Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 97
June 23, 2011
The A-Z of McDonald's
It's pretty exhausting, running an on-line festival. The #FathersDay #Fatherhood festival was a great success. And now all prizes allocated and many already on their way to the lucky winners,, it's time for me to take a little rest. There'll be news of a competition to win tickets to the Latitude Festival on Saturday. And I'm at #Cybermummy this weekend signing copies of my books, so I might see you there. But I won't be posting properly again until next week. Daily posting has deprived me of something. Oh yes, I remember - inspiration.
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by McDonald's
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by McDonald's
The A-Z of McDonalds
It's pretty exhausting, running an on-line festival. The #FathersDay #Fatherhood festival was a great success. And now all prizes allocated and many already on their way to the lucky winners,, it's time for me to take a little rest. There'll be news of a competition to win tickets to the Latitude Festival on Saturday. And I'm at #Cybermummy this weekend signing copies of my books, so I might see you there. But I won't be posting properly again until next week. Daily posting has deprived me of something. Oh yes, I remember - inspiration.
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by McDonald's
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by McDonald's
The A-Z of MacDonalds
It's pretty exhausting, running an on-line festival. The #FathersDay #Fatherhood festival was a great success. And now all prizes allocated and many already on their way to the lucky winners,, it's time for me to take a little rest. There'll be news of a competition to win tickets to the Latitude Festival on Saturday. And I'm at #Cybermummy this weekend signing copies of my books, so I might see you there. But I won't be posting properly again until next week. Daily posting has deprived me of something. Oh yes, I remember - inspiration.
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by MacDonald's
But wait. There is a little unfinished business. The final draw, the big prize, the highlight of the week needs winners. And they are...
Jen (@mum_themadhouse) who wins the Kodak frame
Suzanne Cuthbert wins the Mini
Samuel Toogood (@togster) wins the Ford Escort, and - you'll never guess -
Steve (@pocketropolis) wins (again) and this time gets a Ford Capri III in traditional blue, lucky man.
Right, all this random prize-drawing has made Charlie hungry. He's a Happy Meal fan, so the least I can do is treat him to one. I might have something myself while I'm there. And while we're away, I'm going to leave you with this - their new A-Z ad campaign. Because from the (A)pples in their fruit bags to the 100% British or Irish (B)eef in their burgers, the (C)ooking oil they recycle into bio-(D)eisel to power their trucks and the free-range (E)ggs they insist on, there's plenty for McDonald's to shout about.
From small beginnings in San Bernando McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, rightly proud of things like their staff training programme. (McDonald's actually trains more people in the US than the American military!) And to think, it all started with a milk-shake. Well, a milk-shake mixer, to be precise. Basically, the milk-shake mixer salesman - a man called Ray Croc - noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like the one run by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. Now, of course, they're ubiquitous.
Things have changed, of course, over the years. But some things - like that attention to detail - always stay the same...
This post is sponsored by MacDonald's
June 21, 2011
The A-Z of MacDonalds
It's pretty exhausting, running an on-line festival. The #FathersDay #Fatherhood festival is now over - all prizes allocated and many already on their way to the lucky winners. And and now it's over I'm taking things easy. I'm back to posting bi-daily. And I'm off to McDonald's for my lunch today.
The story of MacDonald's is fascinating, and little known in the UK. In the States, of course, it's legendary - and with good reason. Basically, a milk-shake mixer salesman called Ray Croc noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, proud of their success and now spreading the word - from A to Z - in this new ad campaign
The story of MacDonald's is fascinating, and little known in the UK. In the States, of course, it's legendary - and with good reason. Basically, a milk-shake mixer salesman called Ray Croc noticed that a tiny hamburger joint on the edge of the Californian desert was buying more of his mixers than he thought was possible for a outfit like by brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald. So he went to take a look. And the rest, as they say, is history. The McDonald brothers were doing perfectly well on their own - but with Croc on board the chain went into overdrive. By the time he bought the brothers out in 1961 there were already over 200 McDonald's restaurants, each - thanks to Croc's obsessive attention to detail - faithfully repeating the success of the original restaurant in San Bernando. McDonald's is now the world's largest owner of real estate and is a truly global phenomenon, proud of their success and now spreading the word - from A to Z - in this new ad campaign
I heard that... pardon?
Is it just me? Or just my little boy? Only, before I've even finished talking to him he says 'pardon'? It's polite, I know. Better than 'you what?' or 'Eh?' but still... after every sentence? I don't mumble; I've had some singing lessons; I can project my voice to fill a reasonably large space; I've used nothing but my own stentorian strength to silence a hall of six hundred schoolboys. What I'm saying is, I can talk - clearly. I'm understood - usually. I'm not in the habit of repeating myself to people generally. Just with Charlie.
I did try an experiment the other day. I ignored his request to repeat what I'd just said and waited. And - sure enough - he responded perfectly well to what he'd heard me say first time of asking. So I asked him why he asks me to repeat myself so often. 'Why do you keep saying 'pardon' if you've heard what I'm saying?' I asked. And I immediately heard my grandma asking me the same thing when I was about the same age. I wish I could remember what I said, because it made her laugh. In fact, she often used to tell the tale of when she asked me why I kept on saying 'pardon?' when I obviously didn't need to. Charlie's answer to me was rather more prosaic, if honest: 'I don't know' was his reply. And in spite of the discussion which ensued, he's still doing it. I can't decide it it's endearing or annoying. All I now know is that it's probably genetic. But is it just a boy thing or are girls the same?
I'm waiting; I'm listening. And in the meantime, in the immortal words of Peter Tinniswood's Uncle Staveley... I heard that. Pardon?
I did try an experiment the other day. I ignored his request to repeat what I'd just said and waited. And - sure enough - he responded perfectly well to what he'd heard me say first time of asking. So I asked him why he asks me to repeat myself so often. 'Why do you keep saying 'pardon' if you've heard what I'm saying?' I asked. And I immediately heard my grandma asking me the same thing when I was about the same age. I wish I could remember what I said, because it made her laugh. In fact, she often used to tell the tale of when she asked me why I kept on saying 'pardon?' when I obviously didn't need to. Charlie's answer to me was rather more prosaic, if honest: 'I don't know' was his reply. And in spite of the discussion which ensued, he's still doing it. I can't decide it it's endearing or annoying. All I now know is that it's probably genetic. But is it just a boy thing or are girls the same?
I'm waiting; I'm listening. And in the meantime, in the immortal words of Peter Tinniswood's Uncle Staveley... I heard that. Pardon?
June 18, 2011
Fatherhood Festival: Day Seven
Well, the end is nigh. We're about to face the final curtain - but at least (as the song says) I did it my way. Or rather, Charlie's. You know I told you about my patent method of picking the winners? Well, I thought I'd capture the moment on video. Here's Charlie drawing the winner of the Day Five Lego:
Yes, I could hardly believe it either. Not only has Steve already won some chocolate, but he's been on about the Lego ever since it was first mentioned. The thought did cross my mind that if he did actually did win after all that cheeping it might look a tiny bit suspicious, but you can't argue with the fickle finger of fate, can you?
But don't despair! Because you might have won the Duplo. In fact, if you're Rhian Drinkwater, you did. Congratulations Rhian - and Steve, of course. I'll need your postal addresses to get these goodies out to you, so 'inbox' me (as the rather awful phrase goes) and I'll do the rest. I'll also need the postal address of Lucy (WhenYouAreThatWoman) VBinCatalunya and BareNakedMummy - because you've each won one of yesterday's Cadbury chocolate giveaways.
No on the winner's rostrum yet? Fear not, because today, dear reader, for the final #FathersDay #Festival give-away I've got some really amazing prizes. First up, not one but THREE cars. Yes, I'm giving away a a cool blue Mini, an iconic white Ford Escort III and a Ford Capri III in traditional blue:
Ok, so they're not full-size. But each model is an authentic detailed replica by that iconic die-cast model maker Corgi who have teamed up with Haynes Manuals to transport dads back to their youth. The 1:43 scale models come with their own individual 36 page Haynes manual, so that dads can read up on all the facts and figures for their chosen car.
And that's not all. Because the final #FathersDay #Festival giveaway is this fantastic Kodak Pulse Digital 10 inch Photo Frame which retails for £129.99!
This amazing piece of technology is choc-full of fabulous features - such as the ability to connect to pictures on Facebook - but also makes the perfect gift as it's so easy to set up - no software required. Here's the spec:
Full touchscreen in 7-inch or 10-inch high-quality display featuring KODAK Color Science and LED backlighting
Quick Comment button lets you communicate back to picture senders directly
Built-in activity sensor and ENERGY STAR qualified
Create a playlist of your favorite pictures
Rotate pictures on the screen with just a touch
Store up to 4000* pictures with 512 MB of internal memory
To have a chance of winning this or any one of today's amazing prizes (and with four to choose from, the odds have got to be good) you have to do something a little different today. And yes, I'm being cheeky. Because this #FathersDay #Festival malarky is all in honour of this after all:
And I'd quite like to get the word out there as much as possible. So... here are the ways you can enter:
Option 1: You can tweet about it, linking to Amazon and the Need2Know website;
Option 2: 'Like' the book on the Amazon website;
Option 2: Post a link to my book on your Facebook page, again using the links above, or
Option 3: Actually buy a copy of the book (I know - the very thought!)
Leave me a comment to let me know which option you've chosen, and - as you've already seen - Charlie'll do the rest. All that remains for me is to thank all the people who've generously provided this week's prizes and to thank you for reading and - in many cases - entering.
And tomorrow, if you are one, Happy Father's Day!
Yes, I could hardly believe it either. Not only has Steve already won some chocolate, but he's been on about the Lego ever since it was first mentioned. The thought did cross my mind that if he did actually did win after all that cheeping it might look a tiny bit suspicious, but you can't argue with the fickle finger of fate, can you?
But don't despair! Because you might have won the Duplo. In fact, if you're Rhian Drinkwater, you did. Congratulations Rhian - and Steve, of course. I'll need your postal addresses to get these goodies out to you, so 'inbox' me (as the rather awful phrase goes) and I'll do the rest. I'll also need the postal address of Lucy (WhenYouAreThatWoman) VBinCatalunya and BareNakedMummy - because you've each won one of yesterday's Cadbury chocolate giveaways.
No on the winner's rostrum yet? Fear not, because today, dear reader, for the final #FathersDay #Festival give-away I've got some really amazing prizes. First up, not one but THREE cars. Yes, I'm giving away a a cool blue Mini, an iconic white Ford Escort III and a Ford Capri III in traditional blue:
Ok, so they're not full-size. But each model is an authentic detailed replica by that iconic die-cast model maker Corgi who have teamed up with Haynes Manuals to transport dads back to their youth. The 1:43 scale models come with their own individual 36 page Haynes manual, so that dads can read up on all the facts and figures for their chosen car.And that's not all. Because the final #FathersDay #Festival giveaway is this fantastic Kodak Pulse Digital 10 inch Photo Frame which retails for £129.99!
This amazing piece of technology is choc-full of fabulous features - such as the ability to connect to pictures on Facebook - but also makes the perfect gift as it's so easy to set up - no software required. Here's the spec:Full touchscreen in 7-inch or 10-inch high-quality display featuring KODAK Color Science and LED backlighting
Quick Comment button lets you communicate back to picture senders directly
Built-in activity sensor and ENERGY STAR qualified
Create a playlist of your favorite pictures
Rotate pictures on the screen with just a touch
Store up to 4000* pictures with 512 MB of internal memory
To have a chance of winning this or any one of today's amazing prizes (and with four to choose from, the odds have got to be good) you have to do something a little different today. And yes, I'm being cheeky. Because this #FathersDay #Festival malarky is all in honour of this after all:
And I'd quite like to get the word out there as much as possible. So... here are the ways you can enter:
Option 1: You can tweet about it, linking to Amazon and the Need2Know website;
Option 2: 'Like' the book on the Amazon website;
Option 2: Post a link to my book on your Facebook page, again using the links above, or
Option 3: Actually buy a copy of the book (I know - the very thought!)
Leave me a comment to let me know which option you've chosen, and - as you've already seen - Charlie'll do the rest. All that remains for me is to thank all the people who've generously provided this week's prizes and to thank you for reading and - in many cases - entering.
And tomorrow, if you are one, Happy Father's Day!
June 17, 2011
Fatherhood Festival: Day Six
Well, well, as week of posts with giveaways galore is slowly drawing to a close. There's something really special tomorrow - really! Not that any of the fantastic giveaways haven't been special in their own way. And to kick things off today, I thought I'd better tell you the score so far.
Trish @mumsgoneto... 1 (box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates)
Emma @EmApocolypic 1 (box of the same).
Nice start - a score draw.
Next there was the USB mug-warmer and the winner of this is (struggles with oversize gold envelope)...
Need2Know Books (a twitter entry, that - and a little embarrassing because they're the publishers of this little volume, described in reviews yesterday as:
"... simply a jolly good book" and
"a book I wish I'd read years ago"
Not that Charlie knows any of this. And it's his choice as he spins the wheel of fortune (or arrow up/down keys on my computer) to determine the lucky winner.
Anyway, never fear. There were three special bars of Toblerone on offer yesterday (and don't forget to enter the competition to win a trip to Switzerland) and they've all gone to:
Antonella/Lunarossa
Steve Bloggertroplolis, and...
@WorkingLondonMummy
And talking of winners, did you see that the 2011 Father of the Year has been announced? It's Peter Andre. Again. You can read what I think of the competition here and the result inspired a post by Very Bored in Catalunya yesterday which I could have written myself. All of which rather begs the question what - exactly - does make a great dad? I've seen dozens of tribute-posts to fathers this week - some funny, some profound and all of them moving in some way. So today - rather than just leave a comment - I'm asking for a one-line answer to the question: what makes a great dad? If you had to choose just one quality, what would it be - and why?
As usual, there's a reward. I'm not asking you to do something for nothing. Because three lucky winners stand to benefit from the largesse of Cadbury today as I've got one each of these Father's Day specials to give away. First up is the Dairy Milk Classic – A special 1kg bar that's been personalised for Father's Day - ideal for dads who simply love the unique and creamy taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk:
Next come the Bonanza Box – Reward your dad the hero with this ultimate box of treats bursting with bite-size chocolate goodies. This is a gift that's great for sharing with the whole family – if dad's willing to share, that is!
Finally, for Beer-loving Dads there's the Organic Beer Gift Set – A great chocolate survival kit for Father's Day with award-winning organic beer and a variety of the nation's favourite chocolate! The set includes a 400g Cadbury Dairy Milk bar along with Heroes, Crunchie Rocks and two St. Peter's beers - which could be yours for just the price of a comment telling me what makes a great dad and why.
Should you be unlucky in the draw, blame Charlie. But, of course, these Cadbury specials are all available to buy. And tomorrow? Well, you'll have to come back to find out what's in store for the Fatherhood Father's Day Festival finale.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with my daughter's thoughts on the subject of Fatherhood, in a poem she wrote a couple of years ago, aged 11. It's called, appropriately, 'Daddy'.
A person you can talk to
When you're feeling low,
It's nice to know you always
Have somewhere warm to go.
A daddy is a soulmate,
Who holds your hands in his palms,
And then he love and cradles you
In his big, safe daddy arms.
A daddy would do anything,
If you asked him to,
And I want you to love me Daddy,
That's all I ask of you.
Trish @mumsgoneto... 1 (box of Hotel Chocolat chocolates)
Emma @EmApocolypic 1 (box of the same).
Nice start - a score draw.
Next there was the USB mug-warmer and the winner of this is (struggles with oversize gold envelope)...
Need2Know Books (a twitter entry, that - and a little embarrassing because they're the publishers of this little volume, described in reviews yesterday as:
"... simply a jolly good book" and
"a book I wish I'd read years ago"
Not that Charlie knows any of this. And it's his choice as he spins the wheel of fortune (or arrow up/down keys on my computer) to determine the lucky winner.
Anyway, never fear. There were three special bars of Toblerone on offer yesterday (and don't forget to enter the competition to win a trip to Switzerland) and they've all gone to:
Antonella/Lunarossa
Steve Bloggertroplolis, and...
@WorkingLondonMummy
And talking of winners, did you see that the 2011 Father of the Year has been announced? It's Peter Andre. Again. You can read what I think of the competition here and the result inspired a post by Very Bored in Catalunya yesterday which I could have written myself. All of which rather begs the question what - exactly - does make a great dad? I've seen dozens of tribute-posts to fathers this week - some funny, some profound and all of them moving in some way. So today - rather than just leave a comment - I'm asking for a one-line answer to the question: what makes a great dad? If you had to choose just one quality, what would it be - and why?
As usual, there's a reward. I'm not asking you to do something for nothing. Because three lucky winners stand to benefit from the largesse of Cadbury today as I've got one each of these Father's Day specials to give away. First up is the Dairy Milk Classic – A special 1kg bar that's been personalised for Father's Day - ideal for dads who simply love the unique and creamy taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk:
Next come the Bonanza Box – Reward your dad the hero with this ultimate box of treats bursting with bite-size chocolate goodies. This is a gift that's great for sharing with the whole family – if dad's willing to share, that is!
Finally, for Beer-loving Dads there's the Organic Beer Gift Set – A great chocolate survival kit for Father's Day with award-winning organic beer and a variety of the nation's favourite chocolate! The set includes a 400g Cadbury Dairy Milk bar along with Heroes, Crunchie Rocks and two St. Peter's beers - which could be yours for just the price of a comment telling me what makes a great dad and why.
Should you be unlucky in the draw, blame Charlie. But, of course, these Cadbury specials are all available to buy. And tomorrow? Well, you'll have to come back to find out what's in store for the Fatherhood Father's Day Festival finale.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with my daughter's thoughts on the subject of Fatherhood, in a poem she wrote a couple of years ago, aged 11. It's called, appropriately, 'Daddy'.
A person you can talk to
When you're feeling low,
It's nice to know you always
Have somewhere warm to go.
A daddy is a soulmate,
Who holds your hands in his palms,
And then he love and cradles you
In his big, safe daddy arms.
A daddy would do anything,
If you asked him to,
And I want you to love me Daddy,
That's all I ask of you.
June 16, 2011
Fatherhood Festival: Day Five
People often ask me what the best thing about being a dad is. And I pause before I answer - not because I'm not sure what to say. No. There are a thousand and one answers from the enormous privilege and pleasure of sharing the joy of learning day-to-day of another human being to the satisfaction of somehow feeling you've done right by your immortal genes, that this was what you were put here for, that there's nothing more important than being a dad (or mum).
But the real reason I hesitate is because I don't want to appear too keen to admit that one of the best things about being a dad is being allowed to play all over again, to revisit your own past and have an even better time second time around because there's nobody telling you it's bath-time and you've got to pack your toys away. The Hornby OO train-set is already bought. I know. And those Thunderbird toys we made? Well, of course they were for Charlie. Ahem.
So it's appropriate as part of these Fatherhood Festival giveaway posts to have something dual-purpose to offer as a prize. Yes. This, courtesy of Kerry Power and the Digital Outlook Duplo team.
I know. And then there's one of these, thanks to the generosity of Lydia Ford at Norton and Company.
Contain yourself dads. All you have to do is... well, you know by now. And if you don't, may I refer you to any one of the last four posts. Comments, tweets, facebook updates, you name it (the book, that is) and it probably counts. You can enter more than once. But you have to get your entry in before midnight. Because tomorrow is another day. Day six, to be precise. And there'll be a whole lot more to give away tomorrow.
Good luck!
But the real reason I hesitate is because I don't want to appear too keen to admit that one of the best things about being a dad is being allowed to play all over again, to revisit your own past and have an even better time second time around because there's nobody telling you it's bath-time and you've got to pack your toys away. The Hornby OO train-set is already bought. I know. And those Thunderbird toys we made? Well, of course they were for Charlie. Ahem.
So it's appropriate as part of these Fatherhood Festival giveaway posts to have something dual-purpose to offer as a prize. Yes. This, courtesy of Kerry Power and the Digital Outlook Duplo team.
I know. And then there's one of these, thanks to the generosity of Lydia Ford at Norton and Company.
Contain yourself dads. All you have to do is... well, you know by now. And if you don't, may I refer you to any one of the last four posts. Comments, tweets, facebook updates, you name it (the book, that is) and it probably counts. You can enter more than once. But you have to get your entry in before midnight. Because tomorrow is another day. Day six, to be precise. And there'll be a whole lot more to give away tomorrow.
Good luck!
June 15, 2011
Fatherhood Festival: Day Four
It's been fascinating, this week, following people's responses to some of these Father's Day Festival posts and tweets. Trish @mumsgoneto wrote a most moving tribute to her own father yesterday, including a slide-show of some of his paintings. If you haven't seen it, do take a look. He certainly seems to have been a top dad in more ways than one, and you can read about more Top Dads on the Prostate Action website in their celebrity count down to Father's Day. They're asking people to post stories about their dad on their TOP DAD Facebook app. Stories can be funny, poignant or about an important lesson their father taught them. And the writers of the top four stories, as voted for by the public, get to win an iPad2.
Elsewhere - but still on the subject of top dads - Toblerone have launched a special 400g limited edition 'Dad of the Year' Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate. And if you want to crown your Dad with the prestigious title of 'DAD OF THE YEAR' read on.
Special bars like these are in the shops right now and the competition - in partnership with Switzerland Tourism - could see your Dad whisked off on a trip for two to the 4* Hotel Schweizerhof in the idyllic Alpine town of Lenzerheide wheou re he can enjoy the fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery and luxury spa treatment. Entering is really easy. All you have to do is log on to the My Toblerone website and tell them why you think your dad should win. It's that simple!
But there's more, because the organisers have generously agreed to give away three of these special bars to lucky Bringing up Charlie readers. As before, all you have to do is comment, tweet or otherwise interact in some way and if Charlie picks you, you're a winner! Talking of which, it's congratulations to Trish @mumsgoneto and Emma @EmApocolyptic who won Monday's Hotel Chocolat goodies. More great #FathersDay giveaways tomorrow. See you then!
Elsewhere - but still on the subject of top dads - Toblerone have launched a special 400g limited edition 'Dad of the Year' Toblerone Swiss milk chocolate. And if you want to crown your Dad with the prestigious title of 'DAD OF THE YEAR' read on.
Special bars like these are in the shops right now and the competition - in partnership with Switzerland Tourism - could see your Dad whisked off on a trip for two to the 4* Hotel Schweizerhof in the idyllic Alpine town of Lenzerheide wheou re he can enjoy the fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery and luxury spa treatment. Entering is really easy. All you have to do is log on to the My Toblerone website and tell them why you think your dad should win. It's that simple!
But there's more, because the organisers have generously agreed to give away three of these special bars to lucky Bringing up Charlie readers. As before, all you have to do is comment, tweet or otherwise interact in some way and if Charlie picks you, you're a winner! Talking of which, it's congratulations to Trish @mumsgoneto and Emma @EmApocolyptic who won Monday's Hotel Chocolat goodies. More great #FathersDay giveaways tomorrow. See you then!
June 14, 2011
Fatherhood Festival: Day Three
I know - day three already. And we've hardly started. Yesterday I was offering some Father's Day gift boxes courtesy of Hotel Chocolat, today it's something a little more relevant if dad's a blogger (or regular computer user). But more of that anon. Because there will be some amongst you that haven't the faintest idea what all this is about, why I'm giving stuff away each day and blathering on about being a dad.
Well, the answer's simple. Here it is:
Yes, the book of the blog is upon us and you can read all about it (and enter a giveaway) here and here, where both Hayley and Carol (respectively) are giving away a copy. You can also be in with a chance of winning one by reading my Parent Panel post on the Baby BornFree blog. But if you're unlucky enough not to win one you could always consider buying one. After all, it'd probably make the perfect Father's Day gift, especially for a new dad.
But now, a gadget for the PC addict. You know what happens, you boot up the old computer, sit down with a cup of tea or coffee then get called away and - hours later - find the computer deep in hibernation and the beverage beyond resurrection even in the microwave. Well, no more. Plug this little thing into your USB port and your drink will be kept warm whatever happens.
And - thanks to Thomas at the DotComGistShop - it could be yours for the price of a few words in the comment box below. Alternatively, a tweet will do. Make sure to include the #FathersDayFestival hashtag so I can keep track of you. And then come back tomorrow for another great giveaway.
Well, the answer's simple. Here it is:
Yes, the book of the blog is upon us and you can read all about it (and enter a giveaway) here and here, where both Hayley and Carol (respectively) are giving away a copy. You can also be in with a chance of winning one by reading my Parent Panel post on the Baby BornFree blog. But if you're unlucky enough not to win one you could always consider buying one. After all, it'd probably make the perfect Father's Day gift, especially for a new dad.
But now, a gadget for the PC addict. You know what happens, you boot up the old computer, sit down with a cup of tea or coffee then get called away and - hours later - find the computer deep in hibernation and the beverage beyond resurrection even in the microwave. Well, no more. Plug this little thing into your USB port and your drink will be kept warm whatever happens.
And - thanks to Thomas at the DotComGistShop - it could be yours for the price of a few words in the comment box below. Alternatively, a tweet will do. Make sure to include the #FathersDayFestival hashtag so I can keep track of you. And then come back tomorrow for another great giveaway.
