Charmin Enjoy the Go

Gratitude for Waste Water Treatment - Annie

2009-12-30T13:52:00.001-08:00

It was an amazing experience to witness first-hand where all the water in New York City goes once it gets flushed down the drain. The Go Team had a little field trip adventure recently to Greenpoint, Brooklyn to visit the largest waste water treatment facility in New York City… and it was truly a learning experience, which made us all appreciate the invisible infrastructure that we so often take for granted!

We enjoyed a great lecture, both from Connie Fitzgerald of the Department of Environmental Protection, and from the Waste Water Plant Supervisor, Jim Pynn. Here are a few interesting facts from our visit:

* New York City's water actually comes from a beautiful and clean source in the Catskill Mountains, about 100 miles north of the city, which is what makes our tap water taste so delicious. Amazingly, this water is delivered in an extremely eco-friendly manner: with GRAVITY! A hundred miles, with gravity... isn't that remarkable?!

* All of the water from our bathroom drains actually gets mixed with the run-off water from the streets of the city, and this grey water then gets channeled into giant filtration systems. But, extra debris in these filters requires extra energy -- so that means it's crucial not to flush anything other than toilet paper, and it's important not to litter in the streets. It's all connected.

* Some interesting objects have turned up in that filtration system in the past, representing the items that people have flushed… including heaps of counterfeit money!! No kidding.

* It's important to drink the tap water in New York City. Our water source in the Catskills is clean and pure, and drinking tap water in reusable containers cuts down on the use of plastic water bottles -- which take energy to create, and these bottles are a major nuisance when they become litter.

When we think about the fact that 2.5 billion people in the world don't have access to clean sanitation, it's especially remarkable to see the efficiency of our system at work here in New York. I have already written a little bit about sanitation on an international scale (see my blog entry "Potty Talk & Public Health" from Dec. 18th). On that note, a good friend of mine named Jamie, who is living in South Africa, just wrote to me about some of her recent bathroom adventures. Here is her description of a toilet that she experienced on a recent 13 hour bus ride in Mozambique, from Vilanculos to the seaside town of Maputo:

"After about four hours…I finally asked if there was a banho and was pointed to a 9-square foot area fenced in by 4-foot high 'walls' made of corn husks. This is where women where supposed to take care of biology… no holes, no toilets, just a patch of dirt with puddles… and piles… it really made me want to be a man for maybe the 2nd time ever."

Jamie mentioned that millions of South Africans don't have access to basic sanitation, which is defined as a ventilated improved pit latrine (or "VIP" latrine). This is particularly ironic, since South Africa also is the home to many Very Important People who own multiple marble toilets in their giant mansions. This discrepancy between have and have not may not be unique to South Africa, but it does demonstrate that anything is possible, anywhere in the world, with an investment of resources.

When we look at the clever design and efficiency and invisible magic of the waste water system in New York City, it causes me to think broadly and hopefully about creating such systems for the rest of the world. With that in mind, please consider donating to organizations such as:

The World Toilet Organization: http://www.worldtoilet.org/

Water Aid America: http://www.wateraidamerica.org/

Thank you very much to our hosts at the Newtown Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant!! With creativity, cooperation, and some investment of resources, hopefully we can create make similar sanitation treatment systems a reality around the world.

-Annie

Cody : Who gets the last Laugh?

2009-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Time flies by when you're having fun. What an amazing chapter in the life of Cody Melton. This will make a great little addition in my memoir!

Chapter 6: My Career is in the Toilet. I went from Unknown-Comedian to Unknown-Comedian all in 6 weeks. The "Go Team" Joan, Annie, Leah, and Antonio are like family to me. This experience has changed me in... wait! No it hasn't, I'm still the wise-cracking-chuckle-head I always was, but now I'm funny with some money!

Charmin has been so amazing to work for (TRUTH CAMPAIGN!) -- I really wish this job would never end. It's the kind of gig you dream about if you love people. We got to meet so many fascinating people from around the world and have really cool experiences. Decorating a toilet seat for charity, making funny videos, tweeting about the bathrooms daily, working with Charmin on various projects and performing with Broadway Stars in a musical!

Being a "Go Team" Ambassador put us in a position to use social media in every way possible. We made so many fr

iends who followed us on Twitter, watched our Facebook videos and sent us toilets from around the world.

I have so many memories to carry with me as I depart, my favorite being "Truth Campaign." Some other favorites:

Joan: Saying "I grabbed that little Brother!" Me saying "I'm allergic to nuts "Joan's reply " You ain't allergic to dough-NUTS"

Antonio: saying "That is So Cute"

Leah: Calling everyone "Honey penny" and her saying everyday for six weeks " I wanna do my Cabaret songs today" (Still waiting...)

Annie: Being wonderfully neurotic about everything! And I would have to give her a truth campaign talk... plus her obsession with posting Potty Dance pics and videos!

My favorite thing to do was make "enjoy the go" videos. I had so much fun being creative and talking with people.

I hope I continue to have as much fun in my life as I did working for Charmin. Thank you Charmin I really did "enjoy the go".

Your Prince Charmin:

Cody Melton

Ending on a High Note: Performing on Broadway- Antonio

2009-12-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Charmin restrooms provided me with one of the most thrilling days of my life. I am a musical theatre performer. I’ve done regional theater productions and tours and am working my way onto Broadway. Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids joined with Charmin to present Bathrooms Over Broadway, a 15 minute musical performed by Broadway stars and giving us, The Go Team, a chance to be their ensemble.

I mean, we were backing up Broadway heavy-hitters: Christopher Sieber, two time Tony Award nominee and currently in Shrek the Musical, starred. Maya Days (Aida, Rent, JCS), Joy Hermalyn (Fiddler on the Roof), Bernard Dotson (Finian’s Rainbow, JCS), and Marya Grandy (Damn Yankees) completed the cast. Michael Lee Scott, creative director for the Rosie Family Cruises, directed and choreographed. They were all incredibly nice.

Now here’s the deal. We learned our parts separately and when we came together to rehearse as a group, IT WAS MAGICAL! It really felt like we were in a Broadway show. The voices blending in perfect harmony and the choreography as a final product had the rousing feeling of a musical’s finale. Leah was visibly excited so I asked, “you’re about to explode, aren’t you?” Her eyes welled up with tears as she nodded. I kept my cool (I think) but was just as excited as her. A couple run-throughs and we were ready for the next day. The show was a hit. The audience loved it and we all had a blast doing it. I learned a lot by watching the actors rehearse and perform. The way they command the stage and tell a story through song was a fantastic lesson.

Bathrooms Over Broadway was the perfect ending to this fantastic experience. In these past six weeks, we’ve made dear friends, met a plethora of interesting people, and shared stories with all of you. Like the end of camp, it’s inevitable to get a little sentimental as we wrap thing up and my moment came during Marya Grandy’s rendition of “Squeeze Me, Mr. Whipple”. The emotional melody of the torch song, the hope of one last moment, the thrill of performing- it all caught up with me and made me choke up a little bit.

For now, I leave the Charmin Restrooms and continue to tread my way to the Broadway. Until then—KEEP THE FAITH.

International Words for the Bathroom - Annie

2009-12-27T11:36:00.000-08:00

When traveling abroad, I always try to learn at least a few phrases in the local language. My favorites include: hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and "please give me chocolate ice cream!" However, the most useful phrase of all is: WHERE IS THE BATHROOM? Since I began my toilet paper ambassadorship a few weeks ago, I've continued to collect different ways to ask for the bathroom in as many languages as possible. New York has a fairly diverse array of people, so it has been a really fun project… although it has been a challenge to find an appropriate way of writing it with English letters to convey the correct pronunciation, so please excuse my spelling!

Actually, in English alone, we really do have quite a few options. We can say that "nature calls" or ask to powder our nose. We can ask for the restroom, the washroom, the can, the john, the toilet, the throne, the commode, the powder room, the facilities, or the little girls' room or little boys' room. If we're British, we would ask for the water closet, the loo, or the WC. I hadn't heard of "the bog" until corresponding recently with a friend from Canada, but that's an option too. Apparently, you can also say: "I need to spend a penny!" (Assuming, of course, that the other person understands what you're talking about!)

Every language has numerous ways to ask, so my list was getting long. Just today, I realized that I might be able to find more by using the incredible tool known as the internet, and my list has suddenly expanded even further! Thank you, Wikipedia! My new favorites include the Tagalog language (from the Philippines), which calls it the "comfort room" or "the CR" and the polite Japanese way of asking, "may I wash my hands?" Other useful ones might be the Pig Latin, "Excuseay emay, erewhay isay ethay athroombay?"

Take a peek:

In Afrikaans: Waar is die toilet? or Waar is die badkamer?

In Albanian: Ku është banjo?

In Arabic: Wain al hamam? or Wein ha mam? or Ayna Al Hammam?

Egyptian Arabic: Men Fadlak, Fen El Hammam?

Moroccan Arabic: Fin el bit al ma?

In Austrian: Tschujdigung, wo isn dees Scheisheisl?

In Bengali: Bathroom Kothay?

In Bulgarian: Къде е банята? Kade e banyata?

In Catalan: On és el lavabo?

In Chinese:

Cantonese: Ching men, sei sou gan (washroom) hei been? (polite)

Chi soh (toilet) hei been? (casual)

Mandarin Chinese: Qing wen xishoujian/cesuo zai nai li? Qing wen, ce suo zai nar?

In Creole: kot twalet la ye?

In Croatian: Oprostite, gdje je kupaonica?

In Czech: Kde je záchod? or Prosim Vas, Kde jsou toalety?

In Danish - Hvor er toilettet? or Undskyld mig, hvor er badeværelset/toilettet?

In Dutch: Waar is de batkamer? or Pardon, waar is de W.C.

In Esperanto: Pardonon, kie estas la banejo?

In Estonian: Vabandage, kus on tualet?

In Fijian: Au sa via mi (i need to pee)

In Finnish: Missä on kylpyhuone(vessa)? Missä on vessa/WC

In French: Où sont les toilettes?

In Gaelic/Irish: Ca bhfuil an leithreas?

In German: Wo ist die Badezimmer? Or Wo ist die Toilette, bitte?

In Greek: Parakalo, pou ine i tualetta? or Pou einai i toualeta?

In Hebrew: Slikha, ehfo hah sherooteem?

In Hindi: Mere ko bathroom jaana hai? or Saunchalay kahan hain?

In Hmong: Honm naj nyob qhov twb os?

In Hungarian: Elnézést, hol (van) a vécé?

In Icelandic: Hvar er salernið/klósettið?

In Indonesian: Permisi, di mana kamar mandi?

In Italian: Dov'e il bagno?

In Japanese: Toire wa, doko? or more politely, Otearai wa doko desu ka? (Where can I wash my hands?)

In Korean: Hwajangsil odie issuimnika? or Huajiangsiri eodiyijjo?

In Lao: Hong nam yuu sai?

In Latin: Ubi est latrina?

In Latvian: Atvainojiet, kur ir tualete?

In Lebanese: Waynil hemehm?

In Lithuanian: Atsiprašau, kur yra tualetas?

In Malay: Tandas/bilik air kat mana?

In Malayalam: Bathroom evide ah?

In Maltese: Fejn qiegђed it-toilet?

In Mongolian: Uuchlaarai('ʊ:tʃ|ɑ:ræ )

In Nepali: Baatroom snaan kaksha kahaan cha?

In Norwegian: Hvor er toalettet? or Hvor er doen? (casual way) or Hvor er dassen? (teenage way)

In Persian: Bebakhshid, dastshoee kojast?

In Polish: Przepraszam, gdzie jest toaleta?

In Portuguese: Aonde esta o banheiro? or Faz favor, onde é o lavabo?

In Punjabi: Bathroom/Gusal Khana kithe hai?

In Romanian: Unde este toaleta, va rog?

In Russian: Gde tualet? or Skazhite pozhalusta, gde toalet?

In Samoan: E, 'O fea le faleuila?

In Senegalese: Fun moy douche bee?

In Serbian: Izvinite, gde je kupatilo?

In Setswana: Kopa toilet or toilet e kae?

In Slovak: Prosím vás, kde sú toalety?

In Spanish: Dònde està el baño?

In Sranan Tongo: Pe a wc de?

In Swahili: Choo iko wapi?

In Swedish: Var är toaletten? or Ursäkta mig, men var finns toaletterna?

In Tagalog: Pwede po bang malaman kung nasaan ang banyo? or Saan po ang baño? or Saan po ang CR? (for "comfort room")

In Tamil: Bathroom enga irukku?

In Telugu: Bathroom ekkada?

In Thai: Hong nam yu nai kha/khrab? or Hong suam yuu thi nai? or Hong nam yoo tee nai?

In Tigrinya - Sha'uq abey alo?

In Turkish : Toalet/WC nerde?

In Urdu: Bathroom kidhar hay?

In Vietnamese: Cho hoi, nha` ve^. sinh o da^u va^.y?

In Visayan/Bisaya: Asa ang banyo?

In Welsh - Pardwn ble mae`r ty bach?

In Zulu/Xhosa/Siswati: Celi itoilet? or Ikuphi itoilet?

(note the "c" is a click. sort of like the click in English when chastising, usually spelled "tsk tsk.")

These phrases should help you find a bathroom, wherever you find yourself on Earth. But of course, if you find yourself in outer space, you might need the Klingon phrase from Star Trek: nuqDaq 'oH pacha''e'?

If you have questions or comments, write to me at: annie.thegoteam@gmail.com !

Out in SoHo- Antonio

2009-12-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

SoHo has long been a neighborhood known for style. Designer boutiques, art galleries, modeling agencies, trendy restaurants and bars make this neighborhood a coveted destination for visitors and locals alike. Heck, GQ voted the corner of Prince and Broadway as the one with the prettiest people in America. One Thursday night we did a little bar hopping in the neighborhood.

Our first stop was Peep, A Thai restaurant on the Travel Channel’s Extreme Bathrooms list.

The bathroom is behind a one-way mirror, so while you’re ‘going’ it’s totally private, but you see people at their tables eating and stuff. Cool design and concept, I guess, considering the name of the place. Maybe with people at the tables it would’ve been funny, but it was a little weird.

Recommended by Dustin, our Go Team’s wrangler,

our next stop was ‘The Room’, an awesome, dark, sexy wine and beer bar. The industrial build of the place is ‘cozied up’ with velvet couches and comfy corners to snuggle up with a date or a friend (hey, don’t judge; some friends are really friendly). The bathroom shows the mix of styles of the place.

It’s like a designer took a stone cottage, and keeping the feel of the place, made it chic and stylish.

Next up was Bar 89 on Mercer Street, the first bathroom I was recommended to see upon becoming a Go Team-er. Sleek, modern, minimalist style restaurant/bar yada yada…but the bathrooms. On the second floor of the loft-like space, the bathroom lounge is a large area with six glass doors.

The pods are narrow yet roomy, and when you clasp the hook to lock the door the glass fogs up to give you complete privacy! The word ‘occupied’ lights up on the door as well. It was pretty wild; an extra little thrill before you ‘go’.

We headed East on the island Manhattan for one last foray in search of a chic bathroom to share. Cutting through the chill of the night and trying to ignore some idiots who were purposely smashing glass bottles in the middle of the road, we were looking for ‘Goldbar’. Gold in Spanish is Oro. Spanish is the language of my home country. I saw a sign that said “ORO”, and took us there for a drink and a ‘Go’. Dara, the cute Texan blond bartender, made us some delicious fresh herb infused drinks. The bathroom was alright. Clean, simple, standard; nothing special. It was time to call it a night. On our way home we see two bouncers outside a big wooden door and inquire as to what this place is. “Goldbar,” they respond. We looked at each other and cracked up that we had totally gone to the wrong place. By this point, though, we were done. It was cold and late and the bouncers were none too pleased with our laughing.

Leah & Antonio-Sonny and Charmin Debut... "I Got Poo Babe!"

2009-12-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Antonio, Cody, and Leah had a great time being crazy-silly and drawing a huge crowd toward the

"Canfessional" recording studio as we broke it down as Sonny and Charmin. Remember, you're never too young or too old to Potty like a Rockstar!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE "GO TEAM"

2009-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hoping you have a very Charmin Holiday!

Cody: Sonny and Charmin teaser trailer...

2009-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON A NEW VERSION OF YOUR OLD FAVORITE

"I GOT POO BABE".

Joan: When he/she finally gets it

2009-12-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

This material was referenced from Potty Training for Dummies, written by Diane Stafford and Jennifer Shoquist, M.D.

When that little hardcore balker finally gets a handle on his/her potty program -- and he/she will --be the first in line to congratulate them.

Check out those dry pants as often as possible right after she/he is trained, and let them know how proud you are of their efforts.

Keeping those rewards coming!

But don't dare heave a heavy sigh and assume you can slack off on the rewards. Not so fast. Hedge your bets by supplying a steady stream of good feedback: kudos from relatives, you're- such-a-big-kid acknowledgments from lead caregivers.

A child who is newly trained is still shaky, at best. So you have to reinforce the good stuff and make sure he/she stays trained.

Also, don't be too fast in proclaiming "great- you're done it!" Why? Simple. That may signal a second -wave protest; your toddler gets his/her back up and takes a new slant. like withholding bowel movements.

Saying, "I knew you could do it!"

Just because you feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from you shoulders -- thanks to her/him finally using the toilet -- don't assume that your child knows that you appreciate their efforts. What probably still looms large in your toddler's mind is how frustrated you seemed when he/she balked at using the potty- and when you switched gears and suddenly relinquished the reins entirely.

Clearly, he/she may be a bit confused by all of it. And, no doubt, she/he definitely needs you to jump in shower her/him with hugs and kisses and love declarations.

Naturally, if you try the ideas listed and your child continues to oppose potty training altogether, the see-your doctor definitely applies.

Do look forward to the completion of his/her potty training. But, don't make it your life. Then, one fine day, he/she will come to you and smillingly say, "Oui-oui, me wee!

A quiet celebration is in order. You don't need to break out the champagne; a simple spread of cookies and juice, served tea-party style, will do. Maybe an ice-cream drink.

Anyway, as you've surely guessed by now, most hardcore balker-kids are just channeling Frank Sinatra. Their mantra is -- and always will be -- "I did it my way."

Flush = Cha-ching! enjoy the go(od)- Leah

2009-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

We all know life is better with an empty bladder, but Charmin has truly taken this a step further. We are happy to report that "Going for Good" is in full swing! Every time someone flushes at the Charmin Restrooms in Times Square until December 31st, Charmin is donating a dollar to one of five worthy charities. Thank goodness what goes in must come out!

The Go Team was super psyched to be asked to design a seat to be displayed in the restroom. The creative process was wild, and with sequin and feathers flying, we created "Potty Time 2010"! On December 17th, actor/comedian Mario Cantone, helped us unveil the celebrity seats.

Mario was such a great guy, and when asked how he felt about the project had this to say, “I am thrilled to unveil the five specially-designed toilet seat covers today, including my own. This is such a creative way to raise money for charity during the holiday season, and I had a lot of fun bringing my own vision to life!” When The Go Team asked him how he 'enjoys the go' Mario admitted that he is just happy he still goes!

Everyone had very different artistic visions for their special seat, but when all was said and done, the overall vision of helping others in need, was the finest design. I was honored to make a contribution. Thanks Charmin.

MARIO CANTONE, MARIO LOPEZ, MARTINA MCBRIDE, SHERRI SHEPHERD, AND THE GO TEAM all got crafty on behalf of these charities: Broadway Cares; Boys & Girls Club of America; love is respect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline; The Harlem Children’s Zone; and Angels in Waiting. Charmin is donating up to $10,000 per charity for a total donation of $50,000. click on read more below to see the video enjoythego(od)!

Funny Man Cody: Artist's "enjoy the go"

2009-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

I am an actor and comedian and I constantly find myself doing very weird and random things in pretty much any space, so of course the bathroom has great acoustics for serious things such as a monologue rehearsal or practicing that song you have prepared for your next big audition. I was lucky enough to talk with a "seriously trained actor" and an "accomplished opera singer" and ask them both how they "enjoy the go."

Well, lets just say I don't feel like a weirdo anymore...

(To see the videos, click "Read more" in red, or click the orange Blogger link above!)

Little Havana in New York with a dash of Broadway- Antonio

2009-12-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

When you step into Calle Ocho Restaurant, the infectious salsa music magically transports you out of the Upper West Side and straight into ‘Little Havana.’ The festive décor and ambiance accompany you all the way to your table, where the staff, dressed in ‘guayaberas’ (traditional Cuban button down shirts with four pockets), delivers some of the most delicious Latin food in NYC.

A couple mojitos and caipirinhas later, a trip to the restroom is in order.

Although easily accessible, the decoupage/collage walls camouflage the restroom halls.*

And then here’s what tickles me about them:

“Lucy, I’m hoooome!”

It’s Ricky Ricardo and I Love Lucy**.

A picture of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball indicates which bathroom you should use, and the same festive feel continues inside, music and all. (Word to the wise: guys, don’t dance while you’re ‘going’. It makes a mess. Just sayin’.)

* For the musical theater folk: 'decoupage/collage walls camouflage the restroom halls' is an accidental yet amusing Sondheim-esque internal rhyme as interpreted by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Hence, the sentence structure might not be ideal, but if you rap it like Usnavi in In the Heights or the witch in Into the Woods you'll see what I mean. Oh, and how cute are these walls?

**Yes, her name is Lucille Ball (or Lucy Ricardo if you go by the character), but I used to call her ‘I Love Lucy’ as a kid and still do when she shows up unexpectedly. hee hee

Don't judge! I've never been able to rap.

International Outhouse Adventures - Annie

2009-12-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has gone backpacking or spent significant time traveling in developing countries knows that going to the bathroom is often part of the adventure. While talking to one friend recently about a trip to Asia, she said that she never really feels like she has fully arrived in a new place until she has sampled a local toilet. I tend to agree -- and if you have read my previous blogs about "squatty potties" versus the complicated electronic Japanese toilets, then you are already familiar with some of the amazing global toilet diversity.

While in Tanzania climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2008, I had the joy of experiencing "long-drop toilets." Really, these aren't toilets at all, but more like a very deep pit dug into the ground. Usually, there is an outhouse-type wooden structure around the pit to provide some privacy. There is sometimes even a seat to sit on, although not always! Occasionally these long drop toilets are "squatty potty" versions of outhouses, if you can imagine such a thing. (I was always extremely careful to avoid falling in!) Fortunately, the pits are usually deep enough so that the experience inside isn't too stinky. Although, again, not always! I'm including a photo that I took of one of my favorite long drop toilets, the day before our summit day on Kilimanjaro. It's quite a scenic location for a potty!

One of my favorite international bathroom stories is an anecdote from my Canadian friend Jeremy, who just wrote to me about a toilet that he encountered while driving in a jalopy across the middle of Australia. Jeremy was traveling with two friends, and they were camping as they made their way across the continent, so they were always in search of reasonably clean facilities. On their 4th day of driving, they went swimming at a reservoir in the middle of the Outback, and were relaxing in the sun. Jeremy suddenly realized that he badly needed to go to the bathroom… so he writes:

"I located a small cinder-block building on top of a small hill, that contained a functional, if somewhat spartan bathroom. One of the many amenities that was missing was a toilet seat, and I was in a situation that normally would have required that particular piece of gear. But, needs must when the Devil drives, so I used the toilet, sans seat (chilly, and somewhat precarious), stood up, turned around, and flushed. And watched in horror as the long, green snake that was coiled around the inside of the toilet, just under the rim, was knocked out of it's perch by the flush water, and began to thrash around. To say that I experienced a "shrinking" feeling is no understatement! I beat a hasty retreat, feeling lucky that I had avoided a worse experience."

As much as I am looking forward to a trip to the southern hemisphere someday, I also have heard that Australia is home to the largest number of poisonous creatures in the world!! I will now always, always, always check under the rim when going to the bathroom in the Australian outback. Every time.

Share your favorite international toilet stories! Write to annie.thegoteam@gmail.com!

-Annie

Mario Cantone and 'Going for Good' charity program- Antonio

2009-12-17T12:13:00.001-08:00

Mario Cantone unveiled celebrity designed toilet seats this morning at the Charmin Restrooms. People who come by the restrooms are now “Going for Good” as Charmin is donating $1 per flush (up to $50,000) to five different charities chosen by the same celebs that decorated the seats. OK. That’s the scoop, now here’s the deal.

Mario Cantone and I both went to Emerson College in Boston, so I was ‘totes’ excited to meet him. His energetic self was really nice and high-larious even in casual conversation. Of course I mentioned Emerson! There’s a thing about Emerson…it’s a really small, concentrated school that has changed a lot in the past 25 years, so alumni have this instant reaction to talk about the campus and departmental variations. We compared stories and he almost instantly asked if I took a class with Leo. If you were at all involved in musical theater it is inevitable to speak about the legendary Leo Nickole, his History of the American Musical course, and his antics.

After watching him in Sex and the City on screen and Assassins on Broadway, meeting fellow alum Mario Cantone was awesome. He even played Chino in West Side Story (which I am always called in for)!!!! We chatted it up a bit, then it was time to work.

The toilet seats were unveiled, the ‘Going for Good’ program was introduced, pictures, interviews, etc… Here’s how it goes: Mario Cantone, Mario Lopez, Sherri Shepherd, Martina McBride and us, The GO Team. Everyone chose a charity- Mario’s is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (one of my favorite charities). The Go Team chose Angels in Waiting, a group who focuses on the safety and halth of foster children, orphans, and ‘preemies’. (Angelsinwaitingusa.org). Charmin will donate up to $10,000 to each charity by December 31^st.

Joan:Potty Training Fears, Stress and Setbacks

2009-12-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

There is so much material on potty training, some of which I have referenced in earlier blogs. However, I thought I would address some very specific areas of interest and of much concern.

Some of the topics I'm going to address today will be referenced from Karen Deerwester's excellent book, "The Potty Training Answer Book," published by Sourcebooks, Inc. These topics include:

- Are potty fears normal?

- How should I, as a caretaker, respond to potty fears?

- What can I do when my child is fearful about flushing the toilet?

Are potty fears normal?

Fears are a normal part of childhood. Fears might be a small insulated moment when your child is face to face with something unfamiliar. A simple explanation, a helpful suggestion, or a hand to hold might be all your child needs to move forward. Sometimes all your child needs is a familiar context: "Hey, this toilet looks different from ours. Look at all the ways that it's the same as the one in our bathroom." Rational support can help in situations where the fears are specific and clear.

Other times fears are deep and developmental. The potty training years coincide with a time of sweeping emotional growth. The deepest fear may not be the toilet at all. It may be the more developmental struggle with separation. Before you can calm your child's fears, you must grow comfortable with your own. Children have to face some fears in order to grow emotionally. It isn't easy to see your child struggle, but it is necessary.

How should I, as a caretaker, respond to potty fears?

Responding to your child's potty fears is as easy as ABC:

Acknowledge: Never dismiss a fear as trivial or nonsense. Your child's fear may not be rational to you as an adult, but it always adhere's to the standard of child-logic. You may not know where it originates. It may contradict good sense, but it is real to your child.

Balance: Balance your response between comfort and power. Your child has an adult partner by his or her side, someone who sincerely reassure him or her that they are safe and capable. It's a fine balance; too much "safe" and you slip into an overprotective mode, robbing your child of their skill building; too much "capable" and you rob your child of the emotional growth that parallels the behavioral growth.

Conquer: Conquer together or alone. Every fear is an opportunity. Solutions will be personal, but there must be some sort of resolution. When possible, let your child decide what to do. Present your child with a few options -- sometimes he or she just needs help knowing what to do next. Then they can conquer the fear "alone." Sometimes, they are willing to act and but need your hand or the physical reassurance that they are not "alone."

What can I do when my child is fearful about flushing the toilet?

If there's a simple solution to a fear-inspiring situation, by all means use it. The fear may have little to do with the particular situation and everything to do with your child's sense of power and control. It is better to teach your child that he or she can handle the situation. He/she is smart, strong and capable. Of course, telling them so doesn't make it so. Potty training is an emotional accomplishment as much as it is a physical accomplishment! Addressing fears as they arise will teach your child potty flexibility and all-important adaptability.

Joan:Helpful tips from mom's that you might try

2009-12-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Getting my son to learn the standing-up thing was hard, so we turned it into a game. I put five Cheerios in the potty and told him to aim at them when he peed. Every time he did it right, he got to pick out a prize from a bag of goodies I picked up at the dollar store. -- Erika Cosentino; Lawrenceville, New Jersey

My middle son was stubborn when it came to #2 on the potty -- absolutely refused, no matter the reward. So I finally told him that when we flush, the poop goes out to the sea to feed the fish -- so if he didn't go, then the poor little fish wouldn't have anything to eat. My son, being the compassionate, sensitive little do-gooder he is, felt it was his mission to poop to "save" the fish. (After all, Nemo and Dory were counting on him!)
-- Liane Worthington; Simpson, Pennsylvania

We found that our son simply was not interested in remembering to go on his own, so we found the Potty Watch, which he loved. You program this wrist watch to play songs and light up at 30-, 60-, or 90-minute intervals; then it resets itself and starts the countdown all over again.
-- Heather Ledeboer; Athol, Idaho

My daughter was terrified of the automatic flushers in public restrooms, so I started doing this trick. Put a Post-It note over the sensor and it will prevent the toilet from auto-flushing. After she's all done, wiped, and left the stall, you can remove the paper to let the toilet flush.
-- Tracy Marines; Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Best Potty Training Books (via Parents.com)

Everyone Poops By Taro Gomi All creatures great and small (including children) need to eat -- and poop.
I Want My Potty By Tony Ross Through trial and error, a little princess finally learns to use the potty.
My Big Girl Potty By Joanna Cole Ashley learns to use the toilet with some help from a favorite stuffed bunny. In the boys' version, My Big Boy Potty, Michael's stuffed bear does the honors.
Once Upon a Potty By Alona Frankel Straight talk about making the big leap from diapers to potty. Available in a boys' and girls' version.
Sam's Potty By Barbro Lindgren Sam is ambivalent about using the potty -- until his little dog discovers it.
The Potty Book By Alyssa Satin Capucilli A big box contains a "big-kid" surprise for Henry (boys' version) or Hannah (girls' version).
The Princess and the Potty By Wendy Cheyette Lewison A spoiled princess rejects a host of fancy potty seats until she's good and ready to shed her diapers.
Uh Oh! Gotta Go! By Bob McGrath Potty tales from toddlers.
What Do You Do with a Potty? By Marianne Borgardt An interactive pop-up book explains the toilet training process.
When You've Got to Go By Janelle Kriegman and Mitchell Kriegman Favorite characters from Bear in the Big Blue House offer kids the reassurance they need.

If I Were_, I Would Use__- Antonio

2009-12-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

This is a fun little game I've been playing around town. I ask people if they were a specific celebrity what kind of toilet paper they would use. I give them the name of the celeb and they mention whether soft, strong, or aloe vera. It's simple and fun. Now it's been evolving a little bit, cause when people justify their choice it gets funnier. If you have any ideas for the game or anything else you want to see from NYC just email me- antonio.thegoteam@gmail.com

funny Man Cody: SantaCon NYC

2009-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

I'm asking some Reindeer how they "enjoy the go"

The Go team had some fun on Saturday talking to people on the streets and we all kept noticing people dressed as Santas and every other festive character you could think of. I of course knew I had to get some video footage of all this fun. We were down in the Bowery at the time and I had the feeling Christmas was everywhere. I wished people dressed this way everyday during the holiday season it was Awesome!!!! We were all dressed in our Charmin Letterman Jackets and we got so many stares and people asking us questions, I think most people at first glance thought we were trying to be Like a High School Christmas team from the North Pole or something, which would have been cool (next year). Check out our Facebook page for more cool pics of the different costumes people were wearing.

Potty Talk & Public Health -Annie

2009-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

While I love finding humorous potty signs in Singapore and interviewing pop stars from Kazakhstan about their favorite toilets, my blog about international bathrooms would absolutely be incomplete if I didn’t address some of the more serious aspects of international potty-going.

Recently, two graduate students from NYU’s program in international development came and talked to me about the over-arching importance of creating sanitary facilities around the world – as well as some of the challenges that result from the lack of clean bathrooms. Here in the United States, we may take our toilets for granted, but the lack of access to safe and clean toilets impacts more aspects of a society’s development than many people realize.

Some statistics:

* 2.5 billion people live without access to a safe and clean toilet. (This is almost two-fifths of the world’s population!)

* Diarrhea kills more children every year than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.

* Each year, 60 million children are born into households without access to clean sanitation.

* Internationally, 11% more girls attend school when sanitation is available; although in contrast, 1 in 10 girls in Kenya drop out of school because they do not have access to bathroom facilities while attending class.

* Half of the hospital beds in developing countries are filled with people suffering from diarrhea.

The importance of creating clean water and sanitation in developing countries is enormous. Lack of clean facilities cause people to defecate in open public spaces, which results in environmental pollution and widespread diarrhea, both of which greatly inhibit sustainable economic development. In densely populated areas, people without toilets often resort to using plastic bags, and these “flying toilets” are tossed on rooftops or on the ground. For the one million residents of the largest slum in Asia (the Dharavi Slum in Mumbai), the there is an average of 1 toilet for every 1,440 people.

However, fixing the problem can be relatively inexpensive to solve, with broad social and economic benefits. According to the World Health Organization, for every $1 invested in sanitation, there is an overall economic return of $8 due to increased productivity. A $30 donation is enough to help one person gain access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education.

Increasing international awareness of the importance of improving global sanitation is crucial… but modes of raising this awareness can be fun. In Korea, the World Toilet Association has built a GIANT Toilet-Shaped House to help highlight this issue!

(Many thanks to Crossley Pinkstaff from NYU Wagner's School of Public Service and Katherine Frew of WaterAid, for their contribution to the information and statistics on international sanitation. Their sources include: WHO, UNDP, and the UK Government Department for International Development.)

For more information, or to donate, please visit Water Aid’s website: www.wateraidamerica.org!

- Annie

PS: Please continue to send your international bathroom stories and anecdotes to me at annie.thegoteam@gmail.com

Joan: One thing in common!!!!

2009-12-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

One thing in common!!!!! You would not believe the lines in the Charmin Restrooms ever since we opened this morning. We have serviced large groups from all over Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Long Island, Connecticut, Georgia, England, and Australia... to name a few! One thing for sure the main reason they have come to visit us is to have an "Enjoy the Go" experience. In interacting with our customers I have found out that many of them are repeat customers and look forward to returning each year.

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, and the Douglases- Antonio

2009-12-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

After a couple attempts at getting their signature at the stage door, I finally went to see Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig in their Broadway play, A Steady Rain. I passed the theater on my way home and stepped in to check for last minute cancellations. This is one of the advantages of being a theater lover in New York—on any given night you can step up to the TKTS booth in Times Square or any box office and get a last minute discounted ticket for a Broadway show. Well, I was in for a special treat this night.

As I waited in the lobby I chatted up with Peter (his name has been changed to avoid getting my butt kicked), a security officer I worked with at the theater where Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter himself) was playing in Equus. Really nice guys—both Daniel and ‘Peter’. Peter is a friendly guy who is really open to talk to, but he carries a gun and can pin you down in one swift move. I always seemed to remember this when we were having political disagreements, which I definitely stopped bringing up. I digress. Well, curtain time was quickly approaching. It was a different crowd at this show- older, more mature and sophisticated. I was getting ready to leave as no tickets were becoming available when I saw Michael Douglas. Yes! Michael Douglas! Gordon Gekko, Glenn Close’s Fatal Attraction. I pulled out my camera to snap a picture of him and possibly ask him about his ‘Go’, but Peter shot me a ‘you-know-better-than-that’ look (cameras are not allowed inside the theater at all; not even the lobby). He politely declined giving an autograph, indicating that he was busy. And he was; he was receiving his dad, Mr. Kirk Douglas. Kirk and Michael Douglas! This is showbiz royalty. Michael gave Kirk a kiss and a hug that warmed my heart; whether they hadn’t seen each other in a while or every greeting is like that, that instant sparked with love and affection. It was such an intimate moment, and right before my eyes. I guess that’s when I get star struck. Seeing stars emote on screen or stage is one thing, but seeing them in a moment of genuine feeling in the context of reality is another.

Anyway, I got a ticket. Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig were fantastic, but it was after the show that we got a real treat. They were raising funds for Broadway Care, and Hugh Jackman announced that they’d be doing this shamelessly this evening as both of them, well known for their sculptured torsos, unbuttoned their shirts to reveal tank tops. Hugh Jackman led the bidding, getting three people to bid up to $26,000 for these tank tops in a matter of minutes. His charisma and warmth is definitely worth the ticket price and more. I mean, it got people to pay thousands of dollars for a tank top.

Oh, bathrooms, right! Well, bathrooms in Broadway houses are usually a throwback to an era when attending the theater was a more formal event. Many of them indicate gender with Victorian silhouettes and are located in a lower level lobbies that once hosted social gatherings preceding and following the performances. The line to the women’s lounges are usually so long, that it makes you wonder (well, makes me wonder) if corsets and pettyskirts are being readjusted in there. But they do have this old school feeling that usually makes me want to wear a top hat and tails.

Funny Man Cody: Ask's how do you "enjoy the go"

2009-12-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

This is a sample of a video project i'm working on. I'm asking real people how they "enjoy the go". so far it's been a really cool project and some very funny answers, more to come.

email me your video response to: cody.thegoteam@gmail.com

Who Are the People In Your Neighborhood? - Leah

2009-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

Over the four consecutive years Charmin Restrooms have graced Times Square, more than 1.5 million people have passed through the doors. Each person with a unique personality and story to share. The past few weeks have been no exception, and as I spend chunks of time on the floor and out and about in the city, I now have a few favorites. Some stories have been unreal in humor and some with inspiring human spirit. All have moved me to laughter or misty eyes, due to the amazing openness of strangers, and their ability to entrust me with their personal experiences.

"The Funnest Moms Ever"

We were having a fairly calm afternoon when a hurricane that started in Florida blew in ... Enter Meghan, Amy, Shay, Nicole, and Janine, Five amazing moms who first met at The MOMS Club of Valrico-Bloomingdale. Moms Offering Moms Support is a chapter of International MOMS Club ® , a non-profit organization with over 75,000 members in seven different countries. The club offers women "the chance to build lasting friendships with other moms," and witnessing these ladies in action, I can say there is truth to that statement. Their energy was contagious and I couldn't help but want to hang with and find out all about them. Now living spread out across the US, the women gathered in NYC to celebrate Nicole's 40th Birthday. Between them, they have 13 kids all under the age of 10! Janine, with loving exasperation and the attitude of a well seasoned veteran, said she has been through "lots of butt wiping." All the moms chuckled, but shook their heads in vigorous agreement. They were nowhere near shy or embarrassed about the subject matter, and mentioned that you simply get desensitized to the last leg of the digestive process. Meghan didn't even flinch in telling us that she helped her kids go on-the-go by keeping a portable potty and all the necessities in her van! After competing in line to create the best Designer TP Dress, Janine proclaimed that they were the "funnest moms in the funnest bathroom ever!"

Her joy was made evident in the Head over Heels rating and cartwheel she did after her chance to go.

Even more impressive than being devoted mothers, they were amazing woman who knew how to seize the day and celebrate life and the supportive friendships they had created along the way. Amy told me how her boys won't do their "business" in school, because much to their chagrin there aren't flushable wipes like Charmin freshmates available to them. Nicole told me about a code that her family uses to signal internal distress. CODE 29. CODE 29 gets it's name from the last row in an aircraft that resides directly next to the toilet. Nicole confessed that she once had the bad belly blues and had to potty hop from rear to mid, to front cabin pots to get it all out in time for her landing in NYC! With close quarters, and no good way to disguise the problem, she and her family nick-named the intestinal drama CODE 29! Now anytime her kids have to go, they shout out "Mom I gotta CODE!", which Nicole feels is a little more polite than shouting out an alternative. Hilarious!

After spending an hour with us, we took their picture on the Royal throne, and they were our queens for the day! I hope their families continue to treat them like royalty, because each and every one of them is truly a rock star mom. Charmin salutes you, ladies!

Charmin's Angels

Dorothy Millen. M-i-l-l-e-n. Priceless. I am telling you, there are times in this life where I feel so privileged to interact with certain people, that I literally get choked up. Dorothy Millen is one of those people. She strolled in with deliberate determination, her rolling walker and a smile that lit up the room. Her aura was infectious and as I looked up from my blogging station, I was riveted by this angelic woman. She told Antonio and me that she lived in Atlanta, Georgia now but used to reside in the NY area. Without hesitation or second thought, she dished the dirt. She was staying in a suite at the Waldorf Hotel. (Forgive me Waldorf, no disrespect intended, but she asked me to relay this message. : ) To Dorothy's surprise the toilet paper in her room was the worst she'd ever encountered! She described it as the thinnest tissue, lacking gentile softness, then burst into fits of laughter! Her companion was aghast with the giggles over Dorothy's candor! I'm telling you she had everyone in stitches! Strangers were snapping pictures of her boisterous display! I kept thinking can I PLEASE adopt this woman as my Grandmother?! I bounded out of my seat determined to rectify the uncomfortable situation for her immediately! I disappeared backstage, and on the down low gifted her with a roll of Ultra Soft! Shh! I simply could not bear the thought of this darling woman torturing herself even one more time with anything less than the best! Through chortles, she blessed my heart, and began her story. "Have you ever heard of a Bucket List? Well this trip to New York City was number one on my list! This is my neighbor from Atlanta (angel Number two who somehow managed to remain anonymous!), and because I couldn't go it alone, she came with me back to New York!"

Folks, Dorothy is a spry 90 years old!!! Just a side note: She was 90, friends, and did not complain once or ask for the special treatment in line that people less than half her age sometimes do! The two women appeared to be having the time of their lives tripping the light fantastic, seeing a slew of shows and doing everything except sitting still. It seemed as if they belly laughed throughout their entire tour. After their joy was frozen in time by a photo at the throne of honor, Dorothy's trusted companion remarked that this was the best entertainment of the day! Disgruntled that she couldn't give a gratuity to Tashawn a sweet young employee that had initially helped her upstairs, Dorothy settled with showering us with hugs and well wishes.

It probably sounds silly, but I was genuinely bummed to watch her disappear behind the closing elevator doors. There was such a great display of generosity and kindness that afternoon. The kind that restores my faith in human interaction. Dorothy is a remarkable inspiration. Thank you Dorothy. You left me with a lasting impression of a life well lived.

Check out her interview below!

My visit to a Montessori school -Joan

2009-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I gather potty training tips for moms, what an ideal place to gather this type of information but at a school, so off I went! This particular school is located on the Upper West Side. I found that they were very proud to share the information. One thing that I have noticed is that there are many tips that you can try, however your child and you will ultimately decide the best tips that work the best for the two of you. So here goes:

* Commit to a plan. Arrange your schedule so that your child can spend most of his time at home near the bathroom (at least for the first week). Prepare yourself and accept that there will be many accidents, missteps, and changing of clothes. This is part of the process.

* Take your child to the store to choose the new underpants. Let him/her know that soon it will be time to wear underpants instead of diapers. Purchase enough underpants to allow for at least 8 to 10 changes per day.

* Take your child to the bookstore and choose books about using the toilet. Some suggested books might be Everybody Poops, Once Upon A Potty, and Lift the Lid, Use the Potty.

* Separate your diapers into "daytime" and "night-time" stacks. Allow your child to see that you are about to finish the last of the "daytime" diapers and it will be soon be time to wear the new underpants. Be sure to let your child see and celebrate that he/she is using the last daytime diaper! Once it is used, make the commitment that daytime diapers are gone forever.

* When ready to begin the process, remove your child's nighttime diaper and allow your child to sit on the toilet as soon as she/he wakes up when you think they may be having a bowel movement, before a bath, etc. If this is successful, allow them to flush.

* If possible, during this process, allow your child to wear minimal clothing (only underpants and a tee-shirt is perfect). Shorts and pants can be an obstacle to making it onto the toilet in a hurry and will only increase the the amount of clothing you will need to launder.

* Your child will have many accidents. They need to feel the sensation of urine running down their legs and some discomfort before they can be successful. When this happens, assure them by saying, "That's okay. You will soon learn to get the potty before you get wet. Let's get you into some dry underpants."

* Allow the child to remove the wet underpants, clean up (with a little help), and put on new underpants. You want to send want to send the message that you are only helping them to take care of their body all by themselves. Assist them in cleaning the floor or carpeting where the accident occurred. These are all lessons in cause and effect.

* It is important that you don't send the message that accidents are terrible mistakes, icky, gross etc. Try to use a calm voice with positive reassuring words.

* Stick with it. Eventually, even your child will tire of being wet and always changing clothes and cleaning up. All children can be toilet trained when adults are committed, positive, and consistent.

* Limit liquids before bed and tell your child to tell you if he/she needs to to use the toilet during the night.

Until next time!

- Joan

Interviewing Rock Stars from Kazakhstan - Annie

2009-12-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I was extremely lucky and totally amused to meet Mikhail, my new best friend from Kazakhstan. I was helping Antonio with some interviews for his blog, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a guy with a lone cameraman, who was lip-singing and dancing with the backdrop of the flashing lights of Times Square behind him. I thought that he might be shooting a music video, so I went over and introduced myself. I said, "Hi, I'm Annie, and I'm a Toilet Paper Ambassador. Are you famous?" Mikhail was absolutely thrilled to meet us, and said, "Why yes, I am Mikhail and I am from Shymkent. I am a rock musician, recording my music video here in New York!" I was trying to not think of the movie, Borat, but I couldn't help it.

I was really thrilled. How often in life would I get the opportunity to get paid to interview a musician

from Kazakhstan about toilets from around the world? I asked Mikhail about his favorite toilet, and he immediately told me about one in the capital city of Astana, which was imported from Japan. It had a heated seat, and buttons on the side with which you could control the temperature and pressure of the spray of water for cleaning afterward. (Sound familiar? If you have been reading my blog, you should already know all about these electronic toilets from Japan!) I'm not sure if this particular kind of fancy toilet is common in capital cities in Central Asia, or whether this is just a special toilet for politicians and rock musicians.

In any case, Mikhail then asked me and Antonio if we would dance on his music video. (I'm really not kidding.) So, we took off our overcoats to reveal our Charmin Brand Ambassador jackets and shirts and lapel pins… and we boogied down with Mikhail, right there in Times Square, as his cameraman rolled the camera. I really, really DO hope we make it onto his music video in Kazakhstan!

Check out this small segment of my interview with Mikhail… you can see that we were both very, very excited. (If you don't see the video, click the red link "Read More" to take a look!) Otherwise, please continue to send me your international bathroom anecdotes and stories. Email me at annie.thegoteam@gmail.com!

Soap Stars On The Go!- Antonio

2009-12-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

The other night I was out and about in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, looking for hotspots and what their bathrooms are like. I met up with a friend at ‘disiac lounge and before we headed out to explore 10^th ave., I, of course, checked out the bathroom. Now, they only have one bathroom for their clientele…therefore they have a very strict list of rules for using it.

(A full transcript is added at below in case you can't read them well; or want to implement them yourself.)

We headed down toward the meatpacking district to try to ‘bust’ some celebs on the go. We were saying hi to a friend at his restaurant when I noticed a familiar face. Now, I’ve been known to watch a soap or two--hey, I’m an actor; I call it research--and Days of Our Lives and One life to Live are my encyclopedia. It was Kevin Spirtas- Dr. Craig Wesley on Days!!!

He was awesome and stepped away from dinner to say hi and take a picture with me. I am totally gonna go see him next week in his play at Playwright’s Horizon before he goes on a cruise for a guest appearance.

Unfortunately The Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room has a very excluuuuuuusive ‘by invitation and reservation only’ policy, and to make a reservation they have to either recognize your number on their caller ID, or recognize your name. Well I didn’t meet the criteria, and the doorman didn’t know Mr. Whipple (The nerve!!!!) so we walked away amidst a group of long legged, svelte beauties that I’m sure we’ve all seen on catwalks and magazine pages.

'til next time.

your Papi Charmin.

Antonio

PS- The picture below is Emilio Roso. He's been in The Young and the Restless and Mad Men.

Employees must wash hands,

And you too!!!!!!

No talking on the cell phone in the bathroom.

No quickies!!!!!!

Only one person at a time.

Please aim, do your business and leave.

We have one bathroom, many people.

Make it quick and keep it clean. There is a time limit , if you go over

The time limit, mgmt has the key!!!!!!

Leah-Food for Thought...

2009-12-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

Contrary to popular belief, Charmin Ambassador's do not run on the excitement of Toilet Paper alone. As we stopped to refuel at The Burger Joint, a goldmine tucked away in the corner of the Le Parker Meridien 118 57th St. in Manhattan, I couldn't help but notice the mountains of destroyed napkins that appeared in piles on table after table. I recalled my own napkin usage in delicious but messy situations like these and I thought, why not put Charmin Ultra Strong to the test! One woman said she only used 3 squares, and it lasted throughout her entire meal! Another commented that Charmin was a far better product, and I myself was amazed at the durability. The results are in. Take a look!

Funny Man Cody: Yes it's FREE!!

2009-12-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

So, living in NYC can make you a little skeptical sometimes. When someone tells me something is free in this city I say, "ok, it's free, but what's the catch?" The the biggest reaction I have been seeing is: raised eyebrows, pursed lips, and the famous question, "why is Charmin doing this?" Trying to find a clean free restroom in New York City seems almost impossible most of the time, and with holiday shopping season upon us, it is. If you live here, you know you have to buy a cup of coffee or pretend you will be eating at a restaurant to try and use a single stall restroom, which most likely has a line of others just like you. You can start to feel here like you are getting nickeled and dimed to death!

My favorite thing here at the Charmin Restrooms is the GIANT toilet, where a Charmin team member takes an awesome pic of you, and then you can pick it up on your way out FOR FREE!!!! Every single person who approaches asks, "how much is it?" We say, "free" and they are absouletly SHOCKED! DISBELIEF on their faces! They just can't believe it's free. It's really cool to be able to give people visting New York City during the holidays a truly awesome, FREE experience.

I recently met Hailey Hightower and her father Trenton. This was Hailey's second time here at Charmin. Trenton told me they had seen

two Broadway musicals and the Rockettes (and spent hundreds of dollars for this fancy New York entertainment)... and his daughter Hailey would not stop asking to come back to the Charmin Restrooms. Hailey explained this was the most fun thing she had done in New York -- she especially loved the toilet paper roll jumping pit! Trenton was proud of what Charmin was doing because his Grandfather worked for P&G his whole life with Zest Soap.

Moral of the story is: sometimes in life, there IS a free lunch. And, usually when you buy your child an expensive toy, they want to jump in a toilet paper pit instead!

Your Prince Charmin

Cody Melton

To Sit or To Squat: THAT Is The Question! -Annie

2009-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

I've had some great feedback and discussion regarding my blog entry about "squatty potties" a few days ago. If you read that post, you may recall that some parts of Asia face the humorous challenge of people standing on toilet seats to go to the bathroom, since they are accustomed to squatting over toilets that are basically porcelain holes in the ground.

One friend of mine who has lived in China just sent me this photo of an actual sign on a bathroom wall in Singapore... which seems to be proof that the practice of standing on toilet seats really happens frequently enough to warrant a poster! Kind of incredible...

My question is: WHY?

Are people squatting because they prefer it? Or just because they're used to it? One friend wrote me that squatting is actually better for health, meaning it prevents the necessity of "Preparation H" later, if you know what I mean. (To that, all I can really say is: wow.)

SO... regarding the sit vs. squat dilemma, I recently learned about a new website that can actually show you where to find a decent public restroom, anywhere in the world! (For those of us who live in NYC, this is an amazing tool -- we have all experienced the drama of trying to find a good place to go!) So check out: SitorSquat.com! It's also a downloadable free application for the iPhone, which seems even more amazingly useful, when you have to go and you're on the go. But please -- like the sign says, if you choose to squat, don't squat on the pot!

Even Princesses Have to Go!- Antonio

2009-12-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Many girls wish to become a beautiful princess in a fabulous ball gown. Throughout the years, Disney has brought princesses to our hearts and minds in beloved animated fairy tales. Recently, they brought them to life for the premiere of their latest movie, "The Princess and the Frog." My mission: To find out how a princess "Enjoys the Go." So off I went, red sneakers and all, to meet the princesses. Disney has a way of transporting you to a kingdom far, far away, and at this event, each one of them was up on their own carriage, graciously posing for pictures.

The Princesses were gorgeous, of course. But here's what I wondered:

Belle tamed the beast and turned him into a prince,

but was she ever so scared of him she had to go?

Did Cinderella have an easier time with the 'go' before the fairy godmother came around and gave her a beautiful yet elaborate ball gown?

The "fairest of them all" had to share one bathroom with seven guys? Oy.

Did Tiana, the newest princess, have an easier time going as a frog?

Ariel, bet you were quite surprised when you became "Part of His World"! Scuttle didn't mention 'the go' did he?

"John Smith, put the toilet seat down!"

One thing I know: It's always a whole new go!!

Well, what did I learn...a Princess's tinkle is a secret between her and her Prince Charmin. ;)

Leah-TP 101- MacGyver Style

2009-12-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

In the comfortable haven that we call The Charmin Restrooms, there is absolutely no need for the following survival guide. However the sad "truth campaign" (harsh reality) is that Charmin will provide our seats with seats only through December 31st. Throughout my explorations searching high and low to and fro for suitable thrones, I sometimes feel like Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom. I see dirty, disrespected bowls that are truly terrifying. I have compiled the following techniques and documented them in images in an effort to help people everywhere in their time of need. When no seat covers are in sight here are some creative ways to revamp that gross I've no choice "no go".

1 - The Classic V

2 - The Triangle

3- The Cross Hatch

4 - The Cross Hatch V Combo

5 - The Nest

6 - The Half Mummy

7 - The Full Mummy

8 - The Perch

Hope it's helpful!

AMERICA PLEASE EMAIL YOUR FINDS AND TECHNIQUES TO

leah.thegoteam@gmail.com

Don't forget to post to the Sit or Squat Application !!!

Your MacGyver of The Go,

Leah

Funny Man Cody: Where does Lady Liberty peeeeeee?

2009-12-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

Love Your Prince Charmin

The Magic & Charm of Toilets in Asia - Annie

2009-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

During my interview for this job, I mentioned my experience with a variety of international bathrooms, and the interviewer responded blankly, "So, where in the world was your favorite toilet?" Without hesitation, I replied: "JAPAN, of course!"

For those of you who have spent time in Japan, you already know what I'm talking about... but for those who haven't, here is a visual reference to help you understand the complexity of an electronic toilet. (Yes, that's correct, an electronic toilet.) Japanese toilets are so clean and amazing that they often have a built-in bidet to squirt you clean! You can even use the dials on the side of the toilet to control the direction and intensity of the spray. (Yes, really.) This can be an extremely positive experience, but it can also be quite surprising if you're not ready for it, if you know what I mean...

In other news from Asia, I just learned about an important new development: toilet themed restaurants. That's right! While dining at a chain restaurant called Modern Toilet, you can sit in a toilet seat, drink your favorite beverage from a cup shaped like a urinal, and have your food artfully displayed in a mini-commode on your table.

There are already seven of these restaurants in Taiwan, and more on the way in other parts of Asia. Some of the menu items are a bit graphic, involving things like chocolate ice-cream. Yikes!

Share your international bathroom stories with me! Send your emails to annie.thegoteam@gmail.com! - Annie

Joan- Reflections

2009-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

The time is going by so fast. Here it is Monday, November30th,2009 Thanksgiving is over and in just 25 days Christmas will be at our door steps. I can hardly wait. Excitement is still high and there is no way I could have ever imagined that as this opportunity unfolds it would have brought so much fun and positive people exchange. I have literally met people from not only many parts of the United States but the world.There are some people who visit NYC at this holiday season every year and they have included the Charmin restroom Enjoy the Go as part of their NY experience. How nice is that? Until next time.

Leah-Charmin Restrooms, A Home Away From Home

2009-11-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year, and for the first time in my life I spent it away from my entire family. I was a wee bit gloomy about it at first, but as I met more and more amazing guests throughout the day, my gloom was counter balanced by gratitude. As much as I missed my own family, I had the privilege to take a glimpse into the lives of hundreds of families celebrating and being thankful. I was surrounded by positive energy. I decided to ask people what they were grateful for on a personal level, and document it on a roll of Ultra Strong with DiamondWeave.

Many were thankful for their friends and family but surprisingly enough, top of the list, people were sincerely grateful for The Charmin Restrooms!! One woman exclaimed," If Charmin hadn't been here for me, I wouldn't have made it back to my hotel! I'd have had to buy new pants!" At the end of a long and full day in Manhattan, travelers need to feel taken care of. The Charmin Restrooms have many comforts of home: A fire place to cozy up to, couches, pillows, and toilets to take a load off! On numerous occasions, weary guests have sat down only to doze off like Cody's Sleeping Beauty! I guess they feel safe and taken care of in our oasis away from the city streets. Granted the Charmin Song was playing instead of football, but our hospitality was the next best thing to being in their own living rooms! At the end of my Thanksgiving Day, I realized how lucky I was to have had a Charmin Thanksgiving, and to have such an extraordinary family of my very own to miss. I owe them a debt of gratitude for their constant support, teaching me to embrace the fun, silly side of life, and that laughter and joy are the true forms of success. With 2009 fading fast, let's try to enjoy the simple, beautiful things of this Holiday Season... enjoy the go.

Funny Man Cody: Promoting Charmin Avenue Q style.

2009-11-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

Miss Faaabulous loves Charmin Restrooms Times Square.

Your Prince Charmin

Cody Melton

Cody.TheGoTeam@gmail.com

The Go Team Puppets in Bryant Park!!!

2009-11-29T13:23:00.000-08:00

The Charmin Go Team had a little field trip adventure to Bryant Park to explore the Christmas Market!! Turn up your sound to see what the puppets had to say!

Next time, maybe we can go ice skating... whee!!

- The Go Team

Enjoying the Go in the Lap of Luxury- Antonio

2009-11-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous day in New York City and I felt like a million bucks. Now, there are days when I feel like my last name is Rockefeller and I own the city. (These tend to be horrible days for my wallet.) Yesterday was one of those days.

So I headed out to The Plaza Hotel to start my journey and find some fancy loos. Nothing says luxury quite like The Plaza. The restrooms were gorgeous: beautiful white marble floors and walls. The toilets and urinals were very sophisticated, finished off with brushed nickel faucets. I pulled out my camera to take a picture of this fancy bathroom, but instead got my first lesson of the day. DO NOT PULL OUT A CAMERA WHEN MEN HAVE THEIR FLY DOWN. It makes them very uncomfortable and you will get collective grunts and menacing looks.

Anyway, after walking around like one of the kids on Gossip Girl, I headed out to do some “shopping”. I was in the market for a Tiffany engagement ring, a Cartier watch, and lunch with Donald Trump. (I pretended to buy all of these so I could check out their lounges. Stores like these don’t have bathrooms; they have lounges.)

Here’s the skinny: The lounge at Tiffany is really nice. I especially like the floor-to-ceiling oak door to the very spacious stall and the platinum, diamond-studded cufflinks that would look great with my tux (oh sorry, back to the bathroom). The ecru wallpaper with Tiffany style links looks great with the marble tiles and wooden slats on the floor. Oh, but those cufflinks…

The security guards at Trump Tower were neither pleased nor amused when I told them I had a meeting with Mr. Trump and then confessed I was just checking out the bathrooms. The opulent restrooms were covered floor to ceiling in rose, mauve and taupe colored marble, golden fixtures, and a neat lil’ angular entrance. I snapped a picture of it and was quickly reminded, though, that cameras in or around the restroom are not very welcome.

My next stop was my favorite, and potentially most disastrous one: CARTIER!! Ok…there’s a Cartier watch that I absolutely looooove, so of course I tried it on. Caught up in my story that I was getting a Christmas present for my dad (Mr. Rockefeller, of course), I tried on a couple of different watches and am now officially obsessed with the Large Steel “Ronde Solo” which, to quote the salesman, is “wonderfully priced at $2,625.” For about 7 seconds I considered buying it but reminded myself that rent is due soon and I can’t live for three months in a watch (or can I?). I am, however, accepting gifts for the holiday season, so don’t be shy…a collective gift is fine too. Well, three watches and two obsessions later I left Cartier empty handed. Oh, about the restroom…well, people in fantasies tend to get distracted from their objective by shiny stuff. Yup, I forgot to go.

At this point I figured it was in my wallet’s best interest that I stop being a Rockefeller and came back to reality. My conclusion, though: “Enjoying the go” in the lap of luxury still requires good toilet paper even if dispensed from a silver Tiffany pedestal and not even a Cartier watch will delay when it’s time to ‘go’.

International Bathroom Discussion: Squatty Potties! -Annie

2009-11-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

In all of my travels abroad, I've encountered a pretty diverse array of toilets. The first time I went to Europe when I was twenty, I was puzzled and embarrassed when I had to ask for instructions on how to flush… the solution was a pull cord that used gravity to drop the water down from the ceiling! For me as an American, this was a totally novel idea. Now that I'm somewhat more experienced as an international bathroom user, I pride myself in being able to figure things out. Whether it's a pedal on the floor, a hidden flush button, or throwing a simple bucket of water, I can usually manage to flush successfully without consulting the locals.

Here in the Charmin Restrooms, I keep asking people for their favorite international bathroom stories. Now, after a few days here, I've started to accumulate some pretty interesting anecdotes about restrooms from all over the world! Just the other day, I met a girl from Montana named Hannah. (Not Hannah Montana, but Hannah from Montana.) Anyway, Hannah was explaining to me that she grew up in Taiwan, where the normal toilet is a "squatty potty." I'm including some photos to help you visualize, in case you've never seen one.

I've encountered these lovely toilets in Asia, Africa, and South America, so they're pretty common… but to an American, they can be kind of intimidating the first time you use them. They are basically a porcelain-lined hole in the ground, with pedals for your feet. Yep. You've gotta squat, balance, and not fall over in the process. For men, it's easier, because they can just stand up, but for women, it really exercises our thigh muscles!

In Taiwan, Hannah had regular western toilet in her house, but this was new to many of her Taiwanese friends who had never seen one, and had always exclusively used the squatty potties. Hannah said that frequently after her friends visited, she would find footprints on her toilet seat from their shoes… because they didn't understand that they were supposed to sit down, and they balanced on their feet and squatted instead!

Through the power of the internet, I have discovered that this phenomenon isn't completely unique, and you can actually buy an adaptable toilet seat for people who prefer to squat, rather than sit! I guess when we're looking at the amazing diversity of the world, going to the bathroom is just part of the mix!

Send me your international bathroom stories! You can email me: annie.thegoteam@gmail.com!

-Annie

Stars on the Go: The Whoopi video- Antonio

2009-11-28T07:46:00.001-08:00

Hey guys. Here's the Whoopi Goldberg video.

Audio is kinda low so here's a paraphrased transcript:

Leah: You don't have a 'gotta go' dance?!?!
Whoopi: Honey, when you get to be my age, you just go!

Funny Man Cody: First Field Interveiw

2009-11-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

There is a reason why you should not chew gum while trying to conduct an interview. I look like a cat that has peanut butter on the roof of its mouth the whole time (smack smack, chomp chomp). The interview is funny for many reasons, so I decided to post it. It was my first one of the day. I of course picked a lady (Albina from Albania) who I think was more scared of me than anything else. Her husband was giving me the stare; you know the one. If you notice, she keeps trying to slowly edge away. You know she was thinking, "just answer his questions, and maybe he will leave you alone." I have never frightened anyone into giving an interview, a new technique I will be using. My plan was to ask random shoppers if they would buy there children a doll that pees and poops. I think it sounds too messy and more work than fun. I expect my toys to clean up after themselves...

The Go Team Celebrates Black Friday at the Toy Store!! - Annie

2009-11-27T14:38:00.001-08:00

The holiday shopping season has officially begun here in New York, and the city was full to the brim today! To celebrate Black Friday, the Go Team just made a little field trip to the toy store down the street... and there were certainly a few other people there too!

We went straight to the Potty Aisle and had some fun checking out the goods... here Leah, Antonio, and Cody all give it their best shot!

Then, we shopped around for the perfect toy to donate to Toys for Tots, and settled on the "Whoopsie Doo" doll. Apparently she goes to the potty for real when you feed her. We couldn't decide if this was a good thing, or a bad thing, or what!

For our grand finale, we rode the GIANT ferris wheel!! It was great and extremely fun, although by the end, we all really, really, really had to go to the bathroom...

(To see more fun photos from our toy store adventure, check out our Flickr page!)

HAPPY HOLIDAY WEEKEND!!!

-Annie

Fun with the Charmin Bear!

2009-11-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

You a big fine Bear, better back that thing up!

Call me Big Daddy When you back that thing up!

STARS ON THE ‘GO’: Donny and Whoopi’s ‘Gotta Go’ Dance- Antonio

2009-11-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

This week Donny Osmond won Dancing With The Stars. So, I summoned The Go Team and headed out to “The View” recording studios (where they perform after winning) to try to catch him and ask this legendary star why he Enjoys the Go. I mean, he just won a dance show; he’s GOTTA have a ‘gotta go’ dance. We took on our best paparazzi attitude and set up watch at the stage door. As his car pulled out of the lot, we flashed our big smiles, flagged him down, and turned up the charm. (I mean, it’s Donny Osmond…he understands charm, he speaks charm.) He graciously stopped, lowered his window, and gave us a moment.

Hey Donny, do you have a ‘gotta go’ dance?

“

Gosh, even when he’s confused, he’s charming.

He cracks up as he tells Leah that he does.

Donny flashes that charm.

Natalie Portman, Kym Johnson, Kelly Osbourne all waived as their cars drove away; Elizabeth Hasselbeck wished us a Happy Thanksgiving as she went for a run, but we got Whoopi! YES! The hilarious Whoopi Goldberg! Watch the video to see what see had to say about her 'gotta go' dance.

Funny Man Cody: "Sleeping Beauty"

2009-11-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

The first thing I think of when someone mentions the Charmin Restrooms Times Square is: "What a great place to go to... sleep!"

Happy Thanksgiving! -Annie

2009-11-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day has been festive here at the Charmin Restrooms -- the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade went right past our front door all morning long! Now we have people from all over the country, and from around the world, coming in to 'Enjoy The Go' and get some relief from the chaos outside!

Hi Moms of America! -Joan

2009-11-26T13:39:00.001-08:00

Hi Moms of America,

If you have small children and you take them out with you in New York City, there are times when they have to go the bathroom. My question is: where do you take them? Where have you found a clean, family-friendly restroom to take your children in New York? Kindly email me back and let me know so that I can spread the word.

Just so that you know, during this holiday period Nov. 23 through Dec. 31st if you're visiting the TiMES SQUARE area, stop by the Charmin "Enjoy the Go" Restrooms at 1540 Broadway between 45th & 46th St. These restrooms are the cleanest and family friendliest in New York City -- and clean! If you stop by, ask for Joan! I would love to meet you. Don't forget to email me your favorite restroom suggestions to: joan.thegoteam@gmail.com.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE GO TEAM!!!

2009-11-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

The GO TEAM wants to wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

- Joan, Cody, Leah, Antonio, & Annie

Cody: Cheerleaders outside Charmin Restrooms

2009-11-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

Your Prince Charmin, Cody, filmed some of the fun happening outside the Charmin Restrooms Time Square... Can you feel the magic?

Charmin Buddy Bobby Sprinkles- Leah

2009-11-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys! this is AWESOME!!! I met Rob, AKA BOBBY SPRINKLES, at around 10 am on the first full day of the Charmin Restroom Experience! He was an amazing guy getting ready for a backpacking journey of a lifetime! check out what he had to say about his opportunity to enjoy the go! - Leah

I found the Charmin Bathroom in Times Square. I had seen it in the past in NY, but always had thought ahhh whatever, why would anyone want to go to the bathroom in Times square? I expected squalor, what I found was far from it. After the cute little black woman, who happened to be the Charmin toilet Mascot, told me that I should go up and have a look and hang out, take off my backpack and play some games! Go up and dance son! All whilst a man with a clanging bell was clanging away. I thought why not? I have time to kill. What a time was had!! Anyone that happens to be in NY during the holiday period from Now til December 31st should definitely stop in. Not only were the toilets spotless, you could try any of the like 6 different varieties of their tissue, jump around in toilet paper roll pit . Get your picture taken on a huge can, do your best potty dancing. When they saw that I was a backpacker, they were thrilled. Where are you from? Canada I replied. HEY EVERYONE CANADA IS HERE was piped into Times Square as was everything else the man with the mic said!! And where are you going? India and Australia I said, Wow India, well go and use our toilets and see what you won’t in India I was told!! Leah a member of the Charmin Ambassador Go Team came over and walked me through the games, took lots of pictures with my camera and actually gave me a huge quilted roll of Toliet paper. As she said I know they often don’t have any TP in India. Take this with you, and stay in contact with us. You can become a field representative for us! I intend to send them lots of pics on the journey. They can follow me around as I find other toilets in other places! After whooping it up for a good half an hour, I would leave there and go back out into the heart of Times Square. BOBBY SPRINKLES - "Field Correspondent"

Happy Thanksgiving Funny Man Cody:

2009-11-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

Some of the Go Team enjoying the wonderful Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as it passes by the Charmin Restrooms.

Opening Week With THE GO TEAM: Seeking International Bathroom Stories!! - Annie

2009-11-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic opening week so far in the Charmin Restrooms!! I have literally been bouncing off the walls with excitement! For those of you who have already met me in person, you know that I'm really not exaggerating! Meeting the other members of The Go Team has been such a joy! I feel like we're already a happy little family. We're five very enthusiastic peas in a pod! They're my new best friends. We love each other. It's fabulous! It makes me want to jump high into the air!

The Charmin Restrooms themselves are also truly, truly amazing! Where else on earth can you leap into a big foam pit of toilet paper, sit on (or in) a GIANT commode and have your photo taken, write electronic graffiti on a computerized toilet stall, confess all of your bathroom habits in the "can-fessional" booth, dance the potty dance on stage with pom-poms, AND have ipods and televisions in bathrooms that are cleaned and sanitized after each and every use??! I certainly can't think of anywhere else on Earth!

When I meet and talk to people in the Charmin Restrooms, I always ask: "Where in the world is your favorite place to go to the bathroom?" So far, I've had a lot of people tell me that THESE bathrooms are their absolute favorite restrooms of all time! (How flattering!) But actually, not everyone has said so... when Elvis stopped in on opening day, I asked him where he likes to 'enjoy the go' and he replied, "well, Graceland, of course!"

So, for the next few weeks, I'm going to continue asking everyone that I meet for bathroom stories from around the world! Do you have a favorite international bathroom experience? Or a least favorite? Or a particularly memorable one? Was there ever a toilet that you just couldn't figure out? If you have traveled, then you know that finding a decent bathroom is often part of the adventure. Send your stories my way! Send photos of your favorite international toilets if you have them! You can email me at: annie.thegoteam@gmail.com.

Over the next few weeks, I'll share the stories I hear, as well as some of my own!

“A journey of a thousand toilets begins with the first pit stop." - Leah

2009-11-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hello America! I’ve been chomping at the bit to tell you that my Potty Platform is (drum roll) America’s Top Places to “Enjoy The Go”!! We need to work together to discover the best public pit stops across our great country! Think of me fondly every time you go, I promise I won’t mind. When you are lucky enough to come across a CLEAN, FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY place to do your business, take a snapshot and let me know why it was such a stellar place to enjoy the go! I want to hear back from all 50 states. Check out my video below to find out who you are : ) I want all the juicy details: What made this particular seat a “go” vs. a “NO go”. How does it smell? How does the lighting set the mood for optimum performance? Send your descriptions, pictures, and stories, to leah.thegoteam@gmail.com so I can compile a Top Ten List! I strongly believe wherever you go to go, you should get more bang for your butt! I want a sea to shining sea report my friends. Where will your state float in? Please don’t forget to add your finds to Sit or Squat on enjoythego.com Let’s make the USA a better place to pee.

Opening Day Reflections - Leah

2009-11-25T16:58:00.000-08:00

November 23rd. It's super bowl season for Charmin. Riding in on the subway creating an itunes on-the- go playlist to both pump me up and calm me down, I looked around and thought, these people have NO idea how I'm feeling inside! I'm giddy with my stomach tied in knots. They have no inkling that I choked down cottage cheese for breakfast simply as a precautionary measure so as not to pass out later from the fun and excitement of Charmin Restrooms Opening Day! I studied faces. Some of these people are simply going through routine just as I've done in the past, but today I am jumping out of my skin ready to embark on something that could change everything...well at least the amount of time I spend in the bathroom. Researchers say that people spend 3 years of their lives in the bathroom, so I guess I'll be significantly upping that time. How stinking awesome! (Hopefully more of the awesome than the stinking.) I arrived early and so decided to sit in the middle of Times Square traffic. That's not as crazy as it seems -- they've made seating zones for pedestrians now! I proceeded to collect my thoughts and take it all in. Breathtaking! The sign was going up as I took down mental notes. Charmin Restrooms Now Open! I can't wait to see what the day has in store...

The Go Team assembled and I learned I was in the company of 4 other Nervous Nellies. The restroom is like a giant playground, and at 10 am, we had the run of the place. We were like little kids exploring for the first time (hence all our silly pics on flickr). We danced out some of the jitters with a little wiggle to the left, a little wiggle to the right, until it was time to focus.

Enter Mario (A.C.) Lopez. Well, actually his dimples entered first. For those of you who are dying to know, yes, they're even better in person. Mario was great and super stoked that he had designed his own VIP boxing bathroom. The media arrived, and Shawn announced Mario, who announced The Charmin Ambassadors Go Team to the world. LEAH, Annie, Cody Joan, Antonio...Is this really happening?! Mario used scissors Sweeney Todd would have been envious of to slice through the bright red ribbon, and gave the first ceremonial flush! All septic systems go! Mario rang the boxing bell for victory rounds Number 1 and Number 2! He also "can-fessed" that with his demanding schedule, the bathroom is one of the only places he gets some R&R. Alright everyone, arms around Mario and say "Please don't squeeze!"

We were whisked away on the Charmin Double Doodie Decker Bus that makes its passengers appear to be fully engaged on the john! Hilarity! Antonio and I were discussing our smile headaches. Throughout the ride, we got a kick out of pedestrians' huge reactions and double decker double takes. The public poured in around 3 B.M. and boy were they loving the relief! It was a whirlwind of a day, but no one gave me a swirly. I'd call that a success. : )

Enjoy The Go . Funny Man- Cody

2009-11-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Pets gotta go too sometimes! Today while Antonio and the Go Team were at The View, catching a glimpse of "Dancing with the Stars" winner Donny Osmond, we met some pretty interesting characters. In particular a very colorful lady, Franny, and her adorable dog Mopsy. Franny was asking us what we were doing at ABC, who we were there to see, and who we were. Well, all the commotion apparently got Mopsy nervous, and she could not "make it" with us around. Franny was determined to see a star, but the funny thing is, everytime Franny walked off with Mopsy, a star would roll through. We would take pics and ask questions, and as soon as they would drive off, Franny would appear, flustered, and ask us who she missed. Then she would look at Mopsy and say, "I'm sorry I interrupted your 'go.'" "Lets try again," and as she walked away another star would roll up. We would see Franny bustling back over, dragging Mopsy, and she would say, "Who was that? Who did Mopsy make me miss?" At the time, it was Whoopi. Franny looked at Mopsy and said, "Mopsy you have to "make it" for Mommy! We are missing all the stars..." This was a hilarious show to watch while waiting for the celebrities. Franny asked us what we did, and I told her that I was a Charmin ambassdor doing all things funny for Charmin. She replied, "I'm doing stand-up at Carolines." (Of course she is!) I could just see Mopsy sitting on the couch while Frantastic practices her stand-up.

On the way back Leah said, "Lets get some children's books." This is what she picked out (see photo above). The page with the baby "going" was, well... I guess my face sums it up best...

Your Prince Charmin,

Cody

Enjoying the Go Like a Star: MARIO LOPEZ, ELVIS, AND OPENING DAY - Antonio

2009-11-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

OK! So it was day one of the Charmin Restroom. The morning was busied in preparation of the media extravaganza. The excitement overflowed as all the final details came together for the big unveiling and grand opening. Superstar and our ‘King of the Throne’, Mario Lopez, took care of cutting the ribbon and the ceremonial first flush. He was friendly as ever and we were super pumped to have him on opening day. I was ready to tell him how people always say I could be his little brother and stuff, but played it cool, gave him a bro hug, dropped my voice a full octave and a half and said “What’s going on Mario?” PS- I spent the weekend doing abs knowing I'd be standing next to him for the cameras. Mario admits that he “Enjoys The Go” because, with his hectic schedule, it is the only peaceful and alone time that he really gets.

Oh, before I go on, for the next couple weeks, I’ll be blogging about celebrity sightings in the Charmin Restroom and NYC areas, Hollywood potty stories (Barbara Streisand likes rose petals in her hotel toilet seat and bowl) and bathrooms in NYC hotspots (like the one at Jay Z’s 40/40 club where the glass doors frost upon locking them). So email me with stories and pictures of ‘Stars on the Go’ and swanky bathrooms you see. Antonio.thegoteam@gmail.com

So, the rest of the day…After a couple interviews for the media we rode around the city in a double decker bus decked out in Charmin logos and pics that made the riders look like they were ‘enjoying the go’. (Check ‘em out on our Flickr and Twitter.) People on the street got a real kick out of it. I mean, picture a row of 20 people sitting on the toilets riding down Broadway on a bus. Once the bathrooms opened, people started pouring in. We got all sorts of reactions. “What are we here for?” asked Kelly, a 16 year old from Orlando, FL. “Only in America” said a young woman from London who was here to see some Broadway shows. Tourists from Qatar, families from all over the country, NYC locals who needed a quick relief all stopped by today.

Happy Thanksgiving peeps. Check in on Monday for the weekend happenings.

Stars on the Go: Well, Mario Lopez of course. And an Elvis impersonator hung out for a while. (Elvis is IN the building.) I tried to catch Jude Law outside of Hamlet at the Broadhurst but missed him. I’ll get him for you guys.

The Go Team: A Journey - Leah

2009-11-23T13:32:00.002-08:00

The audition notice seemed like a tongue-in-cheek suggestion from my friend Stephanie. I was chuckling, when the mental needle scratched the record. Sign me up for this unbelievable job! Immediately I became Serious about Charmin.

My surreal journey to this stellar post of Charmin Ambassador began early. On November 5^th at 4:45 am I was the first person to arrive at the Hilton Hotel in NYC. (I’m aware those who know and love me are in disbelief.) The guard on duty allowed me to set up camp in the lobby. “I’m Crazy! You’re crazy! This man thinks you’re a nutter asking about toilet paper auditions before 5 am!” Around 6 am, as I began to doze, a gentleman said, “Are you here for Charmin?” I jumped up wondering if my nap would cause me to be lost in the crowd now. My lucky number is 6, but 16 I mused would be the perfect position. After playing ring-around-the-Hilton, I cosmically ended up 16^th in line. I met lovely people who helped pass the time and distract me somewhat from the cold. Eight a.m.: cue the Superheroes, the decked out Granny with Charmin on her fanny, the truck driver named Mr. Whipple, the interpretive dancer… My homemade “DiamondWeave” jewelry collection no longer seemed too over the top. I donned it with a new confidence. At 10 am we were ushered inside to make some Charmin magic. On pins and needles and sixth in line for my audition room I began with what felt like nervous banter, but as I sensed the encouragement and openness from the panel I settled in. I sang my parody “DiamondWeave’s A Girl’s Best Friend.” They gave me a pink callback slip and I felt like Charlie with my golden ticket. The callback was even more grounded and exhilarating. We chatted and laughed, and I performed numbers 1 and 2 from my Charmin Cabaret. As I walked out feeling as light as Ultra Soft, I looked down and found a lucky penny.

The waiting was without a doubt the WORST part of the process! I was lovingly presented with a package of Stay Ultra Strong ”Good Luck Charmin.” I taped the lucky penny to it and as the days went on with no word I admit sheepishly I began to sleep clutching my good luck charms. Finally! A phone call telling me I was STILL IN THE RUNNING to become a Charmin Ambassador?! Later that evening in Times Square, directly across the street from the Charmin Restrooms, I kid you not, a pigeon gave me its “blessing” right smack dab in the middle of my left cheek! I was stunned and hoped Italians were right about the unpleasantness being a lucky omen. Where was the Charmin when I needed it?! Just as permanent nervous nausea was setting in, I received the official phone call asking me to join “The Go Team” as a Charmin Ambassador! I told Amy on the other end of the line that she had made my day. Who knew toilet paper could bring such bliss? I got the job! ...and bronchitis. I am psyched and honored to take this opportunity and “go with it!”

- Leah

The Go Team: A Journey - Joan

2009-11-23T13:32:00.001-08:00

It was all so startling hearing the news that came over 1010 wins announcing the need to fill five Charmin Ambassador openings for the “Enjoy the Go” campaign. After I heard it, I said “Why not give’r a try!”

As soon as I got into the house, I went online and found out that auditions would be held on Thursday, November 5^th at the New York Hilton.

On the morning of the open call, I found hundreds and hundreds of hopefuls lined up outside of the hotel. We were lined up for about two and a half hours until we were ushered inside. There was so much excitement and anticipation that filled the air. Four hours later, it was my turn to give it all I had. And I did just that.

I concluded my presentation with a song and before I left the room, I was asked to come back for another meeting on Friday November 6^th at 10:55 a.m.

Needless to say, I couldn’t sleep at all Thursday night. By Monday, I received a call saying that I was still in the running. This was GREAT news! However, still not final. On Monday, November 16^th, the big, BIG news came…”You have been selected as one of the five members of the Charmin “Go Team.” You would have thought I had won the lottery I was so excited.

I have been equally excited preparing for my first day on the job!

- Joan

The Go Team: A Journey - Cody

2009-11-23T13:31:00.001-08:00

I’ve gotten a lot of calls in the past from potential employers offering me jobs but I have never wanted a call more than the one I was fortunate enough to receive from Charmin. It has been such an exciting journey from the audition room, to the first meeting with the Charmin staff, to meeting my fellow ambassadors.

I remember at the callback meeting some really interesting people. Potential candidates were in the Hilton rehearsing songs, practicing dance moves, putting on some pretty clever costumes and then there was me in a shirt and tie. (A tie, really?) I didn't have Charmin toilet paper props or parody songs with the word Charmin thrown in and definitely hadn't prepared 'Gotta go!' dance moves. I started to psyche myself out and think, "What am I doing here? Why would they want me? What did I get myself into?" I was a nervous wreck. But then, two thoughts came to me. The first was, "Don’t drink two cups of coffee before an audition" and second was, "Just be yourself. Do what you do best: entertain people."

My favorite thing to do is talk to strangers (much to my mothers dismay when I was younger). I thought, "Cody, go in there and talk to this room of 10 people as if they’ve been your life-long friends and have fun. This Charmin ambassador job is all about fun. Well, making the bathroom experience fun." 'Enjoy the go,' as they say. So, that's what I did. I went in that room and tried to make some new friends. Fortunately, for me, it worked. (They still haven’t Facebooked me though.)

I am so excited to open the Charmin restrooms in Time Square and get to talk with thousands of people. We are going to have a blast New York City.

- Your Prince “Charmin” Cody

The Go Team: A Journey - Antonio

2009-11-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

As the morning grew colder, the line grew longer, and the excitement
grew wilder on the sidewalk of West 54th street. Passers-by wondered
about the 250-people-deep line and the cameras rolled by to ask: “Why
are you the right one to be the Charmin Ambassador?”.

I must admit, walking by the 75 people in line ahead of me, I
thought: “Another open call, really? Really?!” But as a Charmin
Ambassador I’d be meeting, greeting, and entertaining people and this
is what I naturally enjoy doing. So to get paid for it…well, I mean…I
stayed. A couple of “bathroom trains”, “stay warm dances” (very
similar to the “potty dance”), and an array of costumes and toilet
paper props later, we finally went into the holding room at the Hilton.

OK, about the costumes. The most impressive was the sparkly
superhero couple. They had long flowy colorful hair, sparkly gold
bodices, red leggings and blue star-ridden capes. Their height was
even stretched further by their six inch, knee-high, silver platform
boots. You get the picture? (Go to Enjoythego.com to see them.) The
rest were toilet paper based or inspired. Toilet paper grandma was
at the very front of the line with her friend, donning a flappery,
fringy, crafty dress, meticulously made out of TP. There was Prince
Charmin, a knight in Charmin armor, sashes, hair ties, crowns,
bandanas, and straggling pieces on people’s shoes.

I wondered if I should have brought in a costume or a prop or a
gimmick; for a little while got kinda psyched out. That’s not really
me, though, and I was well prepared based on what I do—host, party
motivate, entertain, connect and engage with people, etc…--so I stuck
to my original game plan.

Four hours of waiting in lines, and it was finally my turn to go in
the room. I got the usual audition jitters, a combination of nerves
and excitement, but went in there determined to just be myself. It
went very well. They asked questions. Boom, I answered. They asked
how’d I entertain people. Boom, I did a little cha cha. (The Charmin
Cha Cha I like to call it. Come on down to the Charmin Restrooms and
you can learn it too!!!) Then one casting director behind the table
cracked up as she asked me: “Do you blog about your log?” I cracked
up with her.

It was an awesome audition experience! Everyone was super nice and
after a callback round, HERE I AM, blogging with you, America about
how we all ‘Enjoy the Go!’ So keep an eye out for Stars on the Go
(celebrity sightings) and Fancy Flushes (the swankiest bathrooms) and
share them with me.

- Antonio

The Go Team: A Journey - Annie

2009-11-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

When my good friend Mark emailed me the job description for the Charmin Ambassadorship, he said, “Annie, I've found the perfect job for you!” I read the posting, and my first thought was: “Yes! I can do that! I AM extremely enthusiastic! And, I really, really like going to the bathroom!”

I put the date on my calendar and began asking friends what I should plan to do for the audition. Should I wrap myself in toilet paper like a mummy? Or completely coat myself in sparkles from head to toe? I thought about my colorful wig collection and wondered if any of those could help my situation. Would having purple hair help? The morning of the audition, I put on a silver sparkle dress, looked in the mirror, and decided that it wasn't right. I felt too cold in the strappy sleeveless outfit, and I decided that I had to be comfortable in order to be confident. I put a skirt instead, sprinkled just a tiny smidgen of sparkles on my face and headed toward the subway.

When I arrived at the Hilton Hotel on 53rd Street, I went straight to the bathroom (I really had to go), and I thought to myself, "Wow, I really AM qualified for this job!" I got a text from my friend, wishing me good luck. I wrote back, telling her about my sparkle wardrobe dilemma of the morning. She replied, "yes, but you're packing REAL sparkles on the inside!" That was a definite boost. I thought to myself, "Ok, I've GOT to sparkle from the inside out!" When I went upstairs, I was struck with the sheer number of people that were there. A guy at the door handed me a piece of paper with #401 written at the top, and told me that it would be a while. I looked for an empty chair to sit down -- there were rows and rows of people waiting. Some had cowboy outfits, costumes constructed from cardboard boxes, and homemade hats with feathers. It was an incredibly diverse group, so I sat and watched people practicing their toilet paper dance sequences.

After about four hours, they called my number and I hopped up in line with nine other people. We were escorted up the elevator to another hallway, with several lines at different doors. As I waited, I thought about what I was going to say during my 90-second opportunity. When the door opened, I was ushered into a room with a camera that was already rolling. I smiled a big, genuine smile. The man behind the table asked me questions in a disinterested voice, but I just kept sparkling as much as possible. From the inside, I felt a strong ray of actual, genuine confidence. I left the room with a card that said "Call Back!"

The next day, I wore sparkles on my face again, for good luck at the 2^nd audition. This time, I spoke to the 7 people behind the table and the rolling camera about how much I love exploring bathrooms all over the world, and how I love talking to all sorts of different kinds of people -- really anyone and everyone! I really felt perfect for the job, but I knew that with hundreds of applicants, it was a long shot.

It was another whole week before Charmin called. When they offered me the job... I literally bounced off the wall! Really?! Me?! A toilet paper ambassador?! Just what I always wanted! I must say, I'm THRILLED!! I'm EXCITED!! I can't wait! My inner sparkle has been awakened!

- Annie

Charmin Restrooms Coming Soon

2009-11-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Charmin returns to the heart of New York City with clean, comfortable restrooms from Nov. 23 to New Years Eve. Restroom guests will "enjoy the go" more than ever, with help from our new Charmin Ambassadors.

Charmin Enjoy the Go

Gratitude for Waste Water Treatment - Annie

Cody : Who gets the last Laugh?

Ending on a High Note: Performing on Broadway- Antonio

International Words for the Bathroom - Annie

Out in SoHo- Antonio

Leah & Antonio-Sonny and Charmin Debut... "I Got Poo Babe!"

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE "GO TEAM"

Cody: Sonny and Charmin teaser trailer...

Joan: When he/she finally gets it

Flush = Cha-ching! enjoy the go(od)- Leah

Funny Man Cody: Artist's "enjoy the go"

Little Havana in New York with a dash of Broadway- Antonio

International Outhouse Adventures - Annie

Mario Cantone and 'Going for Good' charity program- Antonio

Joan:Potty Training Fears, Stress and Setbacks

Joan:Helpful tips from mom's that you might try

If I Were___, I Would Use____- Antonio

funny Man Cody: SantaCon NYC

Potty Talk & Public Health -Annie

Joan: One thing in common!!!!

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, and the Douglases- Antonio

Funny Man Cody: Ask's how do you "enjoy the go"

Who Are the People In Your Neighborhood? - Leah

My visit to a Montessori school -Joan

Interviewing Rock Stars from Kazakhstan - Annie

Soap Stars On The Go!- Antonio

Leah-Food for Thought...

Funny Man Cody: Yes it's FREE!!

To Sit or To Squat: THAT Is The Question! -Annie

Even Princesses Have to Go!- Antonio

Leah-TP 101- MacGyver Style

Funny Man Cody: Where does Lady Liberty peeeeeee?

The Magic & Charm of Toilets in Asia - Annie

Joan- Reflections

Leah-Charmin Restrooms, A Home Away From Home

Funny Man Cody: Promoting Charmin Avenue Q style.

The Go Team Puppets in Bryant Park!!!

Enjoying the Go in the Lap of Luxury- Antonio

International Bathroom Discussion: Squatty Potties! -Annie

Stars on the Go: The Whoopi video- Antonio

Funny Man Cody: First Field Interveiw

The Go Team Celebrates Black Friday at the Toy Store!! - Annie

Fun with the Charmin Bear!

STARS ON THE ‘GO’: Donny and Whoopi’s ‘Gotta Go’ Dance- Antonio

Funny Man Cody: "Sleeping Beauty"

Happy Thanksgiving! -Annie

Hi Moms of America! -Joan

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE GO TEAM!!!

Cody: Cheerleaders outside Charmin Restrooms

Charmin Buddy Bobby Sprinkles- Leah

Happy Thanksgiving Funny Man Cody:

Opening Week With THE GO TEAM: Seeking International Bathroom Stories!! - Annie

“A journey of a thousand toilets begins with the first pit stop." - Leah

Opening Day Reflections - Leah

Enjoy The Go . Funny Man- Cody

Enjoying the Go Like a Star: MARIO LOPEZ, ELVIS, AND OPENING DAY - Antonio

The Go Team: A Journey - Leah

The Go Team: A Journey - Joan

The Go Team: A Journey - Cody

The Go Team: A Journey - Antonio

The Go Team: A Journey - Annie

Charmin Restrooms Coming Soon

If I Were_, I Would Use__- Antonio