Finding the Big Guy in a Big Crowd

June 7, 2018. Yes, I have to work tomorrow. The screenings outside Capital One Arena looked like a fun place to watch a game. Some set up blankets. Others walk across those blankets. I walk around them.

More was learned in nightclubs than I ever learned in school. Keeping the arteries of people moving is something I can do well. Of course I let one woman walk through. Her boyfriend follows. That's okay. Their friends join in and while waiting for the cast of Godspell to walk through so I can move to my next spot a bearded man approaches me.

"Hey, aren't you on LinkedIn."

"Yes."

"I thought that was you. Didn't you write the article about walking to Kentucky?"

"Actually, I did. No one ever asks how the weekend was when I did something interesting like walk to Covington from Cincinnati. They have beautiful bridges."

"I ask how people's weekends were. Maybe you need to come to Willow Tree."

"Right now I have a job where I can help people. And they are always understaffed. There is purpose in showing new employees a better way. It beats the "Hey, freshman!" attitude that I did not like in school or adulthood."

"We have to uplift others. I'm Liam, by the way. This crowd is crazy. I'm meeting some people at The Renaissance. Do you want to go?"

"Sure."

We walk up ninth street, hoping the Capitals close it out. A 3-1 lead is not safe with the Capitals.

"The Capitals can't win Game Seven. At home or on the road- they have blown many 2-0 and 3-1 leads."

"Come on now. That's in the past. They can do something tonight. Those Las Vegas introductions are annoying."

"Yeah. The Rangers have played blocks from Broadway for years and they don't feel the need to put on a show."

"They did in 1994."

"Hey, I was rooting for the Canucks that year."

"Well, you could wait for the Maple Leafs to win the Cup."

"I should live so long. Have you met Jahmaal? He's on LinkedIn, too."

"Evidently I just met the Black guy at the hockey game."

"Come on, man. I couldn't get into the arena. It's a good way to spend a Thursday night."

"It is. I have hardly watched the game. If the Capitals score the ones who are watching will let us know."

"Actually, guys, I am going to have to leave. My wife is at home with out newborn. I don't want to be away from her very long."

"Aren't you a good Dad."

"Do you have children?"

"No. Knew I forgot to do something."

"You still have time. It's was great meeting you. I'll see you- and you, Jahmaal, soon."

"Sounds good. Getting out and meeting people is better than watching pointless videos all night."

"Hey, I make videos sometimes."

"Since video took over a year and a half ago people act like they invented LinkedIn. The writers built a foundation, the video heads take all the glory. It is straight up serendipity manipulation."

"That is not how I see it although I enjoy "Serendipity."

"Well, Liam, I enjoy going out on a school night. I have to be at work in a few hours so I had better head home as well. I'll catch the game on Sirius and hopefully The Capitals can hold this lead."

The Capitals took care of business. I thought about getting together with Liam again. When I finally got around to it, he moved to North Carolina. His presence on LinkedIn would grow while mine more or less stayed the same. Even in the Fast and the Furious Universe there are impressions and not many views. At least there are opportunities for relationships and meeting people in life.