The story of Automoblox

Patrick Calello tells the story of how Automoblox (a wooden car toy) came about. Lots of business lessons to be gleaned from this one.

Mr. Ling, one of the partners from the injection molding factory, picked up Henry and me at our hotel. Henry was quick to inform Mr. Ling that he did not speak Cantonese, the local language. This deception positioned Henry as a spy for me, pretending to not understand the conversations between my agent, Lenny, the molder, Mr. Ling, and the tool maker. After a short while, Henry pulled me aside and advised me to get my business out of Swift Tread as swiftly as possible. He overheard the toolmaker tell Mr. Ling that there was nothing else he could do to adjust the mold. Henry also learned that my agent, Vinnie -- who was supposed to have my interests at heart -- was really protecting the interests of the molder.

My three-year-old son has four Automoblox cars. He loves them and plays with them as much as all his other toys and books combined. (via hello typepad)

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Was Mo Williams Calling LeBron Spoiled?

LeBron James didn't stick around Saturday night to speak with anyone about the fall of his Cleveland Cavaliers, leaving the point guard who failed him to speak in his behalf.

King James might not be happy this morning with how he was portrayed -- Mo Williams made him sound like a spoiled child.

Williams meant well when he started talking about the frustration that James was feeling, and why after James showered, he put on his headphones, ignored everyone around him, then walked to the team bus without talking.

see details: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/05/31/was-mo-williams-calling-lebron-spoiled/

Magic mull return of Jameer Nelson for NBA Finals

"The Magic are encouraged by Jameer Nelson's rehabilitation so much that they will evaluate the possibility of the all-star playing in the NBA Finals against the Lakers, the Sentinel has learned. Magic President Bob Vander Weide said the team is exploring whether Nelson can return after undergoing shoulder surgery Feb. 19. He hasn't played since he was injured Feb. 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. Although Nelson wouldn't be in prime condition, Vander Weide said, "the chance to get an all-star point guard on the floor for 15 minutes a game ... you'd have to look at that." The Magic had ruled him out for the season and the playoffs, and as late as a week and a half ago General Manager Otis ..."

see details: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-sportsmagic-cavaliers-notes-31053109may31,0,4909212.story

NBA Finals Schedule 2009: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

The schedule for the 2009 NBA Finals is set, and it doesn't include LeBron James. Will powerhouse Dwight Howard lead the Orlando Magic to their very first championship? Or will Kobe Bryant and the Lakers pull it off after missing out on the crown last season? Tune in to find out and check back with NBA FanHouse for coverage throughout the Finals.

2009 NBA Finals Schedule

No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 3 Orlando Magic
- Game 1: Thursday, June 4 - Orlando at L.A. - 9PM ET on ABC
- Game 2: Sunday, June 7 - Orlando at L.A. - 8PM ET on ABC
- Game 3: Tuesday, June 9 - L.A. at Orlando - 9PM ET on ABC
- Game 4: Thursday, June 11 - L.A. at Orlando - 9PM ET on ABC
- Game 5*: Sunday, June 14 - L.A. at Orlando - 8PM ET on ABC
- Game 6*: Tuesday, June 16 - Orlando at L.A. - 9PM ET on ABC
- Game 7*: Thursday, June 18 - Orlando at L.A. - 9PM ET on ABC

source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/05/31/nba-finals-schedule-2009-los-angeles-lakers-vs-orlando-magic/

Lakers beat the Nuggets to earn another trip to the NBA Finals

"The Los Angeles Lakers are going back to the NBA Finals. The Denver Nuggets are done for the season. With precision on offense, with solid defense, with drive and determination, and with Kobe Bryant taking charge, the Lakers took apart the Nuggets, winning 119-92 in Game 6 to clinch the Western Conference finals, 4-2. Bryant had 35 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. His three-pointer right in the face of J.R. Smith gave the Lakers a 101-82 lead and forced Denver Coach George Karl to call a timeout. Bryant walked to the Lakers bench with 6:13 left, knowing that the Lakers were headed to the Finals for the second consecutive year. They had been called soft when the Boston Celtics ..."

see details: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers30-2009may30,0,5975109.story

James says Olympics, not playoffs, pose the greatest pressure

"For years, LeBron James has said he doesn't believe in pressure as a disarming answer to any question that includes the word itself. Of course this isn't true. In fact, he's somewhat of an expert. With that understanding, when James was asked to compare the Cavs' situation heading into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals down 3-1 to the Orlando Magic to the stress of trying to win a gold medal in last summer's Olympics, he said the pressure levels aren't close. "I definitely feel the pressure was bigger with the Olympics than it is here," said James, who has been in contact with Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski several times during the playoffs. "A lot of people may say different, but ..."

see details: http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/05/cavaliers_insider_20.html

Brown opts to remain in NBA draft

"Xavier junior Derrick Brown is staying in the NBA draft, a fact new coach Chris Mack has known for a few weeks. With Mack watching from the stands, Brown told ESPN.com after Thursday's first session at the NBA draft combine in Chicago, "I'm not going back to school." Brown said he graduated and the coaching move of Sean Miller to Arizona and the elevation of Mack from assistant to head coach had little effect on his decision. "I feel I was going to do this regardless," said Brown. "Coach Miller is my guy." Brown said his versatility as a 6-foot-8 forward is something "NBA teams need." "This is something we've know for three or four weeks," said Mack of Brown's decision. "I've been in his ..."

see details: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4213690&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlin