“All I do is win, win, win no matter what
Got money on mind, I can never get enough
And every time I step up in the building
Everybody hands go up” – DJ Khaled - All I Do Is Win
It’s all about Winning. That’s what people say. But what exactly is Winning? You can win a battle and lose a war. You can prevail on the scoreboard but disappoint off the field. You can succeed on the court and fail in the classroom. You can be a millionaire and a social pariah. It’s all so confusing.
I will try to help add clarity to the issue with this end of the year blog about Winning. Specifically, I will list who or what I think is Winning, and list those who is Winning not so much. There’s not a lot of rhyme or reason to my choices, just my take on a variety of topics. I hope you enjoy it.
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WINNING – Tim Tebow – He’s devout in his faith and has been a great role model (the wins on the field don’t hurt), CC Sabathia, Andre Agassi, Dikembe Mutombo, Mia Hamm, Shawn Johnson, Venus Williams, Derek Jeter, Danica Patrick, Steve Nash, Serena Williams, Chris Evert, David Robinson, Mark Teixeira, and countless other pro athletes who give their time, energy and money to help others; NOT WINNING – Sports Child Abuse Scandals.
WINNING – Lindsay Lohan – Financially - She apparently made $1 million for her latest photo shoot; NOT WINNING– Lindsay Lohan – Career - Hopefully she will get her life on track and reach her potential on and off screen.
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WINNING – Skinny Jeans; NOT WINNING – Jeans that sag way below the waist.
WINNING – The Kardashians – they keep making money and the public keeps watching; NOT WINNING – Kris Humphries – Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband was recently cited as the most hated player in the NBA, go figure . . .
WINNING –A Capella Music – especially the Hullabahoos – An a capella group at the University of Virginia that I am partial to; NOT WINNING - Music altered by machines.
WINNING-College Sports – It’s a billion dollar industry that builds character and trains leaders; NOT WINNING – The recent Cincinnati-Xavier Men’s Basketball brawl which showcased the worst of college sports; and the fact that coaches can move relatively easily from school to school, but players cannot. . .
WINNING – Adele (she can sing, write and should clean up at this year’s Grammys & “Rolling in the Deep” is a song which will be around for years to come), The Band Perry, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, LMFAO, Michael Buble, Pastor Smith and the MAG Worship Team, Yolanda Adams and Casting Crowns; NOT WINNING - The Grammy Awards - Are they losing their relevance?
WINNING – High School Sports – From Field Hockey to Basketball to Soccer & Swimming, area teams, but especially Osbourn (which I am most familiar with), have dedicated athletes who represent their school well; NOT WINNING – Sportsmanship – from a few athletes and even more spectators, there is an increasing lack of civility in Sports. Sports are a microcosm of society, and it is reflecting the decline of civil discourse in our society. If we don’t get a handle on improving civility in society and in Sports, we will pay the price.
WINNING – Technology – From iPads to Nooks to Smartphones to eBooks in the classroom, the world can’t seem to get enough; NOT WINNING – Newspapers – As the use of technology and the internet increases, the audience for traditional mediums, such as Newspapers, is steadily declining.
WINNING – Everyone who received what they wanted for Christmas; NOT WINNING – The customers who clashed with police and caused disturbances nationwide in order to buy the Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord . . .smh.
WINNING – FOOTBALL – 9 of the top 10 Television Programs in America in 2011 were either a Football game or a Football pregame or postgame show. And, approximately 111 million people watched the #1 rated program of the year, Super Bowl XLV; NOT WINNING – Soap Operas – All My Children and One Life to Live both ended this year. Soap Operas, which were once an integral part of American television, are slowly fading away.
WINNING- Virginia Elected Officials who have the honor of serving their fellow citizens; NOT WINNING – The Virginia State Budget, and specifically the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), which currently, according to a Legislative Commission, has a current shortfall of around $20 billion, yes I said Billion, between obligations and contributions.
WINNING – The New Social Media – Facebook & Twitter rule the day (but how long will they last?), and Skype is catching on; NOT WINNING – My Space – Its so yesterday . . .
And in the spirit of the Holidays, I will conclude with a few entities that are WINNING:
The Royal Family and especially Pippa Middleton.
That flip into the end zone on Christmas Eve by Jerome Simpson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Check it out if you haven’t seen it. It has to be the play of the year.
The Citizens of Manassas and the students of MCPS – We have some outstanding employees in MCPS. I could site many examples, but since this is a blog and not a novel, I will stick with one, Mrs. Schumann, who works at Metz Middle School and heads up Operation Stuff-A-Stocking. This year Mrs. Schumann, along with some MCPS staff and students, delivered stockings to veterans and wounded soldiers – It doesn’t get any better than that.
Charlie Sheen (you know I couldn’t resist).
Me – I am blessed with an incredible wife, a great family and the opportunity to serve and interact with many people in our community. I am especially fortunate to be able to meet many students in MCPS. Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Boaz’s 4th grade class at Round Elementary, and I was impressed by their knowledge and touched by their encouragement and enthusiasm. I was also recently impressed by the student presentations in Ms. Whitt’s Civics class at Metz. Don’t let anyone tell you there is nothing good going on in our schools.
You – If you are able to read this blog, you are alive, hopefully not bored, and likely have an internet connection. No matter the current circumstances of your life, if you are alive and breathing, you have a chance to improve your life and make a difference in the life of others.
I encourage you to reflect on the blessings in your life, and to make sure you tell your loved ones and friends that you love and appreciate them. Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year!
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror,
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways. . .If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change – Michael Jackson – “Man in the Mirror”
I give myself away so you can use me – William McDowell – “I Give Myself Away”
