My father and Uncle Art are both interred at the Columbarium.   That’s also where they hold the burial ceremony, which is one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever witnessed.  I stood there for a few minutes this morning near the staging area and I thought back to the incredible service that the US Military puts on to honor its veterans — the flag folding, the firing of shots, the playing of bugle, the presentation of the flag, etc.   The ceremony is spectacular and solemn – and nearly renders one speechless.

As I stood there, I also remembered the outpouring of family and friends that were there to support my mother, brother and I.  I’m dumbfounded at the number of people that were.  Losing a parent and / or family member is easily one of the most difficult and painful periods one can go through.  But, I was there standing strong — riding on the shoulders of my cousins, aunts and friends.

So, it made me particularly think, on this Thanksgiving Day, how grateful I am.  I am thankful for the wonderful family I have — my mother and brother — and also my aunts and uncles, cousins and cousin’s children.  Fortunately, we stay in close contact.  On the Lynn side of the family, we had a family reunion in Oklahoma City this past May.  And, on the Tobari side of the family, we had a reunion in Tokyo less than a month ago.  I am so grateful for the Lynn and Tobari families.  And, I also have a third family, the Guthries — who I’m so fortunate to be a part of.

As I mentioned when I delivered the eulogy at my father’s funeral, I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends — ones that are there for you — not just in the good and joyous times but also in the hard and difficult times.  The names are too numerous to mention but they know who they are.  Thank you for the years of friendship.

I also want to thank my numerous co-workers / clients / friends — from the AOL days and across the Sports industry as well as to those now currently at Georgetown University, Under Armour, MicroStrategy, x2impact, Legacy Connect and so many more.

Speaking of Georgetown, I feel blessed to be part of the family.  I’m now in my 7th year of teaching there.  I have so many friends, students and mentees — literally over 100 — that I keep in contact with regulary.  As I write this blog on my deck, I’m looking clearly across the river on this beautiful directly at Georgetown Univ.  I am thankful to be part of this wonderful institution and family.

And, of course, I must thank my mentees.  Again, they are too numerous to mention — the list is in the dozens and dozens, but you all inspire and motivate me.   My friends say that my mentees must be lucky to have me as a mentor.  I think it’s the other way around — I’m blessed to have them in my life.  They give me pride, joy, laughter and passion.  In fact, tonight, I’m taking three of my mentees to a Thanksgiving Dinner in Koreatown — so we’re going to do an Asian-style Thanksgiving!

My best Thanksgiving wishes to all.  I am thankful on this holiday but I’m also grateful and appreciative each and every day of the year.  Peace.

In the past couple of years, Steve Jobs has been lauded over and over for his brilliance in leading Apple.  And, of course, Mark Zuckerberg receives great praise for the amazing work he’s done at Facebook.   And, Bill Gates is regarded as one of the great business leaders for building and leading one of the great companies of all time, MicroSoft.  But, I think Steve Case deserves more recognition for his incredible vision and drive.

I don’t know if I have these details correct, but as the story goes, Steve was working for the Pizza Hut corporation in Kansas back in the early 80′s when he got very interested in exchanging bulletin board messages (the pre-cursor to email).   He was then recruited by his older brother, an investment banker, to join Control Video Corp around ’83.   Steve then founded Quantum Computer Services in ’85, which evolved into several different firms and names before being named America Online  in the early 90′s.   After a 10-year run, AOL finally took off in ’94 and ’95 and went through a meteoric rise into becoming a leading global brand.

But, just think.  How did Steve Case have the vision and audacity way back in the early 80′s to think that he could connect people through this new form of messsaging?  And, it wasn’t just in the US, but globally.  Talk about being way ahead of the game.

I joined AOL in the Spring ’95.  At the time, we had email and chat rooms.  But, then the Buddy List and instant messaging launched on the AOL service.  Talk about another game-changer!  In fact, if you look back, the foundation of social media was launched on AOL — email, chat rooms, instant messaging, polling, pictures, etc.  We called it Community back then but it’s really what Facebook, Twitter, etc is now.

I still remember about 5 years ago when I got a Facebook friend request from Steve.  Since I teach at Georgetown, I’ve had an .edu address for some time.   I didn’t join FB in the mid 00′s since I thought it was primarily for students.  So, when I got the FB request from Steve, I thought it might be spam.  But, in fact, it was at that time that FB decided to open up to people outside the education space.   My first two friends on FB were Steve and his wonderful wife, Jean.

It is simply incredible to see the growth of Facebook over the past few years — nearly 800 million users around the world.  And, Twitter is another remarkable tool.   If you go back 10 years, the darlings of the internet space were AOL, Yahoo and MySpace.  It’s now all about Google, Facebook and Twitter.

But, in going to back to the beginning of this blog, I’m still fascinated with how emailing how impacted and changed the way we communicate — not just in the business world, but also socially.  Personally speaking, I am so much more productive — not just interacting with my Sports clients but also with the 100+ students I teach / advise  at Georgetown — as well as the many friends I have here in the US and internationally.

And when I think back to how emailing changed the game, I think back to the vision of Steve Case.   He got this going back in the early 80′s — when cable TV was fairly new and satellite tv, internet, mobile phones, etc were barely existent.  So, yes, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc deserve great praise, but I think Steve Case should also be more prominently lauded for his vision and leadership in changing the way we communicate.

I’m sure a number of friends and former colleagues can add much more to this topic.   Cheers.

I like to write from time to time about the status of the Washington, DC sports scene — so here we go:

- Washington Nationals:  what a great series win over the Phillies, the team w/ the best record in baseball.  I very much like the foundation that the Nats are putting in place.  They now have a core of good, young players — Zimmerman, Espinoza, Desmond, Morse, Ramos, Zimmermann, Storen, Clippard, etc — while they’re also putting together a terrific farm system.  The signing of all 5 draft picks last week was terrific.  I like how they’re patiently building out the team — from the minors up to the majors.  Similar to the Atlanta Braves model — which helped them win numerous NL East titles.  Yes, they still have a ways to go but it’s good to see the approach they are taking.

- Washington Redskins:  yes, it’s only the preseason but as a ‘Skins fan, one must like they are playing the game — offense, defense and special teams.  This year’s team is younger, more athletic and faster.  And, they seem to have players that want to play the game — rather some of the overpaid and pampered free agents from the past few years.  It’s refreshing to see.   It’s good they put an emphasis on building up the offensive and defensive lines.  Obviously, the QB is going to be a major factor in how the team plays this year.  But, the Shanahan duo seem to fully believe in Beck.   The ‘Skins are in a tough division – with the the Eagles (nearly everyone’s pick to win the Super Bowl), Giants and Cowboys.   A .500 record might be the best we can hope for — but at least Shanahan and Allen are building the team the right way (also taking the long-term approach and filling the team with character guys).

- Washington Capitals:  wow, this is going to be another exciting year.  Some “experts” are predicting the Caps to win the Stanley Cup this coming season.  That might be a bit premature since they haven’t advanced too far in the playoffs the past few years.  But, the team is certainly talented and extremely well-built (the additions of the veteran free agents should have a great impact — on and off the ice).  And, the Caps games are the “must see” and “go to” sports experience in DC.   It is the one sports experience that has a “wow” factor and compels fans to keep coming back.  In fact, the Caps are already sold out for the season.  Looking forward to rocking the red in about 2 months.

- Washington Wizards:  this will continue to be frustrating for NBA fans … the lock-out talks, similarly to what we went through with the NFL for so many months this year.   It’s a shame since I like the team the Wizards are putting together — similarly to the Caps and Nationals — they’re putting together a good foundation of young talent — that can develop and grow together into a winning team.   But, similarly to the NHL in the mid ’00′s, this current economic model is broken and needs to be remedied.  It’ll eventually be settled but it looks like it’s going to take quite some time for this to occur.

- DC United:  it’s good to have them back to their winning ways.   Coach Ben Olsen is doing a good job in his first year as the full-time head coach.  They do need to fare better at home but they’re playing well on the road.  The team is coming together nicely — and they’re right there to snag a spot in the top three if they keep playing well.  It’s a shame that more fans don’t come to RFK for games — it’s really a fun and entertaining experience.  Of course, things would be different if the team played in a new, soccer-specific stadium.  But, for now, more and more fans should go and experience a MLS game.

The fun thing about blogging is one can write about whatever comes to mind.  It’s simply expressing one’s personal opinion.  I do normally focus one of the following topics — Sports, Diversity, Education and Family.   But, for the past month, I actually tried to blog about different things I like about my hometown.  I didn’t draw up a list of topics.  Instead, I simply wrote about whatever came to top of mind for that particular day.

As we head into July, I’ll go back to writing about one of the aforementioned four areas — although from time to time I’ll write about other random topics.  Again, this is the beauty of blogging.  This is not a money-making business venture — it’s simply a hobby.  And, it’s great to get feedback from friends and students.

Thanks to those of you read this blog from time to time … and thanks for your emails and comments.

For those that read this blog regularly, you’re aware that I’m a fan and season ticket-holder (full or partial) to the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Nationals and Georgetown Hoyas.   So, yes, I like all of these teams.  And, it’s great to see DC turn into much more of a hockey town (the Caps home games are now the best and most exciting sports attraction in town).  Also, it’s awesome to have baseball back in town — especially when the Nats are now the hottest team in baseball.   The Wizards will take time but they’re starting to put a good foundation in place.

But, if you have track the history of Sports in Washington, DC, the Redskins are the name that creates the most excitement and animosity.  Season tickets are passed on from generations to generations.  They sell out the 2nd largest NFL stadium, which has a capacity of over 90,000.   They’ve only made the playoffs a couple of times over the past two decades yet they are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world (thanks to the business and marketing acumen of their staff).

The Redskins are Washington, DC.  Nothing unites a city like a Super Bowl champion.  Is there anything close?  I hope to see a similar reaction when the Caps win the Stanley Cup.  But, for those of us that were here and remember the three Super Bowl wins in the 80′s and early 90′s, there’s nothing like a city celebrating a Super Bowl victory.  In the streets of Georgetown, you literally come upon hundreds and hundreds of strangers — yet you’re hugging, slapping high fives, hooting and hollering.  It’s unabashed joy and jubilation.

NFL Sundays are quite something.  During a ‘Skins game, the streets are quiet (and the crime rate drops dramatically).   The morning after a Skins game is also interesting — the city jumps to a different beat after a win vs the more solemn nature after a loss (especially to the dreaded Cowboys, Giants or Eagles).

The Washington Redskins are a landmark, a monument, and a fabric of the Washington, DC community.  The locals love them (or at least most of us do).  The transient citizens that moved here or out-of-town guests that come to visit can’t stand the wall-to-wall media coverage the Redskins receive.   But, that’s the power of the NFL (and another reason they need to resolve this strike soon — which will hopefully occur within the next two weeks).

Hail to the Redskins!

The first time I took a tour of the townhouse I toured during July 4th weekend in ’01, I fell in love immediately for one primary reason … the view of the Potomac River from the master bedroom.   The view took my breathe away.  And, now nearly 10 years later, I’m in still with the view … which overlooks the GW Parkway and the Potomac River … and is directly across from Georgetown University.  I look directly at Healy Tower and I can see the National Cathedral in the background.

One of my favorite things to do is to sit on the back deck … whether it’s reading the paper and drinking coffee in the morning … or, as I’m doing now, having a glass of wine and blogging on my laptop.

I still remember back in Aug ’01, when I first sat on the back deck.   Right away I noticed how loud the planes were that were flying into Reagan Airport.  I remember being a bit bummed at the loud noise.  But, then only one month later, the tragedy of 9/11 struck.   Right away, I noticed the eerie quiet without the planes flying overhead.  The only noises were the helicopters that were patrolling the river (looking for more terrorists) and the military jets flying high above our nation’s capital.  For the rest of Sept ’01, the airways were quiet.  I made a promise to myself I would never complain about the plane noise again … when it started back up it meant life was going to get back to normal.

What else do I like about Arlington  I love the location.  I’m situated 1/4 mile outside of the city.  So, it’s a quick drive or a 15-minute walk into Georgetown.  It’s about 7 – 8 minute walk to Rosslyn Metro.  And, there’s so many roads right here — access to GW Parkway, I-395, I-66, 29 /Lee Highway, Route 50, etc.   It’s less than a 10-minute drive to Reagan and about 25 – 30 minutes to Dulles.

It’s also close to family.  My brother moved into Arlington in ’01 and my parents moved in ’04.   Both of their homes are about 10 minutes away.

And, of course, there’s the Clarendon area, which is now full of so many restaurants, bars, clubs, stores, etc.  It’s a wonderful collection of ethnic and diverse dining options.  Also, our beloved Washington Capitals also call Arlington its home base.

Arlington, VA – living it and loving it.

Today, we had a baseball game to play in our 30-and-over hardball league at Mt Vernon High School in Alexandria.  One of the Roy Rogers is still there!  We haven’t played at Mt Vernon HS in a while so I haven’t been down Route 1 for a couple of years but as soon as I saw it on the way to the game I knew I’d stop there to pick up lunch after the game.

If you’re a Washingtonian and over certain age, you absolutely will remember the Roy Rogers restaurants.  They’ve been bought and sold a few times …. so there’s only a handful left in the greater DC area … but they always do bring a smile to my face.

There was a Roy Rogers across the street from where I went to high school — WT Woodson in Fairfax.  And, there was on River Road … not too far from where I went to college, American University as well as where I worked, Q107 and WMAL Radio.

(As an aside, being back in the Mt Vernon area also brings back memories.  I was born there at DeWitt Army Hosptial on Ft Belvoir; I took my SAT’s at Mt Vernon HS (although I didn’t do that great); I watched one of best friends make a memorable catch in a regional high school football game played at Mt Vernon HS; and I used to DJ a lot of weddings at Ft Belvoir and in the Mt Vernon area.)

Anyways, I do my best to try to eat healthy — and try not to frequent fast food places too much — I love the salads at Sweetgreen and the subs at Subway — but, I must admit, it was great to order my old stand-by this afternoon …. Roast Beef sandwich, loaded w/ condiments, french fries and Coke.  Life’s good when you eat at a Roy Rogers. 

There is much to see in the museum … as it displays air travel from the very beginning of Kitty Hawk through the planes from World War 1 and World War II … to the incredible machines that have been to the moon and beyond.

But, by far my favorite thing to do in the Air and Space is to go see the Imax movies.  The movies are shown on a screen that is 6 – 7 stories high.  And, the movies are spectacular.  I’m in awe every time I see them … even ones like “To Fly,” which I’ve seen at least 12 – 15 times.  I’ve probably seen 6 – 8 different movies over the years.  I’m in amazement every time I see the Imax films.

Also, during the hot and humid summer months, there’s nothing better than taking in an Imax movie in the cool, air-conditioned theatres.  My father told me that growing up in Oklahhoma City, they used to go see double features in the movie houses primarily for the air conditioning in the hot summer months (before most homes had their own AC units).

The Smithsonian museums are wonderful … there’s so many great places to visit on the National Mall … but if I were to recommend one museum, it would be the Air and Space Museum (the other annex near Dulles Airport is terrific too).

Next month will mark 10 years since I moved into a townhouse in Rosslyn, right next to the Key Bridge Marriott and the Key Bridge.  The back of the house overlooks the GW Parkway and the Potomac River.  And it’s directly across from Georgetown University.

As noted in other blogs, I like to walk to work to Georgetown University a couple of times a week.  One of the best things about the walk is the absolutely beautiful walk across the Key Bridge.   To my left are great views of the Potomac River and of Georgetown University.  To my right are views of Georgetown, the Washington Harbour, Watergate, Kennedy Center, etc.  It’s a breathtaking view.  It never gets old.

Key Bridge, which is named after the author of the “Star Spangled Banner,” Francis Scott Key, is known as the link between Washington, DC and Virginia.  It’s a beautiful place and it’s definitely one of the things I really like about Washington, DC.

The Lincoln Memorial is majestic, powerful and serene.   It’s neat to walk up the many steps (it always reminds of Rocky in the famous scene in Philly where he’s running up the steps).  Then, the view from the top of the steps takes your breathe away.  The Reflecting Pool (which is undergoing major renovation right now), the Washington Monument, the US Capitol, etc.   It’s a spectacular view.  And, as great as the view is during the day, I like it better at night, especially when there’s a full moon.

President Lincoln sits proudly in the center of the memorial.  Then, to the sides, are two of his most famous speeches — “The Gettysburg Address” and his second inaugural address.

The other highlight is stand near the top of the steps where Martin Luther King delivered his historic “I Have A Dream” speech in 1963.   Standing there will give you chills and goosebumps (for those of us that volunteer and mentor inner-city children to help provide a level playing field, this is a particularly special place).   This spot is also where President Obama spoke to so many people during his Inauguration.

A couple of times in the past 25+ years, when I’ve felt down or frustrated with school, work, life, etc, I’ve gone to the Lincoln Memorial, sat at the top of the steps, and just reflected on life.   Then I think of the great sacrifices that President Lincoln, one of the greatest American heroes, endured in the mid 1800′s.  It always puts things in perspective — and I always walk away refreshed and more positive.

The Lincoln Memorial is a special place.  And, it’s another highlight of what I love about Washington, DC.