Verizon Center--Our House

Arrive Early & Wear Gray is the motto I try to live by for Georgetown home games. As the traffic worsens in DC this gets more and more difficult. The area around Verizon Center is growing by the minute as it has now become the hotbed for restaurants. I have a feeling this will be a very exciting season. I encourage everyone to try Luke's Lobster. They have the best crab and lobster rolls you will have anywhere! Hoya Saxa!

Walking Tall in Maui

Maui is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have to go back when I have more time to vacation, but I really saw some great college basketball. Most basketball fans know the story of the Tennessee sheriff, Buford Pusser, immortalized by Bo Svenson in the 1970’s, and more recently by Dwayne “The Rock Johnson” in the movies and television series: “Walking Tall.” It was certainly more Hollywood than fact, but it made me think of our Georgetown Hoyas coming to this prestigious, highly competitive tournament with so many questions. After the tournament, and an opening heartbreaking loss to Kansas, the young Hoya Team indeed held their heads high and “Walked Tall” in the 50th state of Hawaii. Jason Clark really lit the arena up with his shooting, defense, and hustle. The freshmen left notice that they are here to compete. However, what really stood out to me was the standout performance of senior Henry Sims--Where are you LicHoya? Especially in the last game against Memphis, Henry Sims was a tower of strength offensively, defensively, and on the boards. The Hoya fans were very vocal as the cheers Hoya Saxa resounded throughout the Lahaina Civic Center. Memphis is indeed a power in college basketball, but on that afternoon Henry Sims would not be denied as he shot the ball in rhythm, and thwarted each Memphis run with key plays. Yes, this Hoya team made important progress as the Big East season approaches. Memphis will be a formidable foe on December 22nd at Verizon Center so please come out to the game. You will enjoy seeing the pre-game video of Henry Sims, Jason Clark and the rest of the Hoyas as they tower over Washington DC--Georgetown’s Playground. On this Thanksgiving week, the Hoyas indeed were indeed Walking Tall on the island of Maui! I certainly hope we go back again soon!

On my way home I spent some time in Honolulu and ran into Hoya fans at the Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona Memorial, and Ralph Dalton in the Sheraton Waikiki. I also got to watch the Lady Hoyas defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in Las Vegas on my way back East with former Hoya alumni Chico Church, and Greg Monroe! I cannot wait to get back to Verizon Center!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Maui Invitational 2011 Day 2

When you visit Maui you marvel at the beauty of nature, and you respect the great traditions of Maui, HI. It seems like almost yesterday when the Chaminade Silverswords shocked the #1 ranked college basketball team in the nation, led by player of the year Ralph Sampson, the University of Virginia aka the University of Ralph. It was the ultimate trap game for the UVA Cavaliers. I expect it to be another battle as our young Georgetown Hoyas face Chaminade in their backyard later this afternoon. Last night in losing a hard fought battle to the Kansas JayHawks I was encouraged by the great effort made by our young team. I am not fond of moral victories, but loved seeing Nate, Jason, Hollis & others dive after lose balls. I was a little concerned when I saw Henry Sims dive head first over the scorer’s table--we all admired the effort.

When yesterday started I was nervous all day as I am on most game days. I researched our history against the Kansas JayHawks on John Reagan’s Georgetown History Project and saw that we have only played Kansas once, on March 20, 1987 defeating Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen 70-57. True Georgetown basketball historians will know that this was the legendary Georgetown team known as “Reggie & the Miracles.” It seems like yesterday that I saw Reggie Williams, and Perry McDonald dominate the Derrick Coleman led Syracuse Orange and the Rick Pitino Providence Final Four team in Madison Square Garden winning another Big East Tournament Championship.

My day started as I hung out at the Westin Ono Grill by the pool enjoying my Hoya Blue drink and Maui Chili Dawg. The next thing I know is that I hear the cheer Hoya Saxa as a WAG shirt flies over my head. It was my friend Rich Chvotkin, the voice of the Georgetown Hoyas! It was great to see Rich as we were both staying in the Westin Maui which is a great hotel, but the HQ for the Kansas JayHawks. We were greatly outnumbered. Rich filled me in on his radio broadcast timetable as well as his history in Hawaii at the Maui Classic in 1999, and Georgetown’s many trips to the island of Oahu where he stayed at the Sheraton Wakiki. I will be at the Sheraton Wakiki on Thanksgiving Day for two nights before heading back East. I then took a walk to the Hyatt Regency along the beach walk hoping to find more Hoyas. I found some friends at the Hyatt Pool, and ran into Kim Curry, the GU MBB academic coordinator. Kim has that great smile, and wonderful outgoing personality that makes you want to be around her. As the afternoon was flying by I decided to take a drive to the arena so I would know my game route later that evening. TIme flew and I got to the pre-game reception meeting Steve Alleva to get my game day tickets. It was great to see the GU family including Blanton Jones, former Hoyas Unlimited Associate Director Mara Vandlik, Chris Haines (SB Nation), and many other Georgetown friends. It is always great to be surrounded by your Georgetown family. I met a few new friends, but did not get a chance to meet Jennifer Dotson from the GU Hawaii Club. I was hoping to see her but I needed to get to the arena--I need to arrive early to games for those who do not know me! Time was passing and I got a ride from my HHC Communications team member Joannah Graham and her husband Kevin. We got to the game very early and purchased some T shirts, and had some Cool Cat Cafe burgers. The Lahaina Civic Center let’s you buy and bring food in, but does not sell food in the arena. I was impressed by the organization as they brought the UCLA-Chaminade crowd out of the arena, and moved us in. There were no bad seats in the house in this tiny gym. As I mentioned we made a great effort, but the result was not what any Hoya fan wanted. Still the season is early, and I love this young Hoya team. Everyone gave a maximum effort, and I know Coach JT III will make sure his young players learn from this experience. We headed back to the Westin, and am now preparing for an 11:30 AM game against Chaminade, Hawaii Time (4:30 PM ET). As we say at Georgetown, we will live to battle another day. Chaminade will be another hard fought game. Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club VP--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoya Five O

Ni Men Hao HoyaNation or should I say Aloha! I am now here in Maui, HI for the 2011-12 Maui Invitational--Go Hoyas! Hoya Fans from the 1980’s know the Legend of Jake Kurkijian and the Georgetown Hawaii Five-O routine. When coach JT Jr. wanted to lighten the atmosphere a little in the old Capital Centre, he asked Jake to do the Hawaii Five-O routine along with the cheerleaders and the pep band. Indeed it is all Dr. LicHoya can now speak about. When we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the 1984 GU Men’s NCAA Championship Team, coach JT Jr. marveled at the slimmer Jake. Many people believe that the theme song from the original Hawaii Five-O series starring Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett is one of the greatest TV theme songs ever. I also love the new modern version of Hawaii Five O with Alex O’Loughlin playing McGarrett’s son, Steve McGarrett (a former Navy Seal)--actually named after his grandfather making him Steve McGarrett III? At Georgetown we truly love Legacies! In 2007 when Georgetown made a run to the Final Four in Atlanta, I got a call from one of the producers of the David Letterman show who was looking to find a video of the Hawaii Five-O Georgetown routine. CBS Sports had deleted all the commercials and other non-game coverage in their libraries and thus could not find any footage. After much research I ran into the same problem. Even friends who had taped every Hoya game, did not have a copy. Jake suggested that I search for coverage of the Syracuse game at Capital Centre in 1985 when the routine was shown on television. Alas, any video coverage appears to be lost, unless some Hoya fan reading this article has a copy? I think Dr. LicHoya would do anything to find a copy!

I am presently on a flight from Oakland, CA to Maui to see Georgetown play in the Maui Classic. What an outstanding field! The Hoyas will face the Kansas JayHawks on Monday night. Kansas is another legendary college basketball program boasting alumni such as Dean Smith, Wilt Chamberlain, and Danny Manning. Hawaii has always been a dream trip for me, and to share it with my Georgetown family over the Thanksgiving Holiday will be very special. My road trip started on Friday of this week when I travelled from my home in New York City to San Francisco. I flew from JFK on Virgin America--the party airline and got a free Google Chrome Netbook with free WIFI to use during the flight. I had a wonderful two days in the CIty by the Bay staying at my favorite SF hotel, the Westin St. Francis where much of the movie the Maltese Falcon was filmed. The clock and the memorabilia around the hotel are all very impressive. Whenever, I am there I can almost feel the presence of the many former US Presidents, Mary Astor, and Humphrey Bogart who played Sam Spade. Two days brought back wonderful memories of one of the great Georgetown John Carroll weekends that I attended just six months ago. I had little time though, and went to some of my favorite SF restaurants: Sears Fine Foods, Tartine’s Bakery, Zachary’s Pizza, Koi Palace, and R&G Lounge. Every time that I go to R&G Lounge I enjoy my Salt N Pepper Dungeness Crab chatting with the day managers about Georgetown basketball. However, this past Friday night they were more interested in talking about their “Big Game,” the Stanford--CAL Berkeley football game. In fact it seemed like a Stanford/Silicon Valley/ Asian Society NIght at R&G Lounge. As SF Chinatown evolves there is a dramatic contrast between the old school Chinatown and restaurants like R&G which had put in some new fancy interactive video screens. As I chatted with the manager, and the owner who have become friends, the cheer: “NOT OUR RIVALS,” kept running in my head. Oh how I love this restaurant. I hope Anthony Bourdain is a Hoya fan! I wonder where Mr. Bourdain dines while in Maui? The other great Asian restaurant I visited was Koi Palace in Daly City dim sum there on Saturday afternoon. The dim sum is the freshest and best I have ever had anywhere in the world. I was running late though, and I needed to get back to my hotel before having dinner with my GU classmate Chris Huppert in Piedmont, CA. The traffic and the holiday shoppers made driving in downtown SF near Union Square a real adventure. With an order of har gao just arriving I pointed and instructed my waitress: “Da Bao.” I watched the Stanford-CAL game enjoying some Zachary’s Chicago-style pizza, and Tartine’s lemon tarts. It was a great game, but my mind was on the Maui Classic and Georgetown’s game with Kansas. I cannot wait to see our young Hoya freshman play against Kansas‘ massive front line--The Big East & Georgetown comes to the West!

On my flight to Maui, I was seated with an Asian family from SF with a bunch of nice kids that remind me of my niece and nephew, Hoya Kids Club members Sophia (Miss Disney) and Alex (All-Madden) Wong. They turned me on to my new addiction--dried wasabi seaweed! It is even healthy! It is amazing how good these kids are with the iPAD and IPOD games.

Stay tuned from my coverage (HHC Blog, Fadebook & Twitter) of the Maui Classic and the Hawaiian Islands! I look forward to meeting many new Georgetown fans and alumni in Maui! Please come and say Aloha!

Here is an update for GU fans in Maui:

Pre-Game Reception

Monday, November 21 at 5 p.m.

Umalu Bar at Hyatt Regency

Before Georgetown's opening game against #11 Kansas on Monday night, join your fellow Hoya fans for a pre-game reception at the Umalu Bar at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761). The pre-game reception will begin at 5 p.m. The game tips-off at 7 p.m. The Hyatt is only 1.8 miles from the Lahaina Civic Center (1840 Honoapiilani Hwy, Lahaina, HI 96761).

Georgetown's games on Tuesday and Wednesday will be determined by the outcome of the team's previous games. For the Maui Invitational bracket, please visit http://www.mauiinvitational.com/sites/default/files/2011%20EA%20SPORTS%20Maui%20Invitational%20Bracket_0.pdf. More information will be sent out by e-mail about pre- and/or post-game receptions once times/opponents have been determined.

For updates follow the Hoya Hoop Club on Facebook and Twitter at:

www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub & @HoyaHoopClub.

Mahalo & Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Getting Ready for the Maui Invitational

It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to make a trip to Hawaii. While I have always wanted to go there on my honeymoon, perhaps that can still happen one day. In the mean time a trip to see some Georgetown Basketball, and stay in a beautiful Westin Resort is another dream come true. While I will miss the turkey on Thanksgiving, I cannot wait to walk the beaches of Maui, and Honolulu. As for the basketball I have always been very old school when it comes to early season scheduling. I would contend that it is important to have a good mix of early season contests to prepare for the season. After all, it is the post-season that is really important. I am truly intrigued by this year's freshman class especially Otto Porter and Greg Whittington. These two can really play and have a large upside. Well, I need to start packing but stay posted for some great stories!

Meet Me at Verizon Center--Hoya Saxa!!!

It seems like an eternity since the end of the Nike Pro City League aka Kenner League at McDonough Gymnasium. It is no secret that I have had severe basketball withdrawals since then. I cannot wait to see the new freshmen--Otto Porter, Jabril Trawick, Tyler Adams, Greg Whittington, and Mikael Adams. I believe this is a freshman class that will really surprise people. I really look forward to seeing the Seniors: Jason Clark and Henry Sims. They are two of the nicest young men that you will ever meet. They both are very talented and I am hoping they will have great senior years. Henry is from Baltimore, and Jason from O'Connell high school in Virginia right across the Key Bridge and up I-66. Good luck to Jason, Henry, et al. I have to see if Henry can hear the cheers from LicHoya his biggest fan!

As the Fall flies by and the basketball season starts I prepare for my trip tonight from the island of Manhattan back to the Hilltop. I am ready for a weekend of the Tombs, the Avalon, and Wisemiller's. I also look forward to seeing some of the new restaurants that will be opening up on 7th Street like Luke's Lobster and Wagamama's! Yes, Ted Leonsis must be smiling with the rebirth of the Verizon Center/Chinatown area. Indeed, I need to schedule my Chinatown meetings at Tony Cheng's! There is too much to do! I hope to see everyone at Verizon Center on Saturday. Please come by the Hoya Hoop Club Table by Section 120 to say hello. I cannot wait to see the new Hoya introductions! At 12:00 Noon on Saturday November 12th I will hear the sounds that I have been waiting to here: "Let's Play Ball!" "Hoya Saxa" will resound around the country from New York to Hawaii, and from Syracuse to Miami!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Vice-President Hoya Hoop Club & Director of Communications

The Modern Era of College Basketball & Georgetown: The Beast of the East

Let the Madness Begin: I would contend that if you created all-star teams from each school during the modern era, there have been 3 programs at the top of the list including the Georgetown Hoyas. The other two schools do not include UCONN or Syracuse. They do not even include Duke University. Without naming names the other schools reside in Westwood, and the other is the alma mater of his Airness. When you think about Hoya basketball you think of the players: Ewing, Mourning, Mutombo, Iverson, McDonald, Spriggs, Harrington, Williams, Jackson, Wingate, Floyd, Smith, Tagliabue, Barry, Duren, Shelton, Green, Hibbert, Monroe, Graham, and Sweetney. Georgetown has been the leader and through its innovation, and pressure defense has changed the way basketball is played. Georgetown helped found the Big East conference. I am concerned as everyone else is about the future of the Big East conference. Nobody can predict what will happen next for the Big East. JT III, Lee Reed and the athletic department believe it is key for Georgetown to remain a top program in college basketball. Georgetown University is one of the schools that made the Big East conference what it is. Let's keep the faith and remember that: We are Georgetown!

Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Final Week: Dikembe Mutomobo & HHC on Roundball: Man to Man Defense

One of the most famous international basketball players in history came from the Institut Bobotoin Kinshasa, Congo. His name was Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacque Wamutombo. His fans on the Hilltop and throughout the world now him as Mutombo! He graduated from Georgetown in 1991 standing 7-2 with a smile that would light up the world. I remember hearing about this project of a player who could not even dominate GU intramural basketball in Yates Field House, who would go on to legendary status in the Kenner Summer League. Indeed a young Jim Calhoun from UCONN would send many scouts to McDonough Gymnasium to see Dikembe block shots and score all of his points on dunks. Indeed Dikembe teamed with Alonzo Mourning in the years when Georgetown truly became Big Man U: Patrick Ewing to Alonzo Mourning to Dikembe Mutombo--the Legend Grew. The stories about Dikembe Mutombo throughout Georgetown University truly became the stories of legend. He hung out at the Tombs when he was not taking an early morning run to the Washington Monument and back. Even Coach John Thompson, Jr. would wear a cowboy hat to practice to take a playful jab at Dikembe's antics on campus. Mutombo will perhaps one day enter the NBA Hall of Fame. As great as his legend on the court became, he will best be remembered for his great humanitarian work in his African homeland raising money for a new hospital to care for those less fortunate. Dikembe Mutombo is a great example of the Georgetown Jesuit Ideal: Men and Women for Others--Dikembe: You have made us proud.

To see some highlights of Dikembe Mutombo go to:

http://youtu.be/Xc0HALrWrXs

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball: Man to Man Defense

http://youtu.be/eP2nBwYdHek

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice President--Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 3 Boubacar Aw; HHC on Roundball: The Triangle Drill

Boubacar Aw

AB 1998 Hometown: Thies, Senegal High School: Waccamaw (NC) Position: Forward Height: 6-7 Weight: 225 Years on Team: 1994-98

Highlights:
Career Scoring By Decade, #9
Career Rebounds, #26
Career Points, #48
Team Captain, 1998

Boubacar Aw came to GU as an athletic defensive specialist who became quite an offensive threat. He teamed with Jerome Williams giving the Hoyas a tremendous rebounding team. If he was not overshadowed offensively by Allen Iverson and Victor Page, he would be way up the line in the scoring records. His performance against #1 UCONN at US Air Arena allowed Allen Iverson to dominate Ray Allen and the Huskies. Boubacar was a typical physical presence that was a signature of the JT Jr era. Thanks for the memories--Hoya Saxa!

Triangle Drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSihVPTm3k Dr. Thomas A. Wong Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 2 Victor Samnick; HHC on Roundball: The Overload Offense vs the 2-3 Zone

Victor Samnick was a 6 ft 8 inch forward out of the Cameroon via the Newport Prep School. I remember his long arms and active smile. My greatest memory of him was inbounding the ball to Nat Burton in the 2001 NCAA Tournament first round game against Arkansas. The play eventually let to Nat Burton scoring a wrap around layup at the buzzer to give Georgetown its first NCAA win in four years helping to launch Generation Burton in 2001. Victor would go onto play professional ball in France winning several championships. For those of you who speak French you can see the highlight film below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lQecbJqwlE

Victor Samnick

BSBA 2003
Home Town/High School: Doala, Cameroon via Newport (MD) Prep
Lettered: 2000,01,02,03
Jersey Number: 13
Position: Forward
Height: 6-8

Year     G   FG       FT    REB AST STL BLK PTS AVG. 1999-00 29  52-144   22-49  129  25  19  21 126  4.3 2000-01 33  49-121   25-39  113  23  16  13 125  3.8 2001-02 17  37-88    23-30   78  21  17  17  98  5.8 2002-03 32  71-165   57-77  127  24  37  20 174  5.4 Totals 111 209-518  127-195 447  93  89  71 523  4.7 

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball: The Overload offense versus the 2-3 Zone defense:

A Look at the 2-3 Zone often used by the Syracuse Orange and the Overload Offense often used to attack the 2-3 Zone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfZzmPDbrd4

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Countdown to Midnight Madness Week 1 Sead Dizdarevic & HHC on Roundball: The Ball Screen

Sead Dizdarevic has distinguished himself as a great Hoya both as an integral part of Georgetown's Final Four Team of 2007, and by his many accomplishments off the court. Sead was born in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro the son of Besim and Lidija Dizdarevic. He lived with his host family of Aaron and Rebecca Toto while at North Highland High School in California. He has two sisters Amra and Alma, and one brother Emir. In 2008 he founded the Basketball Diplomacy Project in Montenegro, where current and former Hoya players have run clinics in Montenegro. Stay tuned to our future communications that will highlight this summer's basketball clinics. Today Sead is a Senior Security Analyst at Fannie Mae, and a board member of the Hoya Hoop Club. We look forward to following Sead's future accomplishments.

Hoya Hoop Club on Roundball:

During the 2011-12 Basketball Season we will focus on various aspects and trends in the game of basketball. We will certainly look at the Princeton offense, the Four Corners & Double Stack, as well as numerous zone and man-to-man defensive strategies. We will also look at rule changes and how they have affected college basketball. In recent years the "Ball Screen" has become one of the most used and perhaps overused plays in college basketball. In the following video, Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight explains the basics of the Ball Screen:

Have a good week as the Countdown to Midnight Madness Continues! Hoya Saxa!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Life Lessons From The Greatest Game Ever Invented

As a Double Hoya and an Asian-American I have lived my entire life loving the game of basketball. When I walked into Healey Circle during New Student Orientation this weekend, I experienced the same excitement that I had as an incoming freshman. Indeed former GU President Tim Healey's voice still lives on in me and my fellow Hoya classmates. As I walk to work every day through Bryant Park I think of Father Healey and his work with the NY Public Library and Bryant Park. As I visited my parents in Maryland this weekend, I went to the AFI Silver Spring Theatre to see my favorite basketball movie, Hoosiers, on the big screen. It is indeed a classic. I marvel at the passion that the residents of the small town of Hickory, Indiana have for the game of basketball. As Dennis Hopper tells Gene Hackman, he knows everything there is to know about the greatest game ever invented. Moreover, the movie is about second chances, and how we as individuals are defined by our actions. The naive Barbara Hershey does not understand why every game her brother ever played was the most important thing that ever happened to her family. It is not until she sees how Gene Hackman, Dennis Hopper, and her pupil Jimmie Chitwood get a second chance in life does she really begin to see why she is always drawn back to her home town. Indeed basketball is the greatest game because of its emphasis on teamwork, and its rare combination of athleticism, and strategy. You can fall behind and have a chance to come back, to rally, and redefine yourself through resilience and a team emphasis.

As I saw the highlights and tried to understand what happened in the Georgetown Hoyas trip to China, I marveled at the leadership Coach JT III and our coaching staff displayed. Indeed, they put the incident behind them and concentrated on the bigger picture. There was more at stake than just a basketball game. Indeed two nations found that they had more in common than they had differences. Indeed diplomacy, and goodwill won out. The Hoyas trip to China was more than just a basketball trip. The Jesuit principles of Men and Women for Others, and Cura Personalis were what came through. Yes two cultures, and groups of people learned some valuable life lessons from the Greatest Game Ever Invented.

For some pictures of the Georgetown trip to China from Super Hoya Fan Rich Hluchan see our

Hoyas in China Trailer at:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150290238119244&oid=108495557266&comments

For the full view of pictures go to:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150290278864244&oid=108495557266&comments

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Weathering the Storm--Hurricanes & Mother Nature.

Agnes, Hugo, Andrew, Dennis, Katrina, and now Irene are the hurricanes burned into my consciousness. It is a humbling experience to know that you cannot fight Mother Nature. As I sit in my parents home this evening and thank the Lord for my parents and brother installing the backup generators a few months ago, I am humbled as we all are by the power of Mother Nature. We have come a long way. Technology and science allow me to do now things I had never dreamed about as a child. Yet we must understand that we are only one part of this planet--this universe. I am in DC not my residence in New York City because of Georgetown's Board of Governors meeting on Friday. I elected not to return on Saturday simply because it seems like NYC is being evacuated. Every year at Board of Governors meetings we seem to have major storms. Last year we had the Big Ice Storm, and two years ago the Snowpocalypse during the GU--Villanova game.

As my beloved Georgetown Hoyas became involved in the Brawl in China, I had many mixed feelings as an Asian-American. I was relieved that my alma mater Georgetown was clearly not the aggressor and instigator of the big fight. I was honestly embarrassed by the behavior of the Chinese Army team, the referees, and the Chinese police. To everyone's credit especially Coach JTIII it appears that this has been turned to a positive experience. Often I have sat at work meetings where a love-fest breaks out which is not genuine to say the least. I pray that I will be able to safely get back to the island of Manhattan this week and continue my work schedule. I pray that everyone survives Hurrican Irene and has a safe few days.

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Double Hoya's All-Time Kenner League Team

The league is now officially called the Nike Pro City League, but I am going to use the Kenner League name when picking my personal all-time team. I have actually attended games every year since the Kenner League started in McDonough gymnasium. Some years I have been able to attend more games than in other years. Please take note that these are my own picks for an all-time team. I am making these choices based on their performance for an entire summer, and these are only players I have seen play in the summer league in person. To be fair there are a few players I have not seen--a very small number. Anyway, here are my picks for the greatest players in the history of the Kenner League:

Center--Patrick Ewing: The greatest player in Georgetown Basketball history. There was never anyone in his league to face him in the Kenner League. He truly controlled the air above the rim, and after his freshman year dominated the Kenner League.

Forward--Dikembe Mutombo--I know he always played center but I am calling the shots with these selections! Actually, he was listed as a 5 ft. 9 inch point guard in the program much to the confusion of the many Syracuse and UCONN spies in McDonough gymnasium. In Jim Calhoun's earlier years he had many of his assistant coaches in the stands. Dikembe was perhaps the most improved player I have ever seen in the Kenner League as he began the summer as a very clumsy player, and then became a shot-blocking, dunking machine. If they ever kept official stats Dikembe probably had more dunks in single games than anyone. Oh did I love his enthusiasm.

Forward--Michael Graham: The man who helped bring the 1984 NCAA Championship to the Hilltop. He was the most ferocious power forward to play in the Kenner League. When you consider John Turner--Mr. Highlights and others this is saying quite a bit. To see him as an incoming freshmen play against dozens of All-ACC power forwards and make them look like timid school children was truly inspiring. If you saw these performances you would not be surprised that he single-handedly intimidated Kentucky and their twin towers in the NCAA Final Four. As ESPN has said, he was truly the baddest, baldest dude to ever play in the Kenner League.

Guard--Reggie Williams. Yes Reggie "Russ" Williams was the top rated high school player in the nation, and his much anticipated play in the Kenner League was not disappointing. Since his play on the Baltimore Dunbar Poets he had been heralded as the second-coming of George Gervin. His Baltimore Dunbar HS team with fellow Hoya David Wingate, and several future NBA stars was arguably the greatest high school team ever assembled. What impressed me more than anything was at 6' 8" he could handle the ball like a point guard and his height and passing ability opened the court up as nobody else could. The Tombs with future Hoyas teammates Pat Ewing and freshman to be Michael Graham was the best team I have ever seen in the Kenner League hands down!

Guard--Allen Iverson. Allen "The Answer--Bubbachuck" Iverson was truly the most exciting performer in the history of the Kenner League. McDonough was abuzz with excitement like I have never seen before, and probably never will. When he debuted he had not been seen on the basketball court for some time, and there were only rumors that he would attend Georgetown. The gym at that time could accomodate closer to 4000 people and they were packed in everywhere. For the playoffs fans were getting to their seats 2 hours early to get seats. Allen Iverson put on some of the greatest offensive outbursts I have ever seen. He would often start drilling four or 5 3-pointers in a row and then alley-oop dunking over 7 foot All-Americans like they were kindergarteners! If you saw these performances you would not be surprised that he was the only person to ever posterize the great Michael Jordan on ESPN video for the ages. Yes, his double cross-over and jump shot against the greatest basketball player ever is something for the ages. If you had the opportunity to see Allen Iverson in the Kenner League you truly saw some of the greatest playground performances in history.

Enjoy the Nike Pro City League Playoff this weekend. I hope to see many of you in the stands.

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

48 Hours--A Tale of Two Cities & a Rivalry for the Ages

48 Hours until I move my residence from my birthplace city of Washington, D.C. to my second home New York City. I will continue to rack up the Guest Rewards miles on Amtrak. Thank Goodness for summer league basketball. I have to ask everyone at the Nike Pro City League to be patient with me, because it is hard for me not to refer to their league as the Kenner League! Anyway, I will see my Hoya Hoop Club communications group in a few hours in nicely air conditioned McDonough gymnasium. I did some shopping yesterday at the Georgetown bookstore making sure my new Manhattan apartment is properly decorated in Blue and Gray. Anyway, as I chat with my buddy Rich Chvotkin during games this weekend, we often talk about the great rivalries in the Big East and college basketball at large. There has been much publicity about the Georgetown--Syracuse rivalry over the last few years. However, with the arrival of Steve Lavin and the rise of St. John's (I still call them the Redmen sometimes because the Red Storm has no meaning for me), I will remind the HoyaNation of the great history of the Georgetown--St. John's rivalry. We have several athletic department staff who have come from St. John's like former AD Joe Lang. I will argue that the Georgetown--St. John's rivalry in the mid 1980's was the fiercest rivalry I have ever seen. When the players from John Duren, Craig Shelton, Gene Smith, Fred Brown, David Wingate, and Reggie Williams battled Billy Goodwin, Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, Billy Wennington, and Mark Jackson it was truly DC basketball vs. New York city basketball. A game between Georgetown and St. John's from 1983-1986 was really like going to a Heavyweight Championship Fight. It was like seeing Ali-Frazier!

Yes after a month in my new job at the University Eye Center in Manhattan, I am really enjoying being back at my other alma mater--The SUNY State College of Optometry!. August 1st is move-in day, Tuesday will be a busy work day including an evening meeting with the Georgetown Alumni Club of Metro New York. I am excited to decorate my apartment in the Blue and Gray. I will be living right in between the New York Public Library and Madison Square Garden. As I look at how beautiful Bryant Park is, I am thankful that its beautification is largely due to my mentor, and friend former GU & NY Public Library President Tim Healy, S.J.--A Man for Others! As I make my frequent walk from Penn Station & Madison Square Garden to Bryant Park I can hear the echoes in my head: Hoyas Win! Hoyas Win! & Hoya Saxa! Hoya Saxa filling the Avenues in the City!

Stay Cool Everyone!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Greatest Game Ever Invented III

Da jia hao! Oh how McDonough Gymnasium has given many a basketball fan welcome relief from the Heat Wave of 2011, and some memorable basketball moments. I once again saw my favorite basketball movie Hoosiers the other night on Verizon FIOS as I am about to change to Time Warner in my new Manhattan apartment. I love the scenes where Dennis Hopper says, "I know everything there is to know about the greatest game ever invented!" Also, when Barbara Hershey tells Gene Hackman who plays Coach Norman Dale, "Every game my brother played was the most important thing that ever happened to this family. I just don't get it!" As true basketball junkies who live to see the next game we all understand why this is such a naive question! Please follow our HHC Blogmaster's extensive coverage of the Nike Pro City League at McDonough arena this summer. It is hard to believe there are only two weekends left. This past Saturday night the Tombs rocketed out to a huge lead behind impressive freshmen performances, especially the performance of Michael Hopkins who had 17+ points in the first half. However former Hoya and current Boston Celtic star Jeff Green schooled the young Tombs team at the end of the game. Indeed it has been a great summer of basketball on the Hilltop--the Epicenter of College Basketball in the known world. We are only a little over two weeks from Georgetown Basketball's China trip. Make sure you join our Hoya Hoop Club Fan Page for the most comprehensive information on our basketball program. You can join the Fan Page at: www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub

We will be sending you feeds on the team's trip to China. You can go to HoyasInChina to sign up directly for the information on the games, and the trip. As I have just started a new job in Manhattan I cannot attend the trip to China. However, we will keep you informed. I am hoping LicHoya will take care of the yelping in China!

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Look at Hardship Status

I have never been in favor of players leaving college early for the NBA. Most often players are not physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the NBA. However, discussion of rule changes to prevent this have never been in my opinion the correct way to approach the issue. If someone can enter the military, it is hard to argue they should not be allowed into the NBA.

What will be the state of college basketball be in a few years? I am hoping the game I love will still be going strong. Things are changing rapidly though.

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

The Capital Classic

My friends Pam and Evan Chvotkin did a wonderful job putting the Capital Classic together at the last minute. It is amazing what a few people can accomplish in a short time. I was surprised they were able to get so many good players to commit on such short notice. However, it was obvious this event has been in decline since Nike and Michael Jordan moved their money to the Jordan Classic in NYC and this year in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping the event will move back into DC as it was last year at American University. How about trying to combine this with the Charm City Classic! Let's make this a prime time event again & play some defense!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Time For Rule Changes?

I have always been in favor of adopting International rules. It is too bad Red Auerbach is still not around. He could always get rule changes to the table. I particularly think the longer 3-point line, and the 30 second shot would make sense. It is strange that the women have a 30 second shot, and the men have a 35 second shot. I agree with Bob Knight that the ball screen is overused today. It is wonderful that there is great parity in men's college basketball today. However, I agree with others that it tends towards more mediocrity and not necessarily better basketball. This year's NCAA final game was by far the worst final I have seen in my entire life. It makes you wonder what is more important today--the NCAA tournament, or the local AAU teams. I hope there are some rule changes soon!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President and Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Hoya Bracketology

The NCAA Tournament is the heart of March Madness, and is what every college basketball team in America plays for. The office NCAA pools have evolved to the science of Bracketology? My Georgetown psychology professor would cringe if he heard me even speaking about Bracketology being a science. Indeed Bracketology is even more absurd than the college basketball polls that start in the preseason. However, they are fun and give us Georgetown alumni & fans a chance to relive our years on the Hilltop. It seems like only yesterday that I lived in Village A and spent many days and evenings in Yates Field House playing pick up basketball. Every Hoya basketball gym rat in those days dreamed of playing with John Duren, Craig Shelton, and Gene Smith. We dreamed of dishing the rock to Sleepy Floyd for a rainbow jumper, and serving up an alley-oop pass to Patrick Ewing! Yes, Bracketology gives us a chance to live our dreams, and fight for alma mater! Hoya Saxa!

On my way to New York City and Madison Square Garden last week, I thought about how my return trip to D.C., and Leo O’Donovan Hall for the NCAA Selection show on Sunday has become part of my yearly ritual. I look forward to the pizza, salsa & chips, and the discussion of road trip sites. When our selection to play the VCU/USC winner in Chicago came, a big cheer resounded on the Hilltop! Chicago is an easy trip from DC, and is a city with a large alumni base. Now that we know we are playing a very talented VCU team we can focus on our opponent. As Gene Hackman states so well in the movie “Hoosiers,” it is important to only speak about the immediate opponent, and not to discuss potential future opponents. Indeed all Georgetown basketball fans are somewhat superstitious by nature and can understand this. The day after our men’s basketball selection show I I attended our Hoya women’s basketball selection show at the Faculty Club in the Leavey Center. There was a great crowd, and everyone was enjoying some tacos and fajitas. Once again the Lady Hoyas opponent was announced at the very end of the show like the men’s team. The Lady Hoyas would face the Princeton Tigers in College Park this Sunday at 2:30 PM. For all Hoya fans in the D.C. area this will be a great game to attend. My immediate reaction was being thankful that the women were playing Princeton and not the men. Coach JT III I am sure would not be happy if he had to play his former team Princeton, led by former Hoya assistant coach Sidney Johnson.

If you are in Chicago for the men’s game on Friday at 9:45 PM, please attend our NCAA Kickoff Party at the Swissotel (Hoya Headquarters at 323 East Wacker Drive) from 4-6 PM before heading to the United Center.

If you have not seen my picture albums for the Men’s & Women’s NCAA Selection Shows on the Hoya Hoop Club Facebook Page please go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=108495557266&aid=283523

Remember to join our Hoya Hoop Club Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub and our HHC Twitter Feed at @HoyaHoopClub for the most comprehensive coverage of Georgetown Men’s Basketball and the Hoya Hoop Club.

Let the Madness Begin! We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Madison Square Garden IV--The World's Most Famous Arena

The Big East Tournament in Madison Square Garden (the current Garden is often referred to as MSG IV or the 4th incarnation of MSG) is one of the highlights of the college basketball season. A week's worth of basketball in the world's greatest City is an event every great basketball fan needs to experience. Indeed Madison Square Garden has always been Georgetown's home away from home. As I think about Chris Wright's unfortunate injury, I remember the 1993-94 season when Georgetown shocked everyone with a run to the Big East Final. I remember Hoya fans rocking the old Blue seats in Madison Square Garden. In fact whenever I enter the Garden I can still hear that fan behind me screaming at the top of his lungs: "Joey Brown--Morgan City, Louisiana!" That is a cheer I will never forget. Indeed Joey Brown is one of my all-time favorite Hoyas! At only 5'9" Joey was a ferocious defender who was always a clutch shooter with the game on the line.

The first Madison Square Garden was opened in 1879 in a former hippodrome at the northeast corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Streets. The original Garden hosted the Democratic National Convention as well as both the Barnum and Ringling's circuses. The second version of Madison Square Garden was built in the same location by a syndicate of J.P. Morgan, P.T. Barnum, Andrew Carnegie, Darius Mills, James Stillman, and W. W. Astor. The Garden has an unprecedented history of boxing matches including 32 world championship fights between1925-1945. Indeed Ali-Frazier I in 1971 was perhaps the first major sporting event of my childhood. Although there is much debate on actual dates, it is commonly accepted that both the first college and professional basketball games were played at Madison Square Garden. Indeed the first professional game was won by the Original Celtics. The current home of the Big East tournament, Madison Square Garden is where basketball began--The Mecca!

From the days when I lived on West 21st Street I loved to visit Madison Square Park. Madison Square Garden--The World's Most Famous Arena is my favorite place to watch a ball game. I can still remember my First Big East Tournament when we defeated #2 ranked St. John's University which featured future NBA stars Chris Mullin, Bill Wennington, Mark Jackson, and Walter Berry. The game was the closest thing to a heavyweight fight I have ever seen, as the cheers of Hoya Saxa sounded throughout the 5 boroughs. I remember our last BET title in 2007 as we defeated Pitt--I got to share this with the Hoya Hoop Club Blogmaster John Hawkes. I always look forward to seeing former AD's Frank Rienzo and Joe Lang. I often run into Frank Rienzo at the Church of St. Francis. We both love the movie the Godfather along with Hall of Fame Coach John Thompson, Jr. I remember discussing games and the Big East conference with Joe Lang. Joe used to tell me that Frank McGuire at St. John's would tell him that the blue seats in the Garden up high were the best place to see the game, as you could see the plays develop and players free themselves for open shots.

Indeed I better get packing! My train leaves in about 8 hours. On Wednesday we will play the winner of the UCONN--DePaul game. After this crazy Big East season, I will not comment on who I think will win. If you are coming to the games or are in New York City, drop by the Affinia Hotel before doubleheader sessions at the Hoya Headquarters. We will have a Hoya Hoop Club reception at 5:00 PM on Wednesday March 9th with AD Lee Reed at Stout NYC.

P.S. Please follow our coverage on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week:

Facebook.com/HoyaHoopClub

Twitter: @HoyaHoopClub

Restaurant Reviews at: doublehoya.yelp.com

I may even share what is on my iPOD!

Let's Play Ball--We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Georgetown Beats Syracuse

All is right with the world. We hear about global warming, and then we had three major blizzards in DC last year. I finished seeing patients today, and walked out of my office to see Pennsylvania Avenue blocked to traffic in front of the White House as it has been for many years. Many days I wake up and wonder what is going on in the world. If Pythagoras were still alive I would tell him that his Pythagorean theorem still holds, and as Michael Wilbon has often said, & "Georgetown beats Syracuse!"

We are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Not Our Rivals--We are Georgetown--Crush the Orange!

Rivalry Week--Is it something designed by ESPN or is it part of the fabric of college basketball. I have vague remembrances of my days living on 4th Loyola in my freshman year at Georgetown. I remember the start of Rivalry week as we talked about Georgetown playing Maryland, UCLA against Notre Dame, and North Carolina against NC State. Indeed it was the year before Georgetown closed down Manley Field House, and three years before Georgetown played North Carolina for the National Championship. I remember telling several of my classmates from Syracuse, New York that Georgetown would defeat the Orangemen at Cole Field House for the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. They looked at me with disbelief. Indeed in spite of the Orange's formidable front line of Roosevelt Bouie and Louis Orr, their backcourt led by Marty Headd would be no match for John Duren and Eric "Sleepy" Floyd. Indeed I looked like a basketball genius as John Thompson would begin his decade long domination of Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange. Indeed Georgetown has many opponents we could consider rivals over the years: Maryland, DePaul, St. John's, Duke, and North Carolina. As I sat at Comcast Center last week with my brother as he told me that Duke-Maryland was a bigger rivalry than Duke-North Carolina? I certainly know it is a great rivalry, but do not agree that it is as big as Duke-UNC! In fact a rivalry is often characterized by never having to state it! Good luck to Georgetown in Rivalry Week!

We are Georgetown! Crush the Orange!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Happy Chinese New Year--The Year of the Rabbit

What a basketball season we have had. Few people realize how much the Chinese love the game of basketball. Oh how I loved our victory over Louisville on Monday at Verizon Center. Defeating Rick Pitino and the run and gun Cardinals. After Georgetown's three game losing streak early in the Big East season, many had written the Hoyas off. Indeed it is a long season. I am hoping the improved defense and rebounding will continue. I am hoping the DC community will embrace this Hoya team. Come out this Saturday to see the Hoyas play Providence. These are the two schools that founded the Big East Conference--the object of a great deal of personal envy from fans of other conferences. I am hoping true basketball fans will come out to see the Hoyas--Come to Chinatown!

We are Georgetown!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Return to South Philadelphia

Georgetown against Villanova: Need I say more. There is nowhere in the county I can go without seeing T shirts saying how much Villanova fans hate Georgetown. As we know envy can be a dangerous emotion. Anyway, I would not miss the short drive up I-95 to see this Big East battle. It seemed like only yesterday, the Hoyas had lost a tough ball game with Temple on Broad Street. As soon as I entered sky box 16 at Wells Fargo Arena I knew this would be a different day. I ran into my good friend Ashley Darcy and her fiancee Kevin Mahoney. Ashley was wearing the jersey of one of my favorite Hoyas #33 Alonzo Mourning! The mood in the box was electric. I saw my good Philly friends Rich Hluchan, Jack McNamara and their families. The game was your typical Villanova--Georgetown war.

The story of the first half to me was Henry Sims and Nate Lubick. It was obvious that Georgetown had a renewed energy for their team defense. They were ready for Villanova's tall, athletic front court. Henry Sims had a great half, and his offensive moves kept a 5-6 point lead for the Hoyas. His defense and rebounding were what impressed me though. In the second half I got a little nervous as Villanova made several runs to the delight of the crowd. However, Julian Vaughan played wonderfully on defense, and at the free throw line. Nate Lubick made the HoyaNation proud with his blue collar work. I loved the way the Hoyas battled in the second half. Needless to say Austin Freeman had his swagger back as he scored on his defenders often at will. Chris Wright struggled a little on offense, but had the heart of a champion with his tough defense. His splitting of the Nova double team late in the game to find Austin Freeman will go down in the annals of Georgetown basketball as one of our great moments. Austin drained the rainbow three-pointer from the corner to beat the shot clock. Austin's falling backwards bank shot from the right side was the stuff of legend. Georgetown would not be denied this evening. As I left the arena to head back to Georgetown I saw a friendly face in the parking lot--Chris Wright's father. I shared with him how happy I was to get the victory. I love Mr. Wright's smile. I can see that Chris Wright gets his champion's heart from his parent. Chris, Austin, and the entire Georgetown team had dug down deep and found a way to win this afternoon!

What a weekend. It truly made my day seeing all of the former Hoya Blue alumni led by Kurt Mulbauer leading the Georgetown fight song. After all it does not get much better than a Big East win in South Philadelphia.

We Are Georgetown! Hoya Saxa!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Hoya Hoop Club Vice-President & Director of Communications

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

Along the New Jersey Turnpike

I went to bed early last Friday night hoping to fight off the virus that hit me. I was looking forward to riding up to New Jersey to see the Hoyas take on Rutgers at the RAC. However, it was not to be. I would miss that game as well as the Seton Hall game last night. The Hoyas did win both games though. The games were not pretty, but at this time of the year, any win is good. Hopefully, the Hoyas are back on the upswing! It is all about your play on the court. Hopefully, this eight day rest will do wonders for the Hoyas! We are getting close to February so let's go Hoyas!

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing

A Double Hoya's End of Year List

I have never done one of these end-of-year lists so I thought I would give it a try. Here are some of my thoughts on the Year 2010 and the upcoming Year!

Movies:

Great Children's Movies: Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon.

Marketing Gem: MegaMind.

Mixed Feelings: A Team, Karate Kid, Letters to Juliet.

Disappointments: Robin Hood, Sex & the City 2.

Surprises: I loved both Burlesque, and The Social Network.

Top Film Festivals:

Toronto International Film Festival

California Film Festival--Mill Valley, CA

Hotels:

New Favorites: Marriott London Marble Arch, Carolina Inn, Ritz Carlton Boston Common, W Hotel Westwood, CA.

Continued Favorites: Hotel at Mandalay Bay--Las Vegas, Palazzo-Las Vegas, The Palms-Las Vegas, The Drake--Chicago.

Coffee Shops:

New Favorite: Coffee Exchange on Wickenden, Providence, RI.

Favorite New Airline: Virgin America

Restaurants:

New Favorites:

DC Metro: Ray's Hell Burger, Elephant & Castle

New York: Szechuan Gourmet-Midtown NYC

Las Vegas: Lagasse Stadium, Table 10, Zine Noodles

London: New World, Langan's Brasserie

Baltimore: Mo's Seafood, Chap's Pit Beef

San Francisco: R&G Lounge, Fang's, House of Prime Rib, Zachary's Chicago Pizzeria (Berkeley)

Old Favorites:

DC Metro: Kinkead's, The Tombs, Marcel's, Chadwick's--Friendship Hts

Chicago: Gibson's (Rush Street), Lou Mitchell's

New York: Peter Luger's, Katz's Deli, Hop Lee, Ess A Bagel, Aureole, Del Frisco's, Sapporo-Time's Square, Keen's Steakhouse, Carmine's NYC

Las Vegas: Bouchon, Aquaknox, Pinot Brasserie, Cathay House, Emeril's Fish House, Nine

San Francisco: House of Nanking, Tadich's Grill, Sear's Fine Foods

On The Decline:

New York: Phoenix Garden, Joe's Shanghai

Boston: East Ocean City, Grand Chau Chau

DC Metro: Far East, Sushi Ko

Baltimore: The Inner Harbor, Phillip's HarborPlace

Severe Disappointments:

Phillip's CrabHouse--Ocean City, MD, English's Chicken--Ocean City, MD

Favorite Places for Breakfast:

Lou Mitchell's--Chicago.

Sear's Fine Foods: San Francisco.

Grand Lux--Las Vegas.

Favorite Places for Dim Sum:

Cathay House--Las Vegas.

Koi Palace--San Francisco.

Favorite Movie Theatres:

Avalon Theatre--DC.

AFI--Silver Spring

AMC Georgetown

Favorite Sports Arenas:

Madison Square Garden

Staple Center

Verizon Center

Wrigley Field

Favorite Golf Courses:

Sawgrass

Pinehurst II

Congressional

Cave's Valley

Favorite Mobile Apps:

Doodle Jump

Crash Kart

Disney World--Wait Lines

Skype

Yelp

Travel Channel Go

Four Square

ESPN Passport

1ClickFlash

iHandyLevel

CoolFacts

NightVision

Ins for 2011:

Georgetown Basketball

Washington Capitals

Washington Nationals

New York Knicks

Big East Basketball

The Maui Classic

Georgetown University

Georgetown Preparatory School

Washington Jesuit Academy

Facebook

Twitter

Vinyard Vines

Eataly NYC Home Delivery

TV Shows: Hawaii Five-O, Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations

Mountain Biking

Disney

Golf & Spa Weekends

Redline--Gallery Place

The Problem of God

Avalon Theatre

Mill Valley--CA Film Festival

Mobile Apps

Ghost Bar

Outs for 2011

Reality TV Shows

Harry Potter

Syracuse Orange

AFI Silver Spring

DC Filmfest

E-Mail

Thoughts for 2011

How many restaurants can stay in business in NYC?

How do the hotels/motels in Ocean City, MD charge the outrageous prices that they do?

How does Syracuse University market itself as NYC's College Basketball Team? They must market to the geographically challenged!

Why don't we have good deli's and coffee shops in the DC Metro area?

Why can I not buy decent bread in the DC Metro area?

Dr. Thomas A. Wong

Proud Member of Generation Ewing