Things the world can get together over (or Heaven on Earth part 2.5)

(image: Mail & Guardian Online)

I'm sitting on the couch watching vh1's "Top Songs of the '90s" and we're on number 6, which happens to be Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back." Maybe that's important, maybe not...but I digress. Number 2 is U2's "One"; much more fitting and beautiful.

The next show on vh1, though, is 46664, the concert for Nelson Mandela. And I'll admit, I never really had an appreciation for Nelson until I read "The Pursuit of Happyness" by Chris Gardner. Yes, the same Chris Gardner as I got a picture with and posted right here and here. If there's one book that could successfully guide you or me or anyone through life (besides the obvious one), this would definitively be it. It's one of those stories that will give you chills as you read it. Hang on every word, and cherish his story, because it's more than likely a far cry from any story that you will have to live out personally.

And now Chris is one of Wall Street's most successful investment bankers, and a banker with a mission (I just can't find a link to it). He's a guy who'll tell you exactly what he believes, and as such he's one whom you will trust from the outset. And when he credits Nelson Mandela as an outstanding influence in his own life, it's worth another look.

Even if you have no real idea of everything Nelson's been through (unfortunately, mostly speaking to myself), the words "Nelson Mandela" still hold an intrigue and an inspiration hardly rivaled by any others in any language. He lives the idea of Heaven on Earth everyday, constantly trying to improve not only his own life but the lives of everyone around him. The world is in each of our hands each and every day. And if you set out every day to "spread love," you just might be able to change the world (h/t EJ). I'd like to say the world could use thousands more Nelson Mandelas, but that might be dangerous. I don't know if this world could hold that much love at one time.

But if any of us could even approach Nelson-levels of love, the world would certainly be a much better place. A little closer to its perfection, Heaven.

Call this my multimedia post

It seems like it's been forever since the last time that I actually wrote about anything on here. So I'll give you a little rundown with some text, a few slideshows, and some videos. Enjoy!

Here are some pictures from yesterday and last night. You'll see me with childhood friend and almost-graduated U of Bama student Vanessa Rolf. There are also some from the "Aquatic Odyssey" and the AIG-sponsored dessert reception at PetCo Park.

1. Went to the Aquatic Odyssey where they had mermaids, a girl with water fountain fingers, a live band, eight bars, more tables of food, two bars made of ice and thousands of risk management and insurance professionals. For the record, never ever drink a dry martini -- or any martini for that matter -- at a rate faster than calm sip. Trust me.
2. We got to walk on PetCo Park's infield grass and dirt. Well, we actually followed the security girl while she kicked other people off the field and took pictures when she wasn't looking. They also had a pretty sweet wiffleball cage and some amazing bananas foster. with Myers's Rum. Awesome.
3. Crashed something fierce on top of my bedsheets and woke up around 3 feeling awful cold.

These are from Monday morning through Monday night, tracing the breakfast, keynote, exhibit hall, dinner(s) and Hootie concert. The day just kept getting better.

1. Woke up at the crack of dawn for breakfast and Chris Gardner's keynote about breaking cycles. Quite possibly one of the most engaging presenters I've ever experienced. I got a book signed and a picture...I felt special.Yes, I rocked a bow tie. And it looked good. And the only other guy with one was also a Marsh employee. Good karma.
2. Yes, I rocked a bow tie. And it looked good. And the only other guy with one was also a Marsh employee. Good karma.
3. I love Marsh. Period. 'Nuff said.
4. Shmoozed around the UGA Night reception in the Hall of Fame Room at PetCo Park. It was sponsored by Willis, another global broker juggernaut. Filet mignon burgers are great, by the way.
5. Headed over to Marsh's event at Dick's Last Resort. I met two UGA grads at the earlier reception, so we palled around the city over to Dick's. They're corporate headhunters (insert vaguely villainous music here).
6. Came back and got pumped for the HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH CONCERT!!! It was awesome! Not only did they play all of their huge hits, they also threw in some "Get Down On It," "Champagne Supernova," "Losing My Religion," and a few more covers. I went absolutely nuts when they said our Athenians R.E.M. were the reason they started a band. I lost my voice as soon as I ran in the door (and I do mean ran).

And I'll leave you with some of the concert videos that I took. It was splendid.

The opening song



Hootie playing "Losing My Religion." That's me in the background screaming and losing my mind. Oh, Athens.



What a defining, classic song. Sorry I could only get 36 seconds of it for you guys.

Talk to y'all soon! As in...tomorrow probably!

Chris Gardner's happyness keynote

One quote: "Those guys spent $70 million recreating what I did with nothing." This guy is incredible!