mooreshots

Thank you Levy

2011-12-12T20:40:00.000-08:00

My first glimpse of Mike Levenseller was in the old Kingdome when WSU played USC and Ricky Bell ran wild for 347 yards. Bell still holds the single game rushing record for Southern Cal to this day. Jack Thompson threw balls all over the yard and "Levy" was the recipient of most of them. He was by far the best receiver on the field that day.

It was 1976 and that was then and this is now. Levy has coached a butt load of great young men at WAZZU since, with many of them moving on to great careers in the NFL. And there's another one in the making when Marquees Wilson finds a spot on an NFL roster someday soon.
I always looked forward to Levy and the boys coming to the Tri-Cities for the annual Cougar Golf Classic. It was great to spend quality time with the real Levy, not the coach. We would talk about how he's putting his great hands to work in his garden, and we would enjoy a glass of red wine too. Humble, hard nosed, focused, and genuine is the best way I can describe the man who has been a Cougar through and through for the past three decades.

There will be a new look next fall when Mike Leach's Cougars take the field. We won't see Levy on the sidelines calling the plays, and coaching up his receivers like he has since 1992. If Bill Moos has his way, it will be a sellout, and public address announcer Glenn Johnson will be saying "that's another Cougar first down!" 30 times or more. The Palouse Pirates will be out in full force.

You can bet one of the people in the stands will probably be Mike Levenseller.

And I bet Leach wishes he still has eligibility left.

It's a much brighter crimson now

2011-10-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

There's no give up in the Washington State Cougars. And regardless of what people think, this is a testament to head coach Paul Wulff. After getting drilled by Arizona State 42-0 on the road last year and then losing to Cal 20-13 at home, Wulff's team came back and dominated a solid Oregon State team on the road the next week winning 34-14. They could have thrown the towel in on the season and quit, and let's be serious, what more did they have to play for after getting thrashed by the Sun Devils and dropping to 1-8?

I think it says a lot about Wulff and how his players are responding.

Yesterday in Boulder, the Colorado Buffaloes learned that if they are going to compete in the Pac 12 conference they are going to have to play all 60 minutes. I thought for sure the Cougs were done when they went down 10 points and were having a hard time stopping the Buffs. The defense has to improve drastically or it's going to be another long season for the crimson and gray.

I just hope Wulff's players saw how emotional he was after the game Saturday. Wulff has been criticized for his lack of emotion. It means that much to him and he needs wins badly or he will join many others in the unemployment line. Yesterday's win was a pivotal one, and if you think the Oregon State game last year was a turning point in this program, you might think again.

Yesterday's win was a huge one.

It's no secret WSU doesn't have the talent that some of the other big schools in the conference do, but they still possess some big play potential at some of the key positions. The quarterback position is solid not to mention the big play potential at wide receiver. My Hermiston Cougar buddy Mike Snyder said it best in the third quarter when he said, "Wilson will be the hero." He sure was and if he continues to make the big plays this could be a long year for some of the opposing defensive secondaries. Even I could have hauled in that pass late in the game. You could build a Walmart in between Wilson and the closest Colorado Buffalo.

After UCLA next week on the road, the Cougs return home for Homecoming on October 15th against a solid Stanford team. Hopefully Martin Stadium will be rocking as the leaves will start to turn color in the Palouse.

The program has already turned color. It's a much brighter crimson now.

Some tips on gaining significance in our lives

2011-09-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Is there a chance that you could be at the stage of your life where it's time to change directions or turn it up a notch? Are you getting complacent? Maybe you aren't enjoying your job or life as much as you used to?

You may not be alone.

Many of us experience what we refer to as the halftime of our lives or the midway point. We have accomplished a level of success that we are content with but know in the back of our minds that we really need to push ourselves to achieve something different in our lives. Something that is more rewarding and gives us that warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

We are all looking for significance.

Here are some tips that just might help you reel in some of those things that you have always been looking for:

Have fun in everything you do. People want to do business with people that are having fun. People also want to hang out with people that are having fun. The fun people in the world have a tendency to attract others. All of us want to have fun and with fun the success will follow.

Do something you are passionate about. If you are passionate about what you are doing it will spill over into everything you do. Passion wins in many people's minds. Again, people want to surround themselves with people that carry a lot of passion around. It too draws others closer.

Find that one thing that gives you solitude. We all need that "happy place" that lets us unwind and forget about the everyday stresses that tend to control us sometimes. For some of us it might be reading a book, taking in a movie, or maybe going to that special place that helps you forget about work. Whatever it is find it, you will be glad you did.

Always keep a mentor close. We all have our own board of directors that we go to in time of need. They are the ones that bring us back into the right frame of mind that keeps us on track. They are also the ones that help us make the major decisions in our lives like buying a house or car, or a big purchase. Mentors are a very powerful piece of the puzzle that all of us should have. If you don't have one, seek one out.

Start the day on a positive note. There is nothing better than starting your day with something positive or uplifting. Maybe it's a coffee or breakfast meeting with a client or friend, or maybe a morning bike ride. It might even be a walk with the dog. If you start your day with something positive, it sets the tone for the remainder of the day.

Give to a charity or volunteer yourself. There is nothing that can give you the feeling of significance more than volunteering or giving back. Have you volunteered on a board lately or a non-profit organization? Have you donated to a charity?

To gain significance we always have to sacrifice something. And it is comforting to know that our significance will last beyond our lifetime.

6 reasons why it may be time for a new rep

2011-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Do you have a product or service that requires a good rep handling your business? It's no secret good salespeople are hard to come by. Some have the innate ability to take care of the customer, while others just don't like their job and it shows in the way they correspond with their customers. Sometimes we need to take a hard look at the people that are handling our accounts and make sure it's the right fit. Here are some reminders on why it could be time for a change:

They very seldom pick up the phone and call you. In this day and age many people hide behind their computer's mouse and think a quick email is a sales call. Wrong. It is more and more important to be in front of people and continue to cultivate the relationship between buyer and seller. People that don't exercise this will pay dearly down the road. The old saying stands, if you don't take care of your customer, someone else will.

They act like you report to them and forget YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. If you lay out your expectations in the beginning and your rep doesn't follow them, then it is probably time to find someone who will. Business is more and more competitive all the time and the salesperson that cares about your business or service will win out.

They don't take accountability for their mistakes, often times blaming someone else. One of the best things you can do as a salesperson is admit your mistakes and move on. You become more human in the buyer's eyes. Not taking accountability for your actions can be deadly. Accountability is key in the sales cycle.

They show no flexibility. To be a good salesperson, you have to be flexible. It's important to stick to your guns but it is also very important to bend a bit. If you don't, someone else will. Showing your customer that you are in their corner is one of the most powerful things you can do as a salesperson.

They don't take ownership in your accounts. To show you care, you have to care first. This means taking ownership in your accounts and treating them like it was your own company. This shows the customer that you are in it together and care deeply about the success of their accounts.

They don't continue to strengthen the relationship. You've tried and tried to keep the relationship going but they don't play. There is nothing more important in the buyer and seller relationship than building trust and respect. People that are passionate about building these relationship have much greater success than the ones that don't. If you are working with a rep that makes no effort to strengthen your relationship, it's hard to swallow, but it's probably time to move on. You will be glad you did!

Follow your dreams

2011-08-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here at our new second home in Lake Chelan I just realized something. I haven't written a blog in a long time! So I figured this is a good time to change that.

The last few months have been pretty hectic, the emergence of summer and all the work things that go with it. I'm still overwhelmed by this place, it was always a dream for me to have a place in Lake Chelan. It's nothing fancy, but it sure serves its purpose.

All of us have dreams, some of which we think will never come true. We dream in business, we dream in relationships, we dream in the toys we want, we even dream about stuff we wish we didn't. But one thing stands true in all of this. If we follow our dreams with enthusiasm, tenacity, hard work, and dedication, they will come true.

I have been coming to Chelan for 40 years or more and one thing always remains the same. It's that place that I go to that always brings out the things that are important to me. History, family vacations, beauty, and the ability to put the stressful things in my life behind me. That's what I'm talking about.

Do you follow your dreams? What big thing have you always wanted and never achieved? It's right in front of you.

Follow your dreams.

This culture still needs the old school way of doing business

2011-04-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting some markets recently for the first time. It was very enlightening to visit with station managers and discuss their challenges moving forward, and the opportunities as well. There's a real concern amongst the business leaders with the culture we are currently engulfed in. It is called social networking and the Internet.

Social networking is attracting attention at a rapid pace. Organizations are hiring people that are dedicated to handling the so called social networking side of the business. Building Facebook and Twitter pages, Tumblr, Blogspot, Word Press, Foursquare, you name it. We all know time is money, and putting these programs together can be very time consuming.

Nielsen recently released information that 70% of people make their purchasing decisions based on recommendations from friends and family. We all have our own board of directors we seek out when making those buying decisions. It could be a family member, friend, or maybe even a friend on Facebook.

The old school way of doing business will never change. In fact, it will be more important than ever moving forward. Establishing relationships will be pivotal for success, specifically the relationship between the company and the customer. People buy from people they like, and people they are comfortable with. Someone they know will always be there if a problem arises.

These new media platforms that we are experiencing and enjoying are transforming the consumer. Don't you hate it when you call a business and you get an automated response? "Press 2 to reach the sales manager".
Is that what you would call customer service? Isn't customer service when you meet or speak with a live person? You can look them in the eyes and really experience what they are feeling?

I've always been a big fan of WOW-ing the customer. Exceed their expectations. To WOW a customer means it has to come from your heart. We must learn to adapt to these new marketing strategies but still keep in mind the old fashioned way of doing business. One-on-one attention with our clients. More face to face meetings instead of texting or emailing back and forth.

It's the old school way of doing business. To be successful, it will be more important than ever moving forward.

One of a kind car salesman

2011-03-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

I will never forget this salesman. Years ago I was in need of a car to get me around for a busboy job I had at Red Robin in Seattle. It happened to be the flagship Red Robin, and I was proud to work there. The only downside was my commute from Bellevue to Seattle. Back then during rush hour it probably took me 30 minutes or so. Who knows how long it would take now.

I walked into University Chevrolet in the U-District looking for that perfect car for my needs. Little did I know at the time that this would leave a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life. I met a salesperson that I still think about to this day.

What a difference a personal note will make.

My brother-in-law and I sat in his office and we discussed what we were looking for. After meeting with this guy for a few minutes I noticed numerous trophies and sales awards littered throughout his office. I didn't count but there had to be close to 50 of these awards. I was a little dumbfounded because this guy wasn't impressive by any means. He was an older gentleman, and I would say definitely on the shy side. He asked us what we were looking for and we ventured out on the lot. I stumbled across this little Ford Courier and I knew then this was the one. The interior floor boards were brand new, they did a nice job of dressing up this little truck. It had a four speed manual transmission, perfect for a 20 year old. Little did I know in time it would become a hassle in the stop and go traffic from Bellevue to Seattle.

He made an impression on me I will never forget.

I don't know how long I kept that truck, but I would say it was four or five years. It burned oil, got decent gas mileage, but I slowly became tired of the manual transmission and lack of room. It served it's purpose and fulfilled my needs at the time.

I received a birthday card for the next 10 years.

What's amazing about this is I probably moved 7 times in the next 10 years and he still found me. The card was always on time and it was always handwritten. At the time I couldn't understand all the trophies in his office, because he didn't really do anything that stood out.

Now I do.

Thank you notes and birthday cards go a long way. They are unforgettable, at least for me they are. I try to make a point of sending cards because of my experience with this salesman.

My guess is this one of a kind salesman retired or passed away because the cards all of a sudden stopped coming. He was older at the time and I could tell he was nearing the end of his career. He didn't look healthy to me, but he had a heart of gold. To WOW a customer it has to come from the heart. He had a lot of heart.

I think of him every time I send a note or card to someone. Sometimes it's the little things that can go a long way. It sure did in this situation.

He was a one of a kind salesman.

Has the Internet changed the way we sell?

2011-03-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

The salesperson has changed in a lot of respects. The old school way of taking someone out for drinks and then closing the deal just doesn't happen much anymore. In this day and age it almost seems easier to shoot off an email to someone and then tell your boss you called on them. That's hardly a sales call.

Has the Internet changed the way we sell?

For a lot of people it has. One of the most important aspects of selling is being intuitive and recognizing a person's body language. The intuitive side of selling is huge, and many people under estimate it, often times ignoring how important it is in the selling cycle. Without noticing the buying signals we wouldn't have a sale, or would we?

The dictionary describes an order taker as someone who doesn't put in a diligent effort to increase existing business. With business getting tougher and more competitive for everyone, it is important to continue to cultivate new business, increase the revenue from the customers you already have, and maintain relationships. Shooting off an email is not the answer.

All of us are guilty of sending a quick email and getting it off our desks so to speak. We can blame the growth and magnitude of the Internet for this new age of selling we are in. One of the best TV commercials I have ever seen is when the president of United Airlines handed out plane tickets to his salespeople and told them they will go see their customers in person.

The Internet definitely has changed the way we sell.

This is jury duty

2011-02-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

I always get nervous for jury duty. Today was no exception. And much to my dismay, things haven't really changed that much in the way they herd you through at the Justice Center in Benton County. Power is still the rule of thumb in this environment.

Like always, I arrived early because you never know the unknown and you are much better off being there on time to get a feel for the landscape. We were seated in the jury orientation room, this is after you take a tunnel and an elevator to get there. Everyone checks in with a gal on the computer as they scan your jury number. If you don't get in line, she will find you. I chatted with a couple interesting gentlemen, one was a box maker for Boise (formerly Boise Cascade), the other the meat manager at Yoke's. It was the highlight of my morning.

Then it's time to sit. An hour and twenty minutes to be exact. We received our jury numbers to put on our chest so it could be visibly seen by everyone. One of the bailiffs handed them out and then went back for another cup of coffee.

Judge Matheson sat in for Judge Swisher and gave us our orientation because of a hearing that ran long. He told us to focus on the importance of deciding "what happened" rather than getting caught up in what the attorneys from both sides will say. "The witness testimony is the most important aspect", he said.

Ten minutes after Judge Matheson gave his orientation, Judge Swisher came up and informed us we could go home. It was 9:30am, an hour and a half after we sat down. The defendant did not show up for her trial and the judge informed us they issued a warrant for her arrest.

It sounds like this happens all the time.

So I'm off for the rest of the week. We were instructed to call-in Friday after 5:00 pm to see if our number comes up.

This is jury duty.

Big Choices For Many Today

2011-02-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

National letter of intent day is so exciting for so many people. It is the culmination of a long recruiting year for coaches and schools, and it provides closure for those who have to make the difficult choice of where to spend the most important 4-5 years of their lives.

Years that will never be forgotten.

It seems the hype gets bigger every year as schools wrangle kids away from other schools, and it sometimes becomes a huge marketing blitz for their respective schools. Players and parents are torn because the options can be so varied, depending on their focus and goals for the upcoming years. Still, it is a very exciting time.

What a lot of these young kids don't know is how much the next four years will really impact their lives. Will they achieve what they set out to achieve scholastically? Will they meet that special friend or teammate that will be a friend for life? How will they want to be remembered in their college days, a time that can be so stressful at times?

I remember when I was in college I stressed about my grades constantly. We used to joke about "figuring out our grades" as we were studying in the library only halfway through the semester. It was in college where I really learned to study and earn good grades.

To my surprise, in my professional life nobody has ever asked me about my grades in college.

So as players, athletes, and students make their big choice today they will keep a lot of things in mind as they look ahead to the next few years. Will they win a championship at their respective schools? Will they get drafted? Will they make the Dean's list? Will they look back and know they made the right choice?

These are all huge questions and thoughts that probably accounted for many sleepless nights the past few weeks, months, and in some cases, years. And it all comes down to this one day. National letter of intent day.

Don't let the sports hype fool you. It's just a side show of what is really important.

The Future Is in Multi-Media Campaigns

2011-01-30T14:22:00.000-08:00

OK..you are the General Sales Manager of TV or radio station. If someone approached you with a multi-media campaign idea that would help generate $165,000-$220,000 in new and incremental revenue for only a $5,000 investment, would you sit down with this person?

It's amazing how many people won't. And boy are they missing out.

Managers nowadays are so bogged down with their everyday routine that sometimes they don't want to take the time and look at the important campaigns and initiatives that could help them achieve one of their biggest years ever. They often say, "we have too many initiatives going on right now".

Is it an objection or do they?

The days of selling airtime exclusively are over for TV and radio reps. There are too many mediums to choose from and providing more value for the advertising customers is crucial. Creating a partnership is even better. A multi-media campaign that combines airtime, a business to business controlled editorial magazine, and a web component are the perfect combination for success. Magazines are sexy and provide your chance to "tell your story"---something you can't do in a normal thirty second radio or TV commercial. You can also provide beautiful pictures and testimonials supporting your business, or maybe highlight a new product or service you might have. Most stations are driving traffic to their websites anyway, another reason to take advantage of a multi-media campaign.

In a recent flood of calls I made for an upcoming marketing trip, it is amazing to me how many people aren't willing to take the time and spend thirty minutes and explore something that could change their year. Their reps will make more money, the station will incur new and incremental revenue, and more importantly, they will be able to gain a commitment from clients, something very difficult in this economy.

So the next time you get a call from someone with an opportunity like this, set the appointment and take thirty to forty minutes out of your day.

It could mean the difference in crushing your budget forecast, or not making it at all.

Important Reasons Not To Cut Advertising

2011-01-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

I hear it a lot. " I want to cut my advertising twenty percent". "We are so busy we don't need any more advertising". Sometimes those are words that are really hard to swallow.

I'm not saying this because I'm biased and in the advertising business. I say it because to grow as a company you need to build a list of new customers. How can you do it if you don't advertise or promote your personal brand? It's a really good question.

In this day and age there are plenty of ways to get your name out there, or drip feed the public about your products and services. But you can't do it by sitting on your heels and cutting back what was instrumental in getting you there in the first place. Here's a list of some of the drawbacks you will face if you cut your advertising or marketing dollars:

Your reputation could take a hit. In my 25+ years of selling advertising, high end office equipment, cellular phones, and even trinkets like gift items, I have found that one thing holds true. In the relationships that I have established and the people I have visited with, people often mentioned the businesses that weren't advertising anymore. They referred to them like they were financially unstable. You don't want to give people this impression because it's hard to get them back in the right mindset.

If you aren't moving ahead, you are probably taking a step back. Again, you need to add new business, more butts in the seats, more people in the gates if you are going to grow and prosper. Many people believe in the theory of increasing revenue with the customers you do have, but there are always the customers that disappear or go away. You must replace them with new customers, thus new revenue flows.

Work to retain the competitive advantage. If you cut ads, you cut market share. Cutting costs during a recession is expected, but you also want to retain your competitive edge. The only way to do this is to stay in the game and let people know you have drive to grow and succeed your business.

View your marketing as an investment, not an expense. I can't stress how important it is to target and reach out to your customers. Give them reasons to do business with you. If you don't reach out to them, they have no reason to know if it's worth doing. Treat your marketing plan to reach these people as an investment.

Know your customers. Know them inside and out. Know how economic times might be affecting them, and respond to their needs. You may have to revise your products if you have to. Develop a lower cost alternative that is a win/win solution for everyone, always with your customer in mind. Make it easy for them to find you.

If you cut, how will they find you?

Live For The Future--Find Your Place

2011-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

"Almost dying changes nothing. Dying changes everything."

Have you ever heard that line? It makes you kind of think doesn't it? It affects all of us in our everyday lives. I lost my Dad a little over a year ago and he has been such an inspiration to me ever since. One of my friends best described him. "He was a man with a project and always looking to the future". He was always in the forward thinking mindset, and how he was going to fix things, rather than dwell on the horrible sickness he was living through. His passion was building custom homes, and it shined through during his entire stay in the hospital.

For working professionals that are successful, this is their thought process. They don't think about where they came from, but where they are going. It's so easy for us to look back at all the negative things that have impacted our lives. We learn from all of them, some were good exercises, while others we would just as soon forget about.

If you were told you were going to die on a certain date what would you do? How would you spend the last precious moments you had? Who would you go see? What would you want to accomplish?

Most people focus on the relationships they have, or maybe places they haven't seen. It's a great question to ask yourself and what you might do if you were left in such an uncompromising situation. It sounds terrible on paper, but it is reality and it is a great question to ask ourselves.

We only get one chance. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves some of these questions. It will help you find your place in life and your real passion(s).

Live for the future, find your place.

Dream Big

2011-01-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced that little bird that chirps in your ear "you can't do this". All of us have had the experience one time or another. That inner self that tells us we can't do something. Well, there's a way to get rid of that little bird.

Dream big.

It's perfectly OK to do so. Dig down deep and look for that inner self or your gut, that tells you that "you CAN do it". It's there, you just have to find it.

So how do we find it? First of all, think of all those things that bring joy to your life, or your passions. They are there, they are just waiting for the green light or the OK to move forward.

Some of us have a harder time than others finding these green lights, or go signals, but if we dig deep enough, visualize, and are aware of our affirmations, it's there for the taking. Our natural defense mechanisms will focus on all the negative things that could happen. They are our body guards, protecting us against any possible failure. We have to negate the fear of failure and visualize success and all the rewards that will follow. Fear happens to be our biggest motivator.

Affirmations are huge, visualization helps us recognize them. If we focus on all the important ways to get there, all of our dreams will come true. We can wipe away the fear of failure.

We can dream big.

"Selling with Passion"

2011-01-05T15:59:00.000-08:00

Do you have big numbers to hit in the year 2011? Numbers that you think might not be achievable? Maybe it's time to go back to the fundamentals on ways that can help get you there.

Sometimes salespeople can get complacent or in a rut if you will. There's no profession that has more peaks and valleys than that of a sales professional. Here's some hints that might make your year as profitable and rewarding as you want it to be:

Promote your personal brand. If you don't do it, nobody else will. You can do this many ways; social networking, ribbon cuttings, chamber events, after hour business meetings, or maybe a hockey game or sporting event. The more people that know who you are and what you do for a living, the easier it will be. You should leave no doubt in other people's minds on who you are and who you work for. Your profile is a very important part of your persona. Build your personal brand.

Sell with passion. There is nothing that sells more than passion and enthusiasm. People migrate toward people with passion. People want to be around people who are fun. People buy from passionate, enthusiastic people. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about your products and services, they will be too.

Don't pre-judge. There's business people out there that are far better off than they may appear on the surface. Embrace some of these people and you might be surprised what you find out. There's a diamond in every rough and sometimes these people are the easiest to find. If you venture outside the circle you draw, the rewards and success will follow.

Dress the part. We call it "dress for success", call it what you will. We all know business has become more casual these days---but we still need to know who our customer is. Make them feel comfortable by how you dress. Don't make the mistake I did years ago when I called on a farmer in nice slacks, shirt and sweater and I never heard the end of it from the guy. It was a bad mistake on my part. Don't make the mistake I did.

Be prepared. There's nothing more powerful than knowing your product, and knowing it well. Executive your sales pitch. Practice on friends, relatives, or co-workers. It sounds kind of cheesy but it works. Sports teams that executive their plays have much better results than teams that don't. Sales is no different.

WOW the customer. This is most important. Show them value in what you are providing. Exceed their expectations. Don't leave them with the feeling of buyer's remorse. Sometimes it's the little things that can be so big. Surprise them with something special, it could even be on the personal side of things. Don't be a vendor that just sells your product. Create a strong and meaningful partnership. There's nothing more powerful that creating a team. Now you are in it together.

Find your passion. Find that "new thing". Like that new relationship that has fire in it. You want to enjoy the hours you put in. Fight for yourself.

We only get one chance at this thing called life.

To Your Success!

Selling With Passion---Internet Style

2010-12-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

If you don't have a facebook or twitter page, it's about time you got one. We are in the midst of the biggest thing that has ever hit this society, it's called the Internet.

You can touch base with people all over the world from your keyboard and mouse, FOR FREE. We will never see anything of this magnitude in our lifetime.

In business, the Internet gives you that much more to talk about. The next time you see someone at a networking event you can ask them how their boat trailer is doing. That's because you saw their post on facebook where they explained in detail how they lost one of their wheels on the interstate.

I have a relative who lives in Norway and he knows more that's going on with our family than I do. And most of them live right here in my own backyard. Talk about powerful.

If you don't promote yourself or your personal brand, nobody else will. You can drip feed the public with anything you want. As one of my clients once said, "somebody will read it".

And it doesn't cost you a dime.

Compassion - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

2010-12-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Compassion - Just Sell®... it's all about sales®

If you are in sales view this video by clicking the link above! It's startling how sometimes we get caught up in our daily routine and forget the important things in life. Sell with compassion, sell with empathy. It will go a long way.

Happy Holidays to you and yours this holiday season.

T

Tell Your Story

2010-12-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

It seems the holiday functions never seem to dissipate this time of year. They are happening almost every night. Tonight, a night off. This is life in the Tri-Cities, WA. It's where word of mouth spreads like wildfire. That's a good thing. If people are talking about your business, or you, that's what it's all about.

Whether you know it or not, you are building your brand. The more people that know about you, the more people that will come in contact with you, or your product(s). We not only brand our products and services, we brand ourselves. It's Branding 101. If they know about you, more than likely they are going to know about your product(s) or business too.

There is nothing more powerful than telling your story. All of them are unique in their own way. That's what makes all of us so special.

So the next time you have a chance to tell your story, don't hold back. Give it a whirl. Talk about it. Share it with passion. Work it. Live it. Own it.

You will be amazed at the results that will follow.

Wulff Returning--It's A Good Thing

2010-12-06T07:39:00.000-08:00

I'm sure there are a lot of mixed feelings out there on Washington State Athletic Director Bill Moos' decision to bring Paul Wulff back for another year. From my conversations with people in Pullman last weekend, it was overwhelming how many people are in support of Wulff returning.

Although many people didn't see Moos' statement as much of an endorsement, what else is he going to say?

It wouldn't be appropriate for him to say Wulff has done an outstanding job because the wins don't support that. But as Wulff has said following the decision, people inside the football program see the good things that are happening there.

Improvement. Nobody can dispute the improvement in this team this year. The win over Oregon State in convincing fashion on the road confirms that. Corvallis is not an easy place to play either. Critics contend progress is graded on wins, the Cougars definitely fell off in this area but they had a long way to go to begin with, considering what Wulff had to work with.

Recruiting. Wulff and his staff continue to bring in talented players, especially at the skilled positions.

Academics. The Cougars placed more players on the first team Pac Ten all academic team (7) than any other team in the conference. Not much more needs to be said.

Coaching. Change needs to be made on defense. Having co-defensive coordinators doesn't work. They need someone in place that is in charge. Look for a change in this area.

Intangibles. I really don't think Moos had any other choice but to retain Wulff. Why start over? The players are 'buying into his system' and believe in the coaching staff.

Looking Ahead. The Cougars could realistically start the 2011 year 3-0 with a non-conference schedule that includes Idaho State, UNLV, and San Diego State. Three more conference wins and the Cougs are bowl eligible.

Sure, WSU could hire a guy like Mike Bellotti that could generate excitement in the program for the short term. He would come in and say Pullman is where he wants to be and he's excited about building a winner for years to come. He would also say he's not interested in going anywhere.

Sounds familiar doesn't it?

This Is Pullman

2010-12-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

I remember I had to write an English paper in college and the last words in the opening paragraph had to be "this is Pullman".

I wrote something like this; "Nestled in the wheat fields of Eastern Washington lies a remote little college town. This is Pullman."

As I approach a big weekend in Pullman for the Apple Cup, I will never forget those words. It really describes what I wanted when I made the decision to attend Washington State University.
I will never second guess my decision, and I will always cherish the friendships I made in my days at Ole' WAZZU.

It's no secret we want to win the game against our cross state rival, the University of Washington. We want to spoil their chances of going to a bowl game for the first time in years. But it's really not about the game. Football is really a side show in this glorious town. Regardless of what people say, there are plenty of things to do. And win or lose, we still have a great time with our Cougar friends.

I met my wife in Pullman and we always like to stay at the Cougarland Hotel. It sits on the side of a hill downtown, within walking distance to the only breakfast place in that part of town, and of course the watering holes known as the Office and the Sportspage. The Sportspage is where all the coaches hang out, and older alums like ourselves. We will ALWAYS run into Coug friends that we know.

Pullman breeds character, it really does. When you check in to the Cougarland Hotel and they hand you a remote, you know you landed a room with a TV. It's just one more thing to talk about with your friends over a bubbly one.

Sometimes the simple little things mean so much.

You see, it's the small things that make this place so special. Heading across town is no big deal if you've had too much to drink. You just give Big Cat Taxi a call and you can go wherever you want for only $6 bucks. And you can bring all your friends.

This is Pullman.

Apple Cup Thoughts

2010-11-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

I've been going to this game since 1968. I was 9 years old then. That was then, and this is now.

It's still as exciting of a week as ever.

Things are a lot different now for both programs. The Huskies aren't the powerhouse they were in the Don James era when they manhandled teams with their mammoth offensive line. They always had a dominating defensive tackle. Ball control and the kicking game were two key components that won many games for them.

Boy have times changed.

The Huskies enter this year's Apple Cup game hoping to land a bid in the Alamo Bowl, Sun Bowl, or perhaps the Holiday Bowl, not long ago going to the number two team in the Pac Ten Conference.

Not this year.

With Oregon on it's way to the national championship game and Stanford, say what?, possibly headed to the BCS Championship Series, one would think this is a changed conference, especially with the new additions making it the Pac 12. Oregon, a former doormat in the Pac Ten Conference along with it's sidekick Oregon State, has progressed into the premier program in the conference, and perhaps the west coast. Chip Kelly is changing the game with his high powered, quick strike offense that drives defenses crazy, especially when the fourth quarter arrives.

Then there's Washington State. The team with really no identity and still many questions loom over the future of head coach Paul Wulff. In his weekly talk show, WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos still refrains from answering questions about the future of Wulff. After an impressive 31-14 win over Oregon State in Corvallis on November 13Th, the Cougs have been waiting for their arch rivals to arrive in Pullman. The game features a new twist now with the resurgence of the Husky program generating two wins over UCLA and Cal in successive weeks. It used to be expected and is now treated as one of the two biggest wins in school history. "God's play" is what people are calling the one yard touchdown run by Chris Polk as time was running out in the victory over Cal last weekend. Husky fans bombarded the field like they were headed to their first Rose Bowl.

When the final bell rings Saturday, there's a few scenarios that could unfold. We will finally find out the future of Paul Wulff and whether he will be able to fulfill the final year of his four year contract. Will the Huskies go to a bowl game for the first time in years?

Back in Anne Arbor, Jim Harbaugh will be named the new head coach at the University of Michigan, leaving Stanford for his treasured job.

And Paul Wulff will be packing his bags, for another recruiting trip for the 2011 season.

A Devel-ish Weekend

2010-11-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

Who would've thunk it. The WSU Cougars dropping a tough one to the Arizona State Sun Devils 42-0. Not me. After a couple weeks of great improvement the Cougs ran into Dennis Erickson and the Devils, a coach many think is on the hot seat at ASU. After a slow start and a 50-17 thrashing by California the week before, it was time to find out just what Erickson is made of. Coug fans found out the hard way. It was a good Ole' fashioned ass whooping. Sorry about the french, I couldn't resist.

Erickson had his team ready and showed why he's landed the big name jobs and outlandish salaries in his very successful coaching career. This might have been a game he needed the most after a discouraging 3-4 record coming in. "We needed a win", he said. Well, he got one and it couldn't have come at a better time.

More importantly, I was able to take in all that the valley of the sun had to offer. I was greeted with good friends, warm temperatures, great restaurants (I highly recommend Dick's Hideaway but you'll never find it. Brilliant marketing on the name by the way), drinking establishments, drinks by the pool, morning walks, and real estate that is almost too good to pass up. Not to mention a sports bar that rivals Hooters, only better. I see now why Erickson took the job at ASU. I also found out how brutal some of their fans are after a few of the Cougar faithful were escorted out of the stadium. Who knows why. I think maybe they were having too much fun. I guess you aren't supposed to stand up during a game at Sun Devil Stadium. Win or lose us Coug fans always do. Some of us fall down too.

It was great to get away from the cool air and the same political advertisements here in Washington State that have plagued so many of us over the past month or so. Mud slinging, thrashing, lies, and someone always gets the short end of the stick come election day. And here in Washington State it's usually the people that live outside of King County. Maybe it's time to open a satellite office.

I'm thinking Maricopa County is a good place to start.

December 4th Could Determine Wullf's Fate

2010-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Washington State University Athletic Director Bill Moos has to be feeling the heat right now. But after all, this is what he signed up for. He had to know at some point he would have to make a coaching change at his Alma mater. I'm sure he didn't think it would be this quick.

Or did he?

Many of the cougar faithful are falling off the bandwagon, in a hurry. The status of the WSU football team is giving a lot of people an uneasy feeling. The losses are mounting and getting old. So are the excuses. When a coach continually blames the players for "being too young and inexperienced", you know you have an accountability problem. Isn't it the coaches' job to get them ready, young or experienced? Last time I checked it is.

It has become Bill Moos' challenge. In 17 years as an athletic director at Montana and Oregon, Moos had only one losing season in football. I'm sure he doesn't want to live through very many more, especially at Washington State. He was instrumental in the hiring of Paul Wulff, he played a key role on the selection committee. Moos wants Wulff to succeed just as much as anyone else, but then again when you start losing your fan base, and the losses keep coming, it may be time to make a change. Or is it?

Paul Wulff has stuck to his game plan on how he is going to run his program. He continues to recruit hard for the best players available, and quality young men. There still is an interest on the part of some of these blue chip high school players, the most recent coming out of the state of Florida, who enjoyed his recruiting visit thoroughly despite the lopsided loss to USC.

So if you are the athletic director at WSU what do you do? Do you hang on and give him his four years? The first year probably doesn't really count because Wulff had less than two months to recruit, given the fact he was hired so late in the process. And it's no secret WSU doesn't have the funds to buy out a guy like Rob Akey, who just signed a new extension at Idaho.

I look for the WSU team to be much improved the rest of the year. Special teams continue to be a huge bright spot in this young season. And more importantly for Cougar fans, the Huskies are struggling too. This weekend's game at USC will be another big challenge for Steve Sarkisian's Huskies.

Many football experts say to retain your job in college football you must beat your rival. John Cooper found out the hard way during his time at Ohio State against arch rival Michigan, he's obviously no longer the coach there. In 1975, the Huskies came back from 13 points down to beat the Cougars 28-27 when Spider Gaines caught a fluke pass from Warren Moon after the ball bounced off the helmet of a Cougar defender in Don James' first Apple Cup.

Exit Cougar Coach Jim Sweeney.

Paul Wulff's career record is 1-1 against the Dawgs. Mark your calendars for December 4Th in Pullman.

It very well could determine Paul Wulff's fate.

Men Of Troy Might Have Their Hands Full

2010-09-23T18:44:00.001-07:00

This very well could be the biggest game of Paul Wulff's career so far. His Cougar team hosts USC at Martin Stadium this Saturday and Cougs from near and far will be watching this one with a keen eye. Will his team compete and show the improvement that is needed for him to retain his job?

There are a lot of people in the WSU fan base that have had enough. Die-hard Cougs that would just as soon see him go. On the other side of the coin, there's also a lot of other coaches out there watching just as closely as the dying WSU fan base. Paul Wulff has slowly built a foundation that has not succeeded with wins on the field, yet. The team still believes in him and the morale is still high. If there's one thing he has done well it is keeping this team focused on the task as hand. He is confirming with his team the positive things that are happening, even though they are few and far between. The Cougars finally competed for 60 minutes last week on the road against SMU. If by chance Wulff is not retained, whoever takes over the job can be a hero in a heartbeat. Winning five games in their first year might just catapult them into an even bigger job, like say, Weber State or Ball State for that matter.

When the Cougars take the field on Saturday you can expect all the "wrinkles" will come out of Paul Wullf's playbook. Maybe a flea flicker on the first play instead of the patented dive play we've seen the first three games of the season. We all know the Cougars don't have the talent or experience that the other teams have so why not throw the entire kitchen sink at the opposing teams and see what happens. The fan base is dying and this just might be what they need to get some excitement generated again in the cougar nation.

USC is on probation and they aren't as big and talented as year's past. They've struggled early in the season. I expect them to come out flat on Saturday. The brash and cocky Lane Kiffin will have a really hard time getting this team up for Washington State. They have nothing to play for.

I chose Pullman over going to Lake Chelan this weekend. I chose football over wine tasting and hanging out at my favorite place?

For some reason I have a funny feeling I made the right choice. Look for the Cougs to cover.

What a thrill that would be.

A Great Day In Pullman

2010-09-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you learn a lot from your significant other, in this case my wonderful wife Kathy. It was hard getting her to go to the WSU-Montana State game on Saturday, given the current situation with the Cougar Football Program. She started to 'buy in' to some of the things she's been hearing from her die-hard Cougar friends, many of them abandoning ship and giving up on coach Paul Wulff and his staff.

As the Cougs fell behind in the second quarter and later at halftime, I gazed around at the 26,000+ fans who showed up for the non-conference game with the Bobcats. It was a perfect day for football. My friend Jim, a loyal MSU fan and graduate, sat next to us with his two young sons. It was huge for them and a great bonding experience. For a Montana State fan, this is big time football. Earlier in the day, his oldest ran 45 yards for a touchdown in a grid kids game.

I appreciated how great it was to be back in Pullman again. My wife and I met there and it will always be a special place for both of us. We also enjoyed watching Emily Walden (former coach Jim Walden's daughter who we went to school with) lecturing some guy next to her for not supporting the coach. Knowing her, I'm sure she got the best of him in this one. He left a short time later.

Despite the lackluster performance by the Cougars, and the nay sayers that continue to haunt Paul Wulff and his program, I found the day real enjoyable even before the Cougars came back to take the lead. My wife summed it up best. "Thanks for buying the season tickets hon", she whispered in my ear.

She couldn't have said it any better.

Another Embarassing Loss by Cougs

2010-09-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

On the first play of the game the worst possible thing happened setting the tone for the rest of the game. It was not what Paul Wulff or his Cougars needed. James Montgomery never got the hand off from Jeff Tuel and Oklahoma State recovered. The Cougars never recovered after that. It sounds like a broken record doesn't it?

It very well could be a long season again, given the 65-17 drubbing this time to Oklahoma State. WSU was once again outmatched in every aspect of the game. The only improvement I saw was punt coverage, it was pretty strong. Nowadays, if you want to head to the NFL from Washington State, you best try out for punter, you will get a lot of looks.

What was the worst part of the latest debacle? Tackling. There was none. In 43 years of actively watching college football, that very well could be the worst tackling (or lack thereof) performance I have ever seen. It comes down to fundamentals.

When Paul Wulff arrived at Washington State one of the first things he noticed was the team's lack of fundamentals. He said it would change. Was it poor tackling or were the Cougars matched up against a team with much more strength and athleticism? I think it's probably a little of both.

Wulff and his team need to show significant improvement this season, not so much in wins but being competitive in each game if he is to retain his job. The Montana State Bobcats are next on the schedule and the Cougs need a win badly.

Given what I saw on Saturday, It's not going to be easy.

Two Guys With A Lot In Common

2010-08-03T16:59:00.001-07:00

I knew I had a lot in common with Fred Couples. Both of us grew up playing junior golf in the Seattle area. Neither of us wear a glove when we play golf. In addition to golf, both of us played soccer and baseball growing up as youngsters. But the biggest thing we have in common is both of us have had blow ups on that darn par 5 second hole at Sahalee.

In the Father-Son golf tournament years ago, I chunked four balls in the water and took a 13 on the par-5 hole. It was that same hole that cost Fred Couples the 2010 US Senior Open. After choosing to lay up from the right side after his tee shot, Fred proceeded to chunk a lob wedge into the lake that guards the green. He finished with a triple bogey, and it was that mistake that cost him his first major as a senior player.

On a much smaller scale, my Dad and I finished second that year in the Father-Son. Maybe I should have gone for the green too. It still eats at me to this day.

Northern Ireland Here I Come

2010-06-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm headed to Northern Ireland. Hopefully, sooner than later.

After watching Graeme McDowell win his first major, it makes me want to go to his homeland and see what it's like. He was so impressive the way he handled himself in one of the toughest set ups in all of golf. I knew early he was the guy to beat.

Unflappable, he rarely missed a fairway on this day. While Dustin Johnson was shooting himself out of the US Open early, McDowell continued to hit fairways and leave himself in the right spots to win a major. Phil was being Phil with those common errant shots, bad decisions, and just being the Phil we've all grown to love. No wonder he hasn't won a US Open yet. Tiger isn't in form, which kind of breaks my heart. Ernie Els is getting closer but still seems a bit tentative in his game. But this day belonged to Graeme, short in stature but obviously carries a big heart, and savvy smarts to go with it. In all his interviews he just seems to say all the right things. Just think how much fun he would be in one of those pubs in Northern Ireland. Maybe he'll give me a blow by blow of his stellar round at Pebble Beach.

I can't wait.

Pac-Something Poses Some Interesting Questions

2010-06-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Now we know why Pete Carroll took the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job. The writing has been on the wall for some time now and came to a head today. USC will be punished with a two year ban, and more importantly, 10 scholarships for the next three years. This definitely levels the playing field for others in the Pac Ten, especially Colorado, who just accepted an invitation to join the Pac Ten. Others are soon to follow like Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State. When USC can only recruit 10-15 players per year for the next three years, that is a huge boost for others in the Pac-Something. It also puts a scar on the Pete Carroll era. Yeah Pete, the Seahawks job wasn't about the money was it? Things started to stick so you needed to go. Hello Seattle.

So what does this mean for WSU and UW Fans? For the loyal Cougs, it means it's time to step up. If you haven't helped your school lately now is the time. I really think WSU may be at a huge advantage, given the latest circumstances. Who would you rather go see play, Colorado or Idaho? Texas A&M or Baylor? Oklahoma or San Diego State? Some of those schools were on the non-conference schedule but you get my point. Some of these new schools in the conference will mean a huge spike in ticket sales for Martin Stadium. This is why the stadium expansion is so important. Let me correct myself, this is why we HAVE to expand Martin Stadium.

For UW fans, well I won't even go there. They already entertain some of these schools and as hard as it is for me to admit it, Seattle is a big attraction and always will be, specifically Husky Stadium. I can say that because I grew up there. I saw the likes of Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Michigan, Michigan State, and Miami, just to name a few. If you want me to name some of the players I can do that too. When it becomes a conference game it's an even bigger draw.

So buckle up, there's some big news a comin'. The new schools will have to make adjustments to travel schedules, new recruiting territories, new surroundings. For Husky and Cougar fans they are already in place.

My name is Tom and I'm a Cougar. I like what I'm seeing.

The Best Of The Best

2010-06-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to be a part of the last coach to beat legendary coach John Wooden. It was in 1975 when Marv Harshman's Huskies knocked off UCLA 103-81 in Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Up in the rafters I was sitting behind a post. It didn't matter, I was experiencing history and loving every minute of it.

We lost the best of the best. There's nobody better and never will be. John Wooden taught the fundamentals of life and basketball better than anyone. There was a reason why he made his players use the backboard. There was a reason why he taught them the right way to put on their socks. There's a reason why he won so many games.

But the one game he excelled in more than anything was the game of life. And what's more important than that.

2010 Tri-Cities Cougar Golf Classic Shines Bright

2010-05-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Now that the dust has settled on the 25Th Annual Tri-Cities Cougar Golf Classic, it's time to reflect on what a special day it was. With presenting sponsors Sterling Savings and Sun West Sportswear, the tournament returned to its roots at beautiful Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland. The die-hards of old turned out in forces playing golf and waiting to get a sneak peek of what to expect in the coming years. New Athletic Director Bill Moos was the featured guest and he didn't disappoint. As usual, Moos had a few stories to tell and kept the sellout crowd in stitches. Those in attendance included legendary quarterback Jack Thompson, who was accompanied by his son Tony, a former tight end for the Cougars. His main target in college, current receivers coach Mike Levenseller was also there, as well as longtime Tri-City Americans' coach Don Nachbauer (pictured above second from left).

It's a new era in Cougar athletics. Moos reminded the Cougar faithful that he only had two losing seasons in football in 17 years as an athletic director at Montana and Oregon. He increased fund raising tremendously at both schools and set the tone for what they are today. He plans to do the same at WSU. And given the way he worked the room and turned some heads, it won't take long.

Cougar fans haven't seen many standing ovations of late, but they got plenty at Meadow Springs. Hats off to Tournament Chair Tammy Mulholland, who put on a very successful event in its first year back at Meadow Springs, and she accomplished what the tournament was set out to do; raise money for the athletic department, generate enthusiasm, and make sure everyone had a good time.

Like Bill Moos, she didn't disappoint either.

A Saturday Reunion

2010-04-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

It was a reunion of sorts at Willows Run Golf Course on Saturday. I was back together with old friends at a familiar place, the golf course. I've never played very well in the spring, and this year is no exception. It was the typical spring round for me, missed greens, missed putts, and missed opportunities. But this day wasn't about golf, or score. It was about spending time with old friends. I spent five hours with a guy who was a fixture in Seattle sports for a long time. Donald "Slick" Watts hasn't changed a bit. He still has that huge smile, and he's still in remarkable shape. Although he has given up the game of basketball for tennis, he still finds plenty of time to knock the rock around from time to time.

We talked about Tiger Woods, we talked about Butler's run in March Madness--we even talked about NBA salaries and how they've sky rocketed. It's hard to fathom the kind of money LaBron James is making, or Kobe Bryant for that matter. We didn't talk about his days as a Seattle Supersonic. He's not like most former professional athletes, who still feel the need to live in the past and their glory days. He still runs basketball camps with his son Donald Jr., the head basketball coach at West Seattle High School. In July, Slick will turn 59 years young.

It's hard to believe it was that long ago he was running up and down the court in that trademark headband. Few people will forget Donald "Slick" Watts. After Saturday, I know I won't.

No Place Like Home

2010-04-15T07:33:00.001-07:00

He is probably the most celebrated Husky receiver ever. He could single handily take over a game. And he's back in Seattle. Reggie Williams got the break he needed when the Seahawks decided to give him a try out with new coach Pete Carroll. Carroll obviously sees the value in this kid, still only 26 years old with a four month old son. He is also engaged and has promised to turn his life around. He is a former number one draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he admits it just wasn't "a good fit". I agree. Who wants to be a receiver for a team that mostly relied on ball control, defense, and the kicking game. The Jags grind it out with the running game, which doesn't give you many chances as a wide receiver, so you better take advantage of the opportunities when they arise.

Well, that opportunity is here for the former Husky star. Reggie Williams is relishing it. And there's no place like home.

An Unfortunate Couples Retreat

2010-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

The 74Th Masters was well represented with players from the Northwest making some noise, in one of the most exciting weekends you will ever see at the Masters. And once again Seattle's own Fred Couples excited the crowd with some remarkable play. It might have been nerves that shattered his chances for another green jacket but we can't downplay the gutsy performance by Phil Mickelson. Lefty picked up his third green jacket, joining an exclusive group that includes Gary Player and Nick Faldo to name a few. Faldo has said on numerous occasions that nobody swings it better than Freddy, a swing that hasn't changed since his glory days at O'Dea High School. Couples got off to a great start with birdies on two of the first three holes, but it was an unfortunate double bogey 5 on number 12 that started his fall on the leaderboard. This shot found the water in Rae's Creek, he wasn't as lucky as he was when he won his first green jacket when the ball was hit in the same place but managed to stay up. It was the third iron shot in a row that Couples missed to the right, ending his chances of a second green jacket at 50 years of age.

Another Seattle native, Ryan Moore, dazzled the crowd with a hole-in-one on number 16 to finish in the top 16 and earn another trip to the Masters next year. The top 16 and ties earn invites for the following year. Ryan might have received an invite anyway, showing his respect for the game by sporting a tie. Moore closed with a final round 68, two shots better than Couples' final round 70.

I have a sneaking hunch we haven't heard the last of Fred Couples at the Masters. There's a reason why people call him "Boom Boom".

My First Spring Training

2010-04-01T22:15:00.001-07:00

It only took 50 years but the wait was worth it. I was able to spend my first spring training in the valley of the sun. My good friend Jeff Parker was a great host, but even better tour guide. He definitely knows where the hot spots are, and he found us the cheap beers too. A 24 oz. Corona for only six dollars and change, now that's a bargain.

The biggest thing I got out of this was the acquisition of Milton Bradley by the Mariners. Or was it an acquisition? The dude definitely sports an attitude. He was a big gamble in a lot of people's eyes, and this game proved the point. The attitude reared it's ugly head. He had a terrible error in this game resulting in two runs scored and two other runners left in scoring position. Now when you go to spring training with a guy who hangs out there every day you learn the tricks of the trade. You spend the first three innings or so on the third baseline. And the boys around us were getting their money's worth with the taunting of Milton Bradley. As the beer kicked in it got worse. Some of these spring training fans are relentless. Bradley had enough after a couple innings and made a less than desirable gesture toward the fans on his way off the field. They start practice early at around 8:00 am and then play a game at 1:00. By the time the six or seventh inning comes around the veterans start to file out after a long day at the office. That is when our tour guide Jeff informed us it's time to move to the first baseline to watch the veterans leave. Bradley left by himself two innings earlier. It was a tough day all around for Milton. As Ken Griffey Jr. was filing out with his wide smile my friend Jeff asked him why Milton wasn't hanging around with his teammates. Griffey covered the side of his mouth and snickered, "dentist appointment".

My first spring training, and definitely not my last.

A Hump Day To Remember

2010-02-23T16:59:00.001-08:00

You know the beers will be flowing in Pullman come late Wednesday afternoon. The local bars will be rocking because a good ole' boy is coming home. Bill Moos will be formally introduced as the new athletic director at Washington State, his Alma mater. It only took WSU president Elson Floyd 10 days to replace Jim Sterk, who left to take the same job at San Diego State. Sterk saw the writing on the wall and bolted south. Moos was hired as a consultant and Sterk knew it was a matter of time when the pressure would be just too much. WSU will get exactly what they bargained for, a man who knows how to raise money, something I believe was lacking under Sterk. Moos also brings charisma back to WAZZU, something that has disappeared since Mike Price left for Alabama. WSU has the smallest athletic budget in the conference and when you lack in funds and resources, you better make up for it with someone who can work a room and get it done.

Give props to Elson Floyd. He found his man.

There's a Moos in the Palouse

2010-02-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

This will go down as the bench mark for Elson Floyd's tenure at Washington State University. It's a matter of time for the WSU president to name Bill Moos as the new athletic director, or something similar for the time being. The former Oregon AD has a non-compete clause in his contract not allowing him to take a job at any other BCS school. He would give up close to 1.9 million dollars if he does. Obviously WSU officials are confident they can put ink to this deal. President Floyd sent out an inter-office letter today indicating he invited Moos to campus Wednesday to meet with athletic officials and participate in a public forum. It's all but a done deal. And what a deal it will be for WSU boosters and fans, especially with the renovation project for Martin Stadium. Moos was instrumental in building the University of Oregon athletics department to what it is today. He changed the landscape of Oregon athletics, and as far back as 2003 he facilitated more than $160 million in improvements, which includes 12,000 new seats, 32 new suites, a new club at Autzen Stadium, and a new press box. There is no better fit for the Cougar Nation. Moos began his athletics career in 1982 as assistant athletics director at Washington State University. He was also associate athletic director from 1988-90. Moos was also an all Pac 8 lineman in 1972.

Bill Moos was raised on a wheat and cattle ranch in Eastern Washington. He knows the landscape, much like former Cougar AD Jim Sterk, who resigned to take the athletic director position at San Diego State. According to sources, Floyd and Sterk were never on the same page. Well, that page has been turned now.

I can hear it now, "there's a Moos in the Palouse".

A Night With Cougar Football

2010-02-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

I keep referring to him as one of the guttiest quarterbacks I have ever seen. He helped beat UCLA with a broken leg, ultimately leading the Cougars to their last Rose Bowl. Despite the attention he has received both as a former football player and now as an analyst on Fox Sports Northwest (last time I checked it was the Husky Network), Jason Gesser remains humble and determined to promote WSU Football to the great northwest. Gesser delivered an impassioned speech that resulted in a standing ovation from the 200+ people who attended "A Night with Cougar Football" at Meadow Springs Country Club--an event designed to raise money for scholarships. Glenn Johnson, Mayor of Pullman and Public Address Announcer for football and basketball, did a masterful job as Master of Ceremonies. Gesser said it was the family atmosphere, similar to the one he was raised in, that made his decision to attend WSU an easy one. Following his recruiting visit to the U-Dub, three different Husky players from Hawaii told him Montlake wasn't the best place for him. Too much of the "me me" going on they said. He obviously made the right choice.

Things are changing in the Palouse. The Cougar faithful are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel after listening to Gesser, wide receiver Gino Simone, and redshirt freshman cornerback Nolan Washington, a real funny character to say the least. All three brought with them new life to the Cougar Program. There hasn't been much to celebrate the last couple years, and many close to the program are very aware of how one sided the outcomes have been. Embarrassing, humiliating, down right awful to say the least. But I can honestly say there's something that can be said for people who stick to their plan and believe in it. Head Coach Paul Wulff is one of those. The kids are believing too. WSU is recruiting quality people, like Simone and Washington. After raising $35,000, the alumni are obviously buying in too. The grade point average last year was the highest in the history of the school. Although we grade coaches on wins and losses, these are some of the things that are often times overlooked. Good things are happening in Pullman. Just ask these kids.

Paul Wulff needs time. I hope the administration gives it to him. Then we will learn that like Gesser, they too made the right choice.

The Peeping Toms of Social Networking

2010-01-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

When I first joined Facebook a year or so ago it was a chance to reconnect with old friends and former colleagues I haven't seen or heard from in awhile. Whether it be old classmates, friends, former co-workers, coaches, or even teachers, it was a fun way to 'catch up'. I think it's safe to say this is exactly what it was originally designed to accomplish. I have been fortunate enough to re-kindle some old acquaintances because of social networking. But I think it may have gotten a little out of hand. Now it's filled with what I refer to as 'peeping toms', people who constantly monitor what everyone else is doing but very seldom post or respond themselves. One friend told me, "it's like they are peeking in your window". It's kind of unsettling if you ask me.
I guess my thought is if you are going to engage in social networking, be social. Interact. Respond to people's comments, and have fun doing it. Enjoy what it is designed to accomplish in the first place. If not, then you shouldn't be on there in the first place.

A "Voice" I Remember

2010-01-25T18:39:00.001-08:00

He tagged Fred Brown "Downtown". He put the Seattle Supersonics on the map. He was Seattle sports. Bob Blackburn, longtime voice of the Seattle Supersonics was remembered Sunday as family, friends, and colleagues jammed into First United Methodist Church in Bellevue for one last salute to this honorable family man. As people were filing into the church, his booming voice was heard one last time as he delivered another perfect game in the final minutes of the replay of the Sonics' 1979 NBA Championship win over the Washington Bullets. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.

"Bob was a legend", those words from a legend himself, Lenny Wilkens. Wilkens talked about how he became neighbors with "Voice" after he was traded to the Sonics from the St. Louis Hawks. He later guided the Sonics to the NBA Championship as their coach. No legend myself, I was fortunate to grow up in Woodridge, an old school neighborhood just east of downtown Bellevue. It was a dream neighborhood where locking doors was few and far between. I was friends with Bob's son Dave, a quick witted multi-sport athlete who afforded me the chance to learn and choose who my childhood idol would be. It wasn't Spencer Haywood or Bob Rule. It wasn't Dick "The Duck" Snyder, or even "Leaping'" Lee Winfield. It was a man who inspired me to enter the broadcasting profession. His work ethic, drive, passion, and attention to detail is what peaked my interest. The Sonics had a 7:30 game one evening and I asked him what time he needed to leave for the Seattle Center Coliseum. "Four fifty-eight", he responded.

I knew then that Bob Blackburn was my idol.

Oh For Pete's Sake

2010-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Department of redundancy department. The Seahawks have done it again. They've hired another good looking coach (excluding Mike Holmgren). He is going to bring them to the promised land. No more 5-11 seasons, no more Superbowl debacles. Just good ol' fashioned smash mouth football with former USC Coach Pete Carroll. Please. One of the remaining Seattle newspapers did a poll and the majority of readers (those Huskies that could read) didn't think it was a good hire. Why? Because most of them are Huskies and don't like the fact the Seahawks hired someone from USC. I agree. Remember Barbara Hedges? You know, the lady that was so infatuated with Rick Neuheisel that she decided to hire him. She turned on him just as quickly when he fell in love with the San Francisco 49ers without letting her know. Maybe he should have consulted Tiger on the best way to handle this. Don't get too excited about Pete Carroll. His motivational ploys that worked with USC won't work in the pros. His athletes with the Seahawks aren't as good as the ones he had at USC.

For Pete's sake.

The Tiger Thing

2010-01-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry, I just can't get off this Tiger thing. I can't stop thinking about Jack Nicklaus' comments about five years ago when he said Tiger's life would change when he started to have a family. Boy was he right on. But what we didn't realize was how much the world revolved around Tiger, and still does. Just ask him. I really question how much remorse he really has. People will soon forget when he sets foot on the links again. Everyone knows it's the best therapy for him. All he needs is a win and this will all be water under the bridge.

Let's just hope it's not the one at Rae's Creek at Augusta. I can just hear Jim Nance now. "Tiger is back".

Please.

The Fall Of The Tiger

2009-12-02T16:45:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods, you made the game of golf that much harder. The wins will be harder to come by after this debacle of a personal life you are going through. Tiger, you will be under more pressure and public scrutiny than you've ever been before. Women will throw themselves at you, because they know you are vulnerable. Hecklers will heckle you more than they've ever heckled before, because they know you are vulnerable. Sponsors will require more from you than they've ever required before, because well, you know. The conservatives in the game of golf, and there's a lot of them, will have you under the microscope more than ever. The expectations will be higher, the pressure will follow. Tiger, the pars and birdies are going to be that much harder to come by. The wins are going to be few and far between. The majors are the real question. You had none last year, zippo. And when you tee it up in January you will carry more distractions to the golf course than you've ever experienced before. You will face many of the demons that your competitors face today. Those negative thoughts that get into people's heads when they get out of their comfort zone. You are out of your comfort zone Tiger.

It's not a good feeling is it? I'm sure the Golden Bear is smiling today. I don't blame him.

Apple Cup Week

2009-11-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is the week that signifies the entire season. Throw out the records, the injuries, the rhetoric about coaches, and most importantly, the won-loss record. The pride of the State of Washington is on the line. There's a reason why the Cougs have to put on a purple jersey when they mess up in practice. Coach Wulff is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. It builds a hatred for those guys in the purple jerseys and serves as a year long reminder. I remember when Don James got pegged by an apple in Pullman while walking the sidelines prior to the game. He picked it up and took a bite out of it. The Cougs took a bite out of his Dawgs on that Saturday in November. That was back when they filled up Martin Stadium, not anymore.

Even though the tickets go for $90 it won't be hard to find one. I scalped a ticket to the UCLA game last year and I think it cost me $20. I have a feeling this won't be any different. There's a certain electricity in this game un-matched by any sporting event I've attended. You have the typical Husky fans that never went to school there who have adopted them as "their" team. You have the faithful Cougs who, like me, wanted to get away from home and go to a college town for the college experience. You can't really go home on the weekend because it is so far. It worked. I met my wife there, and like me, she hasn't missed very many of these since we graduated in 1987. I think the Cougs will surprise some people on Saturday. They've been preparing for this one for 11 games. They will play their best game of the year.

Don't get too excited.

Everything Ducky-For Now

2009-11-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Ducks were impressive in their win over USC on Saturday. But let's not let them get ahead of themselves, like they often do. Oregon fans are already chanting "B-C-S", pretty premature don't you think? Last time I checked there are still some pretty tough teams on their remaining schedule including Arizona on the road and Oregon State in the Civil War. But this isn't how Duck fans think. They win a big game and they think it's their ticket to the National Championship (which they have never won by the way, but you would never know it by the way their fans act). The Ducks are extremely vulnerable. The Pac Ten is a very tough conference. It's the conference of champions.

Will this be the Ducks' year? Don't bet on it. They will find some way to implode. They always do.

Summer in the Tri-Cities

2009-08-07T07:24:00.001-07:00

The feel of summer is creeping away. The Water Follies and Tri-Cities Boat Race Weekend is the trademark of summer here. It's usually the hottest weekend of the year. But shortly after, that summer 'feel' tends to slip away. The winds pick up, much cooler nights, and that awful feeling that winter is just around the corner. I've learned the older I get, the faster time goes, and this summer was no exception. Our recent camping and boating trip to Clarkston and the Snake River was the best possible way to end another great Tri-Cities summer. While we were able to escape the 108 degree day in the Tri-Cities, we found a much cooler spot at Chief Timothy Park in Clarkston with a cool 106. We thought about making t-shirts that read, "We survived Chief Timothy." Today, I woke up to a slight drizzle and cool temperatures. "We might hit 80 degrees today", said the weathercaster on KNDU TV. What a bummer.

Another ho-hum Tri-Cities summer.

I Remember

2009-07-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

I remember when he chipped in to beat Jack Nicklaus in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. I remember when he made just about everything he looked at in his younger years. I remember he always made the six footer coming back after a rare miss. I remember one of the best tips I ever received from anyone was when he said in Golf Magazine to put the ball a little farther forward in your stance with long irons. I remember like it was yesterday but unfortunately it wasn't. I was pounding golf balls at Sahalee dreaming of being the next Tom Watson. That was 35 years ago. I thought he was in his prime back then but maybe I need to re-visit it. But what I will most remember is the four days of stellar golf in the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.

I remember.

The Alaska Experience

2009-07-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

This world is a lot larger than I thought it was. Thank you Alaska for helping me realize it. This is arguably one of the most picturesque places anywhere. As we descended into Juneau and Gustavus for a once in a lifetime fishing experience, I saw the beauty I've been hearing about for a long time. A short time after we checked into the Glacier Bay Country Inn, we saw a Moose in the man made grass runway just outside the dining room of this cozy lodge. Two days later a brown grizzly bear was playing in the same area. This is Alaska. You can't mention Alaska without talking about the sport fishing. For those who think whales are close to extinct, think again. For those who think bald eagles are an endangered species, think again as well. Let's not even go into the salmon thing. We limited in kings our first day and they were stacked up like a cord of wood. A sea lion ate one of them as I was reeling him in just 30 yards from the boat. This is a normal occurrence in Alaska. The very next day a sea lion tried to steal one of our halibuts but we were able to scare him off enough to save our prey. The wildlife is in abundance with whales, sea lions, seals, otters, bald eagles, and every kind of bird imaginable. We ate like champions and were treated like royalty. We also flew home feeling like heroes in the fishing world.

This is Alaska.

A Birthday Month To Remember

2009-04-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

First it was the Masters. Then, a trip to Edgefield for a little bit of everything; beer, wine, music, food, par-3 golf, and most importantly, friends. When we've had enough of that we are headed to Livermore, California for more golf, wine, food, entertainment, and of course, friends. It's all part of turning 50. The big 5-0.

Sounds like a birthday to remember. It ain't so bad.

Jim Sterk Needs To Go

2009-04-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

My wife is not happy. That doesn't bode too well for any of us when that happens. No more Apple Cups in Pullman. I would not want to be WSU Athletic Director Jim Sterk when he comes face to face with her. It's not gonna be pretty. In another stupid move, the future Apple Cups will now be played at Quest Field in Seattle, the home of the Seahawks. Not far from Montlake. What a nice move Jim. So much for the renovation of Martin Stadium. What a nice way to show loyalty to the hard working business owners in Pullman who rely on this weekend. For some, it makes their year. It never ceases to amaze me with all the constant stupid moves this guy makes. I used to work on the committee that helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Cougar Athletic Department. The Cougar Golf Classic used to be a great event until Jim Sterk showed up. The likes of Mike Price, Joe "the toe" Danello, Mark Rypien, Tim Rosenbach, Clint Didier, Pat Beach and Rueben Mayes used to make their way to Meadow Springs Country Club for the annual event. It was a reunion of former NFL greats, high profile Cougars. Sterk didn't feel he needed us anymore. He thought the school could do a better job. They sure have done a better job. Last year, the most high profile celebrity at the Cougar Golf Classic was one Paul Wulff. The same guy who was hired by Jim Sterk.

What more can I say.

CBS Blasted for Masters Coverage

2009-04-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

CBS should be ashamed because I am. You would think Tiger and Phil were the only players on the golf course. Angel Cabrera, Kenny Perry, and Chad Campbell were just out for a Sunday stroll on an Easter Sunday at the 73rd Masters. It was like the leaders didn't even exist. How many times did you hear, "just a minute ago", "while we were away", or "here's a replay of Perry's putt on 9"? We saw very few live shots of the leaders because CBS was too busy following Mickelson and Woods. The media is so hung up on someone challenging Tiger that they forget that there are other players making a name for themselves, and then when success follows these so-called no names, they don't know what to do. I was relieved when Tiger and Phil holed out their final putts on 18 because then we could watch the leaders, and not on tape. Of course we had to wait for the interviews of both Mickelson and Woods before we could go back to live action again. "While we were watching Tiger and Phil, Angel Cabrera won the Masters in a playoff over Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell".

CBS, the most taped network. Has a nice ring to it.

An Angel on Easter

2009-04-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Richland, WA.

It's great to be home. I'm back in my comfort zone for the final round of the 73rd Masters, the couch. The big question on everyone's mind is who will it be? Who has the nerves to withstand the pressure that goes with being in position to win a green jacket. Will it be 48-year old Kenny Perry, who has been close to flawless thus far in his quest for his first green jacket. Or, will it be an Easter Sunday to remember for 2007 US Open Champion Angel Cabrera. Traditionally, the winner usually comes out of the final two-some which includes both of these guys. You know the producers for CBS Sports will be focusing on the pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both at four under and in need of a low number to post early, hopefully putting pressure on the leaders coming in. You kind of get the sense that this tournament is being set up for something special on this Easter Sunday. Will someone come out of the pack and shoot a blistering 29 on the back nine on Sunday? Or, will the leaders plod along and make it too difficult for the earlier groups to make up such a wide margin.
As I walked the grounds of the entire golf course on Tuesday, I tried to get some pictures of players I thought would be there in the thick of things come Sunday. I did the same thing at the 1998 PGA at Sahalee, the course I grew up on. Angel Cabrera is going to be tough to beat. So is Jim Furyk. Yes, it's Sunday at the Masters and I'm making predictions, and back in my comfort zone.

A Player's Dream

2009-04-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Augusta, Georgia

I saw history today. I saw a 73-year old shoot 78 at Augusta National in the Masters. I saw Gary Player make his first birdie in his last Masters. It gave me the shivers. I know, it doesn't take much for me to have the hair on my arms stand up but this was something special. Sporting his Masters green instead of the traditional all black, Player stiffed a wedge from 75 yards to six feet on number two and then proceeded to roll in a down hill curler. It was fitting for a guy playing in his last Masters. Gary Player is playing in his 52nd Masters, hard for anyone to believe. He wasn't the only story today, former Masters champion Sandy Lyle can still flat out move it. The 51-year old bombed drives and showed us a sleek short game on his way to a ho-hum even par 72. We also can't forget about the big story of this year's Masters. Greg Norman fired a two under par 70 today, after earning a trip to Augusta as of result of his impressive performance in last year's British Open. It was shades of the 90's. " I've always been connected to the gallery", he said. "I played my way back into the golf tourney".

I will hit a milestone this month when I turn 50. This trip was a great prelude. I haven't played in 52 Masters. I don't bomb drives. I'm not connected to the gallery. This week I got a good glimpse of what heaven is like, and I think I like it.

Tuesday at Augusta

2009-04-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

The azaleas are in full bloom. Amen Corner is as pretty as it's ever been. This is Augusta National. A lot of people don't know this, but Augusta, Georgia is the second biggest city in the state. Some of the biggest names in golf are here for another edition of the Masters. I am normally planted on my couch for this weekend tradition, but not this week. Today's practice round enabled me to see some of the game's best, including Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Adam Scott, and Nick Whatney. Big surprise that I would follow Freddy but I wanted to see his mindset after taking the gas last week in Houston. Couples and Norman packed it in after four holes, I don't blame them. It was a cool, windy day, not typical this time of year. Freddy was doing his normal stretching trying to loosen things up, including his ailing back. Vijay was on the range, Boo was working the crowd, and I was enjoying a beer for only $2.75. I knew there was something special about this place.

Day One

2009-04-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Augusta, GA.

It started off with a bang. Electrical problem on our flight out of Pasco. We missed our connection flight out of Salt Lake but managed to find our way to Atlanta just after five o'clock eastern time. We arrived in Aiken just before the national championship game...b-o-r-i-n-g. I have one thing to say, it is a much different world in the deep south. Practice round tomorrow and golf on Wednesday at the legendary Palmetto Golf Club. We ran into a bunch of players today but because of contractual obligations I'm not able to share what happened. More tomorrow.

A Special Place

2009-04-05T08:36:00.000-07:00

As a tiny little 11-year old I had dreams of winning this tournament some day. They say dreams do come true. We all know this one won't. But for me, heading to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia on Monday will be like a dream come true. I have been watching this tournament religiously since 1970, but it will change this year when I have the distinct pleasure of setting foot on the grounds of Augusta for the first time. Magnolia Lane, and Amen Corner, which consists of holes 11, 12, and 13, and one of the most exciting stretches in all of golf. The true meaning of Augusta has nothing to do with golf. It has nothing to do with Tiger chasing down Jack's 18 major wins. It has nothing to do with Freddy starting a new streak of consecutive Masters Tournaments without missing a cut, after missing the cut line in 2008. It has nothing to do with one of the new, younger players picking up their first major win. It has to do with one thing, tradition. The tradition called spring.

Bring it on.

Important Things In Life

2009-04-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine told me the other day, "he's definitely not as cute as he was last week". She couldn't have said it any better. She was referring to the ever popular former Cougar Coach Tony Bennett. Some of us guys think we know everything about sports but I managed to listen to some of my female friends regarding Bennett's departure and I learned a lot. My wife: "I want to know what Sterk said to Tony after he said he was staying and giving up $100,000 of his salary. Something went terribly wrong. I really want to know what Sterk said to him." My friend Jody: "He's coached Division 1 for three years and they are paying him that much money? Something is wrong with this picture". And the topper from my friend Traci: "I heard you are going to the Masters!! Wear a bright shirt!!!"

Sometimes we need to be reminded about the important things in life.

How do you title this one?

2009-03-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

It happened when us fellow Cougars least expected it. After a mediocre season Tony Bennett decided it was time to pull the plug at WSU. Tomorrow he is expected to be named the new Head Coach at the University of Virginia. Ralph Sampson's old school. Why do these coaches have to lie so much? Tony assured everyone he had no intentions of leaving Pullman. Great school system, he could go home for lunch, he could build a winning program in the Palouse. His wife loves it there, or does she? Something has happened that has prompted Bennett to move elsewhere. Is it Athletic Director Jim Sterk, or new President Elston Floyd? Is it lack of support? We probably will never know. It would be nice to thank him but for what? This is almost as bad as when Dennis Erickson denied he was going to the University of Miami. Bennett is going to the A-C-C. His eyes are really on one job, in that same conference. When Coach "K' retires at Duke you know Tony Bennett will be the first in line. Based on his coaching down the stretch this year, don't cross your fingers. Holy St. Mary's.

Good Bye P-I

2009-03-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

On the eve of its last day, it is hard to say good bye. The paper that helped spark my interest in sports will be no more as of this time tomorrow. And it won't be the last paper to go. I have many memories of the Seattle P-I, all the way back to my childhood when I learned to read. I probably could have shined more in school had I not focused so much on the sports page, but heck I wouldn't have the knowledge I have now either. When I grew up the P-I was a morning paper and the rival Seattle Times came in the afternoon. My Mom wasn't a morning person so we got the Times, but it didn't stop me from finding the P-I. She still gets the Times by the way, and she reads it cover to cover. I have spent most of my adult life in Eastern Washington and I can't imagine being without our hometown paper, the Tri-City Herald. I remember Sonny Sixkiller, D.B. Cooper, Warren Magnuson and Moon, and of course Dixie Lee Ray. Warren "Maggie" Magnuson once said about the former Governor, "She's cute, if she'd shave I might kiss her." I vividly remember former Husky coach Jim Owens and the three yards and a cloud of dust. Boy have things changed. Now they might get two yards. I probably should write books on serial killers like Anne Rule does, because it's somewhat of a passion for me to read about psychos like Gary Ridgway, Kevin Coe, and of course Rule's former friend and colleague, Ted Bundy. If it weren't for the Seattle P-I we probably wouldn't have the t-shirts that read, "Ted Bundy was a Husky". Although I read three to four newspapers a day on-line, there's nothing like reading the hard copy of a daily newspaper with a fresh, warm cup of coffee, at least for me anyway. While I'm writing this many of the journalists at the Seattle P-I are meeting deadlines for their last assignment with the legendary paper. I can't imagine their tears, their pain, their memories, and most importantly, how the Seattle P-I has made all of them better people, and me too. Thank you Seattle P-I, you will be missed. The coffee just won't taste the same anymore.

49 Years Young

2009-02-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

He still has it. The swagger, and that magical sense about him. Smooth as silk. For 71 holes at the Northern Trust Open he was in the hunt. One errant shot means the difference on the PGA Tour and Fred Couples did something on Sunday you don't normally see. A seven-iron on the final hole sprayed dead right catching one of the towering Eucalyptus trees that line the right side of the 18th fairway at Riviera. Another huge check and more reason to hang out on his couch and count his money. Phil Mickelson was victorious in the end but Fred Couples still has it, at 49 years young.

Tribute to "A-Train"

2009-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

We lost a good man here recently. A man that defined what is important in family. Al "A-Train" Nall passed away after Christmas, but not before making a lasting impression on a lot of people in a very positive way. Most importantly, that lasting impression will be carried on by his family, something extremely important to him. It was a very moving service for me and my wife as well. Richard, I commend you on an outstanding job of representing the family. I'm sure "A-Train" is very proud right now.

Your Friend,

T. Moore

Define Your Place

2009-01-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Define your place. Sounds a little deep but it's not. If you are struggling with a plan, or don't know exactly where you are with your business plan for 2009 give us a call. Sometimes it helps to get a third party opinion or some direction on "honing" in on a target audience, your customer. Another way of defining it is being more efficient. A simple 30 minute brainstorming session might be all you need. We focus on results with our clients. More people in the door. More people seeing your logo. Most importantly, more people knowing who you are, what you are doing, and what you are all about. I like to refer to it as branding 101. The results should follow.

Respectfully,

Tom Moore

One More Year!

2008-12-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

The search for a replacement for Tyrone Willingham as Head Football Coach at the University of Washington has turned into a joke, and then some. Every name that has surfaced has disappeared just as quickly. Add Mike Leach to the scratch list this time. And there will be more. The university has slipped into the 'dork' mode, an enormous reason why nobody is interested in moving to Seattle, one of the nicest cities in the country. How about bringing Ty back for another year? He's already here and you are paying him anyway. It's starting to sound like a pretty good idea.

Hill Climbing To The Top

2008-11-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

The names keep dwindling, much like the program. The job that used to be one of the most desirable in the country is showing little interest from anyone, except Pat Hill. Fresno State's 56 year-old coach reportedly met with UW officials Saturday about the head coaching vacancy for the bewildered program. He was all smiles at his team's annual awards banquet but said he had not been offered the job. What he doesn't know is he really is the only one that has expressed interest, according to many reports. With the pipe dream of a new stadium in the wood works, the big question is whether Hill will meet the demands and expectations of the old school donors who are hoping a high profile coach will succeed Tyrone Willingham. They are also hoping to meet with Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly, who many believe is waiting for the Notre Dame job, if it comes open. There is a lot of hope in Montlake right now. I hate to break it to you but hope is a belief that something outside yourself is going to save your butt. It will be a tough Hill to climb.

Mucho Grasu

2008-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

Pullman, WA.

As the students were storming the field at Martin Stadium after the fourth victory in five years for the Cougars, I was heading down Grande Avenue listening to Bob. Bob Robertson that is. There may not be a better pair to listen to in an 'event' like the Apple Cup. Jim Walden said throw the records aside, put on your colors and support the 'event', because nothing else really matters. And what an event it was. For the young Cougars, it was an exercise for the future, learning to win a game in a tight situation, "definitely something to build on", according to Head Coach Paul Wulff. The Cougs haven't been in this situation all year, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Seven potential WSU recruits were in the stadium for the game, and if they are on the fence so to speak, they might climb down now. They might have witnessed the future of Cougar football and the definite low point for Husky football. For the first time all year the Cougs fought to the wire, this time with reason to celebrate. The Huskies left again 'bewildered' and with no explanation. "Don't ask that question again", said Tyrone Willingham when asked if he will coach against California in the final game. Another loss. Another week off and nothing to look forward to. Down and out. One more loss and they will own the worst record for a season for UW since 1890. In 2090 the record books for this one will include Karstetter, Mitz, Bland, and a kicker named Nico Grasu. Benched two weeks ago, he is now the hero. "If this guy makes this kick he will be a hero forever for cougar faithful", said a spirited Walden before the final attempt. "Good, the Cougars win"...yelled Bob Robertson. In the 'event', it's beginning to sound like a broken record. And there's a rainbow on the horizon. Mahalo.

Good Bye Ty

2008-10-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately for Husky fans the U-Dub Football Coaching Job is not an attractive position anymore. The program has been run into the ground and people don't realize how tough of job it was for Tyrone Willingham. He has cleaned up the program more than people realize, unfortunately it hasn't resulted in wins. What the program needs is an up and coming coach that is extremely competitive with a defensive mindset. It is what Don James built this program around and anyone who knows anything about football knows that defense and solid special teams equals wins. Forget Pat Hill, nobody was smart enough to hire Gary Pinkel. Unfortunately the program probably can't afford him, nor would he want it after being turned away twice. It would be a demotion for Chris Peterson at Boise State, Jeff Tedford makes too much money at Cal. No more boat rides by the Nordstrom's for recruits, no more dinners at Salty's. This is not an attractive position anymore and it's really too bad. Whoever takes the job can look like a hero with five wins. Why not go after an up and coming coach like Brady Hoke at Ball State. He wasn't good enough for Washington State, but he is good enough for U-Dub.

"Pure" Getaway

2008-10-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

Suncadia managed to win me over. It was the first time I've stayed at the lodge, and it won't be the last. I saw a little bit of everything that is important to me in the three + days I stayed there. A picturesque golf course littered with wildlife, good food, and of course a great atmosphere to enjoy a nice glass of red wine. It may not be for everyone but you won't find a more pristine place than this. My wife's old boss laughed when he found out I was there. Suncadia was the site of the Hotel and Lodging Association's annual retreat. When my wife invited me to tag along it was a no-brainer. Suncadia sports three golf courses, and the oldest tavern in the state is nearby. Again, it was a no-brainer. Next year the Hotel and Lodging Association is holding their annual retreat at the Skamania Lodge. Yes, they have a golf course. I'm sure my schedule is open.

Washington Schools The Laughing Stock

2008-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Anywhere, WA.
It's official. Washington is the laughing stock of the nation and the Pac Ten Conference. I mean the state of Washington. Both teams proved it this weekend after being thoroughly embarrassed in this just the third week of the season. The Huskies were ransacked by a good Oklahoma team 55-14 before 67,000+ fans in Husky Stadium. It shows where the program is, this would normally be a sellout. The Cougars had to travel to hurricane country and play their game a day early...it didn't matter. They were blasted by a lowly Baylor team playing with a true freshman quarterback. So where do we go from here? What's next? That's a question both Paul Wulff and Tyrone Willingham are spending sleepless nights trying to answer. Both programs have hit rock bottom and there's not much light at the end of the tunnel. Just wait until next week when Jerry Glanville shows up in black and his cowboy hat and really turns things upside down for the Cougars.

The Smell Of Pigskin

2008-09-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

The smell of pigskin is in the air,
a smell so vivid with so much flare;

Cougars, Huskies, Seahawks alike,
It also means Kathy riding her bike;

There's more to football than just the game,
the weather, the tailgate, they're all the same;

Just like life, it's all too short,
I think that's why we love the sport;

Keep this in mind when you root for your team
for the college kids who are playing, it's their life long dream;

so don't be hard on the kids so dear,
give them the best you've got to cheer;

So as I close this short little blog,
and clear my mind through the fog;

Fall is here, so give a big cheer,
for the smell of pigskin and gallons of beer.

Tony Time

2008-03-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

It's definitely "Tony time". The most sought after college basketball coach in the nation has decided to stay put in Pullman, for now. This is inspiring news for the Cougar faithful, considering the attention Bennett was getting from high profile schools like Indiana, Cal, and LSU. Tony Bennett isn't your typical coach, but a colorful, good looking diamond in the rough. He appreciates the quality of life in Pullman. He appreciates the school system in Pullman. He likes going home for lunch, and he will continue to do so. He also learned from his Dad and his past experiences watching other coaches take jobs they shouldn't have. The younger Bennett wants to prove to people that it can be done in Pullman. WSU Athletic Director Jim Sterk has asked Bennett for a list of the important things needed to be a successful basketball program. The list includes a better non-conference schedule and easier access charter flights in and out of Pullman. One of the schools you can bank on to be on that non-conference schedule is a team right up the road. Bring on the Zags. Friel the heat. The Huskies couldn't handle them but the Cougs will. It seems to be the trend these days.

Sweet 16 Baby!

2008-03-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Charlotte here we come! High scoring teams are finding out how good they really are when they meet this swarming defense that has given up only 81 points in two games. The Fighting Irish are the latest victims scoring half of their season average. The motto for this year should be, "A star isn't born"...because there aren't any on this WSU team. That's why they are so impressive.

Quick quiz

2008-02-25T13:33:00.000-08:00

He went to the same college as Edward R. Murrow and is one of the most celebrated broadcasters of our era. He also served as play by play man for Husky Football. Who is this man?

No Love in Pullman

2008-02-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of watching a pretty darn good basketball team last night in Pullman. I had more fun watching the student body and some of their antics. It amazes me how creative students can be when you put them in an environment like that. We couldn't figure out what was being said every time freshman sensation Kevin Love went to the free throw line. Most of the students were pointing to their rear ends and yelling something. I've heard a lot worse in my years going to college football and basketball games but this one takes the cake. It's all they could come up with for this guy that is sure to be a number one pick in the upcoming NBA draft. UCLA's Kevin Love has a new nickname that will stick in the minds of Cougar fans.

Next time you go to a UCLA or future NBA game say hi to "Butt Sweat" for me. I'm sure he'll know where you are from.

Go Cougs!

America's Game

2008-01-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

Tiger has done it again. He lapped the field. Silenced the doubters. One of those doubters has been me. I didn't think someone could continue to be so dominating in any sport. I better now. Move aside Jack. Move aside baseball. Golf is now "America's game". It's because of one man. His name is Tiger Woods. Embrace it. He's going to be around for awhile.

Liberated

2008-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

The last time I felt this liberated I jumped off a 55 foot rock into the Snoqualmie River. A friend was in a boat down below telling me where to dive so I didn't hit the rocks under the surface of the water. I was twelve years old. Thirty six years have passed and once again I have that feeling again. Free from traditional social restraints- some refer to it as liberated. It's a feeling I think we all seek out in different ways, for me it was through my work. It took me a lot longer than most, and maybe that's why it is so rewarding now. Could it be that one distinct circumstance put me over the edge and made me do it? Or, is it all the instrumental people that have touched my life in so many different ways over the past forty some years? I think it's the latter. Thank you.

A Day To Remember

2008-01-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

If you haven't skied at Mission Ridge in your lifetime, you might want to think about doing it soon. Sunday was a banner day at the remote resort nestled in the mountains above Wenatchee. The two and a half hour drive from Tri Cities was a foggy one. For Cameron Wills, a five year old from Pasco, it was definitely first cabin. He watched "The Transformers" on the way over, the luxury I didn't have when I grew up skiing. It was a great tune-up for the day to come. When we arrived at Mission Ridge, we were greeted with a Chamber of Commerce day. Beautiful sunshine, great snow, and a family atmosphere to boot. Cameron likes to ski fast, much like his Dad, Andrew. Jody, his mother, just wants to witness some turns. Cameron had other ideas. Straight down, no fear. There was no lack of confidence either. When I told him I thought he was the best skier on the mountain little Cameron replied, "thank you very much".

You can learn a lot from kids. I did. A day to remember.

Inspirational WAZZU

2008-01-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

Tony Bennett and his team never ceases to amaze me. This could be a lesson to any sales team, organization or the like. It is very inspirational watching this team play, and win. If you play golf you know what a grinder is. It is someone that somehow manages to get the ball in the hole despite having a bad ball striking round. Doing all the little things that create better results. If you haven't watched this team play do so. You will know what the definition of overachieving really is.

Neuheisel Fails Up

2007-12-30T12:37:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars for November 15, 2008 when Rick Neuheisel takes his UCLA Bruins to Husky Stadium and tears apart the team he literally tore apart himself. Some years have passed since Neuheisel was fired but the scars remain at Montlake. No defense, no physical linebackers, no hard hitting safeties, no all conference tight ends, no all-american defensive lineman, no special teams second to none, and most importantly, no bowl games.

Talk about failing up.