Okay, I can not believe that I am right back on this McDonald's vs. Starbucks topic, but it will not go away!While Starbucks is launching its new better-for-you breakfast menu with minimal fanfare and questionable success (there ain't no lines outside the stores), McDonald's is reporting global sales surges.According to some reports, recent Olympic promotions have helped to boost the sales. But that is a bunch of nonsense.

Bania: Why do they call it Ovaltine? The mug is round. The jar is round. They should call it round tine.Bania was an idiot, but he know a good joke when he heard it.

Okay, so McDonald's fired the first volley with the introduction of its premium coffee. And Starbucks - like many onlookers - was stunned at their success (and the immediate damage it inflicted on Starbucks).

I think I am getting a bad rep; or maybe it's a bad rap.  Either way, I feel the need to clarify my position on the subject of (take your pick of idioms) digital media/social media/social networking/internet marketing/online PR.John Booth authored a story that appeared in Crain's Cleveland Business this morning about online public relations practices and social networking media.

Bachelors lose buttons. Kids especially lose buttons. Mothers and grandmothers still sew on buttons the old fashion way. This Christmas get the new automatic Buttoneer 2; it attaches any kind of button instantly.[musical interlude: Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down.

We (Sweeney) have been a customer of Burrelle's Luce for some time now. Before that, we were with Cision, which used to be Bacon's.  And along the way we tried other providers (local and national).  The services generally involve media databases and media clipping.I can honestly say that over the past 22 years, none of these providers has ever delivered a consistently good product.

A pop quiz (no cheating, please); you have five seconds to answer each question:1.  How many unique visitors does your Web site receive each day?2.  How many unique visitors did your Web site receive in the last 30 days?3.  What is the average time spent on your site?4.

A couple of topics that are on my mind, but I have not had the chance to develop:1.  Barack Obama Smokes.  And he is not alone.  In fact, some of the professional golfers on the PGA Tour smoke, though they will not be allowed to smoke at this year's US Open, as it has been officially banned indoors and out.

Willy Wonka, what a character.I remember when my oldest son went off to college.  He was like a kid in a candy shop (or a chocolate factory if you prefer).  So much to see, so much to do, so many new experiences to be experienced.

I've said this before and I will say it again.  I really do like Brian Solis. But OMG!If you are going to write a blog, then write a blog.  If you are going to write a book, then write a book.Your May 26 entry on PR Tips for Startups (The Director's Cut) is 103 paragraphs long.