Stanford Tree

Something For Everyone

2006-12-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

I can think of more than a few gifts I'd like to receive for the holidays. But really I'd like nothing more than to see my amigos Jack, Morgan, Jose, and Patron. There are plenty of other ways to have fun this season. Stanford Football fired Walt Harris and bought a new friend.Here's what some Stanford kids have been up to. See if you can spot me. (video courtesy Mike Rothenberg).

I Love Attention

2006-12-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Damn I love those girls. Slow news week... All I got is a mention in Great moments in mascot history on ESPN's Page 2.No more rallies or sporting events for the year. I'll be back in the headlines in 2007. Happy Holidays.

Harris Is Out

2006-12-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby said goobye to Football Head Coach Walt Harris today. In two seasons, Harris had a 6-17 record, including zero wins in this year's new stadium. Will a new coach be able to hold on to a key recruit?More coverage at the Stanford Daily, the San Jose Mercury News, and ESPN. Oh, and if you actually want something interesting to read.

Big Surprise: Cal Band Caught

2006-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

Last night at 4am, some Stanford students found their sleep disturbed by the Cal Band. Immediately thereafter, the Cal Band found its getaway disturbed by the Stanford Police.Battle of the Bands:

AIDS Still Sucks

2006-11-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

I've donated $130 to FACE AIDS, a campaign started at Stanford that raises money and awareness to fight AIDS in Africa. All that money comes from referral bonuses I make with online t-shirt sales. You can help by putting my designs on your favorite apparel through the link below. You'll be much happier spending $15 here than by betting on Big Game:Stanford Tree Online Store benefiting FACE

Honoring the Seniors

2006-11-24T21:52:00.000-08:00

Saturday is Senior Night for the Women's Volleyball Team. They will be honored during, and then they will go on to win the Pac-10 title. Huzzah, huzzah.In honor of the contributions these ladies have made to my Stanford experience, I would like to immortalize them in haikus. Here's some insight into why I do what I do:Michelle MellardSuch a pretty faceI thought that I had no shotTall girls are

Believe the Police?

2006-11-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

SF Gate brings in some good news for the Band:"After a thorough review of the excellent police report submitted in this matter, which included an extensive follow up investigation, the office of the District Attorney will not file criminal charges in the matter of the damage to the Stanford Band Shak," he said. "We believe there is insufficient evidence for us to prove the case beyond a

More On (sp?) Boardman

2006-11-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Dean Boardman says he "does not want to kill the Band" in an article posted to the alumni website. Thanks for the kind words of support.

Raging Grannies

2006-11-15T23:41:00.000-08:00

The Peninsula Raging Grannies stopped by White Plaza the other day to show support for the Tree and their behinds:

Holy Crap, Football Wins

2006-11-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

In a contest of third-string quarterbacks, Stanford Football emerges victorious against Washington. So you're saying there's a chance... The aspiration of going 0-12 this season is crushed, but so are Washington's chances to land a bowl game. Nothing like ruining someone else's dreams.Another beautiful thing happened this weekend: Cal lost to Arizona. The hospital beds will start filling with

Fox Sports Top 25

2006-11-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

No, not football. Mascots, baby. Damn I'm good. But not as good as live animals, apparently. And what the hell is this?Fox Sports article:With no actual Cardinal mascot, the symbol on the school's seal has been distorted to create an irreverent, controversial, outside-the-norm mascot that's the nation's most unique. It can be as annoying as it can be humorous.Some recent love from adoring

Making Sense of the Band Restrictions

2006-11-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that the LSJUMB was put on "indefinite provisional status" almost two months ago. No one outside the Band understands what this means, so let me clear it up for you. The most important point is that all performances must be approved by the Band Reinstatement Committee. In other words, students don't run Band anymore.Restriction and implications:No traveling. The Band hasn't

This Is How It Began

2006-11-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a history lesson. The following video is my first stunt, Tree Week 2006. (Besides the streaking incident, but that didn't really count.) Click play to see me get lit up.A Mike Rothenberg Production

Corporate Whoredom for a Cause

2006-11-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

I do a lot of terrible things. I have an attitude problem, addictions, enemies everywhere, and skeletons in my closet. But to you, that's entertainment.You might be surprised to see me selling things on this blog. I just put up those Zazzle shirts, and I've had AdSense running for a bit on the sidbar. You're thinking: the last great free spirit has succumbed to sponsorship. Have a little heart

It's Always Boot Camp for the USC Song Girls

2006-10-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Being a USC Song Girl takes "time, energy, and dedication." You have to be free after dinner to cough up your meal, you need a fridge full of caffeine to keep your starved body from shutting down, and you must vow to fill double Ds by the time basketball season starts. If daddy can't pay for 'em in time, you're cut, and it's back to coke and third string quarterbacks.If you have what it takes,

We Could Be Legends

2006-10-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

I just posted the following up at the Stanford Daily. Yahtzee.Op-Ed: We could be legends October 30, 2006 By The Stanford Tree Stanford Football hasn’t squeaked out a single victory this season. Who’s surprised? The squad has been a fixture on ESPN’s Bottom 10 list since September. Not to mention that half the roster is on the injury list. I’m drinking a bottle of

I'll make this easy for you

2006-10-29T19:28:00.000-08:00

The lack of support for the football team is making me sick. We're not going to win a game this season, so everyone's whining to their moms. The Stanford brand name isn't working. We're not a football school right now. There's more tailgaiting at intramurals. What the hell? Maybe I shouldn't be surprised that Stanford students bail when it appears that they could be associated with

Mayor Newsom wants a piece

2006-10-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Nice shoes, Larry Biel. Old costume.

Band v. Administration

2006-10-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Band has always had a love-hate relationship with the Stanford administration. Just this month the Band got off suspension for vandalism that occured over the summer (no Band at the stadium opening, remember?). The history is long and proud. This article will bring you up to speed on the administration's mistakes. Band alumnus Greg Smith sums it up:“It seems clear to me, from the steady

Trent Is Done

2006-10-18T00:28:00.000-07:00

Starting QB Trent Edwards is sitting for the rest of the season after breaking his foot in the first offensive series against Arizona last weekend. Overheard: "How does Walt Harris get dressed in the morning?"

Princeton, Harvard, and Yale

2006-10-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

All ranked higher than Stanford. In football. (via smutline)

52 yards

2006-10-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Stanford football set a new record yesterday: lowest total yardage in Cardinal history. How's that for homecoming. The new Tree accomplished a similarly extraordinary feat: blowing 0.0 on the breathalyzer. And, for once, the fronds didn't all fall apart.Stanford Band on NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.

Not Last

2006-10-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Stanford climbed the ranks of the Bottom 10. After having won 0 games, we've moved up from 6 to 4. ESPN was there with cameras to chronicle the achievement.

A Message From My Sponsor

2006-10-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

Join the Band. I would if I needed friends. Rehearsals are Mondays 7pm ATS.

A Hero Among Us

2006-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Behold, a model for all of us.The request: From: Maureen Atkins [mailto:maureen.atkins@stanford.edu]Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 4:35 PMTo: Greg Smith (FOX)Subject: hello from Stanford - your 15th reunion Dear Greg, I hope this finds you well. I work in The Stanford Fund with undergraduate alumni celebrating reunions, and I would love to discuss your upcoming 15th

Battle of the Sexes

2006-10-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

The success rate of XXL sweatpants-clad athlete-intellectuals who parade across campus on golf carts is embarrassingly divisible along gender lines. Stanford Football is guarding its precious position in ESPN's Bottom 10 at #6 for what, the 3rd week in a row? Meanwhile, Women's Volleyball holds the 6 spot nationally.The Tree will make its first fall appearance at what will be the only exciting

Damn, already we home

2006-09-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Now let's get it on. I've been busy, which is a good sign. The Band was cleared for All-Campus a week and a half ago, thanks to community support and online petitioning. The new Tree costume made its debut during the event. Obviously it looked fresh and amazing, but as fate typically has it, the Tree was in shambles by the end of the run. After a few days in the shop, it's back and reinforced

F#&^%(&^#$*@#

2006-09-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

This just in. Dammit.Date: Sep 11, 2006 7:45 PMSubject: Band UpdateOK... um. Geez.Band will not be suspended for a year.Band is not off of suspension.The terms of our suspension may be redefined. Since currently our suspension encompasses, um, everything, this is a good thing.You should go ahead and purchase tickets if you would like to see the Navy game, or if you are on fartline, do not expect

Band Run cancelled

2006-09-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

All-Campus (aka the Band Run) has been replaced by a different NSO event since the Band is suspended. An email is making rounds with a link to a petition and facebook groups to join. Do what you gotta do:PLEASE FORWARD WIDELYFall is just around the corner and the freshmen have almost arrived. It's a time for spirited tradition and new beginnings. Unfortunately, *one of Stanford's most popular

A.Y.R.F.S.F.?

2006-09-07T11:48:00.002-07:00

Football season is here, and the losing streak has begun (Oregon, 48-10). The Tree is still on AD-imposed hiatus; you (probably) won't see me at the San Jose State game this weekend. At home, the new $90M Stanford stadium is nearing completion in time for its opening against Navy on September 16th. I'm researching the complex's blueprints and studying history.

Interview posted to IvyGate

2006-09-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the text of yesterday's interview with IvyGate. Nearly comparable to the classic interview with Playboy or the video interview with ABC 7's Larry Biel back in April '06.

The AD Strikes Again

2006-09-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the scenario: the LSJUMB ("Band") is suspended by the Athletic Department for alleged vandalism of Band Shak II. The suspension is indefinite. Almost tw0 months have passed without a public statement from the AD. Dollies are [edit 9:26pm 9/6/06] locked out of the recently-dedicated dance studio in Shak III. Who knows if the Band will see a game this season. As you may not have noticed

This is the Beginning

2006-09-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've got a lot to say. This blog will enlighten the public to the story of the Stanford Tree, the official mascot of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band.