Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Responding to my son's inquiry about vacation,... "No, we're not going on vacation again for another six months. We're just gonna stay here in Orlando."
Sphere: Related Content
just put up a new chandelier over dining room table. $35 on craigslist. Wife loves me!
Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Just came out of Hershey Chocolate World in PA. What an inspiring man. What a lot of good he did. - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
just bought a copy of The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin and is wondering why he never heard if it before? - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, September 26, 2009
So, I'm at the grocery store and I discover a thing called "Whole Grain White" bread. What the...?!? LOL! Spin marketing at it's finest!
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, September 17, 2009
You owe it to yourself to try a Coconut Cream Pie food bar by Larabar. Wow, that's good! I wonder if they have an affiliate program? - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
2 sick children, no sleep for Sarah 'til 4am, power is out 'til 2pm and a goal for 7 more sales in 3 days. We've got that! :) - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
Monday, September 14, 2009
If success is like a recipe, what's the missing ingredient? - www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
Visited Independence Hall for first time yesterday! Truly sobering. - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Live the life YOU imagine. www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
Fully express your true voice. www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
What would you do if you KNEW you couldn't fail? - www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
Weather in Philly is too good! Www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
Mine the gold in your mind. www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
In times of change there's one way to create personal certainty. Learn to www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off w/ code 126887
Sphere: Related Content
Know your potential for yourself at www.KnowForYourself.com. $5 off DVD with coupon code 126887.
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ever wanted to know for yourself exactly what you're capable of? Get $5 off awesome new DVD at www.KnowForYourself.com with coupon code 126887.
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, May 28, 2009
A sale a day keeps the bill collectors away. - www.goldMindgroup.com
Sphere: Related Content
Monday, May 25, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The common denominator of successes is they have formed the HABIT of doing what failures won't do. http://ping.fm/WtmoF
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Good Samaritan pays woman's $65 grocery bill
OGDEN -- An Ogden woman cannot believe a stranger paid her $65 bill at the grocery store.The Ogden Standard-Examiner reports it happened around 8 p.m. Friday at the Albertsons at 20th Street and Harrison Boulevard.
Frances Martinez reached the register but had a problem with her debit card. She stepped aside to call the bank. She says when she came back, the checker had surprising news.
"She goes, ‘The lady behind you paid for all your groceries; $65 worth.' I said, ‘Who was it? What does she look like?'" Martinez said.
But the woman was gone. The checker said all the Good Samaritan asked was that Martinez smile at four people.
Martinez tells the Standard-Examiner she went home and cried. "That doesn't happen, hardly ever. Now with the economy so bad, it's wonderful that someone would do that," Martinez said.
Sphere: Related Content
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tony Dungy gets inspiration from readers
By Kevin Smetana, St. Petersburg Times Staff Writer
Tony Dungy signs his latest book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance, for former Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster at Ave Maria Christian gift store Saturday.
[KEVIN SMETANA | Times]
BRANDON — Be bold.
That's the lesson Ilene Stubbs learned from Tony Dungy, and she says it helped save her husband's life.
In August, Fred Stubbs suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. The doctor said he probably wouldn't make it, but Ilene believed otherwise.
"I looked at the doctor and said, 'I'm going to pray that you're going to have wisdom beyond what you know, and you're going to be amazed at the results,' " she said. "I think Tony speaking out so boldly gives other Christians that opportunity to know they need to speak boldly."
Today, Fred is walking with a cane.
"I truly believe (that) because I spoke boldly to that doctor, he went in and tried just a little bit harder," said Stubbs, one of several hundred Dungy fans at Ave Maria Christian gift store in Brandon on Saturday getting the former NFL coach's autograph.
Dungy, the Bucs' coach from 1996 to 2001, remains an icon in Tampa Bay for his community outreach work, Christian beliefs and calm demeanor. At Ave Maria, he engaged in conversations with fans, shook their hands and thanked them for coming out.
"There's no made-for-television with this guy," said former Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Jay Feaster, a Brandon resident and one of the first in line Saturday. "He's genuine. He's inspirational."
With co-author Nathan Whitaker at his side, Dungy was promoting his latest book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance. He also signed copies of his 2007 New York Times best seller, Quiet Strength and his children's book, You Can Do It!
Dungy said hearing people like Ilene Stubbs tell their stories of how he and his books have influenced them is gratifying.
"You go into football hoping to help young men become better players and better people," said Dungy, who recently retired after seven seasons with the Colts. "You hope to have an impact on the guys on your team, but to hear people say the book helped them, that does make me feel good."
Dozens of autograph seekers brought their kids so they could meet a man described by many as the ideal role model for his involvement in charities, including All Pro Dad and the Boys and Girls Club.
"It's a great family moment to see a man of character," said Valrico resident Norman Harris, while waiting in line with his wife and three kids. "For the kids, it's just a great lesson for them."
Once the Harrises reached the front of the line, Dungy let 8-year-old Jake and 6-year-old Henry try on his Super Bowl ring from the Colts' 2006 season.
"It just touched my heart to have somebody with such integrity and such character and faith appreciate my children," their mother, Jessica Harris, said.
Jeanine Johnson, of Valrico, brought her 11-year-old son, Noah, to meet Dungy because he is a "strong example" of how to live a family life. She plans on discussing Uncommon with her son as he reads it while approaching his teenage years.
"There are negative sports figures out there, and it's too bad that our young people look up to them," she said. "So I think this is a refreshing change."
Noah got a compliment from Dungy for his retro, creamsicle Mike Alstott jersey.
"He's a good person," Noah said. "He's really respectful, especially to his (former players). I wish he would have kept coaching instead of retiring now."
Dungy has been busy since retiring, doing 13 book signings in eight days. He said he believes it was the right time to leave the game, but wouldn't rule out a return to the NFL.
"I never would have foreseen myself writing books, and here I am, so I guess I can't close any doors," said Dungy, who is back living in Tampa. "But really I see myself doing other things."
Kevin Smetana can be reached at ksmetana@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2439.
Technorati Tags: inspiration,significance,tony dungy,uncommon,uncommon: finding your path to significance
del.icio.us Tags: inspiration,significance,tony dungy,uncommon,uncommon: finding your path to significance
IceRocket Tags: inspiration,significance,tony dungy,uncommon,uncommon: finding your path to significance
BuzzNet Tags: inspiration,significance,tony dungy,uncommon,uncommon: finding your path to significance
Sphere: Related Content
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Program helps ‘big losers’ win healthful lives
Program challenges students to become ‘biggest losers’
These four students — Kara Scifres, an elementary education junior; Kate Wear, an English freshman; Michael Ennis, a business management entrepreneurship sophomore; and Tiffany Farney, an advertising junior — are half of the employees from the Interlibrary Services participating in the office’s own version of Biggest Loser, a popular NBC show about weight loss. The group’s competition runs from Feb. 2 to April 27. The four students agreed they want to not only lose weight but also lead healthier lifestyles.
By Nicholas Mendez, Staff Writer, OColly.com
The time for change is just around the corner, and the rewards could benefit all.
This is the outlook of participants involved in the Interlibrary Services weight loss challenge.
“I came to college and started studying a lot,” said Michael Ennis, director of the ILS weight loss challenge.
“As a result, I started eating bad foods.”
Ennis’ story is similar to most first-time college students. However, Ennis has decided he is going to use his weight gain to become the biggest loser.
Instead of pursuing his weight loss goals alone, he has decided to lead a group of aspiring “losers” on a path leading to long-term success.
Working in the Interlibrary Services department on campus, “team trim,” which Ennis leads, has started a weight loss support group that will help students develop a healthier lifestyle.
Through an emphasis on proper nutrition, portion control and exercise, team trim focuses on the idea of losing weight through means of a new lifestyle, according to an official document team trim provided.
Ennis and team trim have declared that change is necessary.
As of last Monday, Ennis’ New Year’s Resolution became more than an idea with good intentions; it became a reality.
“I wake up at 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday,” Ennis said. “It’s paying off.”
The cost of entrance is $1 per week and is open to all OSU students.
Those interested should visit the ILS office on the west side of the library’s first floor.
To make the challenge interesting, the group has decided to include weekly bonuses.
Each week there will be a weigh in, according to an official document provided by team trim.
The person who has lost the most weight by the end of the week will be rewarded with a prize.
The person who loses the most overall weight will be crowned the biggest loser and walk away with a grand prize equivalent to the value of all money gathered throughout the 12-week competition.
Trying to maintain a healthful lifestyle while carrying a full load of school can be difficult.
“It’s an accountability thing,” Ennis said. “It’s like a family here.”
Others like Ennis have decided to join the competition not only for the prizes but also for support to lose weight and keep it off.
“I want to participate in this weight loss challenge so I can have the support of friends,” said Karen Scifres, an elementary education junior.
“And also so I can buy a new wardrobe soon.”
Tiffany Farvey, an advertising junior, agreed that it helps to have support during the challenge.
“It’s not just about losing weight, but also about changing my lifestyle,” Farvey said.
“It also helps to have friends wake up with you at 6 a.m. to work out with me.”
43 Things Tags: lose weight,be healthy
Sphere: Related Content
Web site changing lives in Las Vegas
Susana Cervera lights up when she talks about her years as a makeup artists and aesthetician.
"I love my job, I love my job. I love the makeup. I love everything related to the beauty industry," she gushes.
But her career, which spanned more than 20 years, was abruptly put on hold when she was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent a massive surgery in 2003.
"I had a wonderful doctor that knew what he was doing. He saved my life. I'm very blessed to have (had) this surgery. Even though my life is never going to be the same, I am very happy to be here."
After her recovery, Susana desperately hoped to go back to work. But unfortunately, she couldn't afford her license. That's when she turned to ModestNeeds.org, a nationwide web-based non-profit organization whose mission it is to stop the cycle of poverty before it starts by helping families facing unexpected emergency expensed.
Located 20 miles outside the valley at the beautiful Lowes Lake Las Vegas, team members are entrusted with the difficult task of reading through thousands of applications. Committee member Mike Dickey hopes to get the word out to families living in Nevada that there is help available for them.
Meanwhile, Susana can't wait to repay the favor. She hopes to give back the best way she knows how: by using her talent to make others feel good.
Susana's story is just one of many you can read on ModestNeeds.org. You can also make a donation to the organization and choose the family you want to help.
Technorati Tags: charity,helping others,helping those in need,modest needs,modestneeds.org,philanthropy
del.icio.us Tags: charity,helping others,helping those in need,modest needs,modestneeds.org,philanthropy
IceRocket Tags: charity,helping others,helping those in need,modest needs,modestneeds.org,philanthropy
BuzzNet Tags: charity,helping others,helping those in need,modest needs,modestneeds.org,philanthropy
Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Home Grown: Retirement leads to a red hot business success
By Kathy Edwards McFarland, Special to the Reporter-News
Robert Gooch moved from a longtime family packing business to a highly successful sauces company.
Absolutely World Class built its business on its picante sauce, and now has expanded to barbecue sauce.
Robert Gooch started in the family business, Gooch Packing Company, at the age of 12, working part-time.
His business ethic and management style developed through his time as a commercial agriculture major at Texas A&M University, leading him back to the Abilene meat packing company and full-time work as one of Abilene’s major employers until 1986, when the plant was sold.
It was hard on Gooch. He knew the meat packing company, founded and owned by his father Burt D. “Pete” Gooch as a successful and profitable operation, only to be bought by a company in a leveraged buy-out. The parent company did not want to be saddled with a meat packing company, according to Gooch. So though it had been successful, employing about 550 people; it was the business was closed in 1990.
Gooch, now 72 years old, didn’t take to retirement, and began a new business in 1991, starting from scratch, as he puts it.
“I didn’t feel like retirement was a good thing and ran across a recipe developed by a professional cook that did great, so we bought it and refined it for 
In 1998, the picante recipe won the gold medal at a picante cook-off in Weslaco, sponsored by Texas A&M. Gooch happily brags on the fact that the flavorful condiment is made with the freshest ingredients – vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh jalapenos and the best spices.
“Major companies use tomato paste and water in their production process to save money, we don’t,” said Gooch. “I’m interested in making the best product – not the cheapest.”
Gooch and his staff came up with the Absolutely Wild BBQ Sauce and its milder versions after a lot of experimenting.
“I think what makes it so popular is the three sources of ‘heat,’” said Gooch, who claims the secret is the chipotle. “I don’t think any other barbecue sauce use it as an ingredient.”
Though Gooch won’t reveal how large the Absolutely World Class Inc. operation is, he has described the enterprise as very small, employing about 20 people, and reports the company earns annual sales of less than $1 million.
But the distribution in grocery store chains throughout West Texas and brisk orders through the company Web site, www. absolutelyworldclass.com, are indications of the brand’s popularity.
Cindy Christy, Absolutely World Class plant manager, began managing the operation and developing expansion plans in June 2008.
“I have great expectations for the expansion,” said Christy, who has 25 years experience in production management, mainly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “I would like to see our sales triple, maybe quadruple by the end of 2010.
Christy said a major part of the increased production may come from not only “expanding the brand,” but adding “co-packing” – meaning packaging the picante and barbecue under store brands.
“We have a lot of space in the building Robert owns, I’d say at least 25,000 (square feet), so we can bring in more equipment, possibly automate some of the production, and of course add more employees, so it wouldn’t be difficult at all,” said Christy.
Lana Zullo, Gooch’s youngest daughter, is currently in charge of shipping, and though married and raising three children, sees the new generation of Gooch family business as a source of pride and possibly further involvement.
“I saw my father and grandfather work, and how successfully they ran the packing company. I’d like to follow in their footsteps, if the opportunity arises at Absolutely World Class,” said Zullo.
Robert Gooch
Family: Janelle, wife of 49 years; three grown daughters and seven grandchildren.
Known for: Gooch Meat Packing Company, Absolutely Picante.
Developed/owns: Absolutely World Class, Inc. – producing Absolutely Wild BBQ Sauce, Mildly Wild BBQ Sauce, Absolutely Mild BBQ Sauce and the Absolutely Picante.
Employees: Less than 20
Product distribution area: Majority of grocery stores in West Texas and shipped to 36 states by special order.
Technorati Tags: absolutely picante,absolutely world class,attitude,be your own boss,business,business success,businessman,retirement,robert gooch
del.icio.us Tags: absolutely picante,absolutely world class,attitude,be your own boss,business,business success,businessman,retirement,robert gooch
IceRocket Tags: absolutely picante,absolutely world class,attitude,be your own boss,business,business success,businessman,retirement,robert gooch
BuzzNet Tags: absolutely picante,absolutely world class,attitude,be your own boss,business,business success,businessman,retirement,robert gooch
43 Things Tags: start a business
Sphere: Related Content
Friday, January 16, 2009
Rags to riches?
From the Midland Free Press, By CHRISTINA BERNARDO
In an effort to keep complex items such as textiles from landfills and to extend the life of cloth beyond its original usefulness, Midland resident Louise Sparrow makes one-of-a-kind clothing with used apparel and scrap fabrics.
She makes clothing such as t-shirts, pants, skirts and dresses for children under her label Repurposed.
"I make all kinds of textiles, from chair covers to apparel to home decor," she said. "(Making textiles) uses a lot energy, water and various resources to create, so I'm trying to take that energy that's already been spent, and extend the life of the textile that's been produced.
"I'm keeping the clothes out of the landfill and I'm extending the original investment of energy, and resources, and turning it into something else," she said. "For me it mimics life itself. Nothing alive ever really dies. It just goes into the ground, turns into energy and comes back as something else."
Harvesting fabric is her way of being environmentally-concious.
Before she got into making children's clothing, she was making trapper hats and reusable bags.
"I've always wanted to do more with textiles because there's so much out there," she said. "I started with this because it's small enough that I can do it in a short period of time. I can charge $15 for the boys' t-shirt and $18 for the little girls' dress -- that's not inexpensive. On the other hand, you're also getting a one-of-a-kind, and then I bring my design skills to it."
Sparrow's ultimate talent is what she brings to her Repurposed pieces.
"The design process is very organic. I don't decide that I'm going to make a shirt an orange shirt," she said. "I look at what I've got. I let the fabric inspire the design."
The 50-year-old gets her clothes from local thrift shops.
She will make other clothing sizes upon request.
Sparrow has been sewing most of her life and loves "to turn something into something else."Sparrow's future for Repurposed is to continue to harvest fabric, but also grow it, so she can create sewing circles and perhaps sell on the Internet.
For more information on Repurposed, contact Sparrow at 527-4023.
Technorati Tags: environmentally conscious,levi strauss,louise sparrow,problem solving,productivity,rags to riches,repurposed
del.icio.us Tags: environmentally conscious,levi strauss,louise sparrow,problem solving,productivity,rags to riches,repurposed
IceRocket Tags: environmentally conscious,levi strauss,louise sparrow,problem solving,productivity,rags to riches,repurposed
BuzzNet Tags: environmentally conscious,levi strauss,louise sparrow,problem solving,productivity,rags to riches,repurposed
Sphere: Related Content
Free Inspirational Book Offered by DailyOM Co-Founder Scott Blum
Blum's new books, "Summer's Path" and "Waiting for Autumn," are written as a series of parables, similar in style to "The Alchemist," "Way of the Peaceful Warrior," and "The Celestine Prophecy." Through a semi-fictional sequence of events and an archetypal cast of characters, his stories awaken us to new ideas, invite us to explore powerful spiritual and healing practices, and draw us into a mystical world where nothing happens by mere coincidence.
For a limited time, those eager to embark on Blum's transformative trek can download the first book in the series, "Summer's Path," for free -- either as an e-book or audio book -- from Blum's website (www.scottblum.net).
"Summer's Path" centers around Don Newport, an engineer who, after losing his job and his health insurance, learns he has a terminal disease and only a few months left to live. In order to spare his beloved wife the burden of exorbitant medical fees, Don begins to seek a way to end his life that won't further traumatize his wife or cause her undue pain. His answer comes when he meets Robert, a brazen angel of death who offers him a rare and unexpected option.
"Summer's Path" makes history as the first time a major self-help publisher has used a free e-book to launch a new series of books. Publisher Hay House is even offering a chance to win a free Kindle to anyone who downloads the story. Those ready to continue on with the series will have to wait until April 7th when "Waiting for Autumn" comes out in hardcover.
Scott Blum and his wife, Madisyn Taylor, live in the mountains of Ashland, Oregon. Together, they run DailyOM: Taylor is responsible for the site's award-winning editorial content, and Blum oversees technology and outreach. Visit Scott Blum on the Internet at www.scottblum.net
Media Contact:
Julia Papps
DailyOM Publicity
541.488.0508 x5
Email Contact
Copyright © 2008 Market Wire. All rights reserved.
Technorati Tags: dailyom,dailyom.com,e-book,ebook,hay house,madisyn taylor,scott blum,summers path,summer's path,transformation
del.icio.us Tags: dailyom,dailyom.com,e-book,ebook,hay house,madisyn taylor,scott blum,summers path,summer's path,transformation
IceRocket Tags: dailyom,dailyom.com,e-book,ebook,hay house,madisyn taylor,scott blum,summers path,summer's path,transformation
BuzzNet Tags: dailyom,dailyom.com,e-book,ebook,hay house,madisyn taylor,scott blum,summers path,summer's path,transformation
Sphere: Related Content
Tubby Says Meyer's Accomplishments Inspirational
"We're all here for a purpose, and I think coach Meyer's found his purpose. And he's touching and influencing so many lives."
Since surpassing Bob Knight as the winningest coach in NCAA men's basketball history, Don Meyer has received congratulations from many of his friends. Those friends also happen to be some of the biggest names in basketball.
One of those friends is Minnesota coach Tubby Smith, regarded as one of the best coaches in college basketball. He's won a national title, made four Elite Eight appearances, nine Sweet Sixteens and won 422 career games. Fewer than half as many as Don Meyer.
"That's what makes this such a great accomplishment," Smith said. "You think about all the great coaches." Coaches who now look up at Meyer on the all-time wins list. And not only find his body of work exceptional, but the story of what he's been through inspirational.
"Not just to me, but to so many," Smith said. "We're all here for a purpose, and I think coach Meyer's found his purpose. And he's touching and influencing so many lives."
The fact that Meyer knows how to treat his players is a big reason for all the success he's had.
"The accident happened when he was taking his team on a retreat," Smith said. "That alone tells you. I mean, how many coaches would do that? I'll just tell you. There are very few."
Smith is once again having an exceptional season. At 15-1, his Gophers are off to the best start in school history. And what does he talk about to inspire his team? Don Meyer.
"My team knows about coach Meyer and the challenges that he's going through and the struggles he may go through," Smith said. "But he's still getting the job done."
Smith says Meyer may have won 903 games, but his impact on college basketball extends far beyond that.
While Meyer is now the winningest men's basketball coach in NCAA history, he's still chasing another one of his friends for the overall mark. Tennessee's Pat Summit currently has 995 wins.
Technorati Tags: basketball,coach,don meyer,inspirational,inspire,ncaa,tubby smith,winning,winningest
del.icio.us Tags: basketball,coach,don meyer,inspirational,inspire,ncaa,tubby smith,winning,winningest
IceRocket Tags: basketball,coach,don meyer,inspirational,inspire,ncaa,tubby smith,winning,winningest
Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Shuttered bakery reopens, rehires workers
ASHLAND, Ohio (CNN) -- An Ohio bakery shut down in October is bustling again, with 60 eager employees who had expected a Christmas on the unemployment rolls.
Cookie production has resumed and some workers are back on the job at the Archway factory in Ashland, Ohio.Some 300 workers lost their jobs when the Archway cookie factory in Ashland, Ohio, was suddenly closed by the private equity firm that owned it. The workers also were left without benefits like health insurance.
But then Lance Inc., a Charlotte, North Carolina-based snack food company, purchased Archway at a bankruptcy auction. And last week 60 workers were asked to return immediately, with perhaps more coming back in the months ahead.
Kathy Sexton, a worker at the bakery, had been preparing her children for a very modest holiday.
"They said they understood," Sexton recalls. "They said, 'That's all right, Mom.' You always want to give them more, but ... I didn't think I would be able to."
Now she can.
Tiny Ashland has been struggling. Ohio has lost 200,000 jobs over the past eight years. The recent presidential campaign saw both candidates visiting frequently.
The outlook in Ashland became especially bleak when the Archway plant closed. Workers at the bakery said they felt betrayed when Archway at first said there would be more work in a day or two, but then changed the locks.
Rita Devan remembers.
"They just kept taking and taking until there was nothing left to take," Devan says, "and they didn't care that they were putting 300 people out of work."
Things are different now.
When it promised to reopen the bakery, Lance gave all 300 former Archway workers a $1,500 prepaid debit card."I was crying," Devan says of the gift. "I am like, 'What are these people doing? They don't know me. They don't know us. They don't know any of the Archway people. And they are giving each and every one of us $1,500.' "
Sexton -- the woman who'd been preparing her kids for a meager holiday -- says of the $1,500 gift: "It was awesome. My first thought was, 'I can give my kids a Christmas.' "
David Singer, CEO of Lance, says the gift cards were a way of letting Ashland know the new owners are different. "We wouldn't do it willy-nilly," Singer says. "We do want to make money. But this is the pool of folks that we intend to hire. We just wanted to let them know who we were."
The 60 workers rehired so far are earning their previous salary and retained their seniority.
They also were provided health insurance from day one.
The bakery now produces Lance cookies that are sold to big chains like Target and Wal-Mart.
But production of Archway cookies is scheduled to resume soon. Lance has told the employees that it hopes to have the plant fully operational by the end of 2009 -- that is, five lines of cookies being produced simultaneously.
The new owners say that if new orders keep flowing in, more jobs will follow.
Terry Mowry is another worker rehired by Lance. He says what has happened is hard to describe: "You just saw life being breathed right back into the face of these people."
And Devan says with a laugh: "I walked into the garage last night, and my husband says, 'You actually smell like a cookie again.' "
"He said, 'Boy, I missed that smell.' "
Sphere: Related Content
Five-figure bonuses stun Chicago plant workers
Owners of ball bearings company reward workers for years of service
CHICAGO - Dave Tiderman wondered if the decimal point was in the wrong place when he opened his $35,000 company bonus. Jose Rojas saw his $10,000 check and thought, "That can't be right."
Valentin Dima watched co-workers breaking down in tears over their bonus checks and didn't trust his emotions. He drove home first, then opened his envelope: $33,000.
Year-end bonuses are rare these days. Rarer still is what the Spungen family, owners of a ball bearings company in Waukegan, Ill., about 40 miles north of Chicago, did as they sold the business.
They gave out whopping thank-you bonuses. A total of $6.6 million is being shared by just 230 employees of Waukegan-based Peer Bearing Co., with facilities in England and the United States. Amounts varied and were based on years of service.
They gave out whopping thank-you bonuses. A total of $6.6 million is being shared by just 230 employees of Waukegan-based Peer Bearing Co., with facilities in England and the United States. Amounts varied and were based on years of service.
"They treated us like extended family," said Maria Dima, who works at Peer Bearing along with her husband, Valentin, and received a somewhat smaller check than he did. "We won the lottery."
With $100 million in sales last year, Peer recently was acquired by a Swedish company for an undisclosed amount. Danny Spungen, whose grandfather founded the company in 1941, said it was a unanimous family decision to thank employees with the bonuses.
Laurence and Florence Spungen and their four children decided on a bonus formula a year before the sale closed to SKF Group, "a gamble that we would come out OK as well," Danny Spungen said.
He and other family members signed, by hand, two thank-you cards to each employee, one in Spanish and one in English. Each card was printed with all the workers' names and the years they were hired. The text expressed gratitude for "the loyalty and hard work of our employees over the years."
The new owners intend to operate Peer as a wholly owned subsidiary. Workers have been told that most will keep their jobs, and life at the company hasn't changed much since the party in mid-September when the bonuses were distributed.
Incongruously, the bonuses coincided with the U.S. economic meltdown. While neighbors and friends faced new financial strains, the Peer employees could breathe easier.
"I know people who work for corporate America are not going to get treated like that. And most of the family owned businesses are not going to treat you like that," Tiderman said. "This is something that just really doesn't happen."
Sphere: Related Content
Friday, January 9, 2009
"I don't think like that anymore."
Alex Wilson is smiling again after winning excellence award
by Iain Lundy, from the Evening Times Online
TWO years ago Alex Wilson had it made. He had a successful job, owned houses in England and France and was a partner in a luxury apartment business in Brazil.
The engineer drove plush cars, swam in his private pool, played tennis on his own court and had plans to build a golf course. But in January 2007 his world collapsed.
Cancer - which he had suffered 10 years previously - returned and he lost his job, his business partners deserted him and his marriage broke down.
Alex, 54, from Motherwell, was forced to return to Lanarkshire penniless and with no home to go to.
He contemplated suicide but, after almost two years in the doldrums, he is again on the straight and narrow and says his is a classic tale of "riches to rags to riches".
He has managed to turn his life back around thanks to the support he received in his home town, particularly a scheme run by Motherwell College, which has helped him relaunch a new career.
After completing his engineering apprenticeship in the old Lanarkshire steelworks, Alex went to work in England for British Aerospace and began to enjoy the good life.
He said: "I had worked hard and along with some friends I bought some holiday apartments in Brazil. They were full all year round and the income was brilliant."
But things started to go wrong when his stomach cancer came back and he was treated in France.
"My partners obviously thought I was not going to last. They got together and effectively wrote me out of the business. I had cashed in 85% of my pension to put it into the business, so all that was gone.
Alex then stopped working and his third marriage ended in divorce.
He said: "I had a couple of T-shirts, two pairs of jeans and a jacket to my name. There was only one thing I could do and that was go back to my home land.
"North Lanarkshire Council was brilliant. I arrived in the morning and by mid-afternoon it had set me up with a flat in Shotts and given me some money.
"I am not a Catholic but the local priest, Father Lamb, came round that night with three bags of shopping."
Through the JobCentre, Alex was put in touch with the "Support Employment" football project run by Motherwell College, Motherwell FC and Careers Scotland.
He has now been presented with Careers Scotland's Over-20 Excellence Award at a ceremony at Glasgow Science Centre.
He added: "A year ago I just wanted to die. I don't think like that any more. "
This summer Alex hopes to graduate from the college in Swedish massage and reflexology - and use his new skills to work again.
Technorati Tags: adversity,charity,overcome,overcoming,overcoming tragedy,positive,positive thinking,rags to riches
del.icio.us Tags: adversity,charity,overcome,overcoming,overcoming tragedy,positive,positive thinking,rags to riches
IceRocket Tags: adversity,charity,overcome,overcoming,overcoming tragedy,positive,positive thinking,rags to riches
BuzzNet Tags: adversity,charity,overcome,overcoming,overcoming tragedy,positive,positive thinking,rags to riches
43 Things Tags: make new friends,get a job,start my own business,become financially independent,meet new people,never stop learning
Sphere: Related Content
Inspirational athlete: Tom Daley, swimmer
"You have to not care about what anyone else thinks if you are trying to excel in something."
This PE & Sport Today article is from August 2008. To receive the latest issue, subscribe here.
Newly-crowned European diving champion, teenager Tom Daley, talks about preparing for the Olympics and how he juggled school and sport.
Tom Daley is an extraordinary boy. As most children prepare to move from the comfort of their primaries up to ‘big school’, 10 year-old Tom was preparing to become British U18 Diving Champion. Then, in February this year, he qualified for the Beijing Olympics: he’ll be just 14 years and 79 days old when he dives for Britain at the world’s greatest sporting showpiece.
And in March 2008, Tom became European diving champion and with it wrote his name into the record books as Britain’s youngest diving gold medallist. On the way to the podium the teenager managed to dispatch both the current World Champion and World Cup champion in the Men’s 10m Platform.
Since his selection, the media have tried to establish just who exactly is the youngest ever Olympian. Does it really matter? Tom Daley has his sights set higher than that particular record, as PE & Sport Today found out.
At what age did you start diving and how did you get started?
I went along for swimming lessons at my local pool one day when I was eight years old and saw some children on the diving boards doing somersaults and thought that it looked exciting and would be a fun thing to try out. I had a go and just took to it.
Did you turn out to be a good swimmer too at that age?
Well, I had learned to swim quite early, at about three or four years old, and I got my 2,000m distance badge before I stopped my lessons. But no, I was just a regular swimmer.
When did you realise on your own that you were so talented?
Not until I won the British U18 title when I was 10. It was only then when it really sank in what I could potentially achieve.
Were you ever told you were not good enough?
Yes, at around the same age (10), I was learning a new dive and was standing on the platform, crying and saying that I couldn’t do it to my former coach. My current coach Andy Banks was there at the time. He went up to my coach and he told him that I was never going to make it. I think he changed his mind later!
How supportive are your teachers and your school (Eggbuckland Community College in Plymouth) in general?
They are very supportive of me. They give me extra work to do while I’m away diving and catch-up stuff when I return. My school has held special receptions for me, for example after my BBC award but I see school as an important support network for the good times and when things don’t go right too. They support me regardless of what happens with my diving.
Does your schoolwork suffer?
No, it doesn’t really suffer. I’m still in all the top sets but long term I’ll probably eventually have a tutor with me on the long trips away, when I’m training or in competition.
How are you treated by your fellow pupils? Is there any jealousy?
All my friends understand what I do and are very happy for me. I get the odd joke about diving and the kit I have to wear for my sport but it doesn’t bother me. You have to not care about what anyone else thinks if you are trying to excel in something. I try to stay focused.
Are you good at any other sports at school? Do PE teachers expect you to be good at other sports?
I don’t enjoy sports like football and rugby and I’m not very good at them, so generally ‘no’, I’m not particularly good at PE. My teachers and friends don’t naturally expect me to be good just because I’m good at diving, so that’s ok!
Do you think that you have inspired other young people you’ve known to become involved in diving?
If I have inspired any young people who are known to me or not to get involved in any sport – not just diving – then I’d consider that an honour.
As it’s not the most obvious sport for children to get involved in, do you have any ideas about how to make the sport more accessible?
It’s not easy, as there are only five Olympic diving pools in the UK (Plymouth, Southampton, Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield). Perhaps if more children gave it a go, there would be more demand to build the pools.
(…We discuss dry land training where divers try out and perfect new dives before training in the pool. Athletes use rigs and harnesses with elastic cords to practice somersaults and twists…)
Working in the harnesses is really good fun. Maybe that could be a way of getting children to have a go at diving, without the pool first putting people off.
It’s quite a challenge for any experienced athlete to deal not only with the pressures of competition but also the demands of the media. Do you get any expert, formal assistance as part of your training?
As part of the Visa sponsorship programme, I have two mentors, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Steve Redgrave. They give me advice on how to handle any tricky aspects of being an elite athlete. I’ve got their mobile numbers, email and I can go on Facebook whenever I need to ask their advice.
Do you ever feel fear when you dive and, if so, how do you overcome it?
Yes, lots of divers experience fear. I occasionally get scared when I’m learning new dives and it can happen when I’m on the platform, in competition. The fear never permanently goes away but it gets much easier to deal with it. I’ve learned to block out any negatives and focus on what I need to do.
You could potentially compete in four or five Olympics. Do you have any fixed objectives about what you want to achieve?
I’d like to still be competing in 2024 but I don’t think I could give it all up before I’ve won Olympic Gold.
Do you have heroes in any other sports?
I’m impressed with Lance Armstrong. I read his book and could identify with his battles with cancer as my Dad had a brain tumor. What he achieved in his sport was amazing.
Do you feel that you get the support and facilities you need in the UK?
The facilities are not great in Plymouth but there are plans for improvements. The main issue for me is being able to have my family present at competitions, as it’s great to know they are there in the audience watching me. I’m not sure whether my parents can afford to travel to Beijing yet, so the money side can be a worry. Diving isn’t one of the high-profile sports so the funding is very limited.
What advice would you pass on to other pupils who dream of playing sport at an international level?
Work hard and success will follow. I believe that if you are constantly focused on what you want to achieve, the results will come.
Tina Ryan is a freelance journalist
florida gators, bcs champions, golds gym, florida oklahoma, gators football, national champions, oklahoma sooners, gator nation, university of florida
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
