Creative Minds strike again! Elin Woods goes a clubbin'

When a picture is worth 1000 words.

Or several hundred million dollars in endorsements!

Okay, some of you got it right away. Yet, some of you really had to think about it and look at the photo over and over before it made sense. You probably asked yourself: Why is that lady chasing that mascot with a sand wedge? "Oh, wait a second! I get it!" Then the laugh......

So is that what you'll say the next time you see a Gillette Ad, or Nike commercial without Tiger Woods in it? - "Now I Get It" - Will you stop drinking Gatorade because Tiger endorsed it and now he seems to be out of public favor? What about you Buick drivers? Will you turn your car in for a different make?

I find this whole Tiger Woods event fascinating. Frankly, it's kinda been background noise in my life for the past few weeks. I've been so preoccupied (once again) with the trivial happenings in my life that I haven't really thought much about it. Sure, I've had the occasional laugh and joke, but today, I actually took a minute or two and reflected on his situation. I know it was over a minute because I looked down at my watch and noticed the second hand sweeping along the black background through at least two rotations. Don't be alarmed, I don't plan to delve deeply into the psychological or social implications of the event but I'll briefly share my thoughts with you.

I'm not sure I've ever purchased or used a product just because Tiger Woods endorsed it per se. Partial exception - I think Nike makes some cool stuff, and I'll concede that Tiger has helped to perpetuate and universalize the brand. I won't discount his effect on the branding of Nike and my subsequent purchase of Nike products. You can bet that I'll keep wearing and buying Nike stuff as long as it looks good and plays well. I am certain, however, that I've never relied on Tiger Woods to calibrate my moral compass. My successes and failures, like most people, have been independent of Tiger. I've viewed him as a Guy who takes no prisoners on the golf course. He's passionate about the game of golf and he's great at it. He wins and he does it in an exciting and convincing fashion. He takes a pretty boring spectator sport and infuses it with excitement. It was a bonus that he seemed to be socially conscious and a good role model. It's tragic that Tiger and Elin will now have to deal with issues of trust in order for their relationship to survive. Elin will have to believe that Tiger will no longer be unfaithful, and Tiger will have to believe that Elin won't club him to death while he's sleeping. Both difficult issues to overcome.

All this aside and at the end of the day, If Tiger comes back and kicks butt on the golf course, people will watch him and pull for him. Sure, he'll lose a couple of fans here and there because of his infidelity. But sports fans care about winning! People will look elsewhere for moral guidance and role models. Tiger has fallen off of that pedestal and will be viewed primarily as a sports figure. Should he get his head together and win some big tournaments again, the endorsements will follow!

As for me, I'm keeping my Tag Heuer Watch. Not because Tiger endorsed it or wears one. But because it's a great watch and it looks good!

That's just the way it is!

Tiger Woods Photo! Ooouch!

See it here first. Tiger Woods in post-accident photos!

Okay, that was a cheap shot.... Someone clearly got creative with photoshop software and manipulated a photo of Tiger and his wife Elin. I received this in an email. (I'm not mentioning any names) It just goes to show you that people love you when you're winning and on top, but as soon as you stumble - they kick you a few times and pull out their photoshop software and make fun of you.

Once again..... Life isn't fair!

Black Friday! Bright and Sunny for Max Martini - A Little Shady for Tiger Woods!

Millions of American shoppers hit the pavement today and juiced up the economy a bit.


Did you Survive Black Friday?




In recent years, you really needed to have your game face on to mix it up with the crowds. In some cases, having the face wasn't enough. Pads and protective equipment were necessary to avoid injury or death.

This year, I hit the bricks for a few hours but mostly just to run a few errands. The shopping I did today was mostly coincidental and by accident. I walked into a local sporting store to buy one item that was advertised in the newspaper for half price. I walked out of the store with two big bags filled with 5 items and a big smile on my face.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, I wasn't really smiling at the savings - It was more of a smile to embrace and welcome "the spirit of man." In my 35 minute shopping spree, I was fortunate enough to share a wonderful moment with actor Max Martini. Those of you who know me are aware that I was/am a huge fan of "The Unit"

You may recall my outrage when I learned that the show had been cancelled! In my humble opinion, the show was just starting to reach its' stride. The actors were starting to gel and the landscape was opening up.

One of the characters in "The Unit" who was particularly starting to find his way into the hearts of the viewers was "Mack 'Dirt Diver' Gerhardt." His character was shrouded in a bit of mystery initially and traveled between fighter, soldier, father, husband, and friend. But ultimately, as the episodes flowed - you had to fall in love with him.

Today as I chatted with him briefly, I learned that his charisma and charm are sincere. He's "For Real" folks! He took time out of his day to chat with a fan (me) and by doing so, I became a bigger fan. I passed on that I loved the show, hated to see it get cancelled, and admired his work as an actor.

I'm certainly pulling for a re-birth of "The Unit" in some capacity but failing that - I'll be sure to catch Max Martini's future projects and hope you guys will too.


Be sure to catch Trooper - (official trailer) and Unearthed when they hit the screen.



On a shadier note,


According to (CNN) -- Golfer Tiger Woods was treated and released after suffering minor injuries in a car accident early Friday in his central Florida neighborhood.

It seems Tiger, who is 33 and just about a month shy of a birthday, was in a minor accident outside his home. The details of the accident are a bit sketchy but it appears he is in good condition with a few cuts and abrasions to his face.

The single-vehicle accident occurred about 2:25 a.m. in Windermere, a suburb of Orlando, according to police. Woods pulled out of his driveway in a 2009 Cadillac SUV and struck a fire hydrant and then a tree. (Yep, Tiger is having another tough day driving! He's in the trees again! - You know the jokes are coming! figured I'd get mine in quick)








Police Chief Daniel Saylor said two Windermere police officers were the first to arrive on the scene.

"There was Tiger Woods laying on the ground in front of the vehicle, with his wife over him rendering first aid," he said.

"He was in and out of consciousness with lacerations to his upper and lower lip," Saylor said. "He was mumbling but didn't say anything coherent."


Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren, told police she was inside the house when she heard the accident. She went outside and used a golf club to break out the rear window of the vehicle, then pulled him from the SUV.


Hang in there Tiger.... here's to a speedy recovery!

Tiger Roars and Lakers Limp!

So by now, we all know the deal! Tiger Woods roared to victory in the U.S. Open and the LA Lakers crumbled in Boston.

I'm not sure we're aware of all of the consequences of this weekend of great sports but we do know that Tiger is scheduled to take the rest of the golf season off. So that means he will be absent from the British Open, the PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. Perhaps the other competitors are chomping at the bit and eyeing a possible victory. Clearly Tiger's absence will mean more money for the pool and a big loss for the true Tiger fans.

As a spectator, I literally sat at the edge of my seat and enjoyed every aspect of the competition. I'm a golfer and I enjoy playing the game but let's be real! Usually watching a round of golf is quite boring. Unless of course, you can make the impossible - possible! I think that's what happened last weekend! Many lucky viewers had the opportunity to enjoy a great competitive round and watch two golfers go at it with the fury of two bulls in a ring!



Tiger, made some unbelievable shots to stay in it and won over many fans for the future. Spectators from here on out will be glued to Tiger knowing that he in fact can make the impossible happen.








Another part of this great story in my opinion is Mr Rocco Mediate.


Rocco, equally is part of this great story! Pretty much leading the entire tournament, he battled the charging Tiger at every stroke. When Tiger made two incredible eagles to take the lead, Rocco maintained his composure and rallied for a great performance on Sunday. As he watched from the clubhouse on Sunday, he joined many in the world as we collectively witnessed yet another impossible feat by Tiger Woods. Woods dropped the put at hole number 18 to send this US Open into an 18 hole playoff on Monday! Unbelievable! But still again, Rocco put his game face on and came to play. His effort fell a little bit short and the victory obviously went to Tiger but as a spectator and fellow golfer, I enjoyed the spirit that Rocco, at 45 years old, brought with him to Torrey Pines. His laughter and competition were welcomed. My hat is off to both of these golfers for bringing all of us an entertaining round and an event that will be relished by golfers and non-golfers alike for many years.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers were issued a good old fashioned spanking in Boston! The Celtics just had too many weapons and simply out-played the Lakers. Oh well, there's always next season.

Tiger Woods!

Drains Two Long Puts To Take The Lead.

Tiger sets his sights on his third U.S. Open victory tomorrow. Today, with 6 holes left, Tiger was 5 shots behind the leader. He went on to post 2 Eagles and 1 Birdie to take the lead. Sore knee and all.

Tiger can Play Golf!