There’s no question anymore.  When I speak, people listen.  What I ask for, I get.  Or else.  This little balloon man was pawning off dinky balloon dogs and balloon swords to all the little kids.  But when I got to the front of the line, I told him exactly what I wanted:  the duck on his hat.  I didn’t even have to show him my puppy-dog eyes or quivering upper lip.  I just stood my ground, pointed to his duck and told him that I was getting it, one way or another.  My way or the highway.  That’s the way I like it.