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

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