Rockets fans, can you feel it? I can! Last Friday night Compaq Center was settin' it off. It felt just like the old days when it was standing room only and every game felt like the playoffs.

Our boys came through for us. In front of a sold out crowd and I do mean SOLD OUT, we beat the three-time reigning champs in overtime. What a game it was. If you weren't there, you should have been. Every last seat was filled. Last-minute ticket purchasing fans were coming in groups and buying single seats around the arena just to see the big matchup. They were not disappointed. The Power Dancers, Turbo and myself had a ball firing up our fans late in the fourth quarter to come from behind and force the OT.

I have two favorite things to do when the game is that close. Using the giant noise sign with the introduction to "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses blaring over the arena speakers is one. Wearing my red and yellow throwback uniform with the "WE STILL BELIEVE" sign is the other.

Nothing gets me more fired up and excited than coming onto the court with about 15 seconds left in a timeout near the end of a game that is too close to call and hoisting up that NOISE sign. It's just like Marshall Mathers says, "The music, the moment, you want it, never let it go!" I love hearing the volume of the crowd just explode right along with Slash's guitar strike which starts "Welcome to the Jungle!"

My other favorite moment is entering center court wearing our old uniform and touring a sign with a version of our old battle call, "BELIEVE!" There is such a swell of emotion and excitement while remembering what it feels like to be the best. Although everyone is reminded by the glory days of our back-to-back championships, they certainly have not passed us by. I got to share both those moments with everyone at the game last Friday night. I can't wait until it happens again.

In case you missed it, we have also had quite a few stars showing up lately, in addition to yours truly. Hakeem Olajuwon, Moses Malone, Kenny Smith, Roger Clemens, George Foreman and David Carr were just a few of the notable personalities showing up last Friday night to check out what skits or crazy antics I was going to pull off next. Last Monday night against Boston, we even had a bit of Hollywood visit us. Actor Kevin Costner came to the game to offer me the starring role in his next sequel movie, "Dances with Bear." Unfortunately for him, I had to decline due to my vigorous schedule of 10-year-old birthday parties in the month of February.

A lot of parents must have been affected by a friendly spring back in 1992. There are about 25 kids turning 10 next month who just couldn't do it unless I was there to help them blow out the candles. However, I did find it in my heart to let him participate in an official on-court Clutch skit. He has been pestering me for years to give him his big shot at sports entertainment. Who am I to deny a fledgling live performer and mascot wanna-be his chance at the "big time?"

Turbo and I got into near fisticuffs over who was the worst putter after both of us missed our 7-footers. Luckily for us, the professional golfer, Tin Cup, was on hand to show us how to miss to the left. He got a ton of coverage on all of the local news programs, ESPN, and NBA.com. Just for the record, I want 15 percent of any new deals he gets from his appearance on my court.

One of the biggest highlights from the past few weeks has been my trip to the Rockets vs. Spurs game in San Antonio with the Sunshine Kids and Southwest Airlines. After having a party at Hobby Airport on Monday where we played games and signed autographs (I signed the kids' posters and they all signed my shirt), we all boarded a SWA flight to San Antonio to watch our team try to beat the Spurs for the second time this season. Even though we could not pull a W out in the final minutes of the game, we all had a great time. I made the Coyote look silly by out-performing him in a skit in the first quarter. Even though I ended up next to naked in my tighty whiteys, I still like to think I had the upper hand since I ran off the court faster than him. Hello to all my new friends from the Sunshine Kids. And yes, I had to get two seats to order to fit my 92-inch waist into an airplane.

Now time for a shameless act of self-promotion. If any of you are looking for something to get your loved one this Valentine's Day, give my trainer, Dominic Davila, a call at (713) 963-7347 to schedule a Clutch-Gram. A Clutch-Gram (oh no, there he goes again talking about himself in the third person), a Me-Gram is a brief appearance by me, Clutch, on February 13 and 14. Along with my bubbling personality and good looks, I deliver a Rockets Valentine's basket to your loved one at his or her place of business or where ever they hibernate during the day.

Some of the things included in the basket are tickets to the Rockets vs. Heat game on Valentine's Day, an autographed player poster, a Rockets T-shirt, a Clutch balloonie, a box of chocolates, and a candle. Give us a call and schedule one or your sweetheart might not love you anymore. Relax, I'm just kidding. It is a great way to do something different that really singles your Valentine out and makes him or her feel special.

Can you just imagine my big goofy butt stumbling into where ever she works and turning the place upside down looking to embarrass her? It would be a Valentine's Day present never to forget. My assistant and I tear all over town every year making these visits. We see about 20 to 30 people all over the city in two days time. Keep your eyes out for us. We might just be coming to see you. Until next time, remember to wash your hands!

P.S. Be Part of Something BIG!