Faith

I am driven by my faith. I believe that when good things happen we should be grateful. Those who just give to get do not understand the power of charity and philanthropy

Old Shoes

I've seen it all... In this business you've either seen first hand or someone has spilled the beans. One thing I've learned that has always been true "You can measure the value of a man by the condition of his shoes" Drop by B&N #naples this morning for the local author event. http://bit.ly/bn1013 Click to hear my story http://bit.ly/acoutloud

Toronto, Canada

I have received a lot of phone calls lately about my new book trailer , which seems to be generating a lot of interest. For some reason though, people are asking me a lot of questions about Toronto, Canada. I'm not really sure what that's all about so I did some research. Here's a link to some of the information that I found out. The Five Families of New York

Keeping Secrets

When I was growing up, my older brothers were already knee deep in the family business. I didn't know too much about it. All I knew is that there was always people coming and going and some of them seemed really important. It wasn't until I started working in the business myself until I realized how important my father's favorite phrase was. "Keep your mouth shut, your ears open and your eyes on the sauce! "

http://bit.ly/TcFs6M

iPhone 5

One of my cousins called me the other day to ask me about the book project. We got to chatting about this and that, and he mentioned something about an iPhone. I guess there is a new phone coming out and he thinks it will help me promote the book. I have to admit, I played along but honestly, I don't know what the hell he was talking about. Then he starts telling me about this game he's addicted to. Something about an alligator and watergates? I thought to myself, that's just what this country needs right now... Another game about water gates.

The Fountain

There is a place in every village where people used to go, a place of hope and dreams. It was the source of their family's lifeline. They would go there to fill up there buckets with water so they could cook and clean and drink, Now these fountains represent something different. They are a place where we go to make a silent wish, and hope upon a dream. Of course, we all must pay our dues so we deposit a small token of our loyalty and wait for something special to happen. Visit http://www.acommisso.com to learn more about my past and my novel Silent Partner. It's more than what you think. Download your copy today!!

http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/bellagio-fountains.php

The Foundation

It takes a long time to build a house, especially if you want to do it right. Most people will rush the builder along to get a roof over their head. You can't put up the roof until you have a strong foundation though. First you dig the hole, then you pour the cement! Sometimes when you dig the hole you find something in the ground that you didn't expected to come across. This can slow the whole thing down. Like I said, it takes a long time to build a house.

Big decisions

A business relationship is sometimes like buying a pair of shoes. Sometimes the ones that look the best, don't feel the best. Sometimes the ones that feel the best don't look the best. And then you find the one the feels good and looks good. And that's when you know you have the right fit.

Why bother?

I thought I was being a good neighbor by doing minor favors and offering small tokens of friendship. When I needed some consideration over a parking situation I was told I was a selfish person. I sometimes wonder what has happened to the world we live in. I was taught to do for others as you would like done for you. Do parents still teach this type of thing to their kids anymore?

The Ax...

When I owned my own business, one of the toughest things I had to do was fire people, especially the ones I really liked. But there's always the bottom line. Sometimes you just gotta get rid of some people, you know what I mean?

My name is my identity

Honesty and integrity are worth more than money. My good name means everything to me. In the end, it's more important how people remember you than anything else.

A Rat

A got a call today from an old friend. He was calling to check in on me and see how things were going with the book. He told me something that struck a nerve with me. I'm not sure what he meant by it. But I know he meant it with good intentions. He asked me what's the difference between a beaver and a rat? I said I don't know what's the difference. He said, a beaver is smart enough to build a dam to provide shelter and to protect his family. And a rat is just a rat.

Catharsis

It's sad to think that sometimes we judge others and are also judged by how we look. We are judged by what kind of clothes we wear, the type of car we drive or the neighborhood we live in. It's much harder to have had money and influence and lost it, then to never have had it at all.
Catharsis Miami

'Complex' A Guide to Apartment Management

My partner, Steve Lewis from Slewpiter Productions LLC has launched a new title. 'Complex' by Lawrence Berry, CPM®, is a non-fiction real estate book which focuses on the apartment rental business. We have been in the real estate business for a long time in the Commisso Family. Best of luck, Larry.

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Insomnia

Sometimes after a slow night at the bar I have trouble sleeping. I lay here awake thinking about my past and I all the time and effort I've put into this book. I hope it's worth it cause I'm tired of all the BS in this industry

Right to Work?

Because I'd been self-employed for most of my life, I'm not a union person. But my employment experience since I've come to Florida has altered my point of view. Entry level employees are many times treated unjustly and are deprived of any job secuirty. There's no sense of loyalty and ethics when it comes to the workers.

The Truth

My agent told me today that I always need to tell the truth. I told him I don't need to tell anyone anything. I lived the truth. It's the truth that will set me free.

Jersey Shore

I've been living in Naples for a long time now. I've also been to the Jersey Shore. I have to admit. I don't get it. #jerseyshore

My lighter

I lent my $.99 lighter to someone the other day that assured me he'd return it shortly. He never did. People should keep their word.

A word of caution!

To all first time authors, beware of slimeball publishers especially those who only communicate via e-mail and refuse to devulge phone numbers and whose addresses are PO boxes.

When a tragedy takes control...

You know, we all have times in our life when tragedy takes control. Whether you lose your job, get burned on an investment or are struggling with divorce or the death of a loved one. When these difficult things happen, and they happen to us all it usually changes your life forever. For me it all started when I began exploring certain challenges I was having in my own life. Sometimes you just need a 'do over'. It wasn't until I started writing Silent Partner that I realized how far off track my life had wandered from my original course. If it wasn't for my character Frank D'Antonio, I might still be sitting here on the beach in Naples staring out into the ocean wondering what the hell happened to my life.

This is a real hassle...

Hey fellow authors and eBook fans. I have to admit this publishing business is starting to become quite a hassle. How about we form our own organized family of authors, publishers and publicists and try to do this on our own?

Check out this review of my book from NPR!