Weirdest Secret Santa Gift Ever!

Our office had our holiday dinner at a local restaurant. For those wanting to participate in the Secret Santa, we exchanged our gifts at the party. I think I got the weirdest gift ever and some people were pretty funny about it. I got a Ouija board.

I have a pretty good idea that it was someone in our sales dept as the message on the present said "To help with planning the 2008 trade shows. Good luck." I thought it was funny but then thought a magic 8 ball would have been a better gift.

I think Ouija boards are evil and I have The Exorcist and my mom's best friend to thank for that. When I was in 5th grade, my mom's friend introduced me to the Ouija board and scared the living daylights out of me. I don't know what my mom was thinking. I had had nightmares from the time I started dreaming and woke them up almost every night. This didn't help!

It wouldn't matter so much except I took the time and effort to get my Secret Santa recipient some neat little gifts that I knew she would like.

Regardless to say, I gave the Ouija board away to one of the young twentysomething restaurant waitresses with an appropriate warning - are you sure you want it? they are evil, haven't you seen the Exorcist? But she was excited and proclaimed that she is a freak and will love it.

So good luck to her. And good luck to all of you stuck with yucky secret santa gifts. And good luck to my 2008 trade show planning. May we get new sales reps at our company in 2008.

Farewell Sweet Callahan

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that we have lost a dear member of our family. Sweet Callahan, 11 1/2 years old, has left this world.

We are so thankful for the time that we had with him and for all of the joy that he brought into our lives.

It is a time to reflect on how thankful we are for our family and friends and how precious each day is on earth. Thank you for your love and friendship.

The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master. - Ben Hur Lampman



Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

The Elf on the Shelf

Yesterday my friend sent my daughters the elf on the shelf. If you haven't heard of it, it's a cute little elf doll. Your child has to name it and then it is placed on a shelf in your home. The elf, ours is Rudy, reports back to Santa every night before Christmas if the kids have been naughty or nice. You can't touch the elf because it is a magic elf and each morning Rudy appears in a different spot.

It comes with a book explaining the story and the box it is shipped in looks like it came from the North Pole! It is a very cute idea and so far, it's working with my 4 year old! I just tell her, remember, Rudy is watching! Her behavior is better and it is a fun game each morning to find Rudy.

What a fun tradition to start. You can also register your elf on the web site and print out a certificate. How clever. Check it out - there is still time for your elf on the shelf!

www.elfontheshelf.com

A New World Order?

So today I am hearing about this North American Union. Its ties include NAFTA and some other under the radar associations and even allegedly go back to the Rockefeller dynasty.

It looks to me like the sinister wheels of progress are already spinning under our noses. If this is even remotely true, our futures have already been planned by an elite group of greedy power players.

It reminds me of FEMA and the X-Files, although this, fellow citizens is non-fiction and happening right now. IF this happens, who knows what will become of our rights and freedoms this country was built on.

NORTH AMERICAN UNION & VCHIP TRUTH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBo4E77ZXo

QUIETLY, QUIETLY BUILDING THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION http://www.newswithviews.com/Yates/steven23.htm

1st North American Union drivers license issued in North Carolina
http://www.newswithviews.com/Kouri/jim111.htm

Amero coin arrives
http://www.halturnershow.com/AmeroCoinArrives.html

North American currency union
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amero

The Plan to Replace the Dollar With the 'Amero'
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=15017

North American Union

The Amero - North American Currency
Watch video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hiPrsc9g98

North American union to replace the USA?
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=14965

It's already started
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=15233

Lou Dobbs - CNN YouTube - Lou Dobbs: North American Union Orwellian ...Plans are in the works for the North American Union
Watch video www.youtube.com/watch?v=H65f3q_Lm9U

Stop the North American Union
http://www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com

Security and Prosperity Partnership Of North America (a cloak)
http://www.spp.gov/

Independent Task Force on North America
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_american_union

Keeping Sales Stats Fresh, Avoiding Stale Powerpoints

As a marketer, I reference industry statistics so I can more effectively communicate the need for solutions whether through a powerpoint presentation, newsletter, sales document or at a trade show.

Seth Godin hits the nail on the mark regarding how this data should and should not be graphically presented in a powerpoint. It's not brain surgery, but until he walked me through the thought process, I hadn't realized what an impact properly arranging the graphics could make. It takes me back to the days of my college psychology class and he is so right.

Read his thoughts here: http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2123/21206835

Tis the season for male guilt trips

It's that time of year again when my husband gets pissed off at holiday commercials. And rightfully so. The time where new cars appear in driveways with bows on them and jewelry ads hit us from all angles. I never realized just how bad it was until he pointed it out a few years ago. I hear Madonna now "We are living in a material world..."

If my husband bought a car and tried to surprise me with it, I would hurt him. We are on a budget and that is just not practical. But neither is the holiday shopping advertising campaigning going on since Halloween. Seriously.

This is why I think that Thanksgiving is possibly the best holiday on earth. We give thanks for friends and family, eat a luscious meal, drink heartily and watch football. No gifts or guilt appear anywhere during this holiday, and for THAT I give thanks.

Holiday gift ideas for the person who has everything

I don’t know about you, but as soon as October rolls around, I start panicking about the holidays and what to get family members when everyone lives out of town and I have no idea what their preferences are. And as far as my parents go, if they need something, they usually go out and buy it. So I searched for some neat personalized gifts and found them at Mulberry Moon.com. Everyone I have given presents to from here says they love it and that is great for me.

Mulberry Moon Personalized Jewelry, Candles & Gifts
http://www.mulberrymoon.com

Technorati Tags: engraved+gift, engraved+candle, personalized+candle, personalized+gift, holiday+gift, monogrammed+gift, customized+gift

October - Baseball, Halloween and My Baby Turns 1!

Ahhhh October. It's one of the best times of year. Baseball playoffs, college football, pumpkin patches, cooler weather, Halloween and now, a birthday in the family!

I can't believe my baby is turning one. And she is our last baby of which I have been highly enjoying every moment I can. It's harder with the second one - you feel bad that you can't give her the same focus, time and energy as our first daughter due to having two kids and much more craziness all around. But she goes with the flow, is a total sweetheart and adores her big sister, so I don't think there is any problem there.

I just think I give her a different kind of quality time - a frenzied, mama is trying to give you the time you need but oh yes, where did your sister go? - of which she has the extra benefit of having a sister around to chase, screech to (or at) and generally giggle with. I think it's a blessing and the dynamics between our two girls make it all worthwhile.

We are watching the Red Sox and hoping for a victory. My Cubs blew it but that's nothing new. There's always the cliche! hee hee. Auburn football is keeping us entertained and we go pumpkin shopping this weekend. Auburn plays LSU Saturday night for some foosball on the Bayou, so bring it on. It is a great time of year, and we have lots to be thankful for.

Speaking of being thankful, here are four neat organizations in the event you are searching for ways to pay it forward, do good for mankind, make a small yet valuable difference in the world.

http://www.AdoptAPlatoon.org - I never agreed with the war, but vowed to support our friends and family who are fighting to make the world a better place. Find out how you can be a pen pal and make a world of difference in a soldier's life. They pair singles with singles and married soldiers with married/families. It's really rewarding and the people I have met who are putting their lives on the line are amazing. They need our hopes and prayers.

Do One Nice Thing - http://www.doonenicething.com/ - I signed up for this newsletter and they are chock full of ideas of nice things you can do that take anywhere from one minute to one hour to do. It's a great idea and I enjoy receiving the newsletter each week. You can donate skymiles - I donated a ticket to a military family. How cool is that?

My aunt and uncle sent me this note and my goal is to participate in this for the holidays. I want to find a person to loan money to with my daughter - hopefully a mother/daughter company and we can watch their business grow. My daugher will learn about gifts that give. You also get your money back!

"Take a look at http://www.kiva.org/. If you have not heard about it, I am telling you now. It is a wonderful service and it will make you feel better. We need to change the view of the rest of the world has about us."

http://www.kiva.org/ - Loans that change lives - Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

http://www2.worldvision.ca/gifts/app - Last Christmas, my aunt & uncle in Canada gave us two hens and a rooster, or rather, a needy family, two hens and a rooster to help them support their family and earn a living. How cool is that? Our daughter didn't need an extra toy but she learned that she is helping a family survive on their own with animals that were purchased in her honor. The true meaning of Xmas - giving.

The Tale of a Defiant Soccer Mom

Soccer moms, SUVs and sass, oh my!

Our family has begun the entry into kids sports.

My four year old daughter has started playing soccer this season. It's hilarious - all the kids running around the field and sometimes kicking the ball. She is enjoying it although she's a little hesitant to go get the ball and is sensitive to other's aggression. I think it's a great first sport. A field, two goals, a bunch of kids and two confused coaches trying to guide the madness.

What I wasn't ready for was the sudden self-awareness that I am the only working mom showing up late at practice in business casual wear while everyone else is in their leisure outfits and flip flops with folding chairs and cellphones so they can keep up with their friends and whatnot.

My husband kids me that I am now a soccer mom. I am in protest. I don't really feel that I fit that stereotype and before, I really didn't think it was real. Now that I am exposed to it and briefly crossing into that world, I realize there is this great divide between working moms and stay at home moms. There is just such a difference in the lifestyles.

It's an interesting observation and I will continue my journey into the world of soccer life in another post.

Radiohead makes a bold move

It's a bold move in the music industry but one that is an interesting marketing test. Radiohead has legions of loyal fans. It will be interesting to see how this pans out and how it affects the industry.

Radiohead says to hell with it, lets listeners set price for new album

How much would you pay for Radiohead's new album?$5? $15? $20? Not a damned penny? Then that's the price.
http://moblogsmoproblems.blogspot.com/2007/10/radiohead-says-to-hell-with-it-lets.html

Auburn Football and the best time of the year.

It's that time again. The best time of the year. When baseball and summer are still hanging on, yet a glimpse of fall appears with college football and tailgating.

Here are some fun Auburn football memories. Early times gang, unite! War Damn Eagle.

Let Freedom Ring

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends who lost a loved one on this day six years ago.

I am also praying for of all of the families of soldiers who lost their lives abroad while making this world a better place.

Here is a moving tribute from Atlanta radio station Q100. It is hard to listen to, but it is worth taking a moment to remember all those precious people who lost their lives.

God Bless America.

The Bert Show's 9-11 Tribute...Every year on the Bert Show, we honor the anniversary of 9/11 with an incredible montage that Producer Tracey created. Here's also our disclaimer...like seeing the images on TV today, this montage may be painful to listen to. Thank you, Tracey, for a powerful tribute. Click here to listen with your Real Player
Click here to listen with your Real Player

http://www.allthehitsq100.com/bertshow/

Honor the Fallen
http://www.militarycity.com/valor/honor.html

No More Robocalls - Let’s Create A Political Do Not Call Registry.

I recently learned in a Network World article about the do not call registry that politicians among others, are exempt. Exempt! And that it is time to renew your do not call status (it's every 5 years.)

There is also a new non-profit that wants to stop these political telemarketing “robocalls.”

I invite you to sign up for noticifaction when they start a registry. I know I don’t want to receive all those automated political calls and the last local election in Forsyth County was a nightmare. Our answering machine couldn’t keep up with those calls.


Stop the Robocalls!

Thanks for contacting Citizens for Civil Discourse (a non partisan non profit corporation), the home of the National Political Do Not Contact Registry!This is a grass roots initiative. We the people need to take back control of the political discussion and tell politicians not to call us (or mail or email) if we ask them not to do so.

What is next?

Building the Political Do Not Call Registry website and database –-> launch in mid to late September, 2007.

Once it is launched, you will be notified and asked to officially sign up and join the Registry.

What you can do in the meantime:

If appropriate, please tell your friends and family about this exciting non profit by asking them to visit:
http://www.StopPoliticalRobocalls.org/

Let us know why you care so much about this issue. Do you have a story to tell? Do you remember a particularly disagreeable phone call you received? What would you like to tell the politicians (from all parties)?

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.
Cheers,
Shaun Dakin – CEO & Founder
Citizens For Civil Discourse

Bio @ http://www.linkedin.com/in/shaundakin

info@citizensforcivildiscourse.orgCCD website:

http://www.StopPoliticalRobocalls.org/

Technorati Tags: do, not, call, registry

It's not easy being green.

I saw an Inconvenient Truth a few months ago. It was disturbing and I think there really is something negative going on our planet that we have caused.

At the end of the doc, they tell you ways that you can make a difference in your daily lives. I liked that and was comforted to know that we have already been doing many green things for a few years.

Use an automated thermostat. Recycle. Reduce trips out. Run the dishwasher and laundry at night. Replace energy efficient lightbulbs when your old ones burn out. Wrap your water heater. Replace air filters regularly. Telecommute. Insulate your home. Use energy efficient appliances. Check. Check. Check. Check. Check. Check.

I don't have an energy efficient car now although I had a VW Jetta that rocked and was efficient.

I was disturbed to know that you shouldn't rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I'm a rinser. I admit it and it's a habit I cannot break. Maybe because our frickin' dishwasher will not rinse everything and I end up having to wash it.

Other things I didn't know - unplug electronic devices as they use energy even when turned off. Computers, hairdryers, cellphone chargers, tvs and the like.

Anyway, if you haven't seen the documentary, it's worth seeing. And for more ways to make changes in our daily lives, check out these sites:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/whatyoucando/

http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/

Duran Duran and the video revolution

Ahhh Duran Duran. My memories of Simon, John, Nick, Roger and Andy and being a teenybopper with teen beat magazine-laden walls of these MTV video posterboys will always be fond ones.

I just watched the Concert in honor of Princess Diana and was amused to discover that she was a big D2 fan as well. Another reason to like her!

Anyway, I need to order their best-of video collection. They truly were pioneers for the video generation.

http://www.duranduran.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duran_Duran

http://duranduranmusic.com/

"My head is full of chopstick and I don't like it."

Do One Nice Thing

I read about this web site in Glamour magazine recently. The point of "Do One Nice Thing" is that you can in a matter of minutes do something to help someone whether it be send an email to support the troops or send a card to a sick child.

I had lots of extra skymiles and learned that I could donate skymiles for the Fisher House which provides free or low cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers. I donated a ticket in a matter of minutes from the Delta web site.

The nice thing about Do One Nice Thing is that they provide summaries and links and they make it easy for you to do something quickly. They also have a newsletter.

Do One Nice Thing
http://www.doonenicething.com

Fisher House
www.fisherhouse.org

Donate Delta Miles to charities
http://www.delta.com/skymiles/use_miles/donate_miles/skywish_charities/index.jsp

1009 W Ashley Folly Beach - Don’t Stay in this Beach House Rental

Fred Holland Realty advertised a beach house rental that is good for “large family gatherings” on the beachfront. It has 4 BR and 2 BA and if you count the mold infested mothball smelling downstairs room, it has 5 BR and 1 more bath but it’s not livable down there.

We complained when we arrived 1) that it wasn’t cleaned from the previous week’s visitors with food on the counters and floors among other nasty findings and 2) that the house itself was in need of a major upgrade. I have a 9 month old baby and we had to put a sheet on the floor as it was so dirty that your feet were black after walking around on the carpet. We covered the furniture as it was disgusting as were the curtains and mattresses.

So, Fred Holland Realty’s answer? You get what you pay for. $3,000 a week for a nasty, dirty beach house? I don't think so. Why don’t you take pride in all of your homes and insist they be clean? Why don’t you insist that the owner upgrade it to living conditions or take it off your list?

Tell the owner, Mr. Jerry Zucker, the second richest man in South Carolina to replace the dirty carpeting and floors and make it a respectable property. Well, that won’t happen. And more families will stay here. Which is why I’m warning you now. Do not stay here. It is not family friendly and the realty ruined the start of our family reunion and my dad’s 70th birthday.

More to come including their listing of the house vs. the actual listing that it should read.

1009 W AshleyFolly Beach, SC 29439
http://holland.vrmreservations.com/vrmgr/rental/PropertyDisplay.aspx?PropertyId=25&WebCode=all&ReturnPath=/vrmgr/search/SearchResults.aspx

Description: An excellent home for a large family vacation (NOT). The top floor is the main living area with a full kitchen, living room (needs new curtains, furniture, paint on the walls and carpet), and bedrooms (that need new mattresses and carpet). A totally seperate (spelling?) unit downstairs has two more bedrooms (OUTRIGHT LIE - it’s one bedroom and a family room with two twins and damp, mothball scent throughout, floors need replacing) and a full bath. Great ocean front home value (it’s a dump).

Also, there is a fly stuck inside one of the pictures with a water stain on it. Lovely.

Pets Allowed: NoBedrooms: 6Bathrooms: 3Half Bathrooms: 0Security Deposit: $0.00Beds: 3q, 1d, 4t

Home owner: Jerry Zucker (he also owns 903 W Ashley and they were complaining of bugs in the bed)
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/10/G399.html

Technorati Tags: folly-beach-house-rental, fred-holland-realty, folly-beach, 1009-west-ashley, charleston-beach-rental

Peanut free snack ideas for the classroom

My daughter's birthday is this Friday and I called her daycare and asked about bringing in a treat to celebrate. I was warned that there is a child with a peanut allergy, so no cake or cupcakes were allowed. I was shocked that bakery items even had trace amounts of peanuts but found through research it's because they are made in a place where other peanut items are also made. This little known fact opened my eyes as I launched an internet search for peanut-free snack ideas for my daughter's birthday celebration.

Here is a great article for all of us not familiar with peanut allergies and how many foods we don't even realize have trace amounts of nuts:

If Your Child DOESN'T Have Allergies: Read This!
http://www.yummymummysite.com/index.cfm?PID=16916&PIDList=16915,15873,16916

Here is a list of snack ideas from a school. I can't imagine what schools are going through now that allergies are at an all-time high.

Peanut free snack suggestions:
http://www.walledlake.k12.mi.us/llake/peanut_free_snack_suggestions.htm

I think I have decided on Kroger brand ice cream sandwiches. But I still need to check the label for that specific package as even different factories have different products being made there and could possibly have peanut items.

Wow. I am thankful that so far my kids don't have a peanut allergy.

So next time you look to buy vanilla ice cream for a party with kids with allergies present, think again. Nuts are found a lot in many ice cream flavors so even the nut free flavors could contain it. Check the label!

Also, Oreos and Chips Ahoy cookies are good.

Cornhole, the new bean bag game leading a nation

We visited friends in Charleston who are from Ohio and discovered an awesome new bean bag toss game called cornhole. It is simply made of 2x4 foot pieces of wood with a hole cut out and they are slanted. You throw corn-filled bean bags into or onto the wood board. It is a great mix of horseshoes and tic tac toe bean bag toss from our youth.

Then we returned to Atlanta and I saw two cornhole games on the same day. One at Piedmont Park at the Park Tavern and one at the Braves game while a college group tailgated. Both times I shouted "cornhole!" My cousin from Chicago was with me and had never seen it. It's so cool!

So I just ordered my auburn cornhole bags and my husband will make the boards this weekend so we can start playing. Please check it out. It rocks.

Links:
How to build your own cornhole game platforms
http://thefuntimesguide.com/2005/08/build_cornhole.php

Playcornhole.org
http://www.playcornhole.org/

The cornhole portal
http://www.cornholeportal.com/

Directions how to build your own
http://home.fuse.net/mikebrungs/cornhole.htm

Cornhole made from some notre dame alum
http://www.kevincooney.com/archives/000040.php

Let's stop teaching our preschoolers to be sexy

There was an eye-opening article recently in Glamour magazine about the onslaught of sexual marketing messages our sweet preschoolers are exposed to and the effects it has on them.

The Bratz dolls are a key example.

As a mom of a 4 year old, you bet I'm concerned.

Here's the link to the article:
http://www.glamour.com/news/articles/2007/04/childrensexy

Technorati Tags: parenting, preschooler, marketing+to+kids, marketing, kids, preschool

40 glorious paris-free days

Glory day.

Technorati Tags: paris+hilton, paris, hilton

Stereotypes in Commercials

It's funny. The more we change, the more we stay the same, at least in commercials. I am used to the female as sex object role model in commercials, but what's interesting is how my husband is offended by the usual dumb husband roles in commercials. The typical male who cannot do work around the house, who has to order pizza and sit drinking beer watching sports. I realize it goes both ways when commercials dumb down American families or at least husbands and wives. Hopefully they will wise up and realize that many of us are intelligent creatures who both work, take care of the family, house and each other. And yes, we do enjoy a cocktail or two, but we are respectful to each other and others.

SEXISM IN TV, ADVERTISING, AND MOVIES
http://newmedia.cgu.edu/nardi/projects/a3/

Someone is Finally Going to Jail

Being a Hilton (and no, no from THAT family which I get asked all the %$#* time), it is about time a certain member of this name should finally go to jail. If it were any other citizen with the amount of citations that this celebutante has, we would all be in jail for a much longer time. I try not to talk about it to give into the media feeding frenzy but I am including a link to the petition that I did sign. It won't stop her and I'm sure this is the beginning of a very long E True Hollywood story, but at least LA County is finally doing something. You would think they were paid off or something. hee hee. LA Confidential.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/jailparishilton/

Technorati Tags: paris+hilton, paris, hilton

George Clooney and Budweiser

George Clooney makes we want to buy Budweiser beer, and I don't even LIKE Budweiser. His smooth, rich, full bodied voice along with his dashing good looks, mocking self deprecation and enigmatic charisma makes him one of the most appealing and compelling leading men in Hollywood. You rock George!

http://www.clooneystudio.com/

Technorati Tags: george+clooney, budweiser

Why saying "Thank you" is more than just good manners

Why saying "Thank you" is more than just good manners

A 10-year study of 200,000 managers and employees suggests that praising people for a job well done may lead to bigger profits, says Fortune's Anne Fisher.

By Anne Fisher, Fortune senior writer
April 12 2007: 6:46 AM EDT

NEW YORK (Fortune) -- Dear Annie: I changed jobs last year, going from a small company (where I had worked since the start-up phase, over a decade ago) to an organization about 10 times bigger. I've made the adjustment pretty well, except for one thing. My old employer was very gung-ho about recognizing people for their achievements. If someone met a tough deadline or went above and beyond for a client, that person got a public pat on the back and maybe even a "prize" like a free dinner for two at a nice local restaurant.

My new company is completely different. No one ever says "thanks" for anything or shows any appreciation for extra effort, and as a result people don't do anything more than the minimum required to get the job (sort of) done. I think this hurts the business, but I can't convince my boss. Any thoughts? - Trying to Help

Dear Trying: I'd be willing to bet we've all worked in organizations like yours, at one time or another. Many years ago, Fortune had a top editor who made a point of never praising anyone for anything. Asked why not, he replied, "People who are good know they're good. They don't need to hear it." Well, if any proof is needed that that approach to managing people is wrongheaded, here's where to find it: "The Carrot Principle" (Free Press, $21.00), a fascinating book by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, both consultants at Salt Lake City-based consulting firm O.C. Tanner (www.octanner.com).

The book's subtitle says a mouthful - "How the Best Managers Use Recognition to Engage Their People, Retain Talent, and Accelerate Performance" - but the basic idea is simple: People will work harder and more enthusiastically for an appreciative boss, and companies that praise topnotch performance are more profitable than those that don't. In a study of 200,000 managers and employees over a 10-year period, Gostick and Elton found that, in companies where few people agreed with the statement "My organization recognizes excellence", annual return on equity averaged a paltry 2.4 percent. By contrast, companies with a culture that emphasized thanking people for excellent performance racked up returns more than three times as high, at an average of 8.7 percent. (For the complete study, go to www.carrots.com, under Research.)

Of course, anybody who has taken Statistics 101 will tell you that correlation doesn't always imply causation, and companies that praise their workers are probably doing lots of other things right, too. Even so, at a time when employers are competing fiercely for top talent, the authors note that 79 percent of employees in a recent poll who had quit their jobs cited lack of appreciation as the main reason. It seems saying "thank you" is even more important in retaining people than paying them more money - and a pat on the back is free.

How can you persuade your boss to start recognizing his team's achievements? Adrian Gostick says that about one-third of managers in the Fortune 100 companies he works with are, like my old editor, dead set against the idea of praising people. "They don't believe in it. They're always the ones sitting in the back of the room at our seminars with their arms folded, and that negativity often spreads to others," he says. "To overcome their resistance, we start by asking why they don't want to. Often they say they don't have time. But another big reason is, lots of managers want to be seen as 'tough', and recognizing people looks 'soft' to them. Another obstacle is that they just don't know how."

That doesn't mean your boss can't change. Gostick says that, in a former career as vice president of a bank, "I had to be told to recognize people. My employees urged me to do it." He adds, "We've found that, if you encourage a reluctant boss to start with just a few small things, he or she is often pleasantly surprised by the response and will want to do more."
"The Carrot Principle" is full of creative ideas for thanking employees, and you might take a look at those, and pass a few suggestions along to your boss. But some of them - like buying lunch for all employees who have to work on a Saturday and inviting their families to join them; or springing for an extra plane ticket so a spouse can accompany an employee on a business trip - may be too much for the budget. No problem.

Says co-author Chester Elton, "You don't need to spend a lot of money to make an employee feel valued. We find that a handwritten thank-you note, which costs next to nothing and takes just a couple of minutes, is something people really love to get. It's far more effective than an e-mail, especially if it's timely and specific. It should say, not just 'Way to go!', but 'You did a terrific job on that XYZ project'. We've seen people who are so pleased to get these that they keep them for years."

But let's say you show your boss the bottom-line results of Gostick and Elton's research and make a few gentle suggestions for how to start recognizing people, and he doesn't budge. You know the grassroots-political maxim, "Be the change you'd like to see in the world"? If you were to make a habit of thanking colleagues and praising the people around you for a job well done - beginning with (why not?) your boss - who knows? You just might start something big.
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/news/economy/annie_praise.fortune/index.htm?section=magazines_fortune

Technorati Tags: human+resources, workplace, ethics, office, management, motivation, corporate

Atlanta Investing Named Finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award

Atlanta Investing Named Finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award

Atlanta Investing ranked among the fastest growing companies in Atlanta

Atlanta, GA – April 6, 2007 -- Atlanta Investing, Inc., a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures, announced that it has been selected as a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Award. Atlanta Investing joins an elite group of fast-growing, successful companies in the Atlanta area.

The annual Pacesetter list is compiled by the editors of the Atlanta Business Chronicle To qualify for the award the companies must be headquartered in Atlanta, must have 2006 revenue between $1 million and $300 million, and must have two years of growth in sales of more than 50 percent. Companies are ranked by a growth index formula, which is used to level the playing fields among companies of different sizes. Factors in the formula include the percent change and absolute change in revenue and number of employees.

"We are excited to be selected as a finalist for the 2007 Pacesetter Awards. We’ve experienced tremendous growth over the last two years and it’s due to the outstanding work done by our staff on behalf of our clients”, said Chris Wall, President of Atlanta Investing. About Atlanta Investing

Atlanta Investing, Inc. is a residential Atlanta real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures. The company acquires distressed properties and works with investor clients to match the perfect property to each investor. Most wholesale properties are offered 30 percent or more below market value to its investors. For information on future open houses, consulting services and real estate seminars, please call Atlanta Investing at 770-934-6906 or visit http://www.atlantainvesting.com.

Technorati Tags: atlanta+investing, atlanta, flip, house, real+estate, fixer+upper, atlanta+investment+properties, residential+real+estate

Office affairs in a small business

I work for a small company and it seems there is an office affair going on by a supervisor and a staff member, who are both married. Everyone in the office is aware of the situation and rumors are flying. It's awkward.

How do people deal with this type of work environment? It's not healthy or professional. I don't respect my supervisor. If management is supposed to address personnel problems like this and he IS the management, where does that leave the staff? Just turn the other cheek, I guess.

Workplace romance: love affairs and lawsuits
http://www.gruntledemployees.com/gruntled_employees/2006/11/workplace_roman.html

Dealing With Workplace Affairs And Other Office Dilemmas
http://www.careerjournal.com/columnists/workfamily/20050916-workfamily.html

The Iraq War Through US Soldiers' Eyes

Although I don't agree with the war, I wanted to do something to support the brave men and women of the United States who are fighting on behalf of our country. I heard about Adoptaplatoon on a local Atlanta radio station a few years ago.

www.adoptaplatoon.org is a wonderful non-profit organization where you can adopt a soldier to support and send care packages and/or letters. Check it out. You don't always hear back from your soldier for obvious reasons, but I have been surprised by the soldiers that have emailed and written back their heartfelt thanks for my support. There are many soldiers who don't even receive letters from their own families, so please reach out to them if you can. Make their day with mail call.

Here are some blogs by soldiers and families of soldiers - it's the best way to gain perspective on what is going on through their eyes.

Midnight in Iraq : US Marine in Iraq
http://midnight.hushedcasket.com/

Daily Life of A Marine Mom - Her son is in Iraq
http://usmcmom.blogspot.com/

American Soldier
http://www.soldierlife.com/

Iraq War News
http://iraqwarnews.net/

Technorati Tags: adopt, soldier, adoptaplatoon, platoon, support

Wholesale Atlanta Properties - Flip this house

Looking for Distressed/Wholesale Atlanta Properties to Flip?

Atlanta Investing, Inc. is a residential real estate investment company specializing in foreclosures in the Atlanta area. Atlanta Investing acquires the properties and works with investor clients to match the perfect property to each investor.

Most properties are offered 30% or more below market value to its investors. Sign up for our free 7 part newsletter “Learn How to Make Money with Real Estate Investing” and learn key real estate investing strategies including evaluating a deal, securing financing, best areas to buy and more.

Investors can subscribe online at http://www.atlantainvesting.com.

Subscribers can also receive updates on new property listings in the metro Atlanta area and receive a link to a free Foreclosure List via e-mail in less than 60 seconds.

For more information, call 770-934-6906 or visit http://www.atlantainvesting.com./

An Anniversary, St. Patrick's Day and March Madness.

Life is good. This is quite possibly one of the best weekends of the year! Today is our wedding anniversary, tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day on a Saturday, no less, and it is march madness. Let the games begin!

Erin go bragh!
http://www.guinness.com

Beware the angry leprechaun
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/Default.aspx?MediaId=386

http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/eCards/The_Evil_Leprechaun_Lovely_Lassie/

March hoops bracketology
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology

Swiper, witches and crocagators, oh my!

My 3 year old daughter is having bad dreams just like I used to. I worry about it but we filter her television viewing to preschool shows and try to turn off the tv a lot. I know we read stories with bad people and I guess it's just going to happen. I am trying to talk about it more with her so it won't seem as scary. Here is a good article about nightmares and preschoolers on babycenter, my bible.

http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/psleep/64922.html

Technorati Tags: bad+dreams, preschooler, parenting, swiper

'The Office' As a Training Tool

I started watching "The Office" a few months ago on maternity leave. Previously, it was too painful to watch as it reminded me of bad managers and unhealthy workplaces that I have experienced as a worker bee. Now I have been able to get past the pain and laugh. And laugh and laugh.

Here are some interesting insights into "The Office" and how it pertains to real life management and training in the workplace. Worker bees unite! Managers, please read!

NPR Business
'The Office' as Management Training Tool
Morning Edition, October 25, 2006 · The dysfunctional workplace portrayed in the TV show The Office rings true to many viewers. It also provides a roadmap of how not to manage a workplace.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6380073

Must See TV: Lessons from NBC's "The Office"
December 01, 2006
What can "The Office" teach you about managing a sales force? Plenty.
By Rebecca Aronauer
http://www.salesandmarketing.com/msg/content_display/publications/e3i778b0e5af917c8c649a51ebf1bd4fe4b?imw=Y

Technorati Tags: the+office, training, motivation, hr, human+resources, management, bad+boss

80s Music in Commercials

It is disturbing to see some of my favorite songs from the 80s infiltrating the tv commercial landscape.

The The has sold out to M&Ms which I never thought that I would see. The Cure was featured in a polaroid ad a few years ago, but there are many popping up now.

Our House for Maxwell House?
Don't You Want Me for Chips Ahoy?

This is getting ridiculous.

Here is a list of songs from the 80s that have been "butchered" by tv commercials:

Songs from the Eighties That Have Been In Commercials, Index

Well, it was bound to happen, and it has been happening now for a while, Commercials bleeding the memory of the eighties, for music. The first one I remember is "Like A Rock" and then "Born in the USA." Now it's food items. What's next? I'd love to hear your recomendations.
http://www.inthe80s.com/adsmusic/

Technorati Tags: 80s, music, commercials

Maternity Leave - 2 glorious weeks left of mini-retirement

I have two weeks left of my wonderful maternity leave before I have to leave my daughter at daycare (which will rip my heart out) and rejoin the ranks of corporate america. I return to work a bit older, and a bit wiser this time around. And a major fan of the tv show The Office.

My job is just that - a job. I work to live, I do not live to work. I have a great husband and two beautiful daughters and they are my everything. So now I am faced with the guilt most working moms feel. How can I leave my kids at a daycare and go work? Emotionally and financially, it is hard, but it is what I need to do for myself and my family.

My future goal is finding an ideal part time job by the time my kids go to school so at least I can be home when they get home. These times are different than when I was a child, but I don't think our children are suffering for it. My daughters are learning at an earlier age - social skills, learning skills, you name it.

Yes, it would be nice to be home and have the luxury of spending more time with them. But either way, the quality time you spend with your kids is so important. And yes, I can work and have a family balance and all that good stuff. How is it that men aren't questioned to balance work and family life, rather it is accepted, but for women, the same is not true?

I have friends who work and friends who are stay at home moms and there are issues and rewards with each situation. The battle we face internally and among ourselves is constant and the guilt is always there - am I doing what is best for my family? For me? And the judgment is out there. But I don't care if others judge me for working. I believe that you have to have time for yourself, time for you as a married couple and time for your family. I believe my job is part of my "me" time and I contribute towards our household which gives us many choices and a lifestyle we enjoy living. It also makes me feel accomplished.

I just hope that society will be more willing to accept working moms as a positive force and end the judgment that all women feel, whatever choice they make. In the end, we are all working hard and working moms - it's just a different title, office space and type of superior. For stay at home moms, the job never ends. For working moms, there are two jobs to balance - the one at work and one at home. Either way, it's a tough role. Let's all support each other as we make our way.