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 Looking for fun stuff for the
office with Model Sonja. Canada's diamond industry
has now become a $1.7 billion industry with all indicators pointing to potential
for future growth. Canadian diamond production in 2002 was almost 5 million carats,
and in 2003 was 11.2 million carats. These statistics have positioned Canada in
the number three spot of diamond-producing nations. I learned this and many other
facts about the diamond industry through one of my most recent projects. This
project involved assisting a notable group of diamond brokers to establish their
company in Vancouver BC, Canada. To kick start the commemoration of their establishment,
I produced an ad campaign called "A Passion for Dining". This campaign
promotes fine dining with the sensual elegance of diamonds. I believe in pairing
great things together to create more passion in life because it is passion that
will guide us to live with purpose - not just to live.  Having a light snack with Forbes
400’s Dennis Washington and family (and friends) at his private retreat. Counter
clock … Me, Kyle Washington, Dennis Washington, NFL San Francisco 49er’s Cade
McNown, Jadranka Talic and Kevin Washington.I believe
in living life with passion. Throughout my professional career, I've had the most
fortunate opportunity to be able to associate with numerous high profile individuals
and organizations such as Forbes 400 successors, politicians, as well as celebrity
entertainers and athletes. I've learned to recognize that people who live with
passion exude an alluring energy within themselves that magnetizes great people,
situations, and circumstances into their lives.  Spending time in L.A with buddies
NFL Washington Redskins Brad, Playboy Model Amy, and NFL Cleveland Browns Brent.
Three years ago, I encountered a young man on my
way to a banquet. As the valet attendant was pulling my car away, I saw this young
man sitting next to his saxophone, around the corner, near the building I was
about to enter. He was dressed completely opposite from the pedestrians passing
by who were dressed in attire that betrayed the casual elegance of luxury tailoring.
I realized I was also cut from the same elegant cloth since I was dressed for
the banquet. As I approached him, I could only hope that my presence would not
make him uncomfortable. Left:
Spending time with buddies. From left … Ninja Turtle's Gerald, StarGate SGI Series
Co-Star Michael, CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Dave, and NHL New York Islander's
Dave.
Middle: In Seattle with Major League Baseball Star,
Dodger's Chan Ho.
Right: Having a drink with Vincent Pastore
… known as “Big Pussy Bonpensiero” on HBO's Hit Series, “The Sopranos”.
Left:
Hanging with Cuba Gooding Jr. at one of my events in Vancouver.
Right:
Participating as one of the sponsors at the C.H.I.L.D Foundation Charity.
Left:
After dinner with Charmaine Crooks, former Olympic Silver Medalist Sprinter.
Right: Greeting Vancouver Councilor, Sam Sullivan and B.C’s Finance Minister,
Gary Collins. As I walked closer up to him, I noticed
that he looked as though he hasn't showered for days. I observed him as he buried
his saddened face in his hands. I understood that the feelings of sadness and
confusion could sometimes seem unbearable; we've all been there. But it is because
of these feelings of dissatisfaction, these opportunities disguised as obstacles
that force us to grow, transform, and become better than we used to be.  Greeting Dr. David Ho, one
of B.C’s most well-respected business icon. After dinner with B.C icon
and former Member of Parliament, Grace McCarthy. I
knelt down next to this young man, smiled, and said hello as I introduced
myself. I politely asked him to play a song of his choice for me and for everyone
around us as I placed a five-dollar bill by his side. He slowly lifted his head
from his hands and said thank you as he tried to reciprocate my smile. He rose
to his feet and began to play his saxophone; to my surprise, he played the song,
Pennies from Heaven. His talent filled the air with
enchanting notes, kept the valet attendant company, greeted the guests who arrived
at the event, and attracted the many people passing by - adding a little more
jazz to everyone's night. Spectators were complimenting through their smiles and
applause as they also spared the young man some bills and change.
Left:
Joined by Model Sonja.
Right: Enjoying the music sponsored
by the infamous Music Hall of Famer, Dal Richards.
Left:
Getting ready for panel discussion with Troy McClain from the cast of Donald Trump’s
“The Apprentice” reality show.
Right: On the panel
with the cast from “The Apprentice”, Nick and Troy. Soon
after that, I turned around and attended my function fashionably late. Ever since
that day, I'd made a point to visit that very spot as often as I could to watch
the young man play his saxophone. He even trimmed his hair and wore a tie. Six
months later, he was nowhere to be found - my heart sank. Left:
Listening to amusing business proposals from the audience.
Right: Let
me answer that question for you… Over a year ago,
while I was at the House of Blues
in Los Angeles, California, a familiar face appeared on stage to perform with
a band. It was the same young man I had encountered three years ago. He was still
playing the saxophone - better than ever. I wanted to say hello, but my intuition
whispered that it wasn't necessary. I quietly left after the performance ended.
As I slipped out, I exhaled a blissful sigh and was certain that the young man
was well on his way to exploring his passion for life through music.
Left:
Hmmm…silver Lamborghini? Or yellow Lamborghini?
Middle: Getting ready for
the Playboy casting call production in Vancouver.
Right: Joined by
Playboy Special Editions Chief Editor, Jeff Cohen and Playboy Model, Brandee.
Living with passion can guide you to express your unique
talents and use them to service humanity. In doing this, you can
create abundance in your life that can positively
effect everyone around you. Living with passion will remind you to love unconditionally
and perform random acts of kindness. I've experienced countless moments that prove
this concept to be positively life altering. When you live with passion, you
will realize the joy and magic that lie beyond what you know through your human
senses.
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