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Boston Globe
a day ago
- General
- Boston Globe
A letter to my oldest son, before he starts high school
You will begin high school, you lucky boy. And so, instead of cornering you in the car on the way to basketball, I thought I'd write down my advice. For those of you with kids beginning a new school, a new job, a new chapter in life, maybe you can relate (and have something to add). Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Here goes. Advertisement Sign up for Parenting Unfiltered. Globe staff Study however you feel comfortable . For years, your grandparents insisted I do my homework in our home office, on a metal desk and swivel chair built during the Nixon administration. They believed that serious students worked at a desk, and they wanted their daughter to be a serious student. I hated it. I spent more time thinking about how uncomfortable I was than on AP French — but it appeared to them that I was focusing. (I was not. I was on a dial-up AOL chat room with my friend Katie talking to random strangers in Texas.) Once I hit college and was in control of my own study arrangements, I did my best work sitting on my bed. Since then, I have written hundreds of thousands of words and two books, either on my couch or on my bed. Great for my lower back? Probably not. Good for my own personal productivity? Yup. Work where it works for you. Advertisement Don't fight your natural organizational habits . I use this term loosely because right now, your organizational strategy appears to be shoving wrinkled papers into your backpack next to rotting bananas. Your suggested list of supplies might include color-coded binders and day planners; the requests will come in for spiral notebooks and file folders. That's all fine, if you use them. But you might not (doubt you will!), and I have zero desire to give Amazon Prime more money. Find a system that you can stick with, use it, and tune out the noise. Ever seen a doctor's office or a professor's desk? Yeah. You'll be OK. Don't stay anywhere you feel small: lunch tables, parties, friend groups . This is hard. The drive to be surrounded — to fit in — is stronger than words. I remember pining to be summoned to a superior lunch table, a rung-and-a-half higher on the cafeteria ladder, and finally snagging a seat only to go completely silent, dead mute, once I set down my tray of nuggets and Famous Amos cookies. I was afraid I wasn't funny (and I was funny; just maybe not to them, because they were not my people). I felt alien in my own body. I couldn't be myself. And when one of the girls started badmouthing a close friend, I joined in — grateful to have something, anything, to say. Advertisement The next day, someone who overheard me wrote a screed in black magic marker (brave!) on my French desk saying what a fraud I was. A fake. A climber. And she was dead right. I still haven't forgotten the date: November 1992, Madame Inman's class. I remember thinking even then that I'd prefer to be honestly average than falsely cool; I even wrote it in my journal in bubbly cursive, feeling profound. It didn't totally sink in then, of course; I wasn't mature enough to live it. It took me well into adulthood to realize that some people won't see you, ever, and that's their loss. But being comfortable in your own skin is the only true sanctuary, and when you forfeit that for the sake of blending in, you've got nothing. Don't ever shrink yourself to fit at a lunch table. It might feel safe in the moment, but it will hurt so much more in the long run. You won't have everything in common with your friends. And that's OK. If I based my friendships on who had the same exact combination of interests, I'd be a hermit, because I know nobody who loves 'Murder, She Wrote'; 1960s oldies; nachos; and Dominick Dunne. Enjoy the small overlaps; go where you feel seen. And remember: Nobody will be a perfect friend all the time. Look for patterns instead. Do these people usually show up for you? Do they fill a certain need: a person to ride to school with, to play basketball with, to swap inane memes with? I had very little in common besides a sense of humor with my high school friends. But, you know what? I just got back from one of their mom's 80th birthday parties. I'm having dinner with two others next week. Sometimes the bonds that connect you are more about chemistry and shared history than anything else, a sense of familiarity and consistency and goodness, and those bonds really are irreplaceable. Advertisement It's OK not to peak in high school . Some clichés are true. Life is long. Success takes many forms, and it also takes its own sweet time. You'll see. The most important lessons you learn in high school aren't measured by grades. Schoolwork seems like the official barometer of worth because knowledge is most easily measured in numbers, but these metrics don't reflect the lessons that shape who you are. Truly. Some perspective: I took five AP exams and was named something called an 'AP scholar.' This has had absolutely zero bearing on my life. In fact, I can no longer speak French. The one and only thing I remember from World History is that there are three types of Roman columns (ionic, doric, and Corinthian). I will never again read 'Beowulf.' In fact, I barely read it the first time. I missed the 3.5 National Honor Society cutoff by .02 points because of a bad math grade. Nobody has ever asked me, anywhere ever, whether I was in the National Honor Society. Speaking of math: I dropped out in 12th grade. I am still a productive member of society. My iPhone has a calculator, and that's good enough for me. Here's what I do remember: Mr. Seymour, who nicknamed me Sassy Baskin and encouraged me to do stand-up for Speech and Debate; the columns I wrote for the school paper making fun of the rancid cheese at the semi-formal; and the feeling of getting behind the wheel of my parents' Ford Taurus as a newly minted driver and realizing for the first time — soundtracked by WZLX 100.7 — that the world really was bigger than Acton, Massachusetts. (There was Concord, too!) Point being: Life experiences, real memories, don't get a letter grade. Advertisement A big world exists outside your phone. I know you're mad that I'm not letting you have screens during the week, but someday, when you know how to have a coherent conversation and think critically, you'll thank me. Don't take it personally when I yell at you. Oh, and I will. I will surely get mad if you flake out on your homework or have 10 missing assignments in PowerSchool. This is because I'm only human, too, and I want you to do well, to work hard, all the things that any parent wants for their kid. I want what's best for you, and this might make me sometimes act poorly and lose perspective. I'm still learning, too. I apologize in advance. (But seriously: Please do not have 10 missing assignments in PowerSchool.) Treat your teachers with respect. You have no idea how hard this job is. You are not entitled to delicate treatment because you're having a bad day; you don't get an extension because you forgot your day planner. You are special to me, but you are not special. Be kind. Be polite. Be respectful. Non-negotiable. Nothing is worth your mental health. Absolutely nothing. Take it from someone who learned this the very hardest way — in emergency rooms and therapists' offices. Too much homework? Too much stress? When you're healthy, you have lots of problems. If you're sick, you have one: getting better. So please: The minute you feel like it's all too much, if you're hopeless or stressed to the point of sickness, if you feel like nothing will ever get better because your problems at this moment are insurmountable, take those worries and give them to your parents. We may not know how to edit videos on TikTok. (You do edit videos on TikTok, right?) We do not know what the hell '67' means. Advertisement But we also have been through high school and lived to tell the tale. You will come out the other side, hopefully with lifelong friends, arcane trivia, and memories to sustain you — but most of all, a sense of self and the knowledge that you have flawed parents who will annoy you and badger you but who always love you and see you. Now shut off the video games and do your summer reading. Kara Baskin can be reached at
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Famous Amos Recognizes Three Emerging Black-Owned Enterprises with $50,000 Business Awards
Now in its fifth year, Famous Amos's Ingredients for Success program supports early-stage Black businesses and honors the entrepreneurial spirit of Wally Amos CHICAGO, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Famous Amos, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc (USBC), has announced the winners of its fifth annual Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative (IFS). IFS supports pathways for early-stage Black business owners to thrive by providing $50,000 to three organizations each, in addition to mentorship, networking and educational resources. The 2025 winners include: Terminal B, a Los Angeles-based fragrance company founded by Chris and Fay Breedlove that produces handcrafted candles and fragrances inspired by global destinations – redefining how we experience travel from home. Arcarea Adult Day Center, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based wellness organization founded by Aracelis Rittenburg that addresses healthcare inequities and provides holistic care for seniors with dementia. Money Honey LLC, a Los Angeles-based financial coaching company founded by Taryn Ferrer that provides money management strategies and education to help women build wealth. "Our judges reviewed hundreds of applications from passionate business owners who are making a remarkable impact in their communities," said Rachna Patel, Vice President of Marketing for Famous Amos. "Terminal B, Arcarea Adult Day Center and Money Honey LLC are incredibly deserving of these awards, and we're excited to work with them to grow their businesses and help achieve their dreams. We're humbled to champion the next generation of Black business leaders and carry on the legacy of our founder Wally Amos." In addition to being the fifth year of IFS, this year also marks Famous Amos's 50th anniversary, which the brand celebrates through its Famously You campaign honoring Wally Amos's "famously" authentic spirit. To commemorate the milestone, Famous Amos launched limited-edition Collectors Edition packaging featuring original 1975 graphics. In May, the brand hosted a free block party in Hollywood, recreating the community events Wally Amos organized in the 1970s and '80s. The IFS announcement further celebrates Wally Amos by honoring his birthday, July 1. "My father built Famous Amos from the ground up to become one of the most recognizable cookie brands in the world," said Shawn Amos, entrepreneur, author and son of the late Wally Amos. "His story is like a lot of other Black entrepreneurs who have passion and vision but often lack access to resources or funding to help them succeed long term. It means so much to my family that Famous Amos is continuing my father's legacy and paying it forward to help rising entrepreneurs thrive." Created in 2020, IFS has awarded 12 business owners a total of $600,000 over the past four years – promoting economic empowerment for early-stage Black entrepreneurs. This year's distinguished panel of judges included Shawn Amos; Steve Canal, Founder of ONE Venture Group, bestselling author and branding expert; and Brittany Rhodes, Founder of Math Equals Me and previous IFS winner. Beyond IFS, USBC provides valuable resources that small business owners can take advantage of, including training, business development and engagement opportunities. More information is available at "My father dedicated his life to doing what he loved and inspiring people," Amos said. "Famously You doesn't just celebrate his life and work – it also celebrates the fans who made his dream a reality. It reflects the brand's ongoing impact in empowering people to be authentic to themselves and pursue their dreams. It's a powerful full-circle moment, and I'm grateful to be part of it." Stay tuned to Famous Amos's socials for the latest brand news: Threads, Facebook and Instagram, where you can learn more about the 2025 IFS winners. About Famous AmosFamous Amos is a beloved brand that started in 1975, famous for its classic chocolate chip cookies. Founded by Wally Amos, a passionate Black entrepreneur, Famous Amos grew from a bakery in Hollywood, California into a brand serving millions of customers across the United States. In 2020, Famous Amos began a major philanthropic effort, the Ingredients for Success Entrepreneurs Initiative. Now in its fifth year, this initiative creates positive change and economic empowerment for early-stage Black entrepreneurs. Ingredients for Success celebrates the qualities that make each business owner unique and fosters long-term success for their businesses. About Ferrero®Ferrero began in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. More than 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate. Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother's Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. CONTACT: Rob Tate, rtate@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Famous Amos Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Top 10 best-selling cookies in America
Image credits: Getty Images If there's a sweet treat that is easy to make, convenient to carry and delicious to eat- it's a cookie. These store-bought delicacies come with a burst of flavours, and joy in every mouthful. The US specifically has a variety of cookies and biscuits ranging from chewy and soft to crisp and buttery. But which are the most popular cookies in the United States? Let's find out. Oreo Image credits: Getty Images Oreo, owned by Mondelez International, is the most popular and best-selling cookie in the United States. The iconic sandwich cookies and its multiple flavours are loved by many who either eat them alone or love to dunk them in milk. Chips Ahoy! Image credits: Getty Images Another top player in the cookie world is Chips Ahoy!, a brand owned by Nabisco, which offers tasty chocolate chip cookies. Keebler Image credits: Getty Images Popular for its Fudge Stripes and Chips Deluxe Cookies, Keebler, a brand owned by Ferrero Group, is another go-to choice in the United States. With its playful branding and diverse flavours, the cookies from Keebler are loved by many. Pepperidge Farm Image credits: Getty Images Pepperidge Farm cookies are ones that you are bound to have tried at least once. The brand's Milano and Sausalito cookies are some of the most popular ones, though it has many other options. Famous Amos Image credits: Getty Images The perfect bite-sized cookies in chocolate flavour are the Famous Amos, which are popular for their flavours and convenient packaging. Girl Scout Cookies Image credits: Getty Images Girl Scout Cookies are so popular that they are mentioned in books and shows, too. The brand is popular for supporting young girls through cookie sales and its flavours, such as Thin Mints and S'mores, are crowd favourites. Lenny & Larry's Image credits: X/@iheartpublix While most cookies target taste, Lenny & Larry's combine taste with health to create cookies that contain plant-based proteins. These are dairy-free, egg-free and perfect for health-conscious consumers. Entenmann's Image credits: Getty Images One of the oldest cookie brands in the list is Entenmann's, which began in 1898. The bakery brand sells a variety of baked treats, including cookies. Tate's Bake Shop Image credits: Getty Images For their simple ingredients and thin, crispy shape, the Tate's Bake Shop cookies offer buyers a homemade taste they can't help but want more of. Insomnia Cookies Image credits: Getty Images This chain of bakeries in the United States is popular for delivering warm cookies late at night. They are popular among young adults and students for the convenience and variety. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
