Feeling Old from a Radio Station

Most people feel old as it relates to music when they start saying things like "artists today aren't half as talented as they were when I was growing up" or things like that.

I had an "I'm old moment" with music yesterday but it didn't have to do with this.

While I was driving in my car in a city I don't live in -- I found a station that I loved.  Turns out - the station was branded as "The Throwback Station" and turns out this is common across the country and on streaming services, etc.

I guess it's the same as when I was younger when there were "80's" stations or much like "Classic Rock" became a subcategory of "rock" music -- "Throwbacks" have become a sub-category of "Rap/Hip-Hop." 

I used to think that throwbacks were specific to Hip-Hop hits from the late 80s/early 90s -- but there's a "Throwback" station on Spotify that's only the early 2000s - and that's a "woah" (shot out to Black Rob).

Assuming I'm not alone -- but I'll embrace the Throwback station movement (and the concept of getting old).

When Cost Dwarfs Customer Service: A Beaches/Sandals Experience

Five Star pricing vs. Two Star Customer Service

While the below is a personal story/gripe/complaint about a recent family vacation -- it’s a business story that I thought was relevant to this platform, especially given what I read about Restoration Hardware CEO last week. (Especially this quote: "WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE ONE SINGLE CUSTOMER. NOT ONE. YOU WILL NEVER GET IN TROUBLE FOR MAKING A DECISION TO DELIGHT OUR CUSTOMERS. YOU WILL, HOWEVER, LOSE YOUR JOB IF YOU DON'T.")

Prior to one week ago, I was a huge advocate of the Beaches, Turks & Caicos “resort”.  I have taken my family there for the past 4 years.

My most recent trip, however, has changed my goodwill and future intentions. For those of you who are thinking about it for a family vacation (which is the only thing you should be considering it for) - here’s what you should be aware of given my 4 years of going there: Five Star pricing vs. Two Star Customer Service Experience.

While Beaches offers a unique kids-friendly facility, the prices are truly in the same range of the highest-end of resorts.  Most people (like me) have swallowed this recent upward trend due our kids enjoyment. The all-you-can eat inclusive meals that allow your kids to take every treat possible but only eat what they want, the Sesame Street show every night at 6:30pm, the water park of slides & lazy river located next to an ice cream shop that also has cookies and cotton candy….
When things didn’t go as planned, however, my Five Star cost was over-whelmed with “2 star” customer service.

The staff at Beaches (and Caribbean resorts stereotypically) is not what you would traditionally call empathetic or comforting.  It was very clear that the staff (even the most senior on-site management) are purely OPERATORS.  Their job is to fill rooms with appropriate room code. Customer service is not what they excel at and this is a major issue when the prices are what they are.
I’ll spare you the details of my personal gripe, but suffice it to say that it's an institutional problem.  Every level of customer service management did nothing to LISTEN to my issue.  They were merely defensive of their own position and that has just doesn't work for a resort that charges what they do.

I’ve paid more every year since I started going, and I wanted others to be aware of the trap.  If you go to Beaches in Turks and Caicos - you are likely to be paying a price that will not match the service.
Update since I wrote this: I emailed their CEO (guessing his email address) and was shocked to hear from customer service folks who said he forwarded my note on to them.  Not surprisingly though, their inevitable response back to me didn't address my ask.  They robotically just reiterated what the on-site staff had said and did not answer my questions.  So... the only thing I can do as a customer is to stop being a customer and write posts like this. That's it.

My Whole30 Paleo experience

Today is day 30 of following the eating guidelines of the whole30 program.  I followed the guidelines pretty strictly.  I didn't drink, I didn't consume any sugar, I was gluten-free, I was dairy-free, I didn't eat legumes, I drank all my coffee black.  I ate a lot of fruit, vegetables, chicken, and almonds.  I drank a lot of Hint water and coconut water.

Common questions answered below:

• Do I feel AMAZING?
• On one hand - I feel accomplished for sure.  I set a goal and I stayed with it.  I was recently sick for 72 hours and all I wanted was chicken noodle soup - but I was committed to the program.  I do feel great that I saw it through but I also feel great that I didn't really feel like it was a debilitating sacrifice (minus not drinking on a Saturday night).  Food as fuel (vs. reward or hobby) sank in - and I think that is definitely something that will hopefully help me moving forward.
• On the other hand - I can't tell you that I "feel revived" from an energy perspective.  I feel the same from a mental health standpoint.  Actually, in the first 10 days - I felt flat-out BAD and crazy lethargic.  I would wake up thinking I was in college again (needing to go to class after going to sleep 3 hours before).  My body seemed to bounce back, however, after that initial gut punch.

• Did I lose weight?
• This is my bad ... but I didn't do a great job setting a baseline.  I can't say for absolute certain how many pounds I lost for two reasons:  1) I don't know what I really started with and 2) depending on when I weigh myself during the day - the numbers vary DRASTICALLY (no joke - 7 pounds difference between morning and night).
• Anecdotal feedback says I did lose weight.  Both my wife and some co-workers have mentioned my appearance looking slimmer.  
• While I did exercise - I definitely could have ratcheted this up a bunch for a more powerful impact.  I was focused on preparing dinner vs working out - if I'm making excuses.

• What was the hardest part?
• For me it was the substantial increase in the kitchen prep time.  Whether it is dinner during the week, or preparing breakfast/lunch/snacks-on-the-go on the weekends... I live in a NYC apartment where I don't have a "chef-style kitchen."  Our fridge is small, our counter-space is small, etc. and so preparing 50 meals/snacks, etc over the last 30 days was the biggest amount of "work" that I wasn't used to.  I started buying pre-cut vegetables which I found helpful in this area (especially onions, peppers, etc).
• Some people say that during the day (at work) is the hardest part -- but this is the clincher of success for me.  The company I work for provides free, amazing food with plentiful options and variety.  It actually makes eating and snacking paleo a cinch during the week. 
• I also found the web resources WEAK for beginner paleo newbies.  Google search results tend to rank some pretty bad websites on the topic pretty high.

• Will I maintain eating paleo?
• I've definitely found the guidelines do-able.  I truly can't tell you that I missed a lot craving wise.  It's more about - will I have the motivation to cook a meal at 8pm when I don't have the goal at hand.  I hope so.  My goal moving forward to eat paleo Monday-Friday on a strict basis (minus drinking, yet reduced) and I'd ease some of the restrictions on the weekend (while still opting for paleo when the options are there).  We'll see how it goes.

• Would I recommend it?
• If you are someone who needs a guideline, I think it definitely provided that for me.  
• 30 days is a short-enough time to see the end in sight - yet long enough where it can begin to set the foundation for changing habits.  I've gotten in the habit of reading every ingredient on what I eat -- which is a good thing.  I am not looking at fat grams or calories, etc.  
• I also found it very supportive that my wife came along for the ride.  While she has an already established eating guideline in her life - she attempted to do the program with me and I found that really supportive and helpful.

My Advice For Daily Fantasy Sites

 I've been a huge fantasy sports fan since I was a kid.  I say "fan" because fantasy sports are an entertainment vehicle for me.  I love sports and I've traditionally excelled in math - and so yes - I've dreamed of being that data-driven General Manager who's athletic prime had passed way back when I was in 8th grade.  In being more realistic, I very much enjoy having my handful of fantasy sports leagues to quench some competitive desires.

The daily fantasy hype is something I've followed since the beginning.  Between the tens of millions of dollars being spent on advertising by two companies and the PR nightmare of a few weeks back, it got me thinking about the industry and it's future. 

First things first -- I have no idea about the legality of the practice.  I can tell you that it is a game of skill over the long-haul, however, so is poker and so is sports gambling.  The "professionals" in all 3 of these practices have proven track records of not relying on chance.  If "game of skill" is all that's needed to make it legal -- then DFS, Poker, and Sports Gambling should all be legal. 

So let's just assume that DFS passes all if it's legal noise.  The question I have is: How long (or how much) are "Avg. Joe's" going to participate once they realize they are playing an un-winnable game in the long-term?  Their $20 to win $1MM dreams are being crushed by hundreds of professionals with sophisticated algorithms spending over $2000 to win that $1MM.   The large marketing efforts needed to replenish the pools of "Avg Joe's" who are in it for the short ride are just not sustainable.   I play DFS as pure entertainment, yet it's not as enjoyable when I'm being hustled, which is why I'm not a heavy DFS player.  What IS enjoyable is avoiding the sharks and playing amongst my friends...Just like a home poker game.  

So here's my advice.  Diversify from merely trying to be "the casino" into so much more: licensed technology, media company, finance institution, etc.  Stop spending all of your VC money on those annoying ads (that need to think about FREQUENCY limits).  

Here's an idea example:  Either open up your sites for 3rd party development OR create "Private/custom season-long DFS contests" yourself.  By having this approach, you take the place of CBS,ESPN,YHOO as the service provider of choice.  I'm a willing commissioner in general - but the amount of work needed to run a season-long DFS league is unreasonable for anyone.  I love standard fantasy leagues - but the season-long aspect is what I like to call "experienced luck."  It's hard to brag/talk trash in traditional fantasy sports these days because it truly does come down to luck (after a certain amount of baseline skill).  DFS is skill on a season-long basis and it's something I'd be very interested in if the tools existed to do this.  (Here's a free idea:  What about SURVIVOR POOL MEETS DFS - you can only each player once in a season - woah! - right?)

In general - I'm very interested to seeing what happens in the DFS space and I'm rooting for the industry to innovate and just hope the companies leading here aren't satisfied with the status quo.

Miami Heat 14-15 Redux

I was optimistic about this years Miami Heat.  I'm a loyal fan through thick and thin - and this year fits the THICK side ... or is it the THIN side.... I'm not sure.  Either way - it was a frustrating year for Miami Heat fans.  It wasn't like 2008 where the team was the worst in the league.  It was worse because the team should have been above average.  They were not.  Here's my thoughts on the season:

1)  Injuries - When all is said and done - the Heat organization will get a pass this year because they had so many injuries.  While it's valid, they 100% still should have been a top 6 team in the East this year regardless of injuries.
2) Chris Bosh proved he was worth every penny.  He's a max player and this year - he backed it up.  I have confidence he'll get better in the offseason and will come back even more hungry in 2015-2016.
3) Eric Spoelstra: I love Eric's Spoeltra's basketball philosophy, his operational and data-driven approach, and his calm no-excuse demenoer.  This said, in the off season, he needs to hire an in-game manager.  It's clearly not Keith Smart or David Fisdale.  To me, this was the most frustrating controllable aspect of the season (injuries aren't controllable).  Dwayne Wade is my favorite basketball player of all time - BUT - having your 2 minute left in the 4th quarter offense be "D.Wade ISO from top of the key" just isn't going to cut it.  CALL PLAYS!
4) I never thought I'd say this - but - James Jones would have been a huge help on this team.  We had no true 3 point threat consistently.  HUGE need in the offseason.
5) Hassan Whiteside trick or treat.  Dude was such an unreal presence this season.  He makes difference on the floor in so many ways but in particular on the glass on effecting shots on the defensive end.  Oh - and he also has offensive game beyond a dominate offensive put-back sneaky game....  I don't like his body language most of the time and50% FT shooting just isn't going to cut it, BUT... I don't know why the team went away from him in crunch time.  Next year he'll not only be a bargain but will be in a contract year .... so ... should be exciting!!
6) Goran Dragic - He showed me he's got skills - can hit open 3s, yet definitely prefers to take the ball to the hoop - and as a lefty - he's crafty at the rim.  This said, he never really felt comfortable as a needed leader on the team.  He deferred to Wade 95% of the time - but I really liked what I saw with the 5%.  I hope he comes back and I think he wants to stay in Miami - but I'm not sure if the math is gonna work or not.  I'm OK if it does.
7) Pat Riley - this is the first season where I heard him admit that he's mostly a figure-head.  I still like him as the figure-head and I'm OK with that continuing as long as he wants.

That's it.  As a #HeatLifer I have no anger about this season (although I can't say I wasn't angry watching these games down the stretch - it was painful).  I believe in the organization and I'm looking forward to next year! 

NYC School - Governor Cuomo Drama

Disclaimer:  I am not educated on this topic.  I have read two articles and merely have an opinion to share on what I've read.

Top-line issue: Cuomo is pushing a plan that would make student tests and third-party one day evaluators account for a much bigger portion of teacher evaluations. 
This is from PS87 email on the plan (and west side rag article):

• 50% of a teacher’s rating will be based on state test scores(Currently it is 20%).
• 35% of a teacher’s rating will be based on the findings of an outside “independent observer” who will conduct a one time visit to the classroom. (This has never been done before. Currently our principal’s and assistant principals’ observations count for 60%.)
• 15% of a teacher’s rating will be based on observations by the principal or assistant principal. The very people who know our work best will have the least input into our evaluation.
• 50% + 35% = 85% of our evaluations will be removed from thehands of our community and placed in the hands of the state. And then, using these numbers, any teacher who is rated ineffective two years in a row can be fired. Principals may have no say in this.

Cuomo is pushing for reform because last year only 1% of NYC teachers were deemed ineffective by the scoring standards.

So ... here's my thought:  I agree that the notion that 99% of teachers in ANY school are effective is flawed.  Teaching is so hard - and I think we should truly appreciate every person who decides to get into the profession - but that doesn't mean that almost every teacher who gets into the profession is effective at their job. 

This said - I think that the following is stupid too:
1) Test scores being the most important metric for success. (test scores are one metric - but is more an indication of aggregated intelligence vs. effective broad based teaching).
2) ONE day evaluations having ANY barometer on performance for ANY job -- but especially for teachers. There are 180 school days - so this should count for 0.0056% of someones score (OK - round it up to 1% if you want).

Here's my very easy compromise and solution:
If teachers are satisfied with the current components and weighting of the performance factors -- keep them the same.  HOWEVER - MAKE THE PRINCIPLE/AMINISTRATORS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS ON A CURVE.  Example: 10% of teachers are exceptional, 50% are good, 32% are average, 8% need improvement (or whatever works/makes sense).  Let these ranges and amounts be debated - but - surely anyone can understand that 1% of ineffective performance ratings is too low.  Perhaps the only way to police this is to force it. Oh - and publish the top 10%.  Give the best teachers a spotlight for their peers to try and emulate.

The adminstrators will have a hard time at first - but in the long-run - it will work. I found this out first-hand in my corporate job.  It works in businesses, in higher education, and it's just common sense.  Not everyone doing a job can be good or great at it.  5%-10% of people is reasonable to expect to get below passing grades.

Again - I don't know all the details - and politics are something I do not have patience for ... but from what I understand - it seems like the solution is being way to extreme vs. my proposed simple modification.

Miami Heat 2014-2015

Huge lag in posts again ... but that's the way it goes these days I guess....  Quick documentation of my thoughts prior to the Miami Heat start the upcoming season.

The past 4 years have been very enjoyable as a Miami Heat fan ... A very different "enjoyable" than a traditional Miami Heat basketball experience since 1988.  They were THE team with THE player that every 9 year-old wanted to root for.  I had to include "since 1988" with every statement that I was a Miami Heat fan.  It was enjoyable because watching Lebron James playing for YOUR team in his prime almost every other night was just fantastic.  Now that phase is over and I appreciate it for what it was. 

I am a HeatLifer and totally embrace the next phase.  I think back to the summer before Lebron took his talents to South Beach and if you would have told me that Lebron was going back to Cleveland, D. Wade would be staying with the Heat and would be joined by Chris Bosh and Loul Deng -- I would have been very happy.  Think about that -- no one thought Lebron was really leaving Cleveland and no one in Miami actually expected him to come.  He did - and it was amazing.  But - the point is that we have a team that I would have been psyched about 4 years ago.  Sure Wade is a lesser version of his 4 years ago self - but he's my guy. 

So - I'm actually looking forward to the new phase of Miami Heat fan enjoyment.  Rooting for the underdog.  Proving media types and haters wrong.  While I know it's not truly likely - I do believe the Miami Heat can win the championship this year.  Seriously - I think there's a chance - and that's what true fans should always feel like (when they're not in rebuilding years).  What's my internal rationale? 

• I drink the Wade County kool-aid. I  believe D.Wade is gonna give the middle finger to all the doubters for perhaps the last time in his career.   The media is talking about how Bosh is gonna be "the guy" ... I think he's gonna be 1B next to Mr. Wades 1A.  He may not have 25 PPG, but if he was a starting pitcher - he's going to lead the team in Wins.
• Loul Deng is an all-star.  Knock,down shooter, team player, top-tier defender - I hated when the Heat played against him when he was on the Bulls.  He'd shut down D.Wade in his prime.  Realistic #3 option on a championship team - seriously.
• Spo knows 2015 NBA basketball.  He's mentioned in the top tier of coaches but isn't getting that respect heading into this season.  Questions about Miami making the Eastern Conference play-offs??  Really?  Spo+Wade+Bosh should be good enough for a 4 seed alone.  
• Pesky point guards.  Cole, Napier, and Chalmers off the bench play their role.  They all have crazy confidence and are relentless.  PG by committee is a trend right now in the NBA and I think tough defender/knock down shooters with penetration ability is all these guys need to do and they've proven they can do it.
• Breakout player:  James Ennis.  Of course there's a chance he's another NBA summer league mirage - but dude has got true offensive skills and is 6'7''.  I believe he's gonna be an amazing change-of-pace player for the 15 minutes Wade sits every game...
• Veteran bigs.  I like Josh McRoberts fit in a Spolstra heavy pass offense.  Birdman is proven asset.  Haslem I'm less sold on - but every time I do that - he plays a solid role.  
• Reminder:  Eastern conference is still the Eastern conference.  9 of the other 14 teams are projected to be under .500 win percentage.  
• What are we missing?  3 point shooting.  Wishful thinking that the Heat will start out like 10-1 and Ray Allen realizes that they've got a shot and joins up.  Danny Granger not gonna cut it I fear... I don't mind the "risk/reward" shot in signing him - but from what I've seen thus far - I think his best basketball is in his rear-view.  Chalmers really represents the guy you'd go to in the final few seconds to hit a 3 right now.  Not ideal. (although we all know Bosh will be taking the corner 3 80% of the time in those instances).

So that's it.  I'm excited for this season.  I embrace whatever is going to happen - but I do believe!  A Heat-Cavs eastern conference finals would be AMAZING.  How great would it feel for the Heat organization to be in that position.  Yes - I'm optimistic - it's October as a #HeatLifer.

Let's Go Heat!!

Google Shopping Express

If you know my - you know I'm a Google Kool-Aid drinker.  Almost anything that this company that's employed me for 10+ years comes up with - I traditionally believe in.  (On a related topic - I should blog about my displeasure to date with Google Glass -- but that's not what this post is about)...

For the past few weeks, my wife and I have been testing the "Same Day Delivery" service Google just rolled out for NYC and LA.  For some background, our family lives in a doorman building in NYC and we have 2 children under the age of 5.  This means that for the past 5 years - we probably average 3 purchases a week from the likes of Diapers.com, Amazon, Soap.com, etc.. We've been loyal to these sties because of the convenience + we are always buying in bulk which traditionally means "free shipping." While there's a Target in NYC - we've been once in our car and it was more of an afternoon family activity then a cost savings effort (we'll always buy more than we need to in store).

So...now that Google is willing to pick-up these items from stores like Target, Costco, Fairway, Toys R Us, and more..... It's truly a no-brainer - especially for the first 6 months where Google is picking up the delivery tab.  It's like 2001 again with Kozmo and Urban Fetch - but this time with legitimate business justifcation.  (I'm happy to talk offline to folks who don't buy into this).

Anyway - if you live in LA or NYC - I think it's something you MUST sign-up for ASAP.  There's no downside.  Did you forget your daughter has a birthday party the next day and you forgot to pick up a gift?  No problem! I already signed up to be a Costco member solely out of the excitement... After a few orders - I'm a little more gun-shy because I forget we live in a Manhattan apartment that's extremely limited on space.

If you do try it -- Lemme know what you think!

"The Donald" (and it's not Trump)

Outside of imagining a Don Draper - Roger Sterling character MERGE... the "Donald Sterling" name has had a shitty brand name since I've ever known his name.  The audience aware of this prior to last week was limited to NBA junkies.  Now the whole world knows his name and it's shitty brand correlation. 

The events of this past week are historic -- but the desire for the NBA to get rid of Donald Sterling is historic as well... He's a billionaire, a shrewd asshole, and it appears a horrible racist. 

Follow me here ... I've been the Commissioner of a fantasy football league called The BigTime going on 15 years.  There have been some additions and subtractions over the years - but not many.  The owners are a mix-mash of social friends with it's own set of cliques.  As Commissioner, it's my job to bring it together.  The truth is that there's an individual or two that get on 80% of the league owners nerves at any point during the football season through antagonizing emails or complaining or whatever...  As commissioner, while this may annoy me at times too - I've never really considered kicking someone out of the league for being annoying.  Even if an owner crossed the line per se (went too far with trash talk, or was just generally a nuisance) it would probably take cheating or failing to pay or something like that to force me to kick them out. (FWIW - I'd never let a racist into the league in the first place so I wouldn't have to kick one out) Furthermore.... If someone acted up - there would be at least one or two owners to come to that individuals defense....

This brings us back to Donald Sterling..... I haven't heard a single voice of defense for Donald Sterling.  It seems as if NO ONE cares if he's banned - and even more - that they're excited to see him go... That's the price he pays for being an asshole all of those years I suppose. 

I obviously think the racist comments are disgusting and intolerable - period.  I get the feeling, though, that this is mostly a GREAT reason to do what the NBA has wanted to do for a really long time. 

He's being kicked out of a billionaire's club and I don't imagine it's going to be a quiet exit. Donald Sterling is 80 years old - and it seems like he doesn't give a crap about anything (especially his personal "brand").  

I'm looking forward to the day we don't talk about Donald Sterling, but thought I'd take the opportunity to document my thoughts.

Announcing My Retirement From Basketball

Since I was 5 years old - I've loved the game of basketball.  It was my fathers favorite sport and at the time we lived in Los Angeles - it was 1982 - APPEX of SHOWTIME.  We went to games and I fell in love.  My father (who played college basketball) loved it too.  I was into almost all sports but basketball was the only one I cared about watching at such a young age and I played it whenever I could. 

I went to summer camp at age 9.  I still remember my father telling my to-be counselor at the time (who turned out wasn't even my counselor) to help me strengthen my left hand dribbling...  I thrived those first few years at camp - and even my friends will tell you that my prime basketball playing days were when I was 11 or 12.  I was the "go-to" player as an 11 year old. As the years went on - I found my role as a "high-IQ player" who understood the game, hustled, rebounded, played solid defense, was a good passer, but horrific outside shooter and even worse foul shooter.  As I approach 40 ... that's still my game.  People say they enjoy playing with me because: 1) I'm not a liability on defense, 2) I do the little things, 3) I don't care if I shoot the ball a single time in a game.

I still love the game of basketball and I very much enjoy playing.  I'm not someone who needs to win every game I play - but moreso just enjoy the run...Until recently when I felt like after I played I was just relieved when I escaped a game without injury.  About a year ago I got plantar fasciitis, which is basically extreme heel pain and there isn't a nea-term fix to it that I'm aware of.  I've taken 2 cortisone shots - and neither had any effect. The last 3 times I've played, I literally have trouble walking for 3 days - it sucks.  It's made playing hoops just not worth it.

So - until further progress on this front - I'm going to refrain from playing basketball for the time being.  I'm calling it a "retirement" because that's more dramatic, but I'll need to find a light-weight activity that I enjoy more than running... 

Thanks to mainly my Wah-Nee alum for keeping me active in regular hoop run cadence.  Here's hoping my retirement doesn't stay permanent. 

What's Wrong With The Miami Heat?

There are two answers to this very simple question: 

One answer is:  "Nothing, Idiot."
If the NBA did a survey of each team and asked them which team they'd least like to face in the play-offs -- I'm pretty sure The Miami Heat would be the overwhelming leader on that list.  The Heat are the Champs and any second-guessing from the media talking heads is only for the purposes of having something to talk about on TV.  The Heat have what it takes to win it all.  Championships are won in June, not in January and February.

The Second Answer is:  "They are tired and lack regular season motivation."
I've been saying for 3 years that the regular season doesn't really matter for the Heat.  For 3 years+, this team has been playing in sold-out arenas and have a huge target on their backs every night.  They've proven over the last 3 years that they aren't really to be questioned.  (Won 11 out of 12 play-off series in the last 3 years).  They're veterans and they really felt the grind of the 27 game win streak last year.  What they're doing could possibly be viewed as "over-correcting" at years end ... but again ... from where I stand they've earned the right to be trusted. 

This said - I do think it''ll be really tough to get through both the Pacers and Thunder (my prediction for West champ) come May/June.  Those teams are STARVING (they were hungry the last 2 seasons) and I'm not sure the Heat are gonna be able to find the extra gear when the time comes.  Nothing about the Heat's regular season performance is the reason why I think that, though.  It's more what I'm seeing from the other teams.  They are deeper and more experienced than the past and they both have players who can shut-down LBJ when he turns into a one-man show.

I still believe the Heat can 3 peat.  That would be the obvious best outcome - especially considering the contract situations of the big 3.  No way any of them walk away from going for a 4th in a row.... 

For now, "nothing is wrong with the Heat."  They're doing what they need to do and I'd prefer not to talk about it until the play-offs begin...

Quality Score for Super Bowl Commercials

Last night I did what 40 million+ other people did.  I sat in front of my TV for 4 straight hours (minus putting kids to bed, etc) and watched the Superbowl.  I thought it was a little overboard that they read the Declaration of Independence at the start of the broadcast (to symbolize how American the Super Bowl is?), but I digress....

The Superbowl ad spots fetched roughly $4MM for a 30 second spot (gulp), and several brands think it's a bargain.  The mere reach and PR value is hard to argue - even from a performance driven marketer like myself....  BUT.... Another reason why I think they're so valuable is because people ACTUALLY watch the ads.  The Superbowl has become the one instance in modern television where people watch BECAUSE of the ads!

The fastest way to change this fact, however, is to have a few years in a row like we did in 2014.  The ads were below average.  There were maybe 3 ads I thought were "great" and every other one was average or worse.  So in order to preserve the "huge amounts of your customers actually watch the ads" belief - I think that the networks (or NFL) should include a "Quality Score" metric, much like Google does.  If ads are clicked on more than any others - Google often rewards advertisers for being of value to it's users, which makes it more likely (and sometimes less costly) for those advertisers with strong quality scores.

How could this be done?  Well - I was thinking that there were 3 possibilities (or more I'm sure):

1. Network charges advertisers, say, $5MM per spot - and then they give $ back at a sliding scale based upon YouTube AdBlitz or a similar rating system.
2. They have a panel of "judges" that pre-screens spots to give even either financial discounts OR preferential placement based upon judged "quality."
3. Many advertisers have a history of commercials in the Superbowl - and I think there could be an "established" score that brands receive over time that gives them (again) discounts or first choice of placements. First time advertisers would receive the "average" slots.

Bottom-line -- I think the ad industry needs to take responsibility for ensuring that quality content meets customers expectations for this special event.  I get that fact that the network only thinks about "selling eyeballs" but if the ad quality is ignored - the value of the time will greatly diminish over time. I'd like to see Quality Score's equivalent show up for the Superbowl in the years to come.

Two Year Anniversary of The Worst Day of My Life

Yesterday (12/22) was the two year anniversary of our family losing a baby girl at 38 weeks of pregnancy.  Each year the day of 12/22 is going to be a hard one, but hopefully they'll get less hard as the years move on.

Alexa is now 4+ and asks some tough questions when the topic comes up  We definitely want her to be able to continue to ask anything she wants - so we try our best not to avoid her very direct questions like "why couldn't she come home from the hospital?" or "did she have a name?" (both of which she asked yesterday).

On Sunday we spent "Family Day" together which was nice.  In the afternoon, we went to the pier near our apartment and released 2 pink balloons in the memory baby girl goffin.  I had tears in my eyes when we did it as did Amy, but it's the first time I've seen either of us get overly emotional about it in the last few months.

I don't expect people to remember the tough day (like a birthday), but it's been interesting to witness people's reaction on hearing that it's been two years... Most sensitive people make a simple comment like "I understand that this must be a tough time a year for you."  Several other people just assume that Amy and I have gotten over the loss because of Ben's arrival 11 months+ ago.

Yes - we have Ben for the last 11 months+ and he's amazing.  He definitely helps to blur out some of the pain and both Amy and I feel very lucky to have both of our amazing kids.   I have had a much easier time trying to move on (but not forget), yet Amy's come a really long way over this year.  Yes - it's tough when she see's a couple of sisters 2 years apart sometimes and has some tougher emotional days than others. ... but 12/22/11 is not a day either of us will ever forget. 

I'm hopeful that it remains the worst day of my life for a very long time.

Shawn Carter Ranking Jay-Z Albums

In case you didn't see, Jay-Z ranked his own albums on his site Life and Times a week or so ago.

Here's how Jay-Z ranked his own albums (with his own brief commentary):

1. Reasonable Doubt (Classic)2. The Blueprint (Classic)3. The Black Album (Classic)4. Vol. 2 (Classic)5. American Gangster (4 1/2, cohesive)6. Magna Carta (Fuckwit, Tom Ford, Oceans, Beach, On the Run, Grail)7. Vol. 1 (Sunshine kills this album…fuck… Streets, Where I’m from, You Must Love Me…)8. BP3 (Sorry critics, it’s good. Empire (Gave Frank a run for his money))9. Dynasty (Intro alone…)10. Vol. 3 (Pimp C verse alone… oh, So Ghetto)11. BP2 (Too many songs. Fucking Guru and Hip Hop, ha)

12. Kingdom Come (First game back, don’t shoot me)

For starters - I think it's awesome that Jay-Z would do this.  In fact, I think it's actually crazy that he didn't make it a bigger deal (Example:  Hired Mr. Andrew Fried.... Gotten some heavyweights to sit around a table, debate it, film it, edit it - BAM - you have an hour-long prime time ABC special).

Secondly, anyone who massively disagrees with him is entitled to their opinion, but it's like some intern at Google disagreeing with Larry Page on the biggest priorities of the company. The man is the actual source (and pun NOT intended to reference the magazine).

I, personally, agree with most of his choices give or take a slot or two with only one major personal choice.  I don't think American Gangster is a top 5 Jay-Z album.  I'm sure it's probably in his top 5 "projects" (being involved with the movie and having one of your solo albums be a movie soundtrack), but if you told me that I, Brett Goffin, could only pick 5 Jay-Z albums to have with me on a year-long journey.... I definitely don't come close to picking American Gangster -- I probably rank that one 11th.  I think I pick either BluePrint 3 or Volume 3 as #5.   

BP3 may have a couple of tracks I'm choosing to skip - but not too many.  It also COULD end up (sadly) having the Jay-Z sound that's most played 30 years from now (Empire State of Mind).

Volume 3 is listen from start to finish exercise for me.  May press "repeat" on Dope Man, Big Pimpin, Watch Me, and Come and Get Me.

I don't chose Volume 1 as Top 5 because there are a bunch of songs I can do without HOWEVER - it arguably has the single track I listened to the most number of times in a short time frame.  "Who You Wit" was on constant repeat in my car pretty much my entire junior year of college - I don't think I'm exaggerating on that.

While I could probably go deeper on some of my thoughts -- I really just wanted to document that I thought it was really cool that S.Carter did this and in case any of my blog readers weren't aware of it.

Dolphin Drama

First of all ... It's frustrating enough being a Dol-phan in general since Dan Marino's departure.  The last thing we need is some "housewives of the Miami Offensive Line" drama.  Part of me wonders if the Dolphins weren't playing against an 0-8 team on Monday night football on ESPN if the story would get so much airtime, but I digress....

I don't know all of the details and I'm not sure anyone does yet.  There will be two sides of the story and I don't think people have to pick a single side, but that's what seems to be happening.

The truth is - I'm currently in the middle.  This whole issue seems like it's a high school after school special - which is why I'm torn.  On one hand, bullying anyone is wrong and it sounds like Richie Icognito is just one of those guys that's cool if he's in your inner circle and an absolute dick if not. Those people exist throughout the world -- and yes -- there are a lot more of them who are 17 than who are, say 30.

On the other hand, when you are a professional athlete and 300 pounds - I am not sure the same 'bullying" rules can apply to you.  Jonathan Martin is a Stanford grad - he's gotta have an IQ 5x larger than Richie Icognito.  He shouldn't be able to feel like he has no other options than to just "take it." Either do what every parent tells their 3 year old "USE YOUR WORDS" (to coaches or whomever), rise above it, or break through it.

I think Richie Icognito is a dick - but I also think it's ridiculously lame that Jonathan Martin is portraying himself as a defense-less victim.  He's an NFL player - not a child.

Also - if Jonathan Martin is soft - then the Dolphins shouldn't have drafted him. Which brings me to the only positive thing about this drama ...  That Jeff Ireland should get dragged in the mud!!!  The guy is the worst General Manager in the history of the NFL.  I'm convinced he has naked pictures of the owner or some major dirt on him.  Stephen Ross (a Michigan Man) is smarter than this!!!

Race versus Lindsay

I work at a place that has crazy over-achievers.  Half of the people I manage were D1 college athletes and I feel like all of them wake up at 5:30am every day before work to keep in shape.  I wake up at 5:30am to crying kids.  I love/miss sleeping late.

Since becoming a father, I just have not been able to prioritize staying in shape.  I'm over-weight and well aware of it.  Most of me is OK with it given that if choosing between spending 2 hours a day with my kids vs. 1, I chose the two (and btw - I'm lucky I can say that - my work-life balance is fantastic)!

Why do I bring this up?  Because 8 months ago - I was challeged by a "20-something" over-achiever woman on my team to a sprint race.  I conceded any distance longer than 100 yards or so -- she'd win easily.  She insisted it didn't matter what the distance was.  She works out 6 days a week, has run a marathon in her life, and is addicted to staying in shape.  She's also crazy-competitive. 

Anyway - the race is documented below. 

A fat, older man (who's slightly above average athlete) is just physically at an advantage over a very in-shape female.  Kudos to Lindsay for having the confidence, however, hopefully she learned a pinch of humility through the experience.

10 years at Google

I started my Google job 3654 days ago.  10 years at the same company is rare these days, however, just as rare are companies as renowned or historic as the one I work for.  

Here are 10 random thoughts about the last 10 years working at Google:

1) After 10 years - I'm still impressed with the food perks this company gives.  I still love telling people what I was deciding between that day (the duck or the skirt steak as an example).

2) I believe I was the first "Brett" at Google.  There are now apparently 46 others.

3) Almost all of the people I work with are incredibly impressive and smart.  I've worked at companies where you feel like not everyone is on your "same wavelength."  Not here.  That's an amazing thing and only a company like Google can continuously pull it off.

4) I sell digital advertising but I really don't consider myself a "saleguys sales guy."  I feel very fortunate that I truly believe in what I talk to advertisers about every day:  I can help improve their business.  Google's ad solutions is one of the most "relevant" targeting around today - and it should only get better in the future.  When I ask customers for more money (which is what all sales people do) - I don't feel bad about it because I genuinely think it's the best choice they can make AND in my 10 years here I have yet to feel like an advertiser is giving us the right share of their advertising budget.  I really enjoy this aspect of working at Google.

5) I'm a rare employee at Google.  10 years here and 10 years working with retail advertisers.  Most people who've been here for a while cover many different aspects of the business.  I've had 3 different jobs and gotten promoted several - but all of them covered retailer advertisers for the most part.

6)  (Common question) After 10 years here -- I still have no pull in hiring processes.  Sorry - I can't talk to someone to help you get a job.  I'm happy to talk to you about the company culture and beliefs, though.  

7) (Common question) On a similar topic - Sorry - but I can't tell you how to get to #1 on the Google search results of the keyword of your choice.  I can tell you how the ad system works, though.

8) (Common question) The founders have no idea who I am.  I've met them each a couple of times but I'm not in any of the same meetings they are.  I'm OK with this.

9)  I'm a pre-IPO employee but that doesn't mean that I made millions.  People assume that I've been at Google for 10 years and so I must be "loaded."  Not true.  I'm not complaining about the financial benefits of being here 10 years - but the perception is vastly exaggerated.

10) There is still a great sense of pride telling people that I work at Google.  I'm very proud of this company and the mission it's trying to accomplish and the way it's attempting to do so.  The fact that my soon-to-be 97 year old Grandma talks to me about what she read in the paper about Google (and she has no clue what the internet is) is amazing.  I love that.  

In 2003, it was very different than it is today.  Some things good and some things not as good - but again - I feel very fortunate for having worked at this place for the last 10 years.  Who knows what the next 10 will bring - but if it's anything like that last 10 - I'll be really happy.

Thanks Google.

Cold Calling should die

I'm a manager within a sales organization.  I think of myself as a sales guy.  I very much believe in talking on the phone with customers and prospects.  I still think cold calling should be left in 1987.

I work at Google so I guess people assume I'm rich.  I probably have one person a week who calls my office asking if I want them to manage my "portfolio" or invest in their firm...  I also have head hunters calling me about "can't miss opportunities" regularly.  I can't imagine, in 2013 who this cold call tactic works on.  Conversion percentages have to be less than banner ad click-thru rates.

Why do I think cold calling should die?  
Here are my top 5 reasons:
1) Phone calls are personal.  They take time and demand concentration.  These are limited aspects of everyone's day.  Respect that!
2) Cold calls are "tricks."  No one in the world actually is hoping that someone is going to cold call them (maybe except this guy).  I can't see a sales call starting off worse than someone being annoyed or disrespected.
3) There are better ways to communicate today.  Email and social networks in particular.  If I really am a good prospect - then you should be able to give me the opportunity to engage on my terms.   I talk to my clients on the phone regularly, but I can't tell you the last time that I called one blind and actually had them pick-up with a productive conversation.  I email them, send a calendar invite, etc.  They come into the conversation with the right expectations and frame of mind.  It benefits everyone.  This is just the new reality.
4) There's no way to stand-out (in a positive way).  At this point - every trick in the book is a negative cliche'.  "What would you say to 30% returns? - Huh? huh?"  (CLICK).
5) It makes people resent picking up the phone.  As sales people - we don't want that.  Because I get these random cold calls - the odds of me picking up the phone for a number I don't recognize rise.  This is bad.  On time, I had a CMO leave me voicemail when I sitting at my desk.  This drove me crazy because it took another week to get them on the phone.  I blamed cold callers. 

If you're a good sales person than you've done some research before picking up the phone.  I'm hoping that cold callers have done some research on ME before calling me blindly, seen this post, and decide an alternative form of first contact... Thanks for listening.

Why I Don't Like Live Concerts

Last night I went to go see the second live concert with my wife in our 10 year relationship (thanks Blake!).  She loves concerts; Me - not so much.  Even by typing that I feel like I should be embarrassed somewhat by that statement.  "Who doesn't love live music?"  (ME!)

Here are my reasons why:
1) I grew up loving Hip-Hop.  
Live Hip-Hop isn't even close to as enjoyable on your ears as produced Hip-Hop.Freestyle battles aside - there is far less quality of music in the execution of the lyrics, rhythm, etc.  I've seen every rapper you'd want to see live (Biggie, Wu-Tang, Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, Vanilla Ice) ;) and none of them conjure any kind of over-the-top memory.
2) I've never really fantasized about being on a concert stage
Watching people at the concert last night, you see the passion when they know every word or stare enviously at the stage day-dreaming about them being in that position.
3) Logistics and cost
Getting concert tickets are never easy or always expensive.  Do you ever really get the seats you want?  Traveling to a concert is never stress-free.  If you're driving you're not drinking and if you're taking mass transit - you're a cattle who has better had taken their patience pills.  I'd personally rather save this type of over-priced, logistical nightmare for sporting events.
4) Restrictive Fun Zone
If I wanted to hang out with people who liked the same music and knew the same songs as me - I'd much rather go to a club and hang out with these people in that setting/venue than some enormous stadium that may or may not have people sitting/standing who each get a 10 inch seat to sit on.  If you've seen me dance - I need more than 20 square inches of room to let break it down.
5) The Always Scripted "Encore"
Seriously - don't say "Thanks so much for coming out - Drive Safe" and then play 30 more minutes afterwards.  The first 20 times someone did that -- fine -- it was decent shock value in 1974.  In 2013, it's just lame and for me it's a sure-fire way to leave me annoyed at the end.

I'm sure there are bands or groups that defy my rationale.  I have a lot of friends who probably can't understand why I feel this way.  I, personally, just don't happen to be into those groups or music genre (again - outside of freestyle hip-hop -- Shout out to FreeStyle Love Supreme who I've seen over 10 times live and enjoyed every time).

This all said -- I can tell you from going to concerts when the performer is crazy-talented.  I have now seen Bruno Mars twice in concert - and he definitely is crazy-talented with a great voice.

18 Months of Silence Ended

In 2003, I wrote the headline below the title of my blog to read: "I've got many thoughts and on occasion want to share them with the world."  Well - that's always been true until a significant loss happened in my life and I didn't really want to share my thoughts and opinions in this forum.

I saw Seth Godin and Mitch Joel speak at Google last week - and they both recommended that everyone blog at least once a day.  With them saying that, I remembered how much I enjoyed writing this blog and part of me missed it.  Twitter is great - but the space is somewhat restrictive.  So while I still have a scar from the loss, I feel like I'm ready to get back into blogging.  I'm not an "every day" blogger - but I'd like to try and do it once a week.  Topics will continue to range from random observations to family updates to internet advertising verbal musings.

As a quick family update - We are in a better place than we were 18 months ago.  Since that time, Amy and I have become parents to a beautiful son (Ben) and Alexa's thrived in becoming a big sister and she's developing into a great, "big girl".  We just moved apartments after 4 years.  It's been less than a week, but I'm feeling great about our new home and the memories we'll create there.  I love my family and it continues to be (as it always will) the most important priority in my life.

I'm still at Google working to help retailers embrace digital marketing as a way to improve their business.  I manage an awesome team that consistently makes me proud to be a manager.

I've really enjoyed my favorite sports team, the Miami Heat winning back-2-back championships.  It's crazy to think that they've won 2 championships since I stopped blogging.  I'd be lying if I said I didn't have doubts during the journey in the past 2 seasons - so maybe it's a good thing I didn't blog about it.   Maybe I won't next year either.  Yes - I'm still a little superstitious about sports.


That's all I've got for now.  I'm looking forward to a lot of things this summer and I'm happy to hopefully re-establish this blog to convey some of these upcoming experiences and opinions.