One Crazy August Day

It was one crazy Saturday that had a potential of being a wreck, but instead, I caused the wreck… in a good way.

It started in the morning with Eli’s baptism. I really like our pastor who gave details what are the next steps are and why they have to do it.  Here’s the video of Eli being baptized (For the record, my dad was holding the Flip, while I was handling the main camcorder):

After the baptism, it was off to lunch at my brother’s house and give Eli presents. One of my favorites was a hand sewn sandals my in-law made for Eli.

After lunch, it was off to the Metro to see some friends before heading to Nationals Park for the Nats-Cards.  However, when I entered the Vienna station, I encountered this.

That’s right, tea party people tailgating outside the station waiting for their family and friends.  Luckily, I put on a disguise, for which I will reveal later. When I got on, there was a full train of people coming from the Glen Beck rally and kind of expecting the worse.

It was a peaceful ride from Vienna to Rosslyn at the Orange Line, but when the train arrived at Foggy Bottom, the rush was on. From Foggy Bottom to my stop at Eastern Market, the platforms were full of Glenn Beck and Al Sharpton’s supporters coming into the train. I’m worried that my train would cause a riot. I came out unscathed and exited Eastern Market with no scratches.

I met up with the rest of the Mr. Tony littles at Ted’s Bulletin, which is from the owners of the popular Matchbox. It had an old 40s feel: the setting, the menus, the ambiance, and there’s no reception for cell phones. It’s a bit pricey, but there’s a lot food, so the price is justified.  If you’re wondering, I had the Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito. It sounds like a Man v. Food item, but it wasn’t spicy or huge enough, but it was savory and tasty. After a few drinks, it was time to head to the ballpark.

At the ballpark, I was circling around getting a Pudge bobblehead, trying to find baby clothes for Eli and something for myself, and then found @DCyetti, @Darkmeathook, and Maggie and Ashley of First Ladies of Baseball at the Scoreboard Walk.  Then, a camera man spotted me with the Elvis Silver Wig and ask me to participate in the Fan of the Game and jump around for 30 seconds. So I did:

(Courtesy of Maggie and Ashley of First Ladies of Baseball)

I was trying to pull a combo of Ric Flair “WOOOO!” and WWE’s Edge current entrance. If I have to do it again, I should of swerve my hips like Elvis and have a much more planned 30 seconds than the hooting and screaming. Nonetheless, my buffoonery won Fan of the Game and a $50 gift certificate from Harris Teeter. During the game, people were congratulating me, giving me hi-fives, and even strangers wanted to take pictures with me.

As for the game, it was something special as the Nats scored the most runs in their home park with 14, and won their 100th game at home.  It was an entertaining game as we saw controversial calls, an offensive explosion, and enjoying it with friends.

Before I continue, I must say on Nyjer Morgan’s play in the 8th inning, it looked like he was safe, but there was no replay. When I got home, I saw Nyjer missed the plate and intentionally was aiming for Brian Anderson, the Cardinals backup catcher. I really like Nyjer, aka Tony Plush, since he started the silver Elvis wig tradition within and inspired me to make a replica, but I guess he still has the hockey mentality to hit than play it straight and touch the base.  Riggleman was right to bench him on Sunday.

Moving on.

After the game, I went to the Navy Yard Metro station and one person yelled out “Fan of the Game” and everyone on the platform looked at the stairs and saw me coming down and did my thing for the people. When I got into the train, there were a few who banged on the windows to congratulate me and a couple said that “It was an honor to be with the Fan of the Game” (exact quote).  When i got to the Orange Line, I had the same responses, but after the Ballston stop, the remaining crowd in my train gave me a round of applause. I said jokingly that “This is biggest applause inside the Metro train will ever received.”

All in all, it was one of the strangest days with Eli’s baptism, the rally, the metro, the ball game, and winning Fan of the Game, although, my biggest regret is that I didn’t score any chicks after I won Fan of the Game. However, I can say I was part of history and enjoyed it with my family and friends (and strangers).  I can finally be known as the “Fun Uncle” for Eli.

Sunday Shout-out to Laurie Ruettimann

I have not dealt on this topic, but I will miss Laurie Ruettimann’s recently defunct blog, Punk Rock HR. It was the second HR blog I’ve read (the first was Melina Murray by googling “SHRM Chicago”) and it resonate with me.  The first post that fully got my attention was the “The guy that shall be nameless” and him leaving newspapers. That article inspired me to do the “If I Was Running A Company…” series, about my view on HR, although I know she’s annoyed of the HR and sports comparison for which I will quote my good friend, Rob Dibble, “Suck It Up!”

Seriously, I hope her new blog, The Cynical Girl, and her new venture at New Media Services will become a bigger success than Punk Rock HR from knowing her: 1)  she’s taller than Mike Lupica and 2) she’s has the personality and bite in her writing that will make her a success.

Now open up a Cutty Sark and have fun in Florida this week, Laurie.

The Dating Auction Experiment

Last night I attended the Citizen Gulf event where all the proceeds go to Gulf families who have children (or child). it was a wonderful event and meeting old friends and new faces.  So far, DC has raised over $1500, which is very good.

Almost a third of that came from the dating auction. The highest bid was $75, but to be fair, the starting bid was $5 and it was for fun and for charity.  This left me asking to myself (and a couple friends who ask me to do it): how much is my personal worth to be around?

So for the next couple weeks, I’m starting my dating auction experiment.  That’s right, I’m giving my soul selling my services for one day by auction.  This is probably a dumb idea, but after last night, I want to do it for the hell of it.

Here are the rules:

• People in the Continental United States are eligible for this auction.
• You must be 18 or over.
• Only individual (man or woman) bidders, no group or company bidders.
• No anonymous bidding. It is open to the public.
• Please make your bid on this post comments below only. I will not take bids outside this post (email, Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
• Your bid must be a multiple of 5.
• Bid limit rules: Your bid cannot raise more than the size of the most recent bid (ex. The most recent bid is $40. You can bid up to $80. If you bid $85 after the $40 bid, the bid is invalid) except the last day where there’s no-limit bidding.
• There is no monetary benefit for me, my company, and my affiliations.  All proceeds go to charity.
• All bids are subject to review. If the winning bidder is invalid, the second to last bidder is the winning bidder.

For the winner of the auction:

• If you use me in a personal setting – your entitled to a lunch/dinner and 1 event of your choice
• If you use me in a professional setting – you have me between 9 AM – 5 PM
• If the winning bidder lives outside the DC Metro area, you must accommodate my travel (I will pay for the amenities like bags, food, and others)

50% of the winning bid will go to Citizen Gulf and the other 50% will go to the charity of your choosing from this list:

• National Wildlife Federation
• The Hockey Foundation
• WAMU 88.5
• DC College Access Program
• Help the Homeless
• Animal Shelter

What do I expect from this auction? I don’t know, but if you give yourself for charity, nothing can go wrong, right?  We’ll see. I’ll keep a daily update (except this Saturday where I’m very busy). By the way, a little synopsis about me if you’re a first time reader of my blog:

I’m the founder of my own company that deals with recruiting/staffing/social media in nonprofits and associations. I’m currently the Vice President of Outreach for the George Mason School of Management Alumni Chapter. I’m a huge DC Sports fan and the only team I like outside of DC is the Florida State Seminoles.  Some people recognize me as a Tony Kornheiser emailer and if Tony’s radio show is on, I’m listening while working. I’m not a suit guy unless the event warrants me to wear a suit. I like to try new things. I’m not a fan of chicken and ketchup. There are many things I want to mention, but you can go through the rest of my blog. Fini.

The auction ends on Friday, September 10 at 11:59PM EDT. Let the bidding start at $5.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: The End of Summer, but not really the End of Summer because of Global Warming Edition

It’s been so long that I did this type of post, although there was good reason I didn’t do it.  So, onto the show:

1. Barack Obama

This past year has been tough for Obama and his administration from the economy, the oil spill, healthcare, etc.  As I look at what has Obama done, he has made great achievements from the stimulus, healthcare, and financial reform.  On the other hand, many in the left are disappointed that Obama has not lived up to his promises.  I have been an Obama supporter through and through, but his main problem is that he is not taken his own account of the situation.  I really like Obama’s view for the long-term that it will play out, but I like Lessig’s view best that liberals know Obama has to be center, but they’re more upset he’s not living up to his campaign promises and that he’ll be a different politician.  I think that’s where the dissension is and the left has that right to poke at Obama perform to that standard.  What I also say is it takes time, but I wish Obama advise people what he thinks what should be done and not make a lot of compromises.

2. Adrian Fenty

Speaking of Obama, if the left had a prototype of how Obama should be, it will be Adrian Fenty.  He has change Washington D.C. with better schools, less crime, and leadership (see his snow coverage in February).  He has shown that he’s a different politician. Then, how is Vince Gray beating Fenty in the straw polls?  The answer is Fenty is not a “people” mayor.  At times, Fenty does not show up in community meetings/town halls to discuss issues with the people.

That would be a big concern, but if you have a mayor who is doing it his way and is doing it that helps the city, would people skills matter since it could bog him down?  There is some commitment to be made, but Fenty could just ignore it after shaking people’s hands.  Basically, what were looking at is Sharon Pratt, but the difference is Fenty never moved the Redskins to Prince Georges County.

However in DC, its all about the people. Why you think Marion Barry got re-elected as mayor?

3. Gay Rights

Here’s my overall view: I am Catholic and am religious (but not up to my parents standards).  It still looks uncomfortable to see a man or woman kissing their own sex. It’s just a vibe from me, but if they’re happy and comfortable, more power to them.  I guess the majority of the people are getting the message.

4. Your DC Sports Update

Nationals:

At least you can say for the Nats is that their below average and not the bottom of the barrel anymore.  A few things I want to point out:

• When Strasburg pitch after activated from the DL, attendance was around 25,000.  There were many factors: the heat and the “distrust” fans saw when Strasburg was suppose to pitch on July 27, but didn’t.  It’s likely in September the attendance will reduce because of football, but I think the last start was an anomaly
• Mike Rizzo might become everyone’s favorite GM in DC after the moves he made and still keeping Adam Dunn.
• The Bryce Harper Signing Deadline ends at midnight on August 16

Redskins:

Football has arrive and I will say this will the most interesting year the Redskins ever had. A proven coach and QB, but not a lot of help.  I hope the Redskins do well and if they win the Super Bowl this year, they can keep it for 2 years if the NFL and NFLPA come to an agreement.  From their game against the Bills, they’re closer than I thought. Then again, they are the Bills.

Wizards:

I’m glad people are buying tickets to see john Wall. Just sad the team will only go far as the Conference semifinals in the next 5 years when you have Miami, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, and others.

Capitals:

They haven’t done nothing. Still pissed, but I hope Flash gets traded and possible a second line center at the trading deadline (likely aiming for Brad Richards or Handzus).

5. Finally…

I’ve tweeted a couple of times, but just to let you know on August 9th, I became a first-time Uncle.  Say Hello to Elijah Dominic Tran:

(via my brother, Nate)

If I Was Running A Company…The People

During my time at NPR, I read this article from John Hollon of TLNT about the title of Chief People Officer and the main focus was on NPR’s new HR (People) head and former colleague of mine, Jeff Perkins.

Of Note: the reason I’m writing this article is my contract for NPR is up and I’m free to do whatever I want. If I wrote this article during my stay, it would have been review with NPR, so I waited until today.

In the article, there was debate if Chief People Officer is a legitimate title or a gimmick.  The article made wonderful points on both sides and I wouldn’t have any qualms.  In NPR’s case, you have to look into their HR history.

If you would ask me between 2005-07 about NPR human resources, I would say they were solid. They had budgets to go on conferences, job fairs, goodwill events, and others, plus their brand was very strong.  What change for NPR human resources was in 2008.  Most of it I can’t discuss, but part of it is the economy, and that’s where the mood of executives (and some employees) change and that is where HR is…a solid HR team with little to no budget.

One and a half years later, they ask me to come in to assist the recruiting team and build a social recruiting strategy.  I agree to do the administrative work since HR was under staff at the time and really want to change the department, hence selecting the new VP and CPO in the first two months I was there.  In the last two months, I was helping with their social recruiting strategy, but it couldn’t be finalize since there were a lot changes going around in HR. The only achievement I was there was the creation of the Linkedin account, although the base of their social recruiting strategy is there.

Of Note again: I posted my jobs and NPR events on my all-around account, @tracytran. I couldn’t do it on @tranrecruiting since I agreed to NPR to hire me as a full-time temp, hence the business was push aside for 4 months. Hence, you had to find my jobs through keywords or dedicated column on a third-party app NPR Jobs tweets with my name.  I wish to start up an NPR Careers Twitter account, but there was not enough time for approval.

In my opinion, I thought Chief People Officer was a little cheesy at first, but realize a month later, National Public Radio change their brand to NPR because they want to be known for their multimedia entity, and likely the title change to Chief People Officer was one of those steps internally and externally.

Whither you department is called Human Resources, The People, Norris, Rikishi, or whatever you name your “HR” department, it’s the actions and results behind your title that counts. In my one month with Jeff Perkins at NPR, it looks like he is really changing the department for a new direction and for the better and wish the best of luck.

By the way, NPR is looking for a Director of Talent Acquisitions. This one is on me

If I Was Running A Company…Jobs and Profits

Remember when economists say the recession will end late last year and jobs would be returning?  Well, the recession has ended (until the recent GDP report came out), but the jobs have not come back.  How can that be? Look at your employer.

In this Washington Post article, it states that nonfinancial companies altogether have $1.8 trillion in cash. If you have 1.8 trillion, it would easy to hire workers, get decent health benefits, 401 (k), and other benefits.  Then again, it is the company’s money and they can do whatever they want.  They can fire workers, be more productive with less workers and make more of a profit.  For that, I can’t fault organizations who penny-pinch their budget…that’s capitalism.

How about small businesses?  They don’t have the cash like corporations, but they do have resources in the Chamber of Commerce to help out on taxes and benefits. Then again, the Chamber of Commerce are speaking for themselves and not the whole community.

This is where business leaders point the blame to the Obama Administration; blaming them that they’re not creating jobs.  However, the Obama Administration did end the Great Recession. If these three areas have not solve the hiring issue, who can? Actually, all three share an answer: politics

The Obama Administration have the heart that they want to help the unemployed to find jobs, but the administration’s vibe says businesses should not be trusted. Corporations have tons of money but are making excuses that the $1.8 trillion that is leftover is not enough to pay for health benefits and others, and have the audacity to blame the Obama Administration for not creating jobs. For small businesses, they’re trusting the Chamber of Commerce advice too much instead going to their gut instincts.  No matter the result, all three are to blame for the biggest losers: the unemployed.

The unemployment is still at 9.5-9.6% where the numbers suppose  to dip at this time, but it has not happen because all three sides are playing politics. Steve Pearlstein of the Washington Post and Bob Herbert of the New York Times hit the nail when both said all three are posturing, but took offense of business leaders of attacking Obama for not creating jobs, when they have their own opportunity to hire more people, but elected not to.  To make matters worse, the unemployed might be creating a coalition to handle the BS from all three sides.

The only solution to solve all these problems are better communications among business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce and the Obama Administration on job creations, benefits, and the future of work.  If all sides communicate, you will see unemployment drop and a better understanding of healthcare and financial reform.  Am I naive this will happen? Yes. Do I think it will happen? Not a chance; it’s the mid-term elections, politics is about power and influence instead of collaboration.

For the unemployed who are getting screwed: if you’re job hunting, don’t look for job openings within the organization, look for an organization that have the balls to hire you.

Bonus: NFIB Small Business Trends