PRESTON, England, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- An English 3-year-old hungry for candy in the middle of the night set off for the sweet shop, leaving his parents and brother sound asleep at home.
A newspaper delivery driver found Max McGrath outside the supermarket in Somerfield, The Times of London reported. The store was closed, and young Max was looking wistfully through the window.
While the boy's timing was bad, he had come prepared with money and a front-door key to his home, although he left the door open behind him.
"I have a child about the same age and it is terrifying to think what an adventurous youngster can get up to," said James Brown, who found the youngster. "He was fine, but it must have been such a shock for his family."
Go Max!!! This THREE YEAR OLD boy took money and a key and went to the supermarket for candy!!! Now that is one smart and determined kid! Only candy could drive that type of behavior. Candy or, maybe when he's a little older,......sex.
Well, sex does influence behavior! Have you seen the new commercial for those fancy premium M & M's? Check it out: (chocolate doesn't get much sexier than this!)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/business/media/08adco.html?ref=business
Ha, ha - I love it!!!
Different things motivate different people. What inspires Max and hundreds of others to make 3:00 a.m. supermarket runs, wouldn't get most people out of bed. The key to success is figuring out what motivates you (your faith, your family, your work) so you can design your life around it. And then figuring out what motivates those you need to influence. Give people what they want, and they will follow you anywhere! (Max and I will be at the supermarket if you need us.)
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
No Chocolate, but Lots of Motivation
I'm watching the Olympic gymnastic competition as I write this and I just can't begin to imagine how these young women (and in some cases - girls) handle the pressure. Can you imagine? One little slip of the hand, one misstep - and your dreams are over. How 'bout if our performances were critiqued like this? "Well, your e-mail was okay, but you lose 3/10ths of a point for subject/verb disagreement." Yipes!! Oh - and you are representing your country and billions of people are watching you all over the world. Watching all these gymnasts - not just the Americans - brings tears to my eyes. The work it has taken to get there; the joy when they do well and the crushing disappointment when they make a mistake. The courage it takes to be there - how inspiring. How ALIVE they all are. What a celebration of every participant!
Today I have nothing to say about chocolate and everything to say about how amazing these athletes are. Make sure you watch some of the games - it will be four more years until we see such heart again. Go Team USA!!!
Today I have nothing to say about chocolate and everything to say about how amazing these athletes are. Make sure you watch some of the games - it will be four more years until we see such heart again. Go Team USA!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Olympic Chocolate
The Mars Family is brilliant. (I stand by my assessment of the Naked Cowboy as an idiot.) Why do I think the Mars family is brilliant? Long ago Forrest Mars crushed his competitor Milton Hershey by thinking globally. (This was way before global thinking was a given.) Milton was focused on selling his chocolate in the US. Forrest was busy building a global empire. And the company is still at it.
I had no idea what the official chocolate of the Olympics was until I Googled it - of course, it's Snickers (one of my personal favorites). But when you go to the official Snickers web site, there's no mention of this. Know why? Mars didn't do this for sales in America, Mars did this for sales in China. The population of the US? about 301,139,947 The population of China? about 1,321,851,888. That's just a BILLION more people. (That's a helluva lot of Snickers Bars.) And great global business strategy.
I love the Olympics - I went when they were in Atlanta (if you didn't, you missed a fantastic opportunity). I love the patriotism, but also the celebration of all the athletes. The energy of the Olympic Games is hard to describe - it's unlike any sporting event I've ever attended. Maybe it's because the whole world is there - celebrating our best athletes. Maybe it's because the whole idea of the Olympics is so inspiring. This is from the official Olympic website:
FASTER — HIGHER — STRONGER
These three words encourage the athlete to give his or her best during competition.
To better understand the motto, we can compare it with the Olympic creed :
The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight ;
the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.
Together, the Olympic motto and the creed represent an ideal that Coubertin (founder of the modern Olympics)believed in and promoted as an important life lesson that could be gained from participation in sport and the Olympic Games: that giving one’s best and striving for personal excellence was a worthwhile goal. It is a lesson that can still be applied equally today, not just to athletes but to each one of us.
Here's to Mars for excellence in business; to the Olympics for excellence in sport; and to the rest of us to never stop striving. Let the Games begin!!
I had no idea what the official chocolate of the Olympics was until I Googled it - of course, it's Snickers (one of my personal favorites). But when you go to the official Snickers web site, there's no mention of this. Know why? Mars didn't do this for sales in America, Mars did this for sales in China. The population of the US? about 301,139,947 The population of China? about 1,321,851,888. That's just a BILLION more people. (That's a helluva lot of Snickers Bars.) And great global business strategy.
I love the Olympics - I went when they were in Atlanta (if you didn't, you missed a fantastic opportunity). I love the patriotism, but also the celebration of all the athletes. The energy of the Olympic Games is hard to describe - it's unlike any sporting event I've ever attended. Maybe it's because the whole world is there - celebrating our best athletes. Maybe it's because the whole idea of the Olympics is so inspiring. This is from the official Olympic website:
FASTER — HIGHER — STRONGER
These three words encourage the athlete to give his or her best during competition.
To better understand the motto, we can compare it with the Olympic creed :
The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight ;
the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.
Together, the Olympic motto and the creed represent an ideal that Coubertin (founder of the modern Olympics)believed in and promoted as an important life lesson that could be gained from participation in sport and the Olympic Games: that giving one’s best and striving for personal excellence was a worthwhile goal. It is a lesson that can still be applied equally today, not just to athletes but to each one of us.
Here's to Mars for excellence in business; to the Olympics for excellence in sport; and to the rest of us to never stop striving. Let the Games begin!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
NYC Chocolate - Vosges Haut Chocolat
I have to give a big shout out to Julia and Diana at Vosges Haut Chocolat Boutique on Madison Avenue. These two are awesome!! Let's face it, in a very fancy chocolate shop on Madison Avenue - you would expect a bit of snobbery. Not from Julia and Diana! Let me set the scene...
I am with my brother, his lovely wife and their two adorable boys, Henry (4 and a half) and Miles (3). We were just at the Met to see the Superheros Exhibit (very cool, by the way - I saw the original costumes of Superman, Batman (The Dark Knight), Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, and Spider Man as well as some amazing fashion designs). Miles got an accordion at the Met gift shop. Miles was playing this accordion as we approached the fancy chocolate shop. At some boutiques, the mere appearance of two small boys would have resulted in looks of deep disdain.
Not from Julia and Diana! The first thing they did that I loved was really offer free samples. They encourage you to take them! Several of them! (Brilliant, of course when the product is as good as Vosges Chocolate!) You know how it is - in some places you feel guilty about the samples...are they really free? Is it okay? How much should I take? Am I getting "the look"?
The next thing they did was express amazement over Miles' accordion playing. He was outside by now. As saddened as I am by it, my nephews don't like chocolate, so they were not very interested in Vosges. I told little Henry that he must be an alien, but he denied this. Anyway, Julia and Diana were amazed at how good Miles sounded. (Look out, Naked Cowboy! A new generation of street performers arises!)
So here is an upscale NYC chocolate shop with two terrific employees who are offering samples and appreciating the playing of a plastic accordion by a three year-old! You have to love this!!
Now, Vosges is the home of the infamous Bacon Bar which I was not too crazy about. And at first, I was a little disappointed - all the offerings seemed to be really odd combinations I was sure I wouldn't like. But when given a sample of their Red Fire Bar (chipotle chillies, cinnamon, and dark chocolate) - I consider it a grave sin to refuse free chocolate - I realized how wrong I was. The chillies are subtle, but delicious when combined with the cinnamon and the chocolate - a terrific bar. So, of course, I bought a bar. I also bought Red Fire Chocolate Tortilla Chips. Yum! Very different and good - these would be fantastic for a fiesta. Ole!
Vosges also has the most gorgeous packaging, with stories about the flavors or tips on tasting.
And the founder Katrina Markoff is an amazing success story - she was the 2007 Entrepreneur magazine Woman of the Year. She mixes all these flavors so we can travel the world through chocolate. http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/
Again, I realize how wrong I can be about things. Not all New York boutiques are staffed by snobs. (Thanks, Julia and Diana!) Just because something sounds strange or different, it doesn't mean it's not good. Try it - you might like it! And if you go where your enthusiasm leads you, you will always have fun. As Joseph Campbell says - "Follow your bliss." And you know what? We all love to be around people who are excited - there's just not enough sheer joy these days. So grab your accordion and do something you're excited about! Life is short - live it!
I am with my brother, his lovely wife and their two adorable boys, Henry (4 and a half) and Miles (3). We were just at the Met to see the Superheros Exhibit (very cool, by the way - I saw the original costumes of Superman, Batman (The Dark Knight), Wonder Woman, Cat Woman, and Spider Man as well as some amazing fashion designs). Miles got an accordion at the Met gift shop. Miles was playing this accordion as we approached the fancy chocolate shop. At some boutiques, the mere appearance of two small boys would have resulted in looks of deep disdain.
Not from Julia and Diana! The first thing they did that I loved was really offer free samples. They encourage you to take them! Several of them! (Brilliant, of course when the product is as good as Vosges Chocolate!) You know how it is - in some places you feel guilty about the samples...are they really free? Is it okay? How much should I take? Am I getting "the look"?
The next thing they did was express amazement over Miles' accordion playing. He was outside by now. As saddened as I am by it, my nephews don't like chocolate, so they were not very interested in Vosges. I told little Henry that he must be an alien, but he denied this. Anyway, Julia and Diana were amazed at how good Miles sounded. (Look out, Naked Cowboy! A new generation of street performers arises!)
So here is an upscale NYC chocolate shop with two terrific employees who are offering samples and appreciating the playing of a plastic accordion by a three year-old! You have to love this!!
Now, Vosges is the home of the infamous Bacon Bar which I was not too crazy about. And at first, I was a little disappointed - all the offerings seemed to be really odd combinations I was sure I wouldn't like. But when given a sample of their Red Fire Bar (chipotle chillies, cinnamon, and dark chocolate) - I consider it a grave sin to refuse free chocolate - I realized how wrong I was. The chillies are subtle, but delicious when combined with the cinnamon and the chocolate - a terrific bar. So, of course, I bought a bar. I also bought Red Fire Chocolate Tortilla Chips. Yum! Very different and good - these would be fantastic for a fiesta. Ole!
Vosges also has the most gorgeous packaging, with stories about the flavors or tips on tasting.
And the founder Katrina Markoff is an amazing success story - she was the 2007 Entrepreneur magazine Woman of the Year. She mixes all these flavors so we can travel the world through chocolate. http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/
Again, I realize how wrong I can be about things. Not all New York boutiques are staffed by snobs. (Thanks, Julia and Diana!) Just because something sounds strange or different, it doesn't mean it's not good. Try it - you might like it! And if you go where your enthusiasm leads you, you will always have fun. As Joseph Campbell says - "Follow your bliss." And you know what? We all love to be around people who are excited - there's just not enough sheer joy these days. So grab your accordion and do something you're excited about! Life is short - live it!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tighty Whities
The Naked Cowboy is an idiot.
That random medal around my neck is my new CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) award. I was in New York for the National Speakers Association Convention where I received the CSP and my friends felt it would be the perfect attire for my picture in front of M & M World. Hey - at least I'm wearing more than underwear!
Look how giant and cool that screen is behind me! If you were a random street performer who worked the street below and they put an M & M up there dressed like you, would you sue them? I repeat, the Naked Cowboy is an idiot.
I still wish they'd put an M & M up there that looked like me - maybe with short dark hair and a giant grin wearing a cheesy medal? How cool would that be?
Now M & M World was packed, but we did pop in for another picture:
Yes, that is yours truly in front of the Blue M & M dressed like Travolta. Think John's losing a lot of sleep over this? If he even knows about it, I bet he would laugh. Lesson - don't take yourself too seriously. If having an M & M in your image bothers you, you need to consider more comfortable underwear.
They have tons of images of the green M & M dressed up as the Statue of Liberty with the slogan "life, liberty and the pursuit of chocolate!" Think the French will sue? Or maybe the descendants of Thomas Jefferson? I think they all realize that imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
Here are the takeaways:
Don't take yourself too seriously and if you do, wear more than underwear.
If people are imitating you, you obviously fascinate them. Enjoy it. Your 15 minutes will be over all too soon.
M & M's are fun. They are round, brightly colored, and made of chocolate. Could anything be more perfect? Embrace your inner M & M - at http://www.mms.com/us/becomeanmm
And make sure before you pass through this world, you stand in Times Square and celebrate with your friends! Carpe diem! Carpe chocolate!
Okay, I know this is a revelation to, well, no one, but I feel compelled to restate the obvious. I had the great thrill of standing in Times Square this week, right across the street from M & M world:
That random medal around my neck is my new CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) award. I was in New York for the National Speakers Association Convention where I received the CSP and my friends felt it would be the perfect attire for my picture in front of M & M World. Hey - at least I'm wearing more than underwear!
Look how giant and cool that screen is behind me! If you were a random street performer who worked the street below and they put an M & M up there dressed like you, would you sue them? I repeat, the Naked Cowboy is an idiot.
I still wish they'd put an M & M up there that looked like me - maybe with short dark hair and a giant grin wearing a cheesy medal? How cool would that be?
Now M & M World was packed, but we did pop in for another picture:
Yes, that is yours truly in front of the Blue M & M dressed like Travolta. Think John's losing a lot of sleep over this? If he even knows about it, I bet he would laugh. Lesson - don't take yourself too seriously. If having an M & M in your image bothers you, you need to consider more comfortable underwear.
They have tons of images of the green M & M dressed up as the Statue of Liberty with the slogan "life, liberty and the pursuit of chocolate!" Think the French will sue? Or maybe the descendants of Thomas Jefferson? I think they all realize that imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
Here are the takeaways:
Don't take yourself too seriously and if you do, wear more than underwear.
If people are imitating you, you obviously fascinate them. Enjoy it. Your 15 minutes will be over all too soon.
M & M's are fun. They are round, brightly colored, and made of chocolate. Could anything be more perfect? Embrace your inner M & M - at http://www.mms.com/us/becomeanmm
And make sure before you pass through this world, you stand in Times Square and celebrate with your friends! Carpe diem! Carpe chocolate!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
On the Rocky Road
If you read yesterday's blog, you know I'm in Oklahoma. I feel compelled whenever I am out of my home state of North Carolina, to try whatever candy bar, cookie, dessert, or baked good that I don't have at home. Today (besides way too many cookies at the conference - if I see cookies, I must eat them - it's a sickness) I had a Rocky Road bar from the Annabelle Candy Company. Annabelle's is one of the few remaining independent candy companies, so I really, really wanted to love this candy bar. This is the third Annabelle's candy bar I have tried, and so far, I am not in love (although I want to be!).
Here's a little about the company - founded in the 50's, named after the owner's daughter (who now runs the show):
http://www.annabelle-candy.com/about/
Here's what their web site says about the Rocky Road (their signature bar):
ROCKY ROAD: A delightfully light, fluffy marshmallow topped with flavorful roasted cashew nuts, crunchy malt, and covered with rich chocolate. This item was the creation of our founder Mr. Sam Altshuler. Rocky Road is still made the old fashioned way, by hand, layer by layer. We use a unique process that maintains the softness and fluffiness of marshmallow, making this product stand head and shoulders above most marshmallow products on the market today. Combined with fresh roasted cashews and rich chocolate, this bar is truly delicious and literally melts in your mouth. Currently we have three flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, & Mint Dark Chocolate. Rocky road is predominately distributed from the West Coast to the West of the Mississippi. And can be found in most major Drug Chains, Grocery & C-Stores. Rocky Road is a true corner stone of our company since 1950.
Here's what I say - too few cashews, too much marshmallow - especially for the 240 calories! That's the best thing about the marshmallow - lots of bulk, not many calories!! You can have 8 chocolate Peeps for that!! Eight!! I was very disappointed. Give me a Snickers Bar.
I have also tried the ABBA-ZABA described on the web site as thick rich chewy taffy, with a rich creamy peanut butter filling in the center. And I have to say, Wolfgang's Peanut Butter Kisses blow the ABBA-ZABA out of the water. (I wish I had some of those right now....mmmm...Oh, sorry - I was having a moment.)
But I'm not giving up on the Annabelle Candy Company. I want to support the little guy (or gal in this case). I want as much diversity in candy as possible. I love the idea of traveling the world sampling crazy candy bars! And any company crazy enough to make a Sour Apple ABBA-ZABA bar - yes, sour apple taffy and peanut butter filing - well, I just like knowing they're out there. And yes, I want to try one.
Here's a little about the company - founded in the 50's, named after the owner's daughter (who now runs the show):
http://www.annabelle-candy.com/about/
Here's what their web site says about the Rocky Road (their signature bar):
ROCKY ROAD: A delightfully light, fluffy marshmallow topped with flavorful roasted cashew nuts, crunchy malt, and covered with rich chocolate. This item was the creation of our founder Mr. Sam Altshuler. Rocky Road is still made the old fashioned way, by hand, layer by layer. We use a unique process that maintains the softness and fluffiness of marshmallow, making this product stand head and shoulders above most marshmallow products on the market today. Combined with fresh roasted cashews and rich chocolate, this bar is truly delicious and literally melts in your mouth. Currently we have three flavors: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, & Mint Dark Chocolate. Rocky road is predominately distributed from the West Coast to the West of the Mississippi. And can be found in most major Drug Chains, Grocery & C-Stores. Rocky Road is a true corner stone of our company since 1950.
Here's what I say - too few cashews, too much marshmallow - especially for the 240 calories! That's the best thing about the marshmallow - lots of bulk, not many calories!! You can have 8 chocolate Peeps for that!! Eight!! I was very disappointed. Give me a Snickers Bar.
I have also tried the ABBA-ZABA described on the web site as thick rich chewy taffy, with a rich creamy peanut butter filling in the center. And I have to say, Wolfgang's Peanut Butter Kisses blow the ABBA-ZABA out of the water. (I wish I had some of those right now....mmmm...Oh, sorry - I was having a moment.)
But I'm not giving up on the Annabelle Candy Company. I want to support the little guy (or gal in this case). I want as much diversity in candy as possible. I love the idea of traveling the world sampling crazy candy bars! And any company crazy enough to make a Sour Apple ABBA-ZABA bar - yes, sour apple taffy and peanut butter filing - well, I just like knowing they're out there. And yes, I want to try one.
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Chocolate Show!
Short blog tonight - I'm in Talequah, Oklahoma for a speaking engagement. But I am so excited, I wanted to share this with you! I may not be taking a big trip this year, but I am going to the Chocolate Show in NYC! Here's what "The Nibble" said about last year's show (my comments are in bold):
Are you passionate about chocolate? Or do you just really think it’s fun?
(That's us, right?)
If you can answer “yes” to either question, make sure you schedule at least one day in November for the The 10th Annual Chocolate Show. Or, spend all three strolling through 40,000 square feet devoted to chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Altman Building on 19th Street in New York City.
(Different location this year - see http://www.chocolateshow.com/ Think how much chocolate that is!! 40,000 square feet! It's a beautiful dream!)
Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to sample prestige American and International chocolates and attend more than 65 demonstrations given by top pastry chefs and chocolatiers. Chefs and authors will be on hand to sign their cookbooks (every year, it seems as if every book every written about chocolate is for sale at the show). To celebrate the 10th anniversary, there will be a week of mini events leading to the kick-off chocolate fashion show that traditionally opens the festivities on Thursday night.
(Sampling chocolate? What could be better than that?)
Among the companies showing their wares, those reviewed by THE NIBBLE include Charles Chocolates, Chocolat Michel Cluizel, Chocolat Moderne, Chocolove, Chuao Chocolatier, Dagoba, Fairytale Brownies, Guittard Chocolate Company, Jer’s Handmade Chocolates, John & Kira’s, Knipschildt Chocolatier, Lillie Belle Farms and Theo Chocolate (plus others, we’re sure). Two extensive new reviews of Dagoba and Lillie Belle Farms appear next month. So, we can guarantee that there will be a lot of GREAT chocolate to be had.
(TheNibble.com has some fantastic info about chocolate - well worth your time to check out.)
Last year, in addition to the chocolate itself, highlights of the show included the Chocolate Lounge, a place to relax and chocolate and drink pairings (including Godiva’s Truffletini paired with their platinum series chocolates); the Chocolate Spa, dedicated to chocolate-themed health products and treatments; and the Chocolate Art Walk, featuring paintings and sculpture made entirely from chocolate (the artworks were simply stunning, including an all-chocolate Mona Lisa).
(How awesome does all that sound? How can I blog about motivation and chocolate and NOT go?)
The Chocolate Show is part of a worldwide festival for the public produced by Event International, and event producers Sylvie Douce and François Jeantet. You can “follow the chocolate” all around the world. Other shows include:
Beijing
Moscow
Paris
Tokyo
(and NYC is much closer than any of those! The dates this year are November 7, 8, and 9 - I'm planning to go for the 8th and 9th - can't wait!)
What are you looking forward to? Plan something fun for yourself - life is short - LIVE it!
Are you passionate about chocolate? Or do you just really think it’s fun?
(That's us, right?)
If you can answer “yes” to either question, make sure you schedule at least one day in November for the The 10th Annual Chocolate Show. Or, spend all three strolling through 40,000 square feet devoted to chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, at the Metropolitan Pavilion and Altman Building on 19th Street in New York City.
(Different location this year - see http://www.chocolateshow.com/ Think how much chocolate that is!! 40,000 square feet! It's a beautiful dream!)
Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to sample prestige American and International chocolates and attend more than 65 demonstrations given by top pastry chefs and chocolatiers. Chefs and authors will be on hand to sign their cookbooks (every year, it seems as if every book every written about chocolate is for sale at the show). To celebrate the 10th anniversary, there will be a week of mini events leading to the kick-off chocolate fashion show that traditionally opens the festivities on Thursday night.
(Sampling chocolate? What could be better than that?)
Among the companies showing their wares, those reviewed by THE NIBBLE include Charles Chocolates, Chocolat Michel Cluizel, Chocolat Moderne, Chocolove, Chuao Chocolatier, Dagoba, Fairytale Brownies, Guittard Chocolate Company, Jer’s Handmade Chocolates, John & Kira’s, Knipschildt Chocolatier, Lillie Belle Farms and Theo Chocolate (plus others, we’re sure). Two extensive new reviews of Dagoba and Lillie Belle Farms appear next month. So, we can guarantee that there will be a lot of GREAT chocolate to be had.
(TheNibble.com has some fantastic info about chocolate - well worth your time to check out.)
Last year, in addition to the chocolate itself, highlights of the show included the Chocolate Lounge, a place to relax and chocolate and drink pairings (including Godiva’s Truffletini paired with their platinum series chocolates); the Chocolate Spa, dedicated to chocolate-themed health products and treatments; and the Chocolate Art Walk, featuring paintings and sculpture made entirely from chocolate (the artworks were simply stunning, including an all-chocolate Mona Lisa).
(How awesome does all that sound? How can I blog about motivation and chocolate and NOT go?)
The Chocolate Show is part of a worldwide festival for the public produced by Event International, and event producers Sylvie Douce and François Jeantet. You can “follow the chocolate” all around the world. Other shows include:
Beijing
Moscow
Paris
Tokyo
(and NYC is much closer than any of those! The dates this year are November 7, 8, and 9 - I'm planning to go for the 8th and 9th - can't wait!)
What are you looking forward to? Plan something fun for yourself - life is short - LIVE it!
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