DIY expert and “Today Show” correspondent Lou Manfredini wanted to use a Rug Doctor machine as part of a home cleaning segment on the “Today Show” this morning. So, we arranged for the machine and a range of cleaning products to be sent, and I (along with my good friend Schubert Pereira from Rug Doctor) went to 30 Rock to help Lou prep for the segment.

Here’s a little recap of past 18 hours in NYC…
• After a quick rehearsal on Monday evening to see how the product would be used, Lou took us on a brief after-hours tour of Today Show studios (pretty cool stuff)
• Found out the segment producer was a fan of Rug Doctor, as well
• Got a “Good Morning” from Hoda Kotb as we walked into the building with her on Tuesday morning
• In the Green Room, we sat next to Daniel Wright from “The Biggest Loser”
• Then Ann Curry walked into the Green Room and stood next to me to greet some guests
• Our segment followed a hilarious interview with Sandra Bullock
• The Rug Doctor cleaning solutions and machine got some good airtime
• And the visual of the Rug Doctor machine cleaning the carpet on-air made two people in the Green Room say “Wow” and “That works really well” — and they had no idea we were from Rug Doctor

Pretty good trip to 30 Rock, I would say. Here’s the segment — take a look for yourself…

Picture of rehearsal:

But can it cure cancer?

Probably not, but it can help raise cancer awareness and some much needed $$ for the cause.

We are about ½ way through the month of “Movember” and our Mo Bros here at Firehouse are doing their best to raise awareness about men’s health — particularly prostate and testicular cancer — via some truly epic ‘staches in the making. The “mos” are coming out, some faster than others, changing the faces of the men we work with daily.

Enjoy these baby-face pics taken on November 1 — all were clean-shaven and ready to grow and flow their mos. We’ll keep you posted as November 30 comes to a wrap, so that you too can witness the creative stylings of our Firehouse Mo Bros.

To support the Firehouse team, visit our agency page here: www.movember.com.

Respect the mo, support the cause.

While recognizing them as leading a trend in restaurants to move to healthier fare, Zinczenko specifically called out the Seared Scallops and Spinach Salad for the improvement to its nutritionals — they reduced the fat and calories by 80%, bringing it to just 400 calories and 4 grams of fat. And trust us, it tastes great!

Oh look, it’s time for lunch!

Check out some more Mac Grill work that has been helping to move the needle.

At 17, I barely knew how to recover from a break-up, let alone how to make a comeback after a 1-6 loss in the first set at Ashe Stadium. Watching Oudin made me look at my own mental toughness as a novice player in the ad industry. At 24, I still found it difficult to bounce back after losing my very first client -– my first professional break-up. As I transitioned to a brand new client and a different account team, I was well prepared to tackle the fast-paced projects. But the mental adjustment didn’t come as easily to me.

That’s the thing about mental game: you rarely think about developing those muscles until you really need them. As I was learning new tasks, I didn’t question whether my mental game was improving, too. Agencies have training programs that teach you how to collaborate, write creative briefs, lead brainstorms, etc., but there is no surefire cure for recouping after a long day of fighting fires. There’s no formula for getting to know a new client. These intangible skills come with time -– after we’ve lived a little.

Maybe as novice players we focus so much on learning from those around us that we overlook what we can teach ourselves. We can improve our mental game if we regularly challenge ourselves to think beyond the lessons we’re learning, to think about what we’re doing well, what we’ll remember to do next time. Reflect on these experiences and how they shape the kind of managers and leaders we want to be, so we’ll be ready as opportunities arise.

We can’t take for granted that mental toughness will come along with all the other skills we’re learning. We have to make a specific effort and work at it if we want to be great someday. And I do.

However, I have been known to hang out at the enemy camp. I can (and will) put away the largest slice of cake at the monthly birthday celebrations. If you leave some type of cookie on the kitchen counter, I am the one who scavengers it. It is a problem I have had since birth. I have a sweet tooth.

For those of us with a healthy attitude and a sweet tooth (or a sweet attitude and a sweet tooth), get ready for some Hallelujah background music, cause I am about to introduce you to Orangecup.

We have all heard of frozen yogurt, but this is actually natural yogurt that is frozen. There are three flavors – natural, zum and aciaberry. There are mixins’ of course. Raspberries, almonds, bananas, pineapple, raisins, coconut, strawberries, granola, blueberries, peaches, walnuts, blackberries, mochi, peanuts, kiwi and dark chocolate chips. The fruit isn’t thawed and drown in syrup – it is actual fresh fruit. After you order, they print out your chosen ingredients and their nutrition information on a personalized label. This not only tells you sugar, calories, fat, fiber, etc., it also includes the kind and quantity of vitamins that are in your treat.

And it is good. I mean, it is really good. Breakfast, lunch and dinner good.

Kudos to you, Orangecup, for actually finding your place among persnickety consumers who want it all, and they want it without any calories. Now if only I could get Little Debbie to switch sides.