Jimmy’s Blog

With this weekend marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of my all-time favorite college basketball player, Len Bias, #34 of the University of Maryland Terrapins, I’m writing about Lenny as one of my favorite things about Washington, DC.

Yes, Washington, DC is a football town … and now more of a hockey town … and a baseball town w/ the Nats … but, at its heart, DC is a hoops heaven.  So many legendary teams and players over the past few decades.  But, in the minds of many, the most talented and greatest player to ever come from and play in the greater Washington, DC area was Len Bias.

I absolutely loved watching Len play … especially as he transformed from a raw, freshman player into one of the ACC’s greatest players ever.  As the great Duke head coach, Coach K, eloquently stated, the two greatest players that the Duke Blue Devils faced in his many years of coaching were Michael Jordan and Len Bias.  That’s about a big a compliment as possible.

Also, this weekend, there were two terrific pieces that ran about Len.  One was Dave Ungrady’s wonderful article yesterday in the Outlook section of the Washington Post.  Dave, a former Terp athlete, nailed it perfectly when he wrote about Len’s impact on the Univ of Maryland, DC and the nation. He also argued that Lenny should be inducted in the Maryland Terps Hall of Fame.  I agree w/ him 100%.  There was also the terrific ESPN 30 on 30 documentary that aired on Saturday morning.  That was a brilliantly-produced documentary that was emotional and overwhelming.  Plenty of tears flowed as I watched that piece.

I watched Lenny play often.  And, I was there at Cole Field House in ’86 for his memorial service.  I went there with one of my best friends, Kurt Helwig.  It’s a day we will never, ever forget.  So powerful and moving.

The strength of Len Bias’ mother, Dr. Lonise Bias, is so remarkable.  She lost not only her beloved, Len, but she also lost another son, Jay, to a shooting in ’90.   Yes, this wonderful lady carries on about the important issues of drug awareness and gun violence.  She is a complete inspiration for her strength and resolve.    We will never forget Lenny … and we will continue to be moved and inspired by Dr Bias.  Peace.

This is the fourth Father’s Day since we lost our father in Feb ’08.  As I’ve written about often, I miss my father very much but I’m also at peace that he lived lived a long life, is reunited with his parents, brothers and friends up above and he’s no longer suffering from Alzheimer’s.  Another comforting fact is that he’s resting at Arlington National Cemetery, which is only a 5-minute drive from my home.  So today’s topic for What I like about Washington, DC is Arlington National Cemetery.

Three of the heroes / role models in my life are my father, my beloved Uncle Art (my middle name is named after him) and my best friend’s father, General Guthrie, are all retired US Military officers and they’re all laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.  Mrs Guthrie, who also had a deep and profound impact on my life, is buried at ANC too.   That’s why it is a special place to me.

I’ve written a few times about it over the years, but there’s not as special and memorable to me as to how the US military honors its’ veterans.  The ceremony is precise, emotional and unforgettable.   From the horse-drawn hearst carrying the casket or urn to the playing of Taps to the gun salute to the folding / presentation of the American flag, it’s simply a spectacular way to honor the veterans.

Every time I fly by Arlington National Cemetery in and out of Reagan National Airport, I saw a special prayer of thanks to my dad, Uncle Art and General and Mrs Guthrie.

My deep gratitude and thanks to the Military Honor Guard, staff and volunteers who do such a tremendous job under the most difficult circumstances.  I know they don’t get thanked enough but I hope they know how much the families appreciate their compassion and professionalism.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!  I love you and miss you.

This blog posting might seem like a contradiction since I’m writing daily about What I like about Washington, DC, yet today’s topic is Baltimore.   As I’ve tried to do every day this month, I’m writing daily about DC but I don’t have set schedule of topics.  And, since the Baltimore Orioles are in town to play the Washington Nationals, I’m writing B-more, or “Charm City.”  Plus, this the beauty of blogging … it’s one’s random thoughts … and there’s no right or wrong.

Baltimore is only 45 minutes from DC — it’s an easy scoot up and down the BW Parkway.  It is interesting and fascinating to compare and contrast Baltimore and DC.  This is probably being too general, but DC is characterized as full of intellectuals, policy wonks, conceited, wine-sipping folks while B-more is characterized as being more blue-collar, beer-drinking and simple folks.   It’s not fair to lump people in these buckets but that’s how it’s often written — especially in comparing the Sports fans of each city.

My first trips to B-more were to see the great Orioles teams of the 80’s in the legendary Memorial Stadium.  So many wonderful memories of the O’s and two of my favorite all-time players, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken.   The other early memories are the Inner Harbor, which is still thriving and my favorite place to eat there … Little Italy. Love the classic, authentic Italian food available in that quaint neighborhood.

In the early 90’s, the Birds built the historic stadium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, that was a complete game-changer for MLB.  It was the first retro MLB park built … many others have copied the style but this one was the first.  I still love that park.

Back in ’95, we tried something new at AOL Sports … covering baseball games online via chat rooms (which we called cyber-casting).  We weren’t really sure what we were doing but this was the beginning of being more interactive with the fans.  We set up in the broadcast booth of HTS, the TV partner of the Orioles.  We took questions from AOL members and fed them to the O’s announcers — Mel Proctor, Jim Palmer, John Lowenstein, etc.  The highlight was covering the game in Sept ’95 when Cal Ripken broke the consecutive games streak of Lou Gehrig.  I recall that I stopped typing in the booth and just watched Cal circle the park — with tears of joy streaming down my face.

They’ve also built a beautiful NFL Stadium, home of the Ravens.   So, they have two terrific stadiums side-by-side near the Inner Harbor.  It’s a fantastic place to visit.

One of my key clients is Under Armour.  They are headquartered in Baltimore.  I work at their office one day a week — so it’s put me back into regular contact with a terrific American city.  It offers so much history and tradition.  So, if you’re visiting DC and have the opportunity, go check out Baltimore.  It’s also to get there via Amtrak or MARC trains.  It’ll be worth the time to visit this excellent city.

With the US Open being played this week in the Nation’s Capital, today’s topic will be Golf.  First and foremost, as my friends will attest, I’m not a good golfer.  I only play 1 – 2 rounds of golf a year (I prefer to play baseball), but when I was right out of college and in grad school, I did golf much more frequently.

Why is the Washington, DC area good for golf?  Because there are so many available courses — for a wide range of golfers.  Yes, there are the world-class venues, such as Congressional Country Club, where the US Open is being played this weekend; the Robert Trent Jones course, where they’ve played the Presidents Cup matches; and Avenel, which has hosted a number of PGA tournaments over the years.  And, there are many private clubs — too many to list.

But, there are also many terrific public courses, scattered throughout Northern Virginia and the suburbs of Maryland.  It’s an easy 30-minute or less drive to a large number of courses.  That’s something that is not available to the people living in New York City or Tokyo (where you have to drive much further to find good public courses to play).

Then, of course, there’s the good, old stand-by courses in DC that attract a wide range of golfers … from beginners to regulars to hustlers.  Those courses would be the legendary Hains Point (where it’s nearly impossible to lose a golf ball since there’s no water on the course – unless you hit it over the fence) and Rock Creek Park, where I played many times while I was a student at AU.   It’s much easier to lose balls there — I’ve lost dozens of golf balls in the woods of Rock Creek Park.

There’s also the driving ranges at Hains Point, Woody’s, etc.  And, there’s a number of very good golf shops that offer you anything you desire.

Washington, DC is indeed a very good place for golf … for golfers and for fans (which I hope very much enjoy the US Open in Bethesda — we won’t see it here for another 12 – 15 years).

There’s very few things as exciting as a Game 7 in the championship finals of a World Series, NBA or NHL Stanley Cup series.  Tonight’s Game 7 between Vancouver and Boston should be great, riveting action.  Unfortunately, my topic for today, the Washington Capitals, aren’t playing in the Stanley Cup Finals.  Hopefully they will be there next year.

As I hit the half-way mark of my goal of blogging daily in June about Why I like Washington, DC, when it comes to DC sports teams, the Capitals are now at the top of the list.   Yes, this is a football town.  Yes, this is a basketball town.  But, over the past few years, the Caps games are now the hottest sports ticket in town.

Yes, my mentor and good friend is Ted Leonsis, the Caps owner.  But, I’m taking on objective point of view here.  I have partial or full-season tickets to the Capitals, Wizards, Nationals and Hoyas (and I do go to Skins games).   Easily the most exciting and interesting sporting events are the sold-out Caps games at Verizon Center.  It’s not even close.

I went to the Stanley Cup Finals in ’98 and I”ve been a season ticket-holder since ’99.   I’ve been through the ups and downs … from play-off team to a team with one of the worst records and now back to being a perennial play-off contender.

Unlike some of the other DC teams … where there’s often as many if not more fans from the visiting team in the audience (think Lakers, Celtics, Steelers, Phillies, etc), at Caps games it’s nearly 100% Caps.  The fans certainly know how to “rock the red.”

I hope the fans realize that we’re seeing a “once-in-a-generation” player in Alexander Ovechkin, the two-time NHL MVP.   And, he’s surrounded by a tremendous nucleus of talent in Mike Green, Alex Semin, Nicky Backstrom, etc.  It takes to learn how to win in the playoffs (ask the Miami Heat).  Give them time … the Caps will get it together … and once they do, I’d love to see them rip off a couple of Stanley Cups in a row!

It’s June … and the start of next season is a few months away … but with tonight’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, I can’t help but to think of when the Caps will be in that position.   Let’s go, Caps!

What I like about Washington, DC?  American University.   There’s many reasons.  First and foremost, it’s my alma mater.  I have both my undergrad and grad degrees from AU — a BA in Communications and MBA in Marketing.  It’s also where my father pursued a doctorate while he was an officer in the US Army.

I enjoyed my time at AU … one of the things that stands out is the diversity of the student body.  So many different people from different cultures and different countries.  I remember my primary group during my MBA days consisted of one student from Saudi Arabia, one from the Dominican Republic and one from Jamaica.  I also had a good friend in b-school from Africa.  I know we each learned and grew a lot in talking about our respective cultures.

I also remember being a bit perplexed about being half-American and half-Japanese.  That’s when one of my classmates told me in the library that I should be lucky since I come from two distinct cultures.  That’s when the light bulb went off and I actually embraced and respecting my Japanese side as much as my American side.

I also loved the campus … set in a private setting in Northwest DC.   The Quad was a favorite hang-out spot.

I also made a number of friendships, including a couple that are lifelong friendships — Thom Butler and Billy Stone.

Another highlight is coming back to teach a class at my alma mater in the 90’s.  I co-taught an Internet Marketing course with John Tierney for the MBA program at Kogod Business School.  It was the first ever IT course taught in the DC area.   And, it was especially special since one of my favorite professors, Dr Mike Mazis, helped us with the course and used to sit in on the class (he asked more questions than the students)!

I also have enjoyed watching Coach Jeff Jones take the Eagles into the NCAA Tourney a couple of times over the past few years.

Yes, I teach and work at Georgetown University, which I love.  But, I’m also proud to be an AU Eagle.  It’s great to be part of two terrific universities.

What I like about Washington, DC?  Georgetown.  I could write a book about this one topic but I’ll try to keep it to a few highlights (although so many things pop immediately to mind).

First and foremost, it’s one of the most historic and certainly the most popular sections of DC.  It offers so much … stores (and stores and stores), restaurants, bars (come on Winston’s – now Rhino Bar), coffee shops, a mall, green areas to hang out, the majestic Washington Harbour, energy, diversity and of course, one of my places of employment, Georgetown University (and the Hoyas)!

Whenever an out-of-town guest visits (like one did today), you can’t wrong in taking them to Georgetown.  They immediately fall in love with the neighborhood.

It’s also great fun to bike, run / jog or walk through Georgetown – either through the neighborhoods or along the waterfront.

There’s also so many wonderful and historic homes.  A couple of my good friends own spectacular homes in Georgetown — great places to host functions and parties.

There’s also the Four Seasons, probably DC’s best hotel.  And, inside is the terrific Bourbon Steak House.  Oh, and of course, the historic steps from “The Exorcist.”  Yikes.

My favorite places to hang and / or eat are the Tombs, Pizzeria Paradiso, Hook, Cafe Milano, Cafe Peacock, Sweet Greens, Morton’s, Dean and DeLuca, the Ritz and Clyde’s.  I didn’t mention the uber-popular Georgetown Cupcake (since I’m not a cupcake person), but it’s nearly always packed (I know since it’s right next to our SIM Office).

And, last but not least is the Key Bridge, which I walk across 4 – 5 times a week.  The views of the Potomac are always wonderful – I never get tired of it.  I live in Rosslyn but I have direct view of the Potomac and Georgetown University.  I’ve been in this house for 10 years this summer but the views continue to amaze every day.  I feel blessed to live near and work and be part of the Georgetown community.

Since I played baseball earlier today and because I’m watching the Nationals – Padres game now, my topic for today about What I like about Washington DC will be “baseball.”

This is my 11th year of playing in the Ponce de Leon Baseball League, the 30-and-over hardball league.   I haven’t been there as regularly as I would have liked since I’ve been traveling frequently on weekends.  But, it was great to be back out there today — playing center field on a hot and humid day.  Despite the polyester uniforms, I don’t mind playing ball in the muggy weather.   First, I’m fortunate because I play with a group of great guys.  Secondly, it’s great that they have these types of leagues so we can play the game we grew up playing and loving.

In looking at the DC market, there’s much to offer for baseball fans.  At the Major League level, of course we have our Nationals.  Some people may complain that they’re not a good, competitive team but I beg to differ.  I like the foundation they’re putting into place.  Plus, after not having pro baseball in DC since the ’70’s, it’s a dream come true to be able to watch MLB action in our hometown.  Also, it’s great to be able to watch the visiting teams.  For this coming week, DC fans have the opportunity to witness the greatest player of our generation, Albert Pujols of the St Louis Cardinals.  Then, next week, the O’s and future Hall-of-Famer, Vladimr Guererro, will be in town.  In addition, we have Pudge Rodriguez on our hometown team.  So, just this week alone, there’s a great opportunity to see three future Hall-of-Famers in action.

(I am focused on DC for this month’s topics but I have to throw a shout-out to Orioles Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore.  In my opinion, it’s one of the three best baseball parks in the country.  And, it’s only a 45-minute drive away.)

In addition to the MLB action, there’s also minor league baseball — in Potomac, VA; Bowie, MD; and Frederick, MD.   There is something special about watching minor league action.  And, of course, when Bryce Harper suits up for the Potomac team, it’ll be a packed house every game.

At the college level, there’s plenty of local action.  I like to watch the Georgetown Hoyas play at Shirley Povich Field.  UVA is not a DC team but there are few local players playing on the nation’s top-ranked team.  I also like to watch summer games in Northern Virginia in leagues stocked with college players.

There is excellent high school baseball played throughout the greater DC metropolitan area.   There’s also a ton of youth baseball leagues … Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken and Little League.   As a board member of the DC Batter Up / RBI Foundation, I must also throw a shout-out to the youth leagues in DC.   Most of these youth leagues wouldn’t be able to run without the impressive amount of volunteers.  My kudos to all who give so much to help benefit the youth.

So whether you play, watch or volunteer, there’s so much baseball action in Washington, DC.  It’s great that our national past-time is back in the Nation’s Capital.  I’m looking forward to attending the Nats games this week vs the Cards and Orioles as well as playing in our Ponce de Leon play-offs next week.  Cheers.

Another great thing about Washington, DC is that there are so many wonderful places to visit in and around the greater Washington, DC area.  It seems like I have a constant stream of visitors who stay at my house … family members and friends.  I wouldn’t have it any other way … it’s terrific when the house is full of guests.

I do have two guests rooms and plenty of space for visitors.  Plus, the house is pretty well-located for out-of-town guests.   It’s about a 7 – minute walk to the Rosslyn Metro stop, a 15-minute walk across Key Bridge into Georgetown, a 10-minute cab ride to Reagan National and a 30-minute ride to Dulles Airport.

As noted in previous blogs, Washington, DC has so much to offer …. museums, memorials, entertainment venues, sports venues, restaurants and more.  I have not yet blogged about shopping but there are so many stores in DC … Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Pentagon City, Tysons Corner, Friendship Heights, etc.

I’ll be hosting my cousins’ sons the first week of July … we already have a line-up of things to do … DC United game, Washington Nationals game, Potomac Nationals game, museum and memorial visits, etc.   When my cousins’ daughters come to visit, a good chunk of their time is spent shopping in Georgetown.

Washington, DC has so much to offer for guests and tourists … not just in the spring and summer … but throughout the entire year.