For Best Results

* I think it's absurd that a toothpaste tube contains the directions - "for best results, squeeze from the bottom of the tube" - are you kidding me?

* As discussed last week, the Indians are gaining ground on hitting the 100 loss number. They have now lost 11 straight. There are 11 games to go & they must win 2. Embarrassing.

* The SI Cover Jinx is alive & well. In the College FB preview issue they highlighted a few teams that were going to make a run this year - Ole Miss, Oregon & Oregon St. - they all have lost.

* Now I'm concerned - Adrian Peterson was on the cover last week. That's not good for a Viking fan like myself.

* Baseball has about 11 games left. There are only 2 races worth mentioning:
- The Rockies are up 3.5 but have dropped their last 2. Meanwhile the Braves have won their last 3 & the Marlin have won their last 2.
- The Tigers are only up 3 on the Twins. But, Detroit was on the cover of SI this week. Oh No.......... Can Detroit handle more disappointment?

* The Russians are coming....it appears one of the richest dudes in the world is going to buy the Nets. The NBA is clearly becoming an international game isn't it? The Cavs have a Chinese owner.

* The NHL kicks off in 8 days. Excited about the Columbus Blue Jackets. Can they continue to improve? I really like the young talent - Nash, Mason, Brassard, Filatov. Just keep healthy....

* Not much in the way of big games for College FB this weekend. The biggest is Virginia Tech vs. Miami - but I really don't care about that one. The Big Ten does have some important conference games - but I don't think they really matter in the national picture anymore. There is no love out there for the Big Ten. People continue to be fascinated with the SEC.

* I ran into this blog on Networking. I liked it & wanted to share it:

Ten Top Tips to Grow Your Network
by KeithFerrazzi.com on August 11, 2009
1. Build it before you need it: The best networking isn’t networking at all. Your goal should be to build relationships. Sure, that takes more time than swapping business cards at some boozy event. But those connections – real, sustained friendships – are what’s going to make a real difference in your life and career.

2. Don’t Be a Networking Jerk: Does the thought of “working a room” make you feel dirty? So don’t. Approach people with the question, “How can I help you?” Leading with generosity will allow you to approach people without the usual nervous inhibitions that bubble up when we feel inauthentic.

3. Don’t Keep Score: Truly connecting with others is a constant process of giving and receiving—of asking for and offering help. You’ve got to be willing to be generous, and accept the generosity of others, without keeping tally. Think big-picture: The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.

4. Create Instant Intimacy: Who really wants to talk about the weather? Why not skip to the good stuff! Creating instant intimacy by talking to people right away about their passions. What is it that really makes them tick?

5. Be Audacious: Nothing will create more opportunity in your life than a willingness to step up and ask for what you need. If you’re not brave enough to get out there and meet the people who are essential to your career, you won’t. It’s that simple. Push beyond what you think is “allowed” and you’ll often find that people are eager to help.

6. Develop Conversational Currency: When meeting someone new, be prepared to have something to say. Keep up with current events. Cultivate some niche interest—a single, narrow specialty that you’re truly passionate about. That passion has power.

7. Learn to Listen: Strive to be interested as much as interesting – or more. People love to meet others who take genuine interest in their lives. It’s frighteningly rare! Ask questions and when they answer, listen! Show them you’re listening with body language and follow up questions.

8. Master Nonverbal Cues: First, smile – it makes you approachable. Uncross your arms, relax, and maintain eye contact. When your eye contact drops below 70 percent, you can come across as rude and disinterested.

9. Get to Know the Gatekeeper: You think an assistant isn’t important enough to be on your radar? Wrong! That assistant has tremendous power as your target’s right hand. Treat them well.

10. Create a Personal Advisory Board: Get other people invested in your success by calling upon them as trusted

Move On

* Last Saturday was a kick in the gut for Buckeye fans. To be oh so close & miss out again. Texas, Penn State & now USC. All down to the final plays. All losses. Tressel ball can keep us in the games, but the Bucks must be perfect to win.

* Speaking of Tressel & the punt is the most important play. Check out this link.... This coach does not believe in punting & onside kicks every time. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1160256/index.htm

* On to this weekend - I'm a Buckeye fan. To me that means my loyalty & passion will not change from week to week. I hope they smash my alma mater, Toledo (T-O-L-E-D-O, Toledo). I also hope the Rocket offense if very potent so OSU has to learn to put up some points.

* This is the weekend that Lane Kiffin learns to be a little more quiet. Florida will whack Tennessee. Don't expect Florida to take Tebow out until the clock hits 0:00.

* Texas plays Texas Tech this weekend. If you remember, Tech ruined the Longhorns chance to play for the National Championship. Expect Texas to get revenge in a big way. It will be a high scoring Texas win.

* It looks like College football will be the Big 3 this year - Florida, Texas & USC. I hope USC is good enough to run the table & not trip over a lesser opponent. I do think the Pac 10 is much improved. Cal is pretty good. I want USC to dominate that conference.

* Got a chance to see the Vikings & Browns live last Sunday. Couple of observations.
1) The stadium was not full. How does an opening day at Cleveland stadium against a team with so much star power (AP & Favre in particular), not sell out?
2) It was an awesomely beautiful day.
3) I love Browns fans - I really do. They have incredible passion & like me are fans of a team that has not won a Super Bowl.
4) Pro football players are incredible athletes. The speed, size & hitting on the field. How do more not get permanently injured from this sport?
5) Adrian Peterson is not human. I'm watching this guy warm up before the game - there is no one on either sideline that closely resembles him. The size, power & speed of him - whoa! He runs like a receiver & looks like a linebacker. No one like him. His fourth quarter run.....speechless. That run will be shown in the highlights for years to come. If he stays healthy, he will be mentioned in the same breath as Payton.
6) As much as I want to believe it because he's a Columbus kid & I think a good guy, Brady Quinn is not the answer in Cleveland.

* I hope the season hurries & ends & puts the Indians out of their misery. 1-9 in their last 10. Only 16 more games. They stand at 85 losses. Can they avoid loosing 100?

* One more thought from the Browns game - the camera panned to Lebron in the stadium. The ovation & roar for that guy was incredible. He owns the city of Cleveland.

* I know this was made re-popular while USC was in town, but I don't think there is a better was to define being a friend than the song "Lean On Me". I'm not sure there are any lyrics written that are better than these:

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Go Buckeyes (& michigan)

* Big game tomorrow. Honestly, I'm tired of hearing how bad the Big 10 is. There is only one way of dealing with that. OSU has got to win a big game.

* Many people forget it took a last minute comeback by Texas to beat OSU last year in the bowl game. I consistently hear & read that the Buckeyes have been embarrassed in the big games. Definitely true in the Florida, LSU & USC game. Not true otherwise. Many argued Texas should have played Florida in the National Championship game last year. OSU took them to the wire.

* I know - a loss is a loss. Once again, until the Bucks win a big national spotlight game, they will not be respected in the media. I'm sure all of the Big Ten will be rooting hard for the Buckeyes.

* This weekend is the only time that I become a michigan fan. I'm not an Irish fan.

* The NFL is here. Not a bad game last night. That was some serious smash mouth football. Sometimes I wonder how adults can survive that much punishment to the body. There was some hitting last night. Seems the Steelers are always involved in punishing games. There aren't too many teams that hit consistently like them - the Ravens & Titans come to mind.

* Roger Federer is the man. Got a chance to see him live a couple of weeks ago - if you can at all respect tennis (I happen to like it a lot), there is no other player like him. He looks so effortless yet his shot placement & lack of errors are amazing. Surprise - he's once again in the semis at the US Open. He will win another.

* The Rockies continue to push the Dodgers in the NL West. They have won 7 in a row. Since firing their manager in the first part of the season, they have went from 10 games under 500 to 21 games over 500. They are a lock for the NL wild card. But done sell them short, they are closing on the Dodgers quick - and they close the season with the Dodgers.

* With about 20 games to go, it looks like the MLB playoffs are close to being set. In the NL - Philadelphia, St. Louis & LA with the Rockies. In the AL, it's NY, Detroit & LA with the BoSox & Texas fighting it out for the wildcard. That's it. I don't expect anyone to stop the Yanks this year.

* Interesting article in Sports Illustrated this week. I didn't know it, but the AL has dominated the NL. Interleague play has been consistently slanted to the AL (even the Royals & Orioles are successful). AL players that are traded or moved to NL teams find success (Smoltz & Giambi are the latest examples- if you're a GM in the NL, watch the AL waiver wire). NL players that move to the AL bomb (Kerry Wood among many). The AL has won the last 13 all star games. The only place where the NL has success - the World Series - they have won 4 of the last 8.

* With Sizemore out due to injury - does anyone know any of the current Indians?

* Here's a fantasy sleeper - our very own Beanie Wells - if he stays healthy, he will be a stud. The only other back they have is Hightower. The receivers are so good, they will get extra attention. Beanie will have a terrific year.

* Some tips on leadership (thanks to Dale Carnagie)
A leader's job often includes changing your people's attitudes & behavior. Some tips:
1) Being with praise & honest appreciation
2) Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
3) Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
4) Ask questions instead of giving direct orders
5) Let the other person save face.
6) Praise the slightest improvement & praise every improvement.
7) Give the other person a reputation to live up to.
8) Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
9) Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest. (what's in it for them).

* Go Bucks (& michigan) - enjoy the games.