The Origin of Spam

You may wonder how spam got its name.  No, I am not referring to the annoying emails we get.  I am referring to the canned pork product that pre-dated the internet.

In a classic Straight Dope article from 10 years ago, Cecil writes that the name is short for “spiced ham.”

Supposedly there was a “name-the-product party, in which you had to contribute a possible name in order to get a drink.”

Clever idea.  Maybe this is a way of developing a new name or concept for your business.  Just make sure you check your corporate insurance policy first.

Goal-Free Fun

In a previous blog entry, I describe how games can turn work into play.  The key is to choose a game that resonates with you. Here’s a bit from the Simpsons that shows that not all games are fun.

Bart forgot his permission slip, so he was unable to visit the chocolate factory.  Instead, he was stuck with Principal Skinner who had other plans for him.

Principal: Here’s a whole box of unsealed envelopes for the PTA!
Bart: You’re making me lick envelopes?
Principal: Oh, licking envelopes can be fun! All you have to do is make a game of it.
Bart: What kind of game?
Principal: Well, for example, you could see how many you could lick in an hour, then try to break that record.
Bart: Sounds like a pretty crappy game to me.
Principal: Yes, well, get started.

A Little Goal-Free Humor

Well, actually it is “goal-less” humor. In the movie “Dodgeball,” there is a funny conversation between Kate Veatch (played by Christine Taylor) and Peter La Fleur (played by Vince Vaughn):

Kate: I’m curious, is it strictly apathy? Or do you really not have a goal in life?

Peter: I found that if you have a goal, that you might not reach it. But if you don’t have one, then you are never disappointed. And I gotta to tell you, it feel phenomenal.

Kate: Well, I guess that makes sense…in a really sad way.

A Simple Test

I put together a simple test that takes less than 2 minutes to complete.

It tests your ability to perform a seemingly straight-forward activity.

Want to give it a try?

Click here to launch the video (WMV format – 7Meg)

There is audio associated with the video, but the test can easily be done without any sound. Viewing in “full screen” mode (Alt-Enter in Windows Media Player) makes it easier to see.

Thanks to Jordan L. LeBel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Food and Beverage Management & Marketing at Cornell University. He is an expert in chocolate and provided the delicious picture included in this video.

Are You an M&M or Chocolate Covered Peanut?

I lived in London for 4 years. I found the British to be a bit more proper and reserved than the typical outgoing American. In an effort to explain the differences between these two cultures, I sometimes use my favorite dessert metaphor: chocolate.

The British are like M&Ms. Their tough outer coating (“stiff upper lip”) hides a richness and depth. Although it may take a little longer to get to know a Brit, once you do, you get to know them profoundly. That’s why many remain close friends even after many years and great distance.

Americans are more like chocolate covered peanuts. Although we are known for being friendly, sometimes getting through our tough inner core – and getting deeply connected – may be a bit more difficult.

Of course these are generalizations. Everyone is an individual. But it can be interesting (and fun) to consider which chocolate treat best represents YOUR personality.

Are you an M&M with a protective layer that covers a lust for intimacy? If so, you probably make a great friend. However, you might find that letting your guard down from time to time will enable you to connect better with others on first impression. A key to living goal-free is becoming a people magnet. If you are perceived as standoffish or protective, attracting others into your life may be a challenge.

Are you a chocolate covered peanut, showing the world your outermost social layers, only to hide your inner-most feelings? If so, you are probably a good people magnet. You might even be the life of the party. But you may also find deep relationships more difficult. This may serve you fine in the short term. But you may find that over the long run, you feel something (or someone) is missing from you life.

Are you a peanut M&M, hard on the outside and hard on the inside, with only a small layer where you let people in? This is not an ideal personality style for every day living, unless you truly prefer solitude – or should I say being alone. However, everyone goes through a peanut M&M mood from time to time. I get grumpy and want to be left alone. This is fine. But if you are like this all of time, you won’t be just goal-free, you’ll also be friend-free.

Are you a chocolate covered raisin; a total mush-ball through and through. This can be a great personality style. You attract AND retain relationships. You can be both a great friend and the life of the party. But remember, there is a time and place for exposing your soft inner core and vulnerabilities. If you are too open, you may sometimes scare people away.

Of course this is not a scientific study of personalities; it is primarily intended to be fun. However, this may shed light on why your relationship are the way they are.

Regardless, a recent study found that chocolate contains more than 300 chemicals that can both induce relaxation and elevate your mood. So go ahead and enjoy some chocolate. Doing so will have you care more about the candy in your mouth than the candy that matches your personality.

« Previous Page — Next Page »