Michael Diaz Likes Fine Wine, Jazz, Large Multinational Corporations

Litigator Michael Diaz Jr. seduces large multinational corporations with the coo-coo buttercups of love:

Hailing from more than 50 countries, some 1,400 South Florida multinational companies -- a number expected to grow exponentially over the next decade -- produce more than $200 billion in annual revenue, according to a recent Beacon Council and WorldCity study. Yet these staggering numbers could easily double over the next five years as free trade agreements proliferate and South Florida's ''secret'' spreads: We are much more than just the ''Gateway to Latin America'' -- we're a global launching pad.

BANKING CENTER, TOO

Certainly South Florida's strategic location between Latin America, Europe and North America helps lure multinational corporations to the area. But that's just part of the attraction. In addition to the obvious advantages presented by a multiethnic and multilingual community and workforce, South Florida boasts the largest concentration of banks south of New York City, with more than $60 billion in deposits -- much of it coming from Latin America, second only to Europe, the Middle-East and Africa as a source of multinational investment.

What does this all mean for South Florida's economy and future? Certainly in the short term, European companies will take advantage of the weakened U.S. dollar to increase their South Florida investments. But our solid historical positioning as the ''Gateway to Latin America'' bodes an even brighter future.

Is it just me, or does this guy know how to sweettalk?

Cue Dr. Philip Barbay, enticing the lovely and voluptious Sally Kellerman in Back to School:

Dr. Phillip Barbay: I've been doing a great deal of thinking lately. I've been thinking... about us.
Diane: And?
Dr. Phillip Barbay: And I think we should start thinking about forming a... well, um, a...
Diane: A merger?
Dr. Phillip Barbay: A merger! Exactly, exactly. A merger... a partnership. Seriously, Diane, we're both intelligent, well-educated adults. We should be together. Incorporated, if you will. Look at the balance sheet. We were made for one another.
Diane: [laughing] Oh, Philip, you darling. I don't want to be merged or incorporated. I want to have fun and be romanced and... be loved. So, let's not rush into anything. Let's just start by having fun, OK?