June 14 is Flag Day in the US. It celebrates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, and later became a nationally recognized day. More information about the day’s history can be found in this Wikipedia article on Flag Day.

Today I will be joining members of the Chicago chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, or DAR, in handing out flags to people along Michigan Avenue. The DAR is a historic organization of women who can trace their ancestry to the Mayflower or the American Revolution. My lovely wife is a member, and thus that makes me a Husband of a Daughter of the American Revolution, or HODAR. With a title like that, how could I not participate?

Happy Flag Day, a day in honor of not only a great national symbol, but also one of the best known brands in the world.

Diversions • (0) Comments • Permalink

For several months now, selected blog posts from this blog, The Hot Iron, have been republished on the Business blog of Ashworth University. It features posts from its students, faculty and people around the globe in various disciplines. I was honored to be asked to be included as a guest writer. Reading the blog on a regular basis, I am among a company of excellent thinkers and writers.

One of my recent posts on choices made at Toscanini’s Ice Cream in Cambridge, MA was posted on the blog this week. They made a slight change to the title, and it reads, “Master Entrepreneur Mike Maddaloni Asks: Should Entrepreneurs Reach Out To Their Customers For Help?” My initial reaction – wow!

Thanks to the people at Ashworth for this great compliment. I have often said everyday I learn something new about running a business – some things are better than others. As this is a on-going venture, it truly is a journey, and I consider these kind words a great signpost along this journey.

Business • (8) Comments • Permalink

I just got word from Tim Courtney the next Silicon Prairie Social will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Mullen’s Bar and Grill in Lisle, IL.

This is the next in what has turned out to be a successful series of quality tech networking event for the western suburbs of Chicago. The event is free, though you must register, and registration is now open. Check out the Web site for full details.

For those in the tech community in the burbs, it is a must attend, and as well for those of us in the city - as we are all part of the greater Chicagoland tech community.

Business • Technology • (0) Comments • Permalink

Diversions • (4) Comments • Permalink

After I reviewed Joffrey’s Coffee a few weeks back, I was contacted by the folks at Jelk’s Coffee who offered me a sample of their coffee. As my demand for coffee has not changed, and I am always up for trying new things, I took them up on their offer.

As I mentioned I like stronger coffees, they sent me a whole pound of their Louisiana Blend. It is described on their Web site as their “house blend with a twist-darker roasted so this spicy tasting beverage is a true connoisseurs’ coffee.” As I would never say I have a delicate palate (ask my wife) a coffee has to be over the top with flavor for me to consider it spicy. So I put it to the test, and I had enough of the pre-ground coffee to load up my Cuisinart Grind and Brew for a week.

Verdict – I liked it. It had a bold taste but overly strong or bitter. It has a smooth finish and no aftertaste, a bad byproduct of some of the stronger coffees I have had. It also has sufficient caffeine and kept me running through the week!

Jelk’s has a whole line of traditional roasts and flavored coffees, as well as Southern-style sauces and all kinds of food products and accessories. Thanks to the folks at Jelk’s for a week of tasty fuel!

Business • (2) Comments • Permalink