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.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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
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
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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.
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?
Monday, August 04, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, August 01, 2008
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!
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!
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