Ted's Take

The Blogging Site of Ted Leonsis

Archive for February 4th, 2009

Ain’t as Easy as It Looks

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

When someone is running against an incumbent - in politics or in business - it is always easy to critique and to say, “That is wrong. Here is how it should be done.” If you say it with enough conviction, people will believe you too.

Shadow boxing and saying “I can do better” is a good way to get elected or sometimes to get the new job or promotion.

But the day to day reality of leading and managing an enterprise comes with a series of tough decisions and life is complicated and full of surprises. Sometimes things don’t work out with no fault of your own.

Our new President had a tough day. Two key folks that he supported withdrew their nominations. Add these nominations to Bill Richardson at Commerce. Ouch.

Three bad choices for key management positions, you just know someone is keeping notes and tabs on the other side and will use this information the same way our new President would have done with this info against the incumbent.

The circle of life will continue.

Same old same old.

Blame. Recrimination. Gotcha.

Nice Interview with George McPhee

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Here is a terrific piece of work by a local blogger, a really crisp interview with George McPhee. Kudos.

We are For Real

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Don’t you think?

We have played a pretty tough schedule post All-Star game: Boston. Detroit. Ottawa. New Jersey.

We have garnered 7 of 8 points.

We have played quite well against the tougher foes in the East. We have a 14 point lead over the number 2 team in the Southeast division.

But we are all still restless. We know we can play better defensively and play better on the penalty kill. We still seem to be bitten by the injury bug with Clark, Johnson, Kozlov and Pothier.

As an aside, I knew Mike Green would play with a chip on his shoulder post All-Star team snub. He is looking like a first team All-Star on D to me of late!

Heavy Metal in Iraq

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Check it out. This is a great story and a great film embed. Thanks Spinner.

Homeless soccer in the news

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

Here is another very inspiring story. A ball can change your life. See why Filmanthropy matters and why Kicking It, as a film, is one that I am so very proud of in these tough times. Thanks too to ESPN, a company that cares and “gets it”.