'Trend Frenzy' online magazine

The online magazine hosted on "issuu" called 'Trend Frenzy' is currently running an interview with me, featuring some pictures from my portfolio.

http://issuu.com/trendfrenzy/docs/march

Click on the main image on the site, and browse to page 58.

New pictures from shoot

I had a photoshoot with photographer Daniel David last week. More shots to be posted soon. Here are 2 sample shots. Please visit his site here:

http://danieldavid.carbonmade.com/

Bieber Fever

There was a little frenzy on my Twitter profile when I blurted out that I really enjoyed the Justin Bieber documentary 'Never Say Never.' Also, I have new-found respect for the chap! Which, perhaps implies, that I'm officially a 'JB'-fan, or, popularly referred to (by his fans) as a 'Belieber.'

I compared 'JB' to a young Michael Jackson, because, in the movie you'll clearly see how a baby-Bieber starts to improvise with rhythm to the beat of music. It is the natural, raw, instinctual talent that only a few people have. And Michael Jackson had the same gift - from a young age. Of course, being stimulated musically from the day they were born helped both guys to acquire an appreciation of music. It is rare to have such a gift for music. And it makes sense to me that these kinds of people get discovered, and succeed, when they are still very young! In the Justin Bieber movie you'll clearly learn that he wasn't just another 'pop' product that was 'manufactured' into making more money for the big-boss execs! In fact, it is pointed out that they (the 'bosses') initially showed no interest in signing him, because they believed he should be part of Nickelodeon or the Disney channel-shows. They did not see a "platform" for him. And, again, my argument about raw/real talent is relevant. This dream of being discovered had to much to do with ensuring his 'gift' gets 'delivered' if you will to people of the world.

Ignore the immature, screaming, teenage girls that want to "marry" him and are "in love" with him, etc , and of course, ignore the commercial machine that is hyping his soft-cock pop-crap-music... (I can't help to also remember the screaming girls whenever MJ was around).

I choose to look past this, because he has to make music that will sell to 13-year old pubescent teenagers. However, the documentary showed me the musical genius that he is, and will continue to be. In any case, it seems there are several 'Bieber-haters' who I believe simply don't know his background, or realise what he is really made of. Sure, if his pop-music chords are annoying, that is a matter of taste (not everyone loved Michael Jackson either).

Another striking aspect of the movie - if you are able to read between the lines - is that the kid never hesitated to try and let people hear his music - performing on a street corner, in church, community meetings, a local restaurant, and so on. Point is, most of us sit on our talents. We wait for something to happen. Like the Nedbank TV ad explains - YOU have to make things happen!

Criticise the kid, and his music, all you like. But, at least, go see the movie first. Then, decide what to do. Lol. It's about understanding things that are not directly obvious in what we see/read/hear in the media. And grasping the genius of (some) people.

Cheers to Bieber!! ;)

Business 101

I have learnt valuable business advice simply from reading books that are written by successful people. It helps. One of my idols is Donald Trump.

Here are a few points from his book 'Think Big.'

Be a doer not a dreamer.

'Passion is more important than brains or talent. I have seen some really talented, brainy people fail because of lack of passion. They always seem to have great new ideas [...] but they never do anything about them,' (46/2008).

'The formula of knowledge is the best way to learn because learning from someone else's mistakes is faster and easier than making them yourself,' (63/2008).

'Good luck happens when opportunity meets preparation;'

'A lot of people look at successful people and do not see anything but the end result. They do not see all the work that went into getting there,' (116/2008).

'What can you do to establish momentum? To get momentum, you must first focus on a specific goal with passion and intensity (...) 'Pick something you are good at or have the ability to become good at. Start your momentum rolling by becoming very knowledgeable about your chosen field,' (209/2008).

'Anyone can do things that are easy. It is rare to find people who can tackle big challenges. If you do, you stand out from the crowd. I have found that if something is too easy, it is not usually even worth doing. Lots of other people are already doing it, and there usually is not much profit in the easy jobs.' (215/2008).

'If you ever get into deep difficulty, always focus on the things that make you feel better. Sure, handle the bad stuff you have to deal with, but do not let it demoralize you or distract you from pursuing your goals.' (229/2008).

'If you want to become successful and stay successful, you must learn how to focus; '...the key to making this system work is discipline,' (235/2008).

Those inspired me to work harder and never lose sight of my goals.

Hope it helps you too.

Have a blessed day!

2011 Hooray!!!

My first day at work in 2011 arrived, and it felt like I never went away! The same old mixture of politics, admin, and mission-of-getting-things-done. However, I'm truly blessed and happy in what I do.

Over the holidays I've read a few books as well. One of which being 'The Facebook Effect.' It's inspiring to read about others' success, and how they stick to their plan, no matter how tough things get, or how hard it might be to achieve that first bit of success!

It is my goal for 2011, to have a plan, to write it down, and refine it every single day. It's the least we can do: write down what we'd like, read it every single day, re-write it if necessary, but just think about it everyday. When you read about successful people's stories, you'll find that every single successful person had to face the prospect of failing, being criticized, and being alone, at some point or another. But more than that, they all had a plan, and worked at this plan every single day. You can't organise your life, if you don't have a plan. And you may revisit your plan again, and again, and again.

The founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, created several forerunners before he came up with 'The Facebook.'

We all need to do that!

My passion is nutrition, and I always think that a healthy body will manifest a healthy mindset. They work well together. If you focus on being healthy, being disciplined to eat healthy, and exercise, you'll feel more energised to do things.

In 2011 I want to study something that teaches me even more about nutrition, I want to help people understand the importance of food, and diet, and provide guidance.

There is nothing more rewarding for me when someone takes good advice, put in enough effort, and see the results from a healthy diet & exercise plan.

Have a plan for 2011, and you'll most certainly see the rewards.

Being organised in this manner immediately attracts prosperity and success. Just try it!

Make a list tonight of everything you'd like to have: money, health, fitness level, partner, cars, house, holidays, etc

Then make a list of things you need to do, in order to achieve that level of success.

Also, don't forget to count your blessings. Be grateful for what you have, and ensure that you are thanking people in your life, and saying thanks to what you have.

Best wishes for 2011!

*PS: Attached: a few snapshots from holiday over December.

(The young baby boy in the picture is my brother's kid.)

The Holiday Season!

It's finally arrived, well almost, the holiday season in South Africa! Here we are celebrating Christmas in summer, and no better place to be than Cape Town!

I'll be in the Cape from 20 Dec until 3 Jan. Very excited!

Pic here taken from my recent visit to Cape Town for the Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project- which was awesome! Smirnoff took care of everything- transport, flights, hotel, meals, drinks - the whole story! *Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Will write more here soon!!