Why am I doing a blog?

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Because blogs are the latest incarnation of why I first fell in love with the online medium nearly two decades ago.  The real magic of the Internet isn’t in high-tech gizmos and complicated computer code.  It’s in each individual’s ability to connect with the rest of their world.  AOL was one of the first companies to realize that the driving force for people to go online was their ability to reach one another.  So we fed that basic human need with tools like e-mail and Instant Messaging, chat rooms and message boards, personal web pages and photo sharing.Blogs are one of the next steps in the continuing social dynamic that makes up the online world, and they are perhaps the single best device yet invented to spark new conversations and launch new ideas. 

That’s because a blog is not an echo chamber.  A blog can be entertaining, it can be informational, and it can be enlightening.  But the most important part of a blog is that it can be activating.  It allows others to look at your thoughts and follow your life and then launch their own ideas, comments and perspectives on what you’ve seen and done.In short, your personal blog is a way to leave your footprints in the sand.  It lets your friends and family, as well as people you’ve never met, follow your tracks through the exciting and ever changing world in which we live.  So welcome to my blog.

83 thoughts on “Why am I doing a blog?”

  2. Mr. Leonsis

    New uniforms are great! Name change should come…just an idea “Diplomats” this would change the game completely…guaranteed!

  4. Hello there Mr. Leonsis
    I finally received the book, signed by you, well my wife gave it to me on Christmas (the business of happiness) interesting how you inspire others, but like I said before all the people that works for you should read, said that, because they will understand your vision, Well apparently my list is complete and you are on my list, hopefully one day I’ll be your bodyguard. People that inspire others have to have visionaries on their side all the time. (Not a sermon just a thought)
    Thanks you.

  5. Mr. Leonsis

    I just completed reading “The Business of Hapiness” and loved it! I’d like to ask you some questions regarding the book, is there a way I can get in touch with you??

  6. Dear Ted Leonis:
    I saw you with Chris Wallace as the featured Power Player of the week, last Sunday and was duly impressed.
    I would like to be part of your team. I understand from that interview that you read all mail; so I thought it was worth a shot.
    Kind regards,
    Evie
    949-235-0610

  7. To Mr. Ted and whom this may concern…

    My name is Catherine, i am Greek and live in Greece. I started playing women’s hockey here in Greece only a year ago since the women’s team counts about three years of existence. I see my friends, coaches and men’s teams trying to struggle to spread the sport in Greece and make people more aware of our dreams goals and accomplishmets. The National Team of men participated in the world championship(Div.3) in Luxemburg a few months ago and came second. The women’s team is participating in the World Ball Hockey championship this June in an effort to keep some sort of a contact with ice hockey since we do not have a permanent ice hockey rink to train. Nowhere in Greece.
    Please, if anyone has a special interest in Greece, loves passionate athletes who sacrifice their resources and time in order to play hockey, please help us in any way you can to bringt this sport on the spotlight for Greece. To create an ice rink that will allow talents to be discovered and athletic ideals to be taught. And i guarantee you, we do have lots of talents over here.
    Thank you for your time.
    Yours,
    Katerina.

    PS. If anyone is interested in this commment feel free to e-mail me at cj_15poe@yahoo.gr

  8. Hello I would like to comment on the 20 beautiful Red Rockers. The girls add so much to the game. They do a great job promoting the Capitals. Voted best Spirt Squad in DC at Sneakerball. The girls badly need an updated uniform as compared to all other NHL Squads. They work hard and deserve to represent the Washington Capitals 1st class like the team. GO CAPS ALL THE WAY TO THE STANLEY CUP!
    They would really love it.

  9. What I dont comprehend is how youre not even a whole lot far more popular than you may well be now. Youre just so intelligent. You know so substantially about this topic, created me take into account it from so quite a few diverse angles. Its like men and women arent interested unless it has some factor to accomplish with Lady Gaga! Your stuffs fantastic. Continue to hold it up!

  10. Hello Mr. Leonsis….I listened to WTOP Radio yesterday evening on the drive home from work, and it was reported that the Wizards (whom I still affectionately from childhood call them the Bullets), are going back to Red, White, and Blue colors starting with the 2011-12 NBA campaign. I am requesting that you PLEASE consider changing the name of the team back to the Bullets or another name (particulary the Senators or anything else) to coincide with the change into a new era. I understand the late Mr. Pollin’s intent to do social good when changing the name in the late 90s, but I despise the name, and it has done no good or better for city of DC, their crime rate, or the Basketball team. Continue with the change, by changing the name please…..Thank You

    -Elwood Harris
    Baltimore, MD

  11. Hello Mr Leonsis!

    Hi, I just want to ask you for a job. I want to meet you and for you even if I have to work my way up. I’m willing to learn from you and work very hard. Please take this into consideration.

  12. Mr. Leonsis,

    I would like to thank you for the book you wrote, The Business of Happiness. It has inspired me to get my mind straight about finishing my degree with flying colors at Ball State University. I have never been a great student and not really even thought about setting goals for myself in the future about happiness in my life. Almost finished with your book and looking forward to school for once and achieving above a 3.5 semester GPA (at a 2.3 right now, not to good). Anyways thank you for being an outstanding role model for those like myself.

    Thanks,
    Austin

  14. I am amazed by the wasted trade with Chicago and the draft pick. There were better players at #17 and we got one that will not be ready to play in tow years and spend 20M.

    Ernie needs to go. He passed on Blair last year. More of the same with the Wizards. I am not encouraged by this ownership team.

  15. Hello,

    We are huge CAPS fans. My daughter’s bat mitzvah is next June and as you can guess, her theme is CAPS. I have many hockey items planned, such as, her name cards will be hockey pucks, her centerpieces hockey sticks with a famous Caps player. The guests will sit at a players table. EX: #8- Alex O and many more. I was wondering if you and the team could provide something special for her day? I would love to surprise her with a special gift from the CAPS. I thank-you and I will see you at a game- we are season tix holders. PS- We think you are amazing and thank-you for providing the city fun and excitement.

  16. Mr. Leonsis,

    I am absolutely thrilled that you are taking over the Wizards organization. I have been so impressed with your overhaul of the Capitals. Many of your early decisions were not very popular, when you let go of many popular players, but the team is 100% better as a result of your strategic maneuvers. On a seperate note, I recently closed the doors of my 20 year old Canon/Xerox copier service center. As a result, I have been working very hard for the last 3 years trying to develop a Nationwide internet sports marketing portal. I have seen early signs of success, but at this time, I am in need of an investor/partner to help me continue to create my vision. The main page is SportsPsychos.com, and you will see that I am a local DC and Baltimore sports fan. I would really appreciate any advice or interest you may have for me. If nothing else, I would be honored if a true entrepreneur, like yourself, would take the time to look at it, and see if you think it has potential. Thank you, and GO WIZARDS & CAPS!!

  17. I really liked this blog, and will definetly come back for more. Only thing is, I didn’t find how to subscribe to this blog. Will you implement this when you need it?

  18. Mr Leonsis, welcome to the NBA. I have admired your work from afar; especially the work you have done with the Capitals. Though I already have a job as a Director with CSC, I am looking to learn the business and was wondering if you had time to teach me. I am a fast learner and a very discipline. SInce I know you read your mail daily, I would be interested in your thoughts?

  19. Mr. Leonsis:
    After watching your interview about your purchase of the Wizards team I was left with a feeling that finally there is a person of such character to fill Abe Polin’s shoes and walk in his shadow. Humanity along with a genuine interest in people as opposed to just making money has been lost in many of our athletic teams and the people who participate. Your good, common sense comes across with your every word. Thank you and know that you are appreciated.
    I am a 72 year old senior, single mother, grandmother, great grandmother who has spent more hours on ball fields and courts than I can count and still doing it to help a grandson, afford and get accepted to Dematha High School this fall, where he has been “recruited” to play Lacrosse and Football. I will be driving him daily to summer school from Waldorf, Md., my home or his in Calvert County. His father, my son a single father has put this grandson, Dalton’s education above all else in his life at this time. My twin daughers, educators in Prince George’s County Public Schools are both instrumental in tutoring Dalton to assist with this transition. I retired from PG Schools after 30 years as a principal’s secretary. This is a family effort and I feel the need to tell you how grateful I am that someone of your character will be a role model for young athletes. There is hope for the sports world after all, with your foresight for your team and Gilbert Arenas. In my family of three sons and my daughters, forgiveness and forgetting are what has kept us together. Thank you!
    Alicia C Dorr

  20. Ted,
    I have a great idea for a movie, would like your insight if possible on the next step. I have written a movie treatment, registered it with the Writers Guild. I think it has potential to be the “next blindside”. I would like to submit it to you for your review..Thanks, please see the attached weblink and some comments on people who are familiar with the story. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

    Andy Livingston, Partner
    LAD Communications & Technology LLC
    alivings@ladcommunicationstech.com
    http://ladcommunicationstech.com/
    703-608-8533

  21. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns and recommendations on the Wizards for next season, at last Friday’s Mystic Home Opener game. You were charming and gracious. I wish you good luck with the upcoming season. It is not easy to rebuild a franchise and to bring back creditability to a team that imploded it’s own reputation – but if anyone can rebuild and achieve success, you are the man for the job. Best of luck to you.
    Also I noticed that you did not have any Baseball sports blogs listed, yet I see you sitting at some Nationals Baseball games. If you have the time, check out these web-sites: Washington Fan Forum -there is an OT thread on the Capitals and Wizards, continuously running, under the “Red Loft” category, and the Washington Nationals Message Board-which during the winter also has OT threads on the Capitals and Wizards.
    Cheers….

  22. After watching your National Press Club luncheon speech, there should be
    no doubt in anyone’s mind, you are and will continue to be the best owner in sports. I’m sure and hope you have the same success with the Wizards as you’ve had with the Caps.

  23. First time I commented.

    1 – Name: I that “Justice” would work. We stand for Justice.

    Other names that would reflect DC, the seat of Democracy: Liberty or Freedom.

    2 – Uniforms: I like the red, white and blue idea, BUT I would like to see muted colors, not bright colors. Perhaps a darker rich red, a darker westwood blue and white. Wish I knew the exact color names. Home trim in same blue and red.

    3 – Mascot: Lady Liberty, George Washington etc.

    Just thoughts.

  24. Very nice post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks in advance :)

  28. again i have had a computer since 92 we used it for stocks and a few e mails to pals launch new ideas books of poetry as usual do not have a lot of time and i am quite sure everybody asking you a lot of things ;all i can say i thik i am truly amidst the rare few and just maybe i could help u2….ps i left my phone number now i leave po bix 15 w.hurley ny 12491 snail maill phone would still be better i left my number and if n ask and i give it tu agin enjoyed your interview iam sure you had yhour best suit on but maybe just maybe you are real if you arfe contact me you could probably helo me more but one never knows myu film i have a santa basrbara caneerrs later mastarday

  29. Ted, I have a business idea for the technically challenged (mostly those of us over 45) — what is the best way for me to submit an idea for your consideration?

  30. Hi Ted

    I’ve been looking for web addresses for the Washington Capitals. I’d like to pass along a congratulations on great season.

    There have been suggestions that the team might need a little re-tooling. I would urge you and the George McPhee and Bruce Boudreau to stay the course. The most successful organization in hockey the past 20 yers has been the Red Wings.

    For many years, in particular the first 10 years of Steve Yzerman’s tenure, the team faced enduring disappointment. They stayed the course and ‘developed’ a team the cares about each other and has both won and lost together.

    Other successful teams such as New Jersey and the Avalanche have done the same. Contrast this to teams like Philadelphia and the Senators that have tended to re-tool every season or two or three.

    A team that sticks together grows together (think early Oilers)

    All the best.

    John

  31. Hey whats good Ted, I am a huge fan of the washington wizards and I welcome you as owner of the team. I have a suggestion about the team uniforms and logo. Many fans including myself have grown tired of the wizards logo and colors of the team.
    It would be nice to see a true fresh new start for this franchise to have a new logo and uniforms and team colors.
    I feel that it would rejuvenate the city and give new life in this franchise. Thanks for understanding.

  32. Ted

    (1) If your purchase of the Washington Wizards comes to complete fruition, I would like to be considered as part of the Front Office staff, specifically Office of Personnel (i.e. working with GM on players, etc). Besides playing basketball leisurely and getting cut from high school and college teams, I love the game. I’m currently an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security…so yes, I am a long shot, but very serious about it.

    (2) If (1) seems ridiculous, I have another one involving in investing in, well…me. It’s a good cause if you’re looking for the local, non-flashy reason to donate.

    Thanks (but yes, I am serious about (1)).

    -Akmal

  34. Dear Ted,

    Went to a Filmanthropy event at the Avon Theatre in Stamford, CT where I am a patron . Avon is a partner in my annual festival of French and francophone cinema Focus on French Cinema that in it’s 6th year welcomed close to 4000
    cinephiles. Visit http://www.focusonfrenchcinema.org Would love to talk to you about our fabulous festival of newly released French language films and more. Ling/Lang has obviously had a huge inmpact on my life.
    Any news on MacD, Larry and the guys. Bises Renee

  35. I just finished reading your “My Turn” column in Newsweek. Your words filled me with so much hope, and I am so thankful that someone like you exists in the business world. I’m an 8th grade public school teacher in Brooklyn, NY, where I try to make character education a major part of my curriculum. Sometimes, it feels as though I don’t stand a chance teaching kids that happiness comes from doing the right thing (for yourself AND others), NOT from material wealth. Again, your article gave me more hope than I have felt in a long time. Please keep up the great work! Thank you.

  36. I am writing to you having read an article in the Pittsburgh
    Tribune Review. It was very interesting and mentioned your 101 goals on your way to happiness. If one of your goals is to save a piece of history, I recommend one that is called the “Old Stone Tavern”. Please contact me if you are interested. My email is above and put “Old Stone Tavern” in the subject heading so I do not delete it.

    A small group of people here in Pittsburgh, Pa. helped to save the building from destruction but now it sits with no funds to develop it for something useful. Trying to connect with you Mr. Leonsis to help us launch a new idea.

  37. Hi Ted

    Was disappointed that the kindle version of the Business of Happiness is not available in Australia. I was keen to read it tonight rather than wait 6-8 weeks for it to be mailed out in hard cover. I am always puzzled and frustrated as to why people and businesses make it difficult for customers to obtain their products. My guess is you do not even know your book is not available to Australian customers so I thought I would let you know. As for tonight I probably just watch repeats on TV.

    regards
    Richard

  40. LOVED today’s WP article — yes, happiness and a strong desire to work where you’re wanted and “loved” should be may be the motto of all, but the (unfortunate) experience of few. Sounds like you’d be a GREAT boss — lucky workers!

  43. Ted,
    I heard you on Laura Ingraham’s radio show.
    I am also a Greek, a small businessman.
    That is why I am writing to you.
    My function in the society is to help companies promote their business or message through memorable promotional items, because everyone loves to receive a gift.
    I wonder if I can help your companies to advertise.
    I believe every business is show business and I can help you to perform.
    Let me know, I will be glad to respond.
    I live and work out of Boston, Massachusetts.

  44. Mr. Leonsis,

    First I want to say thank you for all that you and your staff have done to make CAPS games enjoyable and affordable for all that wish to attend. Your committment to not only having the best team but having the best experience for the fans is appreciated by all of your fans but especially your long time season ticket holders. Your season ticket holder representatives are the tryly the best in the industry…they deserve a big pat on the back.

    With that being said…I have one complaint…please please stop giving press to the “fans” that are dressing in idiotic costumes such as the “Capstronaut”. he is not even a season ticket holder and is an embarassment to real hockey fans. I have friends all of the country that laugh at this buffon when he on TV. WE are trying to show the world that DC is indeed a hockey town and then show the Lets Make Deal crowd.

    Again Thank you for being the best owner in the business!

    Vicki Donaldson
    Rocking the Red as a season ticket holder!!

  45. Mr Leonsis,
    So much talk of the Wizards and you taking over that I felt compelled to write to you. I am a fan and student of the NBA. I am going o make a suggestion to you that will probably be overlooked or ignored but I will send it along anyway. Being from Charlotte I had the pleasure of meeting with and knowing a person in the Charlotte Bobcats organization. As a coach and administrator I was highly impressed not only with the person but his accomplishments in Charlotte and the creation of the Bobcats “image”. Highly considered in the NBA Mr. Ed Tapscott, by his work and dedication, created a competitive Club “from the nothing” and on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, in a very short time frame he showed to be a leader, an expert NBA’er and a person of respect, character and sound beliefs. He was highly regarded in the Charlotte area. I think it would be wise of you to consider him as your new leader if you try to remake the Washington Wizards.
    I thank you for your time.
    Good luck.
    Ben

  46. Good morning,
    Hi Ted, I was hoping to acquire some information on your grant application procedures for the Foundation? Working for a kids non-profit in Wabasso (Vero), FL. Sports, scholarships, college prep, after-school programs, etc.

    Thank you,
    -Tara M. Dickinson
    608 Stevenson Ave.
    Sebastain, FL 32958
    (772) 321-1329

  47. Mr. Leonsis,

    My son has 4 season tickets in the 3rd row behind the goal and last Sat eve I went with him, his wife and my 9 year old grandaughter. It was an exciting game. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of young children (one had a Caps shirt on and he could barely walk unattended), and my grandaughter had an Ovechkin (8) shirt on. I estimate that 5-7% of the fans were under 12. Midway through the 2nd period a fan in the row behind me and 3 seats over let go with the “F-bomb”. I turned around and looked directly at him. At the same time 2-3 others in the area told thim to calm down and he apologized. In the 3rd period, a fan about 6 rows behind me let go with another “F-bomb”.

    My son also has season tickets to the Nats right behind the visiting dugout, and I have attended a number of games in the old RFK and the new stadium. During these games, one hears nary any foul language. I hope the Caps are not going the way of the NFL and the Redskins. I would not take anyone under 18 to a Skins game because of the foul language that starts shortly after the kickoff.

    Suggestion: you might make an announcement before the game that notwitstanding the exuburance of watching the Caps play during this winning season, that the announcer remind all the fans that there are parents with little children in the stands and that the Caps management appreciates all fans acting accordingly. Continued use of inappropriate language risks being invited to leave the Verizon Center.

    I think if you don’t try and control this behavior, you risk losing your seed crop of fans who introduce their young children to the game. Parents and grandparents won’t expose the little ones to this rank behavior.

  48. Dear Ted, a suggestion to improve the fan experience.
    I’m a season ticket holder in 113, on the isle next to 112.
    We need to do a better job controlling fans finding their seats and leaving their seats while the puck is in play. Last night our view of the Flyers goal in the 3rd period was completely blocked – fans still getting to their seats (at least it was a Flyers goal)
    Ushers do not seem to stop the flow until the puck is dropped. Please devise a method to stop the flow a short time before play starts, but enough to allow fans to get to their seats. Perhaps a signal light visible to all the ushers that signals when to stop the flow.
    Courteous announcements would also help. Last night fans started to leave their seats about 90 seconds before the end of each period – blocking the view during as I’m sure you agree, critical times. An announcement requesting fans to remain in their seats until the end of the period so that their neighbors may enjoy the game could make a difference.
    There may be other methods used at other NHL arenas.
    If you watch the aisles in the corners, you will quickly see what is occurring. You will also observe that some ushers are much more aware than others.
    Best of luck the rest of the season – enjoy the ride.
    Thanks, John

  49. Dear “Ted”

    I read your blog and follow you in the media. As such, I’ve recently read that you are concerned about the negative comments being made and are considering a change in your policy on blogging.

    For what its worth, probably very little, why not single out the abusive posters and examine ways to limit their negative impact? Please don’t throw the baby out with the bath-water.

    There are only a few owners of sports franchises who are willing to tolerate any contact with their fans bases. They/you should be applauded for your willingness to interact with your base in this manner.

    Just recently Bill Marriott decided to begin blogging. He confessed he doesn’t even type well, but decided it ws important to have a source of information coming through the internet.

    More than most business leaders, you have made your money FROM the internet. While there are obvious problems with interaction between management and the public, even when its difficult, blogging should be valued. I agree that no one should be dis-respectful in any venue, but please don’t cut-off communication due to small and too vocal a minority.

    Best to you and the Caps in this new season.

    regards,

    bob

  50. If you want to go on an African safari, contact my son, Michael Kern, III at mkern@srr.com. He is going to Africa with Convoy of Hope. They will continue their work to help the less fortunate of this world with digging wells for fresh water, as well as many other things. A very rewarding cause. Michael has been to Africa before and will be returning the early part of 2009 with the founders. An African Safari is part of the trip.

  51. I wanted to tell you I watched “Kicking It” and it was fantastic! Not only did the players involved have a terrific new life experience from the games but as a viewer I was reminded of the depth and goodness of each human being – thank you for that! In an aside – there is a coach who works at Martin Luther King High School in New York City – Martin Jacobson. He gets kids from all over to enroll and then play on his soccer. We are working on getting a film/tv show about Martin and the kids. Do you have any interest? teamhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/martin_jacobson/index.html

  53. I went to the VA DMV web site to get new tags and searched for a Cap’s logo plate but could not find it. Did I miss something? If there is not one available, will there be one soon?

    Bill

  54. Dear Ted!

    What a great season! I read the Washington Post today outlining the game last night. I was a bit disturbed that the Post reported that Olie tooks his nameplate off of his locker and left. Olie has been “olie the goalie” for 19 years, 1/2 his life. He has been loyal to the caps and caps fans. Would love to see a tribute to the Caps, its fans and to Olie- it would be a class act!

  56. I’m so excited! You answered my question on the “live chat” thank you so much. I printed it out because my husband would never believe it!!!

    At the game last week when we won the division, I took my clothes off !!!! I airbrushed Go Caps on my stomach!!!

    It was awesome!!!

  57. From the Great White North…..Who’d thunk it. Russians invading Washington and not a shot being fired…except at the rink. Good Job with the Caps, Ted. Nice to see them challenging. Ovechkin is the deal. He’s worth every ruble.

  58. Dear Mr.Leonsis,

    My name is Neil Lacombe and i live in Edmonton, Alberta.Early in the hockey season my lovely wife Brenda subscribed me to the Hockey News.While reading it i had stumbled across an article where you had attended a Toronto game and you and a Leafs fan heckled each other for fun.As i read on i was quite intrigued that you had shared an evening with the fan.I myself am a Montreal fan first and Oilers fan second up until a few months ago after reading about that article in the Hockey News.

    I am still a Montreal fan first, however now a Washington fan second.As a fan of hockey growing up as a boy in Canada, it’s nice to see owner’s like yourself enjoying the game with the fans and not judging them by the jersy that they wear.

    Two years ago my 10 year old son Jesse and i attended Montreal game in Edmonton and during a time out in between play’s the jumbo screen camera man had his camera on my son who is also a Hab;s fan, both of us in Hab’s jersy’s supporting our favorite team of course.Just then a Oilers fan in his 30′s beer in hand jump’s up and cheer’s for his team.Immediatly the camera man turns his attention to the Oilers fan putting him on the jumbo screen instead.This i have nothing against, but what bothered me most is that after leaving the game my son told me how diappointed he was that he did not make the big screen because he was not an Oilers fan.

    Why am i telling you this story your probably thinking?

    Well it was just then after reading about you and the Maple Leaf’s fan that i had realized that there is still hope out there in the hockey world as i know it,that not only a fan of the game but an owner of a team as well, show’s the kind of sporting fun that you do.You realize the true sport of the game by showing this Leaf’s fan that he doesn’t have to be a Washington Capital’s fan to sit with you for an evening,but only to be a fan of whatever team you want to cheer for because we as fan’s just want to cheer for our favorite team.

    As well to be lucky enough to sit with a true gentleman like yourself who is there for the fan’s.

    This year i am currently president of the Knight’s of Columbus Southside Hockey Association which is a two year term.If by chance the Washington Capital’s schedule permit’s them to play Edmonton in the 08/09 and you were in town to watch the game,I would like to extend you an invitation to sit with our board and share some of your experiences and idea’s to make the game better.

    P.S. Keep doing the good work out there.I hope you win the cup this year.You are truly in deserve of it.

    All the best Neil.

  59. Mr. Leonsis,

    I am a HUGE Caps fan and I thought of a possible idea for you to do at our home games. I was thinking about hat tricks and how fun they are to see a player score 3 goals, but the only bad part to it is losing your hat. I think it would be fun to try a ‘hat-trick return’ at the phone booth- have the fans write their address inside the hat and after throwing them onto the ice, the organization will send their cap back to them. Maybe it would be too much money, or too much time, but you could draw attention to the organization and send the fans home even happier after a win (hopefully). I’m a kid and I know I’m no business executive, but it might be fun to try it, but only to the fans with with Caps hats of course!

    Go Caps!

    -Richard

  60. MR.TED LEONSIS

    I’M A SINGLE MAN 61 YEARS OLD WITH FOUR LITTLE ANGELES IN MY LIFE THAT GOD SENT TO ME FROM THEIR TIME OF BIRTH.WHEN THE MOTHER OF THESE CHILDREN COULD NOT OR WOULD NOT CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN THEY CALLED “POP” AND “POP” WHEN AND PICK THEM UP.

    OVER THE YEARS “POP” WORK WITH LITTLE MONEY ,BUT A LOST OF LOVE AND CARE FOR HIS FOUR ANGELS.

    I MET A MAN CALL TED LEONSIS. A MAN WHO IS A ANGEL THAT OPEN DOORS FOR FOUR ANGELS AND A OLD MAN CALL “POP”.

    WE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BING THE ANGEL YOU ARE TED LEONSIS

    COMMENT BY JOSEPH KELLEY ON JANUARY 21,2008

  61. Why not have more Caps “golf” gear for sale, ie visors, ball markers, golf wind breakers, golf balls, etc. A lot of us are avid Caps fans and golfers and there is a lack of stuff we can wear to show our colors on the golf course.

  62. Mr. Leonsis,

    My wife, 11 year old daughter and I were going to attend the most recent Capitals game[ at the Verison Center. The ticket price was high but acceptable. However, there was an additional charge of $12.40 a ticket. This means we had an add-on charge of $37.20 for a family of three. This is unreasonable and we were unwilling to pay it. We stayed home and watched the game on television. In addition to these $37.20 charges was the option of paying nothing for the tickets to be mailed through nearly $20 for delivery. Sir, I wish the Capitols well. You off to a fine start. Our family hopes to be a part of your fanbase, but the additional charges are speedbumps to us. Best of luck, Bill Perry

  64. I’ve been a caps fan since I was born and my family has had season tickets for a number of years. I was hoping that we could bring back Peter Bondra as just a means of respect for all he’s done for this franchize. I also think that it would help fan trun out. please concider this since he will not play many more seasons i’m sure he’d be reasonable. GO CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  65. Ted, your talk at WOMMA was very inspirational and challenging. So many marketing people could care less about having a social conscience, as long as they achieve market share. You are a businessman but clearly have a big heart and continually want to give back to the community. On a more trivial note, I am the guy who thanked you during the Q and A for the great hockey we have here in D.C.Happy Holidays! Go Caps!

  66. As someone who grew up in Chicago, and lived in Roger’s Park for the first two Bulls’ championships, I have to ask about #65 on your 101 list… what was it like to go one-on-one with MJ?

  68. Hi Ted, I’m a DC based documentarian and former ABC NEWS producer – what is the name of your new production company?Very good news to hear that you are focusing on content of “social significance” – I have an idea for you.

  70. Ted, you are Washington DC’s favorite hometown hero! By the way, please continue to offer that great deal for eagle’s nest seats at the Caps games (4 tickets for $20)!

  71. Am posting this comment here as I could not on the 101 list page. I must say that I love the list and what it represents. Was just disappointed to see that India did not make your travel list. I am one of very few AOL employees that was actually hired in India and then was relocated here. I recommend India as you will come across has more charactor, culture and experiences that half the other places on your list…. Also you must realise that besides the US, AOL has more employees in India than any other country.. Let me know if you ever need a guide..:)

  72. President Lincoln reminded us that through their deeds, the dead had spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could, and that we living could only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they so willingly gave a last full measure of devotion. Spoken at a ceremony at Gettysburg in 1863. This is especially so today with the war in Iraq and Afganistain. I would like to Thank Ted and Jack for contributing monies to help Marines and Soldiers who have been severely wounded in combat in Iraq and Afganistain. God Bless you, God Bless America.

  73. hey, i made a mistake in my prior entry, intending you to look at Leon Powe, not kendrick perkins who is on the celtics. similar players, misprint.

  74. hey ted, with regards to the wizards. could you encourage management to take a look at a inside guy in the draft who has some toughness, a guy like kendrick perkins could be that guy. we also need a defensive stopper and a 3 point specialist. work on that ted.

  76. Welcome to the Darkside…A former AOL blogger,but still a blogger.I am still paying AOL (for my own reasons) but I blog at blogspot.

  77. Gee, I thought you were the real deal when I read how you approached making fan’s experience at Cap’s games a 150% worthwhile experience. And I thought you’d be the first owner to begin writing a blog, small step from publishing your email-address. Good luck with the blog and the rest of the season.

  79. Yoel, Ted shouldn’t be using AOL Journals. AOL Journals should transform into what Ted’s got going here. You need to give AOL Members full flexibility and AOL journals is too rigid/basic. Also, if you want to get members to have ads on their page, they should be compensated for it rather than shoving it down their throats.Anyway, this is good stuff.

  81. I love weblogs! and so do my advertisers! Thanks for sharing! I’ll be back!GO CAPS!!!!!!