Month: February 2015

Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

dog bones and black boxFebruary 23rd is National Dog Biscuit Day (also known as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day).

Dog biscuits did not exist until the mid-1800’s, when American James visited England and saw hungry, stray dogs scavenging for leftover food. He developed a cake-like biscuit made from meat, grains and vegetables called “Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes.” In 1908, the FH Bennett Biscuit Co. of New York developed the Milk-Bone — a hard-baked, bone-shaped biscuit comprised of various minerals, cow’s milk and meat products. (Source: OneOfAKindPets.com)

How to blog about National Dog Biscuit Day if you’re a:

  • Pet retailer – showcase some of your best selling dog biscuits
  • Veterinarian – low calorie treats that will keep your pet healthy
  • Pet owner – share a photo of your doggie and their favorite treat.
  • Dog trainer – how to use treats to modify dog’s behavior
  • Dog treat manufacturer — describe why your treats are special

The Coach Approach

Man Picking Bowling Ball With Friends in BackgroundThis weekend, I went bowling with a group I belong to. This was my first time bowling in fifteen years and maybe the fifth time in my life. I’m “proud” to report that I got the lowest score on our team for both games (low 60’s). Go me! My scores were even beaten by a bowler who had her arm in a sling!

My kids both bowled in leagues and it was the first time I’d encountered nice coaches. The bowling coaches were positive, helpful and encouraging. Most of the parents had similar attitudes and it created an environment where people could take risks and also improve. My son consistently bowled in the 200’s (the highest possible score is 300) and, for a few minutes, even considered a career as a professional bowler.

As I’ve learned business coaching, I’ve come across many types of coaches. I know that I get the best results — for myself and when coaching others — from a style that is positive, helpful and encouraging. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have difficult conversations, but it does mean that coaching is conducted in a manner that is calm and respectful.

Today, blog about an experience you’ve had with a coach. What did you learn from their approach that impacts how you deal with people?

The Wedding Ringer

Valentine’s Day was last weekend, so it was time to see a romantic comedy. I’ve seen many wedding movies, although most of them involved sleazy, argumentative bridesmaids.

The Wedding Ringer is about Doug Harris, an overweight, social awkward guy, who is engaged to a beautiful, self-centered socialite with seven bridesmaids. Since he has no friends, he hires a company (Best Man Inc.) to provide a fake best man and attendants.

The fake groomsmen are a group of misfits, but they develop a relationship that builds Doug’s self-esteem and become his true friends. The story is actually very well-written and touching. It’s a great date movie if you want a feel-good ending and a decent story.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve

Heart Shape character with thumbs up poseThe “wearing your heart on your sleeve” expression comes from the Middle Ages and refers to people who express their emotions freely and openly.

Emperor Claudius II believed unattached men made better soldiers so he declared marriage illegal. Once a year, during a Roman festival honoring Juno, men drew names to determine who would be their lady friend for the coming year. Once established, the man would wear her name on his sleeve for the rest of the festival.

Another explanation is that, when a knight performed in a jousting match in the king’s court, he’d dedicate his performance to a woman of the court. He would tie an article of her clothing (such as a handkerchief) around his arm to make it obvious he was defending her honor. (Source: Smithsonian.com)

I am definitely a person who “wears my heart on my sleeve.” It’s taken me many decades to realize that this is a good trait. I think that our culture shames people for being too emotional when we need to celebrate sensitivity.