The Real History of The United States: Just Follow The Money

G. Edward Griffin

I've just completed G. Edward Griffin's book "The Creature From Jekyll Island" and I must admit I feel a bit duped.   Like many Americans, I always thought that the Federal Reserve was federal or government bank holding US reserves.    Well, I've learned that the Federal Reserve is not federal and doesn't hold reserves.  In fact, as Griffin lays out so well, The Federal Reserve Act was authored by a banking cartel in 1913. 

From its inception, and because it was authored by America's biggest bankers, The Federal Reserve Act put the big banks in control of American banking.  It also gave the Federal Government the ability to create money from nothing which resulted in inflation (an invisible tax) that, to this day, most Americans don't understand.  "Jekyll" lays out a history of money's involvement in war that is beyond chilling. 

After reading this book, I have a new understanding of the history of both money and the world.  In fact, to understand the history of the world post 1400, all one has to do is 'follow the money.'   Money and banking have impacted history in ways that our school's text books never describe. 

After you read "The Creature From Jekyll Island",  I recommend spending some time on G. Edward Griffin's website, http://www.realityzone.com/index.html   Beyond "Jekyll", I highly recommend "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis to further solidify an understanding of "bankers behaving badly." 

It's interesting to note that politicians on both sides of the aisle are largely silent on the topic of The Fed.  I suspect that some don't understand the issue while others do understand but don't want to touch the topic.  Fortunately, in the 2012 primary season, Ron Paul helped to increase awareness regarding the corruption of The Fed.   But this is only the beginning.    In order to demand change, mainstream America needs to read and understand this book.   Due to its length, I recommend listening to the new audio version, available on Audible. 

Now that I've read "Creature from Jekyll Island", I want to know more.  As a result, I'm getting my hands on everything I can find on the topic.   At my company, McQ Media, we're in the planning stages of developing several radio specials regarding The Fed.   I'm especially interested in putting this story into digestible podcasts and short video features.  I'll report back with updates in the near future.  

Until next time, buckle up, this is going to be very interesting.

Pete Thomson
Twitter:  @pwthomson

Editor's Note:  Pete Thomson is President/CEO of McQ Media, a Dallas based advertising and marketing firm.   Thomson is involved in consumer advocacy journalism and serves as host of The Consumer Team radio program, broadcast on KRLD Radio, Dallas.  

Best Summer Memories....Family Vacations in Clear Lake, Iowa

My Brother Steve at Hilltop Pool

For a kid, a great summer vacation doesn't have to be a European trip that costs 5k per person.  Growing up in "America's Hometown" Charles City, Iowa both my mom and dad operated retail businesses.   Time off was tough to find, but we always seemed to find 3-4 days a couple of times each summer for a family vacation.   Our favorite destination was Clear Lake, Iowa.   Clear Lake was less than an hour's drive from Charles City, but for us kids, it was just as exciting as a summer in Europe.

Our favorite place to stay was 'The Hilltop Motel' which was operated by Al and Louise Allen, good friends of our family.   Clear Lake and the grounds of The Hilltop were full of places to explore:  The Dairy Queen was a favorite.  And there's no better meal than a foot-long hot dog after swimming all day.   Just across the street was the legendary Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his last show.   Although I was too young to attend concerts, I watched with great interest as bands like Tommy James & The Shondells, The Grassroots and The Guess Who all came through town to play The Surf.

In Chicago with my son Mac (2004)

One of our most memorable Clear Lake adventures was during the summer of 1968, a year of political and social turbulence.  In August the country was on edge after the violent Democratic National Convention in Chicago.   Woodstock was happening.  And in Iowa, there was a powerful rumor circulating that The Hells Angels were going to come rolling into Clear Lake to 'take over' the town over Labor Day weekend.  People got so worked up that the Governor of Iowa called out the National Guard to protect the town.  I was 11 that year and remember being very excited to see military jeeps and personnel all over town.  Nothing materialized as far as the Hells Angels...but us kids got some great memories out of the deal.

As a dad I've thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my son on vacation.  We make it to Iowa at least once a year...usually over July 4th.  And this year, Mac's really excited about going to New York City for the first time.  More on NYC as the trip unfolds.  Until then, I hope you have a great summer that includes some vacation time with your family. 

-Pete Thomson
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/pwthomson

Remembering Mom

My mom passed away nearly 20 years ago.  I think about her in some way every day.  On Mother's Day I think about her a lot.

Mom With Baby Steve

Mom was Always There.  And not just the obvious things like rocking you to sleep at night.  My mom had a way of being really connected to each of us kids.  She had keen sense for when one of her kids was troubled with something.  She could tell when I was the least bit upset purely from body language.   

Mom was a Teacher:  Her class room was the dining room table, where she set up 'camp' most days.   Problems with homework?  It got handled in the dining room.  Issues with a girl friend?  Again, the dining room.  I learned how to write in the dining room.  Mom taught all of us the art of writing at a typewriter.  Each of us had our own Underwood typewriter and Mom was always there to proof our latest short story or piece for the school paper.  Mom also loved to read.  She was often reading 2-3 books at one time.  I read a lot because of my Mom.

Heading To Work With Grandma Fan McQuillen

Mom was Funny:   You had to get to know my mother to understand her sense of humor.  She wasn't particularly outgoing.  In fact, she avoided parties and social situations, preferring to be at home with her family.   But around the people she was comfortable with, she was very, very funny.   She was well read and had a sort of sophisticated, off beat and cheerfully caustic way of talking about life.

Mom Made Life Fun:   Whether it was telling very interesting and creative bed time stories or taking us out on daily drives around town, Mom always found ways to make our lives fun.  Some of her bed time stories, like 'The Witch in the Chevy 2' were funny and very original.

Mom Sacrificed:   Mom majored in journalism at The University of Iowa.  Her dream was to be a writer for New Yorker.   And, she was smart enough and good enough to have made it to a high level in the writing world.   Still, because she put others ahead of herself, her dream didn't happen the way she had planned.  She gave up the bright lights of the city to stay home in her hometown of Charles City, Iowa where she could be with her mother, run her own business and start a family.  

First Communion With Mom

Mom Taught Us About Business:   Both of my parents owned their own businesses on Main Street in Charles City.  As the owner of Janan's For Young Ages, a children's clothing store, Mom was decades ahead of the explosion of women-owned businesses.   Mom and Grandma Fan worked the business together for many years.  Most days after school all of us kids would head down to Mom's store to catch up on the news of the day and bum a quarter from Grandma for a Coke.  What we didn't realize at the time was the education we were getting about small business and balancing a career with a family.  One of my favorite memories as a child was 'going to market' with Mom in Chicago at The Merchandise Mart.  

Mom Loved Unconditionally:   No matter what you did, Mom was always there.  And through the tough days growing up, knowing that she was there was the greatest comfort and security a kid could ever have.

When I consider all these things about my Mom and realize that not all kids had mothers like mine, I know that I was truly blessed.

So as we celebrate Mother's Day 2012, a toast to you, Janan McQuillen Thomson, my Mom.

Pete Thomson
http://www.pwthomson.com
Twitter:  @pwthomson
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pwthomson

New Year's Resolutions Made Simple....3 Words!

If you're like a lot of people, you start the new year gung ho about your goals and dreams.  New Year's Resolutions are often shared with other family members, published in blogs, on Facebook and Twitter, but almost never accomplished.  Why?   We don't identify the small. incremental daily activity that make achievement possible.

I really like blogger Chris Brogan's latest piece on setting New Year's Resolutions.  Instead of specific goals, Brogan suggests selecting 3 words that embody a direction you want to take your life.  For example, you might want to lose weight, improve your relationship with a family member and get control of your finances.  The key words for these goals could be Health, Family and Focus.   Instead of setting specific goals, select a word that describes the direction you want take your life.    Then, every day, try to do do something that supports that area of your life.

Kudos to Chris for introducing this concept.  It's simple but it has the potential to help us get closer to realizing those goals and resolutions that never seem to materialize.

By the way, my 3 words are:   Focus, Health & Family

What are yours?

http://www.chrisbrogan.com/

Happy New Year 2012.

Pete Thomson
Twitter:  @pwthomson
http://www.pwthomson.com

'Tis the Season for Christmas Movies....

Christmastime is here!  One of our family's favorite aspects of the holiday season is the chance to gather round the fireplace and watch Christmas movies.   Here's our family's list of 'The Best of Christmas Movies'. 

Kevin!
I didn't see any of the Home Alone movies when they came out in the 1980s.  I was busy being a single guy in Dallas.  However, once my son was born in the late 90s, we quickly discovered this iconic Christmas movie and all of its sequels.

McCauley Kaulkin plays a great cute kid who has to come up with devious ways to fight off the 'Wet Bandits'.  But the real stars of these films are Joe Pechi and Daniel Stern who play the best 'bad' guys I've ever seen in a comedy.

Home Alone's soundtracks have become a standard part of our Christmas listening.  From the compostions of John Willams to the Christmas classics, these are worth the price.


Tim Allen....Mr. Christmas
Between The Santa Clause series and Christmas With The Kranks, Tim Allen has become a big part of our Christmas.   When Mac was younger, the 'Clause' movies were a big hit.  The depiction of The North Pole, especially, is so vivid.  Now that Mac's a teen, his sense of humor is more in line with the Kranks.

Scrooged
As much as we love the older classic versions of 'A Christmas Carol', we love Bill Murray in Scrooged.   I think it's one of his best movie performances of all time and although it's a long way from Dicken's, it captures the essense of the storyline in a very interesting way.  Great support performance by John Forsythe.

And the Award for All Time Best Christmas Film goes to.........Christmas Vacation!
Mac and I agreed on this decision instantly.   It is the funniest, feel-good, capture-the-season film I've ever seen.  Chevy Chase is at his best and Randy Quaid is hilarious as Clark's (Chevy's) white-trash, mooching, yet good hearted brother-in-law.  Each year, Christmas Vacation, is the first Holiday movie we watch.

Christmastime can get pretty busy.  We hope you can slow down a bit and enjoy one or more of these Christmas film classics.

Merry Christmas! 

Pete & Mac Thomson

The 'Feel Good' Story of The Year

Jason McElwain is a special ed student and for several years has been the equipment manager for his high school's basketball team.  On a special occasion recently, the coach gave Jason a chance to play.  What happened is unbelievable.   This story of an unlikely hero is the 'Feel Good' story of the year.

After you watch this video, please leave a comment below and feel free to pass on.

Pete Thomson

http://www.pwthomson.com

Lessons From My Dad....

Just enjoyed a Father’s Day lunch with Vicki and Mac.  They each endured my favorite Mexican ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant, El Matador, which has the best authentic Mexican food around.  (Even though the place won’t win any restaurant design or decorating contests).   Anyway the lunch was great and it was nice to be appreciated and see other dads out to lunch with their families

Each year when I call Dad on Father's Day, I try to tell him something that I appreciate about him.  Often, I’ll talk about valuable lessons he taught me through the years…and there were many.   The best lessons I learned from Dad were about business.  He is a true entrepreneur with an outstanding work ethic and a good ‘gut’ for business deals that will be winners.

Dad (L) with me, Steve, Molly & Charley

Early in his career, he recognized the value of franchising.  Indeed, even in the 50s and 60s, the mortality rate among start-up businesses was high.  (SBA still has it at over 75% after 5 years in business).  Dad recognized that in franchising you were in business for yourself but not by yourself.   Dad’s years with Ben Franklin, owning at one time up to 5 stores, were full of great memories.  During those years, all of us kids worked in the stores…as baggers, checkers and stockers.  Having to handle money at an early age was valuable as was seeing the discipline that was needed to be a success in business.  Through all the hard work, Dad made it fun.

As WalMart and K-Mart began to take over the retail world, Dad recognized that this business was not going to make it long-term.  Wisely, he liquidated his stores and turned a going out of business sale into a major profit center.   Another lesson learned:  Make lemonade out of lemons.

Next, Dad found Subway Sandwich Shops.  Back in the early 80s, everything about this franchise made sense to him.  It was the ground floor.  The corporate support was strong and he liked the franchise system that helped the business owner be successful.  So, without a day of restaurant experience, my dad and his partner went to ‘Subway U’ in Connecticut and learned the restaurant business.  20+ years later, Subway and my father have been successful.

So, as I celebrate Father’s Day, I’m very thankful for not only being a dad myself, but also for the blessings I’ve received from a dad who is a great teacher.  I hope my son remembers me in a similar way. 

-Pete Thomson

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/pwthomson
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pwthomson

Reading with Mac....

Reading with Mac in 2004

As a dad one of my goals has been not to screw up my son too much with my own bad habits, quirks or idiosyncrasies.   Whoever said values are 'caught' and not 'taught' really nailed it.  Kids aren't paying attention to what we say.  Rather, they lock into what we do.

In spite of my shortcomings, one of the positive values Mac has 'caught' from me is a love of reading.  Actually, my late mother deserves much of the credit.  She always had a book in front of her.  The 'world' I knew as a kid included books and lots of them.   Mac's 14 now and the last year has been especially fun to watch as he's really locked into books and discovered the power of knowledge and understanding.

Our favorite father-son Saturday afternoon activity is hanging out at Barnes & Noble and reading...for hours!  (I'm still amazed that we haven't been banned from B&N.  We're ready to be apprehended any day!)  This past Saturday, we got a late start but probably still put in about 3 hours of solid reading.   Mac likes to read about politics, American history and law.  I generally read about computers, software, gadgets and social media.  

Over the last year it's been pretty amazing to watch this little man starting to build knowledge and problem solving skills.  It's also a bit humbling to be corrected on a regular basis about politics, the law and anything else Mac's really into.  At night before bed, he's now reading legal case books and he seems to be understanding what he's reading.  When I was 14, Mad Magazine was as deep as I got. 

My mom and Mac never met.  About 4 years separated her death and his birth.  But I see a bit of her in him every day he's got his head buried in a book.   


-Pete Thomson
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/pwthomson

After Storm Season, Home Repair Scammers Are Running Wild....How to Defeat Them!

After this year’s tragic and devastating storm season, thousands of families are trying to put their lives back together after losing loved ones, homes and businesses.   And through all the challenges they’re facing, there’s another threat that is lurking ready to add to their pain.   Unscrupulous contractors and trades people literally flock to disaster zones because of the potential for quick money from people who are desperate for help.   Even savvy consumers can fall victim to home repair scams.  Yet, with some simple due diligence, it’s possible to identify and defeat the home repair rip off artist.  

I’ve learned about home repair rip-offs from experience.  My wife and I have built 2 homes over the last 20 years.   That was a painful yet effective education.  And, from 1999 to 2008, I hosted a radio program called “Consumer Magazine” where our mission was to help consumers avoid rip offs.   Through the radio program, I had an opportunity to work with some incredible people across a number of home repair categories.   The education I received from these professionals was priceless.

Home Repair Scammers: Don't Be Fooled!

Big Jobs Make For Big Home Repair Scams:   Storm repair and replacement of property is big business and it's very profitable.   Because of the opportunity, storm ravaged areas become sort of a 'California Gold Rush' for contractors.   For example, after major hail storms, it’s not uncommon to see storm-chasing roofers drive cross country in search of quick cash.    And since many consumers are especially vulnerable after losing the security of home, they’re considered to be 'low hanging fruit' by these scam artists. 

The Check List – How to Beat the Home Repair Rip Off:    Use these strategies to reduce your chances of being a victim of home repair rip offs and scams.  

Get Multiple Bids:          Seems logical doesn’t it.  Yet, many consumers forget the number one rule of keeping the trades honest.    I recommend getting 3 bids.  When possible, ask neighbors and friends for referrals.      Radio, television, the web     and other media can be a source of leads but I really like   referrals.  

Get References & Call Them!    Again, most consumers don’t call references.  You’ve got to.  In fact, I recommend drilling a bit deeper.  First, insist on recent job references and nothing over a year old.  Secondly, try to locate a current job for the contractor and visit the job site for a surprise inspection.  I also suggest calling The Better Business Bureau as well as doing a web search on the company.   And although the web can be skewed by planted reviews, the truth eventually gets out.

Use FEMA as an Asset:   FEMA maintains a presence in disaster areas for months.  Not only can they help you in dealing with contractors, but they're well versed on all aspects of disaster recovery including tapping into government funds and other aid.  They are smart people who help you.

Beware of Magnet Signs:   Run from anyone who comes to your home with magnet signs on their truck.  They might as well post a sign that says “I was in a different industry last month”.   Look for companies that have 'been in the business' for years. 

   

Go Local!   ‘Shopping local’ ferrets out the storm chasers.  But, beware of the hooligans who set up a local address and act like they've been part of the community for years.  After the job's finished, local companies are much more motivated to keep their customers happy.    And staying true to your home town or region supports the local economy at a time that local business people need the support. 

Don’t Fall for Deadlines, Promotions, Big Discounts and Other Closing Tricks:    A loud buzzer should go off in your brain whenever you hear the following statements:

“To get this price I need to get your signature today”     Pushing a deadline is straight off the used-car lot.  Don’t fall for it.  

“If you sign today I can give you a $6,000 discount”.   I hear HVAC (air conditioning/heating) companies on TV and Radio promising this every day.  Nobody is really discounting anything by $6,000.   Again, right off the used car lot. 

“Our free iPad offer runs out today.”     Go ahead and just buy an iPad.  You’ll get a better deal.  

Don’t Fall for ‘The Fish’:   If you’re a person of faith, be wary of anyone placing the Christian fish in their logo or advertising.   Years ago someone figured out that if they ''looked" like a Christian, then people trusted them.   My apologies to all reputable Christians who use the fish symbol in their logo.  I suggest you remove it and let the way you live your life advertise your faith.  

Contracts and Deposits:     If you’re dealing with a big ticket item, get your attorney to review the paperwork.   If a company says they need a ‘deposit’ to buy supplies, don’t pay it.   This is a huge red flag and suggests that the company doesn’t have adequate resources.    Your approach to payment will vary with different jobs but generally I don’t like to give anybody a dime until they show up at my home with a crew and the supplies for the job.   And even then, you need to retain or hold back enough money to keep the contractor motivated to finish the job properly.   You can learn much about payment terms within an industry in the process of getting at least 3 bids.

Bills Paid Affidavit:  On large jobs, consider getting an ‘all bills paid’ affidavit (Lien Release) from both contractors and suppliers.   This will prevent anyone from coming back at you for money you’ve already paid.  

Workman’s Comp Coverage:   This is a tough one.  Many excellent tradesmen and contractors contend they can’t afford insurance, and in some cases, their pricing is lower than companies that carry the insurance.  Still, in the long run, you’re better off paying more and knowing that you’re covered.  If someone is injured or killed while working on your home, you will be a target.   

 

Help The Elderly:   Because they’re often isolated, home repair rip off artists frequently target the elderly.    If you have older folks in your neighborhood that need work done on their home, offer to give them some help.  They’ll appreciate you and you’ll feel good helping out.  

Spread The Word:  Thanks for reading this article.  I hope it helps you make better and more informed choices.  Feel free to forward this blog to your friends and don’t hesitate to email me with your questions.   I don’t have all the answers but I generally know who does and can send you in the right direction.  

-Pete Thomson

http://www.pwthomson.com

Email:  pwthomson@live.com

Mac Air 13....I'm Hooked!

It was just a matter of time, but as of 2 weeks ago, I'm now totally in the Mac world.

The Mac Air 13 -- I'm Hooked!

It started innocently enough about 2 years ago when I got the iPhone.  I immediately fell in love with not only the power of device but its simplicity and ease of use.  Then, last year I bought an iPad.  Like the iPhone, it revolutionized the way I read (no more bulky books on the road) and surfed the web.

Two weeks ago, I got a Mac Air 13 and a now totally hooked.  Where do I start on this computer?  Probably the resolution/graphics.  It's better than anything I've ever used.  Like everything else from Apple, the Mac Air is simple but powerful.  And, it's a breeze to learn.  And, now that Office for Mac is available, there's no need to run Boot Camp or Parallels to run Outlook.

So now that I'm 100% Mac, I should be pretty much set, right?  Well, almost.  I just demo-ed the new iPad 2 today at Best Buy.   Based on my past, it's only a matter of time....

The Great Texas Ice Storm of 2011

Watching Texans respond to winter weather can be pretty humorous at times.  Growing up in Charles City, Iowa, I came from a world where any snow storm under six inches was considered just a minor nuisance.  In the snow belt, school gets cancelled when snowfall amounts are 8-12 inches or more.  Otherwise, we would just put on warm clothes, got into our cars with studded or chain-wrapped tires, and deal with it.

I've been in Texas since 1982 and continue to watch in amazement the 'freak out' factor that this entire state puts into any storm than includes snow or ice.  When rumors of possible snow and ice hit the forecast, Texans go into 'emergency mode'.  At neighborhood grocery stores it's not uncommon to see hundreds of people stocking up on soup, beer, meat and other things they hold dear.

Each winter in Texas, we seem to average between 1 and 2 'snow events'.  Most storms present a bit of a driving challenge but pass through quickly.  Even our biggest snow storm---10 inches on Christmas Eve of 2009---melted away in less than 24 hours.   From my experience, the biggest challenge in Texas winter is dealing with Texas drivers----especially those in pick up trucks who feel a need to drive aggressively regardless of the conditions.   When I stay off the roads during a storm, it's because of these people, not the weather.



This week, winter storms took on a different dimension in Texas.  The coat of ice combined with record low temperatures have truly produced a storm of historic proportions.   And while the recent storms in Chicago and the east coast are much more significant, Texas just isn't prepared for weather like this.  The homes aren't built for it and the people aren't either.   This year, the combination of ice and cold has been very challenging.  And for the first time ever, Texans have been dealing with rolling blackouts---total shutdowns of electricity in order to conserve depleted supplies of electricity.

My family has been trapped in our home since Tuesday morning.  Other than the inconvenience of the blackouts and some other minor difficulties, we've been very comfortable.  Our fireplace burns around 16 hours a day.  I have a fully functional office so I've lost no contact with my staff or customers.  The highlight of this extended time at home has been the time with my family.  During the day, I take a couple of extended breaks each day to hang around with the family.  It's been enjoyable to eat lunch at home and a highlight this afternoon was videotaping Mac as he sledded down "Suicide Hill", his name for our ice covered road on our hill.

Years from now, I probably won't remember what I was doing 'work wise' during The Great Storm of  2011.   But I know I'll always remember the times with my family.

Pete Thomson
http://www.pwthomson.com
Twitter:  @pwthomson

Rare, Vintage Films of Charles City, Iowa

Several years ago, my family discovered several canisters of home movies that had been taken by my grandfather, Dr. Charles McQuillen.   These films include some of the earliest ever seen film footage of Charles City.  The little girl featured in many of the shots is my mother, Janan McQuillen Thomson.  She was born in 1923.  Given her apparent age from the film of 5 or 6, that would date the film to 1928-1929....the end of the roaring 20s.

You'll see some incredible shots of Central Park, Main Street and the central business district.  There's also footage at Wildwood Golf Course.   Additionally, there are some venues that we're still trying to identify--some of which appear to shot outside of Charles City.

Other people you'll see in this film include Mary Lou McQuillen Sellman, my mom's older sister.  She was in her teens.  My grandmother, Francis (Fan) B. McQuillen appears as does her mother, Mary Bradley. There are several shots of my grandfather, Dr. Charles McQuillen, who actually shot most of the film.

40 Years Later......
Janan McQuillen Thomson (left) and Fan B. McQuillen in the 1970s

The process of getting a home movies produced was extraordinary in this era.  The cameras were big and bulky.  After shooting a roll of film, it had to be sent to Eastman-Kodak in New York for processing, which often took up to several months.

This latest remastering was completed in December, 2010 by the talented team at Preston Video in Dallas, Texas.  This version is without any edits so you'll be seeing exactly what the McQuillens saw when they viewed their home movies.

I welcome your questions and comments about these films.  I'm hoping as more people view the films, that we'll be able to identify more people and places.  Please no duplication, broadcast, sale or other distribution without permission.

To view the film, please click the link below.  (NOTE:  There are several seconds of black screen between shots.  Total video run time is 12 minutes 58 seconds)   Also, as you'll see, several of the films were reversed.  We are in the process of correcting this and will repost updated videos when completed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOOY-q2oAJ8

Peter Thomson
http://www.pwthomson.com
Twitter:  pwthomson
Facebook:  http://www.Facebook.com/pwthomson
Email:  pwthomson@live.com

Be Nice To Your Customers....It Pays Off!

Hats off to Barnes & Noble.  They have comfortable stores with free wireless internet AND they encourage you to read-for-free!    My 14 year old son Mac and I spend hours at B&N, usually on Saturday's after lunch. We know the manager on a first name basis.  And while it's true that we read a lot for free, we end up spending a considerable amount of money too.

I'm so pleased with B&N's pro-customer attitude that I go out of my way to spend money with them.  In 2010 which was a down year in personal spending for my family, I probably spent $400 to $600 with B&N.  And I gave their gift cards whenever possible.  I have the 10% off frequent buyer card too.   And, I'm seriously considering a purchase of a Nook in the next 30 days.

Would I be spending this much or blogging about Barnes & Noble if they weren't as nice?  Absolutely not.

It pays to be nice.