OFF THE VINE: Toedman rides security rug on flight to success

<p>Trying to dig up some dirt on Michael Toedman for a pre-departure </p><p>roasting proved incredibly difficult. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>All Vine found was that the man has legions of fans around Asia. And as </p><p>far as they are concerned, the former Business Week ad director in Hong </p><p>Kong, who has since relocated to Europe as the magazine's director of </p><p>sales development, is one incredible chap. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Let's hear it from his fans: "He's charming," gushed one. "He's </p><p>confident, ebullient and outgoing," added another. "He's sociable, </p><p>intelligent, and witty," chimed a third. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Ever the cynic, Vine thinks this is just too good to be true. Hence the </p><p>hunt for a chink in Toedman's armour. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Well here's the dirt that Vine has unearthed on Toedman. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>While he's known for his heavy involvement in the industry - just check </p><p>out the number of industry organisations he once sat on - as well as for </p><p>his stellar work on Business Week, Toedman does have a dirty secret </p><p>behind his success. It's a security blanket ... make that rug ... which </p><p>he's happily dragged around with him at his recent farewell bash in Hong </p><p>Kong. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>