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