So what do you think of the re-branded Wal-Mart logo? Or is that just Walmart? The sunny thingy is kind of, well, bright. 

But help me stop reading it as Walm-art. I'm just not sure what kind of art that is.

Japan Smart has a very cute site inviting visitors to design their own Smart Cars (in very cute ways). Then you can drive the thing for a lot less cash than any car I know. Have fun with the game and think of all the energy you’ll save sitting in your chair while you do it.

I may be out of commission for a few days. Going to Washington, DC ... future home of Barack. 

• Grind it out – Just do it, work through it and carry on.
• Do something totally different – Go left instead of right. Be a fire-starter.
• Look for the muse – A good run in the morning usually clears my head, although it hasn’t lately (dang that anesthesia)
• Write something – I’m still trying to be sanguine about my fiction writing, although that’s a big slumpy, too
• Fuhgetaboutit – Figure that sooner or later I’ll get that bonk on the head and be back to normal

    First, ask yourself why you're commenting. Are you trying to raise your own visibility, get others to know your expertise or simply make  a connection? All of these are good reasons for commenting on a blog, but you need a plan of attack. Most importantly, you want the blogger to answer back so you can begin a true conversation.

    For example, here's how to show your expertise (with grace):

Your post reminds me of what _______wrote. You may want to check out her article at (provide Web site). She argues ________; if you haven’t already read her, you may find it interesting. I'm eager to hear what you think. 

    This type of comment could be a triple header for you. First, you compliment the blogger (always a good idea). Then, you provide some potentially new material for the blogger to explore (note the “if you haven’t already read,” which is important because it does not assume the blogger doesn’t already know this information). And finally, you ask for a continuation of the conversation. Cool, huh?

    Yup, there is an art to commenting!
 

We named her "Shira," Hebrew for song, so that she would be upbeat and happy the rest of her life. And so far, it's worked. Shira is my Tigger (see below). She's bouncy fun and rarely lets "the bad stuff" (as she puts it) get her down.

Tomorrow, more on marketing. But today, happy birthday, Shira. Keep singing your happy song. It's too cool for words.