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.

Let's begin with the truth.  Not all public relations people lie, but some do.  Not all presidents lie, but some do.  Not all legal analysts lie, but some do.

Okay, so I was only about 50 percent correct with my predictions about the LOST finale, but I was 100 percent correct about it being an extraordinary evening in front of the tube.Everything about LOST is precisely what makes a successful brand.It is engaging to its target audiences as well as its fringe audiences.

And now for something completely different.Tonight is the season finale of LOST.  It will be a two-hour extravaganza.  I am already forewarned that it will suck.  So be it.I will be planted on my living room couch (aka sofa) from 9:00 pm until it ends.

I have come to the conclusion that too many agency professionals either can not or are not willing to devote adequate time to the "thinking" process. And even fewer clients are willing to pay for it.It's ridiculous, bordering on insane.The business we are in requires exceptional thought.