Oprah

OK, I don’t know if the NBC/Donald Trump reality show “Apprentice” is even still on the air.  But, for those of you who watched the show in its actual hay-day (2004) - you might remember a guy named Troy McClain.  He, in my opinion, was the guy from Boise, Idaho who should have become the Trump apprentice – yet was fired in week 13.  That’s the last time I watched the show.  But, not the last time I watched Troy McClain.  I have been blessed to have been in his presence a few times because of of his good work related to the Special Olympic World Winter Games that are going to be held in Idaho during February of 2009. 

Troy has accomplished amazing things in the business and charitable worlds. And although he was quoted after the show as saying, “We’ve used up ten minutes of fame. We have about five left” – Troy has sure stretched his five.  He’s grabbed a million minutes and filled them by being an inspiration to almost everyone he comes into contact with – challenging people to dig a little deeper and do a little more.  He teaches people to look “Beyond the Obvious.”  And, not coincidentally, this is the theme of the speech Troy delivers, whether it be to a crowd of 500 or to the guy who is riding up the elevator with him.  He doesn’t know it, but he was the guy who inspired me to go out and start my own business – and he did it in one hour. . . over lunch. 

Like many of us, Troy did not have the obvious head start in life- yet, he works among some of the most successful people in the nation today. Troy has enhanced his public profile and personal portfolio through his diverse corporation, by teaming up with the best in business and life. He is an award winning international speaker, professional business coach and award winning television host.

Troy uses amazing stories about disabled people to demonstrate how to look beyond what’s right in front of you and how there are no excuses to living life.  Sometimes, we all get caught up in our everyday issues…we forget about the big picture and what’s really important in life – the ability to live, laugh, and love!

So, where does he “obviously belong?”  I’d say O should pick him up for her XM radio entourage.  Not only because he is motivational, but he has the unique ability to MOVE people to take action.  Troy takes obviously good things and pulls people forward.  Troy is about giving back and that is clear if you get to know him or hear him speak.  It’s not just about “me” and MORE about “others.”  There are some great people in O’s XM radio group, but nobody talks about how to make a difference in the world - the greater world, not just an individual making an extra nickel or eating an apple a day.   And, isn’t that really what O is all about?  Giving back and being grateful.  Uhhhm. . .Troy!

If you or “someone else” would like to learn more about Troy McClain, you can visit his website where his talking head will actually speak to you. 

http://www.troymcclain.com/index.

O, what are you waiting for. . .click away!  Experience “Beyond the Obviously Troy.”

Can you say, “Ahhhh, Juju?”  No, not “au jus!” - like in what we used to call “meat dippy sauce” as kids. 

It’s no secret – if Oprah even sneezes in the direction of a book or product, it’s an instant success.  Sooo many of her favorite things are a tad bit pricey for the average O show watcher.  In fact, I’ve always wanted to ask those women she has on the show who have run up their credit cards, “just how many Oprah Things have you charged in the last year.”

Recently I found something that’s “O Sneeze Worthy” and affordable for the gal on a budget. Say, Juju purse!  JuJu’s are a line of cool, affordable, stylish, plastic purses.  Yes, plastic.  And, although there are some leather models, the plastic styles are classic, yet trendy, yet multi-generational.  

This is the first product featured on the “O Should Know” blog – one that is perfect for any woman, young or old.  And, if you are a guy in need of a good “girl” gift for your wife, daughter or mother - perk up your eyelids.  And, if you are me – you can buy several in the last month because you are obsessed with every style and every color.  Not to mention that they can be wiped clean of kiddie paw prints with the handy-dandy household cleaner, Goo Gone (www.googone.com).  Uhmmm, people. . .I don’t think you will be touching your Dooney or Coach with Goo Gone. 

Available in black, coffee, mustard, lipstick red, tangerine, Barbie pink, avocado, white, pacific blue, perfect purple, cotton candy and navy – there is a Juju available for any occasion.  Since I started carrying Juju’s, my life is filled with handbag compliments and smiles.  As the mother of two small children, I was starting to feel my “hip and cool” persona had faded into my maternity underwear.  But, now I’m back – I found my Mojo with my Juju!  O really, you need to get yours back today.   

Check out www.jujuaccessories.com to see the complete collection of O worthy plastic purses, along with some cool accessories – which of course, I have many.  They are not available in many places, yet.  Of course, we hope to change that with this blog post.  I don’t know about you, but I think I will buy another. 

Ten years ago I heard a woman speak that changed my life forever.  A random woman with whom I did not expect to cross my path, just as those good people that come into ones life tend to do.  Before experiencing her, I was one of those people (we all know) who could walk around all day with a dime lodged between my “buns” and it MIGHT fall out during my nightly bubble bath.  Now, that is uptight (and not comfy).

I discovered (well, only for myself) this woman – Loretta LaRoche - at a writer’s conference, only picking her breakout session because I was feeling too lazy at that moment to move next door to the speaker I had originally mapped out on my daily schedule. (And, I certainly didn’t want to disturb my dime).  From the moment I walked out of her session that was focused on living your life with humor, I began seeing the world with more humorous eyes. And, my stress level went down – a lot!  Literally, from dimes to pennies. 

Lately, I have found myself in great need of “corrective vision.”  Good things have happened in my life, but with extremely stressful consequences.  So, instead of archiving Loretta’s periodic newsletter this week into the “read later’ file – I savored every word.  I realized I’ve almost gone blind.  And, the dime needs to go (again).

Here is a little bit of information about Loretta (http://www.lorettalaroche.com/) – her credentials are amazing:

Dubbed the “jolly-lama,” Loretta has devoted her career to helping people deal with stress and life in general with laughter.  She is founder and president of The Humor Potential, Inc, a company offering programs and products for life style management. Her special brand of optimistic psychology has an incontestable positive effect on the health of all that are exposed to her. She is also a well-recognized TV personality on PBS and best selling author. She has had six one-woman television specials air on 80 PBS stations across the country. She has been nominated for local and prime time Emmy Awards, has appeared on CNN, ABC and NBC affiliates. 

But, no Oprah TV?  She does appear on the O website with a couple of advice briefs, but as far as I can find – she’s never been featured on the show.  Needs to change!  While clicking around to find out if Loretta is an “Oprah person,” I found a website that I immediately subscribed to – www.stressmanagementtv.com.  It not only features Loretta’s seminars, but many other stress experts, yoga classes, kickboxing and more.  You can also catch Loretta on www.youtube.com by searching her name.  There are many, many funny and helpful video clips that will give you insight into her work.  And good for a few laughs, too.

So, if you are having stress issues - check out Loretta.  Check out Stress Management TV.  Believe me, you will be O so better for it – today. 

Oprah Winfrey

Last summer I embarked on a little experiment.  I decided to invite random people to our home for “supper” almost every Saturday night . . .ALL summer long.  Asking “why” is a good question, because it sounds (and was) a bit of hard work. But, I have to admit I had ulterior motives. 

The ”experiment” was primarily an attempt to get my husband (who is a teacher and stays home with our two children all summer) to clean the house once a week.  Yes, this is the evil, twisted plot of this O blog story.  We were living in squalor, so I just started inviting people over for dinner.   I even named it “something” as to make it sound purposeful and grandiose (to my husband) and friends.  And, geez – what better reason to HAVE to clean things up a bit.  People can’t stick to the floor upon entering your house – so, you have to make some domestic effort if for no other reason than to avoid food poisoning (which by the way, could put a major crimp in this overall experiment).

Thus began our “Summer of Suppers” and, I’d like to invite you via this blog to do the same thing this summer.  It was an amazing experiment.  Because for our family, it became nothing about cleaning the house – but, it became an awesome journey into the world of developing relationships with people that we might not otherwise had the reason to know better. 

So, why should Oprah know about this?  Because she is a relationship promoter and she often talks about having people into her home to share quality time spent together.  One of her most famous quotes sums it up:

I think that when you invite people to your home, you invite them to yourself. 

Oprah Winfrey

O, that is so true.  But, I’m here to open people up to the idea that it doesn’t have to include slaving over your house, preparing gourmet meals, serving the finest wine or making hand-trimmed place cards.  You know. . . the things you often see featured in her magazine or on her show?  The supper can be as simple as paper plates, a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, Jello salad and a gallon of cheap punch.  If you have good conversation, some open sharing and a little fun – nobody cares about the fancy stuff in the end.  Yet I have to admitt, it took us almost half the summer to evolve to this conclusion.  Towards the later part of the season, we served the same chicken and potatoes every weekend - nobody knew and in the end. . .nobody cared.  Heck some weekends we had people over Saturday and Sunday nights - chicken for everybody!

So, who do you invite?  Start by selecting people with children.  Hey, we never get invited anywhere.  And, I’m here to tell you – even though we have a couple of rowdy kids, we are still very interesting and engaging people. 

OK, seriously. . .start with people you know, but have never broken bread with before.  Invite the neighbors who live behind the garage door.  Invite the new guy at work and his family.  Invite the teacher who gave it all to your fourth grader this school year.  But, stick with one family or a just couple of people.   You don’t have to go crazy.  “Summer of Suppers” is NOT a party.  It’s relaxing, it’s good conversation and it’s about an environment conducive to getting to know someone beyond handing them a beer when they walk in the door and later finding their summer jacket on the coat rack. 

So, it’s May.  Start making a list of people.  Figure out your “weekly” chicken dish.  I promise that it will be fun if you let it be fun.  And, this is from someone who used to obsess over the plate garnish.  Curly radishes for everybody!

Let “Summer of Summers” introduce you to new friendships and understanding. . . the understanding that you care and your doors are “O” so open to letting the world in behind your garage door.

And, if you have a husband who needs to clean your house. . .this is a good plan for that, too. 

PS – I’d like to encourage you to comment on this blog with stories, recipes and simple ideas about how to entertain.  Let’s make it the best “Summer of Suppers” together!  

Are you feeling short on “human spirit” today? I know I am. To say that I had a “crappy day” would be putting it mildly. Things started out fine, dandy, a real NEAT morning. And then about 1:14 pm, I ran out into the street (like a two-year-old might) and was almost killed by a car.

I was trying to save my gigantic, gas lovin’ minivan from a tow truck. . .in front of a professional client I idolize. . .who is also a former Supreme Court Justice, to boot. Not good that I was almost killed. Not good that ME, a person in the business of “being the calm person” in the bunch, panicked and almost died – in front of client. . .over a car towing. And, not good that I let it get me down.

This brings me back to that “human spirit” thing.

On days like this, I come home and refocus. I look at my kids. I look at my husband. I look at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games website (www.2009worldgames.org). Why? Because there is no greater inspiration or example of amazing human spirit than Special Olympics athletes. And, who do we all know that is SUPER dedicated to having a positive human spirit?

“O” yes! She needs to help let the entire world know what is coming in 2009 to Boise, Idaho. If she did, she could cross “human spirit-themed” shows off her list for the entire season – because we’d be filled up. If you don’t believe me, go to www.specialolympics.org and find a program near you. Most state organizations will be holding local summer Special Olympic Games in the next few months. Go, volunteer, give, be “human spirited.”

Amazing is the fact that a World Games competition is being hosted in the United States. . .in Boise, Idaho. And, nobody seems to know beyond the Idaho borders. So, I asked Justine Sgalio – who works inside the 2009 World Games organization – to write about the upcoming event. I asked her to tell everyone why EVERYONE should get involved. I asked her to tell the story about why “someone” should cover the Games on her show.

Take it away, “O” Justine. . .

With the Beijing Olympics rapidly approaching, I find myself digging deeper and deeper into the definition of a world-class athlete. At first mention, most of us picture Olympians such as Michael Phelps, Mary Lou Retton or Mark Spitz. But if the Olympics and these Olympians are the only things that come to your mind when you hear the term world-class athlete and world-class competition, think again.

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

Every two years, Special Olympics athletes from across the globe earn the right to compete in the Special Olympics World Games to showcase their athletic skills while celebrating the message of Special Olympics.

This year, the United States has the honor of hosting this monumental event. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in Idaho, USA February 6-13, hosting up to 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries. The event will feature competition in seven winter sports-Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Speed Skating, making it one of the largest, multi-day winter sporting events in the history of the United States.

Though the mainstream Olympics and its Olympians are more familiar to the majority of the world, there is no reason the Special Olympics World Games shouldn’t be just as recognizable, and its athletes shouldn’t be just as highly regarded.

We tend to hear the term ‘Special’ proceeded by Olympics and automatically make the association ‘real’ competition is in no way involved. But what most people don’t realize is that the athletes that compete at the Special Olympics World Games are, in their own right, nothing short of world-class athletes. They demonstrate the same emotions, triumphs and hardships all athletes do-sacrifice courage, passion and determination to name a few. They train regularly, compete steadfastly and have earned their way there. Doesn’t sound much different from an Olympian, does it?

The world needs to know the Special Olympics World Games is a world-class event, featuring world-class competition and world-class athletes. It’s time to know. Check out the 2009 Special Olympics World Games website at (www.2009worldgames.org) to discover how you can support these amazing athletes in their endeavor to be champions – true champions in every sense of the word.

Today via email I received a link to an ESPN story from a fan of this blog and almost ditched it in the trash.  It came from a male that I have always suspected might watch too much sports on TV - and, I was skeptical that it was something worth looking at, let alone blogging about.   He hinted that it was really inspiring, so I thought maybe it was some professional baseball player “scratching” for luck in the bottom of the 7th.  A little sports entertainment is always good, so I took a peep.

To my surprise, it was not a “scratcher” - it was something amazing that should be available to the world beyond ESPN – the world of Oprah.   The link to the video is provided below. I won’t spoil the story for you, but I do want to point out that I think it could be the start of “It’s a Wonderful Life – the Summer Sequel.”  It’s got a crippled youngster and a lesson for all mankind.  

This story is NOT about saving someone’s life. . .it’s NOT about feeding the starving masses. . .it’s about automatically thinking about what is the right thing to do in the moment - even if it could cause you to lose.

So, take a look at the video.  Show it to your children.  Keep a box of tissues handy.  It has served as a reminder that I can make difference in another human being’s life just by doing something unexpected – the best type of kindness. 

Take a look – and, be changed.

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3380875

I am a local radio book reviewer and I have to admit that everything Oprah recommends, I for some reason love.  We MUST have the same taste in books, so that is why I am certain that she should get to know one of my favorite writers  - Susan Reinhardt.  Susan is a humor writer and she just released her latest – and VERY FUNNY – book, Dishing With the Kitchen Virgin.  Oprah does a decent job of incorporating humor into her show, but if she engaged Susan for a show – we’d all be whizzing our panties (which you can check out if you buy her new book - her panties are on the cover).  Not only is her book hilarious, but she has a fascinating life story. 

I met Susan on a yellow school bus at couple of years ago when I was attending the Erma Bombeck Humor Writers’ Workshop at the University of Dayton.  It was just the two of us shuttling over for the workshop’s Sunday luncheon (I’d overslept as usual) and I instantly recognized her because I’d read her first book, Not Tonight Honey.  I tried not to stare at her, because Susan is a bestselling author and I didn’t want to appear to be some kind of humor groupie (or whatever you call “wanna be funny people”).

Susan instantly began chatting ME up and I’d have to admit I was a bit stunned.  She was slated to be the keynote speaker at the luncheon and was a bit stressed out because she hadn’t written a word of her speech. . .that she was to deliver in 45 minutes.   She was clutching a folded up piece of some kind of paper that was unrecognizable because she’d sweated it into a glob.   And, she was trying to scribble things on it with a red pen all while telling me about different types of calming medications she wished she had at that moment.   

As a public relations professional who often writes and prepares influential people for speeches – I was speechless.  I had to do everything I could to not burst out laughing.  But as I quickly learned, that is Susan – funny even under extreme duress.  Which is why her books, speeches and weekly syndicated columns are so brilliant.   As with most great humor writers, Susan is UNIQUELY herself. 

Susan’s speech at the luncheon (of course) was hilarious.  She had everyone attending the conference held on the campus of the private, conservative Catholic University rolling on the floor about her boobies, her va-gee-gee and doggie sex organ surgery.   It was amazing.

I received my autographed copy of Dishing With the Kitchen Virgin in the mail yesterday and stayed up all night reading.  I’m not going to review the book on the blog, but let you experience it yourself.  But, I will say I think it is her best book yet.  Copies can be purchased at your local book store – I found the book online at Borders, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.   Check out her weekly syndicated column or read more about Susan at www.susanreinhardt.com.

If you have questions for Susan, please feel free to post them (as comments) on this site.  Susan is following this blog and I know she’d be excited to hear from you – even if you aren’t Oprah!