Every person has events take place when they are younger that shape and guide how they lead the rest of their life. For me, one such event took place in the early 1980s, just after I sold my first company. Without going into all the details, suffice it to say that I had a close brush with my own mortality, and it made me rethink my priorities and how I planned to lead my life going forward. At the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what it meant to live life on offense, but I decided that a good place to start was by giving myself a scorecard – a tool that I could use to make sure that I accomplish everything I want to with my life. I spent the next few days writing down all of my personal and professional goals and there are 101 items on the list. So far I’ve managed to check off 74 of them, and I fully intend to do the rest, although going into outer space may be a bit of a reach.Over the years, I’ve encouraged many people, friends and strangers alike, to create their own lists, to chart out their own goals and dreams and to always live their lives on offense.
| I | Family Matters | ||
| 1 | Fall in love and get married | |
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| 2 | Have a healthy son | |
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| 3 | Have a healthy daughter | |
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| 4 | Take care of mother/father | |
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| 5 | Take care of in-laws | |
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| 6 | Take care of extended family | |
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| 7 | Have grandchildren | ||
| 8 | Have great-grandchildren | ||
| 9 | Leave trusts for family members | |
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| 10 | Leave all financial matters in great shape for family members upon passing on | ||
| 11 | Have children become individuals and self-actualized staying loving within the family | ||
| II | Financial Matters | ||
| 12 | Pay off college debts | |
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| 13 | Net worth of ten million dollars, after taxes | |
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| 14 | Net worth of one hundred million dollars, after taxes | |
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| 15 | Net worth of one billion dollars, after taxes | ||
| 16 | Zero personal debt for family | |
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| 17 | Make ten million dollars on an outside investment | |
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| 18 | Become a partner in a venture capital fund | |
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| 19 | Create one billion dollars in value with an outside investment | |
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| 20 | Start a company and sell it | |
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| 21 | Conduct an IPO on a company I founded | |
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| 22 | Create world’s largest media company | |
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| III | Possessions | ||
| 23 | Own a beach home that stays in family | |
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| 24 | Own a jet | |
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| 25 | Own a yacht | |
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| 26 | Own a convertible Porsche or Mercedes Benz | |
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| 27 | Own a mountain home that stays in the family | ||
| 28 | Own a great piece of art | |
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| 29 | Own a great personal collection of watches | |
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| 30 | Own a Ferrari | |
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| 31 | Restore an antique auto | |
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| 32 | Own a restaurant or club | |
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| 33 | Support someone who makes a great breakthrough in science or art | ||
| IV | Charities | ||
| 34 | Change someone’s life via a charity | |
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| 35 | Give one million dollars to Georgetown University/sit on BOD | |
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| 36 | Major impact on a children’s charity | |
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| 37 | Start a family charity foundation | |
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| 38 | Give away one hundred million dollars in lifetime | ||
| 39 | Have a building/perpetual memorial named after the family | ||
| V | Sports | ||
| 40 | Own a sports franchise (basketball, hockey or football) | |
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| 41 | Win a world championship | ||
| 42 | Go to a Superbowl with Dolphins or Redskins | |
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| 43 | Go to a Final Four with Georgetown | |
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| 44 | Go to a World Series with Yankees | |
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| 45 | Meet Mickey Mantle | |
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| 46 | Catch a foul ball | |
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| 47 | Go to an NBA All-Star Game | |
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| 48 | Go to an NBA Draft | |
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| 49 | Go to an NHL All-Star Game | |
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| 50 | Go to a Capitals Stanley Cup | |
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| 51 | Go to Olympics | |
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| 52 | Play Augusta | |
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| 53 | Play Pebble Beach | |
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| 54 | Play Cypress Point | |
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| 55 | Play St. Andrews | ||
| 56 | Go to Ryder Cup | |
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| 57 | Go to US Open Golf Tourney | |
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| 58 | Go to World Cup | ||
| 59 | Get a hole-in-one | ||
| 60 | Play in a celebrity golf tournament | ||
| 61 | Go to a US Open Tennis Final | |
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| 62 | Go to baseball All-Star Game | |
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| 63 | Go to a Fantasy Camp | ||
| 64 | Shoot baskets at Madison Square Garden or Boston Garden | |
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| 65 | Go one-on-one with Michael Jordan | |
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| VI | Travel | ||
| 66 | Go to Greece | |
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| 67 | Go to Italy | |
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| 68 | Go to Israel/Jerusalem | |
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| 69 | Go to Hawaii | |
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| 70 | Go on safari to Africa | ||
| 71 | Go to London | |
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| 72 | Go to Paris | |
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| 73 | Go to Australia | ||
| 74 | Sail thru Caribbean | |
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| 75 | Sail thru Mediterranean | |
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| 76 | Go to China | |
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| 77 | Go to Brazil | |
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| 78 | Go to Alaska | ||
| 79 | Go to Egypt | |
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| 80 | Go to Bali | ||
| 81 | Go to Tahiti | ||
| VII | Stuff | ||
| 82 | Be on cover of a magazine | |
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| 83 | Produce a TV show | |
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| 84 | Go into outerspace | ||
| 85 | Write a book | |
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| 86 | Invent a boardgame | |
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| 87 | Make a movie | |
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| 88 | Win a Grammy/Oscar/Tony/Emmy Award | |
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| 89 | Swim with dolphins | |
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| 90 | Swim with Great White sharks | ||
| 91 | Get an honorary degree | |
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| 92 | Hold elective office | |
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| 93 | Go to White House/Meet President | |
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| 94 | Advise a foreign government | |
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| 95 | Live overseas for one year | ||
| 96 | Go to Oscar ceremonies | ||
| 97 | Go to MTV Awards Show | |
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| 98 | See the Rolling Stones | |
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| 99 | See the Who | |
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| 100 | Take a year sabbatical | ||
| 101 | Sail around the world with family | ||
This morning I was trying to get a copy of your List of 101 Things and could not find it.
Please help. Wanted to show one of my best friends as it is an inspiration to us.
Thanks
P.S. Would you be interested in purchasing a very large, beautifully framed Henri LeFort Engraving of Pres Washington, 1841, signed with eagle holding arrows surrounded by 13 stars watermark. LeFort is famous French engraver who engraved for Columbian Exposition in Chicago commemorating founding of America. Also one of his small engravings is in the Old Supreme Court in US Capitol.
Need to sale as my husband diagnosed with Schleroderma (terrible disease similar to Lupus). My husband is native American from San Felipe Pueblo (located halfway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe) We are relocating there to be near his parents (his father Robert Velasquez had been governor of their Tribe more than any other Tribal member and my husband is only child, only son.) My husband’s cousin is Notah Begay who roomed with Tiger Woods at Stanford. Anyway I have a wonderful family and want to help by selling one of my most precious possessions. I have collected George Washington historical engravings/pictures since moving here in 1989 and now its time for the next life transition..Have a great Friday- Regards Cis (Clarissa) Kuennen-Velasquez 571/309-5429
Thats quite a list- a lot of those things i hope to accomplish. Which brings me to a boyhood dream of myn that i would like to check off- thats riding the zamboni. Do you think you could help me out?
Given the stories about your enthusiasm for fine wines, I would have thought that one entry under possessions would have been to own or be an investor in a winery that gets a 90+ from Robert Parker! Look no farther than to an ex-IBM exec in Charlottesville that is on a road to that goal!
[...] It was certainly a night to remember, a mark in DC sports history, and hopefully just another step closer to having Ted check the box "Win a World Championship" off of his list of "101 List." [...]
Ted,
just finished reading your article in success magazine and loved the idea of the 101 things to do or have list. Thanks for the inspiration I started my list just now. Thanks and take care
Francisco
Its pretty exciting to see your 101 list and definitely leaves one to want to achieve/do all of above mentioned , BUT I was surprised that i didn’t find INDIA in your “VI Travel” places to visit , I would be more than glad if you ever wanted to find out more about this country interms of culture / people or just about anything of your interest .
Cheers
Tariq
Wow!!! What a list of accomplishments!!! Congratulations!!! Thanks for the incentive to find true happinesss. The survey really gets you thinking about life and what is important to you.
Hi Ted:
Delighted to learn you’re a neighbor in Press Journal today. Just took your Happiness Survey; great exercise and very motivating as is your amazing List.
Hope you decide to stay in our piece of Paradise. I’m a big believer we become like those with whom we associate.
You’re such a fantastic role model in so many ways, but especially the happiness & joy categories, can’t think of a better Barrier Island neighbor.
I publish a free monthly Seaside Scoop enews reaching readers across FL, 43 states and 22 countries abroad.
Would love a message from you for my readers if your marketing co./person or you have one available?
Seaside I’m known as The Parasol Lady for my signature 50+ SPF parasol, savvy sun safety message & daily race with the sun.
Hope you continue to be our Vero Beach neighbor, achieve more of your 101 goals and even greater joy & happiness.
Cheers,
Peggy, The Parasol Lady
writingbyfisher@bellsouth.net
P.S. Isn’t swimming with the dolphins amazing & life-changing!
(Would like to publish email in case anyone wants free Scoop if that’s OK)
Nice and impressive list! If you still need a yacht call me
Hello Mr. Leonsis
I personally think, that in life one must help his or her fellow brother out when it come to life situations. I’m not wealthy by no means, but I have always don’t what is right in life and tried to treat others as I would want to be treated.
With that said, Let me help you reach your dream. One thing I notice you didn’t have checked was under charity you wanted to give away one hundred million dollars in lifetime. I’ll take it Mr. Leonsis and your life will be that much closer to being complete. There’s no need to thank me sir, it’s what I do. Trying my best to to aid the human race.
Have a good day.
Dano
[...] really want is the first step to that plan when you have that in place the rest can come. Here is a site where Ted lists his 101 goals to complete before he [...]
love the list ted! thought you’d get a kick out of what these guys are doing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSYFTZrABMg
Ted,
Very Nice article on TSN today about the Caps.
I though it was great that in the parting shot they mention you as a great owner.
Parting Shot: Ted Leonsis is the type of owner that every NHL team deserves. He is passionate about the game and completely dedicated to giving his team all the tools that they need to win. The team rewarded him last year with a division title, but he hopes that it’s just a sneak peak of what they can really accomplish. This is a young and exciting team that should continue to improve. Thanks in large part to Ovechkin, they have finally made some headway into the consciousness of sports fans in the DC area and should continue to win fans around the league.
This is a pretty impressive list I went to this list because you talked about it today at our Rotary club thank you for your comments today.
I was particularly impressed by your five principles and out of the that I thought the high level of self expression was the best, however empathy is probably the most important for me. By the way if you’re interested in checking off number 60. I can help with that. I have put together a golf tournament of Salvation Army for the last six years in the DC area and would like to invite you to come and play it last year was a pro-am next, year it will be a Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament. I’d like to extend an invitation for you to come and be part of it. I want to thank you for your comments today and a lot to me I’m an avid sports fan and I appreciate the energy you put into this city. Last year I attended 98% of the wizards home games.
I have to tell you that I didn’t know what blog really meant I have spent most of my afternoon reading yours and I understand how you can do it everyday it seems to be a great way to express your thoughts, get them out of your mind and put them in print.
Whow this is so inspiring, I just hope to have lived, only a percentage of these acheivement and I would be happy to be layed to rest.
Good luck with completing them all.
Thanks Hayley
[...] let’s talk about why he even bought the team. On the #1 Sports Team Owner in DC’s List of 101 things he must do (that famous list seen on his blog Ted’s Take) he has "Win a world [...]
Ted,
I read about you in The Hockey news, and started my own list.
It’s such great idea!!
-Emily
Hi Ted! Just read your dream travel list: My husband John (of John Shorb Landscaping - does your garden -) and I are headed to Bali this summer (we bought the trip with another family at the Holton-Arms Auction). We will save you our “best of” list unless you beat us there. Thanks for the kind letter about John’s donation to the Shriver’s Best Buddies ball.
PS We have a great screenplay for you to read– coming your way soon. Cheers, Ellie and John
Hi Ted,
I find you using a Life List to guide your life very inspiring!! I thought you would enjoy the following as you are a real Life List ‘Legend’! You and John Goddard are certainly at the Top of the Legend List!!
http://www.mylifelist.org/emarketing/1208/30.html
CEO, My Life List
Bill Starr
http://www.mylifelist.org
I am thinking that with all of the business transactions that you have been involved in you could check off the “Swimming with sharks” : )
Ted, #63, I’m 52 and went to the Yankess’s fantasy camp a few yrs ago. For 6 days was treated as a “real” Yankee, but the best of all was 6 days of GREAT stories from the 25 - 30 old Yankee players. OK…could walk for a week after, but still had 6 wonderful days.
Just crossed number one off my list - fell in love and got engaged - proposed with a customized Caps jersey with her future name on it. You know, and a ring. Keep up the great work and my fiancee and I will be at every game rooting for our boys!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=kikusan78&target=ALBUM&id=5302313066373487409&authkey=U4FkUhZv4NQ&invite=CJez5-oM&feat=email
I love your 101 list of things to do in your life time. It inspired me, except for some of the more expensive things. Good for you though!
I wondered where your spirituality played on this list? Its one of mine. Just curious.
For myself, I made a list of things not to do with before I die, but a list of things I want to do with my kids before they grew up because they all do grow up way too quickly. Some of the things are quite simple, but are important to me such as see a ballet, a Broadway play, go to a professional hockey, football and baseball game, visit and eat junk food at Coney Island, Eat in the Disney castle, visit the Treesort in Takilma Oregon, look for gems in a Gem Mine, go deep sea fishing and visit a sleeping volcano. Those types of things is also for me, but I want to see them through my child’s eyes.
Ted,
I have seen your list of things to do and obviously everyone’s list will reflect their individuality in its own way. However, as an entrepreneur myself, I am surprised that you don’t have more of your list dedicated to creating valuable solutions to existing problems. If I could get in a room with a guy like you I could achieve so much. Maybe I should that on my list: get into a room with Ted, convince him of my business model, get capital, create and run the greatest sports website ever… Does that count as one thing or four?
[...] Ted Leonsis’s List. He was the one who started with this list. Ted had a brush with his own mortality when he survived an airplane crash in 1983. That incident shaped his thoughts and made him rethink of his own priorities and how he planned to live his life. He later came out with this list. He has completed many of the items in his list. [...]
For several years we have been creating a list of 42 things we would be willing to receive form the universe. I love the idea of expanding it to 101/
It works!
[...] stop on the road to Stanley Cup victory (so Ted can cross THAT off his List of 101 things he must do before he dies), back to NYC to play the Rangers in home territory at 2pm on [...]
Ted,
Number 33 - What type of art are you talking about here?
Okay, you’ve said in interviews that winning a Stanley Cup is your ultimate goal. But when I review your 101 List, I see #41 as win a world championship. Given that you’re destined to own the Wizards at some point, it seems that that winning a world championship as an NBA owner would be acceptable to you. As a Caps season tix holder, that’s NOT acceptable to me. I’ve now had to watch my Caps be humiliated in a game 7 and that opposing team go on to win a Stanley Cup. If winning ANY world championship is your dream, then count me OUT. Winning a Stanley Cup should be on your 101 list, not just ANY world championship.
When I heard you wrote this, I was inspired to write my own! After looking at yours I see mine dreams are so different- in some ways so small, in other ways so creative. it’s a wonderful idea to do- to remind yourself you have things to hope for.
Thank you for sharing this idea; you’ve inspired me to do the same. Go Caps!
Mr. Leonsis,
Thank you for the inspiration. I began a dream board for myself about two years ago and started one for my boys. They are many more dreams that can be created for me. Yet, I would ask one dream that I have not put on my board that I would like to ask you to help fulfill — to allow my singing group, Shades of Vision to sing the National Anthem at a Caps game! Let me know.
[...] Check out some other people, or websites, that have big goal lists for inspiration. John Goddard, Ted Leonsis, Mark Batterson, Bucket List, Dan Meyer… I am sure there are [...]
I just completed my own 101 list as of last night. It was fun and it really stretched me. I just heard about your story on Sunday night at a leadership function. I am living my life offensively and I have never been more excited! Thank you for setting an incredible example!
Dear Ted Leonsis, Your dream for “To Do #33″ has arrived I am the designer of possibly the most beautiful, exciting, awe inspiring and sensuous hi rise in the world. This erection will last into perpetuity and is indispensible for history. Something like the Parthenon. But wait there is more. If you are “Good” there are more items to check off your list. Must contact me promptly because I am approaching other interested parties. This is phronesis with eureka. My name is Domenic Zarlenga. My e-mail is domeniczarlega3@yahoo.ca, at 12 St. Dennis Dr. Apt. 820, Toronto, ON M3C 1B2 Canada.
Actually you seem a pretty good guy, Domenic
good luck on your list!! i need to make one soon
Thank you for sharing your list. I have one wish for my son. He is 22 and a great hockeyplayer. He grew up with hockey in Sweden and is 6′4″ and plays beautifully. My wish is for him to try out for your team!! He has the skills and he just needs the chance. We are currently living in Falls Church and he goes and practices in Arlington where your team practices. How do we go about getting him to try-outs? He says that you dont take people from the streets but those that have been playing in college teams and so on… Is that the ONLY way to get to try-out? Please help:)
Cheers
Vibeke
Ted, love your list, you’ve inspired me to do one too!!!
Hi Ted and all,
I write a humor column in a Richmond-area newspaper. My latest column compares and contrasts the list Ted made when *he* was 26… and the list I made when *I* was 26…
Both were drawn up in the 1980s but… let’s just say there are differences.
You can read the column online at http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2010-01-06/Loose_Ends/The_list.html. I hope you enjoy it.
Chuck
Mr. Leonsis,
Love the CAPS, & love your list. For a person to set out that many goals & accomplish so many of them is amazing & inspiring. Reading through your travel destinations & adventures, I noticed Tahiti. I was fortunate enough to visit French Polynesia and they are a beautiful set of islands. If you enjoyed swimming with dolphins, visit Bora Bora and you can swim with manta rays, dolphins & reef sharks all in the same outing. Thanks for helping turn around the city of DC through its sports teams. LETS GO CAPS!
Hi Ted -
Years ago, when you first began ownership of the Caps and were still active at AOL, you spoke with me for about 30 minutes in the atrium at AOL. Thank You for doing that and coming on my radio show on WBZS back in the mid 90’s. Always enjoy going to Caps games. Your Bucket List has made me realize that All things are possible !! Cheers, Jonathan