The DC Sports Scene: Fall 2011 Edition

For the longest time, the DC sports scene has been horrendous. You’re lucky if you had one good DC team. However, this has been changing the past few weeks.

Redskins

Obviously, this is not the best Redskins team ever, but from training camp, interviews, and their play, this is a different Redskins team in year’s past. Gone are the flashy names Snyder has signed and coming are football players who want to play. Everyone criticized Mike (and his son, Kyle, for that matter) Shanahan for not keeping the house in order and didn’t develop Donovan McNabb or motivate Albert Haynesworth. With the offseason moves they made, guess the Shanny made the right decision. This is a real team. They might win the NFC East, like Rex Grossman predicted, and they’ll unlikely go to the Super Bowl from the mouth of Tim Hightower, but this is finally a “team” and hopefully this continues on a few more years…and hopefully better QBs  and WRs down the line.

Nationals

I predicted the Nationals would win 77 before the season start just for the Werth signing, not necessarily for the statistics, but what he brings to the clubhouse the Nats really lack: winners. I was close…the Nats won 80 (could have been 81 if it wasn’t for the monsoon that hit the Dodgers series). Some say this team will start contending for 2013…I think they’re starting now. They have solid pitching, bullpen and starting, a strong infield, a revelation in power hitting from Michael Morse, and a team bonded together and actual hope. Of course, the Nats need a speedy center fielder, but no necessarily a leadoff hitter. Just want the guy at the 6 or 7 spot to help out the bottom of the lineup. The Nats also need a veteran for the pitching staff. Most everyone will want C.J. Wilson from the Texas Rangers. It would be nice, but after the Yankees performance last night, they’re moving all in to get him and CC Sabathia. Best bet for the Nats: sign Mark Buehrle for a 2-4 year deal and he will be beloved in Washington since when he is pitching, it usually ends around 2 hours, a must for the transient community here. The bigger picture is this: the Nats are coming and a dynasty might start a year earlier than expected. As for the baseball fans in DC: get your tickets now, especially against the Philadelphia Phillies, so we don’t see their tour buses and piss around DC… literally.

By the way, please no managerial change until 2013. We don’t really need Terry Francona, although Joe Maddon is available after the 2012 season.

Wizards

There’s nothing much to say since the Wizards are not going to be good and there’s a lockout. If you’re a fan of the Wizards, you want to side with the owners for a hard salary cap since that will be the only chance the Wizards can be good and if they’re lucky, a championship.

Capitals

If the Nationals are the most anticipated team in DC in 2012, the Capitals are the most anxious. As you know from my past posts, hockey is my number 1 sport to watch, but as I learned from previous years: the regular season doesn’t matter. The NHL regular season is also known as the longest preseason North American sporting league ever. It’s great that the Caps are the best in the “preseason,” but they’re always be determined when the “real” season starts and that’s the playoffs. I do not want the Caps to be number 1 in the “preseason.” I want them to use the regular season to prepare for the playoffs. I expect some struggle, some triumph, some agony, some pain, and something unorthodox throughout the 82 games, but that’s great because it makes the team hungrier to advance beyond the conference semifinals and hopefully the Stanley Cup. Like many other Caps fans, I’m cautiously optimistic for this season, but the Caps need to know: this is the year to capitalize. If they go to the Conference Finals and beyond, consider it a semi-success (the real success is if they win the Stanley Cup). Anything less than that, not only heads will roll at Kettler Iceplex, but the fan base will move somewhere else. From the looks of it, the Caps are looking like the Detroit Red Wings of the 1990s. The question is can they win Stanley Cups like Detroit in the 90s? I am anxiously waiting.

DC has come a long way, but next year is the moment DC should become an emerging sports town as we have more than one (or two) team to root for and anticipate. I don’t remember that happening in DC in a long time. There’s something in the air and t looks great for DC…politics aside.

The Five Year Blogoversary

Hello Tracyophants:

Today is my five year blogoversary (not to be confused to the “Five Year Anniversary” post I wrote last June. I don’t know how I suppose to feel. At times, I feel so old since I’m still using the “blog” format. However, I enjoy blogging because it is the only time I can be creative and share my stories about my life.

I started blogging back in 2006 after I got my first full-time salary position to share my experiences in a personal and professional matter.  It started on Blogger and has transition to WordPress for the last four years. I didn’t blog for money; I blog to have an opportunity either in HR/Recruiting or in a totally different area. I have gotten some publicity, but nothing breakthrough as I’m still writing at this blog and probably enjoy it more because it is still independent and I like it that way (but of course, I can sell out anytime and need some editing skills).

I have always said that I’m not going to master the English grammar, and probably never will, but I hope the people who read this blog (the 5 subscribers I have) understand where I’m coming from, although some perverts search for Bruce Jenner and porn stars as well.

For my five year blogoversary post (and #300), I look back at my five most significant posts:

1. The Anne Murray Holiday Story (December 25, 2008) – This was the first story I did for Christmas, and the best. The story is based on true events (seriously) Liz Clarke’s weird obsession of hating Anne Murray’s “Snowbird” while going “orgasmic” on anything Springsteen. There are many reasons I love this post: 1) it is easily the best story I ever wrote 2) I would get a lot of Tony Kornheiser fans who know this story, plus people already read my review of Liz Clarke’s One Helluva Ride, which got a lot of views. Just wish for one day, Mr. Tony or Nigel play “Snowbird” when Liz is in studio and Anne and Liz would meet.
2. If I Was Running A Company…Advice (April 13, 2009) – This was the first post that got syndicated on Brazen Careerist and it made an impact on both my site and on my Brazen Careerist profile. The post resonated well and this started infiltrate the workplace/employment blogger landscape.
3. If I Was Running A Company…Pop Culture HR Award (April 20, 2009) – I have written numerous posts on HR, employment, and the workplace. I started writing constantly about the workplace in the beginning of 2009. I was still finding my voice. Then one day, I thought of writing a post combining pop culture and HR and the first person I wanted to do was Mel Kiper and also wanted SHRM to change its logo to Mel’s hair. This post was at a critical time because it was up when my SHRM membership was up. I thought about not renewing my membership. Then, China Gorman saw my post and tweeted out to her followers and I have founded my HR voice. If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t renew my SHRM membership and I would just toss away the “If I Was/Were Running A Company…” series. Thanks, China.
4. June 1: The Return of the DC Sports Renaissance (June 1, 2010) – This was my beloved post because June 2010 was a big month for D.C.: Bryce Harper getting drafted by the Washington Nationals; The Strasburg’s debut; the Wizards selecting an actual superstar for their first pick. So far, the Redskins are a mess, the Wizards are rebuilding…again, the Capitals are struggling, and the Nationals can bring hitters but not pitchers. However, this post got so much attention is because Ted Leonsis mention on his blog about my post. I got giddy like a schoolboy seeing an attractive girl for the first time. If you’re wondering, I still believe a D.C. sports team will win a championship within three years. I might be naive, but as Leonsis said, “I’m optimistic.”
5. Memo to the D.C. Metro (December 22, 2010) – This was simply a rant on the D.C. Metro. Nothing really special about it since every D.C. blogger rants on the Metro and I had 10 views when it was first published. After Christmas, the post exploded on its own.  It is currently my most viewed post of all-time in just a month. If you want my theory, I think most read my post because they relate on their Metro experience and wanted to see whose crushing Metro now. Also, I believe there were detractors who think I thought Cliff Lee went to the Phillies because of Philly’s great “public transportation” for which I never said was the main reason, although some interpret that. This was about the WMATA’s Board’s lack of awareness that might cost Metro of getting business around the stations. After that post, Metro is recommending naming rights and I’m in the middle of the D.C. media storm on TBD and Washington Post Express (via @crieghtonc)…ok, not really, although I might have a third career as a “public transportation expert” (again, not a chance).

Although those five posts are the most significant, my favorite blog posts are telling my adventures that happened like “A Night of Legends” and “One Crazy August Day” because it’s true and all happened in one day like The Odyssey, the condensed version.

If you notice, all of my favorite and significant blog posts came after Christmas 2008 and that’s because social media was on the rise. If it was not for Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; Brazen Careerist; Quora; and Google, I wouldn’t get a broader audience nor the connections (although still small compared to more experienced bloggers).

As for the upcoming years: if you notice, I don’t write much business stuff on my blog because I’m writing the HR portion on the GMUSOMAC blog, for which I’m the Vice President of Outreach. I’ll likely return the HR portion in the next year or two as I’m trying to boost the alumni chapter.

Also, since WordPress wants every blogger to blog every day, I’ll start to do that since Quora sets ups your account to ask question, so be prepared for a random question every day. Certainly, I will still blog my random thoughts, do stories, tell my adventures, and hopefully do more video.

My belief is that a blog is your main source you want to get out. Although people have several blogs in different areas, which is fine, I kept it all-in-one because eventually people are going to figure out who you are and it’s alright to be multi-faceted when the world would prefer labels to make it easy for you to identify. Everyone has layers, show it off (but not the real private ones).

I’m going to leave with this: thank you to the 5 subscribers and numerous part-time readers who continue to read and still have interest in my life and career. I don’t mind telling my stories because it’s the fun part of my day telling what is going on, even writing at 3 AM. I’m open to your thoughts on anything. I want to have a conversation on this blog and outside the site. That is why social media is so much fun and enjoying the ride so far. I hope it continues.

Again, Thanks for the 5 years!

Tracy

P.S.: What was your favorite post on my blog and why?

2011 Predictions

You know what I hate: people calling  their predictions fearless. All predictions are 50/50, so it could happen or not. It’s not fearless…it’s a promotional stunt. Here in this blog, I make real predictions (and some I have my intuition and some are prediction while intoxicated), but if someone puts my prediction on syndication, I charge $100 per site.

To review last year’s predictions: it’s actually wasn’t that bad, which surprised me.

Of note: you won’t see my business predictions since I made those there. Here are the rest of my 2011 predictions:

• Major bills pass by the 112th Congress in 2011: 2
• Obama’s approval rating will be around 50%, but on the over side as we’re counting down to the 2012 Elections.
• The Republican Presidential primaries will start in August because…
• The NFL will go on lockout and will start their shortened regular season in October.
• The NHL TV rights will stay with the Comcast Networks (basically the NBC networks) and will ask Versus to change their name to the NBC Sports Network.
• I’m not going to pick if the Caps will advance further in the playoffs because I feel unlucky, but I will say that either during or after this season, Alex Semin (or as I like to call him, Jizz) will not be a Washington Capital.
• The Nationals will win 77 games and will not be in last place.
• The Strasburg will pitch in September 2011 solely to get people in D.C. excited for 2012 and that the NFL is still on lockout.
• Bryce Harper will reach Double A Harrisburg in 2011. June 2012 will be his major league debut.
• The Wizards will trade Andray Blatche and will stink for the next couple of years and wait for the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
• The Redskins will buyout Donovan McNabb’s contract and will get a QB in the draft…and a WR. Also, their undefeated streak using scabs will be in jeopardy.
• Everyone will be talking about the Verizon iPhone, but the iPad 2 will be the most profitable item for Apple because the iPhone will be released in late February, which will be a bad time since Android enhancers like a clip-on front-face camera out in the market at the same time.  The iPad has little or no competition on the tablet market.
• Quora becoming the new social media site people want to jump in.
• Google will lose 5% of their share in search and will lose a lot of shares in future years as social search gets defined.
• The XBOX 360 Kinect will be a game changer in the video game market…and the workplace.
• Since we’re near 2012 (the year of the Apocalypse) and the start of privatized spacecraft, more people will demand or actually move to Space and live in Mars.
• The movie theater could be renamed the conference theater as people will buy more home theater systems to enhance the movie or sports experience. Actual movie theaters need to be proactive what to do like seminars or Q & As.
• The immigration debate will always be heated in the states, but sports like soccer and cricket will grow in the United States as soccer has caught America’s attention and cricket becoming a niche sport in the states since its baseball, but with big points. Plus, it will be an Olympic sport in 2020 (for you cricket fanatics, pun not intended since the Olympics will use the Twenty20 format).
• With the popularity of BBC America and other international programming, CBC will start CBC America with Canadian programming like Kids in the Hall, Men with Brooms, and their stalwart, Hockey Night in Canada. Here’s a preview of one of their shows, Little Mosque on the Prairie:

• There will be a Tim Horton’s in DC. It will be around the Fall.
• DC Metro ridership will fall 4% from this year’s totals.
• Predictions that won’t happen but I hope will come soon:
  • Baseball TV rights and World Series goes to PBS.
  • Tony Kornheiser going to public radio and when ESPN dumps Tony and Michael Wilbon for being too old, they’ll head to Public TV.
  • The Redskins head back to play in Washington D.C.
  • Ed will be on DVD and internet stream.
• Finally, I will have a girlfriend (Even I know that won’t happen, so stop dreaming and finish this blog.)

Hope you have a great 2011 and see you on the flip side.

2010 Predictions

Now the time of year where I look like a doofus and make some bold predictions. Just look at my predictions last year (although one was affected by Yanni, which no one saw it coming).  So, let me get my psychic gear:

And here we go:

• Republicans will recapture the House and gain a 4 seats in the Senate on Election Day
• Obama’s Approval Rating will still hover 50% and probably will be in the next 2 years
• The jobs market will improve since 2010 will be a rebound year.  2011 will be the most interesting year with government contracts ending.
• There will be more consultants/contractors because they want to do more than one thing, hence…
• Companies will start to talk about human billboards
• Verizon will have a huge year with their “rumored” iPhone 4G.
• If Facebook was 2007, YouTube in 2008, Twitter in 2009, 2010 has a few candidates. My top 3: Foursquare, Square, and Formspring.me
• Major gifts to nonprofits will stay the same in 2010 as people will start getting to the flow of things.
• More violence arises in Iran, but more and more, Iranians will switch to the green Revolution.
• Out: Personal Branding /5 minutes ago: Candidate Pipeline/ In: Execution
• Average Conference attendance will improve 3% from the previous year.
• The Washington Capitals will make the Stanley Cup Final…and be part of the 2011 Winter Classic against the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium.
• The Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys will have the two biggest payrolls in the NFL in 2010 since this is an uncapped year.  The Redskins will not go to the playoffs.
• The Nationals (or Natinals) will not lose 100 games.
• The Wizards…you know.
• Rupert Murdoch will attempt to buy the Washington Post since half the editors used to work with the Wall Street Journal.
• There will be more independent musicians in the market
• The new term of 2010: Urban Farming
• More people will declare themselves independents (although, in technicality, everyone is an independent)
• For the hell of it, The TV Show, Ed, will be released on DVD.
• The Winter Olympics will have higher ratings than american idol at times since it’s in Vancouver.
• Since the World Cup is in South Africa, Brazil will win the World Cup and USA will make it to the Round of 16.
• Tiger Woods will be athlete of the year after winning in majors in Pebble Beach and St. Andrews
• While social media usage is still going to grow, it will not overtake emails and texting.  That will take 3-5 years
• The new home/office accessory everyone will ask: the Tablet
• Finally…The Animal Revolution will still reign supreme in 2010 and there is no one can contain or stop it.

I hope these predictions hit the mark (or close to it). See you in 2010.

#TWTRCON DC 2009

Last Thursday, I attended #Twtrcon in DC. Twtrcon is a conference for businesses that have applied Twitter in their business strategy, so no novices here.

The main reason I went to Twtrcon is to meet people I met before and finally see the faces of the people I met through Twitter the past year so they wouldn’t think I’m a fake  I can say I have reach double digits meeting the HR/Recruiting people, although I have 700 HR/Recruiting pros to meet.

Twtrcon had several sessions throughout the day. The ones I was most anticipated were Michael DiLorenzo of the NHL on real-time branding since if you go to my all-around Twitter feed you know I’m a bit “devoted” to the NHL.  I also wanted to listen to Jessica Lee and Kerry Noone’s presentation on Twitter for Recruiting since that’s my area of expertise. Both were great discussions on how to use Twitter.

Twtrcon also provided a few memorable quotes:

• “Free the Nerds”
• “People should tweet, not brands”
• “There is no social media expert”
• “Twitter is a sushi conveyor belt moving at 100 mph”
• “Twitter: blogging for lazy people”
• “If you aren’t failing you aren’t trying”
• “What wine pairs up best with bacon?”

The presentation that had everyone’s attention was Scott Harrison’s charity: water. Scott showed video and stats of how much people have donated and how their donations help in Africa. Almost everyone agreed that it was a powerful presentation, although some question that his presentation has nothing to do with Twitter. In hindsight, I agree that it wasn’t focusing on how Scott was utilizing Twitter, but I really think Scott made the point that if you have a powerful message, it can be transmitted anywhere, no matter the source. 

There are some things I want to change for Twtrcon like the 5 minute real-time tools “ad”.  I found it more promotional than informative and I wouldn’t mind if they gave us 30 minutes to walk around the area to see the new products for Twitter, which for the most part, are very useful.  Another adjustment Twtrcon should make is have a screen in front of the speaker or panel to see what questions arises, they can answer it, although if they put a screen outside the Grand Hyatt to let everyone see what people are tweeting about, that will be much better.

Overall, I thought the sessions were useful, but Tonia Ries made the greatest point in the beginning of Twtrcon that the conference is for the people to share their ideas and network with other tweeple and this conference drive that point.

This brings me to the future of Twtrcon if it is going to continue when Twitter’s popularity fades.  I remember 5 years ago people were holding local MySpace parties and everything thought it was a great idea.  Then, MySpace is off of anyone’s radar (except for the creeps).  What Twitter brought that no other social media did is involve anyone who wants to contribute of anything.  While Facebook, Linkedin and other social media do have some barriers, Twitter is making a small world even smaller.  Case in point: I met a guy who is a patient of my brother.  However, the world and technology is going fast and Twitter will eventually be in the bottom of the totem pole.  That said, there will be conferences about social media or any speciality involving social meadi and its impact.  This year is Twitter;  next year, there will likely be a Google Wave Conference;  and 5 years from now, there’s going to be a Hologram conference where people stay at their homes and bring their holographic self.  Either way, all of these conferences have one thing in common: the people, which the conferences should always be about.

Resources:

Pictures from ReadySetDC
Twtrcon Presentations
Official Twtrcon Site

A Blog Post

Two things I like to mention that I can’t fit on Twitter:

1. The Brazen Careerist has a new design and new attitude.  It will still be a place for Gen Y workers, but instead of a blog network, it is a social network.  Think of it as Linkedin or KODA.  Let’s see how this goes because there in new territory and will they get any new Gen Yers to go to their site.  I know there are people who are for and against Brazen Careerist and I understand, but this one has a little more interest because they featured two of my posts and I’m grateful and met other Gen Y bloggers in DC.  For me, they help me build an audience and the first site to give me a spotlight.  I cannot wait for it.

2. I went to the DC Bloggers meeting last week just to get a feel of what it is and have to say it is a very diverse group from food, writing, DC, politics, etc.  There is a sense of community with this group and can’t wait to help out my fellow bloggers.  In fact, I’m going to make a difference for DC Bloggers, but you have to wait until next month to figure that out.  Here are the other DC Bloggers:

Kier Duros:  http://Durosia.com

A. Glenn:  http://jenesaisrein.blogspot.com

S. Polastre:  http://www.freeagentwriter.com

Phil:  http://www.feedbacksecrets.com

Mike:  http://NotionsCapital.com

Amy in DC:  http://www.freeindc.blogspot.com

Dave W.:  http://www.autumnrain2110.com

Joe Logon:  www.joelogon.com/blog

Frank:  http://swordandthescript.blogspot.com/

Jadxia:  http://jadxia.livejournal.com

Can you feel the love?

2009 Predictions

This is the time of year people will look others’ blogs.  Yep, its prediction time and I’m joining the bandwagon.  There are several categories I’ll go into.  Let me get my psychic gear:

And here we go for the first post of 2009:

Politics:

·         Obama’s approval rating will be at 65% at the end of 2009.  He’s going to have the benefit of the doubt, but with one slip up, the number will dip dramatically.  With Obama’s demeanor throughout the election, he would never let that happen.

·         At least one scandal with Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. 

·         Gas will be up to an average of $3.00 in the summer.  We saw the highs of gas prices in the summer and the very low in the winter in 2008.  Next year, they’ll reach at the middle.

·         The interest rate will jump as high as 5%.

·         The U.S. auto industry will still be down, but with Obama’s car czar in place, there will be moderate, renewed interest at the end of 2009.

·         Dick Cheney will get arrested of war crimes and a trial will be pending in 2010.

World:

·         Violence will still reign in the Middle East, but with the presence of Obama as president, it will simmer, but won’t prevent that much.

·         The country to watch:  India.  The population, bordering Pakistan, pollution, and its international relationships will make this a country all the nations will be looking out for.

·         The foreign car manufacturers will still be on the downside, but will still be able to withstand after growth for the past 25 years.

·         With the U.S. economy on the ropes, Russia will do it can to be a top tier power again.  It will not work.

The Working Place:

·         The job outlook will still look grim as companies will layoff more employees to save money and government contracts will expire after Iraq ends.

·         Out in 2009:  New York.  Short-term in 2009: Washington, DC.  Long-term in 2009:  The Midwest.

·         Web 2.0 will be the new training session as companies are finding ways to communicate without travelling and to attract new customers and employees.

·         Phrases you’re going to hear in your company:  compress workweeks and flextime.

·         The company’s new best friend:  the webcam.

Washington DC Sports:

·         The Washington Wizards will have a top three pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.  Somehow, they will get screwed and won’t get a center.  The Curse of Les Boulez strikes again.

·         The Nationals will improve their attendance from 2008…all thanks to the Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, the O’s and the Cherry Blossoms on left field in the beginning of the season.

·         The Washington Redskins will be 9-7, without looking at the roster for next year, and miss the playoffs.  Goodbye Jim Zorn…Hello Bill Cowher.

·         The Washington Capitals will still be the Washington Capitals.  My bold prediction:  Eastern Conference Finals.

·         Not local related, but the world has restored order with the NHL and NBA coming back and NASCAR having issues.

Media:

·         Google and Rupert Murdoch will be fighting for the New York Times.  The old school vs. the new school of media.

·         FOX News will still be number one in the cable ratings because it’s still the only conservative network.  It is the liberals’ time, but when you have CNN, MSNBC, and now C-SPAN with all day Obama coverage competing, the others have only one source.

·         Syndication and voicetracking will cover the majority of the radio stations and with Sirius/XM troubles; the radio business will be trusted with this:  news and “Top 40” hits.

·         The movie industry will definitely be down this year after a blockbuster 2008.

·         Deep and I mean deep cuts to your local networks.  Local news will be nonexistent.

Other:

·         We still are in a “Hybrid” revolution, not in a “Green” Revolution.  Just wait two more years.

·         Cell phones will see little growth in 2009.  2010 will be gangbusters and people will be patient.

·         More people will have blogs, Twitters, and Facebooks.  Yes, simultaneously

·         The transition from paper to electronic will start in the middle of the year.

·         Sadly, Rock Band and Guitar Hero will increase all thanks to the Beatles game coming out.

·         For the first year, the country would be united and figure the problems out.  Then the next year, we’re back to bickering and politics.

Have a great 2009!!!

 

New Home

Well, I have made the transition to WordPress.  I actually heard of WordPress when one of my Facebook friends had a new blog.  I was satisfied with my blog until Facebook added “My Notes.”  Sadly, Blogger has Atom, which doesn’t transition well to Facebook, so here is my new home.  Of course, the blog is going to stink anyway.