I had a great time meeting the beautiful people at Dairy Management Inc., as I was the guest speaker at their annual luncheon.  It was terrific meeting these hard working people, who were faced with real adversity as there was a heavy drought this season.  But they are showing their resiliency and are battling back.  I loved being with them and enjoyed the session with over 800 attendees.  I was proud that they bought 200 of my books and balls to distribute to the guests.  I super time with super people!

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants on the sweep of the World Series.  I have to admit, I was surprised because I did pick the Tigers to win the series.  Instead, it was blowout city for Bruce Bochy’s team.  Buster Posey had a big home run in game four and the clutch hitting was enough to get to the winner’s circle.  San Francisco’s pitching was outstanding throughout the series, with Ryan Vogelsong, Barry Zito, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum, Sergio Romo and company getting the job done!  Now we can look forward to the off-season and free agency.  Expect a lot of interesting moves ahead, baby!

It was an honor for me to address the financial advisors of SunTrust Bank at their big event at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando.  Scott Dixon and his colleagues were so welcoming to me and my wife.  I spoke to them about the Game of Life and motivation.  I also want to thank Christie Slaton from SunTrust for all her hard work and for her kindness she offered me and my wife.  They bought several copies of my new book, Getting a W in the Game of Life, as well as Living a Dream.  I had a great time signing copies for the people and getting a chance to talk to several of the guests.  I truly appreciated the standing ovation and warm reception by those in attendance!!!

I am a baseball fan, so I am looking forward to the World Series.  San Francisco staged a great comeback to eliminate the Cardinals.  Now we are set with the Giants vs. Tigers.  Who will win the World Series?

The VBDI (Vitale bald dome index) says Detroit has too much with Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander.  I am picking the Tigers to win in 6 baby…there will be joy in Motown!

What a night we had at Bella Roma restaurant in Siesta Key raising money for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.  I can’t thank co-chairs, Art Conforti and Anne Weintraub, enough for putting together such a fantastic event.  We had over 100 gather for a beautiful Italian dinner by the terrific chefs at Bella Roma.  Once again, the generous people of the Sarasota/Bradenton community came together to support a cause that is so near and dear to all of us – battling cancer.  It was a relaxing, fun night that helped raise a significant amount of dollars for the V Foundation.  Thanks to everyone who came out and showed their support!

What a thrilling game in South Bend as the Irish defeated Stanford in overtime 20-13.  The rain didn’t dampen the spirit on campus, as the Irish were out in full force cheering them to 6-0 on the season.  I had a blast on campus with my wife, good friends, John and Barbara Moran, and Bob Kirschner and his lovely wife.  It is always a super two days, jammed packed with the Quarterback Luncheon, pep rally, campus tours, going to the Grotto etc.  This time, I also had two booksignings at the campus bookstore for my new motivational book geared towards youngsters, Getting a W in the Game of Life.   I can’t thank everyone enough who came out to see me at the signings.  It was a load of fun!

It was a terrific night, as I was honored to receive the Philanthropist of the Year Award at the Tampa Bay Health Cares Gala at the Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg.  All- Children’s Hospital in Tampa nominated me for the award, which was eventually voted on by the public.  I was glad I got the opportunity to speak and share words with all the beautiful people there in attendance (over 500 attendees).  They exemplify what it is to be a hero – reaching out to help others in need.  I can’t thank Sylvia Ameen and her team  from All Children’s Hospital.  They do such tremendous work, and I am happy to contribute in some small way.

I had a phenomenal time as the guest speak at Starr Commonwealth Schools Founders Day.  Starr Schools does a fantastic job giving youngsters a second chance in life.  In many cases these are young people that are faced with major problems but through the efforts of the people at Starr, many go on to become very productive, outstanding citizens.  It was such a thrill to meet many of the youngsters that are enrolled at the beautiful facility in Albion, MI.  Dr. Martin Mitchell and his staff were so cordial to my wife and I.  I loved participating in the seminar in which I sat down with about thirty youngsters sharing insights about the Game of Life.

Midnight Madness is later this week and that signifies the start of the hoop season.  My friends, I am picking Rick Pitino to get back to the winner’s circle.  My choice to cut down the nets in Atlanta is the Louisville Cardinals.  This is a team that returns an experienced nucleus.  The Cardinals had a taste of the Final Four last year before falling to Kentucky.  Having a guard like Peyton Siva back to run the offense is important.  There is depth in the lineup as well.  Look for big things from Wayne Blackshear, Chane Behanan and Gorgui Dieng as well.  I believe that Dieng will be a huge factor in the middle.  Having a shot-blocker in the paint can make a difference, intimidating opponents, changing their shots.  Go ask Kentucky how important Anthony Davis was in the middle last season.  Pitino is a flat out winner.  He should be in the Hall of Fame, and I am shocked that he is not enshrined in Springfield yet.  Winning it all would add a big feather in his cap.  His outstanding leadership skills will help get this team to the winner’s circle.  I still give the nod to Louisville over Indiana and Kentucky to put it all together and capture the national championship.  I cannot wait for the season to tip off, baby!  It should be awesome with a capital “A”!

I had a great night speaking at the TEAM Impact Gala in Boston.  Over 600 attended and the emcee was ESPN’s, Wendi Nix.  It was a night that was touching and there were also moments that were heartbreaking.  Youngsters with life threatening diseases are matched with college teams in the North East through a draft system.  The youngster becomes part of the team, attending meetings, practices, and games.   The youngster has a blast and has the opportunity to get away from their everyday treatment.

I can’t thank enough three members of the Board of Directors that are vital to the success of TEAM Impact:  Dan Kraft (son of Patriots owner, Robert Kraft),  Mark Plansky (fomer Villanova star and now in the financial world),  and Jay Calnan.  A super night for a terrific cause.