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As I reached for my traditional breakfast of Peanut M&M’S this morning (peanuts=protein=healthy), and read a recent column in LA Weekly claiming women don’t like chocolate, well, I started to get really upset.

Any time a doctor of literary studies from Duke University examines a subject, particularly when it’s candy, it’s worth taking notes.

It’s 1968 and Hershey’s Chocolate is looking for an advertising agency — at least in the world of the Emmy-winning drama Mad Men.

While attending the Sweets and Snacks Expo, I tried approx. 5,348 (give or take) pieces of candy (give or take). And while all that sugar made me crash pretty hard, I was still able to make some order from the chaos.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a writer. Part of this is because it’s always been my strongest subject and something that has always come relatively naturally to me. Another part is because I’m mildly obsessed with the Gilmore Girls television series. Consequently, when Rory declared she wanted to be a journalist, so did I.

You’ve all heard the clichés regarding innovation: “Thinking out of the box,” “New products are the lifeblood of a company,” “Better to ask for forgiveness than permission,” and one of my favorites, “Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never changes.” But, hey, what does it take to be really innovative?

Although grabbing a pack of Snicker’s Bites as I made my way up to the cashier at the checkout lane was a non-event for me, it was a scientific research project for Mars akin to space shuttle management.

“And the recipient of the 68th Kettle Award is…” an educator, candy maker and just a classy guy.

Our offices have only recently created an amazing new video studio, so now we can shoot videos in-house as often as we want.

Mom's been especially amazing this past year, as I’ve endured some health issues over the last few months. Always willing to make the two-hour drive to see me on a moment’s notice, no questions asked. When she arrives, my mom even claims she actually enjoys doing my laundry, washing my dishes, and vacuuming.