Life in LA

var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-21915590-2']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

[drgabeveas]

I have been spending a lot of time at a local elementary school this year investing in first graders. Here is a photo me with a few of them after we played a little football and had a MMS (Mini Mentoring Session). I emphasized hard work, dedication, and dreaming big...using a lot of USC Football illustrations. Click on the image to be taken to the team's official website, to stay up on how their season is going.

[drgabeveas]

Spending a Saturday night watching UFC with some of the guys I have mentored for the past seven years. Click on the image to be taken to the official Ultimate Fighting Championship website to check out upcoming events.

[drgabeveas]

I had a great time in Washington in May where I was able to speak to educators who work with adjudicated & at-risk youth in education programs statewide. There I was able to give the keynote address entitled, I Have a Dream!: Reigniting the Legacy & Passion to Reach Youth. Over the years I have found that these keynote speeches are oftentimes what leaders need to be reinvigorated to press on through the current struggles they may be facing. The response was great following the talk and I was able to connect with some incredible folks while I was there.

I was also able to lead a breakout session entitled, Leadership for Administrators: Utilizing Research & Best Practices to Cultivate a Culture of Mentoring. Here I broke down my philosophy for mentoring, then through a discussion format I was able to walk the group through any questions they had about making mentoring a reality in their context.

If you click on the image you will be taken to the State of Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website that has more information on the conference.

[drgabeveas]

Had a great time last month at USC Night @ Dodger Stadium with my wife Karina. Was able to connect with some fellow Trojans and watch MVP candidate Matt Kemp in action. If you click on the image above you will be taken to the official USC Alumni page which features some incredible upcoming events. Fight On!

[drgabeveas]

Check out my official walk out video for the 2011-2012 school year, as voted on by students this summer.

[drgabeveas]

Tonight I was at the Greg Giraldo Benefit at the Wiltern Theater. There was a great line-up of comedians who performed: Dave Attell, Bill Burr, and Daniel Tosh among others. Greg passed away late last year and the proceeds of this event will go to his three children. The photo is from the close of the night where all of the comedians came on stage along with the kids to a standing ovation. Greg had a BA from Columbia and a law degree from Harvard. Admirably, he left his job early on as a lawyer to follow his dream to become a stand-up comedian.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to the documentary that Comedy Central put out earlier this year entitled, "Give it Up For Greg Giraldo." There you will get an idea of the impact and respect that comedians such as Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien had for Greg.

[drgabeveas]

You inspired our attendees and our youth at Green Hill! That is exactly what we had hoped for.

KATHLEEN O'NEILL SANDE - WA State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

[drgabeveas]

Tonight I was at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena telling some stories and working on some material that I will be taking on the road soon. The LA Times calls the Ice House, "the oldest comedy club in the country." Many legends have performed there including Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, & Jay Leno just to name a few.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to a great story highlighting the influence and significance of the club. Written last year by the LA Times, comedians reflect on their experiences at the Ice House over the past 50 years.

[drgabeveas]

Here I am working with a group of parents on how to better relate and support their children. In meetings like this I also help to foster a team culture, where the parents begin to view each other as a support network to make their dreams a reality.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to the Search Institute's website which outlines the 40 Developmental Assets. Over the years, I have used their research to help parents understand what it takes to help kids grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

[drgabeveas]

Last night I was able to check out two of the hottest female artists live in concert: Britney Spears & Nicki Minaj. The performance by Nicki was something else. Britney's performance really sets the bar as an entertainer with her singing, dancing, acting, stage design, special effects, videos, back-up dancers, and overall showmanship. She is a true professional and left the audience in a state of awe.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to StubHub.com, my favorite site in terms of finding & purchasing the tickets you want.

[drgabeveas]

Take a journey with Dr. Gabe Veas as he returns to the Jr. High he attended to be honored as Principal for the Day. In this video, among other things, you will get a chance to see him speak to an enthusiastic class of eighth grade students. As students continue to face negative influences on a daily basis, communities across the country are in search of leaders with life-changing messages that resonate with youth. Straight from the heart of Los Angeles, a new voice of hope has emerged for this generation: Dr. Gabe Veas.  Visit DrGabeVeas.com to learn more about Dr. Gabe Veas and how you can get this dynamic, motivational speaker to a venue near you.

[drgabeveas]

Here is some art that I just received via email today from one of the elementary school students that I spoke to yesterday at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles. While I shared my story I pointed out that USC was right across the street from the museum. I walked with the students over to the Rose Garden where they were able to see Mudd Hall. When the students saw it they were all in awe, just as I was at their age.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to a photo of the Seeley Wintersmith Mudd Memorial Hall of Philosophy building that the student drew =).

[drgabeveas]

Recently I was able to spend some time in Portland, Oregon connecting with the leaders of various non-profit organizations. My wife Karina was able to come along with me and check out the city as well. We had some fun walking through the downtown area when we came across these incredible food carts. In one area in particular there must have been twenty carts all in one parking lot. Of course we had to grab a bite or two =). On the right of us you can see the food carts.

If you click on the image above you will be taken to a cool website that breaks down some of the food cart culture up there.

[drgabeveas]

This is how I feel when I speak to youth across the country. I am honored to be able to witness eyes light up, hearts awaken, and dreams be birthed that will eventually help change the world.

[drgabeveas]

Here I am in front of the Capitol in Washington DC. I was able to spend a week there recently with a think tank working on national education reform. It was pretty hot & humid that week. 90 degrees and raining! That doesn't happen in LA. Well I had to take the coat and tie off as I took a stroll through the city that evening =).

If you click on the image above you will be taken to a site that provides an incredible virtual tour of the US Capitol.

[drgabeveas]

In this video Dr. Gabe Veas brings another captivating message to a capacity crowd of students, inspiring them to reach beyond where they are at to achieve their dreams. Through sharing his personal story, he is able to show that dreams can come true, despite what you may think. As students continue to face negative influences on a daily basis, communities across the country are in search of leaders with life-changing messages that resonate with youth. Straight from the heart of Los Angeles, a new voice of hope has emerged for this generation: Dr. Gabe Veas.  Visit DrGabeVeas.com to learn more about Dr. Gabe Veas and how you can get this dynamic, motivational speaker to a venue near you.

[drgabeveas]

Here I am doing what I do, hosting another BBQ at my home. Pollo asada is on the grill and is about ready to be taken off.

For those of you who know about MMA, you will recognize the logo on my hat which is a tribute to the now dissolved PRIDE organization out of Japan.