Will's Blog

Last night I watched one of my few TV vices/habits: the Celebrity Apprentice. If you're unfamiliar with the show the premise is pretty simple.  Two teams participate in a simple business competition. For example, they might try to sell the most snow cones. Or design the most effective advertisement. In the end, one team wins and one team loses. A member of the losing team is sent packing. The team member who is removed from play is determined by Donald Trump who points at that person and says, "You're fired."

Celebrity Apprentice is the same game, except the money is for charity and the players are celebrities. Last year was a lot of fun to watch so I got hooked into watching again this year.

Newsflash: We All Hate Losing

Last night, I thought Melissa Rivers and Joan Rivers made themselves look completely classless.  Melissa got fired. Typically when contestants in this game lose, they give an interview as they ride away in a limo. Obviously guys like Hershel Walker and Dennis Rodman and even Tom Greene hate losing.  But losing is part of playing.

For many years, I coached youth sports. I used to tell my players: the only guarantee in sports is that you will lose. Everyone loses. Not everyone wins, but everyone loses.  The greatest champions of sport have all lost. Babe Ruth struck out --- a lot. Michael Jordan banged the game winning shot off the backboard. Tiger Woods has blown a putt.  Don Shula's mighty Dolphins crushed the Redskins. A few years later, John Riggins and the Redskins walloped the Dolphins.The New England Patriots were undefeated and lost in the Superbowl.

Here's what I taught my players when I was a coach:

Champions lose. 

When champions lose, they get back up. They don't cry. They don't curse the officials or the rules or the game. When champions lose, they congratulate the opponent on a fine job.  As a champion you earn and expect respect. As a champion you give respect and appreciate your opponent, win or lose.

Melissa Rivers was fired last night. After losing, she stormed off, cursing her competitors and cursing her opponents. She stomped away refusing an interview. It's true: interviews after a loss are never as much fun as interviews after a win. But interviews are a part of the losing process. Interviews are something that is owed to the fans, and without the fans, there is no money in the game.

Sore Losers

Melissa's reaction after losing was classless, plain and simple. Losing is not pleasant. But losing with class and losing with dignity is the mark of a winner.

Joan Rivers is Melissa's daughter. When Joan learned that Melissa lost, she launched a verbal assault on Melissa's competitors. Now, the mother of a champion should know that champions win and champions lose.

I don't win every time. I don't like to lose. But I don't attack when I lose. 

Spring is at its zenith and so are the blossoms at the Carlyle House in Old Town Alexandria.

Julie and I stopped in to tour the gardens and I took a number of pictures. The Carlyle House is a historic piece of Alexandria's colonial heritage and is a must see if you're in Alexandria VA. I personally think the house is a little more impressive than George Washington's Mount Vernon. The tour starts in the basement below the house and explores nearly every room in the finely-crafted and meticulously restored structure. John Carlyle was a contemporary of the likes of George Washington, Lord Fairfax, Henry "Lighthorse" Lee and General Braddock. This house is a key part of Alexandria's colonial heritage and revolutionary past.

The tour starts with a slick-production that explains who John Carlyle was and why he is a person of interest. Paintings, computer-generated scenery and historians provide context and background.  My only regret on this tour was that we had the last tour at 4 pm on a Spring Friday, so the guide seemed to rush us through the house.

The dogwood is Virginia's state flower rocks gently in the spring breezes on the north side of the Carlyle House. This side of the building is surrounded by a wall of brilliant white dogwood blossoms.

These pictures really don't do the blossoms justice but they hopefully they'll inspire you to visit the gardens before spring is gone.

Behind the Carlyle House is a mixture of formal and informal ornamentals, flowers, flowering trees and bushes.

This is a remarkable little enclave found right at the heart of Alexandria. It's just two blocks from the waterfront and only block from King St. and a public parking garage.These photos only touch on the beauty of the gardens at Carlyle. Check out these photos for a close look at the blossoms that are found here.

These are a few of our favorite condos in and near Old Town

• Alexandria House --- spacious, airy condos with enormous balconies and sweeping views of Old Town
• Bearings South --- cute, brick garden style homes on the South End of Old Town
• Canal Place --- Upscale garden-style condominiums on the North side of Old Town Alexandria
• Carlyle Towers --- sleek, modern and convenient to King St. Metro and Old Town
• Chatham Square --- stately, nicely appointed, townhouses with garages in Old Town
• Carlyle Square --- elegant, modern and convenient condominiums
• The Duke at Old Town --- under construction in Old Town
• Porto Vecchio --- at the water's edge on the Potomac between Belle Haven Marina and Old Town
• Port Royal --- affordably priced with a condo fee that includes all utilities in the heart of Old Town
• Prescott --- colonial styled condominiums in Old Town
• Royalton --- sparkling gems atop Whole Foods in Old Town Alexandria
• Torpedo Factory --- stylish condos near the waterfront and King St.
• Washington Square --- Townhouses at Old Town

Canal Place is a great little community of brick garden-style condominiums located in Alexandria VA on the northern side of Old Town just off Pitt St. The community is composed of 7 three-story buildings with a total of 120 units. Between the buildings you'll find gorgeous well-manicured gardens.

Most condos at Canal Place have either a fireplace, patio or small balcony. The architectural detailing on these balconies and patios is intriguing and little upscale.

I took this picture while the landscapers were busy tending the lawn. The bag is filled with clippings. By the time they were finished the place was absolutely perfect. Canal Place, like many other condos, is also readying its pool this time of year.

Canal Place is priced slightly higher than other similar communities like Belle View, or Harborside or Potowmack Crossing because all units at Canal Place are equipped with a washer/dryer. The grounds are beautifully kept and the location is surrounded by some of the nicest homes in Old Toww.

To search for a home in Alexandria check here, or to see what's available in Canal Place just click Canal Place. On that site you'll find maps, school info, tax data and up to the minute pricing information for Canal Place.

D.A.D.A. is an enthusiastic group of adults fans of Harry Potter. They describe themselves as "somewhat like Star Wars fans in that they're a bit obsessive, dress up in costumes, and go to conventions." One of the members also says, "I like to think we're cuter and less nerdy as a whole."  At any rate, they love "The Boy Who Lived". 

At their next gathering on May 9th, they're having even themed around Harry Potter games.  This includes Harry Potter-themed Clue as well as some Quidditch, and possibly Pictionary and Charades. Attendees should dress casual, hats and brooms are not required. Bring a snack to share, wizard-themed food is entirely optional.

They're also going to watch a short movie clip from "Yes Man". It's from a scene in which Jim Carrey character goes to a Harry Potter party. Yes, they mock those who don't understand Potter, but they also mock themselves.

If you have any other Harry Potter games, they would be most welcome! They're actively looking for someone with a Harry Potter version of "Scene It"?

Here's a quick quiz to see if you qualify to attend this event: 

1. Have you read all seven books and seen all five movies?
2. Do you know the exact date and time when movie 6 is being released? Are you taking off work to see it?
3. Are you a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin? You will be asked.

The whole gang will probably be about 30 or more attendees. For more details about the location and to RSVP check the Alexandria Fun with Friends group.

What is Maj Jongg?

Mah Jongg is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with millions of dedicated players around the world and a variety of Internet and computer versions. A very small amount of time and effort is required to master [become familiar with] the elementary principles of the game.Your patience in mastering the fine points of Mah Jongg will be repaid many times by the keen enjoyment invariably derived from this game.

Mah Jongg (or "Maajh", as it is usually called) is a fascinating rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. The game originated in China, dating back to the time of Confucius. It was originally played solely by the ruling classes; the Mandarins refused to permit other inhabitants of the country to enjoy the pleasure of this aristocratic pastime. The introduction of Ma Cheuck, the game of the Sparrows, to all classes was met with instant popularity. To this day, Mah Jongg remains the most popular game in the Orient. Interestingly, the rules in North China differ from those in South China.

There are several versions of Maajh, but each fall under two broad categories: American Mah Jongg and Chinese Mah Jongg. We will be following the rules for American Jongg. The American Maajh differs from International Maajh in several ways:

It uses a card of Standard Hands, against which all games are played; these cards are changed annually. It uses more tiles, notably the Joker. The game is started with "Charleston", or the passing of 3 unwanted tiles from one player to another. It uses Jokers to complete quints and sextets in several combinations of hands.

Opportunity to Play and Make New Friends

For beginners the Alexandria Fun with Friends group will have an introductory session starting followed by games for more experienced players. If you have your own set and cards please bring them so we can have several tables going. If you want to bring other games as well, please do so. Come enjoy the company,food and learn the game of Mah Jong.

This month they'll be playing at the Embassy Suites at King St. Metro in Old Town Alexandria. King Street Metro offers parking. Meters are free after 6:30 pm. There is an underground parking garage at the Embassy Suites. Parking is $6 after 5 pm. For dates and to RSVP check here. 

Live Near the King St. Metro?

If you're looking for a home near the Metro, King St. is the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Residences here are generally upscale and exclusive with proximity to the Potomac, USPTO, landmarks, restaurants and shops.

• King St. Metro --- Properties for sale near King St. Metro Stop
• Carlyle District --- condos, houses and townhouses for sale in the Carlyle District
• Carlyle Towers --- spacious condos with balconies and views of Alexandria and the Potomac
• Carlyle Square --- condominiums in the Carlyle District near USPTO
• 1600 Prince --- condos near King St. Metro
• Royalton --- new condos on Duke St. near King St. Station
• Torpedo Factory --- condos near King St. and the Potomac waterfront in Old Town Alexandria

The Van Dorn Metro is in the West End of Alexandria inside the Beltway on Eisenhower Avenue. It is easily accessible from many points in West Alexandria and from parts of Springfield and Kingstowne.

• Van Dorn Metro --- Near the Van Dorn Metro
• Eisenhower West --- At the West End of Eisenhower Ave.
• Exchange at Van Dorn --- Walk to the Van Dorn Metro from the Exchange
• Watergate at Landmark --- the shuttle at Watergate takes you to King St. Metro
• Olympus --- Olympus is near Landmark Mall
• Cameron Station --- This community is very close the Van Dorn Metro but is easily served by the King St. Metro

There are 46 short-term metered parking spots at the Van Dorn Metro.  Parking costs $4.50 all day The reserved rate is $55 but there are currently no reserved spots available. There are 20 bike racks and 6 lockers at this station. Car sharing is available at this station.

If you're looking for a home near a metro station, you might want to check out this bank of searches. Orange Line, Yellow Line and Blue Line are all found here.

The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) commonly know as the Stimulus Package was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. This act has spending for the nation's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transportation and other projects.

The Recovery Act also has spending that hopes to enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

I have to confess that I personally am scared about the debt that the country is taking on. I've been a debt hater back to the days when Reagan and the Democratic Congress expanded government spending. I've voted Democrat, Republican and for independents or libertarians but no matter who I vote for we always seem to get more debt and more spending ...

Well, I hope it all works for the best. Here's where you can get more information about the funds that our grandchildren are spending for our benefit:

Stimulus Sites

• Recovery.gov -- This site appears to be a sales pitch about why this solution is so great for America.
• Stimulus.virginia.gov -- This site by the Commonwealth of Virginia provides specifics of what Virginia will spend money on. You can sign up here to receive automated email updates from Virginia about the stimulus money.
• Grants.gov -- I usually say, "There is no free money in America. If there was someone else got to it first." But who knows? With the amount of money being spent you might get some of that free money. Here's where you can apply for your grant. When I type in "small business" I get more than 30 pages of grants, but I don't see any free money for me. Hopefully you'll find your gold mine!
• Federal Business Opportunities (fbo.gov) -- This is a site that provides lists of jobs to bid.
• Metro (WMATA) Stimulus Web Site -- Metro will receive $200 million in funding from the Act and they claim to have created a sound plan to spend the money.