The home opener for the Red Sox was yesterday and they trounced 14-3. What was their secret weapon? The guy with the pipes. The man himself, Robert Goulet! Go sox… Goulet!

(Update - Pictures and blog post idea courtesy of Ryan… happy now?)

I attended the Big “G” Conference today put on by the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. The “G” is for generation and as a small market Lynchburg is competing for the attention and vying for the talent of Young Professionals from all around the country and the globe. As the keynote speaker The Chamber brought in Rebecca Ryan, founder of Next Generation Consulting and voted Entrepreneur of the Year by U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship - needless to say she knew her stuff. (More Info On Rebecca) She presented data from over 20,000 surveys taken by her company of Young Professionals nationwide and the part I loved the most was that she kept asking the question, “What’s Lynchburg’s Game Plan?”. She elaborated on why young professionals choose a place to live as a key component to job selection and cities that are doing it right. Places like Denver, CO and Austin, TX have championed the idea that you’ve got to appeal to a persons life instead of just finding them a job.

I could hear the disbelief of many and the fear of others as she continued to share what areas Lynchburg needs to be focused on. This has become an increasingly interesting subject of late because of joining up with the Young Professionals of Central Virginia. They are a group that is really getting there act together and I’m a fan of action, not just talking about it. I’m also seeing the fruit of many people from the past year getting things in order and now by adding a director, it’s attracting attention. The next meeting of The Young Professionals Council is next week.. and right now I’m so raring to go - I can’t wait. If you’re a young professional in the Central Virginia area, (which is a funny term - because I don’t know if I’m young or professional) let me encourage you to sign up at the website for updates on whats happening or shoot me an email, dan@danportnoy.com

Let’s face it, since 2004 was the season of infamy for every blue blooded New Englander and long time Red Sox fan there is just one simple fact - The Red Sox Nation is out of Control. I love my fellow brothers who were there as the Sox snatched victory from defeat and we’re all still talking about it. (I think we’ve got another 15 years to talk about it with no problem, at least) Growing up a so fan, we’re used to heartache and hatred of the Yankees but somewhere in there I thought there was some humility or at least a lack or running our mouths and talk of subtle nuances to the game. Now that the bandwagon of Red Sox fans is unreal and even in Virginia it seems every other guy has a Red Sox hat on.

When I see these guys I feel like it’s my job to talk to them about Yaz, Jim Rice, Mike Greenwell and Rich Gedman. The problem is I don’t think they’d get it. How do you explain 20+ years of disappointment into a 10 minute conversation?

But that’s the past.. and since the Pats didn’t make it to the Superbowl (and it’s ok, they weren’t supposed to do anything.. so I’ll take it) I’m looking toward baseball. In just 28 days the first of the split team games happen. This is always exciting to me, because these thought usually prompt me to a game of catch with whoever will have me. I’m sure that this years roster of Red Sox will be filled with triumph and heartbreak.. but I’m hoping for more triumph.

Recommendation: Check out Bill Simmons, arguably the best sports writer in the game. (Plus he’s from New England)

Check out this great story about entrepreneurial spirit and inspiration. Tim Sanders is incredible and check out his blog here.