My First Vlog

Here it is, the scariest thing you ever witness:  My first vlog.  Yes, it is unedited and raw but like it that way.  Of course I need some practice and play around the tools, but hey why not.

Tracy Tran’s Holiday Mixtape 2008

I hope you’re enjoying Black Friday.  It means jackola with the economy and the money execs use on spa treatment.  Also, it is the time for gift cards and cheap gifts.  I hate those.  If you’re in a money crunch, the most inexpensive and most creative is creating a mixtape.  I have one to share and here we go:

If you’re at a holiday party, start the party which some traditional holiday songs.  Here are my favorites:

Play it a few times, then when most of the guests arrive, step outside to get a few surprises and have a theme entrance to define who you are (Damn you, Washington Capitals!):

Have your short, boring introduction and then get back to the holiday mood with great holiday songs like this:

Yes, all of them are Darlene Love.  She has the perfect voice for this season.  But there are others to chew on:

You can put additional songs, and it doesn’t have to be related to the holidays, but for the holiday mixtape purpose, I want something to relate.  After everyone is in the holiday spirit, time to breakout:

First…Old School:

Then a little moshpit action:

A little new school:

How about an oldie but goodie:

Really, any Fatboy Slim song is appropriate.  Then you can conclude the dance portion with the most appropriate dance for the holiday season (The video is disturbing when you look at it hard, but the music is cool):

Now, if you want to go into the deep end and prefer something exotic, there are two:

After all that dancing, it’s time to get a drink.  I prefer numbers songs for this occasion. There are two approaches:

The fast approach:

or the slow approach:

Don’t make the drinking segment too long.  And then some karaoke songs to butcher:

Then it’s time for gifts:

Let’s take a step back and join our love ones under a big mistletoe and enjoy this classic love song:

Finally, time to call it a night and the end song that people should remember.  In my case last year, it was Rick Rolling.  This year…Anne Murray:

That my friends is a holiday mixtape.  It’s easy to assemble and you can share it with everyone.  I woul like to know yours.  Please forward this and:

HAVE A HAPPY ANNE MURRAY HOLIDAYS!!!

If you’re wondering:

1. Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bells Rock”
2. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Wizards in Winter”
3. Rev Theory – “Hell Yeah”
4. Darlene Love – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
5. Darlene Love – “All Alone on Christmas”
6. Darlene Love – “Winter Wonderland”
7. Collective Soul – “December”
8. Bruce Springsteen – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
9. The Dandy Warhols – “Everyday Should Be A Holiday”
10. C & C Music Factory f/ F. Williams – “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”
11. House of Pain – “Jump Around”
12. Kevin Rudlof f/ Lil’ Wayne – “Let it Rock”
13. Fatboy Slim – “Rockafellar Skank”
14. Quad City DJs – “C’mon N Ride It (The Train)”
15. Montell Jordan – “This is How We Do It”
16. Rob Zombie – “Dragula [remix]“
17. Feist – “1234″
18. Brian McKnight – “Back At One”
19. Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip “Thou Shalt Always Kill”
20. Billy Joel – “We Didn’t Start The Fire”
21. Letters to Cleo – “Here and Now”
22. Skee-Lo – “I Wish”
23. Ricky Gervais (or David Brent) – “Free Love Freeway”
24. Anne Murray – “Snowbird”
25. Anne Murray – “The Last Dance”

*  You expect the quality music videos from these artists.  Well, I can’t because they blocked it.  Blame the artists and the record companies for it.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Live-blogging

11:59 AM:  On a serious note, I hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.  Don’t forget the people at Mumbai and locally, Sean Taylor.  But most important, enjoy the cooking and eating with your friends and family and watch the fottball game at 8PM.  Also, you can do your Christmas shopping early.  Take care.

11:58 AM:  Here’s what I’m thankful for…No Ann Curry.

11:57 AM:  You know what will be good as well…Have Obama follow behind to do one of his surprises.

11:55 AM:  Oh boy, SANTA!!!  Let me get wishes in:  All I want for Christmas is love from my family and friends, money for my business, and have the McLovin experience.

11:52 AM:  CBS’s celebrity guest:  Patrick Warburton.  Good choice.  At least it is not David Spade.

11:51 AM:  I feel your pain Meredith.  You want to leave as soon as possible.

11:48 AM:  Ok, if Kermit is on a float, he should be accompanied by his float.  Not 5-6 floats after his balloon has passed by.

11:46 AM:  Oh crap, I need to set up my fantasy lineup.

11:43 AM:  This is sad, Kristin Chenoweth is doing a Thanksgiving Parade without a job.  NBC, at least give her pub for Pushing Daisies.  Oh wait, Knight Rider is on the same time as well.  Silly me, you’re following Silvy’s orders.

11:42 AM:  Tracing back, I missed the Tom Turkey.  Was the turkey-rendering machine behind him at any moment?

11:40 AM:  I wonder if the National Dog Show will have a higher rating than the Lions game this year?  This could be the year.

11:37 AM:  BOOOOOOO!!!  BOOOOOOOOO!!!  America wants Doc Nix and the George Mason Band.

11:35 AM:  You know Miranda Cosgrove is mad at Miley for not mentioning her.  Seems Miranda is in the bottom of the totem pole of tween stars.  If you’re wondering, yes, I have issues.

11:34 AM:  Did I just hear the theme song from Just the Ten of Us?

11:33 AM:  Umm..a Citi commercial?  People want to have hope, not be afraid.

11:29 AM:  Oh boy, Darius Rucker.  Wait, I want to hear the Mr. Tony song.  WHAT THE @$&!, I WANT TO HEAR THE MOTHERF****** MR. TONY THEME SONG.  TREASON!!!!

11:27 AM:  The NY Daily News has a float?  I’m worried what was the NY Post float look like.  Would kids know a difference between a woman and a prostitute?

11:25 AM:  People, rush down the parade and give a beatdown to these guys!!!

11:23 AM:  A word to a wise to CBS, get someone we recognize.  They use to have Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan or Boomer Esiason (ok, that didn’t count).  But, they got no-namers

11:22 AM:  The big guy?  The dope behind Sarah Palin turkey-killing machine is in New York?

11:19 AM:  Good, I didn’t miss Darius Rucker.  And now, some boy band are lip-synching a porno song.

11:17 AM:  Yeah Kermit.  I’m glad Miss Piggy is not behind, because the image would make the audience puke and create a cesspool.

11:15 AM:  Ah man, I missed Hootie and the Blowfish…oh check that, Darius Rucker?  Cool dude, I just want the rest of The Blowfish.

11:12 AM:  CBS is taking a lot of fun away by showing Santa Claus.  Also what’s not fun…the network that’s showing the Detroit Lions game.

11:08 AM:  I see on the list is the James Madison University band.  Is Macy’s afraid of Doc Nix and the Mason band?  Yes, he’s a pimp, but a lovable pimp and kids love him.  Plus, we’re much cooler.

11:06 AM:  On your local ABC affiliate, Philadelphia has their own Thanksgiving parade.  There’s two different parades:  The Phillies and spank Donovan McNabb.

11:05 AM:  Not a good time to see Uncle Sammy riding on teh streets and steal people’s money.  You know what’s true:  Uncle Sam is inflated by real cash.

11:03 AM:  Good Housekeeping for 100 years.  That’s wonderful…I want to know about the Roomba.

11:01 AM:  On CBS…Why you putting Wall Street executives in the parade?  Throw tomatoes or a bunch of rats at them.

11:00 AM:  The Mike Miller Dance Team?  The sharp-shooter has his own dance team?  Dang, he is a God in South Dakota.

10:56 AM:  Holy dillbat, we got Rick Roll’d on Thanksgiving.  And Rick Astley still looks the same.

10:53 AM:  Holy crap, I overslept.  I apologize for the delay.  I hope you’re enjoying the lip-synching, porno balloons, and all that dancing.

Live-blogging Pushing Daisies 5

9:00 PM:  The crossover episode next week, or should be depending on my network.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving.  Oh, one more surprise tomorrow.

8:57 PM:  Oh snap,  Charles Charles is coming alive.  Damn you, evil Jimmy James!!!!

8:55 PM:  Wilbon is great for the money, but he needs to know how to pitch or untuck his shirt.

8:53 PM:  Couldn’t they use a name Mitt or Henry as the enemy?

8:49 PM:  Rob Reich?  Do they believe the former Secretary of Labor is that evil?  Are they going after the vertically challenged?

8:46 PM:  Ooooh, actual drama.  Intense.

8:45 PM:  Stress-eating?  Everyone has that.  Nice try though.

8:44 PM  I forgot, Rosie Live is on.  Eh.

8:40 PM:  Again, where’s my Jimmy James?!!!

8:38 PM:  Ned is the freakish talent, Chuck has the Super-Sniffer, and Wilbon is the token black guy.  It’s Psych, but with no Irish guy.

8:36 PM:  Is this a crossover episode of The Knights of Prosperity?  I thought the crossover was next week.  Damn, I missed that show.

8:34 PM:  CORRECTION:  It’s Tam Fong.  Either way, no love for the Asians.

8:33 PM:  Just a friendly reminder, some stores have alerts one hour before the stores open on Black Friday.  The best time for a prank

8:29 PM:  Jimmy James has been influence by the Coen Brothers so much.  Watch too much Javier Bardem.

8:27 PM:  Yes, I would convert Chuck’s old room into a cheese room.  I wonder they Buffalo Wing Cheese?  If I were me, I would change it into the touchscreen room like to news analysts use in the election.

8:25 PM:  Ah crap, Tommy Fong looks likes me from last year, but more skinny and more goofy wearing the elf suit.

8:23 PM:  Here’s a weapon of chopice when facing Asians..Durian.

8:20 PM:  I don’t like seriously evil Jimmy James.  Where’s the fun, nitwit Jimmy James.

8:18 PM:  OMG,  Jimmy James is both Squidward and Plankton, but with clothes.

8:17 PM:  The show is not in favor of Asians.

8:15 PM:  My prediction, the porter the bell ringer did it.

8:13 PM:  Big to Berdunk-a-dunk.  Wilbon strikes gold again.  Also, a key party is intriguing depending on the prospects.

8:11 PM:  I watch The Bonnie Hunt Show and they had someone from the Real Housewives of Atlanta.  The guest is very similar in looks and stature to the gold-digger.  Let me say they’re both not the sharpest of knives.

8:09 PM:  Gold-digging wife?  I thought we ran out of those during these economic times.  Although old guy through a chandellor creating fireworks is good business.

8:06 PM:  Someone kill the spinning yarning inventor?  And he’s rich?  Wow, I’m thinking this is set in Florida.  Well,  the back drop is from Universal Studios.

8:03 PM:  May I request a stronger drink…Johnnie Walker Blue.

8:02 PM:  Stress-baking?  Perfect term for tomorrow.  Paranoia in the kitchen.

8:01 PM:  Eh, Ferrets had to die soon.  Oh well.

8:00 PM:  Young Ned was a terrible gambler

7:55 PM:  This will be the seventh of 13 episodes of Pushing Daisies and 6 more episodes until it’s gone forever.  Please enjoy it while its on-air.  Also, to be serious for a moment, thoughts and prayers for the people at Mumbai, India.

Live-blogging Pushing Daisies 4

9:00 PM:  It was touching at the end using the bee set.  That was very nice.  Sadly, not enough Wilbon jokes.  I’ll try better.

8:59 PM:  I love the show, but showing a half-naked old man won’t bring the show ratings.

8:57 PM:  Uh-oh…

8:56 PM   Role play…I want to be Michael Beschloss.

8:55 PM:  When did Ned became a golfer?

8:54 PM:  Maureen Dowd the Magician.  That has the nice touch.

8:51 PM:  Tompkins must of paid the producers big time.

8:46 PM:  Nevermind, the producers really love Best Week Ever.  By the way, being a redhead is hot.  Now, Pfaff is going to kill me.

8:45 PM:  Tompkins dead…the producers must hate pop culture show.

8:42 PM:  Wonder Twins power, activate in form of…I got nothing.

8:37 PM:  Is there anything eco-friendly for hippies to cheer?

8:35 PM:  Adult diapers?  Ned’s family are weird.

8:34 PM:  Kind of cruel that Dad left at a magic act.  He went Steven Bing on them.

8:31 PM:  Fred Willard is still alive?  Is he going to break it down folk style?

8:29 PM:  I think I’m starting to have a crush on Ellen Greene

8:26 PM:  Tompkins only eat glass, pickpockets value, and cares about PETA.  My guess is the producers love Best Week Ever over The Soup (McHale died of poison and other combinations).

8:24 PM:  Ned kicking ass and taking names.  That’s how he rolls.

8:22 PM:  Noooo, Fred Willard dead and Chuck with a boa.  Steaming inside my shirt.

8:20 PM:  This is scary,  I have the same hairdo as Alton Brown.  Stop copying me Alton…can you teach how to cook a perfect turkey?

8:18 PM:  The killer eats a BLT.  Dude loves to eat animals…Wait…TOMPKINS!!!

8:16 PM:  Jimmy James turned evil.  I thought he was a nitwit.

8:15 PM:  The Blueberries…Sweet.  Dingleberries…Classic.

8:12 PM:  Who would kill these animals?  Also, where is Fred’s Million Dollar Belt?

8:10 PM:  At least the Kay Jewelers commercial is romantic.  What was the commercial about Zales with the guy going to another building, pull the string, and swing the ring to her girlfriend?  Dude, be a man and kneel and don’t be that fancy.

8:08 PM:  Fred as gay magician.  Stroking the goatee.  I prefer beards.

8:05 PM:  Anna Friel using her real voice.  Versatile and don’t mind getting a telemarketing call from her.

8:04 PM:  All Star show.  Including Fred Willard, you get Paul F. Tompkins.  As we learn the past week, the B plot is always the best.

8:02 PM:  Wilbon taking care of business.  Oh, Happy 50th to the Real Wilbon.

8:01 PM:  Twins as magicians…where’s the White Tiger?

8:00 PM:  Oooh, Language and Violence, but no Sex.  Darn.

7:48 PM:  The 6th of 13 episodes of Pushing Daisies.  Damn people, more watching and more DVRing the show.

Liz Clarke’s “One Helluva Ride” Follow-Up

As NASCAR season finished up this past Sunday, I look at my most popular post, Liz Clarke’s “One Helluva Ride.”  A lot of people have read that post.  I think some were diehard NASCAR fans and some were Tony Kornheiser fans.  I reviewed it and thought this is a perfect time for a follow-up.

The main reason for the follow-up is all bunches together:  automaker troubles and the economic crisis.  From my previous post, I mention that NASCAR is having an identity crisis.  Yes, they got the big sponsors, but what about the diehard fans?  Eight months later, everything has changed.  The fans are still split of what the image of NASCAR is, but now NASCAR is in a lot of trouble because sponsors are not looking good next year and the U.S. automobile industry is in a deep ditch.  NASCAR became popular because it can relate to the regular folks:  the personalities, the big cars, crashes, the wives.  However, The Big Three (GM, Ford, Chrysler) did not help NASCAR’s cause by reflecting America’s mood. 

The Big Three believes American people will buy American cars no matter what.  What did happen is The Big Three are stuck in the 1990s and the foreign automakers moved into the present and relating to Generation X and Y.   The business model has change, but The Big Three never did and that is why foreign manufacturers like Toyota and Honda are killing us.  What I propose on other blogs and other social networking sites, but will reiterate again;  the U.S. auto industry doesn’t need a bailout…it’s needs a BLOW UP.  The government has to intervene on the Big Three and fire the board, fire the executives, bust the union in Michigan, have employees take pay cuts and tell them this is going to turn around.  Workers are worried about taking a pay cut and I understand it’s not their fault.  However, the combination of union leaders, executives, and government leaders have done nothing and failed the workers.  All the workers want to see is results and what they are doing is like our military in Iraq: they’re working for nothing.  That has to change soon.

The US automobile industry is dragging down NASCAR, but NASCAR did this to themselves as well.  A terrible contract with Sprint and their corporate ethics have change the culture of NASCAR.  The sport became popular in the mid 1990s after open-wheel split into two leagues (Indy Racing and CART).  Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Dale Earnhardt kept bringing crowds to record levels.  However, the death of Dale Earnhardt changes the sport forever and it was the opening “corporate NASCAR” was looking for to change its image.  What it did was gave more exposure to drivers, but did they connect with fans?  It was working for a few minutes with personalities like Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart, however, the fans are upset that NASCAR went global and last year prove it when there was a big argument if Toyota should be in NASCAR.  As it looks right now, Toyota is staying for the long haul while the Big Three are scrambling.  This includes Jimmie Johnson, who became the second person ever to go back-to-back-to-back championships.  However, the response has been timid because fans think Jimmie is a Californian with no background.  It’s not good the fan reaction is quiet after a historic championship for Jimmie.

What NASCAR has to do is stop being like football.  Try to end the season at the end of September, not the middle of November.  Also, remove California and the repeat tracks out of the schedule.  I don’t want to see Pocono twice or Martinsville.  Only Daytona, Talladega, and Bristol are acceptable.  NASCAR needs to reformat the points so a win actually makes a big difference.  Have the winner get 200 points and keep the scoring from 2nd on down.  Finally, let your guard down, NASCAR.  People are out there and they will respond.  The drivers will sign autographs and take pictures when the race is over.  Right now, NASCAR is like a typical office:  you must follow policies and procedures to make everyone happy; we need big money from sponsors, so be quiet.  May I say…was NASCAR going to do this to Dale Earnhardt’s face if he was alive?

Let me conclude on a lighter note about the follow-up, which is the author.  Actually, I have nothing to add about Liz Clarke except she’s preparing for her trip to Tampa to see Bruce Springsteen at the Super Bowl.  What I’m worried are three things:

1. She’s bringing stripper clothes since Tampa has the most strip clubs per capita.  Bruce, you have been warned.
2. Liz Clarke is going to have a public orgasm at Halftime.  Audience, step away a few feet back from her.
3. Liz Clarke + Patti Scalia = CAT FIGHT!!!!

 

Tracy’s Random Thoughts November 2008 Edition

First, how do you like the new design?  Also, how do you like the new badges I’ve been figuring out for a few weeks?  Site is now simple and easy to follow.  Hope you enjoy, but onto better things: me.

1. The 2008 Presidential Election

Since I’ve discuss the Presidential election at length, there is more of the other stuff that happen other than the result:

• CNN brought out their newest technological innovation…the hologram.  I could go with a Star Wars, Star Trek, or a Mortal Kombat joke.  Everything has been taken.  But if you want innovation from CNN,  it’s here.
• Kind of sad that Jon Stewart was the first person to call the election.  Though  everyone knew when Ohio was called for Obama, it was over.
• This leads to the next few years when Jon Stewart’s contract expires.   The next four are going to be interesting as we have a serious president.  Yes, there are some jokes available, but when network late night is calling for $30-40 million per year, it’s hard to turn that down.  The late night wars get interesting again.
• Note to networks:  Train your analysts how to use the touchboard.  Two years my friends, there’s plenty of time to train.
• Saturday Night Live had a great year during the campaign.  Now, they’re back to sucking without one of their key players in Amy Poehler.
• NBC had the best all-around performance:  Their newscast, their commentators, SNL.  Still, Ben Silverman still has a job because he brought Knight Rider into our lives again.
• Prediction:  FAUX News will still be at top of the cable news networks because the South watches a lot of TV that relate to them.  However, their power has been diminished significantly.
• If you want to know how can an Obama administration is changing, look at today’s events.  Tons of people protesting to say no to Prop 8 in California after voters pass the proposition. Now, people from all sides are joining the effort, either rain or shine, to want equality to all and that’s cool. 
• Somebody didn’t listen to Peter Schiff.  Here comes the Ron Paulites mocking everyone else:
• The loser of the election…Neoconservatives and the newspaper industry.  They are tried their best (depending on your view), but did not get the result they want.
• The winner of the election…Nate Silver of
  http://www.fivethirtyeight.com
  .  Somebody is hitting the jackpot.

2. Tony Reali

If you don’t know who Tony Reali is;  he’s “Stat Boy” of Pardon the Interruption and host of Around the Horn.   For the first few years, he meshes great with Tony and Mike.  I also give him credit for bring ATH some respectability, but not that much.   However, he’s kind of rubbing some the wrong way.  My first indication was when I interned at NPR, I saw him a couple of times along Chinatown and he carries a water bottle, but he doesn’t hold it on his hand, he puts it on his back pocket.  I find it gross, but it didn’t give me any indication of future outcomes.  Then, on the last Halloween show on PTI, he never dressed up and everyone else did.  Some are split that wearing that Halloween is a kids holiday.  I can understand that, but his tone seemed obnoxious while saying “I’m an adult.”  Also, Luke Russert wore a Buffalo Bills jersey and all Reali wears is a sports jacket and a muscle shirt?  And he mocks Tony and Mike about their wardrobe allowance?

However, the top indication Reali has change is two words:  [The name that shall be nameless].   It’s odd that [The name that shall be nameless] is winning a lot from Reali hosting.  Doesn’t Reali know he’s reading from cue cards when he makes his “points.”  Then, Dan Levy had an interview with Reali and this was very telling:

Interview with Reali about no name.

Rick Telander doesn’t count because he has the same qualities as [The name that shall be nameless], but he’s more inclusive.  However, if Roger Ebert writes an open letter about [The name that shall be nameless] and you still think he’s good, then you’re Ben Lyons.

There could be many reasons why Reali is like this right now: 

• He’s a newlywed.
• [The name that shall be nameless] paying him off.
• Wants to be the next Michael Phelps (not for the gold, for other stuff).
• He’s jealous of Nate Silver’s success since Nate is now the true “Stat Man.” 

I’ll take the latter.

3.  Pushing Daisies

You know I’m a big fan of Pushing Daisies by doing some live-blogging when the show airs to get 3 or 4 additional viewers.  You all heard the news is ABC told production to stop at Episode 13, and then let’s see how it goes.  I can tell you what’s going to happen;  enjoy the last 8 episodes.   It’s odd that Knight Rider will survive and not this genius show.  Really people?!!!

4.  Holiday Music

Yes, the holidays are coming, but I must tell one of my pet peeves right now:  Playing holiday music before Thanksgiving or Halloween, depending where you live.  I know people are excited for the holidays, but take it one holiday at a time.  Right now, I want commercials and shows that are based on turkeys, the right recipes and if a tofu turkey is delicious.  Worry about the holiday season after the Thanksgiving Day Parade is over.  This year, you can start early since the traditional Thanksgiving football games suck this year.   Then, you can bust the holiday music.  Next time, I’ll bring my holiday music mix.

5.  Cash commercials

What is up with the numerous commercials from Cashpoint and Cash4Gold?  By the way, how you know if it’s a bad commercial:  If someone is driving the car, and waving cash out the window, in front of a camera, it’s called a Beatdown Situation. 

6.  Bacon beats Fries

Personally, Fries kills Bacon in all categories.  Bacon is great in breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Bacon is versatile and  tasty.  You can add as a great condiment as well.  Bacon is a wonderful all-around performer.  However, Fries is a once-in-a-lifetime performer.  Can do all the functions bacon does, but more diverse, versatile, and can handle a variety of dipping sauces.  Also, it doesn’t want to discriminate; it can go skinny or obese.  You can’t stop the Fries.

The state of Colorado did not agree.   The Tracy Maniacs do not agree with the election result in Colorado.

That is all, hope you have a nice Thanksgiving and during these times, you must protect the house.

Dating and Networking

So yesterday, I attended my first speed networking event for the DC Chamber event.  It was a decent meeting.  What I was surprise was the age group varied from young adult, middle age, to the upper age group.  It struck me on two things: 1) I need to go to more DC Chamber events and should of been a member, and 2) It was an effective event, depending who you are looking for.  I got some progress, but I wouldn’t expect this event would help me long-term since most of the companies were in printing, marketing, carpeting, etc.  It might be correlated, but you’re not sure if they are going to assist you.

However, this leads me to something that I haven’t thought about but makes perfect sense:  networking = dating.  There are many similarities between dating and networking:

•  You’re there to find a connection, and a trust to someone or a group.
•  You’re selling yourself.
•  You pick up numbers.
•  Carry a blackbook or Blackberry to organize thoughts
•  You go on a second “session.”
•  An agreement (depending on the situation and you know what I’m talking about).
•  The honeymoon period.
•  The collaboration.
•  The conflict.
•  At some point, separation.
•  Finally, the final decision (In my case, annulment).

So, when you’re at a networking event, be on a hunt like a person finding a date and find something that attracts you.  Of course, no cheesy pick-up lines and don’t jump out too quickly, take it slowly to see if there is a connection.

There are two things I learned from this event:

1. It’s great to dress up for an event at the fancy University Club in DC.  I wouldn’t try wearing a shoulder strap dress that you were going clubbing that night.  I’ll be honest, I took my first sip of water when she came by.   Also, the room was hot… Unfair.
2. On either a networking event or on a potential date (I have none):  I’m very selective.

We’re back in 2 and 2.

Barack Obama as President

When Obama takes office:

• He will not bring a liberal agenda like most people feared.  He will bring The Team of Rivals to his cabinet.  You’re going to have liberals, conservatives, nice people and a badass in Rahm Emanuel.  You expect him give free passes to Pelosi and Reid?
• Three key people he needs to help on the economic crisis:  Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, the new Secretary of Treasury, and Senator-elect Mark Warner.  You might not see the results now, but in segments, the economy will be better and everything will not be back to normal, but people will be comfortable.
• Now the country is center-left, it will open up medical marijuana and possibly gay marriages and equality of all people.
• Out goes popular jobs in the private sector.  In are jobs in the nonprofit, associations, and public sector.
• Hearing a lot more “Green” and lower emissions to help out the auto industry.
• Less vacation time for sure
• A transparent society
• A global point of view that when Obama elected president, respect has been restored
• Finally, an excitement in Washington or anywhere that I haven’t seen ever…for politics.  Who would of thunk it?

Election Day

We are one day away of choosing our 44th President of the United States (might be longer depending if all the states are that close, heaven forbid that would never happen again).  This is not a post about who to vote for (If you read my previous posts or on Facebook, you know who I’m going to vote for).

This is for the people who don’t want to vote or can’t vote because their busy.  For the people who are busy, here are a bunch of CEOs who are asking you to vote (Credit: Mark Stelzner):

For the people who don’t want to vote:  don’t make that an excuse.  If you’re cynical about politics, you have the right to be and honestly, that’s how I feel occasionally.  However, if you don’t get out, you lost all credibility.  If you are so mad, then why sit out?  If you’re upset that McCain and Obama are on the ballot, then voice who you want to be President.  It doesn’t have to be a popular choice, but if you believe in someone, then go vote for that person.  

In 2004, I never liked Bush or Kerry or even Ralph Nader.  I cast my vote for Former New Jersey Senator and Knicks player, Bill Bradley because he was intelligent on the issues, would know how to balance a budget, and understands and delegates to his teammates and co-workers.  The downsize was that he has a personality of a toothpick and that was his demise.  If you make Al Gore more personable, then you shouldn’t been elected, but I still stick with him because he shares my viewpoints.

The point here is vote to know where you want the country be heading to.  There are a lot of issues to ponder (not one issue like my friends and family think) and select who can run this country.  If you don’t want to, then you’re not welcome to the adult table.