall is a must. I think it is any fan's dream of getting his favorite player's game worn battle gear and getting it inked up. Some of the ones on the CC47 Shop are intense, and just highlight how much effort Chris gives each game. These are a little bit pricey, so hopefully ole man Kringle can come expand the budget (even with the economy) and come through for me. If not, put a couple jersey cards of 47 in those card boxes.

3. The Redskins to win out - Even though things in the second part of the season have not went our way, the players are working their asses off. Seeing the last two games as W's in the column is what I really want to see. And I think every Redskin fan does. It's good to finish strong, just like how we started. And if the Redskins beat the Eagles, my red-headed friend has to dye his hair jet-black. So let's keep that in mind.

2. Season tickets for the 2009 Season - Hey, I can wish can't I? The thing is, even though I enjoy going with my friends and their families or wearing the 47 while watching in my room, the 2009 season would be totally complete with a pair of seats somewhere in the stadium. Yes, I would accept on top of the flagpole. Or maybe I could work something out for a Guru Executive Suite, right next to Mr. Snyder with a big sign alerting to the suite and my signature above it. Back to reality, I expect to make the last home game this season and hopefully numerous next season.

1. A Redskin cheerleader - Speaking of wishing, this makes my number one wish to Santa. If you try and argue with me about this, then make sure you still have a pulse. Yes, all I want for Christmas is a Redskin cheerleader. God bless America. When I am at the home games, I feel like they are all looking at me. For those of you at the games feeling like they are all looking up at the higher level, you are correct in your assumptions. They are looking at section 450.

Needless to say, Santa has his hands full with this list. Hopefully he takes the list one at a time- starting with #3. Let's finish strong!!!

Hail to the Redskins

The Guru's Take on Dallas Game

Written by The Guru

I was able to get a ticket to the big game last night. I left campus around 3:30 and headed towards Landover. Like the rest of the Redskin Nation, I had high expectations and confidence in this Washington team that has been tough all season both in victory and defeat. The freezing temperatures didn't matter, the assignments I blew off to be there didn't matter, what mattered was that I was in FedEx Field to see the Redskins - a team that we can all agree is not only entertaining, but a true inspiration.

This was my first Redskins v. Cowboys game since becoming a Redskins fan from seeing my father wearing the shirts, to taking me to training camp when it used to be at Frostburg State University. It is documented as one of the biggest rivalries in major sports. One thing I took away from the game, seeing fans from both teams scream at each other, throw things on each other (including fists) is that this is what makes Washington fans great. Throughout the whole game, our fans were screaming for the Redskins. Of course we wanted a win, but to us all that truly matters is that the Redskins played their asses off the whole game. And from what I saw last night, you guys did. And we were proud.

One of the greatest moments of last night was when the offensive starting lineup was being announced. All week the thoughts of CP not playing plagued my head. I expected to see Shaun Alexander, Ladell Betts and company split time throughout the game. But when the massive screen showed #26 standing under the helmet with the USA flag, it was an unreal feeling. It wasn't just the fact that he would produce offensively for us, but that he refused to take the game off. He played through pain, through injury and even though he could have sat out with a serious injury- he didn't. I couldn't even imagine the adrenaline that was running through CP's body running out with the flag, but if it could be put into words, I would love to hear it.

Yes, you guys are paid millions each year to play football, but one thing I have learned from watching this Redskin team is that this game is fun, and that's why you originally started playing the game, and it still is a major reason why you continue. When I watch the team out on the field, you guys are amped at each play. When the team loses, you guys are legitimately angry, frustrated and upset. Helmets are thrown, and it is evident that this game is not just a paycheck.
These past two weeks are just minor speed bumps. We as fans are fully behind the team, no matter the outcome. I am confident that this team is a TRUE CONTENDER, no matter what any analyst, any commentator, any random moron says. You guys are strong as a team and continue to give everything you have out on the field.

The Guru is Back for Big D

Written By The Guru

First of all, our beloved Redskins are 6-3, and I think everyone other than the Redskin faithful can explain how a foot tastes. This team has come a long way since the pre-season, making the necessary adjustments in key games, and in turn being able to go on the road with a tough schedule and get the job done against Philadelphia and Dallas. It was funny to see the ESPN.com analyst picks already this season. No credit for the Redskins? As they sleep on the team, the team is wide awake and a huge contender.

Clinton Portis and Jason Campbell are in Pro Bowl production mode, and defensively many people have stepped up and made great contributions to get much needed wins. Chris Horton and London Fletcher are definitely doing their part and more for this banged up Redskins' defense. Hopefully Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs can get healthy for the Dallas game. In addition, having D'Angelo Hall will help strengthen this defensive team with Big D around the corner.

Big D is coming to FedEx this week. After a bye-week last week, I think we all are ready to see the Redskins back in action. For me, it was either watching the Ravens, or a nap. I picked the nap. Tony Romo's boo-boo has somewhat healed and he will play in the game. Defense will be key in this game. Dallas is banged up offensively, while the Redskins are banged up defensively. If the Redskins can cover the passing game effectively, Dallas will have to force balls to receivers and rely on the running game. With the way the d-line and the linebackers are playing, this will more than compensate the Skins D. Just like earlier this year, this game is about bragging rights between the two teams' fans. The loser will have to hear about it until next season.

Offensively, Campbell has the interception out of the way, it means nothing based on the way he has been playing this season. Other than not throwing any picks, he has been controlling the game in the Redskins favor, and making the right decisions in key moments of the game. In addition, he has been tough in the pocket. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Portis will play. Right now he is an MVP candidate, and he is the key to this game. If he is able to play in any way, he will.

Unlike the rest of the NFL analysts, I am firm in the thought that the Redskins will continue this great season this week at home. If I am able to make the game, I hope to see it in person. I am not sure if I can get tickets, maybe I can get a hook-up. Or just a field pass so I can mingle. Fans and Chris. So look for a "Guru" sign this Sunday.

Hail to the Redskins

The Ultimate Beer Pong Table

Written By The Guru

After the HUGE win in Dallas, it was only customary to rub it in as ‘Cowboy Dan’ had mentioned to all my Cowpoke friends. I cannot stress how much this team has grown from the beginning of training camp to now. Coming into this week, I think the motto should be “Make it Three for Philthy,” pointing to their loss column. Redskins’ momentum is monstrous, and they will ride it into Philly.

On another note, my apartment was desperately trying to find a theme for our beer pong table. Our other friends had chosen just an ‘M’, or the school colors. But why settle for ordinary? I free-handed the Redskin logo onto the table which was pretty hard to draw— especially to that size. From there, I made the lines bigger with permanent marker. Swallowing our pride we strolled into a craft store and bought paint, grabbing the attention of every middle-aged woman in the store.

Painting the logo took five coats, just because of the green background we had to work with. From there we painted the rest of the table dark green and put “The MerkHouse,” our apartment name around the logo. Needless to say, our table is the envy of the rest of the campus—especially with a juggernaut team lighting up the middle. Just another piece of Redskin flare for a guru’s collection. We are proud to show our allegiance to Washington.
Hail to the Redskins!!

A Big Week Before Big D

Written By The Guru

Coming off a week three win at home, the Redskins are gearing up and carrying the momentum into week four at Dallas. The storied rivalry in the NFC East comes to a head on Sunday, the last game between the two at Texas Stadium. Obviously the players are running drills, working plays, and fine-tuning their game, but what does a Redskin fan do to prepare for such a big time game?

It’s a complicated process really, and it has many angles dealing with it. As ‘The Guru,’ I like to sit down and look at last week’s game, looking at several things that would work perfectly against Dallas. In addition, I also look at the Cowscrubs’ last game, finding different ways that they could have been stopped. But of course, that’s not all that comes into play.

In between classes and other responsibilities, I am glued to both ESPN and Redskins.com, looking for press conferences, updated injury reports and anything that will further the excitement coming up into such a MONSTROUS week in Dallas. As Chris mentioned about last week, the motto was “The 0 must go,” referring to the 0 in the loss column of the Cardinals. The same holds true for this week. Many analysts look to the Cowpokes to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, and it’s the Redskins’ job this week to put doubt in that idea.

Being from Maryland, you would think that there would only be Redskins and Ravens fans, with some Steelers fans lingering. However, I know of several Cowgals fans, most of which are friends of mine. This week is big for fans like us who have friends who are fans of the Cowboys. Sunday, we all will sport our jerseys (mine the #47 ‘repli-thentic’) and scream at the TV and each other during the game. We are friends outside of Sunday, but as soon as they put on the blue jersey, they are our foes.

As fanatics of the Redskins, I think we can all agree that this game is the most important, especially for those of us who have 'friends' that are Cowboys fans. No true fan could miss this game. This game is about bragging rights, and I am firm in the thought that the Skins will do it this week.

Hail to the Redskins!