Tracy’s Random Thoughts: The End of the Year Edition

Ah, Fall. My favorite season. New shows, cooler temps, leaves changing, the scenery. Sadly, Fall is gone that quick and we are heading to Winter. Joy.  Here are my Final Thoughts of this year:

1. The Midterm Elections and Obama

The Republicans had a good election, while the Democrats took a beating in the House, but barely controlling the Senate.  The main reason the Republicans had a good year is one word: jobs. The Democrats didn’t offer jobs, so the people want the Republicans to do a better job.  It will likely be a lame-duck Congress might get new jobs, but with new technologies and new reasoning, do the unemployed have not the skill set, but the capacity to learn something new?  That’s the biggest question if the unemployed rate goes down. From what I know, it doesn’t look like the numbers will change.

As for Obama, this doesn’t hurt him in the long run since he’s the real grown up in Washington, but he is getting hit from both the left for not being progressive, and from the right for not being on the right.  As a liberal, I wish Obama should be more progressive in action, but in politics, he knows what he is doing.  The country is still in the right of center if you like it or not. However, what Obama is trying is to move the country to still be in the center where government plays a role, as well as people having some freedom to their business. The problem Obama has is both sides want to have a power play. It’s the lust of power that is screwing Obama.

In the next elections in 2012, I dare voters to vote of who is the best person in the job for your district, state, and national. Don’t rely on what the party tells you, it worked for Lisa Murkowski.

2. Wikileaks

I went to the Brazen Careerist event a month ago and I had a conversation with someone who works for the government who wants them to establish social media in their department.  We both agree an open government should be the future. That was one month ago. Now, I’m skeptical.

Julian Assange, who looks like more and more like Bill Maher here:

has caused havoc around the world with government document leaks, which has damage some of the U.S. Diplomatic relations, although Hillary Clinton has done a remarkable job of reducing the problems. I find Julian as the Joker to the world: he plays by his rules and loves anarchy. The real issue is the people who are leaking the documents to him. Those people should be fired, thrown off, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  There’s no question the U.S. has done some questionable actions (i.e. Iraq, Guantanamo Bay), but some of these documents have put relationships, that have been building for a long time, at risk, either internationally or domestically. Sadly, the leaks will continue, but does the government think its ready to be an open and transparent government? In most cases, yes; but in certain situations, not a chance. It’s up to them to limit the leaks in the future.

3. The Message

There was this strong debate on why people put cartoon characters in their Facebook profile pages this past week. The reason behind it was a reminder to fight against child abuse. It was a successful campaign, but there were others who prefer people to donate money and thought the campaign was ridiculous. Here’s the thing: both sides were correct. for the argument of donations, it is great if people donate to get better resources and staff to help out on this cause. However, the important reason why people put cartoon characters is if you got the message. Donations are important, but people donate if they don’t have the time to help out. If you can help out and have the time, then do it. Communication, interaction, and developing relationships are the most important to fight for causes. Both are right, but it up to us on how we fight for our cause and hopefully has a positive result.

4. Cable Networks

Is it me, or is the History Channel, Food Network, TLC, Discovery, A&E, and others are doing the same thing, but on different topics?

5. DC Sports Time

Redskins:
They’re not going to the playoffs this year and this team is a mess with the whole Shanahan-McNabb story and Albert Haynesworth being Albert Haynesworth. The only salvation to save the Redskins? If the NFL doesn’t have the 2011 season because of the lockout. In the upcoming draft, Shanahan would want to have Jake Locker since he is the closest thing to John Elway, patch up the WR, RB and OL core  in the draft. If the lockout continues, the Redskins would want to pick the best available player so Shanny does have a team. it’s not fun to see my Redskins this depress, just be hopeful the offseason goes their way.

Wizards:
Let’s move on…

Capitals:
The season is still young, but I like where the Caps are heading. yes, they’re on a losing streak (even gave up a 3 goal lead to the Toronto Maple Leafs of all teams), but they have time to get a legit 2nd Center at the trading deadline. Remember: it’s important to be the hottest team going in the playoffs (as we learned last year).

Nationals:
That’s right, the most positive news in DC sports come from a baseball team that have been in last place for 5 years straight. People were up in arms about not signing Adam Dunn and gave him to the White Sox. I thought it was going to happen, but I was still disappointed since he was a fan favorite in D.C. I looked at it as Rizzo trying to forget the 2011 season…

Until he signed Jayson Werth for 7 years/$126 million. That not only woke up the small Nats fan base and the Nats organization, it woke up the baseball and sports world. Overall, did the Nats overpaid Werth? Absolutely, but look at the aftermath. After the Werth signing, people are now wondering what the Nats will do next: Are they going to trade Willingham and/or Desmond? Are they going to get a left-handed 1B like Carlos Pena or Adam LaRoche? Can they get Cliff Lee or Carl Pavano? Those questions wouldn’t exist if the Werth deal was done. Rizzo gave the perfect holiday gift for the organization and fans.  By the way, Washington, D.C. is not a small market; it’s a big market doing small market stuff. Now, they’ve grown up.

That is all. Hope you have a nice Ed Stevens Holidays. I’ll write more before the year ends…trust me.

June 1: The Return of the DC Sports Renaissance

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Today is the day D.C. sports fans have been waiting for in a long time. ..A DC Sports Renaissance.  DC has been mocked for a long time as a sports city with the unfortunate bad luck and terrible owners.  D.C. has not won a major sports title since 1992 (I will not count the D.C. United).  Today, marks a brand new era in Washington D.C. Sports. 

It already started with the Washington Capitals with Ovi and the gang compiling the best hockey team in their team’s history and luckily, they’re playing on the road at the Winter Classic against the Penguins and were the road team and you know what road teams go to after the Winter Classic…

Also, the summer will not only focus on surrounding the Fourth of July for the next several years.  The real Washington Nationals season begins on June 7 when they’re going to select Bryce Harper with their number 1 draft pick and on June 8, it will be the debut of The Strasburg as the baseball season really kicks off and the summer begins.

Then on June 24, the Washington Wizards actually have the number 1 pick and get a player that doesn’t suck.  It’s no secret the Wizards will select John Wall, but the fun begins in July if they can get a big name free agent.  If not this year, then it will be next year with Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant on the market. 

Finally, you have your beloved Washington Redskins.  Yes, they have McNabb and a rejuvenated Mike Shanahan, but they can be either 4-12 or 12-4.  There’s still no lack of drama in Ashburn.

Can you imagine: with Ted Leonsis as majority owner of the Caps and Wizards, a community block party in Chinatown?  The surrounding areas around Nationals Park will actually be completed and sold out stadiums?  The Redskins? Ok, they will always have a big crowd.  However, today marks a new era in D.C. sports that we are not the jokes of the league, we are legitimate contenders to be the best sports city in America.

If superstar free agents don’t see that, we can say the President will be watching all the home games. How about them apples?

If I Was Running A Company…Bettina Deynes (Updated)

I read this SHRM article on Bettina Deynes (hat tip to Kristen Hudak, blogger for MASN’s National Buzz, for sending this article) who is the Vice President of HR for the Washington Nationals.  The cover story is about how Bettina and the HR department collaborate with General Manager Mike Rizzo and the front office. 

Rizzo wanted a culture of winning in the organization after the Nationals lost more than 100 in back-to-back seasons. On one hand, Rizzo need to sign free agents and develop players who would change the team’s culture.  Rizzo also wanted Bettina to hire more scouts and develop training programs to encourage that for this upcoming season, the Nationals are a serious baseball club.

There are two reasons I love this story.  One was how much Bettina went through with the Nationals since joining in 2006: Alfonso Soriano 40-40 and bolted to the Cubs, the opening of Nationals Park, Dmitri Young and Elijah Dukes, the Dominican Republic player scandal, the Natinals, Jim Bowden, Clint, season ticket holders, Phillies fans, you name it. After all of that, Bettina is still the Vice President of HR and is reaping the benefits of a new (and in my opinion, better) regime and a growing organization this season and hopefully beyond.

The second thing I love this story is this really gives me hope that HR can collaborate with the front office, either in sports or business.  I wish I was in the Nationals HR department to help out, but this made me wonder: does the Washington Capitals (or Washington Sports and Entertainment) have a HR department to improve the organization and hopefully (but really slim chance) to motivate the players on the team?  If Ted Leonsis, George McPhee, or Mary Davis, President of Employment and Administrative Services for Washington Sports and Entertainment, are reading this, if there any HR openings, I’m available and hopefully the HR department collaborates with the front office a lot. Why not stop there: how about the Redskins? Ok, too far (the offices is at Ashburn and I don’t drive). How about working for the Wiz…oh wait, they’re cursed.

Anyway, this has giving me renowned hope that HR can work with the front office, and new hope that a HR department can help a sports team. Thank you, Bettina for giving me a new lease on my working career…

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and I’m still waiting for that phone call Ted, George or Mary.

Update: Since the Washington Wizards won the NBA Draft Lottery and get the number 1 pick and likely select John Wall and possibly a big free agent, I wouldn’t mind working for the Wizards at all.  But if I have a list of who to work for in order:

1. Caps
2. Nationals
3. Wizards
4. Redskins
5. United
6. Divas

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: The Long Time Edition

Yes, it’s the return of my random thoughts and for a few (and I do mean a few, figuratively) wonder I haven’t done this in long time.  It’s simple, I had business and thought it would take me a few months. Then, it got extended because the whole department left, plus doing insurance for the first time, taxes, and my regular duties as Caps tweeter held me doing this type of stuff.  Finally, here we go:

1. Health Care Reform

Let’s admit this health care reform will be far from perfect and it will take a lot of years to get the right combination.  However, this country does need reform by any means necessary to insure more Americans.  Right now, most people depend on employer plans, which might be good, but it’s not great for the long haul since tenure is on a short-term basis.  The Democrats had a great argument for reform, but they been botching, while the Republicans didn’t have a plan, but did a great job convincing the media and the public to sympathize on their side.  However, Obama turn the whole thing around this week with his speech to plea to get reform done and is bringing the public with him.  Obama’s problem was he was trying to be too friendly and hope both sides agree.  He didn’t know Republicans will always unite on any issue, so he’s making his move and should be.  Now it’s Congress’ turn to make their move.

2. The Independent Voter

I really hate the term “Independent Voter.” Technically, every one of us is an independent voter, it’s just most of us need to join something.  As I learn from news reports and polling, it’s that you a few on the extreme right, a few on the extreme left, and everyone else is in the middle.  Most say we need more parties to break this two-party system.  The problem is most of us don’t know who we’re voting for.  If people want to break the system, then give us a candidate or tell us about yourself.  Also, if you really want to make a difference, then vote and don’t give me an excuse the political system is broken;  you’re the cause of it.

3. The DC Metro

The DC Metro is having a terrible year: derailments, packed trains, accidents, John Catoe resigning, raising prices, etc.  Metro is not getting any luck and in a world where people want to go to public transportation, they are giving reasons not to ride the Metro.  I could give a list of a number of changes Metro should make, but you can look into my past posts and Unsuck DC Metro.  The one thing Metro should be thinking is do advertising everywhere: in tunnels, trains, floors, you name it.  The Metro stations are not the most astute for the artistic type, so why not ask businesses to advertise?  Metro gets the money and businesses get attention.  Also, Metro has a little integrity left, it’s alright to sell out for better service.

4. Geolocation

If 2009 is the year of microblogging, 2010 is the year of the geolocation application.   Sites like Foursquare, Gowalla, and others are hitting mainstream with people telling where they are now.  You understand why its a great idea and I love it.  The problem is some are telling us every location they are going to, which does get annoying and at the same time, scary since people can sense a pattern.  Geolocation is only good if there are special events going on, not an everyday tracking system.  Just saying.

5. Washington DC Sports Update

Caps – Won the Southeast Division, and now trying for the Presidents’ Trophy (best regular season record), although I hear its cursed.  However, there is one trophy the caps desperately want and that’s in June, if the Caps can make it.

Redskins – They’re doing nothing and the  salary budget is 4th lowest.  Guess they’re taking the playbook from Leonsis and McPhee that dump salary now, win after the lockout/strike.  Then again, there is no Ovechkin-like people in the NFL Draft next year.

Wizards – Team stinks, but they’re trying hard.  The main question is can they get superstar free agents coming to DC? That will be difficult.

Nationals – There is actual buzz for the Nats this season since the team moved in 2005.  The team is decent, but won’t likely going to the playoffs, but .500 is a possibility and 70 wins might within reach.  Oh, and The Strasburg.

That is all in the long return of the Random Thoughts.  Just to let you know This Summer, everything changes. More details are ahead.  Now, onto working on my million bracket challenges.

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.

If I Was Running A Company…Abe Pollin

I never met or saw Abe Pollin.  The closest thing I came to Abe Pollin is Abe Pollin Way.  However, there was a reason DC name a street after him.

Before owning the Washington Bullets/Wizards and Capitals, Abe was in the construction business.  Abe made tons of money and decided that he (and a bunch of investors) want to buy the Baltimore Bullets in 1964.  He wanted to move the team to the DC area, so in the 1970s, Abe put up $200+ million of his own money and build the Capital Centre.  At that time, it was state of art arena with a big screen TV and box suites.  It was home of the Bullets only championship in 1978 and the first and only championship Abe won.  When the arena was outdated in the mid 90s, Abe wanted an arena in downtown DC to build traffic and swarms of people.  He wanted funding from the DC government, but since DC had no funding at all to pay for Abe’s arena, Abe had a choice of moving his team somewhere or spend another $200 Million plus on a new arena in downtown DC.  He chose the latter and it is paying dividends.

The MCI (now Verizon) Center revitalized downtown DC since people can go to the “Phone Booth” to be entertained and go to numerous bars and restaurants surrounding Penn Quarter and Chinatown.  It open new business and job opportunities and an additional 3 hours to stay in DC.

Why I am mentioning Abe Pollin in the workplace blog post is because he was a rare businessman whose decisions not only effect  his organization, but the whole city.  

One of Abe’s strengths was his charisma and straight forward attitude.  When seeing and hearing Abe, you want to help him out and volunteer for the guy.  Abe wanted to see the big picture and his vision trickle down to his employees.  A great example was in 1982 when the Washington Capitals were struggling and thoughts of relocation were in play.  Abe created the “Save the Caps“ Campaign to keep hockey in Washington.  Ken Delinger and Dave Kindred scoffed at the campaign and when Abe read that, he pulled out a full-page ad in the Washington Post calling the writers untruthful and that the campaign was real.  A year later in 1983, the Caps made to the playoffs for the first time.  Another example was the “firing” of Michael Jordan in 2003, where Jordan was supposed to bring the Wizards to the playoffs either as player or President and didn’t get the job done.  People want Jordan to stay, but Abe realize this was not going to work and fired him instead.  It caused an uproar in DC, even calling Abe “racist.” In hindsight, it was the best direction for both parties.

Another of Abe’s strengths is that he gave back.  As a philanthropist, Abe gave money to Jewish Centers, cancer research, and various charities in DC.  As a businessman, Abe made two sacrifices to help rebuild DC.  The first attempt was to show DC was a sports town beyond the Redskins.  The second attempt was a calling to rejuvenate DC.   He succeeded in both.  Also, he was very loyal to his friends and employees.  If you screw up, Abe will guide you and be your mentor.  Abe made you feel you can’t do no wrong, unless you screw up big time.

Which leads me to his main weakness: his loyalty.  As the saying goes, “Your weakness is your reflection of your strength.”  Abe was loyal to a fault. Look at Wes Unseld: He was great friends with Abe since he was on the 1978 Championship team.  He became coach in 1987 and the team never had a winning record under Unseld.  However, Wes stayed on the job for 8 years because of Abe and admit to Abe that he was not a head coach.  Abe wanted to depend on his inner circle and didn’t want to go outside of it (re: Jordan).

Another fault of Abe is he did show favoritism towards his brands.  Basketball was his first love.  The Bullets won the championship and Abe wanted a second NBA Championship.  That never happened because of Bird and Magic and their luck in the NBA Draft Lottery, plus giving $105 million to Juwan Howard.  At the same time, the Capitals were flying high, appearing in the playoffs every year, but when free agency rolled around, Abe didn’t put out the money to future hall of famers Scott Stevens and Mike Gartner, and both had great careers after leaving the Caps.

Of all those faults, the overall point is that Abe made his decision for himself.  Abe didn’t have to stay in DC because the government rejected public funding for the arena nor he had to bring Michael Jordan.  However, he wanted to because he love DC so much that he would donate his body to DC if he wanted to.  Ted Leonsis will be a great owner for both DC franchises and from the looks of it, he will do an awesome job, but he realize he is miles behind Abe Pollin.  

Abe thought he owe his employees and the city of DC something to be proud of.  The Verizon Center was his version of saying, “Thank You” for 12 years and counting.  You can have your cake, Abe!

If I Was Running A Company…DC Sports Teams

The best way to know the atmosphere of an organization is by reading articles from media outlets or your friends who work for these organizations.  It tells what direction the organization is heading to.  In this case study, I will use the Washington DC Sports teams, because there are huge differences amongst these teams, and I felt like doing this.

Washington Redskins

Owner: Daniel Snyder
Executive Vice President of Personnel: Vinny Cerrato
General Manager: None

When Snyder became the owner of the Redskins in 1999, he wanted to make a difference.  His strategy was set:  get the big names.  He got big names to sign from Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, Steve Spurrier, Adam Archuleta, Brandon Lloyd, and recently Albert Haynesworth for big money.  How many playoff appearances when Snyder was the owner? Two (all from Joe Gibbs’s second stint as head coach).  With all of that talent, how did the Redskins became mediocre?  Snyder focus too much on his business to make money from acquiring Johnny Rockets, Six Flags, and Dick Clark Productions, and uses the Redskins as his own personal fantasy football team.

It also does not help that Vinny Cerrato is gives out instructions and they have no General Manager, who would know if the GM wanted to dump Jason Campbell for either Jay Cutler or Mark Sanchez or drafted a player who lied on why he was suspended from the team.

Luckily for next year, the NFL will not have a salary cap, so he can spend as many big name players as he wants, but is it great for the long-term?

Other notes if you want to work for Daniel Snyder is during the recession, he laid off some Redskins employees, but did not layoff the radio staff, where they did not bring ad dollars and ratings for his station.  In Snyder’s terms, business is like collecting toys, but throws them away after one month of use.

Washington Nationals

Owner: The Lerners (Mark and Ted)
President: Stan Kasten
General Manager: Mike Rizzo (Acting)

Let me start off that the Lerners were Bud Selig’s selection of getting the Nationals, not the highest bidder, so that’s a strike for the Nationals.  The Lerners build a great stadium in the Navy Yard, but then complaint to the D.C. Government that the city did not complete the office since the wirings were not setup and the walls were not completed and asked for $3.1 Million from D.C. to pay for the “damages.”  To add insult to injury, Stan Kasten is asking out of town fans (Cubs, Phillies, Orioles, and Red Sox) to buy Nationals tickets.

It also does not help that your previous general manager, Jim Bowden, and his staff were found in a scandal where they signed 16 year old phenom, Esmailyn González, to a $1.4 million signing bonus, only to realize he’s 21 at the time and his real name is Carlos Daniel Alvarez Lugo.  Several days later after the story, Jim Bowden resigned and is under FBI investigation for bonus skimming of Latin players.

However, there is some potential upside:  Mike Rizzo is the acting general manager and was considered the architect for the Arizona Diamondbacks superb minor league system when he was with the organization.  Another one is when the Nationals make it official when the Nationals are going to select Steven Strasburg as the number 1 pick in the MLB Amateur Draft.  The critical date is August 15, when drafted players need to sign with the team.  Strasburg and his agent, Scott Boras, are asking for a $50 million deal.  Will the Lerners, Kasten, and Rizzo take the bait or they will squander the negotiations for, as baseball scouts have said, the best baseball pitching prospect…ever?

Washington Wizards

Owner:  Abe Pollin, Raul Fernandez
General Manager:  Ernie Grunfeld

The NBA is easy to predict by one measure:  superstars.  The Washington Wizards have all-stars but they don’t have a superstar (I don’t count Gilbert Arenas as a superstar since he can’t play defense).  It is not all the front offices fault because the rules make it tough for superstars to go to a different team (soft cap).  The Wizards also have a curse in the NBA Draft Lottery, where they usually select outside the potential superstars in the draft (example: they pick 6^th when the scouts say the can’t misses are in the top 5).  The only time the Wizards won the lottery was in 2001 when Shane Battier, Pau Gasol, and Tyson Chandler were available and they select…Kwame Brown.  For that, blame Michael Jordan for that pick, but with Ernie Grunfeld in the fold, he has selected reasonable talent in the mid 1^st round.  However, if there is no superstar, there is no championship on the horizon.

Washington Capitals

Owner:  Ted Leonsis
General Manager:  George McPhee

When Ted Leonsis bought the Washington Capitals in 1999, he acquired a team that missed the playoffs after going to the Stanley Cup Finals the previous year.  The fan base was mediocre at best and the arena was full of out-of-towners and bandwagons of other teams, yet his open personality help warm up to sports fans in D.C.  In 2001, he tried to get notice when he traded for Jaromir Jagr.  The results were disastrous when the Caps only made one playoff appearance with Jagr and in the 2003-04 Season, when the team was at the crossroads, Leonsis decided to dump the high salary players and start developing the young players.  It was a methodical decision as well since the lockout cancelled the 04-05 Season.

What the 2004 season did was the Caps had a chance of getting a top talent in the NHL Entry Draft.  When they won the 1^st pick, they select the best player in that draft: Alex Ovechkin.  From there, Leonsis delegate his powers to George McPhee, which was a wise move.  No one realize in the 2004 Draft that not only the Caps got Ovechkin; they also got another all-star from that draft…Mike Green.  With McPhee as GM, the Caps have been to the Stanley Cup Finals once, won the division 3 times, and their minor league affiliate from the American Hockey League (AHL), the Hershey Bears, won the Calder Cup in 2006.  All of that was under McPhee’s watch, but he made the ultimate decision that made the Capitals a household name.

In the 2007-08 Season, the Capitals were a dark horse in the Eastern Conference to go to the playoffs and they had the right to be.  They got Ovechkin, a great minor league system, and a new look (literally and figuratively).  The beginning of the season was terrible as the Caps were last in the league.   McPhee assess the problem by determine that Glen Hanlon wanted a defensive structure, but the talent was offensive-minded.  In Thanksgiving of 2007, McPhee fired Hanlon and select Bruce Boudreau as the interim head coach.  The rest … the Caps went from last to win the Southeast Division, Boudreau won the Jack Adams Award (Best Coach) and Alex Ovechkin won the Hart (MVP), Ross (Points Champion), Richard (Goals), and Pearson (Players’ MVP).

As for progress, they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round last year in 7 games. Last night, they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 7 games in the second round.  Although that was a heartbreaker, the trend is looking upward for the Caps for years to come…if they keep the team together and make wise decisions in the offseason.

It used to be that anyone can get a seat at Verizon Center and have a jolly good time.  Next season, all the season tickets and seats have been sold out and you do not have to tell your fans what to wear…they know what to wear, all thanks to Ted, George, and “Geo-Mapping.”

What all this means

If you’re in the job market, research for the organization you applied for.  Check on current events, social media, trends, and your friends, former co-workers and network to see if this is a great fit for you.  There are some that bring smoke and mirrors, but there are plenty of resources for the job seeker and employer to utilize who would be the perfect fit for each other.

From the D.C. teams I mention above, who do you want to work for?

For future reference: I would like to know HR Case Studies for your teams in your respective city.  Please send me an email at tracy@tranrecruiting.com or DM me on Twitter, if you’re interested to do a guest blog on HR of your sports team.

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!!!

 

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: December 2008 Edition

Yep, these are my final random thoughts of the year and people want to know, “WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO STOP?!!!”  I would like to, but I want to be paid, and so far…no offers.  On we go:

1.  Barack Obama

We’re getting near to Barack Obama’s inauguration, but already everyone is upset of what is going on with Obama’s cabinet.  The right are obvious upset they lost the election and will do everything to get their power back, and the left are worried Obama is way too center on his cabinet.  I declare myself a liberal, but I think Obama picks for his cabinet are perfect at this time.   Right now, the country cannot veer off at any direction.  Obama knows these cabinet positions have a short life and when he steps in, his reign starts immediately after what is happening.   People need to stop panicking and help support our new administration.   Plus, George W. Bush got almost hit by a shoe and said “So What?”  Trust us, next year will be different.

2.  Rod Blagojevich

Is there anything I need to add except he doesn’t realize people can bring anything and will do everything if he does something illegal?  I got to give it to him for being strong and believing what he’s saying.  Sadly, evidence proves otherwise.  With this story, he has involved politics, litigation, business ethics, and sports.  Now as for the wife…wow, just wow (both literally and figuratively).  Not going to take my family into their household.

3.  Bailouts

After going through the bailout mess: 

Financial:

·         The mess will be a long road for banks

·         Most banks and financial services are already squandering their bailout money.

·         We care about people keeping our money “safe” and being told their geniuses who can stop the bailout.  Why do you think most of us can’t figure out of these financial experts are saying, yet accept them?

Auto:

·         It’s local politics.  Why do you think most of the Senate Republicans oppose to the bailout are from the southern states?

·         Everyone understands more about cars than finances.

·         With that understanding, are people hesitant of giving bailout money to people who caused the mess?

Looking at the bailout plan, at least the country was going to have a car czar and that’s what help me side with a bailout.  However, now it’s not about saving the auto industry, it’s about taking care of your people.  In other cases, this has everything to do with politics.  Ironically, the southern workers say they care about American values but work with foreign automakers, and the Midwest are open to anyone and are getting the shaft.  Do they really want Kyle Busch to be their poster child?  You know why we’re counting down to January 20.

4.  Rupert Murdoch

As you know, I have my much disdain with Rupert Murdoch for a long time.  He started his attempt to give his viewpoint to the whole world by creating networks and ask Congress to approve deregulation of ownership of media so he can buy whatever he wants. 

Now, I still feel the same way, but not so much hatred on him.  Yes, he’s a heavy capitalist trying to find the formula like any other person.  However, the new Michael Wolff book, The Man Who Owns the News, he mentions that Murdoch despises Bill O’Reilly and any mention of him, he squirms.  Also, his new partner is a liberal and is now friends with David Geffen and Bono, which is different from her second wife, who was a Catholic conservative.  Do I still don’t like the guy?  Yes.  However, the only difference is he wants a legacy and is a trend follower and will grasp at anything that makes him profitable.  At that light, I find him more of a woman shopping for the trendiest clothes and will do anything to get it.

5.  Sound Opinions

This time of year, you will be thrown with a bunch of lists from your favorites to the worst of any subject.  One of them is music.  You will get many publications getting some mainstream music in their top lists to sell.  The best music show everyone needs to listen to is Sound Opinions from Chicago Public Radio.  It is hosted by the Chicago Tribune’s Greg Kot and the Chicago Sun-Times’ Jim DeRogatis.  It is the most inform music show out there.  At times, their opinions might irk you, a la their movie counterparts, Siskel and Ebert, but they give every artist at any genre an opportunity to showcase.  They go beyond the albums and discuss what’s cool that people should listen or it’s just hype.  Also, they keep the pulse of what’s going in music that if you’re getting screwed or not.  If you think music is slumping, don’t tell it to these guys.  There are a lot of choices; they just need people really need to be inform of the new music out there.

http://www.soundopinions.org

6.  Washington Sports

Redskins- Stink

Wizards- Stink

Nationals- Still stink if they have Mark Teixeira

D.C. United- Stink

Capitals- Folks, we have a winner.

7.  D.C. Radio

There are many things I want to discuss in this section, but there are two stories I want everyone to follow:

NPR Layoffs:

You know the story about NPR laying off 7% of their workforce, plus cancelling two shows.  There’s one person in particular I want to focus on.  Doug Mitchell was my mentor for Intern Edition in the summer of 2005.  If you’re wondering, I was a Human Resources Intern, but participated in Intern Edition because the media was my first love before going into business.  I have mention time and time again, NPR to me, was the best working experience I ever had.  The main reason was…okay Human Resources because they selected me and working in HR there was very fun (and taxing, if any HR NPR people see this).  The other reason was the other interns I met at NPR, who seemed nice, but if it wasn’t for Doug, I wouldn’t have a tight of relationship with the other NPR interns.  If you never met Doug, just think of him as USC Head Coach Pete Carroll:  a great record on recruiting; only the talented few are selected, people work hard on their craft, they have a positive approach to their work instead of fear and hostility, and they have a proven track record.  Sadly, the other interns won’t have that experience to be mentored by Doug and this is a bigger statement that if Intern Edition and Next Generation Radio are thrown out, what does that say about NPR and its future?  Oh, if you think I’m sugar-coding this, check this post from former NPR Ombudsman, Jeffrey Dvorkin. 

http://nowthedetails.blogspot.com/2008/12/cuts-at-npr-run-deeper-than-numbers.html

If an Ombudsman gives you high praise, it really means something.   Also, there’s a group dedicated to Doug on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/friends/?ref=tn#/group.php?gid=48460833108

You know it’s serious if you have your own group on Facebook.  I do hope that Doug finds a place where he is wanted and right now, if someone is going to hire him, they are not getting a bargain…they are getting a steal.

Tony Kornheiser:

A little breaking news for Mr. Tony fans from Dan Levy:  Tony will not bring his radio show back next year, but in return will make a monthly appearance on Dan Levy’s Show, On the DL.  The news doesn’t shock me because the DC Radio market was slipping and the most popular stations are news and pop music for the suburbanites.  You know the DC market is down when the top DC radio talk show is…JACK F’N DIAMOND (I want to know [ladies] why you like this guy).  Also, Sirius XM were not going to get new subscribers after the auto industry is in a coma right now, so the wise move was doing PTI only for the next six months.  It is sad that Mr. Tony not to have his radio show and not flood him with emails.  However, people can start listening to Dan Levy’s show and needs all the publicity he needsJ.

Oh, http://onthedlpodcast.com

That is all of my random thoughts for the year 2008.  I will do my list after the holidays.  So, for everyone:

Have a HAPPY ANNE MURRAY HOLIDAYS!!!

Tracy’s Random Thoughts October 2008 Edition

Well, this is the first October random thought in two years and there are a lot of things to go through and also I’m tight on budget.  Let’s go:

1.   The Economic Crisis

The number one spot would normally be one month to the elections, but the economic crisis has been a big issue since the stock market took a plunge a few weeks ago.  I’m not a financial guy, but all I know is there were so many factors caused by:

·         Sub-Prime mortgages banks shouldn’t hand out.

·         Liquidity on credit

·         Out of control spending

·         Golden parachutes

·         Excessive loans everywhere.

To me, I think most of the economic crisis is all true that I mention above, but I think behavioral economics play a role as well.  People thought of buying stock and getting houses during the Bush administration thought the surplus would cover it.  However, with war costs almost at a trillion dollars and people believing in false advertising has now caused the economy to drop.  Right now, people do not believe in the current administration and any word Bush says, the market will drop.  Think of it as a roller coaster of emotions and right now, everyone is angry and stocks are on a down slope because of audience reaction.  This indicates the markets and financial structure need an overhaul.  They can’t do anything because they have a lame-duck president and administration that caused this crisis, they have a critical election coming up in three weeks, and when a new president is elected, the person has to start very early.  Of course, the United States can call Paul Krugman now since he is a Nobel Prize Winner in Economics.

2.   The Presidential Election winding down

This leads me to the Presidential elections.  We all know the economy is the number one issue to most of the people.  Obama gets the point.  David Leonhardt points it here; Andrew Sullivan has the copy of his most recent speech in Ohio; and John Talbott has a book called Obamanomics. 

As for McCain:  Here are the crowd reactions about it:  “Terrorist,” “Treason,” “Kill Him!”  It doesn’t mean economics, just trying to put down Obama since McCain’s only answer to the economic crisis is spending freeze, “That One,” “My Friend(s),” and $300 billion mortgage package, which conservatives did not like.  Unfortunately, the negative attacks have given Obama double digit leads in both the national and state polls.  Then last Friday, McCain had to take the microphone off this woman who said Obama was an Arab and he heard enough.

I honestly think this was not McCain’s presidential campaign.  I think he knew he lost the control of the election when Obama made a great speech at the Democratic Convention and he had to top that.  He wanted Joe Lieberman so he can cover both sides of the political aisle.  However, the neoconservatives took over McCain’s campaign and needed the next neocon leader and found one in Sarah Palin.  She has the same demeanor as George W. Bush with a laid back attitude, which would have been great except on this election, it is real policy issues people care about.  If you want to know about this election and their campaigns, one had all the pressure to be a “politician” and play the straight and narrow because of his color, and the other had a possible winning campaign, but sold his soul to the other side for more attention and more voters and it’s costing him.  You already know the picture.

3.   Washington Sports

Redskins – I’m amazed that their 4-2 right now and wins against Arizona, Dallas, and Philly does help on tiebreakers, but they lost to the former winless Rams have second thoughts, but oddly, I knew it was coming, and now they know they have to be focus each game because the division and conference will only get tougher.

Capitals – After that terrible opener against the Atlanta Thrashers, the Caps have won two in a row and looked very strong.  I hope this season will be a Stanley Cup season because the Capitals are now DC’s second favorite team and have the best star in DC in Alex Ovechkin.  By the way, I have the 11-game plan; I already used one last Saturday on the home opener.  Here are the ten games I have and contact me if you’re interested of going:

·         November 8 – New York Rangers

·         November 14 – New Jersey Devils

·         November 28 – Montreal Canadiens

·         January 31, 2009 – Detroit Red Wings

·         February 20 – Colorado Avalanche

·         February 22 – Pittsburgh Penguins

·         February 24 – Philadelphia Flyers

·         March 8 – Pittsburgh Penguins

·         March 27 – Tampa Bay Lighting (Or Melrose’s Mullets)

·         April 3 – Buffalo Sabres

Of course, all these tickets are on the nosebleed sections, but the view is still good.  As I’ve said before, hockey is the best viewing experience of all the sports.

Wizards – Arenas is out, Jamison is hurt, Haywood has a glass wrist.  The Curse of Lez Bullets have hit again.  We’re back to the 80s again.

Nationals – Well, the Nationals have the worst record in the majors and you know that means:

·         Jim Bowden potential firing

·         Sucking up to people to renew their 2009 Season tickets (I’m one of them, but I’m going for the 6-game plan next year and we have the Red Sox at home.  Who wants to join?!).

·         The DC Government can rest on the $3.1 Million office.

·         Stephen Strasburg will be the Nationals number one pick in the 2009 draft, unless the front office really screws this up, which will not shock me.  I heard he’s very good.

D.C. United – There’s no buzz with this team since Freddie Adu was a benchwarmer.  Although they won the MLS Cup in 2004, they can’t win a playoff series.  I’m telling you, it’s the Curse of the Adu (or that Adu has a voodoo doll with pins).

4.   Twitter

This week, I just started up my Twitter profile.  I wanted to see what the rage is all about.  Here are my observations:

·         I can get quick updates on the news.  News alerts are very helpful.

·         It’s the same as the Facebook Status lines.

·         It’s really an enhanced version of the Status line.

I can see why people are enjoying it and its usefulness.  Do I have to describe everything I do?  Here’s what I’m doing:  Doing my blog in shorts, watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann, sad that the Rays are whooping the Sawx, and thinking …. 

Whoops, I’m all out of characters.

5.   Randor Bierd

Something a little special during flu season.  If you are sick or having a bad day, have a picture of Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Randor Bierd on your screen or a frame picture.  I hear a smile from him cures the sick and releases negative energy of your body.  Here you go:

 

That is all for today.  Just a reminder, I won’t be live-blogging the Pushing Daisies episode because I have other commitments that evening. I will twitter on the last Presidential debate just to be important.  And now, your moment of Zen:  I have none.