*this is it*

I don’t know anyone who wasn’t/ isn’t a fan of Michael Jackson (MJ) – or who doesn’t at least love a solid wedding rock out to Billie Jean, Bad, Black or White, Thriller, or The Way You Make Me Feel – I could fill an entry with the titles of his greatest hits alone. He was “The King of Pop” and will always be remembered as such.

I recently saw “THIS IS IT” at our favorite local theatre – The Grove! My best friend had the foresight to buy tickets a few weeks back (thank you!!) – it’s only in theatres for two weeks and is just as popular as you can imagine. I watched the press on the October 28^th LA premiere – a star-studded turnout of course! Oprah had a show on the movie too (The Oprah Effect = anything she touches turns to gold). It’s amalgamated footage from MJ’s planned 50-concert tour – originally intended for his personal library and sadly ending just 8 days before his death. It serves as a tribute to him - his dancer’s & back up singers who never had their chance to truly shine - and of course the entire crew.

I was très excited for the movie – I knew in the least I was going to see him sing some (ideally ALL!) of my favorites. In the spirit of my childhood and adolescence (MJ has SEVERAL songs on my Soundtrack of Life) I eightified myself. That included a fluorescent orange lace Free People tank, zippered black skinny jeans, and a cropped black blazer – if I owned shoulder pads I would have rocked them. I can’t say anyone in our group joined me – but I think they appreciated the effort ☺ The audience was full of MJ diehards. It was a sea of concert shirts, white sequin gloves, and even sequin leggings – GO big or GO home!!

Two hours later, MJ’s work did not disappoint. It was great to see him as his authentic self, getting ready to do what he did best – perform. A true artist. An incredible perfectionist with a great attention to detail. The songs and performances are uplifting – people were singing and dancing in their seats (this is LA!!).

My rec is to see it - dance it, sing it and feel it!

This is it.

k

Precious...

I was lucky enough to go the Vogue screening of “PRECIOUS” this week. If you haven’t heard of this movie yet, you will. I first heard about it on Oprah a few months back, and I can wholeheartedly say that it’s hands down THE BEST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN. I’m sure it’ll sweep the Oscars – 2010 Best Picture’s definitely within reach.

Executive Producer’s Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry give it star power – along with fantastic performances by Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz. Although both are hard to recognize – Mariah in social worker garb and Lenny in scrubs as a male nurse. Director, Lee Daniel’s, is best know for Monster’s Ball and Shadowboxer. The lead, Claireece “Precious” Jones, played by Gabourey Sidibe is a fresh talent who’s circumstances have and will continue to drastically change from this movie. She's incredible. Although a tough storyline, it’s hard to watch. Without going into the graphics - Precious is a 350 lb sixteen-year-old African-American girl, born into a life no one would want. Her mom is a toxic woman who abuses her emotionally, physically and sexually to no end. Precious is raped and made pregnant by her father twice, and learns that he gave her HIV. She’s never even had a boyfriend. Sadly these aren’t even the most graphic parts… and worst of all it’s based on a true story set in Harmlem in 1987 – from the novel “Push” by Sapphire. A woman’s true struggle in overcoming tremendous odds.

PRECIOUS has already done exceptionally well at the 2009 festivals - Cannes, Sundance, and the Toronto International Film Festival (go T!!). I can only imagine the further acclaim the winter awards season will bring – but what I know for sure (thanks Oprah) is this film will change how you view others. I’ve always known that we rarely truly know and appreciate the circumstances of others – I just never realized how horrifically bad some of those people’s struggles are... this film brings it close to home. The images don't stay at the theatre.

Never judge a person until you’ve walked a mile in his or her shoes.

We are all precious.

k

24 hours of Bucket List √

Sunday I was lucky enough to join 95,000 people in what will undoubtedly go down as one of the best concerts of the century. The Black Eyed Peas + U2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Joining three fellow Canadians, we were VERY excited to see Bono live for the first time. This is one of the many things on my Bucket List (first drafted when I was in Africa in 2004 - before the self-titled 2007 Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman movie). I’m constantly adding things – and better yet, completing some!!

When I heard the Peas were opening for U2 I was as excited to see them as the fighting Irish. And let me tell you, neither disappointed!! Fergie rocked out hard to GN’R’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with a special guest… Slash! (click URL on Peas pic to watch). And Bono sang all of my favorites, along with impromptu versions of “Stand By Me” and “Amazing Grace” – both on my Soundtrack of Life. The entire concert was streamlined live over YouTube to seven continents worldwide (a man after my own heart...) and watched by millions in 16 countries – it was incredible. You can watch it ALL by clicking on the Bono pic below. His question of the night was “what time is it in the world?” – and of course being an IMPRESSIVE political activist he touched on several global rights issues through his songs and videos. The world’s biggest rock star is also Africa’s biggest advocate. He had me at hello.

Sunday was a major high – followed by a very exciting day with another one of my mega-male mentors – Sir Richard Branson. I went to “The Perfect Pitch 2009” – a Richard Branson Entrepreneurial & Investor Conference at the Ritz in Marina Del Ray (a 45 minute drive – local

by LA standards). The premise was to bring venture capitalists and entrepreneurs together to assist in raising capital and share knowledge. There was a competition where some pitched their businesses to various investors – very interesting to watch, but I chose not to participate as I’m not looking for investors yet. Ideally never! More relevant to me was the keynote address from Sir Richard, the closing remarks from Ed Hardy Founder – Christian Audigier (a designer who’s entire marketing campaign for his line was / is to have celebrities wear his clothes – GENIUS!!) – and panels with several other impressive and inspirational successful tycoons. There were also fantastic breakout sessions on Ecommerce, web-strategy, PR, marketing and SEO. Couldn’t have come at a better time.

My favorite quotes were:

“I’ve spent my lifetime doing things people said were impossible.”

“Screw it, let’s do it!” - also the title of one of Branson's books.

“As long as your airline goes further than your name would suggest.” - Sir Richard Branson (all above)

“You’re not an entrepreneur until you miss a payroll. Welcome to the club”- Jason Nazar, CEO & Founder – Docstoc

“No journey in life is as exciting as entrepreneurship. Be in control of your destiny.”- Steven Lipscomb, CEO & Founder – World Poker Tour

k

A city in mourning

Clearly there are much bigger problems in the world right now than the Dodgers losing the NLCS, but with sports providing as much of a distraction from daily life as our beloved entertainment and all-things celebrity – it’s noteworthy. Especially in the City of Angels.

With a 10-4 victory for Phillie it wasn’t close. Taking the title in only 5 games (Friday’s game I went to was the Dodgers only win… just sayin). We’ll find out the 2009 World Series Challenger’s soon with NY leading the Angels 3-1 in a chase for the ALCS title – heating up an already prominent East Coast vs West Coast Rivalry – and then of course there’s the fact that pretty much anyone outside of NYC, that didn’t grow up there, wants to see them lose. Sadly that’s probably an unlikely scenario – they’re playing well and they have three more chances for just one more win. Alex Rodriguez is being described as “new and improved” this postseason in comparison to a quiet regular season (for him) – pretty sure the hot blonde (Kate Hudson) cheering him on in the stands might have something to do with that… does this mean we’ll be seeing A-Rod on Lake Rosseau next summer? MLB meets NHL... Bring it.

The Dodgers had a good run this year. And being close friends with someone very instrument in all things related to their publicity and press – I know how hard everyone supporting them worked endlessly.... from last spring until now to bring the 2009 regular and postseason together. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! It’s time for a much needed break (for some that includes a well deserved cruise!). After all, World Series Champions 2010 might have an even better ring to it?

It’s on.

k

Fan Favorite

It’s no surprise that for many Americans – baseball is religion. I’d say our closest Canadian parallel is hockey, but even that isn’t as coveted as the field of dreams (KRob you might be the exception here). With the past few weeks of American & National Leagues (NL) Postseason highs and lows – the Dodgers clinching the NL West - BRS losing three in a row to the Angels – and the Yankees beating the Angels after 11 innings last night (with hail and a small Nor’easter) there’ve been few dull moments. The Dodgers had a solid 2009 Regular Season and are closing in as World Series contenders – their series against the Phillies is tied at 1-1; with the next game tonight – winning this they’ll face the Angels or Yankees for the 2009 World Series Championship title.

I was lucky enough to go Friday’s game – watching the Dodgers rally in the 8^th - coming back to win 2-1. I’ve been to a few Dodgers games in recent years - including the 2008 Playoffs - but I’ve never seen the stadium as crazy - it was fantastic.

Most Americans have "their team" they grew up watching – since MANY East Coasters migrate West (can you blame them?) there are probably as many, or more Yankees and BRS fans in California as Dodgers, Angels, Giants & A’s combined. With a longtime rivalry spanning decades between the two mega East Coast franchises (watch Fever Pitch for the Coles Notes version) - East Coasters typically either LOVE the Yankees or the BRS – and then of course, whatever team’s playing / beating the other. It’s religion.

Ideally the 2009 World Series will be the Dodgers vs. Yankees – with the Dodgers taking the title. A close friend working in baseball (DM) explained to me that a WS of the Angels vs. the Dodgers likely wouldn’t be watched outside of California, which makes sense. Regardless, the season wraps up this month – with training camp starting in February / March – and the 2010 season kicking off in April. Can Los Angelenos handle NBA and MLB Championship titles in the same year?

It ain’t over till it’s over.

k

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Columbus Day!

Well there are no leaves to turn, but the temperature's dropped to low-mid 70s this week, my body and mind can finally start processing that it's fall. For the past few weeks whenever someone has said it’s October I’ve still been in August (it’s always sad leaving birthday month behind – only nine months to go). This won’t be the first Canadian Thanksgiving I’ve spent in the US – always being one to maximize long weekends, I’ve had a few in Boston (celebrating with BRS), and one in San Francisco back in 2005. This year I’m repeating the ladder, I’ll be driving up to SF to visit my Uncle and some Canadian friends with festivities spanning Sunday & Monday (Columbus Day here). This idea first came about back in August when I thought Columbus Day was a full-fledged US holiday – I’ve since learned it isn’t observed on the West Coast – and definitely not in LA (although the city did shut down last Monday for the High Holidays). So I’ve decided to single-handedly bring Columbus Day West – I’ll be knee deep in turkey, pumpkin pie and wine from 5pm on both days... Waking up at the crack of dawn Tuesday to miss the morning rush and get back to LA in good time. Ironically I’ll be back in Canada for US Thanksgiving at the end of November (the busiest travel weekend of the year) – and I’m sure my five-day trip will serve as a reminder of the upcoming winter I won’t be missing.

I hope you all enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating long weekend – many of you will be hearing from me during my 12-hour road trip so please stand by. Not to totally cheese it up, but a very close friend sent me this quote yesterday and I think it’s a good time to share it with the people who’ve helped me through this year’s incredible transition.

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

- Mark Twain

Thank you!! xx

k