Oh what a great time in Versailles. I can't say too much here as we have not yet announced who won what to the general public. However have a look at some of the photos at over here. I thought the speakers were great. The energy, excitement and commitment was truly inspiring.
Yet another great meeting with some German leaders. Again interesting insights into how we can improve and grow.
Today we had dinner with Arpad and Zsuzsanna Bilibok, new Diamonds from Hungary. As new President Club members they are also spending a day in the office, being filmed for a future Rhythm DVD, having their pictures taken for magazines, web sites and maybe a bit of shopping. Also round the table is Janne(born in Finland, now living in UK), Gabrielle (Austrian), Abdurrahman (Turkish) and Doug (American). Vitaly (Russian) was missing due to visa issues related to football. We were in a traditional English pub having small tasters of wine from around the world - what an amazing time we live in. It does seem the planet is getting smaller.
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Today was interesting. A reception was held at the House of Commons, hosted by Autism Speaks. This happens every year and is part of their activities to raise awareness. An all party Parliamentary group has been formed to help guide policy decisions. I'm please that politics are put on hold for some things.
I just love London, it's buildings and it's history. It's the second time I've been inside the House and it's soooo impressive. I recommend the tour to everyone - UK resident or not.
This is an interesting story an Hungarian man who never gave up, despite being in the Holocaust, going to deep south of United States in 1950s. Lessons for all of us.
On Valentines day, Sandra and Paul Gerrard broke a world record for hugging. They lasted 24 hours and 1 minute together. Yes they wore various Nikken products to keep out the cold and keep up the energy. Watch out for an interview of them in a forthcoming magazine.
This is the first time we have awarded this in Russia. It was won by Наталья Козупеева, or for those of you who cannot read Russian - Natalia Kozupeeva. She is a lovely lady who lives down south in Росто́в-на-Дону. I met her a couple of years ago when we opened the pick up centre. At the time she told me she would be doing great things and she was true to her word.
We announced this at Cafe Pushkin and invited a couple of other top leaders, who were also very close to wining, to join in the celebration.
I'm off on my travels again. This time it's to Finland for a meeting on Saturday. I'm picked up by Jouko & Mallu Saarinen, and taken to their place about 40 minutes from Tampere. They have a really good home, that doubles (or triples) as a meeting place and bed/breakfast hotel. They prepared a nice snack and a smoke sauna. It is not smoky, but still has a lovely smoky smell that reminds me of a log fire. It was freezing outside and hot inside. Of course the high point was a walk (in swimming trunks and thick socks only) through the snow to the frozen lake!! After breaking the ice Jouko and Mallu went in, and shouted a bit....I splashed the water over me and rubbed the snow over me. You can see from the picture I was nearly immersed, well maybe slightly. What an experience - next time I'll take the plunge. I slept very well in a Wellness Room and woke up the following day VERY refreshed. Thank you both for a lovely evening.
I had a great night out with new Diamonds Roswitha and Cuno Muller. They are energetic and fun people. I loved the way they talked about their team and how their focus was to help their downline achieve the same success as they have. In case you never saw it their downline invaded the convention stage when they were presented with their Diamond pins. They all had inflatable cows! A sign of Switzerland. My youngest son still loves playing with the one they gave me.
WOW! What an honour! Due to the contributions Nikken made to Autism Speaks I was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Sarah Brown. It was her first charity "meet and greet". During the meeting, that did have nice wine and canapés, Gordon Brown arrived - the Prime Minister. I did have a picture taken, but I am not allowed to publish it....for security reasons. Still it was a great evening, and I was awestruck by the history of the place, and seeing the cabinet room, where most of the decisions that have affected life in Britain since 1732.
Since I could not publish any pictures I thought you might like to take the official Downing Street Tour and see what I saw.
Fresh from a great convention in Gothenburg, we went to bed late, got up a few hours later and travelled to Luton for a great event. Who needs sleep? We have energising products!!
Here is Jerry "D'Rhino" Clarke, Bill Tara, Chris Gullo, me (taking the picture), Donna Russell, Janne Heimonen, and Kelly Lee.
Thanks to Jerry, Bill and Chris for their energy and enthusiasm. A BIG thanks to Donna and Kelly for their smiles. Janne - you're cool as well.
This was the event that was postponed in February due to very heavy snowfalls. Nearly 150 people shunned the sun (and scorching 30C temperatures) to take part in a great event. Guest speakers included Oddmund Berger and Anders Hugland. Lots of Distributors shared their success stories, a lot of people where recognised and thanked for their efforts.
Many thanks to Kristian for looking after the technical side, Birgit for helping with my talk and everyone else involved in making sure the day went smoothly. I am looking forward to coming back.
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