The end of October is my favorite time of year. Twelve school shows for red ribbon week followed by the Rockets opening night, then Halloween, then another Rockets game, and then my buddy Toro's birthday party at the Texans game made for a ton of fun. I had a blast! And oh, let's not forget, election day was this past Tuesday. Did you vote for me? If not you can do it next year when I run for President.

The Rockets Ranger and myself visited 12 schools over the past week performing our "JUST SAY NO" program for red ribbon week. For those of you who don't know, red ribbon week is the week that schools designate as anti-drug awareness. Students of all ages learn about the harmful effects that drugs have on both your mind and your body.

We go out to schools and put on an hour show where we have a lot of fun with games, skits, magic, dancing, highlight videos, and special effects while at the same time educating about how drugs can seriously hurt you and ruin your life. If you were one of the 8,000 kids I got to see last week, thanks for having me to your school and remember to JUST SAY NO!

In addition to Red Ribbon week, we also perform the following school shows: SLAM DUNK TAKS, SMOKING STINKS, and READING ROCKS. If you know a school that would like to have me come out and perform one of our shows, give my trainer, Dominic Davila, a call at 713-758-7347.

Opening night was a smashing success. The Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 102-85 in front of a sold out crowd. My buddy "AIR" Clutch showed a hysterical video of him hanging out at Memorial City Mall and getting into all kinds of trouble. If you haven't seen it yet, look for it soon at rockets.com. It cracked everyone up. Toyota Center is officially happening. It sure is hard for me to get a solid nap now with all the events that keep taking place right next to my cave.

People ask me if I like Halloween since I dress up all the time in a costume. I'm like, what are you talking about? What costume? Do you mean the sweet new Rockets jersey and shorts that I've been sporting since September? I would not really call that dressing up. I just love the Rockets and never want to take off my uniform.

I like Halloween for two reasons. First of all, I love candy, as if you couldn't tell by my waistline. My kind of holiday; everyone opens up their doors and gives you free food. Secondly, I like seeing people who are usually fairly conservative and proper dress up and run around like fools. I saw one of my bosses on Halloween and didn't even recognize him. He was dressed as a cardinal, the religious kind, not the kind with wings.

I got into some trouble when I started confessing my sins. I felt bad about saying I was sick all summer and couldn't work when really I was just being lazy and hibernating. I know. You thought bears hibernate in the winter. Well, that is true of most bears. If you didn't already know or have forgotten from the first 100 times I've told you, I am a special bear. I hibernate whenever there are no Rockets games to go to.

Anyway, once he heard I wasn't sick, the fake beard and hat came off and much to my surprise I got put on laundry detail for the rest of the season. Man those players' socks stink.

On Sunday I went to the Texans game to celebrate Toro's birthday along with Junction Jack from the Astros and nine other NFL mascots from around the country. Those guys like to play rough. At halftime we played a game of tackle football against a team of nine-year-olds. They kicked our butts.

On the third offensive mascot play, I received a handoff and got smeared all over the field, literally. My jersey and fur got ripped right off. Those kids are maniacs. I was so embarrassed that I ran right off the field and didn't stop until I got home to my cave in Toyota Center.

Don't worry, my fur grows quickly and I'll be ready for this Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. However, there are a few pint-sized football players that I'm going to be keeping my eye out for at Rockets games. They better just hope that I don't see them on my turf.

Happy Birthday Toro. How old are you now, two? By the way, my birthday is March 7 for all of you who want to come to Toyota Center to celebrate with me. Its going to be great. There will be eight mascots visiting from all over the NBA and there will be a Me (Clutch) in the Box as a giveaway item to the first 5,000 fans. Hope to see you there.

Until next time. Be BIG!