Georgetown Hoyas

What an impressive win by the Georgetown Hoyas over the #2-ranked UConn Huskies last night!   UConn’s starting line-up featured five NBA-quality players (all juniors and seniors), including 7-foot, 3-inch Hasheem Thabeet (the nation’s top shot-blocker).  Plus, the game was on the road.

The Hoyas, with three sophomores and freshman, were the decided underdogs, but they came out smoking – quickly jumping to an 18 – 3 lead!  And, Greg Monroe, perhaps the best freshman in the country, totally out-played Thabeet.   They had balanced scoring — as Monroe, Summers, Freeman and Wright all scored in double figures.  What a great start to Big East play!

I’ve been a Hoyas for a long time.   I still recall sadly watching Freddie Brown throw away the pass near the end of the championship game against UNC (where UNC frosh, Michael Jordan, canned the game-winning shot).  But, then joyously watching the Hoyas defeat Hakeem and the Houston Cougars the next year for their first-ever national championship.

It’s been a great joy to watch the program over the years … Coach Thompson II (Big John) created such a great program at Georgetown.   The success of the program helped raise the profile of Georgetown Univ across the nation … and helped it become an “it” school for many years.   As important, Coach Thompson also helped so many of his student-athletes become successes, both on and off the court.  Yes, there are the many NBA players like Iverson, Mourning, Ewing, etc, but there’s also the success stories of a Ralph Dalton (who got his MBA and worked on Wall Street) and Michael Jackson (who got his Masters from Harvard’s Kennedy School).

Then, in a unique twist, John Thompson III took over the program in 2004.   I’ve known John a long time (he played and coached at Princeton with a couple of good friends of mine — Howie Levy and Joey Scott).   He and his wife, Monica, are tremendous people.   It must give Big John so much joy and satisfaction to see his son continue the excellence for the program he single-handedly created.

Back in 2004, my mentor Ted Leonsis (who is a GU grad and strong supporter of Hoyas basketball), asked to meet JT III when he first came back to DC (my friendship with Ted started in Spring ’95 with a discussion about our love of Hoyas basketball – the first emails I exchanged w/ him were all about GU basketball).   JT didn’t have a lot of quality players on that first team – and people didn’t expect much that first year – but his “Princeton Motion” offense played immediate dividends.   In fact, in the first four years at GU, JTIII has won a couple of regular season Big East titles, made it to the Final Four, named  Coach of the Year, etc.

The foundation is now in place.   The Georgetown Hoyas should be a strong contender for the Big East and NCAA Tourney titles for years to come … just like in the ’80′s when his father’s Hoyas dominated the action.   Hoya Saxa!

Kids

My friends are always asking me why I have so much energy.   After hosting one of my close friends and his three children at my home for the past few days, I think I know the answer — it’s because I’m single and don’t have the many commitments that parents have!

I love children – and it was great to have an 11-yr old, 9-yr old and 4-yr old at my house … especially during the holidays.   But, being a parent takes a lot and lot of responsibility.

On the weekends, since I normally go out at night,  I like to take a short afternoon nap.  So, I tried to do so on Saturday, but it wasn’t possible.  Every 10 minutes, my 4-yr old buddy would come into my room, crawl up on my bed, hug me and tell me “I love you, Uncle Judge” (Judge is my nickname from childhood).    So, no nap time for Uncle Judge!

And, for the past few mornings, the little guy would wake me up, give me a huge hug and hang for a few minutes before declaring, “I’m hungry, Uncle Judge!”   Man, those moments are priceless.  But, you’re constantly “on the go” w small children in the house.

That again reaffirms my belief that Moms are super heroes!   They’re constantly watching over the children; making meals; doing laundry; going to the grocery store; going to the playground, etc.  It’s definitely not easy.  So, hats off to all the great Moms out there.   It definitely make you appreciate your own parents that much more!

MLB

Well, baseball has done it again.   Because there are no salary caps in MLB, the Yanks were able to pay $423 million to sign the marquee free agents — CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett.

I don’t blame the Yankees … they’re playing fairly and within the rules … but I think it’s absurd that one team is allowed to have the four highest paid players in the sport on the same team (Jeter, A-Rod, Sabathia and Teixeira).

That’s why I think the salary caps imposed by the NFL, NBA and NHL are more fair.  After all, could you imagine if one NBA team could have Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony on the same team?   Fans would be in an uproar (except for the fans of that one team).

Although the Yankees have tried to buy the World Championship over the past decade, fortunately that has not been the case – they haven’t won it all since 2000.  But, they’re certainly aggressively trying to do it again.  I guess that’s why I take so much joy when the smaller market teams, with 20% of the payroll, like the Tampa Bay Rays, can win the division and advance to the World Series.

Yes, I wish my hometown Nats had been able to sign Texeira instead of the Evil Empire Yankees, but I don’t blame the Yanks nor Texeira.  Again, they’re playing within the rules.  But, that’s why the MLB should consider a salary cap – and to make it more even and fair for all.  Until then, I’ll continue to cheer on the underdogs (like the Rays and Twins).   Can’t wait until Opening Day (that’s what happens when your fav NFL team doesn’t make the playoffs). 

Merry Christmas

This year’s Christmas is going to  be unlike any other one since it’ll be the first one without my beloved Father, who passed away in February of this year.  But, similarly to what I wrote on Thanksgiving Day, my mother, brother and I are comforted with the thought of my Dad enjoying Christmas with his parents, brothers, family members and life-long friends for the first time in a long time.

I just returned from a visit to the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery to visit my father and Uncle Arthur, who are both interred near one another.  I had a good chat with both, primarily to wish them a Merry Christmas. I also just witnessed one of the most spectacular and memorable things I’ve ever seen.   As one makes their drive through ANC, you normally see thousands of the small, white tombstone markers.  But, today it was different … nearly every tombstone was adorned with a Christmas wreath.  The sight took my breath away.  It is an incredible sight to see.  Whoever came up with that idea is brilliant!  And, thanks to all of the volunteers who placed the wreaths on the thousands of markers.

Today will be different but fortunately I have whole week to celebrate this holiday with friends.  Last night, I had Christmas Eve dinner with the Mazzaccoli’s — it’s  a tradition we’ve done for the past 7 years — I love to bring presents for their six children.  There’s nothing like the joy of seeing young children excitedly open their presents.  And, tomorrow, one of longest and closest friends, Kevin Guthrie, will be coming to my house with his wife and three children, for a few days.   So, I’ll be surrounded by those that I cherish.

In closing, I once again watched one of my favorite movies, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” last night.   I used this quote when I gave the eulogy at my Father’s memorial service … and it seems more poignant than ever … “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends … and, to George Bailey, the richest man in town!”  That’s how I feel … I feel like the richest man in Washington, DC since I / we have been blessed with so many wonderful friendships.  I thank all of my friends, especially earlier this year when we lost my Father.   And, since one never knows if this will be the last holiday you’ll share with a loved one, please give them that extra hug today — and let them know how much you care about them.   Happy holidays.

Asian-American LEAD

I attended a lot of holiday parties over the past two weeks, but my favorite one may have been the one I attended for Asian-American LEAD on Saturday afternoon at Asbury Church in DC.

Why was it my favorite holiday function?  For one simple reason — the joy on the faces of the numerous AA LEAD students, particularly during their talent show and when they received their gifts.   The singing of Christmas carols by the kindergarten and elementary students was simply priceless – I couldn’t stop beaming.    Hopefully, I’ll be able to post a link to the video that was shot at the party – then, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

I’m on the board of directors as well as co-chair of the development committee for AA LEAD (we’re part of the VPP family).   The organization’s mission is “to promote the well-being of Asian American youth and families through education, leadership development, and community-building. We focus on the Vietnamese, Amerasian, and Chinese immigrant and refugee communities” in DC and Maryland.

I still vividly recall the email I received from one of the high school students after I first met with them in ’07.   The young man wrote something along the lines of “…I remember all the info and advice you gave us … I always heard that if you worked hard, then you can be successful, but I always thought that was a myth because I never met a real successful person such as yourself.   But there you were, it was good to meet you and now I know that myth is true.”

That email further validates to me why it’s important to get involved as a mentor or volunteer.  Many of these young students from low-income families in DC don’t have role models (for a multitude of various reasons).  But, if we can show them that hard work and a college education can help make a difference in their lives, then it’s well worth the effort.   When the light bulb goes off in the young student’s mind — and they can see a brighter future — it’s worth any and all work we put in to try to make a difference.    Thanks for allowing me to share this story with you.

Redskins

The Redskins.  Sigh.  What a rocky ending to the season after their glorious 6 – 2 start.   But, to be honest, my friends and I were all predicting a 7 – 8 win season earlier this summer with a new coach in place.  So, we can’t be too bummed with the .500 record.

First and foremost, I strongly feel that they should keep Coach Zorn in place.  The organization needs stability.  You can’t win when you keep changing head coaches — similarly to businesses can’t succeed if you keep switching out the CEO every 1 – 2 years.

Secondly, the overall talent level is pretty good.   They’re in fine shape at the skill positions (Campbell is a good QB, they have quality running backs in Portis and Betts, and they have two stars in Cooley and Moss).  Lots of people complained about picking the three receivers — I think they’ll turn out be good players — especially if train hard in the off-season and come more prepared to play next year.

The obvious key is to improving the team, especially for the long term, are the lineman – both on offense and defense.   The ‘Skins need to focus their off-season moves on adding lineman on both sides of the ball.  And, they shouldn’t over-pay for vet lineman … instead, they should draft and develop a core of good, young lineman.

Look at the past Super Bowl champions as well as the top teams this year — what do they all share in common?  Strong line play.   It’s an old-fashioned saying – but the teams that can run the ball, protect their QB on passing plays, defend the run and rush the QB – are the teams that are successful.  Look at the strong line play of the Giants, Steelers, Patriots, Titans, etc.  They all share these characteristics.

The ‘Skins will most likely lose to Eagles this Sunday and then defeat the Niners the following weekend.  So, they’ll end up with a 8 – 8 record.   It’s not the desired result, but we Skins fans will have to deal with it … and hope management improves both lines in the off-season.  Hail to the Redskins!

Pizza

I just got back from dinner at one of my favorite pizza places in DC — the Pizzeria Paradiso on M St in Georgetown.   The 8-inch margherita with pepperoni and sausage.   So money.  Perfection.

So, I didn’t eat a lot of pizza as a kid since I grew up in Japan.    We spent 13 of my first 16 years in Tokyo – where there aren’t a lot of pizzeria joints.   In fact, the only I remember as a kid in Tokyo was Shakey’s, which is a far cry from the legit places (although the bowling alley at Camp Zama had good pizza’s)!

My first real pizzeria I visited was my freshman year in college when I went to visit one of my closest friends, Kevin Guthrie, at Princeton.   I had my first pizza by the slice at a real authentic joint at Victor’s Pizza on Nassau St.   Such great memories of the pizza and stromboli at Vic’s.

Then, my next big pizza experience came when I worked out of our AOL office in New York 1 – 2 days a week for 3+ plus years.    In between my client visits to the offices at the NFL, NBA, MLB, Sports Illustrated, etc, I’d always try to get at least 1 – 2 slices for lunch — normally at Ray’s or Famiglia (and, of course, John’s Pizza).   Can’t go wrong at those places.

Some complain there’s not good pizza in DC, but I beg to differ.   I love the pizza at Paradiso, Match Box, Faccia Luna and the Italian Store.   Ciao.

Saturday in DC

Wow, what a day yesterday – so much going on!   The first event of the day was the highly anticipated Georgetown – Memphis game at the Verizon Center.   I was invited to watch the game in the suite of President Jack DeGioia of Georgetown University.   The suite was packed with DC’s power crowd, including FBI Director, Robert Mueller; former CIA Director, George Tenet; WSJ’s Al Hunt; writer Mark Shields, etc.

I has also been offered floor tickets from GU’s number one fan, Ted Leonsis.  So, after spending part of the time in the suite, I went and sat in the floor seats with a couple of friends.  The action on the court was action-packed.  Fortunately, our hometown Hoyas pulled out a victory in overtime vs the Memphis Tigers, who were finalists in last year’s NCAA Championship Game.

Next was our staff holiday dinner at the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto in Tysons Corner, hosted by my boss, Ms Tiane Mitchell Gordon and her husband, Len.  This restaurant was terrific (and is recommended).  We had the Chef’s Tasting Menu — it was a fantastic meal — plus lots of stories and laughs.  Oh, and make sure to have the sommelier match the wines w/ the various dishes – they do a great job there of story-telling.

After dinner, the next stop was the annual holiday party of Mike and Sheryl Wilbon.  This is always a terrific party since they have fascinating and terrific friends (Sheryl is the best).  Plus, we met their new son (who has more hair than Mike and I combined).  It’s great to see the continued success of Mike — after many years of being a fixture on the local scene with his great work with the Washington Post, he’s now one of the most popular sports experts in the country with his outstanding work on ESPN’s “PTI” as well as NBA on ABC work.  He continues to be one of the classiest and nicest people in the business.

Thank goodness for Sunday, the “day of rest, ” since it’s definitely needed.   And, the NFL schedule on TV is full of great games today.   Peace.

Venture Philanthropy Partners

I attended the Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) Holiday party / birthday day celebration for Senator-elect Mark Warner last night at the beautiful home of Norma and Russ Ramsey.   What a great night … it was a house full of members of the VPP family … people who care deeply about making a difference in the greater, Washington DC community – particularly in helping improve the lives of children and youth from low-income families.

VPP is the brain-child of Mario Morino, the “Godfather of Philanthropy” in this region.  He co-founded VPP in 2000 with Raul Fernandez and Mark Warner.    They raised $30 million with their initial fund in ’00 with the help of many of the top business and philanthropic leaders in DC (the full story can be found at http://www.venturephilanthropypartners.org).

VPP helped fund 12 terrific non-profits in this region, including Asian American LEAD (I’m on their board of directors), See Forever Foundation, SEED Foundation, Latin American Youth Center, College Summit and other outstanding organizations.

With the leadership of Jack Davies, an outstanding person and close friend, VPP is in the midst of generating a second round of investments.  This goal this time is to raise $50 million.  Despite the downturn in economy, VPP is continuing to plug away and is well on its way to meeting its’ goal.   I’m involved as a donor (at the junior level).  And, I’m working on connecting the VPP family to the younger generation of up-and-coming business leaders in this region.   We got off to a good start last year and we’re looking to continue to expand our VPP family in the coming year.   If you’re interested in getting involved as a donor or investor, please let me know and I’ll put you in contact with our good friends at VPP (Carol Thompson Cole, Eleanor Rutland, Tim Wierzbicki, etc).

My two mentors in Philanthropy are Mario Morino and Ted Leonsis.   I’ve promised them I’ll take what they’ve taught me over the past decade and will pass it on to the next generation.   I was extremely fortunate to be part of Greater DC Cares’ “2008 Class of Change,” which honored the 10 rising leaders in philanthropy in DC.  So, the “Pay it Forward” program we’ve created is working.   As we raise the awareness of the importance of philanthropy, community service and mentoring, the more we will help improve the lives of the inner-city youth from low-income families.  Thank you for helping us making our dream come true.

NFTE – get inspired!

Last night, I attended the NFTE Holiday Party and Youth Showcase (National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship).   Wow, once I again I was blown away with the great work and business savvy of these young entrepreneurs (most of them are in high school but there was even one 7th grader pitching his wares).

AOL has been a long-time supporter of NFTE in greater Washington, DC region.   Per the http://www.nfte.com site, their mission is “to provide entrepreneurship education programs to young people from low-income communities.  Our vision is that every young person will find a pathway to prosperity.”

I’ve been fortunate to serve as a case competition finals judge the past three years.   NFTE normally has 12 – 15 business executives serving as judges.  Some of the top entrepreneurs in the region, such as Ted Leonsis and Raul Fernandez, have served as finals judges.    The terrific Julie Kantor has been the driving force of NFTE in the DC region for the past decade.  Just like Susie Kay, Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, Rosetta Lai, Marcy Mistrett — other brilliant Executive Directors of non-profits in this region, Julie has boundless energy, drive and dedication to the youth.

To add a neat twist to this past year’s competition, a documentary is being filmed about the year-long NFTE competition by Mary Mazzio and 50 Eggs films (slated to come out next Spring). This year’s DC region winner, a junior from Suitland HS in PG County, designs outfits for youth cheerleader and dance teams.

I’m good friends with a number of Washington Redskins cheerleaders (the First Ladies of the NFL)!   I asked the contest winner at the competition if she would like to meet the squad.   Of course, she said yes, so we set up a film shoot at FedEx Field this past September.   Thanks to the graciousness of Stephanie Jojokians and Melanie Treanor, we spent a couple of hours shooting the contest winner pitching her outfits to a few members of the squad as well as having her observe the team practice.  Hopefully, this cool scene will make into the documentary!

If you’re interested in getting involved with this outstanding and important organization, please go to http://www.nfte.com.