If I Were Running A Company…HR Question of the Week

If the U.S. Government mandate 5 paid holiday leaves, which holidays do you want it to be?

If I Were Running A Company…Holidays

via The Atlantic

The chart above is how many guaranteed holidays and paid leaves countries offer. If you look at the right, you will see the United States. This is not a misprint: the United States does not offer guaranteed holidays or paid leaves. The U.S. is the only advanced country in the world that does not offer this.

In the latest Center for Economic and Research Policy paper on countries that offer paid vacations and holidays:

“According to government survey data, the average worker in the private sector in the United States receives only about ten days of paid vacation and about six paid holidays per year: less than the minimum legal standard set in the rest of world’s rich economies excluding Japan (which guarantees only 10 paid vacation days and requires no paid
holidays).”

Even if organizations try to do good to offer paid vacations and holidays, it will still be below the minimum of other countries. Then, this doozy:

“According to the same government survey data, only half of low-wage workers (bottom fourth of earners) have any paid vacation (49 percent), compared to 90 percent of high-wage workers (top fourth of earners). The same is true for part-timers, who are far less likely to have paid vacations (35 percent) than are full-timers (91 percent). The problems of low-wage and part-time workers are magnified if they are employed in small establishments, where only 69 percent have paid vacations, compared to 86 percent in medium and large establishments. Even when low-wage, part-time, and small-business employees do receive paid vacations, they typically receive far fewer paid days off than higher-wage, full-time, employees in larger establishments.”

The rich get richer and the poor are trying to survive. Finally, this is my favorite part of the research:

“Employees in Spain receive paid leave for acts of civic duty including jury service, and for moving house, getting married or for acts related to union work. French law guarantees unpaid leave for community work, including nine work days for representing an association and six months for projects of “international solidarity” abroad and leave with partial salary for “individual training” that is less than one year. Sweden requires employers to provide paid leave for workers fulfilling union duties.”

I like volunteer and community work, but I wish it was mandatory to get paid to do good. This has me wondering why in the U.S. are most people in surviving mode?

The simple (and popular) answer is companies want to save money. Most companies feel people are replaceable and you can bring the next person in and they won’t miss a beat or give more duties and responsibilities to their employees. There is no question employees are the most expensive resource in your organization, but what organizations do not get is employees give you the most ROI of all the resources available. If you replace someone or shift the duties and responsibilities to another employee you altered the workplace culture and only two things will happen: it will get better or worse; there is no middle. Better pray for the former.

Saving money is likely an easy answer why organizations are penny-pinching. If you dig down deeper, the reason organizations want to save money is the front office ego.

I have asked this question many times for organizations of why they’re in business and they have two choices: to make a profit or being great. Making a profit will make your organization stay afloat, but your limited because organizations worry about outside circumstances (economy, government, natural disasters, etc.) or they want to keep the profit for a select few. Being great is you care about your employees to be their best and give them every resource, including paid vacations and holidays, to reach their best. You have to be resourceful around money, but you spend it wisely to enhance the workplace.

This is a nationwide political issue and it can’t be resolve that quickly. For starters, sequestration is still going on and Congress will be hesitant to setup that type of program. Also, the local and state government would have to step in and pay a portion of leave pay, which they would be taken aback.

I view holidays and paid vacations as vital to the employee because the break would give them reflection about what’s really important and also they become re-energize might have great ideas while from break. Sadly, the viewpoint here is employees must battle each day to keep their job. One misstep and they’re gone. It’s similar to a reality show, but it is really reality. Do you want to work for an organization and live in a country like that?

If I Were Running A Company…HR Question of the Week

Since it’s Memorial Day weekend and no one reads serious stuff on a Friday before a holiday, here’s the question of the week:

On a Friday before a three-day weekend, do you work hard until the last minute or take it easy?

If I Was Running A Company…Gift Cards

If you being reading my blog for a long time, you know I oppose giving gift cards to anyone.  Over the few years, I have kind of soften my stance.   The only time you allow to gift cards is if you’re a boss of over 50 employees.  Other than that, BE THOUGHTFUL!

Here are gift cards really are: plastic money from any specific or general sector. 
Here’s what organizations should do with the dollar amount in those gift cards: donate money to the employee’s charity of choice or give them money as a small bonus. 

For employees who want to give something for the holidays, have the instincts and feel of what the employee wants.  If you got nothing from the employee, just Google your employee’s name.  It will prop up the many different profiles of your employees if they existed.  Now, I know what you’re thinking: is this an invasion of privacy?  Yes, but I will counter why did you create your profile and did you check your privacy settings?  In most cases, they won’t notice, but if they ask, just say you’re a psychic.

Anyway, try to get your employee’s information of their favorites and hobbies.  Accumulate from various profiles and find your gift for each employee.

There are guidelines of buying a gift to your employee:

1. The maximum budget for a gift should be $25. Anything over will show favoritism to an employee to your co-workers.
2. The more thought toward the gift, the better.

If you are really inexpensive, there are many ways to show it without spending money:

• Photoshop into a  picture
• Send a story or poem
• Video of yourself or something else.
• Holiday Mixtape

Simply put, what employees want for the holidays is a token of appreciation for the past year and how you genuinely show it.  That’s what the holidays should be about…

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in addition, employees want their holiday bonuses, but I’ll leave that to you. :)

The Anne Murray Holiday Story

This is a fanfic of the strife between Anne Murray and Liz Clarke.  Although the title is Anne Murray, she is the cause of the story.  The main character is Liz Clarke, who has this hatred of Anne Murray like no other (except Tracee Hamilton hating on Roy Williams of leaving Kansas for North Carolina and using her witch pipe to get what she wants).  Most of the events are real based on accounts from Liz Clarke and their Wikipedia page.  The situations are fake.  I created this story to understand why Liz Clarke really hates a 2 minute song that is as long as a horse race.  Please, don’t take this seriously, but do give me credit for research (I kid, I kid).  Here’s the Anne Murray Holiday Story:

Fifty years ago in Canada, Anne Murray was a sensation. She was making hit after hit in Canada. She was what Faith Hill and Dolly Parton was in Canada back in the day.  She had a folksy voice that was perfectly fit our neighbors up north.

Liz Clarke was a young, smart child in New York.  She had big dreams. She kept her thoughts to herself and never reveals anything to her family and friends.

Liz felt bored in the United States and wanted new challenges. Liz convinced her family to move to Goose Bay, Newfoundland. When she arrived, she develop her craft as a writer and looked over at her window to see the building, dreaming of been a writer (and a figure skater). For the few months, she enjoyed her stay in Goose Bay: the blueberries, Eskimo city, the landscape, and inspirations that she thought she could live. Then, her family bought a phonograph that changed her life forever.

In one wintry afternoon in 1968, the family bought a phonograph that had two free LP records by purchasing this device. The two records were Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray. The whole family loved Gordon Lightfoot and played the record through the night. The next day, the family listens to Anne Murray’s record. The family wasn’t as enthuse, but the album was plausible. Then, the strum of the guitar and the voice reckoned “Snowbird” and Liz’s family jumped around and dance the night. Liz and her family were going to sleep that night humming Snowbird. However, the next day was whole other story.

The next morning, Liz’s father was to play another LP record, but the Anne Murray record was stuck and when they place the needle, it was repeating “Snowbird” over and over again. At first, Liz’s father was trying to fix the phonograph, but the record was stuck to “Snowbird.”   The family couldn’t fix it, but they loved the sound of her voice and kept playing.  It felt like they’re back in New York.  Everyone was dancing and singing along a record that was stuck on one song.  Everyone was happy, except the small, brunette hair sat in the corner name Liz Clarke.  

Liz use to like the song, but hearing it again and again, it created a migraine to her head and with her desire to write, started a diary.  The family moved back in the States because Canada was way too cold for them and Liz was very happy to escape from Anne Murray.  However, she didn’t realize “Snowbird” was a hit in the United States as well.  For two years, she wrote her devious thoughts about Anne.  Here’s an excerpt:

“The slumber party was fun, however the Anne Murray background music was making my friends run out the door.  I don’t hate my family for it, but Anne Murray must die.”

“Anne Murray is ruining my social life.  When I talk to my friends, I keep saying the lyrics to Snowbird.  Now, kids give me the stink-look.”

“Great…my school is doing “Snowbird.”  Please shoot me.”

She was not happy those two years and blamed Anne for ruining her kid years.  Then, one special concert at  New Jersey in 1974 that change Liz’s life.

The Clarkes, despite opposition from Liz, travel to the Meadowlands to see Anne Murray.  It was a sold out concert and everyone was real excited and the buzz went through the roof.  The Clarkes had front row seats and were giddy about seeing Anne.  As you know in concerts, there’s a lead-off act and the lead-off act was a local favorite…Bruce Springsteen.  When Bruce came to the stage, there was a good applause and then, sang his set.  After the first song, there ere loud cheers, but there was one person who went beyond cheering… Liz Clarke.  She never felt so alive and was screaming at every song.  Then, on the second to last song, Liz’s mother felt something on her shoe and felt something was wet and sticky.  She looked around and found out that it was Liz.  She realizes when Bruce sang, Liz just became a woman at that moment.  The whole family had to exit the arena to accompany Liz.  The Clarkes missed the last song from Bruce and the whole set with Anne Murray.  The Clarkes were disappointed to miss out but wanted to take care of their daughter, who founded her inspiration.

During her high school years, Liz was a terrific student not because she studied hard; she founded confidence in The Boss.  She went to local music stores and bought Bruce’s albums.  She carried Bruce’s rhythms and carried it to class.  To be frank, she was not an expert on math or science, but when she was humming along Bruce, her face lit up and came out of high school in the top 5% of her class.  The happiness continued when she got her allowance, got a paid job as a waitress in Vermont for the summer, and won a $500 writing contest.  She used most of the money on going to the Springsteen and the E Street Band tour and had a time of her life.  At Barnard College, she excelled at her classes and became one of the better writers at Barnard during her time.  However, after her junior year in college, something changed.

After her junior year, she interned at a local newspaper in New York.  Right then and there, she wanted to be a writer…a music critic to be exact.  She loved Springsteen so much; she inspired to listen to music that even would compare to Springsteen.  She took that during her senior year and wanted to be the music writer for her college newspaper.  The editor-in-chief enjoyed Liz’s writings and would have no problem to have a position for the college newspaper.  Then, when the editor-in-chief turned on the radio, the EIC heard a sound and quickly turn back and it was Liz.  Apparently, when a Springsteen song comes on air or on the record, Liz has a tendency to swoon when Springsteen comes on.  The EIC realizes it and told it straight to Liz that she cannot be a music writer with her “tendencies.”  The EIC put Liz as a sports reporter for Barnard.  She accepted her role, but by her face, she was disappointed of her new role.  Then to make matters worse, during the winter time in Vermont, Canadians came down to enjoy the maple syrup Vermont is well known for.  It made great business for the restaurant Liz was working, but individually, it was bad since Canadians don’t tip.  Each waking hour, Liz looks at the Canadian customers with disdain and wanted to throw plates to those Canadians for not tipping.  Then, a special customer came by.

Liz was so tired that day; she was looking into the paper and did the regular greeting.  The customer wanted blueberry pancakes with the classic Vermont maple syrup.  Liz took the order and head back.  Fifteen minutes later, the blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup came to the customer.   For thirty minutes, the customer chewed on those pancakes and the guest was swept by their feet.  When the plate was done, the guest said, “Those were the best pancakes I ever had.”  Liz handed the customer a check and expected to see a tip.  Instead of money, the customer gave Liz a record inside the cover was a note.  Liz opened the letter.  It says,

Dear Liz,

The blueberry pancakes were wonderful and I love the maple syrup.  Seems appropriate this time of year.  Anyway, I heard about you disdain of me because what happen to you as a child.  I do admit my music is not everyone’s cup of tea (or syrup), but I feel so sorry of what happened and I want to make it up.  Here’s a new album from me.  I hope you enjoy it and congratulations on graduating next year.

Sincerely,

Anne

The letter did get Liz’s attention and she ran to the window to see Anne.  What Liz only saw was the silver tips of her hair.  At that moment, Liz thought of going home and play Anne Murray’s new album.  Then, someone came to the jukebox and selected B25, “Snowbird” by Anne Murray.  By then, Liz’s hatred of Anne Murray still burns and threw the new record in to the trash.

After graduating from Barnard College, Liz traveled a lot as a young sportswriter.  She was writing places in Dallas, and in D.C.  She was writing stories about various sports topics in the city she covered.  In each of those places, Liz kept a scrapbook at her desk she made in college.  It was a bunch of pictures of Bruce and the band and a cutout of Liz in many different outfits.  In one of the pictures, it had Liz in a wedding dress with Bruce.  The money paid well, so she can travel to any Bruce Springsteen concert she had time to attend.   She wasted nearly half of her yearly salary on Springsteen tickets.   Yet, she had the time of her life and brought in more pictures of Bruce and more cutoffs of herself.  Then, in 1988, Liz was assigned to cover the Winter Olympics in Calgary.  While there, she did reports and interviews of stars people have not heard of in the States.  Coming out of Olympic Village, she spotted someone familiar… it was Anne Murray.  Liz never spoke to Anne and went the opposite direction.  By that time, The Boss was married, divorced, and remarried; Anne was out of the spotlight; and Liz was a rising star in the sports journalism scene, but it wasn’t the direction she expected.

In 1990, Liz moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to be the beat writer for the Charlotte Observer.  Charlotte was a rising city that had a NASCAR track and two expansion teams coming in.  Liz’s supervisor selected her to do NASCAR coverage.  Liz did not have a clue about NASCAR, except “Cadillac Ranch” from Springsteen about Junior Johnson.  She uses that to develop her NASCAR expertise and it was a rough start.  Her first day at a NASCAR track, she wore a dress out of many people in dirty outfits.  She was clueless in a rising sport, but had help from an unexpected source.  He was called the Intimidator, the Guy in Black, and a Champion.  Dale Earnhardt rarely had relationships with anyone, but when he saw a young reporter lost, he took Liz by her side and shows her the ropes.  The relationship not only help Liz understand NASCAR, she mastered it.  In 1996, she became Motorsports Journalist of the Year at the time when open wheel racing was splitting up and NASCAR was rising ( She won another one in 2003).  At that time, Liz moved to Washington D.C. to be the beat writer for the Washington Post.  It was also at the time The Boss was becoming a legend and Anne had her personal problems.  Then came the 2000s.

In 2001, Dale Earnhardt died in a multi-car crash at the Daytona 500.  The death of Dale not only hurt NASCAR, but it lost Liz as well.  At the same time, Anne had to conquer divorce, cancer, and personal problems.  For the next five years, all of their careers became stagnant, which lead us to 2007.

In 2007, Liz finally admits her hatred of Anne Murray on the Tony Kornheiser Show in May of 2007.  She discussed why she hated Canada and the main reason was “Snowbird” by Anne Murray.  She also discuss Celine Dion and tipping, but her hatred of Anne Murray runs like a thousand suns.  She told Mr. Tony that if Anne Murray ever share the same room, she would walk off.   Mr. Tony and Jeanne McManus were taken aback by Liz’s hatred of Anne. 

At the same time, Anne Murray was back at the recording studio making her comeback album with “Duets” from famous Canadian artists.  Not only it was a number one album in Canada, but had moderate success in the U.S.  She felt so good about her comeback album; she decided to start her comeback tour.  Most of them would be in Canada and the south, where country reigns supreme.  However, one of her assistants forward her the podcast to the Tony Kornheiser Show with Liz Clarke’s comments.   Anne still remembers meeting Liz at the restaurant and remembers her face.  She also remembers she has not respond back to their meeting 20 years ago.  So, Anne mention to the tour people to add events in the Mid-Atlantic and one of them be in the DC Metro Area.  The event planners found one on March 18, 2008 in North Bethesda, Maryland.

In early 2008, Liz Clarke was promoting her first book, One Helluva Ride.  The book had moderate success and was a local hit in Washington DC.   Anne Murray was in the middle of her North American Tour and was heading to the States and could not wait to go to Maryland to see Liz.  Anne actually got Liz’s email through Google and send her complementary VIP seats to her show in Bethesda.   Liz got the email, but never responded back.  One day before her concert in Bethesda, she realizes that Liz is not coming.  However, there was a Plan B…”Neil.”

On March 18, 2008, Plan B was to have “Neil,” who is a lawyer in Rockville, help setup an “impromptu” book session with Liz Clarke.  “Neil” gave the call to Liz saying that a lot of people would come to her book signing.  Liz did not answer the phone, so “Neil” went to his backup plan…Liz’s agent.  Liz’s agent agreed to this “impromptu” book signing because “Neil” had booked the place from 7-8PM that night.  So, “Neil” text message his friends to come by Columbia Books to have the book signing.  “Neil” drove all the way to DC to pick up Liz from her workplace.  “Neil” and Liz had a nice conversation and “Neil” told what’s going on.  “Neil” and Liz arrived at Columbia Books and Liz did her regular session follow by the book signing.  After 8 PM, “Neil” told Liz that you’re going to a party similar to what Sally Jenkins setup Liz a few weeks ago in DC.  Liz had that same excitement like she’s hearing another Springsteen record.  So, it was back to the road and heading to the party.

“Neil” and Liz were traveling north and “Neil” mention the party would be at the Strathmore.  Liz jumped around and even gave “Neil” a kiss on the cheek.   Liz attended a backstage party with friends and “Neil’s” friends.  They all chatted about her book.  Then, “Neil” took her to the balcony of the Music Center and Liz was very impressed, until the guitar strings strung that sounded familiar.   Yes, the backstage party was the Anne Murray crew and yes, she attended an Anne Murray concert.  Liz was livid at “Neil” and pounded her purse to his face.  “Neil” had to explain to Liz that Anne sent him there because she received Liz’s book from fellow Canadian and NASCAR driver, Ron Fellows.  “Neil” was Anne’s spokesperson at the time to explain that Anne read Liz’s book and enjoyed it.  Liz was stunned by the response, yet still threw the purse at “Neil’s” face.  Liz left the Strathmore during the middle of Anne’s set and took the Metro home.  “Neil” was still numb after the numerous hits from Liz’s purse.  The backstage crew saw the damage on “Neil” and told him to go home and rest up for tomorrow for his regular daytime job.  At 11PM, Anne’s concert was finished and was jolted from the loud applause.  She properly bowed to the audience and thank everyone of attending and told the audience that she is having fun singing again.  Backstage, Anne was hugging the band and crew members for the tremendous work that night.  Anne headed to her dressing room and saw the book One Helluva Ride on her desk.  She opened it up and there was an autograph from Liz Clarke and a letter she wrote.  It says:

Dear Anne,

I still hate “Snowbird” and hate it to the end of time.  However, I have been receiving emails from Canadians who are passionate about your music and their home country and I have to say I’m progressing to like Canada a little.  Plus, I discovered last year that a Canadian invented insulin, for which I am thankful since I am diabetic.  I also know you receive a copy of One Helluva Ride from Ron, which is very nice of him.

As time passes by, I know I have to settle a score at some point and I can’t get all angry at you, but you did somewhat ruin my childhood.  However, I want to move on and I’m writing this because I do not want to be hated that much (trust me) and hope we’ll meet…in 2010 in Vancouver.  I never been there before and hope you can be my tour guide.

2009 will be a busy year for me as I will settle the score in Tampa with Bruce and her wife and take advantage of the environment, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, good luck and hope to see you in 2010.

Thanks,

Liz

Anne read the letter, giggles a little, shook her head and spoke to herself, “I understand Liz, see you in 2010 in Vancouver!”

THE END

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

 

Gift Cards

We are already one week into the holiday season and we see people killed in a stampede of getting one gift that can be bought online.

More and more each year, people are buying gift cards. If you know me from my posts or comments, then you know I detest gift cards. Here should be the rules of gift cards:

1. Only give it if you work for a company of 250 or more and only give it to your co-workers.
2. Must be an all-purpose card (i.e. Costco, Target, Aaron’s, even a Visa Gift Card is acceptable)
3. If you buy a speciality gift card for food, give it to the homeless

That’s it, that’s the list.  If you break any of these rules…YOU’RE A DOPE.

What the holiday season means is giving and think about others.  A gift card is a cop out of thinking of a gift and make an excuse that you had no idea what gift to buy or make.   Some have said they don’t mind receiving gift cards because it’s for themselves and saves the burden of the person giving.   If you think like that, here are three words they expect to hear:

What gift cards are is plastic cash and if that’s all you want, there are two ways of thought:  1) Boy, you’re desperate or 2) You should of ask me for more Benjamins.  If I want gift cards, I expect them on Vietnamese New Year, not the Holiday Season.

What your family and your close friends want is something thoughtful.  If you can’t buy or make a thoughtful gift, no worries, there’s the internet.  You can:

• Create a holiday mixtape.
• YouTube if you have a webcam
• ElfYourself
• Create a Holiday Sweater (HT to Laurie)

There are many holiday sites to share and would like to know some, but please just don’t give out cash for the holiday season, that’s the employers job (I know, bad timing, but hey, like Obama said, “Hope.”).  Really give a thought this holiday season and try to think of the best gift possible during your circumstances.

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.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts December 2006 edition

It’s the holiday season, so I’m not going to waste your time.

1. Barack Obama

There hasn’t been any anticipation of any candidate when Barack Obama came to the scene for a long time. The strange thing is he might be better than the hype. Here’s something Barack has than all the candidates don’t: A person in color, actual believer in faith, diverse, very humble, and no baggage of what we know. His sole weakness is he doesn’t have any military experience, but he could cover that if he had a vice president with good military background or a good cabinet. I also wonder if he becomes president, there would be a quick 180. If he becomes President, what would he do with Darfur, Afghanistan, Iraq (ok, he isn’t going to win that one, he’s stuck with it), “global warming,” the economy, etc.? Of what I know, he is saying the right things and has shown to back some of it up. Of course, he’s realistic and these elections do change a person and it could be emotionally draining. I hope he runs because I think he’s the only person that can change the country’s image. Oh by the way, be afraid, Dennis Kucinch is running for President. There is hope for the little man…

A microscopic hope.

2. In the name of Christm…ah I meant Holida….oh I meant Peace.

I don’t mind if anyone says a different name for the holidays. I normally say Christmas every year and I’m not going to be bothered if anyone says otherwise. Somehow, people are so uptight with their faith or wording this time, including my religion. All of this associates to money. One little slip-up and it goes to court. Just for once, I want to say Happy Christmukkzaivusar (close enough).

3. Big Corporate Media

In the next month, the classical station in DC, WGMS, will be no longer. For a long time, I didn’t love classical music, but I have appreciated it for devoted fans and a niche station. Next month, Bonneville (yes, it is owned by Mormons) is expecting to sell the station to Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra for the amount two times its face value. Now, everything is in one building. You got shock jocks, conservative talk shows, processed music, loud sports talkers, same urban stations, and “The Jack” format. Everything is the same. It hurts that radio is down that path. Well you might say satellite radio has diverse channels, but they’re guilty as well with paying “superstars” a lot of money. No wonder there are rumors that Sirius and XM are trying to merge. The only thing I listen to is public radio (and John Riggins). I wish I had some variety on the dial because I got nothing.

4. The Northern Virginia-DC Metro traffic

This is why I am reluctant of getting a driver’s license or drive. I love where I am living and where I work, but most of the time people don’t know what to do when driving. There are a bunch of people talking on cell phones, changing lanes during in the middle of the traffic, people driving very slowly, etc. This is one of the problems in Northern Virginia and the cause is that half of the people are new to this area. Here I hope next year, everyone will have a GPS and the computer will tell to go which lane because it is getting ridiculous in this area. Please Tim Kaine, institute a hands-free cell phone law and that every car requires a GPS.

5. The Good and Bad of 2006.

Since this going to be likely my last general post of 2006, here’s the list of what I like and don’t like in 2006:

Good:

• New Orleans
• Beck – The Information
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Borat
• Barack Obama
• Jim Webb
• WAMU
• New Nationals Stadium
• George Mason in the Final Four
• Maturing bands (i.e. My Chemical Romance)
• Titanium Spork
• Dexter

Bad:

• Big Corporate Media
  • NBC Universal making cuts and WRC 4 losing George Michael, Arch Campbell, Susan Kidd, IJ Hudson.
  • Bonneville selling out not only to the Washington Post (terrible station except for David Burd) but to Dan Snyder’s money.
  • Rupert Murdoch
  • Having 20 stations share in one building acting like your one big family
• WETA duplicating WAMU
• Hollywood gossips of the worst kind…people that have no talent have the headlines.
• Mel Gibson and Michael Richards
• The Washington Sports Scene
  • The Redskins are the biggest disappointment and we’re stuck with the same team next year.
  • The Nationals are rebuilding, but how long the fans are going to patient?
  • The Wizards are good, but nothing special.
  • The Capitals have a good team, but is anyone watching? I am, but people are ignoring me.
  • The D.C. United traded Freddy Adu to Real Salt Lake. Here’s what to do: FIRE PETR NOWAK. You ruin the kid and if he is great in Europe or in Salt Lake, or in the next World Cup, you’re dead.
• Lack of Quality Movies
• The site that shall not be mention
• Litigations for money in general.

6. Personal Feelings towards 2006.

2006 to me is when I started to grow up. This was the year I had my first real job, paying most of the bills on my own, and redemption after the end of 2005 when I was broke. Thanks to Facebook, I’m seeing my old friends again, virtually, and started talking to my best friends again. I like my job and I like the company’s core values. However, I have a feeling this is more of a short-term stay. I love doing HR work; this was my concentration in college and that led me to this direction. However, I have been thinking of switching next year since I got the experience down pat and hoping a media company, that I like, has a position open in HR. I don’t mind the co-workers or the unique working structure; it is that I don’t love it. Money will be never an issue unless I’m in dire straits, which I am not. It has to be a job and company that I love. Maybe it has been the three non-profit companies I worked for that I was humble that these skills might lead to greater things. I sure hope so.

I also have to say this year I became more free and that I attended more concerts, went to numerous social and networking events, and attended more sporting events (that includes a preseason hockey game). Sadly, I’m still very shy and serious of what I do because I still have no full control of myself yet. I will be the first to say that I’m an enigma and would like it to be, but I need a better platform if I need to open up.

On the domestic front, nothing special, which is good and nothing out of the ordinary. Thank goodness.

Well, I hope you have a nice Christmukkzzaivusar. I may post a couple of things this year, but if not, I’ll see you next year (If anyone is reading this).

 

Thanksgiving and the other things

I recovered nicely from all the turkey I ate these past several days.  I think Thanksgiving is probably the greatest emotional roller coaster with the highs in the beginning, the napping in the middle of the day or evening, and the following morning; Black Friday.  After the weekend is over, the travel and the work week begins, which is very tough after all the food has been consumed. 

Now for the next month or so, I need to think of Christmas presents for my family.  Last year, I didn’t do anything because I was broke and I didn’t have job.  Now, I got plenty to spend for the holidays.  I always wanted something creative to get something for my family.  Now here are the gifts I handed out and good suggestions for your own:

• 
  http://imatoy.com
   (Guy creates superheroes out of your pictures.  It’s pretty cool)
• TiVo (Later I realize, the cable companies were putting their own DVR and I wasted 400 bucks.  Bastards!!!)
• Video games
• Surround sound system
• Don’t ask for my parents, I let my father pick out and I pay because I have no idea what they want.

For my brothers, I’m trying to give them a game room, so there’s a hint.  For my parents: one, the want a Vietnamese-English dictionary, and two, I want to give them a high definition television so they can actually enjoy the shows.  But likely, they just want lottery tickets to win the money, retire, and move to a big house.  As for me, I don’t know what I really want.  If there is a list, here are the items I want:

• XM Radio
• Nintendo Wii (My brother has XBox 360 for his birthday and I’m not going to bother about PS3)
• DVD sets of Ed and Sports Night
• That’s it, that’s the list

This year, I’m really in the giving mood and I don’t care about receiving something, I just have money to actually have a Christmas.  Yes, I know money suppose to mean nothing, but if you didn’t give, you shouldn’t receive.   I thank my family for giving me a gift when I had nothing to give them for last year.  Now, it’s my turn to return the favor.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts November 2006 edition

I wasted all my good points on Election Day, so this is going to be short and sweet. 

1. The Holiday Season

I love the holiday season: the cold, the gifts, the hope, diversity uniting, and others.  But there’s one thing that has bother me the past few years is people are handing their close friends and relatives gift certificates.   First, gift certificates are only good for co-workers or someone you met randomly and felt like giving someone a gift.  Gift certificates, for me, are a cop out for people who are not making an effort of getting a gift.  Is it possible gift certificates give stores a lot of business? Yes.  However, if you’re a close friend or a relative, would you want someone make a little effort on what they gave you?  I’ll be honest, if you give me a rock for Christmas, I’m not going to like it, but I accept it because at least you put thought on it and probably you were on a budget.  A rock is a more acceptable than a gift card because a rock could have meaning, while a gift card is just plastic money to do whatever you want because the giver is not making an attempt.  Hello, that’s why people create Christmas lists.  If you can’t get something in the list, make or buy something creative.  I would have my close friends and family put thought on my gift than just blowing it off.  I know some or probably most of you don’t agree on my thought on gifts, but I could be old school.

2. My recommendations

Movies:  Here come the good movies coming out.  The only movies I want to see are Borat, Stranger than Fiction, and The Departed. 

Music: Beck’s The Information is the most unique album I heard in a while and a good listen.  If you go to iTunes, you get the album, plus the videos for $11.99.  That, my friends, is a bargain.   I’m still trying to find in the holidays.

TV:  Nothing new

Books: A good selection out there with Barack Obama, Mitch Albom, Stephen King, and Karl Pilkington.

3.  The NFL

I love football, but there’s something I have been thinking a long time.   There hasn’t been anything exciting in the NFL since the 2001 season.   Afterwards, I can’t remember a good NFL season.  I think part of it is parity, but the NFL is still growing.  The problem is the hype is created by gambling and fantasy football.  It’s not the game; it’s the extracurricular activity around the game that makes the actual game enhancing.  I would say on action, football would be third behind hockey and basketball, but hockey and basketball have a long season and nothing interesting for gamblers.   The NFL has done a wonderful job creating the hype, but the product hasn’t lived up to it and I hope they realize that sooner than later.

4. Thanksgiving

My family has a unique Thanksgiving.  We do have regular Thanksgiving food like turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie, etc.  The difference is we actually cut the turkey and our setup is like a buffet and we create turkey wraps.  I always like creating new recipes this year.  But the ultimate is trying to fry a turkey, but it’s not going to happen.  It will come soon.

That is all for me.  Have a nice Thanksgiving everyone.