The Good

Happy New Year to everyone. A few days ago I went with my Festivus wishes and now it’s time to end the holiday season on a happier note with mentions of those and those things that are good things this year. Let’s get to it…

The Ricketts Family – You went out and got THE guy in Theo Epstein. That’s awesome. You’ve also invited ASU into your Spring Training ballpark (and yes, that’s not totally sitting well with ASU traditionalists, but heck I love it) and that’s cool. So the team stunk this last year. You’re making moves to improve it going forward. So far so good.

Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee – Better late than never when it comes to putting Ron Santo into the Hall of Fame. Good job and I’ll make sure I have some Kleenex nearby when I watch his family give his Hall of Fame speech.

Carolyn Stanley – We have ups and our downs but she really is a terrific real estate partner to have. I feel that we work very well together and I think it was a good year that will lead to an even better 2012.

The Landmark – Great job with the rebuild. I love the patio, the food is good. I can’t wait to see the progress that I’m sure you’ll continue to make over the next year.

Diamond Point Shadows – Same great steaks and great bar chat as always. They’ll be turning 50 in 2012, all 50 years operated by the same family. I always love stopping by.

Mark Paliscak, lender – Did a great job for my parents when they bought up here. Very good on communication. Quality lender.

The Scenery of the Payson area – It never gets old, it never gets old. Absolutely beautiful and it never ceases to amaze.

Traditional music at Mount Cross – Victoria Harris does a great job making it easy for me to enjoy playing Trumpet there. Great Christmas musical selection. All the folks in the program are terrific as well.

Brad Cesmat – Very, very glad to hear him back on the radio from 12-2 on 910 AM. Hands down the best local sports show. Also has been a pro-football at Tontozona person.

Scott Peters – Insightful opinions from this ex-player have been a rare bright spot in a year filled with ASU lowlights. And yes, he’s another pro Tontozona person.

Mike Watkiss – I really enjoy seeing his posts on Facebook and it’s made me really realize just how great of an investigative reporter this man is. We’re very lucky to have him on the Phoenix case beat.

Sara Ganim – Gutsy journalism in covering the Sandusky Penn State case. Gotta give props.

The League – Dirty as all get out, but as someone who plays Fantasy Football, fittingly hilarious. Lots of gutbusting laughs for me.

Sons of Anarchy – Truly one of the best shows on TV.

Rest of friends and family – You know who you are.