The Vanishes: November 2009

The Future of H.R. - Part 1

Jason-

Hope you had a good thanksgiving holiday, sorry for not getting back here sooner. Life happens.

We have been working on this question of Where Will We Go? for a while now and I think we are now getting to the good stuff. Before we start zeroing in on what all of this means for human resources work, I want to summarize what we have discussed so far.

We started by giving some thought to how business might be different in the future, and some of the key influences that we identified were:

Importance of Innovation as opportunity for competitive advantage
Increased rate of change
Disruptive technology
Importance of individualization and customization
Importance of trust
Importance of design

We then considered what these key influences might mean to the future of the organization, and we came up with:

Organizational culture is going to be very important
Understanding the value of ideas and information is going to be very important
There will be a new relationship "of equals" between org and employees and org and customers
End of management as we know it
Transfer of authority, access and decision making to employees and customers
Mo flatter, mo better
Learning as super competency
Transparency will be king
Flexibility as a new norm
Manager/leader as coach

Does that seem to accurately capture our conversation up this point? Let me know if there is anything I have left out or misrepresented. If we are both good with this, we can now move on to consider what this means for human resources.
-joe

Stone Cold Lock Express

Apparently last week I did not keep on
rolling, as KC derailed my steamroller,
but a loss is a loss, and now I am 11-4
but would still pick the Steelers all
over again if I had to do. I'm looking
for another 3-0 week. So I will try to
put the pedal to the metal all over again.
Remember, "no such thing as a too easy pick"
KC proved that last week. So here we go again.

Atlanta

San Diego

Baltimore

Shakira Getting Ugly

Shakira guest stars this Friday on UGLY BETTY THIS FRIDAY

Hit Maker Cole

Here’s the video premiere of Cheryl Cole’s second single, 3 Words, which features Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am.

The video was shot by director/photographer Vincent Haycock and it shows. Love it, enjoy!

The Hills meets East LA

Reasons To Give Thanks & Not Give Thanks

Here's a BIG way to show you've
got the Thanksgiving Spirit.

Here's a MAJOR way to show what a
useless dirtbag you and yours are !

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Imported Girls

Make way for the Paradiso Girls, a girl group that’ll drink your ass under the table. The five international ladies are pumping up your local club with their hit “Patron Tequila,” featuring Eve and Lil Jon. Here are a few of their most memorable firsts.

OUT DEC 18

E for Effort

Following a performance at this summer's Miss Universe pageant, Heidi Montag will take the leap into the recording world – and she's perfectly aware of what the business is about. (Hint: her debut album is titled SUPERFICIAL).

With the album due out Jan. 12, Montag is ready for whatever whirlwind comes her way.
"This cover is a shout out to the '80s," Montag tells PEOPLE. "It makes you remember when you just had to run out to the record store and get your favorite album. You dreamt of those tapes."

Liz Ciganovich, the album's production and art director, said she got the idea for an '80s tribute after seeing Montag's Overdosin' video.

"It reminded me of Olivia Newton John's Let's Get Physical in the '80s," said Ciganovich. "I thought, 'Let's do a shot that says '80s – lets pay homage to the mix tape!' The hunt was on. I believe I purchased every mixed tape in Los Angeles!"

The other half of Lambert

Bitten By The Bug Again !

Every once in a while life kicks
you in the pants, for me that time
is now, as I fall ill for the third
time just this fall. So since my
voice has left me, I will leave
you this to chew on until I return.

Here is a perfect example of how some
of us need more that 21 years of
maturity for our brains to fully
develop. They definitely need to make
sure this guy knows that WWE is not real.
And anyway what's up with Steelers fans
this year? First they get poisoned by
a disgruntled Bears fan and then kick
a dog when he's down, literally ? !

OK so who's the MORON that voted for
Miguel Cabrera? C'mon, Man up !

Congratulations to REAL Salt Lake of
the MLS, but it is a sad day in sports
when your champion finishes the regular
season with a record UNDER .500 !

I want to borrow a headline I saw, Enjoy !
Josh McDaniels reportedly told the Chargers
linebacking crew "We own you guys" before
getting annihilated 32-3.

Miss Nasty

Rumor Has It: Janet Jackson Dating Colin Farrell???That’s the word on the street at least. The pair was supposedly spotted in LA sitting side by side at a romantic lunch in the Beverly Hills Hotel. I usually take these romantic rumors with a grain of salt but this would be one HOT couple that I would actually root for!!

Diva Clash

Two of our favorite Latinas have worn the very bold Herve Leger pailette embellished bandage dress with one sleeve. Last night, Shakira wore the stunner to perform at the American Music Awards with black boots and side parted blonde waves. A month ago, Jennifer Lopez wore the same dress with strappy Louboutins and big curls to debut her new video for "Fresh Out the Oven featuring Pitbull" at LIV at Fontainebleau in Miami.
Who Wore it Best?

THE WAIT IS OVER

Mexican singer Anahi is evolving. After a lifetime as a telenovela actress and five years in RBD, the 26-year-old has finally found her sound as a solo artist. Her debut album Mi Delirio hits stores on Tuesday and is bound to make fans delirious with its electronica and dance–infused pop. I got a chance to chat with her as she makes her way around the world during a tour that continues till May 2010. Here’s what she had to say:

What did you set out to do with this album?

I had a lot I wanted to say about happy and sad moments in my life that my fans could understand.

There was some controversy that your management asked fans to buy five copies of the CD?

It was taken out of context online. My true fans, those that want to support me, asked my managers what they could do to help me. No one said, ‘do this,’ they asked. No one obligated them to do anything. My fans are really passionate.

Gil Cerezo and Ulises Lozano from Kinky helped produce the album. How was it working with them?

They produced half of the album. The single “Mi Delirio” was made between Gil, Ulises and myself. I actually went after them with the hope that they’d want to work with me. We became great friends.

You also worked with Gloria Trevi, right?

Gloria gave me a song called “Me Hipnotizas.” One day I called her and told her to give me that honor. She’s a great composer. She has a very special talent. I love hearing her talk because she is so passionate—her eyes light up.

I love the remake of Amanda Miguel’s “El Me Mintio”—how did you decide to do it?

It’s one of my favorite songs. I admire Amanda Miguel, who made it in the '80s. I’ve modernized it so that today’s kids can get to know it.

You’ve been in the public eye since you were 2 years old; did you ever imagine doing something different?

Not really. My life is dedicated to art. One of my hobbies is painting. No one sees my canvases, only my family. I am a modernist; my paintings are more abstract.

Do you want to get back to acting at some point?

Not right now. My second home is Televisa. I have a life-long commitment to them. But they’re happy that I’m growing as a singer.

How’s the tour going so far?

I was just in Brazil. It’s a big tour—the first phase goes on till May. I’m happy and doing what I want to do.

Check out the video for “Mi Delirio”:

AMA PERFORAMCES

WHAT A GREAT LINE UP OF PERFORMERS THIS YEAR!

In case you missed it here is a recap

JANET JACKSON-MEDLEY

SHAKIRA- GIVE IT TO ME

RIRI

lADY GAGA-BAD ROMANCE

WHITNEY HOUSTON-I TURN TO YOU

Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"

Kelly Clarkson "Already Gone"

Mary J. Blige "I Am"

THE OOPS

Jennifer Lopez "Louboutins"

Last night at the American Music Video awards, Jennifer Lopez was in the spotlight for the first time in a long while to perform her new single, "Louboutins." With an elaborate boxing set in place, J.Lo looked ready to conquer the world. But it wasn't her heavyweight vocals that everyone is talking about. Unfortunately, towards the end of Lopez's performance she took a nasty spill that is sure to live on infamy in the blogosphere.

But, like the consummate pro she is, Lopez hopped right back up and finished her song. Check out the catastrophe below:

NAMCs Circle of Caring PPD Support Groups

I came upon the National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC) while on Facebook and want to help spread word of the fantastic work they do in the postpartum depression realm. One of the association's main missions is to educate moms and their families about PPD while reaching out to them with support. Based in New York, NAMC collaborates with the Postpartum Resource Center of NY to provide peer-led support groups to help empower women who are experiencing PPD.

The women who lead these support groups are trained as facilitators and volunteer their time to help other women. These "Circle of Caring" groups are in two locations in New York state at this time, however NAMC hopes to expand this service to other cities around the U.S. I believe that groups like these are incredibly important and are so very needed by women who are suffering from the symptoms of PPD and need to feel that they're not alone.

To learn more about the NAMC's program or to provide support, you can contact Lisa Kaplan-Miller at lisak@motherscenter.org or (516) 939-6667, x106.

Besides their postpartum depression outreach, NAMC provides other excellent resources for moms through their 30+ centers that are located throughout the U.S. The association works at both the grassroots and national level and is definitely worth checking out.

Steamrolling With The NFL Picks

Well last week I kept on rolling, even
with a few close results, but a win is
a win, and now I am 9-3 and a much more
true "Stone Cold Lock" predictor after
another 3-0 week. So I will continue
keep the pedal to the metal with the
"no such thing as a too easy pick"
attitude. Remember it's a "LOCK" because
it's supposed win, so here we go again.

Pittsburgh

New England

Minnesota

To Infinity and Beyond !

The Sports Round Table

The Sports Roundtable 8-10 Live in studio
and Live from the Chieftan Pub Noon - 2PM

Join Us !

JLO'S Return

Jennifer Lopez hits the stage at L.A.'s Nokia Theatre on Thursday in preparation for her big performance on Sunday night's American Music Awards. No word on what she'll sing, but it could be a track off her new album Love?, due out in January.

The Sports News You Want

Zach Greinke mans up and wins the
AL Cy Young

Here is the A.L. and N.L Cy Young
voting in case you missed it.

Should an under .500 team be labeled
a Champion? Even if it is MLS?

I think Elizabeth Lambert wants us to
feel sorry for her. Is she nuts?

The hand of God part II?

Thierry Henry says no.

FIFA disagrees, not once, but twice.
Here are your qualifiers thus far.

Here's to Chris and Stefanie Spielman.

The Future of the Organizatin, Part 3

Joe,

I think I misunderstood the assignment you provided for this leg of our discussion. I will do as Avis always promotes and "try harder" this time.

So to reset, if business is going to change in these ways . . .

Innovation as a key opportunity for competitive advantage
Increasing rate of change
Disruptive technology
Importance of customization and individualization to consumer desires
Trust as a key opportunity for competitive advantage
Importance of design

. . . how will the organization be different? Rather than talk specifically about what the organization should look like as I did in my last post, I'll instead talk more generally about what is likely to happen in organizations as business evolves in the directions we discussed.

How will the organization of 2020 be different?

Culture will be important, for the reasons you described, but also because top talent will be increasingly more portable and willing to move. Today's younger generations also put more value on culture as a decision for where they choose to work.
IT as we know it will no longer exist. As technology gets more pervasive, sophisticated, and inexpensive, the role of the traditional IT department (writing code) will go away and a new strategic IT must emerge. Every person in every function will be utilizing technology in a significant way to do their job. IT will need to become more of an internal consulting organization to help the business make decisions about where and how to implement and utilize technology to make business happen.
Brand building will become increasingly important. Controlling the company message in the media and community at large is no longer possible so putting out a bunch of BS in an attempt to spin things won't be an option in the future. Web 2.0 tools have created an environment where you will have to authentically "walk the talk" or your employees and customers will crucify you through their blogs and social networks. Thinking of brand in a much larger way will be the key. What you say about your brand must also be true about your culture in the future.
Specific and deep expertise in a product or service area may become a liability. Organizations who are able to develop competencies in creation, seeing the future, disrupting markets, and solving big problems are likely the ones best able to navigate in rapidly changing markets and business environments. These competencies are also global in that they create value regardless of business and locale. These organizations are likely to be those who are right-brained companies who embrace some chaos and welcome in the deviants who are too "different" to fit in at traditional companies.
Relationships and communication are going to be critical with both customers and employees. You mentioned building communities with customers. These communities need to power wide-open, no-holds-barred dialogue between customers and the organization. These dialogues aren't about pushing products or promoting the company, they are about only listening and seeking to understand what is being said. And, they are the key to delivering the kinds of things that the market will consume. These same dialogues will need to be taking place with employees.

I hope that this was more in line with the assignment.

-Jason

Looking ahead...

Jason-

I liked the points that you made in your post from Monday, but I think that we need to make a decision about or clarify what we are attempting to do here. You made the point that you were identifying characteristics of what you thought the future organization should be, and I am wanting to make sure that is in line with our objective here.

I think that there are a lot of people talking about what the future of HR could be / should be and I am hoping we can add a slightly different perspective to that conversation. We cannot predict the future, but we have identified some of the ways in which business is changing and will continue to change.

As we move closer to the heart of this issue and consider the future of the organization, rather than us thinking about what we would like the organization to look like in the future, I had wanted us to look at our original list of ways in which business is changing and develop some thinking around how those changes would influence and shape the future of the organization. Having done that we could move on and consider how that stuff would shape the future of HR work.

I may just be confused by or over analyzing language, but I wanted to make sure we were both on the same page before doing more work on this. Let me know, thanks.

Sports Round Table & Me

We join the show about 5 minutes late
this week, but I'm sure you'll find
it just as interesting none the less.
Here's a couple of stories to keep you
going til the next time I join you !

If you started 3-0 and were now 4-5
you would cry too. There there Rex

I respect Yahoo sports Dan Wetzel quite
a bit, be he's and idiot for thinking
Sunday nights loss wasn't Bill Belichicks
fault, and you're not too bright if you
think it was.

The pain in Buffalo isn't over, but at
least they administered some asprin!

new Inna

Disneys secret weapon

he Stunners are five superfun girls who are all active Hollywood actresses, too! You might recognize Tinashe, Hayley, Allie, Marisol and Lauren from various shows such as Wizards of Waverly Place (Hayley), Suite Life on Deck (Allie), JONAS (Lauren) and more. Also, their hit song “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” was featured on the iCarly soundtrack.
The Stunners’ EP just hit iTunes in late October, so make sure to catch that. What’s next for The Stunners? Hayley says, “Our music video is coming out for ‘Dancin’ Around The Truth’ and it’s ridiculous.” Allie added, “It’s amazing.” So what’s up for next year? “At the beginning of next year we are looking at our album coming out,” Tinashe says. They also spilled on an upcoming TV show that is still in the works! Make sure to keep an eye out for them!

Promo Time

Adam Lambert strikes another fierce pose for the camera in his latest promotional photo. Wanna know a secret? His label may not want you to know, but Adam's first single "For Your Entertainment" is available on iTunes NOW

GaGA;S Cameo

Leave it to boze

Shayne Lamas was taken into police custody on Saturday night on suspicion of DUI charges, her first response was to issue a press release to E! News—even though we probably wouldn’t have known otherwise. Here’s what the Leave it to Lamas star had to say:

"Early Saturday morning, after consuming one drink, I willingly drove through a mandatory check point on my way home with complete confidence of passing," Lamas tells E! News. "However, the breathalyzer indicated that I was over the legal limit of blood alcohol content and was arrested onsite. "I take full responsibility for my lack of judgment. I have always strived to be a role model for my friends, family and fans and have never nor will ever condone drinking and driving. I apologize for all those I have disappointed, including myself."

In Case You Missed This

It's Interesting when War & Peace meet
in real life. Check this MMA fighter
who's actions and words are not the same.

Think Bill Belichick made a bad decision
Sunday night vs. the Colts? This NY times
article says that the numbers might disagree
with you.

Soooooo, how about those NY Mets finally
making a decision that makes good baseball
sense?

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Get to me
at MadStorkSports@Yahoo.com

Stay tuned for more !

The Future of the Organization, Part 2

Joe,

Thanks for summarizing our thoughts in your last post. The only place where I wanted to add a comment was related to #4 regarding choice. My thoughts are that individualization and customization are much more complex than simply choice. I think we already expect choice today as consumers. In the future, we not only expect choice, but we'll expect to be able to buy a product or service in almost every situation that is specifically and uniquely designed to meet my own needs.

As for the future of organizations, I want to issue a caveat before sharing my thoughts. There is a difference between predicting what the organization of the future SHOULD look like versus what the organization of the future WILL look like. I'm choosing to take an idealist view of things for the purposes of this post. So, what I'm about to share is how I think a successful organization ten years in the future should look. In addition, I'm taking a little more prescriptive approach as I think about how the organization itself needs to evolve.

The flatter the better. While I think it will take time to break down the hierarchies of the past, organizations that become flatter in the future will be better able to innovate and adapt to rapid changes. The fewer layers, the faster information can travel and the less places there are for silos and walls to be built. However, to become effectively flat requires some radical changes in thinking about accountability, power, career paths, development and communication.
Learning is the super competency. Innovation, design, driving and adapting to change are all learning activities. They require that individuals be constantly taking in information, processing it, looking for patterns and opportunities, and taking actions. Those who can learn the fastest and put new knowledge to work will be best positioned in the future. This is particularly true for leaders and executives (which will be a major change for them from the past). To effectively deliver on this, organizations are going to have to get much more aggressive in providing learning and development programs for all employees at all levels.
Transparency is king. The days of closed books and controlled flow of information are gone. With social networking, blogging and the web oozing in through every crack in even the most locked down organizations, there is no longer any place to hide. In the future, organizations will have to build their companies and cultures in such a way that they are fully authentic to their brand promise. Their actions will truly need to match their words.
Flexibility is the new norm. Fixed schedules, set work locations, and narrow job duties are things of the past. This may be where technology has it's greatest impact. It won't be long before all of your knowledge workers will require broadband wireless enabled laptops so that they can work where ever they happen to be, whenever they do their best work. Online collaboration tools are making "the office" less and less relevant. Additionally, even those who work in front-line, more traditionally structured jobs are going to expect flexibility in scheduling, job responsibilities, learning opportunities, etc. This will create a great deal of management complexity which will require organizations to be very creative to be successful.
Manager/Leader as coach. If you have ever participated in sports, you know how much differently a coach behaves towards his or her players than a manager does towards his or her employees. A coach may have been a player at one point in their life, but in their role as coach, they have very specific responsibilities that are different than being a player: teaching the game to players including the formal rules and the subtle nuances; figuring out where each player fits best (what position should each play); helping each player master the fundamentals of playing the game; setting up a system; and finally, managing the game and making adjustments as situations change during the game. The coach spends most of his time with his players practicing the skills required to perform when it counts. Contrast this to the manager of today who spends most of their time still playing the game and minimal time working with the team (and almost no time practicing). The leader of the future will need to model the style of a sports coach and spend 90% of their time focused on helping their employees excel in their positions.

Certainly, this list isn't exhaustive, but I think that these five things will be the fundamental changes that successful organizations will make over the next ten years to survive in this changing environment. I'm sure I've missed a few, so I'd look forward to you filling in the gaps and telling me what I may have gotten wrong.

Jason

Stone COLD Locks !

Well last week wasn't a disaster, and I am
now 6-3 but now more representative of a
"Stone Cold Lock" predictor after a 3-0
week. So without further adieu, I will
continue with the no more Mr Nice Guy
Approach. Again, no such thing as a
too easy pick from now on. It's a
"LOCK" because it's supposed to be,
so here we go again.

Miami

New Orleans

Minnesota

ENJOY !

December Memories

Headlines And Bylines

Is Michael Crabtree a Blessing or a Curse?

LeBron's man crush on Michael Jordan
is definitely over the top.

Should we go back to leather football
helmets?

The October edition of PETA has me
going Gonzo.

Ladies and Gentleman your pre World
Cup Soccer Power Rankings.

The Future of the Organization

Jason-

So, let me try to summarize what we have pointed out as key influences changing business:

Innovation is becoming a prime opportunity for competitive advantage
The rate of change is increasing
Disruptive technology
Choice is becoming increasingly important (you said individualization and customization, can I lump those together as "choice?)
Trust is becoming a prime opportunity for competitive advantage
Design is becoming increasingly important

Does that accurately capture what we have sketched out so far?

I think that this seems like a decent list and that there is some evidence to support each of these trends. As I think about what this means to the organization, this is what comes to mind for me:

Organizational culture is going to be really, really, really important. Culture has always been important, but culture plays a huge role in an organizations capacity to innovate, adapt new practices and technology, and build relationships based on trust. Honesty, transparency and authenticity are becoming critical and that is a big change.
Understanding the value of ideas and information is becoming critical as are access to information and tools to share and organize information.
The relationships between the organization and its employees and between the organization and its consumers will have to become much more interactive and "two-way" in nature. Employees and consumers (past, current, potential) have valuable information about a great many things and it is no longer feasible for that information to slowly "trickle up" to key decision makers. Employees and consumers have to be viewed as as scouts and forward observers.
There is little (if any) case remaining for the profession of management as we now know it.
Organizations are going to need to find ways to put more power and tools and resources into the hands of employees and consumers. I think that organizations will become less about specific products or services and more about building community and providing that community with platforms upon which they can build what they want and need.

Looking forward to seeing what you have to add to this.

-joe

Previous Posts in this Series:
1- Where Will We Go?
2- Game On
3- Thinking About Where We Will Go
4- Thinking, Take 2

Thank You Veterans

There is isn't enough thanks to go
around. Hope you have and had a
great Veterans Day. Enjoy your
FREEDOM ! Many sacrifices were
made so that you might.

Enjoy this repeat edition of the
November 7th edition Sports Round Table

Thinking about where we will go . . . take 2.

Hey Joe,

Good thoughts and thanks for getting us rolling on our Business 2020 discussion. I've been thinking and collecting notes on this topic since you first posed it. Predicting the future is a more daunting task than I originally anticipated.

Two issues you raised were on my list as well.

Rate of Change. Speed is becoming critical. Not only the speed at which you change, but the speed at which you can adapt to the change around you.

Technology. The disruption of technology has only just begun. Increasingly, more jobs will be replaced by technology leaving people searching to find different ways to create value.

Here are a few other thoughts I have about what the future might look like.

Individualization and customization of products will not longer be a differentiator but an expectation. Customers increasingly expect their products to be unique to their needs. As an example, the NFL has begum promoting that you can now order jerseys and shirts from your favorite NFL Teams from their website where you choose the design, color and what it says on the back. We expect to be able to customize everything and that will continue.

Trust is officially dead. Skepticism has long been a label of Gen X, but every generation is growing increasingly skeptical. People get lied to or spun everywhere they turn and it seems that there's no one to trust. So, transparency and full disclosure will no longer be a choice but a requirement on the part of organizations. Companies who can build loyalty and trust over time through their actions will have an advantage.

Design will be king. The ability to anticipate customer (and employee) needs and desires and design products and services to brilliantly meet those will differentiate the successful from the rest. This isn't just artistic design, but product design, brand design, communication design, organization design, etc. (Think Zappos, iPhone apps, and the Obama presidential campaign--all examples or brilliant design in one way or another).

It seems that we are collectively becoming more impatient and demanding as people. We want things our way, right now. I don't see that this trend will turn and certainly this trend will impact not only how we do business, but how we design our organizations as well.

On to the topic of the organizations of the future.

-Jason

Thinking about where we will go...

Okay, I will get this thing started.

Again, no crystal ball here, but these are some significant shifts or movements that I believe provide some valuable context for the discussion about the future of HR / Talent / OD.

I think that there are three forces currently changing business that will continue to change business for near future...and they are all inter-related to some degree.

1.) Innovation. For more and more organizations, more and more industries and even communities, regions and countries, innovation is the biggest and best opportunity for competitive advantage. This is significant and causing a lot of friction in organizations not built for innovation. The increased importance of innovation will continue to change the structure and strategy of organizations as well as the culture and the role of management and leadership.

2.) The rate of change. We live in a world of increasing volatility. New products and services are introduced more often than they used to be, executive leadership changes more frequently than it used to, ideas and information travel much more rapidly than it used to. This is also significant and will reward organizations that are nimble and most able to integrate new ideas and information and.

3.) Disruptive technology. I got a Motorola Droid phone last week and let me just say that we are not in Kansas any more. I bought my first PC in 1993 for about $2,500 and the phone that I bought last week for right around $100 and carry in my pocket does more for me than that Gateway computer ever did. Moore’s Law, the democratizing nature of Web 2.0 and the explosion of mobile devices all mean more and more power and choice in the hand of individuals...whether they be employees (current, past or potential) or customers (current, past or potential). This also is significant.

There are a lot of things changing in the world of business today and there will be a lot of things changing tomorrow. We continue to become more of a global marketplace, sustainability is becoming increasingly important, our economy is shaky...all of these things and many more are relevant. But I keep coming back to these three things as key drivers of change in the nature of organizations and how we get work done.

In my next post I will talk about how they are and will change the organization.

-joe

Donkey love

Shanna Moakler has put away the cat claws.

During a recent appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Moakler, 34, called Khloe Kardashian, 25, a "donkey."

Keeps getting better

The singer, 28, showed off a chic blonde bob with bangs during a dinner date with her music producer hubby Jordan Bratman Monday in Los Angeles.

Adding extra vamp to her look, Aguilera, who donned black leggings and a leather jacket for the outing, slicked on her trademark red lipstick.

The Hills Overdrive

Audrina Patridge isn't outraged that Kristin Cavallari is seeing another one of her former flings.

Of reports that Cavallari, 22, is dating Tal Cooperman (co-owner of the DCMA Collective clothing line), a source tells Usmagazine.com: "Audrina thinks it's laughable. Tal and Kristin have gone out a few times now, but it's nothing serious. Tal and Audina never officially dated and are still friends."

Goooooooooooooooal !

A video I came across on Yahoo sports

Enjoy !

Who says there's no scoring soccer ?

GAGA'S Romance

What BIG Free Agent will your team
sign this off season? or not.

Sammy Sosa or Michael Jackson?

Does BCS mean Brand College Sissies
or Bowl Chumpionship Serial?

BCS Teams: Boise State you SUCK
Boise State: Wanna Play Us ?
BCS Teams: Hell No !

Allen Iverson needs another Tattoo that
says: I'm a BIG F#@&king Cry Baby !

See Exposure Beauty and Top Model Lauren Layne in November's Issue of SEVENTEEN MAGAZINE

Exposure Model Ashley Aull in November Issue of HERLIFE Magazine

Stone Cold NFL Locks

Well last week was a disaster, and I am
not only 3-3 but not very representative
of a "stone cold lock" predictor, so with
that being said, no ,more Mr Nice Guy.
No such thing as a too easy pick from
now on. It's a "LOCK" because it's
supposed to be, so here goes.

Atlanta

Seattle

Jacksonville

That's as close as it gets this week, ENJOY !

I fly Above

Kandi performed her brand new single, "Fly Above," on the Monique Show. She did a good job and remember to check out her single now available for purchase on iTunes.

days til #ones

Dancer reveals that Janet will perform at AMAs

Dancer Nico Archambault revealed in a new interview with Le Journal de Montreal (written in French) that he will be performing with Janet at the American Music Awards on November 22.

No official announcement confirming a performance by Janet at the AMAs has yet been made.

Also in the interview, Archambault reveals that the music video for "Make Me" was filmed on Wednesday in Hollywood and features four dancers, including himself.

Archambault, 25, was the winner of the first season of the Canadian version of "So You Think You Can Dance" in 2008. This is the first time he has worked for Janet.

Sports Round Table on WDISAM

Listen Live on 1170AM or WWW.WDISAM.COM
Saturdays 8 - 11 AM

Sports Wrapup And The World Series

Joe Girardi is more than a World Series winner!

Jimmy Rollins still NOT a believer

THIS is a pitcher !

Boise State should not have to hire
a PR firm to prove that they deserve
a shot at playing in a BCS Bowl !

Vincente Padilla does the Plaxico.

KC Chiefs fans speak out: LJ Sux !

Canadian official gets burned over
H1N1 vaccine shot to Calgary Flames
players, family and staff.

Dirty player #1 step up and collect your prize!

Brandon Spikes suspends self for a FULL
game. Well he's not smarter than his coach,
but today he acted like it.

If your a boxer and your dad is in your
corner, that might not be a good thing.

Christina Aguilera Radio

work it!

DAMN! Amerie is killing it on Wendy Williams! She performed her second single Heard ‘Em All. Not bad for a live performance!

The port has arrived

Natalie Portman is showing off a decidedly severe look with her thick eyeliner and a pompadour on the cover of V magazine. The actress stars with Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire in the drama, Brothers, and chatted with the magazine about another upcoming project, the Darren Aronofsky film, Black Swan.

Sports Round Table Halloween Edition Replay

Pardon the interruption, but due to
a boneheaded error we have to join
this episode in progress, but we
only missed the first five minutes.

Enjoy !

Shes Back!

Here's the teaser trailer for Amanda Woodward's long-awaited return to Melrose Place in two weeks. Personally, I'd rather the trailer feature Amanda pushing Asshole Simpson in front of a fast-moving bus driven by Dr. Kimberly Shaw, but this will do too.

LETS HOPE SHE BRING IT LIKE THE OLD DAYS

Reasons Why We Watch

Cole Hamels and sleeping with the enemy.

Being a Cubs fan can be a little Gay.
J U S T K I D D I N G

Browns Eric Mangini feeling a little Blue

Mike Williams thinks Duke Sucks !

Clearly not an eye for an eye, huh Urban?

Golf dope Dopes !

Stephen Colbert Nation takes the GOLD

He's REALLY sorry, yeah, he is.

ATL THROWDOWN

Below are some pictures of the housewives in costume: Kim (as a slutty Alice in Wonderland), Sheree (as Hercules), Kandi (as a disco something-or-another) and Lisa Wu (as Dwight) HMMMMM NO NENE

The Real Housewives of Atlanta threw a Halloween party on Friday night and Kim Zolciak decided to terrorize the audience with a live performance of Tardy For the Party.

Top of the pops

Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has achieved double chart success with her debut solo single and album both reaching number one.

Her song Fight For This Love held onto the lead in the singles chart for a second week and remains the fastest-selling track of the year so far.

Now her debut album 3 Words has entered the chart in the top spot, beating This Is It, the new Michael Jackson release.

The Official UK Charts Company said it was a “fabulous achievement” for Cole.

Spokesman Martin Talbot said: “3 Words now looks set to be one of the biggest albums of this coming Christmas.”

Cole held onto number one in the singles chart despite new entries from Westlife – who reached number two with What About Now – and Jay Sean.

To reach the top of the album chart she knocked off last year’s X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

This Is It, the soundtrack to the new film about Jackson’s final concert series, was a new entry at number three.

Favre, Cable & Agassi Lead The Way

Getting Cable takes on a new meaning

A Wig? No wonder he did drugs !

Predictions.

Jason-

I hear ya man. 2020 is a long, long way away. And, as you mentioned, things are changing more and more rapidly all the time. I am not necessarily looking for specific predictions about things ten years down the road...as I am not sure that will be of much value, but what will be some significant shifts playing out in the next ten years. For example will organizations continue to move away from hierarchical models towards networked models? And if we believe this to be true, what might that mean for HR (or Talent, or OD) or whatever we want to focus on.

And you can have your seat at the table, and I hope that it is a comfortable one. I believe that the action is moving away from the table out to the front yard, so that is where I am headed. I look forward to seeing what you have squeezed out of your crystal ball.

-joe