Marketing money ... When does it impact decisions?

I have been making a round robin to a number of doctors lately for both my own needs and my husbands. At my appointment on Monday, I was struck with the amount of stuff that was branded from drugs. These are drugs that are advertised on TV regularly. It made me feel like the doctor was for sale. When does it cross the line? Here is a sample of the items that had logos blazed all over them:

• Tissue box
• Clip board for forms
• Hand-santizer bottle
• Anti Bacterial Soap dispenser

and the kicker...

• the paper sheet that goes down the exam table...

Thankfully, these drugs don't apply to me or my problem. However, it did make me feel a bit weird about the office and their ethics. Yes, I plan on bringing it up with my primary care doctor. Has this ever concerned you?

Seven things you may not know about me..

Thanks to Aaron Strout, or (@astrout on twitter) a former colleague of mine at Mzinga and Shared Insights, I have a topic for a needed update to my blog. This is something that is going on in the blogasphere. The rules are at the bottom. Here goes.

1) I love romance trashy novels like Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts. I started reading them long before I should have been and got hooked. I tear through them in a couple of hours and feel very guilty for not spending my time more productively.

2) I have an addiction to watching TV with a quilt over me no matter what the temperature is outside.

3) My favorite museum is the Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris. It is a small museum next to the Louvre and houses the water lilies. It is a great way to waste an afternoon. Paris is my favorite city.

4) I love shoes and spend way to much money on them ... but I walk around barefoot most of the time and complain because my feet are cold.

5) I still listen daily to WSB Radio streamed out of Atlanta everyday. I love Neal Boortz and Clark Howard. So, if you are traveling to Atlanta.. call me for the latest traffic updates.

6) My iPod is loaded with Irish / Celtic music. Catch me on the treadmill or out for a walk and I am probably listening to a jig or "Whiskey in the Jar"

7) I love polishing silver. It is result oriented cleaning activity that doesn't need to be done weekly.

That is my seven things. Not so interesting perhaps? Here are the rules:

In the words of the honorable @93octane, here are the rules:

* Link to your original tagger(s) and list these rules in your post.
* Share seven facts about yourself in the post.
*Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
* Let them know they’ve been tagged


I will have to come back and tag people later....

Holiday Letter 2008

December 2008
Ho, Ho, Woof, Woof, Meow!

It is snowing!!! As a result, it seemed appropriate to sit down and compose this year’s holiday note to everyone. It has been a bit tough to come up with new and exciting news about our lives. We are in touch with so many of our family and friends across the globe daily with blog entries, Facebook statuses, Twitter, and LinkedIn. We have been so blessed with keeping in touch with many of our friends near and far. This is a wonderful thing to be able to stay ever present with you.

Life at Brannydoon was pretty quiet for the first half of the year. There was a black hole with Annie gone. It is a strange thing to lose someone so close to you. Most people don’t understand how a dog can be so important. Since we adopted Seamus, Pauline has continued to work with Brittany rescue. On Mother’s day, she could see no better way to remember Annie than to do a transport of five Brittany mix puppies. She came home with a camera full of pictures of the lively brood. They were all spoken for but it set the seed. It was time to open our home and get another golden retriever puppy.

Since Annie was such a delight, it was natural to start looking for a dog that had the same lines. We were able to find a wonderful breeder in Maine. In June, we brought home our little Fiona. She is Annie’s great niece. Gone was the quiet in the home. She has been an excellent puppy. Although, Jim nicknamed her “Puddles” for the first couple of weeks! Fi had big paws to fill and she has stepped up to the plate big time. Seamus is delighted with his little sister. They play constantly. The only hold out is Duchess. She has retreated to the second floor and plots for Fiona’s departure.

Our vacations included a trip to see Jim’s Parents in Florida and a trip back to Dennisport in September for the weekend. Pauline also went back to Atlanta for a long weekend and stayed with her neighbors and friends, the Bramletts. When you look up Southern hospitality, there is a picture of Rusty and Kristi. It was great to see the whole family and the Suchoffs, Irwin & Gloria. A good time was had by all!

Bike races also brought our dear friends Ivan and Nancy back to Connecticut for a race in Hartford. We had a great time relaxing afterwards. We were also happy to reconnect with Doug and Nancy Badolato. Doug and Jim have been friends since grade school. We only lived a couple of miles from each other and getting back in touch has been terrific. They have picked up like the years apart never happened.

The only other major change this year was Pauline left Mzinga to join SelectMinds in October. They are located in New York. She still works at home but has enjoyed traveling into the city for training and meetings. It is a great fit for her experience as they provide Professional Corporate Social Networks to large companies. This combines her experience with recruiting, social networking, and sales. She loves every minute of it!

So, that is pretty much it for 2008…. Here’s to a Wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, or Yuletide season! We also wish you a terrific 2009!

~Jim, Pauline, Seamus, Fiona, and Duchess Brannigan

"I rescued a human today"

This was sent to me today by the National Coordinator of American Brittany Rescue. I wanted to share it with everyone.


I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering
apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew
I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she
wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view
from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want
her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter
keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about
my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make
a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made
little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head
up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her
cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I
instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do
everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her
eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many
more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to
be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Not so "Real Simple"

This is a huge warning to everyone about an unsavory practice at Real Simple magazine. My husband and I recently changed banks because there isn't a branch within 35 minutes from the house. He could get to one but it was an all out effort for me to have any dealings with our bank. I was constantly surfing on "cash back" from the grocery store. When you prefer NOT to use credit cards, this can be a pain.

I got a notice from my old bank that my "closed account" had been overdrawn. Huh? I had cancelled all my future bill pays and had changed the automatic life insurance payment over to the new bank.... Come to find out, it was from Real Simple magazine. Not only had they charged me for a renewal without my permission, they had charged it to an account that didn't exist to my knowledge. This charge did two things:

1) Automatically openned the account again. (Now, I have to go back to the bank to close it)
2) Overdrew the account and caused me to have a bank fee.

I have spoken with both the bank in question and with customer service at Real Simple. They have refunded the subscription charge AND said they would look into crediting the money back to me at the bank. However, and I quote " This should be processed very quickly. You should see the credit back in a couple of WEEKS!" WHAT?

This means I have to deposit money to cover the subscription and the overdraft fee. If and when it is credited back, I will be able to close the account again.

This was an unfortunate choice to turn my account into an automated renewing account because:
1) I have cancelled my subscription.
2)I will not choose to give the magazine to people for the Holidays.
3) I have written and tagged this blog and will TELL EVERYONE about them.

This also begs the question on why I receive letters throughout the year begging me to renew their magazine... if I am on auto renew why waste the money?

Poor business decision... It is too bad. I looked forward to it every month. If I had to choose to have only one subscription, it would have been that one. End result, companies if your business is providing intelligence and advice, don't have shady accounting and billing procedures. I can't trust them to bill me so how can I trust them to give me advice on how to cook my turkey or what are the best black pumps for the money?

I will miss my Real Simple magazine... But I will get over it. Bad businesses deserve not to be rewarded.

Autumn Progression

October's harvest moon is on the rise

Scarlet leaves are scattered across the lawn

Pumpkins smile at the waning light

Darkness is broken by a owl's hoot so wise

Frost sparkles at the break of dawn

Autumn's beauty is an amazing sight....

by Pauline Brannigan

Blog Action Day - Poverty

I have received a couple of tweets (twitter) regarding today being "Blog Action Day".
I checked it out after reading a couple of friends blogs on the topic. Then spent a couple of hours chewing over how or what I could blog about today to join in the conversation in the back gears of my mind.

http://blogactionday.org/home

Moments ago a light bulb went off! Oddly enough, I had a contractor at the house today from my Internet/telephone/cable provider to install my new business line into the house. In chatting, we got onto the topic of the election and then to the economy. The conversation turned at point when this gentleman talked passionately about a time in his life that was very low. Lets call him "Mo" for privacy factors.

Mo has been a hard working man that is a single father of two children. He is the sole bread winner in the family. He had been laid-off from his job because of a merger. Times got a bit tough while trying to get another job. His skills as a telecommunications tech are great but there are only so many providers to work for in a given area. Especially years ago!

He went to the State to see about getting some assistance with Food and Healthcare for his kids. Hold on this is good... According to Mo, he was too well off to get help. He made too much money on UNEMPLOYMENT. They combine this with his asset of a "Caddy" pushed him over the State maximums. If he sold his car, he might qualify.

Mo walked out of the office and never looked back. Sold his car? How was he going to look for work, go to interviews, and get to work without it? He only wanted a bit of help while he was briefly down on his luck. After all, he had been supporting these programs with tax dollars for years.

His moral of the story was there is a clear problem with the system that keeps people down and doesn't allow them to succeed. They are penalized for bettering themselves. His view of the welfare system wasn't pretty. They were encouraging him to fall into a trap that would be hard to get out of ever.

Poverty is a problem with solutions. The system has to have ladders to allow individuals career paths off the dole. Mo would have been happy with some help. Perhaps, half of the normal allotment of food stamps? Entitlements need to have timelines. Government assistance needs to help promote individuals to stand on their feet and contribute rather than enable generations to feed off the system.

Another part of the Blog Action Day is to not just write about the problem but do something about it. I have put countless people to work and helped them with the leg up over the years. I have regularly donated professional clothing to charity and dropped food off to the food bank or conducted food drives. Thinking about today what can I do to help? Well, I am going grocery shopping ... perhaps I will spend an extra ten dollars and drop it in the food box. That doesn't go far these days but it is something.

Is Louder Better?

There has been discussion around one of the key benefits to corporate social networking is being able to have a multi way conversation with your corporate audience. That audience can be partners, customers, prospects, and internal staff. This is a huge change to the corporate communication policies from the advent of radio and TV advertisements.

Have you ever been faced with trying to communicate with someone that doesn't speak the same language or witnessed this happening? Isn't it funny when the person starts speaking louder as if it will make a difference!

It is very similar to the way some companies scream their message to their consumers be it B2B or B2C products. The most obnoxious display of this is when the TV ads are so loud compared to the program. It is terrific that companies are getting the idea it isn't what we tell you it is what you tell each other and us. Corporate social networking is enabling this to happen.

"Doomed"

We spent a great day on Saturday over at Camp Rob teaching Miss Fiona how to swim. I think it will take another go at it as it did my first Golden, Tess. We couldn't keep her out of the water most of her life! Dinner and company were fantastic. We decided to drive home the back way avoiding the highways. Honestly, it is a beautiful ride through Putnam County, NY and up over the ridge into Litchfield County, CT. As I daydreamed out the window, we drove by a row of cute (or could be very cute) cottages along the Houstanic River. Many of them have arts and crafts type bungalow styling. However, they back up to the river and I often wonder how many times they have flooded over the years.

We were going pretty slow after an intersection and I noticed a family out on the lawn of one of the houses. Both parents were smoking. The father was shirtless (not in a good way) and the mother was no picture either. The toddler was also shirtless. I said to Mr. B, "That kid should be wearing a T-Shirt that says ' DOOMED' on it." Now, while being true and we laughed very hard most of the way home. We both commented how lucky the kid was to be living in an area and country where his stars weren't fixed. He had the opportunity to make anything of a bad situation. Perhaps, his parents wanted to quit smoking and that is why they weren't in the house?

As we close the door on the Olympics and the summer, we will turn our heads sharply to the pending Presidential race. We need to ensure the next generation's options by not saddling them with programs that will make success not worth it. Goals are great. Think of how many success stories there are out there. One could honestly say my Grandfather or my husband's father could have been that little boy. They succeeded because they were determined. Government should not be the answer to a problem. Ambition, drive, and determination enable success and achievement.

Why I volunteer for Brittany Rescue...

This is an email I received from one of the coordinators at American Brittany Rescue. When I read it aloud. I needed a tissue myself. This is why we put up with and love Seamus. This is why I do the transports and home visits. ... This is why I volunteer.... So that every Brittany has a full belly, a warm bed, and parents that love all of him....


An adopter (who also helps me out now and again) sent this to me today, I have emailed her back because she said a friend sent it to her and that I had her permission to cross post. So I am guessing her friend wrote it. I left her friends signature at the bottom to be safe.. But it is a tear jerker for sure... _____________________________________


Once I was a Lonely Dog Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home. I had no place to go, No one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow. I ate what ever I could find, was always on the go. My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain. And no one stopped to give a pat Or to gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run. For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun. And then one day I heard a voice So gentle, kind and sweet, And arms so soft reached down to me And took me off my feet. "No one again will hurt you" Was whispered in my ear. "You'll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear." "You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet." I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear. I can't remember when I let A human come so near. And as she tended to my wounds And bathed and brushed my fur She told me 'bout the rescue group And what it meant to her. She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends. And in the center there is you protected by new friends." "And all around you are the ones that check the pounds, And those that share their home after you've been found." "And all the other folk are searching near and far. To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star." She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently, and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see." "And then they'll join our circle they'll help to make it grow, so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go." I waited very patiently, The days they came and went. Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent. Then just when I began to think It wasn't meant to be, there were people standing there just gazing down at me. I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too. They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you." Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be. "Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me. But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street. And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet." Dedicated to those that make a difference in the lives of animals, everyday ~ Caroline

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Okay well the chicken posting has come full circle as my team is planning the weekly bbq at Mzinga next week. Since we are the sales team, we came up with a theme of "Roadkill" I sent on this lively recipe to our coordinator and wanted to share it with you....


Beer Can Chicken
Recipe courtesy Bob Blumer
Show:
The Surreal Gourmet
Episode:
Thrilling Grilling
Q) Why did the chicken cross the road? A) Because it couldn't remember where it left its beer



1 (4-pound) whole chicken 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons of your favorite dry spice rub 1 can beer
Remove neck and giblets from chicken and discard. Rinse chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels. Rub chicken lightly with oil then rub inside and out with salt, pepper and dry rub. Set aside. Open beer can and take several gulps (make them big gulps so that the can is half full). Place beer can on a solid surface. Grabbing a chicken leg in each hand, plunk the bird cavity over the beer can. Transfer the bird-on-a-can to your grill and place in the center of the grate, balancing the bird on its 2 legs and the can like a tripod. Cook the chicken over medium-high, indirect heat (i.e. no coals or burners on directly under the bird), with the grill cover on, for approximately 1 1/4 hours or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F in the breast area and 180 degrees F in the thigh, or until the thigh juice runs clear when stabbed with a sharp knife. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Which Comes First?

Last night, a group of us from Mzinga did a presentation on community and business social networking for a company. I was very lucky to be speaking with two of our leading thought leaders. So, I let them answer the question first.

The question was based on the age old question of which came first the chicken or the egg. His query was "WHICH COMES FIRST, Technology or Content". All three of us immediately, said - "CONTENT" However, as I sat back and realized this company has a ton of content. They were leaking content from every source. They had made attempts at web 2.0 technology and had limited success. My response was the following:

Content is very important as is technology to communicate the content but you are missing an element that enables a community's growth and success.

To drill a bit deeper, please take the question back to the orign of the concept. Which came first the chicken or the egg? In this age old question, has anyone ever considered the need for a rooster to have an egg become a chicken?

In order to have a success vibrant community, nature needs to be observed. A company can have wonderful content and the best technology but with out a strategy and understanding of how to deploy and engage their audience for the content and to encourage the use of technology their community will not grow. The rooster equates the strategy and understanding of technology. It is a three legged stool.

Communities need to be regularly fertilized and nurtured to grow and multiple. What would you have said?

Favorite Ben Franklin quotes ....

Fish and visitors smell in three days.
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1736
A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.
Benjamin Franklin
Drive thy business or it will drive thee.
Benjamin Franklin
Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade?
Benjamin Franklin
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
Benjamin Franklin

Gosh... I can understand why Dr. Franklin was such a ladies man.

Obama needs to learn how to take a hit

sWanaaaaaaaaaaa!!! Booo Hooo. McCain said bad things about me! He doesn't understand I am the second coming !!!! Wannnnaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Finally, McCain takes a swipe at Obama. Geezzz. Yes, Barrack, I am scared of you. I scared for my 401-K. You scare me. You TERRIFY ME!

You lack:

1) Experience - In every sense of the WORD. You walked into a Senate seat with no competition less than 6 years ago and have never held a "real job". You have no foreign policy experience, no service in the military, no financial or budgeting experience, and have made many very questionable decisions with the people you associate with socially.
2) Principles - Yes, the flag pin and the church you went to bothers me. I have stopped going to the church founded by my ancestors (the Pilgrims) because they are TOO LIBERAL for me and I don't agree with their platform. You CHOSE THAT CHURCH.
3) Bipartisanship - Yes, I may not have liked McCain - Kennedy or McCain - Feingold. But at least Senator McCain has tried to eliminate the grid lock in Congress. He has accomplished nothing and authored nothing!
4) Economic policy - McCain is no Phil Gramm but at least he has more experience than you do and he isn't a Marxist.

YOU TERRIFY THE SOCKS OFF ME.... and I vote always!

The Connection between the Amish and Web 2.0 Communities.

I recently finished reading a book by Jodi Picoult entitled, "Plain Truth". http://www.jodipicoult.com/ It was a light summer read however, I believe very well researched. It takes place on a Amish Farm in Lancaster County, PA. It was the first book I have read by this trendy novelist.

As I was reading, the word COMMUNITY jumped off the pages as the members of the Amish family continued to explain the importance of blending into a group and being part of the COMMUNITY was more important than being an individual or standing up for oneself.

I have been struggling to understand if this is an entirely different way of the "English" or non "Plain" way of the definition of how community is described in the web 2.0 world. Yes, their is a sense of wanting to belong to be sure. Web 2.0 and community is based on peer to peer communication and a sense of belonging to a group of people with similar interests or profession. Yet, there is an important part to individualism with current day COMMUNITIES. We update our profiles, post photos and comment on them, we project our thoughts in blogs as being a profound statement and encourage others disagree with us... We twitter away about the importance of being "me". These are not part of an Amish definition of community.

So what can we learn from looking at the Amish definition of Communities?

Well....

• The "Plain" leverage the strength of their community to complete tasks together as one faster than an individual. (Amish barn raisings are a keen example)
• They believe in the strength of numbers to give them a sense of belonging and comfort.
• Socialization is a keen part of the Amish community with hymn sing along, quilting circles and most centric .. the church services that rotate between the homes of the community members..

Finally, I am finding a common thread in my blog posts regarding this isn't a new idea. It is a return to the way humans have interacted for centuries. We have depended on each other's skills (Begs and brags in discussion boards), ratings and reviews (idea share), and experiences (blog entries) to learn and grow as society. Web 2.0 based applications simply "Bring the Conversation Online"....

New pictures of Fiona at 15 weeks

When is Clean ...clean enough?

Confession:

I get panicked about the appearance of my home prior to having a certain sect of people visit me. Typically, these are people that:
A) Don't have pets... especially hairy dogs
B) Don't work outside the home (currently or ever)
C) Have young children

Why?

A) I can live with the tumbleweed of dog hair that appears between my weekly fight with the Oreck but I don't have a clue how others do it... I have given in to the work / life balance that life is messy but haven't gotten over I care about other's opinions of me yet.

B) Since I work remotely from home, some have the impression that it is easy for me to get everything done. WRONG!! I may be able to slip in a 10 AM run to the dry cleaners easier but I am working from 7AM to 7 PM often and the draw of my lap top and clients will always beat out the laundry mound or vacuum beast.

C) We don't have children. Our house is set up for adults and dogs. I worry about all the PC stuff that is suppose to enable kids never to experience pain and that they are closer to those hair balls than the rest of us.

That being confessed, I LOVE having company. I love to entertain and fairs' fair... I like the motivation and valid business reason to scrub the shower and door jams.

I like knowing what delights my guests. For example, my dad would be a home baked sugar free dessert. My best friend would be flowers in her room and a pile of magazines she hasn't read yet along with a shot of tequila. My good friend and house sitter loves having her shampoo in the guest bathroom. My nephews love the lolly pops, teddy grahams and matchboxes.

So as I am waiting for guests to arrive this week, if I answer the phone like a grump... tell me to put down the sponge.... everything is going to be okay....

I think the kool-aid has finally settled into my DNA

When do you realize an adoption of a new way to communicate? How do you know when it is pervasive in your life? I had such an Epiphany last night at the dinner table. We had planned a family dinner party by connecting with each other on Facebook. Yes, I did have to have one conversation with a family member that is not "LinkedIn" with "Facebook". However, this device and communication tool has allowed me to establish a faster and easier relationship with a new member of our family than I would have ever with the phone. Because of the following:

1) Our schedules are completely different.
2) There is about 14 years difference in age. (She is younger)
3) It makes sense to be able to put one thing out into the universe and keep everyone updated.

I just now have to get her to Twitter and I will be golden! The non kool family members at the table were a bit shocked at how we organized the get together without speaking and without email. I looked at their 3.5 year old boys and said... time to figure it out or you are going to be so far behind the times when they reach whatever is the future of the MySpace generation.

It also dawned on me how people are able to stay engaged more with remote friends and family with social networking. Have a sister in California or neighbors in Georgia? It is easy not to have to find the time for a conversation if you can update them on your life through a feed on Facebook, Twitter or an old fashion blog post.

Start counting the times people mention connecting with others via the social networking tools like a blog entry, FaceBook or MySpace page or tweat. I bet even you Barney Rubbler's will be amazed and prompted to look at joining the party!

Credit Crisis

I was listening to the Mike Church radio show on Sirius on Wednesday morning. He said something very interesting about the credit crisis and pending bail out. He was right on!

These people that have the sub prime loans and can't pay their bills aren't losing THEIR homes. The loans were no down payment type loans. They have NO equity. They were basically renters okay renting to own. Why are we bailing out people on home loans that they SHOULDN'T have qualified for in the first place?

I am not even going to start on bailing out financial institutions that knowingly lent money to people that didn't qualify.

Talk Radio.... Old time Community

Only children often pick up strange habits that are more adult like than other children that have siblings to influence them. That can be seen with food choices, reading material, and sports. As an only child, one of the weird habits I picked up from my mother was an interest in talk radio. I would set my clock radio to a huge Boston AM station to listen to Larry Glick nights as I went to bed. During Basketball season, I went to sleep (or eluded it) listening to the famous Johnny Most giving the play by play for Larry Bird, Danny Ange, and Tiny Archibald and the rest of the Celtics.
Today, I am still a talk radio junkie. I do this in a more technically upgraded way from an old clock radio. I stream it on my laptop and have satellite radio in my car. It dawned on me the other day how talk radio is a community. There is a host or a site. There is a group of like-minded people which congregate to talk and listen to others on issues that are important to them. People participate by calling in with their own UGC (User or 'Listener' Generated Content). Many lurk and just listen. Others take the information and have discussions with family and friends. They become better informed as even the SME (talk show hosts and guests) learn from the masses. It is an original technology based We Are Smarter than Me concept. The next time your radio dial hits a talk radio station figure you are part of an old time grass roots community.

What is more valuable ... Time or Heath?

Monday, I was spending a planned day off doing a bunch of to do items like getting the hitch finally installed on the car, dry cleaning, going to the gym to meet with my trainer at 9 AM. You know the stuff you can't normally do during work hours...

As I was sitting in the waiting area of the place that was installing the hitch reading my book, my head started to hurt and then pound. I related it to the machine across the street pounding into the rock wall trying to create more retail worth land into ledge.

By the time I got home, I was so sore and had a throbbing headache. Okay... It was early to be sore from my work out. Then about an hour later the chills and sweats started. By tour time (y'all know what that is... it is July at Brannydoon... There is only one channel.. VS. for the Tour de France... A month of Phil & Paul & Bob),

My fever was so bad. It reminded me of the ones I had as a kid where it got so high I would hallucinate. However, it seem to be better in the morning although the headache was still there. I struggled to work on Tuesday being back at work. My heart though wasn't in it. I was still having fever effects. By the night, I was right back there.

Beyond this, the horse fly bite, I had noticed on my hip over the weekend was throbbing and made it difficult to lie on my right side. For those of you in CT/NY, you probably know what I have. For those of you in NH/MA/GA and beyond, stay tuned.... By Wednesday, Mr. B told me to make an appointment with the doctor. Honestly, I think he thought I was faking it or was deathly afraid I was going to make him sick. I was still point person to take out Miss Fiona. I could barely move. However, I was dragging myself around the yard and up and down the street to make sure the 5 days of no mistakes was continued.

Go to the doctor for a fever? Why? All I am going to be told is to take Advil/Aspirin, fluids, and bed rest. However, I got a better look at the bite on my hip. The redness around it was now about 6 inches in the middle and didn't look normal 5 days after I noticed the bite.

So I picked up the phone and called the doctors office. Thankfully, they could see me almost immediately. (This typically isn't a good sign by the way). I started to think what if this is a tick bite? Could it be Lyme? I went to this trusty computer and typed in "Lyme disease and symptoms" into the Google search box. The Mayo clinic delivered the following link that pretty much confirmed all of my symptoms. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lyme-disease/DS00116/DSECTION=symptoms So did the doctor within taking my temperature and looking at my hip. Antibiotics and a promise that I should start to feel better in 48-72 hours but it would still be rough in between. Wednesday night was probably the worse but I finally started to feel better last night.

It got me to question my belief that 'you can always make more money but you can't create more time.' However, without your health do either money or time make a difference? I swear my head hurt so bad on Wednesday night I thought a guillotine would be a nice device? I know people with severe migraines have had similar thoughts.... What is your take?

A Letter to My Uncle Rob from Seamus

Dear Uncle Rob -

How are things at camp? How are cousins Winston and Sidney and Auntie Jen? I hope all is well and everyone has plenty of treats! Daddy said you had inquired about my near death experience last month. So here goes...

It was late in the afternoon on June 12th. Mommy had been very busy at the computer all day. I was bored and went into her bag where some times there are these tasty treats called "breakfast bars". I found a plastic bag but all it had in it were a couple of pills that weren't too filling.

The next morning (Friday the Thirteenth) there was a lot of commotion in the house when Daddy noticed the parts of the baggy I left as what he refered to as "evidence" in front of his bureau and my upstairs nightime beddie.

My human isn't too good. Here is what I got from the conversation. Mommy was upset because the baggy contained a couple of emergency "aleve and zyrtec" in it for when she goes "away" (Uncle Rob, I apologize for my language. I know "away"is a four letter word.)

Anyway, I got to go for an early morning car ride to visit the doctor. Neither of them were very happy with me. I got blood taken among an number of horrid tests and had this nasty charcoal stuff forced down my throat. It wasn't even flavored like beef or chicken. I had to stay there all day. Daddy stopped in for a talk with the doctor and to calm Mommy down. I don't know why she was soo upset. I was the one stuck in the cage with a needle in my arm with this bag of water handing off it. I got another dose of the charcoal again. Another four letter word.. YUCK.

I didn't see them for a couple of hours. They came back and we were off in the car. We stopped at this place that I got to go in. It didn't smell great. It smelled like fear. I went in with them. We went into what looked like another doctors office. I thought I was going home!! I got so upset I threw up. How embarrassing! Mommy and Daddy talked to the doctor and then handed over my leash to him. I didn't see them again until Monday. During this time, I had forced lots of water through my arm and I was confined to a cage. Prison with torture. I didn't even feel well. My tummy was very sore. The only good thing was the can food I got to eat.

I was so excited to go home with Mommy. However, when I got there .... I had a surprise named Fiona. I will tell you about that at a later time. I will say ... it wasn't the best surprise.

I didn't feel well the next day and I had well... problems with my bowels and Mommy had to go "away" again. She did have the pet sitter come.. but I couldn't hold it a couple of times. I was so ashamed. I ruined the living room rug. Daddy was quite upset when he came home.

I had medication and control issues for two weeks and several more trips to the vet. I am not sure what is to done about this. However, I thought you wanted to know. Hope to see all of you soon.

Your Furry Nephew,

Seamus...

Introducing Lady Fiona... of Brannydoon

In my mind I'm goin' to North 45

As I was putting on the sneakers to go to the gym this morning, Seamus started his dance. He was sooo excited because he thought we were going for a walk. Since it had been about a week given our trip to Florida and the bloody heat, I changed my plans from 45 minutes on the elliptical to an hour walk with Sir Seamus.

It was a good choice. I can go and lift tonight. The fields have been plowed. The smell of morning on a farm. The good smell of freshly cut hay. The absolute quiet and deafening noise of nature. Birds that were large and small. Chickadees, Cardinals, Bluebirds, Robins, Crows, Turkeys ... joined us along our walk. The smile of a happy dog. The greeting from the farm dairy cow and the nod from the Llamas.

But most of all the smell of the fresh cut hay, transported me back to summers romping at our hunting camp on the 45th Parallel through the dairy fields. Making friends with the dairy herd. Torturing frogs in the pond and climbing through the abandon barns that we were suppose to stay out of ... but never did. I was seven years old again. Not a bad way to start the day.

I stopped and breathed in.... I recommend it ... Breathe Relax and Remember.... Have a happy summer day... each one is a gift. Unwrap it, appreciate your time, and impact someone's else day in a positive way. I did. Seamus is in the corner dreaming of the squirrels that he encountered and smiling...

A letter from the Duchess

Dear Mommy and Daddy -

Seamus and I missed you but we had fun with Aunt Leslie spoiling us. However, someone really needs to teach that beast of a dog (Ruger) that I am force not to be reckoned with!

When I am lounging on the sofa, I do not appriciate being sniffed and licked. Oh the horror! I mean really, who knows where that dog's mouth has been. I am sensing Seamus' arse is a good bet. Silly dogs iwth their snifing and licking. Yuck! I'll teach that Ruger a lesson or two. OR perhaps one lesson with five points next time.

Yours Truelly ( yes I spelled that wrong .. I am a cat after all),

The Duchess of Brannydoon.

Full Weekend - Baby pictures

I started the weekend Friday evening on a Spin bike at 5:45 PM. After the instructor,kicked my ass on the bike for an hour, I went home to make a carb heavy dinner to recover from the beating and to prepare for the next morning....
Saturday came very early. Seamus had to go out and there was a spin bike that had been bought and paid for a charity event. I got on the bike at 7:45 AM and then proceeded to have Alan .. the psycho pirate, kick my ass again for 2 hours. The spin a thon a was for a set of conjoined twins in our town. They are adorable but obviously have very special needs and expenses. For those of you that are curious... two legs, four arms, and two heads. They are joined at the chest and attend elementary school. They are really happy. Yes Nancy, we saw them in the Big Y... we weren't seeing things that day.

Anyways, we were raising money to help send them to camp this summer to help them to cope in the future.

I spent the rest of the day trying to move... I treated myself to a pedicure. We went to our favorite little restaurant in Washington Depot, JD Tucker's. They have an updated menu. I tried the Chicken Milanese... LOVELY.

Today, Seamus and I were up again early. I wonder if he will ever decide that sleeping in is a good thing. Annie was great at sleeping in mornings til at least 9 AM.

Speaking of Annie, I then got into the car and drove north of Portland Maine to check out the litter of Golden puppies that we are getting the new addition from. There are 6 little girls. They are all lovely and not a bad dog in the bunch at first view. I know are little girl will be one of the darker pups but they are not dark in terms of being really Irish setter red. More strawberry blonds.

interesting quote - Food for thought today....

After I got on the scale today, which is dangerously located next to an upstairs window.... I read this quote in Paula Deen's autobiography,

" A balanced diet is having a cookie in both hands"

How I spent Mother's Day

Five years ago, we brought home Seamus to be a combo birthday present for Annie and Mother's Day present for me. I was able to help 5 puppies into rescue yesterday. They are the cutest thing! They are Llewllyn Setter and Brittany mixes from Tennessee. The mother was a brittany and well loved. She just found love in the wrong place. Perhaps, there is a relation to Seamus? They will be available on Petfinder.org. Search Brittany babies in New England. Here is a picture from their Bed and Biscuit and spa... on Saturday night!!!

visit http://www.nebrittanyrescue.org/.

Where the heck has Mrs. Branny been?

Well I can apologize again as I did only about 3 posts and 3 months ago but that doesn't make you as a reader any happier. I will attempt to get back in the habit of sharing something fun or insightful daily or at least weekly.

Where have I been? Well the honest answer is a bit down in the dumps since Annie passed away. I think I had a dose of Post Move Depression combine with losing my best friend and little furry girl just pushed me over the edge and away from even people that care. I think ... I hope that I am back in the present looking forward and will be a happy blogger again.

What is going on in my life. Job is going well .. at least I think. I have a couple of deals looking to close and the pipeline is healthy so ... that is enough on that front.

Personally, the second spring here at Brannydoon. I love the pictures I posted below. The sun is out and that really helps my mood. I have joined the gym downtown. I have been successful in making 2-3 spin classes weekly and attending a PiYo and Pilates class twice a week. That helped when I was in Kennesaw... it seems to help here too! Lots of happy people at the gym. I finally got cleats on the spinning shoes to help. I had my best spin class on Friday as a result. I am painfully getting out of bed every day. That has to equate that deep beneath the blubber work on the muscles is being accomplished.

We had a lovely dinner here at Brannydoon on Saturday night with the Vara's. I understand the trip home was a bit foggy and troublesome with directions. I will work on reverse directions! I promise!

Seamus has settled into being an only dog. I am not sure if he is going to stay that was or not. I am doing a transport for a litter of Brit/Setter pups on Sunday. I may deliver my load ...one short!

Mr. B is happy with the gift of lovely weather we have had... Life is good and the bad makes you appreciate the good.

Have a great day everyone.

Spring Photos

With the rain the past two days... I wanted to share with you two pictures I took last week. Spring has come to Brannydoon!!

This is the crabapple tree in the front yard. We are doing our part to help with the bee problem. They have been busy at work with this tree.

My tulips have also come up and didn't become a meal over the winter for rodents or deer. I was quite happy with my purchase at the Christmas Tree Shoppe!

Never Argue with a Woman

One morning the husband returns after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap. Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance,anchors, and reads her book.Along comes a Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?''

"Reading a book," she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?')

"You're in a Restricted Fishing Area," he informs her.

"I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading'', she retorts.

"Yes, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up.'', said the officer.

"For reading a book", she replies,"If you do that, I'll have to charge you with Sexual assault," says the woman.

"But I haven't even touched you", says the game warden.

"That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment".
"Have a nice day ma'am," and he left.

MORAL: Never argue with a woman who reads. It's likely she can also think. As well as steal your boat while you are sleeping.


(courtesy of M. Regan)

Are the only people running and elected to office shear idiots?

I have to just comment I am amazed how power hungry people in office are today. It really makes me sick. Do they not learn from example? Do you think that they are MORE likely to get caught than others? Somehow , they forgot they are held to a higher standard because their peers voted for THEM to represent the best of the population... not the worst.

Understandably, to err is human. It is divine to forgive. Okay ... I will accept that... However, there is a line in the Installment of Officers for Rainbow... every elected official and Senior Manager, Military officer, Religious official ... the list goes on.. should have embossed on their brains: (This is not part of the secret work and is said during an open meeting)

" My sister, your Assembly, in its wisdom and judgement, has elevated you to the office of Worthy Advisor, the highest honor it can confer. With this honor, comes responsibilities and duties. These duties should be discharged with your utmost thought, prayer and ability. As your decisions should be characterized by thought and tempered with judgement, so should you life be influenced by kindness and tempered with the fine steel of charity. You should be an example to the members of the Assembly not only in your every day life but in your association with them, and remember THOUGH ELEVATED FOR THE TIME BEING, YOU TO MUST RETURN TO THE RANKS. May God speed you and aid you in your term of office ... " Ritual, Order of Rainbow for Girls rev. 1948 page. 68.

Obviously, the Gov. of New York, former President Clinton, former Gov. Rowland (CT), former Gov. MacGreevey.... and the list goes on haven't gotten the message. Let me be perfectly clear... I would not be on the podium next to these weasels. They put the lives of their wives at risk and their families future. In the most recent scandal, it seems he broke federal laws that he prosecuted others breaking. I can't comprehend the stupidity! I wonder if in Governor residences across the country there are conversations like this:

First Lady: " Bubba, I won't stand beside you. Do you hear me? Can you calculate HALF? I said HALF! That is what you might be lucky to get." "That is IF I decide not to have the State Police shoot your cheatin ass" DO YOU HEAR ME!"

Governor: "Yes, dear"

So, it brings me to ask the question... Why aren't more humble qualified individuals doing the public service we need to keep this country viable? They are too scared and too smart to put their lives under a microscope. Smart individuals say... hmmm... How would my family be impacted by that transgression in my past (doing drugs in college, hiring an illegal to clean the house, getting creative on a tax return)? The answer is they don't. I am amazed at the public analysis at even a local level were public servants are often volunteers and they still are faced with mud from a local reporter. The reporter doesn't like their political decision so they get personal. It happens all the time.

Yes, I think that Gov. Spitzer has no choice but to resign. He made STUPID choices. However, we need to have a re-examination of the our public officials and our public officials need to smarten up on their practices in their everyday life.

off the soap box.

Irony with a dash of Cayenne pepper

Well, Seamus has a disgusting habit. Our vet says it is typical for both Spaniels and dogs that have been on the lamb at some point. It is called "coprophagy". I will let you Google that for a definition.

She suggested an over the counter solution that sometimes has an affect on the grotesque action. I went out and purchased this product called "Deter". Well, Seamus thinks these pills are treats. He can't wait to have them put in his food. They aren't deterring anything! Note to family and friends.... sniff first before excepting a kiss from the dog.

Aren't you glad I started blogging again!

Sorry about the Poor Blogging Behavior

Okay. I apologize. I didn't even bother to be the lazy blogger and re-purpose other's content. So what have I been up to over the winter? I guess perhaps I can blame it on hibernation? Blame it on being busy at work? Depressed over Annie's passing? A little bit of all of the above is probably correct.

January ... I can't even remember what was important and occurred. I did a transport of the cutest Brittany. I upgraded my blackberry and started shopping for a new car.... oh that would make for an excellent series of rants ... I could call it the good the bad and the ugly of car salesmen ship.... Ever notice there is a lack of women in this profession? I think they just can stomacher the greasy sales style of 90% of the dealerships!

February ... Okay... The Giants won... it was a happy day for Mr. B. Whoopie! I went to Atlanta for a long weekend to spend time with great friends. Shopped WAAAYYY too much. I forgot how much fun it is to shop with sales people that actual help. Kristi was making fun of me refusing the sales people's help for awhile. The northern aggression had taken hold of me yet again. There is nothing like a couple of days of sunshine and sweetness to melt the winter doldrums. I recommend a dose of Southern cuisine and hospitality to everyone in New England and especially y'all nasty New Yorkers at least once a year. It goes along with a new word by introduced at work... it is a bit foreign... Breathe...

March is upon us. I just finally upgraded the car. I needed to get AWD again. I feel liberated ... I can now leave the ridge anytime I feel like it. Perhaps this is why I felt compelled to blog again.

Here is to a quick end to old man Winter. I am sure we will have another wing banger of a storm sometime around St. Paddy's day. However, I am looking forward to spring blooms, lilacs and rock gardening again. If those deer don't stop eating my arborvitaes... venison will be on the Barbee this summer.

Granite Staters - VOTE FOR MIKE HUCKABEE

Vote for the Fair Tax - Abolish the IRS and make everyone pay their fair share including illegal aliens.
Vote for the 2nd Amendment - Hunter's rights
Vote for Honor - Mike is an honorable man
Vote for Executive Experience and Coalition building - Gov. of AK understands how to improve a bad economy and keep taxes in check.
Vote for States Rights - Sick of the Federal Government - Huckabee supports states rights
Vote for Humanities - Huckabee supports art, music and drama education!

But by all means ... Just Vote. Otherwise you have no right to comment or complain for the next four years.