Becoming a Hooligan

Somehow I have become a soccer hooligan.

I have coached and admired kids playing soccer for a few years now, and while my youth was spent at 49er games in S.F. admiring Joe Montana, I have found a vigorous passion for the game of futbol. I am glued to the tube, if I haven't carped tix from a friend, to watch the Timbers run the pitch against the latest foe. I am studying the players, the way I once studied the 49ers' player roster, and I am engrossed in the 107ist (you'll need to look that up.)

Granted, the MLS has a long way to go in terms of quality of play, however, the league is scoring huge wins along the way to becoming a mainstay sport in the US, where it was once relegated to Saturday mornings with moms in minivans, or so the cliche goes.

My sincere hope is that soccer does gain more prominence in the US - Not because I want a more 'Euro' lifestyle, but because I have truly learned to admire the game and the and the passion the fans carry for it. If you have a chance to attend a Timbers game, you'll know what I mean. The Timbers Army sings and chants from an hour before the game to well into the night. It is a sight to see, and a pleasure to experience and participate in.

When I root I root for the Timbers.

Oslo, Amy Winehouse, and Katy Perry

Another sick mind terrorizes the world, this time in Norway. So sorry to see this news...

I can only believe the answer to terrorism is education. Perhaps not the education we in the US consider, but simple education for those that have no access to it. Any education can and would deter such mindless acts by offering a constructive outlet for which one can pursue. In some cases, such as this one in Oslo, nothing may have prevented a deranged psychopath from committing to a heinous act, however, for the scores of ignorant that follow false leaders of terrorist groups into insane suicide missions, attacks on the innocent, and other ridiculously ill-founded strikes across the world, there is most likely a method in which to teach some basic human fundamentals along with some practical career choices.A positive example of such an effort is with Greg Mortenson, founder of the Central Asia Institute. If you haven't already, read 'Three Cups of Tea,' his book about his call to educate those that had no access to formal education.

I read that Amy Winehouse was found dead this morning. Not a surprise, however, a sad testament to those who become addicted. What led this talented young person to this fate? Was it access to drugs? A lousy childhood? I most likely won't try to find out, however, I can only imagine that those around her did not help the situation, rather enabled her into a life of chemical dependence. Maybe that's the wrong assumption? Maybe she desired it to hide from acts like those in Norway?

My wife and I attended a Katy Perry concert last night. Not where most would believe me to spend a Friday night. I have to admit, I was impressed with the young lady's performance and her natural ability to entertain a crowd of 12k screaming Portlanders. It was a an excellent show overall, with a lot of entertainment coming from the crowd itself. Not sure why I posted this at all. Baby, you're a firework.

Traveling

In Spokane today, hijacking a colleague's desk to write while I wait for his exit from a staff meeting. Love this town. Cool architecture, history, landscape. Working on some great product with his team to launch for their fall collection.

I am not a good traveler. I got it from my mom. I hide it well, though, so I don't scare my kids and wife at the aeropuerto. I wiggle in my seat. I always have to pee. I get hungry in front of snack bins, creating a carbfest that produces a pseudo-diabetic coma. I sit on one cheek too long and exit with a new curve to my spine.

I think airports are cool, though. Totally fun people-watching and a great place to pick up the latest strain of the flu. I like the idea that at any time the plane could crash. Keeps you on your toes, or, cheek.

I was once in an airport in China where my temperature was taken 4 times before I got my baggage. Fortunately, they use forehead scanners, and not a posterior probe. That would have been interesting. The lady in 23C would not have taken well to that. I don't think the scanner would have, either.

Anyway, would much rather travel by car to be honest. I like to see the countryside and explore the small towns along the way. I can also stop to pee whenever I want, which is good. And I don't need my temperature taken.

Hopefully can stop in to see an old friend today if time permits. Nature's Pet Markets in Spokane and Nine Mile. Support your local pet stores!

Blogging Help & Dogging Yelp

My 12-year-old son is assisting me this evening in updating the blog design. Somewhat surprising to me, he began his own blog recently, and of course, he already has a better design on his than I have here. Whatever.

We bought our dog an automatic throw-&-fetch machine. He was scared of it. He barked at it, then whined, then barked again. My wife says she will train him to use it. If she succeeds she wins the Nobel Peace Prize for canine rehabilitation. If the dog resists, we have something to pawn at the next neighborhood garage sale.

Road Show

For about 4 years now we have had the idea of putting ourselves on the road in a more intimate manner. Today we took that first step - We partnered with our friends at Northwood Mfg., makers of Nash, Arctic Fox, etc. in La Grande Or. to get our little road show going. Beginning this fall, we will be hitting the road in the NW taking our team to different retail locations to showcase our product and hold some dealer activities. I am so excited to get this going after thinking about it for so long - Keep an eye out for the LUSB teardrop swinging by soon! As the trailer is equipped we'll post pictures for you to view, and updates on where we will be!

Time for Innovation

Tonight I was blessed to have a young man hang out in the office who truly inspired. This young gent startled me with some deep understanding of physics, and then proclaimed he struggled to get through algebra! What I left with was some hope that great minds are being nourished still, and perhaps the entitlement generation is not all spoiled by the proverbial rotten apple. We're getting ready for some great innovation, and folks like this will be a critical part of our growth.

Look for some great new products being delivered from Last US Bag soon. We've got an incredible lineup coming for the wind and safety product line, and the GOTE semi-not-quite-nationwide-trailer-tow-tour hits the road in August!

Check our HighKey Camera. Great company and cool product overall.

I'm number 1!

I left work Thursday evening at about 6pm. Same route home as is usual, traveling onto SR500 towards 205. The normal merge game began, with each car jockeying for position in the general direction they were headed. As I moved ahead of a merging small passenger car, a horn blared, and out of the corner of my eye I saw the driver telling me I was number 1! It's great to be loved.

Still not sure what this disgruntled yahoo was upset about. Perhaps he had never driven an on-ramp before? Or maybe, he lost his teddy bear. Whatever the case, people need to chill out on the road. You're not the only one out there you know...