The New Tokyo American Club Opens

Posted on 2011/01/19 by Editor

The New American club opened today.  2010 was a year where members really got a chance to say what they thought.  There was a sense of transparency that prevailed and the common feeling was- no more baloney.  Whether you are a board of governor, a committee member or a general member, you need to be candid, clear, and honest.

We learned a lot about the positives and negatives of the club operation.  We will prepare a summary of what we learned for everyone to review on this site.

In the meantime, the new Tokyo American Club is open. Maybe you walked through, used the gym, the pool, or ate at the restaurant.  What do think of the new TAC?  Leave comments on below and we’ll make sure that the items of common interest will be addressed.

-MABT (Making A Better TAC)

PLEASE leave your comments on the new Tokyo American Club facility below.

Posted in MABT Update | 8 Comments

TAC Elections: Break out the Moet!

Posted on 2010/11/23 by wagtail

What’s that faint popping sound we hear? Some say it’s the champagne corks going off … the rumor is that Dan Thomas has NOT been re-elected, and that there are “new faces” on the BoG. Well done, MABT-ers!

Unfortunately, if you’re a Facebook user you have probably already seen the premature announcement from one of the presidential candidates whose name is not Rod. Still, it could be worse … it could have been a tie!

Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of the Party; so keep the pressure up to make sure the TWG2 and FinComm recommendations are turned into reality. Tally ho!

Posted in Board Of Governors, Elections, President | 2 Comments

Election Results

Posted on 2010/11/22 by Editor

Well, we hoped our suggestions helped you with the elections.  We will post the results here on the MABT site as soon as they are announced.

Coming soon..

Posted in Board Of Governors, Elections, MABT Update, Tokyo American Club | Leave a comment

People Love The Tokyo American Club!

Posted on 2010/11/17 by Editor

Great to see everyone coming to the website.  We’re looking for more constructive comments!

Yesterday we had 142 visitors visit www.abetteramericanclub.com.  Not the top day, but a good showing.

Please give ideas on

1) How to better govern the club and keep our board engaged with members requests

2) Have a meaningful committee system or maybe throw that out all together and do something new

3) Better service our membership

If you have a good idea, post it as a comment below here and we’ll make the comment into a post so others can see it.

We’re also working on adding some survey features to the website.  All the work being done by a number of your fellow members.  What’s the cost to the club?  NOTHING!

We are investing in having not only a great building, but a great club which isn’t the building, it’s the people!

Posted in MABT Update, Questions, Suggestions, Tokyo American Club | 2 Comments

Return of the Jedi

Posted on 2010/11/13 by wagtail

Rad Skywalker has returned to his home planet of Azabudai in an attempt to rescue his beloved Club from the clutches of the vile gangsters Jabbas the Hutts. He stands before the Jabbas, and makes his demands clear …

Rad: You will surrender Azabudai and the TAC to me.
Jabbas (in Huttese subtitled): Your TWG mind powers and logic will not work on us, boy.
Rad: Nevertheless, I’m taking Azabudai and my friends away from your control. You can either profit by this… or be destroyed! It’s the BoG’s choice. But I warn you all not to underestimate my powers.
The Jabbas’ laugh is mean and loud.
Jabbas (in Huttese subtitled): There will be no bargain, young TWGedi. We shall enjoy watching you and the members’ hopes for freedom die.

… Cut to the Pit of the Sarlaac, otherwise known as the Proxy-System TAC Election Trap …
Rad is prodded and jumps off the plank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators. But, before anyone can even perceive what is happening, he spins around and grabs the end of the plank by his fingertips. The plank bends wildly from his weight and catapults him skyward. In midair he does a complete flip and drops down on the end of the plank in the same spot he just vacated, but facing the skiff. He casually extends an open palm and — his lightsaber, which Dieter has sent arcing toward him, drops into his hand.

With samurai speed, Rad ignites it and attacks the Governor who prodded him off the plank, sending the hapless dissembler screaming overboard. The other Governors swarm toward Rad. He wades into them, lightsaber flashing…

We’re getting close to the Elections, ladies and gentlemen. Like young Rad, we need to recognize that there’s only one way forward if we’re going to achieve our goal of putting our Club back on its feet. We need to express our anger and make sure that the people elected to the Board of Governors get on with fixing the things that matter – instead of selling curtains and furniture.

Voice of Obiwan Ken-Obi:
The Vote, Rad. Trust the Vote…

Posted in Board Of Governors, Election Fantasy, Elections | Tagged , | Leave a comment

TAC Elections: Summary of Recommendations

Posted on 2010/11/13 by wagtail

So for whatever it’s worth, here’s a summary of MABT’s recommendations for the elections. Please remember to vote early, and encourage all your friends to express their opinions as well! Our Club will only get through this tough period if you get off your B**T and do something about it … by voting! Let us know your opinions as well.

[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates! There is no intent to offend.]

Position Nominee Vote Summary
President Lance Lee   Problem with Lance is it’s always someone else’s fault.
  Rod Nussbaum   A vote for Rod at least gives the Club a chance.
Others Per Knudsen   Per’s no-nonsense approach is awesome when he channels his inner Viking!
US Citizens Greg Lyons   Stands for change and transparency.
  Brian Nelson   Straight-shooter, and has championed several major initiatives.
  Charles Rees  

 Former Controller for the Club, who stands up for members.
  Kavin Bloomer   Thinks the current team is “doing a fine job”. We’re tending to “No!”.
  John Durkin   Needs to convince some he’s a team player.
  Ann Marie Skalecki   Perhaps not ready yet, but worth a chance.
  Dan Thomas   President when the decisions were made. Probably time for a break.
  Charlotte Kennedy Takahashi   A past BoG member, with strong connections to management.
  Steve Romaine   Not enough information yet to say “YES!”
  Joe Purcell   Passionista? Needs to impress at the debate.
  Mark Saft

Open to new ideas! An advocate for change and integrity.
Posted in Board Of Governors, Elections | 9 Comments

Following the Smoke: Slide from 2006 Town Hall

Posted on 2010/11/13 by wagtail

See here the slide from the 2006 Town Hall meeting as a summary of the prospectus document signed by Messrs Bumgardner, Thomas, and Brown:

Score: None for Four!

Posted in Tokyo American Club | 8 Comments

President’s Insight: We’re having a garage sale!

Posted on 2010/11/11 by wagtail

Was anyone else amazed by Lance’s recent “President’s Insight”? At a time when there’s serious debate about the Club’s future – and when there’s an election around the corner – his “insight” was that we’re selling the curtains!

In our view, Lance should be pushing for change, encouraging debate and answering members’ questions … like how come it’s going to cost an additional 3% to pay by cash. Not acting as the messenger for any and all activities that can be painted as neutral.

By trivializing the communication channel with members and refusing to deal with the real issues (like 3%, Lance!), Lance does himself and the members a disservice and cedes effective leadership to management and staff.

How about some real insights?

Posted in Board Of Governors, President | Leave a comment

TAC Elections: US Citizens: No way!

Posted on 2010/11/11 by wagtail

Obviously, in any group of candidates there are people we can’t recommend. While we acknowledge that each of these people deserve our thanks for standing for election, we have to say “No thanks!”.

[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates! There is no intent to offend.]

Nominee: Dan Thomas Charlotte Kennedy Takahashi Steve Romaine
Recommendation

No Way!

No Way!

No Way!
Principal says … Dan likes to take charge. Charlotte has been a good hall monitor. Steve is a quiet boy who keeps to himself.
Wagtail Comment: Come on, Dan. You’re way too invested in the status quo to be a credible candidate for change. Actually, we’re not sure you want change. Dan’s been on the BoG for ten years, and involved in other committees for even longer.
Time for a break buddy!		 Part of the group that got us here, and of the decision to hire the current GM. The policy statement suggests we leverage the Club as a US-Japan relations tool. Sure, but we’re just a little busy right now digging out of a deep hole.
Maybe next time, Charlotte.		 It’s obvious Steve has the skills and wherewithal to be a good BoG member. Steve’s policy statement is like music to our ears. Exactly, Steve … right on!
Trouble is, none of us know him so it’s hard to judge.
Steve, throw us a bone here!
One-Liner: A controversial contributor! Not this time around! Needs to talk to the barflys.
Posted in Board Of Governors, Elections | Leave a comment

TAC Elections: US Citizens: Your Guess

Posted on 2010/11/11 by wagtail

Unfortunately there are times when you can’t make up your mind, and this is one of those times. Your guess is as good as ours!

[Naturally, all the opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of TAC or (obviously) the candidates! There is no intent to offend.]

Nominee: Kavin Bloomer John Durkin Ann Marie Skalecki
Recommendation

Maybe

Maybe

Maybe
Principal says … Likes to fit in with other students. John could work harder on peer relationships. Ann is a new student, who shows great enthusiasm.
Wagtail Comment: The resume looks good, but the policy statement looks scary: “TAC management and BOG are doing a fine job …”. Seems like it’s another vote for the status quo. Hard to make a call …
Hey Kavin, tell us what difference you would make.		 Good resume, and John’s policy statement says all the right things. But there are those who say he was hard to work with in other roles in the past.
Maybe John can tell us where he stands on the TWG2 recommendations so we can make a better call.		 Ann’s resume reads well, and we commend her for the courage to stand in her second year in Japan.
At the same time, it’s hard not to read her policy statement and think “more of the same”. Ann: how about a hint on what you would change?
One-Liner: Needs to stand for change. Promise you’ll play nice! Fresh is better than stale.
Posted in Board Of Governors, Elections | 3 Comments