When restaurants get irritating

Are you like me? Do you love to support the Fresno area's local restaurants? I try to go local as much as possible (and it helps that my favorites are unique to Fresno).

But you know what's irritating? When local businesses put up decor of non-local schools. Case in point -- I went to the new Red Zone Sports Grill shortly after it opened and vowed not to go back until the nean USC sign near the bar is removed. Yes, there's also a Fresno State neon sign, but why have the USC one at all? Do you think bars in LA have Fresno State neon signs?

We all know how great Dog House Grill is, but what's with the Cal football jersey on the wall? The fact that it's former Clovis High standout Zack Follett's jersey doesn't ease the irritation for me. And the Jeff Garcia 49ers jersey doesn't make up for the fact Garcia is a San Jose State alum. This is flatout offensive to any Fresno State fan.

Been to Casa Corona lately? There's a painting of Pat Hill, David Carr and Tim Simons on the wall representing Fresno State. And there's plenty of old team photos and jerseys in the men's restroom, but none from other rival schools. Just another reason to love Casa...

Did you guys read that today...?

The story in today's paper says Fresno State is thinking about adding one or two more women's sports -- makes sense, until you see the "emerging" list of NCAA "sports" they're thinking about adding.

If it's badminton, I'll show them a birdie. No one wants to watch that. Squash? Are we talkin' 'bout eating or competing? (What the heck is squash anyway!?) Archery, team handball, synchronized swimming? Anyone know what high schools you're gonna recruit those athletes from...? And rugby...who even knew girls play rugby? (OK, actually I might be tempted to go see this).

But let's think a second here. The athletic department just eliminated swimming a few years or so ago. Swimming couldn't have been that expensive to run (here's some cool bathing suits and a towel, good luck). But, heck, if you're not going to reinstate that program, let's at least create one that's gonna be great on a national level (which every program on campus should be).

Wait, here's an idea...women's water polo. Think about it. You have a handful of some of the state's most talented teams right in your own back yard. Clovis West. Clovis. Buchanan. In a few years Clovis North will be one. Maybe even Clovis East? Throw in a couple-few girls from the south Valley and north Valley and you've got an instant top 25 threat. Heck, two of San Diego State's best players right now are Clovis West and Buchanan alums. And the Lady Aztec-sters just finished third in the country! Ta-da...it's a no-brainer.