SparkGuy, Live from the Big Apple
Greetings, SparkPeople. It's SparkGuy here, blogging from the road. I'm a long way from home this week, on the East Coast to promote The Spark. I've done TV interviews with local stations around the country, spotted The Spark in Times Square, and even met with some old friends and members. I've also had a few really exciting meetings. (Stay tuned to the dailySpark for more news on those! Just keep Spreading the Spark! It really helps.)
Even though New York is crazy-cold, I did a run for an hour around the city today--brrrrrr. Luckily my hotel room has high ceilings, so I did some jump rope in here to warm up.
I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to share some of the highlights of the trip so far!

I met with Steve Case, a good friend and business partner. Steve, the founder of AOL and Revolution Health, and his company have invested in SparkPeople, and he has been incredibly supportive and helpful in recent years.
While having lunch with Steve at a high-end restaurant, a member actually recognized me! Her name is Judi (MADEYEJUDI), and she has been with SparkPeople since December 2008.
At the end of lunch as we were getting our coats, the hostess looked at me tentatively and said, "Are you SparkGuy?!" and then something like, "Oh my god!" after I said yes.
Tami said one of the other hostesses said: "Famous people come in here all the time and I've never seen her get this excited before." (Al Gore and Stephen Schwartz, famed composer and lyricist, were also having lunch there that day.)
So, I gave her a hug and then gave her a signed copy of The Spark--the last one I had with me, in fact--mentioning that she's the first person to ever recognize "SparkGuy" in public (without any identifier like SP T-shirt or something).
At the end of lunch, she came over to us and said she had to ask if it was me. It was really neat to meet a member unexpectedly, and it goes to show that you never know when you'll meet another SparkPeople member--and where you'll Spread the Spark. (Read her blog about the experience.)

I've had a great time here in the Big Apple, and the week isn't over yet. There's plenty left for me to do. In the mean time, tell your friends, tell your family, tell your neighbors about The Spark. If you've read the book, you'll know that I dedicated it to the millions of you who have helped turn SparkPeople into a grassroots movement by making your life an adventure! Keep Spreading the Spark!
If you can't find The Spark in your local bookstore, ask them to order it.
Have a question for me? Ask it in the comments below. I'll be blogging more often this year. And keep sending pictures of you with The Spark!
Even though New York is crazy-cold, I did a run for an hour around the city today--brrrrrr. Luckily my hotel room has high ceilings, so I did some jump rope in here to warm up.
I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to share some of the highlights of the trip so far!

I met with Steve Case, a good friend and business partner. Steve, the founder of AOL and Revolution Health, and his company have invested in SparkPeople, and he has been incredibly supportive and helpful in recent years.
While having lunch with Steve at a high-end restaurant, a member actually recognized me! Her name is Judi (MADEYEJUDI), and she has been with SparkPeople since December 2008.
At the end of lunch as we were getting our coats, the hostess looked at me tentatively and said, "Are you SparkGuy?!" and then something like, "Oh my god!" after I said yes.
Tami said one of the other hostesses said: "Famous people come in here all the time and I've never seen her get this excited before." (Al Gore and Stephen Schwartz, famed composer and lyricist, were also having lunch there that day.)
So, I gave her a hug and then gave her a signed copy of The Spark--the last one I had with me, in fact--mentioning that she's the first person to ever recognize "SparkGuy" in public (without any identifier like SP T-shirt or something).
At the end of lunch, she came over to us and said she had to ask if it was me. It was really neat to meet a member unexpectedly, and it goes to show that you never know when you'll meet another SparkPeople member--and where you'll Spread the Spark. (Read her blog about the experience.)

I've had a great time here in the Big Apple, and the week isn't over yet. There's plenty left for me to do. In the mean time, tell your friends, tell your family, tell your neighbors about The Spark. If you've read the book, you'll know that I dedicated it to the millions of you who have helped turn SparkPeople into a grassroots movement by making your life an adventure! Keep Spreading the Spark!
If you can't find The Spark in your local bookstore, ask them to order it.
Have a question for me? Ask it in the comments below. I'll be blogging more often this year. And keep sending pictures of you with The Spark!
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Comments
(Wish I knew before that you were going to be here.) Oh well, I'm new to this site. Congratulations on the book. I look forward to reading it.
- 1/18/2010 6:48:25 PM
It's Wonderful You Are Sparking It Up !
I'm Proof * Big Hug*
I'm Spreading The Word At Work Also Guess I'm Sparking It Up At Work ! - 1/10/2010 5:21:30 PM
You have been my inspiration for years!!! I tell Everybody about Spark people!! - 1/8/2010 10:51:17 PM
I've been seriously thinking about buying a copy for my sister and a copy for a good friend and a copy for....(well, you get the idea!). - 1/7/2010 1:19:32 PM
I loved this blog! It is so great that you share with us the progress of your book, and the growth of your marvelous brainchild, SparkPeople. I find it exciting to be a part of this phenomonom!
I pre-ordered 2 copies of The Spark, and donated one to our local library, where I work. I am sure it will be used as more and publicity brings it to the front lines!
Thank you for all that you do. As you can tell, you have affected the lives of many people, in a very positive way!
Will you ever do a convention in the Boston area? I suspect you will in time.
Thanks again,
Sandy - 1/7/2010 10:48:48 AM
You gotta go over to CBS and see Harry Smith - the other morning he was complaining about his wife and the cabbage soup diet. I sent him an email suggesting he check out sparkpeople.com, he and his wife might be much happier! Have a great time in NY!
Frances - 1/6/2010 10:14:05 PM
I saw you in one of your interviews yesterday while I was working out at my club. I was actually watching a different news show (GMA), but noticed the orange "The Spark" out of the corner of my eye and quickly switched channels to listen to your interview with Fox. Although the reporter kept interrupting you, I thought you did a fabulous job presenting your views and philosophy!! I just received my copy of The Spark this past Monday and I'm excited about reading it. Congratulations!!
You've created an amazing website. I talk about SparkPeople all the time, have sent out invites to many of my friends, and we live off of the recipes, especially those of Chef Meg's. Thanks so much! - 1/6/2010 7:07:09 PM
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(¸.• ♥ Cheri ♥
- 1/6/2010 4:36:47 PM
Darlene
- 1/6/2010 3:33:14 PM
I just hate it when I get into these 'blue funks'....... - 1/6/2010 1:16:56 PM
Have fun in the limelight. Don't let it blind you. - 1/6/2010 12:58:11 PM
Shirl - 1/6/2010 11:39:40 AM
Thanks for sharing your adbentures on the road with us! How about coming down to the warm, sunny south for a visit. On second thought you might want to hold off on that till we actually warm back up.
I got my book today. I'm sooo looking forward to reading it. Thanks for all that you've done and are continueing to do for us! You're an awesome guy! - 1/6/2010 11:17:50 AM
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