My daughter recently upgraded her cell phone. Like any typical teenage girl, she downloaded different ring tones and music and apps. Last week I happened to be near her when her phone said: "Hey beautiful, you have a text message". I looked at her and asked, "who is that guy and why did he just tell you that?" She laughed and told me that it was something you can download and that one of her friends sent it to her to use. I wanted to hear it again, so I sent her a text. Sure enough, the man said, "Hey beautiful, you have a text message". I told her that I LOVED it and asked if she would send it to me. Of course she said no. "That would be weird if you had it on your phone mom", she snapped. I was disappointed.
Why did I want that on my phone? Emotion. It made me feel good. I kept thinking to myself, wouldn't it be nice to hear that every day, even if it was from a man's voice who I did not know? It is a self-confidence booster.
Get a group of women together and they tend to compliment each other on their clothes, hair, shoes, purses, jewelry (you get the point). The bottom line is that it is human nature that we like to hear compliments about ourselves. It makes us smile. It puts a little bounce in our step. It puts us in a good mood.
In this fast-paced world, we are so busy that we stop noticing things and we forget to compliment each other. Positive comments can go a long way in building and maintaining relationships. It also creates a habit of thinking of others first, and wanting to make other people happy.
And this world can use a lot less selfishness, if you ask me.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Excellent Marketing on Facebook
Check out how this company used Facebook to promote their store. Incredible creativity:
Found it over at Matt's place.
Found it over at Matt's place.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Anticipation
Besides the Thanksgiving meal and being together with family (there were 29 of us at dinner last night), this is what I look forward to at Thanksgiving time:
It doesn't take much to make me happy.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
It doesn't take much to make me happy.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Books For The Break
I have been home with a bad cold the last day and a half, but returned to work this morning to find several nice surprises. Here are two of them:
Last week I had a conversation with one of the people I admire the most, David Trautman, and we talked about a meeting I was in and the outcome of it. He told me that I should read You Can Negotiate Anything by Herb Cohen. And in David Trautman style, it appeared on my desk yesterday. Thank you David.
It is shaping up to be a great day, even with my cold.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Action Alert!
A message from the Ohio Chamber:
This past Saturday, members of the United States Senate voted 60-39 to begin debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This vote was significant because it means health care reform is only a few steps away from becoming law. Immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday, the Senate will start debating and making changes to the bill.
While the Senate’s proposal is better than legislation passed by the U.S. House on November 7, it is still bad for employers, consumers and does little to control the underlying cost of care in our current health care system. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes a public option, penalties on employers if their employees qualify for government subsidies, and high taxes for health insurance plans that are considered "high value."
Earlier this month, as the U.S. House prepared to vote on their massive health care bill, more than one thousand of you wrote your member of congress and helped sway a couple members of the Ohio delegation. While the bill still passed, the 220-215 margin was just 3 votes away from failing. After being so close in the U.S. House, WE MUST MAKE A STRONGER IMPACT IN THE U.S. SENATE. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT AND CONTACT SENATORS BROWN AND VOINOVICH.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a proponent of health care reform. We need reform now because the current system is unsustainable. But we support common sense changes such as health savings accounts for consumers and a system that promotes quality of care over quantity of care.
With that in mind, TAKE ACTION NOW and tell Senators Brown and Voinovich to OPPOSE the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in its current form. I would also urge you to forward this information on to your employees or direct them to www.OhioBusinessVotes.org for more information. Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ohcc38332164.aspx
I just sent my message. Now it is your turn.
This past Saturday, members of the United States Senate voted 60-39 to begin debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This vote was significant because it means health care reform is only a few steps away from becoming law. Immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday, the Senate will start debating and making changes to the bill.
While the Senate’s proposal is better than legislation passed by the U.S. House on November 7, it is still bad for employers, consumers and does little to control the underlying cost of care in our current health care system. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes a public option, penalties on employers if their employees qualify for government subsidies, and high taxes for health insurance plans that are considered "high value."
Earlier this month, as the U.S. House prepared to vote on their massive health care bill, more than one thousand of you wrote your member of congress and helped sway a couple members of the Ohio delegation. While the bill still passed, the 220-215 margin was just 3 votes away from failing. After being so close in the U.S. House, WE MUST MAKE A STRONGER IMPACT IN THE U.S. SENATE. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT AND CONTACT SENATORS BROWN AND VOINOVICH.
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a proponent of health care reform. We need reform now because the current system is unsustainable. But we support common sense changes such as health savings accounts for consumers and a system that promotes quality of care over quantity of care.
With that in mind, TAKE ACTION NOW and tell Senators Brown and Voinovich to OPPOSE the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in its current form. I would also urge you to forward this information on to your employees or direct them to www.OhioBusinessVotes.org for more information. Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ohcc38332164.aspx
I just sent my message. Now it is your turn.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Katie's Law
My husband called me to tell me about a woman he met today. Her name is Jayann Sepich. She is the mother of Katie Sepich, who was attacked, raped, strangled, set on fire and abandoned at an old dump. She was 22 years old. You can read the complete story here: http://www.katieslaw.org/.
Mrs. Sepich was able to get a law passed in the New Mexico legislature which requires everyone who is arrested on a felony charge to get their cheek swabbed for DNA. This law has had an incredible impact on catching criminals quicker, decreasing their chances of repeating their crimes.
To date, 21 states have already enacted this legislation. Ohio is NOT one of them.
Check out this site to get all the facts: http://www.dnasaves.org/index.php.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Your Opinions on Health Care Reform
In the November member survey, we asked about the recent Health Care Reform Bill, recently passed by Congress and now in the hands of the U.S. Senate. Here are the results:
1. Do you support the recent Health Care Bill that was recently passed by Congress?
Yes 16%
No 70%
Not sure 14%
2. How would you rank the current health care system in our country?
Poor 17%
Fair 43%
Good 36%
Great 4%
3. How comfortable are you with a government-run health care system?
Very uncomfortable 63%
Somewhat uncomfortable 17%
Somewhat comfortable 14%
Very comfortable 6%
Comments:
* Unless profit can not be the driver for life and death decisions an alternative must prevail.
* Senior Citizens and under insured or no insurance should have some protection so they don't have to choose between eating and meds
* Health care reform will increase competition among insurance carriers and drive the cost of providing health care down. * Lower health care costs are good fro business.
* The gov't can not run SS Security, the military, nor the overseeing of the H1N1. Why should we be optimistic that they could handle health care?
* Reform is needed but tort reform would solve much of the problems. Health savings accounts should take up most of the current health insurance so people take responsibility for their health care costs.
* Small business will be affected very badly and could have many small companies closing their doors. And I really dislike the government taking such great control of our companies. And also our health care, look at the mess they have made of * It has the potential to put a lot of small businesses out of business!
* Any system that gets me out of the business of administering health care benefits to employees would be welcome. We spend an immense amount of time and money to administer a substandard plan to our employees, the whole process is a joke. The insurance companies are difficult to work with and it takes time away from running our business. I haven't heard one compelling reason why it is my obligation as an employer to undertake the expense and time to administer a health care program for my employees. Just because this is how our country has done it in the past does not mean it is right or makes business sense. As a country, our businesses compete against businesses in other countries that don't have these expenses. I think it is disappointing that the national COC hasn't looked at this closer and assumed business owners are satisfied with our current health care system.
* THE GOV'T CAN NOT RUN THE MAIL LET ALONE ANYTHING ELSE...
* I do have concerns but feel that something needs to be done. We have a lot of people that have worked very hard that are not currently covered by health care. The cost is outrageous. I would also like to state that I do not feel The Chamber should be taking political stands. Especially when they seem to be one sided "republican".
* It's too early to have opinions. We won't know what is in it until the Conference Committee finishes with it. We do need to cover the uninsured.
* I will vote against any senator or congressman who supports the bill.
contain costs first.
*The US spends close to twice what other developed countries spend for health care for obvious poor average results.
Leave it to the private sector. The less government intrusion we have, the better we'll all be.
* This will bankrupt the country and/or break the back of we the taxpayers.
* HOW DID OUR REPRESENTATIVES READ THOSE 1900 PAGES IN ONE WEEK?
the Government of the R S A is definitely out of control, and very Crooked,,,We need to OUST OBAMA and his gang of thieves...
* Let's compromise, do it right, do it in stages and don't overload business or the tax payer in this delicate economy.
* Extreme misperception on what a government run health plan means.
* I fear that "government" running businesses is not the right separation of duties and responsibilities
* We need to pass some legislation and continue to improve on the system for the next several years. We are not going to come up with the perfect solution, but we should get started.
* Not at all in favor of a government run health care system. The intent of our US government is not to get involved in private enterprise and day-to-day lives of the citizens. I am not at all comfortable with the direction that our government is currently taking. There is no free lunch - nor should there be.
* I will vote against anyone that haphazardly votes to pass bills before thoroughly reading it or is the will of their constituents. It is time to clean house in the House & Senate.
* As a small business owner who works in the health care industry the current system is in shambles. From a business perspective the government is a more timely payer and I don't have to hire staff to get paid what is due like I do with insurance companies. While this bill is far from perfect it is moving in the right direction.
* Health care needs reforms in the areas of further tort reform, allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines. These things need to happen first. While it would be nice if everyone could be covered, this plan is way too expensive and further jeopardizes our economy. The tort reform must happen first along with allowing the private sector to market itself outside of its current boundaries. The government messes too many things up (postal service, social security) to allow them to get their hands on our health care. I believe that those in congress who passed this bill are foolish if they think that the cost of this bill is ONLY $1.2 trillion over 10 years. I believe it will cost much, much more than that.
* The government is not efficient at running anything so what makes us think they can run health care?
* Passing a Government run Health care Bill will BANKRUPT this nation.
* We have to fix our health care system now. I hate that I have employees that cannot afford to be on our health insurance plan even though we contribute $250 per month per employee.
* WE are all screwed! It isn't our health care system that is broke it is its administration that is broken. Too many for profit entities have their hand out for the health care dollar along with "it is someone else's fault" litigious society teamed with our irresponsibility for our own health are the culprits in driving expense and insurance rates up. It is a wrong approach definitely from the wrong people. This is the worst group of legislators this country has had as far back as I can remember in my 60+ years.
* It's scary! We're in desperate need of our leaders to stop trying to "win" this argument and rather, focus on the good of the MOST people. It isn't the federal government's job to micro-manage industries and citizens; rather it should lead from a level that ALLOWS states to govern and figure out what's best for it's citizens based on factors that can only be appreciated at a state level.
* I just think there has to be a better solution than to let our government control our health care system.
Penalties to businesses that currently offer insurance to employees because we don't cover enough of the insurance premium is unacceptable. Penalizing a staff member for not taking the insurance is unacceptable. If they could afford basic single coverage then they would not take a pay-in-lieu of benefits wage add on. The additional expenses to business and individuals could cause additional financial difficulties in a time when we have enough problems keeping our heads above water.
* Everyone agrees the system needs to be fixed, but the House plan misses that mark and I believe it will hurt businesses and continue to hurt job growth.
* open competition with existing insurance providers, tort reform, reduce fraud
* It will bankrupt our children and grandchildren
* The program is expensive and does not address the real issues at hand. Government should not be involved, this should be a private issue.
* I believe in a free market system. Competition brings down cost all the way around. Government run health care is not the answer!!
* I don't think people are dissatisfied with health care but rather the ridiculous cost of having crapping insurance or simply not being able to get health care at all. The entire health care industry is one giant band aide. I think the government should be spending time and resources on teaching better life styles in regards to diet and exercise. Merry Christmas!
* We need change to much of health care. Lets get something passed and fix it as we go!
1. Do you support the recent Health Care Bill that was recently passed by Congress?
Yes 16%
No 70%
Not sure 14%
2. How would you rank the current health care system in our country?
Poor 17%
Fair 43%
Good 36%
Great 4%
3. How comfortable are you with a government-run health care system?
Very uncomfortable 63%
Somewhat uncomfortable 17%
Somewhat comfortable 14%
Very comfortable 6%
Comments:
* Unless profit can not be the driver for life and death decisions an alternative must prevail.
* Senior Citizens and under insured or no insurance should have some protection so they don't have to choose between eating and meds
* Health care reform will increase competition among insurance carriers and drive the cost of providing health care down. * Lower health care costs are good fro business.
* The gov't can not run SS Security, the military, nor the overseeing of the H1N1. Why should we be optimistic that they could handle health care?
* Reform is needed but tort reform would solve much of the problems. Health savings accounts should take up most of the current health insurance so people take responsibility for their health care costs.
* Small business will be affected very badly and could have many small companies closing their doors. And I really dislike the government taking such great control of our companies. And also our health care, look at the mess they have made of * It has the potential to put a lot of small businesses out of business!
* Any system that gets me out of the business of administering health care benefits to employees would be welcome. We spend an immense amount of time and money to administer a substandard plan to our employees, the whole process is a joke. The insurance companies are difficult to work with and it takes time away from running our business. I haven't heard one compelling reason why it is my obligation as an employer to undertake the expense and time to administer a health care program for my employees. Just because this is how our country has done it in the past does not mean it is right or makes business sense. As a country, our businesses compete against businesses in other countries that don't have these expenses. I think it is disappointing that the national COC hasn't looked at this closer and assumed business owners are satisfied with our current health care system.
* THE GOV'T CAN NOT RUN THE MAIL LET ALONE ANYTHING ELSE...
* I do have concerns but feel that something needs to be done. We have a lot of people that have worked very hard that are not currently covered by health care. The cost is outrageous. I would also like to state that I do not feel The Chamber should be taking political stands. Especially when they seem to be one sided "republican".
* It's too early to have opinions. We won't know what is in it until the Conference Committee finishes with it. We do need to cover the uninsured.
* I will vote against any senator or congressman who supports the bill.
contain costs first.
*The US spends close to twice what other developed countries spend for health care for obvious poor average results.
Leave it to the private sector. The less government intrusion we have, the better we'll all be.
* This will bankrupt the country and/or break the back of we the taxpayers.
* HOW DID OUR REPRESENTATIVES READ THOSE 1900 PAGES IN ONE WEEK?
the Government of the R S A is definitely out of control, and very Crooked,,,We need to OUST OBAMA and his gang of thieves...
* Let's compromise, do it right, do it in stages and don't overload business or the tax payer in this delicate economy.
* Extreme misperception on what a government run health plan means.
* I fear that "government" running businesses is not the right separation of duties and responsibilities
* We need to pass some legislation and continue to improve on the system for the next several years. We are not going to come up with the perfect solution, but we should get started.
* Not at all in favor of a government run health care system. The intent of our US government is not to get involved in private enterprise and day-to-day lives of the citizens. I am not at all comfortable with the direction that our government is currently taking. There is no free lunch - nor should there be.
* I will vote against anyone that haphazardly votes to pass bills before thoroughly reading it or is the will of their constituents. It is time to clean house in the House & Senate.
* As a small business owner who works in the health care industry the current system is in shambles. From a business perspective the government is a more timely payer and I don't have to hire staff to get paid what is due like I do with insurance companies. While this bill is far from perfect it is moving in the right direction.
* Health care needs reforms in the areas of further tort reform, allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines. These things need to happen first. While it would be nice if everyone could be covered, this plan is way too expensive and further jeopardizes our economy. The tort reform must happen first along with allowing the private sector to market itself outside of its current boundaries. The government messes too many things up (postal service, social security) to allow them to get their hands on our health care. I believe that those in congress who passed this bill are foolish if they think that the cost of this bill is ONLY $1.2 trillion over 10 years. I believe it will cost much, much more than that.
* The government is not efficient at running anything so what makes us think they can run health care?
* Passing a Government run Health care Bill will BANKRUPT this nation.
* We have to fix our health care system now. I hate that I have employees that cannot afford to be on our health insurance plan even though we contribute $250 per month per employee.
* WE are all screwed! It isn't our health care system that is broke it is its administration that is broken. Too many for profit entities have their hand out for the health care dollar along with "it is someone else's fault" litigious society teamed with our irresponsibility for our own health are the culprits in driving expense and insurance rates up. It is a wrong approach definitely from the wrong people. This is the worst group of legislators this country has had as far back as I can remember in my 60+ years.
* It's scary! We're in desperate need of our leaders to stop trying to "win" this argument and rather, focus on the good of the MOST people. It isn't the federal government's job to micro-manage industries and citizens; rather it should lead from a level that ALLOWS states to govern and figure out what's best for it's citizens based on factors that can only be appreciated at a state level.
* I just think there has to be a better solution than to let our government control our health care system.
Penalties to businesses that currently offer insurance to employees because we don't cover enough of the insurance premium is unacceptable. Penalizing a staff member for not taking the insurance is unacceptable. If they could afford basic single coverage then they would not take a pay-in-lieu of benefits wage add on. The additional expenses to business and individuals could cause additional financial difficulties in a time when we have enough problems keeping our heads above water.
* Everyone agrees the system needs to be fixed, but the House plan misses that mark and I believe it will hurt businesses and continue to hurt job growth.
* open competition with existing insurance providers, tort reform, reduce fraud
* It will bankrupt our children and grandchildren
* The program is expensive and does not address the real issues at hand. Government should not be involved, this should be a private issue.
* I believe in a free market system. Competition brings down cost all the way around. Government run health care is not the answer!!
* I don't think people are dissatisfied with health care but rather the ridiculous cost of having crapping insurance or simply not being able to get health care at all. The entire health care industry is one giant band aide. I think the government should be spending time and resources on teaching better life styles in regards to diet and exercise. Merry Christmas!
* We need change to much of health care. Lets get something passed and fix it as we go!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Beat Michigan Week
The OSU Band made an appearance at the Newark Rotary Club yesterday. They did an outstanding job!
Go Bucks!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Congressman Space Defends His Position on Health Care Reform
A press release from Congressman Zack Space's Office:
SPACE-SUPPORTED HEALTH REFORM LEGISLATION WILL EXTEND LIFELINE TO OHIO’S SMALL BUSINESSES
-Affordable Health Care for America Act Will Provide Tax Credits to 11,700 Small Businesses in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing his efforts to ensure that health reform legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, rural health providers, and seniors in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Zack Space (OH-18) today reiterated his support for H.R. 3962, legislation that will help small businesses struggling with rising health care costs.
The Space-supported legislation will allow 13,100 small businesses in OH-18 to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to reduce health insurance costs for 11,700 small businesses.
“I’ve heard from small business owner after small business owner that the astronomically high cost of providing insurance under the current system is devastating,” Space said. “Many small business owners are being forced to either close their doors or not provide any health insurance at all. That is absolutely wrong.”
“These high costs present barriers to access for many of our small businesses who want to provide health insurance,” Space continued. “This legislation will provide crucial tax credits to small businesses that choose to provide health insurance to their employees and their families. It goes a long way toward saving our small businesses.”
Under our current health care system, small businesses pay up to 18% more per worker than large firms for the same health insurance policies. During negotiations, Space singlehandedly fought to ensure that small businesses in Ohio were protected.
The bipartisan House legislation:
· Increases the exemption for small businesses from an employer mandate by 500% – The bipartisan House legislation provides a total exemption for small businesses with payrolls of $500,000 or less. It also provides a significant reduction in the contributions for small businesses with payrolls as high as $750,000. Space singlehandedly fought to increase this exemption on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
· Provides small businesses a tax credit for offering insurance - Under the House legislation, small businesses with 25 employees or less and with average wages of $40,000 or less will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. In Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, up to 11,700 small businesses could qualify for these credits
· Provide affordable coverage to 13,100 small businesses in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District – Under the House bill, thousands of small businesses OH-18 would be able to provide affordable coverage to their employees while 98.8% of small business owners would pay no surcharge.
· Doesn’t add a dime to the federal deficit – The legislation is a fiscally responsible and does not add a dime to the federal deficit. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion during the next ten years and will continue to create a budget surplus over the next 20 years.
· Prohibits federal funding for abortions
The legislation has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s largest seniors group, as well as the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States.
Congressman Space has represented Ohio’s 18th Congressional District since 2007. He has been working to restore integrity to the office and create the conditions to bring new jobs and industry to Ohio
SPACE-SUPPORTED HEALTH REFORM LEGISLATION WILL EXTEND LIFELINE TO OHIO’S SMALL BUSINESSES
-Affordable Health Care for America Act Will Provide Tax Credits to 11,700 Small Businesses in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Continuing his efforts to ensure that health reform legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, rural health providers, and seniors in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, U.S. Representative Zack Space (OH-18) today reiterated his support for H.R. 3962, legislation that will help small businesses struggling with rising health care costs.
The Space-supported legislation will allow 13,100 small businesses in OH-18 to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to reduce health insurance costs for 11,700 small businesses.
“I’ve heard from small business owner after small business owner that the astronomically high cost of providing insurance under the current system is devastating,” Space said. “Many small business owners are being forced to either close their doors or not provide any health insurance at all. That is absolutely wrong.”
“These high costs present barriers to access for many of our small businesses who want to provide health insurance,” Space continued. “This legislation will provide crucial tax credits to small businesses that choose to provide health insurance to their employees and their families. It goes a long way toward saving our small businesses.”
Under our current health care system, small businesses pay up to 18% more per worker than large firms for the same health insurance policies. During negotiations, Space singlehandedly fought to ensure that small businesses in Ohio were protected.
The bipartisan House legislation:
· Increases the exemption for small businesses from an employer mandate by 500% – The bipartisan House legislation provides a total exemption for small businesses with payrolls of $500,000 or less. It also provides a significant reduction in the contributions for small businesses with payrolls as high as $750,000. Space singlehandedly fought to increase this exemption on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
· Provides small businesses a tax credit for offering insurance - Under the House legislation, small businesses with 25 employees or less and with average wages of $40,000 or less will qualify for tax credits of up to 50% of the costs of providing health insurance. In Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, up to 11,700 small businesses could qualify for these credits
· Provide affordable coverage to 13,100 small businesses in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District – Under the House bill, thousands of small businesses OH-18 would be able to provide affordable coverage to their employees while 98.8% of small business owners would pay no surcharge.
· Doesn’t add a dime to the federal deficit – The legislation is a fiscally responsible and does not add a dime to the federal deficit. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cut the deficit by over $30 billion during the next ten years and will continue to create a budget surplus over the next 20 years.
· Prohibits federal funding for abortions
The legislation has been endorsed by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the nation’s largest seniors group, as well as the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest association of physicians and medical students in the United States.
Congressman Space has represented Ohio’s 18th Congressional District since 2007. He has been working to restore integrity to the office and create the conditions to bring new jobs and industry to Ohio
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Inspired By Love
Congratulations to Susie Hemingway on her first published book entitled A Power Within.
I just ordered my copy and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks to Matt for writing about it in today's Sunday Inspiration.
I just ordered my copy and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks to Matt for writing about it in today's Sunday Inspiration.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thanks Liberty Middle School
Thanks to the National Junior Honor Society students from Liberty Middle School for cleaning up the downtown area today!
27 students and 6 adults picked up trash around the square as part of their community service hours.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thank You State Farm
I stumbled upon this wonderful site this week called www.thanksforbeingthere.com, sponsored by State Farm. What a delightful site.
Thank someone today.
Thank someone today.
Intentional Influence
John Maxwell has a great post up on Leading a Life of Intentional Influence. Excerpt:
In the classic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey is given a tremendous gift: the opportunity to see what life would be like without him. As he wanders through a world that has no memory of his existence, George is dismayed by the plight of his friends and family. Devoid of his influence, their lives lack the warmth and richness he is accustomed to seeing. As George struggles to come to terms with his bleak surroundings, Clarence, his guardian angel, sums up the lesson that he hopes George will absorb from the experience.
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Read more here.
In the classic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey is given a tremendous gift: the opportunity to see what life would be like without him. As he wanders through a world that has no memory of his existence, George is dismayed by the plight of his friends and family. Devoid of his influence, their lives lack the warmth and richness he is accustomed to seeing. As George struggles to come to terms with his bleak surroundings, Clarence, his guardian angel, sums up the lesson that he hopes George will absorb from the experience.
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Read more here.
I Want To Be Brilliant in 2010
Although I am NOT wishing my life away, I am looking forward to 2010 after reading this. Bate has a few books on my Christmas wish list this year, including Instant Brilliant 2010.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Congressman Space's Response on Health Care Reform
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Real Thing - Brilliant Marketing
Just finished watching the special on Coca-Cola. Very interesting. For those who know me well, you know that Coke is my drink of choice, no matter what time of the day it is.
Check out this data:
Check out this data:
- Coca-Cola is 123 years old
- Over 100 million gallons are purchased every day
- In 1886 is was the original energy drink
- There are 160 plants in the Continent of Africa alone
So what is it about Coke that has made it the biggest beverage company in the world? Brilliant marketing. Around half of the purchases are made on impulse within the first five seconds in an isle at the store. Brilliant marketing inspires emotion. Brilliant marketing makes it more than a consumer product; it is something that makes the product become a part of the consumers' daily lives.
Check out this new kind of 'pop machine':
Food-Fighting Jailbirds
You can't even have a good food fight at school any longer. 25 middle schools students were handcuffed and taken to jail for their involvement in a school food fight. Sad.
Read about it here.
Found it on Twitter via Cooking Student.
Read about it here.
Found it on Twitter via Cooking Student.
Thank You
Today is a day to thank those who have sacrificed so much in order for our county and her citizens to have the freedoms we sometimes take for granted today.
Here is a great lesson on the history of Veterans Day.
Check out the Proclamation in 1954 issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Here is a great lesson on the history of Veterans Day.
Check out the Proclamation in 1954 issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My Tough Girl
My 12-year-old daughter volunteers at a local veterinarian office. Today she witnessed her very first surgery. It was a knee surgery on a medium-sized dog.
Prior to the surgery, the doctor asked her if she was okay with blood, and she told him that she was. He asked her one more time, and she said she was sure.
As he made the incision and the blood started 'gushing out' (her words), she said the room got very hot and her stomach started to hurt. She told the doctor, "I'll be right back" and went to the restroom where she sat down and told herself that she could do this and that if she wanted to be a veterinarian, she would have to get used to this. (All of my 'suck it up and quit acting like a girl' lectures must be sinking in).
A few minutes later, she went back into the surgery room and the doctor began pointing everything out to her (bones, muscle, etc.- the thumamamous bone (her description)) and she stood beside him for the rest of the surgery, and felt very comfortable.
The doctor later told her that he has had many cases where people much older than her were standing next to him during a surgery and then all of a sudden he heard a big thud. He said she did a great job today.
When she came home, she said it was 'cool' and can't wait to see another surgery. I am a proud parent today. The power of positive thinking really can make a difference.
Prior to the surgery, the doctor asked her if she was okay with blood, and she told him that she was. He asked her one more time, and she said she was sure.
As he made the incision and the blood started 'gushing out' (her words), she said the room got very hot and her stomach started to hurt. She told the doctor, "I'll be right back" and went to the restroom where she sat down and told herself that she could do this and that if she wanted to be a veterinarian, she would have to get used to this. (All of my 'suck it up and quit acting like a girl' lectures must be sinking in).
A few minutes later, she went back into the surgery room and the doctor began pointing everything out to her (bones, muscle, etc.- the thumamamous bone (her description)) and she stood beside him for the rest of the surgery, and felt very comfortable.
The doctor later told her that he has had many cases where people much older than her were standing next to him during a surgery and then all of a sudden he heard a big thud. He said she did a great job today.
When she came home, she said it was 'cool' and can't wait to see another surgery. I am a proud parent today. The power of positive thinking really can make a difference.
Congressman Tiberi's Response on Health Care Reform
Below is an email I received from Congressman Tiberi regarding my recent letter to him on the Health Care Reform Bill. I sent the same letter to Congressman Space, but haven't received a response yet.
Dear Mrs. Hottinger,
Thank you for your email regarding healthcare reform. I agree with you on this issue and voted against H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. I appreciate this opportunity to correspond with you.
H.R. 3962 is flawed and I opposed this bill for many reasons. This bill creates a government-run health care program that will end the current doctor-patient relationship. It raises taxes and raises premiums for people that already have insurance. It expands Medicaid without fixing its funding problems, at a time when state governments are already cutting services. It cuts Medicare by $500 billion dollars, which could result decreasing benefits for one in three seniors in Central Ohio. It does nothing to address medical liability reform. The Ohio State Medical Association, the association that represents physicians in Ohio, opposed this legislation saying it, "lacks many of the critical elements necessary for successfully reforming American's health care delivery system and strengthening the physician-patient relationship". It imposes a "pay-or-play" employer mandate to cover employees. This mandate will result in $135 billion in new taxes on businesses that cannot afford to finance their employees' coverage. It eliminates nontaxable reimbursements of over-the-counter medication from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs).
I believe we need to fix what's broken. We don't need a 2,000 page, $1.3 trillion bill that will continue to add debt to future generations.
Again, thank you for your interest in this issue. This issue has now moved to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If I may be of assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Tiberi
Representative to Congress
Dear Mrs. Hottinger,
Thank you for your email regarding healthcare reform. I agree with you on this issue and voted against H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. I appreciate this opportunity to correspond with you.
H.R. 3962 is flawed and I opposed this bill for many reasons. This bill creates a government-run health care program that will end the current doctor-patient relationship. It raises taxes and raises premiums for people that already have insurance. It expands Medicaid without fixing its funding problems, at a time when state governments are already cutting services. It cuts Medicare by $500 billion dollars, which could result decreasing benefits for one in three seniors in Central Ohio. It does nothing to address medical liability reform. The Ohio State Medical Association, the association that represents physicians in Ohio, opposed this legislation saying it, "lacks many of the critical elements necessary for successfully reforming American's health care delivery system and strengthening the physician-patient relationship". It imposes a "pay-or-play" employer mandate to cover employees. This mandate will result in $135 billion in new taxes on businesses that cannot afford to finance their employees' coverage. It eliminates nontaxable reimbursements of over-the-counter medication from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs).
I believe we need to fix what's broken. We don't need a 2,000 page, $1.3 trillion bill that will continue to add debt to future generations.
Again, thank you for your interest in this issue. This issue has now moved to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If I may be of assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Tiberi
Representative to Congress
Life Of A Stone Crab Fisherman - Final Chapter
This is Part III of III of Life Of A Stone Crab Fisherman, published in the Naples Daily News.
You can read Part I and Part II here.
You can read Part I and Part II here.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Road Not Taken
Started reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert T. Kiyosaki tonight. Truth is that I have started this book at least two other times. But I am committed to finishing it this time.
Not very far into the book, Kiyosaki writes about one of his favorite poems by Robert Frost that he uses in everyday life:
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step has trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads onto way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost [1916]
Not very far into the book, Kiyosaki writes about one of his favorite poems by Robert Frost that he uses in everyday life:
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step has trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads onto way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost [1916]
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Are You A Dreamer?
These people not only know how to dream, but they weren't afraid to act upon their dreams:- Nathan Sawaya and The Art of the Brick
- The Laundress (make sure you click on The Places We Love - NY. Love the side scrolling)
- Terra Chips
- Tracy Stern and SALONTEA (not your mother's tea shop)
- SENDaBall - Literally
- Kaile Warren and Rent-A-Husband (click on Find A Husband Near You)
- Mindee Doney and Julie Pickens with Boogie Wipes (this is not a typo)
Finished The Big Idea tonight. The companies/individuals listed above were mentioned in this book as successful entrepreneurs. If you are dreaming about owning/running your own business, read this book. You will get the bug.
Life Of A Stone Crab Fisherman
Came across this interesting series on the Life Of A Stone Crab Fisherman in the Naples Daily News. They have printed two parts so far. Enjoy!
Part I
Part II
Part I
Part II
Friday, November 6, 2009
12:59
Take time to watch this video. What an interesting man and business. I would love to go shopping there.
Found it on Seth's blog.
Found it on Seth's blog.
What We Can Learn From U2
Excellent article at Giant Impact on how the group U2 has managed to stay together for so long. Here is an excerpt:
The bedrock of any team is the relationships between its individual members, and U2 are no exception. Certainly, the four self-assured showmen have had their artistic squabbles and personal conflicts. Yet, the mutual respect shared by the members of U2 has enabled the band to remain intact after 30 years of making music together.
Ask U2 about the band's internal dynamics, and they'll invariably point to the metaphor of marriage. In the words U2's guitarist and keyboardist, Edge "I'm so close to the other three guys in this group that sometimes it feels like a marriage."1 Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. agrees, "We don't always like each other but we respect each other, and we love each other. Marriages don't last this long."2 While U2 may have their rocky moments, at the end of the day any disagreements between them pale in light of their committed friendships.
Good stuff.
The bedrock of any team is the relationships between its individual members, and U2 are no exception. Certainly, the four self-assured showmen have had their artistic squabbles and personal conflicts. Yet, the mutual respect shared by the members of U2 has enabled the band to remain intact after 30 years of making music together.
Ask U2 about the band's internal dynamics, and they'll invariably point to the metaphor of marriage. In the words U2's guitarist and keyboardist, Edge "I'm so close to the other three guys in this group that sometimes it feels like a marriage."1 Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. agrees, "We don't always like each other but we respect each other, and we love each other. Marriages don't last this long."2 While U2 may have their rocky moments, at the end of the day any disagreements between them pale in light of their committed friendships.
Good stuff.
Birthdays, Ankles and Facebook
I must confess that I have a new appreciation of Facebook. A few weeks ago I hurt my ankle and ended up in the ER, which was packed. So while I was waiting, I took a picture of my ID bracelet they make you wear and posted it to FB with a caption that read "Guess where I am?". Within minutes, I received many responses and well wishes. It felt nice to receive all those notes.
And the same thing happened today, on my birthday. By 6:45 a.m. I had already received four birthday wishes and they continued to appear throughout the day. It gave me a nice feeling and put a smile on my face. Thanks to all my "friends" - the ones on and off of Facebook for your nice messages!
And the same thing happened today, on my birthday. By 6:45 a.m. I had already received four birthday wishes and they continued to appear throughout the day. It gave me a nice feeling and put a smile on my face. Thanks to all my "friends" - the ones on and off of Facebook for your nice messages!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Health Care Alert!
An important message from the Ohio Chamber:
Members of the United States House of Representatives are expected to vote on a health care reform bill any day now. Having worked to combine three different proposals passed by different House committees, legislative leaders are hoping to pass legislation by weekend's end.
As the debate has heated up in recent months, it seems clear that while the current proposal in the U.S. House may cover more individuals, it will come at a significant cost to employers and taxpayers. Employers will be forced to pay more in taxes, pay stiff penalties for not meeting the level of coverage as required by the government and lose flexibility when it comes to offering benefits. As employers are seeing unsustainable increases in health care costs every year, this legislation would add more taxes and new penalties while doing nothing to reduce the underlying costs of health care.
There are certainly plenty of arguments for and against the proposed reform efforts, but one thing is certain; we need health care reform in this country that control costs, increase access and decrease the burden placed on employers and employees. Incentivizing quality of care and empowering consumers through the use of health care savings accounts are just two examples of common sense reforms that legislators should be considering - NOT throwing more money at a broken system.
That is why we need your help now! I STRONGLY URGE you to use one of our sample messages to contact your member of congress and ask them to VOTE NO on the Affordable Health Care for America Act that may be voted on in the next few days.Your voice will make a difference!Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ohcc37886205.aspx
Members of the United States House of Representatives are expected to vote on a health care reform bill any day now. Having worked to combine three different proposals passed by different House committees, legislative leaders are hoping to pass legislation by weekend's end.
As the debate has heated up in recent months, it seems clear that while the current proposal in the U.S. House may cover more individuals, it will come at a significant cost to employers and taxpayers. Employers will be forced to pay more in taxes, pay stiff penalties for not meeting the level of coverage as required by the government and lose flexibility when it comes to offering benefits. As employers are seeing unsustainable increases in health care costs every year, this legislation would add more taxes and new penalties while doing nothing to reduce the underlying costs of health care.
There are certainly plenty of arguments for and against the proposed reform efforts, but one thing is certain; we need health care reform in this country that control costs, increase access and decrease the burden placed on employers and employees. Incentivizing quality of care and empowering consumers through the use of health care savings accounts are just two examples of common sense reforms that legislators should be considering - NOT throwing more money at a broken system.
That is why we need your help now! I STRONGLY URGE you to use one of our sample messages to contact your member of congress and ask them to VOTE NO on the Affordable Health Care for America Act that may be voted on in the next few days.Your voice will make a difference!Click the link below to log in and send your message:http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/ohcc37886205.aspx
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
It's Not Too Early. . .
. . . to be thinking about Groundhog Breakfast 2010. Date: Friday, January 29, 2010
Some have already reserved their corporate tables. Won't you be next?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Book Tower
Upon looking at my nightstand, my husband remarks: "Are you trying to reach the ceiling?" referring to my stack of books on my nightstand, which now looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I flashed him my leave me alone look and decided that maybe I should take a few moments to go through the stack.
I decided to sort them into three piles: 1 - books I have read and need to put away; 2 - books I have started and never finished, but have every intention of finishing and 3 - books that if I had nothing but time to read, I would, but I don't, so they are going back to the bookshelf for the time being. Here are the results of the sort:
As I was sorting the books, my 12 year-old comes into the room and looks at the new stack on the nightstand and says: "these are boring books. I wouldn't read them." Gotta love children.
I decided to sort them into three piles: 1 - books I have read and need to put away; 2 - books I have started and never finished, but have every intention of finishing and 3 - books that if I had nothing but time to read, I would, but I don't, so they are going back to the bookshelf for the time being. Here are the results of the sort:
The books that I have recently finished
(the middle book is Gift Of The Sea)
The books that I WILL finish
Books that I would like to read, but . . .
As I was sorting the books, my 12 year-old comes into the room and looks at the new stack on the nightstand and says: "these are boring books. I wouldn't read them." Gotta love children.
Member Monday
This Monday is focusing on the biggest retail center in our community - the Indian Mound Mall. I was just there on Sunday and went to the Hollywood Theater to see This Is It. Yes, I am a fan of Michael Jackson's MUSIC. I know, I know.
Category: Shopping Centers
Indian Mound Mall
Location: 771 S. 30th Street, Heath
Contact Information: 740.522.6200 or 740.522-3942
Website: http://www.indianmoundmall.com/
Description: The Indian Mound Mall is home to over 60 shops, restaurants and salons. It is also home to Hollywood Theater.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m Sunday Noon- 6:00 p.m.
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