D Magazine is breaking down the best things in Dallas and allowing its online readers to vote once per day. Like the NCAA Basketball tournament, it started with 64 teams (not sure what the “play-in” game was) and we’re now down to the Final Four:

• Texas-OU Football Game
• High School Football
• State Fair of Texas
• Sports Radio 1310 AM “The Ticket”

This might seem somewhat odd and ridiculous, but why do people love Dallas? There’s got to be another reason than “the cost of living”, which is very reasonable. Or is it the 100 degree temperatures that “bless” us during the summer months? Maybe its the traffic? I’m mean come on, public transportation is a bit over-rated. Is it the school systems? Is it downtown Dallas? A little tongue-in-check I know.

For me it’s a combination of things, but the one thing on this list that stands out is “The Ticket”. I must say, I hope to one day venture out of this great city, but one of the things that will make the decision to leave hard is the fact that I might be forced to listen to something other than “The Ticket” on the radio. I mean, come on, how boring would life be if we were subjected to its competition on a daily basis?

I don’t mind traffic going to and from work for one reason, I love catching the morning and afternoon drives. I’m somewhat of a recluse during lunch and get a bit frustrated sometimes if I’m asked by a co-worker to go out to lunch. Why? Because it cuts in to the time that I get to spend with Bob and Dan.

Do I love traffic because I don’t want to go home? Absolutely not. When quiting time rolls around I’m out the door not a minute late and can’t get home quick enough. But like a kid waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought, I’m eager and giddy and can’t wait to hear what the “Radio Santa” will bring. I’ve found out what time to take lunch because it allows me to walk to my car while a commercial break is going on only to turn the ignition and BAAM, we’re rolling into another segment.

In talking with other “P1’s” I’ve come to realize that I’m not strange. It’s very uncomfortable to ask a co-worker, “hey, do you want to go eat lunch with me in the car?”, but if they’re a P1, they understand what you mean. Maybe Bob and Dan could figure out if I’m gray or not gray for asking.

The symptom’s are all the same, we identify the co-worker that’s a listener and gravitate to them. An instant bond is formed. For those that aren’t, its harder to get to know them.

So in conclusion, thank you SPORTS Radio 1310 “The Ticket” for making Dallas great. Oh, and I can’t forget to thank the Cowboys too. I love this place.