From Blogs to Globility
On April 25, 1976, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs in a game that was overshadowed by an act of patriotism by Cubs’ centerfielder Rick Monday. Monday saved the U.S. flag from being burned on the field by protesters. This heroic act catapulted Monday into the national spotlight.
On June 10, 2008, my friends and I were in Los Angeles for a game between the Cubs and Dodgers. I took the opportunity to interview Monday, who ironically became a broadcaster for the the Dodgers. I used that interview to produce a GT blog during the week of July 4th. Much to my surprise, the blog was read on the air by David Stein of Sporting News Radio.
Last Thursday, I was in New York for GT’s annual awards event. Midway through the night, my pants zipper broke. I returned to my room to try and fix the problem. After a few futile minutes, I gave up and put on jeans. I figured it was dark in the party room and I wasn’t the main focus anyway.
As I re-entered the party, I heard publisher Fran Gallagher make a comment about a blog, followed by a recording of Stein reading my blog on Rick Monday. I had no idea what was happening when Kim Krol (GT wunderkind) summoned me to the stage.
I arrived at the stage just as Fran announced me as the winner of the Globility award. Then I promptly tripped going up the stairs, only to have actor (and awards presenter) Terrence Howard save me from tumbling off the stage.
If you see any pictures of the moment and I look a bit stunned and disheveled, I was. Two weeks ago I wrote about meeting Terrence Howard. I had no idea it would be under these circumstances.
Fran Gallagher defines globility as: the quality of being open to world of cultures and experiences. I can honestly say, writing this blog has definitely given me plenty of wonderful experiences.
In a former professional life, Laurie encouraged me to take opportunities when presented with them. I took her advice in getting the interview with Monday. The experience turned out to be magical, ending with me accepting the Globility award.
I admit, Fran has been open to some of my offbeat blogs, although he ribs me incessantly about them. I hope I have rewarded his trust. I plan on continually seeking out interesting stuff. I am grateful for every reader and all comments.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist, blogger and Globility award winner
January 27th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
That’s fantastic. Congratulations!
January 27th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
You deserved the award, John…jeans and all!
As for tripping when you climbed onstage - you could turn that into a great conversation starter: “So, Terrence Howard saved my life once…” A bit dramatic/exaggerated perhaps, but attention-catching none the less. Haha Congratulations again!!
January 27th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
That’s a great story. Congrats to you.
I remember that moment when Rick Monday saved the flag. Now, with ESPN and the internet, Monday would be a much bigger hero. Even the, he got a lot of (deserved) recognition.
January 27th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I like Kate’s idea. It’s much better than getting the reward with no story behind it.
January 27th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Wow an award winner! That’s great for you. The story from beginning to end sounds great. Life is full of wonderful experiences.
January 27th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Good work. I enjoy reading your blog every week.
January 27th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
How was the award winner chosen?
It’s great that you were recognized by your GT peers. You should be proud.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:45 am
I enjoy your offbeat blogs. If I wanted to read boring stuff, I could find plenty of it elsewhere. Keep doing what you’ve been doing and we’ll keep reading.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
To all-Thanks for your kind words and for reading and commenting.
To Kate-Thanks for your words of encouragement here and at the party.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
The Globility award? Is that like the Heisman? Seriously congrats to you and to GT for recognizing you! Awesome job all around.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
A much-deserved award, John — congratulations! Your large and appreciative following is a testamen to your talent and ability as a writer to engage your readers with such a wide range of interesting subjects. I am, as always, in awe!
January 28th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
I’m a little late to the party here, but congratulations anyway. I am sure GT and Fran really felt you deserved the award and recognition. It appears your faithful readers agree.
January 29th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Bigger question. Does it come with a hefty bonus?
January 29th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Will we see pictures in the next issue of GT? My wife loves those party shots.