We have got some exciting things happening with our benefit auction business; but I thought I'd spend a little time talking about my "part-time" job with the Minnesota Timberwolves....yep, time to talk a little hoops!

I'm now in my 12th season as the public address announcer for the Wolves, and I still love the job!  What a different type year this will be; I mean for 11 straight years I have ALWAYS introduced Kevin Garnett last.  Now KG is in Boston with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce hoping for a ring, and the Wolves are going young and starting a new phase in the franchise.  I've had a lot of people ask me, what's it going to be like this year?  Well, I'll tell you this...it should be interesting.

It's really hard to tell with all the young talent we have.  I mean, if these guys get the right chemistry and work as a team...whoa, we could be surprised at the success.  However, if they make a lot of "rookie" mistakes and have struggles, it could be a long year.  I do believe they are going to be FUN to watch!  Al Jefferson is the real deal, and I seriously think he'll put up stats close to what KG gave us.  Randy Foye is destined to be an all-star, and Rashad McCants could break out and be a great player as well.  We definitely have a different look this year, and a lot of new faces.  Corey Brewer and Chris Richard should be very good "rookies" and we'll see how the young guys we got from Boston develop (Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green & Sebastian Telfair).  I'm really impressed with Mr. Theo Ratliff, he is one good rebounder and shot blocker....I hope he can stay healthy.  This is a very "athletic team" and they seem to be great guys.  Of course my buddy Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen always seems to keep everyone's morale high!

Okay, enough about the Wolves...but I always get excited this time of year for the start of the regular season in the NBA!  I also wish Kevin Garnett nothing but the best in Boston, "here's hoping you win it all KG!"  If you're at a game early, feel free to stop down and say hi!  I sit courtside right by the microphone.

I mentioned some exciting things are happening with Johnson Auctioneering.  We have already a lot of bookings in 2008, which is great.  We have some new organizations we'll be serving, and also we're excited to be back as repeat auctioneers at a lot of events.  We are also please to announce we have just signed an agreement with a national computer software company that specializes in benefit auctions.  We are now an official partner of Auctionpay (www.auctionpay.com) and are very excited about the future relationship.  I will devote more time to what this involves in the very near future.

Again, please keep all our troops in your prayers.  Our two sons, Jesse & Bobby Johnson are still serving in Iraq and doing fine.  Next up for Johnson Auctioneering, we head to McArthur's in Miesville for the annual Gala for the Cannon Falls Rotary.  I can't wait, I LOVE what I do!