A few weeks ago, while I was in Greensboro, I was flipping through TV channels and ended up on ESPN Classic, watching “Battle of the Network Stars”. The show brought back some great memories as I remembered watching it with my sisters when I was a kid. For those of you who don’t remember: The show consisted of stars from ABC, NBC and CBS competing in different sports & activities. The show was hosted by THE Howard Cosell (I always loved his voice).
The show aired from 1976-1988 and some of the stars who participated included: Gabe Kaplan, Telly Savalas, Jimmy Walker, Loretta Swift, Ed Asner, Lynda Carter, Farah Fawcett, Scott Baio, Ron Howard & Billy Crystal. Activities included: swimming, tug of war, football and an obstacle course.
As I reminisced about the show, I came up with my own show… “Battle of the Research Stars”! After I came up with this idea, I started to think about who I would recruit for my 6 member team. Age and geographic location doesn’t matter, BUT: the team must be evenly split; 3 males and 3 females
Here is my team:
- Merrill Dubrow (If it’s my team, I have to be on it)
- Janet Savoie: Great swimmer in fantastic shape, she hates to lose and she’s a lot of fun
- Steve Schlesinger: Every team needs someone with a ponytail
- Amy Shields: Very athletic, can toss a ball with the best of ’em!
- Jason Miller: Looks crazy and intimidating at times…also would give great interviews
- Merrill Shugoll: You can never have enough Merrill’s on a team!
Okay, that’s my team!
- What do you think about my lineup?
- Who would you draft for your team?
- Would you be interested in competing in this if we hosted the games at a research conference?
I look forward to reading your comments.
janet savoie says:
I’m honored to be chosen. I’m in!
Melanie says:
That sounds fun! And I remember that show!
I’d choose Chuck Miller, Alice Butler, Steve Myers, Kristin Luck, and Reg Baker.
Chuck Miller says:
I like it! Sounds like a fun team — count me in!
stephenie gordon says:
i’ve got a crazy one for you. here are my picks:
Kendall Gay – i am sure he knows how to use a crossbow so if all else, we’ll take you down Duck Dynasty Style
Ted Donnelly – young and in shape, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll use his brain to psych out the competition.
JR Venza – assuming he has recovered from his shoulder surgery of course…
Kim White – powerful soccer play. she’ll be clutch for tug of war.
Anne Hedde – she looks like an innocent sweet blond, but she has Texas blood.
Janet Baldi – i can just tell she’ll be a fierce competitor and a damn good team player.
J.R. Venza says:
It’s good to go! Team Gordon!
Betsy Bernstein says:
Any team that includes Merrill (OK both Merrills) and Steve … has to be a winner!
Colleen Mezler says:
Haha, I loved that show and I love everyone on your team. I would cheer for you guys, any day.
Ginger Blazier says:
Yes, that was a fun show. My team would be:
Dan Rangle
Jens Erickson
Paul Posluszny
Lynn Stalone
Lorei Musselman
and Me
We would have a blast!!!!!
Christine Cook says:
Game on!
My Team…
Bret Agre – Love sports and he’s also an accomplished artist. He is an exceptional writer, super smart about so many things and an awesome COO. He can do so much it’s crazy!
Cory Balthaser – Super Jock! The most natural athlete I have even known. This guy can play any sport and excel. He’s super dynamic and will distract others with his awesomeness! This is the only guy I know who can call a conservative client “Big Homie.” and get away with it. “Have a Jammin Day” he’ll say! Dynamic doesn’t even remotely describe his likability. He’s killer at debate as well.
Steve Ward – Topping the charts at 6’5″ and a 100% sports nut and jock! He’s got everything Cory has plus 2 more inches. Beer pong champ at UNC, he can also throw some wicked darts, play hoops, shoot pool; you name it. He’s got so much focus no one can distract him when he’s on a mission to win. I think Steve is in more sports leagues than anyone else on the team…and he’s really good!
Mike Coffey – AKA Moneymakinmike. He’s a former professional baseball player. True fact! Also a nature born athlete, over the top Project Manager with a huge side of entrepreneurial spirit, Mike has some serious gun and can rock any color button down better than anyone I know.
Carissa Deutscher – No one is more positive, outgoing and fun. She’s an awesome FM, also a great lover of sports and loves to play. Plus not everyone can say they have won an Emmy. Don’t let her size fool you. This pint size Facility Manager is all dynamite and will give anyone a run for their money!
John Cook – While he’s not the most athletic guy, every team will benefit from a guy who has two Engineering degrees and is also an IT guy. The fact that he is also a pilot, certified massage therapist and super Kumbiya will definitely be helpful. He’s super smart too! We all look at him and say “Who does all this?” If it’s a tech toy, he owns it!
As for me? I spent a life time hiring people way smarter than I am. I’m proud to my team against any other team in the industry while I cheer them on! I must say…I am blessed to work with the best of the best!
Thanks for reading.
Christine Cook
Christine Cook says:
Okay, Merrill pointed out that I was clearly tired when I put my team together last night and I need three females. So here we go?
Steve Ward
Cory Balthaser
Mike Coffey
Carissa Deutscher
Ah…since Stephanie already picked up Janet Baldi…darn it. I’ll have to go with our new hire, Emily and me. We both played college ball. She’ll be great!
Bring it!
Al says:
I’m holding out for Circus of the Stars.