Elliott's blog

A photo diary of my adventures

Uncle Drew

Kyrie Irving is one of the greatest players in the NBA. So, when he dresses up like a 70 year old has-been named “Uncle Drew” and shows up for some street league basketball, no one thinks much of it…until he schools every single person in the most incredible ways possible..

Reading List #2

Reading List #2

When I Stop Talking You’ll Know I’m Dead is a book about one of the greatest American entrepreneurs and deal makers alive, Jerry Weintraub. Weintraub produced Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13; signed Elvis and Sinatra back in the day; and was the CEO of United Artists. In his book, he writes about his unfathomable stories, lessons, deals and improbable comebacks. It’s hard to believe how incredible Jerry Weintraub really is. This is one of my favorite books of 2012.

Adopt a dog

Adopt a dog

Two weeks ago, I stopped by whole foods for a snack. Next thing I knew, I was meeting these adorable puppies up for adoption outside whole foods. I would love to be able to rescue a dog, give it a home and of course give it a stuffed animal to play with (see bowery hotel bear in photo below)

Bowery Hotel Bear

Bowery Hotel Bear

I love the Bowery Hotel in New York City.  It’s a boutique hotel with wonderful little touches everywhere..a room key with a tassle that the front desk holds for you, the morning papers they deliver, the vintage feel of the restaurant / lounge…but nothing compares to the adorable bear that is sitting on your bed when you walk into your room for the first time.

Life’s Instructions

love these

Life’s Instructions

  1. Have a firm handshake.
  2. Look people in the eye.
  3. Sing in the shower.
  4. Own a great stereo system.
  5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
  6. Keep secrets.
  7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
  8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
  9. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
  10. Whistle.
  11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
  12. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
  13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
  14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
  15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
  16. When playing games with ! children, let them win.
  17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
  18. Be romantic.
  19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
  20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
  21. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
  22. Be a good loser.
  23. Be a good winner.
  24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
  25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
  26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
  27. Keep it simple.
  28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
  29. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
  30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
  31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the
  32. things you didn’t do more than the one’s you did.
  33. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
  34. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
  35. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
  36. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
  37. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
  38. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
  39. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
  40. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
  41. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
  42. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
  43. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
  44. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
  45. Become someone’s hero.
  46. Marry only for love.
  47. Count your blessings.
  48. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
  49. Wave at the children on a school bus.
  50. Remember that 80% of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
  51. Don’t expect life to be fair.

Reading List: How to Become a Great Boss

I’m constantly asked what books have helped guide me in business and life. Whether you’re an employee, have employees or are in charge of a business, How to Become a Great Boss is a must read. It’s a simple book, which takes only a few hours and is based on 30 core lessons / principles.  I re-read it a few time each year. Read the book and follow the lessons.

Arty

If you like house music, this set by Russian DJ Arty is one of the best out there

 

 

 

Treehouse

This is unreal.

HD Hero

I watch this every morning when I wake up

Get Well Soon Tour -> More stops

I am so proud of the Get Well Soon Tour team- Benny Blanco, Austin Bisnow, Scott and Shanna Yarmovsky, Hilary Goldberg & David Silberstein. Almost one year ago, Benny, Austin and I sat at our home in Washington DC before Thanksgiving and were rapping on how we could use music to inspire and help children. It was there that Benny had the idea to take musicians to visit children in hospitals and Austin came up with the name “Get Well Soon Tour.”  10 months later, we just had Get Well Soon Tour stops #3 (Mandy Moore), #4 (Britney Spears) & #5 (Maroon 5).

Maroon 5 hang with the kids in Baltimore

Mandy Moore visits Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Justin Bieber, Pitbull, Maroon 5, Britney Spears and Mandy Moore have all been incredible with the kids. A huge thanks to each of them and their teams for being so excited to take time from their schedules. A special thanks as well to Jared Eng from JustJared.com. He’s been a supporter of Get Well Soon Tour, sharing pics to inspire his readers and fans.