My time in Las Vegas

I’ve just come back from a weekend in Las Vegas.  It’s an amazing place that seems to be a city of extremes capable of bring out the very best (and worst) in humanity.
  

During last night’s sleepless red-eye back east, I had over 4 hours to think about my trip – and actually penned this blog posting at 36,000 feet.

Here’s some highlights of the trip and of course some key learning that will make me a better person

1.       Think big, but be realistic.  Even been to the Venetian or Mirage or the Wynne? Each of these behemoths sport more than 4,500 guest rooms and employ some 15,000 people each … that’s the size of a town and then some.  Think the hotel owners thought small?  No way --- they each had a vision, that although near possible to implement, was realistic enough that each with implemented with a very fine attention to detail

2.       It’s about the experience.  Yeah sure, a burger is a burger.  How many ways can one grill a salmon?  Certainly finite.  However – it’s not just the burger or the salmon that makes Vegas, Vegas.  It’s the look of the menu, the cool music, the sensual energy that seems to pervade the city’s very fabric.  And it’s also the people – talk to them, understand them.  It’s actually humbling

3.       Technology is important.  Knowing how to use it – more so.  I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve done some knuckle-headed travel things in my day.  The floating casino in New Orleans … umm, I’ll save it for another day.  However, my latest shenanigan is up there among the all time greatest knuckle-head maneuvers.  Hilarious now, not so at the time.  Kudo’s to the Mirage Hotel for locating the video of us getting into the cab --- in all of 2 minutes … thanks to technology and an excellent knowledge, it all ended up fine.  Perhaps, I shortened my life by a couple years … but hey – who’s counting

4.       Go to the Laundry Room.  Stat.

5.       Don’t take yourself or things too seriously.  Stuff happens in Vegas.  Good stuff and bad stuff and stuff that you have no idea whether it’s good or bad.  But roll with it.  Work it – an poker parlance, “Play the hand you got, not the one you wish you had”

6.       Go with the right people.  Dunno what was more awesome … they people I was with or the people I was with. And very importantly, I made sure to stop and pause for 5 minutes every day to thank G_d.  The end. 

Why Owning A Problem Pays

Buying a barbeque is not the kind of thing my wife and I get excited about so it was with dread that we found ourselves at Lowes last weekend.  Buying a new one turned to be easy, and dare I say – even pleasurable. The sales guy (Chris) knew his stuff, smiled, made a joke or two,  asked about our needs so he could recommend something appropriate – and he even upsold us.  We were in and out in 20 minutes, enjoyed the experience and got what we wanted.  We also paid them to assemble the beast (I’m good with money --- my hands … well not so much).

 

I was to come back to load said beast in a flat-bed (specially rented for the occasion) and to take it home.  All good, until I got to my street, within sight of our house actually.  While rounding the final corner, the barbeque became untethered and flipped on its side with an ominous thud.   Sixty seconds later I was on my driveway – the beast --- bad news.  Dented, broken and badly scratched.

Now, let’s be straight up here.  This is 100% my problem.  Not Lowes.  Not Lowes at all.  Nada.  Zilch.  

And nor did I expect Lowe’s to do anything besides order another beast and charge me full-pop. 

S&^t happens!

Got back to Lowes 15 minutes later.  It’s a busy afternoon there.  Spoke to a helpful young lady at their customer service desk.  I explain this issue – she listens, smiles, nods and understands.   I’m quite prepared to pay for my error in not having tied the beast properly.  Mistakes cost money and why would this mistake be any different from any other mistake I have ever made. 

The assistant manager comes over.  His name is Rob.  Greets me with a smile, looks at the now broken, dented and scratched beast. 

“Irreparable”, he explains. I know it.

Rob confers with this associate – and without me even having to ask, agree to replace my barbeque.  FREE!!!  Yes, they’re 100% paying for my error in not having tied the beast to the flat-bed. 

In other words, they’re owning my problem.  Wow!  Next week, I’ll go back to Lowes, pick up a brand new barbeque – and this time will tie it properly.  Promise.

So, what’s to learn and observe?

• Lowe’s were well within their right to do nothing for me – they used this opportunity to do everything for me
• They greeted me and dealt with me, with smiles – who says a smile does not go a long way?
• They took ownership of the problem (my problem) – that was caused through NO fault of theirs
• Yeah, they took a loss --- a big loss on the transaction, but they’ve made me a Zombie Loyalist  (this one’s for you Peter Shankman) for life

Thanks’ Lowes --- and to all the people in the store who dealt with and fixed my stupid boo-boo. You turned what could have been a very crappy experience for me, into something awesome.  So awesome in fact that I've told all 1,356 people who read my blog about this.

Cheers to kick-ass service.  And Lowes … I’m a customer for life.

My Mild Irritation

I’m a pretty even-tempered kind of guy and there’s nothing that phases me much.  But when I woke up this morning, I was mildly irritated.  I stopped and thought - could not figure out what was phasing me.  I was also not quite able to figure out if I was irritated about being phased or more irritated about not knowing exactly what was irritating me.  I guess we all have those days from time to time.  No biggie – by lunch-time my irritation had subsided somewhat as I was heading downtown to meet a client. 

Paperwork completed? Check!

Subway tokens? Check!

Tie straight? Check!

Hair brushed? Check!

Laptop in laptop bag? Check!

Slung over my shoulder in the usual way?

NOPE – YIKES!

You see – what had happened Friday was that the shoulder strap had broken, and I had forgotten.  And it was this small thing that caused the irritation, made even more acute by the fact that I now had to carry my laptop in its bag instead of slinging it over my shoulder --- and in so doing occupying one of my two arms.

So, what’s the big deal? Well for me it is!

Can’t check my emails with one hand.  Need to be more mindful of now not leaving my laptop somewhere – I’m absent-minded at the best of times. If my laptop is in my right hand, and my subway token in my right pocket --- well now what?  Complexity --- and I don't want more than I already have. 

But most of all, it’s a routine I am used to.  The feeling and the weight of my laptop and bag slung over my right shoulder is comforting.  Or should I say “was” now that the strap has broken.  

Not for long though – and that’s a good thing.  I’m going to the mall first thing in the morning (actually the local Walmart – it opens at 7am) to get myself a brand new laptop bag.

At least my minor irritation won’t continue – and I am very grateful for that.  I am also very grateful for everything else I have.  As I learn in Torah - the happy person is happy with what he has. 

And these words are so true.  

It's been a great year

So, in just a few days (3, to be precise), I'll be turning 49.  I've been told by many that 50 is a turning point - and am not quite sure actually whether that is a good or a bad thing.  Anyway, I have a year to decide, or to have that decided for me ... meanwhile, it's all good.   So why am I writing this blog today?  Simple --- I am very grateful for everything I have.  How grateful?  About as grateful as one can be.  I'll explain.

Over the holidays my wife (Karen), two teen-age kids (Jason and Amanda) and I went on an awesome vacation.  A boat cruise!  A week on the water.  Stopped at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados and St Maarten.  Each island was prettier than the one before.  Anything to escape the harshness of the Canadian winter (even if it is just for a week or two).  Woot.

Without getting into too much detail - I have it all.  And I truly mean that.  There is nothing I want that I don't have.  Period.

One thing I am cognizant of is the passage of time ... it is flying.  And that is frightening.  I've never been one for new year's resolutions.  Too common I guess ... everyone makes them and 95% of people break them within a week (statistics).

I prefer to make resolutions on my birthday --- just seems a better time.  And I suppose that with every passing birthday, one is reminded of their own mortality.  Here's my plans for this coming year.

1.  Practice more random acts of kindness.  Buy a stranger at a bar a drink.  Want nothing in return.  Just do something nice for someone.  Just because.

2.  Sing and dance more.  Wake up on the wrong side of the bed ever?  Turn up some music that you like.  Sing and dance.  You'll feel better.  Guaranteed.

3.  Work efficiently.  Saw a bumper sticker the other day ... "Hard work never killed anyone, but why take a chance".  Perhaps there's truth to that.  Working efficiently is something only just a few people do.  I will try to be more efficient in the workplace.

4.  Live large.  Big difference between living large and living irresponsibly.  It is a fine line.  Establish your limits and stick within them.  Nothing wrong with that. A healthy mind is always in a healthy body.  Especially when you get to your middle ages (hello John Sacke), it's key to exercise regularly.  It's something that I do between 4-6 hours every week --- and is standing me in good stead.  I think.

5.  Keep in touch with people, especially when you don't need them.  This point touches on what was likely one of the most profound findings of mine this past year.  It's the notion of "friends" calling you only when they need you - and dodging your phone calls when all you're trying to do is to say hi.  Yeah, I get it --- we are all busy chasing careers, chasing kids, chasing parents, chasing spouses - and the list never ends.  But, but but --- grinding out a text when you're on line in the grocery store, or making a call on your daily commute!  Easy as pie!  The excuse that you've been so busy for months on end, is just that.  An excuse

6.  Finally - never be late or flake.  See this posting from Peter Shankman.  He nails it.

So, that's my story for now --- and I am sticking to it. Call me.  Email me.  Text me.  February 11.  You have my contact information.

Carpe Diem!

Here's What Happens When You Don't Listen

In his eponymous song, "The Piano Man",  Bill Joel said, "It's 9 o'clock on a Saturday and the regular crowd shuffles in".  I say "It's 9 o'clock on a Saturday and here's what happens when you don't listen."

I've just come home from my local Starbucks.  My aim?  Bring my laptop, spend an hour or two working peacefully and then come home with a Java for my wife, fulfilled that I've already knocked off a couple hours work before the day begins in earnest.  It wasn't to be - and I'm irritated. 

Why so?  It's not that their wireless was down (IT happens), but rather because no-one listened to me.

I logged in. Check.  Asked to select the wireless network.  Check.  Then got the "fail whale".  Called the toll-free number on my screen - Starbucks tech-support.   It was answered on the second ring.

"Hi, I can't get onto your network"

"Yeah - it's a known issue"

"Umm --- any suggestions or any idea when it will be up"

"None - nope"

"OK?" - anyone would have heard the irritation in my voice

"Well, I will have to go elsewhere"

"Fantastic - that's an excellent idea"

And then he was gone.  Quidam!

The guy on the other end endorsed me going elsewhere to drink coffee and work???  (((Hello???)))

That's exactly what he did. Clearly, the tech guy never heard a word I'd said.    And of course, I am now elsewhere.

Consequences:

1.  You destroy the brand

2.  You alienate the customer

3.  You lose sales

 And these are just the iceberg's tip

 Note to Starbucks: Selling coffee is the easy part.  Yeah, you make a great Java - no question.  But it's the experience too that counts and I was less than happy. Train your people!

Meanwhile, I have just arrived home with a couple steaming Javas.  One for me and one for my Missus bought from Tim Horton's where the wi-fi was fine - just sayin'

Yamchops - A Nugget of Wholy Goodness

Believing that plant-based proteins can be a staple of any kitchen or diet would have been a pipe-dream to Michael Abramson a few years ago.  Today it’s his reality at Toronto’s only vegetarian butcher shop – YamChops (www.yamchops.com) ---  (I just love the name).  In early 2013, Abramson and his wife Toni sold their 27-year old advertising agency and launched The SixCob (Six Communities of Business Inc.).  YamChops is The SixCob’s first community.

Nestled on the south side of College Street in a strip just west of little Brazil, (trust me, I know because I had to wend my way to the store, just after Brazil’s latest victory in the Soccer World Cup), it’s a nugget in an area dominated by greasy Mexican taco joints and fast food pizza shops.

“Our recipes appeal to all types of eaters: flexitarians, those who choose to reduce their meat consumption, vegetarians and vegans,” says Michael Abramson. “We have lots of fun and take some creative license when we turn a commonly understood animal protein on its head.”

Earlier this week, I sampled a great example of this - YamChops’ Carrot Lox.  Made with organic carrots cured in Abramson’s secret marinade, it’s topped with capers, red onion, dill, cashew and sour cream.   Lox is one of my favorite anytime snacks – and  YamChops’ Carrot Lox was about as good as I’ve ever had. 

From a walk around this bright and uber-funkily appointed store, it looks like YamChops’ mantra is to deliver an eclectic menu of unique plant-based food – and I like that thinking in Toronto – jaded by over-priced and over-rated organic cuisine (if you can even call it that).

Now, to note is that organic food in not cheap – and nor is anything at YamChops cheap either.  At first blush, the store’s Salad Day’s juice is priced at an eye-popping $9.50 a litre – expensive.  Not that expensive when the polite server mentioned that it contains a whopping  40 pounds or organic apple, celery, cucumber, spinach, romaine, kale, ginger and lemon.  I tasted some.  My verdict?  Worth every cent!

Abramson holds some impressive qualifications too – He is ACA certified in Natural Foods, holds a professional diploma in vegetarian cuisine from the Cordon Vert Academy and has a professional plant-based cooking certification from Rouxbe.

Also for sampling was YamChops’ Tuna-less Tuna Sliders.  Each was a silky-smooth-yet-chunky-in-the-right-places blend of free range chick peas, mashed to tuna-like consistency, dressed with vegan mayonnaise, dill pickle, red onion and nori.  Alas, these samples were at a station towards the back of the store --- and they were that good, they shoulda, coulda, woulda positioned them up front.

YamChops is at 705 College Street, three blocks east of Ossington.  Call them, email them or tweet them at 416.645.0117, TalkToUs@YamChops.com or @YamChopsTO. 

What I learned from my time in New York City

Since I was 17, I've had a love affair with a city -  New York City.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's the truth.  I return there fairly frequently and seemingly it's often enough but not too often.  The  city's never lost it's magic.  It's a great place!

I sojourned there last week --- lived large for a few days.  I'll spare the detail of the who, what, when, where and why - but here's a few things I learned:

1.  Make time for the people that mean something:  I've lots of friends in the city and as busy as I was, I made time for them all ... I was so glad to see Lisa, Gabi, Hilary, Hilton, Darren and their friends.  Yeah, I could have not told them I'd be in their city, but hey, people can make a city too.  We hung out - had fun and re-connected

2.  The love you make is equal to the love you take, or said another way - share the love - Tough to understand sometimes, but true everytime.   Again, will spare the deets.

3.  Know what's on your bucket list - and do something about it.  Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on foot has been on my list for well - like 25 years --- I did it this time.  It is a magnificent structure connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan.  Majestic.  Takes like 30 minutes from shore to shore.  Well worth it and makes you appreciate architecture.   Completed in 1883 - yes, 1883, it's s a testament to mankind's genius.   Bet they didn't have today's technology then.

4.  Party hard.  Yup ... true every time and one of my maxims.  Hilton, Darren, Raphael and Alex ---- you know how to do that - damn well.  Never stop.  Keeps us all young.  Keeps us all thinking.

5.  Don't oversleep.  This is a biggie.  I know many people who insist on getting 9 hours of it a night, claiming they "need" it.  Disagree.  Try 7-8 - you'll be fine.  Yes, I know that sleep is important, but there's lots to do and accomplish irrespective of where you liver.  Go get 'em.

6.  Never forget your roots.  Walked past a record store by chance.  It's at 130 First Ave at 7th Street.  It's a throwback to the 70's and 80's.  Reminded me so much of my roots.  We met its owner, "Birdman" - (nickname that because he only eats chicken and turkey) - what a fascinating history he has.  He's closing this New York City landmark in the fall.  Don't miss a trip there - incredible.

7.  Be humble.  No more need be said.

Peace, love and understanding.